Heartbeat
Ch2_ Reunited

All the Akatsuki looked at Itachi like they had just seen a ghost. Deidara was slacked-jawed, "Say what again?"

"You heard Itachi, ponytail," Kaiya said. Deidara glared at her. She just looked at him, "I'm his wife."

"Why are you here, Kaiya," Itachi wondered the mutual question.

Kaiya looked at him, "I wish to become a member of the Akatsuki as your healer."

"You're a healer," Kisame asked. Kaiya nodded.

"Itachi," Pain spoke up, "Take Kaiya to a room to wait while we discuss this."

Itachi nodded then he looked at Kaiya, "Follow me." Itachi turned without another word. Kaiya followed Itachi down the hall into a lavish room.

Kaiya turned to look at him when he closed the door behind him softly. "Itachi..." Kaiya began.

"What the hell do you think you're doing here, Kaiya?" Itachi's voice was cold.

"Surely you know without me telling you, Itachi," Kaiya expected anger to be his reaction.

"I told you never to come after me, didn't I?" Itachi towered over her.

"I know you did," Kaiya looked him straight in the eye, "I know I promised to never come after you, but..." She let her head fall. Itachi merely looked at her. Kaiya looked him in the eye again with light tears running down her cheeks, "I just couldn't stay away from you any longer, Itachi." She reached out to caress his cheek but he caught her wrist.

He turned away from her, "Do you realize what they'll do to you if they decide not to make you a member?"

Of course I do," Kaiya replied. She grabbed his hand softly and hugged his arm, "But I had to take that chance to be with you again, Itachi. I love you. I never stopped loving you."

Itachi sighed and turned to her. Kaiya looked at him, "...Don't you still love me...?"

Itachi took her face into his calloused hands gently and rested his forehead against Kaiya's and looked her in the eyes. Kaiya rested her hands against his as he wiped her tears away.

"...Yes, I do..." Itachi answered and kissed Kaiya softly at first then deeply and passionately. Kaiya kissed him back. Itachi pulled away and released her, "I'll be back later. Stay here."

"Ok." Kaiya nodded. Itachi left the room and locked it behind him to ensure that she would stay put.

To Be Continued...