Death 's Mate

Pairing: Itachi/Sai

"Master...we've arrived."



The thick lashes framing almond-shaped eyes fluttered against pale cheeks before peerless black eyes opened to stare at the driver of the human vehicle. For a moment, he considered killing the man for the mere insult of disturbing him from his thoughts. It would take almost no effort. Breathing was more of a challenge than killing the man sitting before him.



But he didn't.



The most relevant reason being that he would have to deal with his brother Sasuke and his bitching about clean-up and how it was so hard to find good servants for them because of who they were. It was almost amusing that not having to listen to Sasuke complain was more appealing than the smell of what he wrought. It was what he was created for, though he had never met his creator.



He was Death after all, though he went by the name of Itachi Uchiha now. It was easier to blend in with both the human and the supernatural world if he went by a name other than that which was given him upon the birth of man.



The door to the vehicle opened and he chose to ignore the driver as he stepped out onto the street outside a large home—a mansion really. He would not have come at all if not for Sasuke's constantly annoying insistence. When Itachi went underground, the members of the supernatural community began to panic. Not that his visibility or lack thereof would matter, it was just that the last time he disappeared from sight, some horrific happened. His relationship with Pestilence had been finished after that debacle of the Black Plague and Itachi had heeded Sasuke's request for him to at least make the occasional appearance before those who knew exactly what he was.



People panicked if he was not seen about in fear of a repeat of the 1300s. If any of them disappeared for any length. Out of all the elder creatures in this world, four were the most feared. War. Pestilence. Famine.



And Death.



As if he even had the inclination to exert his power in this world any longer. Let the humans, vampires, weres, and all other creatures of legend destroy themselves without his aid. He wanted no part of them any longer. Even if it was his nature to take life, he found little enjoyment in it of late. To keep his foolish brother appeased, he would present himself for them to cringe at and scatter before like the worthless creatures that they were.



"Lord Uchiha!"



Itachi shifted his gaze to the guard at the door. "My name is not on the list? That's odd."



Eyes went wide and the smell of urine filled the air with its cloying ammonium scent. "S-Sir...y-you're on every l-list. Lord Namikaze w-will be p-pleased you came."



Grunting, Itachi moved past him and into the building. Almost instantly upon stepping into the large ballroom, conversation silenced. If he was anything but what he was, he would have been embarrassed at the attention he received from the simple act of walking into a room. The reaction was growing old. If this was what he was to be subjected to for eternity, he would prefer to stay hidden away in his home with his library. Be damned them and their fears. Let them stew in their thoughts surrounding his disappearance from their sight.



"Itachi!"



He was not surprised to see a bobbing head of blond hair darted from a hiding place in the plants decorating the corners of the room. The towheaded boy was no older than ten and likely an escapee from whatever servant was charged to watch him for the evening. As was typical of him.



"Naruto."



Lips parted into a wide grin and eyes darted around the general area. "Is Sasuke with you?"



"No."



Itachi almost laughed at the sight of Naruto's enthusiasm dwindling. The childhood crush the boy placed on his brother was an amusing source of material for teasing Sasuke. That a small child could be so relaxed when in the presence of Death and War was disconcerting, and not just to Itachi. Though the Namikaze family was the closest of what he could call friends and he visited them periodically, even they were wary of what the two brothers were capable of given the proper inspiration. Should he and Sasuke find fault with the world, their wrath could destroy it and there was nothing that anyone in the world could do to stop them.



They were unstoppable should they choose to be.



The large blue eyes staring up at him glistened with unshed tears, and it was obvious he was fighting to keep them from spilling over. Death rarely showed pity for any living creature, but that distraught face tugged at his heart and he sighed. Naruto was the exception to every rule, he supposed. "I shall tell my brother to visit you soon."



As if a light switch was flipped, Naruto's face beamed with joy. "He'll come see me?"



"I shall ensure it."



"Naruto!"



Their small discussion was ended as Minato Namikaze and his wife, Kushina, strode across the length of the ballroom. Both were dressed to the nines in the most elegant of evening wear. Minato was the son of a fallen angel and Kushina, a siren. In their own right, both were powerful beings and well-respected in the underground society that most non-humans existed in. They were no comparison to him, but few beings were.



"You shouldn't be here, Naruto."



"But I had to wait for Itachi."



Itachi froze and cocked his head. He never RSVPed anything. He had not decided to attend until an hour before he arrived. "How did you know I would come?"



Naruto grinned and cupped his hands behind his head. "I saw it."



"You did not tell me your son was a seer." The question was directed at Minato, though his eyes never left Naruto's cheerful face. Most of those with the curse of foresight were driven insane before they reached adulthood and locked away by their families to be used for what little could be gleaned from their curse. It was...disappointing to learn Naruto was afflicted thusly. Sasuke would not be pleased.



"It's a secondary skill," insisted Minato.



Lying to Death was the same as trying to bargain with him. It did not work and he could see straight through it every time.



"How long have you been able to see things, Naruto?" Itachi placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder and watched Minato pale at the action. He could feel the thrum of life in the small boy. One pulse of his power and Naruto's life could be sucked from him in an instant. The touch of Death was rightly something to be feared.



"I've always been able to see. It was always really fuzzy. It's getting better though." Naruto pouted cutely and folded his arms across his chest. "I can't see anything about Sasuke, though."



"I see." Itachi removed his hand. "Interesting."



Most seers born into their gift early own were insane by puberty. Naruto was showing none of the classic signs of it, but sadly, there was never one case where a seer retained his sanity for long. He would keep a close eye on the boy. If Minato thought to use his son like so many other families that contained seers, he would allow Sasuke's wrath full reign on the family. Though he did not show it, Sasuke had a soft spot for the boy as well and would not be pleased if he was abused.



As soon as his hand departed from Naruto's shoulder, Kushina pulled the boy into her arms and the terseness in the air diminished enough to not be quite so cloying. The woman loved her son, as much was obvious. That did not mean she would be unwilling to abuse his gifts, but it was something.



"Itachi, you did not send word you were coming tonight."



