The week passed quickly, much to Shoto's surprise. She was sitting at the small table in her studio apartment sipping on her morning coffee. Her phone gave a soft beep, and Shoto looked over to her phone. A text message. How odd. The blue eyed woman grabbed her phone, and opened the message.
'I'm picking you up at 5pm tonight. Wear your best kimono. -Sasuke'
Shoto raised an eyebrow at the message. Her best kimono? Slowly, realization dawned on her, and a small smile slipped onto her face. The only reason she'd have to wear a kimono is for the winter lanter festival. It was a festival to bring the new year in with good fortunes for everyone. The Uchiha and the Shinobi celebrated the festival together every year. Women wore their best kimono's, and men dressed up in handsome yukata's. Shoto put her phone aside, and went to rummage through her closet. A frown dawned on her face when she realized something very important; She doesn't own a kimono.
With a soft sigh she went to call Evelynn. This was going to be one hell of a day. Shoto smiled again when she realized that this was a perfect excuse to have a girl's day out with Evelynn and Mira.
Not even an hour later Mira, Evelynn, and Shoto were browsing through a store that sold high quality kimono's. Evelynn just so happened to be 'borrowing' Itachi's credit card. Mira had scolded the redhead, but Shoto had simply shrugged. Evelynn could deal with Itachi later. Defeated by Shoto's indifference, and Evelynn's mischevious grin Mira simply sighed and went along with them.
"This would look good on you, Shoto!" Evelynn suddenly called out.
Shoto examined the fabric, and gave a satisfied nod. They went to find an obi that would match, and the cycle continued for Mira and Evelynn. Mira being the most difficult to find for, because Evelynn insisted they needed to find something that would 'scream her innocence'. The comment had made Mira blush a deep shade of scarlet. After two hours they all finally had their kimono's. Evelynn happily paid, but not without the cashier giving her a disapproving look. This, apparently, wasn't the first time Evelynn had stolen Itachi's credit card. A breif lunch later the girls went their separate ways waving to one another. Wishing each other good luck, and promising to meet up at the festival.
At exactly five in the evening Shoto was ready to go. She gave herself another glance in the mirror as she heard a knock on the door, and went to answer. To her shock Itachi was there, instead of Sasuke. Shoto raised an eyebrow, and tilted her head ever so slightly to the left.
"Sasuke and I wanted to be especially surprised when we saw you and Evelynn tonight, so we agreed to pick up each others dates." Itachi explained.
"So Evelynn actually agreed to be your date?" Shoto asked curiously.
"Yes. This will be our first time going out as 'more than friends'."
"It's about time." Shoto smiled softly.
"You look lovely, by the way. Sasuke will be impressed, I'm sure." Itachi mused.
"Thank you." Shoto gave a slight bow of her head. "Just wait until you see Evelynn."
"I can imagine." Itachi replied dryly.
"So you know about your credit card?"
"Indeed."
Shoto let out a short laugh at the Uchiha's deadpanned expression. Itachi offered her his arm, and she took it politely. They made their way out of Shoto's apartment complex. Shoto nodding in greeting to faces she recognized. Everyone seemed to be doing a double take, and it made the young woman shift uncomfortably.
"It's only because you do true look lovely." Itachi smiled kindly at her.
"I certainly hope so." Shoto gave a half smile back.
The two remained in a companionable silence the rest of the walk to the festival. Shoto finally able to ignore all the stares aimed at her. How could she really blame them? Most of the time she was in a black shirt that only had one sleeve, and a pair of black skinny jeans. Or when she was on a mission in her assassination outfit. No one had seen her dressed up to this extent. It was only common they would feel the need to take a second glance.
Evelynn's green eyes flashed dangerously as she glared at Sasuke, who was standing outside her door. The younger Uchiha was scowling down at her, as well. The glaring contest went on for a few minutes before Evelynn finally asked,
"Where's Itachi?"
Sasuke let out a sigh.
"He came up with this idea that we should pick up each others dates for the festival. Something about how we'd be more surprised and appreciative if we were forced to wait to see our dates a little longer." He explained.
"That's stupid, but definitely something Itachi would suggest." Evelynn mused. Then she looked taken a back. "You have a date?! I thought you hated the festivals?!"
"I do!" Sasuke scowled again "Usually. I asked Shoto to accompany me. I heard she enjoyed letting go of the lanterns."
"Oh." Was all Evelynn replied as she grinned. "Well, we better get going. You don't want Shoto to get impatient. Trust me, she'd a spitfire when she loses her temper."
"I can imagine." Sasuke smirked.
