#Kotetsu guards his feelings and keeps them SO close to his chest | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

scarecrow-supremacy · 3 years

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A/N: Oookieee, so I decided to start writing a new fic bc I have great ideas for a story line. Yet I can’t bring myself I writing an actual beginning. Like I’ve already written some random chapters, but I can’t do anything with them because they don’t really make much sense without the context of the rest of the fic/my ideas. Like this chapters is where the romance/actual x reader gets into actual action. Hopefully you get the gist of what the plot is, and aren’t confused as hell from this part. Sorry if it’s a bit long, it’s around 4.8k-ish words. Enjoy 💜

Hatake Kakashi wasn't one to celebrate his birthday.

He simply thought that they were foolish excuses to let loose and party. To Kakashi, birthdays were no reason to be happy and celebrate. They were just reminders of how long he had endured the pain of living. Each year marked another without the people he once held close in his heart. His father, his sensei, his teammates, and (y/n)...

The day that (y/n) gone on that horrible mission was his special day. The mission he was supposed to go on, but (y/n) filled in for because she wanted him to go celebrate with Gai and the others. So much for having the day of joy...Kakashi thought to himself mournfully.

With a great sigh, he grabbed the last of his belonging, shoving them in his mission pack. He'd promised to take his students out of a group mission for the day, but it had been mostly for selfish reasons. Kakashi had hoped that this would take his mind off of the weight in his soul, yet knowing that his efforts would be futile. The loss would never leave him, it would always follow him like a darned shadow. It would forever haunt him. There was not letting go of the horrors of his past.

Slowly, Kakashi strolled to the gates of Konoha to meet his kids, shoving his hands in his pockets as he mumbled a little tune under his breath. The dark cloudy sky and drizzling rain seemed to mirror how he felt inside.

Drip, drop. Drop, drop. Drop, drop.

Each raindrop fell upon the dirt paths of the town, dampening Kakashi's Jonin uniform. If only he'd gone on that mission, if only he hadn't let (y/n) take his place. If only so many things that happened hadn't. If only he felt whole again. He could feel the heavyweight of guilt on his shoulders, spreading pain throughout his body. Sure, Team 7 filled the void, but they could only do so much. If there is one thing I wish for, it is that these kids will grow up to be happy.

A soft smile played upon Kakashi's face as he approached the three teens. "KAKASHI-SENSEI!" His hyperactive blonde student, Uzumaki Naruto, yelled at him, "YOU'RE LATE-TTEBAYO!" He raised his fist in anger. Sakura glared at both Kakashi and Naruto, slapping the boy's back to calm him down. Off to the side stood Sasuke, his hands in his pockets as he briefly kicked the dirt and pebbles around him to form his clan's symbol. "Usuratonkachi," he grumbled at the group. To be honest, Kakashi did feel a little guilty about keeping the kids waiting for him. They were being held back just because he was wallowing in self-pity. And Kakashi felt ashamed of that; ordering his mind to push his thoughts further to the back of his mind.

Kotetsu and Izumo, guards of the gates, turned to the team and smiled in greeting. "The gate opening mechanism is broken, so we have to manually open the gates," they explained. "Heading out yet again, eh?" Kotetsu chuckled. "I thought you lot just came back from a mission. Ya leaving so soon?" Izumo asked. Naruto pumped his hand into the air, "Yeah! Dattebayo! It's only a C rank, but it'll be fun-ttebayo!"

He's a lot like you, eh Obito, Kakashi's mind wandered as he looked up at the clouded sky, a drop of rain fell upon his nose and slid down his mask. If only you, Minato-sensei, and Rin were here to see us in action. You would be proud.

But what about (y/n)? Part of Kakashi was surprised that he didn't think of her immediately. Did he still believe that she could've been alive? After the Hokage had told him that he'd lost contact with (y/n), Kakashi didn't know what to think. It had been 3,650 days since she left. 3,589 since she was supposed to come back. And 3,529 days since they fully lost contact. What were the chances she'd come back, alive or injured? Kakashi wanted to believe that she was still alive. Was that realistic?

"She's gone, Kakashi! You need to understand that!" He flashed back to when Asuma, Gai, and Kurenai had tried to slap some sense into him. Well actually, Kurenai had slapped him. "Kakashi-sensei?" Sakura gently tugged his sleeve, straining her arm up so her red umbrella would also cover his head. "Are you okay? You've been spacing out a lot lately." She whispered as she looked up at him.

"I'm fine, Rin," Kakashi weakly smiled, "It's nothing that you should worry about." Sakura flashed him a questioning look, "Rin?" Sucking the air, Kakashi's whole body tensed up, "Sorry." He looked away, turning his attention to the bickering Sasuke and Naruto. "Just a little mix-up, Sakura." He put on a fake smile, breaking up the boy's fight. "Let's go, shall we?"

"Alright! Shanaroo!"

"Dattebayo!"

Kotetsu and Izumo went to open the gates but stopped to exchange worrisome glances. "Someone just knocked from the other side of the gates. Which is weird because our list says that we shouldn't be expecting anybody." Izumo knit his eyebrows together. Kotetsu, who had been looking through a glass which allowed him to see the incomer, hastily urging Izumo to help him. "ANBU!" He had barked at his partner, "Bleeding! Dying, wounds, whatever! They need medical attention!" That had caught Kakashi's attention, he got ready to act as the guards opened up the gates, heaving on the rusted hinges. Yet he was not mentally prepared for what awaited on the other side of the grand doors.

There she stood. Uniform torn, stained and ripped up. The wakizashi sword that was strapped to her hip was blunt and scratched, the sheath dented. Skin scratched and bruised, wounds dripping with blood and gore. A long x shaped cut on the inner side of her left thigh. Gasping and choking for air, she started to wobble, blood dribbling down her limbs and stomach. The rain continued to fall, now hard and heavy; burning and searing the wounds of the lady. Yet she still managed to keep her face from wavering In an instant, Kakashi recognized who the woman was based on her cracked porcelain ANBU mask. (y/n).... "Sakura! Go alert the hospital. And you two boys, clear the way for Sakura so she can get there. Quickly!" Kakashi ordered them as he took the heavily wounded woman in his arms. Anger and fear coursed through Kakashi's veins as his heart thumped erratically. He could feel (y/n)'s body twitch in pain. "Izumo, go let Hokage-sama know that Ibara-hime has returned." Kakashi let out one last demand before zipping off to follow his kids.

"Kakashi..." (y/n) mumbled out his name, "Kakashi..." she shakily rose her hands up to gently cup his masked cheeks. "What is it?" He whispered, gently rubbing her skin through a torn patch of her ripped uniform. "Happy birthday, Hatake..." She softly breathed, her tight grip of Kakashi's chest loosened as her eyes dropped closed. Please don't die, (y/n)... I've waited all the fucking years. You aren't leaving me again. A tear formed in Kakashi's eye, flying off with the rain as he bolted towards the hospital. Stay with me a bit longer, will you?

"My sensei will be here any second with an ANBU woman in need of immediate medical attention!" Kakashi heard Sakura's voice quiver as he barged into the hospital. "I'm here, kids. Go to Gai-sensei and stay with him until I'm back." He quickly barked, flashing all of the nurses who flowed into the room a nervous look. "Please, help her. I'm begging you." He pleaded with the staff uncharacteristically. I need her to live. Need. "We do what we can, sir." One of the medic-nin nodded, putting (y/n)'s unconscious body onto the stretcher. If (y/n) lives, that would be the best birthday gift ever.

Kakashi jogged after the nurses and doctors, peering into the emergency clinic room through the window. "I'm sorry, Sir, but you won't be able to visit the lady until all the major injuries have been cleaned up and treated." A male nurse out his hand in his shoulder from behind. "But..! Okay..." Kakashi let out a sigh, "Isn't there any paperwork that needs to be filled out?"

The nurse shook his head, "The Hokage has come and is speaking to one of my colleagues about it. Don't worry about it. You won't have to take care of any of that." He tried to reassure the angsty shinobi, "The woman is part of the ANBU ranks, right? Her mask is of the uniform." Kakashi nodded his head, biting his lip inside of his mask, "Yeah...she is... but it's kinda complicated." The nurse raised his eyebrow but just shrugged. "Can I speak with the Hokage?" The Hatake requested. "Come this way," the other man sighed, leading him away.

Kakashi let out a deep and long sigh as he held (y/n)'s scraped hand in his gloved ones. He had been told by the same nurse from before that (y/n) was in a decent state to accept visitors, yet was still unconscious. He could tell that the nurse was hiding something from him, but he was too worried about (y/n) to give it a second thought. Hesitantly, he brought her hand to his masked lips, gently pressing them against the fabric. "Ya know, (y/n). After you left, I decided to give those goddamn books a try. And you're right, they are addictive. Thanks for the gift," Kakashi sadly chuckled before pausing for a moment.

"Those books, they helped me a lot. They helped me get through my days, just like you told me."

"They also helped me realize something. They helped me realize that I don't hate you. I don't want to hate, and I never should've."

"I've realized that I was such a dick to you at the beginning and that it was all my fault that our relationship became how it was. I regret it... So when you wake up again, I just want to start over again. Maybe not entirely, but just so that we can leave all the hate behind us. How does that sound?"

Kakashi stared at the sleeping (y/n), her chest heaving up and how slowly and rhythmically. It hurt him to see her like that, her skin swollen in the places of the stitches and anointed bruises. "Listen, (y/n). I'd never been able to tell this to you while you're conscious, so I might as well let it out now. I...I love you." Kakashi rightly shut his uncovered eye. "After feeling your loss, my dumbass self finally realized how much you are worth. After they pass on, you and the others were all I had left. But then you also left me, that hurt like hell." His tone started to break.

"Lord Hokage told me about the whole fake-death move, and I was relieved that you weren't gone for good. And then we lost contact, everybody assumed the mission had been finished, and your squad sacrificed your lives for it. I couldn't let the fact that you could be a dead sink in. It didn't feel right. Gai, Asuma, and Kurenai tried to get me out of another depression cycle. Kurenai even went to the lengths of quite literally slapping some sense into me." Kakashi played with a loose strand of (y/n)'s (h/c) hair.

The muscles of (y/n)'s hand twitched ever so slightly. Kakashi's drooping head snapped up; he'd almost fallen asleep in the chair. "(y/n)?" He murmured as her eyes started to flutter, "(y/n)?"

(y/n) chapped lip parted ever so slowly, taking a big breath of air, her (e/c) eyes squinting. "Hatake..?" She shakily managed to mumbled, her voice hoarse and dry. She tried to prop herself up on the bed, but Kakashi eased her back into her resting position. "Rest, (y/n), you're not ready to stress yourself yet." Kakashi to her, "I'll be back with a nurse and some water for you, alright?" (y/n) opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. She simply looked down and nodded.

Moments later, Kakashi came back with the nurse and water. "Here," he carefully put the cup to her lip, gently tipping the cup, "Good." He turned to the nurse, who seemed to be scribbling something down from the little monitor to his clipboard. Kakashi's eyes followed the cord attached to it, to the long x shaped hash in (y/n)'s inner left thigh. What worried Kakashi was the anxious look on the nurse's face.

"(l/n)-san, your vitals are doing alright, but you'll have to stay here for a night or two just so that we can keep an eye on something's that may need monitoring." He curtly nodded his head, "Lord Hokage wished to speak to you. So, sir, that means you may have to leave."

Kakashi tried to reason with the other man, but (y/n) reached to weakly squeeze his thigh. "It's okay, Hatake. You can just drop by later." (y/n) tried to smile. "Fine," Kakashi grumbled, leaving the room and letting Hiruzen in.

After what seemed like an eternity, Hiruzen came back out. "How's (y/n)?" Kakashi asked him impatiently. The Hokage put his hand on Kakashi's shoulder as if trying to soothe him, "She'll be better soon. Don't worry, alright." The silver-haired shinobi let out a small grunt, "I know that she'll get better with time. But what about now?"

Kakashi knew that Hiruzen loved (y/n) almost like a daughter, he cared about her deeply. Hence the elaborate cover-ups to protect (y/n) and her squad on the unconventionally lengthy mission. The Hatake could see the sadness that had tried to be tucked away in the Sarutobi's eyes. "The main concern of the moment is the poison in the gash on her left thigh. The medic-nins have tried to extract as much of it as possible, and try to find something that will counteract the effects." The elderly man explained to him. "Did they find an antidote?" Kakashi questioned.

"That is where the problem lies," Hiruzen explained, "There is a certain medicinal herb that is used alongside a jutsu to nullify the effects, as the poison has traces of chakra. We have a few medics on hand who support the skill to perform the jutsu, but we don't have the plant. Even so, that won't be a permanent cure." Kakashi knit his eyebrows together, "How would it not be a perfect cure? Plus, since there are traces of chakra, could we possibly track down the person who created the poison and make them fess up on the cure?" He questioned.

"Great thinking, but..." Hiruzen groaned, "(y/n) said that they performed a self-destruction jutsu just after striking her. He probably thought that it would be in their best interest to take their secrets to the grave with them." Kakashi cursed under his breath, "Fuck... This is terrible."

Hiruzen nodded in agreement, "No duh."

Kakashi's head shot up, "Uh?!"

The elder man's eyes widened, "Did I use the term correctly?! I'm trying to pick up on the phrases the kids are using these days..."

Kakashi gritted his teeth, "Right idea of the meaning, I guess. But the context and timing...wasn't quite fit." Looking ever so slightly dejected, "Oh...alright." Smoothening out the wrinkles in his robe and putting in his cob pipe, "Kakashi, if you are going to stay here with (y/n), could you at least pick up some good food. The food in the hospital canteen is quite bland." Kakashi nodded his head and obliged, only to be stopped in his tracks by Hiruzen.

"Kakashi, I'd like to ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"What caused your change in actions towards (y/n) change so much?"

"What do you mean?"

"I've observed you two whilst you were in the ANBU together, and you never got along that well. And suddenly you act so attached to her, Kakashi. You don't need to answer. It's just that as your leader, I want to understand what is going on in the heads of some of my most trusted people." Hiruzen explained to Kakashi, puffing out a cloud of smoke from his cob pipe.

Kakashi frowned from behind his mask, trying to figure out how to explain his change of feelings in a professional manner. "I think that after I was given the impression that she was gone, I noticed that I cared about her. It made me realize that I was wrong to not see how much she meant in my life." He tried, his voice fading off into a whisper. Hiruzen smiled and nodded, "You really are something else, Kakashi."

Kakashi silently strolled over to Ichiraku's to grab some takeout. The paper lanterns lit the nearly empty streets of Konoha, creating a soft and soothing ambiance. The smell of the rain and moisture still clung to the air, the dirt roads had muddy dampness to them. "Yo! Kakashi, my eternal rival!" A boisterous and friendly voice greeted the said man. "Hey, Gai," Kakashi responded, he noticed his students sitting alongside each other and gave them a quick wave and smile. Naruto and Lee were arguing about who'd get Sakura. Sakura insisted that Sasuke would come around in her favor. Sasuke was quietly eating his food. And Neji and Tenten were discussing a new sword they saw in the windowsill of a weaponry shop.

"I'll take two eggplant miso soups with brown rice noodles," Kakashi leaned over the counter space between Lee and Naruto to order his meal, also effectively stopping the argument. "Thanks, Ayame," he thanked the daughter of Teuchi, owner of the quaint place. "No problem, Kakashi-san!" She chirped.

"Kakashi?" Gai raised his brushy brow, "Your kids told me about what happened this morning..." Kakashi sighed and pulled him aside so that they were at a comfortable distance, "It was (y/n)..." he told his best friend, "She's back and in the hospital because she's not in good health at the moment. I just came here to pick up a meal for her." Kakashi watched as Gai's jaw dropped, "(Y/N) IS ALIVE!" He exclaimed a touch too loud for his eternal rival's taste, "CAN I MEET HER?!" Tears of youthful joy waterfalled down the jumpsuit-clad man's cheeks. "I'll see if you can come tomorrow, alright Gai." Gai smiled broadly, "This is very...unusual. Youthful, nonetheless!" He grinned.

Kakashi rubbed the back of his head and nodded, "I'm glad she's back..." he murmured barely loud enough for Gai to hear. Knowingly, Gai patted Kakashi's back. "Oh! Yeah! Happy birthday, my youthful rival!" He gently punched his comrade's shoulder. A smile formed on Kakashi's lips, "Thanks, Gai." He flashed his eccentric friend his signature close-eyed smile.

"I'll see you later."

"Bye, Kakashi! Have a good night!"

Knock knock, Kakashi rapt (y/n)'s door, "Can I come in?"

"Come in," (y/n) murmured, a small moan of pain escaping her lips, "Ouch..."

Kakashi quickly set the takeout on a little table, rushing to (y/n)'s side. He wrapped his arm tightly around her waist and helped her to the table. "I got us dinner because the food at the canteen isn't that good." He explained with a slight shrug. "Thanks, Hatake," a weak smile formed on her lips. The silvered-haired Jonin served them their meals. "Itadakimasu," they both mumbled.

Heavy tension filled the room as they ate in silence. (y/n) knew that Kakashi had his mask down, but didn't look up. "It's been a while..." Kakashi breathed, in hopes of hearing (y/n) speak, "Too long..." The kunoichi rested her forehead on her palm, "I- Yeah..." she mumbled, eyes growing classier by the second. So much for trying to start a conversation... Kakashi thought sadly as they resumed their meals without a word. The silence seemed to be killed him. Kami, it had been 10 goddamn years! 3650 days since he had gotten to talk to the woman. He missed her. Hell, he could even say that he missed all of their little spats. Hatake Kakashi missed everything about (y/n).

"I missed you..." was all Kakashi mumbled as he pushed his finished food away and pulled up his mask, "All these days, months, and years."

Hot tears slipped down (y/n)'s cheeks, forming a puddle on the table. "I-I came back be-because I didn't want-want to hurt you and the r-rest. Dying on passed down pain to the people who love you. I can't afford to c-carry the guilt of t-that." She mumbled shakily, "I promised to be back, a-and I held up the promise." Kakashi sadly smiled as he awkwardly reached under the table to gently caress (y/n)'s thigh.

"You care about others so much, but you should really take a moment to care about yourself, (y/n)." Kakashi scolded the injured kunoichi, "You had me scared for you; all those gashes and open wounds... You could've died," he knit his eyebrows together in worry. "Don't do that ever again."

(y/n)'s dull smile faltered as Kakashi spoke on, "Now you know how I felt when I saw you doing all those suicidal stunts back then on those missions. It was like you were in a hurry to die... I mean, I was too, but you did some seriously dumb shit," she giggled emptily. Kakashi sweat-dropped, "I see... I guess you are right..." (y/n) rolled her (e/c) eyes as the masked shinobi let out a drained sigh, "I'm always right, Hatake."

"Really, (l/n)? You've been through torturous pain, and you still act like a child." Kakashi groaned, "All these years..." (y/n) shot him a hard glare, "All these years and you still think you're in charge of me." He cast a confused look, "It's my duty to protect you, as a comrade." As a comrade... "I guess, but you're just annoying, Hatake," she huffed.

"I'm sorry about ruining your birthday with my arrival and stuff. I probably ruined your plans with those kids." (y/n) looked down, breaking the silence that had fallen upon them, "I could hear you guys through the gate; they seemed pumped about going out. I'm sorry, I didn't think about the flaws in my whole plan." Kakashi's head snapped up from its resting position on the table, "It's fine, they don't even know it's my birthday," he paused, "But you planned to come here? As in, today in particular. With all those injuries, (l/n), you should've just tried to take care of yourself. My birthday isn't as important as your health."

