Author's Note:

Hi everyone,

Thank you for reading!

This chapter is a bit fluffy, so if that's not your cup of tea, maybe skip this one lol. Food is a big love language thing for me, in case you haven't noticed. But you gotta love a man who can cook...

Leave reviews if you are liking the story! The love keeps me going and helps me to write faster!

Stay safe out there,

-J.E

Driven by my curiosity at Itachi's abrupt exit, I groaned while swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. A sudden dizzy spell forced me my hands to grip the bed to steady myself. When my cloudy vision cleared enough for me to see, I pushed myself carefully to a standing position. The cold marble floor shocked the soles of my feet, sending goosebumps prickling up my legs and arms. The pounding ache returned as I ambled over towards the entryway.

A sharp wave of panic made my heart skip a beat, my chest to constricting at the sound of Kisame yelling something about a fire. Driven purely by adrenaline mixed with the desire to not let my new and only safe-haven catch fire, I burst through the door and sprinted down the hallway. The light pattering of my feet made hitting the marble slabs was barely audible over the pounding of my heartbeat resounding in my ears. I could hate all the people in this compound, but still rush to help in an emergency. My weak heart made me unable to help myself. Blocked chakra pathways be damned.

Coming up on the kitchen, I was quickly engulfed in smoke and slid to an abrupt halt at the entryway. The scene was utter chaos. Kisame and Deidara were arguing frantically, running around like flailing idiots. Itachi stood off to the side near me standing in the entrance with arm covered his mouth and nose from the smoke.

"I told you to put the chicken on low, not high, you fucking fish brain!" Deidara shrieked at Kisame as he ran towards the sink with a metal bowl is his blue hand.

"Maybe if you were better at giving directions and weren't such a sarcastic asshole, we wouldn't be in this fucking mess!" Kisame criticized as I struggled in the thick haze to find the source of the smoke before spotting a medium-sized silver pan sitting on the stop, engulfed in a blinding inferno as it flickered and crackled.

"Enough!" Itachi barked, waving his hand to clear some of the smoke.

Okay, if that's a grease fire, water will only make it worse.

Neglecting the major disruption in my chakra network, I reacted on instinct and extended my arms outwards towards the metal lid beside the ablaze pan. Focussing on amassing chakra in my core with the little strength I had, I molded it and honed in on the iron molecules that made up the metal covering. The lid began hovering over the counter, then with a flick of my wrist, it slammed over the top of the sputtering flames, effectively snuffing it out.

The blaze sputtered with an angry, deafening sizzle. I chuckled a bit through a small breath at the gawking faces of Kisame and Deidara. My eyes somehow fell to the raven-haired man in the corner, who was staring with a curious and almost amused expression.

The throbbing in my head spiked with a vengeance. Stars formed in my line of sight as a pained groan unconsciously ripped from my throat. A rush of dizziness left me reaching a weak arm out for the wall beside me, but was stopped short by an arm snaking around my waist to support the brunt of my body weight, holding me upright.

"Foolish girl..." Itachi whispered while gently leading me to sit in one of the chairs set around the large kitchen table. Despite the aching in my skull, the intimate sensation of his warm, slender hand resting on the small of my back was the only thing I could focus on. That, and the thudding of my heart against my ribs because of it.

I wanted to run and hide, but knew that would only lead to me hurting myself further if I tried to pull that kind of a stupid stunt. Falling and injuring my head was not something I could afford. I needed to heal so I could use my chakra again. This whole "being powerless" thing wasn't going to fly for much longer...

Itachi stood behind me while I plopped down in the chair, peering down at me with burning crimson irises. I swallowed hard, equally mesmerized and terrified of the striking man above me. The heat in my abdomen clenching forced me to squeeze my legs together.

Ugh, this has got to stop. Damn him and having to be fucking attractive.

His low, silken voice was apathetic as he glanced back up at Kisame and Deidara, "Kisame, will you please get Sora a glass of water?" I smiled at Kisame as he nodded in response. The bewildered and concern covering his shark-like features was unwavering while he moved towards the cabinet.

I'm taking you back to your room to rest," Itachi began, bringing his calloused fingertips to pinch my chin and tilted my head back to gaze into the blood red sunsets that still loomed over me. "You've overexerted yourself and I still need to examine your wound." Glancing back up at the two other men standing in the kitchen, his Sharingan flared wildly through narrowed lids. "Please do not try and cook anything. There are leftovers from yesterday in the refrigerator. Eat that if you're hungry rather than burning the compound down."

The two men gave him an affirmative nod, a shred of fear dancing across their faces at his words.