Itachi glanced at Minato from the corner of his eye and plucked a glass of wine from a passing waiter, one of the few unafraid to approach. "I never do."



He watched as his...was friend even a word he could use to describe the amicability between them? Mentally shrugging, he took a sip from his glass. "Did you fear I would take your son's life just now?"



Minato's jaw tensed and he nodded stiffly. The conversation in the room had resumed, though the entirety of the gathering had their preternatural senses tuned to their conversation. As if he could not sense others were listening in on them. They were lucky exerting his will was not worth the effort. In his younger days, killing a room filled with the living was nothing more than an afterthought.



"I would worry more for your own should Naruto meet the fate of others such as he usually do." Itachi glanced to where Naruto was being reluctantly led from the ballroom by his mother. "And I am not the only one concerned for his welfare."



Anger flashed across Minato's face. "I would never force my son to look into the future for no reason other than greed."



Interesting. These males of the Namikaze line were quite intriguing. This was the most his mind had been stimulated in weeks. "Then neither I, nor my brother will have cause to trouble you."



He did not care to meddle in the affairs of the world. The only reason he gave any attention to the Namikaze family was that an odd summoning several years prior had Minato Namikaze owing Death a debt. During the course of that summoning, he had grown fond of the man—enjoying his company and eventually that of his wife. He supposed his interactions with them, sans tonight, would be as close to normality as he would come—at least normality according to those standing about them pretending to ignore them while listening intently to the conversation.



"Why did you come tonight, Itachi?"



"My brother feared my lack of presence in society would have adverse effects. If I am not seen publically, those who are currently eavesdropping on our conversation become very nervous. As if whether or not I choose to show myself determines how I use my power." The sudden panic in the room was palatable. And amusing.



"You shouldn't frighten people," reprimanded Minato.



Itachi simply chuckled and shrugged a shoulder. "Even you were afraid tonight."



"That's different."



"No." Itachi turned and moved to leave the party. "It's exactly the same."



He did not give a single glance to the man reeking of urine as he exited the house and made his way to where his driver was seated on the hood of the car playing with an iPhone. Technology disgusted Itachi and he was tempted to rip the device from the man's hand. The driver scuttled from the car and reached to open the door.



"I'm sorry, Master. I hadn't realized you would leave so soon."



Itachi ignored his babbling and settled against the supple leather seats. "Take me home."



As soon as the car flared to life, he closed his eyes and leaned his head against the rest. He suddenly felt so very tired. The weight of eternity was weighing hard on him tonight. Sadly, Death was cursed by his own power. His own death was forever kept from him. None of elder birth was allowed that particular privilege. Famine had long sought relief from it, only to be denied it time and again. They could be ripped limb from limb and would reform in a matter of hours or days. It was one reason why they were so feared, Itachi above all. War, pestilence, and famine could all be survived. Death was another matter. It was far too final.



He chuckled dryly. How ironic that Death could not die. Whatever brought about his creation had a lacking sense of humor.



While rolling his eyes behind his closed lids, the car suddenly screeched to a halt, but not before a loud thud filled the air. Itachi's eyes were open in an instant and a snarl curling his lips. What sort of idiot was his driver?



"Master, I think I hit something."



Itachi did roll his eyes and immediately stepped from the car. Instantly a familiar sensation slammed into him and he sighed. Yes. His idiot driver had hit something and its life was nearing its end. That feeling, one he held so perfectly in his control, was one he was very familiar with.



Walking around to the front of the vehicle, he felt magnanimous enough to think to end the animal's suffering quick and painlessly. It was the least he could do. What he saw gave him pause and brought a frown to his face.



A partially transformed were-creature was lying silently on the concrete several feet away. Blood soaked the area and if he did not possess the ability to sense all life, he could have easily thought it dead.



Walking slowly, he stopped when he stood above it and looked down with emotionless eyes at the creature. It should have been crying or whimpering. Instead only preternatural amber eyes stared at him before shifting to dark obsidian. For the first time in his existence, he was lost in dark depths that rivaled his own.



Before he realized it, his hand was pulling the death from the creature. It took more effort than simply killing because it went against his nature. He was Death. Giving life was difficult.



A small whine escaped the lips of the creature, the first sound uttered within his hearing. It was likely in more pain than was bearable. In a quick motion, Itachi sent a wave of his power over the creature and sent it into sleep. Sleep and death were so closely related that he had some control of that aspect without it being overly stressful to manipulate.



While his driver looked on in shock, Itachi scooped the creature into his arms and strode back to the car. He slid easily into the vehicle and waited impatiently for the idiot to hurry back.



"Should we take him somewhere?"



"Yes," answered Itachi. "Home."



"But—"



"Do I need to repeat myself?"



He could see the blood leaving the driver's face. In cases such as these, having limitless power and notoriety was a blessing. Now that the driver was obeying his command, he turned his attention to the blood-soaked creature in his arms. He could feel the gaunt nature of the body. The half-turned frame told him that this was not a natural-born, but rather a made were –creature. Those transformed from humans had a difficult time with shifting and generally never fully completed it without the help of other were-creatures. It was where the snarling half man-half wolf were-wolf mythology originated.



The rosettes dotting his body spoke of his ancestry being of the leopard species, which was a curious thing since the leopards tended to be very family orientated, even to those who were human born. None of their kind should have been in this shape, starved to the point of near death and roaming the streets. It was a puzzle and he had always enjoyed puzzles.



The driver must be learning his place for he remained silent when they arrived at the large, mostly dark mansion at the edge of the city. It was a bit over the top and practically screamed haunted house, but it was one of the few places that allotted him the privacy he desired without having to deal with the din and roar of human and other life rippling around him.



Sasuke was lounging in a chair when he strode into the room with his stray cradled in his arms. His brother was just in the process of taking a sip of tea when he choked upon seeing him. An entertaining response.



"What is that?"



"A stray I took from the streets."



Sasuke gave a sniff and poked the rosette covered arm. "Is it dead?"



