[It's hard at first with the voices that try to steal the attention away from Itachi. Sometimes it is the sweet dulcet tones of Jiang Yanli, others the ever angry shouts of Jiang Cheng. The worst of the offenders is Madam Yu, snapping his name with the familiar disdain he'd long become accustomed to. Slowly though, they grow quieter and their interruptions less frequent.

Slowly, Itachi's voice overpowers them, settling his rattled nerves at ease and helping to bleed the tension from his form. By the time the story is through, the voices have gone, and his eyes are fixed on his friend, expression an open book of gratitude and affection.

There are times when Itachi's kindness makes him physically ache, and this is one of them. After a moment he drops his eyes and looks away.]

They're gone now. You were probably right about the cause. [The words are quiet and he exhales softly.]

My martial siblings—the youngest ones, barely old enough to train—used to beg for stories like that. [Finally, the edges of his trademark smile breach the surface, though it still remains subdued.]

It's been a long time since I've heard one. Thanks for...thanks.