Susurrus [Itachi x OC]

11: Unyielding

My head pounds furiously as I awaken to find myself somehow still on the couch. A groan slips out of me as I sit myself up, tucking my legs underneath me.

I watch as light streams through the living room windows, showering my face and body in its warmth. Thankfully it's not too bright, but my head hurts all the same. A comforting warmth radiates through my chest and arms, and I suddenly remember the hoodie that Sasuke helped me into last night.

I still can't believe he brought me a box that Itachi prepared for me. How'd he know I'd want—or maybe even need—something of a clan I never had the chance to know?

I smile softly. It seems I've found another way that he's like Itachi: very sweet on the inside.

I swear, I don't deserve either one's kindness—

"Oh, good! You're finally awake, Akatani."

I look to my right to see a familiar face being bathed in sunlight.

Standing near me is a tall man with waist-length, spiky white hair tied back into a ponytail. Sporting a green short shirt kimono and matching pants, hand guards, traditional wooden sandals, and a red haori with two yellow circles on each side, I recognize this man immediately.

"Master Jiraiya? What're you doing here?" I ask, my voice thick with sleep. I smile fondly but weakly at him. I'm surprised he's here, for sure, but at the same time, I'm grateful.

Maybe he can help me feel a bit better.

"I'm here to just hang out with you," he says with a chuckle. "Kakashi went home late last night. He stayed with you until you fell asleep."

My cheeks burn hot with embarrassment at my drunken state last night. "Yeah... I'm—"

Jiraiya interrupts me with a quick wave of his hand. "It's fine, Akatani. It's not like you've done what I've seen some shinobi try to do when they're drunk around him."

I let out a small, awkward laugh.

I don't need to imagine, I've heard about what some peers of mine think of Kakashi-sensei.

"So, uh, exactly how much do you know?"

Jiraiya shoots me a warm smile. "I know all that I need to."

I nod uncomfortably. He probably knows everything.

"So how about we take a walk, hmm? I think you could use some fresh air."

"I don't have any—"

Jiraiya rapidly eyes me over.

"Here," he says, lightly tugging at the hoodie. "Maybe take this off. It'll be too warm outside anyways."

~*~

The village is warm as the midday sun beams over, bathing everything in beautiful light. I watch the village folk hustling and bustling in and out of the shops and stands around me, their loud, happy chatter a welcome distraction from the replaying of painful memories stored in my head.

Jiraiya and I walk towards the village gate when suddenly a small flock of crows flies overheard, loudly squawking. A playful male voice softly echoes inside my head.

Long time no see, half-pint!

I stiffen, halting momentarily to process what I'm hearing.

There's no way that I heard him after all this time! It's impossible!

"Akatani," Jiraiya says quietly, his voice jerking me from my thoughts. He turns around to look at me. "Can I ask you something a bit personal?"

I move closer to Jiraiya, making sure I stay just an arm's length away.