Inferno (A Naruto Fanfic Book 4)

Chapter 13

There was a knock at the door, and we all turned to look at it. Another knock came, and we looked at each other. "Really? We know you're in there."

We smiled at each other and stayed silent. "You're not serious. I'm coming in." As the door opened, I waved a hand toward it and slammed it shut again, making us giggle. "What are you talking about in there?"

The door opened again, and I tried to close it, but Itachi was already in the room. He stood over me, an eyebrow raised. I smiled up at him innocently. "Itachi... is something wrong?"

Ryo came into the room. "You've been talking long enough? About what?"

I didn't take my eyes off of him. "Girl stuff."

Ryo frowned. "Like?"

I smirked. "Whether we've kissed or not. What was it like if we did."

Ryo paled. "Oh well..." Itachi had a smile in his eyes.

Aya was watching us. "So, Itachi... she never actually admitted to you two kissing."

He raised an eyebrow, and I kept my face neutral. "Aya, shut up."

She smirked. "Well, have you?"

I felt a flutter in my stomach. "If we have, I wouldn't tell you."

She turned to Itachi. "How about you?" He shrugged, never taking his eyes off me. It made me nervous. "Well, that's too bad."

She turned to Ryo. "I mean, it's not so bad when both people agree." Ryo started to blush as did Hinata.

I frowned. "There's a child in the room."

Aya snickered. "As far as the conversation went, now you worry about Hinata."

Itachi tilted his head. "How far did that go?"

I had to avert my gaze. "Not far at all... you barged in."

Aya sighed. "I guess I won't find out today, so why are you bothering us?"

Ryo shrugged. "Took too long."

She scoffed. "It's been ten minutes."

He pouted. "But... it's not like he talks..."

I rolled my eyes. "He talks plenty."

He pursed his lips. "Yeah, to you."

Aya giggled. "He wouldn't have guy time with you? If he still plans on coming with us, he may need to get used to it."

I whipped my head toward her. "Now that you mention it, come boys have a seat." They both looked curious and did as they were told. "Hinata, I'm sorry, but I have questions now."

She nodded and quickly left the room, closing the door behind her. "So, during such times, what did you and Shisui talk about?"

Ryo scratched his neck and looked at Itachi nervously. "Just guy stuff."

I leaned forward. "Like?"

He sighed. "Fighting, girls, people we would like to spar with, you know..."

Aya raised an eyebrow. "What about girls?"

He looked at a loss. "Just... girls."

I narrowed my eyes. "Don't force me to find out myself."

He frowned. "You two mostly." I waited. "We would sometimes talk about if we were to get in a relationship with who. I didn't think much about it until he kissed you a couple of months ago. He always said he would be the only one to be with you."

I frowned. "I never saw him that way. I made that clear."

He nodded. "I know... especially when we came back for the graduation. I tried to talk to him, but he wouldn't listen."

My mind couldn't help but wander to the night of the party. "No, he doesn't listen at all." They all looked at me curiously. "It doesn't matter now..." My mind continued to race memories of much worse situations coming to the surface.

I snapped out of it when Itachi grabbed my hand. "Come back, Kunoichi." I looked at him and smiled weakly. Were we wrong? "Enough questions." I closed my eyes, and Itachi must if made some kind of gesture because they left the room. "What's wrong?"

I took a shaky breath and looked at him. "Memories."

He brushed some hair from my face. "Of?" I averted my gaze and shook my head. His hand rested on my cheek. "Tell me." I couldn't bring myself to say it, but I could show him and allowed him into my mind. The memories that plagued me began to swirl around him.

He hugged me tightly, and I stopped. "It's okay, I want to know." I felt as the tears fell from my eyes. He wiped them away and pulled me closer. "I would never..."

I nodded. "It's not you... it's Shisui that reminds me of them, and I let Chihiro marry him."

He took a deep breath. "I don't think he'd do that to her."

I closed my eyes and showed him the night of the party. "I think he would."

He balled his fists. "Why didn't you tell me?"

I looked at my hands. "We were planning on dying anyway... I was secretly hoping someone would kill him." I sighed. "But I think we were wrong... I hope we were anyway."

He looked at me curiously. "About?"

I gazed into his eyes. "What we saw... those memories were of Chihiro, but that wasn't his purpose at all. He challenged me at Minato's and will continue to do so. At least, that is my hope. So long as his focus is on me, Chihiro is safe."

Itachi frowned, but I didn't break eye contact. "Those men wanted what Shisui wants now... to tame me."

Itachi's frown deepened. "If he tries anything..."

I smiled at him. "He'll be dead. I was not foolish enough to believe the marriage would suffice."

He stroked the tears from my cheeks. "I don't like it." I tilted my head. "If something bad happens..."

I turned my head and kissed his hand. "It won't." At least I hope not...