Not every night was as pleasant as you wished it to be. Even with someone like Uchiha Itachi by your side, not everything could be perfect. He could fight by your side, but battling nightmares was another thing.

You knew Itachi for so long, years maybe. He was an oasis of peace, always calm and confident of himself, but not in a selfish way. Despite being an Uchiha, a clan well-known by its flaws and power of the Sharingan, Itachi was the type who would rather give than take. And that's exactly what he was doing - he was using his confidence to spread it to you, always encouraging and willing to help with your training.

He taught you how to dissipate genjutsu. He showed you the secrets of perfect chakra control. Kunai and shuriken throwing was a daily basis to you, even if at the beginning you had a terrible aim.

Itachi would push you to get better, but he was never using any kind of force. If he saw you had enough, that means you had enough. He knew your limits like nobody else.

If not him, you wouldn't have become a shinobi you're now.

And you didn't even notice when your relationship evolved into something more than just few friendly sparrings.

They say there's no place for love in Akatsuki. And yet, there was somehow a place for you two.

Itachi was always with you, no matter if you ask him to stay or no. He checks on you everyday, sometimes even staying in your room for the night. Reading together became a routine after completing all the missions which Akatsuki gave you. When it was yours or his turn to cook for all members - you would do it together too.

Of course, Itachi was never obtrusive in his actions. If you tell him to leave, he'll disappear from your sight without any further questions, guessing you just need some space.

It's not like that he wouldn't return after few hours to check on you again or something. He was one of the most caring man you knew, and even his almost always blank face wasn't able to hide that fact from you.

He also saw more than you, his red eyes omniscient. Itachi realised something what you didn't for a long time - you've become something more than a friend.

He's with you now too. With arms wrapped around your body as you both sleep, he spreads warmth, so soothing and comforting. No one of you could find an explanation why Itachi's body behaved like a living heater, but neither of you complained. It was perfect this way.

He stayed in your bed again. Or rather you've fallen asleep before he could say a 'goodnight'. Itachi would never leave without saying so, so he saw a perfect excuse for his staying this night. Besides, you wouldn't be angry upon seeing his facial features as the first thing after waking up.

One of Uchiha's eyelids lazily opens up when your body uncontrollably slipped away from his soft embrace, leaving his arms empty and your own warmth gone. He gazes to you, now with pair of raven black eyes, watching your restless form for a short while.

You were in turmoil, your mind being haunted by the demons of the night. Body couldn't stop wiggling, hands keep on shaking and sets of nervously spoken words escaping your half-closed lips. Dark visions move through your head, imagination showing your worst dreams made of the innermost nightmares. There were things you wouldn't tell about even to Itachi, your deepest fears and phobias, hidden deep inside your mind.

And even the omnipotent Sharingan wouldn't drag them out without your permission.

Itachi watches you, judging your state. With each passing minute it was getting worse - you are practically whining now, hands gripping at the blanket in desperation. Your disturbed mind searches for help and body keeps on responding to this need on its own.

With the first tear running across your cheek, with the first whimper coming from your throat, Itachi places his hand on your shoulder, shaking it with all gentleness he had.

"(Y/N)." he tries reaching out to your screaming mind for the first time, without success. Whatever you are seeing, the illusion aren't easy to break.

On the second try, he shakes you a bit more fierce. His soul was slowly breaking in two, seeing how the tears keep falling and falling. He felt powerless, forced to watch, not being able to get a stable hold on you as quick as he wished.

For a brief moment, he thinks about trying to use his Sharingan. But he would need you awake, with at least open eyes to make it work.

"Wake up, (Y/N)." he repeated, breaking the silence as he speaks louder this time. His voice was like a light in darkness, reaching your sense of hearing and finally, your eyes went wide open.

Heart in chest raced as you brought yourself up in less than a second, only to discover you aren't breathing. Panic is still in you, not allowing to grasp air, literally blocking your ability to do so. Hands keep shaking, the rest of the body not really able to move as the images of the deepest horrors are still passing before your eyes.

You hovered between two worlds now - fiction and reality. You weren't able to recognise the one you were in.

Fortunately, the light was still with you. It would fight for you and dispel the darkness away.

Itachi immediately sits by your side, putting a hand on your back. He starts rubbing forms of soft, calming circles, reminding your unsober mind he is here. Then he looks deep in your eyes, hoping you'll be able to find the oasis of peace, as you often described him.

"It is alright now, (Y/N). Come back to me." his voice struck your head like lightning and you looked back, finally making eye contact.

Itachi smiled. It was good, he is getting a hold on you, he is bringing you back on earth. With small steps, soon he'll get you back fully soon. And it was all that mattered.

"There you are." the man you don't even realise you love so much reached out his second hand towards you, raising it up and placing on your wet cheek. His thumb wiped away the tears made of fear, your skin forever remembering the soft treatment he was giving to you.

You again saw your light as the darkness fled away.

"Itachi…"

"Keep your silence. Focus on breathing with me." he instructed, his hand never stopping drawing circles, bringing peace and comfort to your aching body.

