Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ The Tale of Hyuuga Kaede ❯ Brush With The Past ( Chapter 2 )

Itachi's POV

(Country of Fire, 2009)

 

Here we are, one of the most infamous criminals in the bingo book and the precious successor of the most powerful clan in all of Konoha, walking together towards a secret place. If I've never known the meaning of the word ironic -

 

I sure do now.

 

“Come on, try to keep up, will you?” I told Kaede, looking behind me at where she was walking. She scowled at me. “I wasn't the one who asked you to drag me along to wherever you're taking me!” she retorted, cheeks flushed and gold flecks of light dancing in her irked eyes. I grabbed her and pulled her toward me. “You're even more beautiful when you're angry.” I whispered in her ear. “By the way, I am not forcing you to come with me, I believe you're walking with me by your own free will, ne? It's not like I have you tied up. I only requested you to go with me.”

 

“I -” she started to say in defense, then stopping herself. “Hn. I guess you're right.” She muttered, averting her gaze to the soil. “I know. I always am.” I replied. “You are the most egotistic and pig-headed person I have ever known in my life!” she snapped. I raised both eyebrows amusedly at the outburst. “Why, thank you. That's the nicest thing you have ever said to me.” I said, giving her a sarcastic smile. She hit my head with her palm. “Ow. I was only kidding!” I said, laughing.

 

Oh God. I laugh too much around her. It's not like me to be so cheerful, nor is it like me to talk so much. I glanced at her, she was looking sufficiently satisfied at causing me pain again for my rudeness. She smiled at me sweetly, as if she didn't just smack me with her palm. Appearances can truly be deceiving. She could look so sweet and vulnerable, and yet I know she could kill a person with one deadly strike in a blink of an eye. I've never let anyone see this side of me before. I'm so different around her, I feel like I'm - free somehow. When I'm with her, it's almost like I can be happy again.

 

I frowned at myself. A person like me can't harbor such thoughts. I can't afford luxuries such as befriending Hyuuga Kaede and falling in love. “What's wrong? Is my company starting to bore you already?” she asked, with a teasing lift of one corner of her cherry lips. We laughed together, and all my thoughts flew out the window. “Not at all, Kaede.”

 

Not at all.

 

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Kaede's POV

(Country of Fire, 2009)

 

I shrieked as I tripped on a tree's long root. I was sure that I was going to fall flat on my face when I felt two strong arms catch me, steadying me up on my feet. I caught sight of a brief look of concern on my tall, mysteriously sexy, dark-haired, Sharingan-eyed companion that was swiftly replaced by his usual supercilious smile accompanied by an “Are you okay in there?” “Yeah.” I answered, mirroring his smile.

 

He took my hand. God. I'm walking hand in hand with the man that killed all of the Uchiha clan. All of the Uchiha clan, except - Sasuke's face loomed into my head like an ominous shadow of guilt. I don't even want to imagine how Sasuke would react if he ever found out that I've been hanging around with the man he hated like no other. I tried to erase the face of my best friend from my mind, but I realized that -

 

I couldn't.

 

“I'm getting tired.” I declared, sitting down on a tree stump. The truth was, I wasn't tired at all. Come on, I'm a ninja for chrissakes. That declaration was actually a desperate move to try and stop Itachi from taking me where I think he's about to take me. “Ah, complaining already? It's just a short way now.” He said.

 

I know. That's what I was afraid of.

 

“Nope. I'm not getting up. I don't want to walk anymore.” “Is that all?” he said, arching a brow. “Not a problem.” He continued, and to my astonishment, he swept me off my feet - literally. He carried me like a new bride, one arm under my thighs and other supporting my back. Then I remembered the long bleeding gash on his arm. I felt sick to the stomach, because of the wound and because he was successfully taking me to where he intended to.

 

“Uchiha Itachi, put me down this instant! You're not supposed to be carrying me around, you're injured!” I cried out, thumping my fists on his well-toned chest. He gave me a Chesire cat's grin. “Funny way of showing that you care, beating me up like that.” He said teasingly as we strayed from the path.

 

“But I do care!” I blurted out without thinking. Oops. Damn it. I blushed, realizing what I just said. “I-I didn't mean it in that way - I, uh -” I stopped short as I looked at his face and on it he was wearing a grin even bigger than before.

