Itachi acts quite OOC in this chapter. Wouldn't anybody if you were locked up in a cell and raped, beaten and starved all the time? Please understand that and don't flame.
Chapter 14
Forgetting You
Itachi awoke feeling better than he had done in years and years. He opened his eyes and it took him a few seconds to realize that he was in hospital. The bed was soft and comfortable. Anything would beat sleeping on the bumpy, painful floor that had been his own bed for three years. He stared listlessly up at the white ceiling and thought of his life so far. Maybe being back in Suna was a chance for him to have a new start. He turned onto his side and saw his friend, Gaara in the bed beside his. The fifteen year-old was either asleep or unconscious.
"Itachi-san." Came a female voice.
The raven turned and saw a nurse. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine. What happened?"
"You were crushed. It's a miracle you're still alive."
"How long have I been here?"
"Almost three days."
"When can I leave?"
"Tomorrow at the latest. You seem fine now, but no getting out of bed."
"Right."
The nurse left the room, leaving Itachi laying there; willing for Gaara to wake up and explain what had happened. All he remembered was falling and then hitting the floor. There was no pain; only an eternity of blackness. Seizing the clock on his bedside table, he threw it at his sleeping friend. The red-head snapped awake immediately and jumped. On seeing Itachi, he glared. "What is it with you throwing things at me?" He croaked in a meek attempt to yell. "Fuck!"
"Hello to you too, Gaara. I'm fine thank you for asking."
"Shut up."
Itachi noted how pale and thin his friend looked. "Are you okay?"
"Oh, of course I'm okay. Heart attacks caused by Itachi Uchiha are the best way to stay fit and healthy! Aren't you the lucky one? Let's all praise the Uchiha, since he's so damn awesome!"
"Are you quite finished?" Asked Itachi in a peevish voice.
"Yes."
"I was serious you know. You don't look well."
"I've had surgery. That's why."
"Surgery? Was it a sarcasm transplant?"
Gaara glared intensely.
"Stop being so moody."
"I'm moody because I'm in pain!"
"Then stop yelling, you'll make it worse."
He sighed.
"So why are you here? Why did you have surgery?"
"Um, I don't know if you remember, but the clay bird crashed and we both got crushed underneath it. You were unconscious and I was awake. We made it back to Suna and I didn't have any serious injuries. When I got up the next day, I didn't feel well and I kept getting pains in my chest area. My brother came home and I was getting worse and coughing up blood. I told him and he called Temari. Next thing I knew, I woke up in hospital."
"Internal bleeding?"
"Yeah."
"So what happened to everyone else?"
"Temari and Konan are fine. Konan had to stay in hospital for a few days. Temari was a little scratched up and had mild concussion. She stayed in overnight."
"What about Deidara?"
"He's dead."
"Dead? How did he die?"
"The accident killed him. It was kinda gruesome actually."
Itachi flinched a little. He didn't like other peoples' pain or gore.
"I'm really sorry about the death."
"Don't be. You didn't kill him."
"I know, but-"
"Forget it. He was a bastard to us anyway."
"Yeah... I guess..."
"Don't feel down about it. You can't change the past, right?"
Gaara nodded. He tried to sit up, but winced and lay back down again.
"What's wrong?"
"I hate laying down on my back. Shukaku didn't like it."
"Why?"
"This may sound weird, but he always told me that if you lay on your back, it leaves you open for attack and if you happen to get attacked, you could die because that's where your organs are."
"I suppose it's because he was a Tanuki."
"Yeah. Animals are like that."
The next day, Itachi was discharged from hospital along with Gaara. After leaving the dreaded building, The pair walked back to the house.
"This place is so different." Exclaimed Itachi in wonder, looking around.
"Hey, I wouldn't act so gormless around here you know. People are looking at you."
"Let them look. I'm crazy bitches!" He yelled the last part.
Gaara stifled a laugh as the villagers started to avoid the raven.
"Haha, know it!"
"You're really happy now you're out of there, aren't you?"
"You fucking bet I am."
Gaara smirked, but it was soon replaced with a scowl. "Hey!"
"What?"
"Am I short? Or are you just tall?"
"You're just short." He said, poking him in the forehead. That action reminded him of how he used to do that same thing to his brother. He looked at Gaara, who was wearing that same expression Sasuke did. That miffed, annoyed and confused expression.
"Ow, baka!" Gaara shoved him playfully, massaging his forehead.
"Sorry Mr. Kazekage-bitch."
"Yeah, I'm a bitch now get used to it."
"I think I guessed that."
It stayed uncomfortably silent as they kept walking. Gaara didn't like the silence; but he was so unsure of what to say.
"So... are you okay now?"
"Yes, I hope I'm okay. How are you?"
"Well my head hurts... after someone poked it."
Itachi started laughing slightly.
"What? What's so funny?" Gaara demanded with a little impatience.
"Nothing, nothing."
