Ari: THIS IS SO HARD!

Naruto: What is Ari?

Ari: MY CREATIVENESS IS GOING AWAY!

Naruto: Don't freak out, you can do this. You can't stop now. How else will I find out what happens?

Ari: Don't worry Naruto. I will finish this story no matter what. It might suck though.

Naruto: Why is it that I am always giving you a pep talk before a chapter?

Ari: Good question. Now Disclaimer. ^-^

Naruto: *Disclaimer* Ari doesn't own Naruto. I don't understand why anyone would think different. I mean she doesn't even own a car yet.

Ari: Hey! *glares*

Naruto: Well, it's true!

Ari: Who cares! Now a preview of last chapter.

I could tell Itachi was still awake and I needed to tell him something. I had finally made up my mind. "Itachi?" I watched as he inclined his head. I guess he was showing me that he heard. "I have made my decision." I got his attention fully as he turned around. "Well…" He said with a sort of bored tone. "I am going to heal your eyes."

Chapter 4 Opening Up

Itachi's Point of View (Just After Ayumi Fell Asleep)

I made my way from Leader-sama's office to my room. I hope Tobi can change that stubborn woman's mind. I should have just let Hidan have his way. No. That wouldn't work. She wouldn't help me for sure. Women. Always out to prove something. She is going to have to help me soon. My eyes might be permanently damaged if she doesn't. Why is she being so difficult anyway?

I turned down the dark narrow corridor to hear a sorry excuse for a criminal humming his way towards me. "ITACHI-SAMA! Tobi did what you asked. She is probably asleep by now. Tobi was having fun with his new friend!" I hated talking to Tobi most of the time. He was to happy-go-lucky. It really pissed me off. "Hn." I coolly replied back. I could hear everything so clearly that it was almost a curse. Especially when someone doesn't know how to keep their voice to a minimum. "Tobi was just on his way to find you! … … … Oh No … Tobi forgot to lock your door! What if Ayumi-chan gets away?" I flinched at his ridiculously high-pitch voice. "Itachi-sama! What are we going to do!" I ignored his comment and walked to my room at my own pace. If she even tried I could still get her back with ease. She wasn't the fastest in the world anyway. Although, I was curious to see if she would try. I could hear Tobi's foot steps right behind me. I guess he was overly eager to find out.

I finally got to the room and opened the door. I could sense her still in the room and by the sound of her breathing, she was asleep. I turned around to face the nuisance behind me. I just stood there until he got the picture. "Ohhh. Tobi get's it. Tell Ayumi-chan that Tobi said hi! See ya Itachi-sama!" I then could hear the pitter-patter of his Akatsuki shoes hitting the wooden floor.

I had turned my attention on 'her' again. I swiftly maneuvered my way to the bed and got in. She would probably freak when she saw me in bed with her, but it is my bed so she will just have to deal with it. I wanted to sleep so I could be awake before her but I couldn't because I wasn't used to sleeping next to someone. I got comfortable and just meditated.

I was almost deep in meditation until I heard Ayumi's heart-rate increase and her breathing becoming labored. I heard her whimper every now and then. I wasn't sure if I should wake her or not. I could care less if she was having a bad dream. I just couldn't concentrate with all the noise she was making.

I was just about to wake her up when I smelled salt in the air. I reached out and felt her face. She was crying in her sleep. Then I heard her mumble. " … Dad …" I stopped my attempt in waking her up to hear what she had to say. I could smell the saltiness of her tears grow stronger. " … friends … Itachi …" I perked up a little at the mention of my name. Was she dreaming about me? " … I … love … you …" She couldn't have been dreaming about me. That wouldn't make any sense. " … time …" What could she be dreaming about? I was tempted to find out through my sharingan but that would only damage my eyes even more. " … Itachi …" I was so confused. Why would she be dreaming about me. The only thing I could do would be to ask her, but I am almost positive that she wouldn't answer me. I wouldn't, at least, because what I dream about is my business and has nothing to do with her. Then again, she is different. She is the first to not fold under the pressure with Hidan. I wasn't expecting for him to go as far as he was. He has only done that once since I have met him. He usually doesn't do that because he says that damages the sacrifice to his dumb god Jashin.

