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Itachi


Wasn't I dead?

I could've sworn I died.

I'm supposed to be dead!

Why won't I die? I planned this out... Why am I not floating in Purgatory right now?

“Because my daughter is stubborn, and you didn't tell her anything.” The scene of the room shifted to the infirmary. Just the sight of the place is disgusting. And where did the voice come from? “Behind you, silly!” My head whipped around to see a woman a bit taller than me, and looked almost exactly like Brianna. “Hi, I'm Amaya.”

Who? “A-Amaya, as in Brianna's Amaya?” Stupid! I can't even think straight.. Brie would most definitely think me a fool in this situation.

“Yep! And you must be her Itachi.”  Well, now I know where Brie gets her personality from. “I'm a mother, what did you expect? At least I approve.” She just practically answered my thoughts! I turned around and saw Sasori watching the area where we stood with curiosity. His gaze moved down to my lifeless body, and then to Brie, who was fast asleep.

“Am I dead?” Yes.

“Um.. No.” Damn it all to hell.

“You see those little spikes on that monitor there? That's your heartbeat.” Amaya pointed to a green line the spiked up and down erratically. She didn't need to tell me that I wasn't in good shape, anyone could figure that part out. But I couldn't care less what my heartbeat was-- at least I knew Brie was okay, sleeping like she always does. “I'm sure you have a ton of questions. I can already tell form the crease in your brow. Well, go on. Get started.”

There were a lot of things I needed-- more of wanted-- answers to, but now nothing came to mind. Amaya backed away a few feet and walked towards the bedroom behind the infirmary. “Let's start it off like this,” Amaya flopped down on the ground, “And we'll take it from there.”

“All right...” I said warily. I don't like where this is going.

“There's something you haven't told her. And there's something she wants to tell you.” Before I could open my mouth to explain, she went on. “And some things I need to tell you and her.”

I shook my head slightly. “I couldn't tell her about the reason behind the massacre; she and my mother were good friends. What does--”

“Yes, but if you had, she would have left you there. Given you what you wanted. See, couples these days don't communicate as much as they used to. And this is what it leads you to.”


Narrator

“I don't know,” Sasori sighed, and glanced back and Brianna. “She does need the sleep, but if we have another incident...” He trailed off, shaking red locks of hair.

“We would have two corpses on our hands.” Kisame finished for Sasori. He flopped in Brianna's chair and sighed as well. They sat in silence for a bit.

“Do you think that Brie-san might have wanted kids?” Sasori ventured, and looked at his companion. “It seems silly though...”

Kisame nodded at the question. He didn't believe so, but he didn't say anything. Last he had heard from the girl, she absolutely despised infants. She had been fond of his partner's younger brother, Sasuke. She adored him. Probably no more, he realized, and it was about time to let him go.




Brianna dreamed wonderful dreams, aging back to her youth: Academy days, her first mission, the help Itachi gave her when he noticed her trouble with shuriken... All of it came flooding back, and she didn't want to open her eyes. She had to though, to see if he was awake and to check his stats. But eventually an old memory played in front of her lids, causing her to smile slightly.  

It was a warm day in the woods of Konohagakure, the welcoming sun streaming through the trees; birds chirped in delight as their newfound friend lazily made her way to her own training grounds. Brianna sung back to the robins and sparrows, enjoying the company and the music they provided. Her headband traced its way down her arm; begging to be tightened. She sat and watched some of the returning jonin for awhile, before she got to work.

One particular squad caught her eye. She only knew one of the members of the group, recognizing him instantly. Brianna breathed out a slow, steady sigh, letting her thoughts drift. And then she heard the velvet voice, echoing through the trees.

“No, no, it'll be fine. Sandaime won't mind.” There was a pause. “I realize that sir, but-” Brianna listened to the argument before she got out a few shuriken to throw. She was always being scolded for her stance. It was never the way her sensei's wanted it, so she figured if she worked on it a little bit.. “You're still getting it wrong.”

Her head jerked up in surprise. The boy she admired. And hated. “What do you want, Prodigy? I don't need the help. I can figure it out.” Brianna said in a surly tone. Itachi only shook his head. “What?” She hissed further, and he walked closer.

