(Sorry this took me so long to write, but my AC went out and I've been hot and bitchy. Definitely not the mood to be writing in. I'm sure you can all understand. Oh, and for you people who want me to update faster, I am not a machine. I have to sleep, among other things. So if I put up 2 chapters within 24 hours, be happy.)

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, just this story.

Mature content warning for language and lemon in later chapters.

Sakura: age 18

Sasuke: age 18

Itachi: age 24

Take your pick

Chapter: 11

Sakura sat on her bed and watched as Ino rummaged through her closet tossing clothing every which way as she looked for the perfect outfit. "Aha!" The triumphant blonde emerged with an armload of clothes and accessories and fixed her friend with a look that made Sakura worried. Ino laid out a black Japanese style dress that was patterned with sakura blossoms, a pair of tight black shorts and thigh high leather boots. The top had a high collar, short sleeves and went down to her knees with slits up the sides that stopped at her hips, which was why she needed the shorts. She looked at the outfit with a small frown.

"What's the matter, Forehead? I thought you wanted to look good for your man."

Sakura sighed. "I do. It's just that I don't know what Itachi has planned for tonight."

"Girl, with this outfit you'll have him wrapped around your little finger in an instant. It doesn't matter what he has planned, trust me." Ino smirked, knowing she'd get her way in the end.

Defeated, Sakura picked up the clothes and ushered Ino out so she could change. She looked at herself in the mirror, slightly shocked at how good she looked. The dress hugged all the right places and the high collar accentuated the long line of her neck. The black offset her hair and the pale pink flowers scattered across the fabric. Leaving her hitai-ate on her dresser she pulled her hair back with an antique comb that her mother had given her. She applied a minimal amount of make-up which consisted of eye-liner, mascara and lip-gloss. She looked herself over critically before going into her living room to get Ino's opinion.

Ino stood gaping before pulling herself together. "Damn, girl, if I didn't know better, I'd say you look better than me." She gave Sakura a scathing look. "But, of course, I know better." For once Sakura didn't take the bait, instead she rolled her eyes and went to grab her purse.

Sighing, she couldn't help but ask. "Yeah, but do you think he'll like it?"

Ino's look was scandalous. "From what you've told me he'll probably like it better on the floor than on you."

Sakura turned bight red. "Ino!"

"Now, now, don't you have someone waiting for you?" Ino started pushing her embarrassed friend out the door. "And don't worry, even Itachi will have a reaction to you."

Sakura found herself in front of the Uchiha Complex within minutes. Heading down the main street she looked for Itachi's house. Wait… did she even know where his house was? Crap. She stood in the middle of the street concentrating, trying to seek out the faint chakra signature that was Itachi. Spreading her senses out to the furthest reaches of the property she was amazed that she couldn't locate him. Was he not there? She turned, intending to head back to her apartment thinking that he might go there when she didn't show, and promptly ran into a hard warm chest.

"Looking for me?" Itachi's smooth voice flowed straight through her, making her shiver. Raising her eyes to meet his impossibly gorgeous ones she mumbled out an answer. "…yeah…"

'Damn him! How come every time I come in contact with him I turn into some simpering school girl. What the hell is wrong with me?' She was brought out of her thoughts by the feel of his eyes on her. They held that same predatory gaze that he only seemed to get when they were alone. It frightened and thrilled her to know that she could elicit such a look from the Uchiha prodigy. Itachi leaned forward and whispered against her lips. "You look beautiful tonight, Sakura." Kami, the way he said her name had to be a sin. His lips ghosted over hers before fully pressing against her in a heated kiss. Sakura only pulled away when they needed to breath, her head was swimming and both of their eyes were lust clouded. Itachi almost looked as if he were debating taking her right there in the middle of the street.

Sakura decided to break the silence. "Itachi?"

"Hn?"

"What about dinner?"

Itachi looked startled. How did he always manage to lose himself so fully when he was around her? He didn't like it, but at the same time seemed to crave the lack of control he had when in her arms. Shaking his head, he took her hand and lead her through the streets to his home and the surprise that awaited her there. Sakura took in every detail of their walk making sure that she wouldn't ever forget this moment. She was so at peace around him, and it seemed he was the same. She always dreamed of finding love but would never have guessed it could be like this. They had nothing but time now and she was going to enjoy every second of it. Sakura wanted to spend the rest of her life with this man, but as shinobi that time could be devastatingly short lived. It wasn't a shock that they would choose to make the most of their time together when they could very well die tomorrow. She gazed at the man before her as he stopped in front of a small, but cozy house. He was beautiful, and he was all hers.

"Close your eyes."

Sakura eyed him suspiciously, hands on her hips. "Why?"

Itachi rolled his eyes. He found her indignant attitude cute, though he had no idea why. "Please?"

Sakura's eyes widened. She never expected that word to fall from those lips and she was shocked into doing what he asked. She heard the shoji screen slide open and was led inside. They stopped a few feet inside the door. "Can I open my eyes yet?"

"Yes."

She stared in awe completely at a loss for words. Glancing up she caught Itachi's triumphant smirk. "I take it you are pleased?" He knew the answer but wanted to hear her voice it.

"Oh yeah." Her voice was subdued, as if speaking to loud would ruin the moment. Everything was perfect. A low table had been set with a traditional Japanese dinner, candles being the only illumination. Two plush pillows sat side by side for them to sit upon and there was even a large bottle of sake in the center of the table. After standing there for several minutes, Itachi decided that he needed to move things along by leading Sakura to her seat. As he sat beside her she finally seemed to take in his appearance. He wasn't wearing his normal outfit which consisted of a black wide collared shirt and black pants. How could she not have noticed this? He was wearing a traditional black kimono with an elaborately decorated yukata draped around his shoulders, though the most striking thing being that his hair was loose and flowing down his back. Itachi sat with one knee tucked under him and the other bent with his arm resting on it as he gazed back at her with a bemused expression knowing that she had just noticed his clothing.

Sakura caught herself after a moment and decided to enjoy the food when he gestured for her to eat. It was delicious and she resisted the urge to ask if he had cooked. They ate in relative silence since neither of them needed idle chatter to be comfortable. After dinner he led her out into the garden behind the house to a bench that over-looked the koi pond. After a while Itachi spoke, his velvety voice doing funny things to her insides.

"Sakura, I asked you here for more than dinner." Sakura blushed making him chuckle darkly. "Not just for that either."

"Then why?"

"I've thought about this for a while and I want you to stay with me."

"Like move in with you?"

"Yes, and no." Turning to look into the jade depths of her eyes Itachi took her hand. "Sakura, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I have many regrets in my life and I will not allow you to become one of them. I love you, Sakura, and I want you to be my wife."

"You want me to what?" Sakura stood and the world tilted, her vision turned into streamers of color as she swayed on her feet. This was all too much too fast. Sure she loved him and wanted to be with him, but was she ready for all this right now? She was only 18 and had so much to look forward to. Wasn't he moving a bit too quickly, even if he did have his mission? Sakura closed her eyes trying to get rid of the dizziness, but it was as if the earth shifted under her feet and she fell. Itachi caught her easily, but it was too late, she had fainted.

Ha! I had to leave it there for you people who were expecting a lemon scene. You and your dirty minds. LOL Like I'm any different. Oh well. Remember: More reviews means faster uploading.

Until next time.