and the scarry skies above
mundane
He walks, numb and blind, and lets his legs carry him wherever they may. He weaves through the streets and alleys, away from the hokage tower, past weapon stores and pharmacies, towards tea houses and quaint little bookstores.
He enters the civilian area of Konohagakure much as he has always done: walking, both feet firmly on the ground. Movement high above attracts his attention. A squad of chunin are vaulting over the neatly tiled roof-tops, flitting between the potted plants on a roof-terrace and out of view. Itachi lowers his gaze back to the streets. People are milling about, some chatting amiably with each other, some tending to the tiny front gardens a few of the houses sport. It all feels so mundane, like nothing has changed.
He cuts the same corners, climbs the same stairs, stands in front of that same door, as when he is following Sakura's purposeful steps. But his world has tipped sideways and sent him spinning, made him amble aimlessly, and he's not quite sure why he's here.
Green eyes meet his once the door swings open, but the smile slips off Sakura's face as soon as she sees his. At the sight of her, all air leaves his lungs in one fell swoop and he tumbles forward into her arms, and can't help but wonder at how she seems so ready to catch him – always, always – and lets himself be guided into the blessed silence of her apartment.
And he tells her everything.
A/N: So, I am supremely unhappy. Because this story will probably end up with less than forty chapters. But also more than thirty-five. Which means it's going to be a stupid number. Argh. But yeah, whatever. I am ready to see this baby finished, as are you probably.
I haven't had the time to write a lot for the past few weeks because I had papers due. But then, lo and behold, a pandemic comes sweeping through, and all my deadlines are postponed into May. I've also finished most of my interior remodeling. So suddenly I have lots of free time on my hands.
I am currently working on the last chapter, and I'll upload the rest of the story spaced over the next couple of days.
I hope you're still with me, and will stay with me until the end! :)
(But if you've held out this far, you probably will...)
How are you handling the Corona outbreak thus far? Germany is transitioning from self-quarantine into full-on lock down, so that's fun...
Lots of love, and I hope you all stay safe!
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