R e d W a t e r

C h a p t e r II

We all sat quietly at the dining table, eating in silence as I peeked up at Itachi a few times, a little nervous that mother or father would find out what had happened and send Itachi to jail. Mother was the one to speak first, starting with, "Sasuke, how did you get those awful cuts on your cheeks?!"

I froze, unsure if I could come up with a believable story for her. I opened my mouth to speak, but was saved as Itachi interrupted me, saying, "Oh yeah. Sasuke told me about that. There was a bully…at his school. And Sasuke got a little beat up."

"Oh, dear! That's terrible! I should call the school and inform them immediately." My mother got up from her seat but I stopped her saying,

"N-no, mom. It's embarrassing! Plus, the bully wont pick on me anymore." I told her, crossing my arms and tried not to wince…or cry. It still hurt. A lot.

"Oh, alright." She sat back down and glanced at me quickly before eating once more.

There was silence once more and I shifted in my seat, scooting near Itachi who was beside me, eating like nothing happened. I stuck my hand under the table, poking him on the leg. Itachi's fork clattered onto his plate as he looked up in surprise. He then turned, sending me a 'don't do that again' type of look.

'So he isn't as calm as he looks right now.' I thought to myself. I pulled my hand back, crossing my arms on the table before I spoke.

"Guess what, mom?" I said do her in a slightly more cheerful tone, trying to brighten the mood. Everyone seemed to be wrapped up in their thoughts so much, that they wouldn't talk. I was the same, but I didn't want to think about it. I didn't want to think of that man. And I didn't want to think about the pain every time I moved.

"Yes, Sasuke, what is it?" She asked me, looking up.

"I'm gonna be Itachi's bride when I grow up!" I heard Itachi choke on his food.

Mother just laughed. "And why is that?"

"'cause he's the best!" I declared.

"No son of mine is going to become some…some queer." father growled and at the time, I didn't understand what he was saying, though he did seem pretty angry.

I saw Itachi glare at our father as he said, "Dad, he's just a kid. Just because he says that, doesn't mean we'll actually get married or anything." Then right after, I heard him mutter,"Don't have to be such an asshole about it..."

Apparently Dad heard Itachi and slammed his fist down. "You shut your damn mouth, boy! Understood?" His voice was raised, startling me slightly and I jumped in my seat.

Itachi just rolled his eyes and looked away from Dad, playing with his food. Mom let out a loud sigh, setting her fork down and backing Dad up. "Itachi, he's right. You shouldn't be disrespectful toward your father. Now I never want to hear those words from you again, Itachi. Alright?" Itachi just nodded once, not making eye contact with Dad for the rest of dinner. I knew they didn't like each other much. Not since I was really little.

I looked around at everyone with confused eyes. Finally, I spoke up. "Wh-what's an asshole?"

I saw Itachi just shake his head and Mom and Dad looked at me crossly.

I pouted but I didn't want father to be angry again so I stayed silent.

And we continued eating quietly at the dining table that evening.

Once Itachi and I washed the dishes, he helped me to my room, setting me on my bed and looked down at me worriedly. "Wh…what is it?" I asked him.

"You're going to be alright tonight, right?"

"Ye…yeah. I'll be fine." I paused, looking around and wondering if I'd need his help with anything. Looking down at the clothes I wore, I said, "I guess I'll need help putting on my pajamas…"

He didn't say another word before going to the dresser in which I kept my clothes and pulled out my dark blue plaid pajama shirt and pants. Taking off my shirt, he revealed my heavily bandaged body and I gritted my teeth, trying to hide my pain. I didn't want Itachi to have to worry about me anymore. All he does is worry about me…and it makes me feel stupid and useless. I wanted to be strong like him so I would be the one looking out for him instead someday.

"It hurts, doesn't it." Itachi said quietly.

I lied, shaking my head, though I doubted he believed me. Being a little more gentle, he finally got my pajamas on me and helped me into my bed. Itachi left my room soon after that and went into his own room. I looked around at my room, not liking how silent and dark it was.

I couldn't help but get a little scared, now that Itachi wasn't here with me. Whenever I shut my eyes, I saw that man, lying dead in front of me. His face ghostly pale, his eyes wide and still, and the blood. The blood that covered his body and Itachi's hands.

I felt as a tear streamed from my cheek and onto my pillow and I called Itachi's name. At first no one answered and I laid waiting before I called his name once more. My bedroom door opened and Itachi approached me quietly. He kneeled in front of me whispering, "What's wrong, Sasuke?"

I didn't answer for a moment, wiping the tears away before saying, "…C-could you…stay here with me tonight?" I looked up at him. "I…I don't wanna be alone…"

Itachi didn't say anything but nodded and I scooted back, though it hurt, to let him have some room in my bed.

"Th…thanks, I-Itachi." I whispered into his shirt before feeling him stroke my hair gently. I closed my eyes, smiling slightly. "I love you."

"…Sasuke, do you remember…anything, before you were…attacked?" I heard Itachi ask me. I shook my head. "Think…think back…and try to remember."

I squeezed my eyes shut tightly, trying to remember. Anything. "…I…w-was at school…and I was looking around for you…ca-cause mom said you'd pick me u-up…" I said slowly, remembering that girl, Sakura laughing at some blond kid. "…then I de-decided to walk home…alone. I was p-passing an al-alleyway…and then…" I shook my head. "Nothing."

"So…you passed out before you could see that man?" I just nodded, moving closer toward Itachi's warm body.

"Ye-yeah…the next thing I remember…is seeing yo…you…" I told him, my voice getting quieter and I felt tears falling down my face. "…w-with blood all ov-over your han-hands…" Itachi's arms came around me and hugged me close to him.

"…It's alright now, Sasuke." Itachi whispered into my ear. "…everything is going to be fine now. He won't hurt you anymore."

"…b-but…that man. You killed that…ma-man…" I tightened my grip on his shirt.

"I killed him because he hurt you. I don't regret doing it." Itachi's voice was calm as it almost always was. 'How can he be like that? Isn't he scared?' I thought in my mind.

"Th-thank you…for saving m-me…" I heard myself tell him before falling asleep in his arms.

T o B e C o n t i n u e d…

R e v i e w P l e a s e.

iluvitachi93