Burn
"Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves."
― Carl Gustav Jung
Chapter Three
To say the journal caused me to question quite a few things had been an understatement. The way Itachi spoke of Sasuke had been similar enough to my own musings. I rather hate that we have anything in common. I nearly wished I left that thing in the hole. Maybe I shouldn't have dug into it like my Darling said. And yet…. Here we were, off on our quest to speak to Tsunade. The walk to the office had barely taken much at all. I had let my Darling's hand go by the time we made it out of the Uchiha compound. I would feel silly going before the Hokage in such a state. We needed to at least be a tad professional. My Darling only spared me a glance before heading on - he walked with me, and we entered quietly. Tsunade's office was open - she seemed both busy and not all at once.
She seemed to be working through stacks of papers. She barely glanced up when she saw us enter. Kakashi explained softly to Shizune, and moved to closed the door behind us. He murmured softly to the guards that had been posted. Tsunade sighed finally and sat back to look at us.
"Yes?" She asked tiredly.
"I… I may have uncovered a secret." I began, looking at my Darling. He had that tired look in his eye again. He pulled out the journal and handed it to me.
"I found Itachi's journal." I said, "half of it is normal diary entries…. The rest is in code."
Tsunade's eyebrows raised. She glanced between Kakashi and I.
"And you think this is important?" She asked, crossing her arms under her ample chest.
Kakashi's shoulders dropped softly and he studied me for a moment.
"Tami-chan… has a good sense for these things. She's not always right, but when she is, it's deadly accurate." He said softly. "Itachi - Itachi has bothered her even before Sasuke left. It was by my request that she didn't look into it then."
Tsunade turned to me expectantly. She seemed to be reevaluating me on the spot. It was fascinating how Kakashi managed to convince people. His words carried weight. I wasn't sure if it was simply my circumstances that caused the caution Tsunade seemed to have regarding me. Or, then again, it could have been my trickery before with Jiraiya and Tsunade's date.
"Well? Are you going to report what you found?" Tsunade asked, leaning back.
I breathed out slowly and straightened. I would have to try to string together my gut feelings about someone I barely even knew. Someone I hated, yet because of Sasuke I had to investigate. From Itachi's own writings - he was all over the place. A concerned brother? A murderer? Torture? He wanted to see his brother eat sweets and loved his mothers cooking? The same mother who he killed in cold blood?
"I-he makes no sense." I began weakly. I saw Kakashi from the corner of my eye and gathered my strength, "He portrays a psychotic killer, who wants to be the most powerful. Has he even done anything since the massacre? Besides joining the Akatsuki? Killers don't just stop. And they have a history. Animal abuse and torture, harming children - anyone under their power. The language he used in regards to his family wasn't one of a killer. He was worried about trivial family things."
"So maybe he's good at hiding." Tsunade offered up. She turned her head to Kakashi and nodded to him, "You worked with him. What do you say?
My Darling took a deep breath in and leaned back on his heels as he mulled it over.
"Itachi often checked in on his little brother throughout the hours he worked with me. He didn't like killing and when we had to he was quick. Made sure the target never suffered.. When we went out on missions, I caught him getting small gifts from time to time." He said. He glanced at me and his shoulders fell, "Tami-chan… isn't the only one who thought it didn't make sense."
I stopped. Kakashi didn't-?
"I was there the day the massacre happened. The days before and right after. Itachi had been acting strange. I chalked it up to him grieving Shisui's death. They had been close. There were whispers around the compound and Anbu that Itachi had killed his cousin. I didn't put any stock in it as they always were close." Kakashi explained further, "The bodies in the streets didn't look like Itachi's work. When I brought my concerns to Sarutobi-sama, he told me to let it go. So I did."
His shoulders were stooped low at this point. His head down as he recalled things long since past. Kakashi knew something was wrong too!
I remembered when I first met him (and the other meetings). Sarutobi Hiruzen respected Kakashi quite a great deal, as did he respect the Hokage. The trust they had, and the protectiveness Kakashi had for him.
