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As Rei lay on the cold ground unable to move she could only think of how it had come to this. Up until now it was all for him, wasn’t it? Her eyes closed to the world around her as the rain fell.

Everything I’ve done until now…was for him.

Rei sat in her room looking over the scroll in her hands. She had lost concentration a while ago, but in case Itachi came in she wanted to look like she was busy.

Her crimson eyes began to wonder. She couldn’t help it anymore. She dropped the scroll on the desk and walked over to the window. The dirty windowpane was so old you couldn’t see clearly through it anymore. As her fingers traced the lock she flipped it up and the window creaked open.

The sun light filled the room and a cool breeze crossed Rei’s cheeks. She closed her eyes. Rei couldn’t stay inside her stuffy room any longer. Slipping her legs over the windowsill she dropped down. Leaning her back on the wall she let the sun warm her skin as the breeze calmed her.

There was a small tree a few feet away from where she sat. Her eyes followed the swaying branches. She missed the cherry blossoms it had held only a week ago.
Letting out a long sigh Rei closed her eyes and rested her head on the wall.

The door in her room opened, but if Rei had heard she wasn’t going to let on. Itachi entered the room. Seeing that Rei wasn’t there he turned his gaze to the open window. Rei could feel him coming. She shot up and faced him.

“I…”

“Get inside.”

Rei climbed back through the window and stood in front of Itachi. Her eyes caught his. Red sharingan stared down at her. She never was fazed by his sharingan, and she often wondered why he bothered. His eyes shifted to look at the discarded scroll on the desk. The drifted to the note pad that was half filled.
“You didn’t finish.” He remarked.

“I…I’m sorry,” Rei looked down worried that she’d be punished. He told her to go through it and do nothing else until she was done.

He didn’t say anything. That was starting to get on her nerves how he never answered and was always quiet. But she knew better than to say anything. When she looked back up he was watching her.

“Go outside.” He said with no emotion.

“Uh…but I’m…not…”

“You can finish later. Or do you no longer want to go outside?”

A Small smile crossed her lips and she nodded. Before leaving the room she told him the notes would be in his hands by morning. She walked down the hall slowly although the temptation to run was there she new better. If Kisame saw her she’d be in for it.

The shaded court yard was her favorite place to go. Opening the door she was surprised to see Kisame training. Usually he used the other areas around the complex to train. She guessed the sun was too hot in the other areas as there isn’t any shade there.

Rei moved to the other side of the yard so she wouldn’t be in the way of any stray kunai. She sat down and leaned against the wall. She hoped that Kisame wouldn’t want to spar with her and tried her best to be unnoticeable. But she knew that the unwanted offer would come sooner or later. For the moment she tried to enjoy herself.

“Hey brat…” Kisame’s offer came all too soon. “Wanna spar?” He asked.

No I don’t. She though inwardly. But the answer she gave was getting up and walking over to him. “Why not?” She could think of many reasons not to.

Rei took her normal stance as did Kisame.

“Kisame-sama, don’t go easy on me this time…” She said before starting.

“When do I ever?” He laughed.

He almost always did. Rei knew Itachi had something to do with it. He’d probably told Kisame not to damage his tool. Why am I thinking that? Why do I keep thinking things like this? Rei asked herself. But she was interrupted by Kisame’s in coming fist. He must have realized she was out of it because there was no force behind it and she easily dodged it. It was a good wake up call. She tried to land a hit on him but he wasn’t going to let her do that so easily. She had to get more serious if she was going to even think of a win. He almost landed a punch but she avoided it. She was thankful for her small body which was good for maneuvering around large objects, or in this case large bodies like Kisame’s. Her speed was good but his was better. He turned fast and caught her ankle and brought her down ending it.

Rei got up and brushed the dirt off her skirt. Kisame laughed at her. “What’s the matter Brat your losing your touch are you?”

Rei shot him a glance that meant nothing as her eyes were still looking as innocent as ever. This made Kisame laugh even harder. “Kisame-sama forgets who I am…” Rei scoffed.

Kisame ignored the comment and walked to the targets and pulled out kunai and shuriken to use them. Rei watched him pull them out. She didn’t want to be around him anymore so she wondered around the court yard until he was no longer paying attention to her before slipping through a hole in the stone wall. She walked along the outside of the stone wall letting her fingers run along it.

She came to the small tree in the back of her room. Her window was still open so she went in that way. She glanced at the scroll on her desk but decided she didn’t want to work on it right now.

Why am I acting like this? Usually I’d jump at the chance to help Itachi.

She dropped onto her bed as the thoughts swirled in her head. She was too tired to work now. Itachi had her training like crazy because of the up coming Akatsuki meeting. Rei turned over. I wonder if Deidara-sama is still mad at me. Well I’ll find out soon. I wonder what Leader has planned now.

Rei let her mind skim over the many thoughts she had. Slowly she began to dose off. Soon she was engulfed in the darkness.

Itachi came into check on her just before dark. His eyes ran over the line of her body. Looking at her desk, the papers were untouched. Rei’s breathing sped up and he noticed.

“You’re awake.” He said matter-of-factly.

Rei opened her eyes, unable to keep them closed with the impending thought of being punished.

Itachi’s eyes narrowed as they met hers. She sat up and let her legs hang just above the ground. Her eyes focused on his as they adjusted to the light. He didn’t look angry but with him he never looked anything other then blank.

