Chapter 8 Attached
Kisame was a man that often spoke his mind. IT wasn't something that he had trouble conveying as he figured that the most others would do is either ignore him or challenge him. He found that the kitten often did the lather. It was truly a form of entertainment for him, as it wasn't often that he was challenged. Most were intimidated by his appearance which he constantly used in a way to oppress the meek; and let's not forget the customary visage of those in the Hosagaki clan. Those who were not fearful of his image were intimidated by his past; automatically viewing him as a distrustful man who'd kill his comrades in a heartbeat. She seemed uncaring of his look and oblivious to his past. Although, it bothered his pride that she didn't know who he was or even asked in the beginning...but..there was something about her warm smile that made him glad she wasn't aware of who he really was.
"Will you make your famous cloud rice again?" He mused once, a smile on his face as he leaned back in the kitchen chair standing on two; balancing easily.
"You know if you keep that up your going to fall and hit your head." she chided. "I'm a ninja, we don't accidently fall and hit our heads." He leaned back further showing of his mastery of control well on the wooden chair. "Mmm." Her eyes narrowed at his cocky response bee lining herway beside him. "You want the rice before you leave, or now. You can only pick one." He frowned, bringing a hand to his chin thinking hard about the options.
She stood over him now a half smile on her face. And his eyes briefly went to itachi who was comfortable on the couch book in hand. He was using reading glasses to help his vision around Akiras home. " it soothes my headaches." He once said when Kisame questioned his attachment to the glasses. Frankly,it was fitting. What was also fitting was the small smile that he saw too often in the visits to the cozy home. Itachi was relaxed. Kisame admitted to himself often that he too was...is..relaxed. The smells, the voices, the sounds. All of it brought him to a sense of comfort that he hadn't felt in a long time. A comfort that led him into a feeling that he hadn't felt in a long time. His mind fumbled with the word, brows furrowed in contempt when he found the word.
Safe
A wanton criminal feeling safe?
How ironic.
It was the gentle tug on his sensitive ear that brought him back, his eyes met hers. "Fine, i'll make it both times." she pouted. He felt a deep blush rise and he fell back onto the floor with a loud thud. Akira's laughter rang in his ears loudly. His blush deepen.
It was the first time she had touched him.
"The girl trusts you Itachi." Kisame was met with the light shuffle of his partner's feet against the snow. His breath was seen as he exhaled slowly. Kisame smiled, rubbing his cold hands together in an attempt to warm them which was relatively difficult being night. He ached for the warm sun and Akiras lavender buttercream that did his skin well.. He wasn't happy, not in the least bit. He was irritated when his proposal to stay for a week was shot down. It was met with itachi's duty of completing the mission. He understood the need, however, this weather did not fare well for Hoshigaki.
"I wonder how she'd feel knowing you embedded a suggestion in her to poison herself if she'd ever betray you." He picked, hoping that his friends calm cool facade would crack. However, as he predicted he was met with silence, until he finally spoke. "One can never be too careful." His response was definite, and Kisame smiled at the calculated response. He Admired Itachi's sheer resolve for betrayal which he seemed so well versed in. "So sad if the pretty kitten were to tread that path. I rather much like her homemade butter creams and cooking." There was a long silence that followed so long that Kisame had forgotten his statement. Until Itachi said lowly "It would be sad."
They walked in silence for sometime the light crunch under thier feet was the only melody that followed suit on their journey to assassinate a feudal lord thats taken up in a massive slave trade between the great nations. Kidnapping young girls and boys from various small villages and shipping the rich their preferences. Sick really. Kisame was a man of many evils, but for him there was something that burned him when it came to beating and selling off the weak.
Multiple chakra signatures peaked his and his partner's attention running in the direction of the store . Kisame and Itachi stopped short exchanging a glance. Months prior, itachi had mentioned an attack on her . When Kisame had asked how he knew he was met with a response that told him of the connection he bore with her being that he placed a suggestion in her.
"Once I've implanted a suggestion, it aids me in knowing both her location and elevated chakra frequencies. Being that Miss Mitchkage is no longer in the profession of Kunoichi its relatively easy to notate threats due to her elevated chakra frequencies. Of course, it is not something that's a definite science."
