#♧verse: childhood

[uchihaprodigy]

continued from x with @sharkfinx​

-

Everything is fine. His team didn’t take the detour he’d suggested. He couldn’t tell them why he wanted them to go the long way round, not without making a fool of himself. Who even believes in forest sprites and obake in this day and age, apart from Itachi? Everything is fine, really.

Except, the closer they get to the spot where he last saw the apparition, the slower Itachi moves, until his team is a speck in the far distance. A glance downwards leaves him frozen on the spot. There’s a body down there. There’s a split second decision to be made here, and he presses two fingers across another two in an instant. A clone pulls away to continue bringing up the rear of his team, but not before casting an annoyed frown back in his direction.

Itachi pays it no mind and like he did hours earlier, he slips past branches and foliage to land softly on the muddy ground, chakra cushioning his fall yet again. Only this time, instead of standing, he drops to all fours, using the underbrush as cover. From this distance, he observes the body. A boy, about his age, give or take, tattered clothes, scrawny, like he hasn’t eaten well in a while. It looks like he’s breathing, which is a relief. Do spirits breathe?

It occurs to him that this is the exact same spot where he left food for the obake. What if this is a trap? A trick? Panicking slightly, he picks up a stick for both self defence and examination purposes. If the body is an illusion, then the stick will pass through, probably. In order to confirm or deny his suspicions, Itachi leaves the safety of the bushes and treks over, leaves rustling lightly under each step.

“Hey.” He supplements his greeting with a poke of the stick. Thankfully, there’s resistance, and the stick doesn’t just slide through. Instead, it lands with a quiet smack, and Itachi feels suddenly, terribly guilty for hitting another child.

“Hey, are you dead?”

What doesn’t occur to him is that with the dwindling sun behind his back, a weapon in his hands and eyes gleaming red- he’s the one that looks like a forest spirit.

[uchihaprodigy]

hatredcurse​:

A small pout and needlessly dramatic ‘hmph!’ sounded from Sasuke vocalizing his hurt to Itachi since the other couldn’t see him right now. How dare he say something so mean! Not like he weighs a bunch of rocks himself. The rudeness. “No… I’m not,” he said sheepishly. Since his brother can’t look at him right now, he thought the other wouldn’t be wise enough to know when he was lying. A small grumble and some uncomfortable shifting on Itachi’s back, not really wanting to answer his question nor relive that terrible moment. “They said…” Sasuke stammered and flinched like another fist was thrown at his head,” they said I’d grow up to be a killer like all those mean people who killed their dad or something. I don’t know” As if he were hiding behind Itachi’s legs, the little raven hugged his brother tighter around his neck like he was his shield,” and it made me mad! I’m would never hurt anyone! So I- I shoved them and then they all started shoving me back.” The last part he said so quiet, like a whisper. He was afraid he’d get in trouble instead of the other kids,” don’t tell dad please…”

A smile tugs Itachi’s lips at Sasuke’s reaction. As evidenced by the day’s events, his brother is easily offended and quick to anger. All Traits synonymous with being a child. Given time and productive outlets, he’ll grow out of it.

With an inexhaustible supply of patience, Itachi waits, allowing the weight of silence to grow and play its part. It doesn’t take long for him to get answers.

“The…” Kyūbi attack. “That had nothing to do with you.” As he feared, rumours about their involvement had spread and seeped into children’s minds. “You will not turn into someone because people say so.” At least Sasuke is talking, fidgeting, and his grip around Itachi’s neck is strong. Mental diagnostics suggest there’s no concussion. 

“You shouldn’t let children rile you up. You’re better than that, Sasuke.” Tightly wound muscles and taut shoulders lower slightly, his gait towards the hospital gaining a bounce it previously lacked. “I’ll do what I can, but he will find out you were hurt, regardless.” Protocol is protocol and they’re both still children. “The hospital will probably call home.”

[swissmissficrecs]

Pilot!Verse Fics

I’ve seen an uptick in interest in fics based on the “Unaired Pilot” episode, which in fandom terms means that Sherlock and John have been in a relationship since the night John shot Jefferson Hope. So here are the fics in my bookmarks that are either explicitly tagged as a Pilot fic, or that have the vibe:

♢ ♧ ♤ ♡ by Saki101 (11K, M, Johnlock) An odd, little slice of life on Baker Street. (A sequel to Blades, although each may be read independently of the other. Both are set in the Unaired Pilot!verse.)

Another Party on Christmas Eve by PoppyAlexander (14K, M, Johnlock) A year after their first meeting during the festive season, Sherlock and John plan for another of Sherlock's holiday drinks things. [Note: This is actually the second part of an Alternate Meeting AU, but it can also be read on its own as a followup to the Pilot.]

Friends series by agirlsname (51K, E, Johnlock) A story of friendship, intimacy, fears and so much love, told from two different points of view. [Note: This is set after the first aired episode with the trope of being in a relationship without realizing it, so I think it fits.]

