#. quoth the raven--uchiha itachi

[reddawnmultimuse]

ita/saku starter for @musesofchaos

It was Sunday so Itachi was dropping off a carton of eggs for Sakura, fresh from his chickens. He had also whipped up a homemade bottle of mayonnaise too. Maybe it was too much but he liked Sakura and according to his brother, Sasuke, she liked him too. So, why not?

Knocking on Sakura's door, Itachi patiently waited. Last he checked, she had weekends off from the hospital. "Ms. Sakura? It's Itachi. I've brought you fresh eggs and mayonnaise."

[reddawnmultimuse]

"I'm fine," Deidara says to Kaia. Afterall, it wasn't his legs he was embarrassed people seeing as his chest due to his old scars from Ame's birth and his surgery. And the fact Itachi of all people saw him like that made him nauseous. Or could just be the migraine.

"Ame's sleeping, hn." His poor baby had cried himself to sleep so Deidara had tucked him in. He didn't want to leave Kaia and Itachi with Sasori though which was why he was here. But that wasn't all why he was here.

Turning to Itachi, Deidara glares at the Uchiha. "Leave. Ame needs to rest, hn. So do I. We'll talk again tomorrow. I don't care where you go until then but you're not staying in my home." He delivers a dirty look at Kaia to discourage her from defending him either. Afterall, Deidara was the one paying the mortgage so he got to say who could and could not be in his house.

With that, he turns and leaves back to the bedroom to go back to sleep since he was still in no condition to have a discussion with Itachi. Or a fight, more like it.

Sasori was lucky that Deidara came out of his room when he did. Becasue it looked like the puppeter was just seconds from being jumped by Kaia once again.

Along with Itachi. The Uchiha’s eyes had darkened at the insult that was thrown at his son. Eyes glinting red before being snapped out of it by Deidara’s emergence. He averts his eyes politely. Cheeks flushed a light pink as he steps out of Sasori’s way, glad that he was finally gone.

Kaia’s face reddened at the redhead’s last words, looking like she wanted to spit profanities but holding herself back. So instead, she casts Deidara a look of frustration, about to press him for answers when he explained what really happened. Her shoulders drop, letting out a long breath. Itachi won’t admit it, but he feels slight relief at the revelation.

“I’m sorry.” Kaia apologizes softly. “It’s just- Ame was upset and crying, and he said he knocked you out accidentally and that Sasori was here. So I could only assume the bastard made things worse…” She rubs her hand over her face. Gaze now more soft. “Do you want me to get you…” she lightly gestures downwards.

“Is Ame okay?”

[reddawnmultimuse]

" ..... " ok, itachi finally earns a Good Boy Sticker because he is never getting on her nerves. it is a pink star that she presses on his cheek!

Gasp! Itachi has finally earned himself a good boy sticker! "Thank you, Konan. I shall wear it with pride." He says, the pink sticker twinkling on his face.

[reddawnmultimuse]

@another-bunch-of-misfits || Morino Ibiki

Itachi kept his head down as he navigated through the busy streets of Konoha. Thankfully, none of the citizens recognized him through his flimsy guise of greasy hair and bum-fluffed facial hair--but if they did, they obviously minded their own business instead of trifling with Uchiha Itachi. Despite being "excused" after the war, the general opinion of him was none better. So, he tried to stay out of the limelight, for better or worse. That included isolating himself on the outskirts of Konoha. Out of sight, out of mind.

However, the downside was that he had to go into the village once a month to replenish his supplies, including chicken feed—lots of chicken feed. Thankfully, he didn't need much to sustain himself these days as he mainly lived off a diet of rice and tea. It was not the healthiest thing, but it was difficult to afford luxuries on government handouts.

Since he was responsible for the Uchiha Massacre, he wasn't entitled to any money through the clan's estate, all of it going to Sasuke. To Sasuke's credit, he wired his brother money--when he remembered. Itachi didn't begrudge him for this, though. Sasuke was so busy travelling these days. Rarely did Itachi see him, but it was much more special when he did.

Itachi was in a quiet store, likening the prices and ingredients between two vegetable broths, when someone bumped into him. He glanced up and would normally think nothing of it since it was an accident. However, he caught a glimpse of a very old yet familiar face. Before he could stop himself, he blurted out--

"Morino Ibiki?"

[reddawnmultimuse]

While Deidara harboured a burning hatred for Itachi, the Uchiha felt no such animosity in return. In truth, Itachi neither disliked nor looked down on the blonde. If anything, he envied him. Deidara’s boundless creativity and imagination were qualities Itachi could only dream of possessing. While the Uchiha’s talents lay solely in destruction, Deidara had the rare gift of both creating and destroying—and making both acts breathtakingly beautiful. Though Itachi did not favour the explosions themselves, he could not deny the artistry within them, their magnificence an undeniable testament to Deidara’s genius.

Itachi pauses mid-step towards the door to leave, turning toward Deidara. For a moment, he doesn’t speak—caught off-guard by the blonde’s praise. "…Thank you," He finally says. "How kind of you to say that." He hesitates. The sudden, unexpectedly kind words from the blonde were something he hadn’t mentally prepared for.

