Redemption

I closed my room's door behind me and looked around the hall – it was empty and silent. I started walking. This time, my destination was neither living room nor kitchen. I was heading towards the Leader's office. I had to talk with him.

Right then I didn't really want to meet anyone. I couldn't understand the mood I was in. It felt weird – like my whole soul was completely blank and uncolored.

However, I just had to meet the person I wanted to face the least. Itachi.

When I saw him, I stopped walking, making sure to keep a distance between us at least two meters. He stopped too.

We didn't say anything, just kept staring at each other. His face looked cold, like it usually did, but his sharingan was locked on me tightly. He was searching for something – I couldn't make out what. All I felt was this ugly sensation, spreading its thorny roots inside of me. I wanted to run away and never see Itachi again. I didn't have any courage to be in his presence.

I started walking slowly, leaning a bit closer to the wall, afraid to bump into him, afraid to feel his heady scent. He didn't move, just followed me with his eyes.

Itachi's P.O.V

I watched as Ayumi walked past me, keeping space between us. Her face looked paler than usual and depressed. It almost seemed like she was scared of me. Could it be that Tobi told her everything...? That's why she's avoiding me, probably. Could I blame her, though?

My body reacted on its own and I gripped her arm firmly. She flinched from my touch, but stopped walking, without turning her face to me.

'Ayumi...'

That was all I managed to say. I'm pathetic. The girl beside me was still quiet.

'What's wrong?' I whispered again, but loud enough for her to hear.

I knew my question was stupid. I tried to bring her closer to my body, but failed, because she freed herself from my grasp and stepped back. She felt so cold and distant... I have never seen her like this.

'P-Please, Itachi...' She muttered quietly and gave me a look which left me speechless.

Ayumi's gray eyes were puffy now, with black rims about them. It was obvious – she cried a lot. And her obs, which were usually so shiny and joyful... They were full of hurt and distress. Her whole expression was very painful.

We stared at each other for a few moments and then she just walked away, leaving me here, bearing the sight of her sorrow. I couldn't even bring myself to go after her. After all, I had nothing to offer, only more suffering. My dark past and future... I didn't want her to experience any of it.

I stared ahead of me, without seeing anything. I must force myself to hope that Tobi can make her happy...

Ayumi's P.O.V

I wiped away my tears which were threatening to leak down my cheeks and stopped in front of Pain's door. After taking a few deep breaths, I knocked softly.

'Come in.'

I walked in, only to see an average sized room, which was very dim. The only source of the light was a candle on the desk next to the wall. However, my eyes were adjusted to the darkness – this whole hideout was obscure after all.

I noticed two pairs of eyes glaring at me – one belonged to Pain-sama, our leader, while the other was Konan's. Leader was sitting in a chair and Konan was leaning against him. They both looked emotionless. I bowed to them only to earn a slight nod from Pain.

'What do you need, Ayumi?'

I gulped quietly, thinking things over in my head. The time has come.

'Leader-sama, I would like to ask you something...' I muttered, feeling a bit timid suddenly. 'Could you assign me to a mission? I think I'm fully prepared.'

Pain kept piercing me with his eyes, he didn't even blink once. After a few seconds of silence, which were like an eternity to me, he finally answered:

'Why do you think you're strong enough for a mission?'

I expected something like this.

'Well... I have been training hard for a few months – I can use Tsukimi freely now. Also, other members said that I'm pretty good...' I explained shyly. 'And I don't want to be useless and weak anymore. Please, let me try.'

Konan turned her head to Leader to see his reaction. He seemed in thoughts.

I crossed my fingers behind my back. I really wanted to leave this place – the sooner the better. I needed to get away from Tobi and Itachi... The outside world never looked so inviting.

'Fine, I will assign you to a mission. Tomorrow you will be going to the Village Hidden in Mist with Deidara and Sasori. They will tell you all the details. You may leave now.'

'Thank you, Leader,' I bowed again and left.

A smile appeared on my lips. Finally... Finally I can get out of here. I didn't want to be trapped in my little world forever... All these past events were choking me. I just had to escape.

I ran down the hall into the living room, excited to tell the news to the blondie.