 

“So instead of insisting that I put you down and beating me up, I have an excellent idea -” “What?” “Put your arms around me.” He drawled sexily. God, he is hot. I laced my arms around his neck and buried my face there. I checked for his reaction.

 

He was looking pleased, and he wasn't bothering to hide it.

 

No. No, no, no. Wake up, Kaede! Repeat to self: “I must not fall for Uchiha Itachi.”

 

I must not fall for Uchiha Itachi.

 

I bit my lip, hoping that Itachi could not sense what I was, strangely enough, starting to feel for him.

 

He really must like me, though. He doesn't seem to be the type to generally like interacting with people, much less engage in any touchy-feely activity. So why else would he be so goddamned fond of touching me?

 

My senses were heightened with the manly scent of him, sensual and woodsy and at the same time mild; not overpowering. He smells good. Real good.

 

Shit, that thought was so wrong.

 

“We're here.” Itachi breathed, gently setting me down. I didn't even realize that I had my eyes closed until he said that. I was right. We're here in Shizue cove. “It's exactly as I remembered it.” He said, looking around at our surroundings. I know what he means.

 

Shizue cove has always been like this. It's a small cove with a lake and a waterfall. The lake's water was a crystal clear, sparkling blue - like a thousand diamonds strewn across a blue blanket. The waterfall was a steady rush of the same magnificent water in between craggy rocks. The water flowed majestically into the lake, mist and sprays of water rising out from where the water kissed the lake's surface.

 

The Miyagawa waterfall connects the huge Miyagawa River to the Awajiumi River where the Matsuo Bridge is. What people don't know is that along the side of Miyagawa River where the trees are most dense, there is actually sliver of water, a branch of the river that travels quite a distance until it drops down the Shizue waterfall into the Shizue cove.

 

I was overcome by guilt again. Countless times Sasuke has brought me here. I'm the only person he's ever loved and trusted enough to ever bring here. This place was our secret, our sanctuary. The secluded cove unsullied by humans, it was nature at its purest. Sasuke himself was the one who had discovered this place. He was at Miyagawa River with his mom, dad, and Itachi. He was only seven-years-old at that time. So Itachi must've been eleven.

 

Sasuke's pet as a child, a little white dog named Shizue, found a sliver of water by the dense trees and was barking insanely at it. She ran alongside it, following its trail to where the hidden waterfall drops. So naturally, the Uchihas followed the dog. Sasuke had then traced the location of this cove. That's how it got its name. Shizue cove, after Sasuke's little white dog.

 

I followed Itachi to the water's edge. I sat down beside him on the bank and struggled with my sandals. Itachi gave me a smile that was almost benevolent. Almost. Well, anyway, he helped me take my sandals off. “Thanks.” I said as I dipped my feet into the cool clear water. I loved it here. I closed my eyes to feel the soft zephyr tickling my face and slightly fluttering my hair.

 

I stared off at the waterfall for a while, and when I looked a back at Itachi he was staring at me with his crimson eyes. I immediately felt conscious. His gaze made me feel bared; vulnerable somehow. “What are you looking at?” I at long last managed to ask. “You. You truly are beautiful.” He said, his eyes not leaving mine. My breath caught in my throat. It's not like I was new to people telling me I was beautiful. I get that everyday of my life. It's just that - there was something in the way he said that to me. “Hey, I know. You already told me.” I kidded with a laugh, trying to lighten the mood. He beckoned me closer to him. His hands were hauntingly graceful like a vampire's, with long tapered fingers. I observed that he was wearing a ring, and he had dark blue nail polish on. I discreetly checked his toenails and saw that he indeed had dark blue polish on them too. Must be Akatsuki stuff.

 

I scooted over closer to his side and when I looked up at his face, his intense eyes were trained on me once more. His hands encircled my waist as he took away the last remaining space between us by drawing me closer towards him. Now his face was getting closer. And closer, and - “Don't.” I whispered, knowing what he was planning to do. He backed off with a shrewd smile that did not quite reach his eyes as I gently pushed his arms away, as if he somehow anticipated my reaction.

 

“Why? You taken?” “I told you that I wasn't.” I answered, fiddling with my hair. “What then? First kiss?” he asked, his tone of voice telling me that he really didn't get it. “No.” I said, rolling my eyes. I placed my palm squarely on his chest, giving him a shove for his impudence. “So… Who was your first kiss?” “None of your business.” I answered curtly. A devilish smile was on his face as he was examining me.

