Ashes (A Naruto Fanfic Book 6)

Chapter 13

We watched as Naruto left with his team.  Kakashi looked back at us as the others went ahead.  "What do you know?"

I smiled softly.  "That this is the best team for the job."

He frowned.  "About the enemy..."

I nodded.  "My answer stands, Kakashi... Also, don't die.  That would be unfortunate."

He scratched he head.  "So they're that strong, huh?"  I just stared at him.  "Okay then, we'll do our best."

With that, he went after the others, and Itachi took my hand.  "Can they do it?"

I sighed.  "Sasori and Deidera have a head start, depending on how fast they get there... maybe, maybe not..."  We walked to the dango shop and stood at the entrance.  "And Gaara... if all goes according to plan... he will live."

He blinked at me, confused.  "According to plan?"

I smiled at him softly.  "I don't want to say it out loud, but yes.  Let the cards fall where they may, I can't save him, as much as I want to, I can't..."

He saw the pain in my eyes and embraced me.  "Then, hopefully, all goes well."

I sighed and wiped my tears into his shirt.  "Come, maybe something sweet to lift our spirits."

We went in, sat, and were greeted by a familiar face.  "If it isn't my cutest couple!"

I smiled up at her.  "Miss Cheiko, it's been a while."

Her smile widened as she looked at the table, where we were holding hands.  "It has!  So, the rumors are true then?"

Itachi chuckled.  "They are."

She squealed, making several patrons crane their necks in our direction.  I blushed and turned my face into Itachi's sleeve.  "This is embarrassing."

He kissed the top of my head as she settled down.  "This is so exciting... dango on the house!"

As more people turned toward us, I buried my face behind him.  "Thank you."

He pulled me from behind him.  "Shy?"

I glared at him.  "Not the kind of attention I'm used to."

He smiled softly and stroked my cheek, making my fading blush return.  "Cute..."

I slapped his hand away and put my face back behind him.  "Tease..."

He chuckled, and when I recovered, I started to look around.  "You know, for a pair of horrible criminals, people sure are happy to see us here."

He glanced around.  "Would seem so."

Chieko came back with our orders, beaming.  "So, when is the wedding?"  I blinked, then looked at Itachi, who shrugged.  She giggled.  "Most brides start planning right away. You're adorable."

I looked at Itachi again, lost.  "We'll start soon, I'm sure."

She nodded, excited.  "I'll let you eat."

He looked down at me.  "Yes?"

I blinked.  "I kinda thought those just happened randomly when a date is set, honestly.  I've never had to plan a wedding in any of my lives."

He sighed.  "Considering the circumstances, most likely."

I smirked.  "I raised hell every time, I assure you."

He chuckled.  "Will you this time?"

I softened.  "No, it's my choice.  I think I'm a horrible bride, though..."  He raised a brow at me.  "I have no interest in planning any of this... the engagement party, something called a bachelorette party, wedding, reception... who knows what else?"

He pulled a curl.  "Then what do you want?"

I thought a moment.  "So long as our friends and family are there and you're at the end of the ailse... I'll be happy."

He smiled.  "We can have others plan those things, but that would require a date."

I frowned.  "That... is complicated..."  He nodded and took a bite of dango.  "We'll figure it out."

I nodded and took a bite of dango, and then some of the Uchiha survivors came in.  They eyed our table, and I tensed when they approached.  They looked directly at Itachi.  "Welcome home, Itachi..."

I ate another sweet, intrigued. He nodded to them.  "Thank you."

They smiled at me.  "And congratulations on the engagement."

I averted my gaze, a slight blush on my cheeks.  "Thanks..."

They all paused before laughing.  "We didn't know you were shy."

I sighed and placed my face back behind Itachi.  "Make them go away..."

They controlled themselves.  "I guess even a person like you can be normal."

I peeked at them.  "What's that supposed to mean?"

One scratched his head.  "You're like a legend... became the Nine Tails Jinchuriki, got sent on missions at 6, killed Danzo, saved Shisui, got exiled, came back, died at your first wedding, saved Lord Third, slaughtered the entire Sound Village and survived, eliminated the Uchiha threat... and you're still young... you're walking history."

I scowled and lowered my head again.  "I'm not..."

They all paused.  "But..."

I sighed and met their gazes.  "I'm selfish and bloodthirsty... when you say it like that, it sounds great, but it's not the truth.  Don't let fairytales and bedtime stories make you forget that."

They all held soft smiles.  "That may be true, but the good that came from them far outweighs the bad."  I rolled my eyes as they walked away and saw Itachi was watching me.

I frowned at him.  "What?"

He shrugged.  "Why not let people see you're a good person?"

I narrowed my eyes at him.  "Because I'm not."

He sighed and snatched the skewer from my hand.  "If you say so."

I tried to get it back.  "It's mine!"  Soon, we fell into our normal routine, and all my troubles seemed far away for that moment.  We finally finished my forehead on the table, depressed.

Chieko came over and giggled.  "Again?"

I raised my head so she could see fake tears.  "Yes!"  I dropped my head back down as she walked away and returned.  Itachi poked my side.  "Leave me alone, Uchiha."

I heard the familiar sound of wrapping and snatched my head up.  "Mine?"

He rolled his eyes, smirking.  "Yes."

I grabbed the bag and kissed his lips, hard, before running out, clutching the bag to my chest.  I waited at the door and heard a whistle.  "Are you blushing, Itachi?"

I looked back in to see he was frozen in place, face on fire.  I felt bad for him and went back in.  "Hey, Uchiha... I'll eat them all if you just sit there.  Don't want me to get fat, do you?"

He turned to me, and the mischief in his eyes made my stomach do flips.  I waved a skewer at him before eating the first dumpling and rushing out.  He was beside me instantly, taking it from me.  He had a hand on my forehead as I tried to get it back.  When he finished, we smiled at each other.  Stupid Uchiha...