Chapter 14: A Peaceful Sleep

The longing to see Itachi Uchiha was a constant ache in my chest, an unyielding pull that refused to be ignored, and I craved the comfort of Shisui Uchiha's presence just as intensely.

The absence of my dear friends felt like a gaping void within me, a weight that grew heavier with each passing day. I knew they must have been worried, anxiously waiting for my return. But I was afraid-so afraid.

After my emotional outburst and the confrontation with fake Danzo Shimura in the unforgiving winter storm, I fell ill with a high fever that left me vulnerable and weak.

Grandpa dedicated himself to nursing me back to health, yet it was a struggle. I resisted sleep, terrified that closing my eyes I would see my dear friends in such a state. The mere thought of that filled me with dread, and I couldn't bear the weight of it. This fear gnawed at my appetite, making even the simplest act of eating feel impossible. My body screamed for nourishment, but I pushed away food and drink, driven by an irrational need to maintain control over something in my life.

Things became so dire that Grandpa had to practically force sustenance upon me, spooning small amounts of broth and water into my mouth as I lay there, too exhausted to protest. He resorted to gently easing me into a deep sleep, hoping that rest would provide the solace my troubled mind desperately needed. During those restless few hours of unconsciousness, I was spared from the haunting images of my dead friends in that state, but other disjointed visions plagued me-fragments of a puzzle I couldn't yet piece together. Too exhausted to delve into their meanings so I set them aside.

The three days I had failed to meet Itachi, combined with the two weeks it took to recover from my illness, added up to a total of 17 days away from them. Each day felt like an eternity, the distance between us growing more unbearable.

"Go, dear Aki," Grandpa said one morning, his voice gentle and full of warmth as he patted my head affectionately. I leaned against his shoulder, finding comfort in his familiar presence even as my mind remained haunted by the shadows of my visions. "I know you want to see your friends. Go to them. Maybe... they can help you recover completely."

Slowly, I lifted my head, my eyes searching his loving face for reassurance. The worry etched in his features mirrored my own.

"Thank you... Grandpa."

~~~

Though still feeling weak, I pushed myself to go through the familiar routine of finding my dear friends. I began with Itachi's house, but they weren't there. I checked Shisui's home, only to find it empty and silent. I headed toward the summit, my heart sinking as I realized they were nowhere to be found.

That left one last place: outside the village, in the forest near a small stream where they often practiced jutsu and sparred.

Praying that they would be there, I leaped through the tree branches, each bound fueled by the hope of seeing my dear friends once more. My heart raced with anticipation, and for the first time in days, I felt a spark of strength flicker within me. As I soared through the trees, the familiar sounds of shurikens slicing through the air reached my ears, followed by the sharp clinks of kunai clashing against each other.

Were they in trouble?

The visions flickered through my head as I winced in pain, struggling to keep them at bay.

Nearing the clearing, I slowed down, coming to a stop on a sturdy branch. My breath caught in my throat as I peered down, watching them-they were just sparring with each other, their movements fluid and practiced like a dance.

Thank goodness.

I stared, captivated by the sight before me. Their faces were lit with smiles, their laughter and shouts of encouragement filling the air. They exchanged critiques and ideas for improvement, the genuine friendship between them was palpable.

My dearest friends.

They were...alive.

The realization hit me like a bolt of lightning, and I almost couldn't believe my eyes. I hadn't even noticed that I was holding my breath, but as tears of relief flooded my eyes, I felt an overwhelming joy wash over me.

They were there, breathing, vibrant, and full of life.

Suddenly, Shisui stopped mid-spar, his gaze shifting upward, his expression changing from concentration to surprise as Itachi followed his line of sight.

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"Aki!" they both called out, their voices a harmonious blend of shock and delight.

They rushed toward the base of the tree where I perched, looking up at me with wide smiles that radiated warmth and happiness. The light in their eyes was a balm to my aching heart that left me at a loss for words.

"What took you so long?" Shisui asked, a teasing lilt in his voice. "We've been waiting for you."

"Aki, is something wrong?" Itachi inquired, concern creasing his brow as his eyes searched mine.

Unable to contain the torrent of emotions any longer, I leaped down from the branch, and Itachi instinctively caught me in his arms. The moment he held me, I broke down, sobbing as if I hadn't seen them for an eternity. The floodgates opened, and all my fears, worries, and longings came pouring out in a wave of tears.

I cried, tears and snot mingling together, for what felt like forever. Itachi sat down on the ground, leaning on a tree while cradling me in his lap. Shisui quickly settled beside him. They watched me with concern etched on their faces, but they didn't interrupt or ask questions; instead, Itachi gently rubbed my back, while Shisui's presence offered silent comfort.

Sobbing, I twisted my body slightly and reached my paws out into the air, desperate for connection. "Shisui?"

"Yes," he responded immediately, his hand reaching out to take mine.

I grasped his hand tightly, holding it close as I curled into Itachi's lap, finally feeling a sense of total safety and relief washed over me-cleansing me.

They were warm to the touch.

They were alive.

Before I knew it, exhaustion overcame me. For the first time in my life, I drifted off into a deep, peaceful sleep, free from the visions that had haunted me for so long.

~~~

Slowly, I opened my eyes to find myself in a serene forest of vibrant greens, surrounded by the gentle embrace of nature. The evening light filtered through the canopy, casting a warm, dappled glow on everything it touched. A cool, gentle breeze ruffled my fur, carrying with it the soothing sounds of birds chirping nearby. The symphony of nature filled my senses, each sounds more vivid than the last-the rustling leaves, the distant calls of wildlife, and the calming trickle of running water.

