Naruto Fan Fiction / Naruto Shippuden Fan Fiction ❯ Every Light on this Path is For You ❯ Clearing the Air ( Chapter 9 )

Disclaimer: The characters, items, places etc of Naruto are property of Masashi Kishimoto. These objects are used without permission for entertainment only, not for making money. No infringement is intended.

Chapter 9: Clearing the Air

Itachi hadn't been up to very much, unless sitting in a tree trying not to hyperventilate so much that he fell out counted. His phone clock told him they had been talking for over an hour, and he was beginning to worry for Deidara's safety.

That, and he had no idea what the two of them could be discussing that was taking so long- it wasn't like they had much in common. The fact Deidara had called his father was a worry as well, because Itachi simply couldn't work out why.

Sitting in the tree gave him plenty of time to reflect just like he had been instructed to do by the college, even if it wasn't reflecting about his involvement with the fight like they wanted. Instead he was thinking about the day's events as a whole, though mostly about his words to Deidara.

He didn't want him to leave. He had no idea how he could balance his complex because, really, he'd managed to fail awfully at it so far. Thankfully, Deidara had seen that his plan to exile him had been born of desperation and not a real desire to end the relationship. Itachi knew one thing amongst the chaos, and that was he needed his boyfriend by his side whether he succeeded or not.

What he was also acutely aware of was just how cold the winter night was, leaving him to push his hands into his coat pockets and shiver. He hated cold weather. He retracted the thought after a moment- he hated extreme weather conditions.

Too hot, too cold, too much sun to drive clearly, too much rain to do the same- he hated all of them, but cold was always the worst. He resolved that the pair had five minutes to come and call for him before he snuck in the house anyway, hiding underneath a warm shower or the bedcovers.

The front door opened only a couple of minutes later much to his relief, seeing Deidara and his father glancing around the garden for him. Deidara's eyes shot up to the tree a second later, smiling slightly as their eyes connected.

Itachi clambered down, wondering why Deidara was smiling quite as much as he was. Fugaku gave him a nod, putting a hand on Deidara's back and pushing him outside. He closed the door behind him, locking eyes with his confused son as he did so.

"We're going to pick up your mother and then we're visiting Sasuke," he said firmly. "I have many things to discuss with you, Itachi, but I need them there to do it. Come on, get in the car."

Itachi, too stupefied to say or do anything else, simply nodded and did as requested. He opened the back door to get in with Deidara but his father gave him a pointed look so he closed it, getting the in front passenger seat instead.

The drive was only going to be around twenty minutes but Itachi wasn't looking forward to it, shifting nervously as he caught his father's eye on him. They hadn't even pulled out onto the road yet- in fact, the car hadn't even been started, and he was already wishing the drive would be over.

"This must be a change," Fugaku said conversationally, finally turning the key in the ignition. Itachi reached out to flick the heater on gladly, not bothering to ask permission- he was far too cold to care. "Normally you're the driver, right son?"

Itachi nodded, turning his attention to the window and trying to calm his racing heart. He was really hoping his father wasn't expecting much coherent conversation, because he certainly wasn't going to get it.

"Itachi," Fugaku said quietly once they were on the road towards his home. "Calm down, son. You're not in any trouble."

Technically the words should have been soothing but they really weren't. Itachi wasn't exactly looking forward to spending any time with his mother at all- Christmas was coming and that was his annual be-civil-with-mother time, not any other time of year.

Yet he was going to pick her up, probably be forced into small talk on the way to Sasuke's, and then have to sit around while his father talked about who-knew-what in some cosy little family meeting.

Itachi wondered idly if he could convince his father to stop for some reason, any reason, so he could get out of the car and run far, far away from the whole idea.

"Itachi."

He glanced at his father, who kept his eyes on the road.

"I'll address one thing with you now. You don't have to be perfect to get my approval."

Itachi felt his heart leap to his throat, unsure he had heard correctly. That's what they were talking about? He had expected it to be about their relationship, or his father grilling Deidara about it in the least.

"Deidara tells me you have developed an unfortunate complex," Fugaku continued. "And I admit I am at fault for it. You've never given me the chance to show you my reaction should you not succeed in something, though. He tells me you failed an exam, son."

