Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, songs, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. No profit is being made from this work.
The other Disclaimer: I especially do not own Naruto, and I especially especially do not own a dress from Nordstrom.
Not the first time that evening Itachi was thankful for the price his cousin paid for the tickets. Their VIP status granted them access backstage.
When the majority of the theater was filing out the trio of men went the other direction. They flashed a bouncer their ticket stubs and after a stern scrutiny they were gruffly introduced to the avenue that led them behind-the-scenes.
Itachi could now finally understand the price of admission for good seating. He knew it was going to be one of the most memorable experiences in his life, but he didn't reflect too much on that because his heart rate started to pick up in anticipation of meeting Sakura.
As soon as they went through the first door they walked into a large space occupied with instruments and people galore. The gaiety in the aftermath of the night's performance was palpable as people bustled about hugging, kissing, smiling and laughing. They had to keep moving because others were entering the backstage area behind them. Itachi's eyes discreetly swept over the large crowd looking for any signs of pink.
Shisui elbowed him. "There's Uzumaki."
Itachi turned to look in the direction Shisui's finger was pointing and was disappointed to see that Sakura was not among the group of people standing with Naruto. Itachi studied the man more closely. He looked pretty much the same as the last time Itachi had seen him years ago. His messy mop of hair was still the same color of blonde and his cerulean eyes were the same bright and shining in giddiness. He did seem taller though, and more slim. He was one of the tallest males in that group.
He was animatedly describing something, his hands flailing about wildly, and all the people in the nearest vicinity listening erupted into laughter. He was still hyperactive and center of attention. Itachi thought being a drummer suited him well.
They made their way to him. Shisui was just as tall as Naruto and Itachi watched as Sasuke's old friend stopped mid sentence and noticed Shisui right away. His eyes popped out of his sockets further and his face broke out into a giant smile.
"Oh. My. God," Naruto said in a disbelieving voice. "What the fuck are you guys doing here!"
Before anyone could respond Naruto grabbed Shisui into a huge hug and Itachi chuckled as his cousin seemed to try to breathe.
"It's been, like, years since I've seen your stupid faces!"
Ah, he's just the same Itachi thought, surprised at the slight pang of nostalgia that hit him. Naruto and Sasuke were best friends growing up. Itachi remembered many weekends when school was out Naruto was over at their house from Friday afternoon until Sunday night annoying the hell out of him and Shisui. When Itachi left for college his encounters with Naruto were few and far between. Itachi felt a little guilty for not even remembering the last time he saw the crazy blonde. His own college graduation from law school? That was almost ten years ago.
Next was Itachi's turn for a hug and he returned it warmly. "Naruto," he said. "How have you been?"
"Great!" he exclaimed. "I've been travelin' on all kinds of gigs with my band, and then playing here when I get the chance, and - oh! I'm getting married this summer!"
"Congratulations," Itachi said sincerely. Naruto seemed to be doing well. Itachi was doubtful of how successful a future he would have. The poor man lost his parents when he was very little and was raised by a man whom, in one word, was lecherous. The only saving grace was probably his friendship with Sasuke. Naruto's guardian, despite his questionable character, was wealthy and set Naruto up in the same private academy that Sasuke attended. Itachi knew that Naruto's grades always left something to be desired. His own mother worried over the well-being of Naruto and would frequently help him when she had the chance. Itachi had heard through the grapevine that Naruto got into a lot of trouble with the law in his teens and that was really the last update he had gotten on him. He was genuinely happy to see that Naruto apparently turned out all right.
"Do you still speak with Sasuke?" Itachi wondered.
Naruto smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his head. "Not for a while. He's real busy, ya know? With his job and stuff in California. He told me he started dating this super model chick, who, in my opinion, seems to be a total frigid bitch, but who I am to judge?" He shrugged as if he didn't care. "When I have gigs out in LA I go and see him, but it's been a while since the last one."
Itachi cracked a small smile at Naruto's ability to use run-on sentences but still keep him interested in the conversation.
"How about you, man?" Naruto punched his shoulder. "What have you been up to? It's been like, years, since the last time I've seen you!" he repeated with another shit-eating grin.
Itachi didn't even open his mouth before Naruto started talking again. "Sasuke told me you've become like this really great lawyer and everything. Investment lawyer, right?"
"Hedge fund attorney," Itachi corrected.
Naruto's face crinkled up in confusion. "Hedge fund? What's that?"
"A hedge fund is an investment pool that allows traders to cast a wider net in their investment endeavors, more so than a typical investment fund-"
"So, an investment lawyer," Naruto stated again, smilingly smugly, like he was pleased he got it right the first time.
Itachi thought his occupation was a little more involved than that, but he simply nodded.
"Wow, so how about you?" Naruto turned his attention to Shisui. As they caught up Itachi's eyes quickly wandered around the large room. He hadn't even realized they lost Kakashi, but he seemed more than fine as he stood chatting with none other than Sakura.
