Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Dead By Dawn ❯ Sacrifice ( Chapter 4 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Disclaimer: Nope, don't own Naruto.

Warning: blood and gore, violence, uchiha-cest... chapter contains references to sexual content.

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I will not shame myself in front of him again. I am not weak.

I met Kakashi's eyes. "Would if you could have Obito back."

Kakashi stared at me hard as surprise filled his eyes, caught off guard. "He's dead. You know that." His voice was bitter. The pain was evident.

"But would if you could have him back." I bet Itachi could bring him back too. With the rest of my clan.

Silence. "Where are you going with this Sasuke?" Pain and irritation now.

I swallowed slowly. I focused all my energy on keeping my breath steady as I spoke. "I could bring him back for you. All you have to do is leave me be. Look the other way just this once."

Kakashi stared down at me, gaze unmoving, as I waited for his answer.


Chapter 4- Sacrifice

"So is that it? Is that what Orochimaru offered you for your cooperation? What is he getting in return for bringing back your clan?"

I stared back at Kakashi desperately trying to hide my shock. He already has it half way figured out! He knows this is all for my clan... but he still doesn't know it is Itachi. I calmed down a bit with that knowledge.

I stood there, motionless, trying desperately to figure out my next move. My mind wandered back to Itachi, how desperate I felt when he just walked away. If Kakashi truly wants Obito like I wanted my family... then he will cave too.

I smirked confidently. "Fine then. Don't save him." I saw the pain flash through his eyes as I waved him off and turned to leave.

"Sasuke!"

I stopped in mid turn, my smirk growing more satisfied at the sound of my name. I had him. I turned to face him, only to have my head snap in the other direction as the sound of skin on skin filled the air. A sharp sting spiked through my cheek as it reddened quickly, a tingling pain dancing all over it. I brough my hand up slowly, as I shot Kakashi the most hated eyes I could form, the ones reserved for my brother.

"Kakashi! What are you doing! Why'd you hit Sasuke!" I could hear Naruto yell from the distance.

Kakashi ignored him, as he held me in his gaze, the look of pain and anger dancing in his dark and sharingan eyes, but most of all hurt.

"Congratulations, Sasuke." His voice was bitter. "You'll be sleeping at my house tonight. You're not leaving my eyes."

My five year old hand reached up for the front door knob, turning it in its slippery grasp. The door opened, letting the sound of rain fill the house momentarily, before it closed behind me. My wet feet splattered across the living room floor into the kitchen.

Itachi's back was to me, searching in the cabinet for something to eat. This was before Itachi was Anbu, but after he graduated from the academy. This was when Itachi was not always emotionless, when he still had moments of warmth in his eyes that he only showed to me. No one else knew those moments of warmth existed but me. It was before Itachi closed up to the world and became cold.

It was when Itachi was still human.

I stood in the center of the kitchen, holding my injured hand, sniffling spontaneously. The water splitter splattered in droplets on the hard floor from my soaked body. Itachi paused momentarily while reaching for the cup of ramen, ears perking to my cries, and slowly turned around. He held me in his gaze, facing me with his steady, never changing face. He looked at me with disregard in his eyes, like I was a foolish child.

"Otouto, you shouldn't play in the rain." His smooth voice filling the room.

I held out my injured hand to him, small rivelets of blood swirling in the water across my skin. I held my hand like it was fragile glass which could shatter at any moment. My small form shook violently from the cold, my large brown eyes growing even larger with tears sparkling through them.

"I- I was *sniffle* throwing my kunai *sniffle* and I *sniffle*," I paused as the tears began to stream down my cheeks, and I rubbed my small red nose streaking more blood across my face. "And I cut myself!" I whined holding my injured hand out to him again helplessly.

Itachi stared at me a moment longer, before he crossed the room to me. I reached out with my uninjured hand as well, and started making tiny grabbing motions towards him, and whimpered. Itachi reached down and lifted me up, and then set me down on the counter.

I pouted to him, sticking out my bottom lip unsatisfied with being given the counter instead of his arms. "Aniki, it hurts!" I whined again, sticking my injured hand out to him.

