Rain To Wash The Blood Away (Nagato x reader)

14. Worries

Years ago

You watched the way the corners of Yahiko's mouth curved up into a smile, one wider than you had ever seen on his face.

"Are you being serious?" the orange-haired boy asked Jiraiya, his eyes sparkling as he thought of what would come next if what he had just heard was true.

"Why would I lie to you, kid?" the older male chuckled, ruffling Yahiko's hair. He then leapt at Jiraiya hugging him tightly. Konan, who was previously hiding behind Yahiko, approached him too and joined the embrace.

You sat a good distance away on the steps of the cabin the five of you shared. Nagato sat with you, a few steps further down than you were. You couldn't tell how he felt about all of this but by the way he had his head lowered with eyes focused on the ground, you knew he wasn't too happy. Shifting down to the same step as him, you placed one of your hands on top of his head.

"What are you worrying about?" you asked him, keeping you hand there to provide some contact. Nagato was a lot like you, he never really touched or showed affection towards anyone. You knew he saw Yahiko and Konan as friends but you weren't sure about you and Jiraiya. Nagato was very difficult to read.

The red-haired boy was silent for a moment before he lifted his head, turning to look at you with his abnormally beautiful eyes. He stared at you for a moment as you looked back at him, seeing your reflection in his ringed orbs.

"You can tell me whatever you want and I promise I won't tell anyone else, if it is trust that you're worrying about. But if you don't want to tell anyone then that's fine too, just know that I'm here for you," you assured him, watching as his face changed color to match his hair. It was something that happened occasionally but you had noticed it had only happened when he was around you. You waited for moment for him to speak but he never ended up talking. Deciding to leave him be, you ruffled his hair and stood up.

"It's okay of you're not ready to talk but just remember that I'm here for you. Jiraiya-sensei is an adult so he can look out for himself and Konan and Yahiko are always there for each other. I hope that you see me as someone you can rely on, even if I can't rely on you back." You then returned to the cabin, beginning to pull out ingredients as you started preparing dinner.

Ten minutes passed before anyone came back inside. You had expected it to be Yahiko or maybe even Konan, but to your surprise, it was neither. Nagato entered the house with his face turned towards the ground, it didn't look like he wanted to talk to anyone. Not wanting to bother him, you continued cooking and acting as if you hadn't noticed him.

You listened to the footsteps as they paused at the side of the door, slipping off their shoes before they walked further into the cabin. The footsteps, now lighter due to the removal of shoes, walked towards the kitchen area and close to where you stood. You pretended not to hear them, continuing to chop the vegetables. It was a small tug at the back of your shirt which gathered your attention, making you turn and look down at the younger boy who noticeably shorter than you.

"Yes, Nagato. Is there something you need?" you asked, smiling gently. His cheeks dusted pink as he looked up at you, his eyes averting as he continued to hold your shirt.

"I w-want to talk," he whispered. You felt a odd warmth within your chest seeing him so vulnerable. Nodding, you turned to look back at the food that you had already started preparing.

"As much as I'd like to talk to right now, it will have to wait. How about after dinner?" You awaited an answer, feeling content once he nodded.