Two Loves, One Fate (Itachi & Sasuke Uchiha)

№.31 :: Confrontations

Chapter Thirty-One

I lifted my gaze to meet a stunned Rei-dono; my words had shocked him even though I meant every word. Silence lingered among the other Akatsuki members as they too were taken aback by my words. Itachi knelt beside me, warmth filling his eyes when I met his gaze. “I have discussed this situation with Itachi, and he has persuaded me into letting you leave the Akatsuki headquarters and return to your home in the Snow Kingdom. I can truly say that I will regret this decision, but we will meet again one day, my dear Serenity.” Rei-dono’s words were kind, but I was slightly surprised to know that this had been Itachi’s idea. However, there was no time for arguing. I didn’t want to waste my last moments with Itachi arguing because to be completely honest, I had no idea when I would ever set eyes on him again. The eldest Uchiha helped me back onto my feet; my body felt sore and all I wanted to do now was lay down. We excused ourselves as we left Rei-dono’s office; I was unhappy with the decision that was made, but I didn’t want to be a burden any longer… and I also longed to see my father’s face. I missed him dearly and being home would make me happy. Itachi wrapped an arm around my waist as he led me back to his room. It was official; I was heading home.

‘For once in my life, I actually belonged and got along with a group of people besides those who my father hired to watch over me. The Akatsuki taught me that I was more than just the Princess of the Snow Kingdom. And it was slowly killing me knowing that I would have to leave behind all the bonds that I had established. It was killing me knowing that I wouldn’t be by Itachi’s side anymore.’ Silence bore down on me as I continued to make my way through the maze of hallways; Itachi kept up with my pace, his arm still wrapped around my waist. There were so many thoughts running rampant in my mind and it didn’t take long before depression began to settle within me. I hated the thought that I would be leaving Itachi behind, but it was surely for the best…especially if Orochimaru was in search of me. The last thing that I wanted was to witness a full scale battle between the Uchiha brothers. A sigh slipped through my lips as we rounded a corner; it seemed that the hallways of the Akatsuki headquarters were never-ending. The lanterns hanging from the walls barely lit the way, but my eyesight adjusted to the darkness quite well. Dim shadows lurked across the walls, almost mocking me with their stealthy dance. I was so deeply lost in my thoughts that I didn’t even realize that my feet had stopped moving; I lifted my gaze to see that Itachi had been watching me through worried eyes. I didn’t blame him for being full of worriment.

Itachi held the door open for me as I took a step into his bedroom; my eyes were welcomed by darkness once again. With a flick of the light switch, I became slightly blinded by the light that flooded the bedroom. My eyes were quick to adjust to the brightness as I walked further into the bedroom, slowly making my way towards the window. I carefully placed a hand against the cool glass of the window, wary that Sasuke could still be out there trying to place me under one of his trances. My gaze looked out into the surrounding forest, watching the storm that began to brew; rain beat hard against the window and the harsh winds tore at the nearby tree branches. I felt a pair of strong arms wrap around my waist from behind; Itachi brought me closer to his body, nuzzling his face in the nook of my neck. His gentle kisses on my neck brought a smile to my face, brightening my mood for the first time since finding out I would be leaving the Akatsuki. “I really hope you’re not upset with my decision. I’ve noticed your homesickness and I brought it to Rei-dono’s attention. And the fact that Orochimaru is searching for you makes this even harder. I wouldn’t have always been around—away on missions and what not—and I don’t know what I would do if I found out Orochimaru was able to get his hands on you because I wasn’t there to protect you. You would be safer within the walls of your kingdom. Orochimaru would have to do a full scale attack to get through your barriers and I don’t believe he would take the risk.”