He felt more confused now than ever. He always wondered why Itachi acted so protective over everybody. Maybe it was because he lost Sasuke all them years ago and didn't want to lose anyone else. Before he knew it, they were at his front door.
"Gaara?" Itachi touched his shoulder nervously. "I think we're here."
He snapped out of his daydream. "Y-Yeah, sorry. I zoned out."
"You live in a different world sometimes, Gaara."
"I know."
"So are you going to open the door?"
"Shut up, Uchiha!" He growled, pushing open the door. "Temari?"
His sister appeared from the lounge. "Hey, Gaara, hey Itachi! I meant to pick you guys up from the hospital, but the villagers were running about like headless chickens and I had to sort them all out."
"You didn't threaten them, did you?"
She smiled. "Oh, Gaara! 'Threaten' Is such a nasty word!"
He rolled his eyes. "Where's Kankuro and Baki?"
"They're out drinking, I think."
"Without me?"
"You're too young anyway."
"Unfortunately. I'll take Itachi upstairs."
"Okay, don't you dare mess everything up. I've just finished cleaning."
"Right, right." He turned to his raven-haired friend. "Okay, you first."
Itachi nodded and went up the stairs. Once they got to the top, A woman came out of one of the rooms, her bluenette hair tied into an elegant bun on the side of her head.
"Konan!" Yelled Itachi, rushing toward his friend and hugging her tight.
"Hey Weasel, how are you doing?"
He smiled at the nickname. "I was so worried about you!"
"You were worse off than me, kid. You feeling okay?"
"I've never felt so great in my life!"
She smiled and let him go. "That's great Itachi! I'm so glad you're feeling better!" She then turned to Gaara. "How are you holding up?"
"I'm fine now. What about you?"
"Tired. The sleep is doing me wonders though."
"Yeah. I'm gonna lay down for a bit."
"Alright. You feel okay?"
"I'm just a little dizzy. See you later."
"Sure."
He went into his and Kankuro's shared room and flopped down on the bed, then let out a sigh. He had heard nothing from Sasuke ever since he got back and it made him wonder if their relationship was all worthwhile. No text messages, missed calls and not even a visit in the hospital. Was the Uchiha really that much of a cocky bastard to merely ask if everything was okay? The idiot had a lot of explaining to do.
Gaara was awoken by a quiet knock at the door. Judging by the darkness of the room, it was already evening.
"Yeah?" He called sleepily, rubbing his eyes.
Itachi came in quietly. "Sorry did I wake you?" He asked in a hushed voice.
"Nah, it's fine. What's up?"
"I... I just wanted to speak to you."
"Yeah, what about?"
"About Sasuke... have you two broke up yet?"
"No. I never want to see him again."
"Why? What did he do?"
"Ever since I came back, he's not bothered to contact me in any way!"
"Not even a phonecall?"
He shook his head sadly.
"Then why don't you try contacting him?"
"Why should I? He doesn't love me. He only 'loves' me because I'm rich. There was no feeling in the relationship at all... All this time... he was pretending." Gaara felt his chest hurt, just like it did when he was younger; When he was seen as just a monster, at the time when his father almost beat him to death. The pain brought back agonizing memories.
"What if something happened to him?"
"I spoke to Naruto. The bastard is fine. He's just too smug to ask if I'm still alive."
"Gaara..." Itachi hugged him close. "There are plenty more people out there. Don't get so down. You don't need Sasuke."
"I'm so unlucky in love. That girl who broke my heart because of my Bijuu... Lee can't even look me in the eye anymore and now Sasuke... the person I thought would love me forever."
"What happened with Lee?"
"We had a little argument one night... It wasn't serious, just a little quarrel. Lee didn't realize it was a full moon, when my Bijuu was most active. I collapsed and Shukaku took over my body... Lee's arm and leg were crushed because he didn't understand that I was possessed and tried to fight me off. Shukaku had other ideas. I came to my senses and there was blood everywhere. Lee was unconscious on the floor. I got so scared, that I just left him there to die... I didn't know how to react... I didn't know if he was dead or alive."
Itachi stared.
"Lee's dream was to become a strong ninja like his sensei and it's my fault that he will never fight again."
"Is he dead?"
"No. We've never spoken since. I want to apologize, but the word 'sorry' won't even cover for it after what I did to him."
"It wasn't your fault. Shukaku made you do it."
"If I learned to keep myself under control... if only I didn't get so worked up! What the hell is wrong with me?"
"Nothing is wrong with you, Gaara! It was Shukaku's fault! Now you don't have him anymore, Lee may forgive you!"
"Forgive me after destroying his dreams? I don't think so. I became the Kazekage whilst he was recovering in hospital and learning how to walk again. I've done so much damage to him and nothing will ever make him gain my trust ever again!"
"Don't think like that! Is Lee a nice person?"
"Yes. He's the kindest person I've ever met."
"Then he'll forgive you. If he understood that Shukaku made you hurt him, he would love you again."