I felt the bed shake slightly. Probably because she jumped out of her sleep. I was still confused as to why she would dream about me. I was thinking it was now or never to ask. "What do you dream about?" Not a moment passed until she asked me a question of her own. "What do you mean? I dream about whatever pops in my head, I guess." That was somewhat comforting because that would mean she had no control of her dreaming. Although, I did feel something in my stomach that made me want her to dream about me. I don't know why though. I could hear her breathing and how close she was to me. I really wasn't aware until now. She then addressed me again. "Why do you ask?" What was I suppose to say? "I heard you talking in your sleep." I new the next question that would find its way coming out of her mouth. "What did I say?" The curiosity in her voice was easily distinguished. I wasn't going to tell her what I heard so I settled back down facing the other way. I was going to get some sleep before the next morning. At least that was what I thought until I heard her again. "Itachi?" Great. I thought she would be clued in that I was done with this conversation. Although, I did want to see watch she had to say so I ever so slightly lifted my head in recognition. "I made my decision." I wasn't expecting that so I turned around completely to face her, even though I couldn't see her with this stupid bandage over my face. "Well…" I wasn't in the mood for silly questions. "I am going to heal your eyes."

I wasn't so surprised that she had come to that decision. I mean, what other choice did she have? She really didn't strike me as the type to actually kill herself so this was bound to happen sooner or later. "When do you think you could start your healing process?" There was a small pause. Maybe she was assessing the situation. "When you have had more rest. I can tell it has been a while since you have and that could only endanger you at this point." Like she really cared. She just didn't want to mess up and suffer the consequence. Fine by me, she can take her sweet time as long as my eyes get fixed.

"Fine." I felt the bed dip closer to me. It felt as if she sat up and leaned in closer. What was she doing? I didn't move and just waited. "Can I see the damage?" She unsurely said. I didn't see any harm in that so I pulled the bandage off. I could tell she was still a little unsure about it so I reached for her hand and put it over my eyes. I didn't want to seem that I was forcing her to check, more like hurrying this along. "Open them please." I obeyed and could see blurry shapes. I couldn't really tell what was what. I am pretty sure that the figure in front of me was her and didn't press the issue. "Hmm … interesting." Her hand kept its hold over one of my eyes. "What is it?" I asked, wanting to know if it could be fixed. "Seems that you are having the same problem as …" She stopped mid-sentence. "Same problem as who?" I inclined further. She coughed a little. "*cough* Sasuke *cough*" So my little brother was her patient. From what I hear, his eye sight was better than it was before. Maybe even near perfect. "Is there a problem?" I questioned. "Well no. Not really. I can have this fixed tomorrow but, .. well … you will be out for a little. That is, if you trust me to put you out." I could understand her uneasiness and shifted away from her. "Then I will have someone in the room during your procedure." She giggled nervously. "That's the thing, I don't work on sensitive places with others in the room. Any minor disturbance and you could loose your eye sight for good. A sneeze is all it takes and this could be permanent." She scooted closer. "Look, you don't have to worry about me trying to take advantage of you while you are out. I took an oath as a Doctor. I won't do anything that could hurt any patient of mine. No matter who or what you are. I promise." I could since her sincerity but I wasn't sure if I could take that chance. What other choice did I have anyway? "Fine. Is there anything else?" I could feel the dip in the bed move further away. "Nope. I guess we both need our rest for tomorrow. Good night." Was she expecting me to reply to her so called 'good night?' I have not used that phrase in so long. I couldn't even remember the last time I told someone that. For that matter, someone tell me that either. I thought about it some more. Good night isn't really that big of a deal. "Good night." I finally replied and leaned back into the pillow I was resting on. Tomorrow was going to be a very long day.

Next Morning (Ayumi's Point of View)

I woke up to the smell of the forest. It smelled so good. I hugged my pillow tighter. "… comfy …" I said to myself quietly. I then felt my pillow move slightly. It went up, then down, then up, then down. I opened my eyes to see a very amused Itachi staring down at me. "What the …?" I noticed that my arms were securely wrapped around his torso and my upper body on top of his. I unwrapped myself quickly away from him. That explains why I thought my pillow was moving. It was his breathing. "I'm sorry. I was asleep and I had no idea …" I stopped when I saw he was still smirking. "You think this is funny? Humph. Quite out of character if you ask me." I said while I simultaneously crossed my arms and turned the other way. He didn't reply so I peeked over my shoulder again.