“There is food prepared.” He said finally breaking the silence.

“I’ll finish the notes first.”

“You haven’t eaten much today.”

“I’m fine, I’ll get something when I’m done.”

Itachi nodded slightly and turned to leave the room. “Tomorrow those better be in my hands.” He said so softly before exiting and shutting the door behind him. Rei nodded even though he’d never see it.

With that last comment Rei knew Itachi was losing his patients. She stood up and felt an unusual chill in her room. She shivered and ran her hands up and down her arms to warm them. Finding the source of the cold to be the window which she’d left open, she went to close it. Great I’ll be sleeping with bugs tonight. Rei sat down at her desk and picked up the scroll. The information was top secret and would be very useful to the Akatsuki. But Rei didn’t care if it was useful or not. She enjoyed learning more about anything, even more so if it were to help Itachi in any way.

Rei wrote down all the important parts of the info. She made sure to get everything right. For her to mess up on these notes could mean death to the Akatsuki member on the mission.

When finally she’d finished the sun had long left the sky and the moon cast an eerie glow over the room. Rei’s pen dropped on her note pad. She looked out the dirty window to see smudged dots which could hardly be called stars. She wondered out of her room and down the hall to the kitchen. She was hungry when Itachi had told her dinner was ready. That was hours ago. Now she wasn’t sure if there was a word for her hunger. She opened the cupboard and took out some rice and an apple to start. Pulling out a chair she sat at the end of the table. She started on the rice before noticing the strange silence that had crept over the building. It was usually quiet, yes, but this just didn’t seem normal. It was then that she realized she wasn’t alone. She turned around to see Itachi standing by the counter.

“Itachi-sama…” Rei breathed in relief.

“I take it you’ve finished?”

Rei nodded. “Yes…” She turned away to take another bite. When she faced him again he’d moved right behind her. “Uh….Itachi…?”

He moved his hand up to her chin and lightly turned her face so she was looking at him. It sent a shiver through her to see his red eyes. His eyes narrowed as if inspecting her. What he was thinking was always a mystery.

“You look tired. A bit pale…” He was so vague. Was he trying to say she looked sick?

“I’m fine…” Rei mumbled.

Itachi’s hand dropped away and Rei quickly turned away from him. She heard him head towards the door but he stopped short of entering the hall. “Get some sleep,” Then he disappeared into the darkness of the hall.

Rei ate some more before returning to her room. As she passed Kisame’s room she heard his snoring. He’d most likely passed out from to much sake. Rei stifled a laugh. She walked into her room and change into her night clothes. She turned out the lamps before going to her bed. Her room was getting colder and she was half tempted to get another blanket but she didn’t want to leave the little warmth her bed was giving her. She fell asleep rather quickly.

Rei woke up in the middle of the night to a freezing room and a fly buzzing around her face. She tried to swat at it but hit her nose instead. She sat up and held her nose. I hate bugs… once she got over the bug she realized she was shivering in the cold. Rei slid out of bed and walked down the hall. She let her hand guide her in the pitch black hallway. The stones of the wall were cold under her fingers, but she finally came to the door she was looking for. She wrapped her hand around the doorknob and opened it very slowly so as not to make any noise. She stepped in and took the same caution in closing it as she had with opening it. When she turned around it scared her to see two sharingan eyes staring at her from the bed.

“I…I can’t sleep…” She confessed softly.

Itachi sat up and looked at her for a moment before walking over to her shaking form. He put his hand on her shoulder. “You’re cold…” He looked her over but in the dark of the room was unable to tell if she was pale or not.

“I’m…not sick. My room is just cold.” She whispered.

Itachi’s eyes narrowed. She wasn’t lying. He ran his hand down her arm and over her hand. His gaze softened as he turned to the bed. Taking a blanket off the end he wrapped it around Rei’s shoulders. With one hand Rei held the blanket to her she placed her free hand on his shoulder. Itachi ran his hand through her long black hair as she rested her head on his opposite shoulder. The shaking slowly started to stop as the heat from his body comforted her. Itachi picked her up and put her on the bed.

“You need to get to sleep now.” He said softly as he got in next to her.

“Ok…” Rei breathed.

Itachi wrapped his arms around her and held her close to keep her warm. Rei normally stayed in her room even if it was cold. For her to come into Itachi’s room usually meant something was wrong. But there really wasn’t. Rei hoped she hadn’t worried Itachi. Her eyes closed and refused to open and she was out.

When she woke up Itachi had already left. The fact that she hadn’t been waken up meant that he wanted her to rest. So she didn’t get up. Instead she shifted positions and closed her eyes again. She hoped she’d fall back asleep before Itachi came back. She didn’t know what time it was and she wasn’t about to go check. If it was early she might get another hour or two to sleep. If it was already past ten she’d be woken up anyway.

She fell into a sort of half sleep, it was dark and she could barely hear the noise of the real world as the dream world took her. She wished that state might last forever but the sound of the door clicking shut meant it wouldn’t last. She lay still and kept her breathing normal but with those piercing red eyes staring down at you it’s almost worse to know they are without seeing them. She tried to keep her eyes closed as she turned over. The bed shifted slightly as Itachi sat down.

“Are you that tired?” Itachi asked, more curious then caring.

“No…” Rei couldn’t lie. “I’m just comfortable.” She smiled.

