Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

   It had been a week since his father had taught him the secret jutsu of the Uchiha clan... He hadn't done as well as he had hoped, something that Fugaku didn't try to hide with the disappointment written all over his eyes and voice.

   Since then, the young Uchiha, only nine years old, had been trying his best to perfect the technique and, despite almost always coming back with bruises on his face or hands, he noticed the improvement that his practice brought, becoming even more excited when, the day before, his mother, while helping him with his burns, said that his father always talked about him when they were alone. This gave the child hope to keep trying.

   He entered the house feeling his feet sore from the fire that had accidentally hit them during training and, as soon as he reached his room, he let himself fall on the bed, feeling tiredness take over his small body.

 Knock...
  Knock...
   Knock...

   — huuum...— He shifted on the mattress, disturbed by the sound of the door being knocked and opened right after.

   — Are you going to sleep already? — A soft hand was run through his dark locks, which made him, by instinct, nestle even more into the pillow he was hugging, letting out an adorable groan of sleep. — It's still too early, don't you think?

Sasuke glanced at his older brother, his eyes puffy from sleep and his face slightly scarred from the fire. Itachi's eyes widened slightly in concern at the sight of them.

   — What happened there, huh?

   — I'm training the Uchiha clan's secret jutsu... — An involuntary yawn interrupted his speech, as he got up from the bed. Now that they had woken him up, he couldn't sleep anymore.

   — I see, and are you good at it?

   Sasuke paused for a few moments, he didn't know if he should share his experience, after all he himself wasn't happy with his latest results. That's it! He wasn't going to talk now, he was going to wait until he was perfect, and only then would he show his father and older brother how strong he could be too.

   The youngest remained silent for a few moments, thinking of something to throw Itachi off the scent, who soon became suspicious due to the lack of response.

   He smiled understandingly at Sasuke, deducing that the answer was probably no, but Sasuke was too embarrassed to speak. Before he could say anything to comfort him, the sound of their stomachs echoed through the room, which made the teenager sigh in relief at now having the perfect excuse to change the subject and end the awkward atmosphere that he himself had unintentionally created.

   — A new café opened a few blocks from here… do you want to take advantage of the fact that I’m off for the rest of the day and come with me? — He asked casually.

   Sasuke looked at him for a moment with a pout on his lips, reminding Itachi of the fact that his younger brother didn't like sweets.

   The nine-year-old patted his clothes, removing any dust that might have stuck to them, and then walked towards Itachi.

   His brother had been acting strange for a few days since the incident with the Mangekyo Sharingan, perhaps this was his way of trying to make up to Sasuke for ignoring him since then.

   As soon as they entered the establishment, nothing caught Sasuke's attention. Nothing, until several cats began to purr and rub against him the moment they sat down. His dark eyes blinked a few times in confusion, until he took a better look at the decoration of the café.

   There were several pictures of cats and paws scattered around the place, toys, scratching posts, other cats. Even the table they were sitting on had little ears, which made the boy stand in shock for a few moments and look at his older brother for some explanation. But Itachi was too busy petting the cats that had nestled around him to say anything.

   — What does that mean? — He finally blurted out, picking up a kitten by the armpits, arching his eyebrow, still trying to understand.

   — Did you like it? It's a neko café, a new addition that arrived recently. — Itachi explained nonchalantly as he analyzed the menu.

   — So they're from here? — The question was silly, but the culture shock hadn't completely worn off yet. Itachi nodded in agreement and Sasuke's eyes lit up. — So, can I take their paw prints? — A mischievous smile quickly appeared on his lips, with a certain glint of excitement as he held the kitten by one of its paws.

   — No way! — Itachi quickly reprimanded, taking the small, defenseless animal from the mischievous child's hands. — They're normal cats, so you just play with them. No tests or challenges, just regular kittens that you can pet or stimulate... like that...

   Itachi picked up one of the toys available next to the table, and as soon as he started swinging it near the floor, the group of felines at his table jumped at him, trying to catch it at all costs.

   — I want to try!! — Sasuke declared enthusiastically, picking up another toy next to the table and sitting on the floor. Soon, attracting a baby kitten that separated from the group.

   The little kitten had eyes of different colors, one blue and the other very dark brown. There was also an apparent scar that came from his forehead, passed by his blue eye and ended on his chin, outlining his snout. The little Uchiha looked at him sympathetically, carefully stroking his chocolate fur as he lay down on his lap.

   — I see that Ame liked you, little one, he doesn't usually let people get close. — A girl stated in a sweet tone, as she approached.

