Reborn

Chapter 9: Together

As Hanako raises her hand, she wasn't sure if she should knock on his door or not. However, with a face of embarrassment, she quickly knocks but no one answers back. She silently slides the door open and takes a good look inside.

Even though the sun outside is bright and warm, the room felt dark and cold. A figure laid inside the dark blue futon in the corner of the room. Hanako closes the door behind her and silently moves towards the futon.

Itachi laid there quietly with a disturb face and sweating. Hanako sits next to his head and gently places his head on her lap. She gently brushes his hair back before placing her hand on his forehead. A golden light starts to glow from her hand causing Itachi to relax.

"You've done enough, Itachi. It's time to rest." She whispers softly into his ear causing his breathing to relax.

Hanako gently stares at his beautiful face. She could see the subtle lines forming on his face from all the stress. Itachi was under so much stress.

"You are good for him, you know."

Hanako looks up to find Kichiro leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed. Kichiro stares at Itachi who seems to be peacefully sleeping before looking at Hanako. Hanako looks down at Itachi.

"I'll take the 2 idiots out today so you can spend time with him. I know how much you have been missing him since we last saw him." Hanako nods gratefully at Kichiro.

Kichiro turns around, ready to walk out of the room.

"Hanako?" Hanako looks back up again.

"Even though I know my brother loves you and you had those moments with Sasuke. I still think at the end of the day, it's obvious who would you pick to spend the rest of your life with. So please Hanako, cherish these final moments before he goes away." Hanako smiles sadly causing him to smile before closing the door.

"I will always cherish them forever." She whispers to herself.

A drop of water seems to have fallen on Itachi's forehead, it didn't take long for Hanako to realise that she is crying. She quickly rubs away her tears.

"Hanako,"

Hanako looks down to see a pair of red eyes stare back at her. Itachi watches as tears drip down Hanako's cheeks onto her chin. He moves his rough hands and rubs away her tears. Itachi wanted to say something but he couldn't seem to find the words he needed to say, after all, they both knew what was going to happen.

Hanako leans closer to him, placing her forehead against his. Her hair cascading down either side of him like a small tent. He slowly caresses her soft cheeks with his rough hands.

"I'm sorry," Itachi whispers.

He watches as she closes her eyes and a small sob mumbles out. He tries to get up but Hanako wouldn't let him.

"Hanako, please."

"Itachi, please don't leave me."

Itachi tries again but she holds him down firmly. He could feel how tense Hanako was by the how strongly she was holding him.

"Shisui left me and now you're going to leave me too! I don't know how long I can take it, Itachi. I really don't. Please, I want to go with you."

Itachi starts to have tears in his eyes too. She kept her emotions under lock and key, never letting anyone see the pain she bore except for Itachi. He always knew no matter how strong you are as an Uchiha, you can never escape this ratchet curse.

Hanako couldn't hold down Itachi any longer, Itachi quickly sat up. He pulled Hanako to him, wrapping her in his arms as if Hanako would fly away any second.