"Excuse me," Itachi said to no one in particular and started to weave his way through people towards the pair. When Itachi reached them Kakashi immediately faced him to let him know he was acknowledged.
"Sakura, this is Itachi. He's a business associate and friend of mine."
Itachi thought it was odd that Kakashi would introduce him to someone as a friend, considering they had met only hours before.
"Any friend of Kakashi's is a friend of mine," she said blithely, and Itachi's questioning thoughts suddenly disappeared. Itachi tried not to appear too eager when he reached out to return the handshake.
He also had to fight the urge to emit a little gasp of awe. When she was on stage she was far enough away for him not to distinguish the details of her features, but even then he was close enough to see that she was beautiful. But now that he was just a few feet from her he had to check himself to make sure he wasn't staring too much.
She was exquisite. Her skin reminded him of vanilla yogurt; smooth, pale, creamy and delectable looking. She had a slight blush that accented her high cheek bones and her ruby red lipstick only enhanced the fullness of her lips and the whiteness of her teeth.
But her most outstanding characteristic was her eyes. Her green orbs were so captivating he felt as if he was looking at the most rarest of jewels; they were brilliant, lively, sparkling.
"I thoroughly enjoyed the performance," Itachi said after the handshake. "You're very talented."
"Thank you," Sakura replied, and Itachi wanted to cringe at his own lack of creativity. Her response was courteous but plainly automatic, like she had heard the compliment one too many times and was being polite. He should have come up with something that would make her laugh or guarantee he wasn't just another faceless human being she met. She has probably been introduced to many admirers who have said exactly the same thing and then she went on her merry way, forgetting them.
Now was the time to make himself stand out.
"The song..."Daydream"..." Itachi almost hastily said, attempting to gain good ground again. "I requested it."
Itachi was very pleased when he got the reaction he was angling for. Her twinkling eyes went wide and her smile was absolutely beaming.
"I love that song. That's the first time someone requested it, if you can believe that." She shook her head in exasperation as if the concept was completely ludicrous.
"It's one of my favorites," Itachi told her.
"Mine, too." She smiled easily. "I suppose I've never seen it requested because that demographic doesn't appeal to our generation as much as it does to an older generation," she mused. "Are you a fan of oldies?"
Itachi thought her curiosity seemed authentic and she wasn't just trying to make polite conversation. He smiled internally and opened his mouth to answer her but was interrupted (rather rudely) by an effervescent Naruto who uninhibitedly threw his arm around Sakura's shoulders.
"Oy Sakura!" Naruto said loudly. "Can you believe this is Sasuke's brother?"
"Really?" Sakura asked interestedly, looking him straight in the eye. "Oh right!" She rolled her eyes but it appeared to be at herself. "Of course. Itachi. I thought you sounded familiar. Sasuke's told me about you before." She rolled her eyes again. "And now that you mention it you look so much alike."
Itachi was just short of feeling outraged. The friendship of Sakura and Sasuke was happening right under his nose and he was unaware of it? He wondered how long that had been going on and why fate decided to intervene only now and never before. Well, perhaps it was because he was in a relationship for most of the past decade. His mind shot in rapid-fire as he wondered if he would have noticed Sakura while he was with Michiko. Who knows? He probably would have noticed her, but he wouldn't have been available to act on it. Suddenly he was thanking the stars again for this gracious opportunity.
"You know Sasuke?" Itachi asked Sakura, intoning just the right amount of innocence so as to sound casual.
"Yeah, I introduced them a few years ago when I met Sakura," Naruto answered for her. "I tried to set them up and stuff but Sakura wasn't interested."
"Naruto!" she hissed in chastisement, swinging a fist into his gut.
"Ow! What? It's true!" he argued back in a whine-like voice, rubbing the sore spot where Sakura hit him.
Before the bickering could escalate everyone turned when a woman approached them and yelled, "Sakura! There's someone over here I want you to meet!"
Naruto's arm was embracing air for a split second as Sakura was immediately whisked away. Itachi watched as she was being dragged to another group of people and regret consumed him. They barely even had a conversation, let alone Itachi's quest to get to know her more and perhaps ask her out, before she disappeared!
Shisui and his uncanny ability to know what Itachi was thinking had his hand coming down on his younger cousin's shoulder in sympathy.
"So, you guys, I'm having this Christmas party in a few weeks and you should come!" Naruto broke in. "Here, let me give you my number and address."
Shisui got his phone out and was recording the information.
"Will Sakura be there?" Kakashi asked, sounding bored. Itachi thought it sounded too perfect to be genuine.
Naruto was looking down at Shisui's phone while he spouted his number, but when he heard the question his head snapped up. For the first time that night Itachi saw Naruto frown.
"Why do you wanna know?" he demanded in a suddenly harsh tone.
Kakashi appeared bemused, but Itachi was taken aback.
