Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

When Sasuke and Naruto gotten back the village (or rather, were brought back to it, considering their injuries) Tsunade had both him and Naruto amongst many other Shinobi under her care. Once Sasuke gotten (medically) stable enough, they'd briefly held him due to his crimes. He would likely still be there, or at least have his chakra sealed, at worst have been executed, had it not been for Naruto arguing for him. 

"Sasuke done a lot questionable things but you can't say he didn't have his reasons, dattebayo! What support was given to him after his clan was murdered? His clan was ordered to be murdered! What has ever been done about that? You can't stand here and tell me you wouldn't be angry if your family was ordered to be killed and nobody knew about it!" 

Of course, it was called into question how they knew the Uchiha massacre had been ordered by Danzo and then discovered, seeing as nobody knew about it beforehand. Pointing out the masked Akatsuki man/Tobi/Obito had been the one to tell them and coincidentally had also been apart of it wasn't exactly a strong argument, but thankfully they were able to find more substantial evidence. That, and Naruto wouldn't shut up about the fact he'd FINALLY brought Sasuke back to the village, he didn't deserve to be locked away! He's not a deserting ninja anymore, y'know? 

As if that was his only crime. Sasuke fully expected for Naruto's words to go unheard, regardless of Naruto being well, Naruto or not. 

Somehow, though, it worked, and Sasuke was released on the condition he'd be watched for "suspicious" behavior and wasn't allowed to leave the village on his own. 

Naruto had taken him in as soon as he was able and Sasuke, not able to argue, agreed. Who else was he going to stay with? It was either Naruto, Sakura, or Kakashi. And honestly, Naruto was hardly going to react well to Sasuke staying with someone other than him. Besides, at least they had two arms between themselves! 

Sasuke had been... Quite depressed at first. Despite the fact he wasn't truly being watched 24/7 (how the HELL did Naruto have such a silver tongue, Sasuke knows the majority of the village is still wary of him at least) there was the reality his whole blood family was still quite dead, everything about his brother felt like a lie which was still processing, socializing with others is... difficult- reasonably, but with the circumstances, obviously, and most importantly he was stuck in the village that hurt his brother so badly with not many reparations in return. 

Naruto had been deeply worried for his friend. Once, when he was sure no one was listening Naruto had admitted, "I guess I kinda see why you left. I couldn't blame you too much if you left again, but you better come back y'know!" It had pained him to say it after fighting so hard to have Sasuke by his side again. Sasuke had been shocked. "Naruto, why would you say that?"

Naruto shuffled awkwardly in their bed. "I mean... What do you have keeping you here?"

The words hit Sasuke much harder than he'd been expecting. "I have you," Sasuke said weakly, but Naruto stayed deflated, it was true and both of them understood it, but it still hurt to acknowledge outside of each other things were bleak. 

A few days later Naruto spoke up again. "I have a crazy idea and I think it'll work but I don't know if it'll help you."

Sasuke sighed. "Naruto, you don't have to help me escape the village. I... I can stay here for now, until I'm seen as trustworthy." If that day would ever come, at least. 

"No! I mean- yes, I would, but that's not my plan!" Sasuke raised his eyebrow. What plan could Naruto be speaking of? "Um, don't call me crazy dattebayo, but I think it could be possible to bring someone back to life!"

Sasuke blinked. Had he heard that right? "I know you were able to do some miracle feats of healing..." He said slowly. "But I'm not sure that translates to bringing a dead person back to life. You aren't just healing cells. And you aren't going to use Edo Tensei, that's not living."

Naruto waved his hands frantically. "No, no, no, of course not! But I think it's possible, but only if I have your help after all we're like, magically connected or whatever." He gestured vaguely to their stumps. 

"We don't have those markings anymore, Naruto."

"I know but what if, y'know! I think it's possible and I've been doing a lot of research."

"What does this have to do with me again? Besides you needing my help." 

Naruto was silent for a long moment, Sasuke nudged his shoulder and rolled over to more clearly look at him. "Well?"

"Don't-kill-me-but-I-thought-maybe-we-should-bring-Itachi-back!" 

...

"Kai!"

"Sasuke!"

"Oh I'm sorry, I thought you just said we should bring ITACHI BACK TO LIFE but I must be hallucinating. Are you sure you're Naruto?" Sasuke began aggressively punching himself.

"Sasuke!"

"What!?"

"We don't have to do it! I just thought... What happened to him wasn't deserved, dattebayo, you've done so much for him, so I thought it would be nice if you both could have each other back and with his name getting cleared of his crimes it'll be fine, right?" Naruto rambled. 

Sasuke just stared at him. "You can't just... Spring this on me. Itachi means too much to me to just - make that decision for him in a split second! I wanted him back but..." His voice trailed off. 

Naruto had the sense to look guilty. "Sorry I didn't know how else to word it, we don't... You don't have to chose now or ever I just.... It's an option." 

"Sure." Sasuke awkwardly turned away from Naruto to look out the window. 

It was a full moon. 

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Naruto's words rattled Sasuke. He'd thought for a long time he would do anything to bring Itachi back, he wanted more time with him, wanted Itachi to have a better life, wanted to keep him. Selfishly, Sasuke felt like he could do it. Yet the thought of believing Itachi deserved to rest in the Pure Lands, the thought of forcing Itachi back into the village, made him wonder if his selfish wishes were worth actually going through with it. 

When Sasuke closed his eyes, he could still picture how unsettlingly happy Itachi seemed in his final moments, at peace with his life and ready to die. Itachi was unfortunately ready to let Sasuke go, but Sasuke knew most of that had to be the circumstances. His older brother had always been the type to see the bigger picture.

Sasuke internally winced at that. See the bigger picture indeed... Hence him being the Last Uchiha. 

Itachi would be proud of him, right? Itachi said he would be, no matter what. Sasuke still felt apprehensive trying to picture explaining what happened after his second death. "We saved the world, and then I tried to destroy it again, but I came around."

Yeah. That would go over well. He's sure that's what Itachi would want to hear after being brought back to life. 

Was it even a good idea to bring Itachi back to life? Besides the obvious, Sasuke wasn't oblivious anymore to his brother's fatal illness and blindness. Sasuke had his brother's eyes. He's not sure if he could stay sane enough if they brought back Itachi and he had empty eye sockets... The thought seemed pretty horrifying the longer he pictured it. 

And if Itachi did come back with his illness, wouldn't they just be prolonging his death once again? They would all die eventually, but for Itachi to succumb to a heart attack in his early 20s, it must be something that would catch up to him quickly once again. 

Tsunade is the legendary healer of their world, followed by their talented teammate Sakura, but who's to say if what Itachi had was even curable? 

Sasuke wondered if Itachi even wanted his illness cured, feeling sick at his gut feeling. 

