:O 15 and 19, please?

questions for the mun, regarding the muse. | Accepting

15. In what ways are you better than your muse? In what ways are they better than you?

[[ I can cook, for one. I have so much experience writing different levels of manipulation/grooming in fiction that I can automatically detect when someone’s trying that shit, I don’t need a second party/trusted friend to verify. I’m not afraid to start confrontations, I know when a confrontation is necessaryĀ to resolve a dispute, and I’m not afraid of fighting.Ā 

Itachi’s a much better liar, as well as being able to mask his intentions and ignore his true nature to play a part for a long mission like being a spy in Akatsuki. ]]

19. If you had to judge your muse and sentence them to a ā€œfairā€ fate, what would your judgement be? Would you punish them? Reward them? How?

[[ Considering what happened to Itachi was a direct result of manipulation/pressure by at least five different parties (Clan/Fugaku/Council/Hiruzen+Danzo/Obito) over the course of six years, I wouldn’t punish him. I’d out the truth to the village as required and give Itachi pure freedom. If he wanted to leave the village he could do so without any consequences. If he desired to stay then naturally he would be allowed to.

Just let the man exist in peace. Recognize what happened to him wasn’t his fault. Stop pretending Itachi magically should’ve known better. He was a kid. ]]

He lifted a hand and brushed it through Itachi’s hair. “No, you deserve so much more than this,” he whispered. His hand moved to his hand, placing a finger under Itachi’s chin to tilt his head up. Though he didn’t like sweets, at all, he was still going to kiss him.

Itachi still didn’t fully agree, but he says nothing. Merely lets Sasuke say as he wishes; content with this. The kiss is even more idyllic, hands weakly clambering to Sasuke’s shoulders.Ā 

The palest of hands extends forth, belonging to it, a woman who looks of snow. Pristine, skin so white it is soft, perhaps cold. It is a blank canvas succumb to paint at the red of her lips, the bruised hue around violet eyes upon the lids. She is silent, clear that she will not bother with why’s. Except, it she felt this day is of some importance, but she knows him not. Even so, pinched between delicate fingers of black nail, the most peculiar of roses. Left to him, before she departs- a ghost.

Itachi will not fuss with gifts from spirits. It is not his time yet. The rose shall be left where it lands.

“it’s okay,” he said, Itachi didn’t have to apologise, and it was just a shirt, it could be cleaned or replaced, no problem. He watched as Itachi ate, and once the plate was down on the table again he leaned on to kiss his cheek. “I love you, and I’m happy to have you with me,” he said softly.

ā€œYou’re more than I deserve.ā€ He whispers, forehead pressed gently against what remains of Sasuke’s left arm, careful not to stain the sleeve with anything else.Ā 

Sasuke had been ready for it, so when Itachi turned and hugged him, he simply wrapped his arms around him, one hand gently rubbing up and down his back as he allowed his brother to cry. Not a word was spoken, not a single one. He looked around a bit. The couch was right next to them, so if he felt his brother’s strength leave him when he would quickly move them over there so that they could sit down.

He manages to collect himself in ten minutes. Murmur an apology for likely ruining his shirt, and turn to using his own to wipe away his tears, and his ugly, ugly snot. His face is red– it will stay like that for some time.Ā 

He manages a small piece for now, and it doesn’t matter that Sasuke does not bake often, because he will forever swear it’s the best thing he’s ever had.

He placed the cake down and went to get his brother a plate. He had noticed that the other was right on the edge of tears, it was okay, if he started to cry then he was right here to catch him. With the plate placed down on the table next to the cake he instead decided to keep a hand on Itachi’s back.

He can’t do it.

His hand shakes, quivers pathetically for a shinobi of his caliber.

How old was he when this last happened? Two, three? Anything before four is almost impossible to remember–

Itachi sets the butter knife down. Firmly, afraid he might drop it otherwise. He draws in breath, throat tight, and simply turns to face his brother, burying his face in his chest. He hopes that he can simply cry quietly.Ā 

Today, happiness overweight his usual guilt. His crying will be good for him.