Ashes (A Naruto Fanfic Book 6)

Chapter 17

I slowly opened my eyes, surprised I was looking at Itachi.  "The hell?"

His eyes opened suddenly.  "You're awake."

I shifted, happy I was no longer in pain.  "Was I not supposed to be?"

He frowned.  "The barriers fell... you could've drowned."

I sighed.  "Well, that would've sucked."  I sat up and looked at my arms still a little red where the welts once were.  "I do hate that jutsu, but it is effective."

Itachi grabbed my wrist.  "Why would you put yourself in that position... you could have died, Kunoichi."

I knew now was not the time for my smart aleck comments.  "Chihiro asked me to break the seal, and I did.  I want her to be happy... she deserves it as much as we do."

He blinked.  "I see... and the bath?"

I looked at him sadly.  "You remember when we first did it... when we found my home village?"  He grimaced and nodded.  "It's like that... everytime.  I don't want you all to have to relive that every time I have to do it."

He pulled me into his lap.  "It's dangerous for you to be on your own..."

I sighed.  "We've avoided it for over a year now... this was a special case, Itcahi.  I have no desire to endure that repeatedly."

He sighed.  "I would imagine not..."

I got out of bed.  "Where's Chihiro?"

He blinked.  "She went home after Tsunade said you needed to rest."

I nodded.  "Let's walk..."  He watched me as I pulled on sweatpants and a shirt, and I looked back at him.  "What?"  He shook his head, but I saw the look in his eyes and smirked.  "Other things cross your mind, Uchiha?"

He averted his gaze.  "Maybe..."  He put on a long sleeve shirt, and I grabbed his hand.

When we made it to the street and I took a deep breath of cool air.  "Feels nice..."  We walked to the lake, and I pulled off my shoes and rolled my pants up.  I dipped my foot in the water and was pleasantly surprised it was warm.  I smiled up at Itachi.  "Join me?"

He chuckled and shook his head.  "No."  I pouted but waded in and looked into the water.  The moon's reflection rippled as I moved and looked up at the sky.  I didn't know what it was about the sky that attracted me so, but I found myself looking at it a lot when I could.  I waded deeper and turned when I heard a tongue click.

I smiled at Itachi mischievously and continued.  I centered myself and began to hum, I swayed to my own tune channeling chakra into my fingertips.  I started to dance, using my fingers to move the water this way and that, all to my rhythm.

I enjoyed the feeling of the water, now mid calf parting as I moved.  I missed this, the carefree life I once knew as a child and the few moments of privacy I stole over the years.  For the first time, in a long time, I felt at peace.

I felt a shift in the water, and my trance was broken as I looked over at Itachi.  He was watching from the shore, smiling, and I looked around to see what had disturbed me.  I looked into the water and smiled. Fish seemed to have gathered, and I squatted lower to see them better.  They were orange, black, and white and nibbled at my toes and legs.

I chuckled and started my dance anew.  I finally finished when I couldn't raise my arms anymore and waded back to shore.  Itachi was there, a small smile on his lips.  "Enjoy the show, Uchiha?"  He pulled me into his arms and kissed me.  I curled my fingers into his shirt and sighed.

He pulled back and placed his forehead on mine.  "Very much..." I smiled and went to get my things so we could go back.  He took my hand.  "Ready?"  I nodded, and we were back in our room.

I went to shower and could still feel a thrill of energy from recovering.  I dried off and touched my chest, where a thin line went down it.  "He worries too much..."  I looked at the door, thinking over the last 2 years.  "But I can see why."

I came out and was surprised he wasn't there until I heard movement in the kitchen.  I followed the sound and slid onto a barstool to watch Itachi cook.  Soon, Aya and Ryo emerged.  "It smells amazing!"

I rested my cheek in my hand and rolled my eyes.  Aya poked my side.  "What? Your fiancé can cook."

I didn't take my eyes off him, I loved to watch him concentrating on getting the taste just right.  "Some days..."

Ryo scoffed.  "Top class chef more like it."

I leaned up on my elbows, lifting my bottom from the stool.  "I think they want some, Uchiha."

He looked at me amusement in his eyes.  "It's for them... but what will you eat?"

I smirked.  Do you really want me to answer that, Uchiha?  "So, none for me?"

He turned back to the stove, but I didn't miss the light blush or smirk on his lips.  Don't... "I guess you can have some."

I chuckled.  No fun... "Aw, thanks."

Ryo shook his head.  "Spoiled..."

I side eyed him.  "Jealous?"

He sighed.  "I wish my girlfriend would randomly cook for me."

She hit him in the head.  "I could say the same about my boyfriend."

I shook my head, smiling.  "You guys are just fine the way you are.  Don't compare yourselves to us."

They smiled and shrugged.  "Seems like the perfect couple to us."

Itachi looked at me, and I smiled.  "Far from perfect... I assure you."  They gave each other questioning looks but didn't comment.  If only you knew...