I would be replying to all of your reviews, but for some reason Fanficton is being super dumb and wont let me.
Oh well. Here's the next chap. :)
P.S: Did you guys see Edo Tensei Itachi in the new manga?
Weeks later...
Sasuke observed her closely as Koneko rested on a chair by his bed. She had fallen asleep while watching over him hours ago. He was now leaning back against the headboard of the bed, still buried in the warmth of the blankets surrounding him; but he had spared her one so she could rest soundly.
His brother... Itachi...
Sasuke's eyes fell heavily on her for a moment.
He must have truly loved her..
The Uchiha male noticed a change in her behavior. He recalled when she was once cheerful and smiling brightly, but the loss of her beloved must have... Taken a toll on her.
Gradually, his eyes slid down her frame, landing on her stomach and his dark eyebrow quirked.
Her stomach was swollen? But...
It slowly dawned on him and his smoldering charcoal eyes widened. He reached a hand out to her stomach but before he could feel for any signs of chakra or even moving life, Koneko had awoke.
"Mm... Sasuke?" She blinked away the sleep from her long lashes, "Something the matter?"
Sasuke eyed her for a brief moment before glancing to her abdomen again. Before she could follow his gaze, he quickly looked away to the opposite side of the room.
"No. Nothing.." He said and Koneko smiled, obviously not believing him.
"Tell me?" She coaxed.
Sasuke then turned to look at her once more, his black hair swaying with the movement, "Are you.."
"Am I what?"
"...Pregnant." He finished, the slightest hint of pink on his cheeks.
Her eyes widened a fraction. It was entirely possible. She and Itachi had made love and protection wasn't used. Her increase of mood swings in the past week and the desire to rest constantly.
Sore back, sore feet, sore calves.. It was all beginning at some level or another. Not to mention, her monthly cycle had been held back...
"You... Might be right, Sasuke..." Koneko murmured, glimpsing at him before looking down at her stomach.
Itachi's child...? The ecstatic tears nearly burst from her eyes at the mere thought of mothering his baby.
"I'm only saying this because your stomach is swollen and it seems that you're always exhausted." He said before staring at the wall, "Plus you and my brother were in love... So..."
She smiled, "True enough. I'll have to examine myself later on today.."
"You'll keep it?"
The ivory skinned woman stared at him, "Of course I will.. I love Itachi with my entire being. Just because he has passed on doesn't mean that I do not want his child.."
She was solemn for a moment as her eyes became moist, "I will give our baby all the love in the world."
Sasuke smirked and nodded before becoming serious again, "Koneko,"
She eyed him through dark lashes, allowing him to know he had her attention. He went on,
"Since my Nii-san is dead and therefore can't keep you safe, I want you to know that I will be a privilege to watch over you and the baby... I'll protect you both with my life." He said, with such a stern and assuring tone.
He then glanced to the side, "That's what is required of me as an uncle and a friend.." Sasuke then whispered, "And it's what my brother would've wanted me to do."
Koneko cried freely now. "Oh, Sasuke..." She leant to embrace him, "Thank you... So much.."
For the next hour or so, the two chatted about various topics, such as the baby, Itachi and more.
Eventually, Koneko fell asleep upon his bed after Sasuke had generously offered the other side to her.
Looking over her resting figure, he murmured, "I promise I'll protect them, big brother." Sasuke said, "I promise..."
.
On the other side of the door, Madara leaned against the wall. He had listened in the entire time, and oh, was he ever amused.
"With child," A slow smile developed on his dark lips, "Interesting."
The Uchiha leader pulled away from the wall and strode down the cold hallway and entered past his study and into the laboratory. There, on the table was Itachi's corpse. Still like a solid statue, cold and emotionless.
Madara eyed down at the younger Uchiha's face with a sneer, "What a shame. Your little wife will be broken without one to comfort her. Sasuke's care will hardly be enough to fill the hole in her heart."
"And that's where I come in, Itachi." A sinister grin, "You know, of all people, how can give one hell of a performance."
Obviously not receiving any response, Madara then left the room as he chuckled in a deep tone, shutting the door behind him as he now took a seat in his study.
He removed his mask and gloves before running a hand through his short navy locks. The shinobi stared hard at his desk in thought.
There was one matter, however...
And that was Pain.
DUN DUN DUN! Bahah! :)
Oh, we're in for one hell of a ride now kiddos.
To get your ticket for this ride, please review?