Tsunade hummed and looked between us.
"It always struck me odd that Sarutobi-sensei never went after Itachi." She murmured softly. "There were whispers of a Coup. Might be a coverup." She continued, crossing her arms.
"But why would Itachi go after his brother? Torment him and mock him for not-" I began but the answer hit me like a bolt of lightning. Guilt. "He wants Sasuke to kill him. That's why he came by after the Exam. Probably worried about his brother, wanted to push him to get stronger."
The logic felt disgusting. He wanted to use Sasuke to appease his own guilt, but again - Itachi had been a child when this was all going on. Was he coerced? Forced to kill his clan? How many others helped? I felt my stomach turn. It made me feel ill to even think about it. Tsunade leaned forward on her desk. She studied us both, her hands clasped in front of her mouth.
"Investigate quietly. Train while you can Tami, we'll see if we can have you two find Itachi and see if we can get some answers. If you want to go back out into the field, you'll need it to face him. While you're at it, see if that Maya girl is interested in answering any questions. I bet she knows." Tsunade said, looking between us. I shifted. Maya saying anything could put the spotlight on her and she would be in danger. More danger than she already was.
"I heard she was a fan of this Itachi. Maybe she'll want to help him out." Tsunade added with a cunning grin.
Kakashi and I shared a look. He nodded and we turned to go. Tsunade stopped us.
"Tami - I expect you tomorrow morning. Don't forget the next Exam meetings." She told me, and then pulled out a letter. She sent me a look. I stepped forward and reached for it. Surprisingly, she gave it to me easily.
"This came for you in the mail today. I ran it by Ibiki first. We think it might be a letter from Otogakure. If it's relevant information, pass it along. Looks like it was written in code." Tsunade told me, sending me a look.
Uncle. He must have written something - or Orochimaru was up to his old tricks. I nodded in agreement. Tsunade was giving me something of an olive branch. She didn't need to give me this letter. I'd look into this once we got home.
"I will. Thank you, Hokage-sama." I murmured, and glanced at my Darling.
We left quietly. The weight of what we might have discovered weighed on my shoulders. No wonder he always slouched. Did Hiruzen cut out an entire clan over a potential Coup? Did he use a child to do so? I never thought Hiruzen would be that cruel. Then again…. Naruto had been left to live on his own. Sasuke made to live in the very same home his parents were murdered in. I chalked it up to Hiruzen being brought up in times much worse, more cruel and him not knowing any better. He clearly cared for Kakashi and the boys in his own way. And yet, had Itachi been the price?
"Let's go home." Kakashi murmured to me, "you're showing it on your face."
I snapped up and looked him in the eye. He seemed just as concerned as I. My poor Darling. I weakly bumped him and sent him a small smile.
"Last one back to my place is a rotten egg." I told him.
We ran.
He won.
The man had the nerve to pretend he was waiting on me. He climbed in through my kitchen window and I had no choice but to follow him in. He sat at my kitchen table with a mug in his hand! The absolute cad.
"Who is a rotten egg?" He asked, his eye dancing. I scoffed and climbed in my own window and closed it behind me.
"So what's in the mug?" I asked, bouncing down and moving over to look into it. He moved it out of my sight.
"Ma, Tami-chan! I'm waiting for the water to boil!" He whined. He had no teapot boiling water.
I scoffed and rolled my eyes. Truly my Darling loved to tease. Kakashi's gaze warmed as he looked at me and got up to make tea. He shifted, and ushered me into a chair.
"Why don't you look at the letter? We can talk about the investigation later." He prompted. He went about making me tea. I nearly melted into a pool. How sweet was he?
"Thank you, Lovely." I murmured. I heard him chuckle softly.
"A new nickname?" He asked, "by the time you're done I might have a dictionary's worth."
"A man of many talents you are." I teased again, finally fishing out the letter. It looked like it had been opened already. The paper had dirt on the edges and back. It didn't look clean and pristine. Then again, I was used to getting coffee stained post-it notes from my Uncle. I hoped he was doing well.
