STAND BY ME - PART 32
“How did you know I was the heiress to the Hyuga?” My question was awkward, but I was desperately trying to make some kind of conversation with the legendary Uchiha. I was sure he could sense this too. I looked ahead only to find a sea of raven-haired humans at the party; or rather a social event held by Mikoto who wanted to commemorate her sons becoming married. I wanted to be with Itachi, but this was a chance to network. Sasuke was within his group of friends - Naruto, Sakura, who now was his wife, and the rest of the renowned Rookie 9.
But still, I wanted to make an effort to familiarize myself with Madara - politically and on a friendly basis. It was my job to. But, at the same time, I would be lying to myself if I said I was not scared of this man. Madara’s aura, and the way he carries himself, was just plain intimidating.
“You’ve never seen me before. I don’t think it’s too obvious. People are actually stunned when I tell them I’m married to Itachi. I’m very average, I like to think.”
“Average is an understatement.” He said bluntly. What?
Madara looked ahead, then to me, continuing to speak to me only sideways. “You look like the matriarch of the Hyuga.”
His comment was rather abrupt, my eyebrows raised. “Oh - well, thank you, Madara-sama.” I tipped my head downwards in acknowledgment of his compliment. I would take it nothing more than that.
“I guess you’ve made an appearance here on the basis that you are doing business in Konoha. Is Hashirama-sama also here?” I asked curiously.
“Hashirama has requested to have his whereabouts unknown.” He answered.
I looked down to the ground almost sadly - it was one of my goals to have a chance to meet him. An inspirational and an all-around shinobi.
“I guess another time will do.” I smiled.
—
A month later and I had felt some of the effects of pregnancy.
I sighed. I was annoyed now.
“Itachi. I can leave.” I packed my things. “I’m pregnant, but I'm no invalid.”
“You are going to stress yourself.” Itachi was becoming annoyed now, too, I could tell by the way his stare was narrowed.
“Itachi.” I firmly said his name. “Please!” I approached the door now. “I need to go on a mission. I am bored.” It was the truth. Day in and out, all I became familiar with were the walls of this house.
“You’re willing to risk the health of our child because you’re bored?” Itachi had a way with making me sound stupid. I heaved an irritated sigh.
“I’m going.” I slipped my shoes on.
"Just - wait. I'll come with you."
I threw my head back impatiently, groaning. I just wanted to go out, smell some fresh air. "A fair negotiation. I'll be waiting outside." I told him.
—
“You’re really stubborn, you know that?” Itachi chuckled.
“Says you!” I pointed a finger.
“Hm. What are the mission details?”
“It’s very simple. Hand this scroll of forbidden jutsu to the Mizukage.”
“That’ll make quite a trip.” Itachi said.
“It will.” We continued to walk outside of the Leaf’s gates, “But I need this, Itachi. Just a change of scenery.”
“I understand.” His hand rested on my back, “If something should happen, you will do nothing. I’ll protect you.”
I looked up to him. So manly, Itachi, I squealed internally.
“I think I’m falling in love with you again.” I said.
Itachi looked down to me and blinked, quickly grabbing my chin and pecking my lips.
“There you go.” Itachi said, smiling, and I curled my arm into his.
“Heh-heh, let’s go.”
—
I helped Itachi set up a temporary camp, where we gathered logs that we could sit on and prepared food in the middle of us. We were halfway there.
“Phew.” I wiped my forehead with a rag, it was getting hot now. I took off my top, but luckily I was wearing a tank-top underneath.
“Let’s rest for now. You seem exhausted.” Itachi said.
“Yeah.” I breathed, my hand on my abdomen.
“Do you feel something?” Itachi eyed where my hand was placed.
“Mmm… no… but I did feel a bit nauseous earlier.”
“That’s normal. You have been heaving in the mornings.”
