CROW (ITACHI X READER)

Chapter Twenty Three:

Y/N

I froze, you'd think that would be the first question that popped into my head. "You didn't think of that, did you?" He smirked and I huffed.

"No.." I murmured.

"I'm sure Obito is on it. So it made you go to Itachi?"

We stared at each other for a few moments before he raised a brow. "Ugh. Fine!" I threw up my hands. Why am I so upset? I couldn't tell you.

"Yes, it made me go to him because after reading it, this feeling of dread filled me. I was scared and no matter how much I push against my feelings for him, he makes me feel safe."

"Why were you scared?"

The frustration at myself drained out and my shoulders slumped. "When my mother died - was killed." I amended. "I needed to feel... safe." I whispered the last word.

I think the truth of my words hit us at the same time because Naruto gave me a small smile, one riddled with different meanings; understanding being the most prominent. "In this life..." He tapered off and I let out a breath, hearing his unspoken words. Feeling safe is what everyone craves.

"I know.." I whispered.

"Y/N... It's okay for him to make you feel safe and it's okay for you to not forgive him yet. You're not obligated to just because you went to him." Naruto said evenly with a tone of conviction to drive the point home.

"I-"

"-Don't say 'I know," He interrupted me with a hard shake of his head. "Sit with my words, believe them."

I nodded, not being able to speak and he gave me a small smile and I realized his smile was the softest thing about him.

"Now," He stood and nodded his head in a direction behind me. "Let's see what we're working with."

Thankful for the change in subject, I could feel my excitement growing. "Ooo with what?"

"You'll see."

Twenty minutes later, I stared at him unamused causing him to chuckle. "A shooting range, really?" I asked.

"Yes, I want to see what we're working with."

"I can shoot." I huffed.

"Mhm. So let's see."

I didn't think his eyebrows could go that far up into his hairline but those things defied physics or something. I laughed when he shook his head. "Alright, alright. You proved your point."

I shrugged, not trying to gloat but I guess my face didn't get the message because he chuckled with an eye roll.

"Next test." He smirked.

After what seemed like every weapons test under the sun, we finally were done for the day. I felt good and happily exhausted.

"Who taught you how to shoot?" He asked.

My initial reaction was to lie, I wasn't particularly proud of how I was when I was younger. "In high school, I sort of got into a bad crowd." I rubbed the back of my neck. "I thought I dealt with everything but three deaths and Itachi gone, I just kinda... lost it."

"What crowd?"

"The Akatsuki." I murmured.

He paused before letting out a loud laugh and my brows furrowed. "Why are you laughing?!"

"Oh, holy fuck, I can't believe that!" He cackled, practically bent at the knees.

"What is happening?"