   Wavy brown hair, green eyes, milky white skin and a mole that stood out, very close to her eye. From her features and accent, Sasuke could deduce that she wasn't from there. Maybe an immigrant from another village?

   — My name is Yoo-na, my family recently moved, it's a pleasure to welcome you. — She greeted politely, bowing slightly forward. — Have you decided what you're going to order?

   — And there's this boy, Naruto, he's always bothering me. I don't know what I did to make him keep bothering me like this. — The little boy rambled as he savored the tomato sandwich that had recently been placed on the table.

   Itachi let out an understanding chuckle, finishing off a dango dumpling.

   — Maybe he just wants to be your friend and doesn't know how to say it. — He explained calmly. — But apart from that boy, are you enjoying the academy? Are you doing well in class?

   — Yes, I'm the best in my class… — The answer came out simple, as if he had trained himself to always answer the same thing. Itachi raised an eyebrow, a little skeptical about the younger man's statement.

   — I see… but are you enjoying it?

   Sasuke paused and to avoid answering, he took a quick bite of his snack, masking his discomfort as he chewed.

   — Sasuke?... — The older one insisted.

   The boy turned his face a little, avoiding eye contact, but as the seconds passed he could feel the suspicious look his brother was giving him. So without taking long he ended up letting out a defeated sigh.

   — It doesn't matter if I like the classes or not. I need to become strong, like you. — He said, trying to sound indifferent.

   Itachi's eyes widened a little in surprise at the comment. Then, feeling a strange anguish, he lightly squeezed the boy's hand, which had been left resting on the table.

   — You don’t have to become a ninja if you don’t want to…

   — But our parents want us to. Being a good son means I have to become what they want me to be. And what my brother wants me to be, too, so I’ll train hard to get close to what you are one day… Nii-San…

   The honorific came out sadly, as if Sasuke was trying to get the matter over with and begging Itachi not to insist any longer. The older man bit his lower lip slightly, feeling guilty. Of course he would like his little brother to also become a ninja and become strong enough to earn the respect of the citizens and even the clan itself. The upbringing their parents gave them also suggested that Sasuke should follow this path, after all, his father, mother and older brother were high-ranking ninjas. It was expected that Sasuke would also want to be one.

   — I understand… — That was all he could say, but what he really wanted was to assure Sasuke that he didn't care about that, that he would accept his younger brother's choice regardless of what it was, and what mattered most to him was that he was happy…

   But he couldn't say any of that... not with what was about to happen in a few days...

   That night, Itachi volunteered to put Sasuke to bed, and the little boy found it strange that his brother seemed more... needy? Hugging him so tightly before going to sleep, as if he feared that this would be the last time they would hug each other.

   And indeed...it turned out to be...

Chapter Text

   Sasuke was drifting off into his daydreams when he remembered that he was in the middle of training with his team. Unfortunately for him, he hadn't come back to reality in time to stop a strong punch from hitting him in the chin, causing him to fall backwards as a result of the impact, and soon after, he felt a small trickle of blood run from his mouth and drip down his chin.

   — Sasuke-Kun!! — Sakura shouted from afar, alarmed when she saw him on the ground. Then she ran to him, practically forgetting her own training. — Are you okay? — Her voice contained that sugary tone that she emitted whenever he was around. Then she began to help him sit up.

   Sasuke just nodded, and placed his hand over the affected area, rubbing it a little to dissipate the pain.

   — Here, let me clean that up. — With a gentle touch, she began to wipe the blood from his mouth with a cloth she took out of her pocket.

   — No need... I'm fine. — He said, looking at her, allowing her to touch him.

   — You lost badly, huh, Sasuke!! You didn't even see what hit you until my fist was in your face, haha!! — The blond boasted, smiling, as he crossed his arms behind his head in a relaxed manner. Sasuke was still a little dazed, not bothering to answer. — Although you didn't look at me at any point, you were distracted the whole fight. — He suddenly reflected, placing his index finger on his lips, thoughtful.

   — Now that you mention it... Sasuke-Kun really seemed a little out of it today... Are you okay? — The pink-haired girl asked.

   Sasuke didn't answer, he just looked at the ground with his cheeks slightly flushed with embarrassment while the two stared at him expectantly. What was he supposed to say? That he couldn't pay attention to the training because he was too busy reminiscing about happy moments from his childhood? How ridiculous.

   The sound of the timer echoed throughout the training field, indicating the end of the class, and also that Sasuke wouldn't have a chance to return that punch, not for now. But he was also relieved to have a good excuse to avoid the questions.