Like A Train Wreck by magicbubblepipe (24K, M, Johnlock) A brutal assault by Moriarty lands Sherlock in therapy where repressed childhood memories are dragged out into the open. -Takes place during and after the unaired pilot, rated for non-con and eventual Sherlock/John-

London Gods by a_different_equation (10K, E, Johnlock) Sherlock Holmes is a jinn who does not grant wishes. However, when Dr John H. Watson, recently returned from the war in Afghanistan, gets into his cab by "accident", it might not even need magic to grant both men their deepest wish: love.

Love Letters for Sherlock by Bluebuell33 (4K, NR, Johnlock) John writes letters to Sherlock just because he loves him.

Rose Madder by Vulpesmellifera (25K, E, Johnlock) An island unto himself, Sherlock has avoided all thoughts and urges of sentimental or physical attachment to another person not only for the sake of The Work, but for the equilibrium of his Mind Palace. Until he meets John Watson. When John moves in, he brings with him something unexpected: a strange family heirloom. The nightmare begins.

The Flight of the Swans by Saki101 (23K, T, Johnlock) A prospective client has observed things that make her doubt her sanity.  She wants Sherlock to uncover the truth.  As John discovers, Sherlock is uniquely qualified to investigate her case.

The Pilotverse by astudyinrose (11K, E, Johnlock) After Pilot!John and Pilot!Sherlock leave the final crime scene in the unaired pilot of Sherlock, they go to the Chinese restaurant nearby, and... that's pretty much all you need to know.

What Happens to the Heart by Susan (31K, M, Johnlock) Someone wants John Watson dead and is willing to pay a lot of money to make it happen. “However you do this,” he said, his accent faltering, “make it slow.” He nodded. It never occurred to him to ask why John Watson had to die. Hitmen, old grudges, new grudges and lots of kissing.

[caestusvulpes]

♧ Clover | 21+ | they/she/it | 10 years experience | est. 2019 ♧

♧ personals / non-roleplay dni ♧

caestusvulpes is a highly selective indie oc roleplay blog based in jojo's bizarre adventure and dc comics. This blog will contain themes of late diagnosis of mental illness, struggles with adhd, anxiety, and depression, humanity and what makes a human, redemption, hunters and hunted, childhood trauma, deception, canids, and really cool scarves.

rules, about, and credits under the cut.

This blog is 18+ only.

No godmodding, powerplay, or metagaming. Unsure about something? DM me! Ask for my Discord, even!

Do not interact with me if you are a homophobe, xenophobe, transphobe, racist, zionist, whatever the hell else. Mun is a genderfluid lesbian. That kind of behavior has no place here, nor anywhere near me.

I'm autistic and have ADHD. I forget things and cannot read or regulate tone or pick up on cues. Please bear with me and remember I am not a mind reader.

This blog focuses on my JoJo's Bizarre Adventure and Detective Comics verses ( and One Piece, on occasion ). Crossovers are allowed and deeply encouraged. Currently entrenched in Battle Tendency brainrot.

Don’t drag me into drama, I’m just here to have fun.

My doc contains my general about information for Hikari and her verses thereof, my rules, and other relevant information not stated here.

Consider taking the time to read my about tags for more tidbits

icon by my beloved friend Cobra @sangriaking

please tag irl human teeth, teeth gore, and dentistry.

doc | 2verse playlist

[caestusarchivum]

♧ Clover | 21 | they/she | 8+ years experience | est. 2019 ♧

caestusvulpes is a highly selective indie oc roleplay blog based in batman / dc comics. This blog will contain themes of the desire to do good, late diagnosis of mental illness, struggles with adhd, anxiety, and depression, the slow spiral into villainy, hunters and hunted, childhood trauma, homichlophobia, canids, and really cool scarves.

quick rules and carrd under cut.

This blog is 18+. Due to the content of this blog, I don't want minors following me.

Both mun and muse have ADHD. Please understand and bear with me.

I have made the transition away from jojo's bizarre adventure as my main verse. I still have the verses up on my page and will still roleplay it, but it will no longer be the main focus.

Don't drag me into drama, I'm just here to have fun.

My carrd contains my general about information for Hikari and her verses thereof, my rules, and other relevant information not stated here.

Consider taking the time to read my about tag for more tidbits.

carrd

[uchihaprodigy]

zokucho​:

❝    Of  course  you  can.  I  have  already  discussed  it  with  Father…  He’s  fine  with  any  number  of  guests,  as  long  it’s  reasonable.  Shisui  and  Izumi  are  very  welcome.    ❞      There  was  little  either  family  head  was  unprepared  for,  especially  when  it  came  to  Itachi.  This  day  had  been  discussed  in  advance  almost  half  a  year  ago,  allowances  for  possible  promotions  in  the  meantime  considered  and  planned  for.  His  development,  his  pleasures,  his  childhood…  Those  were  one  of  the  few  things  Mikoto  found  the  courage  to  insist  upon,  even  if  it  meant  the  artful  sewing  of  less  sentimental  justifications  into  her  and  Fugaku’s  discussions.  A  reminder  of  the  Heir  Apparent’s  presence  and  close  coming-of-age,  she  had  said;  a  display  to  the  clan  that  we  remember  our  customs.