Sasuke tossed and turned at night and paced around like a disgruntled cat during the day, thoughts racing through his dead. 

Itachi, what if I could bring you back? What do you want from me? What do I want? 

Naruto was affected by Sasuke's restless energy, almost bouncing off the walls. 

Kurama even made a brief apparence, glowing red eyes and growly voice snapping, "You're bothering my kit with all this indecision, Uchiha. Make your fucking choice soon." 

Sasuke had been mildly freaked out at that, but he knew Naruto wouldn't let Kurama actually hurt him regardless of what he's sure the Nine Tails Fox would prefer. 

He didn't want to admit it, but Kurama did have a point, and Sasuke was starting to feel... bad... leaving Naruto hanging after his shocking suggestion. 

Even though Sasuke still felt pretty 'what the fuck Naruto' about it, he now recognized Naruto must've done a lot of work prior to bringing it up and clearly the offer was made with good intentions.

After all, Sasuke did want Itachi back. 

Enough to bring Itachi back to life? 

"- and anyway, that's why Sakura has been so overworked recently. Isn't that awful? I mean, I'm happy for her being so good at her job, but I wish she could have more breaks, but it's good she's helping people, y'know?" 

"Hmm."

"Did I tell you what- "

"Naruto." Sasuke interrupted.

"Huh?"

"I want to do it."

"What- ?"

"Itachi. I want- we should do it." 

Naruto's eyes widened. "Oh! I- yes! Right! Um- I have the day after tomorrow off, I'm sure we want the whole day free, does that- ? Is it too soon?"

Sasuke's mouth was dry. "That works."

Itachi would be back in two days. 

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Sasuke wasn't going to back out. Right? He was ready for this. 

Was he making the right decision? 

Were they making the right decision?

Sasuke was sure Naruto had fully thought out this resurrection... In terms of executing said resurrection. How they were going to deal with Itachi being alive again politically had not been addressed, they were just counting in Tsunade and Kakashi to be able to handle it. 

Sasuke was due for a migraine soon. Kakashi was going to kill him dead. Tsunade was going to kill him dead. What was he thinking?

I want Itachi back. It's selfish but... I miss him. He doesn't deserve the end he got.

Sasuke could tell himself all day this was to show Itachi how things are changing for the better, to prove how his efforts paid off, to display Itachi gaining credit for his deeds, but he knew none of that meant much. Itachi didn't even want to be recognized for his deeds, for Sage's sake. 

He wasn't doing it for Itachi. He was doing it for himself. 

There were so many unknowns, it was probably was - it was - unethical to be doing this, but perhaps it was better than experimenting until they got the perfect resurrection. 

Sasuke couldn't say he was a good gauge of ethics. He had his own set of morals, but Orochimaru had been his sensei for a long period of his life. 

Naruto too, was weirdly calm about this. Energetic and anxious, yes, but very much okay with going through with it. Sasuke would have to find some way to thank him, yet knowing Naruto he'd say something cheesy like "your happiness is all I need!"

Sasuke shifted uncomfortably as Naruto worked. 

They'd set up a barrier as not to be disturbed, Naruto was currently drawing seals and explaining the different signs they'd have to do to pull off this jutsu ritual. 

"And we should hold hands. I know these aren't the hands we had with the magic connection signs on but- "

"Naruto, are you sure you should be calling it that?" 

"But it's better than nothing. And don't worry I paid off those tails of yours, I promised to look after you." Naruto winked. 

Sasuke sighed. "They think we're fucking in these woods."

Naruto sputtered. "Huh?! They do not! Right, dattebayo?"

Sasuke shrugged. "Who knows. Some of them probably do. Better than them thinking we're bringing someone back to life."

"Yeah, that's true. Hey, one more thing."

"What?"

Naruto almost looked ashamed. Worried. "People are going to want us to bring a lot of people back to life when they find out what happened. We should try and lie about what happened or say it's not possible to replicate. Only a one time thing we could pull off."

Sasuke was silent. "You would really do that?"

Some part of Sasuke had been wondering if this would lead Naruto on a quest to revive all his precious people's loved ones. 

"Well- yeah, I guess. It's not like we can't actually bring more people back, just, on our own terms. I think."

Naruto rocks on his heels. "I don't wanna tell someone I don't want to bring their loved one back to life, y'know? I do but..."

"No, you're right, it's not sustainable. We don't exist to be tampering with this on a larger scale anyway." Sasuke stood up. Don't fall. Don't shake. You've got this. You want this. "Are we ready?"

"Are you ready?"

I don't know. I am doing the right thing? 

"I'm ready." Itachi. Forgive me. 

Naruto cracked his knuckles. "Righttt. I'm ready too. Now I'm kinda worried about fucking this up so I'm gonna repeat everything again for myself and for you, okay?"

Sasuke nodded. "I don't want to... Fuck this up either." 

Sasuke had been trying very hard to no dwell on all the ways this could go wrong. Naruto had achieved the impossible before though so... He'd just have to trust him. 

If it didn't work, Sasuke had... Options. 

He listened intently as Naruto went over all the set up jutsus, the barriers, the seals, how everything worked. 

Sasuke hummed. "This is complex, but your explanations are weirdly straightforward compared to Orochimaru's mad ramblings." 

Naruto waves him off. "Dattebayo I just don't know all the fancy words to explain it. I do, y'know, but it's not worth remembering right now. If I get too bogged down in the details I'll be trying to remember the correct theory of how this works, instead of focusing on getting it to work."

That was very smart of Naruto actually. 

They were going to do this. 

"I understand how it works. Are we ready? We didn't miss anything?"

"No... I'm ready." Sasuke held his hand out. "Sasuke, we're doing this? If you want to back out- we can stop at anytime, just not after that one point- which I explained was the point of no return." 

I'm making a mistake. Am I going to regret this?

Sasuke met Naruto's eyes, determination flaring in his eyes. "I want Itachi back. I'm ready. We're doing this. I'm not going to back out now."

They both took a deep breath. 

"Alright! Let's do this dattebayo!" 

🩷🩷🩷 

The jutsu ritual was weirdly short for how life changing it was. 

Sasuke didn't let himself think as did it, guiding his chakra and aiding their hand signs correctly.

"Itachi Uchiha." They said together. 

We shouldn't ramble, Naruto had said. I've configured the signs to convey what we want. Itachi back to life, full life, not Edo Tensei. Itachi continuing his life had he not been released from Edo Tensei. All memories and abilities intact. I've done my best to convey health and wellness. But if we try to explain it all in a script it's too possible we get tongue tied or don't speak at the same time correctly or forget something. We'll just say his name and picture him as we want, got it? 

Sasuke held his breath as they clasped hands, smoke rising from the ground, obscuring their vision. 