It was written in Morse Code, my Uncle's preferred coded communication. He forced me to learn it thankfully, but any other cipher I wasn't good at. Like the one Itachi managed to hash together, I'd need the key or to find someone who was good at solving them. On the edge I wrote out what I recalled, solving the simple puzzle easily. By the time I did, Kakashi stood nearby with two mugs in hand. I gratefully took the mug from him and read over the letter.
Dear Tams;
Hope Maya found you. I'll be on my way soon. Stay safe, don't come. Keeping an eye on the kid.
Oliver
Well, it was longer than usual. I smiled at it and my Darling looked at it from over my shoulder. I had, for transparency's sake, written it in Japanese. He hummed softly.
"So he's going to try to escape." Kakashi murmured.
"Uncle is - elusive when he can be. And adaptive." I replied. I glanced up at him and grinned. "It's a shame your face is always hidden, rather hard to kiss you to show appreciation."
My Darling simply froze and blushed. He was so cute.
Soon - soon we'd have to plan our investigation and deal with Itachi and what he had done. But for now - we could relax. Training would come soon. As would facing Gaara again. I didn't look forward to it, but who knew? Maybe things would change. I smiled up at my Love and sat back to enjoy my cup of tea with him. He sat back in his chair, as we simply basked in the others' presence.
As I sat there, I realized how little I knew about my love. We knew the important bits, the trauma, the life-story, all of that. But, for the life of me, I don't think I even knew his birthday, or bloodtype. Though - I knew people here put stock in knowing blood typing, but I personally didn't.
"You know - I don't think I know your birthday." I said finally. He turned to look at me, blinking as he did. He shifted the cup in his hand and scratched his cheek meekly.
"Uh... it was a few weeks ago."
I stared at him. It was what? "When?"
"September 15th."
Right after I ended up in the Hospital. I stared at him. He hadn't said anything? Truly, I know the culture here put little emphasis on birthdays, but I just so happened to be shacked up, possibly dying during his birthday? I must have stared at him near forever as I processed this. He laughed nervously, gently rubbing the back of his head.
"I... guess I should have told you sooner." He began, "When's yours?"
"April 25th." I answered without a thought.
"Oh! That'll be coming up soon." He said weakly.
Soon?
"Darling, that's in half a year." I said as I stood up. He watched me warily, unsure of how I was taking this. I wasn't taking it well. Something had to be done. My poor Love had spent his birthday in the hospital hoping I wouldn't die. I tugged on my clothes, straightening them out.
"Right then." I started, his gaze on me the entire time, "we'll have ourselves a Merry Happy Un-Birthday."
"What." He looked at me as if I went half mad.
"Well, it simply isn't either of our birthdays today. Darling, I simply cannot make up the rules. It's your Un-Birthday as well as mine. I rather think we should celebrate."
"Are we going to celebrate tomorrow, since neither of us have a birthday then, too?" The dull look I earned from him nearly made me laugh.
"Well, if you insist, I'm rather sure we can manage something."
"Maa."
I moved over to stand in front of him. He continued to study me, leaning back in the kitchen chair. He seemed guarded for some reason, sitting there as if he were ready to glue himself to the seat. "I'm not a child, Tami-chan. I don't mind that we missed my birthday."
"I mind." I said flatly, "I mind. I mind that I was shacked up in a hospital bed, out for days - weeks. You were worried, and I... And then, how many years has your birthday been just overlooked?"
He looked away from me. I must have made him uncomfortable? Maybe.
"Come." I told him, gathering his hands in mine after removing the mug. I tried to pull him from the chair. I tried. He didn't budge, and in fact didn't even move.
"Tami-chan, it's fine. We don't need to go anywhere or do anything." He insisted softly.
"Hatake Kakashi," I said, sending him a look. "Are you afraid I'd traipse you around the village proclaiming your birthday, and embarrassing you?"
