So, this took quite some time to finish. I kept going back and changing things and adding this then getting rid of them. I decided that the final battle wouldn't be included in great detail. Like I've said before I am not very talented with battle sequences and decided to use my other abilities with writing. And it's completely different from canon events. So there's that…

And also…

We have reached the end! The final chapter is about to be presented! I have more notes at the end of this. It's a really long chapter guys, like I need to calm the hell down before I hurt myself.

There was a stillness after the final battle that seemed to last for an eternity. Like when a loud sharp noise suddenly fills a space and all other noise and motion quickly die down as everyone listens for what caused such a commotion. This time there was no easy answer. It was just silence. Now that it was over, everyone just kind of stood around in a heavy daze. Sakura was seated on a crumbled rock, face buried in her palms. Ino and Sai stood overlooking the wreckage, their hands clasped. Hinata Hyuuga was standing with Kiba, both seemingly exhausted and weary.

It was over. It was finally over and it had ended almost as quickly as it had begun. Kakashi wiped the grime from his face and looked around, Sakura was accounted for and he could see Naruto helping Shino limp across the field. Sasuke was slowly making his way through the rubble, Suigetsu and Juugo just behind him. The Uchiha lifted a hand in greeting and Kakashi nodded. All his students had survived. There had been many casualties and even more wounded. Neji had narrowly avoided death himself and was still far too wounded to join the battle. Gai had not left his side since he was brought to the infirmary. Kakashi made his trek down towards Sakura, carefully stepping over the rubble. Sakura looked up from his hands, green eyes exhausted and her nose bloodied.

"Sensei," She greeted with a weak nod, her mused hair sticking everywhere.

"How are you holding up?" Kakashi murmured, crossing his arms over his chest and studying his student with thinly veiled concern. Sakura cracked a slight grin and lifted her chin up high.

"I'm alive. As is Naruto and Sasuke. It's all I could have asked for." She replied, her gaze passed over Kakashi's shoulder and her lips formed into a larger smile as Kakashi heard a familiar voice call out her name. Rock Lee skid by Kakashi to quickly rush over to Sakura, and reach for her hands.

"Sakura-chan, you are unhurt?" He asked, thick eyebrows bunching up in concern. Sakura laughed weakly at this and shook her head, squeezing Lee's hands back. Kakashi watched them in amusement.

"I'm fine Lee. What about you? You have a cut on your forehead?" Her eyes lift up to the cut above Lee's eyebrows and the young man nodded.

"Do you think it shall scar?" He asked and Sakura gently reached out to touch it.

"Maybe?" She sounded reluctant to tell Lee, not wanting him to worry over something silly like a scar when he was the most handsome man in the world to her. Lee took her hand and kissed the back of it, like a true gentleman.

"Are scars not dashing, Sakura-chan?" He prompted and Sakura managed a light giggle at this, sounding so young. Kakashi shook his head, turning to give the two of them space.

He found his own lover, helping Genma settle onto a bench to look at his broken ankle. The healers helped situate Genma who offered them flirtatious grins and cheesy one liners that would have put Kakashi to shame. Itachi caught sight of Kakashi and he smiled at him. There was dark bruising along his cheek, but other than that he seemed unhurt. The Uchiha bid Genma farewell before moving to approach Kakashi. The Copy nin smiled at the Uchiha fondly.

"I was wondering where you had gone off to." He mused and Itachi reached for his hand, studying the bloodied knuckles.

"I feel like I've been everywhere and nowhere all at once." He admitted and Kakashi had to agree. "It's been a long day, Kakashi. You're unhurt?"

"I'm fine." Kakashi replied, watching as Itachi examined his hands. "What about you?" He asked in concern and Itachi shot him one of those half smirks that he and Sasuke wore so well. He allowed himself to reach forward and cup Kakashi's cheek in his palm. They stared at each other for a long moment, both basking in the sensation of being together again.

"Don't worry about me Kakashi." He replied, his eyes moved to where he could see Sasuke and he offered Kakashi a nod. "We'll talk later?" He prompted and Kakashi nodded. He watched his lover approach his brother with a tired smile, before moving to sit down next to Yamato, lightly pushing his shoulder and receiving a grin in response. Gai and Genma soon approached, all happy to see each other alive and feeling so very lucky. Kakashi's mind was a beehive. All his thoughts buzzing around loudly and he could barely think straight. His last moments with Obito and the sense of bittersweet partings that should have left Kakashi at least feeling a bit satisfied, but just left him wondering where he had gone wrong.

