One Eye Between Them

If you think it’s all butterflies and rainbows, let me warn you that Itachi’s still not 100%; there are still some dark times in store. And Akatsuki . . . well . . .

Beta'ed by PhoenixInnocence
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Itachi was looking up at brown eyes and red hair. He was fearful, but he didn’t try to move away. He could feel the heat of the larger, more muscular body above him. Itachi flinched when Yahiko’s hot hand touched the side of his chest. He was frightened of this man, but his body responded to his touch.

Yahiko eased down onto his elbow so he could smooth Itachi’s hair with his other hand.

“I love your hair,” Yahiko breathed. He licked Itachi’s lips.

Fear fed his arousal. He knew he should hate and fear Yahiko, but he trusted him and desired him, desired his touch. He hated himself. But if he wasn’t ever going home, maybe he should try to be happy with his captor. His body did feel good and he normally treated him well. The sex and affection Yahiko showed him was better than Naruto, but he wanted to go home to his parents and little brother.

“I never want to let you go.”

Itachi was in such pain. He felt this man really loved him, but he wanted to go home. If only he could have met Yahiko elsewhere under different circumstances. He could love him. Could.

Itachi raised a hand and put it on Yahiko’s chest. He gasped when Yahiko reached between them and thrust two fingers inside him. Yahiko held Itachi’s gaze as he fingered him. It felt good, but it also felt violating. It felt good, but he didn’t want it.

Itachi tensed and made a halfhearted attempt to push Yahiko off. Yahiko pinned Itachi’s shoulders down and forced his hips between Itachi’s tense thighs. Itachi seized up when he was penetrated. But then he relaxed; he gave into him.

Seeing Itachi give up, Yahiko took his hands from Itachi’s shoulders and slid them down Itachi’s body to pull Itachi’s thighs up to give him better access. Yahiko’s cock thrust leisurely into his body. Itachi lay there, taking it. And hating himself for enjoying it.

Yahiko slid his hands up again to Itachi’s nipples to pinch them and give them a little pull. Itachi whined, losing himself to pleasure.

Hot hands on his ribs and in his hair made him open his eyes and see Yahiko coming closer for a kiss. His lips felt good as did his tongue forcing its way into his mouth. Itachi moaned and squirmed. He loved it, but he wanted Yahiko to stop.

“Cum, Itachi,” Yahiko growled. “Cum like the slut you are.”

Itachi shook his head, but he was close.

“What a sick little whore you are. Whore since twelve. Admit it and cum.”

“No.”

But there was nothing that could stop his orgasm.

-----

Itachi woke up in total darkness. He sat up in bed.

“Yahiko?”

He put a hand out and touched his books and remembered. “Kakashi?”

No one answered. He pulled himself back into the corner. He never used to be afraid of being alone. He started to cry out of frustration. He groped for his phone rather than for the bell rope. He felt for the mark for Kakashi’s number without really thinking.

‘Itachi? What’s wrong?’ There was a trace of sleepiness in his voice that made Itachi feel guilty.

“I . . . ah . . . um . . . just needed to hear your voice. I’m sorry. What time is it?”

‘Almost 2:30.’

“Oh, god, I’m sorry.”

‘Don’t worry about it. Want me to come over?’

“Um . . . yes.”

‘I’ll be there soon.’

“Thanks.”

Itachi ended the call and sat there, uncomfortable. That nightmare was a disturbing combination of memory and his own guilt and insecurities. Yahiko never called him a slut; he didn’t know about Shisui or any of his lovers. That was his own mind chiding him. He wasn’t entirely sure if Naruto had tossed him aside because he was blind or because he’d been gang raped. He wanted to be pure for Kakashi. He’d only had one lover before and Itachi had . . . around a dozen? Not including rapists. He felt dirty and like a slut. He’d lied to Kakashi about only having half a dozen lovers and that ate at him too. This kind of thing hadn’t mattered to him before he was raped or before he met Kakashi.

After a few minutes, he got up and put on the robe he kept at the foot of his bed. He felt his way uncertainly down the stairs, still rattled by his nightmare. He made it to the front door where he unlocked and opened it and waited for Kakashi to arrive. He should have felt exposed and vulnerable standing in the open doorway, but he felt oddly safe even though he hadn’t felt safe in his bed. Itachi crouched after a while. He was pretty sure his father’s security was watching him. That was probably why he felt safe while no one could see in his room—he assumed.