Kisame pursed his lips at the memory. Unfortunately for the young girl, she was wrapped deep in the underground dealings due to her skill in poisons and was caught up in the inner workings of much deeper issues in the cloud. He heard of her long before he met her, briefly he wondered if her father would be proud of his daughter's accomplishments. He subconsciously shrugged. The memories he did have of the brute never mentioned anything about his family.
It was here that Kisame wondered the relationship Itachi bared with the girl. Kisame saw that he was...comfortable. Allowing her in spaces that he might not allow others in; specifically in proximity. When he walked in on them that day after visiting an old friend; Kisame found that he wasn't surprised. In actuality it made him smile.. His friend was too serious...and given his state of health as of late… maybe it was good to be around something as innocent as a crush..or more. .
"My my Itachi, look what we've got here." Kisame finally said as the chakra signatures ran through followed by 7 other inja.. Kisame ever smiling, giving way to track them to scan his friend beside him. Who's eyes were trained in front of him in the opposite direction of the shop. Kisame waited, turning in the direction of Akiras shop, reaching towards the night sky in a stretch preparing himself , only to see the tail end of Itachi's coat running chakra boosting his speed as he took to the trees.
He followed suit.
Hes a good guy.
Itachi's eyes were trained on the two men before them. Kisame's smile was turned into something taunting. He breathed out, breath emitting a warm fog in the midst of the cold weather..
Although it was a moonless night. Their eyes.. shinobi eyes…. were trained well to adjust to darkness. Kisame saw them. The two three behind them and the two located in the trees above. He saw all of them and briefly wondered if they knew how bad of a day this was for them.
The two men infront, One with Dark skin that contrasted his white hair, whose skin was marked from the neck down. The second was tall with light hair and had a marking on his neck. A crescent moon with 3 diagonal lines.
Ooooo, Omutarisa.
Kisame surmised Akira had been involved in some sort of…misunderstanding.
His smile widen. How delightful.
It was the taller one that spoke first. His smile micking Kisames, eyes never leaving him as if avoiding his partners stare. "Gentlemen, " He spoke, voice gravelly. Clasping his hands together in a spokesman manner ready to sell the latest ninja holster. "What seems to be the problem?"
Kisame answered in a friendly tone. "We were just wondering why such a large group of shinobi are traveling so late in this weather." The man mimicking Kisame's smile forced his shoulders to relax. It was slight, but enough for a trained eye to see. He was nervous.
"Ï could easily say the same to you." was his response. Kisame was a man that often spoke his mind. It wasn't something that he had trouble conveying as he figured that the most others would do is either ignore him or challenge him. It was truly a form of entertainment when someone dared rouse up against him, as it wasn't often that he was challenged. But this one...annoyed him. Kisame's eyes flickered over to his partners shift in chakra, his grin turned sadistic at the realization.
"In any regard.." the tall nin crossed his arms. "I see no reason to divul-""
"What is your purpose with the merchant."It was Itachi's voice that rang clear, deep alto cutting through interrupting the tall man. The man's smile turned into a sneer. His fingers cracked as his eyes blazed the want for blood. Kisame knew that look. He's wore it himself time and time again.
"Now fellas, I don't kiss and who says i was interested in the Merchant?"He chuckled, stance nonchalant unaware of the last few minutes of his life. Kisame glanced at Itachi and back to the Omutarisa member and decided that if he was gonna get his way tonight. He would have to draw this little mouse into a trap.
"Listen, we adore a little love story. Tell us the gorey details." Kisame urged coxing the light haired man. "Come on."Kisame pushed.
The Omutarisa member laughed hard. "You Akatsuki members sure know how to convince a man huh."
"We just love hearing stories. Sometimes we like to involve ourself in them if their interesting enough."Kisame felt the shift in his partners chakra.
The Omutarisa member laughed again. "I thought Akatsuki were into tailed beast collecting. So i doubt our activities would interest you."
Kisame laughed. "Obviously you're unaware of our own personal extracurricular activities. I myself love a little...fun."Kisame tilted his head at the word allowing the light shift in his chakra.
The light haired man nodded excitedly. "Well in that case...I"He chuckled.. The members surrounding the chuckling grass ninja held their positions quiet and obviously more cautious than their leader.