Red light faintly glowed in the center. 

No screaming. Thank the Sage, there was no screaming. 

An audible thump was heard, the sound of a very whole something hitting the ground. 

Sasuke's heart was in his stomach. 

Please. Please let this work. 

Naruto squeezed his hand, thinking similarly. 

The smoke cleared. Sasuke activated his sharingan. 

Itachi Uchiha laid on the ground. Hurt, clearly, though there were no visible wounds, but his chest was faintly moving. He's alive. 

"Itachi!" 

Sasuke dropped Naruto's hand and rushed towards his brother, pulling him into his lap. He tried to be gentle but- he may have been a bit harsh. 

Itachi is alive. My brother is alive. 

Naruto collapsed to the ground. "Thank the Sage that worked. You were going to kill me if it didn't."

Sasuke didn't answer. He had different plans, that involved killing, but not Naruto, but none of that mattered now. It worked. 

Itachi groaned. 

"Naruto- Naruto we should get him to the hospital." Sasuke forced out. 

Sasuke didn't want to send Itachi to the hospital. But as alive as he was he wasn't okay and Sasuke didn't bring him back just to die the same day. As much as he wanted to scream and fight for the Leaf to keep their damn hands off his brother Sasuke still knew they couldn't make sure Itachi was stable alone. 

And. Itachi somehow cared for the Leaf Village despite literally everything. 

Sasuke repressed a scowl. This wasn't the time to be upset- Itachi was back! 

Naruto had been nodding. 

"I've got a shadow clone already bringing Granny Tsunade and Sakura here!"

"WHAT? What was your plan if this had failed?"

Naruto shrugged. "I'd call it an inappropriate prank, but better than... Y'know." 

Sasuke stared before mutely accepting what was said.

Idly, his hand had been brushing through Itachi's hair. He was still breathing. 

The dread was starting to creep up on him. 

What the fuck was he going to say to Itachi? 

"NARUTO! WHAT THE HELL HAVE YOU DONE?!" 

Ah, Tsunade. Thank the Sage. Also, may the Sage save them. 

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Tsunade had been ready to give them a complete thrashing until she laid eyes on a very much alive Itachi Uchiha. Medical instincts kicking in, she'd snapped she'd punch them later. 

Sakura had stared at them in complete shock. Sasuke internally agreed with her expression. It would hit him fully later what they'd just done. 

Sasuke reluctantly let Itachi go into Tsunade's care, letting her access his state. 

"His chakra points are actively repairing themselves, but I suppose that makes sense considering you brought! him! back! to! life!" 

Sasuke winced. "And don't worry, he's not going to wake up until at least tonight so don't nag me about yelling around a sick patient!"

"We wouldn't do that, Granny Tsunade!" 

"You BETTER not! You know what political shit show you're going to put me through? You better be prepared to be just as apart of this as I am. Itachi Uchiha, alive, what the fuck Naruto!"

Sasuke kept his eyes on Itachi. He's still breathing. Breathe. "I helped too."

Tsunade sighed. "You're Orochimaru's student. It tracks. But Naruto!" 

Sasuke felt vaguely insulted, but he supposed Tsunade was right. 

Sakura stared. "How did you do this?"

Sasuke cut in before Naruto could speak. "It was my idea. I wanted Itachi back. Naruto just helped me perform the jutsu. It's too unstable to try again, it can't be repeated nor replicated." He took a breath. "I didn't think it would actually work, I was preparing to bring back a corpse, but here we are." 

Sasuke felt sick. His last line hasn't even been a full lie. He'd had many nightmares picturing all the ways Itachi could fail to come back, or come back wrong, only to wake up in a cold sweat, Itachi's name on his lips. 

In any case. Sasuke could take credit for this. It shouldn't be Naruto holding in this burden, not if he we were to continue in the track to become Hokage. 

"Lady Fifth, I understand how this looks, how it was entirely my idea and on me, I simply needed Naruto's help. However, no one else was harmed or involved in this plan, and I had no intentions of anyone getting hurt besides me."

Sasuke figured if they wanted to lock him back up at this point they would, but it felt worth saying. 

Itachi wouldn't want to wake to Sasuke in a cell.

Sasuke could get out of said cell if he really wanted to.  

Naruto listened silently. 

"But, he's alive again, thanks to you. I don't know how to thank you enough. We did it."

"We won't know for sure until he wakes up."

Sasuke snorted. "I agree but..." He looked at Itachi. "I can tell that's Itachi and I know he won't die on us so soon."

His anxiety felt differently but deep down... Itachi would not be dying overnight. 

Naruto stiffly nodded in agreement. "Yeah. Of course." Naruto put his arm on Sasuke. "You didn't... You didn't have to lie for me."

Ah. That. 

"It's of no consequence to me. Besides, you heard Lady Fifth, it makes the most sense for it to have been my idea. And you want to be Hokage, right?"

Naruto frowned. "I get what you're saying but we saved the world, Sasuke, I think I'm pretty guaranteed to become Hokage." 

Sasuke couldn't argue with that. "I'm trying to minimize the council nagging you. If I do have to run, you know I'll always come back to you anyway," Sasuke answered flippantly. 

Naruto just looked at him. "You would?"

Sasuke shifted uncomfortably. Okay, perhaps that hasn't been clear based on his past actions. "Yeah. I'm stuck with you now." 

"Oh."

"Got a problem with that?"

"No!"

Sasuke gave a rare smile, Naruto looking vaguely concerned. "What?"

"I don't think I've seen you smile before, that's all!" 

"Thanks a lot, Naruto. And it's just- my brother is alive. Itachi is alive." 

Now, all they could do was wait. 

Chapter Text

It only took one day for Itachi to wake up. 

It felt simultaneously too short of a time, and too long of a time. After all, what if Itachi needed more rest, but what if he never woke up? 

Sasuke had stayed glued by Itachi's side all night, Naruto close to him. The sunrise peaked through the windows, sunlight making Itachi's hair shine.  

"You don't need to stay here with me," Sasuke mumbled. "Itachi is my responsibility." 

Naruto weakly nudged his shoulder. "We both brought him back. I will see this through with you," besides, Naruto thought, I don't want you to be alone right now. They were both weirdly confident of Itachi's survival, but that didn't mean he would healthy or okay. At all. A lot had happened in the world, and between them. 

Sasuke closed his eyes briefly. They'd both been awake for over 20 hours at this point. "At least take a nap."

"Not if you don't." Sasuke made a noise of discontent. He wouldn't be napping at a time like this, so it seemed neither would Naruto. "Whatever, usuratonkachi," he mumbled. Naruto grinned, there was the Sasuke he knew coming back. Inside, perhaps feeling of regret would surface and he'd question his actions a bit more, but right now, Sasuke was already acting more like himself, which was more than Naruto could ask for. 

