Faith. (Sequel)

Chapter 9 | Desperation

Asami tapped the pen against the edge of the table, thinking about what to write.

She had honestly no idea what she was supposed to say in the letter. As a traitor, a liar, someone who chose someone like Madara over the whole village, including her own family, what was she supposed to say?

Sighing in frustration, she threw the pen on the table and stood up. Keiji told her to have a reply ready by tomorrow, but she hadn't written anything down yet. Asami still thought that Keiji admitted defeat too easily. He should have persisted that she was dead. Now that Mito knew of her still being alive, the life she was leading now was in danger.

What if Mito told Hashirama about this?

Just the thought frightened Asami already. She didn't want to think about it. And to make sure that Mito wouldn't spill anything, she had to meet her. Asami had to make clear that Mito couldn't tell anyone about her, and Asami also thought that she owed her an honest explanation.

She was going to accept her request to meet up. That, she knew for sure.

But what she didn't know was how to put that on paper. Asami was speechless due to shame and guilt. How was she supposed to face her honest sister as the perfidious person she was? There was nothing much to say. She couldn't apologize. Only explain and hope for understanding.

Even though she felt guilty, she would have made the same choice if she could choose again. What exactly made her feel that way was another thing Asami wasn't sure of. Maybe it was because she left Mito behind without saying anything, without letting her know the truth.

She wasn't forcefully taken away, but she willingly went with Madara.

Asami pursed her lips.

Madara.

Where was he now, she wondered.

''Mommy?''

Asami stopped in front of Kouta's room when she heard his voice. Pushing against his door, which was already standing ajar, she leaned against the doorway. Kouta was sitting upright in bed, holding his favorite stuffed animal. ''Hey darling,'' Asami spoke softly. ''What are you doing still awake?''

Kouta didn't answer her question, but asked one himself instead. ''Can I sleep in mommy's room?''

Asami smiled and held out one of her hands, waving at him. ''Alright then.'' She said. ''Let's go. You actually should be asleep by now already.''

Kouta quickly climbed out of his bed and took swift but clumsy steps to reach Asami. She let him walk past her and closed the door of his room before walking after him.

While Asami changed into her pajamas and threw the clothes she just took off before in the laundry basket, Kouta climbed into the bed, lay down on Madara's side of the mattress, and made himself comfortable.

Asami tied up her hair and joined her son, who had already closed his eyes. Putting the thick blanket over the both of them, Asami snuggled closer to the other half of the bed. Kouta was facing her, embracing a part of the pillow his head was resting on.

Asami reached out to his head, stroking his cheek lightly.  She realized just how much she had missed this. When was the last time they shared her bed together like this?

Smiling gently, Asami leaned toward him and kissed his forehead.

''Good night.'' She whispered.

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Asami was awoken by a loud creak.

Immediately, she sat up and looked around the room. Because of her sudden movement, the blanket moved, which made Kouta hum in his sleep. Asami looked down at him and caressed his head. ''I'll be right back, Kou.'' She whispered, even though she knew he couldn't hear her.