Once your tears were gone, Itachi gently pulled you once again, just as close as you were few minutes ago while peacefully sleeping. The Uchiha guided your head to rest against his chest, allowing you to synchronise with his stable heart rate. And it worked - as you listen to these repeatable sounds, your organism starts to copy them, joining in. Soon you are breathing with Itachi, your hearts beating as one and souls becoming one.

You were finally here. Awake, breathing and with sober mind. You were alright, healthy, in one piece.

Your light always wins.

Itachi's observant gaze rested on your rolled form for a bit more, making sure you were perfectly okay now. He wouldn't forgive himself if you weren't.

With smooth move, he lifts your head to look at him. Welcoming smile spreaded on lips comforted you, as your eyes again meet with his own. This is the perfect moment, with you locked in arms of the man you trusted so dearly and your gazes connected in the most powerful bond ever to exist.

You wished that moment would last forever.

For a while, the silence speaks for itself, hearts pounding together. You both want the same.

"There you are…" he repeated the same words as before, arching his back just to steal a gentle kiss from your lips. You sight in answer, enjoying that glimpse of affection.

Despite all, you already knew what was the answer to you pleads for a long time. Soon Itachi will disappear from your life. Even if he wished to stay by your side so dearly, he couldn't. He needed to pay for his sins and his brother waited, the revenge still burning from the night when Itachi kindled it up. His eyes are going blind, pupils fading away with each passing day. It hurts to watch, to see how the man of your dreams slowly escapes from your reach, but you knew that's how things should be.

Itachi doesn't talk about this a lot, he did maybe just once or twice. Deep inside he was calm and sure you'll be alright. You've trained with him for years, polishing your skills and now, you're a truly talented and experienced shinobi. His watchful eyes observe you everyday, so he didn't need another reassurance.

Besides, the Uchiha knew you shared a dream with Konan and Nagato. To bring peace, that was your desire. Itachi knew the Ame duo will take you under their wings once he's gone.

And if you could do one thing for Itachi, because he was doing for you a lot, you wouldn't tell him that most of your horrific nightmares were consisted on watching him die over and over again. You would spare your fears for him, for his sake.

Itachi allowed himself to lean his chin on your head, his arms tightening around the small form of yours, sharing the same warmth as they did before.

"Do you wish to talk about this?" his voice sweet like honey, maybe even trying to persuade you, but your head gently shook in refusal, mind still too weak to touch these topics.

"N-no, I'm fine…" you stated, trying to hide your true feelings behind a fake mask of confidence "It was just a dream, Itachi. Nothing to worry about."

But Itachi knew better. His Sharingan knew better. He couldn't read minds, of course, but he still could see hidden emotions.

You didn't notice as his both eyes flashed in red, glowing in darkness. Only when you felt his gaze piercing you for longer than usually, you dared to lift your head, making Itachi murmur in discontent as he had to move his chin away.

Then you understood he was trying to read you. This never happened without your permission before.

Your body shivered, swallowing whatever was stuck in your mouth. Suddenly you felt all dry as Itachi inspects you with his scarlet red eyes. This time he truly got worried, just because you weren't willing to tell him what was haunting your mind.

You felt so bad. You couldn't do even one thing right.

"Itachi, I-"

"It is okay. I do understand." he spoke as the flashing red light faded away, his eyes again mixing with darkness "You will tell me once you are ready. There is no need to rush." he admitted, allowing your head to get buried in his chest again.

You were so thankful for his lenientness. Itachi would never push you too far, he takes small steps in order to make you feel comfortable again. He knew that with time, you'll tell him everything what bothers your mind.

"You should get back to sleep. We are having a mission tomorrow." the Uchiha muttered, his hand brushing your braided hair "You must be full of strength."

"I don't think I'll sleep more. We might as well move earlier…" you pointed out, heading up in a slow motion "How about this?"

Itachi just sighted in answer, giving you a tired glance.

"(Y/N)…"

"Please? We would get back faster and have more free time. Think about this."

Well, despite all, Itachi couldn't deny that you made a good point. Being in Akatsuki consumed all of your free time, mainly because of missions. Itachi wouldn't object having a longer break, at least for once.

Besides, he knew there was no point with arguing with you anymore. You've made your statement already and you were going to stick to it. You indeed were stubborn, but Itachi liked that fierce determination in you.

This was something special. Something what not everyone has.

"Very well." he agreed in the end, and you both knew he would from the very beginning "I will prepare something to eat. Let's meet in the kitchen in thirty minutes."

You nodded in agreement, but as Itachi attempted to stand up, your hand rolled around his wrist. He gave you a confused glance as you pulled him closer again.

"Hey, Itachi." and then, out of sudden, your lips connected with his, parting slightly to deepen the feeling.

This intimate moment between both of you didn't last long, but it was filled with emotions no one of you would speak aloud about. Both you and Itachi were man of action, so closeness and acts meant more than words. There never was a 'I love you' coming from your or his side, nor any other similar terms. You showed support and deep feelings in a different way, a way not everyone would understand.

It was a magic happening only between you two. You adored Itachi's lack of words as much as he adored your silence, knowing it means way more than anything else. Touch was all you needed. There was no better way to feel real. No better way to fulfil your desires.

"Thank you."

Before the sun could rise, you and the man who overcame your nightmares left Akatsuki's hideout.

You wished you could follow your light as it goes to fight the darkness it created on its own.