Finally, he heard the underwhelming sound of an old Kia engine. The Bentley hadn’t been transferred to Kakashi’s name yet so he was afraid to drive it without Itachi with him.

Kakashi crouched in front of him. “Itachi, you okay?”

“I’m so sorry I called you. I should have yelled for Sasuke or rung the bell. I’m sorry to call you across town. You work. I’m sorry.”

“You don’t think other lovers call in the middle of the night? I don’t mind at all. Come on inside.”

Itachi shook his head. “Can we sit out here for a few minutes?”

“Sure. Warm enough?”

“Yeah.”

Kakashi sat down next to him and put an arm over his shoulders.

“I used to love looking up at the stars,” Itachi said. “Loved looking up at the moon. Just simple things you miss.”

Kakashi moved his hand from his shoulder to Itachi’s hair and leaned his head against his. “We all take such things for granted.”

“You spoke to Naruto, didn’t you?”

“I did, briefly.”

“Did he say why he left me?”

“He didn’t want the burden of a blind boyfriend.”

Oddly, that seemed to calm him. “It wasn’t because I was raped?”

“I don’t think so. Your blindness was the only thing we talked about. Regarding you, that is. He asked about Sasuke and Hinata. Is Naruto why you called?”

Itachi shook his head. “I had another dream about Yahiko and I woke up alone. I called out and there was no one in the room. I didn’t think, I just called you.”

“I’m glad. I’m glad your first instinct is to call me. I should move in. My lease is up soon.”

“Break the lease. Father will pay any penalty.”

“I thought I’d wait until after Hinata settled in. Too much upheaval for everyone if you have two new residents moving in at once. I’ve already put in for change of address at work and the pension office. I’ll be moving in by the end of the summer. You’ll be getting my mail soon.”

“Good. I don’t want to sleep alone anymore. And I promise not to read your mail.”

“At least I don’t have to worry about you spying on me.”

“I can’t make any guarantee about anyone else in this house though.”

Kakashi chuckled; Sasuke already had tried to spy on him, though not very well. “You can come sleep at my place sometimes if you’re comfortable with that.”

“Yeah. I have to feel my way around more, but I’m comfortable anywhere with you.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“But then you have bring me home. It’s out of your way, isn’t it?”

“You worry too much.” He turned toward Itachi more and rested his head more comfortably against Itachi’s. He was tired what with the early morning phone call. Though the chill night air was bracing, being next to the warm body of his boyfriend was making him drowsy.

Itachi took his free hand and pulled Kakashi closer into a more comfortable position and let Kakashi doze against him. He thought he heard a creak behind him through the open door, but there was a wind and Kakashi was breathing near his ear. Probably the wind moving a door.

A few minutes of enjoying the wind, Itachi shrugged. “Let’s get you to bed.”

“Yes, sir,” Kakashi mumbled. Kakashi stood and Itachi offered his arm for Kakashi to help him up and Kakashi helped him up the stairs. Itachi let the robe fall from his shoulders when they were safe in his room, stripped down to just his black boxers. Kakashi stripped down as well and joined Itachi in bed.

“Is there anything else wrong?” Kakashi asked again once Itachi was securely in his arms.

“No, nothing.”

Kakashi knew he was lying, but let it go for now. If Itachi didn’t want to talk, he wouldn’t force him. “Go back to sleep.” Kakashi smoothed Itachi’s hair.

Itachi moaned, almost purred. “I like that.”

Kakashi continued to pet him until Itachi snored softly. He dropped off soon after with his face in the long, silky, black hair.

-----

Kakashi woke Itachi as he left so he wouldn’t wake up alone and panic again. Itachi mumbled at him and nuzzled back into the warm sheets.

Itachi woke up again at a knock at the door about three hours later. Mikoto peeked in cautiously to make sure her son was alone.

“Breakfast,” she announced.

“Diet,” Itachi said and dove back into the sheets.

Mikoto ignored him and started picking out his clothes.

She’d left the door slightly ajar so Sasuke just knocked lightly before barging in. He sat on his brother’s bed.

“You shouldn’t be able to sleep in everyday while I have to go to work.”

