Love, Itachi ➛ Itachixreader

Another You

You leaned against a tree, waiting for the newest headache to subside. If the headaches continued like they had been all morning, you agreed with yourself to go to the clinic later.

That would hopefully at least solve one of your problems, though you're unsure how to solve the rest.

Your brain was trying to tell you something important, but you just couldn't figure out what exactly it was. Becoming increasingly frustrated, you punched a tree. The tree bark left small marks on your knuckles, reminding you of something your father used to always say.

"Y/n, it's always scarier to love than to hate. With hate, you can act out as your irrational thoughts fuel your malice. Once you act on hate, you'll be all alone, with no one to forgive you. But if you choose to love, you're opening your heart to an even bigger strength. It's scary, wondering if you'll be loved in return, but love is what connects us all. People will forgive you for all of your flaws and mistakes. Love fuels life."

I need to think rationally. Getting mad over what I don't know and can't control is useless. Maybe if I just relax and not think about it, I can understand what my brain is trying to tell me, you thought to yourself. 

After hearing a few loud booms and flashes of light from the distance, you decided it was probably about time to make your way to the sparring competition. You usually won against all of your friends, only occasionally losing to Naruto or Sasuke. Training day and night had really paid off.

As you came into the clearing, you saw most of your friends there. A few were out on missions, so today was just for those still in the village. 

The strange feeling you felt this morning when saying Naruto's name, came back again in your gut. This time, you managed not to cry. You felt overwhelmingly happy to see your friends. Even though you saw them almost every day, looking at them today felt different. 

Sakura noticed you, and waved to you for you to join her and the others at a picnic table. Choji's mom had packed mountains of snacks for Choji to bring for everyone, saving at least half for himself. 

You sat down between Sakura and Kiba as you all watched Shino and Naruto fight. Sakura was the first one to notice that something was a little off with you.

"Y/n, are you okay? You don't look the best." Sakura asked.

"Yeah, I'm alright. Just had a weird morning. Who's up next?" You ask the group.

Lee stands up, putting one leg on the table and a thumb pointing to his chest. "I am up next! I will battle the winner of this match with my beautiful and youthful taijutsu!" he exclaims.

"We get it, you've told us like 10 times already. Would you just sit down and shut up?" Ino says in an annoyed tone. 

Lee frowns as he sits down. Shikamaru gives Lee a small pat on his shoulder, trying to cheer him up. "Lee, you won't battle the winner right away. They need a break to be able to fight you at your best right?"

Lee's eyes lit up. "Yes! Right!"

"So why don't you do some extra running or exercises so your muscles are all ready to go for your fight?" Shikamaru says, convincing Lee to take his energy elsewhere.

Lee wraps Shikamaru up in a huge hug. "You are so smart Shikamaru! I will train until my muscles burst!" He sprints off to his own corner of the training grounds. 

The rest of the group at the table laughs. You sit there, still feeling that odd feeling in your gut. You thought it was great to see your friends so happy and... alive.