Narrator


Dear Itachi-kun,

To answer your question, Akihito is fine.
He has wonderful friends, they are very honest and trustworthy.
You should see him, every year on his birthday he wishes for you.
It's sweet, it really is. He's turning fourteen this year.

I hope you are well,
Brianna




Darling Brie-chan,

I'm well, thank you.
Fourteen? Did I read that right? They grow up so fast, it's hard to believe.
And he wishes for me..? Tell him I said Happy Birthday. I'll send something too.

..I love you.
Itachi


...Two weeks later...


Ruri lied on a tree branch with one of her legs hanging off. Hisoka was opposite of her, and Akihito sat cross legged on the ground. The three of them sat in silence near the front of the tea house, waiting for Akihito's mother. Ruri sighed and rolled her eyes. “Just go in and ask her, so we don't have to wait. It's your birthday, she might say yes.”

Akihito looked up. “I can wait. You two go on ahead; if I don't show, I don't show. Simple as that.” Hisoka glanced inside the shop and saw Akihito's mother come trolling out with her friends. He blushed when he saw Sakura.

“H-Here she c-comes, Akihito,” He stuttered softly, and ended up falling next to his friend. Brianna, Wyn, and Sakura looked at the three teenagers waiting for them.

Brianna waved hi to Ruri, and called for Akihito and Hisoka. “You're sure your alright? That's a mighty fall.”

“I'm fine, Naoko-san.” Hisoka spoke and ran back to the tree.

“Mother, I was wondering...”

“Yes, it's fine.” Brianna waved him off, ignoring his question.

“But you didn't even hear what I was going to ask.” Akihito moved in front of his mother, blocking her path.

“Yes, you want to roam the woods. It's fine.” She shrugged and put her hands on his shoulders. “You have loyal, trustworthy and strong friends and allies. I'm not worried anymore.” Brianna smiled. Wyn and Sakura gave each other a relieved look.



..Base..


Rachel put her hands on her hips and huffed. Hidan, Sasori, and Itachi were huddled on the hospital beds again, laughing at a missed joke. “I'm serious, boys,” She said in a firm voice. Confidence filled her and kept at a steady high. “My infirmary, my rules. Now out with all of you.” Hidan rolled his eyes and smiled at his friends. Sasori gave a surprised look and Itachi's expression was despondent. Rachel sighed again.

“Out! Now! Before I make every one of you vegetables and leave you to fend for yourselves!” This time, she got all but one to get out which usually was the case. Rachel gave a sentimental look at Itachi. “I found this the other day. I've been searching for an excuse to give it to you.” Itachi's head snapped up.

He never really noticed it, but it struck him as a surprise how tall Rachel had gotten; her lean figure and stride pointed it out. She walked over to the desk, now moved to the left wall, and pulled out a book. “I was her student, and I never realized how much turmoil Brianna went through. You were her..” Rachel couldn't finish, but went on anyway. “She had so many good days, so many bad.” Rachel handed him the journal.

“S-she wrote..?” Itachi stuttered in shock, but opened it and began to read. “Have you looked through it?”

“Personally, no, but I saw the paper bomb on it and immediately..” Rachel sat on the bed across from him. “Read a little.”

Itachi flipped to a page a glanced it over, reading a bit here and there. His eyes then moved back to the top of the page.“'Recapture- Day 16:

Life, to put it simply, is hell here. I never realized what it was like to be chained, but now I guess I know how it feels. Heh heh, I'm always prone to being a little dramatic. But, my friend, I'm not lying about this.
The only person I see in the hallways is him, and I hate it! Always in my face, telling me right from wrong.. He even did that when we were kids. But I guess it's for the better...
Rachel is still timid; I hope when day she'll come over that. She isn't a fighter. I should have let her go, faked her death and told her to run far, far away. Why wasn't she at her village?

'”

Itachi looked up and saw Rachel's eyes were closed. He began to read again otherwise, ignoring and disregarding the pained look on her face.

“'But I can't allow myself to worry, if I do, she won't grow to be whom I mold her to be.
Hm. Molding. That's a funny topic.


Recapture- Day 17:
I can't believe this. No way.
Talking to Deidara today, we came upon the topic of least favored Akatsuki members. He said Itachi's name, and stared at me. I didn't even feel the offended expression on my face! Before I knew it, I blurted, 'How dare you say that! What isn't there to like about Itachi-kun, eh Deidara-san? How could you not like him? Be-' And before I could answer, Deidara used the back of his hand to cover my mouth. Another thing I didn't notice was Itachi was standing right behind me as I said that.
He asked if it was true and what was I to tell him? Yes?