 

The smile evaporated like water on asphalt on a very hot day after he scrutinized me for a few seconds. “Oh fuck. It's Sasuke, isn't it?” he asked, a mixture of awe and accusation in his voice. “Yeah. So?” I replied, sniffing indignantly. “Nothing.” He muttered, looking disgruntled. Aww… He really did look cute when he was all grumbly about something. I smiled to myself and leaned on his shoulder. His expression revealed that he was pleasantly surprised. He laced an arm around my waist as I traced the lake's glassy surface with a foot. And so I sat there, leaning on his strong, solid form and watching the idyllic blades of grass bend as the breeze flew over them.

 

We talked for a very long time, Itachi and I. We talked of our lives, our dreams, our ideals, our dislikes, our past and our future. I don't know why I trusted him, but I did. I told him almost everything there was to know about me, and he did the same. I suppose it was because there was no way we could've told a soul that we were together. I would never tell the villagers, much less Sasuke, and Itachi would never tell the Akatsuki. Some topics were still taboo though. The fact that he murdered his own clan was left undiscussed. It was better off that way. I couldn't help but think that the more I get to know him, the more I see that he wasn't at all what everyone had made him out to be.

 

I've known him for such a short time, and yet it feels as if I've known him for a lifetime.

 

I eyed the plastic bags to my right. Ah, the things I bought. I almost forgot about those… I glanced at Itachi to my left and he was munching on something. It looks like dark chocolate… “Ne, Itachi? Where'd you get that?” “I had some in my pocket.” He said, taking out a little box from his cloak. “You want some?” he offered. “Nope. I was just wondering how you suddenly had it.” I answered. He shrugged. “Alright. Suit yourself. I love this stuff.”

 

The sun was starting to set. Sasuke and I's favorite time of the day… I don't know if I'm just paranoid, but I thought I just heard a sound of someone approaching. I cocked my head to one side, listening for another sound. There it was again. Footsteps. It sounded quite distant, but still it was approaching. This could only mean one thing…

 

Heart thumping in my rib cage, I activated my Byakugan and searched the area. There. Gotcha. There was someone, but the person was quite far away. Far or not though, I'd know that chakra pattern anywhere.

 

It was Sasuke.

 

This can't be happening to me. “What did I ever do to deserve this?” I thought to the heavens, panic-stricken. If I were an ostrich, my head would definitely be buried in the ground by now. “Itachi!” I hissed, poking his side. “Ow. What?” he asked crossly. I smiled in spite of myself. “You're such a baby, Itachi. Get over it.” “Is that what you wanted to say?” “No, no.” I said, my mind returning to the situation at hand.

 

“Hey… You have your Byakugan on.” “Very observant, Itachi.” I said sarcastically, checking Sasuke's location. He was getting nearer. “Why do you -” “Sasuke's coming.” I told Itachi, interrupting him. “What?! Right now?” “Yes!” I shouted, way too loudly. Birds took flight from trees at the sound of my voice.

 

Crap. Sasuke may have heard that.

 

“Kaede? Are you there?” Sasuke's voice was yelling. Turns out he did hear my voice. “No. I'm not!” I wanted to yell in return. He was near enough to hear my shouting, but he was still too far to see or hear that I was with someone.

 

Itachi was calmly watching me, waiting for me to stop clucking around like a headless chicken. “What are we going to dooooo?” I whined. “Calm down. Where is my stupid sibling?” “About a kilometer and a half away.” I answered after taking deep breaths, pretending not hear the insult aimed at Sasuke.

 

“He's always had horrible timing.” Itachi muttered, more to himself than to me. “Very well. I suppose there's no other way. I'll be leaving now.” Itachi said. “Goodbye.” I whispered, feeling an odd pain in my chest. He smiled. “Do not worry. This is not goodbye.” Itachi told me, enfolding me in his arms. I kept myself from crying. It felt so natural to be in his arms. “Fix your wounds when you get back to camp.” “Yes, mother.” He said teasingly. I scowled. He laughed, gently brushing a stray lock of raven hair away from my face. “We will definitely see each other again, Kaede. That, I promise.” He said softly, then the solid form that was holding dissolved into air. Needless to say, I was positively shocked. I got that strange feeling that he was still around and my thoughts were confirmed by a wind coiling sinuously around my body - and it had Itachi written all over it, as I could feel him there. “Soon…” it whispered into my ear as it flew past me.