The moment I began rising to stand and head back to my room, Itachi had one arm under my knees and the other around my shoulders, intent on carrying me. Just before he hoisted me upwards, I gathered the courage and strength to speak, "Itachi, I can walk on my own." Shooting pain careened through my head and down my neck.

Yeah... No. You shouldn't be walking at the moment.

"Hm." He cocked a dubious brow at me while scooping me into his arms. Him and my internal dialogue apparently both agreed that I shouldn't be walking.

Scoffing, I rolled my eyes and puffed my cheeks out in frustration. The way he held me a bit tighter than before left me no choice but to turn my face in a pitiful attempt to hide the hot blush blooming more intensely over my cheeks with every step he took down the hallway.

Did he... want a reason to have to carry you?

"You really don't need to make such a fuss, I'm fine." I grumbled. Breathing a laugh at my remark, he remained silent as we approached the door to my room.

My head throbbed as my vision still fuzzy registered my room as we crossed the threshold. Itachi set me down on the squishy bed so carefully, it seemed like he thought he might break me. "You will stop using your chakra until the blocked pathway has cleared. Understood?" He ordered, giving me a stern glare while crossing his arms.

I snorted in amusement, laying up against the headboard of the bed and massaged my temples. "Oh, for Kami's sake, you sound like such a parent. Is that why you got put in charge of helping me?"

"You sound a bit fussy... Perhaps a nap and some food would help before dealing with your wound." He smirked.

"You're hilarious." I deadpanned with a dangerous glower.

He released a low rumbling chuckle and strode over to the door. Halting, he glanced back at me, the small smirk still pulling at his lips. "Rest up, Sora. I have a few things to take care of and need to get the supplies to clean your wound. I'll bring you some food when I come back." And with that, he flicked off the light and slipped through the doorway, leaving me alone in the pitch black of my room. With a deep breath, I shimmied under the covers and hunkered down into the bed. The darkness of the room helped to ease the pounding in my head as I closed my eyes and drifted off.

I found myself standing in what seemed to be an open field. A formidable figure stood in front of what appeared to be an enormous, mangled tree. A fair-skinned woman, dressed in white robes with long flowing white hair and two light lavender Byakugan loomed over a critically injured, equally pale man.

The man, who was missing an arm and both legs, left trails of blood as he dragged himself away from the woman using his only remaining limb. The woman sniggered menacingly, her white robes staining bright scarlet as she stepped over the blood soaked earth.

What is happening? Where am I...?

In the blink of an eye, the man vanished. The woman released an enraged snarl before snapping her head around to face me. A Sharingan blared from her forehead petrified me in place, struck by sense of overwhelming fear. Willing my rigid limbs to move, they refused my orders, leaving me stagnant. My heart pounded in my chest as fear and anxiety clawed at my soul. "Sora..." She cooed at me while the world began to vibrate and her image dissipated into blackness.

Half conscious and dazed, I screamed bloody murder at the sensation of someone squeezing and lightly shaking my shoulders. My hands shot outwards, trying to shove away whomever or whatever was touching me. Someone catching my wrists had me blinking hard in an effort to clear my blurry vision to see who the assailant was. It was none other than Itachi.

Panting and trying to catch my breath, I moved the hair clinging to the sweat on the back of my neck. Kisame glanced down at me as if I were some pitiful stray animal from behind Itachi and placed a steaming bowl of food with a glass of water on a tray down onto the nightstand table.

"What the fuck? Let go!" I shouted bitterly at Itachi, out of breath and sweating . My weak tugs to free myself were no match for his strong grip on my wrists.

"We were coming to wake you, when you began screaming. Much like you did a second ago," Itachi sounded poised as ever. My anger apparently hadn't phased him. His talent for remaining composed and stoic was almost admirable. I closed my eyes and sucked in a deep breath to calm my erratic heartbeat and released it shakily. Letting go of my wrists, Itachi spoke again, "Are you all right?" The worry written on their faces somehow warmed my heart... It was rather odd.

I gave him a small nod while silently fumbling with my hands in my lap. "Have you always had nightmares?" Kisame inquired.

I'll bet they have experience with this kind of thing.

I looked at him bewildered, partly from still waking my groggy brain up and partly because of the sincerity in Kisame's booming voice. "I, uh—yeah, I have. But nothing like this..." I rubbed my temples, hoping it would soothe the dull throbbing.

"What did you see?" Itachi muttered a bit uneasily.

Pain and anguish bloomed over my face, "I-I don't want to talk about it…" I mumbled, squeezing my eyes shut while shuddering at the all too fresh images and terror from the dream.