"Why did that come up?" Itachi wanted to know immediately, slightly annoyed. That was an unnecessary piece of information to give! He could sense Deidara's uneasy sheepishness from the back seat.

"It was for a good reason. As a result you're going to find out exactly what I think about your imperfections."

Itachi braced himself for harsh words, trying not to panic as he waited for his father to continue. He seemed to be choosing his words carefully, leaving his eldest son in a state of silent panic.

It was moments away from developing into hysterics- he had no idea what he was about to be told. It was his worst nightmare and always had been- the disapproving tone he suspected would come, the loss of respect. He couldn't take it.

"The exam is unfortunate, but I'm sure you will pass the re-sit just fine," Fugaku finally spoke. "Be sure to get enough rest the night before next time, alright?"

Itachi, who could barely hear his father over the sound of his own racing heart, choked on a sudden lack of air. He'd been holding his breath in anticipation and the answer hadn't been what he expected.

"I also hear you've been suspended. I don't agree with violence and I'm surprised at your intervention, but I do understand it because you were protecting your brother. It isn't the correct path, but sometimes the morally correct path isn't the one that feels right at the time."

Itachi didn't respond, the inner mantra in his mind begging him not to cry from relief like he wanted to. Instead he closed his eyes, still not quite sure he was understanding what he had heard.

"You don't hate me?" He finally found his voice to ask.

"Of course not, son."

"Then why?" Itachi asked, his words fast as he stumbled on them to get them out. He had years worth of questions to ask and felt as though he only had a moment to do it in. "Why did you push me so hard? Why did you tell me to ignore attachments and be academically successful? Why-"

"Itachi," Fugaku called to halt him. "The only thing that's important right now is that you got the wrong impression somewhere along the line, and we need to change that. Now hush, son. The rest can wait until we're with your mother and Sasuke."

Itachi obediently closed his mouth, quite unable to describe how he was feeling. Everything he had ever thought true about his father's perception of him... wasn't? It was overwhelming, and he found himself slightly nauseous and shaking with fear, relief, shock- he actually had no idea. He took a deep breath and swallowed, attempting to dispel it.

When they pulled up in the driveway of his parent's modest home, he jumped out of the car as well. He needed air because he had been holding his breath too long, water for his dry throat born of anxiety and space just purely because- it would be unlike him to admit to any of that willingly however, so he didn't say anything as he accompanied his father up the drive and towards the front door.

"What is it, son?" Fugaku asked once they were on the doorstep.

"I'd just like some water before we go," Itachi told him quietly, keeping his eyes to the floor. It wasn't untrue, but it wasn't the whole truth either.

Fugaku nodded, letting them in the house and calling out to Mikoto. Itachi quickly slipped through the familiar hall of his childhood, hearing his mother's call of reply from the direction of the living room. He sighed in relief- the route to the kitchen didn't pass that room, meaning he wouldn't bump into her.

He stepped lightly through the long hallway, glancing around as he did so. He never visited his parent's home- once a year at Christmas, usually. The decorated walls were just the same as he remembered though, smiling slightly as he put a hand to the wall as he walked.

Sliding his hand along gently, he remembered Sasuke doing exactly the same thing with a felt tip pen one summer afternoon. The wallpaper had been redecorated in that spot, but while no physical reminder remained of the incident, Itachi remembered it well. Despite his mood, it didn't fail to bring a slight smile to his face.

The glasses were in the same cupboard they'd always been, earning a tiny smile of relief as he poured himself some water. He hadn't fancied having to hunt around for them- this place was his home for many years and while he would never admit it, he liked feeling like he'd never left when he walked in sometimes.

It reminded him of being a child, blissfully unaware of his own complexes despite already having them at that age.

He didn't get the reflection time that he'd been hoping for. Footsteps in the hall outside the kitchen startled him and he glanced over his shoulder, locking into a gaze with eyes that reminded him so much of Sasuke.

"Itachi," Mikoto said, giving him a tiny smile. "Your father tells me we're going to see Sasuke. How are you, dear?"

"I'm good," Itachi nodded in reply, turning back to the sink he was standing by and wishing she wouldn't use terms of endearment when there was nothing endearing about their relationship.