A touch of pink flashed across his nose and he turned his face away again. He was trying to make sure I couldn't read him, but right then - he was nearly as easy to read as Gai himself.
"Maybe not that bad... Naruto-kun said something about an un-birthday..." He drawled out.
"You mean when I had two children under my care who never had the -." Ah. Kakashi never had the attention either. Sasuke had been resistant to it, but Naruto had adored it. Kakashi had been the sort to side more with Sasuke. He didn't like fusses being made over him.
"It's okay, Tami-chan."
I smiled and kissed his knuckle. That wasn't what I had thought to do at all.
"I thought maybe you'd like to dance with me. Jiraiya picked it up quickly. A man of your caliber surely will just as fast." I murmured to him. He turned back to look at me and - surprisingly, stood up on his own.
We headed into the living room, hand in hand. I parted only to retrieve my little camera, or rather my slowly dying cellphone and played a nice slow song for us to get used to dancing together (I'm still surprised the charger I used worked). Not many words were traded between us that night as we danced. My Darling took to it like a fish to water. His years of anticipating enemy movements had him slip into the steps almost effortlessly. He started off a little hesitant, following my lead. By the end of the night, his hand was on my low back, pressing me close to his chest as we swayed together. He led me effortlessly around the room, his gaze soft and sweet. He held my hand in his as if he were afraid I'd break. I really didn't think I'd be able to fall for him more. But in that moment, I think I had.
X
The kid came back here and there. Oliver had seen him a handful of times, mostly too exhausted to speak. Orochimaru and that Kabuto guy must have been putting him through his paces. More often than not, Sasuke would sneak in during the night and we'd talk.
Sometimes he'd egg Oliver on to get ideas for tactics and battle strategies. Sometimes the kid was quiet and talked around what his brother did. Oliver tried to keep his nose out of it. At least for the most part.
Kid was coming to terms with his choices and situation. And with what his brother had done. It was hard work, after all. Family wounds were the worst.
Oliver hadn't seen the hide nor scale of Orochimaru since the kid started visiting. He knew it was only a matter of time.
Orochimaru liked to stick his nose where he didn't need to be. Oliver wasn't the least bit surprised when the man showed up.
He slunk into the room, his hands folded into his yukata. Somehow, he figured out how to escape quadriplegia. Oliver would never say he was impressed by it; it was mostly terrifying. The condition should have had him out, and yet there the man was just walking around.
"So. My student has been visiting you." Orochimaru began, leaning against the wall. His mouth curled into a wide grin, "What have you been saying?"
Oliver looked up at him and leaned back against the wall of his cell. He grunted and glanced in the doorway. Oh - would you look at that. The spineless shadow of Orochimaru stood there - Kabuto himself. Between the two, Oliver didn't know who he loathed more. The one who experimented on helpless civilians and ninja alike or the one who nearly killed his niece.
"Been trying to get him to figure out a good Go strategy. Kid can't plot worth a damn." Oliver complained like they were old friends, scratching his neck lazily. He would try to win Orochimaru back. The Snake didn't know that Oliver was familiar with technology. Or, at least, the technology they had available. The tech looked like it was from the 80s. Old, run down monitors that probably needed a good whack every now and again.
Orochimaru smiled and looked back at Kabuto.
"Seems a waste, don't you agree? The boy will be dead in a few years after all. Or don't you know?" Orochimaru tried again.
"Yeah? You know what they say about plans." Oliver continued.
"My contacts have found that your niece has gotten out of the hospital. I'm sure she'll find a way to come. We'll have to celebrate when she does. To give her a good welcome, after all." Orochimaru continued, his grin was treacherous.
Oliver just stared at him, fixing his face to be cold and uncaring. While he was well aware of how dangerous the man was, he hoped Tami would stay put. If she got his letter, it increased his odds. From what Sasuke had told him, Tams' impulsive nature had been tempered. It sounded like it had been a few years since he had last seen her.
Orochimaru scoffed at Oliver's flippancy and left shortly after, Kabuto in tow.
