Don't Be Afraid

"Don't be afraid." Itachi told me when we first met. I hadn't known he had been watching me for years on end. I didn't know that the elder Uchiha was endlessly amused by my attitude and way of thinking.

But I learned it very well.

I, Yamanka Ino, ended up wrapped in the arms of the most dangerous man alive. As he warped me and shaped me. Like a goddamn puppet. I fought. Tried to show Itachi who's boss, but I always stopped myself, cowering in fear.

And then he always told me, "Don't be afraid."

I growled back at him and his eyes sparkled. Itachi grabbed my waist as if too kiss the life out of me... Then got control of himself a little while later.

You could see no sign of the passion the Uchiha had before. I backed away.

"Don't be afraid."

Yeah right. I told myself. I'm way too independant and foolhardy to be afraid of you.

At least that's what everyone in Konoha told her...