[X] The Red String
For a moment you consider asking Sasuke to leave, but the thought is dismissed almost as quickly as it arrives. He has a right to know as much as you do. Hell, you wouldn't have ended up in the hospital if you weren't friends with him, right? He should know why.
"Menka, what did Itachi say to me before I passed out?"
Sasuke's hands ball into fists involuntarily.
Menka growls. "I never trusted that fucking creep."
He takes a deep breath before continuing.
"You asked him, I dunno if you remember, but you asked him how to deal with the fact that you were sad about Shisui's death."
Sasuke looks surprised, but you nod. "I remember. What did he say after that?"
Menka glances at Sasuke, then looks back at you. "He said, 'Please, I beg of you, look after my brother-'"
"LIAR!" Sasuke roars, lunging for the cat.
You shield Menka with your body. "No! Sasuke, he's telling the truth!" you plead as he tries to pry Menka out of your arms. "That actually happened. It's the last thing I remember before waking up."
Eventually, sweaty and panting, Sasuke gives up his assault, but not before leaving long scratch marks on your arms. You really hope they fade before Dad visits again; he's been sympathetic to Sasuke up to now, but if he thinks the kid's hurting you he might change his mind.
"Why?" he asks, voice shaking. "Why would he ask you to do that?"
"Maybe we should hear the rest of what he said before we ask that," you say, sitting up and stroking Menka's fur to calm him. "Go on, man, what else did he say?"
Menka shivers. "I don't know if I should, Ino."
"The doctors said I've been put under some kind of long-term genjutsu," you tell him, petting his tail like he likes. "If I'm going to get rid of it, I need to know what he said to me."
Menka closes his eyes.
"'Please, I beg of you, look after my brother. And when the time comes... die by his hand.'"
The only sound in the room is an echo of laughter from the nurses' lounge down the hall.
[X] Write In (Like a Thief)
