Two Paths (Sequel to Why Me)

Birthday ^_^

"Something wrong Kaku-chan?" He asked.

"No, I'm fine just bored is all." I replied.

"And that today is my birthday," I thought.

I looked up at the sky and saw a crow circling above me which only meant one thing. Itachi wants to see me. I looked at Sasuke.

"I'll be back," I said to them.

Before they could reply I was already gone. I followed the crow and when we far enough from Hebi I saw Itachi. I approached him and when he noticed me he smiled.

"Mariah," He greeted.

"Itachi," I nodded.

He stepped closer to me then he was gone, I felt something being placed on my neck.

"Happy Birthday Mariah," He said reappearing in front of me.

I looked down and saw that his necklace was around my neck. I looked up at him and saw some sadness in his eyes.

"Itachi,"

"Mariah, it's almost time."

My heart stopped. I knew he would die soon but I wasn't expecting it to hurt so much. Even though Itachi and I haven't talked much, I was still attached to him. He was always there for me during the first few months of being in the Akatsuki teaching me how to live my new life.

"WHAT?! NO IT CAN'T BE SO SOON!" I cried wrapping my arms around his neck.

He was much taller than me but I managed to stand on the tips of my toes.

"This might be the last time I see you so I thought this would be the best time to give this to you."

"But Itachi, it's your necklace."

"No, it's your necklace now. I want you to have it so you can remember me when I'm gone."

I started to sob on his shoulder holding him tighter not wanting to let go.

"I don't want you do die Itachi, you're the only person that I have left. I don't want to lose you Itachi. I know it sounds weird but you're like a brother to me." I cried.

He rubbed my back in a comforting way.

"It's okay Mariah, you knew that this was coming." He tried to reassure me.

"I didn't know it would happen so soon!"

"You'll be okay, you have Sasuke back and you still have the leaf village."

"Itachi, Sasuke hates me."

"No he doesn't Mariah. You and I both know that he still loves you."

"Liar, you're just trying to cheer me up. Itachi you can't die."

"I have to do this, remember when you asked me what I was hiding?"

"Yes,"

"It's time to show you but when I show you, don't tell a soul. Not even Sasuke."

I nodded. I looked into his Sharingan and saw everything that he did. The ANBU, Danzo, the elders, the Hokage. The mission, the pain, regret, sorrow, sadness, betrayal. All of this pain that he endured for all these years. When he was done I looked up at him.

"Itachi, you've been through so much." I whispered.

"Mariah, please take care of my brother. Make sure that he is happy and love him no matter what." He said.

He gently pushed me away holding my shoulders. He could see my saddened expression and the tears falling down my face making a single fall from his eye. He then kissed my forehead and disappeared.