Kisame shot Itachi a hard glance, then strode over to the bedside and rested an enormous blue hand on my bandaged head. His sweet grin was a reassurance that I desperately needed in that moment. "That's okay… Maybe another time, but for now," Kisame started before picking up the tray on the nightstand and placed it in my lap. "You should eat and drink, kiddo. It'll ease the headaches and help you to heal up faster. And don't say you aren't hungry because I know you are."

Looking down at the food, I groaned a bit as I pushed up a bit more to eat without choking. Glancing down at the bowl, I almost gawked. It was my favorite, curry rice. And, damn... did it smell good. The scent brought back waves of nostalgia while thoughts of my old home and comfort nourished my damaged soul. "What? Who made this?" The dryness in my throat left my voice raspy while the words clawed their way out.

"Just try it." Itachi gave me a cunning smile. I glowered at him and placed the chopsticks between my fingers. The contents of the bowl steamed as my chopsticks squished some of the food together and brought it to my mouth, blowing on it to avoid burning my mouth.

This is too good to be true. Is it poisoned or something?

The thought made my mouth snap closed just as I was about to eat the small bite. I scrutinized Itachi, interrogating him with my cold gaze. "What did you do to it?"

With a chuckle, Itachi shook his head disapprovingly. Kisame scoffed and leaned over to suck the food straight off of my utensil. He smirked down at me while he chewed and swallowed. "As you can see, nobody poisoned the food, Sora-chan." My mouth fell open at his invasive and bizarre behavior. Itachi sat in the chair beside the bed, chuckling softly at my disbelief and utter shock.

Frowning, I channeled my sarcasm, putting on a fake, snooty attitude. "I need new chopsticks, you know, since you put your mouth on these," I waved the chopsticks in the air. "I don't want your nasty germs. Kami knows where that mouth has been."

Kisame burst out laughing as Itachi chortled, leaving me no choice but to giggle at their amusement. A mirthful giggle caught in my throat as Itachi reached over and stole the chopsticks from my hand. I swallowed a dry gulp as his fingers touch lingered for a millisecond longer than was necessary.

Still smirking that terribly attractive smirk, he flipped the chopsticks around to the "unsoiled" side and stuck them back in between my fingers. "There—Kisame's foul mouth did not make contact with this side." I couldn't fight back the little laugh that unconsciously passed my lips.

He's got a good sense of humor, when he chooses to have one.

My stomach let out a low rumble while I gathered more of the delicious smelling mixture onto the untainted side of the chopsticks and hesitantly popped the food into my mouth. The warm flavors and delectable taste flooded my senses. It was good enough to rival my Oji's, which was saying something. "Damn… This is amazing. Who made this?"

They both snickered quietly. Kisame cleared his throat, lifting a giant blue finger to point at Itachi. My eyes went wide with shock. "You?! That's a joke right!?" I managed to squeak out through my stark disbelief.

Their diminutive giggles continued as Itachi cleared his throat, attempting to stifle the laughter in an effort to speak. "As unbelievable as it may be, Kisame is not joking." He replied, cool as ever. My mouth hung open at how the hell the he was capable of making something that tasted so awesome.

Kisame's chuckle morphed into full-on laughter at my astonishment. Another growl of my empty stomach forced me to resume eating, scarfing down every morsel like my life depended on it.

Yikes. You were hungry, damn.

A voice called for Kisame outside of the room. With an exacerbated sigh, he smashed a hand into his forehead.

"What now?" I shot him a kind smile as he took the now empty tray from of my lap. "I'll see you guys later. Don't have too much fun without me." He winked with a grin before waltzing out of the room.

"Incorrigible," Itachi muttered under his breath. "Ignore him..." Sensing the slight wavering in his chakra, I chuckled under my breath, secretly loving how Kisame's comment made him a bit... uncomfortable. I liked seeing the ever complacent Uchiha's feathers be ruffled a bit. "Try to get some rest. If you need anything, my room is the one directly next to yours out and to the left." Without another word, he got up and made his exit. I was once again alone, in the cold, crushing darkness.

Great, hope your inevitable night terrors don't wake him up considering he's DIRECTLY NEXT DOOR.

Hunkering down into my plushy bed, I yanked the covers up over my head and tried to quiet my anxiety enough to allow sleep to overtake me.

As my eyes blinked open, I felt my body laying on a cold metal table, I was blinded by lights streaming down from overhead. I tried to shield my eyes with my arm, trying to raise it but was stopped by something wrapped around my wrist.

My eyes widened in horror as I peered down to see metal cuffs wrapped around my ankles, making a matching pair with the ones restraining my wrists. Someone with bright yellow eyes out a demonic chuckle while approaching me with a long needle protruding out from a syringe in their hand out of the blackness.

