Chapter 14: Just in Time

A/N: I'm back with another chapter after such a seemingly long absence for which I sincerely apologize for. I've had sooooo much going on and I got the biggest case of writer's block concerning this story. Not just that but I'm feeling really discouraged about it. I have a clear direction I want the story to go in, I'm just having a hard time conveying it into writing. But I also allowed my creative juices to flow elsewhere during this period. I recently started another story called In My Dreams, feel free to go check it out and tell me what you think in the reviews. Enjoy!

Eden had to take a moment to catch her breath before she said what she had to say.

"What we just did... was nice. I actually enjoyed it. Those things you do to my body, it makes me feel good but its only to be done when I feel like I'm comfortable enough. I don't wanna feel like I'm being forced to do anything - surely you can understand that."

Itachi said nothing, only capturing her lips with a soft kiss as confirmation. After what had just conspired, he'd give her anything she asked of him.

He released an inaudible groan within the large opulent space of the hotel room located within the heart of Japan at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in downtown Kyoto. The lavish premium suite was overlooking the Kamogawa River through a panoramic view beyond a spacious balcony. The sun was just beginning to set over the warm picturesque Japanese metropolis city with increasing urgency that naturally wasn't that was a sight he'd observed countless times being raised within the country from boyhood to adulthood.

Sasuke Uchiha sat slouched shirtless against the comfortable plush fabric of the couch, dark spikes displaced wildly, emanating an overpowering air of masculine nonchalance. One of the Uchiha's hands were coiled securely around an expensive glass containing dark colored whisky, the potent liquid slowly turning his wandering thoughts into unchecked lust. Blazing red eyes were hooded and fixated over the two naked forms of the women currently nestled between his parted thighs, taking turns sensually working soft lips and deft tongues over his dick as if it were the finest delight one could ever have the pleasure of tasting.

Having been raised protected and sheltered by a renowned clan as the youngest son of its now former leader it was extremely difficult to shed the arrogance and entitlement that clung to him like a second skin. He remembered the days were he'd idolized Itachi with something akin to blind admiration. Everything that Itachi was he himself strived to be. Everywhere Itachi went, he desired to go. And now after everything that had happened the younger found himself frantically trying to escape that part of his life where he was living under the pretense of naivety and innocence. Aside from that Sasuke just wished that he could give something, anything that would make his elder brother not look at him like an ill-tempered, mutinous brat. Constant discontentment was always permeating and overwhelming his consciousness, the frustration of not knowing the truth when he had a right to was unbelievably infuriating.

He closed his eyes tightly at the memory of finding their dead parents in a pool of blood that one horrific night. The purulence of vacillating emotions sparked a tinge of paralyzing terror and trepidation. No one had any idea about the vicious, monstrous thoughts that furiously set his entire being on fire with just a mere mention. It was hard not to cling unto the pain and hurt of the past, when that was the only thing keeping him going day in and day out. Distancing oneself from others was one of his many coping mechanisms practically the only thing that kept him going all these years and likely would for the coming years.

His mind automatically went back to the confrontation he had with Itachi a few nights ago at the Gala, playing back the events like a movie within his subconscious. Itachi had met his contemptuous gaze evenly, not once indicated that it bothered him in the slightest. It was his eldest brother's signature behavioral response for everything and it never failed to piss him off. The words echoed within his head. This is a formal event, act like the adult you claim to be, if you cannot conduct yourself in an orderly manner then leave." No matter the circumstance or the situation Itachi had always treated him like the foolish naive younger brother that knew nothing. Never once acknowledging his own important station within the clan. Never giving him the explicit details of matters Sasuke knew he should be made aware of. That shit had to change - and it would. Sooner than anyone thought.

Eden still sat deliciously in Itachi's warm lap, legs still trembling from exertion, the current sensation of throbbing of pleasure slowly dying down between her thighs. Cyan eyes were hooded, face was flustered almost passive, parted lips swollen and moist. Breathing was becoming more shallow and steady as she remained within his passionate embrace, staring heatedly into his burning gaze, unknowingly stirring the lingering effects of salaciousness racing throughout his libidinous body. The longer his dark gaze entrapped hers the more he realized just how much considerable amount of control was being lost. With the sheer extent of filthy things he found himself fantasizing about doing to her body, the Uchiha wasn't so sure that she would be receptive at this point in time. Just performing the actions they had moments prior had taken quite a lot out of her - if her listless expression and breathless panting were any indication.