"Oh, you're awake first, Aki," came Shisui's calm voice, cutting through the harmonious chorus of the forest.

I turned my gaze toward the source of his voice, curiosity piqued.

He was sitting beside me, a gentle smile on his face as he watched me. "Can I have my arm back now?"

"Huh?" I blinked in confusion.

Glancing down, I realized with a start that I had been clutching his arm like a teddy bear in my sleep! Another wave of shock washed over me as I noticed I was sprawled across Itachi's lap, curled up like an actual cat!

Instantly, horror and embarrassment flooded through me, my cheeks burning with a fierce blush. Not that either of them could tell, given my feline form, but I felt it keenly. With a swift movement, I sprang up and away, mortified by my own boldness.

Grandpa most definitely wouldn't be pleased.

"Shushhh," Shisui whispered, placing a finger to his lips. He nodded toward Itachi, who was still sound asleep, his back resting against the sturdy trunk of a tree, his head nestled comfortably on Shisui's shoulder. "This little guy was worried about you when you didn't show up. He hasn't been sleeping well, thinking something bad might have happened."

Hearing this, I turned my attention to Itachi, noticing for the first time the faint dark circles under his eyes. I then glanced at Shisui, who also bore signs of weariness, shadows of fatigue beneath his eyes.

"Let's get him home so he can rest," Shisui suggested softly. With gentle care, he maneuvered Itachi's arms onto his shoulders, lifting him into a piggyback carry.

Itachi's eyes fluttered open briefly, taking in the situation before closing again, seemingly content and reassured.

Shisui glanced back at me with a warm, inviting smile. "Hop on."

A flutter of happiness danced in my heart like butterflies taking flight. I leaped up, landing gently on Itachi's back as Shisui supported him.

"Oof, the weight just increased by 40 lbs," Shisui joked, feigning a stumble, his voice light and teasing.

I couldn't help but chuckle, reaching out to ruffle his hair affectionately.

~~~

With my eyes closed, I focused on the world around me, allowing my other senses to come alive. I listened intently to the sound of Shisui's soft, rhythmic footsteps as they pressed gently against the grass, each step creating a subtle rustle that harmonized with the natural symphony of the forest.

Itachi's breath came softly, a steady and calming rhythm that contrasted against the backdrop of our surroundings. The rise and fall of his chest was almost meditative, grounding me in the moment as I breathed in sync with him. Each inhalation filled me with a sense of peace, while each exhalation released the tension that had been building within me.

The breeze, cool and refreshing, swept through the clearing, brushing against their dark hair and creating a gentle dance that mirrored the delicate sway of the nearby trees. I could almost feel the soft tendrils of air wrapping around me as it carried with it the earthy scent of damp soil and blooming flowers, filling my lungs with the essence of life itself.

The leaves rustled overhead like chimes, their gentle clattering creating a soothing melody that echoed through the air. It felt as though the very nature around us was alive. The sound and feeling of the world were both calming and invigorating, a reminder of the beauty and tranquility that existed even amidst the chaos.

In that serene atmosphere, I allowed myself to simply be, enveloped in the sounds and sensations of my friends and the world. If possible, I wished I could stop time right here-right now...

"Aki," a familiar voice called softly, pulling me from the depths of my thoughts.

I opened my eyes, my ears perking up at the sound.

"I'm glad you're back..."

"We missed you." It was Itachi, his voice filled with both relief and concern.

I turned my head to find him watching me, his dark eyes filled with a worried intensity that made my heart swell.

"It's not the same without you. The spot where you always perched feels empty when we find you're not there. Your absence creates a void in our lives. So if anything is troubling you, please tell us," he implored, his sincerity evident in every word.

At that moment, I felt a rush of warmth, and gratitude filling the spaces where fear and loneliness had once resided. "I feel the same way about the both of you," I replied.

"When you're ready, you can tell us anything," Shisui added, his tone supportive and encouraging.

I took a deep breath, the weight of my two-week absence pressing down on me. I knew they had patiently waited for me. They deserved to know what had troubled me, even if it was not the full story.

"I... I had a nightmare that night..." The words slipped from my lips, laced with trepidation.

They remained quiet, their expressions attentive, eager to hear but patient, ready to support me.

"In this nightmare, I saw... the two of you..." I swallowed hard, a knot forming in my throat as I recalled the chilling vision. "Dead." The memory sent a shiver down my spine, and I winced, but quickly shifted my tone to something more lighthearted. "Then, I got sick and had to stay in bed for a while. But don't worry, though. It was just a fever."

Shisui grinned, his playful nature resurfacing. "Itachi, it seems like we've got a little crybaby who would cry herself sick from a bad dream. I guess that means we have to get stronger so that she won't have to worry about us getting hurt."

"Of course," Itachi agreed, a small smile creeping onto his face despite the earlier seriousness.

"You must have been scared and afraid, Aki," Shisui said, his tone shifting to a more sober and serious note. "But, you don't have to worry about us. We will always be around to protect you."

"Yes..." I said softly, closing my eyes as I allowed myself to sink into the moment.

I listened intently to the sound of their breathing, each steady inhale and exhale a comforting rhythm that wrapped around me like a warm blanket. Their warmth of life radiated towards me, filling the space between us with a sense of safety.

"And I, to you," I added, my voice barely above a whisper but filled with sincerity.

It was a promise-a vow.