Gaara seemed to brighten up a bit. "You're right. Thanks."
"Don't mention it."
There was a knock at the door.
"Yeah?" Gaara said.
Temari came in. "Gaara, there are some elders downstairs who need to talk to you."
"What's up with them? Did they lose their false teeth?"
Itachi sniggered.
Temari hit him on the head. "Don't be disrespectful. Get down there now."
"I'm only lightening the mood. Jeez." He got up and followed his sister out of the room. In the hall were two people he recognized very well: Elder Chiyo and Ebizou, her brother. Gaara could tell they didn't like him. Probably because he was so young.
"Kazekage-sama, it is great to see you out of hospital. How are you?" Asked Chiyo.
"I'm fine thanks." He didn't like being called 'Kazekage-sama' the title reminded him too much of his father. "So, why are you here?"
"There have been three reports of an unknown man in the village... from his clothing, we believe he is from the organization Akatsuki."
"Are there any descriptions of what he looks like?"
"He has a shark-like appearance-"
"Kisame!"
"What?"
"He's the one who is after my slave, Itachi! He's in this village?"
"So people claim."
"Send out our shinobi to find him. Once he is captured, kill him."
"We will inform them immediately."
"Thanks."
The elders nodded. "It is too dangerous for you to help out. Stay indoors and look after yourself and your slave. Farewell." The door opened and they departed. Gaara was shaking like a leaf. Kisame was back? After all they'd done to him, he had still managed to follow them all the way back to Suna?
"He... He's going to get us isn't he?"
"No, Gaara. Kankuro and I would never ever let anything like that happen to you. We will protect you with our lives. I know we failed last time, but it won't happen again." Reassured Temari, patting his back.
"I-I'm just so scared... I don't want to lose anybody..."
"They'll find him, don't worry. If Kisame is killed, he won't touch you ever again, will he?"
"What about the others? Pein and the rest of Akatsuki. Didn't Pein order them to find and kill me, then take Itachi? What are they going to do with him if they succeed? Would they kill him, too?"
"I don't know. For now, you need to go and inform Itachi. He needs to know so he'll be careful."
"Yeah." He rushed upstairs, but then a thought occurred. What if his friend wasn't there? What if Kisame had found him already? Gaara shuddered and rushed into his room. Thankfully, the raven was curled up on his bed, asleep. Tell him.
"Itachi." He shook him. "Hey, wake up."
"Gaara?" His friend yawned and sat up.
"I have some bad news."
"What is it?"
"Kisame... he's in Suna."
Itachi's eyes widened. "Oh shit... No no no..."
"Don't worry, okay? I've sent powerful Shinobi to capture and kill him.
"Gaara, please don't let him get me!" He burst into tears. "I thought this was over! I thought this was a new start! Why can't that bastard leave me alone?"
Gaara hugged his best friend tight. "He'll never touch you again, Itachi, he's going to be killed as soon as he's found."
"I'm fucking terrified now! What if he comes after me when I'm asleep?"
"He won't. Sleep in here if it makes you feel any better."
"A-Are you sure?"
"Yeah. Kankuro is sleeping downstairs. He's drunk."
"Thanks."
"It's okay."
Itachi was hesitant at first, but soon climbed under the blankets, as did Gaara. They lay there silently and awkwardly, not really knowing what to say.
"This feels strange sharing a bed with you." Gaara attempted to make conversation.
"I'm not going to rape you, so don't worry."
Gaara smirked. "But can you trust me?"
"What?"
"I'm kidding, baka. You really think I'd do that?"
"Gross." Itachi pulled the covers over his head.
"I know, right? Hey, move over a little, I'm gonna fall out of bed in a minute."
"Yeah, the Kazekage gracefully falls out of bed because of the awesome Uchiha."
"That sounds wrong."
"Shut up. You're not my type anyway."
"You're not mine either."
"Good."
"Good."
A/N
I'm back from the dead, peeps! How are you all?
By the way, before you ItaGaa fangirls spam me with 'OMG KAWAII DESU! THEY'RE SLEEPING IN THE SAME BED! KYAAHH!' Let me remind you that this is a KISAITA (FTW) not an ITAGAA (Blech.)
I deeply apologize for this chapter... I think it's crap to be honest, but don't lose faith, there's a surprise over the next few chapters so stay tuned. (God I make this sound like a TV show or something . )
Anywho, Sorry the updates are taking the piss, I've been busy with school (hell) work and other fanfics. One last thing, guys, I would like you to take a look at my school friends' profile. She's new to fanfiction so please be nice to her! (Or I kill you) ^-^
Here's the link: .net/~cfcgirl24
Be sure to read her epic story called 'Forbidden Romance' It's really cool and I'm sure she'd appreciate the reviews ^^ AND NO FLAMES OR I'LL HUNT YOU DOWN!
If you guys have any questions about the story, ask me!
Reviews are highly appreciated ^^
~Vampy xXx