 

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Itachi's POV

(Country of Fire, 2009)

 

I flew over the forest at an almost indecent speed, barely grazing the treetops. This is a special jutsu that I created - I could change into air, wind, or shadow at will. Being the naturally cautious person that I am, I don't travel this way unless absolutely needed. What if I get into a battle with someone? This way of traveling costs too much chakra. Sure, with my beyond normal amount of chakra, I can stay in this form for days. But as time goes by in this form, my chakra is slowly consumed. Besides, only I can transform, so I obviously cannot travel this way with a companion. I wanted to get back to Kaede as soon as I possibly can.

 

I reached the Akatsuki's camp. I felt myself quickly snapping back into my apathetic self. I rematerialized in midair and landed smoothly on the ground next to my huge tent. I ducked into my tent, then collected some fresh clothes and lain them down on my bed. I walked into the makeshift bathroom, where the plumbing was connected to the hot springs, making the water perpetually warm. I rinsed the grit off my body, ignoring my wound's violent stinging reaction with the soap. I had no time for that bandaging stuff. I found there was no need. I'm no sugarplum. I was used to experiencing pain much worse than this. I stepped out of the bathroom as I toweled myself off and dressed.

 

I flopped down n my bed to recharge my energy and chakra. Step one on returning to Konoha undetected and getting back to Kaede. I let a slow smile spread across my face, and I slowly fell into a placid, dreamless sleep…

 

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Sasuke's POV

(Country of Fire, 2009)

 

That's strange. “I'm sure I heard Kaede's voice.” I muttered to myself as I strayed off the path. I know the way to Shizue cove like the back of my hand. There's a reason why no one ever stumbled upon Shizue cove after my family and I found it. Itachi had created an invisible barrier that kept anyone from ever finding it. Only Uchihas and the people they voluntarily bring with them may enter. So in short, as far as I know, only me, Kaede and Itachi could ever set foot here.

 

“Kaede?” “Sasuke!” she greeted me. I kissed her in greeting and sat beside her. “It's sunset.” I said, noting that it was our favorite time of the day. “Yeah.” She replied, almost wistfully. I eyed a familiar-looking box on the ground next to her. “That thing looks familiar.” I told Kaede. “Ah… That. Um, it's dark chocolate.” She answered. So that's why it looked familiar. “I hate dark chocolate.” I said, frowning. “Why?” “It reminds me of Itachi. He used to love that stuff.” I answered reluctantly. Itachi wasn't exactly my favorite topic. “Oh.” Was all she managed to say, not looking at me.

 

Kaede wasn't in a very good mood… I was usually the silent, brooding one. She was the uncontrollable tornado of a person. “Anything wrong?” I asked her casually, in an unusual show of mild concern. “Nope. Don't worry about me, Sasuke.” She answered, smiling. Absently, I picked up the little box and opened the lid.

 

Three pieces were of dark chocolate were left, arranged diagonally inside the box. I scowled. “Ne, Sasuke? What is it?” Suddenly, I see Itachi everywhere. He has a habit of arranging the pieces diagonally when there are only three left. “Itachi again. He has a habit of arranging the last three pieces diagonally. It's so ironic, it's almost funny.” I remarked dryly. She laughed nervously. “Uh-huh. Real funny.” “He's kinda obsessive-compulsive.” “Really?” she asked, sounding interested and perking up a bit. “Hn.” I answered, confused at her reaction.

 

“I loathe him. Getting reminded of him is like an extremely unpleasant brush from the past.” I grumbled. “Yeah. Like a brush from the past.” She echoed softly.

 

That's one of the many reasons why I love Kaede. No longer in a romantic way, but she's still my best friend, and she helps me cope. Kaede was looking oddly uncomfortable. Maybe she doesn't feel to good. “Get up. I'll take you home.” I told her. She looked startled for a while then she got up. I took her things in one hand, her hand in the other one, and led her home.

 

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A/N:

Whew. Finally done again! :p Watch out for the next chapter!

Thanks to DreamAnimeKitten. I'm glad you liked it so far. ^_^