The younger man, much like Itachi did, offered his arm to Evelynn. Seeing as how she and Itachi had started dating she knew she'd have to brush up on her mannerisms, so she took his arm politely. Sasuke gave her an approving nod, and Evelynn just grinned at him. Both knew it would be difficult for Itachi and her to be together if the Uchiha elders deemed her unworthy. So, for Itachi, she could be polite from time to time. The friendly duo made their way to the festival with idle conversation here and there. Evelynn took note that Sasuke seemed rather impatient himself.
How cute.
Itachi froze as he watched Sasuke and Evelynn arrive at the festival. Shoto noticed the change in his demeanor, and followed his line of vision. A smirk played it's way onto her face. Honestly, she couldn't even blame him. Evelynn looked stunning. She was adorned in a dark, navy blue kimono, the sleeves trailing almost down to the ground, and a deep red obi was tied securely around her waist, excentuaing her hourglass figure. Her hair was let down, falling to her waist in tamed red ringlets. She wore smokey eye shadow that made her green eyes pop, and a clear lipgloss. Sasuke stood beside her in a traditional navy blue yakata.
Sasuke, on the other hand, narrowed in on Shoto. Evelynn felt him tense, and smirked to herself. Shoto wore an ice blue kimono, with a dark blue obi that was decorated in white swirls. The edges of the kimono sleeve, and the bottom of the kimono was outlined with the same dark blue fabric as her obi. Like Evelynn's, her sleeves almost went to the floor. Her pin straight black hair was pulled up into a high pony tail, tied with a dark blue ribbon. Though it wasn't done in a bow, the ribbon ends fell down her back. Stopping just a little after her hair did. To complete her look she had powder blue eye shadow, making her eyes look a little lighter, and light pink lips. After seeing Sasuke's expression she knew having agreed to Evelynn's choice was the right thing to do. As Sasuke and Evelynn appraoched Itachi and Shoto the two men bowed to each other. Evelynn and Shoto also gave slight bows of their heads.
"You look stunning." Itachi breathed as he took Evelynn's arm into his own. He adorned the same yukata as Itachi. The Uchiha symbol ever present on their backs.
"You aswell." Evelynn grinned.
"Ah.. Uhm.. Nice." Sasuke stuttered out awkwardly.
Shoto resisted the urge to roll her eyes, and Evelynn let out a sharp laugh. Itachi himself was smirking, but Sasuke really didn't pay mind to them as he took Shoto's arm in his.
"I thought you didn't like festivals." Shoto stated. Tilting her head to look up at him.
"I think I can manage for tonight." Sasuke assured her.
"Itachi, Sasuke!" A voice hollered out.
The two men turned to see Obito waving at them. On his arm was a very beautiful looking Mira. The young woman wore a dark green kimono, the sleeves ending just at her hips. Around her waist was a dark red obi, tied into a bow at the back. Her black hair with blue tips was pulled into an elegant bun, which was held in place by a diamond hair piece. She wore her contacts today, but wore no make up a side from some mascara. Obito wore the same yukata as Itachi and Sasuke. Only instead of his obi being black like theirs his was red like Mira's. Without a bow, mind you. Itachi and Sasuke waved him over. As Obito and Mira appraoched everyone bowed slightly to each other.
"You guys ready for the new year?" Obito asked with a grin.
"Indeed." Itachi agreed with a slight smile.
"Perhaps a toast later on?" Sasuke suggested.
"Well, it wouldn't be the new year without alcohol." Obitio laughed.
"You look love, Mira." Itachi complimented. "Like a present."
"I plan on unwrapping her later." Obito 'whispered' with a wink.
Mira flushed a deep scarlet, and Evelynn whcked Obito on the back of his head.
"Don't talk about our little Mira like that!" Evelynn jokingly scolded.
"Ah, Itachi." A voice suddenly drawled.
The group turned to see one of the elder Uchiha, Takashi. He was a man in his mid-fifties with graying hair, and more wrinkles than Evelynn cared to think about. The redheaded woman's cheeks turned slightly pink with embarrassment. Heh, and she was supposed to be making a good impression.
"Takashi." Itachi gave a curt nod.
"How odd to bring your assassin with you to such a festival. Though I suppose one could never be too safe." Takashi noted.
"Evelynn is not here as my assassin." Was Itachi's reply as we wrapped an arm around Evelynn's waist. Showing exactly who Evelynn was to him.
Takashi eyed the couple with disdain. Of course, Sasuke was in the clear dating Shoto. He was not the leader to the Uchiha, nor was he the heir. He could date whom he pleased. Aside from that, Shoto was not part of a family that aided the Uchiha as the Crevan's did. Itachi on the other hand was expected to find someone who was no more than a breeding mare for heirs.
"Please, enjoy the festivties, Takashi." Itachi cut the meeting short, and steered Evelynn away.