Itachi ignored me and pulled a hand towel from the draw, and began drying me off. I glared at him. He was ignoring me again! Itachi looked down at my scrunched up face, a flash of amusement in his blank eyes, before he covered my entire head with the towel and began rubbing it dry.

"Aniki! Stop! Please!" I gripped his large hands with my tiny fists as he continued roughing my head, and began to giggle uncontrollably.

Itachi removed the towel, another flash of amusement streaking through his eyes before it vanished. His face remained cold as stone, as he held me in disregard like the child I was. My hair was poking every which way and I was still giggling happily. I stared up at Itachi adoringly, large brown eyes glistening, before I jutted my bottom lip out once again and thrusted my injured hand infront of his face.

"Aniki, please." I begged him.

Itachi stared at my face for a moment, more notably, my bottom lip that was poking out, before his eyes drifted down to my injured hand. That blank unmoving expression holding my hand in his gaze, trapping it in the moment. A flash of hunger went through his eyes, before he cupped my small hand in his large ones, swallowing it whole.

"Would you like me to kiss it better otouto?" Itachi asked in his silky, even voice.

"Uh-huh." I nodded innocently.

Itachi bent down and took my index finger in his mouth. His tongue ran along my finger, swirling around it, as he sucked it roughly. He moved on to the middle finger, giving it the same treatment, running his tongue along the fingers underside down to the space inbetween the fingers.

I began to giggle again uncontrollable, the feeling of his mouth shooting a tingling sensation up my arm. "Itachi that tickles!" I laughed.

Itachi pulled away from my now clean hand, glistening with his saliva, and then he looked to my face. My giggles slowly faded as I looked up to him- smiling, adoration and innocence beaming from every corner of my face. His face remained cold as ice, as he scrutinized my features, bringing a hand up to my face as he ran his thumb through the blood on my nose down my cheek and streaked it across the blood on my lips.

He leaned forward, his cold eyes unmoving. I stared back into his powerful eyes, wonderment over the perfection of the clan's kekkei genkei in them. I gave him my trust unquestioningly allowing him to lean yet closer, knowing I could stare into those eyes for eternity and they would never harm me despite the ability to.

Itachi's breath blew over my face, tickling the fine hairs on my face. I giggled obliviously, as Itachi ran his tongue up the bridge of my nose, swirled it around the nub on my face, and then traced it out to my cheek where he lightly clasped his teeth down on my flesh which was scrunched up into a mound from smiling. He slowly drew his ivory white teeth through the blood staining them red, until his mouth was closed over my mound.

I giggled some more. "Itachi, I said that tickles! Stop!"

He finished licking my cheek clean and dropped a bit lower, as he ran his tongue across my blood stained lips, slowly tracing their form. My giggles stopped instantly, as I stared into his now darkened brown eyes questioningly. He took my bottom lip into his mouth and sucked on it hard, as he began massaging his lips against mine.

Then he pulled away, his face still close to mine. I gasped for air, drawing it in hungrily, as I stared up at my unphased brother. His face hung infront of mine, unaffected, as if nothing just happened.

"Mommy... said... only mommies... and daddies... kiss..." I panted out in deep breaths.

Brother remained silent as he traced my lips again with his thumb, his eyes contemplating my next move.

"It's our secret."

And my face beamed brightly at the knowledge.

Our secret. It made me even more special to him.

I stood in the guest room of Kakashi's house beside Naruto, Kakashi behind me. My face flushed at the memory. It had been so long ago, but it feels like just yesterday... but for now my mind moved on to more pressing matters: a king sized bed in the guest room. Only one bed.

"There's only one bed." I stated the obvious, expecting Kakashi to say 'there's another room.'

"Well, there's only one guest room, and you're not sleeping with me." Kakashi said sternly. Then he said lightly, casually, "I suppose you shouldn't be wandering the streets so late, now should you."

"Oh no! I am not sleeping with him!" Naruto yelled, pointing accusingly at me. "And why do I have to stay here anyways!"