He wasn’t entirely sure where to look or what to say next—he’d never been particularly adept at social niceties. This, more than any mission or enemy shinobi, made his stomach twist with an unfamiliar kind of nerves. "You're beautiful, too," He then innocently offers.

Listening to Itachi, Deidara's head tilts. He doesn't know why Itachi is trying -- well, he honestly doesn't even seem like he has to try -- to understand him. Itachi's never seemed to care. And yet... no one's ever articulated to him anything near what the truth is behind why Deidara loves his art. That it's unable to be controlled by others. Something he molds, and no one else. And then it's gone, in an instant, in a big explosion. No one will take that away from him, his art.

That soft expression of Itachi is beautiful, but not... not something Deidara wants to control. He wants to cause it, though, as he steadies himself by reaching out and placing a hand on the bar. He regards Itachi thoughtfully (well, as thoughtfully as you can when drunk, which means Deidara thinks he's being very introspective but his thoughts are a jumble of a mess). Is this what love feels like? Can't be.

"A walk?" Deidara repeats. His eyes sweep over Itachi. He's taller, so Deidara tilts his head upwards and gazes at him for a moment, considering his options and Itachi's offer of protection. It's... unusually kind. Like something a friend, or a teammate would do.

He guesses they technically are sort of teammates, but not the type that would protect each other like this.

"Hn," Deidara mumbles to himself, starting off towards the door where Itachi's inclined his head. "You know, I think you're the one beautiful thing I wouldn't want to explode."

[reddawnmultimuse]

Dating Service

"It wasn't that bad, was it?"

[reddawnmultimuse]

. continued from this | @hana-akari

Itachi was initially nervous while waiting for Sarada to get out of academy as his sole purpose this day wasn't just lunch but something else--something serious. However, upon seeing his niece sprinting towards him, her expression positively glowing like the sun, it silenced the anxiety gnawing inside and left him wanting to shovel her into his arms like he did when she was but a babe. " Yes she is, but I just wanted to see you! "

This time, he did not correct her with the slip-up of "papa". Instead, Itachi just smiled, trying to use it to soothe her anxiety--and his own. " Let's go get lunch. I'll let you choose. Perhaps we do can a little bit of training, why don't we? " He wanted them to have the entire day together and training would help in processing whatever emotions may bubble up during their conversation, for better or for worse. " On the way, why don't you tell me all about your day and your friends? "

[reddawnmultimuse]

" in a town hungry for the lonely " | @musesofchaos

How long had it been? How long since the Edo Tensei? How long since the war? How long? For once, Itachi did not know--Uchiha Itachi did not know.

His exhausted mind long lapsed; feet freighting a man of broken soul and body through dusty roads going nowhere, eyes blackened from sleep deprivation and face gnarled with bushy hair; his shoulders bowed underneath the red cloak he was rebirthed in as if it weighed a tonne.

He did not know where he was going nor did he care--away, just away. And yet, be is fate or coincidence or either or, as the empty fields blossomed into lush, green trees, a feeling of nostalgia tingled inside him. Could it be? It was said that all roads lead home. Yes, yes it was--not Konoha but the Land of Fire. Home.

Then, a little down the dirt path he was walking was a village--small, quiet and far, far away from the war or the name Uchiha Itachi.

It was in this home away from home did he find his deliverance as he was whisked away by the villagers who did not question his name nor his origins. All they saw was a man, hungry, tired and weak and offered him a place to lay his head--and once he did, he dreamed--

And he dreamed of her.

[reddawnmultimuse]

Itachi listens intently, his expression softening with understanding as he observes Deidara's crestfallen look. He can sense the longing for freedom in his companion's words and feels a pang of empathy.

"I understand, Deidara. It's not easy when your choices are limited," Itachi says gently, his voice filled with genuine compassion. "But today, you have the chance to enjoy yourself. Let's make the most of it."

He glances around at the bustling street, noting the vibrant atmosphere of the festival preparing to unfold. The colorful stalls and the excited chatter of the crowd fill the air with a sense of anticipation.

"Visiting the stalls sounds like a good idea," Itachi agrees with a nod. "We can take our time, explore, and enjoy the games. There's no rush. We'll make sure you have a great time today. Let's go and see what the festival has to offer." He offers him a small, encouraging smile.

"I am , yeah. I have been wanting to come her for a long while. However, I couldn't after being recruited, hm. Donna doesn't care about places like this." He explains looking a bit crest fallen. He visited places like this all the time when he was on his own. He really missed the freedom he used to have.

He looks around at the street they were on. It seemed like the festival would be starting soon. He knows they will no doubt take more breaks as time goes on, but they can still visit the stalls. Besides the fireworks wont start until the sun goes down. they have time to kill.

"Do you want to visit the stalls and play some of the games, yeah." He suggests. Its easier then climbing stairs. So his ill companion would be to over exerted.

