An Itachi Fanfiction [EDITING]

When You Curse Someone, You Dig Your Own Grave

I opened the door and immediately found myself wrapped in familiar warmth.

Itachi was already home.

Relief washed over me. For the first time in over a week, I allowed myself to relax as I crossed the room and threw my arms around him.

He returned the embrace without hesitation.

"How did it go?" he asked quietly.

I buried my face against his shoulder.

"It was a dead end," I lied.

The words came easier than they should have.

"Are you going to keep searching?"

I pulled back and shook my head.

"No. I think it's time to stop."

The words surprised even me.

"The opportunity to avenge my mother and brother will present itself when it's meant to. Until then..." I shrugged. "All I can really do is focus on my mission."

I expected him to question me.

Instead, he went quiet.

Too quiet.

I frowned.

"What is it?"

For a moment, he didn't answer.

Then he looked away.

"It's Asuma."

The moment I heard his name, something twisted painfully in my chest.

"What about him?"

Itachi's expression softened.

"He was killed."

Everything stopped.

The room.

The air.

My heartbeat.

For a second, I genuinely couldn't breathe.

"No..."

My knees hit the floor before I even realized I was falling.

"Asuma-sensei..."

Tears blurred my vision instantly.

Not Asuma.

Anyone but Asuma.

I remembered seeing him around the village when I was younger.

Remembered him laughing with Kurenai.

Remembered him rolling his eyes whenever Naruto did something stupid.

Remembered him bringing Team 10 food after missions.

Remembered how proud he always looked whenever Shikamaru actually applied himself.

Gone.

Just like that.

I felt Itachi kneel beside me.

One arm wrapped around my shoulders.

Steady.

Silent.

Present.

"Who?" I whispered.

The word shook.

Itachi hesitated.

"Hidan."

The grief vanished.

In its place came something colder.