“If you learn it wrong, you will get it wrong. Whatever the subject.” Itachi protested and stood a few feet from Brianna. “Let me help you. I'm not condescending like the others.” Brianna hesitated and looked around. Her pride always got in the way.

“Alright.” She breathed. Itachi nodded and stood behind her, matching his pose to hers.

“This stance is awkward, isn't it?” He asked and Brianna nodded and blushed. “Stand like this..” He corrected her by lifting her up and pushing her feet closer together. “Feet should be at shoulder width,” he noted and moved to the arms. He bent her right arm and kept her left straight. “And now when you throw the shuriken..” Itachi hinted and portrayed the motion, “It should be a follow through. Try to whip your wrist underhand, not over.”

Brianna turned her head to see Itachi smile sweetly. “O-okay..” She stammered and he let go. “I guess I have to try it then, huh?” She despised the idea of messing up in front in an Uchiha. It made her feel like dirt.

“If not, we couldn't fix it.” Itachi stated simply. “Go on.” She put her arms back at the ready, when Itachi waved her back.

“Something screwed up already?” She whined with a groan, and dropped her head. She saw him walk up to the tree in front of her and carve a target with a kunai. “Oh, okay.” He nodded for her to throw the weapon, and when she did it missed. Like, no-where-close missed.

Itachi sighed. He was already tired. “Come here.” He pulled Brianna closer by her arm, and she tumbled against him. “Alright, feet at shoulder width, arm straight, arm bent. Got it?” She mirrored his pose and her face flushed. “Don't be shy, you can answer.”

“Y-yeah,” She stammered, her face growing hotter. Brianna studied the way she stood closely, and looked at her instructor. To her surprise, Itachi wasn't impatient or anything of the matter. His eyes were softer than she had expected.

“Okay, now turn so your left arm until it is facing the tree.”

Brianna did as told, and Itachi let her go. He nodded his head. It'll do, He thought. “Throw it.” Again, Brianna followed instructions and the shuriken hit the bullseye dead center. She squealed with enthusiasm.

“Kyaa!! Did you see that? It hit the tree!” Brianna jumped up and down excitedly and tackled her tutor. “Oh, sorry, I guess--”

“No, no, it's quite alright.” Brianna blushed. She had come to realize how she lay on him: her legs were on either side of his hips and her arms restricted his movement. She yelped again and fell back, scooting away from Itachi. His smile faded and turned confused.

“Um, Itachi-san, there's been something, I, uh, have um, wanted to tell you...” Brianna trailed off, her face flushing red in the process. She looked down and away; avoiding the other's gaze.

“Yes?” Itachi's tone was questioning. It took awhile before he got an answer.

“I have.. I-I um..”



“I love you!”

“Whoa.” Hidan pulled his hand back and looked weirdly at Brianna. Both Sasori's and Kisame's eyebrows raised at the sudden blurt. “A little too fast, even for me.”

Brianna looked around and saw Itachi was still unconscious, but still breathing. She then saw Sasori smile a bit; and then saw Hidan with a condescending look. “I, um..”

“You need a drink.” All three said in unison. A lump rose in her throat.

“I can't!” Brianna sounded nervous to the others.

“Well, why the fuck not?” Hidan chided and went on. “You have in the past. It's not like your pregnant or something.”

Brianna's mind went blank. She sighed and looked despondent. “Fine; I'll meet you there.”

“No, you're coming now.” Hidan grabbed at her arm and tugged her away, not before she was able to get in a good shriek.

“Let me go! I do not need any more alcohol, all right?” Hidan could do nothing but stop and stare. His mouth was wide open with shock, and Sasori and Kisame mirrored him.

“You aren't pregnant, right? Everything is fine and dandy?”

“Yeah, sure, all is swell. I only have a little issue on my hands.”

“And that is...?”

“My boyfriend is lying half-dead in a hospital cot! What do you think?”

Hidan dropped her arm. He left the room in a defeated heap. Sasori stared at her and Kisame followed Hidan out. “You meant that, didn't you?”

“What?”

“You are pregnant. You wouldn't be so testy if you weren't.” Sasori looked blankly at the hollowed girl.