And then it occurred to Itachi. When Naruto said he was getting married this summer he meant...
"Oh, I'm sorry if you and Sakura..." Kakashi trailed off awkwardly, his thinking coinciding with Itachi's.
"Sakura and I what?" Naruto asked, his voice still hard.
"If you and Sakura are together," Kakashi finished lamely.
"We're not together," was all Naruto responded with, his glare icy.
Itachi's chest felt tight with extreme disappointment at the idea that Sakura was already taken, but then he felt like it was easier to breathe after Naruto's clarification. If they weren't together then why the protectiveness?
"So Sakura is with someone else?" Kakashi ventured.
"Why do you wanna know?" Naruto asked again, his inquiry sounding more like a command than a question.
Itachi didn't miss the short glance Kakashi threw his way.
"She's a nice woman. We'd like to get to know her more. Especially if she knows you and Sasuke," Shisui jumped in, saving the day.
Naruto's tense body language relaxed, but his eyes remained suspicious.
"I believe Sasuke is coming into town for the holidays," Itachi added. "I'll be sure to inform him of the party."
Naruto's glare instantly disappeared and he was back to smiling ear-to-ear. "Yeah? That stupid bastard never told me was coming here for Christmas." Naruto started to mumble to himself, probably laying out a string of expletives against his friend. Sasuke never told him because as far as Itachi knew he wasn't coming. Itachi would try to get his brother to come but if it didn't work out he would just tell Naruto that Sasuke had something come up last minute...and he would be sure to have Sasuke tell Naruto the same.
"Sakura would be glad to see him, too," Naruto said as if to himself. On the inside, Itachi bristled. Again, with Sasuke knowing Sakura. It bothered him. "Alright, well good then! I'll see you guys there!"
Just as suddenly as Sakura was taken away, Naruto was pulled by someone and Itachi, Shisui and Kakashi were left standing by themselves.
Shisui was shaking his head in amusement. "I always thought that kid was a few sheets short of a ream, but he did help you out tonight."
Right away Itachi noticed Shisui said 'helped you' and not 'us' out. "You're coming to the party," Itachi told Shisui in a deadpan. "You, too," he said, turning his austere gaze onto Kakashi. The silver-haired man shrugged helplessly. Itachi wasn't an idiot; he could see what those two were cooking up, but he wasn't grateful just yet. First, he had to find out why Naruto acted like an over-protective brother over the mention of Sakura's name.
"So you guys ready to shoot the shit?" Kakashi asked as they stood shivering in the freezing late-night air waiting for a cab.
Itachi expected the night to be over but apparently Kakashi wasn't ready to be rid of them yet. That was promising.
Shisui whole-heartedly agreed with an enthusiastic, "Sure! Uh...just let me call my wife first..." He turned and walked a little ways away from them.
"You think the wife will mind if he goes out for a few drinks?" Kakashi's tone was even enough, but Itachi caught the implied condescension. His brow dipped slightly in annoyance.
"His wife, Mei, won't have a problem."
"Ever been to Milk and Honey?" Kakashi asked, completely ignoring the underlying irritation in Itachi's voice and suddenly changing the subject.
Itachi nodded. "You need a reservation at least twenty-four hours in advance."
"Not if you're part of the Rushmore Group," was Kakashi's reply with a wink.
Itachi thought the concept of the Rushmore Group was a myth.
"Hey guys," Shisui said, coming up to them again. "Mei wants to know where we're headed."
"I suggested the Milk and Honey," Kakashi said.
Shisui's eyes widened slightly. "Uh, that place is pretty exclusive. Don't you have to call ahead for a reservation and even then you may not get in?"
"You do if you're apart of the Rushmore Group," Itachi told Shisui in a matter-of-fact tone.
His cousin's eyes widened more. "Oh, well, that sounds good."
Shisui had to hold his cell away from himself for fear of a ruptured eardrum as all three men heard the ecstatic sounds of Mei on the other end. He then pointed to it with a large grin. "She'll meet us there."
"Great," Kakashi said he flagged down transportation.
Itachi was impressed, which was a rarity. Kakashi was included in one of the most clandestine "bar" associations in the world and yet he obviously preferred to take a cab everywhere.
Within minutes they were again sitting huddled in a Konona cabbie. Itachi half expected the balding middle-aged man to roll his eyes when Kakashi told him their destination, but instead he asked, "I can take the 9A or FDR drive...which do you wanna take?"
Kakashi waved dismissively. "No matter which route you take the traffic will be hell. Surprise us."
"You got it," the cabbie said, whipping out into the Broadway traffic.
As Kakashi predicted, the Friday night traffic in Konoha was horrendous and it didn't take too long for them to be stuck in gridlock. The driver had Christmas music on at low volume. Itachi worked on his phone checking his stock updates, wishing he had brought his tablet. Trading time was over for the week and he wouldn't be able to buy or sell until Monday morning but there was always research to be done. Shisui and Kakashi chatted casually, talking about business. The time went quickly this way and soon Itachi looked up to see they were entering China Town.
