AN: Took a break due to some real life health things and a bit of fandom burnout. This was almost done when I opened up my google docs tho!
Enjoy
-Val
Day 34
Itachi paced around the front room. His mother was seated on the sofa. She sipped from a cup of herbal tea. He had invited her over for lunch while Hinata would be out; she'd said she was meeting with her sister at the cafe. Their own meal had been quiet except for small talk.
Mikoto smiled. "Lunch was lovely, by the way. I was hoping we could-"
He stopped and looked down at her. "Why was I discharged from ANBU?"
"Well." She chuckled. "I don't know why you think I had anything to do with that."
"I...had a talk with Hinata." He frowned a little.
"Oh, fine. Sit down, dear." She patted the empty half of the sofa.
He crossed his arms.
"I...suppose I wasn't expecting your father to request a full discharge." She shrugged.
"We just want you to stay safe, alright?"
He swallowed. That wasn't what he expected her to say. "Safe."
"Of course. Those missions are dangerous." She tucked her hair behind her ear. "I won't pretend to know what they entail, but-"
"I don't follow," he said. "My records are flawless."
There was an unfamiliar, hard glint in Mikoto's eyes. Her tone remained light, however. "I think it's time to take my leave."
He was motionless while she stood, walked past him, and gave her parting words.
"Have a lovely afternoon!"
Like a nail being hammered into a coffin, the door clicked shut in three sharp sounds.
