Chapter Three

Warning: short bittersweet chapter. And terrible foreshadowing.

Saya

After three days of running, I found them. Shino, Naruto, Hinata... And Kiba. Whenever I watched them, I made sure to stay downwind, near water, and directly behind Hinata - which was rather difficult on some days. I knew Shino would know it was me because Shino is awesome, but I had no concrete proof he wouldn't let the others know. Shino was a difficult character to pin down. I have no idea what he'd do. I blinked and jumped to the next tree as I saw Hinata's head swivel. It felt pointless for me to stay, but I couldn't bring myself to leave.
So I did leave after another hour. It really seemed pointless that I spent so much time getting here when I didn't even do anything of note. Seriously. Pointless.
I was also found by a person I didn't want to be found by.
Kiba.
Apparently I ended up accidentally moving upwind, and you know how scent is carried...
He tackled me after a small chase, but I was still recovering. The air was knocked out of me as I landed on my back harshly. I gasped for breath as he held himself up above me, effectively removing any chance for escape. I gave a weak chuckle.
"It's you..." He murmured, lightly touching my cheek with his hand. "I can't help but feel I'm under Genjutsu or something." He laughed. "Look at me, the awesome Kiba so flustered over you."
"I am truly honored, then," I joked. Kiba picked himself up and extended a hand to help me up. I took it.
"Please, return to Konoha!" He suddenly exclaimed. My heart felt pained. I could feel Itachi's chakra nearby. Ah. He knew I would leave quickly.
"I'm sorry, Mutt. Not just yet." Itachi appeared by my side as I spoke.
"Let's go, Saya." I nodded.
"Lead the way, Weasel." I could practically feel Itachi's irritation at my nickname for him permeate the air.
Kiba was stunned at my compliance with the rogue ninja.
"S-Saya... That's... Uchiha Itachi..." His eyes reflected those of a kicked puppy. I started mentally beating myself up.
"Sorry, Mutt. Keep a secret for me?" I winked. It hurt not to say anything.
"Saya!... I really, really like you. So please... Return to Konoha!"
"... Sorry, Kiba. I really am sorry. It's selfish of me to ask, but wait?"
"Forever." He said. My heart melted.
I almost couldn't bring myself to say anything but, "You're so cheesy,"
The way his eyes lit up as I giggled made me want to run into his arms and return to Konoha, but I couldn't. I'm too weak. I turned to Itachi solemnly and held his cloak sleeve as he used the transportation jutsu. I think I saw sympathy somewhere in his spinning eyes as mine instinctively turned away from the Sharingan.

I didn't talk to Inuzuka Kiba for a while after that day. No matter how much I needed him, we didn't speak to each other even though I watched him. I overestimated, however, how much he needed me.