Shisui's phone chirped and it was Mei updating him on her whereabouts and how long it would take to get there; she would arrive after them.
They pulled up alongside the busy street to a few obscure buildings. Others, too, were hopping out of their chauffeured vehicles and making their ways up to a simple gray metal door.
"You guys paid for dinner and the Melting Pot...I figured this was only fair," Kakashi said absently as he handed the cabbie the fare before anyone could reach for their wallet.
They got out and stood in a short line, waiting to enter the ambiguous building. Itachi knew they wouldn't have to wait long. One of the house rules was to not crowd the front door; probably to remain somewhat camouflaged with a sense of being "underground." Back before phones had GPS half the fun was finding the damn place. Now everyone knew where it was.
They walked in and they were immediately met with warm air and the sweet, soothing scents of vanilla and alcohol. Itachi rather liked this establishment because of the ambiance it created. On the high ceilings there were dimly lit lights but the place was primarily covered in candlelight, from the tables to lanterns mounted on the walls. It was the place to go for a perfect concoction of cocktail, audibly low but nice jazzy music and a speakeasy atmosphere. Especially after a concert.
When they walked up to the hostess' station she was holding a clipboard and either handing patrons off to someone for them to be escorted to their seating or sending them back out the door for being late to their reservation. Itachi had confidence in Kakashi's lack of reservation, however. When the silver-haired man told the hostess his name she quickly glanced up from her perusal and smiled brightly.
"Hatake-san, it's good to see you again. How many are with you this evening?"
"Kayo, didn't I tell you it's just Kakashi?" he asked in a voice feigning sternness.
"Yes, you did, sir," she answered with a blush, then continued, all business. "How many are with you this evening?"
"These two gentlemen here and a third is on the way. Please have a Mrs. Uchiha Mei escorted to us when she arrives."
"Of course, sir. Please follow Akio to where you'll be sitting."
"Thank you," Kakashi replied with a slight nod and they all followed a tall, lanky man further into the bar.
It was when their orders were being taken that Mei arrived. Half of the male heads turned and watched as a statuesque, auburn-haired beauty made her way to their table. Even if anyone had the intention of asking her out it would have been against the establishment's rules. Itachi found it real interesting that Kakashi would take them to a joint where the men couldn't ask women for a date. Well, people did, Itachi knew, but it was very discreet. He even witnessed a passing of notes before, just like what would happen in grade school. She handed off her coat and Shisui stood to greet her. They kissed briefly before she sat down next to him, across from Itachi and Kakashi. Itachi could tell she was already slightly intoxicated with the way her vibrant green eyes were glassed over. When the waiter received her order and walked away she put her elbows on the table and leaned her head into her palm. "So, what did I miss?" she asked, smiling to Itachi in greeting.
"Mei, this is Hatake Kakashi. We'll be working on his next hedge," Shisui told her.
"It's nice to meet you, Hatake-san," Mei said politely, holding her hand out.
"Just Kakashi," he answered, returning the exchange.
She threw a mocking-cold glance over at Shisui. "If you were going to make reservations here you could have told me," she said, sounding chafed.
"We didn't make reservations. Kakashi hooked us up," he clarified.
Mei smiled appreciatively to the man.
"And besides," Shisui continued. "You couldn't miss Ao's housewarming party."
Mei snorted delicately. "Yeah, kind of like you did, going to see a band instead." She rolled her eyes.
"It was well worth it. Wasn't it Itachi?" Shisui asked with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
"It wasn't as horrible as I was expecting it to be," Itachi answered back blandly.
Kakashi chuckled. "Especially with the way you were eying Sakura up on stage."
"Who?" Mei asked, leaning forward with extreme interest.
"No one-" Itachi started to say.
"Oh, just one of the people in the band," Shisui cut him off. He ignored Itachi's cold stare. "She's this cute little pink-haired woman who has some major chops with the electric guitar."
"Really?" Mei asked, drawing the word out. She was looking at Itachi very intently. Then she turned back to her husband. "Did you say pink hair?"
Shisui leaned his head back and laughed. "Yeah. Pink. Hm. I wonder if it's her original color...and if it is I wonder if the carpet matches the-"
Itachi cleared his throat loudly to indicate to his cousin how crude his comments were becoming. Besides him Kakashi chuckled lightly. "It's not. I've asked before."
"Why would someone intentionally dye their hair pink?" Mei asked rhetorically with a small shudder, her eyebrows scrunched together with distaste. Obviously the concept was unfathomable to her.
"It's not what you're probably picturing," Kakashi said. "I would more accurately describe the color as uncooked salmon."
That elicited a laugh from the entire table.
"You're right, I was imagining like neon sign pink." Mei giggled again.