Because I don't know what you have to do with this, Naruto. It's for your own good. "Because you were wandering the streets too." Kakashi said matter-of-factly.

I turned around and glared at him. "I'm sleeping on the couch."

"You're sleeping in here. Good night." Then Kakashi turned quickly before I could argue any further and closed the door.

Naruto growled as he stared menacingly at the bed. I let out a deep sigh as I flopped down on one side on my back and crossed my arms behind my head.

"Just stay on your side, dobe."

"Oh, yeah, like I really want to snuggle with you."

I watched Naruto as he flopped down on the other side and began staring at the ceiling as well, aggravated at the whole ordeal. My mind couldn't help but wander to earlier, as I slowly pushed myself up in bed and leaned against the head board.

"You said you loved me earlier." I said it almost accusingly.

Naruto looked at me funny, then down at the bedsheets, then back up at me.

"I don't think so, Sasuke. I meant it only as a brother... in a non gay way."

Now it was my turn to glare menacingly. "Shut up, you dobe! I'm not gay!"

"Hey, don't tell me to shut up! You're the one getting all touchy feely in the bed!"

"I was just repeating what you said earlier, idiot!"

"I didn't say that! I asked if you were in trouble!"

"Just go to sleep."

A wide grin stretched across his face. "Hey now there's an idea!" Naruto stretched long and hard as he yawned, then relaxed sinking deep into the bed. "I could use a good sleep."

I watched as Naruto closed his eyes and his breathing became even. Naruto, do you love someone? Are there people that you love?....

Why? Are you and Sakura in trouble?

His words echoed through my mind. Naruto loves me like a brother. And here I am trying to kill him behind his back. And everyone must know, Naruto has been far more of a brother to me than Itachi ever was. We even fight like brothers.

I closed my eyes hard, the pain becoming unbearable. This is too much. The guilt was becoming far too much to bare. And the weight of it all was crushing me. I came to face Naruto, to know whether or not I could do it, and the scales tipped even. But knowing Naruto's thoughts about me, how he feels,... adds a weight to the scale I'm not sure I could ignore.

And how long has it been since I heard those words... I love you... My mind stretched back to my parents, and I knew it was long before the massacre, long past since my first days at the academy. A sharp pain ripped through me as I realized, I couldn't even remember hearing them.

Itachi slid the soap over my skin leaving a slick trail, then cupped some water in his hand and dumped it over the soapy skin, rubbing it clean of any residue with a rag.

I looked at him a bit annoyed, "I'm big now, aniki! I'm six! I can bathe myself now!"

"Mother told me to bathe you." Itachi answered in his calm voice, brushing my words off quickly.

"Awww... but I'm big now." I moaned, pouting lightly.

"Stand up." Itachi ordered smoothly.

I stood up in the bath, water trailing down my skin. Itachi eyed my bottom part for a moment, the contemplation evident in his analytical eyes. I squirmed lightly under his gaze growing slightly uncomfortable. Then Itachi began to reach forward with soap and rag in hand.

Without warning before he made contact, I threw my arms around Itachi's neck and pulled him down towards the bath water. Itachi caught the side of the bath tub at the last moment, preventing his body from falling in the water. I squeezed tightly around Itachi's neck, a warm feeling growing in my chest, as I nuzzled the side of his face and kissed his ear.

"I love you aniki!" I squeeled squirming against his larger form.

Itachi gripped my shoulders and pulled me away from him. His face was void, no sign of warmth, and his brows lightly furrowed. I felt my chest tighten with the fear that I had upset him, and the tightness released as a flash of warmth sparked through his eyes, then disappeared as quickly as it had come.

"I know you do otouto."

To think that use to be enough.

I opened my eyes and looked to the clock. A half hour had passed. I looked from the clock to Naruto. His breathing was even as his chest slowly rose then fell, and his eyes close. I leaned over and pushed against his sleeping form. He stirred lightly and rolled over to his side.

