1000 Words

One: It's 30 degrees and it's February. THAT MAKES NO SENSE!
We: I hope it's not cold on my birthday, too… -GLOOM-

Warnings: Pre-massacre Sasuke & Itachi. Songfic. Quite xtensive with the lyrics in it-and yes, we know it is INCREDIBLY annoying witht he lyrics in it. XP

Disclaimer: I don't own the song '1000 Words' from FFX-2, or Naruto.

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"Nii-san…? Why can't I come with you? I…I wanna be there when you…" Sasuke shyly stared at his shoe-loess toes, afraid to see his older brother's indifferent expression. Tears gathered slightly at his eyes, for the thought of missing his nii-san for another week.

"Save your tears, Sasuke. I'll be back, soon…"

---

I know that you're hiding things

Using gentle words to shelter me

Your words were like a dream

But dreams could never fool me

Not that easily

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Sasuke knew not to protest, but everytime, he felt he would lose his nii-san. Shouting might've been the answer, but even crying and begging…his nii-san had a job to do.

"Otouto…" There was the barest trace of emotion in his voice, which was only heard around Sasuke.

"Yes, Itachi nii-san?" His eyes were hopeful, pleading, for his to stay. Any day away could be his last… "Itachi nii-san…I know that you don't tell me everything. You…you hide the bad things from me by comforting me, but… I-I just…" Sasuke hurriedly tried to dry his cascading tears.

---

I acted so distant then

Didn't say goodbye before you left

But I was listening:

You'll fight your battles far from me...

Far too easily

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"Sasuke." Warily, Itachi bent down and hugged his younger brother. It even pained him…but he had his work as an ANBU to accomplish. For Sasuke's sake.

For Sasuke's sake…

"Sasuke." Itachi's voice had grown stern. "How is father treating you?"

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"Save your tears 'cause I'll come back."

I could hear that you whispered as you walked through that door

But still I swore

To hide the pain.

When I turned back the pages:

Shouting might have been the answer...

What if I'd cried my eyes out, and begged you not to depart?

But now I'm not afraid

To say what's in my heart

---

"Father? He…" Sasuke couldn't bear to look into Itachi's eyes any longer—they could see straight into his soul.

"…Same as ever, I see. Sasuke… I'll make sure he treats you better, and if he doesn't… I'll pay the price for you."

"But nii-san!"

"Hush, otouto."

"Itachi nii-san…can I…?"

Itachi smiled slightly. "Do you not see, Sasuke? I would much rather stay home with my cute brother…" Sasuke visibly blushed, "…than go on these missions. But I do them for you. I want to be strong for you, Sasuke—so you have someone to look up to."

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'Cause a thousand words

Call out through the ages

They'll fly to you

Even though I can't see, I know they're reaching you

Suspended on silver wings

Oh, a thousand words

One thousand embraces

Will cradle you

Making all of your weary days seem far away

They'll hold you forever

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"I… alright, nii-san."

His eyes grew soft, caring. "Sasuke—if you can ask each night I'm gone, 1000 words, I'll try and come home sooner. I'll spend as much time as possible."

"Really, nii-san?.! Okay!" Sasuke's grin grew wide with glee. "Bye nii-san!" He waved his arm madly.

---

Oh, a thousand words

Have never been spoken

They'll fly to you

They'll carry you home, and back into my arms

Suspended on silver wings

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"Goodbye, otouto." Itachi chuckled at his younger brother's spastic emotional range. Hiding his fear of leaving Sasuke alone in the place they called home, he left Sasuke alone, for another unknown, heartbreaking time.

---

And a thousand words

Call out through the ages

They'll cradle you

Turning all of the lonely years to only days

They'll hold you forever

---

"A thousandwords…"

A thousand words...