Akemi POV

My name is Akemi Kaneko. Pretty cute, right? It means 'bright and beautiful gold child'. Anyway, I live in the KonohaGakure or Village Hidden in the Leaves. I'm only six and enrolled in the famous Leaf Ninja Academy.

I was walking to school one day when a voice called me.

"Ake-mi! Wait up!"

I turned around, my books falling out of my hands. I bent down to pick them up and I touched a pale hand. I looked up and saw a boy from my class. Idaho or Imachi?

"Hey, sorry. Didn't mean to startle you." He said

"I'm sorry. Who're you?"

"Oh, Itachi Uchiha."

"Well, thanks. I should be going."

A hand stopped me and I turned back around.

"We are in the same class. We could walk together."

"I'm a loner. Lay off." I snapped

I jerked my hand away from Itachi and walked off.

I sat in my seat and pulled out my textbook. Jiraya-sama walked in and smiled.

"Hey, kiddos! How are ya doing?"

I rolled my eyes at his complete immatureness. For Pete's sake, he peeps on women at the public bath! I only know because I stumbled upon him once walking back from the bath. He was using the Invisibility Jutsu.

"So! Who's ready to learn some Jutsu?"

Everyone (but me) shouted their agreement. I just rolled my eyes.

"Okay, Miss Kaneko. If you're so good, come up here and show us a Transformation Jutsu."

I stood up and walked to the front of the room. I formed the hand signs dog, boar and tiger.

"Transformation Jutsu!" I said

I transformed into a perfect replica of Jiraya-sama. He chuckled nervously and looked at the class. I went back to my normal self and crossed my arms.

"That was okay but can you do a Clone Jutsu?"

"In my sleep!"

I performed the hand signs tiger, boar, ox and dog.

"Clone Jutsu!"

A perfect replica appeared beside me. The class clapped excitedly. I spotted Itachi in the crowd and he was smiling. I felt the heat rush to my face and looked down.

"Very good. Return to your seat."

I did so, a sly smile on my face.

"Okay, class. Who can tell me the hand signs to the Substitution Jutsu?"

My hand flew into the air.

"Akemi."

"Tiger, boar, ox, snake, Jiraya-sama."

"Very good. Who can demonstrate for us? No, Akemi. How 'bout Itachi?"

Itachi walked to the front to the room and performed the Jutsu.

"Who wants to- Oh all right, Akemi."

I smiled and threw a Kunai knife expertly into the heart. Itachi turned into a log and I looked up. Itachi was standing on the ceiling, expertly channeling the Chakra to his feet. Chakra is what furls our life force and Jutsu. No Chakra, no life or Jutsu.

"Thank you, Akemi. Itachi, have a seat. Very good."

The bell rang and everyone gathered their things. I lagged behind, wanting to speak to Jiraya-sama.

"Akemi, shouldn't you be in History?"

"Physical Training, actually. I just wanted to know how to perform a Summoning Jutsu."

That's pretty advanced stuff, Akemi. Are you sure?"

"Please?"

"Boar, dog, monkey, bird, sheep. Go, otherwise, Haruki is going to mouth off."

"Yes. Sorry."

I ran off to Physical Training. Haruki-sama was yelling at the kids to settle down. I placed my stuff by the wall and sat by Itachi.

"Glad you could join us, Akemi."

"Sorry, I was talking to Jiraya-sama."

"Oh. Never, mind then. Anyway, who wants to demonstrate proper shruiken throwing?"

I raised my hand and everyone gaped at me. No one usually volunteered for this.

"Well, well! I guess I finally have a willing volunteer! C'mon, Akemi."

I stood up and retrieved a shruiken out of my leg pack. I threw it straight into the dummy's heart, where it went in deeply. The field erupted in applause.

"That's the best today! Very good, Akemi!"

I bowed my head slightly and sat back down beside Itachi. He looked out of the corner of his eye and mouthed something to himself.

One Year Later….

I was seven when I graduated. I had to perform a Clone Jutsu. It was so easy, it was pathetic! I had to graduate with a bunch of twelve year olds. Itachi, too. We even got put into the same group too. Team 2, Team Baakia. Some boy named Miraku was in our group too. A cute, blue-eyed, blonde boy with a trace of muscle. Pretty cute if I was a normal girl. But, I am not.