"Please stop. I don't know anything else…" The tears streamed in hot lines down my cheeks as I watched the needle come to rest against my skin.

The stinging pain of the syringe breaking my skin combined with what I equates to liquid fire being injected into my bloodstream left me thrashing, testing the strength of the metal shackles. A part of me knew fighting back was futile. But I could beg.

"Stop! What do you want from me!?" I choked out a plea as another person with glasses used another needle to penetrate my other arm, extracting scarlet red blood into another syringe.

"What I want is quite simple... Access to the many secrets your otherworldly body has to offer, my dear." A cool voice echoed menacingly.

A deep, velvet voice called out my name from somewhere in the dark void, yanking me back into reality as I shot upright in my bed. Clutching my chest, beads of sweat ran down my closed eyes while I sucked in thick sheets of air, gasping to find my breath. Harsh shakes wracked my body, forcing me to slunk my knees into my chest and encircled them with my arms. I kept my lids jammed closed, fearing what horror awaited me if I let them slip open. A calloused thumb brushing away the tears from my cheeks hit the panic button. With a gasp, I caught the wrist of the intruder and sank my fingers into a pressure point on the inside. The pulse was quick under my fingertips.

In a flash, the grip on the persons wrist changed and captured my own. "Sora, it's all right. You're safe..." the words were so tender, I hardly recognized who it was. But I knew that voice.

W-what? No... It can't be…

I hesitantly opened my eyes, only to see the person I'd expected, perched on the edge of the bed. Itachi. The normally composed and stoic countenance had been replaced by some ambiguous, unsettled expression, brows knitted together and lips parted. I couldn't look at him. Turning my face away in shame, my lips pulled into a tight line as tears welled in my eyes. The embarrassment of having him see me in such a state was otherworldly. My lids slammed closed, the humiliation triggered the tears to spill down my damp cheeks.

This isn't his burden. Why is he even in here?

"Oof!" I huffed and froze while two muscular arms quickly enveloped me in a tight embrace. The soothing scent of sandalwood and smoke filled my nose, dulling a bit of my overwhelmingly confusion at the situation. I wanted to wrap my arms around him, but my prideful ego held me back. Doing the next thing that came to mind at who had their arms around caused me to attempt to shove Itachi away, to release his hold and leave me alone. But, to my dismay, his grasp only grew firmer. Finally wiggling my hands higher in his tight hug, I pushed against him harder as angry tears threaten to erupt. Itachi didn't budge, and crushed me all the more into his chest. He was holding me so tightly it almost felt like he was trying to somehow absorb my anguish.

It was too many feelings. The dream and everything about the situation I'd found myself in, I was hitting maximum overload. The feeling of being wrapped in Itachi's arms was rapidly eroding the block I used to bottle up all of my emotions, triggering them to begin gushing out, all at once, in thick, violent sobs. I didn't have it in me to care anymore. I needed the comfort... apparently more intensely than I knew. I found myself burying my face into his chest, relishing in the calm his hand rubbing my back in slow circles brought as my breathing became quick and shallow as panic abruptly gripped me.

His arms locked around my small frame pulled me ever closer. "Focus on breathing. In through your nose, then out through your mouth." he cooed softly against my hair. He inhaled a breath, which somehow triggered me to gulp down a breath with a half snort as I tried to inhale through my stuffy nose. "Good. Again, in through your nose. Out through your mouth."

Feeling his chest begin to rise, I willed myself to take another shaky inhale through my nostrils, letting it spill from my quivering lips against the fabric of his shirt. Despite my attempts, the thudding of my erratic heart thundering in my chest and desperate gasps for air wouldn't subside. In my state of shock, I was beginning to hyperventilate.

With a small sigh, Itachi looped one arm around my torso, crushing me into his chest while he readjusted, coming to lay down on the bed. A hand pressed stroked my hair, wiping away any stray tears that trickled their way from my eyes. My head slowly rose and fell in tandem with each breath while his heart thumped like soothing, rhythmic drums, beating oddly quick at first before beginning to slow. Within a matter of minutes, the shallow breathing, crying and shaking had all ceased.

"Will you allow me to help you sleep?" Itachi purred while pinching my chin delicately to force my eyes to meet his. I could already feel the heat scorching my face and could only pray that it was too dark for him to notice. After giving him a weak nod, his endless onyx irises morphed into spinning black within a sea of glowing crimson. A second later, I was fast asleep, and for the first time in a long time, my slumber was devoid of nightmares and fear.