His smirk was no were to be seen. He reached around the nightstand next to the bed and picked up the bandage he had put there last night. He proceeded to shut his eyes and put the bandage over them. "So, you must have liked me being draped all over you since you didn't move me sooner. I would have never thought Itachi capable of doing so." He stopped tying the knot on the bandage and gave me a weird look. "Well, if I did that I would have woken you up. You were the one who said that you needed rest for fixing me up. Although, it did feel like you enjoyed the moment due to your clinginess." My mouth almost dropped. Did Itachi actually say that? Did he actually give me a sarcastic comment? Was this the end of the world or what? "You seem different." He shrugged very slightly. "Are you bipolar or something? I was almost sure that you and I were not friends and that a part of you wanted to kill me." He shrugged again. "From what I am concerned, we are not friends and I still want to kill you. That hasn't changed." I was getting tired of this conversation fast. Probably because I had nothing else smart to say back. "I am hungry and as you stated earlier, I have to fix you up and I can't do that on an empty stomach. It wouldn't be so bad if you ate as well actually."

I watched as he scooted out of the bed. He cracked his neck and went towards the door. I noticed that he wanted me to follow and got up as well. "Coming." I said when I was out of the bed completely. He opened the door and walked down the darkly lit corridors.

"There will be other Akatsuki members in the dining room as well around this time so I suggest you stay near me or Tobi. I really don't care which." I was a little nervous about this. I didn't feel totally comfortable with the idea of being in a room filled with crazy killers.

We came up to the recognizable double doors of the dining room. Itachi walked in first and I followed. I saw almost every seat filled. Then I saw Tobi jump out of his seat running over towards me. "Ayumi-chan! You're awake! Come on and Tobi will introduce you to his friends!" He dragged me away from Itachi to where he was sitting before. "Listen up guys! This Is Ayumi-chan! Ayumi-chan, the guy with red hear is Sasori-sama. The guy next to him you met but Tobi isn't sure if you were properly introduced. He is Deidara-sama, him and Sasori-sama are partners. The blue guy is Kisame-sama. He is partners with Itachi. The green plant guy is Zetsu-sama. *whispers* he is a little scary so don't get stuck with him alone. *back to normal* The guy next to me is Kakuzu-sama. You already met Hidan-sama. He is partners with Kakuzu-sama." They all either nodded at me or waved. I looked at them all a little uneasily. They weren't exactly what I was expecting but I am sure not to go and underestimate any of them. "Ayumi-chan? Please sit next to Tobi! Tobi would really love it!" I looked over at Itachi and he was coming around the table to me and Tobi. "Why not?" I said as I still held a gaze on Itachi's form. I sat down and noticed that the only empty seat was next to me. Looks like he was going to have to sit with me. "Great! Ayumi-chan, are you hungry?" I shifted my gaze to him and smiled. "Yes, please." He clapped his hands together and took off while calling back to me. "I'll get you some food Ayumi-chan!" As soon as he left, Itachi sat down next to me.

One of the Akatsuki members called to me. I remember Tobi saying his name was Deidara. "Yes?" I inquired. He put his elbows on the table and clasped his hands together. "I was wondering what you think on the subject of art. Should it be boring and lasting or should it be exciting that ends with a bang?" Why was he asking me, I wasn't an artist. I said the only thing I could say. "Well, I guess both." He knitted his brows together. "Could you give an example of each?" I thought for a second. "Ok. For example, Art is an expression of a moment in time that is now but will never be again. True art captures that moment so that it may live on past the boundaries of ordinary things or thoughts or emotions. The idea of eternity, however, is subjective. If other's find value in your work, the piece may live on into eternity in the eye of the public. An example of both could be a sunset. A sunset is fleeting but the art it creates is … just indescribable. Also, a picture of a sunset captures the beauty of the moment, so that sunset can be admired for a long time. Understand?" I felt prideful as his face looked like he was admiring me. Then his partner, Sasori, inclined further. "I do believe I like the way you put it. Deidara and I consider ourselves to be artist, but I think the true artist is you for putting it so beautifully." I blushed and looked down at my lap to hide the fact. I heard Deidara pipe up again, "I don't consider myself to be an artist. I am an artist. Although, I do agree with Sasori … for once. You yourself are a great example of that beauty." I blushed deeper. Tobi finally busted through the double doors with a plate of food.