Kisame's eyes looked from each member to the next, building an arsenal of combatant simulations he would have to use when confrontation arose: Village, gender. All played immense roles in fights. "You two are Kisame Hosageki and ITachi Uchiha. You for one know the meaning of exacting revenge and taking what you want." He pointed at Itachi. The tall grass ninja was flighty in his gestures, denoting a carefree personality in the midst of his blood thirst.
Kisame's smile never left his face. Oh how he loved it when things went his way. He hadn't been in a fight in months due to his partners disdain for it.; and Samaheda wiggled and wormed as if reading his masters mind equally content with the outcome as he hadn't eaten in awhile.
Kisame gave a light hearted hefty laugh along side the Omutarisa. "Oh come on thats it?" He just needed one more push.
"Since you want the details." The Omutarisa started, eager to share, " Ill first start with her little body guard and the damned brat, but the details of him ... irrelevant. Nm "He licked his lips as the words left his mouth. " I'm sure her guard isn't tapping it right anyways."He and a couple member of his group joined his laughter. "But Akira...when shes down for the count. It be fun to see how she tastes. The little bitch is a fighter, but they all stop fighting eventually. Every single last one of them."He shrugged at the statement. Kisameś brows knitted briefly before he allowed the man to continue. "Then, of course flaying her in the ways of the clan of Omutarisa. "Kisame nodded. "ÏVe heard of the methods of the Omutarisa clan. It is quite thorough your methods of torture."he quipped hand on chin in a fake gesture of consideration, feeling a deep sense of annoyance that was attatched to another emotion. Anger. His smile finally left his face. There was something about an unfair fight that ticked him off.
This group decided to bring a fight to the little merchant cat while she slept tucked away in bed.
And this group decided to pick a fight with Kisame and his partner.
Itachi took a step forward.
The movement led Kisame to unshield his sword. Samehada in a frenzy as wrappings fell off the large sword at being released.
All too quick hand signs from all parties wove in seconds as the build of chakras released all elements on the two missing nin. Earth, ,Fire, wind lightning ignited in an explosion that marred the trees and earth black once they were engulfed.
"MAke sure you incinerate those ninja! Don't give them a chance to-"" Kunai to the back of their head.
"MIZU!" Samaheda went down hard landing between the girls shoulders slamming her into the ground, allowing samaheda to drink her chakra. "In battle you worry about yourself little girl." Kisame chidded.
Kisame turned, in seconds, hands weaving a water barrier deflecting the barrage of earth style jutsu that was thrown at him in an attempt to crush him. HE lowered the barrier a smile crept on his face. "IS this really the best-" a metal spear went through piercing his shoulder pinning him to a large pine tree. seven against two just wasn't fair. He concluded as he saw the ninja before him that managed to spear him weave intricate signs.
Itachi came into his view, his kick loosening the metal spear before pulling it in one fluid motion throwing it towards the earth jutsu ninja whose eyes met his. The earth ninja froze, stopping his hand signs midway, spear going through him easily pinning his body to the tree behind him.
Samaheda was off in the wild in search of chakra that pulsated in the vicinity. Fire encompassed the area of the forest where they fought. Blacked earth was soggy from the water jutsu and melted snow, which left an audible squish with each step..
'"And i'm the sick one."Itachi jested, noting Kisame's slow reaction time eyeing the hole in his shoulder. Kisame smiled, allowing the hole in his shoulder to close, as it was a water clone "Well if i had a pretty medic to take care of me i'd be in top shape too."
The rest of the group took off in the opposite direction, aware of how underprepared they really were. Kisame in a smooth fashion wove signs of water clones to seek and destroy. Childs play really.
"Are you fucking kidding me?! All this for that Cloud BITCH!"?"" The Omutarisa sounded, enraged. Hands signs were formed in that instance it was itachi that had slammed him up against a large tree, hand holding him up by the throat.
The ninja was met with the swirl of the sharingan, and Kisame heard a cold wrisper uttered from his partner. " The answer is Yes. Akira Mitchgake is deserving of this and more just as much as you are deserving of 4 thousand years of your family tradition."
Kisame smiled, then frowned. He realized that there was no need to egg Itachi on. He had already planned to kill these people.
He smiled.
Hes really a good guy.
They were gone.