❝    Oh,  Itachi…  I  bet  your  cheeks  taste  even  sweeter  than  those  fruit..!    ❞      Empyrean  features  melt  into  a  small  laugh,  a  faltering  of  her  otherwise  well-prescribed  persona.  Maturity  refined  his  manners,  but  he  was  still  a  child,  a  child  she  had  borne  and  cared  for  when  he  needed  love  to  survive.  Fugaku’s  son,  the  Uchiha  Prince,  the  Konohagakure  Prodigy;  but  still  her  little  boy.  She  would  not  fall  to  the  distorted  madness  of  the  poems  and  epics  and  plays;  her  Itachi  would  never  be  anything  but  her  Itachi.  Medea’s  touch  would  not  befall  Mikoto.

❝    It’s  hard  to  believe  your  nameday  has  come  upon  us  so  soon…  To  me,  you  will  always  be  my  baby,  even  when  you’re  old  and  grey…    ❞      The  dark  of  winter  in  the  form  of  her  eyes,  warm  despite  it  all,  glance  down  at  the  boy.

❝    …  I’m  sorry,  Itachi…  That  was  a  little  unbecoming  of  me.  Now  then…  How  would  you  like  to  send  those  invitations?  I  can  always  pick  up  some  paper  ones  this  week,  or…  Do  you  wish  to  go  ask  them  in  person?    ❞

-

Forgetting himself for a moment, Itachi squirrels several pieces of apple into his cheeks, nodding when his mother agrees to his limited list of invitees. Uchiha celebrations involved many families, but as long as his handful of precious people were there -his parents, Sasuke, two friends- he could tether himself and relegate everyone else to background noise. His world is small, even if he dreams big. 

The sound of laughter startles him into looking up, fruit bowl entirely forgotten and, for a second, his eyes widen in wonder. 

“Okasan…!” He half whines, half pleads, hastily swallowing half-chewed fruit while his ears turn red. “You can’t bite my cheeks anymore.” That position is Sasuke’s to fill now. Itachi outgrew that role years ago; so long ago he can barely remember their summer-sweet days full of cuddles and moments of endless ease. Such is growing up. Such is life. Regardless, the smile he hides behind the fall of his hair stretches so wide his mouth aches.

“An old man can’t be a baby as well,” he reasons diplomatically, shifting his weight to ease the pins and needles growing along his legs. “They’re too wrinkly.” To him, his name-day couldn’t come around soon enough. With age comes advancement and every day of training moves him one step closer to becoming a better, more powerful shinobi.

“It’s fine.” He shakes his head, a gentle smile ever present on his face. “I don’t mind if you-” A pause while he thinks again, turning a few phrases over in his head until he’s satisfied. “-if you say what you want around me.” It’s tempting to take the paper invitation route, just for the excuse to spend more time with his mother. But time is a precious commodity for them both. “I’ll go ask them myself.” Shisui turns up for training every other day and Izumi is easy enough to find.

[lilxmcrtes]

●°•♧ Oliver Verses ♧•°●

Main Timeline

v: can’t remember to forget ( main )

After the accident, Oliver moved in with Eira so she could keep an eye on him and help with his constant nervousness, regaining his memory, regaining normal movement, etc. as well as his son, Percy.

He makes a living by working at a grocery store, something to get him out and be somewhat social. He keeps a daily photo journal and writes an extensive description of significant details such as his emotions or his surroundings.

v: i write sins not tragedies ( secondary main )

Oliver went on to live life greater than he could handle, marrying into his high position at his wife’s family company, La Fleur Labroratories, as a contractor and project manager. Having fallen out of love with his wife, he only stayed after discovering they would be having a son. Though that didn’t stop him from having his affair with Eira. He fell in love and planned to leave his wife, introduce his lover to his son, and become a family with her.

That changed when Aeron came back into her life.

Tension between them led to fight, which left Oliver sustaining a great head injury. But Oliver believed he was fine, and went to work as planned. There were some renovations being done so when he went to check on them and was distracted by the pain in his head, he fell from an unfinished floor, hitting construction materials on the way down.

He was taken to the hospital and while physically he was able to recover, the damage to his brain was pretty bad.

v: TBD

Anything to do with bb!Oliver aka his childhood up to the main verse.

                                                                ~♧~♧~♧~♧~♧~

Mutant Timeline

v: lose an arm to save the body ( mutant )

Age: TBD

Powers: Healing Through Absorption ( Primary ), Force Fields / Shielding, Invisibility

Name: Gabriel Wyatt Tucker ( False Identity After Escaping )

Oliver is a prisoner of a mutant gang. They use him for his abilities, blackmailing him by threatening the family that was kind enough to take him in after splitting up from the Teares. Essentially what Eira thought her brother was doing.

Unfortunately for Kit, it’s a rule not to mess with their ‘other’s’ life or he’d have left a long time ago.

au: TBD

In connection to Eira’s Single Mother!Mutant!AU explained here.