Itachi growled.

“Come on, you’re getting laid, I’m not. Get up.”

Itachi turned and sat up. His hair hung all around his head in a savage way. His eyes were shut as always, but still hostile. He was beautiful. Even his straight brother had to take a moment to admire Itachi’s bare chest. He hadn’t worked out much since he came home, so his muscular body was losing its definition, but he was still sexy.

Sasuke moved closer to hug his brother. “I love you, ‘Tachi. Get up.”

“Why? To do what?” he whined.

Itachi couldn’t see the pained looked on Sasuke’s face. Mikoto was getting used to the refrain; she woke and dressed her son most mornings. Sasuke moved to sit closer to Itachi and put his arm around him. “If I could give you one of my eyes, I would in a heartbeat. Tell me anything you want me to do for you, and I’ll do it.”

Itachi sighed. “I don’t know. I just don’t know what I’m supposed to do.”

Sasuke rubbed his arm and kissed his forehead. “Maybe I’ll get you those seminars on tape or something. Work out; I’m sure Inoichi will keep an eye on you and help you. Got to stay hot for that soldier of yours.”

“Come on,” Mikoto said, “get dressed. Sasuke, shoo.”

Sasuke went down stairs and Itachi got out of bed and let his mother help him dress—mainly just making sure nothing was back to front—then he followed her down, running his hand along walls and keeping his hold firm on the banister.

“I think he’s right, baby, you can get on the treadmill and listen to audio books or music. It’ll wear you out. Just don’t do it alone.”

“Hai.”

When they both reached the bottom of the stairs, she stopped him and kissed him chastely on the lips. “We’ll think of something. Anything you want to try to do, tell us.”

“I will.” This was the thousandth time they had this little conversation; always the same.

She walked ahead of him, letting Itachi find his own way, knowing he was quite capable of it and it boosted his confidence to be able to do even small things like this on his own. As much as she wanted to hold him and do everything for him, she knew she had to let her little boy do things on his own.

Of course, Sasuke was standing off to the side watching his brother, making sure he didn’t bump into anything. Mikoto wondered which of her sons needed more comfort: her blind elder son, or the younger son who was an emotional mess seeing his strong, perfect older brother struggling?

She was glad Fugaku had given Sasuke such a high position in the company and Sasuke had a girl; it kept his mind off Itachi somewhat.

Sasuke snuck in around Itachi and headed for the kitchen. Itachi sat in his seat and carefully put out a hand to find his glass of juice.

“Who the fuck took my Monster?!” Sasuke roared from the kitchen.

Itachi smiled behind the glass, knowing it was likely Kakashi.

-----

Kakashi was elbows deep in a Jeep engine when a feeling of unease came over him. He straightened and turned, ready to defend himself. But it was Gai.

“Fuck,” Kakashi whispered as Gai approached him.

“Kakashi, no more avoiding us!”

“Oh, god,” he muttered.

“You are coming out with us tonight!”

“Can’t. Having dinner with the family.”

“You don’t have any family.”

“My boyfriend’s family. And that was a little insulting. Anyway, I’m at work, Gai.”

“Friday then! Bring your girl with you!”

“He’s a guy. Maybe.”

“No! You will be there! We must enjoy our Springtime of Youth!”

“Fine.”

“Bring him with you. We barely talked to him last time.”

“If he’s up to it.”

“He’s not going to stop you from coming with us in May, right? We set the date and made all the arrangements.”

“No, I’m definitely coming.”

“Good! It’s hard as fuck to get a tank to the desert. See you Friday. No excuses! And bring food of some sort.”

“I’ll bring pizza. Now, let me get back to work.”

“Friday!”

“Yeah, yeah.”

-----

Kakashi was back that evening for dinner. Itachi was still upstairs when he arrived.

“Kakashi,” Fugaku called from the living room. “Join us. Itachi will be down shortly.”

Kakashi took a seat on the sofa, anticipating Itachi joining him while they wait for dinner to be served. Fugaku was in his armchair and Sasuke was pouting in the loveseat.

“Okay at work today?” Fugaku asked. “Not too tired?”

Kakashi chuckled. “I was fine.”

“Have a little ‘pick me up?’” Sasuke asked, sorely.

“Energy drink.”