After all his actions, Uchiha Obito proved that he was still a good man. He proved that he had not completely turned his back on his convictions. The blood of innocents may have stained his hands, but in a matter of seconds, nothing mattered to Kakashi but having his teammate back at his side. He didn't understand what exactly gave Obito his change of heart, but he appreciated it all the same. And for the first time in years, Hatake Kakashi and Uchiha Obito battled side by side, a team once more. When the final white Zetsu fell at Kakashi's feet, he had breathed in relief, offering the Uchiha a nod of appreciation, still unable to let go of his shock. Zetsu had hime down. Kakashi knew he was going to die at that moment. He was pinned, his weapons gone and his chakra not fast enough for the assault and Zetsu had gone for his throat, teeth glinting and eyes mad. Instead, Obito had intervened and in doing so, saved Kakashi's life once again and put himself between Zetsu and Obito.

Now with their final enemy down, it gave them a final moment to breathe again. Obito turned away from Kakashi and watched the battle below the hill. His once stiff shoulders sagged and he looked older than he actually was. As if the weight of the world was slowly seeping him of all life. This was not the Obito Kakashi had known. He had forced himself to accept that after their last meeting. He had forced himself to remember what Obito had allowed to happen to Itachi, a cousin he had once cared deeply for.

"There is nothing left. Everything I ever wanted is dust now." Obito stated and Kakashi blinked, chin lifting to study his former teammate. It was almost heartbreaking to see Obito so lost and the Copy nin despised being helpless.

"Do you not regret anything you've done?" He asked softly and Obito glanced over his shoulder at the man; His scarred face stretched into a deeply troubled expression. It was not unattractive, Kakashi found himself thinking. Obito had certainly been given the Uchiha's broody good looks.

"What good does regret do, Kakashi? It doesn't bring back the Uchiha clan. It doesn't help Rin or sensei." Kakashi shook his head at this, slowly approaching the Uchiha, carefully stepping over twisted metal of what once was a railing.

"You know…for years I carried your death with me. Then when Rin and sensei died, I carried theirs as well. All these deaths of people I cared for and I felt like I had failed all of you. My father was my darkest secret and you were my biggest regret. I had been too slow to save you and too slow to avoid Rin. But those regrets shaped me. I didn't want to let anyone else down. Then Itachi happened. And after him came Team 7 and it was just a fucking cycle of me not being strong enough to help everyone around me. But they came back, one by one. I wasn't strong enough to help you or Rin, but I will be damned if I let anyone else slip through my fingers. Not while I am still alive to help. You're not dead Obito, no matter how much you play pretend. Rin is dead. No amount of fighting will change that. But you can still change yourself. You can still be the person you were before, the person who Rin called a friend. The person I called a friend." Obito had barely moved during Kakashi's monologue but at the final mention of Rin, he turned his head up towards the sky.

"You're idealistic." He hummed and Kakashi could easily spot the darkening blood stain creeping from the back of his shirt. He had shockingly taken a blow meant for Kakashi. Once again saving him at his own personal sacrifice, just looking at it told him that the wound was fatal. Obito seemed to know this as well. He made no attempt to cover it.

"You were once." Kakashi reminded the Uchiha and the other chuckled.

"That was a long time ago."

"You saved me back there. From Zetsu. You could have let me taken the blow and continued on with your plans."

"My plans were never meant to go through. And if I am to be done with this world, I would rather it be for something worth saving." Obito offered Kakashi a wane smile. "You were my friend once. I never forgot that." He heavily sat down and Kakashi rushed over to him, kneeling into the broken glass without care. Obito offered him a lopsided grin. "I'm dying again for you, Kakashi." He pointed out and Kakashi's breath caught in his throat. Obito shook his head, reaching out a blood stained hand to grip Kakashi's shoulder. "I didn't regret doing it then and I don't regret it now." His voice was shockingly firm with his much pain his had to have been in. Zetsu had managed to pierce through Obito's stomach, and there was too much blood. Again. Kakashi was going to have to watch Obito die again.