"After lunch, you will meet your sensei's' and start training right away. Have a nice time. Don't die." Kyuri-sama laughed

I shrugged and, when the teacher left, all hell broke loose. I mean it. Girls squealing, boys congratulating each other loudly. I got up and went into the hall. I leaned against the wall, hands behind my back.

"Akemi, why aren't you inside?"

Itachi stood beside me, a curious look on his face.

"Got too loud for my taste."

Itachi chuckled and reknotted his forehead band.

"What do you like best about Konoha, Itachi?"

He seemed startled and I didn't know why.

"What's wrong? It's not a personal question."

"It's just that this is the first time you've called me 'Itachi' and not 'Uchiha'."

"I guess it is. Don't start hyperventilating. I doubt the nurse will love that."

Itachi laughed and I flushed. I hated being laughed at. That's why I trained every moment I got. Even when it was raining. Nothing stops a Shinobi. Except maybe an extreme fever. The bell went off and I flinched.

"That's the lunch bell. Let's go."

I walked off and headed home.

"Hey, Kaneko!"

I turned around and Miraku ran up to me.

"Wanna eat lunch together?"

"Sorry no. Shinobi have to watch their weight."

I walked away and to my house.

"Ruff!"

"Hey, Nieta. How're ya doing?"

My little puppy barked twice and chased her tail.

"Do you want to go on a walk?"

She barked excitedly and sat down. I opened the door and we walked to the Leaf Forest. We loved coming here.

"Nieta, wait up!"

Nieta took off and I chased after her. Stupid squirrels.

"Nieta, sit!"

Nieta took off faster and I heard a yelp. I ran faster and Nieta was being patted by someone.

"You know, you should really keep rowdy pets on a leash."

"Lord Hokage! I'm so sorry if Nieta caused you any trouble. I'll take her home now!"

Lord Sarutobi waved a hand dismissively and smiled kindly.

"That won't be needed. Are you one of the young ones graduating today?"

"All ready did."

"Oh yes! You're Akemi."

"Yes, Lord Hokage. I should really go. C'mon, Nieta."

Nieta yipped sadly.

"I'll take her home, Akemi. Don't worry."

"I don't want to trouble you…"

"I've got nothing else to do. Go on."

"Thank you."

I ran off back to the Leaf Academy. Miraku and Itachi were leaning against the wall, apparently waiting for me.

"Sorry! I lost Nieta and –"

"Forget about it. We're gonna be late." Miraku hissed

I chewed my lip as I followed them to the assigned classroom. I sat at the back of the room and ignored the boys. I could hear their conversation over here.

"Why'd you do that?! Now you made her feel bad!" Itachi snarled

"I didn't mean too!"

"She's not a boy! She can't take a lashing like that."

"Shut up, Uchiha. I'm older than both of you."

"But we're smarter." I piped up

They looked at me and I smiled softly. Itachi got up and sat next to me. I flushed and looked down. The door opened and Baakia-sensei walked in. He looked around at us in turn, eyes lingering on me. I felt something stir inside me uneasily and he looked at Itachi.

"Well, well! Looks like we may have a great group this year!"

"Of course we will! I'm in it, aren't I?" Miraku joked

I giggled and Itachi smirked. Baakia-sensei shook his head and smiled.

"It's always me that gets the jokers. It never gets tiring."

Miraku flushed and looked down. Baakia-sensei looked at me again.

"I knew your parents, Akemi. It's a shame they died so young. Against the Kyuubi."

I bit my lip and looked away. I was only three when they died.

"Who were her parents?" Itachi asked

"Akeno and Aoi Kaneko. Some our village's best Jonin."

I stood abruptly and left the classroom. I walked to the academy roof and leaned on the railing. I hated it when people talked about my parents. They were skilled Jonin. I was proud to have them as my parents. Then Kyuubi came to the Village and they died in the second wave.

"Akemi?"

I looked over my shoulder and Itachi stood at the door.

"Baakia-sensei said you need to come in."

I nodded and we went back to the room. I glared at Baakia-sensei and took my seat.

"Anyway, we have a mandatory training exercise for all new Genin. It's called Bell-training. It's to test your skills."

I rolled my eyes and Baakia-sensei stared at me.

"That sure of your skills, are we?"

"Yes. I'm skillful. Considering my parents were two of the best Jonin in Konoha."

Baakia-sensei scoffed and held two tiny bells up. We stared at them intently, quiet.

