Susurrus [Itachi x OC]

18: Consequences

5 Years Ago
(Akatani is 18 years old)

"WHY?!" I snarled at Itachi, stepping so close to him I could feel the heat between us. "WHY WON'T YOU COME HOME?!"

"I CAN'T!" He snapped, glaring down at me. "I CAN'T AFTER WHAT I DID!"

Afternoon rain poured down in sheets, drenching us to the core. Itachi's cloak clung to him like a second skin, and my flak jacket felt heavier than the weight of the world.

"Tani," he said exasperatingly, "just go home."

Itachi's gaze met mine, staring at me tiredly beneath a long set of beautiful lashes. Even exhausted, he looked ethereal, like an angel. I'd never seen one before in my life until that moment.

"I can't," I murmured. "I can't go home without you."

"I can't face Sasuke, I just can't."

"I know." I sighed, raindrops rolling down my cheeks like tears. "You were forced to make an impossible decision, Tachi, but it wasn't your fault. Someday when he's old enough, I'd like to think Sasuke would be able to understand that."

As Itachi gently pushed me away from him, my jaw set in a firm line.

"So that's how this is gonna be?!" I seethed. "You won't come home?!"

"I'm an S-Class criminal, Tani!" Itachi shouted at me. "An S-Class criminal!"

"I know that," I snarled back at him, "but maybe, just maybe, you can—!"

"I'm not coming home! I can't come home and just pretend that everything's fine!" Itachi angrily shook his head. "I killed my whole family! I killed your father! I killed my parents, and I killed every chance my brother had at a decent and normal life!"

A fire flickered in my belly at his words.

Akatani?

Tabi?

Tell me what you are feeling.

I'm angry he won't come home! His reasoning makes sense, and I understand it, but he should still come home so he can atone for what he's done!

Is it just that?

Obviously!

I think it might be—

Enough, Tabi!

Do you truly wish to fight him?

I'll do what I have to, Tabi! I can't just let Kakashi-sensei think that I'm secretly allying myself with the Akatsuki!

Her rumbling chuckle echoed through my head.

And they would only think that if you—

Alright, enough! Please lend me some of your chakra!

Only if you can at least tell me the truth, Akatani.

Internally, I sigh.

Fine......... Ihavefeelingsforhim.

I did not quite catch that, what exactly was that?

I HATE THIS SHIT! FINE! I HAVE FEELINGS FOR ITACHI UCHIHA! THERE! HAPPY NOW?!

I am. I will send you my chakra.