"I never wanted it to end this way." The copy nin croaked weakly and Obito hummed, head tipping back to stare up at the sky.

"Neither did I. I wish I could have held to my childhood ideals more firmly. Will you look after Itachi for me? After everything he's gone through, he deserves peace. Even though I don't know how long it will be for him. And tell him I'm sorry I never got him his last dango. I promised it to him before we went to the bridge. There's a lot I need to apologize to him for." Obito's tone turned somber and Kakashi nodded, easily promising that. Obito smiled at this, his scarred face managing to smooth out.

"I remember when he was a little kid. Always so excited to see me and I remember thinking to myself, this little kid is going to do great things. He was just so earnest and kind, even at four. And I knew he'd grow up to be this amazing shinobi and I wanted to be there every step of the way. War took that possibility from him. War and greed. And I didn't help. He was with me for years and I went from the cousin he used to toddle after to the monster who gleefully helped take down his clan and allowed Madara to take his eyes. I ruined him more effectively than Danzo or Fugaku ever could have."

"He's still capable and still going to great things. He and Sasuke swapped eyes and he's recovering from his illness. He'll live the rest of his life back with his brother." Kakashi assured Obito, lightly touching his shoulder. Obito coughed, his lips staining crimson. He dug his fingers into the dirt, the texture warm against his palms.

"Good…apologize to the kid for me while you're at it. I probably drove him up the wall these last few months." Once again, Kakashi nodded.

"It's more that I deserve, but….could you stay with me. Until it's over?" His voice was hesitant, sort of cheeky like when he'd arrive late and come up with some lame excuse. Kakashi could never have said no. Not to Obito.

"I will." Kakashi's voice was barely a whisper, but Obito heard it and he smiled, transforming into the boy he had been. He leaned his head back against a tree stump, eyes remaining on the sky as if willing himself to go there. He didn't speak to Kakashi again, but reached out with his remaining strength and they clasped hands. It was Obito's final way of apologizing to him, but there was nothing to forgive. Kakashi had done that the moment Obito had helped him. Instead of speaking, Obito simply enjoyed the breeze, the light wind ruffling his dark hair. Kakashi knew who he was thinking of. He knew that even now, Rin was in his thoughts and when Obito let out his final breath moments later, it was with her name on his lips.

Kakashi's eyes burned and he shakily reached forward to close Obito's eyes, gently wiping a streak of blood off his cheek with his thumb. It was almost as if he were sleeping, with the peaceful expression on the Uchiha's face. He scarred skin was suddenly youthful looking. Kakashi allowed himself to mourn for his friend, but even then it didn't feel like he was losing Obito. He was simply watching him go to be with Rin. To go see sensei again. They were waiting for him and Obito was finally home.

Sasuke did not move as he heard his brother speak his name, instead opening his eyes and waiting for him Itachi sat down beside Sasuke. Their shoulders brushing and the brothers stared out at the horizon. Neither spoke for a long while, both content to simply catch their breath and enjoy the peace. The younger Uchiha looked down at his bloodied hands, his skin littered with cuts and bruises.

"You look troubled, Otouto." Itachi noted in that soft voice of his. Sasuke shot him a tired smile, lightly nudging him. Itachi seemed relatively unscathed, a few bumps and bruises and a shallow cut on his arm, but nothing he couldn't manage.

"I guess I'm starting to take after you." He managed to tease and Itachi's hand moved forward to wipe dirt away from his nose. He smiled at his younger brother, dark eyes warm. The sun was warm against Sasuke's skin and Itachi's fingers were as cold as ever. It reminded him of his mother's words of wisdom; cold hands and a warm heart.

"We're a troubled looking team then. Brooding and tortured, who could resist us?" Itachi mused. Sasuke watched as his brother traced patters in the dirt with a slender finger. Sasuke noticed that he was drawing the kiri symbol and it was almost painfully sweet. Kisame Hoshigaki had left the world but not Itachi's heart. Itachi often found himself thinking of his lost lover and the life they never could have had with their fates. Kisame had given Itachi many gifts in his life, but being able to say he knew the man was the best of all and Itachi would always cherish him as his star crossed lover who was now in the skies. Itachi had promised not to reunite with him too soon, and he planned on keeping that promise.