Itachi leaned over her placing a hand on either side of her. Rei moved to her back and looked up into his eyes.

“Wh…what is it?” She whispered.

“Nothing.” He said coolly.

“I…I’m sorry if I worried you last night…” Rei tried to look away but was caught in his gaze.

“I wasn’t worried.” Itachi said matter-of-factly.

“Of course not…” Rei sighed. Why can’t he ever just say he was worried or that he cares?

Itachi moved his hand to her cheek as he leaned in closer. His lips hovered just above hers.

“Take it easy today…” He whispered on to her lips before kissing her.

It didn’t last near as long as Rei had wished. All too soon he pulled away from her; she wanted to pull him back. She felt him get off the bed. Watching him leave Rei wanted to tell him to stay. But no one tells Uchiha Itachi what to do.

Rei turned over. There was no way she was going to get any more sleep after that. Yet she didn’t want to get up. She lay there for about an hour before getting up. Walking out of Itachi’s room she heard the cling of two kunai hitting.

“Training…I guess I’m alone then.” Rei sighed.

She walked down to the kitchen and took out some rice. She took her time eating for once. Finishing the rice then starting on bread. It felt good to be able to not rush. Rei looked around the counter. She wanted something else but wasn’t sure as to what. It was just the same old things rice, bread, tea, and a few other random foods.

Rei wondered out in to the court yard to watch Kisame and Itachi spar. Neither of them paid any attention to her as she came out, but they both knew she was there. She sat down by the doorway so she wouldn’t be in their way.

The shark man was fast for his size, able to match Itachi move for move. Itachi had the upper hand with his smaller size though. He could move more easily around Kisame. That was one of the first things Itachi had taught Rei, that size made no difference in a fight. Just because your opponent is much larger than you, skill is what will determine the winner. But this fight would have no clear winner. It never did.

The fight was over quickly, ending in a tie once again. Kisame sat down a few feet away from Rei. Picking up a bottle of sake and the cup that he’d left there he poured himself a drink. Itachi came and sat on the other side of Kisame. He was breathing heavily and was covered in sweat.

“Make yourself useful and go get the kunai from the targets, kid.” Kisame grunted.

“Huh…su…sure” Rei had been lost in thought; Kisame’s voice had snapped her out of it. She stood up and walked over to the targets. Pulling out the kunai she noticed some were getting rather dull. Walking back over she handed them to Kisame.

“They’re dull…” He said running his finger over the edge of one.

“I could sharpen them if you want.” Rei offered.

“No.” Itachi looked up at her. “There’s no need.”

“Itachi…?” Rei whispered under her breath.

“We’re leaving tomorrow.”

“S…so soon? I thought we had more time!” Rei was shocked at the news.

“We thought so to but…the message came this morning.”

“I…I see…”

Rei had no clue why the plan had changed so fast and it scared her. She looked at Itachi who seemed lost in the same thought she was. What made the plan change? It didn’t really matter to Rei that there had been a slight change, but the god awful feeling in her stomach told her something bad was coming.

“Rei.” Itachi said firmly to get her attention. “You should go get ready.”

“Ok…” Rei nodded as she turned to back inside.

Rei walked into her room for the first time since she left the night before. Her bed was still a mess. She ignored it to go open her window. After the cool breeze brought the room back to a comfortable temperature she made her bed and pulled her backpack out from under it. Plopping it down on the bed she began stuffing clothes, scrolls, and other necessary things. She went over to her desk to see if she’d forgotten anything. She never did but she thought it better to check just in case.

Even though Itachi had told her to rest for the day, she couldn’t just sit around and think. She realized that when she had started pacing, and now seeing the worn stones beneath her feet from previous pacing, Rei decided to go out and train a bit.

She peeked out of her door down the hall. No one was around so she snuck out to the training yard. Rei found a tai-jutsu post far enough away that they wouldn’t hear her. After throwing a few punches she switched to kicks. The post was old and falling apart, it worried her that she might hit it too hard and knock it down. Rei paused for a moment to get her breath.

Sensing an incoming threat she spun to block the punch thrown by Itachi. She countered him with a kick.

“Your reaction time has improved.” Itachi stated.

“I haven’t been training for nothing.” Rei smiled as she dodged another punch from him.

“True…but you’ve been working yourself to hard again.”

Itachi threw another punch that almost landed but Rei slipped away and landed a kick which brought him down. He easily caught himself with his hands and propelled himself backwards.

“I haven’t. I promised you that I wouldn’t.” Rei sighed. He’s worried.

Rei came at him and threw a fake punch as she tried to knock him down with a kick. Even without the sharingan he could see through what she was trying to pull. He moved out of range for the kick before moving behind her. As Rei spun her hair floated around her face. Long hair…probably the worst idea for a kunoichi… She thought.

“Don’t let your guard down so easily.” Itachi whispered on the shell of her ear. He’d used his speed to best her. Pulling her hands tight behind her, Itachi could have killed her at that point if that had been his intent, and if it had been someone other than Rei.

“I never do,” She grinned as she got lose of his hold. Turning around to face him she caught his fist in her hand. That was faster than before… Rei remarked inwardly.

“Good. You’ll need to watch yourself when we get there; you know Deidara hasn’t forgotten last time.” Itachi’s face was still blank and emotionless. He pulled his fist away as he slipped down and took a swipe at her legs.

“Yes, I know…” Rei said as she jumped back.