“That was mine,” Sasuke growled.

“Who only keeps one can at the ready?”

“It was my last one.”

Fugaku cleared his throat. “Why don’t you move in now? Then you wouldn’t have to drive here every time Itachi has a nightmare.”

“Just assure me you don’t have a camera in his room.”

“We don’t, but I heard him cry out. I saw you two on the front step.”

“My lease is up in the summer, I’ll move in then. Let the newlyweds get first dibs—if you are staying here—and then Itachi and I will settle into a larger room.” And a larger bed, Kakashi thought, but wasn’t stupid enough to say it out loud. Everyone knew he was fucking Itachi, but one still didn’t say it in front of his family.

Sasuke sucked his teeth. “Well, the Bentley’s registration is at his old place, so let him stay there a while. I’m still not happy about all this. I made out a bill of sale for the car to make it all easier.”

“What did I pay for it?”

“Your soul.”

“I’m sort of starting to like you, brat.”

“If you run off with that car, I will hunt you down and repaint it with your blood.”

Fugaku smiled. He liked to see the two of them getting along. Sniping, but getting along. It reminded him of Sasuke and Itachi a few months ago.

“Understood. But trust me, there’s nothing I would rather steal than your brother. But it is a sweet ride.”

Sasuke growled.

“Most adults drink coffee; not enough for you?” Kakashi asked, changing the subject back to what was apparently angering the youngest Uchiha.

“I was down the hall,” Sasuke got to the real issue that was bothering him.

Kakashi took a deep breath and sat back. “Listen, he feels like he’s burdened you enough. He felt bad about calling me, but he’s been especially worried about how much he’s burdened you, Sasuke.”

“Coffee gives me the runs.”

Kakashi laughed.

A slight creak of the banister alerted Kakashi to Itachi coming down the stairs behind him. He half turned to watch him. He wondered if Itachi could feel three sets of eyes watching him, ready to jump up and help him if he should need it.

“Join me on the sofa?” Kakashi asked to let Itachi know he was there and where.

Itachi walked with confidence into the living room. Itachi held out a hand and Kakashi grabbed it to guide him to where he sat. Itachi sat right next to him and nuzzled in.

“Your father and brother are right there,” Kakashi whispered.

“I’m not doing anything untoward.”

Fugaku chuckled.

Mikoto came in looking for everyone. “I thought you’d be in the study.” She sat next to her youngest on the loveseat and rubbed his back in a motherly affectionate gesture.

“More comfortable out here,” Fugaku said. Despite his son being mangled, this felt like the most comfortable family tableau he could recall after Itachi’s sixth birthday. He even had a third son. He felt relaxed and at ease. Itachi was healing and Sasuke was also relaxing. He could forgive the fact Kakashi was . . . with his eldest son just for the fact his family seemed to be more whole than before he entered into it.

“Since we’ll all together,” Kakashi said, “I want to let you all know that I’m going on a trip right after the semester’s over. I would invite you,” he said to Itachi, “but it’s with my army buddies and, trust me, you don’t want to come with us. Two dozen ex-soldiers in the desert with Jeeps, guns, and booze. Not your crowd.”

“Is that legal?” Sasuke asked.

“Probably not. Depending on the armaments the guys get their hands on, I might not get bail. I’ll let you know. There was mention of a tank. I’ll be gone for about two weeks.”

“Or five to ten,” Sasuke said.

“More fun than Vegas. It’s just a bunch of friends shooting targets and reliving the best parts of our time overseas.”

“Yeah, I’ll stay home,” Itachi said. He laughed.

“Those same friends are insisting I join them for poker Friday night. Would you like to join me?” he asked Itachi. “They want to get to know you and it might be nice just to get out. Maybe you could even play; I’ll whisper your cards to you.”

“Yeah, I might like to try that. They won’t mind will they?”

“Actually, Gai insisted I bring you.”

“Well, I actually meant if they mind that I’m a guy. They’re all military, right? Isn’t there an anti-gay feeling in the military?”

“Not a problem with this bunch. Two of them are a couple and they all know I was dating a guy before. Those that met you briefly that one evening had no problem with you. They want to get to know you. They’re an eccentric bunch, but good guys.”

“How eccentric?” Sasuke asked.

Both Kakashi and Itachi sighed at the same time.