Sasuke wiped sweat from his brow. It was odd to have this moment to sit down and be together. Although, by this point Sasuke didn't doubt that he would be given a lot more of an opportunity to be with his brother in peace. "It's over. All his scheming and mechanics and within a day, he's gone." Itachi's voice turned somber at this and Sasuke quietly wondered if part of Itachi had come to care for Obito and Madara in his own way. They had been the only blood relatives he had been with for so long…Sasuke could hardly fault him for caring even a little bit. It was hard to be around someone so long and not feel some sort of attachment to them.

Sasuke had not made his plan for going after Madara a big secret. Honestly it should have been a little obvious at this point. Madara stole Itachi's eyes so Sasuke was going to steak his life, seemed fair and obvious. It had been a bitch to actually reach him though. With the returned Kages and all the fighting, Sasuke was swept up into his own fights. He and Naruto had just found each other when Sasuke finally caught sight of the Uchiha. Naruto had not even bothered to stop him and instead watched him go with a sigh. Sasuke tore down the hill, leaping over rubble and nearly tripping in his haste.

"Madara!" Sasuke shouted, catching his attention. "You and I have unfinished business." Sasuke pointed his finger at Madara who released a jovial laugh. He had been wondering when he and Sasuke would meet again and of course the boy was going for the brooding avenger thing.

"Ah, Sasuke. I was hoping to hear something more from you! Not another, avenger monologue. I'm not sure it's healthy for kids your ago to be so damned angry." He almost sounded disappointed in Sasuke. As if he were one to talk about avengers or monologues. The elder moved down the smoking ruins, eyes alight as he took in the damage. "But think of it. I will end this little fight and perhaps peace can finally be gained, as your brother and Hashirama always drolled on about." He turned his head to stare at the tree line, his expression grew somber as reality set in. He had lost and honestly, he was okay with it. Perhaps this was what moving on meant.

"I knew it would eventually end like this." Madara chuckled out a cough and caught Sasuke's cold stare. His smile widened, teeth bloody. "Your hate was never strong enough. Not for him. He's your brother and therefor part of your soul. I understand that sentiment. For brothers share this bond that transcends all reason and pride. A bond deeper than that shared with any friend or lover. You stand here prepared to fight and die for the very brother that you once strove to kill. What is he to you, but the very breath in your lungs and the blood in your veins? He has shaped and guided you with the blood of your clan dripping from his hands. That bond is what defines you. Once upon a time, I shared that very bond with my own brother. And it turned to ashes in my mouth. And now here you are. Prepared to avenge your brother as I would have done for mine. How very alike we truly are. My death is imminent and I am prepared to face it. Allow me the dignity of a good death and return to your brother. There is nothing left in this world that could hold me. The same cannot be said for yourself."

It was unexpected to hear from Madara and left Sasuke stunned and before he could offer a response, another voice called out to him. Itachi had finally reached his brother. Madara's eyes met Itachi's and the smile that curved across his lips was nearly proud and wistful His student had once again clawed his way from the brink. Itachi Uchiha was full of surprises.

"My my, I see you're all better from our last get together." He mused, seemingly in awe. "And just look at your eyes. You are truly magnificent, Itachi" An asshole to the end. Somethings would never change. Madara's expression was now undoubtably that of pride. He had a tendency of dismissing Itachi, but it was too obvious that the Uchiha had proved him wrong once again.

"He's dying Sasuke." Itachi stated, choosing to ignore Madara all together and looked instead to his brother who frowned at him. "He's lost and he knows it. He's like a caged dog just lashing out to the last." Madara inclined his head, seemingly unbothered with Itachi's words. He must truly be dying…but Sasuke could see no wound.

"Itachi-san, thank you for bringing me to him." A man stepped from behind Itachi and Sasuke could have screamed at this point. "I believe this is our final chance to end things." Hashirama. Of all the… Itachi murmured a reply to the first Hokage, before looking to his brother. Madara was gazing openly at Hashirama. Sasuke hesitated, still unwilling to walk away from the man who had thrown everything into chaos. Itachi caught his brother's train of thought and made his way forward, not looking at either Madara or Hashirama, his focus only for his brother.

