Your Lies | Itachi Uchiha x Reader

Chapter 32

POV – Y/n:

Deidara left that night, storming off after Itachi refused to hand me over. My knees weakened beneath me, a strange fluttering rising in my chest—warmth, disbelief, trembling relief. My heart pounded against my ribs like a caged bird, and I could feel the blood rushing to my cheeks. He meant it. He really meant it. He wasn't going to let them take me. Not even for Pain. Not even for the Akatsuki. My breath came shallow and quick, as if the air itself had shifted. I wrapped my arms around myself, suddenly aware of every beat of my heart. I couldn't stop the warm swell rising in my chest, blooming like fire. He meant it—his promise to never give me up. My throat tightened, my fingers curled around the hem of my cloak. Was I truly more important to him than the Akatsuki? Than Pain himself?

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POV – Mei:

Mother and I raced through the mist-laced forests of the Land of Water, boots thudding over slick undergrowth. Ferns brushed against our legs, and the sharp scent of wet bark and brine filled our lungs. Droplets clung to our eyelashes and hair, the dense fog curling like ghostly tendrils around tree trunks. Every breath was laced with cold moisture, stinging our cheeks and tightening our chests. The wind rustled through the high canopies, whispering warnings we refused to hear. Our silence was heavy, but our steps were sure, driven by desperation., boots thudding over wet ground, the air thick with the scent of pine and salt. Our breath misted in front of us, the cold wind slicing against our cheeks. Neither of us spoke, but our silence roared with purpose.

Finding Y/n wasn't just a mission. It was our final chance to hold onto the last piece of family we had left.

Our father was already gone. I swear, Y/n, I'll bring you back. Even if it kills me.

To my surprise, Mother moved like a ghost through the terrain, her motions fluid and honed. Her water chakra rippled outward, moistening the ground under her feet, reacting to her stress. For years, she had buried that part of herself, but now—her hands crackled with icy resolve.

The scent of brine grew stronger. We were near the coast. I could almost hear the whisper of waves.

"It's been so long," she murmured. "Yet I still know this air."

"We're close," I said. "We'll find her."

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POV – Hangetsu:

The gate guard's shout barely registered before I was past him, the world blurring into green and gray. Trees whipped past. Wind ripped at my cloak. I didn't care.

They could keep me caged in that village forever, but my heart had already left. It had gone with Lady Y/n the day they took her.

They didn't understand. How could they? No one loved her the way I did. Not even her family. Not even her sister.

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POV – Y/n:

Life with Itachi and Kisame was constant movement. The wind always biting. Our boots always muddy. Our packs always ready. We drifted like ghosts across the continent—chasing shadows, avoiding bounty hunters, and resting in caves that never felt like home.

We were deep in the Land of Fire now. I could smell burning leaves in the distance, hear cicadas whining above. Sometimes I forgot where I was. Or who I was.

From Kirigakure's misty shores to these sun-dappled forests... I used to dream about escape. Now I was living it. But at what cost?

Itachi walked beside me, his eyes heavy-lidded, thoughtful. I watched the wind play with strands of his hair, the quiet furrow of his brow. I wondered what lay behind those crimson eyes. What he thought about late at night.