What Tsunade was saying to explain Itachi's sudden presence, Sasuke wasn't sure, but he felt immensely grateful whatever words she chose were keeping the council and T&I out of the hospital room. 

They sat in silence for a moment when Sasuke's sharingan suddenly activated. "Naruto. Something's happening." His eyes were fixed on Itachi. He got up and kneeled by the bed when he saw a shift in Itachi's body... shifting... into conscious. Sasuke couldn't press the damn button fast enough, even if he wanted time with Itachi alone.

"Itachi is waking up." Sasuke couldn't resist gently grabbing Itachi's hand, despite Tsunade's firm warning. He would endure a lifetime of thrashings and lectures to be close to his brother again. 

Heeled footsteps could be heard rapidly making their way down the hallway but Sasuke only had his eyes on Itachi, waiting for his eyes to open. Any thought of wondering what to say and agonizing over explanations left his head, all that mattered was Itachi was here. Eyelashes fluttered, an exhaled breath. Itachi's eyes opened as Tsunade threw open the door. "What happened?" She asked, kindly ignoring the fact Sasuke had ignored her order. 

"Itachi is awake." Unfocused eyes met his, trying to comprehend what was going on. "Do you know where you are?" A pause. "Who," Sasuke shakily asked, "are you?"

Tsunade cracked her knuckled. "Who's the doctor here?" Sasuke could hear Naruto softly speaking to Tsunade, likely trying to give Sasuke the chance to be the first one Itachi spoke to. As if Itachi could ever have eyes for anyone else. Sasuke, the one he did everything for. Nothing else mattered. "Sasuke," Itachi croaked. Sasuke felt like his own heart stopped. "Is that... you?"

"I'm here. It's me. Do you...?" He trailed off. 

Itachi blinked a few times. Could he see? "I am... Itachi Uchiha. I... do not know where I am. How- ? I released the Edo Tensei."

"You're in Konoha's hospital and I am your doctor, Tsunade Senju," She spoke up. "Itachi. There is much to discuss but right now- I will need Sasuke to back away so I can preform a check up and run testing."Sasuke didn't want to leave Itachi's side, but he didn't have much of a choice. "Itachi, I'll still be in the room," he said, in case Itachi couldn't see him. "I don't- but you need medical attention.""I do not feel any wounds. Konoha is still standing?"Sasuke internally winced. No thanks to me it is. "Konoha- that's not important right now. Can you let Tsunade look you over?"

"Do you need it?" Sasuke blinked. "We are in a hospital I would not want to take away medical care from you, or something else, I am sure I will be fine- "

"Itachi! I am not wounded. Please let Tsunade look you over." Tsunade also looked like she was on the verge of forcing Itachi into a very long stay at the hospital. Itachi blankly stared. "Right. Lady Tsunade...?" 

She sighed. "You Uchiha's and medical care. Let me look you over."

The next hour or so felt like it was a day, Sasuke kept his eyes on Tsunade and listened to her mutterings as she attended to Itachi. As much as he wanted to look away and ignore what she was saying, it was far more important to him to be present and be aware of Itachi's state. Itachi's chakra pathways were no longer in disarray, however, this did not mean they were not going to be prone to breaking down with intensive use or use without proper training. He did have eyes.

"As much as I'm sure we want to test if you still have your sharingan, we'll have to test that later, I don't want you passing out on me. What's your sight level? How do your eyes feel?" Itachi could see, making out vague shapes and colors, but not well. The light strained his eyes, but nothing he couldn't deal with, he assured them. Sasuke dug his nails into his palms hearing that. 

Itachi's heart was still weak, Tsunade observed, but still nowhere close to suddenly stopping. Diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes may be necessary. It went unsaid if Itachi would ever act as a leaf ninja again. Even if Itachi could- Sasuke didn't want him to. And it was peacetime so- he didn't even have a reason. Itachi deserved to rest and, honestly Sasuke isn't sure what Itachi wants to do with his life. 

Some wheezing in the lungs, there would be rounds of medication to treat the issue as best as she could. "I can't guarantee it can be cured," She explained, "But I might be able to reduce the impact it has on your overall health. I'll have to run a test, but I would warn you now your lung capacity may never be the same as it was before."

Itachi had just nodded. "I understand. It was already... failing before." 

"What were you doing for it?"

"Taking medication. From some small random village. I don't remember the name right now." He was silent for a moment before admitting, "I did abuse the medication. I took too much and too often, but I figured I was going to die anyway."

Sasuke wanted to sink into a hole and die, flashbacks of him screaming of his wishes to kill Itachi running through his head. Had Itachi not properly treated his illness due to him?

"The Akatsuki as well would not have allowed me to become a weak member. I needed to be able to function as if nothing had changed." 

"Can you describe how you're feeling?" Tsunade kept a hand on his pulse. 

"I'm alive. Isn't that what matters?"

"Goddammit Itachi, just answer the question!" Sasuke snapped from his hovering point in the room. He wanted to tear his hair out hearing how Itachi spoke, such disregard for his life and health. 

Itachi didn't fight back verbally. "I feel quite sore, and my pain levels are still abnormal. I still feel exhausted, and vaguely hungry." 

Tsunade glared at Sasuke, but seemed okay enough with breakdown seeing as his outburst gained her a response. 

"I can start you on some medications after that testing we were talking about. I can't tell you right now if those are symptoms we can treat, but some of it may be due to..." She gestured. "Coming back to life." Itachi nodded.

Shockingly, Naruto spoke up. "Itachi, you didn't seem to be doing too well the last time I saw you, uh, do you think what you're feeling now is similar to what you felt then?"

...

"Yes. I would assume these are not just a side effect of... resurrection. I felt this way before my death."

"How long?" Tsunade demanded.

"Years."

She groaned. "Let's hope Naruto's miracle jutsu will help with whatever damage you've done to yourself. Are you ready for testing?" She turned to Sasuke and Naruto. "And you two need to go home and get some rest. Itachi will still be standing in a few hours. I promise we'll contact you should something unexpected happen."

Sasuke looked at Itachi. Really looked at Itachi. His hospital bed had been propped up so he could sit up easier, his eyes still unfocused, breathes shallow. His hands laid in his lap as he listened to Tsunade speak. 

"I don't want to leave Itachi." He said finally. Tsunade sighed. "I thought you would say that, but Sasuke, you've been awake for over a day now. Do you really want to end up in a hospital bed as well?"

If it means he'll be with Itachi, it didn't sound like the worst fate. Itachi spoke up. "You should go home and rest, Sasuke. I trust Tsunade."

Sasuke instantly seethed. "You don't have room to order me around right now!"

The hospital room went silent. 