"You have to get these bells away from me by noon tomorrow. When we start tomorrow, of course. See you then and don't eat breakfast."

Baakia-sensei performed the hand signs horse and tiger. He disappeared and I grumbled. I stood and left the classroom.

"Ake-san!"

My best friend, Hisae, ran up to me and bounced excitedly.

"Did you really graduate?!"

"Yeah, Hisae."

I fingered my headband, still not sure how to wear it. I had kept it in my leg pack all day.

"That's so cool! Can I hold it?"

"No."

"Can I sniff it?"

"You've lost it. Go to class, Hisae-chan."

"Fine. See you after school!"

Hisae ran to her next class and I walked home. I heard Nieta barking and smiled softly. I saw a note taped to my door and pulled it off.

Keep rowdy pets on a leash. Otherwise, they could run.

Lord Sarutobi

I giggled and walked in, Nieta licking my ankles.

"Hey girl. Were you good for Lord Sarutobi?"

She barked and ran off for my room. I shut my door and walked into my room. I sat on my bed and pulled out my forehead band. I traced the simple leaf design with my index finger and went into my bathroom. I looked into my mirror and tied it tightly around my forehead. It really set off my green eyes and sunset red hair. I smiled and heard a knock at my door. Nieta went crazy, barking loudly. I opened my front door and Itachi stood there, looking sheepish.

"Hey, Itachi. What's wrong?"

"Nothing, Ake-chan. I just wanted to stop by, to go over our strategy for tomorrow."

"Where's Miraku?"

"He's coming."

I stood to the side, letting Itachi in. Miraku chased in after him. I shut the door and looked at them. Nieta growled, hackles hunched. I walked around them and picked her up. I patted her head gently.

"Who's that?" Miraku asked

"My precious guard dog, Nieta. My parents got her for me when I was three."

I set Nieta on the floor by my feet and looked at the boys.

"So, what's the plan?"

"Go with the flow." Miraku answered

I looked at him as if he were on drugs.

"No! We can't go with the flow! We have to plan strategically!" I protested

"Oh calm down, Ake-san. I was just joking."

I sighed and scratched my wrist nervously. Itachi shook his head and tightened his forehead band. Miraku crossed his arms and tapped his foot.

"I've got an idea." I said slyly

The next morning, I met Itachi and Miraku at the Training grounds. Miraku yawned and I kept readjusting my forehead band.

"Sorry I'm late!"

We turned around and saw Baakia-sensei walk up to us. I glared at him and crossed my arms.

"You're late." I growled

"Well, I had to help an old lady with her groceries."

"Right. Just tell us when to start."

"Go ahead."

I looked at Miraku, who lunged at Baakia-sensei and he was caught in a headlock. Itachi threw a kunai at his leg and I lunged at the bells. Baakia-sensei slid to the side, just like I thought he would. He was slow because of Miraku and Itachi tightened the trip wire he had installed earlier. Baakia-sensei tripped and I grabbed the bells. I waved them in front of Baakia-sensei¬'s face, while the boys cheered.

"Told you we were good." I said

I helped him up and he patted my shoulder.

"Preplanning doesn't always work. You sometimes have to make a strategy up on the spot and then share it with the rest of the team."

I glared venomously at him. Baakia-sensei laughed and dismissed us. I gritted my teeth and ran toward my secret spot. I kicked at the dirt and threw a stone in the stream. I sat down beside it in frustration. I held my head in my hands and started crying. They were tears of hatred and frustration, not sadness. I threw my headband in the stream and it sank to the bottom. I never thought I'd get chastised for being pre-prepared. I didn't think being a Ninja was so hard.

"Akemi? Akemi, are you Ok?"

I looked up and Itachi sat down beside me.

"Go away."

"Where's your band?"

I turned away from him and played with a piece of grass. I heard splash and stood up. Itachi held my forehead band and was smirking.

"You don't need to treat these like crap just because Baakia made you mad."

"It's mine. I can treat it however I want."

Itachi shook his head and tied it back around my forehead. I blushed and Itachi smiled. I could see why half the girls were crushing on him bad. He was actually pretty cute. His unwavering gaze, his beautiful midnight black eyes and messy hair to match them. Semi-pale skin. He was gorgeous.

"Akemi, are you listening?"

"Hmm?"