   — Since training is over? How about we eat together today? I heard that Ichiraku Ramen has a new promotion. — Kakashi's relaxed voice was heard in the background, his footsteps becoming a little louder as he approached the trio.

   — Promotion?? You can count on me!! — The blond exclaimed with his eyes closed in excitement and a smile from ear to ear.

   — It's fine with me, I don't have any more plans for today. — Sakura declared, standing up.

   Naruto then looked at Sasuke for a few seconds, a little uncomfortable that the dark-haired man hadn't said a word yet. Then, with a weak smile, he extended his hand, hoping that the Uchiha would let him help. To his surprise, instead of slapping his hand away and saying that he didn't need his pity, Sasuke just smiled back, and allowed the younger man to help him.

   — Sasuke… are you okay? — Naruto asked, placing a tender hand on his shoulder, now obviously worried about the dark-haired boy for his silence. Even though Sasuke had become more open over time, it was clear that he still maintained a certain percentage of pride.

   — Yes, I am… — He answered with a smile, not wanting to make the others even more distressed because of him.

   Naruto didn't respond, but he knew deep down that something was wrong, but since Sasuke didn't want to talk, it would be better not to anger him for now.

   Sasuke remained inattentive as they walked to the restaurant, when something seemed to wake him up for the first time that day.

   “Neko cafe, open for only two more days”...

   Sasuke's eyes widened when he saw the sign of the place he hadn't been to in a long time. In fact, he must have been there at least twice before...

   Were they closing their doors?

   — Go before me… I need to see something first. — the boy muttered, separating himself from the group and heading towards the café.

   A whirlwind of thoughts invaded his mind as soon as he walked through the doors. Everything looked the same, but it was also different. There were no more paintings; the chairs were stacked on the tables as if it were the end of the day, but with very few details. The paint that used to vibrate on the walls was worn and seemed to have molded a little over the years, and there were also almost no sweets in the display case.

   A shiver ran down his spine as he felt the somber atmosphere of that place. Sasuke swallowed hard for a second, wondering if it was really a good idea to stay there, especially with the painful memories he held and with that agonizing tightness in his chest that made him want to cry.

   — Good afternoon, can I help you with something? — The familiar voice sounded right behind him.

   — Uh…. Are you… closing? — He wasn’t good at talking when he was nervous, he always acted like a fool, asking absurd questions. Of course they were closing!! That’s what the big sign outside said. Or did he think they put it there for decoration?

   The woman gave a tired sigh, as if she had been holding in her anguish for days.

   — Unfortunately, yes... our business hasn't been doing so well lately. When my family and I opened the coffee shop here in Konoha, we thought about starting over, and for a while it seemed like a good idea, but then people simply stopped coming... and since we're not getting any return, we had to close so as not to go bankrupt for good. — She sighed, pulling one of the overturned chairs over the table and sitting on it.

   Sasuke blinked a few times in confusion. What was he supposed to do? Just walk away and leave that poor woman alone with her own regrets? Maybe if he snuck out she wouldn't notice…

   — Do you know how hard it is to see your family going through something difficult and not be able to do anything to help? — She cried, resting her face in her hands.

   The Uchiha sighed in defeat, pulling one of the chairs near the woman and sitting across from her as he listened to her. It would be very insensitive of him if he left now, not that he minded much.

   — Everything will be fine, I'm sure they'll find a way... — He consoled, with empty words, not knowing what he should do.

   — Yes... *sniff* We're going back to our old village... we're going to try one last time with my father's family business... *sniff* — She explained between the small sniffles she gave as she tried to hold back her tears.

   Sasuke looked around, searching for something that could change the subject. The atmosphere was already strange enough and he was afraid that anything he said could make things worse. Suddenly, something landed on his lap. The brunette looked down, finding a pair of orbs of different colors. His own eyes lit up when something came to mind... The cats!! Where were all the cats in that café? When he came with Ita-... The last time he had been there, at least half a dozen kittens had greeted him at the entrance, but now, all they had were tables and what appeared to be stale treats piled awkwardly on the counter.

   His thoughts were interrupted when the small animal in his lap began to rub its torso against the teenager's chest and chin, purring and kneading the boy's thighs with its furry little paws. Sasuke smiled tenderly, giving the cat what it wanted, running his fingers through the animal's fur and lightly scratching its chin.

   — You must be some kind of cat charmer, haha. — The girl's voice was heard. Sasuke looked at her confused, watching her wipe the few tears that remained in her eyes. — Ame, he doesn't usually let people touch him like that. He's usually quite skittish, especially with children.