Itachi’s eyes narrowed as he got serious. Rei knew there was nothing she could do to stop him, but she also knew he expected her to try, so she did. Stepping back to put space between them she thought of her plan, which soon became useless as the realization that’d she’d already been caught sunk in. Itachi had gotten behind her and taken her arms again.

“You’re not acting yourself. Is there something on your mind?” Itachi whispered in her ear.

“N…no…” Rei breathed. She could feel the heat of his body through his mesh shirt and through hers.

“You’re lying. If there’s something you better get straightened out before it costs you in battle.”

“Y…yes…” Rei nodded, she wasn’t sure if it was to the fact that she was lying or that she needed to straighten things out in her head or if it was both.

Itachi loosened his grip on her arms and turned her towards him. Rei felt afraid not knowing what he was thinking. But she knew he wouldn’t hurt her. He looked her in the eyes. Those sharingan eyes burned deep into her.

“You have a lot on your mind, haven’t you?” Itachi said with some emotion.

“Yes…” Rei looked down.

He put his hands on her shoulders and looked down at her. “No matter what it is stay strong and never hang your head.”

“Uhh…” Rei looked up into his eyes now black. “Itachi…” She whimpered as she stepped closer. Seeing that Itachi wasn’t about to stop her she wrapped her arms around him. “Thank you…” She whispered into his shirt. Her hair fell around her shoulders, and Itachi brushed it back to see her face.

“You’ll be alright, Rei…” He promised before kissing her forehead.

The next morning Itachi woke Rei early before dawn. Even getting up this early they would still arrive after dark. They left the compound five minutes after Rei had woken up. She was thankful for the extra few minutes Itachi had given her even if it meant she had to rush to get ready.

She rubbed her sleepless eyes trying to focus on the path ahead of her. She’d already tripped once. With her mostly out of it and Kisame half asleep it appeared that Itachi was the only alert one in the group. If it was bothering him in the least he wasn’t showing it.

They were moving fast. Obviously Itachi didn’t want to be late; or rather he wanted to be early. The sun had finally peeked above the horizon. Rei felt more awake with each passing moment as the sun rose higher in the sky. The world slowly shifted from the dead and silent state it had taken in the night, to a busy life filled place. Birds were chirping and squirrels running through the trees. The leaves rustled under their feet as they moved along the path.

They passed through a small town. Rei was hungry but didn’t say anything. The towns’ people were giving them odd looks, but that’s to be expected when traveling with someone like Kisame. Rei couldn’t help staring into every shop and stand that sold food. Itachi saw her and decided to stop at a small shop on the edge of the town. The truth was he was getting hungry as well.

They sat down at a table in back. Rei ordered dango and rice with some tea. It was filling and would hopefully hold her for the rest of the day. Kisame had ordered sake which Itachi showed indifference to.

“Did you have enough?” Itachi said looking to Rei.

“Yes, Itachi-sama” Rei nodded.

Itachi left Kisame to pay the bill as he left the table. Rei followed him. Once they were away from the shop and Kisame hadn’t caught up yet Itachi looked at Rei.
“How do you feel?” He asked.

“I’m fine.” Rei smiled

Itachi nodded and turned and started down the road again. Kisame caught up to them after a few minutes. They walked fast through the rest of the town. Once outside of it they sped up. There was no reason to hurry through a town and cause suspicion but they did lose time each time they had to slow down. They decided together to avoid towns and villages if at all possible.

Rei didn’t mind traveling, but it was always so quiet. She wished they could talk. But there was no reason to and nothing to talk about. Her mind would wonder from time to time and she’d fall behind. The third time Itachi called to her to keep up it seemed like he was getting mad, so she tried to keep moving even if she was lost in thought.

As the sun reached its peek they stopped at a sign.
It read: .5 miles to The River Country.

A mile marker and it was the one she’d been waiting to see all day. Rei was glad to know they were getting closer to there destination. It seemed like they weren’t getting anywhere to her, but the sign proved they had covered a great distance.
The River Country…It’s been awhile. Rei thought to herself. After about a minute they were on the move again.

The sun had set awhile ago, maybe two hours or so. Rei hadn’t kept track, but she was so tired and started lagging behind more and more. Her stamina was nowhere near that of Itachi and Kisame’s, they didn’t look tired in the least. Her legs refused to carry her any farther as she collapsed on the ground. Itachi and his partner stopped and looked back at her.

“Itachi…I’m too tired…” Rei confessed.

Itachi walked over to her and knelt down. She tried to raise her head to look him in the eye but she couldn’t even manage that. Itachi rubbed his hand over her cheek and back through her hair.

“It’s ok…” He whispered. Itachi turned around and looked back over his shoulder. “Get on”

Rei used the last bit of her strength to climb on his back. She slid her arms around his neck and rested her head on the back of his shoulder. As he stood up he pushed her higher to get a better hold on her. She felt his soft hair from his ponytail brushing pass her face in the wind. It was comforting in a way and eased her into a deep sleep. Her steady soft breathing told Itachi she’d fallen asleep.

“You really gonna carry her all the way there?” Kisame grunted as he looked back at Itachi.

“She’s out cold…” Itachi said.

“Well at least she made it farther than you thought she would…” Kisame laughed.

“Hmmm…” Itachi glanced back at the girl on his back. Rei…you really have improved.