Itachi rolled his eyes and moved passed Sasuke and up the staircase. "Bring me some warm water and bandages."



"I'm not your maid!"



Not pausing in his ascension, Itachi chuckled. "You are until you hire servants I can stand."



He could hear Sasuke grumbling all the way from the second floor. His amusement was short lived as he stared at the were-leopard now lying limp on his bed. There were cuts and bruises, as was expected, but the most startling sight was the barely healed marks. He was very knowledgeable of human weapons. Those marks came from a cattle prod.



"What happened to you?"



The boy did not answer and he did not expect him to. He silently accepted the warm water from Sasuke and set about cleaning the dirt and dried blood from the injured body.



"That's a were-leopard."



Itachi arched a brow at Sasuke. "Thank you for informing me."



Sasuke shook his head and glared at Itachi. "That's not what I meant. Were-leopards are pack animals. Why is it injured? Those bruises are long-term damage and some of the cuts are half healed. Not to mention, those burn marks."



Itachi could not speculate on the reason for the shape his little stray was in. Sasuke's question was the same one roaming through his mind. "We will have to wait and ask him when he awakes."



Sasuke gave a small poke to the overly thin arm. "Can you force the change from him? Staying in this half-changed shape can't be good for him. And he won't be able to speak."



Giving a hum, he considered the body. He could force the change to go dormant inside him. It was how most were-creatures moved about undetected through society, hiding their nature until the safe cover of the night or the forest. That the boy had not reverted to his human form was another sign of his human heritage. Humans always had trouble controlling the change, but more so during the first few years. It was why the changing of humans was discouraged and those that were changed were kept securely in the fold of the pack or either killed before the humans discovered the truth.



He placed a hand on the overly warm shoulder and began to direct the flow of energy. Life was simply energy after all. He forced the were-cells to revert and the human cells to become the dominant presence. It would not stop the change if the boy was afraid or if the call of the moon was strong, but it would allow him to walk about in his human form once more.



When he drew his hand away, he was rather shocked to see the boy before him. Even beneath the grime and blood, he was surprisingly attractive. Dark hair was short and cut close to his head. His skin was pale to the point of being sickly and his frame rather bony and half-starved.



"What do we do with him now? Should we notify the were-leopard council to come take him?"



An instant and surprising burst of emotion tore through Itachi and he had to fight to keep from attacking his brother. There were-leopard was his. His hand clenched as he fought to tamp down the feelings.



Sasuke paled slightly and took a step back. Realization worked through Itachi at his brother's response. Emotions were more closely linked to Sasuke's realm, for war was most often begun because of high emotions. He pushed them away as quickly as he could, though they remained seething just beneath the surface.



"I'm keeping him."



Sasuke folded his arms across his chest and glared. "Were-creatures are not pets."



"Who is going to stop me?"



Sasuke threw up his hands and prowled toward the exit. "You're an asshole."



"Sasuke," called Itachi.



Sasuke paused, but didn't turn. "What is it?"



"Minato's son is a seer."



Sasuke whirled, his face going white. "What?"



"I thought you would like to know."



He almost chuckled as Sasuke stomped from the room. Even he could feel Sasuke's anger now. There were likely some third-world countries going to war because of this little outburst. Thousands could die at the whim of them. Together they were the most feared. War and Death went hand in hand after all.



Turning his gaze back to the now human appearing were-leopard, he set about finishing the cleaning and dressing the wounds. The cloth was dragged over every inch of skin. Several times he was forced to dump the dirty water in the bathroom and return with fresh until every scrap of dirt was removed and each wound cleaned of debris.



Then he took a seat in the only chair in the room and waited.

 

oOo

Just as the sun peeked over the horizon, Itachi was drawn from his light doze by the sound of ruffling covers. He opened his eyes to meet those of equal darkness. His were-leopard was awake.



"Where am I?"



Itachi arched a brow and gestured with a hand. "My home."



"Who are you?"



"You may call me Itachi. It is what I go by at this moment."



"And you go by other things?"



Itachi's lips twitched. "Oh yes."



They stared at each other for several passing seconds before the boy lowered his gaze to his hands, running them over his bare torso and then up to his face. "I'm human again."



"No." Itachi stood and walked slowly toward the bed. "I merely caused the leopard cells to become dormant. It is something you would have learned on your own given time."



"How did you do it?"



"It's too complicated to explain. Given time, you will learn how to control it and bring out the more beastly aspects of your body at will."



The hands dropped from his face as he stared at Itachi. "What is the price?"



"Price?"



"For doing this for me. Everything has a price."



"There is no debt to be paid."



The boy's face went blank and he took the covers from his body, bearing it in an easy motion. "I could do you. They liked me before. It's nothing I haven't done before."



He began to stroke himself and grew hard before Itachi's eyes. For a moment, the temptation was nearly more than he could bear. It had been centuries since his last lover. This young were-leopard was more tempting than anything he had ever experienced in his eternal existence.



Itachi's hand shot out and wrapped around the bony wrist. "Who liked you?"



"The men."



Releasing his grip on the wrist, he sat back and stared at the boy. "I want nothing from you. I did what I did for my own amusement."



"I see."



"What's your name?"



The young man's head cocked to the side and he considered a moment before answering. "Sai."



"Is that your real name?"



"No, but it is what I go by. You know that drawing program on computers. On the streets I had a reputation of being a good artist so people started calling me Sai. I liked it."



Itachi had no idea what computer program Sai was speaking of, but the name suited him. There was no need to press for birth names. He knew better than most that names were nothing but a temporary identity to hide behind. At the moment, he was Itachi, but it was not the first, nor the last name he would claim as his own.



"Very well, Sai, tell me why you were on the streets. Young were-leopards are usually kept very close to their pack." Itachi crossed his legs and arched a brow. "And what was the reason you are in such a state?"



"Why do you want to know?"



"Consider it payment for keeping you alive."



"I know better ways to pay off a debt."



Itachi was a bit disconcerted at Sai's lack of modesty. The way he sat naked on the bed as if he did not care who saw him. Had Sai been born a were-leopard, he might have brushed it off as the naturally sensual nature of the feline breeds, but this young man still reeked of his previous humanity.



