🌸 Put a flower in my muse’s hair (from Ino to Itachi)
He still wasn't completely comfortable within the village, still saw the disgust and distrust in so many of the villagers eyes. After all, a pardon didn't mean he hadn’t done wrong, only that he was not to be punished for what he did. But at least a few people were willing to spend some time with him without making him feel quite as guilty. He still had plenty over the death of his clan, thank you.
Most of those who didn't seem to hate him were from his little brother's age range. Not that he minded, they were strong shinobi and deserved respect even if they were younger than him. Still, he was always a little bit awkward with them as well, not wanting to take away Sasuke's friends no matter how the younger Uchiha claimed it wouldn't happen.
Lost in his thoughts as he sipped at the tea he'd brought with him to the training grounds for lunch, he hadn't expected to be suddenly touched. Itachi was aware that Ino had found him training and asked to join him for lunch, but he'd not expected her to touch him. Eyes widening slightly, he turned his head to the right to look at the blond, oddly appreciative that she had sat on his sighted side. The movement of his head brought a flash of orange into his vision and he realized it was a flower.
He knew he should say something but...what? It was clearly a gift, so thanks were in order, but what if it had some other meaning? Flowers had never been his strongest suit as he'd been pushed towards violence and into ANBU so quickly.
Giving a tiny smile and a soft nod, Itachi gave a calm, almost flat, "Thank you."
Then looked back down to his tea cup, lifting it up for another sip.