Itachi and Kisame arrived at the same time as Sasori and Deidara. Deidara was itching for a fight, but to his dismay didn’t see the one person who could scratch his itch. Rei.

“Hey, where’s that brat of yours Itachi?” Deidara questioned.

Kisame grabbed Deidara by the throat and slammed against the wall. The truth was Kisame was just as fond of Rei as Itachi was; also Kisame was the only one who could call Rei a brat.

“You better watch your mouth…” Kisame spat.

Itachi who usually would have stopped his unruly partner, stood back. Deidara would be a problem the whole time they were there so Itachi thought it best to let Kisame deal with him. He walked pass Kisame and a struggling Deidara into the building. It was then that Deidara noticed the girl with long flowing black tresses clinging to his back. A smile crossed his lips. She was there.

“Kisame-san…Your making me wait…” Sasori sighed.

“Then keep your partner in line, Sasori-san…”

Kisame let go of Deidara after he’d settled down a bit. Kisame didn’t let his guard down even for one second as he passed through the doorway. It seemed like they were the last of the teams to arrive. Some bags and other personal belongings of the others were scattered around the large room. It looked like each of the others had made their way to their rooms. Kisame walked into the old room they’d used each time they were here. Rei was tucked into bed and Itachi sat at the small desk reading.

“She’s still out?” Kisame questioned. “Even being so close to him…”

“She has nothing to worry about as long as you or I are around. That’s why she can sleep so soundly with Deidara-san around.” Itachi sighed.

Deidara was troublesome to deal with. Why he had picked Rei as his target for any of his anger was a mystery to everyone, but it caused many problems, the worst of which for Rei.

Last time they were at the Akatsuki head quarters Deidara had gotten Rei in trouble with leader which earned her a beating. Itachi had stepped in but was warned that there wouldn’t be a next time.

Rei turned over in the bed. It was cold and uncomfortable unlike her bed at home. She opened her eyes slightly to let them adjust. The light in the room was dim and she could barely make out the other two figures in the room. Kisame sat in the chair at the end of the bed with a bottle, most likely containing sake, while Itachi was still at the desk. Rei sat up slowly, and Itachi looked at her. The blanket fell from her body and pooled around her legs as she pulled them up. Her hair was a bit messy and fell around her shoulders.
“How long was I asleep…?” Rei asked as she rubbed a hand over her eyes.

“About five hours.” Itachi answered. He put down the book he was reading and turned his chair to face Rei and Kisame’s direction.

“You better watch yourself, brat.” Kisame laughed.

Rei glared at him which made him laugh even harder.

“He’s right, you’d best be on your guard and not go anywhere alone.” Itachi said getting her attention.

“Huh…?” Rei looked a little confused, though she probably shouldn’t have.

“That Deidara is just looking for trouble.” Kisame said.

Deidara-sama…Rei felt a shiver crawl up her spine. She slid her legs over the bed’s edge. She was still in her clothes, but her shoes had been placed at the end of the bed. She still felt tired but wasn’t sure if she’d be able to get back to sleep. Kisame got up and went over to one of the other beds in the room.

“I’m gonna go to bed now so keep it down with that snoring of yours, okay, kid?”

“I do not snore!” Rei protested.

Kisame laughed as he got into bed. Rei felt the heat from her face. Why does he always make fun of me? Kisame-sama is so mean…

Rei got up and went over to her pack. She dug through it until she found the long white shirt she was looking for. She turned to Itachi who was watching her.

“Don’t look ok.” She blushed.

“Hmm…” Itachi turned his head away from her.

Rei glanced at Kisame who was out before turning her back to them both. She draped the shirt over her arm as she bent down to pull down her skirt. The fine red fabric slid down her pale legs revealing her white underwear. Rei quickly pulled off her tank-top.

Itachi’s eyes wondered over to her. He traced her body with those black eyes. She was beautiful. Although her long hair hid most of her body from him, from what he could see she was perfect, neither to thin nor to fat, not to pale or to tan, just perfect.

The long white shirt fell just below where the hem of her skirt would. She spun around and Itachi turned his full gaze on her. Rei smiled as she walked back over to the bed.

“I’m sorry; you had to carry me the whole way.” Rei sighed as she sat down.

“You made it much farther than you did last time, perhaps next time you’ll make it the whole way.” Itachi got up and push the chair in. He walked over and put Rei back in her bed and pulled the covers up.

“Get some more sleep.” He whispered.

“I will…” Rei yawned.

He kissed her forehead before turning out the lamp and heading to bed himself.
______________________________________________________________________

Itachi probably shouldn’t have been surprised to find Rei in his bed when he woke up. She must have come over after he’d fallen asleep. He slipped over her and got out of bed without making a sound. He pulled the blanket up over her shoulder. Itachi had already noticed Kisame wasn’t in the room. Itachi paid no mind to the fact he was missing, he was most likely gone to get food.

Itachi pulled on his mesh shirt. He figured that the meeting would start soon and someone would come to get them.

“Unnn…” Rei tossed in the bed. “Uhh…nnn…” she was obviously having a bad dream.

Itachi glanced to her as she sat up quickly breathing heavily. He went over to her and sat on the bed beside her. Rei looked up at him. It was…a dream…

“Are you alright?” Itachi asked.

“Y…yes…” Rei nodded.

“You better get dressed before Kisame comes back.” He said as he got up off the bed.