"Wow, you can really ignore me when you want. I was saying that we should train together. We'd really help each other a lot."

"Y-yeah. Sure."

"Great. See you tomorrow!"

Itachi ran off and I placed my hand over my heart and imagined Itachi as an older boy. My eyes snapped open and I blushed. I walked home and Miraku leaned on my doorframe. He smiled at me and I walked up to my door.

"Hey, Ake-san. Uchiha kiss you?"

"None of your business."

"Aw, he didn't. Poor baby."

I walked in and Miraku followed me.

"C'mon. I know how rejection feels. Let's go get something to eat at Ichiraku's."

"Rather not. Nieta!"

My little dog ran up to me and yipped happily. I patted her head and she lunged at Miraku.

"I'm going! Don't hurt me!"

Miraku left and I laughed. Nieta jumped up and down, yipping hungrily. I put her bowl down, yawning. I patted Nieta's head and walked to my room. I pulled my headband off and set it on my nightstand. I fell on my bed and closed my eyes.

I woke up during the night, feeling sick. I saw something move in the corner of my room and sat up. I blinked and felt a chill. My window was opened and the curtains were billowing in the soft breeze. I got up and pulled the window shut. A loud crash came from the kitchen and I ran towards it.

"Jiraya-sama? Baakia-sensei? What are you two doing here in the middle of the night?" I asked

Jiraya-sama and Baakia-sensei suddenly transformed into two people I only saw the local wanted posters. I reached for a Kunai and was shoved back into the wall. I got back up and one of them grabbed a fistful of my hair, snapping my head back. I hooked my leg around his ankle and pulled violently. He fell on his back and I saw Nieta lung at the other one.

"Nieta, no!"

He kicked her away and I tackled him. His head hit the cabinet and he fell limp. I rushed to Nieta and picked her up. She whimpered and barked energetically. I laughed and she licked my chin.

"You scared me! Don't ever do that again!"

A knock came at the door and I answered it. ANBU officers were there and I looked at them.

"Yes?"

"We got word that Hitoro and Mitoro were in this neighborhood. Are they…"

"In the kitchen."

I let them through and Nieta whimpered. The ANBU in the back looked at me.

"Can you tell us what happened?"

"Um, I got up to close my window and I heard a crashing from the kitchen. I went to investigate and I saw them. Um, I sorta started fighting them and knocked them out. Hahahahha…ha…ha?"

"Thank you. This is a crime scene now."

"What?! No one got hurt! How's this a crime scene?!"

"Just get out before I force you to."

"Fine. C'mon, Nieta."

I glared at the ANBU and walked out of the house. Nieta padded after me and I walked around for a bit.

"Ake-san?"

I looked up and saw Itachi sitting on a roof.

"Hey, Tachi-san. What're you doing out so late?"

"I could ask you the same thing."

Itachi jumped off the roof and landed by me. He reached down and rubbed Nieta's ear. He looked up and I blushed slightly.

"Um, my house turned into a crime scene and the ANBU kicked me out."

"Oh. Do want to stay with me?"

"Your parents won't mind? I mean they have you and little Sasuke to deal with."

"Nah. They heard a lot about you from me. My father doesn't mind if anyone stays."

"Ok. Lead the way."

I picked up Nieta and followed Itachi to his home. We took our shoes off and left them by the door. The lights were still on and his mom and dad were in the kitchen. Itachi motioned for me to follow him.

"Mother, Father, this is Akemi."

Lord Uchiha looked at me and smiled gently.

"I knew your parents. Akeno and Aoi were my best friends in the Academy."

I chewed my lip and looked at Itachi out of the corner of my eye and he nodded.

"Akemi doesn't like having her parents mentioned."

"Of course. My husband didn't know, dear."

"My house kinda turned into a crime scene tonight. Do you mind if I stay here for the night?" I asked

"Sure, dear. Itachi, be a good boy and show her to your room."

Itachi nodded and led me to his room.

"Well, this is it. I know it's messy but home is home."

"Thanks."

I set Nieta down and she curled up on Itachi's bed. I giggled and Itachi attempted to move her.

"I wouldn't do that." I said

Nieta growled and bit his hand.

"Ow!"

Itachi shook his hand in the air vigorously and I smiled.

"I warned you."

"Shut up, Ake-chan. It's not funny!"

I couldn't stop laughing; his face was contorted in embarrassment and anger.