“Fine, I’ll shut up.”

“There’s only one of them I couldn’t kill at a whim and that one is straight and a very good friend. Anyway, we’re pack animals. That is, pack hunters. Like wolves. We protect each other. Once you’re accepted into the pack, you are protected by the whole pack. They already approve of Itachi.”

“When is your semester over?” Fugaku asked.

“Mid-May. We’re leaving on May 20th and we’ll be back on June 4th.”

“Good, you won’t miss Itachi’s birthday.”

Sasuke looked smug. “Didn’t know when it was, did you?”

“June 9th, brat. I told the guys I had to be back before the 9th.”

Sasuke sulked and Mikoto comforted her baby in his defeat.

“When’s the wedding?” Kakashi asked.

Sasuke blushed. “End of June.”

“We’ll have four birthdays and his anniversary all within three months,” Mikoto said. It appeared she’d had a hand in arranging the date with that in mind.

“So all your birthdays are in the summer?” Kakashi asked.

“Mine is on June 1st and Fugaku’s is August 16th,” Mikoto said. “Sasuke’s is on July 23rd. When is yours?”

“September 15th.” One didn’t have to look at Mikoto to know she was already planning something for his birthday.

-----

Aoba always hosted poker at his house. Kakashi drove the Bentley, having finally received the registration in his name. The red luxury car looked out of place among the Jeeps and more affordable cars on the street.

The door was unlocked and Kakashi just walked in; Itachi holding one arm, four pizzas balanced on his other upturned hand. The nine men already there had started playing, but stopped to yell their welcome to their truant friend, but none left their cards. Kakashi escorted Itachi into the large dining room. Aoba jumped up to relieve Kakashi of the food, but was right back down to his cards once he set them down. Kakashi and Itachi stood by until the hand ended then Raido moved his chips over one to make room for the couple.

“This is my boyfriend, Itachi Uchiha,” Kakashi introduced. “Introduce yourselves since he’ll know you by your voices.”

“Aoba Yamashiro,” their host introduced. He wore his large sunglasses even in doors and at night. He was susceptible to migraines caused by light which was why, while in the service, he was always on night patrols.

“Hayate Gekko,” the sickly looking man said with a cough.

“Tenzou Yamato,” said his doe eyed boyfriend.

“Genma Shiranui,” he said around his ever-present toothpick.

“Mai Gai!” the exuberant beast of the group announced.

“Kotetsu Hagane,” said the man with a breathe strip over his nose to help him breath.

“Izumo Kamizuki,” said a tired looking man with his hair hanging over his right eye.

“Raido Namiashi,” said the man with a large scar over his cheek and nose.

“Ibiki Morino.” This heavily scared man had the deepest voice of the group, the most commanding too.

Kakashi helped Itachi into a seat.

“Something to drink?” Kakashi asked him.

“Coke?”

Kakashi squeezed his shoulder. “Be nice,” he warned his friends.

“I’ll try,” Itachi said in jest.

“You know how to play Texas Hold ‘em?” Aoba asked.

“Kakashi instructed me.”

“You get two cards and we have a round of betting. We have a ‘blind’, the person to the left of the dealer has to bet ten cents, one chip (we only have one value chips). To raise at anytime in the hand, you have to at least double the original bet. After the first round of betting, the dealer sets a card aside face down, that’s the ‘burn’, and then he deals three cards face up, that’s the ‘flop’. We have a round of betting, you don’t have to bet, everyone can ‘check’ and there’s no bet, but if someone bets, you have to ‘call’ and meet the bet, raise, or fold. Then there’s another burn and we have the ‘turn’, one card up. A round of betting, then one more burn, and then one more face up card called the ‘river’. A round of betting and then we show cards. The best hand of five cards in the five cards on the table and the two cards in your hand.”

“Got it.”

“High card is the lowest winning hand. Then one pair, two pair, three of a kind, a straight, flush, full house, four of a kind, and a straight flush. The best straight flush is the royal flush.”

“That’s going to be the hard part to remember,” Itachi said with a smirk.

“We didn’t just let a shark into our midst, did we?” Ibiki asked the table with humor.

“I really haven’t played before. I just have Kakashi’s coaching and . . . Aoba?”