"Anyway, our little cousin Itachi seems to be very smitten with her," Shisui annexed, much to Itachi's annoyance.
For a brief moment Itachi saw Mei frown deeply. Itachi knew how she felt about him and relationships, one in particular, but he rather her keep quiet about it. Itachi loved his cousin's wife, considered her family just as much as Shisui was, but ever since his break-up from Michiko he believed she regarded him differently. The pessimistic way she seemed to perceive him now was a little irritating, but it also made him feel ashamed. He supposed he could understand, all things considered, but didn't appreciate her respect factor for him being lowered.
"Is that so?" she answered circumspectly, not looking at Itachi, fiddling idly with a cloth napkin.
An awkward silence followed for a few long moments, then the group's mood enhanced when they saw their drinks arriving.
"So how long have you guys been married?" Kakashi asked in a detached sort of curious tone. Probably just wanting to make small talk, Itachi guessed.
As if on cue the husband and wife sought the others' hand and linked them. "Twelve years next October," Shisui replied with a satisfied grin.
"Where did you meet?"
"We've known each other since childhood," Mei answered rhapsodically, her eyes meeting Shisui's for a second, a knowing gleam in them. "Our families are very close." She chuckled to herself, recalling something apparently humorous. "We hated each other at first. We could just never get along. Anything he said annoyed the hell out of me and he thought I was a stuck-up, goody-two shoes." They both laughed together.
"Then how did you get together?" Kakashi asked, now sounding really curious.
"We went to different schools growing up. Coincidentally, we both ran track. I'm more of the long-distance runner type, but Shisui was a sprinter. One day his school had a meet against mine. He was lined up to run the hundred-yard dash and I swear in that moment before the gun fired I was seriously impressed with him. He looked so serious as he was concentrating and centering himself for the race. I believe the word 'hot' entered my mind at that moment." She giggled. "And after the gunshot when they took off running I've never seen anything more beautiful than this man run," Mei said, her tone taking on a dreamy quality. Everyone laughed. "And not only that, he was so damn fast! He blew everyone out of the water! It was magnificent."
"Thank God her races lasted much longer. Picture Mei running against the wind-" Shisui was saying while pointedly looking at her chest. Mei interrupted him with a punch to the arm.
"Shisui!" she chided, but was laughing. "He was such a pervert back then and it seems nothing has changed!"
"Just keepin' it real, honey," Shisui retorted while leaning in and kissing his wife tenderly on the cheek. Those two were never shy about their public displays of affection but it occurred with more frequency and less propriety while under the influence.
"What about you?" Kakashi turned to Itachi. "Are you involved with anyone?"
Itachi wondered why the man was so nosy. A small, cynical compartment of his brain was skeptical of Kakashi's questioning. Sure, these questions were innocent enough but down the road it would lead to revealing more information. In the world of investing it wasn't beneath the competition to attempt to snub others out. Kakashi wasn't competition, exactly, but certain people had a way with hiding their identities and tawdry motives and intentions.
However, Itachi knew that Kakashi was harmless, at least in that respect. The man was just a busybody, apparently. He cleared his throat again, this time uncomfortably.
"I was in a relationship but it was broken off about six months ago," was all Itachi supplied.
"Hm. I'm sorry to hear that," Kakashi replied, taking a sip of his cocktail.
Peripherally, Itachi watched Mei narrow her eyes at him. To say 'it' was broken off was an inaccurate statement; it was more like 'she' broke 'them' off.
"What about you?" Shisui asked Kakashi the same question he queried of Itachi.
"Ah. Women," he sighed in exasperation. "They're great," he added quickly after Mei's not so subtle ahem. "But I haven't found the one yet."
"Well," Mei said with a certain flair and a flourish of her hand. "We'll just have to introduce you to someone!"
Kakashi scratched the back of his head, a little embarrassed. "Oh. Blind dates," he stated with an undertone of dread.
"I know what you mean," Itachi said with empathy for the silver-haired millionaire. "These two will never let up. Matchmaking seems to be a hobby for them."
"It's only because we care about you, little cuz!" Shisui responded with gusto. "But now this time we don't have to make you meet anyone. You've already met and introduced yourself to her. Now all you have to do is charm her socks off."
"Amongst other articles of clothing," Kakashi supplemented with a low chortle.
The pretense of business appropriateness had waned long before they came to the Milk and Honey so Itachi didn't feel any compunction about inquiring of Sakura. He asked Kakashi how they met since he knew they were previously acquainted. For a brief moment the laugh lines in Kakashi's face smoothed out and his eyes turned just slightly darker, more somber, but it all disappeared instantly almost without a trace.
"I've known her for a long time, back before she became a professional musician. Her patroness, Mayor Tsunade, and I are well-acquainted."
"Her patroness?" Itachi felt compelled to ask, a little shocked at the concept.