"Stop it! It's not funny!"

"Sorry. It's not every day Nieta bites someone. She only does that if she really likes you."

Itachi patted her head softly and looked at me.

"So, um, we have that mission tomorrow… We should probably sleep."

"Right. Um-"

"You can, um, sleep with me on my bed."

"Oh, um, okay."

I slid in beside Itachi and Nieta curled up in the spot between us.

"Good night, Akemi."

"Night, Itachi."

The next day…

I woke up with Itachi's arm on my chest. I blushed and Nieta growled.

"Tachi-san, do you-"

"Sorry."

Itachi got up and yawned. Nieta licked his leg and he picked her up.

"Good morning to you too."

I sat up and opened his window.

"What are you doing?"

"I don't want to be a bother any more than I have been already. I'll see you later. C'mon, Nieta."

I jumped out the window but Nieta whimpered.

"Fine. Stay with Itachi."

I ran home and saw that the ANBU left. I ran in, grabbed my headband and ran out, tying it on my forehead.

I was the first to make it to the Mission Office. Then Miraku and Itachi. Lastly, Baakia-sensei.

"You're late. Again." I growled

"Sorry."

We walked into the Mission Office and Baakia-sensei requested a C-rank mission. Miraku gaped and I flipped my hair over my shoulder. Itachi crossed his arms and kept his face passive.

"Of course. Here."

Hokage-sama gave a mission paper to Baakia- sensei and we left. Our client, Torou, waited at the gate. Our mission was to escort him back to the Land of Whirlpools.

Itachi POV

When we were halfway there, Akemi pulled her hair back into a hair tie. I felt so stalkerish. A rustling came from the bushes and I threw a Kunai at it.

"Arghh!"

A pale as a ghost girl walked out, trembling.

"Hisae-chan!" Akemi exclaimed

"Akemi-cha-"

"Hisae, go home!" Torou snarled

"Grandfather, I just wanted to say-"

"GO HOME!" Akemi yelled

Hisae ran home, crying. Akemi rolled her eyes and sighed. I looked at her, shaking my head.

"We should get going." Miraku suggested

We resumed walking and, when night fell, set up camp. I used my Fire Jutsu to start a fire and Akemi sat the farthest away, writing in a journal. I sat beside her and she closed her journal, moving to another spot. She resumed writing and I sighed. Why is she so distant? And what's with that journal?

When Akemi fell asleep, I pulled her journal from her backpack and sat by the fire, reading it.

'I got my first mission today, Mom and Dad. Then Hisae showed up and then went home after I yelled at her. When I get home, I am going to apologize to her, don't worry. I hope this mission goes well. I don't want anyone to get hurt. Oh and get this! The house was broken into last night by Hitoro and Mitoro. I got kicked out and I stayed the rest of the night with Itachi.'

I closed the book and got up. When I turned around, Akemi was missing. I tried to pick up her Chakra but couldn't. I saw huge footsteps that didn't belong to Akemi. I woke up Baakia-sensei and Miraku. When I told them what happened, Baakia-sensei cursed loudly.

"Miraku, stay here. Itachi, come with me."

I nodded and followed Baakia-sensei to a river. That's where the footprints stopped.

"Damn. This is harder for you three than I thought."

"Baakia-sensei, what's going on?"

"The reason I specifically requested this Mission is because of the man chasing Torou. I guess not. And, knowing Akemi, she must've been drugged because she wouldn't ever let herself be captured so easily."

"What?!"

"That's correct, Baakia."

Baakia-sensei looked up and I did too. A man with a bald head and Shinobi clothing stood on a thick tree branch, arms crossed.

"Except for one teeny tiny itty bitty complication: Torou works for me."

Torou stood beside him, holding Akemi's arms. She struggled furiously.

"This one put up a fight when she figured out who we were. Maybe we should cut off one of her arms just to show her who's boss?"

I clenched my fists as they pressed a Kunai to her shoulder. She stomped on Torou's foot and he yelped. She took that minute to get free and jumped off the branch. I sighed, relieved she was OK.

"Itachi, look out!"

I barely dodged a Kunai knife and rolled to my feet. Akemi helped me up and I saw a Kunai protruding from her arm.

"OH MY GOD!" I exclaimed

"What?"

I pulled the Kunai out of her arm and she yelped.

"Sorry."

She pressed her hand to the opening and trembled slightly.

