-Katsumi Profile-
I started the fire and Kenichi was absolutely fascinated with it. I moved his hair behind his ear and kissed the top of his head before going into the kitchen. I started on some rice and found the ingredients for my sakura sauce and I took out some fish as well. I figured it had been awhile since Itachi had a good home cooked meal. Besides, I love cooking when I'm happy, I think food tastes better when you cook in a good mood. I placed the food in a warmer after it was done.
It had only been an hour since he left, I wasn't as worried this time. The first snow had begun to fall and the Akatsuki were hibernating as I called it. Although I was sure they were using this time to plot and plan against Itachi, it would be a few months before they could act and they'd have to find us first.
I fed Kenichi while stealing glances out of the window. The snow made me smile. We named the stuffed animal Itachi got him Inuki, he really loves it. We started playing and I had picked him up and was 'flying' him around when the front door opened. I turned and came to an abrupt stop, I almost hit Itachi with Superman Kenichi.
He had his arms full with bags and boxes.
"Do you want some help?"
"No."
"Are you sure?"
He peeked over to the side, "Yes."
I held Kenichi at my hip as he played with my hair and watched his disappear down the hall. I went to shut the door but someone stopped me.
"Whoa! Watch out!"
"Oh! I'm sorry," I apologized.
There were two men holding a large box and I stepped to the side so they could come in. Itachi called for them and I followed behind, both Kenichi and I were curious. After dropping off the box the two men left. I stood in the doorway.
Itachi had started to open the box when I finally decided to ask.
"What is that?"
"Well, Kenichi needs a bed to sleep in."
"Itachi, I can't believe you got him a bed! So ... what's all the other stuff?"
"Come and find out."
I stepped inside and put Kenichi down before peering into a bag. I reached in and pulled out shirt, "You bought him clothes?"
"Why not? He'll need them right?"
"Well ... yeah."
He had a bit of a smirk on his face, "Then I take it you haven't looked in the closet or dresser in our bedroom."
I looked over at Kenichi who was content playing with Inuki, "I'll be right back."
I went to our bedroom and opened the dresser drawers, there was an assortment of shirts and pants, shorts and even underwear. I opened the closet to find some nicer looking clothes; dress shirts, skirts and some dresses. He had some clothes hanging up as well and I couldn't help but frown when I noticed they were all black.
I went back to Kenichi's room with a smile on my face and hugged Itachi from behind, "Thank you."
He nodded and stayed at work with putting the bed together.
"I can help if you want."
"No, I'm fine."
"Alright then, come on lets let daddy work."
"Okay," Kenichi stood and walked towards me. I picked him up and he grinned as we left, "Bye daddy!"
For a moment Itachi paused in his work. I stopped walking, curious as to what he's do. He just looked back and nodded with a weird look on his face.
"There's some food ready whenever you get hungry," I gave him a smile and went back to the front of the house.
It wasn't until a couple of hours later that Itachi came out. Which was just in time because it was almost time for Kenichi to go to bed.
"Finished?"
"Mmhmm."
"Come on, lets go to bed," I said taking his hand, "Say goodnight."
He waved to Itachi and we headed for his room. I was really amazed when I walked in. His bed was put together with a blanket already in it. There were a few small chests and drawers and his clothes were already folded up and put away or hanging up. I changed him into some pajamas and then laid him down.
"You want to sleep with Inuki tonight?"
He nodded and I handed him the dog, kissing him goodnight.
Itachi had pulled a couple plates down and he was making one for himself when I returned. I filled my plate as well and then sat with him at the table. We ate in silence gazing at the fire.
Fire always reminded me of that day when we went outside together, when he opened up to me ... when I asked him about leaving the Akatsuki.
The silence was killing me, "Itachi ... I'm sorry, I didn't even ask if it was okay for him to call you daddy."
"I am his father."
"But, I don't want it to bother you or make you uncomfortable."
"I'm glad he knows who I am," he said lowly.
"I told him about you, ever since he was born he's known about you."
It became reallt quiet again. I couldn't help but watch him. The fire cast a beautiful glow on his face and the reflection of the flames in his eyes captivated me.
"Come on, lets go sit closer to the fire."
I got up from the table and followed him to sit in front of the couch. We sat close together so our sides were touching. I'd look at him from time to time and he always seemed to be in thought. I was about ready to go to bed when I felt his hand slowly cover mine.
"Why?"
"Huh?"
"Why did you tell Kenichi about me?"
I leaned back and laced my fingers with his, "The whole time I was pregnant I wondered what to do. The idea of him not knowing bothered me. I wanted him to know you even if you couldn't be there. It's only right."
"What did you tell him?"
"I told him that you saved me and that you were a nice man. I told him you were busy because you were a ninja and that's why you couldn't be there. I told him you were sweet, even if no one could tell, that you're smart and that he looks like you, and that one day he would meet you."
"Katsumi ..."
I met his gaze with my own, but his fiery eyes were much stronger than mine.
"You believe me when I say that I haven't stopped thinking about you, don't you?"
I looked around the house, "It's pretty obvious that it's not a lie."
"I missed you."
My eyes got misty, did he really just say that? I looked down, "I missed you too."