They left an hour prior despite the weather and despite both Akira and Kisame's push to stay for the night, but Tachi wanted out. He would not budge in the decision to leave for the night. So, she handed them the thermal ware she got for the winter. Tachi tried to pay, and she took it at 50% off; although Tachi put up a fight for it. She found the rest tucked in her empty cookie jar that was filled to the brim days prior. She found it odd because Keisuke was away and Yahiko hated sweets.
She sighed at the empty room, grateful for the blazing fireplace that burned various reds and yellows. Yes, her room was warm, but the quiet that she once relished was beginning to feel….different. She did not know their background nor did she not want to find out.
She just knew that she found their company...nice.
Her fingers went to the spot Tachi poked, heat raising to her cheeks. It was like a kiss. A kiss on the forehead. She smiled, recalling his words. She believes his words, but she knew nothing of him.
One thing that boggled her since their visitations was her lack of curiosity. When they were over, her mind would glaze over and her thoughts were muffled at their identity, prompting ther to deal wit the here and now. Her mind paused, wrapping her thoughts around it brows furrowing at the familiar face both nin possesed, but there was a block that wouldn't let her go further.
Time and time again she was met with a wall that stiffened her. Each time it would flicker to the image of a slow turn of a crimson kaleidoscope, and everytime his eyes would flash in her mind but they were red.
Red Eyes.
Her brows knit together at the image, feeling a dull ache form at her temples as she pushed.
Again it was the swirl of black and red that came into view, but from where? She pushed. The image is a slow turn moving quicker with each mental push. She felt her heart quicken, hand coming together. "Release." Pain shot through her head which caused her brow to image spinned faster. Her hands went to her head feeling the pounding of a migraine come one. Again she let out a flow of chakra forcing her hands together "Release". Faster the wheel spun faster srill as her eyes closed tight, feeling a wave of nausea erupt from at the pit of her stomach. "R-release."
It stopped.
Red and black orbs marked his once dark eyes.
Then she felt it.
Something broke.
Her heart quickened suddenly, and she felt her stomach turn at the strength of the sudden pounding headache that brought her down to her knees. She coughed violently clutching the bare nude rug fibers in an attempt to stabilize her double vision.
Fear.
Fear gripped her in that sitting. Like a slide show her mind turned back memories of their first meeting, the repeat of swirling eyes. Again and again and again. An intention. Suggestion. IF your intention is to Kill me while i am in your care of me. She retched, gripping her stomach as she fell to her side. You will die by your own hand. Nausea filled her, and she held herself as to not throw up. "Ya...hiko" She whimpered. As flashes of the man in the wolves mask came to view. His hesitance.
Then a memory of a little boy with dark hair and dark eyes sitting beside her blushing ...
"My eyes are black...most wouldn't think they're pretty." Her response was quick, "why can't yours be pretty Tachi? They remind me of obsidians in the sunlight! Bright!" His head fell forwards on his raised knees hiding his redding face."Kira why is everything so poetic with you?"He mumbled. Akira tilted her head unsure of why that word specifically was used in this situation "He picked up on her ignorance and smiled. "IT means you have feelings in your words." She smiled, still unsure but nonetheless content with his words despite her ignorance. "Maybe 'cause you make those feelings in me?" She touched her chest to emphasize her words. His eyes widened at the statement searching her face for any possible lie until he found none. He softened. "...you make me happy too."
Now she heard the pounding on her door. Protect yourself. last recalling the sound of knocking on the door. You don't need to know me...us. She felt her body yanked up, weightless. Stay this way...no deeper. Her mind went blank,and she felt herself black out
Six months had passed since he found Akira crumpled to the ground in a heap of tears. Six months since he'd had to take on control of Herbal remedies himself due to her instability. Six months since he saw Akira for Akira...a woman filled with kindness and a zealous love for things that were broken. For six months they've been from doctor to doctor, each coming to the relative conclusions that. She was six months he saw her cry each day. It would come in waves, often starting with mild headaches which would eventually push her to her knees.
Now she often sat in her quant home asleep to help edge off the headaches. Often he would find her curled up on the floor of her living room in silent tears.
Yahiko felt crossed. Not at Akira for her sudden lapse in health, but by the sure connection that he knew those Missing nin had with it. This was purely speculation, but he believed in his intuition and it often did not steer him wrong.