"Of course, Sasuke, you're right." Sasuke deflated. 

"Wait- no- I... I'll go home and rest."

Idiot. Why the hell would he say that? 

They all stared at him shocked. 

Naruto moved to awkwardly take Sasuke's arm. "Well then um, I suppose we'll be back after a nap, dattebayo?"

"And a shower. And some food," Itachi added. 

"Fine. After a nap a shower and some food, we'll be back," Sasuke ground out. How the hell did Itachi get him to agree so easily? 

🩷🩷🩷

Sasuke roughly scrubbed at his skin in the shower, he could hear Naruto brushing his teeth at the sink. Itachi was alive. He still... some part of him still couldn't comprehend it. It had to be a dream, a hallucination, a genjutsu, something was going to go wrong. Deep breathes. Tsunade was the best healer they had and she was in charge of Itachi's health. She wouldn't let anything happen to him... probably. Why had Sasuke caved so quickly? Did it still only take a few words from his older brother for him to go along with whatever he wanted? Resentment churned in his chest. Sasuke loved - loves - Itachi, but he really thought he grew out of this. 

"I'm coming out," He called, turning the water off. Naruto tossed him a towel as he exited the shower.

"You done with that?"

"Yeah, let's swap." Naruto left the sink to Sasuke and hopped in the shower.

Sasuke felt strange brushing his teeth, such a mundane activity considering what had happened. They'd had instant ramen when they got home, Sasuke too tired to argue about finding real nutritious food to eat. Once they were done with this, they'd head to bed and upon waking up head back the hospital. Sasuke wished he could go back to the hospital NOW but realistically he'd probably pass out before he could get there. Physically, perhaps he could push it, but emotionally, he was far too much of a mess. His whole life was changed with Itachi back. 

"Hey, we're so tired I'm sure it'll feel like we're back in no time," Naruto tried to assure as they collapsed into bed. Sasuke agreed, but it didn't make things any easier. 

Besides, Sasuke had wanted more time with Itachi. He wanted to explain what had happened, what was going on, his fear for Itachi's response paled in comparison to getting to tell him you're safe, you're pardoned, everyone knows now, you're a hero. 

Tsunade was likely giving him the rundown. Including the fact the council had been adamant there would be no point revealing the truth of the Uchiha massacre now that they were finally in peace time. "The village will gain no good out of bringing up past stains," They'd argued. "It's all over with and done for anyway."

Sasuke had been very close to killing the rest of the council, regardless of the consequences it would bring. Their response just confirmed what he already knew- they'd known and been in on it. 

Naruto had argued Sasuke was still very much affected by what had happened, as was technically the whole village. "Years passing doesn't change the fact hundreds of Uchiha were alive at one moment and dead overnight! Itachi deserves to be recognized for his actions, if peace is so important, why can't we tell everyone he also helped prevent a war?"

A possible war, at least. Sasuke couldn't be sure if the Leaf had actually been in considerable danger, or if it was more a possible threat they were exaggerating. Regardless, Itachi had aided them in their last war and had given the Leaf valuable intel from his time traveling in the Akatsuki. 

Now, Sasuke wondered if it was a really bad idea to resurrect Danzo just so he could kill him again. 

Naruto wouldn't agree with it, at least. 

🩷🩷🩷

"I imagine you have many questions, Itachi," Tsunade said, pulling out a chair so she could sit close to the hospital bed. "I can't promise to be an open book, but you're free to speak."

Itachi wasn't sure to say. Deep down, he thought he should still be dead. That had been his plan after all, and even if some things hadn't gone perfectly, he had been able to achieve most of the goals he was supposed to meet. 

"I'm not going to die?"

"I meant about the village, but no, unless you do something stupid." Her voice turned firm. "And you better not do anything stupid, you'll be watched anyway, and Sasuke would- "

"Kill me. I know." The irony shouldn't have been funny. "I... the Leaf is alright? What... happened?"

Tsunade took a deep breath. "I don't have all firsthand accounts and I'm sure Sasuke would prefer to tell you the details himself, but what I can say is the Leaf is alright. Konoha and the other villages are in peacetime, and we are all doing our best to recover after the war, which did end. Naruto and Sasuke were able to end the war. Sasuke fought with the council and told us the truth Itachi, everyone now knows what happened. You've been pardoned of your crimes, and even though you died, taken out of all new Konoha bingo books."

That was... a lot to take in. 

"Everyone knows." Itachi spoke blankly. He shouldn't be shocked, knowing Sasuke, but he still had hoped maybe it could've all stayed a secret. 

"Everyone knows. At least, everyone in the Leaf, but Naruto is quite the chatterbox so I'm sure it's gotten around to the people who need to know." 

Itachi exhaled. "I didn't want anyone to know. That was the whole point of my mission."

"Itachi," Tsunade said suddenly. "I want to apologize. When I became the Fifth Hokage, I saw some of your records. The truth had been wiped but it was very clear you were not to be put on a kill-on-sight list and there was an unknown ninja giving us intel. If I had dug deeper sooner maybe- "

"Don't. It's alright. It wouldn't have worked out if you had known." Itachi hadn't been expecting an apology, nor did he feel he deserved one. He still had killed his whole family and deserted the village, on orders or not. 

Tsunade disagreed. "I should've known. Even if I couldn't do anything, maybe things could've gone better for you, and for Sasuke."

Itachi didn't know to respond. What happened had already passed, there was no need to try and excuse it now. "I did kill them, you don't have to act like I didn't."

"Upon technically illegal orders you received at 13 years old. That's when most people become genin."

The edges of Itachi's lips lifted. "Well, I'm sure it wasn't scrubbed that I became a genin at 5 years old. I had plenty of experience."

Tsunade shook her head. "No. You were a child." Seeing Itachi wasn't going to understand, she dropped the topic. 

"Your tests came back as we expected. Lower lung capacity, blind, weak heart, likely underlying illness. I'll prescribe you some medications and we'll go over lifestyle changes. I would also suggest glasses or contacts, if you are not opposed to it. It won't bring your eyesight back, but it might clarify a few shapes and colors you're struggling to make out."

"I would appreciate that. I am fine with glasses. Though, I'm not even sure if I have a place to stay currently."

Tsunade waves him off. "I'm sure Sasuke can quickly get you a place. He does have the Uchiha fortune in his name, which will be a later conversation...." Politics. Of course. Itachi doubted they'd let him be clan head at this point, but he didn't want to be clan head anyway, so not much of a loss. 

"Right. So your lifestyle. You can only exercise for a certain number of hours in a week- only if you're feeling well. If anything feels worse or if there's any abnormally, you rest. No ninja training or missions. I would allow D ranks but we have to figure out if you'll even be allowed to take missions first, and they shouldn't be anything physically intensive. Help someone pick up their groceries or some shit, no chasing after cats, those bastards are fast." Itachi unconsciously smiled, the mention of chasing after cats reminding him of the old days with Sasuke. 

