Nagato solemnly strode out of the hideout, a raindrop rolling down his nose. He was the leader of the Akatsuki, succeeding his friend, Yahiko. Grief threatened to swallow the shinobi when he thought of his cheerful, determined friend that sacrificed himself to rescue Konan. At least I still have Konan, Nagato murmured.
"Are you okay, Nagato?"
Konan stood next to her friend, her amber eyes anxious and concerned. She had beautiful light indigo hair that flowed to just below her shoulders. Like Nagato, she continued to grieve for Yahiko. She rarely left her friend's side in fear of losing him like she lost Yahiko, who had met her first. She was generous to Nagato when they first met, offering him some bread in the rain when Nagato lay on the road, dying.
"I know something is wrong, Nagato." Konan's warm voice was edged with determination, and Nagato knew that if something was troubling him, she would struggle through anything to figure it out. What she didn't know was that something wasn't wrong, but something felt rather peaceful when Nagato was around Konan. He hesitantly decided to speak, attempting to keep the topic general.
"Well, I think I'm falling in love. Not much to talk about, honestly."
Nagato thought he saw a shadow flicker in Konan's eyes. She looked to the right corners of her eyes, lost in thought. Glancing once more at Nagato, she smiled.
"I'm glad that you are. Why don't you show me this person you like?"
Was that laughter in her voice? Or was it masking some kind of emotion that lay beneath it? Nagato hesitated. He knew that Konan had loved Yahiko, and he was rather unsure how his friend would react if he revealed his true feelings for Konan. Yet again, she was the type of person who would be jealous instantly if Nagato spoke to any other person but her.
"No, she's busy right now."
Konan narrowed her eyes. Nagato hesitated to speak once more, wondering if Konan would attempt to seek answers. He willed himself to hold his tongue, knowing that the Akatsuki would eventually find out that he liked her. Nagato often spoke with Zetsu about life in general, and if Zetsu found out, it would be like a wildfire that Nagato couldn't control. He began to walk away, but Konan grabbed his shoulder.
"Why are you acting so secretive?"
Nagato had to make up an unreasonable excuse, uncertain if it would work. Konan seemed to always know when he was lying or telling the truth.
"She's a busy person."
Konan scowled at Nagato, her voice seasoned with bitterness as she spoke. Nagato thought that he had never seen her this interested in his romantic life. Was she hiding something as well?
"I know you're lying, Nagato! Why won't you tell me? We never lie to eachother!"
Konan struggled to keep her voice steady as hurt sparked her amber eyes. The tension spiked the air so much that Nagato could feel it jabbing through his skin and into his heart. He couldn't bear to see Konan this upset, even if Nagato knew she wouldn't like the answer. Taking a deep breath, Nagato spoke with a calm voice, more steady than he anticipated.
"Are you sure you want to know, Konan?"
Konan nodded, her amber gaze fixed on Nagato. Taking another deep breath, Nagato looked at her straight in the eye. He then spoke with a shaky voice that shocked him.
"I was being secretive because that person I love...is you, Konan."