Itachi stared in awe at the page. He remember that moment, when he first saw that pink blush flood Brianna's face again after all the years. He longed for another moment like that, and soon. He flipped around in the journal for a time, and landed on a part where it was titled differently. A little later on, another part had a different title. “It seems she had these in chronological order...” He mused, and closed the book gently.

Standing, Itachi looked at Rachel. “You're not going to read anymore?” She asked and glanced at the journal.

“Not tonight.” He paused and smiled. “Tonight, you're running away from here.”



..Konoha..


“It's a beautiful day, don't you think, Sakura-chan?” Naruto asked lazily from the shelter of the shadows that cast themselves from the tree above. Sakura nodded absently and yawned. “Hey, where is Brianna-san?”

Sakura shrugged. “She was called to Lady Hokage's office. A package came for her..” She trailed off thinking about what it could be.  




Brianna stared in shock at the journal she held in front of her. A note was attached to the front page of it; a warning. He's coming.

“A young girl came and gave it to me personally. Tall, dull brown hair, green eyes... Do you know her?” Tsunade explained when she saw the expression on Brianna's face. “What's wrong?”

“Just an old fragment, is all. Forgot about it.” Brianna turned quickly for the door, and ended up ramming into Naruto. “Sorry,” she said while rubbing her forehead, “Guess I wasn't watching where I was going.”

“It's alright..” Naruto mumbled as he peered down at the book in his superior's hand. “What is that?” As soon as he spoke, a paper fell from within. It was the warning that was put inside. Brianna gasped and dove for it, again bumping heads with the blonde. That time, she ran and didn't apologize.






Wyn started at the worn journal. “So, it's..?” She started, and expected her friend to finish; she did, but not without leaving details behind.

“A journal I kept at Akatsuki. I thought I has this thing locked up for good, but apparently not.” Brianna sipped her tea and closed her eyes. She found it a relief to see Itachi's writing again; at least she knew he was okay. Wyn couldn't help but flip open to a random page and began to read. Brianna didn't mind, but once she saw a red flush... “Um, try another page, please.” She stumbled over her words in an attempt to change the page.

“Y-yeah..” Wyn blinked a couple of times, but instead of reading a different part, she shut the thing altogether. “He probably read this.”

“Yes, I know.” Brianna couldn't help but smile at that. Itachi would now know everything she had kept from him. But she didn't know what he kept from her. “Don't look now, but here comes Akihito and the gang.” Brianna saw her son laughing and kidding around with his friends and Naruto.... and a stranger she didn't know.

Naruto caught her eye and pointed to the man matching strides with himself. He mouthed something, but she couldn't see what. “Brianna-san! Look who I found!” Naruto beamed at the discovery of someone who had admired her from afar. “His name is Kado, and he's had his eyes on you for awhile now.”

“N-Naruto!” Kado chided and blushed. He turned to look at Brianna. “H-hi, I'm Kado. Nice to finally talk to you.”

Brianna glared at him. She recognized the intent in those eyes, the way they looked on and sought different ways to ruin lives. He could barely hide the bags under his eyes. “Ma- Kado, it's a pleasure.” She corrected, earning herself a glare. “Sit. Have some tea with us.”

He did as told, and looked at Brianna the whole time. “So,” he started, and noted Akihito's glances as well, “What do you do here?”

“You've been 'admiring me from afar', you tell me.” She snapped and recoiled as Wyn slapped her arm. “I mean, I work for the Hokage. I help her with paperwork and keeping a watch on the village.”

Kado nodded and spoke. “That's a very high position.”

Brianna glared again. “Is there some hidden meaning behind that, Kado?”

“No,” Kado shook his head and gave a tentative smile. Naruto spoke next, but not before Kado could cut him off. “I heard about your lover... How he was killed by his brother?”

A cold chill went down Brianna's spine, and Akihito's eyes widened. “Yeah...” Brianna said guardedly.  “I miss him every day.” Her face went immediately downcast. Kado took his chances and went on again.

“I could fill that gap, Brie-chan. I could--”

“Shut your trap!” Wide eyes and awed moths turned to their table, and she stole glances at them. “Don't you dare call me that, you.. You..” Brianna shook her head and slammed her tea cup down. Akihito had  never seen his mother like this, and he was happy he didn't in the past. “That nickname was only reserved for my Itachi-kun, and ask permission next time!” She stood up and gave an ice cold stare at the man below her. “My advice would be not to talk about Uchiha Itachi behind his back. You make him seem like scum.” Brianna spat and took a step forward. Wyn stood up to stop her, but thought it better if she didn't.

“Do not, don't dare, speak of him in front of me! Do not talk trash of my son's father, consequences will be held. Better yet, forget talking about him whatsoever. One day, Madara, your actions will come around to bite you in the ass.”

All mouths opened at her language, and at the name. Brianna didn't seem to notice her mistake, and walked out nonchalantly.