                                                               ~♧~♧~♧~♧~♧~

S.tar T.rek Verses / AU

v: a.d a.stra p.er a.spera

Explained in detail here.

v: e.x a.stris s.cientia

Explained in detail here.

                                                              ~♧~♧~♧~♧~♧~

Demon / Guardian Angel Verse

v: ignorance is heavenly bliss

Friend and confidant to Eira, Oliver is one of the first angels she met upon her arrival. As one of the key guardian angels, a guardian to angels, it was his job to get her started. Years later he is the one to be assigned to Aeron to help him regain his angelhood. Oliver does his best to keep her updated and be a messenger between the two whenever he can manage.

He was originally quite the powerful being, rivaling Lucifer’s power easily, as a demon. But he was cleansed, of both his darkness and his memories, by Lorelei in a fit of jealousy over the attention he received from Satan / Lucifer, unwillingly becoming a lost angel. The blackness of his soul manifested into another entity known as Henry and acts as Oliver’s mirror, residing in Hell as a demon. It is the hope of the hell dwellers that he will one day remember his true potential and return to be reunited with his other half.

                                                             ~♧~♧~♧~♧~♧~

Detective Verse

v: repeat after me i'm over it

Explained in detail here.

v: everyone is a hero in their own mind

Explained in detail here.

                                                            ~♧~♧~♧~♧~♧~

Other Verses / AUs

v: TBD

Walking Dead / Zombie Apocalypse Verse

v: TBD

Royalty

Last Updated 12/7/21

[uchihaprodigy]

continued from x with @asaraltu​

He’s numb to the bone and the chill in his body has nothing to do with the temperature. Itachi runs through seal placement, mentally mapping the area around them and the portion that’s safe. But for how long? And who’s giving chase? Konoha and Anbu? Danzo and root? Something else entirely? For the sake of it and to soothe his own frayed mind, he double and triple checks the perimeter seals, poking each one with a smudge of chakra to ensure none are duds.

When he returns to the man in the mask, his gaze travels immediately to Sasuke and he focuses on what he has left lest his attention stray to those that are lost. It’s weakness that causes him to reach for the hand of a stranger when he should have taken his brother’s. Weakness that causes him to fold in his embrace, shoulders hunched, chin trembling.

“We have to go back.” Thin arms pull at Sasuke, enveloping him in such a way that serves to both comfort and cover his ears. Sometimes, ignorance is bliss. “I’ll go back.” His voice is low, barely above a whisper at first. However, the urgency that seeps into it quickly raises it above an acceptable level. “Okasan. She’s...” It may be a death wish, but his clan- “I can’t just...”

[uchihaprodigy]

@eyecanfixthat

By now, Itachi has learned the exact flow, strength and size of chakra needed within his fingertip to move aside the latch that holds Shisui's window closed. After making sure the coast is clear one last time, he proceeds to clamber onto the windowsill. The distance between the ground and the sill is vast to the 7 year old and Itachi huffs in effort, short legs scrabbling for purchase before swinging over the wooden beam.

His landing would have been smoother, quieter perhaps, were he not carrying his weight's worth in books inside his backpack. As soon as he's in, he starts tugging at the straps digging into his aching shoulders; but just as he's about to rid himself of his burden, he glances into the room and freezes. His expression shifts quickly from surprise to guilt and back again. Shisui wasn't supposed to be home.

It takes a moment for Itachi to collect the thoughts that had scattered the moment he set eyes on his friend and he forgoes formality to simply state, "You said you wouldn't be back for 3 days." Somehow, he manages to sound accusatory instead of apologetic. There's still time for him to dispel his clone and go to the academy physically, he supposes, should Shisui decide to throw him out.

[uchihaprodigy]

rather-be-the-hunter​:

Feeling the tell-tale rough patches that signaled even a passing familiarity with shuriken and kunai almost made Hana grin wider; a friend, and a sparring partner? Today was going great. Then their ears pricked at hearing him – Itachi, as their new friend was called – speak. He was soft-spoken, but seemed kind and inquisitive, which made them want to get to know him even more. “My Mom says people kinda live up to their names, so I bet you’re really smart!” Laughing a bit, the Inuzuka continued. “Like my baby brother, Kiba, he’s a biter.” Brown eyes with slightly slit pupils tracked their new friend’s movement, watching him inspect them curiously, with unveiled interest of their own. People tended to keep the Uchiha at a distance, but Tsume – loudly and often – never hesitated to voice her opinion that that was bullshit, and Hana agreed. So what if they had a doujutsu, and it made them better at some things?

Every Clan had things that made them different, things that made them better at specific skills. Itachi’s question brought Hana’s attention back to him, and when they realized what he meant a moment later, they laughed again; this time, though, the sound akin to a bark was a bit softer. “Nah, I have ninken, but the Academy said I could only bring one of them – which is dumb – and I didn’t want the other two to feel like I liked them less, so instead, I ended up having to leave all three of them at home.” Ignoring their moment of sadness at being separated from their three partners, they continued on, reaching up to poke their cheek and the red fang-like tattoo there. “Most of us who’re gonna be shinobi get ninken when we get our Clan tattoos, usually right before starting the Academy, but I got mine a year ago ‘cause my Mom’s Pack Alpha.” Then they realized what they had said, ending their ramble. “Er, sorry, Clan Head.”