Rei got up and went to her pack and pulled out her clean clothes. She turned her back to Itachi again as she changed. This time Itachi was to busy to sneak a peek.

Rei had just finished zipping up her sweater when Kisame walked in.

He looked to Itachi. “Ten minutes.” Was all he said. Itachi nodded as Kisame turned to leave again. Itachi looked at Rei who walked over to him.

“Let’s go.” Itachi said.

“Right.” This is it…
______________________________________________________________________

The members started to gather on the sealing statue. Although Rei could have taken Orochimaru’s place on the left little finger it was decided by Leader that she would not have her own respective place. So she stood beside Itachi on the right ring finger. Having Deidara only two positions away was unsettling for her. She wanted to reach for Itachi’s hand for comfort but even if she did he wouldn’t take it. More importantly she wanted to know why they were on the statue to begin with. They weren’t going to seal a jinchūriki, so there really wasn’t a need to have the statue.

Leader appeared on the right thumb. Silence took the room. No one said anything they were all just waiting some patiently others anxiously. He seemed to be thinking carefully, trying to find the right words.

“We…have a problem.” Leader finally stated.

A problem…? Rei looked up to Itachi rather than to leader.

The other members gave him curious looks.

“What kind of problem?” Kisame questioned for everyone. Rei’s eyes went from Itachi to Kisame to Leader. They all waited to hear his answer, if there’d be one.

Finally he spoke again. “Information has been leaked to an ANBU squad.”

“ANBU…Which village, hmm?” Deidara looked to his superior.

The answer hit home for Rei. “Konohagakure…You will leave today. You are too make them…disappear…” Leader hissed.

Rei clenched her fist, as an anger boiled up inside her. Could any of them be…no, no they can’t… Leader noticed the charka gathering in her fist as did everyone else.

“Rei…” Itachi said sharply in a muted tone.

“Is there a problem, Rei-san?” Leader smirked at her, as if thinking her anger was laughable.

Rei looked up at him. Her eyes were no longer soft and innocent looking. They’d become cold and almost lifeless. The glare she gave resembled that of Itachi’s so much that some of the other members in the room shook with fear. “No, sir.” Rei said calmly. She unclenched her fist. There wasn’t any good reason to go against orders at the moment. Perhaps she didn’t know anyone in the ANBU squad; at least she hoped she didn’t.

“Why bring out the statue?” Sasori asked suddenly. Secretly they all wondered.

“The information that was leaked pertains to the statue of sealing. I’ll stay here to guard it.” Leader answered.

There isn’t anything to be leaked about the statue other than its location…

“You’re wasting time get moving.” He said as he threw an envelope to one member of each group. “Supposedly the squad had two chunin and one jonin in it. What we know for sure is the group split up. The information in the envelopes tells you where to go and who to go after.”

They nodded to leader. “Now get out of my sight!”

Members started disappearing in clouds of smoke. Rei felt Itachi wrap his arm around her as they disappeared to. Reappearing out side the stronghold Itachi let her go. Kisame was already there waiting. Itachi opened the envelope and read the paper inside without showing either Kisame or Rei. He put the paper in the pack at the back of his waist.

“Alright follow me.” He said as he leaped up into a tree. Rei followed close beside him and Kisame was on the other side.

“So who’d we get?” Kisame asked.

“The chunin group is our target.”

“Damn…I wanted to actually have a challenge.” Kisame grumbled.

Rei thought about it. Two chunin on an ANBU mission, the possibility of Shikamaru being on the mission was overwhelmingly great. Rei tried to push the thought away. Either way she would be finding out soon.

They rushed through the trees and crossed over the boarder to the Fire Country. Luckily they were at least a day away from Konoha, and the group would probably be setting up camp soon. Rei kept looking to Itachi. He had probably already figured out the Shikamaru may be in the group. But that wouldn’t change what they had to do. He looked back at her once. She looked away. She wanted to tell him what she was thinking but she was sure he already knew that too.

The sky grew dark with in coming clouds. It was also getting late as well. Itachi stopped the group. There were tracks on the ground. Three people and one dog, they must have been using a ninken, or a ninja dog.

“Kakashi…” Rei breathed. If it really is Kakashi…then Shikamaru is…but who would be the other chunin? Rei’s mind raced with thoughts.

“They’re close.” Itachi said in his muted tone.

“Hmmm” Kisame grinned. Maybe he might enjoy it.

“We’ll wait for the sun to set. But first we need to find them.” Itachi said as he stood up straight. “Rei” Itachi looked to her.

You can’t be serious…you want me to go find them? “I’m on it.” Rei said calmly. She disappeared into the trees.

“You know her lover-boy is probably on the squad.” Kisame looked at Itachi wondering why he’d made her go.

“I know.” Itachi said coldly.

Rei tracked down the group. Finding their camp site to be empty she figured they were either scouting the area or setting traps, or possibly both. She looked at the things in the camp, trying to find any personal positions. It was impossible to tell from where she was hiding, so she quickly gave up. Itachi hadn’t given her any orders on when to come back, so she decided she should find out who they were dealing with. She shifted on the branch trying not to make any noise. It’s too small… Rei spotted a better branch and was about to jump over to it, but she was stopped by the appearance of three shinobi in the camp site. Rei immediately masked her chakra hiding her from their senses. Ducking behind a branch she looked through the leaves. Her heart sank. Shikamaru…He wasn’t the only one either. Kakashi was there just like Rei thought and pakkun too. Rei waited for the other chunin to turn. Who are you…? If it’s Sakura…The girl chunin turned around and bent down. Rei couldn’t tell what she was doing but she wasn’t Sakura.