“My apologies, Kado-kun. She's just so...” Wyn tried to make it better but didn't exactly succeed. Kado was still in shock. “Brie! Wait!”

“Maybe you moved too fast..?” Naruto suggested, and tried hard not to laugh. He noticed his friend's arm was extended to explain. “Women..” He muttered, and snickered.





Kado showed up at the Naoko residence that night. He brought with him a bottle of sake and some fruit to make up for the argument held earlier. “I didn't meant to insult you or him.” He said at the front door; Brianna huffed and let him in.

“Just.. Warn me.”

Kado walked in and looked around the medium sized apartment. It was big enough for three, he realized, and thought she had planned for Itachi to come to Konoha as well. “I expected a another child, a baby girl. Akihito's twin.”

Kado turned back to Brianna, surprised she knew what he was thinking. “What happened?”

She sighed and sat down on the sofa-like object a ways in. “It was a still birth.” Kado joined her, on the piece of furniture across from her. “She was beautiful; she took after Itachi-kun... Just like Akihito did.” Brianna let her eyes fall to the floor. “I was to name her after my mother.”

“Which was..?” Kado pressed, eager to hear more.

“Amaya,” Brianna stated simply, and stood to put the food and drink in the kitchen. “Would you like something? To drink, or eat?” She called, and peered behind a wall. Kado shook his head. She came back and sat down, staring at the glass table in the middle of them. They sat in silence for awhile, until Kado asked a question.

“What was with the name slip at the Tea House earlier?” He smiled in support, and Brianna's gaze slid up to his.

“Don't lie.” She growled and gave a cold stare. “I can see right through your facade.” She leaned back and watched Kado. “You can't fool me.”

“Okay, I admit.” Kado said in an insolent tone, “I know the name. But why'd you call me that?” His smile grew in anticipation. Brianna kept on staring and did not saying a word. She found it hard to breathe, almost. “Fine. You're a smart girl.”

'Kado' disappeared in a tuft of smoke, and changed to a middle-aged man with black hair and Sharingan to match. He had bags under his eyes, and a relaxed gaze. “Miss me?” Madara offered.

Brianna laughed. “Of course. Like fire does water.”  She settled herself long enough to ask what he wanted. Madara thought for a moment, then answered.

“Your son..” He ventured, “And you, if possible.” Madara waited patiently for Brianna's reply, which came sooner than he hoped.

“No, sorry. We're both happy here.” Brianna grinned and shrugged her shoulders. She noted Madara's movement and watched him from the corner of her eye.

She saw how he moved a few fingers away from his left eye. “That's too bad,” He responded in a sarcastic tone, “I was hoping you would like to see your beloved again...” Madara moves his hand entirely and smiles sweetly; his face is of Itachi's. Brianna's face immediately darkens to a foul glare.

“You're a bastard.” She states simply and sits forward. Madara laughs.

“You know, I could always be Itachi, disguising myself as Kado and then Madara.”

“He wouldn't have put himself through so much trouble.”

He snickers. “If it were for you he would.”

“He's dead. He was unstable when I left him. Rachel wouldn't know how to help him.” Brianna softened her gaze. “I left him for dead.” She restated and looked down.

Madara raises his eyebrows. “If I had proof he was still alive, would you come then?”

Her head whipped up to his curious gaze. “I couldn't..”

“But you want to. I can see a hungry look in your eyes.” Madara closed his own eyes and he was suddenly 'Madara' again. “You have trustworthy friends. Leave Akihito with one of them.”

As much as she hated to admit it, Brianna was actually tempted to leave Konoha behind again. All of it sounded so good.. So familiar. She wanted it all again; she wanted to be in her teens again. No cares. Just her, Itachi, Sasori and Deidara. The little band of friends who kept each other sane. But as great as it sounded, she couldn't do it. Even if her gang wasn't all there. “I can't. No.” She gave a stern look that faltered every few seconds; Madara was quick to catch that and he nodded.

“Alright. I guess I'll have to use force.” He said, and made his way to the door, leaving Brianna with a sullen look. “But don't worry, my dear, no harm will come to your son. I swear it.”

“Yeah, yeah, just leave.” Brianna waved him out and he gave a strained smile.




Brianna crawled onto her knees, feeling her head spin. She moved to stand, but fell down in a heap. She felt something sticky and warm on the side of her head, and out her fingers to it. Blood, she realized, and looked at her surroundings. All was covered in red and it was a dirt room, like the one she was kept in those all years ago. She tried to remember what had happened, but nothing came to mind. Everything was blurry.

She attempted to stand again and succeeded; but not without a serious head-rush first. She stumbled around the room feeling for a door while trying to keep her brain straight. She felt like she was on top of the world; Brianna didn't feel her feet, or hands, or..