He wanted her to go away but he wasn't impolite enough to ask it, feeling nervous as she stood expectantly in the doorway. He glanced over his shoulder again, meeting her eye once more.

"There's lemonade in the fridge if you'd rather have that," Mikoto told him, indicating the tall, silver appliance to Itachi's side.

"Water is fine," he reassured her.

Mikoto's pretty features twisted in concern, narrowing her eyes slightly. "Are you feeling car sick? You look a little pale."

"I haven't been car sick since I was about ten," Itachi reminded her flatly, signalling the end of the conversation by turning back to the sink. He was feeling sick alright, but it had nothing to do with the car.

She still wasn't going away. He finished the water, glancing back over his shoulder once more. She was ready to leave it seemed- she was wearing a jacket, she had her shoes on and her handbag was on her shoulder. What was stopping her?

"Ready?" Mikoto asked, giving him another soft smile and beckoning.

She wanted to walk with him. Itachi recoiled inwardly, turning to wash the glass in his hands- he was raised with manners after all, even if he didn't get on with the person that had instilled them.

"No," he replied slowly. "I'll meet you at the car- I just want to use the bathroom too."

"...Alright."

She turned and left without another word, her footsteps audible until she left the room and hit the soft carpeting of the hallway. Itachi closed his eyes with a soft, weary sigh- he hadn't been looking at her but he could hear the tone of her voice. She had seen straight through him.

Mothers always knew when their children were lying. It was a sense they apparently developed through pregnancy or something similar, because Itachi had never known how he and Sasuke had never once got away with lying about things as children. As he had grown he had stopped bothering to try- Sasuke still tried however, even now.

He snapped himself from his reverie, using the time he had procured to head up the stairs. Approaching the door that had once been his bedroom, he peaked inside and smiled just slightly.

It was a spare room now- his old bed was in the place it used to be, as were his wardrobe and desk. It had become one the day he had moved out and had stayed that way, unlike Sasuke's room that had been converted into a study for their father.

He observed it for a moment before heading back down the stairs again, the need for a nostalgic moment fulfilled. All he needed to do now was get back in the car, ignore his mother as tactfully as possible and hope whatever conversation they were all coming together to have was one where he didn't have to interact with her.

To say Sasuke was surprised when his family (and Deidara) turned up on his doorstep was an understatement. He cast a glance to Itachi in the hope of an answer as to why his home had become a family gathering place, but he was disappointed.

His brother had stepped forward and cupped a hand to the side of his face critically, apparently more interested in his wounds from the fight than giving an explanation.

"Your eye," Itachi breathed, putting a gentle finger to the prominent bruising that had started to show.

"It will be fine if you don't fuss," Sasuke assured him, battering him away. "What are you doing here?"

"We're here to talk," Fugaku told him firmly, pushing past him to step inside. "All of you, into the living room."

"I was trying to study," Sasuke attempted to argue- his living room table showed he was telling the truth, textbooks and paper littering the table untidily. Itachi was impressed, though he kept it to himself. Sasuke was actually using his suspended time well.

"You're suspended- you have time to do it tomorrow," Fugaku told him, sitting on the sofa. Mikoto sat beside him, leaving Itachi and Deidara to head to the covered table instead.

Sasuke eyed them all cautiously before being sent to make coffee, grabbing Itachi's arm and dragging him into the kitchen with him.

"What the hell?" He hissed, demanding an answer.

"Apparently we're having some kind of family talk," Itachi explained. "I know as much as you do."

Five minutes or so later, they were all seated and staring expectantly at Fugaku- minus Deidara, who was scanning Sasuke's notes instead in an attempt to distract himself from feeling quite so out of place.

"Are you going to get to the point?" Sasuke asked curtly, sending a sharp glare in the direction of his father. Fugaku gave him an equally steely glance, narrowing his eyes.

"It has come to my attention there are some crossed wires and some animosities in the family," he began, earning a roll of the eyes from Sasuke. "Sasuke- you have something to say about that?"

"I thought the latter was obvious," Sasuke replied. "You and I don't get along and Itachi is sitting as far away from Mum as he can get without being out of the room. That isn't a secret."

"It's going to change," Fugaku said firmly. "Son, I made a mistake with you."

"No shit."

"Sasuke," Itachi murmured. "Drop the attitude, baby brother."