Kakashi stared at Itachi for a long moment, his face without expression, but Itachi got the impression he was pondering on how much he should disclose.
"Sakura is a very talented musician, but that can only get you so far, especially in a city like Konoha," he continued tonelessly, taking a drink. "For someone as skilled as her it would have been a shame if every opportunity wasn't presented, so Mayor Tsunade - though at the time Tsunade wasn't Mayor yet - helped Sakura out with paying for school."
So a benefactor Itachi thought, frowning on the inside. That must mean Sakura wasn't able to afford school on her own. And it also meant that if Tsunade took it upon herself than Sakura's parents most likely couldn't afford it either.
"What school did she go to?" Mei asked.
"Well, during her high school career she studied at Columbia, but just on the weekends since she wasn't in college yet. Then she went on to Julliard."
Mei raised a brow. "Julliard. Wow."
Kakashi nodded in assent. "She grew up with music. Both her mother and father were involved in music to certain extents. When it became very obvious she was - and she would kill me if she knew I was attributing this word to her - gifted, then preparations had to be made for her to get into an environment where she could study and learn on a more broader scale."
Itachi leaned back into his seat and stared at the table, contemplating all of the new information. So Sakura was educated...well educated. To be accepted into Julliard certainly exemplified Sakura's talent, but Itachi figured one just couldn't skate by on that alone. A person had to be smart and hard-working, as well. Itachi was feeling incredibly encouraged. She was, to use the word Kakashi offered, gifted; intelligent, and beautiful.
With her exceptional resume and undeniable beauty that begged the question: why was she "untouchable?"
Itachi had many other questions, but didn't want to learn anything more about her from another person; he would rather gain his knowledge from the source itself. He would count down the days until Naruto's Christmas party where, hopefully, he would be given another chance to see her again and discover more about her.
Itachi blinked, completely unprepared for what he saw on the other side of Naruto's apartment door.
There was a party, yes. There was music, yes. There were food and drinks, yes. And there were people. A lot of people; people that Itachi normally wouldn't...congregate with.
Suddenly he felt totally overdressed...or everyone else was under-dressed. He heard Shisui beside him grunt in aggravation, apparently thinking something similar.
It was no fault of Itachi and Shisui that they were born into the Uchiha family. They were bred in sophistication. The circles they ran in consisted of the powerful and wealthy; higher-ups in politics, affluent businessmen, famous people whose names were seen in lights, etc.
What awaited them was a crowd that could be described as, more or less, bourgeois.
Itachi's Prada pantsuit from Bergdorf Goodman was way too dressed up compared to the many others in jeans and t-shirts. There were some that were appropriately attired for the holiday get-together, but Itachi discerned they were probably of the Old Navy or Gap variety rather than Versace or Burberry.
As he hesitantly led Shisui, Mei, Kakashi, Sasuke and his girlfriend, Ino, through the door it seemed most eyes turned to watch them enter. This blatant exhibition of curiosity got Naruto's attention, since the music was too loud for the doorbell to be heard and Itachi let them all in without knocking. He ran to them beaming that huge smile of his. "Hey! You guys made it!" he bellowed out exuberantly, giving Itachi a one-armed hug since his other hand was occupied with a beer.
Itachi stood awkwardly off to the side, his hands in his pockets, as he watched Naruto greet the others, not quite sure what to do with himself. He inconspicuously allowed his eyes to roam around the room and people were starting to murmur to others now, scrutinizing them with varying expressions: wonder, confusion and even hostility. It was so noticeable that they didn't fit in it was almost painful.
He didn't see the one person whom he was deliberately looking for.
"Come on! I want you to meet my fiancée!" he heard Naruto yell out and the group filed after him. Sasuke and Naruto were speaking excitedly to one another and Ino followed close behind Sasuke, visibly uncomfortable.
Oddly enough, the wealthiest man in the room (by Forbes standards since he was just inducted into the top one-hundred richest men as a newly established billionaire) immediately separated from the group to begin mingling with another. Kakashi acted as if he hit up parties of the middle-class on a regular basis. Perhaps he did. Itachi really wouldn't know. It was evident that he already knew some of them as they were hugging each other and laughing.
"Get that look off your face," Mei said from close beside him.
He kept his face forward. "What look?"
"The I'm-better-than-these-people look. In other words, the arrogant look."
Itachi scoffed lightly. "I don't look like that."
"Trust me," she said insistently. "You do."
"He looks like that all the time," Shisui added. If there was any sarcasm to detect, it wasn't present at all.
When Itachi agreed to come to this party he honestly didn't put much thought into the party itself; he was experiencing tunnel vision because of the upcoming encounter with Sakura. Now he was cursing himself for the lack in foresight.
For some reason that Itachi still didn't know he assumed Naruto was...well, he assumed he had money. By the looks of his apartment and the general area he would have guessed Naruto was comfortable in his living, but the company he kept belied the idea. Itachi felt like he was walking into a frat party back when he was at Harvard. Some of the people were in baggy jeans and t-shirts with grungy hair sticking out from under backwards caps. Itachi figured these were some of the music society that Naruto was probably involved in.