"I'm sure you do, but I would rather you answer my questions instead."



Sai shrugged his bony shoulders and leaned back against the pillows. "I've lived on the streets since I was twelve."



"How old are you now?"



"Twenty-three."



It was rare that anything surprised Itachi. He had assumed the boy...no, not a boy, the man was in his late teens or early twenties. His half-starved state probably aged him down enough to pass for younger than he was. "Continue."



"Last month these men came and invited us to a shelter. The night was cold, but not enough for the shelter on Twelfth Street to open its doors. They promised warm beds and a meal, so a lot of us went."



A frown pulled down Sai's previously neutral face, as if he did not want to remember that night. Itachi had an idea where this was going. Slavery of all sorts was rampant in the world. It disgusted him, but he had never lifted a finger to stop it or had the inclination to do so until this starved former human had entered his life.



"We were chained up and this creature came by and bit everyone. Almost everyone died. Only a few of us survived."



"The bite of a fully transformed were-creature is fatal eighty percent of the time. If you don't die, then you become what bit you. What happened afterward?"



"It's hazy, but we were kept in cages. People came and viewed us. If we did not do as ordered, we weren't fed and were beaten. I was bought, I think, but when they took me from my cage, I escaped and took to the streets."



"And eventually found your way under my car." Itachi shook his head and stood. "Do you know where you were being held?"



Sai shrugged. "It was a warehouse near the docks. The sound of water was soothing."



"I'll arrange for food to be brought to you. Rest here for now."



He did not wait for a response, but exited the room, pausing only to instruct one of the few servants to provide their guest with light food so not to cause him to become ill. Then he strode into the library where he found Sasuke pouring over literature involving seers. As was expected.



"Looking for something in particular?"



"No."



Itachi snorted and settled into a chair. "I'm going to kill some people tonight."



Sasuke paused in his reading and glanced at Itachi. "Come again? I can't even recall the last time you actually looked forward to killing."



"I am Death after all. I think it is time that I exerted that aspect of my existence more prominently."



"And who are the unlucky ones to earn your ire?"



"I have only a location. You can come if you like. I'm sure you would enjoy the distraction after learning of Naruto." Itachi sent his brother a knowing look. Sasuke might hide it, but he really did have a strong affection for the boy. Had his prognosis not become so grim, in a few years he could have seen them together. In many ways, Sasuke was like him. They both had forgotten how to exist in society, though Sasuke to a much lesser degree.



Sasuke set aside his book with a growl. "Is there nothing we can do?"



"If it makes you feel any better, the boy said he cannot see any futures involving you. Maybe he's not as lost as we might think."



"If Minato thinks to use him..." Sasuke trailed off with a growl.



"Ah yes, I have warned him about abusing Naruto's gift for the gain of his house. I doubt he would, though when Naruto reaches the point of true insanity, I will end his suffering."



Sasuke paled visible. "I forbid it."



"You would disallow sparing him the suffering he will experience? And he will suffer. He will see those he loves die again and again as the various futures converge in his mind. No one can withstand the constant sight of death."



"Except us."



"Indeed."



Sasuke did not broach the topic again and Itachi did not expect it of him. It was a sad thought that neither really wanted to pursue, not when other more enjoyable distractions awaited them.



Itachi stood and gestured for Sasuke. Unlike him, Sasuke possessed he ability to move between areas in a flash. It was not related to his role as War, but rather a quirk that he had developed. Where it came from was anyone's guess.



"Where are we going?"



Itachi smiled. "The docks."



"Nothing more specific?"



"There won't be a need. I'll sense what I need when we get there."



Sasuke glared but a portal opened before them at the snapping of his fingers. Itachi did not wait and stepped through and onto the docks. Instantly he was hit by the strong odor of brine and water. It was near dawn, during that darkest time of the day after the moon and stars had set and before the sun had begun to peak. He barely registered Sasuke coming to stand beside him as he opened his senses. The area should be mostly deserted, but a large flux of energy drew him. Hidden in the maze of warehouses he could sense the pulse of life and smirked with the knowledge that he would soon be quashing it.



Sasuke, being who he was, could sense his bloodlust and began to shift beside him anxiously. "You know where we are going?"



"Indeed."



Following the teasing scent of life, Itachi led Sasuke through the maze until they reached the building. There were guards. And the poor fools did not even sense them until their lives drained away in the blink of an eye and the brushing of a hand. Death was a brutal master tonight.



Sasuke chuckled darkly at Itachi's callous disregard for the lives he took. "It's been a while since you've been this bloodthirsty. Don't tell me some poor were-leopard brought this out in you?"



"Are you complaining, War?"



Sasuke shook his head and grinned. "Not at all. I need to blow off some steam anyway."



Itachi did not even attempt a stealthy entrance. He walked determinedly through the door and into the warehouse. There were shouts upon seeing them and gun toting humans rushed forward. Such foolish humans. They did not know who they dealt with.



"Human black market," muttered Sasuke in disgust.



"Sometimes I wonder why they exist at all."



Sasuke gave a snort. "I don't even have to purposefully influence them to war. I can cough while traveling through a country and they begin to take up arms."



"They don't even realize who we are," said Itachi. A small smile curved his lips. "A pity."



Sasuke grinned widely and removed the large sword he wore strapped to his back. "Try not to kill them too fast. Save some for me."



Itachi inclined his head and gestured for Sasuke to precede him. It had been too long since he last savored his gift, too long since he sought pleasure in the taking of life. He was not an evil creature by nature, but neither was he a kind one. He simply was and did what he was created to do.



Kill.



He watched calmly as Sasuke darted forward. He could feel the rise in his brother's powers. The men holding the guns began firing wildly, not caring who they killed. The bullets did little to either of them. Pain was of little consequence. Those that Sasuke did not strike down collapsed into silent death as Itachi passed by. It was too easy. Tonight would cement their notoriety amongst the nonhumans. They would truly fear them.