The (y/n) shook her head, "I was going to stay at a small village pretty far from here before finally coming home. I planned to just heal up there and see how things went from there. I even considered settling down there. But that just didn't feel right," (y/n) face set in a frown, "Once I realized that your birthday wasn't that far off, I decided that I couldn't stay and needed to come back. I doubted I would even live to be back. But here I am..." she said with a soft wince of pain. "It was terrible, I hated every second of it," Her (s/t) fingers made their way to the raw mark on her inner thigh, “I’d already lost so much; there was nothing for me to lose at that point.” Kakashi's face softened as he understood what she meant. (y/n) wasn't put in the mission alone, she had her team. They all must've been killed with time.

"Ouch!" (y/n) yelped as she let out a moan of pain, clenching the fabric of her hospital-issued pajama pants. “Shh..." Kakashi whispered into her ear, quickly leaning in to soothe her, "What's causing all this pain?" He asked with a frown as (y/n) bit her lip. "It's the thing in your thigh, right? Lord Hokage and the nurse told me a bit about it. But I still don't fully understand it and how it can't fully be cured."

(y/n) buried her face in her hands, "Oh..." She mumbled, "The poison can't de be removed because it's already been inside of me too long. And since it is laced with chakra, the properties of it aren't completely like normal poison." She blinked back the stinging agonizing tears in her eyes, "The herb that I need is just going to ease the effects in my body, whilst the jutsu will seal it from triggering anything that was layered in with the chakra." (y/n) explained. Kakashi could tell she was trying her hardest to keep her face straight, pushing back the pain and hurting inside. "The thing is–"

"What?" Kakashi asked the pained woman, his tone soft and soothing, "I can help if I know what's going on."

Warily, (y/n) agreed to speak on, "The place where the mission was stationed at was just underground of the nuke-nin outpost I was from. And the guy who poisonous me was one of the other kids' experiments were done on, along with me. He was a few years older than us, and his name was Hiroto Myoga. His parents were in owed debt to the rogues, they were forced into being test subjects until they died. Which left Hiroto in the nuke-nin's hands." She rubbed the temple of her head pushing away the images that sent a shiver down her spine, "Something similar had happened in the case of my parents and me. But unlike me, when the ANBU did the raid, Hiroto was snuck away just in time."

Kakashi's heart sank as he heard what she was telling him. (y/n) had never known much about her past, the damned curse seal had caused. “Since he was older than most of the other kids there, the nuke-nin's of the outpost decided that they needed to trust their information. It was all precautionary, just in case they were taken down. And that's just what happened. Hiroto was the one ordered to put memory restriction curse seals on us, the kids, before he fled to be underground, where the actual harm was being done. That meant that all this time Hiroto had been working in those old plans." (y/n) closed her eyes tightly, tears welling up in the corners of her eyes.

With a subtle groan, Kakashi supported (y/n) up from the chair and rested her in her cot. "Don't stress yourself, (y/n). You can just tell me later; it's getting late anyway." He told her. "It's fine, Hatake. Letting this out helps me feel better." She reassured him.

"The ANBU caught wind of suspicious activity in that area and decided to send out a squad to go check out. I overheard Danzō arguing with Lord Hokage about it, and got interested. It was really dumb, but I just wanted to go to learn more about what happened in my past. I learned, but that can with lots of twists and turns. 10 years of going undercover..." (y/n)'s (e/c) eyes met Kakashi's single uncovered black one, "It wasn't long before Hiroto became suspicious of us, slowly narrowing the group down till it was just me." (y/n) took a deep breath and continued, "After Hiroto killed himself in our final fight, my curse seal was lifted. That's how I suddenly was able to remember all of the past. All of it."

A pit formed in Kakashi's stomach as he watched (y/n) cry in silence. He wanted to help her feel better, he really did. But he was afraid that he'd make things worse; dealing with feelings just wasn't his thing. "I'm here for you, (l/n). We've been through so much together, you've helped me through it all," Kakashi tried to reassure her, "It's my turn to look after you. Please, just don't cry." He reached out his hand to brush a tear-off of her streaked cheeks.

“Are you okay with me staying here for the night?" Kakashi asked (y/n) as they sat at the bay window, looking down upon the empty moonlit streets of Konoha. The soft light cast down by the moon seemed to make everything look beautiful, serene, and at peace. "(l/n)?" He asked again, turning to look back at her. A gentle smile played on Kakashi's lips as he saw that she'd fallen asleep. (y/n) had been through so much throughout the day, she not only deserved to rest for a long time but also needed to. "Good night, (y/n)..." he carefully lifted the sleeping beauty and placed her on the cot. Sitting back at the bay seat, Kakashi took in a deep breath. "I love you."

She's finally back.

She's finally home.

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queensarabii · 4 years

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Itachi Uchiha Lemon Love Story

Name: Akira Uchiha

Age: 6 Part I 19 Part II

Status: ANBU

Hair: Jet black hair going down to your knees and tied off at the end

Eyes: Onyx

Nickname: Kira

Animal: Kirara (A small demon looking cat that can transform into a bigger cat)

Weapons: Giant twin swords

Appearance: You're a gorgeous girl with long jet black hair that goes down past your knees and tied off at the end. Your clothes consist of a black mini skirt with a white and pink tight kimono type shirt that stops just above your mid drift, along with a pair of black heels that strap around your ankles. Bandages are wrapped around both arms going up to the elbows, and daggers strapped to either side of your thighs. One Sword strapped to your waist and the other is hanging on your back with its strap crossing over you chest.

Caution this is going to be a very long story, so be prepared. @__@

This story has an alternate ending and does not follow show's story line entirely. (> <)

C H A P T E R 1:

Smiling, crying and excited faces cheered in the crowd.

"I can't believe I am finally done with this place," a kid happily confessed to his family as he walked away from the front of the Academy.

I smiled, having the same thought. Pushing through the dense field of people, making my way to the back of the crowd I turned and looked back and smiled at the families that congregated on the Academy grounds. 'I wish there were people I could share this moment with'. My smile faded into a seldom expression as I thought of my parents.

I don't think they ever wanted to have any kids, both my parents were amazing ninjas but they gave me little to no attention when they were home if they were ever home. But it doesn't even matter, that was a long time ago and they have been dead for a while now.

"AKIRA!!" the sound of my name rang through my ears, lifting my head I saw a group of my class mates waving at me, "WE ARE GOING OUT FOR SOME FOOD, YOU SHOULD COME WITH US!!" yelled a boy. I waved back and yelled, "Maybe another time! Thank You!"

I really did want to go, but I didn't want to infringe on their family time.

It's better if I didn't go.

I felt a hand on my shoulder, "You know you should go with them." I could tell from the voice exactly who it was. I turned to see Itachi with a smile from ear to ear. Immediately my face lit up, Itachi was my best friend and a person I looked up to. Even though he wasn't that much older than I, I wanted to be just like him.

"When did you get here!?" I asked excitedly, he was the only one who can change my mood in an instant, I couldn't look at him and not smile. "When did I get here?" he chuckled, "I was the first one here, I wouldn't miss you graduating for anything!" he laughed.

My eyes filled with tears, I tackled him knocking him to the ground, burying my face into his chest. "Thank you Itachi, I couldn't ask for a better friend" His hand came down, gently stroking my head, trying to comfort me. "I would never let you down, Kira." His voice was soft and soothing. He knew how lonely I was, and he made every effort to make me feel loved and cared for while my parents were alive, and even more now that they're dead.

"Hey, I have something for you," Itachi said pushing himself up on his elbows, "But you have to get off of me first," he said smiling. I giggled and pushed myself off crossing my legs and sitting in front of him. "You have to close your eyes first."

Smiling, I closed my eyes and thrust my hands out palms up waiting for his gift. A few seconds later I felt a heavy object slip onto my hands. "Okay open." My eyes fluttered open to a smiling face, but something was missing. Looking down to the object clasped in my hand I smiled. "Ita... I can't take this... It's your headband. You know the Academy already gives us one for graduation."

His smile widened, "I know, but I wanted to give you something special for your graduation." My eyes were flooded with tears once again, I jumped into his arms and hugged him tightly. "You're the best, what would I do without you?" I giggled, "Here let me put it on for you." I smiled and turned around lifting my hair, the headband slipped around my neck and fell loosely.

Turning around I found his face still smiling, "You look weird without your headband Ita," I said picking myself up off the ground with a huff, "Hey that's not nice" Itachi huffed sticking his arm out to me. I grabbed hold and pulled him up to his feet. "I could just take the headband back." He said, a smiling to his face, throwing his hands up like a bear ready to pounce.

"No!" I laughed clutching onto the Hitai-ate "I can keep it!"

"Oh! I have one more gift for you." Itachi smiled. "Another gift? This is more than enough for me Ita" I replied running my fingers over the headband that adorned my neck. "Well I am still gonna give it to you." Lifting his hand to his lips, he whistled.

There was rustling in the trees above, a growling sound, then a tiny body jumped from the branches onto Itachi's shoulders. "This is Kirara, I found her all alone one day and I thought you might like to have her." Itachi grinned picking up the little furball and handing her to me. She jumped out of his hands and onto my shoulders, purring and rubbing her head against mine. "She likes you." Itachi said, petting Kirara's head.

"How about we go back to my house? My mom said she was going to make you some food" He said dropping his arm around my shoulder that smile still plastered on his face. I don't think I have ever seen him without a smile. It was an infectious smile, always warm and happy, he made me feel loved, wanted, and cared for. "What do you say, Kira?"

I nodded my head and smiled. My life is a sad one, but at least I have Itachi here with me.

"Hey, Ita?" I asked looking at his grinning face. "Yes?" He replied as we started to walk towards the Uchiha compound. "You'll never leave me, right? We'll always be best friends?" His arm tightened around my shoulder and his head rested against mine as we continued our walk.

"We'll always be best friend Kira, I'll always be there for you." In that moment I didn't need anyone else, Itachi was the only person in the world who would mean anything to me and the only person I needed.

'But that was a long time ago and things have changed.'

C H A P T E R 2:

"AKIRA! SNAP OUT OF IT!!"

I sighed irritated at the fact that I was brought out of my daydream.

"What is Tsunade?!" I huffed turning my head from the window to face the Hokage. She turned from her desk to give me her death glare, obviously pissed that I called her by her first name rather than Lady Tsunade. "What did you call me?!" He voice got harsh as if trying to scare me.

I sighed and laughed at her sad attempt to threaten me in the same way that she threatens everyone else. "You know that doesn't work on me Tsunade." I giggled, she huffed knowing full well that what I was saying was true.

She knew I was too much like her for her tricks to work on me.

The sound of a growl came from Tsunade's desk, Kirar growled at Tsunade and proceeded to jump on her lap and purr settling herself into a ball.

"I have a mission for you, but I am sending you with a team." She said, her voice becoming hushed. "A team? Don't you trust me Tsunade?" I laughed. "That is not the issue here!" Her voice turned serious, and for a moment I was caught off guard, 'what kind of mission is this that she doesn't trust me enough to go out on my own?'

"You're one of the few people I trust so it's not that-- I just need--. Don't argue with me and just do as I say for once A--" Before she could finish her sentence there was a knock at the door.

"Enter."

Familiar faces filled the room; Kakashi, Neji, Kiba, Izumo, Kotetsu, and Shikamaru. (I know this is a weird group of people to stick together for a mission just go with it.)

Immediately I felt all eye directed towards me, eyes widened, noses bled, and bodies hit the floor.

"Umm Kira, you should probably change your clothes," Shizune laughed.

Looking down I saw exactly why all the guys in the room had suddenly passed out. I was still in my lace baby doll night gown. 'I hadn't even noticed, I am always on missions that most of the time I just sleep in Tsunade's office.'

"Whoops!" I giggled, jumping up from the window sill stretching my arms out. "Show some modesty and put some clothes on". Tsunade said in a jabbing tone. "Says the person that walks around with her tits hanging out all the time!" I jabbed back with a smirk on my face. She turned and gave me an evil look but it slowly turned into a smirk.

"Sorry for the show boys" I laughed turning my attention back to the group of men try and compose themselves. "It's fine..." Kakashi choked trying to cover the blush on his face (although he really didn't have to because his whole damn face is covered anyways... But I digress.) All the others nodded their heads trying extra hard to avoid making eye contact with me.

"Don't they look adorable Tsunade!? they're blushing!" I cooed, immediately they all tried to hide their faces. "It's okay, I am just messing with you guys." I smiled.

"Put clothes on!" Shizune yelled tossing a pair of pants and a Jonin jacket at my face.

Turning around I split my hair into two parts and pull them over my shoulders. As I pulled up my pants Tsunade began to speak, "Now you might be wondering why I have brought you all here?"

"Just get to the point Tsunade!" I teased, "You know I am sick and tired of the way you're treating me! I am your Hokage and should be treated as such!!" She yelled standing up from her desk, "Calm down Tsunade I am just teasing." I spoke defensively. Laughing I let the straps from my nightgown fall off my shoulders consequently letting the gown fall from my body. There was a gasp, my head turned slightly looking to where the sound came from. "What is it?" I asked, curious as to what they were all staring at. "Your back!?" Kiba whispered, my heart tightened in sadness.

"Oh, that? It's nothing really" I forced a laugh, pulling the jacket over my arms and back trying quickly to hide the enormous scar on my back. Turning back to the group behind me I zipped up the jacket stopping mid chest.

"How about that missions Tsunade?" I said hurriedly before anyone else had a chance to ask me how I got the scar. "Oh yes, the mission. I have a recon mission for you guys."

"If that is the case then why send all of us together? Recon works better if there are only 1 to 2 people, there are too many of us." Shikamaru stated, crossing his arms and tipping his head back. 'Typical Shikamaru, too lazy to even do recon' I snickered. "Something funny to you?" Tsunade asked intimidation laced in her voice.

"You know he's right. Trying to do recon with seven people is not impossible but will make things a lot more difficult. I think you're losing your touch in your golden years." I said back to her, matching her tone.

"I am going to ignore that comment. We have reason to believe the Akatsuki is planning something big, the ANBU members who gathered the information thus far were killed by Akatsuki members." She said turning back to the others. "And who exactly are those Akatsuki members?" Neji spoke after a moment of silence.

"Kisame Hoshigaki and Itachi Uchiha."

The room became still. The sound of his name filled my body with so many emotions; anger, longing, sadness, love, abandonment, and every emotion in between. The scar on my back burned, I know it was psychological but I still winced at the imaginary pain. But despite all the anger, I felt towards him I still missed him, I still.... I still loved him.

"From what I was told there is another two man squad with them, a pair by the name of Hidan and Kakuzu. Although you are all strong ninja I still urge you all to take precautions if you are forced to engage in combat with any of these men. Especially you Akira."

'Tsunade did not know about my history with Itachi so she didn't have a reason to tell me to be cautious. So there was no reason for her to tell me to be careful, but she did.'

I nodded my head quietly, thinking about what I would do if I were to come face to face with Itachi again. I don't know what I would do, I don't think I would be ago to fight him.

"Is there anything else we need to know about these guys?" Shikamaru said obviously not showing interest. "That's the thing we don't know that much, all of you have to be on your feet."

I turned on my heels and made my way to the window, "I'll be at the gate if you need me." Before anyone could tell me otherwise I bolted out the window.

'What would I do if I saw him again? Would I try and kill him? Would I cry? Would I break down and freeze?' Before I knew it I was running down the streets, before I knew it I was at the gates. The wind picked up, flipping my hair here and there. For a moment I felt free. But then the wind died down and I was brought back to life.

'Why? Why did you leave me? You promised me you'd always be there for me.'

*Bird's squawk*

The sound broke my thoughts. Looking around I spotted a black bird in the trees just outside the village gates. 'That's odd I don't usually see crows out at this time.'

The crow turned and let out another irritating sound. I slowly walked towards The bird. Its head turned so it made eye contact with me. Its eyes were blood red, and it felt like it was looking my soul. Then in an instant, I saw it. The Sharingan.

"KIRA!"

I turned to find everyone waiting for me closer to the gate. But when I turned to look at the crow it was gone. 'Was that what I thought it was?'

"What are you looking at?" Kiba asked jogging up to me. "I saw a crow, but I might have just been my imagination," I replied looking back at the branch where the bird once stood.

"Well we got to get going, Lady Tsunade said the last place the Akatsuki was spotted at the north western front, so we got to get going." He said with a smile on his face showing off those K9 teeth.

'I always did think he was adorable especially with Akamaru by his side.' I sighed 'I guess that bird was a figment of my imagination.'

"Let's get going." I smiled back as we started our journey.

After while of jumping from branch to branch someone finally broke the silence.

"So how are we going to break up? It doesn't seem productive for all of us to be together." Shikamaru said, catching up to me. I hadn't really noticed it but I was farther ahead than the rest of the group. 'I must have been in my head again.'

We all stopped, "I think that is a good idea, we will be able to cover more ground that way." Kakashi agreed we all nodded in agreement. "Question is how should we go about this," Neji added, "There is an odd number of us."

"I'll go alone." I said 'I needed to be alone if I had any chance of having a conversation with Itachi. "I don't think that is wise," Kakashi growled. 'Someone is touchy.' I thought making eye contact with him. "I'll be fine alone, I am capable of handling Akatsuki members on my own," I replied crossing my arms challenging him. "Kakashi is right, you shouldn't go at it alone," Izumo said.

"I will be fine. I promise." I said forcing a smile, 'Would I be okay?'

"Well okay then, I'll split up the groups; Kakashi you're with Neji, Izumo with Kiba, and Kotetsu you'll be with me," Shikamaru spoke. "I still don't like it," Kakashi replied with a huff.

"Don't worry about me Kakashi I am a lot stronger than I look, I can handle anything," I said, placing my hand on his shoulder trying to ease his worry. "Be careful."

We all went our separate ways and I was finally alone. I walked along a dirt path towards the direction of where the targets were last seen. I walked absent mindedly for a while till I heard Kirar growl.

"What is it Kirara?" She looked at me then turned her head and growled again this time transforming into her demon form. She was focused on something on just the other side of the bushes. 'She doesn't usually act this way, she only gets riled up when she senses someone with high chakra.' I came to her side, she continued to growl.

"I would call off that demon of yours." A voice spoke from the other side, we both jumped back still holding our ground. "You're quick on your feet." My hand landed on the sword on strapped to my waist. The rustling in the bushes got louder and suddenly a body emerged. A man tall man in an Akatsuki cloak stepped out. His face was hidden except for his eyes. His eyes were a terrifying color of green. 'I've never seen anyone with eyes like that.' Across his head was the headband with the sign of the Village Hidden by a Waterfall symbol.

"Judging by your stance and the way you're clutching that sword of yours, it doesn't look like you are going to let me pass without a fight." He said after a moment. "You got that right!" I yelled back, slowly unsheathing my sword. "What are you Akatsuki doing here? and where are the other members?" I spat positioning my sword so that I could react fast if he decided to make a move. "I'd rather not fight." He replied ignoring my questions.

"I asked you a question!" I barked getting irritated at the fact that he was completely glossing over my questions and acting as if I was no threat to him. He ignored me again and turned on his heels and was making his way in the direction he came.

"I am talking to you!" I yelled, reaching for my dagger and throwing it at the back of his head. Just then a scythe with three red blades came down from the trees above effectively blocking my dagger. "Hey, hey, hey, Kaaaakuzu!! you almost let that girl kill you!!" A voice yelled from above.

"Hmmm." Was the only reply he had.

The man in the tree pulled on a cable that was attached to the end of the scythe pulling it back to his hand. This time he aimed the weapon towards me. The scythe came down just barely touching me, snipping a few hairs as I back flipped out of the way. And with a swing of his arms, the scythe turned and came for me again. Pulling up my sword just in time for the blade to make contact.

The man in the tree jumped down with a loud thud. He was about the same height as the other man, but less covered. His cloak only covered one arm and he was naked underneath. "Hidan lets go, she isn't worth the fight."