Shikamaru looked up in Rei’s direction and she tried to hide behind the leaves. She wasn’t sure if he knew she was there or not.

“What is it Shikamaru?” Kakashi asked.

“Nothing….” Shikamaru sighed as he turned back to his group.

Damn…he knows…Rei could tell by the way he didn’t turn back to her. He was trying to give her a chance to get out of there. Taking it she slipped away quietly and made her way back to Itachi.

Itachi was leaning against a tree while Kisame sat against another. Rei landed in front of them.

“They’ve set up camp about three miles north.” Rei said. She turned to Itachi. “It’s Hatake Kakashi and…N…Nara Shikamaru.”

“I see, and the third member?”

“I don’t recognize her, I’m sorry.” Rei looked away. Will he make us go through with this? Rei asked herself. Of course he will…

“Alright the sun will set in about an hour. We’ll wait until then.” Itachi said.

Rei walked over to a tree and as her back hit the bark she slid down to the ground. Leader’s words ran through her head. You are to make them…disappear…Rei closed her eyes. Shikamaru…upon opening her eyes again she saw Itachi crouched in front of her.

“Rei…” Itachi put his hand to her cheek. “Are you going to be able to do this?” He asked.

Rei could feel her heart sink deeper in her chest. He was asking her to kill her friends. How could he ask her that? She thought it over quickly. She hadn’t seen Shikamaru in over a year, and she never really knew Kakashi. What was she thinking! She still couldn’t kill them, but Itachi…it was Itachi who was asking her to. The one man that she owed her life to, the person she loved, would she kill them for him?
“Yes…”

Rei sat against the tree and watched the sky as it slowly turned to night. They would be leaving soon, maybe even any minute. The last hour had been quiet, and not in the good way. There was tenseness with their silence. Itachi had his eyes closed, Rei was thankful. It was easier to think without him watching her. Kisame had himself a few shots of sake while he waited. Rei’s eyes traced the horizon as the last bit of red light drifted below it.

Itachi stood straight. “Alright…lets move.” He said as he opened his now sharingan eyes.

Rei hesitated before getting up. Her legs had become stiff from sitting so long. Itachi glanced at her and his partner. Kisame grabbed his large sword and swung it over his shoulder.

“Let’s get this over with.” Kisame sighed.

Itachi took off and the two followed him. Rei took Kisame’s usual place beside Itachi because she had to guide them. What can I do to stop this? There isn’t anything…I could…take them the wrong way…no, Itachi would know that I lied. Damn! Rei bit her lip not taking the risk to think out loud. This was Itachi’s order from leader…if I mess it up Itachi will be in trouble…I can’t do that to him.

They came up to the camp site to find it empty once again. Thank god…Rei sighed in relief. It looked like they’d just left, the fire was dowsed and the tent gone.

“This is the place?” Kisame asked as they jumped into the open clearing.

“Yes.” Rei said firmly. She was sure this was the spot.

“They must have seen you then!” Kisame glared at her.

“I…wasn’t seen!” Rei protested.

“Kisame,” Itachi said strongly. “They’ve just moved on ahead. Rei wouldn’t have been seen.”

You don’t believe that though do you Itachi? No, I was seen and Kakashi probably caught my sent. Damn it! Rei looked at Itachi. He was looking over the site, most likely trying to find the way they went.

“Itachi…” She let his name escape her reluctantly.

He turned to look at her. “What is it?”

“N…nothing…” She shook her head.

He stared into her eyes before turning away. He was determined to find them that was obvious.

Rei looked around the small clearing. Her eyes traced the line of trees looking for a sign as to which way they went. Then she saw it, a broken branch hanging loosely. Itachi would notice it right away if he hadn’t already. Kisame kicked at the dirt that was thrown on the fire. Rei watched him. Checking how long ago the fire was put out…Rei bit her lip.

“It’s still warm,” Kisame grunted.

“They went this way.” Itachi pointed. “Rei,”

She gazed at him. What now? What will you have me do?

“Go around them and block their path.” He finished.

Rei nodded, unable to say anything, what could she say. She looked off in the direction Itachi pointed out.

“Are you just gonna stand there kid?” Kisame laughed.

By the time he finished his sentence Rei was already gone. She moved rather slowly through the trees. She wasn’t sure of anything at that moment. There…isn’t anything …I can do…She thought, But I’ve got to try. She sped up hoping she might be able to reach them before Itachi and Kisame. Even if she were to, she had no idea what she would do.

Rei kept up her pace until she saw Shikamaru’s group. She stopped for a brief moment before heading up the path. She stopped about thirty feet away from where she’d seen them. Rei looked around to see if anyone else was coming down the road before slipping out of the bushes. For the first time since the clouds came she was thankful for the darkness they brought. It was dark enough to not be seen standing right in the middle of the path from a distance.

Her heart raced as she stood there. For so long now she’d wanted to see Shikamaru, but not like this…

Foot steps. Rei heard them coming, but, there were only three sets of feet approaching her. She didn’t have time to wonder what happened to the other person in the group as she saw them coming, Pakkun was no longer with them. Rei stepped out of the shadows over head. The group stopped as soon as they saw her. Shikamaru stepped away from his squad and towards Rei.

