A/N: Okay so anyone who knows me, knows that I LOVE Itachi Uchiha and that sometimes I hide him under my bed where Masashi cannot find him. So it was only a matter of time before I wrote a story pretty much only revolving around him. Hope you enjoy.
^_^
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Chapter One: The Pain Of It All
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Itachi stood over his little brother watching him sleep.
The small child, so unaware of what was really going on his world, oblivious to the pain and suffering he was going to be put through.
Itachi knew it would be so much easier to kill him. End the pain and take away those soft breaths; send him to a better place full of light instead of the impending darkness that threatened to plague his poor little heart.
The thirteen year old raised the sword over his peaceful angel.
End it. End it all.
But he could do nothing.
That beautiful angel. So innocent. How could he possibly kill something so precious, so young? He loved his brother so much.
Whether Sasuke knew it or not, he could always make the older Uchiha smile. Itachi, always on the ledge of life was ready to jump at any moment; he could feel himself snapping from the pressure his parents and every other member of the clan placed on his shoulders. But Sasuke was always there, in the background. The only piece of his life that was worth saving.
All of the rest, would be gone tomorrow.
Along with his soul.
And he could do nothing to stop his own demise, nor the destruction of his clan. He was a puppet being prepped for the show, moving only at his master's commands.
And what a good little puppet he was.
"Nii...san?"
Itachi dropped his sword, the clanging sound echoing around him. He fell to his knees in front of Sasuke's bed. His younger brother looked terrified. He clung to the bed sheets and stared at Itachi with weary eyes.
"Nii-san, are you okay? You're scaring me big brother." Sasuke whimpered.
Itachi pulled Sasuke into his arms and hugged him close.
"I am sorry, Sasuke-kun. I did not mean to frighten you."
The tiny arms wrapped around his back returning the gesture. "S'okay. Why are you shaking, Nii-san?"
He hadn't noticed his trembling. He released his hold on his brother and touched the young boy's forehead softly.
"Go back to sleep, Sasuke." He whispered.
Sasuke scowled as he snuggled back under the covers. "You're strange Itachi."
The older brother smiled as he reached down for his sword. "As are you, little one."
He turned, knowing that this was most likely the last descent conversation he would ever have with his brother.
"Sweet dreams, my dear brother." He spoke quietly as he reached the door.
"Nii-san?" The angel called.
He turned, not thinking twice. If his brother wanted something, then he shall recieve it.
"Yes?"
"I love you." Sasuke said grinning.
His heart throbbed with the unseen pain and guilt. Ignoring the torture he smiled back, answering truthfully.
"I love you too, Sasuke."
More than you know.
More than you'll ever know.
He shut the door quietly, hoping that he hadn't woken anyone.
Those hopes where shattered when he came face to face with his father.
"What were you doing in there, Itachi?" The older man questioned. His face looked calm, serene. Itachi knew that underneath that smooth exterior his father was boiling inside.
He dipped his head in respect. "My apologizes, Father. I didn't mean to-"
He saw the punch coming but he did nothing to stop it. He stumbled backwards from the force of the hit, glad the wall was there to catch his fall.
"What the fuck were you doing in your brother's room, huh? Do you like disturbing this household?" The man questioned quietly, venom spreading through his tone.
"No sir." Itachi answered in the same monotone his father gave off. His father had always pushed him; never giving him breaks. He wasn't allowed to complain or he would get punished.
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"Father, please let me go!" Itachi begged. "Everyone is going, and I swearI'll practice my jutsu when we get there!"
Fugaku shook his head and handed his son the shurikin. "No. You have to keep training."
Itachi scowled. "But why? I always train! Why can't I go out with my friends once in a while? Is that too much to ask, Father? Because I think-"
He had never been hit before in his life.
"Shut the fuck up, Itachi!" His father screamed as he swung.
Itachi was on the ground in a matter of seconds, clutching his stinging mouth. A trickle of red liquid escaped through his fingers.
"You will surpass everyone, do you hear me?!" Fugaku yelled.
"While your stupid friends are off having fun in the park, you will train and train and train. You are going to be the best, even if it means the death of me." He hissed.
Itachi watched from the ground as his father looked into the sky, a smile upon his face. "You will be a legend, Itachi." His father spoke the words like a death sentence. No escaping.
Maybe it was the fact that his life was being decided for him, or maybe it was that he could never be normal. Destined to live his father's way for the rest of his life. For whatever reason, Itachi began to cry. He had only been seven at the time, after all.
His father, sharingan whirling, picked him up by his shirt collar. With those blood red eyes he stared Itachi down, the most terrifying look ever imaginable on his wrinkled face.
"You are not allowed to cry. Ever. Do you understand me?" He growled.
Itachi could feel the tears freeze up in his eyes from the shear terror of the look on his father's face. He nodded swiftly.
"Yes sir."
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"Yes sir, I understand. What I did was wrong. I should not have been wandering around the house at such a late hour." The thirteen year old whispered softly as he was dragged out of the horrifying memory.
Fugaku narrowed his eyes and gave him a sharp nod. "Good. Get back to your room. Tomorrow is a big day."
He dipped his head in respect once again to the father who had none for him.
"Yes. I will."
He turned, taking one last glance to Sasuke's room.
And as he walked away he couldn't help but agree with his father.
Tomorrow will be a big day.
One that the world will never forget.
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A/N: Alrightie, what did you think? Please REVIEW! Thanks alot! ^_^