Hmph. Hard sleeper. I felt the pain rip me as I gripped my chest tightly. The full realization was slowly hitting me, hard. Naruto trusts me like a brother, the way I trusted Itachi. And I am abusing Naruto's trust, the way Itachi abused mine when I was little. I closed my eyes lightly, wishing these memories had stayed buried. I thought over these new memories deeply. Did Itachi ever touch me?... No, he didn't. He only kissed me and bathed me, but he never molested me. The kisses were always so spontaneous, without warning, and ended as quickly as they began. A cold chill went down my spine as I shuddered. I bet that bastard enjoyed bathing me.

I slowly began to wonder if the bathing counted as that. Yes, he was just washing me. He only touched me with soap then water... but he enjoyed it. I shuddered again, a feeling of nausea coming over me.

Naruto stirred gain bringing me back to reality. I looked to him, mouth hanging wide open and hair disheveled as he was once gain on his back. If I was really a brother to him... I bet I didn't even need to trick him for him to cooperate. I bet he would just blindly follow me out into the forest... like I would have for Itachi as a child.

I looked back to the clock. It was now an hour since our arrival. I bet Kakashi is asleep now. We could easily walk out of here. I leaned over and lightly shook Naruto. Nothing. I shook him a bit harder. He lightly stirred and again rolled over on his side putting his back to me.

I gave him an irritated look. Great, I'm going to have to carry him out here... that sedative must be kicking in. Perfect timing. I rolled my eyes. I better make sure Kakashi is really asleep then. How much more suspicious could I get if I carry Naruto sleeping out the door.
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Kakashi sat in the chair in the kitchen, arms folded under his chin leaning slightly over the table. This just doesn't fit. Why would Orochimaru offer to bring back Sasuke's family. That has to be what was offered to him. That look on his face, yes that was definitely it. But why? If Orochimaru wants to get him out of Konoha, then why give him a reason to stay... And how does Naruto tie into all this? Perhaps, Naruto has nothing to do with this. Maybe he really was just walking with Sasuke... I'm missing something...

Kakashi's head perked up, as his eyes turned to the kitchen door. "Sasuke, go back to bed."

Kakashi could feel the tension in the living room, and then a small shadow appeared in the door way as I moved partially into the kitchen. Kakashi looked me over once. "Have a seat." He motioned for the chair next to him.

I looked at it warily, wondering briefly why I didn't just go back to bed like he first said, but it was bugging me. So I sat down in the chair.

Kakashi took a deep breath, and looked to me in frustration. "Sasuke-"

"Just mind your own business Kakashi." I spat out, annoyed.

"This is my house, Sasuke. You'd do good to mind your manners." Kakashi growled in a deep voice. I could see his hands tensing up.

"And this is my life." I spat back. Then paused before adding, "You had your chance, and you refused my offer."

"Is that what this is about? You're throwing a tantrum because I wouldn't play a part in your little game."

"Don't talk to me like I'm some kid." The frustration racked my nerves as I clawed my nails down the table into a fist.

"Maybe you shouldn't act like a kid then." Kakashi answered coolly. "You have so little respect for the dead you're willing to toy with their lives."

I gritted my teeth, as the accusation tightened my chest. It's not like that, he just doesn't understand, I'm doing this for them, so that they can live happily again.

"And you care so little about Obito you're not even willing to sacrifice the smallest part of yourself to save him."

A bang echoed through the kitchen making me jump, followed by the screeching of chair legs across the floor. I watched as Kakashi trembled lightly, hands pressed hard against the table top. Slowly, his gaze shifted upwards to my eyes piercing through them. My body froze in its place as I waited, every muscle tense, for his move.

"Don't you ever say his name again." Kakashi growled.

I stared back into his fierce eyes, burning darkly with fire. I slowly nodded my head, sweat trickling down my face. Kakashi lifted his hands and moved them towards me. I shut my eyes quickly and tensed my muscles, waiting for the force of the blow, but it never came. I felt his hot hands cover my balled fists on the table, and carefully flatten them. I opened my eyes again, and this time I met pained eyes, sorrowful ones.

"You are so diluted. You really think you are saving your clan, that you are protecting their happiness." Kakashi's voice was bitter with age.