Keisuke was often in the back tending to her whenever she had a spell, learning pressure points that would aid the sudden cluster headaches and migraines that plague her too often. He took to cleaning and meal preps while Yahiko worked outfront until he made dinner for all of them that evening. Some days he would have to carry her to bed out of fear that she would lose her balance. She slimmed down, often refusing to eat due to the pain opting instead for sleep. She grew weaker in form and mind.
These days Yahiko trained daily; relieving his busy mind and tense shoulders with what he knew how to do best. Fight. Keisuke followed suit. Both brothers trained relentlessly with Yahiko not going easy on his small brother, both aware that Akira had enemies, both aware of the enemies Yahiko had. Slowing he was beginning to accept the idea of retaliation if they did find him. Which they would.
"Your getting slow Yako." Keisuke chimed once. Yahiko's stance would shift leaning on defense, often feeling a pang of regret when Keisuke's body and face was bruised due to his want to make him stronger. "Are you sure i'm getting slower or are you getting faster?" Keisuke smiled wide at the compliment.
Yahiko made an effort to show him his progress. Keisuke was exceptional in his taijutsu, using his light frame as means to overcome his enemies with his speed. He also excelled at water, earth and fire jutsus, which was no surprise given their mothers family ties. Keisuke's skills grew quickly since he being with their uncle. Their uncle was a man who was light hearted and wayward in nature, however he took being a ninja very serious. So when his little brother came back, he came toned with an arsenal of jutsus. Yahiko prefered his brother stay out of the lifestyle of Ninja, but he realized late that Keisuke was different from him. Ninja was what he was born to become.
Eventually, Yahiko had to hire two part time aides to help balance out the workload he could not do being that Akira was not well. Ayame, a farmer girl up the road that was referred by an elderly woman by the name of Megumi, and a round young adult boy by the name of Mifu who often brought two lunches for his 6 hour shifts. Ayame Mibari was a lilith girl, meek with pale cheeks always with a touch of pink. Her long white waist length hair was cut bluntly blending in with her lilac eyes that was framed with long lashes that fluttered when she blinked. She was reserved and often had her hands clasped, or fumbled with her fingers whenever she spoke to him. She did great during the interview, but her timid nature made it hard to get to know her. However, she was great with the customers, save for a few men that stepped in where she'd become mute.
Mifu Akimichi was a well tanned boy with auburn colored hair that was often tied down with a black and yellow bandana. His dark eyes were often blocked by dark shades. He was the chipper of the two, but took to keeping storage and searching for new and improved snacks for the store to hold.
He found them to be good workers.
"Ya-Yahiko." It was Ayame that pulled him out of his thoughts, cracking his long fingers against the smooth cherry wood countertop while giving his attention to his employee. She looked down bashful at the sudden eye contact. So he waited until she said what she needed, a tinge of annoyance wafting over him, but pushed it down. The gesture reminded him of an ex.
"I..it….I need change." He gave a curt nod. Soured by the memory of his late fiance. She was alway shy...timid...bashful...until you told her no. He clenched his fist, feeling the pull of an old scare on his forearm under his black skin tight under armour. Kiri left it when he left her. IT seemd that any woman he was interested in always left their mark. He gave the small girl change for the second register that was added. His hair has gotten long, now reaching mid back when down, he often had it up in a slick ponytail for work, only opting to let it down during the end of the shift. He liked it long...because Akira..
"T-thank you, Yahiko." The girl mumbled. He nodded his head mind veering off into the little home in the back that was attached to the busy store. His heart pulled him as he made his way to the door that connected, leaving the two employees to handle the customers needing to head Where it held the woman that's had his attention for the past year and a half. He shook his head. Such a fool. Yahiko was a fool, so he felt when he opened the door to see her there on the table head down.
Im such a fool.
He made his way over to her, kneeling beside her, hand on the smal of her back. She lifted her head, dark eyes tearfilled, she mouth the words sorry. He felt his heart squeeze in pain at her visage. Heartache was a common feeling for him now a days. Rubbing her back in circular motions the attempted to appease her. Hoping that maybe his warmth would magically make everything vanish but that was stupid. Foolish.
He stood, pulling back the chair easily, then scooping her up in his arms, holding her close as he made his way to her bedroom. She wrapped an arm around his neck, fingers grasping his dark locs, with a gentle yank. It felt good.