"Oh don't call me that for heaven's sake! I'm not a child anymore you jerk! How many times do I-"

"Sasuke! Listen, son!" Fugaku barked, earning his youngest son's attention once more. "I was far too focused on Itachi and not enough on you. As soon as I became aware of that I attempted to fix things with you, but you resisted."

Sasuke looked as though he wanted to give a biting response, but he bit his tongue instead and nodded for him to continue.

"Itachi. Because I, regrettably, didn't pay enough attention to Sasuke your mother did instead. It meant she had very little time for you."

"I'm sorry," Mikoto cut in. "Itachi- I always wanted to make things better with you, but you weren't interested. I don't blame you of course, but I never stopped trying."

Itachi nodded in agreement, realising she had been doing just that back at his parent's house. It didn't make him feel any better about their relationship, though.

"All of this has got to stop," Fugaku concluded. "I want us to get along better as a family. Itachi- we covered one of your issues in the car, and I'd like to cover the other now."

Itachi and Deidara shared a glance, knowing what was to come.

"I don't care if you want to pursue a relationship, or who you pursue one with. I just want to make sure you don't lose sight of the goals you set yourself, alright son? Don't get distracted by him."

"He's difficult to distract," Deidara spoke up for the first time. "I assure you, I've tried."

Mikoto laughed slightly at that- Fugaku's expression didn't change, but he turned his eyes on Deidara.

"You seem to be a pleasant enough boy," he remarked. "You're studying a useless subject and you lied about being Sasuke's girlfriend-"

"I knew I'd seen you before!" Mikoto cut in, leaving Deidara to glance at Sasuke sheepishly. Sasuke simply glared at him, folding his arms sulkily.

"Idiot," he hissed.

"Regardless," Fugaku continued, raising his voice. "As long as Itachi is still achieving everything he wishes with you at his side, then so be it."

"This is a far cry from everything you've ever said to me before," Itachi finally spoke up, addressing his father directly. "Why did you constantly tell me to excel if you didn't care?"

"I do care. But, you seemed to thrive on it, son. You always did so well and you worked so hard when I gave you encouragement."

"For a reason," Itachi stressed. "How could you not see what you were doing to me? Didn't you wonder why I moved out and stopped trying to contact you?"

"Your mother," Fugaku replied simply. "I thought you didn't want to speak to her- which was also true, wasn't it?"

Itachi faltered in his response, not wishing to admit that it was with his mother right there in the room. He may not get on with her, but that didn't mean he was going to be openly rude to her face. Barely-civil was as far as he would go, because really, he wasn't a mean person.

"This is all very nice and all," Sasuke intoned, his voice laced with sarcasm. "But if you think you can just waltz in here, say a few pretty words, and fix everything that ever went wrong between us as a family unit then you're mistaken."

"I'm not naive, Sasuke. I know that."

"What prompted this, anyway?"

"Me," Deidara admitted, receiving a scathing look in response from Sasuke. "I just wanted to talk to him about Itachi's perfection complex, yeah. Don't look at me like that!"

"Must you be so hostile, Sasuke dear?" Mikoto asked, her voice a mix of disapproving and concerned.

"Yes I'm going to be hostile!" Sasuke snapped back, eyes narrowed in what Itachi realised with a start was distress, not anger. "You're not going to just erase what happened to us as kids like this! I'm not going to let that happen!"

"That isn't the intention-"

"Just get out would you?" Sasuke snapped irritably over his father, waving a hand at the door. "I told you, I have studying to get on with."

Fugaku attempted to argue but Mikoto put a hand on his arm and shook her head, indicating the door.

"We'll talk about this some more when you've had time to think," she suggested, giving Deidara a quick wave. "Nice to finally meet you, dear."

Itachi stood with every intention of leaving as requested as well, but Sasuke shot him a glare. In the distance, they heard the front door close with a sharp bang.

"I didn't mean you," he muttered. "Deidara, make yourself scarce for a minute."

There was no force in his tone but Deidara swiftly obeyed, letting himself out into the hallway and standing awkwardly with no idea where to go in the unfamiliar home. Shrugging, he settled against the wall, pulling his mobile phone from his pocket. Now was as good a time as any to become acquainted with the strange device he supposed.

Chapter End