“Or, I could PMSing. That is a possibility.” Brianna sighed and plopped back down into the chair she pulled up to the cot. “I don't know any more. First it's Sasuke running off to Orochimaru, then I get assigned Kyuubi, and then you go and get nearly murdered...” She trailed off. “I hate it here. I wish you had never came.”

“Whining isn't going to fix it.”

“Yes, I know.” She paused momentarily. “I used to think what I would end up choosing later in life. Itachi or Sasuke, Konohagakure or Akatsuki... You get the idea.”

“Go on....” Sasori ventured and urged.

“I think I know what I'll pick.”



Itachi

Oh, no. This isn't good. “W-Would she really..?”

Amaya nodded her head. “I told you there was something she wanted to tell you.” She did say that, but would Brianna keep something like that from me? Aren't I her confidant? “And you'll be surprised who her confidant was. The bastard.”

“Who?” She could mean Sasori; no one really likes him. I'd choke if Amaya were to say Madara or Pein. That just wouldn't be right.

“Deidara. And--”

“Him? You don't like him?”

“Yep. Not one bit. Wasn't a good influence for her.”

What? “How?”

“It's a motherly thing, Itachi-kun. You wouldn't understand. Maybe, one day, if you two decide to have kids, then you could have Brie-chan explain it. Until then..” She trailed off. For a second, I thought I felt someone tugging at my shirt, but when I turned, no one was there. “You're trying to wake up.” Amaya advised, and pushed me towards my body.


Narrator

No one was in the room when Itachi finally opened his eyes. Brianna wasn't in the infirmary, and he guessed Sasori was keeping her company. But it didn't matter. He enjoyed the silence.

It didn't last long.

He shut his eyes quickly as soon as he heard frantic foot steps reverberate from the hallway. The door slammed open, making him jump and lose his cover. “Itachi! Stop, I know you're awake!” It was Sasori's voice. He didn't bother to stop the worry creeping around him. Pushing himself up reluctantly, Itachi stared at frenzied man.

“What happened?”

“It's Brianna! She's gone!”




“Is she dead?” Brianna felt her arm being poked by a stick.

“Sai, stop it! Her chest is moving, see?”

“Peh. Wouldn't make a difference.”

“Naruto! That's rude; remember how we used to be such good friends?”

“Yeah, but that was before...” Naruto looked despondently at Sakura. Desperation filled his eyes.

“She hasn't changed any.” Sakura soothed, and Sai just listened. Kakashi and Yamato observed their group.

The sun peaked through the trees and the sun rose up and worked its way across the morning sky. Leaves and branches shielded the sun's true brightness, though, and made it seem darker. Brianna was curled in a tight ball, huddled close to a burnt-out fire for warmth. She slept in the same spot through the night, and daren't move as the Konohagakure ninja watched over her. “We should wait for her to wake up.” Sai suggested, and Naruto sat down. Brianna's eyes flew open then, and she disappeared in a tuft of smoke.

“Wonderful, our target went back to her base.” Naruto clucked, and stood back up.

“No, I'm right here.”

All eyes moved to the tree branches directly above them. Brianna sat on a branch and swung her legs back and forth. “Target, huh?”

Kakashi smile through his mask. “Yes, if that doesn't bother you.”

“Not at all, old friend. I'm was just heading to Konoha anyways.” Brianna jumped back down and looked at her acquaintances. Sakura smiled sheepishly, Naruto scowled and looked away. Kakashi and Yamato greeted her nicely, and the newest member she didn't know showed no expression.

“Sai,” He said, and held out his hand. She took it and shook, greeting him with a smile.

“Brianna,” She responded, and dropped her hand. “I assure you I won't fight, or make a fuss.”

“Didn't think you would, the way you stated your business.” Kakashi chided like he always did to get on her nerves. “Why are you going back?”

“It's a long story,” Brianna sighed. “No one sent me, so don't worry about Naruto.” Everyone glanced at Naruto for his reaction. There wasn't one. Yamato's guarded stance relaxed a bit.

Sakura finally blurted what was on her mind. “Is Sasuke all right?”

Brianna snickered. “You still worry 'bout him?”

“W-Well, maybe a little...” Naruto tuned his ears to their conversation.

