A full two weeks before the Uchiha family dinner, Sasuke got a call from his father. Alarming, considering Sasuke had not done anything wrong to his knowledge.

Fugaku Uchiha thought otherwise.

"What's this I hear about you publishing a romance novel?" he said sternly. Sasuke could picture the disappointed frown on his face, a look he was on the receiving end of all too often.

"It's not just a romance novel, father. It's mainly fantasy and suspense." (That was a half-lie. The romance was so intertwined with the story that it was one of the most important parts of the plot)

"I was okay with mystery novels, but I won't be having my youngest son writing sex stories!"

Sasuke's cheeks stained pink at that comment, nearly breaking his stride. He was currently walking on one of the busiest streets of downtown Konoha, which was definitely not the place he wanted to have this conversation.

Not that he ever wanted his conversation to happen. Who told father about this anyways?

"It's all over the news: 'Sasuke Uchiha set to release a steamy romance TODAY before finishing his current series!' Is this the sort of stuff you want your future wife to see?"

Hmm...not that Sasuke minded that in the slightest, since he actually wrote it with someone in inind.

He caught a flash of pink in his peripheral version.

"We can speak about this later, father, but I'm not writing 'sex stories,'" he finished quickly before hanging up. Not his best decision, but needed to be done, as the potential subject of his affections had just shown up where he least expected.

She was only ten-or-so meters in front of him, walking with a purpose unknown to him. As he hurridly tried to catch up, he frantially thought of what she could be going to. It was almost 7pm, so she couldn't be doing anything work-related, and she was dressed casually, so it wasn't like she was on her way to a date or something. (thankfully)

In fact, there wasn't anything in this direction besides banks, a law office, and a bookstore.

That was it! His new book was releasing today!

But that could just be his ego talking. There were a lot of things she could be going to, like-

-she walked into the bookstore, her eagerness unwavering. Without thinking it through, Sasuke ducked into the bookstore to follow her.

From a distance, of course. Uchihas never look desperate.

(even if they actually were)

Walking into the warmth of the bookstore was one of Sakura's greatest comforts. Not only was it shelter from the winter breeze, but there was nothing better than the combination of the smell of new books and a still quietness.

Another thing Sakura liked about Sasuke is how anonymous he liked to remain. Assuming he used his real name, he didn't make a big deal about his ownership. He was more interested in the reader than himself: a valuable character trait to have. In the medical field, it's important to remember that it's not about you-it's about the patient. It was nice to see such a similar sentiment in such a different career field.

There wasn't that large of a crowd at the store, which was probably due to the fact that Sasuke's marketing team hadn't said a word about this release until earlier that morning. If Sakura hadn't been subscribed to a few literary email newsletters, she would've never even known about it.

With a giddiness she rarely showed while sober, she rushed over to the display table, stacked high with freshly-printed hardcovers. The covers all depicted the same scene of pale moonlight reflecting against the wooden roof of some building from fuedal-era Japan, the title "SHINOBI" written out in a plain white font.

So far, so very unlike his previous work. Sasuke's usual books were about crime, serial killers, or government corruption. He wrote with a bone-chilling accuracy that made it seem like he had been there himself. But from what she had heard of this book, it was supposed to be his first foray into romance, though it was technically listed under "fantasy."

However, something-or rather, someone-was in the way of her prize.

Without realizing it, she had accidentally reached for the hand of another person who was going for the same copy. Unforunately, she wasn't exactly paying attention, so she didn't notice until her fingers brushed skin instead of paper.

Looking up, she locked eyes with the very man she had been hunting down for the past week.

She stood perfectly still for the briefest of moments, basking in the warmth of his stare before flinching her hand away. Her cheeks flushed at having lingered for so long. Oh no! He must think I'm a freak now!

(Sasuke's mission of "getting hands to brush" was a success! Now, as long as this followed the typical romance novel formula, they'll be married by the end of the month!)

"You look familiar," he said cooly, burying his excitement under a facade of nonchalance.

"Yeah-uh, I think we met at the grocery store before," Sakura nervously replied, a little put off by his indifferent tone. She grabbed a book from the table and her eyes darted towards the register.

(Looks like Sasuke's "cool" act backfired here)

Backtracking, Sasuke continued, trying to hold her attention for just a little longer. "My hand is doing a lot better now, thanks to you." He held it up, and a cursory smile graced her lips.

Okay, lets try this again..."You must be some doctor, having such a magic touch."

Her smile now seemed a lot more genuine than before, as she seemed to warm up a little to his casual advances.

"Thank you, though I'd hardly call four years of medical school magical," she laughed. "What do you do for a living?"

Shit. He hadn't really thought this through. Should he give a fake identity? Lie? Or just be ambiguous about it?

"I'm in law," he said quickly, noticing how her shoulders drooped a little at that. Maybe she had some vendetta against lawyers? Hopefully she wasn't one of those doctors that were always hit with malpractice suits..."My name is Itachi."

"My name's Sakura."

Get it together, Sakura! Don't give up just because he isn't some world-famous artist or something! He's in a bookstore so he obviously likes books...you can't set your standards too high!

An awkward silence followed as they both continued their respective internal monolouges.

"Still at it with the Sasuke Uchiha books?" Sasuke asked. Sakura nodded.

"This is his first romance book. Though I can't say I'm too excited, since I'm not really a fan of love stories. I'm mostly reading it because I'm curious if he can stick to his usual style in such a new genre."

"I wonder what inspired the switch?"

Sakura shrugged. "Who knows. Maybe he met someone that inspired it, maybe he just is selling out."

He winced at that. "I guess we'll find out soon."

"Yeah."

"Hn."

"So...this might sound like a weird question," Sakura said slowly. "But my friends aren't really big on reading for fun. Do you think you could discuss the book with me once you're done with it too?"

Did she just ask what I think she asked?

"Uh-yeah! Of course," Sasuke uncharacteristcally stammered out. "Here's my card-"

He paused midway of reaching into his wallet. Was he an idiot? All of his buisness cards clearly read "Sasuke Uchiha, author" on them. Not the best way to go about hiding his identity...

"You know what, here's my phone. Why don't you put your number in it," he persisted, gently handing her his smartphone.

"Sounds good!" Sakura assured. "Just text me whenever you're finished with it"

That might be sooner than she thinks, since I finished it a week ago.

Okay I was going to wait a little longer before updating again, but I got some real nice reviews that kept my inspiration flowing! luv u guys~