[reddawnmultimuse]

The next chicken is a handsome ganoi, by the shape of its legs... Deidara's tongue poked out of his mouth as he began shaping it with crude handfuls, building a rough body. Ganois were taller than the usual chicken...

"Oh! A ganoi, er Ga Noi. Didja know they're popular as a fightin' breed? I tell ya wut!" Itachi freezes. Why did he just talk like that? Why does he sound like Hidan!? "W-What in tarnation!?"

magic!anon [ 3/12 ]

[reddawnmultimuse]

"You like chickens?" He'd ask before he would then reach out and hand them a cute cartoon chicken keychain. "Here you go. Since you like them so much."

"I do," Itachi confirms before being gifted the keychain. Immediately, his eyes light up. It was a chicken! And a keychain! And cute! "Thank you kindly, stranger." He felt guilty taking the random present and having nothing in turn to give. "If you like, I have recommendations for excellent cafes." This man looked like a person who would appreciate a good cafe.

[reddawnmultimuse]

"So if I went and got a good boy sticker for you and gave it to you? You'd be satisfied? Or do you want it to be your friend to be the one to give it to you?"

Itachi sighs. "It must be from Konan. None other shall suffice. Except...one person. But I thank you for the offer."

[reddawnmultimuse]

Itachi's eyes, once blazing with a fierce determination, now held a hollow emptiness. The fire that Shisui saw flicker to life quickly extinguished, leaving behind a man who seemed a mere shadow of his former self. Sasuke's betrayal and the weight of the clan's downfall had stripped him of so much, reducing him to this shell of a person standing before Shisui.

As Shisui's hand slammed against the wall near Itachi's head, blocking any escape, Itachi remained still, his expression unreadable. He listened to Shisui's vehement words, the threat against Sasuke hanging in the air between them. Despite the intensity of the moment, Itachi's gaze did not waver, but there was a subtle tension in his posture.

"Sasuke... he is a part of the same broken system that took everything from us. Hatred and violence will only perpetuate the cycle." Itachi replied quietly, his voice measured but carrying the weight of his inner turmoil.

He glanced at the hand that had struck the wall, then back to Shisui's face, noting the mixture of emotions there—anger, betrayal, and something deeper, something that spoke of their shared past. " I did not fight back because I could never bring myself to harm you, Shisui. You were, and still are, my friend."

He saw the fire in Itachis eyes, and as it came to life as easily it died out. The sore spot Sasuke that little cunt, thanks to whom all went this way. If it wasn't for that little nuisance. They could just rub away from the mess that village started with their clan. He would not be forced to look at this version of Itachi. Alive but dead inside, there was nothing left in the eyes of his best friend just emptiness. A shell of a man devoided of every emotion.

"When that pest comes after you...I shall be there to welcome him and nail him dead to the ground while you watch."

He didn't budge an inch or give space for Itachi to escape. His hand was slapped over the wall near Itachi's head. The prior night, the drunk does what the sober wants, and they lived together since childhood. Even when Shisui hiss and attacks Itachi it is all moved by the deep feelings he once held for Itachi, some he still does. Shisui is a man who is ruled by feelings, and fear a day when he would feel nothing, then he turns into a murderer stopped by nothing.

It was blank. Instinct guided Shisui when feelings were gone and his own strength. Inside was a boy pale and drained not dead but yet not alive. Black curly hair face was still young and beautiful, but promising typical sharp male with strong jaws and kissable lips that now were thin. That boy is forever gone and locked away within this adult version that Itachi disliked so much.

"So I went all over you, why didn't you hit me? Or defended yourself? Why did you let me touch you if you disliked it" He was close to Itachi inches apart from his face.

[reddawnmultimuse]

Hinata will do something better; she gives Itachi a red velvet cupcake. But not just any red velvet cupcake, the words "Good Boy" are written in strawberry sugar. Just for him

Oh no. Not red velvet; Itachi loves red velvet! That was way better than a sticker! And it said, "good boy" on it. Did anyone else have a red velvet cupcake for being a good boy? He thought not! "T-Thank you, Ms. Hinata." It was taking everything inside him not to devour this like a savage. Rest in peace his waistline. And he just got new trousers, too.

[reddawnmultimuse]

"So you're a good boy, who wants a good boy sticker to show that you're a good boy? Got it. Wow, I said good boy too many times. It's making my head spin."

"Konan has an interesting way of encouraging our cooperation and efforts."

[reddawnmultimuse]

"Mmm, you could buy yourself a set of stickers for ¥25 ya know? Then you'd have all the stickers you'd like. I'm not too sure you'd get the one you want, but you'd have to check."

//ASDFGHJKL I'm sorry xD plz ignore if ya want lol//

"It’s not just about the sticker itself. It’s about what it represents. Whilst I could easily buy a pack of these stickers myself, it would mean nothing. It’s the gesture from someone else that counts. It’s about someone else recognizing and acknowledging that despite everything, despite the harsh judgments and misunderstandings, I am a good boy." Itachi says in all seriousness.