"How can they be happy when they're dead." I challenged him, my voice equally bitter.

Kakashi only ignored my statement. "When you realize this, you won't be a kid anymore: You are only doing this for yourself."

My eyes widened as the truth burned from his into mine, cutting a deep knife into my soul. NO! He is wrong... I'm doing this for them. So they can live a full life, so we can be happy again. A family, together. Family always sticks together.

I shook my head in refusal of the truth. I felt his grip on my hands loosen as he exhaled, falling back into his chair.

"Go back to bed Sasuke." Kakashi muttered in exhaustion. "And don't bother trying to sneak out again. I don't plan on sleeping tonight."

I sat in my chair, frozen from the truth. I couldn't bring myself to move. Because it wasn't true. Kakashi just didn't love Obito the way I love my family, because they weren't family. That's why he wouldn't do this for Obito, and his refusal bugged me to no end. Because he claimed Obito was like family, and family is everything.

"Well." Kakashi's irritated voice filled the room, demanding.

"Don't you want to be with him again." My voice shook with the notion. "I thought you were like brothers."

Kakashi sighed. "Sasuke, I would gladly sacrifice myself for Obito, but it wouldn't be my sacrifice. It would be his and the villages. I would never disrespect Obito."

I furrowed my brows. "What are you talking about?"

"If you don't understand Sasuke, then there is nothing I could say to make you."

With that I glared at my sensei, violently pushed the chair back and left. Kakashi watched my retreating form. Whatever Orochimaru has planned, he has definitely gotten under Sasuke's skin.

I entered the room and flopped down on the bed once again. I looked to Naruto. He didn't even stir this time. Great, it really is the sedative taking effect. If I ever did get past Kakashi, I really would have to carry him. And to think I could have just walked him there with his blind trust. I yawned and stretched as I looked at the clock. One thirty in the morning. Dawn was just hours away.

My mind ran in a tired manner, swirling over Kakashi's words. You're doing this for yourself. I closed my eyes, the hurt wrecking my body. It's for my family. He just doesn't understand. I repeated it in my mind, trying desperately to convince myself, arguing mentally with Kakashi's words. The weight on my eyelids grew heavier, as my body seemed to sink into the bed, and a sense of falling came over me as sleep pulled me under.

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Kakashi looked at the clock. "Dawn is almost here." He muttered, as he stretched his tired arms above his head. "It's four thirty."

Kakashi closed his tired eyes. The weight was almost unbearable from the heavy eyelids, and the lack of sleep had given him a throbbing headache.

"Sleeping on the job." A familiar smooth voice entered the room.

Kakashi's eyelids sprang open. Itachi was sitting calmly in the chair Sasuke had occupied moments earlier, hands folded politely in his lap. His back was erect in a proud manner, chin tilted slightly up allowing him to gaze downward slightly at Kakashi.

Kakashi's eyes narrowed, as he shook off the unexpected visit regaining his composure. What's he doing here?... and I didn't even here him come in. The lack of sleep must be dulling my senses.

"What are you doing in my house." Kakashi demanded harshly as he rose briskly from his seat.

Itachi remained sitting, his eyes following Kakashi's to his upward position. Itachi calmly uncrossed his legs, as he moved his elbow purposely onto the table, index and thumb fingering each other in an offhanded motion. He watched Kakashi, eyes unmoved by his passion. He tilted his head slightly, analyzing this new inconvenience.

"I said what are you doing here." Kakashi demanded again.

"What are you doing with my brother." Itachi stated calmly, cold blood eyes staring back icily.

"Sasuke?... What does he-" Kakashi's face filled with shock, as it came crashing down to him. "You... you're the one manipulation Sasuke to get Naruto." It all fits perfectly now.

Itachi remained silent, watching with intent as the shock fully filled Kakashi's features drinking it all in. A sense of danger played into his iced, bloodied eyes, sending the sharingan to a deeper crimson red as his prey slowly realized his standing.

"You're in my way." Itachi's voice flowed out evenly, void of emotion.