Itachi Uchiha 𝜗𝜚˚

"We should arrive by nightfall," Itachi said simply, his expression impassive. After completing the mission, they needed to return to headquarters as soon as possible to rest. He walked slightly behind you, in silence.

He couldn't help but look ahead, at the back of your neck. If his gaze softened even slightly, only he knew. He knew the feelings growing inside him were irrational, ridiculous. He was a spy, even if you didn't know it.

One day he would betray you. In fact, during the time you were with Akatsuki, he had already revealed some of the organization's plans months ago. His loyalty lay with the Hidden Leaf Village; he couldn't simply abandon that and compromise with the true evil of his false role, even if it meant seeing you smile.

He shook his head slightly, suppressing the heat that rose in his chest. He didn't want to think about it. Itachi's gaze drifted back to the path, his steps as silent as a pinprick, the result of years of experience. He would never tell you, not how you made his heart race, nor how he longed to spend the rest of his days with you. Unless he were dying. And even then, perhaps not.

"Are you hurt?" he asked in a low voice.

He'd already checked you for injuries, but maybe you were just as good at hiding it as he was. He cared about you, even if it wasn't obvious, even if you didn't need him to. He could afford to do that, couldn't he?

Itachi was polite, cordial, and, secretly, kind. He hadn't imagined he'd end up falling in love, being a spy. Logically, no one who joined Akatsuki was a good person. He had assumed he'd be surrounded by the worst scum, devoid of morals and humanity.

But now he knew you. Through shared moments at meals and in different spaces, that had made an impression on him. Perhaps he would spend more time with you.

He had to answer to the Hidden Leaf Village. His loyalty was always to his Village, to Sasuke. Not to you, not to Akatsuki.