"We should arrive by dusk." Itachi stated simply, his expression set in stone. After finishing a mission, the two of you were to return to HQ as soon as possible, to rest. Walking slightly behind you, he was silent.

He couldn't help but gaze ahead, at the back of your head. If his eyes softened ever so slightly, that was for no one to know but him. He knew that the feelings growing within him were irrational, ridiculous. He was a spy—not that you'd know.

One day he'd betray you. In fact—in the time you'd been with the Akatsuki, he had already spilled some plans of the organization—months ago. His loyalty lied with the Leaf Village, he couldn't just set that aside, commit to the true evil of his faux role, even if it meant seeing you smile.

He shook his head slightly, pushing the warmth in his chest down. He didn't want to think about it. Itachi's eyes glided back to the path, his footsteps pin-drop silent from years of experience. He'd never tell you, not how you made his heart beat faster, not how he longed to spend all his days with you. Not unless he was dying. And even then, maybe not.

A soft intake of breath. "Are you injured?" he asked quietly, calm as he always seemed to be.

He had already checked you over for injuries, but maybe you were as good as concealing things as he was. He worried for you, even if it wasn't apparent, even if you didn't need it. He could allow himself just that much, right?

Itachi was polite, he was cordial—and secretly? He was kind. He hadn't anticipated that he would end up falling in love, as a spy. Logically, no one who joined the Akatsuki was a good person. He had assumed that he'd be surrounded by the worst of scum, lacking morality and humanity.

But he knew you now. Through moments of shared meals, shared spaces—it had gotten to him. Maybe he'd share more time with you.

Strong as you were, perhaps you were privy to more secrets than he was. Ultimately, he had the Leaf to report to. His loyalty was forever the Leaf's—Sasuke's. Not yours, not the Akatsuki's.