I'm cold. My body is soaked, water clinging to my skin.
Did I fall asleep in the bathtub again?
I try to open my eyes, but it's no use. My eyelids are heavy. My whole body feels heavy.
The cold seeps into me. I feel numb.
I've never been much of a fighter, so as usual, I choose the easy way out... I let go.
Even though something tells me it's the worst choice I could make.
Suddenly, I feel myself being lifted and wrapped in something warm—then everything fades away.
-------------------------------- P.O.V Mikoto --------------------------------
The air is still heavy with moisture. Snow melts slowly under my feet, forming muddy puddles on the stone paths of the Uchiha district.
I tighten my coat while balancing the bags of condiments I bought. The market was noisy, even lively... but the gloom weighing on the clan never truly leaves these streets.
Since that night when the sky was torn apart by the roars of the Nine-Tailed Demon, the entire village seems colder. More distant.
On my way home, the sound of voices catches my attention. Some children are laughing a little further away, pointing at something in the snow.
"Is it dead?"
"Look at its paws! Ew, it's all frozen..."
I stop. I turn my head toward the voices and walk over, the hem of my kimono soaking with each step.
They shouldn't get too close… Some animals become aggressive when in distress.
There, in the melted snow, lying like a dying ember, I see a strange little cat.
Black, with deep red markings on its back and face. It barely moves. Its breathing is nearly imperceptible, eyelids closed.
"Go on, shoo," I say softly but firmly.
The children scatter, embarrassed, a little frightened. I kneel down, place my bags on the wet ground, and gently extend a hand. Its fur is soaked, cold like a river in winter.
But… it's breathing. Faintly.
Something tightens in my chest.
It reminds me of my old cat. The one I had when I was a child, long before I became a kunoichi.
A little creature that asked for nothing but still fought to live.
I carefully pick it up and wrap it in the warm folds of my coat.
"Poor little thing… you're not from around here, are you?" I murmur.
I know almost all the stray animals in the district, and this one's a stranger. Maybe it was born recently?
And… maybe this could help Itachi.
He's so serious for his age. Always watching other kids without ever really playing with them.
I'm proud of him, but I wish he could connect more with children his own age. He's always training or taking care of his little brother.
Maybe having an animal at his side would help him open up a little?
I gather the bags, holding the kitten close against me, and resume my walk home, ignoring the curious glances.
I gently slide open the door. The familiar warmth of the house comforts me instantly, a stark contrast to the freezing dampness outside.
In the living room, I see him. Itachi, standing beside the crib, gently rocking Sasuke. The look in his eyes is full of quiet tenderness. He's only five, but he already does more than what's expected of a child.
"Itachi," I call softly.
He immediately looks up. His gaze shifts to the bundle in my arms. Without asking a word, he comes over and takes the bags from my hands.
"I'll put these away," he says calmly.
But his eyes quickly return to the little being I carefully place on a blanket. I kneel, then slowly unfold the damp fabric, revealing the still-soaked black kitten with red streaks.
"What is it?" he asks, staring at the animal.
"Our new companion," I answer with a gentle smile.
He frowns slightly.
"It was in the snow? Looks like a stray cat… It could've been sick. Why did you bring it home?"
I don't answer right away. I stroke his head gently, thoughtful. My gaze drifts for a moment.
"You know I'm already busy with Sasuke… and the house. You'll be the one to take care of it. Think of it as a mission, if that helps."
"And Father?"
"I'll talk to him tonight. Don't worry."
I get up, head to the kitchen, then return with a small bowl of pâté, placing it in a corner of the room near a dry mat.
I finish unfolding the cloth. The kitten no longer trembles. It seems to have warmed up from the inside… Curious.
I brush its forehead with two fingers, intrigued.
"That's strange..."
Itachi watches the sleeping animal in silence. He says nothing, but I can tell he's not against its presence.
He kneels down, reaches out a hand, and runs it through its fur. He suddenly stops.
The kitten has just opened its eyes. It stares directly at him, then lets out a soft purr before falling asleep again.
Itachi smiles faintly and pets it again, this time with more confidence.
I stand behind him for a moment, moved.
"What do you think?" I ask.
"It's cute…"
"I see."
"But not as cute as Sasuke."
I chuckle softly.
"Then I hope you'll get along well."
I head back to the kitchen, but I pause for a moment before passing through the doorway.
"I think it'll wake up soon. Feed it then. I'll start dinner. I'm leaving it and your brother… in your care."