"Kill them all, War."



Sasuke laughed madly as he sliced his blade through countless humans. Heads, arms, legs all were taken with so little effort. None could escape. Those that thought to were dropped with a simple wave of his hand.



Screams came from the kennels created to hold the nonhumans until they were sold. How Sai escaped from this place was a mystery. Itachi approached and watched as Sasuke struggled to bring his power under control. There would be consequences of his release tonight, likely in the form of various human gang wars across the city. A necessary evil in both their minds.



"What should we do with them?"



Itachi heaved a sigh and looked over the lot. Most were half-starved and partly feral. A quick and painless death would be a mercy to them. But something held his hand. Was his were-leopard so different than these? Why save one and not all?



"Itachi?"



"Call Minato. Have him arrange for the local were-leopard pack to claim them."



Sasuke arched a brow but did as instructed and removed his cell from a hidden pocket in his jacket. Itachi only halfway listened as Sasuke relayed his instructions to Minato. He was too curious about the contents of the warehouse. Living product was not all that the place contained. Vials of liquid gleamed in the light and artifacts thought lost to time shown their magic brightly. This place was a treasure trove of magical goods belonging to the nonhuman world.



Itachi plucked a few rare tomes from a glass case and tucked them under his arm. Some of these items were best left out of the hands of any but elder creatures. "Let's go, Sasuke. We'll leave this place to Minato. I'm sure he will appreciate our presence gone upon his arrival, particularly after he sees the mess we made."



Sasuke wiped at a bit of blood on his cheek, doing little more than smearing the crimson, and nodded in agreement. "Do you plan to turn your were-leopard over to the leopard pack?"



"No."



"Why not?"



Itachi glared at his brother. "It is my business."



"Whatever you say. I hope you don't think he'll hang around long when he finds out what you are," growled Sasuke bitterly.



"They never do," replied Itachi. "Now take us home."

 

oOo

 

Itachi found himself once more watching Sai sleep. The physical strain and half-starved state drained the other to the point that he only woke long enough to eat and relieve himself before collapsing once more on the bed.



He did not mind the lack of conversation. In fact, he preferred things this way. It saved him from having to deal with the inevitable fear that would transform the easy acceptance into terror. Already he could tell something about him kept Sai on edge. Sai's preternatural senses were awakening.



It should not matter to him, but it did, none the less.



"You're still in here?"



Itachi chuckled and shrugged a shoulder at his brother's question. "I suppose you could say that I am addicted to him."



"The only time I've heard him speak was to offer to blow me. Seriously, he's not right in the head. What do you see in him?"



"I don't know," answered Itachi honestly. "But, I would like to find out."



"Whatever."



"Have you been to see Naruto yet?"



Sasuke stiffened visibly. "No."



"You should. Enjoy his company while he is still sane. He is one of the few who shows no fear of us."



"That is because he is one of the few that is completely safe from us," growled Sasuke.



Itachi shook his head. His brother was in love with that boy. Granted, he would never touch him until he came of age and probably did not even realize it himself. Time would age the boy and with his growth, his powers would expand until he was driven insane by all the future possibilities forcing their way into his mind. It was a shame. Naruto was one of the few creatures both brothers could stand.



"Go see him. I'm sure Minato is curious about how we located the warehouse and what we did once we found it, he is just being respectful about questioning us."



"Fine." Sasuke turned on his heel and opened a portal to the Namikaze home.



Though he acted annoyed, Itachi could not help but notice the excitement in his brother as he stepped through. He would allow Sasuke this small happiness. When Naruto finally failed, Itachi vowed to end his suffering quick and painlessly. Sasuke would need these memories of happier times to sustain him. Death was not an option for either of them—ever.



"He seemed happy."



Itachi turned his gaze back to the man lying on the bed. "He is going to see Naruto."



"Boyfriend?"



"Regrettably, Naruto is still far too young. He is only ten."



Sai pursed his lips. "I was giving blow jobs when I was that young."



Itachi scowled. "That is unfortunate for you."



"You're upset. Why?"



"I do not know."



"Do you think it's because you want to fuck me?"



A shock went through Itachi and he stared intently at Sai. "What makes you think I want to fuck you?"



"I can tell. I can smell it too. You have a strange scent. When I was like before, I could smell emotions. Yours right now contains lust, though you hide it well. I know because I'm familiar with lust."



"I had not realized my emotions were so transparent to a were-creature."



"If I wasn't trying to analyze your scent, I would not have noticed it," answered Sai.



That was new. He had not realized he had a scent. There was always talk of the scent of death that followed him, but it was decay they smelled, not death itself. Death was silent and odorless. None would see it coming until it sucked the very last trace of life from an organism.



"I was not aware I had a scent."



Sai nodded. "You do."



"Interesting."



"It's nice. It's sort of like what I imagine the forest smells like—full of life."



Itachi arched a brow and cocked his head. "Full of life is not a description generally used when referring to me."



Sai opened his mouth to speak, but froze and his eyes jumped to the door. Itachi felt the presence of his brother and Minato coming up the stairs. A growl rumbled in his chest and he stood. If he had wanted to speak with Minato, he would have gone with Sasuke. His brother should not have brought him here.



"What are you doing here, Minato?" he growled as he flung open the bedroom door just as Sasuke was raising his hand to knock.



"I'm sorry, Itachi. Just as I arrived forced me to bring him to you to get more information on the other night, and then he sensed Sai."



Minato pushed past Itachi and stepped into the room. "You're keeping one of the were-leopards here? What the hell are you thinking? The were-leopard council is in arms about the creation of weres to be sold. If they find out that you kept one from them, they will start a war."



Itachi arched a brow and then gestured to Sasuke. "What do they expect to do to us?"



Minato folded his arms across his chest. "Send the were to the council so they can integrate him into a pack."



"No."



"Why are you being so difficult?"



Itachi smiled and shrugged a shoulder. "It's his choice if he wants to leave."