That boiled by blood, 'Who the hell does he think he is!'

I bolted, I made a B-line for Kakuzu.

I brought my leg up in an attempt to land a kick to his head but he managed to duck just in time. Activating my Sharingan I brought my leg down this time landing a blow to his shoulder.

Just then I felt a presence behind me. Dodging the horizontal stroke of Hidan's scythe I managed to get behind him bringing my sword down on his back leaving a large gash. "OW!!" He screamed.

Jumping a few feet back I took a deep breath and took my stance. "I am going to kill you for that!" He yelled.

I smiled. 'This is going to be a piece of cake.'

"Calm down Hidan. She's no ordinary girl." Kakuzu spoke standing back up from his hunched position.

"I don't care what she is! Do you see this scar she just put on me!! I am going to make her pay!!" Hidan rambled. "Shut up and look at her eyes," Kakuzu said ignoring all of Hidan's comments. "Hmm... Ohh she has the same eyes as Itachi." I froze, the mention of his name stoped me dead in my tracks. "Hey, Itachi! You forgot to kill someone!" He said pointing his scythe to a branch behind me. It doesn't matter I'll kill her myself!" He said spreading his arms out arching his back and letting out an evil laugh.

When I turned my head to get a glimpse, if it really was Itachi, that is when Hidan made his move. Launching his weapon at me I tried to dodge but this time he got a hit in. One of the blades slashed my neck.

I figured that his attack would be more fatal but he only broke the skin, enough to draw blood. He pulled on the cord bringing back the scythe, licking the blood he had drawn. Suddenly his body turned black and his eyes became more crazed. "Now I can kill you."

With a roar, he drew a black rod from underneath his cloak and stabbed his own leg. 'He's crazy!'

Suddenly a paralyzing shock went through my body. My eyes widened, 'Blood!? My blood but how!?! He stabbed his own leg why am I the one bleeding!'

"That is the power of Jashin!" Hidan yelled pulling the rod from his leg. Blood gushed out of my leg and my vision began to get blurred. 'Somehow the damage he is inflicting on himself is being inflicted on me! I need to end him before he ends me.' I panicked running towards him, "Pathetic!" He bellowed plunging the rod in his other leg. I stopped dead, blood oozed down my other leg. I staggered trying hard not to let myself fall to the ground. "Where should I stab next!?" He yelled positioning the rod at his left arm "Here!? Or here!?" He said moving to his right arm. "Or should I end it now!?" He yelled pointing the rod to his heart.

'Didn't think it would end this way.' I thought using all my energy to keep myself standing. "Do your worst!" I barked. "That's it! You asked for it!!" He yelled plunging the rod in his heart.

Just then the wind swirled and birds began to cry. 'Crows again?' in a tornado of crows and feathers a body appeared, and there he stood. Black hair, and eyes as red as blood.

"I'll take it from here," Itachi said staring me down like prey. "Step aside Itachi! I am the one who is going to kill that brat!" Hidan barked from behind him. "Shut up Hidan and let Itachi handle this," Kakuzu spoke nonchalantly, obviously in no mood of his partner's antics. "If you think I am gonna let this guy kill my sacrifice you got another thing coming!" Hidan yelled to Kakuzu.

"Step aside Hidan. I am the one to fight her." Itachi said staring down Hidan with his Sharingan, immediately his mood changed and so did his body. "Hmmf, I didn't want to kill her anyway."

'Is he scared of Itachi? And more importantly, is he sulking?'

It happened in a flash, Itachi was in front of me, and we made eye contact for the first time in almost 8 years. I saw something flash across his face, happiness?

His hand came down on me but I blocked him with my arm, we stood there for a minute, then.

"Meet me at the hideout in 3 days," Itachi whispered.

'Is he serious?'

"I'll explain everything, just meet me please."

Then a sharp pain.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Akira! Kira! Are you okay?"

'Neji? Where did he come from?'

I opened my eyes to find worried faces looking down at me. I bolted up and a sharp pain racked my body.

"Take it easy," Kotetsu said steadying me with his arm. "I can't believe that you actually held your own against those freaks," Kiba said plopping himself down next to me. "You took a pretty bad hit, Kira. It's amazing that you're still alive." Shikamaru said crouching down beside me inspecting my wounds. "I am fine! Where are they!?" I asked hurriedly, trying to pick myself up, but failing miserably.

"Easy, it's lucky we got here in time Itachi would have killed you if we were just a moment too late," Kakashi said obviously mad that I acted recklessly.

"Come off it Kakashi, don't treat me like a kid. I am fine aren't I!" I barked at him. His expression turned to a hurt one. "I am sorry for snapping at you," I sighed.

"It's fine." He replied.

"Did you find out why they were here?" Neji asked. "It seemed to me as if they had already found whatever it is they needed," I picked myself up and began to walk in the direction of the village. "Then what do we tell Lady Tsunade?" Kiba said catching up to me in an effort to help me walk. "We tell her exactly what happened," I replied.

'My first failed mission and it is all because of him.

I have 3 days then I'll get my answers.' I thought.

*Bird's squawk*

In the distance I saw the crow again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Back at the village)

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU GOT NOTHING!" Tsunade yelled throwing her chair out the window. "It's my fault," I replied getting down on my knee ( I don't often apologize to Tsunade but this time it really was my fault the mission failed.)

"I engaged with the enemy when I shouldn't have," I continued. "I told you to do recon, why you decided to pick a fight with 3 Akatsuki members is beyond me!" She yelled back.

'Damn she really is mad.' I thought standing back up. "It's my fault and I am sorry Tsunade," I whispered. After a few minutes of fuming Tsunade began to calm down. "I can't change what has happened, but I am glad you all made it back safely. Even though no new information has surfaced from this mission at least they are gone. You're all dismissed," She said.

Everyone filed out of the room except for me and Shizune. "I am sorry I really am. I don't know what came over me." I said in an effort to dull her anger.

"I know Kira, just get to the hospital and get some rest."

"Yes."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN 2 DAYS!!" I yelled.

"Your injuries are pretty severe but they are healing up nicely," the nurse replied with a smile on her face. "From what I can tell you need the rest anyways so enjoy it while it lasts." She said walking out of the room.

'Fine 2 more days.'

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'Finally, I am out of that forsaken place. I've always hated being in the hospital. They forced me to stay 2 days even though it didn't take long for my wounds to heal.'

I walked out of the hospital, down the street. Before I knew it I found myself at the village gates.

'I have a day to get to the hideout.'

"Hey, Akira you're out of the hospital!?" An arm came around my shoulders pulling me into a hug. "Hey Naruto," I replied smiling.

"When did you get back from your mission?" I asked trying to weave myself from his arms.

"This morning," He replied, "Where are you going?" He continued curiously.

"Just somewhere, hey if anyone asks don't tell them you saw me. I'll be back tomorrow." I said walking down the path away from the village.

"Should I be worried?" He called.

"No!" I said waving back at him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'It's been years since I have been here.' I thought walking into a small room. Scrolls lay on a small table against the far side of the wall. There was no reason to ever come here.

"Why would you ask to meet here of all places," I asked.

A body stepped out from the shadows.

"It was the only place I could think of that we wouldn't get interrupted."

His voice made weak, I wanted to run to him, I wanted to hug him.

I turned and our eyes met.

"Ita--" In an instant, I was wrapped in his arms.

"I missed you, Kira." He whispered stroking my hair. I cried for the first time since...

"I am sorry Kira, there is nothing I can say to you to make up for leaving you." His hug tightened.

Minutes passed, I pulled myself together and pushed a way from him. His expression was filled with hurt.

"You have some explaining to do," I whispered wiping tears from my face. "You left me! You promised you'd never leave me and you did! Not just me you left Sasuke and now he believes it's his lot in life to kill you!" I yelled trying to stifle my tears.

His body stiffened. "I was trying to protect you... Sasuke... and the village.."

"Protect! That's rich! you call what you did protecting us!?" I barked tears escaping my eyes.

"I know it doesn't seem like it, believe me, I was trying to protect everyone." His voice rose, I've never seen him act this way before.

"Did you have to kill everyone!? Did you have to leave Sasuke? Did you have to leave me?" My voice broke, I felt his arms around me again trying to comfort me.

"I wouldn't have left you and Sasuke if it wasn't for your protection." He said in a soothing tone.

"I missed you," I cried. "I missed you so much it killed me," I said wrapping my arms around his body. " I am sorry."

After a while, we sat down.

"I was always watching over you, I never truly left you." He said placing a hand on my shoulder.

"Watching me? how? There is no way that you could get anywhere close to the village." Just then the sound of a bird squawking echoed throughout the small room. Two red eyes materialized from the shadows and a crow flew out.

"A bird? That's how you've been watching?" I asked staring into Itachi's eyes

"Yes."

The bird landed on Itachi's shoulder and made that god awful sound again before swooping past me and out the door.

"I had to kill everyone. It was a mission." He spoke just above a whisper as if to say it but not having the intention of having it heard. "A mission?" I questioned.

"They were planning a coup d'etat." He whispered staring off into the distance.

"A coup? Who? You're not making any sense Itachi." I said turning my body to face him. "Look at me when I am talking!" I said grabbing onto his cloak. His head turned and I was shocked to see what I saw. Tears were running down his face. 'I have never seen Itachi cry before. He was always smiling always happy. Maybe I really didn't know how he felt inside, the pain that he has suffered.'

"Itachi--" I reached up whipping his tears away with my thumbs. "I am sorry for yelling." I continued. He was silent his eyes bore into mine. "My father and the rest of the Military Police Force. I did what I did to protect everyone." His voice was so soft I could barely hear.

'He is hurting a lot, it must have destroyed him to do such horrible things to the people he called family.'

"Why?" I asked.

"I told you." He replied sadness enveloping his voice.

"Not that, why did you let me live? Sasuke I understand, but why me? You even killed Izumi." The sound of her name made him wince. 'He still loves her?'

"I couldn't kill you, I wouldn't kill you. All your life you were hurt, I couldn't bare to hurt you more." He replied.

"Why join the Akatsuki?" I questioned plopping back down next to him.

"I invited to join, I wanted to find out what they planning."

"Are they planning something?"

"They are capturing Jinchuriki, but at the moment I don't know the plan-" He trailed off.

"I don't know yet. I need your help to stop him."

"My help? How?"

"I'll tell you what he is planning and you find a way to stop them at all costs."

"Why don't you just come back to the village and explain everything to Tsunade. I know she will understand despite her thick headedness."

"No. I need you to do this for me. I have to stay with the Akatsuki."

"You can't go your entire life bearing the burden of this alone. You're strong Itachi but you can't have the weight of the entire world on your shoulders." I whispered. "You've done more than is needed or necessary."

"Help me Akira."

"Yes."

'I couldn't say no to him. He's been holding onto all of this for years, carrying the weight of the world. He wants to protect everyone.'

"You're not alone, I'll help you but I need you to promise me that you won't leave me again. Promise me you won't do anything so reckless again and I'll help." I whispered into his chest.

"I promise."

We stayed wrapped in each other for a while. 'I didn't want to let go of him, I was scared that if I did I was never gonna get the chance to be with him ever again.'

"I am so sorry Akira, I put you through too much and I am sorry." He pulled away kissing my forehead.

"Just promise you won't do it again and I forgive you," I replied smiling. Then he smiled for the first time in years. My heart lit up I became so happy, his smile never failed to bring out my own smile.

We sat together talking for hours about years passed, Madara's plans and almost everything in between.

"I have to go," Itachi said after a while, "My partner is going to get suspicious if I am away for much longer." He continued. "I know Tsunade is going to be up my ass for going out without telling her." I signed, 'She's going to unleash a wrath on me.' I thought, rubbing my arms as I stood up.

"I am proud of you Kira." The comment caught me off guard. My heart fluttered, my entire life I've wanted to hear those words from him and now I have.

"All my life I've wanted nothing more than to make you proud." I started but was cut off.

"I was always proud of you." He smiled and tapped my forehead, something he always did to Sasuke, I smiled in return.

"We should go."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Where were you?" Tsunade asked, clearly infuriated with me. "I went for a walk," I replied.

"For a whole day?!" She pressed.

"I just needed some time to myself."

"Did it have something to do with the failed mission." She asked her tone suddenly changing.

"Yes."

She immediately backed off.

"Cut yourself some slack, one failed mission out of hundreds of successful ones. It's water under the bridge now." She said in an effort to make me feel better.

"Thanks, Tsunade," I replied turning to leave. "I am gonna go home for a bit."

She didn't reply.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I laid in bed that night thinking of Itachi.

'And so it begins.'

Itachi and I began working together to foil the Akatsuki's plan. We spent any time we could together. It felt like old time again, I felt loved again, cared for again.

I wasn't prepared for what would come.

C H A P T E R 3:

'It's been a little under a year. Things have been getting a little crazy, but Itachi and I have been working together to mess with the Akatsuki's plans. So far so good.'

"I have to tell you something," Itachi said as we walked to a clearing in the forest. It was a beautiful day, the sun was out, the birds were chirping and air was crisp and clean. But something just didn't feel right.

"What is it?" I asked turning my head to smile at him.

"You're not going to like what I have to tell you," He replied turning to look away from me.

"What is -- ."

"I am gonna fight Sasuke... And I am going to let him kill me..." He whispered softly.

"What!? You've got to be kidding me! You're crazy Itachi!" I yelled stepping in front of him. "Itachi I just got you back and you expect me to let you get killed. I am not gonna let that happen!"

He refused to make eye contact with me. "Look at me when I am talking to you!" He tilted his head so that he was looking up into the sky.

"I need to do this. I put Sasuke in this position, I filled his heart with hate and I need to fix it." He replied staring up into the sky.

"Then tell him the TRUTH! You're in no condition to fight! He is only doing this because he doesn't know!" I spat back.

"He can't know."

" I am not letting you! You can't fight not the way you are now" I yelled

He slowly faced me. A sad smile on his face. His hand came up to my face stroking my cheek, "Kira... You mean the world to me... You're my dearest friend... What I am trying to say is... I love you."

My eyes widened. Before I could reply he kissed me. My heart exploded, 'he loves me!" my mind was racing a mile a second. I kissed back pouring my heart and soul into it.

A minute later he pulled away. "I love you." He repeated.

My mouth was moving but I couldn't say any words, I was still in shock.

"Just know that no matter what happens I love you, always did, and always will."

"No matter what? Itachi this sounds like a goodbye?" I panicked.

"Forgive me again, I have to do this... Goodbye." He whispered......

Everything went black.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*A few hours later*

I bolted up right. "ITACHI!!!" I yelled, but there was no reply.

"That IDIOT! ITACHI YOU FOOL! YOU PROMISED YOU WOULDN'T DO THIS AGAIN!!" I yelled.

'where would he go?' I was in a panic, I couldn't go back to the village, it would be too late! I have to find him.'

I ran through the forest searching.

I forced myself to stop.

"Okay, Akira you need to think this through rationally! Where would be the perfect place for the two of them to fight?" I said out loud.

After a moment of pondering it finally came to me.

I ran.

I ran as fast as my feet could carry me. 'I have to make it there in time.'

"I HAVE TO!"

I ran for what seemed like hours.

Jumping through some bushes only to come face to face with some familiar people.

"Akira?"

"Naruto? Kakashi? Sakura?"

"Akira watch out!" Sakura's voice rang in my ears. My body moved on its own accord dodging an attack from an unknown enemy.

"What are you guys doing here?" I asked before looking up to find 2 new Akatsuki members. One looked like a venus fly trap with a half white half black body. Standing next to him was a man covered head to toe. The only part of him that was even close to being visible was a hole in the right side of his orange mask.

"Tobi did good Zetsu!?" the man yelled jumping up and down. When he stopped I saw it and my body shook. A Sharingan was visible.

"You! You did this!" I yelled charging at the man with the mask.

"Wait Kira he is using some weird justu!" Naruto yelled just a little too late. Before I could land my attack the man landed a kick to my stomach sending me back and into a tree.

"I won't let him die!" I barked clutching my wound, blood trickling down my side of my mouth.

Suddenly the man's voice changed from playful to one of seriousness "I did nothing Itachi will die by his own free will, you know better than anyone that that is what he wants."

"Damn you and damn him I said I am not going to let him die even if it kills me!!" I barked back.

"Kira, what is he talking about?" Kakashi asked as he tried to help me.

I yanked away from him and stumbled to my feet. "I lost him once! I am not letting anyone take him from me again! Especially not to Sasuke!" I shrieked.

But before I could attack again the two disappeared. "It would seem that the battle is over and the victor has been decided. (I know this may not have been what he said exactly, but I am too lazy to go back and watch the episode and quote, sue me lol.)

"No!" I whispered, "He can't be dead."

" Kira, you need to explain! what is going on!?" Kakashi asked again.

But I ignored him. "I don't have time for this! I need to save him!" I screamed running towards the direction of the hideout. I knew they were gonna run after me but I didn't care, saving Itachi takes precedence over everything else.

I heard the sound of thunder and the sky turned dark, as I approached the outskirts of the hideout I saw the black flames.

"Amaterasu? Itachi!!" I searched the rubble, "I am too late! I am Late! ITACHI!!" I looked and looked, then I finally saw him.

I bolted for him. "NO PLEASE DON'T BE DEAD PLEASE."

I finally reached him, dropping down to my knees I clutched onto him. "Placing my ear to his heart I desperately tried to find a pulse."

'Found it'

"Kira What are you doing!?!! Get away from him he's dangerous!!" Kiba and Kakashi tried to rip me away from Itachi but nothing, could make me let go of him.

"GET AWAY!!" Everyone backed away slowly.

"But--."

I placed my hands on his heart and summoned all my chakra to my hands. I attempted to heal him with the little medical ninjutsu knowledge I had.

"Don't go! Don't do this to me again Itachi!" I cried.

"You promised me, Sasuke needs you, I need you, the village needs you, please wake up." My eyes were blurry from my tears, but I continued to try and heal him.

"Kira what are you doing?" Sakura asked.

"What does it look like I am doing I am trying to save him!" I snapped

"But why he's the enemy!" She snapped back.

"You don't know him! None of you know him!" I screamed at the top of my lungs. Everyone was shocked.

"No one knows the real Itachi Uchiha..."

"You didn't deserve this, you didn't deserve any of this." Rain began to fall, no one dared come near me, I think in some way they understood what I couldn't bring myself to say.

"You're stupid to think that this is what Sasuke needed. I should've been here. I am sorry I couldn't protect you. I couldn't protect the one person who meant the world to me." His heart beat was faint but I could still sense it. "Please wake up, don't leave me, don't leave Sasuke. We need you." The rain chilled my body to the bone, and for the first time, I noticed that Kirara was sitting on the other side of Itachi. She had something in her mouth, She began to whimper her head buried into his side.

'She's crying.'

"I am sorry Kirara, I am so useless. I couldn't protect him."

She dropped the item from her mouth and it made a tapping sound.

'His headband.' With one hand I picked it up. My thumb traced the scrape across the sign of the Hidden Leaf Village. I placed the headband on his chest. I reached up and pulled my headband from around my neck.

"Remember this? You gave it to me for graduation. You were the only one there for me since I was a kid. You deserve a headband showing the symbols of the village you died protecting." I said placing it on his chest.

"All this power, all this skill and I couldn't even use it to save you. I failed you"

.......

"You haven't failed me."

My eyes snapped open.

"Itachi!"

I felt his hand on my cheek softly caressing. "You could never dissapoint me." Looking up I saw his face, it was battered from the fight, but he was smiling.

The hand on my face moved to my hand on his chest. "Don't waste your energy trying to save me. I am a lost cause." A smile still plastered across his face. I could feel everyone's faces glued to Itachi and me they were ready to kill Itachi if he made a move.