“You sure hit the textbooks up, didn’t you?” I giggled. I, myself, had been familiar with the stages of pregnancy and the precautionary measures I should take. I spent a majority of my life looking after two younger sisters, which meant I had witnessed two pregnancies myself with my mom. Though he did have Sasuke to take care of, Itachi, on the other hand…
It made me happy knowing Itachi was taking this news of our growing child pleasantly. He really did want our kid to be great - and that started off with small steps first. I would catch him reading books late at night on how to ensure a successful pregnancy. He would stop by Sakura’s house often as well, bombarding her with questions. It was utterly adorable - the Uchiha prodigy, who spent some late nights on the floor, humbly skimming through countless articles of “What a Pregnant Lady’s Diet Should Look Like.”
“Of course.” He smiled towards me, still watching my torso.
“What’s wrong, Itachi?” His eyes perked up towards mine.
“You’re getting… well - how should I say this?” Itachi placed a finger underneath his chin.
“You can tell me.” I rubbed my belly.
“Your pregnancy is becoming obvious.”
My eyebrow twitched. Yes, it was true. I was gaining a bit of weight - around my arms, my waist, my feet, which would become swollen at times, and notably my breasts. My Kami, how much they hurt my back.
“W - what’s that supposed to mean? Just because I gained a few pounds, doesn’t mean I’m -“
“Silly. That’s not what I mean.” He rubbed his forehead.
“Oh…” I stared.
“What I mean is, we should tell our family and friends soon.”
“We probably should, huh?” I nodded. “We’ll do that when we get back.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Itachi got up and sat beside me. “And how dare you think I speak of your figure?”
“Well, I did gain some weight.”
“Nonsense.” Itachi was smiling, “I actually think your skin looks…” His thumb rubbed a circle on my shoulder, “Silky. Plump.”
My face turned beet red.
“You know how to make me into a mess, don’t you?”
Itachi chuckled. “Well, I am your husband.”
“My back sure does hurt.” I rubbed my lower back, it felt sore.
“Lay down.” Itachi pointed to the mat he laid out earlier on the grass.
“What? Why -“
“Do it, Aya.” Itachi’s tone more demanding.
“Hai, Itachi-sama.” I teased him, he rolled his eyes and chuckled.
“Okay, now what-“
He held my foot and began to knead the arch of my foot.
“I think you could use a massage.” Itachi spoke.
I threw my head back onto the rug and couldn’t resist a laughter. “You are just about the sweetest person in the universe.”
“You’re the only one who knows.” Itachi was smirking.
“I’m a lucky woman.” I relaxed, my shoulders were looser now.
His hands felt great. Itachi was good at this and he didn’t even know it - I guess that was expected of a naturally born prodigy. Itachi was exceptional in everything. The way his hands carefully applied pressure and rubbed my aching spots, my feet to my calves now, in the right way had me exasperate a sigh of relief. The massage felt so good, and dare I say, erotic. Oh my god. My cheeks quickly turned pink, my palms covering my face.
“What’s the matter?” Itachi said, he hovered above me now, removing my hands from my face. “You’re blushing.” He stated, matter of factly.
“Well…” I pouted, “How come we don’t… you know, anymore?”
I prayed to Kami he would understand what I was implying. Itachi could be a bit dense at times when it came to romance, my advances towards him sometimes proved futile.
But the truth was, him and I hadn’t been physically involved with each other ever since I told him I was pregnant. I missed his touches, and his massages were testing my patience.
Itachi’s eyes flickered to my belly, and then to my eyes. “Because you’re pregnant.” He innocently said.
I giggled, covering my mouth with my hand. “Itachi, it’s okay for a woman to have intercourse while she’s pregnant.”
Itachi sighed. “It just goes to show how oblivious I am.”
“I love that about you.” I smirked slyly, “Besides, how would you feel if I gave you a massage?” I tugged the hem of his pants.
Itachi pinned my hands to the sides of my head now. “This is supposed to be about you, not me.”
“Fine.” I whined. This man is too selfless.
“I just want you to feel better.” Itachi said, pecking my lips.
“With you, I will. Don’t you worry.” I smiled to him.
Itachi continued with his massage, and I remained relaxed throughout the whole thing.
