Chapter 20

It was a nice day out. The air was clean, and at the perfect temperature. The sky was filled with big, white clouds that looked like cotton floating in the sky. I decided not to stay cooped up in the gloomy cave, and went out side. I walked for the entrance and did the hand signs which moved the giant boulder that was blocking the entrance, out of the way. I walked outside and felt the cool air against my face. I looked off to the side and saw Itachi sleeping peacefully under a tree. His head was tilted slightly to the side, and one arm rested on his knee, while the other arm was by his side. My eyes widened as I felt the heat rise to my face. It wasn't everyday I found him like this, and I wanted document it. I quickly, but quietly rushed back inside and into my room. I pulled open all the drawers and looked on the top shelf of the closet, looking for the camera.

"What are you doing?" Kikuhana asked as she started picking up the mess I was making.

"Kiku! Where's the camera?" I asked her, eagerly waiting for a response.

"It's in the table beside my side of the bed. Why do you want it?" She asked. I rushed over to the table, picked up the camera and turned it on to make sure the battery wasn't dead.

"Itachi is sleeping under a tree outside and I want to take a picture of him. It's really cute!" I explained with a hit of pink on my cheeks.

"Aww, why don't you draw him instead of taking a picture?" She suggested. I looked up at her.

"That's a great idea!" I said. I pulled out the box of my art equipment that was under the bed. I took out a sketch pad, a box of colored pencils and sketching pencils. I gathered them up and headed for the door. I put one hand on the door knob and looked over my shoulder.

"Thanks sis," I said right before leaving the room. I walked back outside to see Itachi still sleeping in the same position. I sat down on a rock which was directly across from where Itachi was sleeping. I set my box of pencils down on the ground beside the rock I was sitting on. I glanced up at him before I started sketching the tree. I paid close attention to the leaves, to make sure I got the details correct. It didn't take me long to draw the tree and the rest of the background before I started drawing Itachi. 30 to 45 minutes passed until I was finished with the drawing. I held out the picture in front of me.

Should I color it now or later? Maybe I should do it now. If not than I won't be able to shadow it properly. I thought to myself. I glanced passed the drawing pad and looked at Itachi who was still sleeping, and back at the picture. Well, I did shade the areas where there are shadows… I thought as I started to change my mind. I closed up the drawing pad and stood up. I put the pad on the rock I was sitting on, and carefully walked up to Itachi. I got on the ground and crawled close to him. I put my face inches away from his, my face getting hotter the closer I got. I leaned closer to his lips.

"What are you doing?" Itachi asked me, opening his eyes. I froze with my eyes big from surprise.

"I uh," I blinked, unable to speak. He smiled at me.

"Come on, sit." He said patting the ground beside him. I got up and sat down beside him.

"Did you finish your drawing?" He asked me, looking at my face. I paused and blinked.

"How long were you awake?" I asked with my face still hot.

"For the past fifteen minutes. But I wanted you to finish so I pretended to be asleep." He said looking up at the sky.

"Thank you," I said as a small smile appeared on my face. A moment of silence passed before I spoke again. "So what do you want to do today? I was thinking maybe we could go to the tea shop again, if you want." I asked looking up at him. Itachi frowned.

"I can't take you anywhere today…I have a mission." He replied.

"Oh…well, when you get back?" I asked, saddened but trying to sound hopeful.

"The mission will take at least a month and a half." Itachi explained, his tone getting quieter.

"A-a month and a half?" I shouted. My expression was a mix of worry, sadness and shock. Itachi stood to his feet and I did as well. "I can't be away from you for that long!" I yelled with concern building up in my voice.

"I don't want to go. Believe me, if I had a choice I would let someone else take care of it." He told me, his tone almost a whisper. I hung my head low. I didn't know if I should scream in anger or cry. Itachi wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a hug.

"I'm sorry. When I get back I'll make it up to you, I promise." He whispered in my ear. I felt tears starting to swell up in my eyes. I choked them back. The last thing I wanted to do was cry in front of him.

"Okay…" I said quietly. Itachi pulled me back so he could see my face. He gazed into my tear-filled eyes and his expression turned to sorrow.

"Please, don't be upset." He said holding my shoulders. I just nodded; I knew if I said anything the tears would fall. I locked my gaze on the ground, but Itachi kept his eyes on me.

"I love you," Itachi said putting his hand on my cheek. I put my hand over his and griped it lightly, with my gaze still on the ground.

"It's because I love you is why I don't want you to go." I whispered, my voice starting to crack.

"I'll be back as soon as I can." He said, trying to make me feel a little better.

"Whatever you do just be safe…please." I said, gripping his hand tighter and choking back the tears as much as I could.

"I will be," Itachi lifted my face up and softly touched his lips to mine. I close my eyes softly and savored the kiss. He let go of my face and turned around to walk away. My head drooped and my bangs fell over my eyes. I stood there like that while listening to the footsteps fade away as a single tear fell down my face.