"You never gave up on me, and I'll be damned if I gave up on you. This is the least I can do." I choaked, tears falling freely.

"Akira?" I heard Hinata's voice.

"I am not letting him die you hear! He doesn't deserve to die not now" I whispered. I concentrated on my chakra, concentrated on healing the scared tissues in his lungs.

"Kira please, I can't be helped." He coughed and blood trikled down side of his mouth. "Rest, I'll save you, I promis you that." I said ignoring his statement.

"Can I help? I don't know much medical ninjutsu but I can see that Itachi means a lot to you." Hinata said sitting down next to Kirara. I was shocked, 'She's gonna help me?'

"Hinata? Are you sure?" I asked.

"I'll try and help in anyway I can." She said smiling.

Itachi looked over and smiled at her, "Thank you." I think his gratitude caught her off guard, a deep blush covered her face.

"Are we just going to ignore what he did to the village? What he did to Sasuke?!" Sakura yelled.

'I've had enough of this.'

I slapped her hard.

My bangs covered my face, "You don't even know him... He has been suffering more than anyone else in this world." I spoke in a soft voice, after everything that happened today I didn't have the energy to waste on her.

"Akira calm down!" Kakashi growled grabbing onto my wrist.

I looked up at Sakura's stunned face "Don't you dare say another word." He coughed, a lot harder this time."Watch your mouth when you talk about Itachi, " I growled grinding my teeth together.

I ran back to Itachi, "Hey, it's gonna be okay, I'll take good care of you."I smiled.

His eyes were glazed and his breathing was ragged, but he smiled. That smile, he is smiling so that I won't worry about him. That's how hes always been.

Hinata finished wraping up his wounds and came to sit by my side. No one spoke. After what seemed like hours I began to fell my chakra running low. 'This isn't good, I was just making progress. I need to take him back to the village.' I thought to myself.

"Kira?" I heard Kakashi from behind us.

"What" I replied coldly.

"We should head back."

"I am not leaving him."

I turned to face him, I thought he would upset with me but his face was understanding.

C H A P T E R 4:

My hands hovered over Itachi's body slowly, chakra flowing from my hands into his body.

'The damage he has sustained isn't just from this battle'. My heart clenched, 'he has been destroying his body for years'. The tissues in his heart and lungs were ripped and deteriorating.

"Itachi? How long has this been going on?" I whispered. His eyes were closed but his breathing has improved a little more. "Years..." His voice was barely over a whisper, it was almost as if he didn't have the energy to talk and everything came out mouthed and muffled.

*Meanwhile*

"What do we do Kakashi Sensei? He is a traitor, we can't possibly take him back to the village". Sakura exclaimed obviously annoyed at the fact that no one was doing anything.

"We shouldn't jump to conclusions Sakura" Kakashi whispered as he looked back over to Akira and Itachi.

"What do you mean!? Itachi is in our custody and he must know where to find Sasuke, why not just beat the information out of him" Naruto growled

"No one likes this anymore than me, but just put yourself in Akira's shoes. She is doing all she can to save her best friend regardless of the things he has done, the same way the two of you would do anything for Sasuke". Kakashi replied rubbing the back of his head. Naruto and Sakura both gave and sigh of agreement.

"Yeah you're right" Naruto huffed.

"The only problem now is how are we going to get him back to the village, Lady Tsunade isn't going to like this" Kakashi spoke tipping his head to the sky letting the rain gently pepper his face his hands at his hips. 'This is going to be really hard'. Kakashi turned on his heels and began walking towards Akira and Hinata.

"Thank you Hinata, you didn't have to do this." I replied looking at her and flashing a smile.

She smiled and looked down at Itachi. "I can see that Itachi means a lot to you and I just wanted to help".

"He does mean a lot to me, he was there for me when no one else was, he went above and beyond to make me feel loved and cared for". Tears slipped down my face and onto Itachi's chest. My hands moved to his upper chest, one hand hovered over his face. 'His eyes are getting worse even though he is sleeping'.

"Kira we should head back to the village, Lady Tsunade needs to know about this". Kakashi's hand was on my shoulder. I tensed for a moment, but somehow his presences reassured me that everything was going to be okay.

"How are we going to take him with us? He is in too fragile a condition to move" Hinata said getting up from her sitting position and walking over to Kakashi. "That is unfortunately, our only hitch" he replied crouching down beside me. "Do you have any ideas on how to move him?"

I closed my eyes, I didn't this far ahead. My only priority was saving Itachi from everyone, it never dawned on me how I was going to transport him home once I got everyone on board with this whole idea of bringing him back to the village. 'I could summon Kida and have her bring him back... But I don't know if he will be able to travel that far without continuous medical treatment'.

"I don't know..." I trailed off. "Well we have to figure out a way otherwise we can't find out the truth behind all of this". Kakashi huffed.

Pulling my right hand away from Itachi I bit my thumb just enough to draw blood I placed my hand on the rock and summoned Kida (A white wolf). "Its been a while Akira, I thought I would never see you again". A deep voice bellowed as the smoke from the summoning began to dissipate a large white wolf materialized. I could hear gasps, but I couldn't really tell who it was. My hand immediately returned to Itachi's forehead and chakra enveloped my hand again.

Kida stood at around 7 feet tall, with snow-white fur, pearly white fangs, and a red sash tied around her neck into a bow. Kida specialized in tracking and most importantly was an expert at medical ninjutsu.

"Uuhhhhh Kira who is this?" Kakashi pointed dumbfounded at the fact I had just summoned a giant wolf. Looking over I saw that everyone had the same expression Kakashi did.

"This is Kida, she is my summoning animal". I replied

"I.. can see that....." he replied, that same look of astonishment still on his face. "It was.... it's just I thought you and Lady Tsunade shared the same summoning anime". He continued.

I turned and looked at him. "What gave you that idea?" I replied cocking my head to the side.

"Oh never mind, how is Kida going to help in this situation? Doesn't seem like it would be any easier for her to transport him than us". He spoke as he walked up to Kida as if to inspect her.

Kida began circling Kakashi sniffing him as she made her rounds. Kira ran up to Kida and mewled at her as if to notify her of what was going on. Kida looked down at Kirara and growled in response making her way over to Itachi and I.

"Never thought I would see the two of you together again". She spoke as she settled on the other side of Itachi. "Should I even ask what happened?" She asked after a few moments of silence.

"He didn't have a choice..... I forced him into that position". Itachi whispered after a while of silence. His breathing was still labored and he was struggling to catch a breath here and there but at least he was talking now. "It's all my fault.... All of this" he coughed hard, blood trailed down the side of his face. His eyes were scrunched shut. 'He is still in so much pain'.

"Take it easy Ita... It's not your fault you were protecting us..." I trailed off wiping the blood from his face.

"Kira please don't waste your time with me. I don't deserve to live" his eyes slide open they were black, glazed from pure exhaustion and being on the brink of death. "Just shut your mouth you're stupid if you think I would let you die" I growled.

I looked up at Kida who was staring down at Itachi with worry. She raised her head and we locked eyes for the first time since I summoned her. Our eyes met and she immediately understood exactly what I needed her to do.

"Understood. I promise I will take care of him, and protect him with my life". She growled. She stood up and howled at the sky, her body began to glow with chakra. Her howl echoed all around us ringing through everyone's ears. I lowered my face to Itachi's and gently kissed his temple. "Everything is going to be okay, I will protect you no matter the cost". My hands retreated from his body. "I love you" I whispered as Kida quickly stood over Itachi and gave one more howl before disappearing in a cloud of smoke.

"Am I the only one who is confused as to everything that just happened". Kiba spoke for the first time since arriving. I stood up from my spot, Itachi's headband clutched tightly in my hand. I turned to the group.

"I promised Itachi that I would keep his story a secret...."

"Secret? What secret?" Naruto asked confused.

My eyes dropped to the object clutched tightly in my hands the scratch that marked the symbol of the Leaf Village boiled my blood. I have never felt so much anger towards the village.... But then again this wasn't anyone else's fault except one. And I promise to make that person pay for the pain they put Itachi through. "...But I have kept this secret for too long and all it has done is cause more pain and destruction". Tears slipped down my face and onto the headband.

"Let's go home. I have a feeling that all our questions will be answered soon". Kakashi spoke placing a hand on my shoulder. I looked over over my shoulder, we locked eyes and he smiled at me. I was shocked, but I smiled and nodded my head at him and the others. With that, we all returned to the Village Hidden in the Leaves.

After what seemed like hours we were finally on the outskirts of the village. Walking up the gate I stopped dead in my tracks. 'I don't know if I will be able to face Tsunade, she'll be disappointed in me'.

I felt something, "You did what you did to protect someone you cared about, I am sure Tsunade will understand". Kakashi said as he came up from behind me.

"You're being a lot more considerate of my feelings than anyone else has, why Kakashi?"

"What can I say I am a softie when it comes to you". He replied smiling.

"A softie huh?" I smiled back.

"It's time". He reached his hand out to me and I happily took it.

THIS PART MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS FROM THE SHOW!

SO READ WITH CAUTION

*Tsunade's Office*

I lightly knocked on the door. "Enter". I turned the door nob and pushed the door open and took a step into the room. The sun was beginning to set and the light that poured into the room made everything shine like gold. Tsunade sat at her desk signing paperwork as always. Shizune stood beside her peering over her, no doubt to make sure that she was actually doing her paperwork correctly. The two looked up in unison. One by one everyone filed into the room. "Kira?... What are you doing with Kakashi and his team?"

"Uhh we ran into... uhh... some issues while searching for Sasuke". Kakashi spoke up after a moment of silence. "Ohh? And what would that be?" She replied putting her pen down and locking her fingers together. Her eyes focused hard on me as if to pull the answer from me by staring me down. Her eyes were so pointed I winced under her gaze. My heart pounded in my ears, my blood pumped viciously through my veins I could feel the pulsation. 'I've never felt so scared of her before'.

I took a step forward. "I found Itachi Uchiha..." Her eyes widened "What?! Where is he?!" she jumped from her seat slamming her hand on the table. I winced again. "Kida has him and is taking care of him". I replied my gaze dropping to my feet.

"You must hand him over at once! He needs to answer for his crime!" She barked at me. "I can't do that...." I replied. My voice barely over a whispeer.

"YOU WHAT?!?! MUST I CHARGE YOU WITH HARBORING A FUGITIVE OF THE LEAF!!" She slammed her against the desk again.

"I WON'T!" I barked back, tears stung my eyes as they began to fall down my face and onto the floor.

"Lady Tsunade..." Kakashi tried to intervene.

"SHUT UP KAKASHI! THAT MAN IS A FUGITIVE AND IS GOING TO BE EXECUTED" She yelled again. I could feel the room tense up. I don't think anyone expected her to react like this.

I dropped to my knees my hand bracing me from eating the carpet.

"Lady Tsunade please!! I am begging you, please don't hurt him!" Tears fell freely from my eyes, I tried to choke back the tears but they came and at full force. "He doesn't deserve it! Please!"

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE DOESN'T DESERVE IT? HE COMMITTED A CRIME AGAINST THE VILLAGE AND YOU EXPECT ME TO PRETEND LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED!!" She bellowed again.

I pressed my forehead to the floor in repentance. "He didn't have a choice. He was only obeying orders". I said lifting my head from the floor. A look of confusion flashed across her face. Either the sight of me crying forced her to pull back her tone, or she just didn't know how else to react.

"What do you mean following orders?" She replied in a more calm tone, her eyes narrowed as she focused in on me.

I looked up at her tears streaming down my face. We locked eyes, her expression changed, 'she sees the hurt in my eyes'. Her gaze softened as she huffed back into her seat.

Silence....

"Start talking... And it better be good Akira..." Her voice was stern but it wasn't the same as before.

I slowly picked myself up from the floor, my legs felt like noodles,I almost couldn't hold the weight of my own body. But I didn't have a choice, 'I am going to protect Itachi, even if it costs me everything'.

I sighed closing my eyes, my head was pounding in my skull I could still feel the blood pumping through my veins and in my temples. I reached up rubbed my thumbs against my temple and raked my hands back through my hair. 'How do I explain this?' My mind was racing, moments from my childhood with Itachi flashed across my mind, the night of the massacre broke those memories and invoked that ever-so-familiar feeling burning on the scar on my back. And that's when it came, the image of Itachi laying on the pile of rubble of the Uchiha hideout. The thoughts of when I found him came rushing back 'I will never loose him again!'

Resolve shot through my body like lightening, 'I will always protect you'. His words echoed. I wiped the tears from my face, straightened my back, pulled the hair from my otherwise red and tattered face and narrowed my eyes at Tsunade.

"No one knows the real Itachi Uchiha. I didn't even know this until recently....". I trailed off. "It can already be said that Itachi wasn't an ordinary child. He witnessed and endured more pain and suffering than anyone else in this world". The statement pained my heart, and I was trying with all my might to keep fresh tears from falling.

"He was only 4 years old when he witnessed shinobis killing each other during the last great war. A child should have never witnessed let alone be able to comprehend death that young, but he was forced to do just that. But despite all the atrocities he witnessed as a child; war, murder, clashing ideology of the ninja life, and contemplation of life and death never angered or drove him to evil, it only made him value life even more". I continued as I rubbed my fingers together not really knowing if what I will say will change anyone's mind about Itachi.

The sun was setting farther behind the village pulling with it the early shadows of the night. Shizune walked over the the corner of the room and flicked the a switch and bright light flooded the room.

I took another deep breath and began... "Around the time Itachi received his assignment to join the ANBU black ops a strong opposition to village began to fester within the Uchiha clan--."

Before I could continue Tsunade broke in "Opposition to the village? What do you mean?".

"Since the inception of this village the Uchiha have always been a prominent and an otherwise underestimated clan in the village. There was bad blood between the Uchiha and the Senju but the two put differences aside in order to bring peace to the land. However, when it came time to appoint the first Hokage there was massive disagreement between the two. Many people wanted your grandfather, Lord Hashirama to become the first but the Uchiha wanted their leader Madara to be the first".

"In order for the selection of Hokage to be deemed fair the two fought and Lord Hashirama won". Tsuande turned her head to the side confused about how this story had anything to do with Itachi.

"This is part of the village's history we all know what happened, now what does this have to do with the situation at hand?" She spoke, obviously annoyed that I didn't seem to make a point.

"Everyone believe that be cause Lord Hashirama won the battle fair and square the Uchiha would stand down. But the fact that Madara had lost did little to ease the pride of the Uchiha. Their detest for the Senju only grew with the election of the second hokage a Senju member, as well as the election of the third hokage an underling of the first and second". I paused for a moment trying to see any of what I was saying was new information. It didn't seem to have any affect on Tsunade or anyone else in the room.

"After the devastation from the nine tails the Uchiha were forced to farthest corner of the village, only further confirming the belief within the clan that village elders distrusted them. Additionally, rumors were being told that Itachi's father Fugaku would be the next hokage after the death of the fourth. And when that didn't happen the clan particularly members of the military police force spiraled and began forming a coup d'etat".

Tsunade's eyes widened, her mouth fell slightly open. Soft gasps came from the people behind me. "Are you trying to tell me that the Uchiha clan were trying to overthrow the village?!" Her voice filled with surprise as she shot up from her seat once again.

"No way...." I could hear Naruto whisper from behind me.

"Yes. That was the last straw, they used Itachi as a mole. But what they didn't know was that Itachi was acting as a double spy for the village elders". Again I paused.

silence....

After agonizing silence I shifted my gaze to my feet. "Itachi never wanted to kill anyone, but after what the village elders learned there was nothing that could be done. And Itachi accepted his fate. He took on the burden no one else was willing to take. He weighed the decision to murder his entire clan against the devastation the Uchiha were going to bring to the entire village. He chose the lesser of two evils. But in the end, he suffered the most... He was a child doing the bidding of adults. " I trailed. Looking up to Tsunade her expression was twisted with surprise, confusion, and something else..... disgust? Shizune stood shocked at her place beside Tsunade.

"The third knew about this?"

"Yes."

"Homura knew about this?"

"Yes."

"Koharu new about this?"

"Yes."

"Danzo?"

"Yes."

Time stood still for what seemed like an eternity. All the chatter I could hear from behind me faded away. I couldn't hear anything.

"He was only a child Tsunade... He was only a child... He let himself be branded a traitor, as someone who mercilessly took the lives of his kin... He bared the burden that want's his... Tsunade.... He was only a child...." Tears again slipped down my face.

"Itachi Uchih embodies the shinobi way. One who protected his village from the shadows..."

'I wonder how Itachi is doing? I hope Kida was able to stabilize him'.

Her voice broke my thoughts.

"I have a lot to think about... But in light of this new information I will allow Itachi to receive treatment". Tsunade rose from her seat and walked to the window that overlooked the village.

"Looks like I have to find out a few things for myself..." She trailed off placing her hand on the glass.

"Kira this discussion isn't over but for now I will let you tend to Itachi. Kakashi go with her, as for the rest of you you you heard nothing here today. Until I have more answers the secret of the Uchiha massacre is going to say just that... A secret".

"Yes Lady Tsunade" Everyone agreed in unison.

Something fluttered in my heart. Happiness. I ran into Tsunade wrapping my arms around her and burrowing my face into her chest. She yelp in surprise at the sudden impact of my body against hers.

"Thank you Tsunade".

Her hand came up and laid on my head stroking softly, 'she knows how much this means to me'.

'I am coming Ita'

As soon as I released Tsunade from my death grip I bolted past everyone in the room and out the door. Kakashi ran after me. "Where are you going?!" He yelled after me trying to catch up. "You'll see" I yelled back to him. We ran until we reached the gates of the village. Stepping outside the village I placed my hands flat against each other focused my chakra. In a poof of smoke a scroll appeared.

"What are you going to do with that?" Kakashi asked cocking his head to the side as he peered over my shoulder. I laid the scroll out of the ground and pulled out a kunai, "we are going to where Itachi is" I replied.

Slashing my hand with the kunai I let the blood drip onto the otherwise blank scroll. Stepping onto the scroll I reached my other hand out for Kakashi's

"Coming?" I asked smiling.

He smiled and grabbed onto my hand. "Transport!

Opening our eyes it was daylight again and we were outside a building.

"This is the land of the okami" I introduced as Kakashi looked around taking in the surroundings of his new environment. "It kind of looks like the leaf". He replied.

The sound of a low and deep howl emanated from behind us. "Did you manage to convince the hokage?" Turning around we found a smaller more older looking wolf with grayish white fur. "Shima, where is he?" I asked not even bothering to introduce Kakashi.

'I just need to see him'.

"He is inside with Kida". She replied walking up the steps of the enormous building in front of us. We followed her inside walking through endless corridors. The whole place seemed to loop onto itself. The hallway walls were an off white color, the tiles of the floor were sparkling white. If I had woken up in a place like this I would think that I had gone crazy.

"He's in an induced coma, he has sustained a lot of damage to his body" She said knowingly as she turned her head to us. "Kida has been able to stabilize him but..." she trailed off turning back as we reached a door at the end of the hallway.

"But?" I asked.

"It's up to him from here on out, for right now all we can do is monitor him". The door slid open as she finished her sentence. The room was a decent sized, it had two beds at either corner of the room. On the far side of the room there was a row of windows that no doubt overlooked the front of the building. Light filtered into the room, and birds chirped outside the window. The light humming medical machines, and the constant beeping of the heart monitor filled the room. At the far end of the room near the windows are Kida stood over Itachi, her massive paw engulfed in a green chakra laid on his chest.

She turned towards us and her ears stood straight up. "He'll be okay for now". She said pulling her paw from him and walking over to us.

"Can I go to him?" I asked eger to finally see him.

"Yes" she replied sitting in from of Kakashi and I.

