I hate what I see in the mirror

Epilog pt. 1

A/N- THE BREAK IS OVER!!! To warn you however updates may be a little slow in this now because it is no longer my highest priority. "Deaths blue eyes" is currently in the workings and will, hopefully, be posted within the month. Enjoy!

It had been a few days since the court case. Deidara and Tobi were in contact with Madara and making arrangements for Sasuke. Him and Naruto had been peacefully enjoying each other's presence. Going on dates and doing what any normal couple would.
Itachi had been on bed rest since he had found out the news. The news being broken to him in such a manner had sent his body into shock. If Tsunade didn't find him and Kurama on the floor when she did, the woman claimed, he would have had a stroke and possibly killed the baby. Since then the doctor demanded him not leave the bed unless absolutely necessary. She had tried convincing the raven to let her take him into the hospital but Itachi had politely declined, saying he had experienced more then enough of the hospitals in this town. And would rather do anything else then visit unless he was actively dying. No one pushed him, no one dared, per Tsunade's instructions. She had told everyone in the house that any kind of stress or pressure could send his body into a worse state.

Kurama had taken breakfast up to the raven who had scarfed it down in moments. They now sat in a tense silence. The redhead lingering at his side, as if he were a fox, hesitantly sniffing a new furry friend, unsure weather it was safe or not to approach.
"What?"
The raven finally asked, tilting his head away from the window whose view he had been admiring a moment prior. Kurama shifted a little on the chair he had pulled up beside the bed.

"Deidara says Madara will be coming to meet you and Sasuke before the weeks up. He's already on his way into Japan."

"Yes, I've heard from Sasuke."
The raven continued to stare, expecting more elaboration.
"What part of that bothers you?"

The redhead shifted again.
"He's offered to take you and Sasuke with him."

"So I've been told."

"Are you planning to go with him?"

A silence filled the space between them.
"...I'm unsure at the moment. I don't even know the man. However, I hardly think it'd be right to send Sasuke off to America all on his lonesome."

"He'll have Obito."

"He barely knows Tobi. They might as well be strangers to each other."

"Obito will still take care of him."

"Why are you so adamant that I must stay?"
Kurama slumped down in his seat, eyes falling to the floor.
"There is nothing for me here. I have nothing here."

"You have me."
He almost whispered. Itachi sighed.

"The least I can do is look after my Otouto, after all he's done for me, after all he's been through."

"Do you want to go to America?"

"I want to take care of my brother!"
He snapped. For a moment Kurama dared to look up into those deep set eyes only to drop his gaze the minute after. Getting up he headed towards the door.

"Madara will be in Japan tomorrow, he plans to come straight here after getting signed into his hotel. He wants to meet Sasuke and the rest of you."
He said, stone faced as he opened the door.

"I understand."
Was Itachi's only response as he turned back to the window.

Kurama left and hurried down the stairs to the kitchen, he wanted something to drink. As he came down he spotted Naruto and the youngest raven on the couch together. Sasuke sat in his boyfriends lap as the mashed buttons on the video game consoles they held. The raven was fully immersed into the game while Naruto spoke over his shoulder.
"Hey Kurama. How's Itachi? 'You tell him about Madara?"