“Yep,” Aoba assured Itachi he identified him correctly.

“And Aoba’s explanation.”

Kakashi sat down next to Itachi with a plate full of sweets for Itachi and a plate of pizza for himself. There were smaller tables behind them for their plates, cups inlaid in the table for their drinks.

They all agreed that when it was time for Itachi to deal, Kakashi would play instead of Itachi and deal. Otherwise, they played every other hand.

The first hand was typical of the night. Kakashi whispered Itachi’s cards into his ear. “Jack of diamonds and ace of hearts.”

They all called the blind, all throwing in only one chip. The flop was jack of spades, two of hearts, and five of clubs. Hayate bet five chips, equal to fifty cents. Tenzou considered and folded. Itachi called, Genma called, Raido called, Gai called, Izumo folded, Kotetsu called, and Ibiki called.

Ibiki was dealer and announced the turn. “Three of spades.”

Hayate bet another five. Itachi doubled it. Genma took longer to think and folded. Raido folded, Gai called, Kotetsu and Ibiki folded, and Hayate called.

Ibiki announced the last card, the river. “Ten of diamonds.”

Hayate bet ten. Itachi called. Gai folded.

“Hayate was the aggressor, you show first.”

Hayate turned over his cards.

“Jack of hearts and a king of spades,” Ibiki announced. “That’s a pair of jacks with a king kicker.”

Itachi nodded to Kakashi to turn over his cards.

“Jack of diamonds and ace of hearts. That’s a pair of jacks with an ace kicker.”

“Ahhhh! So close!” Hayate cried.

Two dollars and ten cents to the victory. Twenty-one chips. It was a good haul for a five dollar by in.

They chatted and Itachi mostly listened, but they did make an effort to involve Itachi. Being blind, they all forgave the fact Kakashi practically fed Itachi sweet after sweet as their one eyed friend fed on pizza.

Kakashi was paying when three aces were dealt on the flop.

“Interesting,” Genma said. “’Almost as interesting as the photographs I saw today.’”

“’I was young! I needed the work!’” Hayate yelled, the two quoting from Naked Gun.

“God, I love that movie!” Kotetsu proclaimed.

Then they all realized they were talking about a movie around a blind man. But Itachi also laughed and also quoted the movie.

“’Jane, since I've met you, I've noticed things that I never knew were there before... birds singing, dew glistening on a newly formed leaf, stoplights.’”

They all laughed, more comfortable talking about films with Itachi there. Itachi turned out to be quite well versed in movies; they’d forgotten he was only blinded a few months ago.

Itachi was drinking hard cider and coke and eventually had to visit the restroom. Kakashi went with him to escort him and help out.

“God, he’s whipped,” Genma laughed.

“I’m so happy for him,” Hayate said. “Itachi seems sweet.”

“I was worried he wouldn’t have a sense of humor,” Genma said.

“He deserves someone like him,” Izumo said.

“We all approve of him then?” Ibiki asked the table.

“Yep.”

“Good. He’s under our protection.”

“It’s so good to see the spirit of chivalry alive and well,” Gai said solemnly, almost in tears.

“I really feel for him,” Aoba said. “He’s cute and blind. He’s got his own protection detail now.”

The pair returned and they continued the game.

Finally, the apex of the night.

Kakashi whispered to Itachi. “Pair of Queens, hearts and spades.”

“Five,” Genma said.

“Fold,” Raido said.

“Fold,” Gai said.

“Call,” Izumo said.

“Fold,” Kotetsu said.

“Fold,” Ibiki said.

“Call,” Hayate said.

“Fold,” Tenzou said.

Itachi hesitated. “All in.”

“That’s . . . forty-three,” Kakashi said.

“Call,” Genma said.

“Call,” Izumo said.

“Fold,” Hayate said.

Raido stood and counted Genma and Izumo’s stacks. “Okay, Genma has forty-one and Izumo has thirty-eight. That puts the two of you all in. Just hold on to your chips and we’ll figure it out afterward.”

Kakashi took two chips from Itachi’s stack and put it aside.

“Want to show?” Raido asked.

Itachi nodded and Kakashi flipped his cards to show the pair of queens.

“Shit,” Genma hissed. He turned over a pair of sevens.

Izumo silently flipped over a pair of nines.