"TOBI'S FOOD SERVICE IS HERE!" I looked as everyone flinched at his loudness. He ran up beside me and placed the food in front of me. He then leaned in close to my face. "Ayumi-chan, are you okay? Your face is all red. Are you sick? What happened?" Deidara chuckled. "Could it be from our discussion of her beauty?" I heard Tobi gasp. "What! Tobi was the first to admire Ayumi-chan's beauty! Tobi calls dibbs! She is Tobi's friend anyways!" I saw Sasori lean back in his seat. "Tobi, you can't call dibbs on Ayumi." I watched him as he smirked. "You can't because I do." I was amused by this conversation. I mean, I hate it when girls don't even get a little flattered by these situations. When else do you get at least two skilled men calling dibbs on you. I looked in the corner of my eye to see Itachi looking indifferent on the situation. I don't know why that frustrated me, but it did. I then saw Kisame, Itachi's partner laugh. "Tobi, lets face it, she doesn't want you. You're like a kid. Oh, and Sasori, I don't think she wants a man who plays with dolls either. She wants a real man." He said as he winked at me. I heard Tobi yell, "I am not a kid!" followed by Sasori, "I do not play with dolls. They are puppets that are deadly weapons. Plus, you aren't even a real man; I don't know exactly what you are." 'Ouch' I thought to myself. Then I saw … what was his name again? Plant-guy? Oh yeah, Zetsu. Anyways, he came into the conversation. "Only I would cherish her body." Okay, now this was getting a little creepy. Then Deidara almost laughed, "You would cherish her body alright. Right before you eat it!" Just a little. Still, I am flattered. Not many Konoha boys paid much attention to the girl with the Doctor's mask on.

Itachi's Point of View

This was starting to get on my nerves. She is my Doctor anyways. Also, when the heck did Zetsu start caring about women? I didn't know that was possible. We are in the Akatsuki! Even so, I was getting more and more irritated with their conversation. Keeping an aloof façade was getting really hard. I don't even know why I care. She is just as irritating as other women. It's all really starting to bug me even more. How am I supposed to just let them do this? I have had enough of this.

I stood up with lightning speed and walked casually towards the door. I wasn't about to just sit there and listen to them. I slipped out of the room and headed for the training area.

I trained for an hour or so and was still high on energy. I wasn't sure if I should even be training before the operation on my eyes. I guess I will just have to wait and see. I felt a presence behind me and swiftly turned around. I could tell by the chakra signature that it was Kisame. "Hey Itachi." I just stood there waiting for him to say more. "Ayumi asked for me to find you." I felt a little better knowing that she sent someone to find me. "She said something about your eyes." Oh yeah, my eyes. Why do I care if she wanted to see me or my eyes? I could care less. I walked pass Kisame. He could probably tell I was in a bad mood because he had nothing else to say. Normally he is almost as irritating as Tobi. Almost.

I made my way to my room and sensed Ayumi in the bed. "I was wondering where you went. I hoped you didn't forget about your eye problem." I looked bored as I walked towards the bed. "I went to go gets some air. I don't know why my absence would bother you." I replied coolly back. I sat on the bed, waiting for instruction. "Who said I didn't care?" She replied almost as emotionless as me. "Now please take off that silly bandage, it doesn't really have a purpose if you eyes are closed under them." I obeyed and placed it beside me. "May I?" She questioned. I nodded in affirmation. I felt her hands touch my face. Although I hate to admit it, but I rather liked the feel of her warm soft Doctor hands gliding cautiously over my eyes. I could feel the warm sensation of chakra numb my eye area. "I am about to put you out. Do you want or need anything?" If only she knew. "No, I'm fine." I wasn't really scared to have my life in her hands. Yes, she was irritating, but a very respectably and responsible Doctor. I could feel myself loosing against her chakra anesthesia. I was slipping away and couldn't do a thing about it. I was in her hands. Yet, I was fine with that feeling.

