Dreamcatcher
By Airyo
What Lies in Truth - 5
She'd missed this.
Before the complexities of forbidden emotions and her own doubts, there had been the simplicity of just them. Itachi and Hinata. Quiet conversations and inside jokes. Shy smiles and gentle encouragement. Undivided attention between them both.
She'd sloshed a boulder in that smooth perfection, but no matter how large the ripples, everything could settle back.
"How have you been?" he asked. It was the most basic courtesy, yet somehow, Itachi made it a powerful question with the sincerity in his tone. He wanted to know about Hinata, just her, and it made her feel so, so special.
Hinata immediately thought of the paperwork Hiashi just submitted. But she hesitated, because this was one of the most celebrated shinobi in the history of Konoha. Passing the genin exam was laughably insignificant to Itachi's achievements. But it was significant to her, and he'd asked.
She pulled the forehead protector from her sleeve and let it catch the sunlight. He immediately understood.
"Congratulations," he said with genuine pleasure. "When?"
"Two days ago. I asked Kurenai-sensei to retest me...with genjutsu. I most fell for her genjutsu, but I fought her illusion, her reality."
"So is it official then?"
She nodded. "Hyuuga-sama submitted all the forms already. I am only waiting for confirmation of my sensei"
"Then you should bear the mark of your achievement proudly, rather than hide it in your sleeve." He gestured to the forehead protector. "May I?" Mystified, she handed it to him.
Hinata froze as he reached around her to tie it around her neck. He was so close she could feel his breath stir her bangs. He paused and then stepped back. One strand of her hair caught on his hand, and it slipped through his fingers like silk as he withdrew.
"There," he said gently. The very presence of it around her neck lifted her chin an iota and she looked up at him, cheeks flushed with a sharp awareness of him. "It looks good."
It wasn't on accident that he'd chosen a place so both the Cage-Bird Seal and her ninja status could be on proud display.
They stared at each other for a moment. She reached up and touched the cool metal, tracing the symbol of her village. Itachi's impromptu ceremony made it real. She was a Konoha ninja. The weight of it was solid around her neck - not a collar, but a medal.
"Thank you," she said. She wasn't referring to just his complement.
"If you would have me, I can help with your training."
She bit her lip and then nodded with a smile. Words were not enough to convey everything she felt. But with Itachi, she didn't need to explain herself.