“I shouldn't, but if you must know, he's fine. Different... but fine.” Brianna gave a reassuring smile. It worked.

Sakura immediately opened up. “Can you tell us what's it's like living with all men?”

“You must have some idea,” Brianna answered, looking at her squad mates.

“All right, all right, let's not go too far.” Kakashi joked and laughed. “We should get a move on.”

Sakura and Brianna lagged behind the others, chatting endlessly. It's like none of the Akatsuki business had ever happened.




Lady Tsunade stared Brianna down like a owl to its prey. “Reinstated, you say? Why?”

That was the answer everyone was looking for. It had taken the squad three to four days to reach Konohagakure and set up a meeting with the Hokage. And in those days, Kakashi, Yamato, Naruto, Sakura and Sai had asked the same question. Brianna always gave the same answer; but this time, the waiting is over.

Four ANBU surrounded the room, two on each wall. Sakura stood by Tsunade's side and Kakashi and Naruto faced each other on either walls. Yamato stood guard behind Brianna. “I worked for them too long. I simply wish to be trusted by this village again.” Naruto scoffed. ANBU silenced him.

Tsunade stared at Brianna long and hard. “That's not your real reasoning.” She said simply and leaned back in her chair. “Why are you really here?”

Brianna took a deep breath. She'd rather not say in front of so many people, but she didn't have another choice. So she made one: she kept her mouth shut. Naruto growled and sped across the room, knocking Yamato from behind Brianna, and pushed her against the wall, blocking her air. Naruto was easily taller than her, and stronger right now.

“Answer her now!” Naruto yelled, and Kakashi moved quickly to get him off Brianna. As she fell to the ground, Sakura sped to the other side of the room trying to help her up. Brianna sputtered and coughed, little droplets of blooding flying.

“Y-you're sick...” Sakura muttered, and tried to get Brianna to lean against the wall behind them. Yamato and Kakashi held Naruto back. ANBU stood at the ready.

“No, I'm fine. That just happens every now and then.” Brianna joked and let her head fall back.

“Lady..” Sakura started, but Tsunade finished her sentence.

“I know.” The Hokage nodded, and went on. “Everyone but Sakura can  leave the room now.” The three kunoichi watched all the other nin go; Tsunade then walked over and sat next to them on the floor.

“All right. Audience is gone, you can say it now, can't you?” Tsunade pressed and Brianna gave a worried look. No matter how many people were in the room, she couldn't say why she was in Konoha; she couldn't even tell herself. “Take your time.” She added, and relaxed.

Brianna took a deep breath. “I didn't want to tell anyone at base, because I knew what all of them would say and what would need to happen.” She piqued Sakura's and Tsunade's attention. “I couldn't even tell Itachi-kun.”

“Tell them what?” Sakura whispered, knowing this couldn't be good, and glanced at her superior.

“M-may I beat around the bush?” Brianna asked timidly. The others nodded. “I didn't even want to think what Sasuke would think. The same with Sasori, and, oh! how I wish I could say the same for Deidara. I know Itachi would tell me to do whatever I want. So I did just that.” Brianna finished with a nod of her head and a proud smile.

“But what?” Tsunade pushed subtly, trying to get the information out of her.

“I know it's only been a month, but I worry so much sometimes. I didn't want Naruto to hurt him...”

“Oh.” Tsunade came to a sudden realization as to why Brianna had wanted to be reinstated. She sighed softly and pushed herself up. “All right. But three conditions.”

“R-really?” Brianna sputtered, her face lit with happiness. She jumped up with excitement and went on. “Anything, please!”

Tsunade's and Sakura's eyes widened. “One, I have someone watching you all the time. No picking old friends. Two, you'll be assigned to helping me with paper work here every day. And three, until the child is born, no missions, fighting, or anything of the sort. You agree?”

Brianna paused and thought for a moment. Condition One was a little creepy; watching her all the time? Option two was all right, she definitely didn't mind paper work; that one was one of major things she did at Akatsuki. Condition Three had to be the best; Tsunade was willing to help, and that's all she needed. “Yes, I agree.”

Tsunade nodded. “Okay, Naoko Brianna, I welcome you back to Konohagakure.”