"I'm going to have you do physical therapy, view it as training if it helps you cope. There will be strengthening, stretching, and light cardio exercises. Reduce the amount of times you use chakra until you get cleared for it, it's too soon to say if it's safe for you to perform jutsus yet. That includes no sharingan until you're cleared to try it, and when you do, you will be in the hospital being monitored for any negative changes to your health. Do you understand?"

Itachi nodded. "No training, only specific physical therapy. Try not to use any chakra or jutsus, no sharingan. Ninja status to be determined." 

"Right. You got it. Finally, I'll send you home with a diet plan for your heart and lungs. Stay hydrated, you'll want to focus on fruits and vegetables and reduce processed meats. High fiber and whole grains are highly recommended." 

"I don't eat red meat, will that be a problem?"

"Should help you out, honestly. As always if you have any questions feel free to stop by, since you don't have any specific restrictions, any nurse should be able to guide you on a heart healthy diet. As long as you avoid eating any foods you're allergic to - which it doesn't look like you are allergic to anything - no food should send you to the hospital in moderation. I will tell you now, in relation to your medications, you may not be allowed any alcohol consumption."

"That shouldn't be a problem."

"I want you in the hospital for at least a week for monitoring and starting brief physical therapy. After that, you should be allowed to leave." 

🩷🩷🩷

"You can ask Lady Tsunade if you don't believe me, but that's what she said," Itachi explained. 

Sasuke sat across from him, Naruto in the hallway somewhere. They'd both slept for six hours before waking up. They could've and should've slept for longer but they had completed the requirements: food, shower, and sleep, so to the hospital they went. Sasuke was so relieved seeing Itachi alright. He knew Itachi was going to okay... ish... but his brain didn't fully believe it yet. 

"I believe you. I might ask her for a rundown later just so I understand everything correctly."

"You're hardly going to kill me on accident."

Sasuke's hand made a fist. "Don't joke about that."

Silence. Fuck, he'd made it awkward, hadn't he? 

"So uh, glasses," Sasuke continued awkwardly. "That's good."

"It won't fix my eyesight but it should help you're..." Itachi trailed off. "I can't see you very well right now."

That would explain why Itachi hadn't mentioned his lack of arm, since he didn't cut off the unused sleeve, it likely appeared as if it still existed. That was going to be hard to explain. 

"I thought so," Sasuke admitted. "I... I don't have my left arm anymore. You didn't say anything."

"You... what?" Itachi was so confused. "You lost your arm? I thought you said you weren't wounded!"

"Well it didn't just fall off or anything- it happened months ago!"

The light bickering almost made Sasuke want to cry. Itachi was here, and he was alive, he was being an overprotective older brother as usual, and they were fighting over stupid things. 

"How did you lose an arm?" Itachi wondered. 

"Naruto." Sasuke blurted. "Wait- not like that. I fought him, Naruto was just defending himself."

Itachi didn't look convinced. 

"I took one of Naruto's arms off too."

"Ah, alright then. I admit I may not fully be processing what you just said, but I suppose that makes you even." 

"Can I give you a hug?" Sasuke asked abruptly. "I- I've missed you so much."

He could've felt childish asking but he really, truly just wanted to be held by his brother again. The last time had been... so painful. 

Itachi softened. "Of course. Come here." He held out his arms. Sasuke climbed onto the hospital bed and wrapped his arms around Itachi, careful not to apply to much pressure. 

"You feel real."

"I am real."

"Alive."

"Thanks to you."

Sasuke reluctantly pulled back. "Ah, that. I- you have questions?"

Itachi hummed. "I won't ask how you did it- I'm sure that jutsu can't and shouldn't be repeated." It seemed Itachi had the same line of thought Naruto did. "But this is permanent?"

Sasuke's heart clenched. "It's meant to be. We wouldn't do this if you were going to die again."

"Sasuke, I will die again someday."

"That's not what I meant! Not if- you're not supposed to die in your early 20s. When you do die, you better be old and grey."

Itachi smiled sadly. "If my illness allows, I will do my best." 

Still so attentive to his little brother. Sasuke was his entire world. 

There were so many feelings between them. 

Sasuke took Itachi's hand. "I want to get us a place. I have the money. If we have a week, that's plenty of time for me to buy us somewhere to live. I'll ask Tsunade if there's any best environment for you to recover in."

"Where have you been living now?"

Sasuke blushed, He remembered Naruto telling him how Itachi asked him to take care of him. "Well, I'm living with Naruto. But the apartment doesn't have room for three." Or two, he thought, considering it's a one bedroom apartment. 

Itachi smiled, much more playful. "Ah, well don't feel the need to move out to stay with me. I'm sure you and Naruto want your space."

Sasuke sputtered, "Itachi!" 

Maybe everything was going to be alright after all. Sasuke and Naruto had successfully brought Itachi back, what more could he want? 

Chapter Text

Sasuke was determined to find the perfect home for Itachi. 

As much as he hated the village, it's where Itachi wanted to be... Even if he felt like he didn't deserve it.

"Is there anything I need to avoid? What environments would be best for him?" Sasuke pressed Tsunade. 

Tsunade sighed. "After spending so much time with Itachi, I almost forgot you're just as obsessive about him as he is with you."

Sasuke glared. She waved a hand. "Nothing too damp for his lungs, nothing too bright for him eyes. Let him get some fresh air, don't buy anything close to the food district, the smells and smoke from cooking won't help him." Seeing the look on his face she added, "He can go to the food district he just shouldn't be living there 24/7."

Sasuke nodded. The house he had in mind would be alright then. 

🩷🩷🩷

The home Sasuke had in mind was a one story house, a blend of traditional and modern architecture. It sat on the edge of the village, buildings on one side but not clustered together, open land on the other. Green grass and flowers could be seen from the kitchen windows. If you went on a walk, you could find a river, and if you went to the south, one of the many Konoha forests. 

The fact it wasn't close to the hospital wasn't a worry, Naruto had given him a teleportation seal that would allow all of them, Itachi included should he be alone, to get to the hospital in seconds if something were to happen.

It was a bit far out from the inner village, but Sasuke figured it was best not to overwhelm Itachi with people. Sadly, he assumed people wouldn't want to be seeing Itachi much either. 

Even with the truth of Itachi's actions shared, there were still many civilians who were wary of him, claiming there must be something very wrong with the man (child soldier, Sasuke thought) to have done what he did. 

Which. Sasuke couldn't really argue with that, but it wasn't as if Itachi had just decided on a whim to murder his whole family. If he had then- 

They knew how Sasuke would react if that were the case. 