Sai was watching the scene with curious eyes, though the expression on his face remained a pleasant neutral. Minato approached him and extended a hand. "My name is Minato Namikaze. I'm sorry you were dragged so violently into our world, but I can take you to the were-leopard council. They will ensure you are placed with a were-leopard pack so you can learn how to survive."



"Are you asking or telling?"



Minato frowned. "Pardon?"



"Are you forcing me to leave?"



"It will be better for you to join a pack. Itachi and Sasuke are dangerous creatures. You shouldn't spend much time around them."



Sasuke snorted. "Thanks a lot, asshole."



Itachi remained silent, his gaze completely on Sai. He noticed how Sai's cheerful demeanor had faded to one of false pleasantries. The smile on his face no longer reached his eyes.



"Come with me and I will take you to the council."



Sai simply stared at Minato's had before glancing to Itachi. "Do I have to go?"



"No."



Minato swung around to face Itachi. "He needs to go to the council."



"If he does not want to go, then he does not have to go." Itachi's eyes darkened visibly. "It is his choice. What the council wants is of no consequence to me and if they try to force him away, I'll send them all to the grave."



"The council won't like this."



"Fuck the council," snapped Sasuke. "They treat us like shit. We can smell their fear a mile away. Yet, we are the ones they come pleading to when they need something beyond their power. If we were going to destroy the world, we would have done it already."



"Tell that to the entire warehouse of humans you obliterated in a matter of minutes," retorted Minato.



"Seconds," murmured Itachi. "If Sai wants to remain with us, he may do as he wishes."



"Does he even know what you are?"



Sai blinked at Minato in confusion. "Does it matter?"



"It might. I would not trust them around my child, if that is any explanation."



Sasuke's face became thunderous. The room filled with his dark aura. Only Itachi was immune to the full release of Sasuke's power.



Dark speckling began to appear on Sai's face and the heavenly glow of Minato's anger intensified. Both were being driven into mindlessly attacking anything by War. Itachi was forced to act quickly before that happened.



"Sasuke!" he barked. "Rein it in, now."



Sasuke's eyes were as red as blood when he faced Itachi. "He would deny me..."



Itachi placed a calming hand on his brother's shoulder. It did not take a genius to understand the unspoken name as his brother's words trailed off. Naruto. Everything about Naruto drew Sasuke. Itachi had known almost instantly that Sasuke would fall hard for the young blond from the day he was born. Being of an immortal breed, he had hoped for some happiness for Sasuke, but once again that fickle bitch of fate had other plans.



"Rein it in," he repeated before turning to Minato. "I suggest you rethink your position when it comes to Naruto."



Minato blinked several times as the dark haze of War faded from the room. "What happened?"



"You should leave. You can tell the council that when Sai wishes to leave, he may do so at any time. Until that time, they should fuck off before they have to deal with the wrath of Death. And I will have no mercy to spare on them."



"You're making a mistake with this, Itachi."



Itachi shrugged his shoulders. "It is Sai's right to choose. You can't force him to join a pack if he does not wish it."



"How does he know what he wants if he hasn't had a chance to experience it?"



Itachi growled and for a brief moment, his instincts reared up to become visible in his eyes. Minato paled visibly and stumbled back several feet. "I think you should leave."



He glanced at Sai who was having trouble shaking off the effects of Sasuke's little tantrum. His face was already beginning to elongate in an attempt to change its shape. Reining in the blanket of his powers, he moved quickly to the bed and began stroking Sai's short cap of hair and then down over where fur had sprouted along his shoulders and back.



"Leave now," he whispered.



Minato opened his mouth but was dragged out by Sasuke before he could voice his objection. Itachi was grateful because he was not going to be able to fully stop the change unless he could shift Sai's unintentional anger away. Knowing what he did about were-creatures, he knew of only one way to distract such an instinctual animal. Words would not work, only action.



Taking Sai's face in his hands, he brushed his lips along the elongating muzzle. It had been years, centuries even, since his last lover, if one could call the taking of a human prostitute as a lover. In the past, he had shared sex with both Pestilence and Famine, as neither could bring about his death and both understood the loneliness that came with their existence. Neither of the experiences lasted long and the non-human population was too afraid to involve themselves with him sexually.



Sai was different. He did not know or rather, did not understand. That alone made Itachi bow to his desires. It frightened him a little, or as much as one such as him could be. If Sai wished the world be laid to waste, he would do so with little thought.



Shaking his head as he pulled back, he stared into the rapidly fluctuating eyes. They shifted back and forth between gold and dark as Sai's forced transformation was being brought under control.



With gentle hands, he stroked his hands over Sai's back and beneath the loose tank he wore. The soft fur was tantalizing to feel and for a moment, he wondered what it would be like to be taken when Sai was in such a state. A fully-turned were-creature was said to be particularly ravenous during sexual intercourse.



He pushed aside the thought, instead focusing on bringing Sai under control. His hands continued their stroking as Sai's panting began to ease. A low rumbling purr filled the room and he chuckled at the sound, not realizing that were-cats could make such a noise.



Gradually, he felt Sai relaxing against him. A slight push of his powers was the final encouragement needed for the rosettes to fade and creamy pale skin to be visible once more.



"What was that?"



"My brother," answered Itachi.



"I couldn't control myself. All I could think about was fighting and killing."



Itachi pulled back and sighed. "I suppose I should tell you. Delay will only make things more difficult. If you decide you would rather go to the were-leopard council, I will arrange for Minato to take you."



Sai blinked at him. He cocked his head in a very feline way. It was obvious he was waiting for Itachi to continue.



"I don't suppose I need to tell you that there is more in this world than humans. Every human myth stemmed from some actual creature. Merpeople exist in the depths and vampires continue to stalk the night. Over the years, we have simply become better at hiding what we are."



"What about you?"



Itachi stood and strode to the window where the light of the afternoon sun filtered in gently. It seemed almost out of place in the usually dark residence.



Turning from the window, he glanced to where Sai sat in quiet interest. Dread, an unknown emotion worked through him. He did not want to see Sai flinching from his touch. For the first time in his existence, he truly hated himself.



"Itachi?"