"You young man can come with me I have a few things that I will need help with" Shima growled looking up to Kakashi. His eye flashed over to me, I nodded my head and told him that I would be right here when he came back. He nodded back and followed Shima out the door and back down the hallway. The door slide shut and the room became still.

"He was looking for you before I put him under". Kida said as she ran her paw over her head. "He kept repeating your name over and over, it was actually getting quite annoying". She growled shaking her body fluffing her fur after long hours of working. I smiled and looked over at his sleeping form. 'He looks so peaceful, almost at ease'.

"Listen... Akira... You can't let him continue to destroy his body. If he were ever to push his body to this limit again.... Let's just say that I am not a miracle worker. Next time he will die". She sighed scratching her ear with her hind leg.

"I know Kida.... I can't thank you enough for saving the man....." I trailed off not knowing if I should finish the sentence.

"-You love" She finished for me cocking her head to the side smiling as she brandished her fangs. "Go" She said as she walked out the door.

I slowly made my way to Itachi's bed side and sat at the edge of his bed. The light coming from the window draped over him beautifully. His chest rose and fell without struggle. 'At least he isn't having trouble breathing'. I though reaching out and running my fingers over his face. Running my fingers down the length of his body I reached his hand. Slowly I picked up his hobbled limb and wrapped my hands around his. My heart fluttered, 'I never realized how much I love him'. Slowly I leaned down to his face and kissed his forehead, then his nose, then... I hovered over her lips. Lightly I brushed my lips over his and sat back down facing the window. I pulled his hand onto my lap softly stoking it while staring out the window.

"I am so glad you're okay Itachi". I whispered, my thumb still rubbing against his had. "I don't know what I would have done if I lost you". I spoke aimlessly. "I would have lost my mind.... I just.... I just love you so much Ita".

His hand tighten around mine. "I love you too Kira". His voice caught me off guard and I nearly jumped out of my skin. My head snapped to him. His eyes were wide open and he had a huge smile plastered across his face.

"You're supposed to be in a coma?" I whispered, astonished that he was awake after all he had been through.

"I love you so much". He repeated, his hand squeezing mine.

His smile filled my heart with so much joy.

I leaned down pressing my forehead against his, smiling. I slipped my hand from his placing it on the side of his face. My thumb softly caressing his pale skin. My thumb glid seamlessly over his skin, our eyes locked and I was lost in sea of blackness. "I love you too" I whispered. Itachi's hand rested at my waist softly caressing me.

"Akira-" Itachi lifted his head pressing lips against mine. Instinctively my other hand went to his face and his other hand found its way into my hair bringing my head closer to his, pushing his lips harder into mine. I leaned deeper into the kiss.

'This is all I've ever wanted'

He kissed me with so much passion so much intensity that I felt like I could melt right into him. After a few minutes he pulled back, the loss of contact made me whimper. This only made him chuckle.

I smiled.

"How long?" He asked.

"How long?" I repeated pulling away confused by his question.

"How long have you loved me?" His question brought a smile to my face for some odd reason. "I've always loved you, from the moment I met you Itachi I fell in love". I replied stroking his face.

His smile only widened.

"Come here". He said patting his chest, his voice was deep and raspy it made the hairs on my arms stand straight up. I nodded and curled up next to him laying my head in the crook of his neck.

"Am I hurting you?" I asked a little concerned that I might be pushing painfully on his wounds. "Never" He replied turning and kissing my forehead.

"Good". I snuggled deeper into his side, nuzzling my face deeper into his neck. His head rested against mine and we drifted into sleep.

*A few hours later*

"Should we wake them?" Kakashi asked.

"No. The two of them have been through enough. Let them be". Shima replied.

"It's good to see them together again". Kida said as the three of them walked out the door.

I wrapped my arms tighter around Itachi. "Ita-.."

For the first time in a very long time I was truly happy again.

C H A P T E R 5:

It's been a few weeks of Itachi being in the hospital. He isn't 100% healthy at the moment but in time he will slowly regain his strength. For now Kida gave me the okay to finally take Itachi home.

"Are you ready to go home?" I asked as we walked out of the hospital hand in hand.

"I am ready to go anywhere with you Akira". Itachi smiled pulling me to him and wrapping his arm around my waist. I smiled at his affirmation. 'I don't know how I lived so long without his touch'.

My hand rested on his chest, slowly rubbing him back and forth. I looked into his eyes and they were filled with so much love and joy.

"Hey". A voice came from below us. Shima was sitting at our feet .

"Hi Shima". I replied scrunching down to her hight. "Keep yourself safe". She said looking up at me. "And you Itachi" she continued turning her head to him, "please keep yourself safe and don't make Akira worry too much". she said as she pawed at his leg.

"I promise I won't". Itachi replied laying a hand atop my head stroking my hair softly. I stood back up and wrapped an arm around his waist.

"Come".

*Time skip*

We walked into my tiny apartment, my arm still around Itachi's waist helping him support most of weight. We walked past the the living room and into my bedroom. Slowly I laid Itachi on the bed placing a few pillows behind him to help prop him up.

"You know I don't need this right". Itachi chuckled as I scurried around the room trying to make him comfortable. "Well what do you need?" I asked sitting down at the edge of the bed.

His hand reached out to me, I turned and grabbed hold. In one swift motion he pulled me into him. His arms encircled me tightly as I fell against his chest.

"This is all I need". He said simply resting his chin on top of my head. I snuggled into his chest, his body was so warm and comfortable. I slipped my arms around his waist hugging him tightly.

"Ita-..." I whispered looking up at him.

"Hmm?". He replied looking down at me.

"What are we going to do about Sasuke?" I asked

"I don't know yet, but for the moment I just want to sit here and enjoy being with you". He replied pressing his forehead to mine.

It wasn't the most satisfying answer, but I'd rather not dwell on the issue for the moment. Itachi was right, we needed to enjoy this moment together.

I buried my face into his chest and took a deep breath, his natural musk filled my nose, he smelt so sweet I couldn't get enough of it. I took slow another deep slow breath.

"Are you okay?" His voice vibrated through his chest. "You have no idea how okay I am". I replied sitting up and smiling at him. His head cocked to the side and a smirk formed at the corner of his lips.

His smirk seemed to be a little sinister.

"Ita-" Before I could finish I was on my back with Itachi on top of me. I yelped and giggled in surprise. My hands reached up for his face. His hair fell over his shoulders framing his face beautifully. I ran the back of my hand over his cheek staring deep into his eyes.

"You're so beautiful" He spoke in a deep raspy voice as he started down at me. My hands cupped his face. "And you're just as handsome" I replied pulling his face down to mine crashing our lips together.

His lips were cool and soft against mine. One hand wrapped itself around my waist pulling me and pressing me against his body. His kisses were so soft, fleeting almost and it pained me. I wrapped my fingers in his hair pushing his lips harder into mine. He pulled back and our eyes met, but this time there was something different in them. They held something other than love, his eyes were clouded with lust and dominance.

I've never felt shy under Itachi's gaze but I felt it now. I all of sudden was self-conscious about how my clothes hugged against my body, the way my hair fell against the bed beneath me, the way I breathed, I felt so shy and inexperienced. I turned my head slightly to the side to avoid looking into his eyes.

"Look at me" His voice sounded different, more dominating.

I shook my head in opposition and turned my head even father away. His hand came up and cupped my face aggressively yanking it to face him. It caught me completely off guard.

I looked into his eye.

"Your mine now understand" His voice sounded edgy and dangerous, and it excited me. His hands worked slowly down my body to my thighs lifting them up so I could wrap them around him. His face dropped to my neck and kissed softly. His trailed his lips up my neck and up to my ear. "Your mine." He growled in my ear.

"Yes" I whispered not trusting my voice not to break if I had spoken up.

He returned back down my neck a bit down gently k earning him a soft moan. "Mmmmm ." He ground his hips into mine making me yelp in the process. My head was spinning, his body against mine. him grinding his hips into me, this felt amazing. His hands found their way under my shirt grasping my hips tightly. His lips found mine again as we locked lips in a sloppy and passionate kiss. His teeth grazed my bottom lip and I instinctively parted my lips letting his tongue slide past my own.

My hands found their way again into his soft hair, my mind was beginning to get clouded with lust.

'All he is doing is kissing me and I'am on the brink of losing my mind'. I thought pulling away from the kiss trying to catch my breath. He ground his hips harder into me, l could feel the growing bulge in his pants. "Akira you're drive me crazy...." He breathed as he nuzzled into the side of my neck.

"Its taking a lot not to rip your clothes off and do whatever I please with you." He whispered seductively.

Blood rushed to my face and I instantly turned red, 'do I feel embarrassed?'

Itachi's hand brushed across my face, "Are you embarrassed?" He asked in an amused tone. I didn't think I could get any redder but I did. I huffed and turned my face. "Don't worry it's cute". He chuckled deeply.

'I'll shut him up'. I smirked at him

"Maybe..." In an instant I flipped positions with Itachi. I sat on his hips grinding into him slightly. He let out a growl as he bucked against me. He looked so good underneath me. He almost looked so innocent, his hands were still on my hips but the look on his face softened. His eyes were wide with want.

I leaned down and brushed my lips against his neck. He took a sharp breath and clutched me tighter. His hips bucked against me, I could feel myself tingle. "Itachi" I whispered. He growled in response.

Honestly I couldn't take it anymore either I wanted him. "I want you Ita, I want you more than anything." I slipped a kunai from my pouch slicing his shirt open, looking down at him he had a smirk on his face.

"You seem to be in a hurry Akira... Do you want something?" He said smirking. "And what if I do. Are you gonna stop me." I mumbled smirking back at him. My head dropped down kissing from his neck down his chest. My fingers grazed his chest and slid slowly down to the bulge in his pants. He let out a soft groan almost inaudible, but I definitely heard it. I loved hearing him groan it turned me on even more. 'I wonder what could I do to make him say my name'. Slowly I dragged my nails down his chest and back up again, I rocked my hips against his only to earn myself what I've been wanting. "Mmmmmm Akira." The sound rolled out his mouth like liquid gold.

The sound of my name leaving his lips sent a chill up my spin and felt like electricity running through my body. Suddenly my back hit the bed and Itachi was on top of me again. In the blink of an eye he had my shirt across the room along with my skirt. His hands slid up and down my body teasingly. His hands grasped my breast. A loud moan slipped from my mouth. "There we go, I've been waiting to hear that." He said with a sly grim playing on his lips. Without warning he pushed up bra up releasing my breast from its confines. His head dropped to my plump breast, his mouth engulfed my right breast while his left hand worked over the other. Grasping, kneading, pinching, rubbing, everything he did made want to scream at the top of my lungs in ecstasy.

After a while of paying all his attention of my right breast he moved his attention to my other giving it the same treatment he gave the other. "Aammm Ita--" I gasped, "-I can't take this, I want you." I whined breathlessly starting into his black orbs. He rocked his hips into mine, and it felt delicious. I took this opportunity to flip us back so that I was back on top. Reaching down I unbuckled and unzipped his pants pushing it along with his boxers down his thighs. Now his manhood was free rubbing against my entrance.

Itachi's eyes shut tightly his hands desperately grasping at my hips, "Kira...". The way my name sounded coming from his lips was absolutely amazing. His hips snapped up grinding his cock into her soaking panties. "I want you, god I want you". A loud groan escaped his lips as I circled my hips.He pulled me down feeling to him, my breast pressed against his chest. My breath hitched in the back of my throat.

"God I love the feel of your body pressed against mine". He growled, his hands hands running down my sides. I shivered at his words. He grabbed a hold of me tightly and ground his erection into me. His cock rubbed against my entrance deliciously, 'I need more contact'. Peering down at Itachi he was biting his lips to try and stifle his moans, but it was of no use. Our lips found each other frantically, our tongues slipped past one another licking and fighting. 'The taste of him drove me crazy, I needed more'.

"You're mine... all mine..." He kept mumbling into the kiss. "Yours." I mumbled back. Kissing him sweetly and pulling back. Slowly I turned to face his hard erection. His legs hung off the edge of the bed leaning down I gently licked the tip of his throbbing rod.

Now that I actually took a good look at time he was quite massive. I wrapped my hand around him only to feel twitch with need. "Akira don't play with me". Itachi groaned out gripping my ass as a way to let go of some of his frustration. I grinned to myself knowing I had resisted long enough, I wanted this more than he did. Wrapping my hands around his base I began pumping, wrapping my lips around his tip sucking and bobbing my up and down his twitching cock. 'Mmmmm he tastes so good.' I moaned. Itachi hissed "Fuck Kira". His hands gripped my hips, his nails digging deliciously into my skin. The sound of his voice cursing because of me only added to my excitement, it made me wet the way my name left his lips.

I felt his hands work at my lacy pink panties, pulling them down, stopping at my knees. I felt his breath whips across me. My breath hitched. Slowly but surely I started to pump his cock faster. Bobbing my head and gently rubbing his balls. I felt his hips buck into my mouth gagging me. I felt his breath near my womanhood. I felt his thumb push delightfully into me. "Ahhha." My moan sent vibrations from my throat to his manhood. Again his hips snapped upwards gagging me. His thumb pushed deeper into my womanhood making me even wetter than I already was. Suddenly his lips found my womanhood. Licking up my juices like a cat licking a bowl of milk.

"Itachiiii!!!" My voice rang throughout the room. He continued hungrily licking at my juices. His arms wound their way down my back and into my hair, holding my head in place as he thrusted his cock down my throat. Feeling the entirety of him push into my mouth delighted my body in ways that I couldn't imagine. He continued to lick, and lick, and lick, pushed his tongue deep into me and slowly dragging it out. One of his hands retreated from my head and spread the lips of my neither region. He frantically licked at me pushing his tongue and fingers in and out. "A- Akira I'am gonna cum!!" He yelled pushing my head down further, groaning and bucking himself into my mouth. Hot sticky liquid coated my throat. He slowly let go of my hair. Pulling up I swallowed licking his already hardening cock clean.

I turned back around and smiled down at him. I couldn't see it but my face was flushed, my breathing was ragged, and my hair was no doubt a mess. My senses were clouded with a desire I've never felt before in my life.

Itachi sat up slowly winding his arms around my waist lifting my body up so that Ihovered over his manhood. We locked eyes, my chest was filled with so much anticipation, and I could tell his was too. His hand caressed my back making its way down. His hands slipped over my ass, taking hold spreading slightly. At that moment neither of us could cold back. Itachi buried himself inside of me with one swift motion.

Both of us groaned in bliss. Itachi's buried his face in the crook of my neck. My eyes snapped shut at the sheer pressure of his manhood spreading me to accommodate his massive size. Moans slipped from my lips as I tried to catch my breath from the sudden impalement. I wrapped my arms around his neck softly rocking my hips side to side, round and around. "Fuck!" He breathed heavily trying with all his might not to lose control.

His hands still gripping my ass guided me up and down, in slow fashion. I could feel myself tighten around him. "You're so tight Kira!" He moaned a little more loudly than I think he would have liked to admit. Pushing him down on his back I laid down on top of him slowly raising and lowering my hips. Itachi's face was twisted in pleasure as he squeezed his eyes shut.

"Move please!" I moaned burring my face into his neck.

He didn't need me to ask him twice, the minute those words left my mouth his hips snapped hard against mine. His hips moved at an inhuman speed. I clutched onto him for deal life, my mind was getting hazy. His nails were digging into my skin his strokes were getting harder and faster. I bounced my hips against him trying to keep up, but it was useless.

'How can he have all this energy?'

My hips worked against his finally we were in sync, our eyes locked, the look he had was almost enough to send me over the edge.

Slap, slap, slap, salp, salp

Moans and the sounds of skin slapping filled the entire room. 'At this point I wouldn't care if the whole world heard us.' I thought groaning at the delicious feeling of my walls clenching at hi cock. "Akira-- Kira!!."

Moans, groans, and profanity flew past his lips. Our moans and screams of passion filled the room, and was like music to my ears. My hips worked faster. "Itachi!!! Yes!! Harder Please!" I begged.

In a moment I was on my back looking up at the most handsome man on earth. "Akira" He growled, his eyes were filled with desire, his hair fell over his shoulders and cascaded down and tickled my face, his mouth hung slightly open as he tried to catch his breath. My hands reached for his face, it was hot to the touch.

My mouth hung open, I was on the bring of losing my mind. His pace quickened making my breast bounce with every thrust. "I am going to fuck you senseless!".His voice was deep, raspy and domineering again.

'If that was his goal he's already reached it'.

"Tell me you're mine!" He growled again angling my hips so that he drove himself deeper into me. My body began to shake, I was starting to lose the sight from my eyes.

"More! More! Please Itachi!! Fuck me harder." I begged wrapping my arms around his neck bringing his lips down to meet mine. "Say my name! Tell me you belong to me!" Itachi barked.

"Itachi!!" I moaned

"Not loud enough. Say my name louder" his hips snapped sharply against mine sending in a new wave of pleasure.

"Itachi!! Please, harder!!" I yelped feeling his entire manhood buried inside me.

"Say it louder. I want you to let everyone know who's making you feel like this" He snarled grabbing my legs throwing it over this shoulder reaching a new depth. Thrusting deep he hit that one spot that made everything else in the world meaningless, that spot that made me scream in agonizing pleasure. He pulled out slowly and thrust back hard, hitting that spot again.

"Ittaacchhhhiiii!!!!!!" I screeched, holding on to him. My hair fell all around my body. Sweat was beading down my body as well as Itachi's

"I don't think they heard you. Scream it for the whole world Kira!" He yelled breathlessly, pulling back his hips and snapping them right back into place. Hitting that special spot again. He slowly pulled out and repeated, but at a slower pace. 'He's trying to teas me.' I thought looking up into his eyes that were now tightly shut, he bit his bottom him trying got hold back a moan.

"Say my name!" he gruffed pulling up my other leg over his shoulder and thrusting deeper inside of me.

"AHHHH!!!!" I screeched at the top of my lungs. '

"Who do you belong to!" He growled biting at my neck enough to break the skin, digging his nails in my hips.

"You!! I belong to you Itachi! only you!" I moaned out. Clutching at his arms, feeling his muscle twitch under my fingers.

"Good girl." He whispered

"Cum for me baby" He barked driving his cock into me. Thrusting hard, hitting my spot every time. at this rate I won't be able to last another minute.

I panted catching a much needed breath before he trusted at me again. He complied pumping at me harder, rocking the bed form the sheer force of his thrusts.

"Kira I-I'm gonna cum!" he moaned flipping us over so I was on top. My pussy throbbed, clenching at his thick manhood.

"Me to." I yelped bouncing on his dick as fast as I could.

With one final thrust the two of us came to our climax "Itachi!" "Akira!" his speed coated my inner walls making me feel full. Our juices mixed and seeped out my entrance, and down his length. Sheer bliss racked through my body, looking over at his panting form underneath me made my world spin. For the first time in a while our eyes met. Black eyes met black eyes, smiles spread across our faces.

"I love you." Itachi breathed reaching up pushing my hair from my face to stroke my cheeks.

"I love you to Ita-." I said grinning down at him.

He gently pulled me down, laying my body flat against his. He said kissing the top of my head.

I giggled snuggling into his chest yawning.

His hand stroked my back, slowly my hair was pushed away from my back and draped over my shoulder. Itacchi's hand lightly traced the deep scar down my back.

"Does it hurt?" He asked.

I looked up at him and shook my head. His face was in a hard expression. 'He must be thinking about that night'.

His hand continued running up and down the scar. Shivers went up my spin.

"I.... I am sorry Kira". I pressed my lips to his and smiled.

"Ita all that doesn't matter now, we are together and I couldn't be any happier. Don't worry about the scar". I whisper softly stroking his face.

"I love you". We said together.