Oliver didn't see Sasuke again for another few days. Again, he trudged in completely exhausted. He sat heavily down across from Oliver. The kid started to pull out the game but Oliver held up his hand.
"Take a second." Oliver told him, but Sasuke shot him a look.
"I'm not weak." He snapped.
"Resting isn't for the weak, kid. It's for the well prepared and sane. Take a second and rest. That's when you're building muscle, anyway." Oliver said, waving his hand.
"That's not true." Sasuke muttered. Oliver just grinned.
The Kid finally did take a moment to breathe before he pulled out the game. This time he took more time with his moves, being intentional in his actions.
It was time to start showing him a few ropes.
"Why don't I start showing you some tactics you can use?" Oliver offered, a looking at the kid, "Like I said, we have all the time in the world. Time to use it. Don't you think?"
Sasuke straightened, looking at Oliver.
"Learn what you can. When I go, you go. We'll start our plan that way, got it?" Oliver offered softly.
Sasuke grinned. He nodded his head once. For now, that was all their scheme. But it would be polished over time. They'd have enough time to trap a snake and break free.
X
Day one of training started early and bright that next morning. I jogged through Konoha, mulling over the journal I found. I wasn't good at breaking codes. I needed to find someone who could. I pushed myself, knowing I needed to do more. I would train with my Darling but it didn't sound like a good idea. He was a natural. Naturals have a harder time teaching another. No - Gai might be a good route to go, albeit I was hesitant to. I also knew swimming helped and maybe even freediving and carrying weights would help. I'd learn how to fight somehow. Maybe that's when I'd ask for Gai's help. His Taijutsu was unparalleled - except for, of course, my Darling. And I think after that I could train with Hatake again. Otherwise, I might get distracted or he might go easy on me. He always did go easy on me when we were partnered together. He might go even easier since we were dating.
I made my plans, and headed in to see the Hokage. The reason for my being involved this early with the next exam was already in the office. He sat off to the side on a couch as if he owned it. His siblings beside him. The Jounin from the exams, Baki I believed his name was.. The Kazekage's eyes were on me the second I stepped foot into the office.
I slipped my hands into my pockets and made my way to Tsunade. Surprise flickered in her eyes for a moment before it vanished. Shizune looked up at me and gave me a small smile in greeting. She still was a sweet woman.
"Uncle simply wanted to tell me not to come." I murmured to her, "Hatake has the code if you're curious."
Tsunade nodded softly and waved me to sit. I tried my best not to look apprehensive.
Gaara of the sand. To think I was here, concerned about that child. I looked at Gaara's siblings who seemed disinterested. Ibiki arrived not too long after myself and Anko nearly bounced in the room with Shikamaru looking at her as if she had three heads and one told him to wear frills.
He sat between Ibiki and I.
"Well, now that you're all here - let's begin." Tsunade said.
And thus, it began. I kept quiet for the most part, even as they wanted to offer Gaara up as bait. They would split the physical exam in half, part in Konoha and the rest in Suna. It seemed foolish to me.
"The Akatsuki or anyone else will be after you." Tsunade began, "we can at least get them out in the open and discover their weaknesses. Your village will see it as a sign of strength."
And yet - there were children facing off in this exam.
"And if we have casualties?" I asked softly. Baki shifted, looking at me curiously. I could see he had questions. If not from now but also what he had heard Kabuto say to me.
"They know the cost." Anko spoke up.
Ibiki grunted in agreement.
"A good handful are twelve. Sometimes younger. Maybe we should warn the teachers if possible." I tried. Shikamaru sighed and looked at me dully.
"It's the cost of being a Shinobi. You should know that by now." He grumbled, "and some teachers might tell their students. If word gets out it will ruin the trap."
I kept my mouth shut after that.
The rest of the meeting went by smoothly enough. Ibiki peered at me from the corner of his eye. Baki looked like he was waiting to pounce. The moment I could, I stepped out. I was thankful no one followed me.