"Sasuke and myself are two of the oldest creatures in existence. We were here before man left the caves. In some ways, we're gods. In some societies, we were worshiped as such." He paused and took a breath. "I have had many names. Sasuke and I are two of four creatures known in some circles as the Four Horsemen, though I have never had much of an affinity to the four legged creatures. It is a title, one of many we have."



"Four Horsemen? Like the ones talked about in the Bible?"



"Like I said, we have many names."



Sai frowned and his face wrinkled as he thought. "War, Plague, Famine, and..."



"Death," Itachi finished.



Dark eyes went wide as Sai stared at him. This was the part he was dreading. He waited for the shock to fade and fear to grow into life in those beautiful dark eyes.



"You're Death."



"Yes."



"And your brother?"



"War."



Sai nodded slowly. "That's why that happened just now."



"When Sasuke loses control, wars can start, from the smallest squabble between friends to full blown world wars. While not every altercation is a result of him, the larger ones are most certainly affected by him. Like all of us, he has to keep a powerful grip on his nature or the world will die in the flames of war," explained Itachi. "



"And what about you?"



"Do you need me to explain?"



Sai sat back on his knees and cocked his head. "Please."



"I am Death. I sense the life in every living creature, animal or plant. I can snuff out that life without even a thought. The entire world could die at my whim. It is why I am so feared. People can survive war, famine, and plagues. There is no surviving from death."



"Would you?"



Itachi arched a brow. "Would I what?"



"Would you kill everyone?"



The question gave him pause, bringing a small chuckle from his lips. "Not today."



Sai settled back on the bed. His face revealed nothing of what he was thinking. Over the millennia, Itachi had grown into an expert at reading people. Surprisingly, he could not do so with Sai. "Would you like for me to arrange for you to be taken to a were-leopard pack?"



"Do you want me to leave?" asked Sai with a matter-of-fact tone.



"No."



"Then I don't want to leave."



"Aren't you afraid," he asked calmly.



Sai shook his head slowly. "I've lived with death sitting on my shoulder for most of my life. I've waited to be taken. That you control death does not scare me because you're familiar. Why would staying here with you feel any different than what I always felt?"



Relief worked through Itachi and he visibly relaxed. He approached Sai cautiously and lifted a hand to stroke fingers down the smooth skin on his cheek. "I'm glad."

 

oOo

Itachi watched as Sai walked about the grounds, keeping several feet behind him. Despite Sai's acceptance of who he was, he did not try to push his wishes or desires into full view. He would rather have an eternity of watching silently than to possess what he desired only to have it taken from him by fear. Sai might say he was not afraid, but the threat of death had a way of changing the mind of even the bravest soul.



"Everything feels different," said Sai. "I can smell the life in the plants and the little animals in the garden."



"Were-creatures are the closest to their animal nature than any other non-human. You'll find yourself more at home in nature than within the city."



"Do you know a lot about the weres?" Sai asked calmly.



"Some."



"Do you like were-creatures?"



"No," he answered.



Sai went silent. He leaned against a tree and stared at Itachi. "Why?"



"Doesn't the animal inside you scream every time I come near you?" Itachi watched Sai pale slightly and immediately knew it to be true. Every breed of were-creature had a keen sense of instinct and every animal's first instinct was to run from threats. Itachi would always exude threat, no matter how fully he contained his nature.



"I don't care for the looks I receive from the were communities," he said calmly.



"I'm not afraid of you."



Itachi arched a brow and took a step forward until he was close enough to Sai that they could touch. "Doesn't it bother you to have me this close? What do you feel when I'm beside you?"



He watched the pulse at the base of Sai's throat began to pick up speed. It was amusing to see the uncertainty on his face. He was a conundrum that Itachi found amusing. In some ways, he was pushing him away and in others, he longed to pull him close. "Tell me, Sai. Are you afraid of me?"



"No," he whispered.



Itachi stared intently at him. "Then what do you feel when I am near?"



"Nervous."



"And what else?"



Sai flushed, a bright red wave of color tinting his normally pale cheeks. His throat bobbed and his eyes dilated. Itachi started when he lowered his gaze to trace over Sai. The baggy sweat pants he'd nicked from Sasuke's room for Sai were obviously tented at the crotch.



"Sorry." Sai pulled at his pants.



What surprised Itachi more about Sai's reaction was his embarrassment. He had offered his body to Itachi on the day they first spoke, yet now he was ashamed to be aroused by his presence.



"Don't be," he whispered hoarsely, another chip to his wall of self-control forced him to scrabble for a hold. His teasing had backfired. Not only was his curiosity piqued, but also his lust. "Why are you embarrassed?"



Sai's flush darkened, but he spoke honestly. "I've never reacted like this."



"You've had sexual encounters before?"



"Yes."



"But you've never been aroused by them?"



Sai swallowed. "I've never wanted before."



Ah. There was a difference between becoming aroused and desiring someone.



Itachi did not break their gazes as he spoke. "What would you have me do?"



"What do you want to do?"



A smile quirked his lips. "Ah, so many things."



The flush reappeared on Sai's face. "Do you want to fuck me?"



"Amongst other things."



"Like what?"



Itachi considered a moment before taking a step forward. Sai, on instinct, took a step back and found his back pressed to the large tree they stood beneath.



"I want to touch you. To hold you. To kiss you. I want to fuck you and be fucked. I want you to take away my loneliness. There are so many things I want."



Sai took a shuddering breath before stepping away from the tree and pressed his lips to Itachi. Itachi could feel the quick fluttering of Sai's heart and lifted a hand to press over the rapidly pumping organ. He allowed Sai to control the kiss, sensing Sai's need to exert some sort of dominance over his life. There would be other times when he could take the upper hand. For now, he would enjoy this.



When Sai's tongue darted out to stroke over his lower lip, a warm tendril of lust worked its way through him. He fought with all his might to keep from demanding more. When his back pressed to the tree, he wondered when it was that Sai had turned them.