"You're too good to me Kiko." he felt the movement of her lips against his chest, and pushed back the butterflies that started in his stomach. He pushed open the door with his back choosing not to respond. She needed rest...she needed help. "Have you spoken to your mother?'' he finally said, stopping short of her queen size. The baby blue sheets were wrinkled from her earlier nap. He kept his eyes on them, briefly thinking of changing the sheets tonight while she showered, to her favorite ones. The pink elephants. She was quiet for a time until she spoke.
"Kiko please...I don't want to start this again." Yahiko's brows furrowed in disdain at her refusal to let her family know of her condition. "I'm getting better." She lied, and he felt a spark of anger rise at her blatant fallacy that she so often said in hope to appease his push.
He sighed frustrated at her defiance. "Akira, you can't keep running from this." His rebuke was soft, but firm. He felt her hand on his cheek pulling him away from his words, settingling his eyes on her beautiful dark tired ones. He watched her full lips move to form the words so perfectly. The sound of her voice a mermer, but still music. Still a melody, despite mouthing the thing he did not want to hear. What exactly was it he wasn't sure, but he was against weight of her in his arms made him subconsciously squeeze her tighter.
"Akira, " He was breathless. He wanted her. In more ways than one. He forced his mind blank until he felt the slender fingers on his cheek grace his lips softly. "Kiko...please." which sent his mind on a rampage eof thoughts that he'd always subdued.
He wanted to kiss her. He wanted nothing more than to claim her in afirey kiss that would somehow drive away the constant pressures of her pain. Her anxiety. Her depression. He wanted to make her forget. Forget about these past 6 months that have caused her nothing but misery. Forget about the name she would so often whisper in the misdt of the night. "Kiko.." She was breathless, it was in that moment that he'd noticed just how close his lips were to hers. His breath hitched. Hearing the pound of his hear in his ears...did he hear hers too?
His grip loosened, and he set her down on the bed. His eyes turning away from the woman that too often set his heart ablaze with a simple touch. But he did not want her, not like this. Not while she dreamed of another man.
"I have to go back to the store ok?" Not while she whispered the name of another man. Whether purposeful or by mistake. Not while her mind drifted off to an unknown region that occupied that missing nin... But...what if he's wrong? Was it all just his assumption?
He did not wait for the response, but walked out closing the door behind. The instant he heard the click of the door, his hands went to his face, pressing and rubbing in an attempt to get his head straight; to calm his beating heart that still pounded in his his heart ached deeply, for the woman he loved was surely wanted another.
What a fool.
A fool indeed.
It had been days since the last time she saw Yahiko. She noted that evey now and then she wake up in bed whenever she fell asleep on the couch of table. That she knew was Yahikos doing, but while awake he wouldnt visit her. This stung as she found herself staring at the door in her waking hours in hopes that it was Yahiko frown form an irate customer. But it wasnt.
It was Keisuke who came and went. it was Keisuke that took to caring for her when she felt the strength wane at certain moments. Keisuke was an amazing aide to her. Helping her up, and even asking to feed her whenever her arms were too weak.
"We gotta get you back to normal !" he said too often, she smiled sometimes in response, but oftentimes she didn't. He was often her through the months of her sickness;deciding to learn methods of cranial sacral to help relieve the ongoing tension of her head, neck and shoulders. The uncle practiced on her, and it did ease her migraines, and so keisuke immediately took to his uncle teaching him small methods that would help her. Keisuke was her angel.
"I love you Keisuke.." She said , watching the child prep the meal for the night. He looked back from the kitchen eyes wide from the words. He then lowered his head turning back towards the kitchen counter. Briefly, Akira thought that he hadn't heard her clearly, and said again. "Keisuke...I love you." Now she's told him before that she loved him. She picked up early on the Keisuke was sensitive to words, and took them to heart. So she made sure that he knew she loved him, but it was different that day.
That day she felt weak but nonetheless she stood, catching herself on the wall as she staggered to her little brother. He was trembling, quiet sniffles heard as she neared. Her brows furrowed, as she reached the counter, sliding down to the floor beside his feet. "I love you Keisuke." She said again feeling the smooth of his bare leg, in an attempt to sooth him. He slide down, wrapping his arms around his legs, sobbing heavily. At this she did the only thing she could do, she pulled him into her lap and held him. It was the anniversary of his mothers death. The last words she said to him were.
"I love you Keisuke."
Funny as those would be the last words she said to him as well.