I breathed a heavy sigh. It was nice-.
"Why do you care if there's casualties?" a voice asked.
I nearly jumped. I spun around and the face of Gaara greeted me. His siblings were with him, and Baki stood a foot behind them all.
"I'm rather sure you're trying to kill me in unusual ways." I grumbled before I could manage to stop myself.
"I wouldn't need to do that." Gaara said, as if that was some sort of assurance. Kankuro hid a laugh with a fake cough.
"And humble to boot. I'm sure you're the darling of Suna." I said jokingly. I was trying to shake the nerves I felt racing up and down my limbs. This kid could unsettle a seasoned pro, I'm sure.
"They don't like me." Gaara assured me. I breathed out. No wonder he felt like he was similar to Naruto.
"Right then. How can I be of service to Suna?" I asked, glancing between them all. The Kazekage didn't seem appeased.
"You didn't answer my question. Why do you care?" Gaara insisted. Kankuro groaned and folded his hands behind his head.
"I don't see the big deal, Gaara. Konoha is just like that." He grumbled.
"No one else at the table protested. She did." Gaara continued and stared at me as if to will an answer. I sighed. Grand. Why did I keep getting myself into these situations?
"I don't like the idea that we're using some ploy that the Akatsuki could come in, kill a few children and hide amongst the students in the test just to get to you." I explained.
"Orochimaru did similarly even with a normal exam." Temari pointed out. I breathed out slowly and crossed my arms.
"Yes. Yes he did. And I'd rather not make it easier to have happen." I said, looking between them.
"You're new to exams, aren't you?" Baki asked from the back. He seemed to be evaluating me. I studied him quietly. Well then.
"New enough. Been in one, helped with the other, and this is my second. I didn't help much last time." I offered up. Baki hummed softly, studying me quietly once again. Grand.
I didn't want any more attention on me than necessary. Maybe one day.
"Is that all? Forgive me, I'm short on time today." I asked, looking at Gaara. The Kazekage paused for a moment and nodded.
I bowed my head out of respect and left. I needed to get going.
I darted out and started out. I had work to do. First I had to get back to the T&I office and finish up what I was doing.
I had to find Maya.
Finding my old roommate took a little bit of work. She was staying at Jiraiya's home. I didn't quite know where she was. I could see an Anbu hanging out on the roof. I knocked on the door and waited.
I saw the wide innocent eyes of Maya Davis answer the door. She looked up at me, and smiled weakly.
"Hello, T-can I help you?" She asked. Well, she at least remembered to pretend not to know me. I smiled and nodded.
"Tsunade-sama sent me. Can we talk?" I asked. Her eyes grew bigger and she opened the door to let me in.
Easily, I entered.
Jiraiya's home looked nothing like I thought it would. I figured it would be plain, maybe be sparse in furnishing and maybe a toad or two running around. I obviously didn't give him enough credit. His home was decorated nicely. I knew very well it wasn't Maya who decorated. Her taste was vastly different.
"So… settling in well?" I asked, turning to her. She smiled weakly and shifted nervously.
"I guess. It's kind of wild to think about. And then the ninja… and you know." Maya said. I hummed. I imagined it was harder for her. I nodded to the living room so we could sit.
"Yes, well, it took me some time too. I try not to think about it too hard, It's a lot to wrap my mind around." I said as we moved to the other room and sat down.
Maya nodded and sat across from me.
"I don't know if you know this, but Hatake and I didn't get along when we first met." I told her. Maya fought off a smile and shook her head.
"I'm so surprised!" She said jokingly. She sighed and sent me a look, "it almost seems like half of your friendships you don't like the person at first and then BAM. You're best friends."
I raised my eyebrows. That - wasn't entirely inaccurate.
"Fair enough," I murmured, folding my legs below me. "Speaking of… I misunderstood him first. And I have a feeling I might be misunderstanding another person too."
Maya frowned. She looked at me with uncertainty.
"I thought you didn't want to talk about this."
"I didn't. But then it involves Sasuke."