There were always mixed reactions to Inuzuka-specific terms.

“Um…” The compliment results in Itachi ducking his head. It isn’t a case of him being unused to them. On the contrary, he’s had words like prodigy and genius following his steps like an unwanted shadow for as long as he can remember. However, his name, and more importantly, its meaning, has been a moot point for a while now. It has always been used as a weapon to knock him down a few pegs, never the opposite. “I suppose you’re right.” His shy smile almost reaches the corners of his eyes. 

“You have a little brother too? Mine is called Sasuke.” Maybe he’ll live up to his name and become a great shinobi. Maybe their brothers will grow up and become classmates just like them. 

“Three ninken?” Being allowed to bring only one doesn’t sound fair. “I doubt they ask Aburame clan members to bring only one kikaichu.” As with any other tool, they need to learn to work together. It would be like asking him to come to the academy with a single weapon. As it stands, he has every pocket full to the brim with shuriken. “Are they very big?” Lack of space could play a part. Their classes really are too full, in his opinion. A problem solver at heart, Itachi sits back to think, nose crinkling as he contemplates. “I think you should bring them all in anyway.” The fact that he’d like to pet some dogs while seated in class most certainly doesn’t play a part in convincing Hana to bring them in at all.

“Those are real tattoos?” Big, black eyes travel to their cheek, head tilting at the brightly coloured triangles. He assumed it was face paint. “Did they hurt?” From what little he knows about tattoos, they’re applied with needles. Needles. To the face. The thought alone sends a shiver up his spine.

“Your mother is… pack alpha?” He blinks for a second, then laughs when he translates what it could mean. “My father is clan head too.” They seem to uncover more in common the longer they talk to each other.

[uchihaprodigy]

shisui-uchiha-anon​:

Shisui thought about it for a moment, rubbing his chin. “I would say … I grew old overnight, now I have terrible back pain. The pillow will warm my old bones.” Shisui teased because even when he couldn’t see Itachi’s face, he could assume he was holding back a laugh.

Shisui may have looked silly at times, but when it comes to Itachi. The boy was always so wary of his best friend and companion. Even repressed and insignificant. Shisui felt that tremor caused by the cold of the coming morning. Shisui’s loyalty belonged to Itachi.

Shisui always questioned his own loyalty. And he would always give it to his father, to Itachi, to their home. Loyalty is what people you believe in expect. Those who Shisui treasure the most, will without failure abuse it. Will Itachi abuse it too? Thinking about it, Shisui rubbed his friend’s chest to help him warm up.

"We should go back, you know. You’re cold, aren’t you?” As he spoke, he let go of Itachi taking off his vest. The next thing Itachi knew was that he was wrapped in still warm clothes and leaned on Shisui.

Shisui also remembered something his father had said. Loyalty instills boundless hope, though it may be– there’s a catch. True loyalty takes years to build and only a few seconds to destroy.

Shisui thought about it while Itachi talked about getting to know his teammates. Saying that his teammates are astonishingly good. Shisui was glad to have a capable Shionbi by his side. This assured him that Itachi was safe with them.

“Here …” Shisui gave Itachi a bottle of water he had in his backpack. “I guess your mouth is dry after sleeping. I also have some rice balls..eh … oh “Shisui unwrapped the bundle, both rice balls were crumbled. He probably shook them too much while he was traveling.

"Sorry for this. I guess it’s better crumbled then lost like that watermnelon. You know you have good point there. Why I haven’t flickered after it?” Shisui frowned putting the food before Itachi.

“Please eat a little if you want. Then I should flicker you home. Your parents will be worried. And Sasuke probably misses you.”

The laughter he’s been holding escapes in a soft snicker and Itachi swats Shisui’s arm playfully. “You sound like a 50-year-old man.”

There’s a small lull in conversation, which he doesn’t mind. There’s a saying that if speech is silver, then silence is gold. During this spell of stillness, Itachi simply inhales, angling his head until he can hear Shisui’s heart beating steadily against his ear.

“I’m not that cold.” There’s no point in denying it outright. His teeth are practically chattering. Yet, he tries to downplay how cold he is, for fear that their small reprieve will be cut short. What he doesn’t expect is the hand rubbing circles on his chest, nor the vest being lowered over his frame a second later. For a minute, he blinks, wide eyed and warm for reasons other than the additional piece of clothing.

“Thank you,” he finally squeezes out, head ducking in embarrassment, and lays back before his expression gives anything away.

“You’re thinking about something…” Shisui looks distracted, like there’s a thousand thoughts running laps around his head. “What is it?” It’s become a habit by now, probing, asking, demanding. As the clan head’s son, Itachi is rarely denied, and this entitlement often bleeds into his everyday conduct. 

He accepts the water bottle with an appreciative smile, and sits up to take a sip, eyes darting to the package Shisui starts to unravel. Curious, he leans over, and immediately snorts at the mess of rice balls, but picks out at a piece all the same. 