"Sasuke please," Itachi took a firm grip of Sasuke's shoulder and dragged him back. "This is not our fight anymore." Sasuke offered no resistance, shooting final glance at the two men before following his brother away. He was not sure of he was leaving Madara to make peace with Hashirama or to fight him to the end. Sasuke didn't know and by that point didn't care. With Madara's death would come the end of the war. He reached for Itachi's hand and linked their fingers together, and he would not allow anyone to pull them apart again.

When everything was said and done, the war ended more quietly then when it had begun. Madara and Hashirama had gone in peace, something no one had really were smiles and hugs and a general feeling of relief all around. The Lady Hokage was thanking everyone and checking to see how everyone was making out. Neji managed to hobble from one of the tents and offered Ten Ten and Rock Lee a tired smile, that told them he was going to be okay. Naruto was making his rounds, happily engaging everyone and checking to see how they were doing. Future Hokage indeed. Hinata sat down beside her cousin and they shared a smile, reaching to take each others hands and give it a reassuring squeeze. Sasuke didn't join in the celebrations, happier to sit with Itachi and watch as everyone else talked.

Kakashi and Itachi met eyes and the Copy nin lifted a hand and offered a lazy salute, his mask hiding the find smile that graced his face and his eyebrows waggled flirtatiously. Itachi laughed tiredly and shook his head at his lover. They heard Naruto's excited shout as he caught sight of the Uchiha brothers and Sasuke smiled, pressing his head against Itachi's shoulder.

"You are well, Sasuke?" He heard his brother's question and Sasuke nodded without looking up, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. He had a knot on the back of his head, his lungs felt like they were on fire; Kakashi was making eyes at his brother and Naruto was charging over for what he knew would he a tackle hug for both brothers. Sasuke released a breathless laugh and looked his brother in the eye, expression open and raw.

"I feel better than I have in years."

2 Years Later

"Kakashi, wake up." Itachi's Uchiha's voice cut through Kakashi's sleep like a nails on a chalkboard. Sexy nails, but still nails. Kakashi liked sleeping.

"Hnnngggnnn." Kakashi groused, turning under the covers and burying his head beneath his pillow. Itachi released a weary, long suffering sigh. He lightly clapped his hands on his thighs and looked at the ceiling. The window let in a genrous amount of light and the bedroom was illuminated and Itachi was ready to go.

"Kakashi Hatake, I am not in the mood to drag you out of your bed. Might I remind you that you are Hokage? And as Hokage you have certain duties that take precedence over your sleep? It's almost 9 in the morning anyway…" Kakashi peaked an eye open to look at his irate boyfriend. His arm shot out to grasp Itachi around the waist and drag him under the covers with him, throwing the fluffy material over their heads to cocoon them. Itachi released a surprised breath before melting against his lover and resting his head on his arm. Kakashi was mask free and smiled openly at his lover, stroking his thumb over the Uchiha's lips.

"I am Hokage, my beautiful boy because someone nearly laughed in Tsunade's face when she offered them the position and refused to take it." Kakashi lightly flicked Itachi's nose and the Uchiha teasingly nipped at the digit. He reached for Kakashi's hand and kissed his fingertips one at a time.

"Give yourself some credit, Senpai. You're Hokage because you're the one for the job." Itachi lightly admonished. Although what Kakashi had said was very true. He had not wanted the position and Tsunade seemed to understand that. Itachi would much rather avoid positions of power. He had seen his fair share of the dangers and found that he enjoyed Kakashi's role as the Hokage. No one better could have been chosen for the job.

Kakashi kissed Itachi, mouths moving against each other lazily. The Copy nin pushed Itachi to lay on the mattress, swooping down the capture his lips again.

He flicked his hair back from his face with a little jerk of his head, eyes half lidded as he stared down at his lover and assistant. Only he got to see Itachi like this, dazed and stretched out and so very open. Itachi reached forward and brushed his fingers over Kakashi's lips, down his throat and against his chest.

"You know if you laze about too long, you'll return to your office with Naruto posing on it again." Itachi hummed between kisses and Kakashi scoffed lightly. Naruto had a tendency of sneaking in to fuck with Kakashi's things. By this point it was nearly a game between them. Itachi rolled his hips to change positions so that he was straddling the silver haired man. Kakashi was not complaining at all. He rested his hands on Itachi's thin hips, fondly looking up at his love.