Ayumi's Point of View

"Itachi?" I leaned in closer to his quiet form. He looked so different asleep. I was happy inside that he trusted me with his life. I felt an ounce of appreciation mix with all of my other unlabeled emotions. I got comfortable and concentrated pure chakra in my finger tips.

I worked slowly as I got into the area of the most swelling. I did this procedure twice with Sasuke and both times he came out fine. I didn't want to mess this up. I have lost many patients and even enabled some to a serious degree. Every Doctor has made mistakes. You aren't born into a perfect Doctor. You are shaped into one. Mistakes only make you better, but this wasn't a time for mistakes. I gave him my word and I was going to keep it.

This was a very long procedure and I was starting to feel drained. I was going to tap into some of his chakra sources, but I wasn't sure if his chakra was a good match for mine. I could test it but that could make room for mistakes. I was sure that ours matched because Sasuke's matched mine. Half of the living population matched mine. I only ran into a coupe of special situations. Still, I didn't want to make a mistake. I only had a couple of things to attach and this will be done. It would probably take me a little over ten minutes to finish.

I finished the last attachment and leaned back to examine my hard work. I wouldn't be sure if it was a success until hours after this procedure. Although, I was pretty sure it was.

Itachi would probably be awake in an hour so I settled in next to him. He was a very tempting man. I had made an occasional glance at his lips while working on his eyes. I have heard that the Uchiha clan was blessed in their looks. Itachi was no exception. He was actually quite sexy. I laughed at myself and sat up to take a better look at him. The lines under his eyes only made him appear manlier. I glanced at his lips again as I thought about how they felt. 'Bad Ayumi!' I thought to myself. He was a criminal. I couldn't change that. Even so, I lifted a finger and traced his lips. They were soft and warm. His mouth opened slightly and I could feel his warm breath cascade on my finger. I wanted to taste his lips. I wanted to see how well they would manage to mesh with mine. I leaned closer. I could feel myself blush as my face neared his. I was inches from his lips and froze. This would be taking advantage of a patient. I made an oath that I wouldn't do such a thing. What would Tsunade think? Not like she would care. I was almost positive that no one noticed I was gone. It has been three or four days. It was a little hard to tell without seeing the sky in this windowless like dungeon. I threw all caution aside and leaned in slower. Centimeter by aching centimeter. Our lips met and I melted into the nonmoving man below me. He tasted fabulous and I wished that I could have more, have him actually participate. I leaned away from him. It felt good. I touched my lips in a remembering sort of way. I scooted away from him and fell back onto the pillow. My head made its way to face him. My eyes roamed over his peaceful state. Now he was a work of art.

I wanted to fall asleep but I couldn't wait for him to wake up. I wanted to see his face when he notices that his eye sight has been improved. I wanted to hear him talk. I knew I would fall asleep sooner or later because of my chakra depletion. I could actually start to feel sleep take over. I felt myself scoot a little closer to Itachi. I wanted to be near him so I scooted even closer to him. He was asleep and didn't know what I was doing so I wrapped my arm around him. He would probably think I did it unknowingly while I was asleep. I was fine with that. I took a deep breath and took in his smell. The smell of the forest was overwhelming. I loved that smell. Who would have guessed that I would crush on an Akatsuki member? I was looking forward to waking up. "Good night Itachi." I then let sleep take over.

End of Chapter

Ari: I just wanted to say that I got the quote , "Art is an expression of a moment in time that is now but will never be again. True art captures that moment so that it may live on past the boundaries of ordinary things or thoughts or emotions. The idea of eternity, however, is subjective. If other's find value in your work, the piece may live on into eternity in the eye of the public." From a girl named Jessica on Facebook. I was really inspired by her words and wanted to incorporate them in this chapter. Very Clever huh?

Naruto: I think you did a great job, although I would like more reviews. Wouldn't you?

Ari: Yes I would actually. I should make a requirement. Something like, no new chapter until I reach 10 reviews.

Naruto: Don't get carried away! How many people do you think read this *Laughs*.

Ari: Shut up! *shoves* How many times are you going to dis me today! Jeez! Anyways, I actually wanted to thank a reviewer for … reviewing! Thanks cbarreto for reviewing! I will totally start working harder now!

Naruto: Is that it? *yawns*

Ari: Yes, Yes it is! See ya next time!