“It’s fine, really.” Despite its appearance, food is food and always a better option than food pills. During the last few days, Itachi has seen far too many of those.

“Can you flicker in water?” Like a bird, he plucks another small piece of the rice, tucking it away in a cheek before continuing. “I always thought that would be difficult to master.” Perhaps he’s giving Shisui an excuse, which is an act of mercy, on Itachi’s part. Or one of kindness. “Maybe you didn’t know how to do it, then?” Being called out by your junior can’t be easy on the ego. “You should eat something, too. And then you can take me home.”

[uchihaprodigy]

sharkfinx​:

          A loud thud that didn’t move him an inch from its place. Turning his face around with a grin that extended side to side on his cheeks. A smug chuckle as Kisame slowly turned back. He was so light, just like a dove.            “Eeehhh! Did a mosquito just hit me? or was it just you? neee! He he he he!” Quickly on his feet, Kisame jumps by to the same tree the other stood on. Chakra automatically glued him over the wood as he simply showed off; walking horizontally under the branch. Upside down over the kid as the Hoshigaki sought for any injuries.           “…… hurt anywhere? Ou-” As funny it was to mock his little companion, his tone of voice had pure worry. Focus switching from himself to Itach, Kisame ended up distracted. Messing his chakra concentration as well; failing from the branch, gasping loudly in a scared voice.Turning himself in the last moment to fall on his feet with arms open in a T pose. “Accha!….Hm.” Suddenly, the need to continue his jokes vanished. Quietly sat by their side, and as soon as he heard the question, Kisame lifted four fingers.           “Four!….. Whole months! as far I counted the moon phases. Kekeke! Mr Topogr-whatever.” Showing a bit of tongue when taunting. “Oh pleaaase. You’re nothing without your shinigami eyes! Mama said that once we pluck them out—you’re doneee! Hehehe. That’s all I have to do, then—”           From a distance his ears picked an sound, black dot iris thinning in result. His voice must have alerted something deeply in the woods, he shares that information as he turns to Itachi with a finger lifted over the lips. Pointing under their feet. It takes a while with them in complete silence until normal ears could hear steps. Other shinigamis—kid like them. Passing under the branch while carrying oil lamps on their hands.

          Grin grew looking at it; full of himself. His tracking was right! The Konoha’s scent present in the children—was first detected in the trash, then in the fat cat they found early. All places they stopped by were places they passed by.He waited for them leave enough that only blurry lights could be seen and their voice could be heard without a problem.“ You can thank me later, Itachi-san. See, they’re surely going home..” The last word sting‌ somehow. “…. As you should as well, nee……”

Show off. 

Equal parts impressed and astonished, Itachi suppresses a delighted grin at Kisame’s antics, eyes following the display of practical chakra application closely. It’s a skill he has mastered, too. However, his mother taught him modesty and his father taught him to be humble. Which is why Itachi dismisses the childish urge to mimic the same path while throwing a few cartwheels into the mix. When Kisame drops, Itachi’s mouth drops too. For a split second, he panics. Thankfully, Kisame lands on his feet. It was only some more posturing.

“Don’t do that,” he chides with a frown. “I don’t like jokes.” Killjoy that he is. “Four months? Is that all?” He gestures towards the tree trunks, mouth flat, brows drawn together. “Must be lonely.” That, he didn’t mean to say out loud, and he hurries to add, “I um… It’s topography. Get it right.” Hands immediately lift to cover his eyes at the comment about removing them, fingers splitting a second afterwards so he can peer through the gap. “Don’t even think about it. Taking out eyes would weaken anyone, not just us.” 

All conversation comes to a halt as Kisame lifts a finger to his lips. In every country, in every nation, it’s a universal sign to be quiet. Eyes grow impossibly wide as he scans their surroundings, listening intently. Eventually he picks up the sound of rustling leaves and… footsteps? He grabs Kisame’s arm and swallows. If they run, they’ll alert them. There are too many dead leaves on the ground. It’s best to stay still until they figure out if they’re friend or foe. The answer comes too soon and Itachi fights the urge to laugh and break into a run at seeing the green Konoha vests. Instead, he looks at Kisame, expression undecipherable. This is it, where everything splits in half.

“I think I’ll thank you now.” The hand wrapped around Kisame’s arm loosens and he brings it forward to shake. “Who knows when we’ll meet again?” After fixing his pack, clothes and tossing the stick aside, Itachi gets up. “I should hurry.” Still, he hesitates, even as the voices fade. “Are you…? Will you be okay?” It’s a silly question. Kisame has been here for four months. What he’s doing is important to his clan. It isn’t his place to interfere. “If you want to, you can find me, right?” He taps Kisame’s nose with a smile. “So, find me, okay?”

After a hasty wave, he takes a few steps forward, and then starts to jog. Even though he wants to, Itachi doesn’t look back.

[uchihaprodigy]

sharkfinx​:

      “ No, obviously.” Dry and right to the point, lying wouldn’t do him anything. “That’s why, ex-cu-se YOU. I’m tracking it down, neeeeee?” Completely offended by that connotation, Kisame covered his own nose; gasping loudly.