Then Itachi thought of Sakura and the possibilities of what she might be wearing, if she showed up.
Itachi resisted the desire to Google her to find out more. What he did learn he believed was telling enough. She probably didn't come from wealth, but was likely a recipient of it from her association with Mayor Tsunade and maybe even Kakashi. 'Sugar daddy' was probably too chintzy a description for their relationship, but Itachi wouldn't be surprised if there were some services exchanged. Itachi shuddered to think it was of the sordid quality, but it seemed that Sakura and Kakashi shared some kind of bond. Itachi thought Kakashi wouldn't be so willing to introduce him to Sakura if they were linked in that way. And if Sakura was a professional musician then that either meant she was well off (perhaps without any assistance) or she was not. It was likely the former. The phrase 'starving artist' came to Itachi's mind, but that didn't seem to fit. If she was talented enough to be accepted into the elite of Julliard and make a living from the music trade than certainly she made enough to support herself.
But how much? Itachi was born into money and received an heirloomed portion respectively after his college graduation. In the Uchiha family it was a rite of passage to receive one's inheritance when the family's expectation of education is met. That certainly helped but in actuality contributed very little to the wealth he cultivated on his own. His career and his propensity for investment endeavors helped him attain fortune. He worked hard for his money and took pride in it. Comparatively he wondered what Sakura's net worth was.
Michiko had her own successes too. Like him, she was an attorney, but went to school to become a trial lawyer. If one works for the right clients a trial lawyer can be compensated very substantially. And Michiko was. Itachi and her met while at Harvard. He was impressed with her passion for law and her intelligence. Very few people could match him wit for wit, but she managed. Right out of school she was accepted into an excellent law firm, building her credentials and making her way up the ladder to partner within her first year. Within a few years her net worth was well over seven figures.
Did Sakura have that kind of money? Would it bother him if she didn't?
Those sort of questions plagued him the past few weeks as he mentally prepared himself for this evening. It was in Itachi's character to analyze something to death then reanalyze it again for surety. However, it was all moot as nothing had developed between them. Yet.
And all those questions and ideas that nested a habitat in his brain went categorically out the window when, about less than five minutes after he arrived, she showed up.
She looked positively radiant in a red dress that stopped just above the knee. It was body-hugging with little gathers of material down the front that seemed purposeful. There were straps that covered her shoulder and it was just low enough to see the top swell of her breasts but not any cleavage.
Her light pink hair was elegantly twisted at the back of her head. Just like the first time Itachi had seen her she had flowers in her hair but this time instead of white they were red, like her dress. Thin, curled tendrils framed her face and longer strands laid delicately on the sides of her neck and over her collarbone. She had large diamond studs in her ears and a sparkling one resting on her chest, connected to a thin sterling chain necklace.
Itachi knew he was staring shamelessly, but he was safe as she hadn't looked his way yet. He wondered if anyone else had noticed, though. And then was sure he was being too obvious after he let out a little breathless gasp. She turned to hand her coat to someone and he saw the dress that enticingly showcased her curves was backless; it was like a billboard sign screaming 'look at me!' and it was as if he had no control over the compulsion of his seeking eyes.
The dress dipped down to just above the small of her back. That openly displayed piece of skin was flawless and smooth looking. Itachi felt both as if he were sucker punched in the gut and floating at the same time. The crowd and the noise seemed to dissipate from his cognizance as he thoroughly regarded the beautiful woman not twenty paces from him.
What brought him back down to earth was when he heard Mei ask Shisui, "Is that Sakura?"
Itachi didn't hear his response as he watched Sakura scan the room for anyone she might recognize. Suddenly she smiled broadly and waved while walking toward someone. It was Kakashi, Itachi saw. Her warm smile made it clear what she thought of seeing him there and they embraced quickly.
Never, not once in his life had Itachi ever felt like he couldn't achieve or obtain something that he wanted. He graduated with a GPA of 4.0 from his undergrad at Harvard, was summa cum laude from Harvard Law School, was easily accepted into one of the most distinguished law firms in Konoha, had a stellar career, had a fulfilling personal life (with the exception of his recent break-up), owned anything of monetary value that he wanted, was well versed in many different cultures from having traveled to many different countries, was pretty good-looking (if he thought so himself and based on the reactions of his female counterparts), could run a five-minute mile consistently, could flip an egg without breaking the yolk...
But it rankled him to suddenly realize how far out of reach Sakura seemed to be. Why did he think it would be so easy? His goal of talking to her, getting to know her a little, getting her to like him and think him attractive then asking her out seemed almost insurmountable.
She was resplendent; stunning. As she laughed at something Kakashi said and watched as many others went up to her, greeted her and easily conversed with her it was like he was looking up at the summit of Mount Everest without a clue as how to get up there.