Or, she thought in a daze, but it was cut off then. Her brain could could not process any thoughts, until she reached a metal surface. A door, she realized hopefully, and covered the thing over and over but couldn't find a latch. Her head fell back into its black ocean.




She was roused with voices.

“She is alive... But we need to get her blood! If Uchiha-sama wanted her back so bad, why hasn't he taken care of her?” Brianna remembered the voice. Husky, but smooth, much like her favorite drink: Scotch. She couldn't place it though.. The face was hidden.

“To intimidate her? I don't know.” She recognized that one too! Pure serenity, is what Brianna always thought it. Everything but hate. She worshiped that voice, hungered for it everyday. “You would have to ask him yourself.”

And with that, the first voice leaned towards her face. “Brianna?” The person looked back at his partner. “Her eyes are open a little. Should we see-”

“Yes!” The first voice was cut off, and the second person looked at her in alarm and relief. “Brie-chan? You can hear us, correct?” She didn't respond in any way. “Blink twice for yes and once for no, alright?”

Brianna didn't blink or twitch or nod. But she tried to muster every bit of strength she could... “Did you see that?! She answered!” The second voice was still near her face, and the first joined him. Brianna then saw the red flop of hair-- Sasori!

“Try it again, okay? Blink twice for us.” Sasori pleaded, and he looked alarmed too. But she did as asked and blinked twice. The second voice was ecstatic.

“You can hear us! Okay, do you know your name?” This time, she didn't just nod, but said it.

“N-Naok-ko B-Brian-n-na..” She stumbled over her syllables, not used to talking. “B-But y-you can c-call m-me B-Brie..” She trailed off that time and her head lolled to the side with exhaustion, but she was able to keep awake.

“And how old are, Brie?” Sasori asked hastily.

“I-I'm..” Brianna paused for a moment. Her eyes widened with realization: “Where's Akihito? Where's my son?” That time she didn't trip over her words, but Sasori pushed her back down. He desperately wanted to finish his check-up.

“Tell me your age.”

“I'm...” She couldn't think how old she was.

“Oh. That's not good.” The second with was filled with worry. He held her head so Brianna could see him. He examined her eyes, a dark void, as she examined his. His were black, an onyx, but showed nothing but desperation, alarm, and strangely relief. She now knew the face: eyes lined in years of experience in the art of murder, but will forever look kind. His mouth was set in a line of worry, but couldn't help but twitch with a smile of joy. Sleep deprivation also inhabited the abyss of his eyes, but it also lined his face. A headband with Konohagakure's symbol on it. A scratch through it.  

She suddenly knew who it was, but kept her surprise down.

He saw a blood-stained face, dull and devoid eyes, and a tired mouth. Her forehead was a blank canvas, withheld from emotion. Her face was worn with tension, worry... Most likely, he guessed, from raising Akihito. He let out a small chuckle, and Sasori glanced at him. “What's so funny?” The redhead asked and gave a quizzical expression.

“Nothing,” Itachi breathed, and let go of his past lover's face. It was so hard seeing her like this.




Hidan was assigned the task of helping Brianna out of her dirt room, into a more comfortable room. Meaning, a dirt room with a cot. “C'mon, up with you. Man, have you gotten old.”

“Not nice to call a woman old, Hidan.” She wrapped her arm around his shoulder for support. Brianna groaned trying to pick herself up.

“Oh, fuck this.” Hidan blurted, and picked her up himself and carried her to her new room. She sadly recognized this hallway; it was the first corridor she went down. They passed the gigantic cave, which she nicknamed Monstrosity, where everything echoed. She remembered the one corner on the farthest end where she and Itachi would sit and just be together. She wanted that kind of affection again.

Her favorite hallway by far is the one with Sasori's, Deidara's old room, hers and Itachi's rooms were assigned. Brianna sighed. Too many nights were whisked away running and giggling, yelling and hitting, and passionate screams.. from.. “This is where I'm to be kept?!” She shrilled and hopped out of Hidan's arms. Her new room was, apparently, Itachi's old one.

“Uh, yeah.” Hidan chided. “It was vacant, and Uchiha-sama said to bring you here..” Hidan shrugged as he walked to the door. “Here's the key. Make yourself comfortable.” Strangely, he left her to herself.

Rolling her eyes Brianna unlocked the door and screamed when she saw Itachi standing almost nude. He jumped when he heard the yelp, but relaxed when he saw Brie. Not like it hasn't happened before. “Hidan, you better get your ass back over here!!” Slamming the door behind her, she broke into a run to catch the Jashinist.

Itachi stood staring at the door before his senses came back. He pulled up his greaves and walked to entryway with a small smile playing around his lips. He opened and heard yells and pleas of mercy from the cavern. Ah, He sighed in his head. Nothing like old times.