        “Eeehhhhhhhhhh! How You Dare. Bold words for….” Biting on lips as he tried to fish anything that could be an offense in their appearance. “ …..someone lacking education, nee.” He found things that had a similar scent, just not the right ones. Stick moving from the shoulders to hit the Uchiha’s feet next time they jumped. Whistling innocently when it almost did. “Kekekekeke.” A little punishment as he sped up; devilish chuckling in the air.

      Itachi seemed more like a kid than anything. Stories of elders clashed with the truth. Were they wrong? Or was just an inexperienced shinigami. Thoughts took his focus away, hitting his forehead on a branch since he was distracted.

          “ Ouchy ouchy.” Karma was quick to act. For a second, he stopped, massaging the temples as more questions came. “ Isn’t about topo—hguraphie. Topo— Topoho—grafy. Tophogr—” Scratching his own cheek.  “  It’s about..you know.” 

        “ Surviving… being strong. It’s for my own good.” Observing from under foliage; Kisame’s eyes shine with the sunset. His permanent grin slowly fading as he spoke with little joy. ”Mama said if I can survive for five years by myself then I’m strong enough to come back home and be a soldier.” Sheepish voice when explaining, but obviously something felt off seeing how often Itachi talked about his Okasan. “ Your Okasan sounds really nice… Hm, but I’m going to be stronger than you, so. In the end.. this is better. ”

“Oh.” He tries not to let the disappointment seep into his voice. It’s his own fault for assuming Kisame knew the area well. Itachi tips his head, birdlike and reassesses. It seems relying on the boy alone will get them nowhere except running around in circles, so he does what he should’ve done from the start and forces chakra into his eyes, turning them blood red. Now, at least, he’ll be able to memorise the areas they pass through. If they work smart, they can find their way out through the process of elimination. Fingers crossed. 

“Lacking education? Is that the best you can come up with, fish brain?” And then Itachi gives in to his most childish urge to date and sticks out his tongue. With an irritated huff, he continues to walk, knocking branches out of the way with more ferocity than necessary. 

“Hey!” Itachi speeds up, intent on payback for almost being hit while laughter echoes around him. His speed prevents him from stopping when Kisame suddenly pauses and, as a result, he smacks face first into the boy, blinking the sharingan straight out of his eyes. Itachi stumbles back a step, sighs and starts directing chakra towards his eyes again, the effort causing his vision to blur and head to thrum. 

“Topography,” he corrects automatically, then sits down on a branch while he absorbs what’s being said. “Five years? Out here by yourself?” The kid looks like he won’t survive another week. “How long has it been since you arrived?” Hopefully, he’ll say four years and Itachi can rip away the thread of concern that has coiled itself around his heart. “You think? I’m going to be the strongest shino-gami… the world has ever seen." A small smile curves his lips. "You might have to settle for the title of second best, if you can manage it, that is.” 

[uchihaprodigy]

hatredcurse​:

“Oh- okay,” he fought the tears with vicious wipes with the back of his hand. No matter how he cried, his sore eyes stayed looking at his brother, searching for comfort in his eyes. He believed him, like anything else he said, that he was not in trouble. It brought enough comfort to stop the hiccups and the stubbornness.

Itachi offered a ride and Sasuke was not one to refuse. Although, it took a moment to find a pit of bravery within him to remove his hands from his head. The swelling and throbbing did not stop, but if Itachi was certain he wouldn’t fall apart, then he trusted him. 

Small hands found them onto the straps of his ANBU vest while he struggled with kicking his feet through Itachi’s elbows. His coordination poor from his recent disorientation.

“Nii-san, I thought you were working today? Did they let you go early??” the little raven asked with a weak voice that was slowly unfolding into its excitement. 

When he’s certain Sasuke is secure on his back, Itachi stands and stumbles immediately afterwards.

“You’ve become heavy.” It’s all theatrics, an act to distract and lift the mood, but he shifts his grip on skinny legs like he’s struggling anyway. “What have you been eating, rocks?” In all honesty, Sasuke weighs the same as always. They’ve both grown and to Itachi, his brother isn’t any heavier than when he used to carry him strapped to his chest.

“Hmm…” So as not to jostle his cargo too much and cause undue pain, Itachi’s pace and stride towards the hospital is moderate but steady. “Are you trying to change the subject?” A sideways glance so Sasuke can see the disapproval brewing on his expression; in the narrowing of eyes and a crease appearing between brows.

“Why don’t you tell me what the children said first, otouto? And then I’ll answer as many questions as you can throw at me.”

[uchihaprodigy]

sharkfinx​:

         "Nice one.“ There’s doubt in his voice as eyes squeezing shut, pouting lips. Pondering, if bet wrong that could cost his life. Question after question, the kid didn’t seemed well informed just like himself, that was safer to believe. If anything, he could easily rip that neck easily than a stick.