It wasn't like that, thankfully, so now it was Sasuke's job to protect Itachi and help him. It was his fault Itachi was back in Konoha.

Naruto had helped him furnish the place, setting up beds and getting kitchenware so they'd be able to sufficiently make meals. 

"Do you want me to come with you?" Naruto asked. 

Sasuke hesitated. He admitted to himself he was worried about seeing Itachi again - sure they'd seen each other, but they haven't seriously talked one on one, hadn't been alone together. 

But this was also going to be the only time Sasuke would be taking Itachi home for the first time since his resurrection.

"I want you there but I think this is a moment between Itachi and me," Sasuke replied eventually, pulling a jacket over his shoulders. "If Itachi is up for it, we'll have you over for dinner tomorrow?" 

Naruto didn't seem too hurt by his response, though considering what Sasuke had put him through and the fact he still stuck around, he shouldn't have been shocked. "Right, just let me know when I should come over!" 

Sasuke let a rare smile appear as Naruto hugged him. "It makes me really happy to see you like this, y'know."

Sasuke raised his eyebrow. "Like what? Anxious?"

"No. Happy."

🩷🩷🩷

Itachi sat on the edge of the hospital bed, Tsunade giving him another rundown. 

"I know you must think this is overkill, but I can never be too sure. I know your type- as soon as you're out of my sight, you better not forget my medical advice."

Itachi nodded. "I won't forget, Lady Tsunade. I must thank you again for all you've done for me."

Tsunade shooed him off. "That's my job as a medical ninja."

"Many wouldn't have done the same, knowing who I am."

"Lay off the dramatics, Uchiha, I get enough of that from your brother. Ah, look there he is."

Itachi looked up and there was Sasuke as she said. The blob of Sasuke, his glasses wouldn't be finished for another day or two. 

"Itachi."

"Sasuke."

"Well then!" Tsunade clapped her hands together. "I've given you both my lectures, you're free to leave whenever you like. Itachi, don't worry, he's already filled out the release paperwork for you." She walked out, leaving the brothers alone together. 

Sasuke moved forward awkwardly. "Hey, Itachi. How are you?"

"I'm alright. Tsunade is letting me leave so..."

"Right."

And to think conversation had been flowing so simply a few days ago. They'd been arguing then. Sasuke hoped they'd be able to find a rhythm outside of arguing one day. 

There was no going back to how it was before. Too much had happened and Sasuke wasn't a naive child anymore. 

Itachi spoke up, breaking the silence. "Tsunade says you have a place for me." 

Sasuke nodded before realizing Itachi probably couldn't see him well enough to notice it. "I do, I can take you there now, or if you want to eat something we could do that first." 

"I think I would like to go home, unless you're hungry."

Always thinking of me first, Sasuke thought. "Are you hungry?" Itachi stared at him blankly. "It's not a problem if you want to get something to eat in town." Itachi shook his head. Sasuke sighed, "Alright then, home it is." 

He held out an arm for Itachi to hold onto. Itachi grasped it firmly, needing his help. Or rather, Sasuke had snapped quite angrily earlier in the week if Itachi wanted to embarrassingly face plant on the floor he was free to, or he would accept his brother's help. 

"I have some clothes for you waiting, and some basic furniture in your room," Sasuke began as they walked home. "I didn't want to overdo it, it'll be your space after all." 

Sasuke didn't want give Itachi another reason to hate him after bringing him back from eternal rest again. 

They still hadn't talked about what that had been like. 

Itachi just hummed in agreement. Sasuke wished Itachi would just say something already. 

Itachi just clung to his arm and listened to Sasuke talk about their new place as he thought about what was happening. He still didn't fully understand it. To think he was going to live in Konoha again with his brother no less, neither of them being missing nin or wanting to kill each other was unthinkable once upon a time. 

The last time they had spoken (before all of this) Itachi had believed it would truly be their last. For who else would use Edo Tensei on him again? No one, hopefully, no one, surely. And technically he was right. He wasn't on the plane of the living through Edo Tensei. He was alive, for real. A heartbeat and his body fully intact as if he'd never left it. He didn't deserve it. Leaving the world, even though he wishes for more time with Sasuke, had been something he had been happy to do, especially grateful to have time to tell Sasuke how much he truly cared about him. 

Now, they had all the time in the world. Itachi wasn't sure what to do with all of it. Ever since he could remember, he lived only for the next mission and to protect those he loved. 

"Itachi? Itachi!" Sasuke called. 

"What?" Itachi turned to look at Sasuke, shaken out of his thoughts. 

"You were zoning out on me. Are you sure you're alright?" He nodded. "We're home."

"Oh," Itachi said sheepishly. All he could see was a brown blob. And what he assumed must be windows. "I'll admit I can't tell. It's all blurry right now."

Sasuke rubbed his neck in embarrassment. "Yeah, I knew that. Don't worry, I'll give you a proper tour when your glasses come in. Let me get the door for you."

Sasuke opened the door and Itachi stepped into the house. He wished briefly for better eyesight, but didn't regret what he'd done for it to get that bad in the first place. Using his eyes regardless of his condition had been necessary.

"It's all one story, no steps," Sasuke rambled, hoping his brother liked the place. "It's actually a three bedroom and three bathroom household, but I figured we could always use the third bedroom for a study or something."

"Do either of us need a study?"

"No," Sasuke admitted. "But I've become rather used to viewing them as necessary between Father and Orochimaru." Sasuke recalled the nights their father would be holed up in his office, or when Orochimaru wouldn't appear for days, too deep into their research. Both, somewhat fond memories for the nostalgia but Itachi stiffened at the mention of their family and his brother's late sensei. 

Sasuke quickly changed the topic. "Anyway, Naruto helped me with the furniture so the place isn't completely empty."

"It's great, otouto."

"Thanks, nii-san." Sasuke flushed at the praise. "But respectfully, you can't even see the place right now."

"I still know you, and from your description, it's a fine house." Itachi was proud of his brother. "The fact we have a roof over our heads is what's most important." He smiled. "I'm very happy for you. You did find a home here." 

Sasuke wasn't so sure about that. He sighed, "I think we should sit down for that conversation. Let me help you to your room. The two main bedrooms look the same so don't worry about me giving you something better or worse than my own room."

Itachi let himself be led down a hallway and to the right, then to a bed. He sat at one end while Sasuke sat at the other.

"Do we not have futons?" Itachi inquired.

"We do, but for this conversation I'm likely going to want to storm out at some point and I don't want to leave you stranded in the living room," Sasuke explained honestly. 

Itachi didn't know how to respond to that and looked down. "Oh."

"It's not you," Sasuke continued. "Well it is you, but it's not all you, I am still -" He struggled to find the words. "Adjusting to the village. Amongst- other things. I'm sure you have questions you want to ask me."