For the first time in his life he was...nervous.
His sudden attack of insecure feelings was almost infuriating. He wasn't accustomed to feeling uncertain.
But he had not anticipated ever meeting someone like Sakura either.
Most things in his life had come easy for him. Relationships, whether they were simply friends, or family, or even his one with Michiko, were more of a challenge for him, but he was never lacking. He never really dated in high school as he was completely focused on his studies and extracurricular activities. When he met Michiko in college they were friends for a long time before they became romantically involved, and even then it was more of an assumption than a 'sparks-of-chemistry-and-fireworks' moment.
He realized with alarm how...inexperienced he was in the dating aspect of his life. On a number of occasions Shisui and Mei - mostly Shisui - tried to set him with up with someone to no avail.
How was he to catch Sakura's eye when he essentially didn't really know what he was doing?
"Hey man! this is my fiancée!" Naruto was suddenly in front of his line of sight to Sakura. He had his arm around a dark-haired woman. "This is Hinata. Hinata, this is Itachi, Sasuke's brother."
Itachi momentarily released himself from the self-imposed torture of his thoughts to give his attention to the woman under Naruto's arm. Instantly she looked familiar. "Hyūga Hinata?" Itachi asked.
The fair-skinned lady's eyes widened at his question. "Yeah..." she trailed off in bemusement. He could tell she was puzzling it out how he knew who she was but was balked as she seemed to not recognize him.
"I'm Uchiha Itachi," he supplied with a smirk. Alongside his family, the Hyūgas were another famous dynasty in Konoha. He recognized Hinata as one of the daughters of the business and investing magnate Hyūga Hiashi. Her father is co-chairman of the Hyūga Hotels chain and in terms of wealth he was right up there with Kakashi.
How in the hell Naruto ended up with her was simply incomprehensible.
The pretty and evidently shy woman's eyes widened in acknowledgement. "Yes. Of course. It's nice to meet you."
"You, as well," Itachi said, extending his hand.
Hailing from similar backgrounds Itachi took notice of the disposition of the primogeniture of the Hyūgas. People of their station tend to run in the same circles, though Itachi had never crossed paths with this particular woman until now. He knew, despite her status as a socialite, she wasn't a typical gaudy and wanting-to-be the center-of-attention debutante but was rare and understated in her classy and reserved sprezzatura. Itachi might have ignorantly mistaken it as self-consciousness but, like himself, knew she created success independent from her birthright.
"I don't mean any offense by this, but can you please explain to me how you came to be involved with this knucklehead?" Itachi asked, smiling.
Naruto barked out a laugh as Hinata's lovely blush deepened and she smiled diffidently.
But before anyone could respond Sakura was suddenly there, pulling Naruto's betrothed into a hug. "Hinata! You look great! I love your dress!" she stated excitedly. After their embrace one of Sakura's hands drifted to the lace material of Hinata's outfit.
"Thank you, Sakura. That dress is so beautiful and suits you perfectly," Hinata responded. "Isn't it a Nicole Miller's from Nordstrom?"
Sakura laughed delightedly. "You astound me with your knowledge, Miss Fashionista!"
"Hey! That's soon-to-be Mrs. Fashionista!" Naruto chimed in with his other arm out wide in an expectant gesture. Sakura rolled her eyes and accommodated him. "Hey, you goof."
"You remember Itachi, Sasuke's brother, right? You met him a few weeks ago after the Melting Pot," Naruto reminded her.
"Of course," she answered kindly with a genial smile. And much to Itachi's surprise she stepped toward him and wrapped her arms around his neck. "It's good to see you again, Itachi-san."
He almost staggered from her unexpected forwardness but quickly brought his own arms around her waist. The hug was brief but during its course he caught the most heavenly scent of something floral and baby-powder. Also, for a split second, the tips of his fingers grazed the skin of her bare back. The room suddenly felt a few degrees warmer as Itachi registered that, indeed, her skin felt as smooth as it appeared.
When they parted he swore he could see it.
People who are good-looking often are aware of this fact merely by the reactions of other people; it's a learned pattern and over time becomes identifiable. He could see 'the reaction' in her. Swiftly she looked him from head to toe and when their eyes met again Itachi noticed her blush, and a small and seemingly private smile grace her features.
She found him attractive.
He allowed himself to feel victorious as he decided that step one of Mission Impossible had been accomplished.
I was remiss in my duties in the last chapter for a proper disclaimer. I feel compelled to include another here:
The lyrics "I'm in the business of misery...lets take it from the top!...she's got a body like an hourglass that's ticking like a clock...!" is the property of the band "Paramore." The lyrics "Some people live for the fortune...some people live just for the fame..." is the property of the artist "Alicia Keys." The author claims no rights to these or any other lyrics as no copyright infringement is intended. No profit is being made from this work.
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