"I'm ... sorry."
"Just stop okay."
"Katsumi?"
"I don't want to cry, so lets stop talking about it okay."
"I didn't know, I never meant to hurt you like I did."
I looked away from him, I didn't want to cry anymore, not now, "I know."
I felt his arm brush up against mine, "Lets go to bed, you look tired."
"I am."
"We'll deal with the dishes in the morning, I'll put out the fire."
I stood and walked slowly to our room. I could feel his eyes on me until I finally disappeared into the hallway. Only once I was out of sight did I let a few tears escape. I have come to be stronger than this, you know.
I was looking through the drawers to find something to wear when Itachi came in. I know he was ablt to sense the awkwardness between us.
He sat on the edge of the bed with a sigh, "I can go sleep in the other bedroom if ..."
"No, it's okay. Stay with me."
I had finally settled on a top and a pair of shorts. When I turned around Itachi had just pulled off his shirt. He certainly didn't lose any muscle there, in fact he looked like he gained more. He tossed the shirt across the room and it landed in an empty laundry basket. I felt my cheeks lightly blush and I went into the adjoining bathroom to change.
When I came out he was tying his pants up, letting them rest loosely on his waist. He pulled back the blankets and motioned for me to get in. I got into bed and he followed, hitting the light switch by the night stand, darkening the room.
The bed was so comfortable, I practically melted.
Itachi rolled towards me and propped himself up on his elbow, "Katsumi?"
"What?"
"I'm grateful that you came," he lightly brushed my cheek with his fingers.
"If you're wondering, I'm not mad at you."
"I ..."
I grabbed onto his hand, "I was for awhile, but it wasn't your fault. I was sad more than anything. I missed you. I dreamed about you. I ... I knew I had to do better so I could be a good mom. I had my weak moments, I won't lie, but I think I did good."
He huffed, "I'm a jerk."
"But I never stopped loving you."
His eyes slightly widened but other than that he was emotionless. It was another one of those moments when I had no idea what he was thinking.
"Why?"
I could tell he still felt a big guilty, "I just couldn't. You mean so much to me Itachi, not loving you felt impossible."
A look of relief came over his face, "I thought that when I did come for you, you wouldn't want to leave with me , that you wouldn't love me anymore."
"But I do."
"I love you Katsumi."
I had waited for so long to hear those words again that it felt like the first time he said them to me all over again. I felt some of my worries disappear at that very moment.
"I love you too."
When I awoke the next morning, Itachi was still asleep, his arm draped over my body. I wanted to stay there but I knew Kenichi would be up soon, if he wasn't already. Ever since he was born I've gotten up early. I was surprised to see Itachi still sleeping. He must have been really tired, but I can't blame him, he barely slept at all on our journey here.
I tried sneaking out of his arms but his grip on me tightened.
"Don't get up yet," he said softly.
"Itachi, but Kenichi might ...."
"Just wait a minute, it's early."
I grinned and cuddled up next to him and for those few minutes I felt at complete ease. He withdrew from his spot next to me and sat up. I lightly traced over his shoulders as he stretched.
"I'll go put on some tea," I said happily.
"This early?"
I nodded and smiled, "It's a habit I developed."
"Okay," he took my hand and helped me from bed, "go ahead, I'll be out in a minute."
I headed out of the bedroom and poked my head into Kenichi's room, he was still sound asleep. I went into the kitchen and started on a pot of tea then picked up the dishes from last night.
About 15 minutes later I was pouring my first cup. A strong arm wrapped around my waist while my cup was taken from my hand. I turned around to see Itachi taking a sip of my drink. He made a 'yuck' face and set it down.
"That's too strong."
"It's just how I like it."
My eyes explored over his bare chest. His hair was pulled back but it was wet, I guess he took a shower. I watched as the muscles in his arm contracted and relaxed as he reached for a cup. It took all I had to resist the urge to glomp him.
"Are you feeling okay?"
I snapped out of my daze, "I'm fine."
He brushed his fingers across my cheek, his face as still and bare of emotion as ever. Just the slightest touch and I wanted to forget all that happened. I could forgive him for not being there and for hiding from me on that day. I went up on my tip toes and kissed him lightly. I could never deny that I still love him and that I still burned for him. I had spent so many nights longing for him that I couldn't help but go in for a kiss.
His hands grabbed firmly at my waist and he brought his body close to mine. This was real, no longer a dream anymore. I threw my arms around him and opened my mouth to allow his tongue to enter. He kisses were fierce, commanding for dominance and I let him have it. I had no problem giving in to him.
He had such passion and I don't think he even realized it. He pulled away from me, the slightest tinge of pink painted his cheeks. We both stood there, staring at each other.
His expression softened and he opened his mouth to say something, but Kenichi's whining cut him off.
I looked down with a smile, "I should go get him."
He muttered an "Okay" and I left to get Kenichi. He was hanging onto Inuki when I brought him out to feed him.
"He really likes that dog huh?"
I nodded, "Of course he does."
While feeding Kenichi, Itachi started to cook breakfast. All this time and I had no idea he could cook. Who knew?
I felt that mornings like this could last forever. Is it foolish of me to think like that?