It was late. The Tv a low hmm as the clock struck 10. Keisuke was already asleep on the futon he had made for him. His light snore echoed throughout the room. He was finishing putting away groceries he had pushed off till the evening due to managing the store. When finished he took to putting away the dishes on the drying rack from the morning. The atmosphere was calm in contrast to his constantly racing mind.
Coming here was stupid. He thought absently shaking his head as his movements became methodical.
They were surely out looking for him. It was only a matter of time until they found him. The Council held grudges. Whether months or years. They would track him down. They would dispose of him. When? That depends on how generous they felt. Yahiko was sure that theyd already tracked him down. ITs only a matter of time until they strike.
Akira was asleep on the sofa, every now and then a soft whimper would escape her. She dreamt more often. When she spoke of her dreams she said she saw the same thing every night. A Swirl of red and black eyes that would speak words that she couldn't understand. However, Yahiko understood what it was. He knew Kisame Hoshegeki. His name was spread far and wide in the Land of Water as a traitor plotting to overthrow the government.
His father spoke of Kisame Hoshegeki often. "That monster obviously is deeply unaware of what kind of power the government possesses. He'll learn. Sooner rather than later." If only his father would have lived to see that he was wrong.
"Itachi Uchiha.." He felt skin break open. He looked down to see that he accidentally cut himself with the kitchen knife. He opened the facet, letting the cool water run down the cut feeling the sting as he flexed his thumb.
He was sure that the red and black the she saw were remnants of his sharingan. His large fist clenched blood maring the water red. 'If he is using his sharingan on her...Then it's possible that he's been manipulating her all this time.' His eyes narrowed dangerously.
The goal was to keep her docile while they got what they wanted. A home while they passed by and medication….but something went wrong. Akira must've done something to cause a reaction. Maybe she found out and hes punishing her. Maybe she tried to break out of it and the jutsu backfired. Or maybe...maybe Akira is really sick.
Yahiko felt his heart grow heavy at the last inference. He shut the water off rubbing a paper towel to simultaneously dry and care for the cut on his thumb.
If it the Uchiha in any way was controlling Akira.
"I'll kill him.¨
"Yako," He turned towards the living room. Seeing a messy haired Keisuke sat up on the futon rubbing his tired eye. "Whats up Keika?"
"Hmm."He motioned for his brother to come towards him, and Yahiko obliged. Shutting off the kitchen light as he made his way to Keisuke. When close enough Keisuke grabbed his older brother's hand and pulled him on to the futon beside him. Yahiko allowed it to rest hiS forehead against his little brothers once his body met the futon as he knew Keisuke was forming a lecture to tell him off. Keisuke laid a small hand on his brother's cheek. "You think too much Yako."
Yahiko absently nodded, admitting that lately he's been restless. The sudden shift in her health took a toll on him. He didn't blame Akira. It just brought back too many memories.
Yahiko was used to being the caretaker. He would often take care of both his mothers and Keisuke's wounds after their father was done wit them for years. Sometimes the beatings were so bad that his mother would end up on bed rest while he cleaned and cooked. He found it funny being that they were wealthy. He could buy anything that suited him, but his father never wanted maids or cooks. He assumed it was to hid who he really was better. The less eyes that saw. The less that knew.
It was the gentle tap on his cheek that brought him back. "Yako, what do you think moms doing in heaven right now?" He felt his shoulders tense and the mention of their mother. He swallowed the lump that formed in his throat. "Moms making Oatmeal raisin cookies Keika." He said steady. Heart clenching at the thought of their mother. The anniversary of her death had just passed. Keisuke turned to lay on his back and Yahiko followed suit. "I think shes gardening poseys and peonies."
"You think so? Mom only liked gardening because you liked flowers."
"Yea, but she grew to like it."
Yahiko smiled.
"You think papa is helping her garden?" His smile fell. "No..I dont think hes helping her garden Keika.."
He knew his little brother. His brother pushed for peace and always found the best in others, even if all they did was do bad. Keisuke showed grace for his father.
Kkeisuke sat up suddenly, turning to his brother with a look of indignation set on his small features. "But it's heaven! Mom always talked about how she would love for papa to garden with her like he used to! And in heaven you're happy! Mom would be-"
"Mom wouldnt need him to be happy in heaven not how heaven works."