“Fuck,” Genma cursed.

Itachi had the winning hand so far, but anyone who has ever played Texas Hold ’em knows that a pocket pair means nothing pre-flop.

Tenzou put the burn card face down then dealt the flop. “Queen—”

“Son of a bitch!” Genma said.

“—of diamonds, three of clubs, ace of hearts,” Tenzou finished. He burned a card, then showed the turn. “Jack of hearts.” Another burn and everyone held their breath even though there was no way anyone but Itachi could win. “Queen of clubs.”

“Fuck!”

They all started laughing, except for Genma. Gai clapped his hands.

“Holy shit,” Raido said.

Kakashi hugged his boyfriend.

“Four of a fucking kind,” Hayate sighed.

“Fuckin’ A,” Kotetsu sighed as well.

Raido and Kakashi started counting Itachi’s new chips and Gai brought over the bank to start cashing everyone out.

“That was fucking amazing,” Tenzou said.

“That was probably the best ending to a night I’ve ever seen,” Izumo said. “We’ve had excellent hands before, but never one that ended the night so spectacularly.”

“I’m sorry it ended it,” Itachi said.

“It’s after two; a good time to end.”

“True.”

“If you think two a.m. is late, Izumo, then Kotetsu must be disappointing you,” Genma said.

“I know that I’ve had quite a few late nights recently,” Itachi said.

Kakashi choked back a laugh. It was partially because he liked the bold innuendo, but a small part of it was that sex wasn’t the only thing keeping Itachi awake at night; that provided the grimace part of his smile. He placed the twelve dollars of Itachi’s winnings in front of him; the extra twenty cents went to the house.

Kakashi collected his own three dollars. Itachi was ahead seven dollars and Kakashi was down seven.

“Let’s move to the living room,” Raido said.

Kakashi helped Itachi up, pocketing both winnings. He sat with Itachi on one end of the sofa and Tenzou and Hayate took the other end. They talked for another hour then they all decided it was late enough. Itachi almost slipped off, but only Kakashi could really tell.

As they were getting ready to leave, Kakashi was waylaid by Gai, leaving Itachi against the wall for a moment. Hayate came over and leaned in to say to Itachi. “I want to let you know since you can’t see our expressions or body language; we all like you.”

“Thank you.”

“Kakashi’s lucky. You are too. You couldn’t ask for a more loyal man. And, we all will be there for you if you need us. Goodnight.”

“Thank you. Goodnight.”

Kakashi returned. “Sorry about that; Gai is constantly pulling me aside.”

“It’s alright.”

“You have good friends,” Itachi said once they were in the car.

“Crazy, but yes.”

“I bet my brother is waiting up.”

“Want to leave him hanging?”

“No, I should go home and sleep. I had fun. Thank you.”

“I’m glad.”

They pulled up to the Uchiha estate. Kakashi walked Itachi inside and was surprised not to see Sasuke. There was a light on in the living room and there Kakashi found Sasuke asleep on the sofa with his mouth open.

“Sasuke’s asleep on the sofa,” Kakashi whispered to Itachi. “Should I wake him?”

“Naw, let him sleep. I can manage now. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” Kakashi gave him a kiss. “Oh, your winnings.”

“Keep it.”

“Alright. I’ll keep it for your buy in next month.”

“Yeah.”

Kakashi was hesitant to leave Itachi in the middle of the hall, but he left. Itachi put out a hand to find the staircase and went up, hearing the engine of his Bentley start up. He shut and locked his door. He didn’t undress, just curled up and cried.

Being around Kakashi’s friends put his own life in stark contrast. He didn’t have any friends. He never had any friends. Just his little brother and Shisui. It suddenly made sense to him: he had tried to buy love and friendship with sex, that’s why he slept around. He was too young to understand that back then. He was too stupid and arrogant to foster any real friendships. Which was why he only has his family around him now. And Kakashi.

Hayate was right, he was lucky. If not for that fateful meeting, he’d be alone. Sasuke had his own life to live and his parents couldn’t stay with him all the time. He really was lucky to have Kakashi. He was tempted to just shut himself away just to prevent any more uncertainty or heartbreak. He knew Kakashi and his brother wouldn’t allow that, but he let himself indulge in self-pity for a little while.

-----

Itachi woke up to knocking on his door.