Sasuke eyed Takashi with disdain before leading Shoto away as well. Obito merely eyed him, Mira still on his arm as she looked nervously between the two.
"If you do anything against Itachi and Evelynn I will kill you." Was all he said. With that he went to follow the others. Takashi let out a sound of aggravation, and then went about his way to mingle.
Itachi caught site of Minato, who was with his wife and son, and made his way over to them. The blonde male caught site of him, and gave a polite bow. Itachi and Evelynn followed suit. Once the formalities were over Minato grinned good naturedly.
"How are you, Itachi?" Minato asked.
"I'm doing well. How are you and your family?"
"Hey, don't talk about us like we're not here!" Kushina cut in.
"My apologies, Kushina." Itachi bowed his head slightly in apology. "How are you three fairing?"
"We're doing quite well, thanks." Kushina answered with a grin of her own.
"I'm glad to hear it." Itachi replied sincerely. Ignoring how Minato seemed to be anime sweat-dropping.
"Sasuke!" Naruto shouted out, having caught sight of the younger Uchiha.
Sasuke's repsonse was to groan while Shoto snickered behind her hand. The younger blonde threw himself towards Sasuke, and hung an arm across his shoulders grinning like a maniac.
"Hey, who's the pretty lady?!" Naruto asked/shouted.
"Her name is Shoto."
"Is she your date?"
"Probably."
"Yes or no, teme!"
"Mind your own business, dobe."
"Hey, don't talk to your best friend that way!"
"I'll talk to you however I want."
Everyone around them seemed to sweat-drop as the two got into an intense glaring contest.
"N-Naruto?" A timid voice was heard.
Everyone turned to see Hinata Hyuuga, dressed in a lavender kimono with dark purple obi, standing with her family. Hisashi and Hikari Hyuuga stood behind their eldest daughter, and Hanabi stood beside her, holding her hand.
"Hinata!" Naruto grinned. His eyes lit up seeing the dark haired female.
Sasuke smirked, and shoved Naruto towards her. Naruto glowered at him, but then turned back to Hinata with a smile. After gaining permission from her parents, she took Naruto's arm, and the two of them got lost in the crowd.
"Those two make such a lovely couple." Kushina sighed.
"Yes, our boy is growing up." Minto agreed while putting an arm around his wife. "Itachi, Sasuke. Please enjoy the festival. You as well, Evelynn and Shoto."
The group of four gave similar wishes, and watched as Minato and Kushina walked away with the Hyuuga's. Discussing business, no doubt.
"Did you want to play a game or something?" Sasuke turned to Shoto.
The raven haired woman thought for a moment before nodding. Sasuke smirked at her, and once again took her arm in his own. They waved to Evelynn and Itachi as they made their way towards the gaming booths. Evelynn looked up at Itachi, and he simply smiled down at her. She gave a slight smile back, and they continued to mingle through the crowd.
A couple hours later, and Evelynn was bored out of her mind. She was still on Itachi's arm, and he was talking to another clan head. This time an Inuzuka. Still, she smiled politely, and partook in simple conversation. Itachi could tell she was getting restless. Every time they walked away from a clan leader she would wrinkle her nose. Itachi patted her hand affectionately.
"Thank you, for coming with me tonight."
"Of course, Itachi." Evelynn smiled gently at him.
Another hour later, at eight o' clock, they met up with Sasuke, Shoto, Obito, and Mira again. Shoto held a goldfish in a plastic back.
"Sasuke won it for me." Was her simple explaination.
The crowd had begun gathering at the center of the festival. Itachi excused himself, and quickly walked away from the group. Evelynn frowned, but followed the others towards the center. It was almost time to release the lanterns.
A few moments later Itachi returned with three lanterns. He gave one to Sasuke and Shoto, another to Mira and Obito, and then took one of Evelynn's hands in his, making them hold the lantern together.
"Are you ready?" Itachi asked quietly.
Evelynn nodded. On the count of three everyone in the crowd lit and released their lanterns. The group of six watched in awe at the colourfully crafted designs. Obito pulled Mira into his arms, and though she bulshed, she rested her head against his shoulder. Obito couldn't contain his grin. Sasuke discreetly took Shoto's free hand in his own. Both of them got a light pink blush as Shoto laced her fingers with his. Luckily, no one seemed to notice.
Itachi looked down at Evelynn with glowing affection. The same look he had given her six years ago, in the picture, when he realized he was in love with her. Feeling his stare, Evelynn looked up. This time she did not miss the look in his eyes. Her cheeks burned as Itachi lowered his head, and gently brushed his lips against hers. Deciding to not resist Evelynn pressed her lips against his.
She swore she felt him smile into their first kiss.