“Running errands for Mother.” She apparently needed a bunch of assorted vegetables, and immediately. But he’s got them! They’re delivered, and he ran back here.
Standing, his expression softens as Itachi explains the situation. And once more, Minato is hit with how their roles have reversed. “I believe I recall a certain ANBU who insisted on referring to me with my proper title when I was Hokage.” He commented, a small smile tugging at his lips.
“I’ll call you ‘Itachi’ if you just call me ‘Minato’.”
It does make him flush slightly, glancing away. Yes, Minato is right. It was very difficult for him to refer to him as anything but Lord Fourth back when the other was alive previously.
“..Itachi then.” Even now, Minato’s bias towards this man hasn’t faded. Seeing the concern, a frown tugged at his lips. “Is everything alright?” Had he unintentionally upset the other already?
“Most everything.” A soft chuckle from him. “It just worries me when you refer to me like that.” But it’s not something he’s going to be stuck thinking about deeply all day. It will pass. He stands, pulling Minato up with him.
“We need to get you out of here at least.” Come now.
Does he want to refuse the offer? Not really. Does he want to stay in this cell? Again, no The choice was clearly already made before Minato knew it.
Gently taking Itachi’s hands, he gave them a gentle squeeze, “..Alright. Thank you, Hokage-sama.”
“Itachi.” His smile fades, worry clear in his features. Was he just accepting it because Itachi wanted it…? He doesn’t like that title when it comes to people he’s fond of. It was too informal.
The insinuation rings loud and clear. Head shaking in denial, however, concern flickers across his face, “I couldn’t possibly burden you in such a way-”
No, Minato had done far too much of that already, hadn’t he? “There’s no need to go so far for me. Wouldn’t it be easier to keep me in here?” Logically, it would. Logically, this option would keep Minato out of sight of the village, even if it means removing what freedoms he had. “You’ve been far too kind with me as it is. I couldn’t ask for more.”
“You’re not asking.” That was clear enough. “I’m offering. This village has prospered, you deserve to see it. Even if we have to be a bit…careful.”
He holds his breath, for a moment. How he’s missed him.
UchihaSavior 