"I love you." He murmured and Itachi responded in kind, cupping Kakashi's cheek in hand as he looked down at him. "We should just spend the day here, Kohai. Let me spoil you."

"As tempting as that is, you have meeting today with Genma's squad. They're back from Iwa and Genma has as he says 'some steamy information to tell you. You wouldn't want to disappoint him."

"That's fine." He argued and reached up Itachi's shirt to tweak a nipple. The Uchiha's breath hitched and his hand shot forward, at first to keep Kakashi's fingers on his nipple. Kakashi rocked his hips up, gleeful as he felt Itachi harden. "Plus I do believe I need to reward my most loyal villager." Ah the old villager and Hokage game; many nights and days were spent with Itachi in all sorts of positions on Kakashi's desk. He wondered if they were the first to use the Hokage's desk as a surface to have sex, but he honestly doubted it. The list of Hokage's all seemed to have had overactive libidos.

Kakashi slowly grinned, moving from one nipple to the next. Itachi swatted his hand away, his lips pulled into a playful grin.

"Get up." He ordered, pecking Kakashi on the lips. Kakashi sighed, going limp on the mattress.

"I thought you had to listen to what I said. Being Hokage and all." Kakashi pouted in his usual drawl and Itachi smiled pleasantly, suddenly making Kakashi on high alert. Itachi leaned down and gently kissed his lover.

"You might be my Hokage, love. But if you keep trying to use you rank against me, you'll be my Hokage sleeping on a friend's couch." Itachi's lips moved from kissing Kakashi's bare shoulder to hover over his ear. "Now darling, get up." He breathed.

"Yes dear."

Sasuke had been back from his mission for less than an hour and Naruto had already made it his personal mission to push his buttons. The Uchiha had made it through the door to his apartment when Naruto had lumped to the door, blocking his entrance with a wide grin.

"So teme, come here often?" Naruto leaned in what he thought was a provocative pose against the doorframe. One leg was lifted, blocking Sasuke's path as Naruto's back was firm against the frame. Sasuke snorted and lightly shoved the blonde's shoulder. For all the antics he pulled, they never annoyed Sasuke. Well…not as much as they used to.

"Idiot, we live here." He replied and Naruto stuck his tongue out at him. The Uchiha pressed forward and kissed the blond's cheek in a rare show of affection that had Naruto's face flushing bright red. The blonde looked down, suddenly awkward like a boy with his crush.

"Kakashi's sending Sakura-chan and I out to Suna." He stated, catching Sasuke's hands in his own and kissed his knuckles. Sasuke smiled despite himself and brushed his fingers over the blond's full lips. The two pulled away from each other to close the door to their apartment and give themselves some privacy. Naruto all but dragged Sasuke to the living room. The apartment was spacious and always smelled like ramen.

"When do you leave?" Sasuke asked, settling on the tan couch. Naruto plopped down beside him and grabbed his frog pillow, holding it against his chest. He gave it a little squeeze and stretched his long legs over Sasuke's lap and tapping his bare toes against the arm of the couch.

"Tomorrow night. But it shouldn't be too awful Gaara's there. Plus I'm not gonna mess around and take forever. I know what I'm doing on missions." Naruto beamed at Sasuke who snorted. Of course Naruto would want to finish the mission quick. It seemed their missions overlapped and they didn't always go on missions together. When they did, it was like a little get away for them, until they started arguing as is per usual. Honestly, part of him would be leery about Naruto and Gaara being anywhere near each other, with Gaara absolutely smitten with the blonde, but Naruto was far too loyal to even think about anyone other than Sasuke.

"Well, seeing how you're the future Hokage, I'd hope you know what you're doing." Sasuke responded as he pressed his lips against the younger's shoulder. Naruto grinned at him, flashing brilliant teeth.

"So you think I'm gonna be the Hokage?" He asked, grin blinding. Sasuke flicked his nose, eyebrow raising in amusement.

"Who else could it be? Itachi doesn't want it, Might Gai would give too many heart to heart speeches and Anko's too scary to do it." All very true and Naruto chortled, throwing his pillow at Sasuke's face. No doubt that if Naruto did become Hokage, it would change his whole life. He had dreamed of it for years and for Sasuke to so easily say he would be it…it meant a lot. Sasuke had faith in him and that meant more to Naruto then any title ever could hope to.