“Itachi?” It was his mother.

“I’m coming.” He carefully got out of bed and felt for the door and unlocked it. Inoichi had a key, but he didn’t want his mother to have to call for him.

“Kakashi’s not here, is he?” Mikoto asked when he opened the door.

“No. I just wanted to be alone.”

“Are you okay?”

“I just felt depressed. I never had friends like Kakashi has and it just made me depressed.”

She rolled her eyes and scoffed. “You just look for reasons to be depressed. Be happy you have a family that loves you and a fantastic boyfriend.”

“I think I have a right to be depressed, mother.”

“No, you really don’t. You’re from a family of wealth and you’re loved. Did you have fun last night?”

Itachi huffed. “Yeah.”

“You slept in your clothes?”

“Yeah.”

She scoffed again. “How old are you?”

“That’s a good question.”

“Just come down like that for breakfast. You can change afterward.”

“Why?”

She’d had it. She slapped him. “Uchiha Itachi!” she scolded, reverting to the Japanese fashion. “You are worried about being a burden, but what’s really hurting us all is your depression. If you were happy we’d all be happier; we wouldn’t worry about you if you were happy. Even if you have to fake it, stop sulking!”

Itachi recoiled. “Moushiwake gozaimasen, haha.”

She hugged him. “When you’re depressed, we’re all depressed. When you’re happy, we’re all happy. Don’t forget that.”

“Hai.”

She stroked his face. “You’re still my baby. All I want is to see my sons happy.”

“I know, I just . . .”

“I know.” She tucked his hair behind his ear.

Itachi realized she was crying. He carefully put his arms around her and he cried too.

“I know how much you care and how grieved you all are and it kills me,” Itachi said. “I wish it didn’t happen more for your sakes than mine.”

For the first time, Mikoto let out her grief in front of her son. She’d hid her sobs from her sons, only once did she cry like this in front of Fugaku, trying to be strong for him. Everyone was trying to be strong for the others, but it was quietly killing them all. She was finally draining the toxins in her soul. She needed to cry and be held and not be strong for a few minutes. It did them both good.

Mikoto pulled away and sniffed. “You look terrible,” she said as she wiped at his face. “Let’s go down to breakfast.”

“Hai.”

-----

Sasuke ratted on his brother again. He reported to Kakashi that Itachi had been crying and that Mikoto had been too. Concerned, Kakashi called to check in. Not satisfied, he came over the next afternoon.

He laid on Itachi’s bed while Itachi practiced reading brail. He rubbed his back and played with his hair. After a while, Itachi threw the sample page down in frustration and laid down next to Kakashi.

“I hate this.”

“I know.”

“It’s like learning a new language. And I just can’t feel that much detail.”

“You’ll get used to it.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“You know, I’d hate to tattle on your brother—”

“Yeah, right. What he do?”

“He called me yesterday, you and your mother were crying.”

“That little . . .”

“It wasn’t something that happened at poker, was it?”

“I was just reminded how I didn’t have friends. I got depressed and it pissed off mom. She laid out her feelings and we both got a little emotion out. We’re fine.”

“Well, count them as friends now.”

“Maybe after one or two more poker nights.”

“First Friday every month for now on.”

“I have no excuse not to go. They are good friends. I want them to approve of me and accept me because I love you and I don’t want your friends to resent me.”

“Don’t worry about that. You worry too much. I promise I will tell you when you’re being a burden or a hindrance. If I want to go hang out with my friends rather than hang out with you for a night, I’ll tell you. I won’t let you feel like a burden. If I’m spending night after night with you, it’s because I want to. You need to be selfish now. We’ll check you when you take it too far. Be selfish, but not a brat. Let me spoil you.”

Itachi sighed. “I may have been spoiled, but I was active and independent. I’m trapped in this room.” Restless, Itachi sat up and turned to dangle his legs off the side.

Kakashi stroked Itachi’s hair down his scalp and down his back. “Tell me where you want to go and I’ll take you. I know that’s not the point, but I don’t want to close you up and keep you all to myself. I don’t mind showing you off.”

Itachi laughed. He laid back over Kakashi’s stomach. “I just want to get out. We can go anywhere. Take me somewhere you’d go regardless of me being blind.”

“I’ll think about it.”