"Your life is your own and as I said, I will always support you and love you," Itachi said seriously. 

Sasuke knew that but... "Is it? After everything I've done because of you, that didn't feel like my choice."

Itachi frowned. "I'm sorry, Sasuke, I know saying that doesn't fix it." Nothing would ever fix it. Itachi knew that, there wasn't any point in Sasuke bringing it up. 

"And we're -" Sasuke didn't know how to approach this whole situation. "Fuck, you're alive now. This isn't just you telling me you're okay with wherever my life goes, you'll be seeing it and reacting to it."

"Language." 

"Itachi. I'm 17. I've killed people. You think swearing matters to me?" Sasuke was incredulous at Itachi's one word response. "Did you even hear what I said?"

"I did- " Itachi stammered, realizing he shouldn't have said that. "I'm sorry. Habit."

"I didn't realize you've been around me long enough to form a habit of correcting my language."

"The crows," Itachi said without thinking. "I was watching you. Before."

Sasuke took it back. He was ready to bolt out of the room now. "What the fuck, Itachi." He stood up. "What the fuck."

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that." Itachi wanted to kick himself. He was already ruining things and they'd just sat down. 

"Said that?!" Sasuke wondered if his brother heard himself. "Itachi, you shouldn't have done that. What the fuck! Are they still following me? What- " Sasuke forced himself to think about his days after deserting the village. Had he done anything embarrassing? Of course he did. Fuck. He didn't want to think about this. "What did you see?" 

"They're not following you. The crows haven't realized I'm back yet."

"Oh," Sasuke snapped. "So they're going to follow me. They just haven't yet."

"Sasuke I'm sorry, that's not what I meant- "

"I feel so much better now!" Sasuke went on sarcastically. 

Itachi has the audacity to look guilty. "I was worried Orochimaru would hurt you, so I had my crows watch over you. That's all." 

Sasuke scowled. "I wouldn't have cared if Orochimaru hurt me. It would've proven I wasn't strong enough to take on you."

Itachi didn't know how to react to that. It was true.

"I- I need some space." He stood up. 

"I'm sorry, Sasuke, I won't do it again, if you don't want me to," Itachi tried, "I didn't mean to upset you." 

"I think you're a little late to be saying that, Itachi." 

"I know." Itachi wished he could take it all back, but couldn't bring himself to regret his actions. What if Orochimaru had hurt him? Itachi... probably couldn't make it to Sasuke's side in time, but he could've done something. 

"I think we need to finish this conversation later." 

Itachi reached for Sasuke but he was already out of his grasp moving swiftly towards the door. 

"I'll be back for dinner. Don't kill yourself." 

🩷🩷🩷

Itachi sat on the bed listening to the front door slam. He put his head in his hands. Sasuke was upset with him, again, and rightfully so. All of this could've been avoided if he'd just kept his mouth shut. 

He struggled through Tsunade's breathing exercises. Sasuke would come back eventually, right? He did say it was their home, but Itachi couldn't picture Naruto turning him away should Sasuke ask to stay the night. 

He said he'd back by dinner. To help him to the kitchen, Itachi guessed, and then back to his room. Who's to say if he'd stay after that? At that point, Itachi would rather Sasuke just stay away from him. Clearly he wasn't helping his brother, even though he'd wanted. 

Itachi always just wanted to help his brother. To keep him safe. Seeing Sasuke though... He'd gone wrong somewhere. 

🩷🩷🩷

Sasuke stormed into Naruto apartment. "Naruto!"

"Sasuke!" Naruto sat up from the couch, putting some papers down. Usually, Sasuke would make a sarcastic comment about the fact Naruto was actually doing paperwork, but not today. 

"Oh," Naruto read Sasuke's expression. "Something happened."

"Damn right." 

Sasuke collapsed beside him. "Itachi- he's fine," he ground out. "I took him to his room he made a comment about how the village was my home and I just- " He inhaled sharply. "I love you, Naruto, but you know it's not the village keeping me here."

Naruto wrapped his arm around Sasuke's shoulder. "I understand."

"Well Itachi DOESN'T. I sat him down and I tried to talk but he- he tried to tell me to stop swearing first of all! As if it's some big deal or like I'm a child. Which I am not."

"Big brother instincts."

"You'd think," Sasuke continued. "But then he said it was a habit. And I tried to make a joke, thinking the same as you, but no! He had his crows watching me all those years ago! I got mad and then he apologized for bringing it up as if that was the issue!" 

Sasuke fumed. He really wanted to try and get along with his brother. All of this was for him! They'd brought him back to life!

Yet Itachi seemed to bring out this rage Sasuke had deep inside of him, and he wasn't strong enough to stop it from coming out. 

Naruto was also upset. "Damn. What an invasion of privacy." 

"I know, right? He said he was worried about Orochimaru. What the fuck was he going to do if Orochimaru killed me or decided to take my body ahead of schedule on a whim?! Nothing! He was off in the Akatsuki, after pushing me to seek power. I wouldn't even be there if- " Sasuke took a shaky breath. "It's all because of him." He closed his eyes. "I don't understand why he does this to me, Naruto," Sasuke whispered. "I thought we were supposed to get along now, but all I can do is scream at him."

"Do you want to scream at him?"

"A little bit," Sasuke confessed. "I- yes. When he was dying in front of me... It seemed easy to forgive him. But now that he's alive it's all so... Real. I don't know if I want to stay angry like this. I don't want to stay angry like this. I fought for him, I understand but- "

Sasuke pressed himself against his boyfriend. "I just don't know how to talk to him, Naruto."

Naruto let Sasuke rest against him, taking it all in. "I don't wanna speak for you, dattebayo," He began, "But you've got some stuff to address." Sasuke snorted. That was an understatement. "Itachi has... Issues. He stuffed a crow down my throat once, y'know! But once you do- you don't have to be angry with him forever."

Sasuke smiled at the memory of the crow incident. Naruto had told him about it after the war. Itachi was a unique person to say the least. 

"You're right. I just- I just get so mad around him. It's hard for me to keep a clear head."

"You don't have to tackle everything at once."

"No, I don't." Sasuke thought. "But shouldn't I? We have so much to go over- "

"And plenty of time to go over it. He's alive now, remember?" 

Sasuke tried to. "Maybe I don't remember that. You're right." A pause. "For once, usuratonkachi."

Naruto laughed. "Hey! You take that back, teme!" 

"I speak the truth, dobe."

"Sasuke!" They wrestled briefly. Naruto pressed his face against Sasuke neck. "Hey, you're good?"

"Yeah." Sasuke hugged Naruto to him. "I'm gonna stay here with you until dinner though."

Naruto grinned. "I'm sure we can find a way to pass the time."