   His eyebrows rose and his dark pupils contracted, highlighting the whites of Sasuke's eyes even more. His face contorted in complete horror as he turned his attention back to the kitten, who was now licking himself carelessly, completely oblivious to the tension in the boy's body.

   Ame... How could he not recognize that scar? Sasuke remembered dreaming about that cat for days when he first left the café, and when he returned the second time, it was the first kitten that greeted him as soon as he sat down.

   — W-what happened to all those cats? — Sasuke asked, trying to distract himself from his own memories.

   — Well... — She began, wilting once more. — Since business wasn't going well, we ended up not being able to keep all the cats, we held an adoption campaign a few weeks ago. All the kittens found new families... Well... All of them, except Ame, unfortunately, the scar he has on his face has always been an obstacle. People would push him away when he approached, so I think he ended up becoming shy as a kind of shield.

   Sasuke's expression turned sad, how could anyone not want that sweet little furball? People were too superficial…

   — Wow!! It's already six thirty!! How time flies! And I was here crying in your ear and I didn't even answer properly, sorry... uh... can I ask your name? — She spoke quickly, showing how embarrassed and agitated she was at that moment. Sasuke had to hold back his laughter.

   — Sasuke Uch... Hatake. Sasuke Hatake! — He answered, feeling his eyes shine with pride and his smile widen at the end of the sentence.

   — Right! Nice to meet you, Sasuke-Kun, I'm Yoo-na. — She smiled, showing a little of the space between her front teeth.

   — The pleasure is... what time did you say it was again?

   — Six thirty. — A click clicked in his mind at that moment. Six thirty. SIX AND A HALF FUCK!!

   Without ceremony, Sasuke handed the kitten to the girl and ran out the door. When suddenly, something grabbed him by the collar of his overalls.

   — Did you end up getting distracted, Sasuke?

   The brunette turned his attention to the owner of the voice, his eyes meeting Kakashi's, who maintained an amused expression under his mask.
   Looking around, the fourteen-year-old boy could see his friends, looking at him with concern. Well... Naruto with a certain impatience, but there was a small hint of concern in his eyes.

   — Ugh! I'm sorry... I ended up losing track of time. — He grumbled embarrassedly. Hiding his face inside his wide collar while Kakashi put him back on the floor.

   — Yeah, we noticed! What's wrong with you, Sasuke?? You've been acting strange all day!! First during our training. You didn't pay attention to anything we said to you and practically ignored us the whole day. Then out of nowhere, when we went to have lunch, you said you were going there and would be right back, but you never did. Kakashi-Sensei got all worked up because of you and practically dragged us to look for you. Then, we just found out that you were hiding in a coffee shop here in the middle of nowhere...

   Naruto paused for a second, feeling exhausted from talking so much without a break. He put his hands on his knees to catch his breath.
   Sasuke was going to say something in his defense, but Naruto raised his index finger, showing that he wasn't finished yet and that he was just waiting for him to finish breathing to continue to criticize him.

   — Oh, stop it, Naruto!! Sasuke-Kun is clearly not well, leave him alone to organize his thoughts! — Sakura scolded, putting her hands on her hips. Sasuke thanked the pink-haired girl internally for intervening; besides, today in particular, his brain was not prepared enough for an argument with the Uzumaki.

   — Alright, then. We couldn't even eat properly. All because your highness decided to disappear out of nowhere. — Naruto complained, giving up, while crossing his arms in dissatisfaction.

   — Sorry… — Sasuke muttered softly.

   — How about we all eat at my house today? — Kakashi suggested, trying to lighten the mood.

   Naruto's blue eyes lit up with excitement at the proposal, which made his pout immediately turn into a huge ear-to-ear grin.

   — Yes, Kakashi-Sensei!! I'm starving!! — He jumped up and down in ecstasy.

   Sakura looked like she was about to scold him again for his noisy attitude, but the sound of her own empty stomach made her give up and simply follow the blond, who had now started running towards his teacher's apartment.

   Sasuke started walking towards his friends, alongside Kakashi, who gave his pupil a sideways glance before closing the book, which was barely out of his hand, and putting it in his vest pocket.

   — I heard what you said before… — Kakashi confessed, hiding the affectionate smile that appeared on his face beneath the mask.

   Sasuke stopped quickly, he was getting shy again and his cheeks became even redder with such feeling. Kakashi noticed, seeing that the boy's ears had also dyed the same crimson tone.

   Without warning, the Hatake pulled the smaller boy into a half hug, caressing his shoulder with his thumb.

   — My boy.

   Sasuke processed the words, then smiled, snuggling into the man's side, who held him a little tighter.

   He was his father…