Their lips separated and Itachi was left to gasp as lips pressed almost innocently against the skin of his neck. A low moan escaped and his hands, carefully fisted at his side, lifted to grasp at Sai. Oh, how he wanted him. He wanted this feeling of living. Finally there was someone who ignored the instinct to run, even if there was no need to fear. Other than Sasuke, no other creature save Sai, could claim to have such hold over him.



"Sai," he breathed and arched his neck as the feathery kisses became gentle sucks.



If the lust continued building inside him, he was unsure of what he would do. He wanted him to stop. He wanted him to keep going.



When he felt the touch of Sai's fingers on the fastening of his trousers, he started and gasped aloud. "Sai, don't."



Large dark and deceptively innocent eyes stared up at him. "Don't you want this?"



"More than you could know."



"Then, let me do this."



Itachi swallowed and fought back the urge to scream yes. "I don't want gratitude."



"And if it's not gratitude?" asked Sai as he nuzzled the barely open flap and the hard erection just beneath. "What if I want this?"



"Do you?" Please want this, he mentally pleaded. He needed this so bad—this warmth to stave off the loneliness of his never ending existence.



"I want it."



And there was no more resistance from Itachi. As the folds of his pants were pushed away and his erection extracted, he thought he would die from the need. This was so much more than anything he had ever felt.



As warm and far too talented lips sucked him down, he thought Sai far too skilled. Those lips were experienced, knowing just how hard to suck to bring the most pleasure. He released a garbled sound as a tongue flicked across his frenulum.



"Sai," he gasped.



"It's good?"



There were no words for how good it was. He was screaming in his head, even if the only sounds escaping were those of low groans and the occasional whimper.



Cool fingers wormed their way into his trousers and cupped his balls. Sai began alternating between sucking on the tip of Itachi's penis and squeezing the soft testicles cupped in his hand. The only sound registering to him was that of his ragged breathing. He could feel the tension in his body pulling him taut.



A gasp and a tug to Sai's hair was the only warning he could utter. Both were ignored as the lips grew impossibly tight and he swelled thickly before exploding. His head slammed back against the bark of the tree and his mind shattered with the pleasure. He could vaguely feel Sai swallowing down around him as the world seemed to go black around him.



As Sai sat back on his heels, Itachi looked down to see those swollen, red lips panting. Saliva and cum was smeared over his lips and chin. And suddenly, he was ashamed at himself for being so weak. "Why?"



"I don't know how else to express it."



Itachi licked his lips and attempted to force his brain into action. "Express what?"



"What I feel."



"What do you feel?"



Sai nibbled on his already swollen lips. "I don't know. I want to stay with you. I want you. I'm not good with feelings. On the street it's different. Actions speak the loudest."



"I see." Itachi tugged Sai to his feet, not failing to notice the dark stain created on the grey sweat pants. "I will remember that."



He pressed their lips together. He could taste the bitterness of himself on Sai. He liked that.



"Itachi!"



He pulled away from Sai at the joyful scream and pushed Sai behind him before quickly setting about fastening his trousers just as Naruto rounded the house followed quickly by Sasuke. He was surprised to see the boy as Minato was particularly protective of him, especially around them.



"Itachi! I'm so glad this happened, though I'm not sure what happened, but I really, really wanted it to happen." Naruto was practically bouncing with joy as he approached. "It was such a good future. There were other ones...really bad ones."



Itachi fought back a flinch and inclined his head to the boy. "Naruto, what are you doing here and what are you talking about?"



"You with him...in the garden under the tree. It was the good one—the best future." Naruto grinned widely at Naruto before turning his gaze to where Sai was looking around Itachi with curiosity. "I'm Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze."



"Sai."



Naruto's grin turned bright. "I know."



Itachi shook his head and drew Naruto's attention again. "Why are you here?"



"Sasuke brought me."



He sent a look of censure in Sasuke's direction. His brother did nothing more than turn his gaze and ignore the look in typical Sasuke style. "Why are you here?"



"Dad made me so mad. He told me I couldn't see you or Sasuke again. I told him he was an asshole and when I saw Sasuke about to leave, I made him take me with him. I'm going to live with you now."



Sasuke looked significantly more than mildly pleased at the thought, earning him a glare from Itachi. "No, you're not."



A pout formed on Naruto's lips. "Why not?"



"Because I said so." He swung his attention back to Sasuke. "Take him back before Minato comes in blazing with all his angelic fury. I do not wish to deal with a Holy war in my own backyard."



"He said he wants to stay."



"Trust me. His father isn't foolish enough to try my patience. You'll get to see him." He watched amused as both Sasuke and Naruto pouted before him. Regardless of Sasuke's annoyance, he did as commanded and opened up a portal to the Namikaze home. Naruto scowled, but followed Sasuke into the portal before it closed around them.



"What was that?" asked Sai.



"The destruction of Sasuke," answered Itachi sadly. "Naruto is a seer. They are rare and can be born into any race, even humanity. They are able to see multiple futures and the outcomes of the actions people take, though the strength varies in degrees."



"That doesn't sound so bad."



"Seeing such brings on insanity. Human asylums are filled with human seers. Naruto is strong, but even he will succumb to the madness eventually. I'm afraid that when that happens, it will break Sasuke. Can you imagine a rampaging War?"



"There isn't anything you can do?" asked Sai cautiously.



"No." Itachi's face softened and he turned to Sai. "But I will worry about it when the time comes. There are ways to stop the Apocalypse. For now, however, I want to focus only on you."



Itachi planned to use Sai. He would be his rock when the future he feared became reality. When he lost his brother and was forced to battle with him, Sai would keep him from following Sasuke down that very dark path.



He pressed his face into the short cap of black hair atop Sai's head. "You're mine. If you stay, you are agreeing to be mine alone."



"Okay."



He smiled against Sai's hair. Neither of them was good with words anyway. Whatever the future held, he would have Sai by his side.



The End.

 

AN: Written for the Ita/Sai swap on ygallery and written on the prompts given by silverlitforest. On a side note, I really hate how AFF limits the summary space. I can almost never get my full summary in the small allowed space >.>