Stand By Me

STAND BY ME - chapter 08

I woke up rather early, maybe because of how excited I felt after Itachi had asked me to be his date. I eagerly stared at Kayumi, waiting for her to wake up so I can tell her what happened, and thank her for healing me.

Kayumi, pleeeeease. Please wake up!!

Minutes passed by until I heard her slowly stirring awake, ruffling the sheets aside. Kayumi got up and yawned, and her gaze landed onto me. Her eyes widened in surprise.

"Aya! You're awake!" Kayumi said, excitedly, "I knew my medicine would work on you!"

I nodded, happily. "Thank you, Kayumi. You always know what to do!"

Kayumi propped herself onto her knees and placed her hands onto my shoulders, "Are you okay, though? What did Orochimaru do to you? You seem so happy, even though you must have been through hell..."

"U-uhm... well... besides Orochimaru, something actually happened last night..." I explained, my cheeks faintly turning pink. Kayumi stared at me eagerly. "Go on!"

"So, last night..." I stared at her, smiling so hard, "I woke up in the middle of the night, and I felt kind of dizzy. I went outside to get some fresh air, and I found Itachi outside."

Kayumi nodded, anticipating what was coming next. "Ooh... keep going!"

"Okay, okay, so... I sat beside him and we talked for a little, and he..." I blushed madly, remembering last night as vividly as possible, "He asked me to be his date for your wedding!"

Kayumi gasped, covering her mouth with her hand, her eyes glistening with happiness. Kayumi jokingly punched my arm, which was actually painful. I winced but couldn't restrict my giggling.

"NO way! You go girl!" Kayumi exclaimed, "Listen, Aya... we need to make sure you look absolutely stunning." Kayumi said, rubbing her chin, "But of course, not as stunning as I'll look." She flipped her hair.

I burst with laughter, "Of course! You'll be the star of the show. It's your wedding!" I winked.

"Awh, Aya... I'm actually so happy for you," Kayumi looked into my eyes, "I know you care deeply about Itachi, and it's obvious to me, that you like him."

The last part Kayumi spoke sunk into my ears. It's obvious to me, that you like him. I guess you can't hide what's true. My head dangled downwards, and I couldn't help but blush at the thought of Itachi merely liking me.

"I've never been on a date before..." I confessed. Kayumi looked at me surprised, "Someone as beautiful and talented as you? I call bull!"

I rubbed the back of my head, "Really! I mean it... I guess I've just been so consumed into my work..." My mind wondered off, "When a guy asks you out on a date, does that mean he likes you?" I asked, innocently.

"Jeez," Kayumi chuckled, "You really are new at this, huh? That's okay, you have me to help you out," she said, ruffling my hair, laughing, "9 times out of 10, it does mean he likes you too."

"But it's so hard to tell with Itachi..." I explained.
"Don't worry about that. Itachi is different. I'm sure you know that too!"
I nodded, it was true. "I guess so."
"All you need is time." Kayumi smiled.

--- ON THE OTHER SIDE ---

Unknown to Kayumi and Aya, Shisui and Itachi were keenly listening to the conversation taking place.

Shisui was leaning against the partition that divided both the rooms, his arms crossed, and he couldn't help but laugh.

"So, I guess it is true," Shisui spoke, "You asked her out to my wedding?"

For the slightest moment, almost too hard to notice, a faint blush creeped across Itachi's cheeks.

"I did."
"Itachi, brother to brother here," Shisui said, curiously, "Do you like her?"

Itachi stayed silent, looking back at Shisui.

"I can't deny what's real, it would be foolish of me." Itachi spoke, "But when I look at Aya, I can't help but see my future in her eyes."
Shisui closed his eyes, the back of his head leaning against the wall.
"You've finally come to your senses, my friend."

Itachi looked at his friend, "What do you mean?"

"It's always been a topic you've avoided talking about," Shisui began explaining, "A Uchiha prodigy, excellent at possibly everything there seems to be, but he just can't seem to come to terms with his romantic affairs."

"You're hyping me up over here," Itachi said, chuckling under his breath, "But I guess you're right."

"You know, Itachi, sometimes it doesn't hurt to have someone watching your back," Shisui said, "And that's what I'm here for."
"I know I can count on you," Itachi smiled at his friend, "And you can count on me too."

Itachi was shuffling around the room, packing his belongings as they were both getting ready to head out back to Konoha.

"Speaking of which, I should probably inform Aya's parents that I plan to take her." Itachi said, remembering.

"Keeping it traditional, huh?" Shisui chuckled. "That's cute."

Itachi placed one hand on his hips, the other rubbing the back of his neck, "Heh, yeah. Can't be helped."

Shisui smiled at his friend, "Let's get going."