"Baakia-sensei!"

I saw Baakia-sensei's throat get slit and he fell to the ground. No log, no nothing. Just his dead body. Torou looked at us, grinning maniacally. Akemi froze and I pulled her arm, the uninjured one. She snapped out of it and we ran back to the campsite. Miraku's throat was also slit and Akemi gasped.

"We need to get back to the Village. Akemi?"

Akemi slowly gathered her journal and back pack together. She winced slightly and I rolled her sleeve up. The injury wasn't that deep but I still wrapped a bandage around it, tying it tightly. I grabbed her bag and she protested.

"Give me-"

"You're in shock. I'll carry these."

Akemi gulped and nodded. We scaled a tree and jumped branch to branch.

By the time we got back to the village, the gate keepers were almost asleep. I pulled Akemi to the Hokage's office and knocked quietly.

"Come in."

I opened the door and Lord Hokage seemed surprised to see us.

"Back so soon? Where are Baakia and Miraku?"

"Dead. Torou killed them." Akemi whispered

I patted her shoulder gently. She winced and I stopped. I glared at the Hokage.

"You knew that would happen, didn't you?"

"Tachi-san…"

"You knew Baakia-sensei and Miraku would die! But you sent us on that mission anyway!"

"Go home, Itachi. Just go home."

"No, not until I get some answers!"

Akemi tugged on my arm, shaking her head. I sighed and looked at the Hokage.

"I'm sorry, Lord Hokage. We will be leaving now." I muttered

I turned, shaking Akemi's hand off. I stomped out of the room.

"Tachi-san! Wait up!"

I stopped and Akemi ran up beside me, her face still pale.

"Are you OK?" she whispered

I patted her head, smiling gently.

"I'm fine. Go home."

She shook her head, swatting my hand away.

"I'm scared, Tachi-san." She mumbled

"You? Scared?"

She nodded and my heart melted. Her eyes had a deep fear in them and I sighed.

"I'll stay with you. Nieta is already at your house."

She smiled weakly and hugged me tightly.

"Thank you, Itachi." She whispered

I hugged her back and buried my face in her hair. She smelled like apricots and cherry blossoms. She was so cute.

When we got to her house, she was still looking over shoulder, an expression of fear and horror on her face.

"Calm down. Nothing is going to happen to you. I'm right here." I murmured

She blushed and shut the door, locking it. I didn't blame her. I mean, she lives alone.

"Ruff rawr!"

Nieta ran up to Akemi and jumped into her arms. Nieta licked her chin and she giggled. I stared at them, curious. Akemi blushed and set Nieta down.

"We should probably get some sleep."

I nodded and she led me to her room.

"And this is my room. It's not much, I know. But home's home."

She blushed and looked away. She said the same thing I did. I hugged her gently and she flinched.

"It-Itachi?"

I inhaled and exhaled sharply. Her voice was shaky. I pulled away and she looked down. Her cheeks were scarlet. I looked over my shoulder and sighed.

"We need to get some sleep. You especially." I muttered

She looked surprised at the tone in my voice and I sighed again.

"Just lay down."

She did so, on the far edge of the bed. I laid down on it, pulling her from the edge. I pulled her blanket over us and Akemi shivered. Nieta curled up between us and I laughed. Akemi's eyes closed and I relaxed slightly.

Akemi POV

I was in the forest with the ninja and Torou. They had killed Itachi and Baakia-sensei. They were toying with me, cutting my cheek and limbs. Every time I tried to curse them, no sound came out. They just laughed at me and started cutting off my limbs. Blood sprayed everywhere, soaking the corpses and the Shinobi. I felt myself go light headed and Torou slit my throat.

I bolted up, sweating.

"Akemi? Are you Ok?"

Itachi sat up and yawned. Sunlight poured in through the window and I wiped my forehead with the back of my hand.

"Yeah. It's just a nightmare."

Itachi felt my forehead with the back of his hand and pulled his hand away quickly.

"You're burning up!"

"I said I'm fine. I've had worse, Tachi-san."

I whacked his hand away and got up. I opened my window and let a breeze in. It felt nice on my warm skin. Itachi tapped my shoulder gently and I turned around. He kissed me and I melted. He wrapped his arms around my waist and I wrapped mine around his neck. He pulled away and ran home.

Six years passed since that day. I never forgot the look of pure love on Itachi's face.