I laid back this chest softly stroking his chest.

"Lets get to sleep." He said holding back a yawn, as he continued to gently run his fingers through my hair.

All I could do was nod and drift into sleep.

C H A P T E R 6:

The bed shifted under me. My eyes stayed shut, I didn't want to move. A body pressed itself tighter against mine, and arm wound its way around my body and clutched me to them. A smile formed on my lips, my eyes still shut. I shifted over facing the body behind me. Snuggling deeper into the warmth. Lips pressed against my forehead and a slight sound of chuckling could be heard. I smiled, but sleep tugged at my eyes not letting me open them. Hands rubbed up and down my body, it tickled a little. I giggled.

"Ita... Stop it I just want to sleep" I whined.

"I know. You just look so beautiful I had to touch you". He relied rubbing my cheek.

My eyes fluttered open, I smiled looking up at the man who held me so tight.

"Daddy!" A small voice sounded from the other side of the bed. Both of us sat up smiling. The 4 year old climbed into the bed and sat in front of us. "Daddddd you said you would teach me a new jutsu". The little girl huffed crawling into her father's lap.

"And I will sweetheart". Itachi replied running his hand through his daughter's hair. I smiled at the two wrapped up in each other's arms. She looked just like him when he was a child. Her jet black hair that fell down her back and almost to her feet, her big onyx eyes that seemed to peer into your soul, even her cool and melancholy personality. She was his exact copy.

I smiled 'shame she didn't pick up anything from me' I thought.

"Do I get a morning hug?" I asked reaching my arms out to the little girl. She smiled and jumped into my arms. "of course you do mommy". I fell back in a fit of giggles with Asami in my arms. She hid her face in the crook of my neck as she wrapped her arms around my neck.

Looking up I saw Itachi staring at us, a smiled stretched across his face, "My two little girls" he beamed as he wrapped his arms around us. "Mom isn't little daddy". Asami replied poking Itachi's face. "I know she isn't. But just how you're our little girl, she's my little girl". He replied stroking her head.

"That doesn't make sense" She huffed.

"It will one day darling" I relied hugging her tightly.

Unsatisfied with our answer Asami released herself from my arms and jumped out of bed. "You guys are to weird!" She laughed "There's no way you guys are my parents". She giggled as she ran out of the room.

"That's your daughter" I said kissing Itachi.

"Yes she is" he replied nuzzling into my neck. "Thank you for giving her to me". He whispered. I blushed in response. Even after all this time together he still manages to make me feel like this.

I kissed him hard biting gently on his bottom lip. He let out a growl in response kissing back with equal if not more passion. Suddenly a soft object collided with our bodies.

"Can you stop kissing and help me with my jutsu dad!" Her voice echoed through the room as Itachi and I laughed. "I better help her before she decides to fight us" he grinned.

"I think we can take her". I laughed in return.

#itachi #uchiha #lemon #itachiuchiha #love #lovestory #babydaddy #anime #animelemon #naruto #narutolemon #fanfiction #fanfic #romance #itachiuchihalemon #babygirl

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daybreakrising · 4 years

Text

@fightingdreamcrs asked: five times kissed [izumo & kotetsu] from this meme

Under a cut bc these will all get long.

ONE

He wasn't in love with his best friend.

Sure, they had an incredibly close bond that, to him, seemed entirely different to other friendship pairings he witnessed amongst their peers. But that was just who they were. They'd been friends since they were kids, they'd grown up together, trained together, fought together. They were a team, both as shinobi and as people.

They were just friends.

Right?

Well, there was only one real way to find out. He wasn't shy. He wasn't scared. They'd laugh about it afterwards because nothing – nothing – could ruin their friendship. He was certain that there was nothing that would cause Izumo to hate him.

He was sat in their usual spot, a book in his hands, no doubt some means of training or study. He was always a hard worker, his Izumo. His Izumo. It didn't take him long to join him on the bench, pluck the book from his hands, and silence his protest with a kiss.

What he'd expected to happen was… well, nothing. That it would just feel like kissing his friend. Instead, he felt his heart skip in his chest and an unfamiliar fizzy warmth in the pit of his stomach. Uh oh.

Turns out, he was in love with his best friend.

TWO

"Don't drop your guard, Iz!" Kotetsu grinned, materialising at his friend's back and delivering a swift, sweeping kick, aiming to knock him off balance. He almost succeeded, too, but Izumo was too damned quick-thinking. An artful dodge, and he was poised to strike or defend a few paces away. Damnit.

They both charged at once, kunai and shuriken flashing, deflecting. It was nothing more than a distraction, intended to shift the focus of the mind, but neither of them would fall for that trick. They'd been sparring together for too many years – they could read each other's movements perfectly.

If they ended up facing each other in the upcoming final stage of the Chunin exams, it could very well be a long battle.

In the end, Izumo managed to get in a lucky – although almost certainly well-calculated – strike, and Kotetsu found himself on his back in the grass, pinned in place by his friend. Izumo smiled above him, pleased with his victory. Well, he couldn't have that.

He hooked a leg over one of Izumo's, managed to get a hand in the hair at the back of his neck, and leaned up to press their lips together. It worked like a charm. Thrown entirely by his unexpected action, Izumo loosened his grip enough for Kotetsu to promptly reverse their positions. Now he was the one grinning down at the loser.

For about thirty seconds, before hands clutched at his collar and dragged him in for another kiss.

THREE

It seemed like forever since the last time they'd had a decent break. It felt like it was just one thing after another with no give, no time to take a step back and piece yourself back together before the next disaster struck. Up until now, their breaks had been snatches of time scattered here and there, just enough to recover from injury or exhaustion, but not enough to truly relax and unwind.

Now, they had a week. A week. Of course, if a situation called for extra hands that would be cut short, but Kotetsu liked to think positive.

Content and full after the lunch they'd just shared together, Kotetsu slung his arm around Izumo's shoulders as they walked the streets of Konoha. He was already thinking of how they'd spend the rest of their day, running through the various possibilities and knowing that his ever-studious partner would likely want to do some reading along the way.

"Kotetsu…"

He turned to Izumo so swiftly the other man had no time to pull back to a safe distance, their noses bumping together with the close proximity of their faces. Kotetsu's lips lifted into a grin as the faintest hint of colour rose to his partner's cheeks.

He couldn't stop himself even if he wanted to. He pressed a kiss to each flushed cheek, and a final one to the tip of his nose. "Hm?" Izumo blinked at him once, twice, and then his eyes filled with warmth and a smile graced his features.

"…Nothing."

FOUR

Some days, sitting on the gates of Konoha was a wild ride, with plenty of excitement or activity to keep the mind from wandering. Others, it was a total drag. They'd seen off a couple of teams heading out on various missions, but beyond that, no one had come and gone and there was absolutely nothing happening.

Needless to say, Kotetsu was bored.

He paced behind the desk at the gate, restless, until Izumo shot him a glare, finally looking up from the clipboard he had been avidly studying for the past ten minutes. He stopped, instead dropping onto his chair with a deliberately drawn out whine.

"You should be focusing on the job, Kotetsu."

"Oh, come on, Iz, nothing's happening…" He rested a hand upon his partner's knee, smiling when Izumo didn't immediately brush him off. His fingertips traced idle patterns through the cloth of his trousers, and he caught the fleeting lift at the corner of Izumo's lips. "Hey, I know how we can pass a couple of minutes…"

The fact that Izumo didn't put up much resistance when he slid into his lap and drew him into a deep, lengthy kiss told Kotetsu that, despite all appearances, Izumo had been just as bored as he was.

FIVE

They packed up their gear in silence, nothing but the sound of tools clinking together and clasps being buckled filling the air around them. They were both avoiding talking about what lay ahead of them, but they would have to face it eventually.

Kotetsu set aside the pouch he'd been packing with a sigh. They had faced battle, war, before this, but he knew this was something else entirely. There was always the risk of death on any mission, but this time, the odds were highly stacked against them. There was every chance that one or both of them would not make it back to Konoha.

He glanced across to the man who had been at his side since childhood, the man who had helped him discover who he was, who had been his support through every bump in the road of life. He loved him. Loved him more than he could have ever thought it possible to love a single person. Izumo was his life, his partner, his friend, his other – and better – half. He knew if he lost him, it would destroy him.

His arms encircled Izumo's waist from behind, no words uttered as he simply held him tight, his face buried in the hair at the back of his neck. When Izumo turned in his arms to face him, when hands lifted to guide his head up, framed his face, Kotetsu sank into the kiss offered to him like a drowning man finally breathing air once again.

He poured every ounce of his love into that kiss, knowing it could be their last. If the worst should happen, his only solace had to be that Izumo would know just how much he meant to him before the end.

#fightingdreamcrs #;one half of a whole (asks; kotetsu)#;I won't be without you (fightingdreamcrs; kotetsu & izumo)#( soft !! husbands !! )

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thewanderingwomanofnaruto · 7 years

Text

CHAPTER 18~~

I completely forgot to post ch 18 here, but don’t worry guys it’s only been a couple of days since I’ve posted it on ff.net and A03!

That wasn’t the last time I saw the Uchiha trio, but it was the last time I saw them happy together. Sushi, such a sweet soul and caring soul, especially for his cousin, Itachi. I wish he could have lived longer than burden Itachi with his death. Though I had the feeling that there was more to it than just a simple suicide. I asked Kakashi after the war and I was right. It was so, so much more complicated than I had assumed.

The days after I had learned of what had happened, I wished that Danzo was still alive so that I could have my turn with him. And there are days were I wished I still had the chance to give the Uchiha clan a piece of my mind for what they had put the poor boys through. Still, time passes and waits for no one, leaving me with only wishes and regrets.

If I’m honest with myself, that night was both the most memorable and the most mortifying night of my life. There were several reasons for that. The main one being that I wanted nothing to do with the plot and Kakashi played a major part in it, the second being that he was drunk. Plain and simple.

I didn’t want to have sex with a partner who was drunk. Just no. But at the same time I felt…wistful at what I thought at the time was a, possibility of something that was never going to happen in the future.

Though none of that saved me from the embarrassment at the hands of Hisako.

Except from the memories of Akiko Reko ne Hatake Page 189

Akiko, even though only getting snatches of sleep, still felt well rested. The first rays of light filtered through the window. She stared at it and released a small sigh, somewhat regretful at the knowledge that she would have to leave the warm embrace of Kakashi’s arms. Regardless of her own want to stay, she could not. She would not allow herself too.

Casting one more glance to his sleep, she gently traced his features with a feather light touch. Her chest constricted in sorrow as she remembered her four years with Mamaru and at the same time feeling guilty of thinking of him as she lay with Kakashi.

Kakashi breathed slow and steady with sleep gracing his face, making it seem younger, much younger without all the grief, self-doubt and regret on it. Akiko could just feel her own smile twist in sadness.

‘The past is the past and I just need to deal with it.’ She scolded herself as she carefully slipped out of Kakashi’s lax arms. As soon as she left, Kakashi let out a disgruntled sound before turning over and hugging one of the extra pillows that she had been sleeping on, and promptly buried his face in it. Akiko felt her heart warm at the adorable sight before her. With a gently smile, she quickly gathered her meagre belongings and hurried out the door but not before throwing on the shirt she had been wearing last night.

She wanted to be long gone before Kakashi woke up. Akiko hoped the hangover would keep him asleep long enough for her to get away.

The door clicked shut as quietly as she could make it, and still cautious, Akiko continued to tiptoe down the hall and only allowed herself to walk normally. She hurried over to the desk where Hisako sat, and Akiko wondered if the woman ever went home.

“So, how was he?” Hisako asked with a lecherous grin that had Akiko flushing again.

“Nothing happened!” Akiko hissed to the older woman, her voice slightly raised but she kept the volume down, remembering that Kakashi was still asleep and she didn’t know if he was a heavy sleeper under the influence of alcohol, not to mention that Kakashi probably wouldn’t hear her but she didn’t want to risk it.

Hisako just drew out this week’s rate, having already figured that Akiko would do a runner.

“You are amazing!” Akiko cried happily as most of everything she had already to go. Akiko hurriedly to finish the last of the paper work and was just about ready to leave. However, there was still something holding her back, she wanted to leave a note for Kakashi. It felt wrong of her to just leave without saying anything.

Akiko signed on the last page and handed the clipboard back but she didn’t move. She stood there, staring at the stairs she had come down from as she thought. It seemed her conflict was clear as day on her face because her attention was brought back to Hisako who gently pushed forward a pen and a small wad of paper.

Akiko gave the woman a gently and grateful smile. The other woman snorted but her eyes softened.

Akiko has a strange relationship with the inn keeper. She passed the silent woman every day and sometimes Akiko would stop for a small chat which was entirely one sided since Hisako rare talked. Akiko would talk and gush about the various things she had done that day and speticals she had seen and Hisako would answer with either a look, a smile or a raised eyebrow, all holding many meanings.

Akiko promised herself that if she ever found her way back to Konoha, she would stay here.

Pulling herself away from her reflections, the debatably young woman focused her mind on her next challenge.

What to write.

‘Dear Kakashi?’ Akiko tilted her head to the left before scrunching her face, ‘Nah, he never told me his name and it would be pretty suspicious if I used it. So, no Kakashi but what about the rest?’

She huffed as the words continued to evade her. Akiko stood there thinking, still stuck on what to write, much to Hisako’s amusement, and she continued to stand there a little longer before the inspiration finally stuck.

With a slight exaggerated flourish, Akiko let the pen come to life as she wrote down her message and finished it quickly.

“Please give this to the man I came in with? And don’t mention my name, please?” Akiko asked with a pleading smile. She didn’t want Kakashi to know that they had met again and she hoped that this second time would be the last time.

(Something in her gut told her otherwise but that didn’t stop her from hoping.)

Hisako smiled softly and nodded once. Akiko new that all would be well.

With a short goodbye and a promise to return, Akiko walked out the door of the inn ‘Destined Paths with no Paths’ without looking back.

The crisp morning air prickled sharply into her face, most of the street shops were closed, the sky held the barest hints of daylight which was slowly but surely creeping across the horizon.

Akiko scrubbed at her face in an attempt to warm it but gave up when the chill attacked her hands too. The woman took in the sights of the still sleeping civilian sector. Akiko wasn’t sure of the exact time but of the two bakeries that she had passed, both were closed and had no light or movement in them. She supposed it was probably before 5 am and with this revelation, Akiko let out a wide yawn, suddenly feeling even more tired.

‘Tired or not, I’m getting out before Kakashi wakes up.’ Akiko picked up the pace as she felt her resolve strengthen.

She didn’t know how Kakashi found her and she wasn’t going to stick around to find out! Akiko lengthened her strides and forced her eyes to open, her steps matching an unheard beat. With her fear and determination as her driving force, Akiko moved swiftly through the streets.

Soon, Akiko could see the gates of the village and with her escape in sight, she slowed her steps to a pleasant walk. It seemed that the closer she got to a normal walking pace, the more she panted in execration.

As she approached the gates, she noticed two humanoid figures and then remembered the fact that the gates were guarded at all times. Akiko only hopes that whoever was guarding them today didn’t give her much grief and she certainly hoped they wouldn’t keep her around when Kakashi wakes up.

To Akiko’s relief, it was Izumo and Kotetsu. Both had seen and helped her before.

“Why are you in such a hurry to leave?” Kotetsu asked, a frown pulling at his lips.

Akiko gently gnawed on her lips, trying to come up with a way to phrase her complete and utter avoidance of Kakashi and the plot.

“I’m running from a drunk and Handsy ninja?” Came blurting out of her mouth. Both ninja opposite her tensed and suddenly Akiko could taste something heavy and a metallic tang in the air.

“Can you tell me who?” Izumo asked with a strained smile, that hinted to something more. Akiko shivered when she saw it.

‘How do I do this? I’m not going to say Kakashi because I doubt in that situation he would say his name…’ Akiko though quickly.

“He had white or silver hair and wore a half mask.” Akiko described Kakashi instead of answering Izumo’s question.

‘they’d probably ask if I knew him before if I answered with his name and if I say ‘no’ I would be lying, which I’m sure they could pick up and if I said ‘yes’ they would ask where I knew him from and that would open a can of worms!’ So caught up in her thoughts, Akiko missed the dark look exchanged between the two ninja.

It seemed Kakashi had just made it to their shit list, renowned and famous ninja or not.

They wouldn’t let this slight go unpunished.

“Are you sure you’re going to be alright?” Izumo asked with a worry and while Kotetsu echoed it with a worried frown.

“I’ll be fine but I’d rather not be here in the morning when he wakes up.” Akiko waved away their worry with a smile that had some tenseness to it.

The longer she stayed, the more edgy she started to feel, she didn’t want to stay too long. In fact, she has already stayed longer than she felt was safe. Akiko needed to leave and it had to be now.

It seemed that the two ninja picked up on her need to leave, that or they could see the panic in her movements.

“Please don’t tell them you saw me or that you know me?” Akiko asked of the two ninja, appearing as desperate as she felt in that moment.

She saw them both exchange looks before turning to her nodding.

“Don’t worry, we won’t say a word!” Izumo grinned at Akiko, who felt a ridiculous amount of relief sweep through here. There was the most miniscule disappointment, but it was drowned by her relief.

“Thank you.” She breathed to them and started into the motion of a hug before stopping herself short, remembering her own revelation that ninja’s didn’t quite like physical contact with people they didn’t trust or didn’t know.

Both smiled at here, though there was some awkwardness chasing at the edges.

“Pass us your card and we’ll let you through.” Kotetsu motioned with his hand and Akiko couldn’t have complied fast enough.

“I’ll come back sometime, hopefully when He’s forgotten all about me!” Akiko promised, with a small smile as she walked out the gates.

“Bring us a souvenir when you do!” Kotetsu called out after her, making Akiko laugh as she turned while walking backwards.

“YOU CAN COUNT ON IT!”

Once Akiko was out of sight of the village, she took a moment to breath before reaching inside and pushing her presence all the way down. She hadn’t thought she needed to use this skill so soon. Plus she was getting pretty rusty.

It was something that she had picked up from a passing hunter from Iron country. He had been in the ninja hunting business until he lost an eye. Yato had stayed in her village for a month, and it had taken most of that month to get him to teach her. He had been the toughest nut to crack but he was a great teacher since she had managed to get the skill down in the week he had left at her village.

While it had occurred to her to use it on her travels, Akiko always dismissed it as she couldn’t really see the point seeing as she hadn’t really encountered any ninja, well living ninja any way. Neither had she seen a reason to hide until now.

Now she just didn’t want to be found by Kakashi or any Konoha ninja at this point, leaving her with her last option. Supressing her presence to the point it would come off to them as nothing more than a small squirrel. Hopefully, any ninja passing by that had not seen here would just keep moving.

And to keep to the unseen part of the plan, Akiko moved off the main road and walked straight into the surrounding forests and then walked parallel to the road. As she walked, Akiko began cataloguing the various plants she could dry and use, however she rarely picked any as her urge to leave was stronger.

Only when the sun had started to dip on the horizon did Akiko slow down her pace from a very brisk walk to one of leisure. When the sun’s rays that had filtered through the leaves vanished did Akiko set up camp for the night.

With the tree leaves overhead and the left over heat from the day on the leaf litter, Akiko settled down to sleep.

Akiko groggily woke, it was still dark but she felt uneasy. Something was wrong. With great effort, the orange-haired woman forced her eyes open and herself into a more awake state. While she had, what she believed to be slightly above average night vision, there still wasn’t much she could see so instead she listened.

And listened.

As the time passed, Akiko could just hear it. The sound of a child crying.

Quiet sobs echoed in the dark.

Akiko frowned, ‘what the hell is a child doing out in the woods? And alone at that?’. Taking note that her presence was still suppressed, she moved as silently as she could over the grass, only stopping to re-orient herself to the sounds of the tears.