"If I do become Hokage, we'll have to break in the desk," He teased and Sasuke's lips quirked into a smile and then Naruto's grin turned positively mischievous. "After we clean it of course, I've walked into too many scenes with Kakashi sensei and Itachi-nii." The pillow at the face and the mortified stare were all worth it. Once he was finished with his laughing fit, he leaned his head back to study his boyfriend, bright blue eyes suddenly focused.

"Have you talked to Karin at all about the surrogates?" Naruto suddenly asked and Sasuke shook his head.

"Not yet. I still need to meet the woman who offered to carry for Itachi. If we can get him to agree." He replied and Naruto nodded in understanding.

Rebuilding the clan was not something Sasuke had thought was possible. Not with their situations, but it seemed that there was still a chance. Having surrogates that would be able to help carry on the clan legacy would give the clan one more shot at life. Karin and Sakura were on board with discussions, Sakura more interested in the medical aspect than the carrying. She had already married Rock Lee, and was planning her own family as it was; Karin and Suigetsu didn't want kids of their own, but Karin was willing to help Sasuke. Sasuke was in talks with another woman that lived outside of Konoha named Kali or something. The woman was crass and, but Anko had suggested her. Probably because they had the same abrasive personality. When Anko had gone to talk to Kali about acting as a surrogate the woman had asked to see pictures of her options. She had chosen Itachi without hesitation, stating that she wanted the spawn to be attractive and apparently Sasuke had asshole all over his face. Was that meant to sound as dirty as it came out? Sasuke really hoped her never had to meet her. His ego was still bruised.

Itachi was hesitant at the idea, still haunted by what he had done and Sasuke wondered what went through his mind when Sasuke asked about the possibility of rebuilding the clan. Sasuke still felt too young to be settled with kid, and seeing how he had the dobe, he wanted to be sure that they were both ready for the responsibility. Kakashi was ready to wait for Itachi to make his decision, comfortable with whatever Itachi chose. And so was Sasuke. Yet there would be that burning satisfaction. That gleeful pride that Danzo would have failed in his plans. That the Uchiha clan would rise like a phoenix and rebuild while Danzo remained forgotten and nothing more than a stain in the history books and on the ground. It would be justice and irony to the highest level, and Sasuke hoped that the man was turning in his grave. In the end, he had failed and that was the best victory Sasuke could have hoped for.

It was approaching late afternoon when Sasuke went to see his brother. Naruto had gone to pack for his mission, leaving Sasuke to his own devices. Sasuke was quiet as he walked through the Uchiha compound. It was almost sacred ground at this point and he had a destination already in mind. Sasuke automatically relaxed as he spotted the elder Uchiha sitting at the docks. It was a quiet reassurance whenever his Aniki was at their usual meeting spot. Itachi was still so thin frail against the lake's backdrop, Sasuke having managed to outgrow him in height and weight by inches. He shoved his hands into his pockets and looked over the familiar lake. The water was as blue as it had been when he was a kid, even though it wasn't as big as he had always thought it was when he was small and trying to get his father's attention. The compound itself seemed smaller. He and Itachi had left it after the final battle. Karin, Suigetsu and Juugo still lived there though. All three of them making homes for themselves and sprucing up the place to its former glory. All but the main house, which was left untouched.

Itachi turned his head to look at Sasuke. He lifted a hand in greeting, his slim and the ring on his finger glinting in the sunlight. Sasuke strode forward, setting his kunai pouch down as he moved. The wood of the dock was sturdy and did not creak as Sasuke took a seat next to his sibling. Itachi turned to look at his brother, looking completely at ease with the world.

"How was your mission?" He asked, resting his chin in his palm and regarding his brother with apt attention, long eyelashes curled and lovely. The younger Uchiha would be lying if he said that having Itachi's attention didn't still make him all gleeful and excited, but he managed to act casually.

"It was fine. I'm glad I'm back though." He replied with a little shrug, flicking his bangs from his face Itachi had all but retired from ninja work. His health was much better without the missions, although there were some that he would go to with his Hokage as well as some representative work. But no more fighting, no more Itachi having to go to the hospital with blood in his lungs.