Maya scowled. She crossed her arms, looking at me coldly. That was - that was fair.
"I thought you didn't want to know anything! Scared I'd be some science project! Or something." She carried on. I flinched. That was true.
"I thought you might want to be involved if it dealt with Uchiha Itachi." I said. I was mostly hoping to avoid the cypher. If she could tell me or work around that curse of hers to let me know what happened -.
Maya flinched. She looked at the carpet below her feet. She curled her hands into fists before looking up at me.
"I'm not just some - some answer box or something." She started, "Itachi is - just leave it be. You don't know what you're messing with."
I sat back in my chair - I didn't think Maya would react this strongly. Again, I misjudged her. I sighed. Maybe I was being careless myself? Not taking into account what she wanted or felt. Possibly.
"I don't think you are." I said.
"Yeah… well, this is the first I've seen you and you ask about somebody." She grumbled.
Fair.
I hadn't seen her for some time and here I was - questioning her about her other favorite character who I, personally, had a beef with. Even if there was new evidence, it still didn't absolve him from what he had done to Sasuke.
"You're right. Forgive me…" I started, "I found out about this little thread just last night. I've only been out of the hospital for a few days. He wrote in ciphers in his journal and I had hoped to avoid trying to solve it."
That didn't appease Maya. She still sent me a stern look. Fine, fine, fine.
"Fine. No more questions about clan murderers." I said.
Maya wasn't a source I could use.
"Or otherwise. No spoilers." She insisted. I paused but nodded. Fair enough. It wasn't really all that right that I was there looking for answers while I told everyone else they couldn't.
"You got it, River. No spoilers." I teased her, using a Doctor Who reference. She made a face at first but giggled. It subsided too quickly and it was then I could see the weight on her shoulders. Her head held low, and her eyes downcast.
Well, now I felt even worse.
"You're not adjusting well are you?" I asked softly. Maya rubbed her arm, slowly pulling into herself. She wrapped her arms around her knees and rested her chin upon them.
"We might screw everything up. The way things are going now, I don't know what to expect. And if - if it all crashes and burns I don't think I could ever forgive myself… or you." She admitted.
I sat there, looking at her stunned. She'd never told me anything so - so cold. At the same time, I understood. Konoha was a place she ran to when she needed to feel safe.
"Yes, well, I'm rather sure I'm in the same boat." I agreed softly. This time I didn't add a joke. It would be tone deaf to do so. I'd be careful from now on. I wasn't going to mindlessly involve Maya in this. Upon Tsunade's mere suggestion, I decided to go find her and ask her myself. As if I were any better.
"That - that journal you said Itachi had…. Could you burn it?" Maya asked, looking up at me hopefully.
"I'm afraid I can't. The Hokage has already been informed. I'm going to be looking into it with Kakashi." I said. Frustration flickered in Maya's face and she buried her eyes in her knees.
I felt absolutely despicable.
"I'll… I'll be by again later, Maya. No more spoilers." I told her as I got up and went to leave.
"Tami… Tami, one last thing." Maya said, looking up. Her eyes were wet and her face was growing pinker by the second, "don't be lovey-dovey with Kakashi in public. Okay? Just be distant."
I didn't dare ask any more.
I left as soon as I could.
Maya… poor girl. I needed to keep a better eye on her. She wasn't doing well as I had hoped. I wasn't a very good friend. But hopefully in time I could make up for it.
X
End Chapter
AN: There we are. I feel way better about these three chapters than I have about Blaze. I'm sorry for anyone who prefers Blaze more, but it's not a direction I think I can continue on in. I'm glad I started it, as I wrote I found more and more things that just hadn't been working in Blaze that I can fix here. I had a feeling before writing it I shouldn't have started it but I had been in a hurry. So - we'll see.
Thank you guys again. I'll see you in the new year and try to get up a chapter as I can. Hope you guys enjoyed this and I hope your Holidays were enjoyable and that your New Year comes with great things and new pleasures.
Thank you!