“Rei…” He breathed her name knowing why she was there.

“Shikamaru….” Rei looked at him. “You should have gotten out of here.”

“I have orders to follow.” He said in a soft tone.

“I…have to follow orders too, you know?” Rei sounded sad.

“And what are those orders?” Shikamaru questioned.

“Asking unnecessary questions? Isn’t that troublesome?” Rei smiled slightly.

“Heh…yea it is.” Shikamaru laughed. “You know me too well.”

“I could say the same,” Rei stepped aside. “Go…” She whispered.

Shikamaru nodded and signaled to the others. Just as Rei sighed in relief, just as they pasted her, Itachi and Kisame landed on both sides of the path. Rei avoided Itachi’s eyes.

“Good work, Kid,” Kisame laughed.

“Rei?” Shikamaru looked back at her.

“I…” That feeling of being unsure swept over her. She looked away from Shikamaru and glanced at Itachi. He was busy staring into the eyes of Hatake Kakashi. It happened so fast Rei wasn’t sure if Itachi or Kakashi threw the kunai first, but it was enough to spur a full out battle. Itachi went after Kakashi. The girl chunin tried to stop Itachi but Kisame pulled her back.

“I’m your opponent kunoichi.” He grinned. He swung his large sword at her. Hitting the ground the sword caused dust to rise in the air.

“Kana!” Shikamaru yelled. He listened for her.

“I…I’m fine…” She called back to him.

Rei grabbed Shikamaru by the shoulder as he started to run off towards Kisame and his teammate.

“Shikamaru…I…I’m sorry.” She whispered to him before jumping back.

“I understand.” Shikamaru prepared himself for her attack.

Half-heartedly she drew her kunai and came at him. As their blades met Rei felt the soft tickle of rain on her face. It was as if the sky was crying for her.

“I’m the only one that knows about the information we received.” Shikamaru told her.

Rei ignored his words and swiped her leg across the back of his legs trying to bring him down. She was pathetic as she was now, a shinobi with no will to fight. Shikamaru knew she could never beat him as she was, so he ended it quickly. Striking the back of her neck and knees he caught her as she fell, letting her gently down to the ground before disappearing.

And now she lay there on the cold wet ground motionless. She fell unconscious and was out for about five minutes before coming to.

Until now…everything was for him…, but, but what about me?

Rei finally opened her eyes. Kakashi, Kisame and the girl chunin were no longer there. But Itachi and Shikamaru were still locked in combat. She tried her damnedest to get up but she was still in pain from the blow to the back of her neck. All she could do was sit helplessly and watch the two go at it. As she watched she had time to think. To think of what she’d done with her life, and what she wanted to do. The first part was easy.

I’ve lived for him…she thought. No…that’s wrong…I wanted to live for him. I’m useful to him…, that’s why he keeps me around…but I wanted to be useful so that he would keep me around…I’ve never disobeyed him…because want him to want me! So that means…that everything I’ve done for him…was really for me!

Rei was pulled back to reality by the sound of Itachi’s voice. She looked up to see the two of them preparing to kill one another. They went at each other. Rei pushed her self up with some new found strength. I’ll be selfish, just one more time. It would have been easy to let Itachi kill Shikamaru, and they would go on with there lives. Just once more…
But what Rei wanted…
…What I want…She slid between them knocking the kunai from Shikamaru’s hand and taking a firm grip on Itachi’s wrist. What about me? What about what I want?

“Rei…you’re in the way.” Itachi said in his muted tone.

She turned to Itachi still gripping his wrist. Her tears hidden by the rain, could he tell she was crying? She didn’t care if he could; in fact she hoped that he did. I just want to…be with you…

“I said…”

“I know!” Rei interrupted. “But…I’m not going to move…”

“Rei…” Shikamaru breathed.

“I see.” He closed his eyes. “Then I’ll move you.”

Upon opening his eyes he grabbed her wrist with his free hand lifting her in the air he tossed her aside.

“Uhnn…” She whimpered as she hit the ground. She looked up in horror as she saw Itachi go for Shikamaru’s throat. Before she knew it she’d thrown herself in front of Itachi’s attack. He didn’t have time to stop, only enough to move so he wouldn’t wound her fatally. She felt the ice cold blade dig into her shoulder. She fell to the ground clutching her bloodied shoulder. Itachi’s attention was lost to Shikamaru. The chunin only stayed long enough to make sure Rei was alright. Then he was gone.

“You fool…” Itachi draped his robe over her shoulders. The outside was wet but the inside remained dry. He took her up in his arms.

“Forgive me…” She whispered. She bit her lip awaiting his response.

He took off into the trees without answering her. Rei looked up at him.

“What is there to forgive?” he asked. This basically meant he dismissed her behavior.

She rested her head against his shoulder. His body heat warmed her sore shoulder. There were a few snapping sounds and then Kisame appeared by Itachi’s side.

“They were met at the boarder by two other squads; there wasn’t anything I could do on my own.” He grumbled in defeat, “What happened to our little Brat?”

Itachi ignored Kisame and instead looked down at Rei. “Your selflessness will be the death of you.”

“But…I was selfish…” She smiled softly.

“Hmm?”

“Unn, unn…never mind”

Being selfish…may not be as bad as I had thought…

The
End
By:
Foxgirl Koto