        Kisame walks closer, now seeming less afraid as the introduction were made. Manners were the peak of any society, enemies or not. A hand was placed over the dirt shirt over the chest as he crouched down, lowering his head as his eyes closed. ” It’s an pleasure meeting you, Itachi-san.“ It had a nice ring to it, somehow. Raising his head back as he smiled; sharp teeth that were missing one at the front row. ” My name’s Kisame! nee.“

        "Hehehe. Gladly, after all I have an debt towards Itachi-san, nee.” Lifting an hand over as signaling towards an clearance in the forest. Better they start walking, after the night comes; that place would be quite troublesome to keep one person alive. Imagine two of them. Kisame grabs the stick as soon the other distracted enough, giggling. “With round teeth like that? doubt it.. Try my liver or my eyes instead. They’re soft enough, hehehe.” Letting go afterwards with a smug smile; shaking his head.

        “ Your people are smelly enough for me find miles away.” Kisame says it, but after jumping a few trees, bushes and crossing little rivers that cut down on the foliage. All he had found was an fat cat, old magazines and for his luck, an bigger stick that he started carrying after getting jealous the shinigami had one. He wasn’t wrong, all of those things were from the village. All he had to do is keeping going until he hit jackpot. His senses needed more training for sure.

        “………Nee, this place is my new home. It’s just a matter of time so I can memorize it all so… My family’s far away, does your Okasan lives in the village?”

There’s a part of him that believed his lie would be called out the second it left his mouth, yet the boy kneels and Itachi’s eyes go wide. Another part of him feels guilty about the deception, but he knows it’s better that they team up. A violent altercation will only lead to injuries and possibly death. The pacifist in him would tell a hundred lies before he instigates an avoidable fight. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Kisame.” He clears his throat, slightly embarrassed at the honorific he doesn’t deserve. However, as a shinigami, he accepts the ‘san’ with a nod of approval. Dark eyes drift to the stick caught between the two and he has to stop himself from chewing his lower lip out of worry. Things can turn ugly at any point, it seems. Eventually, the boy -Kisame- lets go and Itachi releases a breath he didn’t realise he was holding. 

“I don’t need to use teeth when I can melt you with my eyes.” Childlike imagination runs free, and Itachi stifles laughter as he leaps behind Kisame, keeping up with his quick pace by using branches like stepping stones. “And then I’ll scoop you up and put you in a bucket.”

He crowds around his new guide whenever he pauses, only to cast an unimpressed look at his findings. Magazines, junk. 

“You have no idea where the village is, do you?” All he has to do is dispel his clone to find his way back. When their memories overlap, the path back will become clear. What stops Itachi from doing so is the fear that the clone is currently with his team. If he suddenly disappears in front of them, it will complicate things. He might get told off, or worse. “I’m sure your nose is broken.” Itachi sniffs the air experimentally and can only detect damp earth and decaying wood. If nothing else, the snipe is payback, for picking up a much bigger stick that his own.

“My okasan is far away too. The ones in the village will take me back to her.” A pause and then, “You’re going to build a village here? Of all places?” There are at least ten more questions lined up in his throat, but Itachi figures it’s best to start small. “Why would they send you? You’re too young for topography.”

[uchihaprodigy]

hatredcurse​:

A few derogatory comments and a splitting pain in his head is all he remembers. Little Sasuke couldn’t even spare the tears since he was still in shock of it all. First, it was pain and then it was comfort with the familiar sound of Itachi’s heartbeat. “Nii-san, I don’t know…” he said only to talk. Words spilled between quivering lips, but his body knew the answer. It took a few shifts to move out of Itachi’s arms before the tiny Uchiha’s feet were able to find purchase on the ground. Had he not been so upset at the incursion, he’d triumphantly smile wide up at his big brother, showing how tough he was. Both hands remained planted on his skull as if it would fall apart at the smallest wiggle of his fingers. Big eyes stared up at his hero before the tears came relentlessly,” i-it wasn’t my fault, Nii-san. T-They said all those t-things to me and- and-” His body shook with each sob, fearing Itachi would punish him like father might’ve. 

A smile appears on Itachi’s face as Sasuke stands with very little help. Despite wanting to, he resists the urge to ruffle unruly tufts of hair, keeping in mind the site of injury. The smile is short-lived and starts to fade when Sasuke begins to explain what had transpired. Until then, Itachi had assumed it was a simple fight, related to posturing and proving one’s strength as boys were wont to do.

“Shhh, shh, you’re not in trouble, otouto.” Fingers wipe away tears rolling down cheeks fruitlessly; as they just keep on coming. “You’ll be fine. I’m here now.” Pushing aside an unwanted surge of anger and injustice, Itachi forces a neutral smile onto his mouth. One that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “You can tell me what they said on the way to the hospital, okay?”

He has an inkling, of course, that it has something to do with the rumours and accusations that follow the Uchiha around. Their clan has never been free from persecution. However, he didn’t know the vitriol spewed by adults had already trickled down to their children. After a moment of contemplation, Itachi turns and kneels, offering Sasuke his back. 

“Climb on.” A tough decision for his brother to make, surely. If he wants to be carried, Sasuke will have to free his hands. It’s probably best he stopped touching his head and aggravating the wound, anyway.