Your Lies | Itachi Uchiha x Reader

Chapter 23

POV – Y/n

I returned from the market with a half-full bag of supplies and a gold bracelet glinting on my wrist. It wasn't a practical purchase—but I'd earned it. I'd scammed that smug dice dealer out of more than enough money to restock for three missions.

Besides... if I was going to be a hostage, I might as well be a stylish one.

When I reached the edge of the village, I spotted Kisame waving me over with a toothy grin. "You took your sweet time," he said.

"I was busy winning."

He raised an eyebrow. "And how much of that 'win' went into that shiny rock on your wrist?"

I smirked. "None of your business."

Itachi appeared silently beside him, hands tucked inside his cloak. He said nothing. But I caught him glancing at the bracelet. Not for long—just long enough to make my stomach flip.

"Let's move," he said, voice flat. "We'll stay the night here."

"We can't risk a random inn," Kisame added. "We'll need a cover."

Itachi nodded slowly. "We're travelers. Merchants. You—" he gestured toward me— "are my wife."

"...Excuse me?"

"It's easier to blend in as a married couple," he explained, already walking.

"You didn't even ask me," I muttered, trailing after them.

"You would've said no."

"That's not the point!"

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The innkeeper was a squat man with suspicious eyes. "Only have two rooms left. You two—" he pointed to Itachi and me—"look like newlyweds. Romantic trip?"

I almost gagged. "No."

"Yes," Itachi said smoothly, placing a hand on my back.

I froze. His hand was barely there—just a light pressure through the fabric of my cloak—but it made my chest jolt like someone had slammed a chakra current through it.

"Anniversary," he added, completely calm.

I shot him a glare, trying not to think about the warmth still lingering where he touched me. "You're really committing to the bit, huh?"

"I'm a good actor."

"Right."

The man gave us our key. "Room 3. Up the stairs. Breakfast's early."

As soon as we were out of earshot, I spun on Itachi. "I hate you."

"I didn't expect you to enjoy the arrangement."

Kisame snorted. "If you kill each other, make sure to do it after breakfast."

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POV – Itachi

The room was small—just a futon and a wooden table by the window.

Y/n dropped the bag on the table and began unpacking. When she reached for something and I moved to help, our fingers brushed.

She flinched slightly. So did I.

I pulled my hand away faster than I should've.

"...You're jumpy," she said, not meeting my eyes.

"You touched me."

"You touched me."

I didn't respond. Neither did she.

She sat cross-legged on the futon and watched me with narrowed eyes. "You're weird, you know that?"

"So I've been told."

"And weirdly calm."

"So have you."

She huffed and tossed a rice ball at me. I caught it one-handed.

As she turned away, I let my eyes linger on the curve of her cheek, the way her hair fell over her shoulder, the way she moved like she didn't care who was watching. That kind of freedom... it pulled at something inside me.

I blinked, looked away.

It meant nothing. Just a habit. An observation.

...Nothing more.

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POV – Y/n

Itachi sat near the window, arms crossed, silent as ever.

I laid back on the futon and stared at the ceiling. "You think anyone's looking for me?"

"Yes," he said simply.

I hesitated. "...I hope they don't die trying."

"Whoever's looking for you must care."

"They do."

My voice cracked a little, and I hated that he probably noticed. I didn't want him seeing me weak. Not him. Especially not him.

"Then you should keep yourself alive long enough to see them again," he said.

"...That sounded like you care."

"Just stating the obvious."

I turned my head to look at him. He was already looking at me. For a long second, neither of us looked away.

There was something there—something unspoken, heavy. And uncomfortable. And kind of thrilling.

He turned first.

I exhaled slowly. Get a grip, Y/n. This isn't real. He's still your captor.

Still, my hand brushed the bracelet on my wrist. I told myself I only liked it because it was shiny.

Not because he said it suited me.

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