She got closer and closer until Akiko was right on top of the sound but the dark made it hard to see, even with her vision adjusted to the night. All she could see was a dirty mop of yellow. Nothing more.

With this in mind, Akiko chose not to approach the child lest she scare them. Instead. She made her presence known.

“Hello?” She called out gently and as soon as she had, Akiko heard the tiny gasp as the child stopped crying in shock. They didn’t answer back but she could hear the occasional hiccupping.

“Why are you crying?” She with a gentle tone.

The kid doesn’t answer but Akiko can see the wary look in his eyes as well as the sadness. Akiko knew she won’t be able to comfort him but she tries anyway and reaches an arm out and the boy flinches. Her mind stalls as she processes what she just witnessed. At the movement of her hand reaching out, this Child flinched as if something worse was coming. Her anger at whoever was supposed to look after this child rose. She had seen this kind of reaction before, in children scared by the war and in …Sayuri. There were times when, even the comforts of home and a family could not stop the instinctive reactions that came with the fear of starving or being beaten to an inch of your life.

But that was Rain, one of the many countries recovering from the third war. ‘This? This is fire Country where the coffers were fat and the only thing in short supply were ninja.’ Her thoughts churned as the minor details of the village came to her mind.

Slowly Akiko pulled her arm back and forced herself not to think further on those thoughts and instead on the boy before her who needed help. Her opening came in the form of a very loud stomach growl. Akiko reaches for her bag and the boy tenses. She slows her arm to a crawl as it enters the bag. She tugs out some recently acquired dried food she had prepared in her later days in Konoha.

She pulled out the whole bag and felt for the fish, that one, she knew had the most flavour and the most smell. Akiko kept her eyes on the boy before as she found the right package and opened it with one hand. She watched the boy’s nose flare as the smell wafted in the air and his eyes focus on the morsel in her hand.

Akiko brought the food to her mouth and took a bite, chewed and swallowed before once again moving slowly, holding out the food to him. She watched as his eyes darted between her. Akiko watched as the boy slowly reached out and gently grasped the fish as if it were the most precious thing he had. Instead of devouring it all at one, he took a small bite and stowed the food away.

Akiko felt her anger rise, if she ever found out who was responsible for hurting this boy, she would find a way to make them pay. The boy before her cowered slightly and her eyes widened as she immediately felt regret for make him fear her.

The boy stopped cowering, and Akiko noticed. Was he feeling her emotions? She pushed aside her curiosity, right now this boy needed her help and it was something she was going to give him. When Akiko spoke, she made sure to lower her voice and without her realizing it, it took on a motherly tone.

“Hey, it’s pretty cold. How come you’re out here alone?”

The boy looked at her carefully. “cause I got lost. Can’t find m’y class.” He answered in barely a whisper.

“Where you on an excursion?” Akiko continued to coax, feeling her compassion for the boy rise as he nodded shyly.

“What were they trying to teach you?” She asked with a kind smile.

“ ’ow to live wi’h out stuff. Like seeds and stuff.” He tried to explain while gesturing to the floor.

Akiko knew what he meant, survival training. He was in the shinobi academy. But that left the question, how did a shinobi lose a child when they are trained to notice all the details?

“Well I know how to do that. I can teach you if you want. I could teach you all that and more.” Akiko offered, feeling that it was the right thing to do. The boy looked at her curiously, as if wondering why she was offering to help him.

“D’you know more than sensei?” He asked as he regarded her with different eyes.

Akiko felt her lips shape them in a mischievous smile.

“About plants, yeah.” Something told her that this was right and her gut hadn’t led her wrong yet.

“Okay. I wanna learn.” The kid said quietly.

“First things first. Sleep. D-.“

“I can sleep on the floor!” The boy declared with a childish enthusiasm and then boldly walked to her and plopped on the floor and looked up at the stars.

Akiko raised an eye brow before once again reaching slowly into her bag, she could still see his form tense, and pulled out one of her shirts, it looked like a blanket compared to the size of the kid. She draped it on him and met his startled eyes.

Pure surprise gleamed back at her and Akiko felt her heart melt. She was going to look after this boy, consequences be damned.

She smiled at him before bidding him a good night.

Morning came with an unusual restriction, there seemed to be something or someone wrapped around her like an octopus. Akiko cracked an eye open and found that she had an attachment in the form of a small boy with dirty blond hair and an equally grimy face. Nevertheless, he had such a peaceful look on his face that she found it hard to wake the boy up.

The day called, and even if she wanted to leave the boy sleeping while she does her usually, and short routine, Akiko couldn’t even do that. He was just wrapped around her too tightly. Akiko sighed internally before freeing one of her limbs and tried to untangle him.

It turned out to be a half success, he was only tangled halfway when the boy started to wake up.

Akiko watched him with keen eyes as the boy mumbled his way into the conscious world. She could feel the fond smile sneak on to her lips as he blearily opened his eyes. Slits of the bluest blue she could imagine peaked beneath the lips and she grinned.

He yawned and Akiko got a rather firsthand view of the of some rather sharp canines. She was always proud that her canines were sharp, however it looked that she had been beaten in that department by the boy.

“Good morning.” She spoke softly, as he squinted to see her face and Akiko could see the moment he realised where he was and what he was doing. The boy squawked in surprise as he jumped back, releasing Akiko like she was lava.

She couldn’t help it, Akiko started giggling.

“H-hey! Whatcha laughfen for?” He damned hotly as he glared at her indignantly, hands on hips.

“That has to be the cutest thing that I’ve seen so far!” Akiko exclaimed through her giggles.

“I am not!” The boy puffed his cheeks and stomped his foot.

That just made Akiko laugh harder. But when she saw the tears collect in his eyes, Akiko stopped laughing immediately.

“Hey, hey, I wasn’t laughing at you, I just found what you were doing completely adorable.” She gently explained, “there no need to cry.”

“I’m not cryin!” He sniffed, valiantly holding back the tears that gathered dangerously.

Akiko nodded solemnly and nodded, “Of course you’re not. You’re too brave and strong. The Great…,” She trailed off letting the boy answer.

“My names Naruto.” Akiko’s heart skipped a beat but she kept going, she couldn’t do anything with him looking at her like that, not with that shy innocent smile just hiding behind the clouds. She’d just have to freak out later. And find out why he was alone. In the woods. By himself.

“The Great Naruto is too great to cry!” Akiko continued without missing a beat and it was worth it, because it got him to smile.

“THAT’S RIGHT!” He cheered and Akiko was suddenly struck with how he seemed to trust her enough to play like this, wasn’t just this morning he was so wary, like a cautioned animal? What had caused the sudden change? Not only that, but he reminded her of Sayuri and…her- her son…

Akiko’s heart suddenly hurt, pain sharp and clear. It had been so long since she had thought about her past family, even though she was fine with their passing and hers, that didn’t mean it didn’t hurt.

“Alright-y then! Naruto, can I ask why aren’t you scared of me anymore?” Akiko went straight to the point.

“Cause you feel warm and, and right! And the old man didn’t wake up!” Akiko stared at the boy, surely, he didn’t mean…? And what was that with being ‘right’?

“Well, in any case! My name is Akiko and What are you doing in the woods alone?” She asked with a quirked eyebrow, now was not the time to panic, she’d do that later. Preferably when she was alone and when the bo- When Naruto was asleep.

It seemed that Naruto suddenly wilted and muttered something.

Akiko frowned at the sudden change in mood.

“Naruto?” She leaned closer to hear what he said.

“…got lost…” Akiko could see the tears start to build up again. She couldn’t help it, she hugged the boy. He stiffened and Akiko was strongly reminded the possible childhood he might have had. She had to retrain the urge to asked him and hurt people if he answered what she thought.

“That’s okay buddy. Everyone gets a little lost sometimes! I mean, I’m still lost!” Akiko tried to make him feel better.

“How are you lost?” The boy peaked through his hair.

“Well, I don’t know where I’m going! I’m just going where the road takes me! And I have no idea where I am!” Akiko explained with over dramatics, just to cheer the boy up.

“We’re in da big bushes of Konoha!” Naruto proclaimed and Akiko grinned!

“Now I’m not lost! I have a guide! Now what were you doing in the big bushes?” She quickly redirected the question back to him.

“Im gonna be a ninja! And we was doing some training! Learn’en some stuff bout plants and stuff. How they help and its really boring.” Naruto trailed off morosely.

Akiko raised an eyebrow.

“Well, I’m an expert in plants and stuff and I bet I could make it funn!” She teased out the last word as she watched him perk again.

‘I swear his moods are like a bouncing ball!’

“Can ya?” his tone was sceptical and Akiko smiled before leaning in and whispered conspiringly.

“And I bet I can do it in 30 days.”

“Prove it.” Naruto stared at her stubbornly.

She grinned.

‘Famous last words kid. I’ll think about why this is so easy with you later. And who ‘Old man’ is…’

#tww #the wandering woman #chapter 18 #NAruto!#naruto fanfiction #naruto uzimaki #Kakashi Hatake #Izumo and Kotetsu

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onceuponaprime · 7 years

Note

23. Last kiss - Cor & Drautos

Thank you for giving me an excuse to make this one shot i was planning even worse here ya go~

Got a little long so im just gonna throw a link to ao3 and hope the read more worksas my allergies take me to hell

Insomnia was bathed in light, and it seemed like a taunt, the way the city glowed in the darkness.

“Bring us down before the gate. Best not risk the ship until we know what to expect in the city.”

“That was the plan,” The mercenary woman replied from beside him. “You heard the man, boys. Take us down.”

“You got it, Lady A,” said the pilot, and the ship hummed a new tune as it began it's decent.

“So,” Aranea began, stepping away from the pilot’s seat and making her way to the center of the small ship. “What’s the plan, Mister Immortal?” His brow twitched in irritation at the nickname, and he followed her slowly, unused to having a ship beneath his feet.

“We scout, bit by bit. I doubt we’ll be able to get close to the citadel, but we need to at least take a bridge. Hopefully we pave a path for His Majesty’s return.”

“Our primary goal is to access a library,” Monica added, tapping the notepad on her lap.

“And hope you find something on Chancellor freakshow?” Cor nodded and Aranea shrugged, leaning against the wall of the ship with a casualness that felt misplaced. Like they weren’t about to drop into the ruins of Insomnia in the dead of their new eternal night. In all truth Cor still wasn’t sure what to think of the woman. Prompto, Gladio, and Ignis had vouched for her fiercely, and he owed her for their safe return, but trust was something he hadn’t yet reached.

They landed then, cutting off any further conversation as the ship settled on the ground. Monica took a moment to find her balance as she stood up from where she’d settled herself on the floor during the flight from Lestallum. She looked a little green, but the motion sickness would wear off soon, and she waved off his concerned look.

“Well at least he’s keeping the lights on,” Aranea said once the disembarked. The street lights at the West Gate flickered in response.

“Keep your guard up, those aren’t strong enough to ward off daemons,” he replied, scanning the dark, hand instinctively coming to rest on the hilt of his blade.

“Might not keep out daemons, but I’ve got a feeling that might keep out unwanted guests.” Aranea’s tone turned suddenly serious, and Cor turned his attention up to where she was pointing. An armored figure was strung up above the gate, arms extended and held by what might have been chains. Maybe a warning or an example, Cor wasn’t sure, Ardyn Izunia’s twisted methods were beyond him. In the dark it was hard to make much out, but some parts of the metal shone in the light, just enough for him to make out the almost familiar shape, preserved by whatever dark magic their foe was so fond of using.

"Is that-"

"General Glauca,” Aranea finished for him, squinting up at the figure through the gloom. “Yep.” Poor guy.”

“Did you know him?” Monica asked and Aranea shrugged.

“Not really, only met him once. Quiet for the most part, a bit dramatic, but not as bad as I thought he'd be. Better than the rest of the Empire’s lackeys at least. Well except for me and these two of course.” Cor huffed and somehow managed to keep his eyes from rolling, and wondered if the woman was ever serious. Doubtful, he decided, given what he’d seen. Still, it was cruel to be left in such a way.

“Get him down,” Cor said. “No one deserves that, not even someone like him.” Then he turned his attention to scanning the area around them, watching out for any terrors lurking in the dark, only half listening to what was going on behind him.

“You got it,” Aranea replied and Cor could hear her leap into the air and land on top of the wall with an easy grace. “Oh, yikes.”

“Is he still alive?” Monica called up to her in response.

“I hope not, that would suck.” Was all Aranea said before she fell silent. “Alright boys, I’m gonna need you to brace and catch.”

“Right!”

“Got it!”

“Bombs away!” The second chain broke louder than the first, and the ring of chains was quickly followed by a hard thump as what was left of General Glauca hit the men below. A muffled argument broke out, Cor wasn’t eavesdropping enough to understand, but the sudden horrified gasp quickly snapped his attention back around to his companions. Monica staggered back toward him, a hand over her mouth.

“Monica what is it?” She only shook her head, turning away from him like the question hurt.

Concerned he reached the body, the men who caught having retreated a fair distance after Monica’s outburst. Half the helmet had been broken away and the face beneath it made his blood run cold because he knew it. Knew it all too well. Titus Drautos looked pained in the peace of death, whatever battle corroded the armor had taken a greater toll. As Cor knelt beside him he noticed more, but he could hardly process what his eyes were telling him, violently rejecting what it meant.

“What kind of cruel trick is this?”

“No tricks here I assure you.” Cor was back on his feet in an instant, sword drawn and ready in his hand as he shot Ardyn Izunia an icy glare. To his right Aranea was poised and ready for a fight, and to his right Monica cocked her gun.

“What did you do to him?” Cor demanded, anger burning through him. Ardyn chuckled.

“Nothing he didn’t ask for,” he replied with a sinister grin and made his way further into the light.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Aranea voiced Cor’s thought before he could speak it himself and so he simply waited for the answers he was desperate for.

“Years ago Nifleheim took a quaint little village by the sea. I met a boy there and gave him an opportunity, serve the Empire and his home would be spared and oh how eager he was for that bargain when next we met. Killing the king was just an added bonus for both of us. You see, Captain Drautos was against you all along. Almost poetic, isn’t it?” It had to be lies, he wanted it so desperately to be lies. Something in him knew it was the truth, and it made it all the worse. Betrayal stung worse than he ever imagined, but the pure rage boiling forth eclipsed it by far.

“You bastard!” Cor lunged, sword singing as it slashed through suddenly empty air.

“Please there’s no need for that, Marshal,” and the way Ardyn rolled the title off his tongue made it sound like a mockery. “Truth be told I was saving him for dear old Noct, but I’m starting to think this is so much better.”

“You’ll pay for this!” And Cor lashed out again, catching the former chancellor in the middle and. There was silence and for a moment all Cor could hear was his huffing breath and the blood roaring in his ears as his anger dulled to something he could once again control. Ardyn returned soon enough, his expression one of mild irritation.

“I did wonder why you were spared, quite the tragedy,” he said close to Cor’s ear. “But there is only one immortal in this world, Marshal, and I am getting quite sick of sharing my title.” Then he snapped, and before Cor could strike again he was gone.

“Leonis, we have a problem!” Aranea pulled his attention back to the scene behind him and what he saw made him taste bile.

Purple swirled around Glauca’s armored form as he rose from both the ground and the dead, the sickly black of the Scourge creeping over the places where the armor was still intact.

“No more,” he groaned in a voice that sounded nothing like the one Cor knew. Aranea recovered from the shock first, lashing out with her spear as Glauca lashed out with a gauntlet that was quickly becoming twisted and sharp. Pulling himself together, Cor threw himself into the ensuing fray.

“Fight it,” he begged as he crossed his blade with that rapidly transforming arm.

“I don’t think he can,” Aranea snapped, narrowly jumping over a low swipe and twisting herself in the air to counter with a jab of her lance. She was right, Cor knew she was, but knowing didn’t make it any easier, and despite the stakes of the fight Cor found himself holding back. So he kept speaking, almost pleading, and Aranea kept cursing as they battled for their lives, keeping Glauca occupied and away from the others.

Perhaps it was their frantic attempt at distraction that drew Glauca’s attention away, or maybe it was his own words. Whatever it was Cor watched that single eye, surrounded by sickly black, move away from them and towards Monica, standing back with Biggs and Wedge, unable to do anything but watch the scene unfold. Glauca parried his attack, knocking Aranea back with the force, and lurched toward the group with an uncanny speed. Cor was faster. Before Glauca could strike he was there, thrusting his blade into the place where the blackened armor seemed weak across his chest. Everything stopped, and Cor watched in abject horror as the darkness began to melt away, revealing the man beneath.

“Cor?” Titus gasped, voice his own once more before he fell back, and Cor followed.

Kotetsu had struck true, and Cor felt the long blade enter the ground where it had pierced through the armored back it was buried in. Cor landed on his knees, harsh against the cracked pavement, almost cradled against a side he’d once known so intimately. He was going into shock. Quick breath and shaking limbs. A weak hand reached up towards his face and Cor caught it and brought it to his cheek, pressing against it, rough metal against soft skin. Grounding himself with the touch. Titus wanted to speak, a thousand words trapped in his eye, warm grey clearing from the taint of the Scourge in his final moments.

“Glad it was you,” he breathed out, hoarse and quiet. It didn’t make much sense to Cor, but he knew there was a meaning behind it deeper than he could fathom.

“Save your strength, Titus,” Cor insisted like it would somehow make a difference.

With his free hand he smoothed back the dying man’s hair. Titus shuddered against the soothing touch, eye fluttering like he was fighting to keep it open. Wordlessly his mouth moved, whatever final words he had lost with his failing strength. So Cor kissed him, trying to convey everything through that familiar touch. Titus reciprocated, weak but sure, cold lips pressing against his, and something passed between them that Cor couldn’t ever hope to name. It was awkward, the right side of his face scraping against the edge of the partially crumbled helm. Despite the discomfort he kept close, like the gentle connection of their mouths could stave off the inevitable. But it couldn't. Soon Titus exhaled, a soft puff of air tickling Cor’s face, and then he went slack beneath him.

Cor pulled away slowly, vision blurred just so as he watched the man dissolve, flaking away in bright sparks as the astrals claimed him at last. There was a cruel beauty to it, but Cor knew that at least in the end, Titus had known peace. His lips tasted like salt and ash and countless questions that would never be answered. The one thing he had now was closure, which settled the pieces of his broken heart into something that was almost whole.

When Aranea suggested they head back to Hammerhead Cor didn’t protest. The trip back was silent and Cor was so lost in his own thoughts he would not have noticed speaking anyway. Monica’s hand against his pulled him back to the present, and he looked down as she laced their fingers and squeezed with all the comfort she could offer. For now that was enough. It had to be.

#mmck writes fics #cor x titus #titus drautos #cor leonis #hey fam i love you but this was cruel #not that i wasnt already planning this but still

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haprilona · 7 years

Text

Frozen to the Cor

Fandom: Final Fantasy XV Genre: Romance/Humor Rating: T

Characters: Cor Leonis, Gentiana, Clarus Amicitia, Regis Lucis Caelum CXIII

Relationships: Cor/Gentiana Word count: 4187 Summary: Gentiana’s paying a visit to King Regis, but he’s not the only one she sees during her stay. Takes place a year before Lunafreya’s birth.

Also at AO3 & FF.net

“-you haven’t heard a word I said, have you?”

Cor scoffed. “I merely choose to focus on doing my job.”

Clarus arched a brow at that. Standard guard duty was below both of their station, but the Immortal had – for reasons beyond the King’s Shield’s comprehension – specifically requested to stand watch outside the audience chamber for the afternoon. “Because standing guard in an empty hall takes every ounce of your concentration.”