Keisuke's chest puffed full, reading a retort but deflated soon after. His face was pensive, going over thoughts in his head that were naive and childlike...too childlike for a life he had lived. "Moms gonna have papa their with her, because papa makes her happ-"
"Enough Keisuke." The little boy stopped, brows knitted together. So yahiko turned his back to his brother, anger rising at the thought of someone like him making it into heaven to be beside a woman like their mother. "Men like him don't go to heaven Keisuke. Theres only one place for people like him"
"But, papa could've been sorry. He could've been really sorry before he left us...Mom said he could become nice. She said h-"
¨ Mom Lied."
Yahiko felt a solid punch land on the back of his head. Yahiko turned his anger readying him for a strike back, but stopped short.
Keisuke was standing over him, fist clenched, chest heaving with formed tears in his eyes. "YOu take that back." Keisuke started teeth clenched and although he could barely make out Keisuke's features he knew his eyes swirled in emotions that were so custormy within their family. Yahiko's anger ebbed quickly. He hated fighting with Keisuke, especially about things like thier parents.
"Mom is NOT a liar."
Yahiko snorted, Gripping tight onto the napkin that held his still bleeding thumb.
"Your naivie if you believe that woman wasn't a liar." Yahiko spat with so much venom he had almost forgotten he was speaking to Keisuke. It wasn't intentional. It wasn't deliberate. He wasn't trying to poke the bear as they would say. It was just...he saw too much of what their mother allowed. He saw too many empty promises. His fingertips absently went to the deep keliod scar at the base of his neck feeling cold wash over him at the memory. Yahiko hardened.
"If mom is a Liar then is a Liar too!"
"Keisuke. Mom lied. She always lied. "
"NO!" Keisuke pointed his finger at his older brother. "You call a Liar. RIGHT NOW!" He felt his jaw clench.
"Mom was pretty, and soft, and hard, and smelled nice, and smiled all the time, and was nice"Keisuke's voice broke as tears flowed through his anger "and mean, and sometimes lazy and she was always there. So call Akira a liar too! Because she's . MOM!" In moments like these when Keisuke spilled his heart the only things that ever crossed his mind was.
He's just like Mama.
And Yahiko...he was just like his father.
He heard the shift behind him on the coach. He bit his lip.
"SAY IT!" Keisuke was crying now. Chest heaving heavily as he kept his eyes steady on Yahiko. " ALL YOU EVER DO IS TALK BAD ABOUT MOM AND ALL SHE EVER DID WAS LOVE YOU!"
His fist was shaking and Yahiko could do nothing but look away, because he was right. Since her death he couldn't bring himself to say anything nice about her. He resented her for allowing their father to beat both him and Keisuke for years...but... he loved her more than anything.
The image of her short bright red hair showed lavender eyes bight with a smile so wide it pulled his own lips back to mimic them. Then he was brought back. His smile fell.
Everytime he thought he forgave her he would see a scar left by his father whether it was on his or Keisuke's body. So no he couldn't bring himself to say anything good.
In the corner of his eye he saw her move in a second. She was between both he and Keisuke. The light of the Tv casting moving shadows on the side of her face under eyes deep with bags that showed how fatigued she was.
He hadn't noticed that she pulled both he and keisuke to her. Hugging them both tight against her holding their heads against her chest. "Moms are angels right Keisuke?" Keisuke remained silent tears streaming down his face, eyes never leaving his brothers face. "But even Angels can make us cry, right Yahiko?¨ He was silent eyes on his brother's puffy face. "Sometimes people who are warm and loving and kind do things that arent loving or warm or kind...but you have to remember."Her fingers ran through their locks, light scratches on their scalp to somehow sooth them. "those bad things don't make a person bad. Its your most seen memory of that person that makes them good or bad."
Yahiko felt his vision blurred at the sight of keisuke latching on to Akira. "Ive done so much bad...too much...but I want to be good...like how you both remember your mom." Yahiko buried his face in her chest, arms wrapping tightly around her waist as his face ran hot.
A thought crossed Yahiko's mind as both he and Keisuke held on to her for dear life.
Don't ever leave me.
AN:
Hello All,
This chapter i really put my heart and soul in it. Im doing my best to learn how to accurately convey emotions.
Let me know if i hit the nail on the head or not.
PLease like, follow and Favorite.
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