"I brought you some food on my way here. I wasn't sure if you had managed to grab anything yet." Sasuke was pulled from his thoughts and he watched as Itachi turned to take a small paper bag from his side and took items from it. There was a small package of what Sasuke recognized as onigiri and two bright red tomatoes. Itachi nudged the tomato towards his brother and Sasuke took it, shooting his brother a cheeky grin. He lifted the tomato and set it on his lap.

"You realize I'm twenty right? You don't have to take care of me." It wasn't a complaint, simply an observation. Itachi waved a dismissive hand, obviously not too concerned with Sasuke's pride.

"You're nineteen for four more months and it doesn't matter. Two, twenty, eighty five years old. I will still bring you tomatoes and inquire about your well being." Itachi spoke with that usual conviction of his and Sasuke laughed openly at this.

"You'll be ninety and I'll be pushing you around in a wheelchair if we're somehow still alive." He could imagine an old crotchety version of himself wheeling his old brother around Konoha while shouting at the youths to get out of his way. Itachi took a bite of his own food and waggled his finger teasingly.

"Well, if you're pushing me in my wheelchair who is going to push Kakashi in his? Or Naruto for that matter?" He asked and Sasuke snorted, digging into his food.

"The man would be nearly a century. I think if anything we'll be cleaning his grave. And Naruto will be running laps around all of us." He replied cheekily and Itachi put a hand against his heart as if deeply hurt by his brother's explanation.

"How crass, Otouto. Kakashi is a virile man. I could hardly allow him to escape me." Itachi's tone took on a teasing edge and Sasuke was assaulted with the image of an ancient Kakashi trying to chase Itachi down with his own wheelchair, as Sasuke tries to rush away, but can't because he's fucking eighty-five years old and should be too old for that kind of shit. And somehow at ninety years old, Itachi still had amazing hair. No wonder Kakashi was drooling…

"Ew, I did not ask for that mental image." Sasuke bit savagely into his onigiri, imagining it was Kakashi's head. Itachi smiled at his brother fondly. Sasuke might physically be approaching adulthood, but the boy still remained in remained on the dock for a long time, even as the sun moved below the treetops and cast the water in a fiery glow. Orange dances across the shimmering reflection of the lake.

"This is nice." Sasuke murmured and reached across the dock to take his brother's hand in his own. There was a surety with having his brother's hand clasped in his own, as if the whole world is much easier to face. Itachi had gone from his nightmare and object of his violent obsession to his loved brother once more. He had been thirteen when he was given his order and by some grace of Kami he had been turned back into a child and guided back to his brother. He could have killed him. He could have killed Itachi in that final battle and lived the rest of his life believing a lie, or been forced to face the truth with Itachi nothing more than a ghost. Or at the memorial, his rage could have destroyed his child brother, it was as if fate itself wanted to spare Itachi and set him on his path. Itachi had danced through Death's grasping fingers and back into life with flourish and grace.

Now Itachi was twenty-four years old and he was home where he belonged. He was back in his adult body and living the life he had deserved and that had been robbed from him. There would be nights he would wake up in a terror, but he was no longer alone. He would never be alone again, not while Sasuke had air in his lungs and a beating heart. Mother and father had died still loving Itachi and he hoped that they were proud of them both. Happy that Sasuke had found himself and that Itachi's path was not washed away.

"It is." Itachi softly agreed and the smile he offered Sasuke was like coming back home.

Well friends, after 62 chapters and so many ups and downs and plot twists, we have finally reached the end of For Brothers Share This Bond! And as you can see I'm a sucker for happy endings. For a while I considered having Itachi's illness take him in the end, but I figured he was never given a happy ending in the manga, that I owed it to him to let him live and live happily. That goes for Sasuke as well.

So here it goes. Thank you to everyone who reviewed, favorited and followed this massive angst filled story. Whether you have been with me since the beginning or are just reading this for the first time, thank you. Red wine brought the smut and Hot Cocoa brought the fluff. It's been a journey and I'm glad there were so many people out there who felt this was worth their attention. I wish I could thank you all individually, but I hope this does you justice. Support for writers helps motivate their works and you've all been so great!