Cor ignored the older man’s comment and fixed his gaze on one of the detailed oil paintings hanging from the wall of Hall of History, belatedly realising the picture of his focus was none other than the famed Genesis. Involuntarily his steely blue eyes were drawn to the image of a fair woman perched on a fluffy cloud between a surly dark-skinned man and a bearded male with kind eyes. The woman looked nothing like whom she was supposed to represent; the skin wasn’t blue enough, the hair was too short and ordinary and her elegant pointed ears were nowhere to be seen. The only detail the artist had managed to get right was her lack of clothing.

Focusing on his duties – and Clarus’ chatter – was getting increasingly difficult knowing the woman in question was separated from him only by measly wooden double doors. Merely closing his eyes for a moment was enough to summon a memory of chilly fingertips tracing the scar on his chest. It didn’t matter that he had eyes wide open and ears perked for any suspicious activity outside the hall, the sensations from their last night together from two years ago had reawakened and now clouded his senses to the point he couldn’t quite distinguish what was real and what a daydream from the past.

Brushing the foolish musings aside, Cor blearily blinked at the painting and silently swore when he thought he saw the painted figure of Shiva turn her head ever so slightly to the side to expose her vulnerable neck to him, while the hand hovering over her left breast tantalizingly trailed the rosy skin in a teasing invitation. The 20-year-old man could feel blood warming the tips of his ears and forcefully willed the image of a very naked Astral out of his mind. Such thoughts bordered on blasphemy. Fortunately Clarus blocked his view on the painting, instantly snapping the young member of Crownsguard from his daydream.

“Should I make an appointment to the physician for you? You’ve been acting strangely and look a little feverish.” Dark brows furrowed in worry, casting shadows over the King’s Shield’s expressive blue eyes.

“No, I’m fine.” And he was. If only a little distracted.

Paying no mind to Clarus’ dubious frown, Cor focused on listening to the muffled voices coming from the next room. Besides King Regis’ warm yet authoritative timbre, he could hear the soft voice of a woman with an accent of which origins he couldn’t place anywhere in Eos. It was a voice he could recognise even among a crowd of thousands, for the way she spoke was like no other; her infinite patience ensured she never raised her voice or expressed any hint of anger or irritation, and while some may have claimed she spoke monotonously, he found her mild tone to be calming. He particularly liked the sound of his title coming from her painted lips.

Eyes hardening when realising his mind wandered yet again, Cor restlessly shifted his weight before swatting Clarus’ pestering palm away from his forehead with a glare.

“Really, Amicitia. I just skipped my morning coffee. I’m fine.” He hadn’t appreciated his companions’ unnecessary fussing when he had enlisted to the Crownsguard at the tender age of thirteen, he sure as hell didn’t appreciate it now as an adult.

Before the older man could continue the inane argument, the heavy wooden double doors opened. Instantly both men stood at attention, spines straight and tense. Followed by a clicking of high heels, a willowy figure of a woman clad in black emerged from the audience chamber. The familiar alluring scent of blueberries was enough to make Cor feel faint. She stopped before them once the doors were closed behind her and turned to address the men, expression serene even as her eyes remained hidden behind pink lids. Only the few long carpets covering the recently waxed floor of the Hall of History lessened the echo of her silvery voice.

“Master Amicitia.”

“My lady.” Clarus politely acknowledged her with a half-bow.

Eyelids framed by dark lashes opened to reveal moss green eyes that immediately fixed on the young guard. Heart hammering against his ribcage, Cor swallowed heavily and stared at the bridge of her slim nose in an attempt to keep himself composed. There was something about those mesmerising eyes that unerringly made his knees buckle under their sultry gaze, however with Clarus watching Cor couldn’t afford to show such weakness. He had worked so hard to get to where he was. If everything went according to plan, he would be promoted to a Lieutenant the coming year.

“Ah, and the Immortal himself. He has grown much since our first meeting near the Tempering Grounds. It is delightful to see him once more.” Cor didn’t miss the mischievous glint in her eye even as the painted lips curved to a misleadingly pleasant smile.

“Likewise”, was his curt reply, followed by a chaste kiss on the back of her offered gloveless hand. He let go of it to resume his post, but the Messenger had other ideas and looped her arm around his.

“I was led to believe by the king that the guard posted outside would escort me to my temporary quarters.”

“Oh.” The young soldier cast a questioning glance to his superior who nodded his assent. “Very well.”

They walked down the corridor in relative silence, her stilettos and his red-soled boots stepping on carpets and marble floor in synchronised harmony. At this proximity he could effortlessly distinguish the faint fragrance of fresh pinewood blending with her more prominent scent of blueberry shampoo. She was exactly how Cor remembered her from two years ago when he had been fighting at the Lucian border against the invading Niffs.

His sheathed katana lightly bumped against her hip as they took a turn.

“It is pleasing to see the Immortal still carries the blade gifted to him five years ago.”

“I’d be a fool to reject a weapon received from a divine spirit.”

Pleased with his words, Gentiana’s eyes crinkled with barely concealed joy and she lifted her satin encased hand to join the other one around his arm. Both elated and burdened by her affectionate gesture, Cor cleared his throat and continued to lead the charming woman.

He would never understand what the immortal being saw in a mere mortal such as him. Only fifteen years of age during their first meeting, he had escaped the Tempering Grounds in disgrace, unarmed and wounded. The kind, inhumanly beautiful spirit had tended to his wounds and given the Kotetsu he carried on his person to this day. It had no enhancements and wasn’t a technological achievement like Cid’s modified weapons, but its blade was sharp and the weapon’s balance fit his fighting style like a glove. It had yet to fail him in a battle and he doubted it ever would.

Throughout the next year Cor had caught brief glimpses of a dark-clad woman from the corner of his eye or a fleeting tranquil smile on a reflective surface. On the off-chance that Weskham or Clarus happened to snap a photo of him, they would often see a distant feminine figure in the background watching over him. Suffice to say Regis had been deeply puzzled by the strange phenomenon.

“I recognise her from the Cosmogony’s illustrations. It is the Messenger of the gods – Gentiana. Seems you have left quite the impression on her.”

Cor had been quick to brush such implausible speculations aside. However, a year later the two crossed paths again briefly, and while there was hardly anything romantic about the setting or timing, he couldn’t help but feel a strange sort of pull towards the ageless entity. At first the youngest member of the Crownsguard figured it was merely a subconscious desire to protect her, perhaps as a way to pay back the imaginary debt he believed owing to the Messenger. Except, one day he caught himself snapping photos of random sceneries and taking self-portraits in hopes of finding her gentle smile in the background.

Angry for not being able to shake off the baseless attraction, Cor had eagerly requested to be sent to the frontlines to distract himself from such unholy fantasies. Of course, that was merely an excuse to be at the brunt of Niflheim’s invasion. There was still the matter of tending to his wounded pride that had received a near fatal blow during his duel with Gilgamesh. He needed to redeem himself in his own eyes, if not in his liege’s – His Highness had always been too forgiving and gentle when Cor’s failures were concerned, most likely due to the soldier’s young age.

Unfortunately the Galahdan saying ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ seemed to apply to him more strongly than anticipated. Three years after their first meeting he was surrounded by Niff forces while covering his liege’s retreat and – if he was completely honest with himself – would have most likely perished if it wasn’t for Gentiana’s interference. After the battle one thing led to another and he found himself romantically involved with an Astral of all things. The more he thought about it, the less sense the whole affair made, but the ageless temptress had several very effective ways of muddling his logical thought.

When Cor had tried to point out his inevitable death and the heartbreak that might follow, she had merely trailed a light blue finger across the scar received from Gilgamesh and told him she wished to enjoy each fleeting joy life had to offer, whether it be the singing of a short-lived bird or the warmth of an equally short-lived mortal’s embrace. At that Cor was rendered speechless, but Gentiana had seemed fine with his silence and kept on exploring every inch of his shivering body.

Now two years later with nary a word exchanged, Cor was baffled to find his body responding to her closeness in equal fervour to their last night together. He couldn’t quite decide if he liked the sensation, similar to that of a glowing fire suffusing him.

‘Well. If I spontaneously combust, at least she'll be around to quench the flames’, Cor thought as a sardonic smirk threatened to curve his thin lips.

As they made a turn to pass through the royal gardens, he noticed Gentiana had shifted to walk closer to him, hip brushing against hip while her satin covered hands subtly massaged his arm. Thanks to the thick material of his Crownsguard uniform, Cor couldn’t really feel the sensual touch and was both relieved and disappointed.

Gentiana pulled them to a stop and removed her hands from his arm. “The king granted me permission to pick a flower from his garden as a sign of gratitude for conveying the will of Bahamut.”

“Seems a little cheap”, Cor muttered under his breath, but Gentiana heard him and chuckled as she knelt in front of the closest flowerbed.

“He offered me anything my heart desired as long as it was within his power to give, but unfortunately my wish is something I cannot have.” Moss green eyes cast a sly glance over her shoulder, making her escort fidget his hands in discomfort. Cor didn’t dare to make any assumptions, yet he couldn’t help but wonder what stood in the way of her desire. “Instead, I asked to be allowed to part with one of his flowers.”

Rising back on her feet, the ever present smile gracing her pink lips, Gentiana turned to face him. “Does the Immortal like flowers?”

‘Just the namesake of one’, Cor thought as he peered down into her glinting eyes and was pleased to note he now stood a good head taller than her compared to the previous times he had been looking up to her. Reaper damned heels and late growth spurts. “Sure, I guess.”

“Then I ask he choose one for me.”

Frowning, Cor surveyed the flowerbeds. Countless flowers in different shades of white, red, yellow and violet littered the garden, but none of them were what he was looking for. He could feel Gentiana’s amused gaze following his every step as he searched for a particular flower. Aesthetic flora had never really piqued his interest. Only herbs and such used in making curatives were worth the time investing in learning their names and characteristics, which was how he first came across a gentiana. According to the ‘Pharmacological Flora’ they were used in herbal medicine to treat digestive problems, fever, hypertension, muscle spasms, wounds and even parasitic worms. Both beautiful and practical. Cor sneaked a glance towards the still woman who waited patiently for his decision before quickly returning to scour the garden.

Finally his steely blue eyes settled on a small flowerbed with blue trumpet-shaped blossoms. Carefully he picked the biggest and most vibrant sample. Only the best would do, Cor was certain his liege would agree. Gentiana accepted the flower with a knowing smile.

“The Immortal’s actions speak louder than his words.”

Feigning ignorance, the soldier crossed his arms in defiance. “Not sure what you’re implying.”

A thin coating of ice covered the flower, encasing it like one of those snow globes he had seen in the windows of tourist shops. It wasn’t just an ugly blob of ice such as one could find in the nature, but beautifully sculptured like the most prized crystal. She closed her eyes and chanted something in an unknown language before handing the frozen flower to him.

“Should the Immortal ever falter on his life-long journey, he need not but glance at the frozen gentiana to regain his vigour.”

Cor fingered the flower in wonder. The ice wasn’t as cold as he had expected and it didn’t appear to melt between his warm hands. “You’re making it sound like I won’t be seeing you again.”

Closed lids opened to reveal her wistful green gaze. “The Oracle is expecting a child who will succeed her at a young age. The Messenger’s destiny is tied with the Chosen King’s respective oracle.”

“So, you’re moving to Tenebrae?”

She nodded. “Our meetings have been rare and brief, but I’ve come to treasure each fleeting moment. Once the Chosen King is born, so shall the Immortal have his hands full fulfilling his duty to his king.”

Cor pocketed the flower and boldly took her delicate hands in his. “Be that as it may, I’d still make time for you.”

Slim fingers interlaced with his and her fair features lit up in a smile that warmed him more than the summer heat ever could. “Then we shall meet again, whether it be in another two years or two decades.”

A faint smile graced the taciturn soldier’s serious features, his customary piercing glare softening as his gaze dropped from hers to the invitingly plump lips. Inhaling her seductive scent and losing himself in the tender moment, Cor dipped his head down to capture the soft, pink lips in a gentle kiss. Her response was immediate; she removed her hands from his and let the smooth satin caress the nape of his neck and the newly grown stubble while her lips eagerly moved against his.

Calloused hands fumbled for the choker that hid her pale throat from him. She instinctively arched her neck in submission, granting access for the tip of his nose to teasingly caress her vulnerable skin. A surge of passion rushed through Cor’s entire being when his lips found the woman’s quickened pulse. He was amazed how willingly the immortal entity was ready to place her trust so fully in a flawed man such as him. Gentiana’s trust was even more precious to him than the katana and the enchanted flower she had given to him with the intention of protecting him, knowing full well how easily mortal lives could be snuffed out.

Realising the royal garden was not the right place for such intimate acts, Cor regretfully pulled his warm, swollen lips away from his lover’s neck. Steam blew out of his nostrils as he exhaled. He had learnt years ago that Gentiana’s kisses tended to leave him with a cold breath, but the minor discomfort only made him crave for the contact all the more.

Her pink lids remained closed even after he stepped away from the Messenger’s embrace. The serene smile was gone, replaced by the smallest of pouts. “Is it a common occurrence within the Citadel for the guard to get so distracted when escorting a guest to her quarters?”

Rolling his eyes, Cor pecked her on the cheek before offering his arm to her once more. “Not my fault our esteemed guest is a shameless enchantress.”

They sat on cushions by the hearth, bathed in its dim light. Gentiana’s thigh-high stilettos leant against the door of Cor’s quarters next to his own Crownsguard’s boots, while her white shawl and black satin gloves had been discarded over the back of a chair. Cor had changed out of his uniform in favour of something more comfortable and casual as it turned out the Messenger had requested more than a mere flower from the king of Lucis.

“I can’t believe you asked His Majesty to grant me the rest of the day off. I’m beginning to think you had all of this planned out from the start”, Cor mumbled and buried his lips in her raven locks. Knowing Gentiana was a clairvoyant, he wouldn’t be surprised if that turned out to be true. The only response he received from the content woman was one slim finger lightly tickling the arm that held her lithe body snuggly against his, leaving behind a trail of goosebumps.

The weight of her head on his shoulder and the sweet scent of her perfume invading his nostrils felt like… home – as if she was made to be nestled beneath his arms. Or considering who existed first, perhaps he was made for her and that was why the divine spirit had been so adamant to get involved in his life. Gentiana’s mere proximity was turning him into a lovelorn fool. Shaking his head in exasperation, Cor removed his other arm from her hip and let it trail down the shapely stocking-clad thigh. She stirred under his sensuous touch and pulled her lidded gaze from the glow of dying embers to study his face.

“Yes.”

The off-duty soldier frowned, puzzled. “What?”

His breath hitched when he saw her eyes dilate with desire, the splash of maroon surrounding her pupils becoming more prominent.

“When witnessing the young Lucian warrior escaping the wrath of the Blademaster, it was revealed he would become someone special to me.” Cor was so distracted by the sudden change in Gentiana’s tone and body language that he nearly missed her softly uttered last words.

“Ah.”

Neither of them were exactly sentimental or direct when it came down to their deepest feelings, so hearing her unexpected confession felt as impactful as one would have felt hearing a gasped “I love you” in the throes of passion.

Gentiana shifted in his arms and pulled his head down to indulge in a heated kiss. Their mouths wrestled for dominance with neither participant willing to compromise. Her cool fingers disappeared beneath his shirt, travelling up and down the athletic upper body. Instantly recognising the game and not wishing to finish second, Cor began to work on undoing her elegantly embroidered corset. It came off easily enough, but his lover had already stripped him from his shirt. With a frustrated growl, he began to work on removing her dress only to halt when his fingers found an edge of something hard beneath the expensive fabric.

Lips still locked, his query came out as an incoherent rumble in the back of his throat. Gentiana pulled back, cheeks slightly flushed and fingers tangled in his short brown hair before casting a curious glance down to her breast where his hand touched the foreign object. Looping her arms out of the fur-trimmed sleeves, the dress fell off her body to reveal a risqué bra made of silver. Cor instantly recognised it as the ‘outfit’ – and he uses the term very loosely – that Shiva wore. The cups of the bra had detailed, decorative carvings and the strings that held the flimsy piece of undergarments together were threaded with blue and silver beads.

“I see you’re still wearing that”, he managed to say.

Gentiana arched an eyebrow and shifted in his lap. “Is there a problem?”

“Not at all. Just strange seeing you in it.”

Frost began to spread all over her body, altering the fair skin into pale blue while her remaining black stockings faded into white, barely noticeable snowflake patterns that covered the full length of her shapely legs. Her jet-black hair morphed into thick, light blue braids that twisted into a hairstyle Cor doubted he’d be seeing on any sane human during his lifetime. Unmelting spikes of ice poked between her hairs to form a crown of sorts. Around her neck was a choker made of silver and on her leaf-shaped ear was a matching earring. She wore similarly themed anklets and spiked silver knuckle-guards. What Cor considered to be the only pieces of proper clothing on her were transparent ribbons that floated around her as if suspended in zero gravity.

Cor had seen her in this form before, yet he couldn’t help but feel a little unsettled and out of his depth as the ice goddess gently pushed him to lie on his back and straddled him, the unnaturally braided hair framing her inhumanly flawless face.

“It does not matter which form wears the cloth. It is still the same person”, she spoke quietly.

Swallowing his remark about silver undergarments not qualifying as cloth, Cor experimentally lifted his hand to cradle her cool cheek and smiled faintly when Shiva closed her dark purple eyes and leant into his touch. She was definitely the same. Messenger, Astral… Messenger possessed by an Astral. It didn’t matter to him. As far as Cor was concerned, she was one and the same and he worshipped every aspect of her.

He surprised the off-guard woman by pulling her down to his chest and rolling over to lie on top. Dazedly the Glacian peered up in his hooded eyes, emotions rapidly flickering in her pupilless eyes. She appeared almost… vulnerable. Deciding to set her unfounded fears to rest, Cor pressed his lips against her chilly, blue ones. The young soldier was so caught in the exhilarating feeling of her hands roaming over his skin and the overpoweringly numbing cold of her kiss that he didn’t notice when the rest of his clothes were removed or when she slipped off her silver undergarments. For appearing so flimsy and unpractical, they turned out to be more complex to remove than anticipated.

“For what it’s worth… I’m glad you seduced me.” He received a humorous bite on his lip for his impudence.

The embers of the hearth had died, but the fire in his heart was ablaze stronger than ever.

Clarus turned to stare when Cor arrived to the guard room. “It’s midsummer and you’re dressed like you intend to go wage war against Niffs in the northern border during winter time.”

Cor said nothing and adjusted the woollen scarf around his neck. He was frozen to the very bones and shivering from an unnatural cold. Minor hindrances aside, his time with the ice goddess was well worth the side effects. Much to his joy Gentiana had decided to stay another week in the Citadel to “study ancient Lucian history” – as if she hadn’t lived through such times and didn’t know every historical fact in detail – claiming there was still time before she would be needed in the Fenestala manor. He was already looking forward to the end of his shift.

“Where do you intend to stay tonight?” Cor had asked while escorting Gentiana to the library before starting his day.

Her lips had quirked with a playful grin. “Take a guess.”

“Based on past experience you’ll go to your assigned quarters and sneak into mine in the middle of the night.”

The short hairs in the back of his neck had stood erect when she invaded his personal space and whispered in a rather sultry voice in his ear: “Correct. Name your prize.”

Cor snapped out of the brief daydream when he felt a warm palm on his forehead for the second time that week.

“Reaper, Cor! Have you been His Majesty’s target for blizzard casting practise or did you take a nap in a freezer?”

“More like slept with a freezer”, Cor muttered into the thick fabric of his scarf while keeping his features carefully neutral.

#ffxv fanfiction #cor leonis #gentiana #shiva #cor x gentiana #cor x shiva #cor/gentiana #cor/shiva #cortiana #genor

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