Itachi had taken note of everything single detail within his perusal. The tantalizing scent of jasmine and another that he couldn't quite put a name to. The lustful, wanton expression on her gorgeous face turning him on more than he would ever admit. The tightening of her warm, wet constricting flesh around his driving fingers. The sight of her coming apart upon his lap, bathing the entirety of his hand in her juices. Moaning and screaming out her pleasure earnestly. It the sweet aphrodisiac, enough to drive him mad with yearning and concupiscence. Itachi Uchiha had never been so ensnared by a woman on this particular level before; to a point where he was hanging on by a thread, where he could not even regulate or control his lust. This both confused and infuriated him, to know that she had no clue of just how much she was affecting him in this way. This specific feeling was indubitably strange but not completely unwelcome either. His sexual domination of this woman. He craved the whole of her. Her entire being. And he would have it.

In many traditional Japanese men's eyes a strong, beautiful woman can only remain so as long as said woman had a man supporting her in some peculiar fashion. In fact, many women were encouraged to marry for money to wealthy partners, be entirely dependent on them. Women were not meant to be seen nor heard by this country's general standards and norms. Presumably, a man of great importance, statue, sophistication, and class. Because of this known fact, many women he encountered ranging from his fiance to the occasional fling were easily reduced to a pitiful display of meekness and pathetic flattery. The amount of bootlicking and obsequiousness he suffered on a daily basis was already excessive enough in that aspect. In this rare, extraordinary instance; Uchiha leader had acquainted himself with a western woman of humble background, one that did not much care for his money nor familial status. She'd made that clear on many occasions prior. He was not inhibited by preconceived notions about any foreign women, least of all this particular young black woman at that. She could never be willing to diminish her self worth to grovel to anyone no matter their station. She was fierce, assertive, mature, and not to mention genuine about all else. He was feeling quite grateful for being made aware of her existence.

For several more moments, the pair merely peered into the other's face until the initial shyness and embarrassment came rushing back into Eden's consciousness. Itachi normal imposing handsome vistage seemed to be enhanced greatly, obsidian orbs emanating desire from the deepest depths of his loins that clearly told her that he was not sated with the explicit acts that they had just engaged in moments before. The realization that she was still sitting atop Itachi's lap with his hand still inside her ruined panties, breasts fully exposed, soft hand still wrapped around his heavy length. His keen eyes studied her frame closely as a tremor raced through her tired body as she cast a glance down between their bodies. The sight nearly stopped her heart. Her small hand was covered in sticky white ribbons, tiny splotches managed to end up on the smooth surface of her stomach. The visual was as captivating as it was alluring it made her face burn. Eden didn't know if she ever wanted to meet his gaze again.

Rather choosing to loosen her hold on his undeterred pulsing hot flesh, bringing her hand closer for an inspection, eyes hesitant and full of curiosity. Watching as white fluid gradually dripped down her soft palm. Shortly afterwards, she flinched as she felt fingers brushing against her sensitive wet folds before they removed themselves from her panties altogether. Itachi's hand was drenched all the way to the wrist. He gave off the impression that he was very impressed as he watched in silent fascination. His red eyes found hers, swiftly arresting her azure stare seeming to see into the very recesses of her soul. She blushed as a result.

Immediately she hastily scrambled stand up. "I'll go get a towel." she whispered.

A hand was quick to stop her ascent, firmly grasping her lower back and coxing her to sit back down. Surprisingly she did not object despite being considerably mortified. She was sure that nothing could make this situation even more embarrassing than it already was. That assumption would prove to be wrong when he wordlessly lifted his soaked hand near her hopelessly confused face. Eyes widening Eden searched Itachi's face for an explanation where she found nothing but potent sensuality upon his gallant features. Before the woman could even poise a serious question, the wet fingers were then placed against her closed mouth.

Oh.

Eden inhaled sharply. The woman could not even find the words describe what she was feeling. The realization of what he wanted her to do fully came to fruition. What he was proposing she do was extremely dirty. He wanted her to clean up the mess she made with her mouth. Considering where her mouth had just been a few minutes earlier, this shouldn't have been so surprising.

Eden sheepishly parted her wet orifice, allowing moist digits to slide inside smoothly and rest evenly against her tongue. The fingers were not pushing nor were they retreating. Without having to be told, she tentatively closed her lips around the invading fingers, vividly tasting what closely favored peaches. Only it was sweet like honey. Closing her slightly dazed eyes, she moaned lowly at the taste of it. Drinking in the sweet essence of the warm liquid right off the man's hand, rolling her tongue through his fingers hungrily, intending to suck every bit of the juice off of his hand. Now she understood what she was definitely feeling at the moment...she was aroused. Aroused beyond a reasonable doubt.

And before she could stop herself, Eden was soon licking and sucking the milky white cum from her own fingers with enthusiastic delight. Not in her wildest imagination had she ever pictured herself engaging in such lewd, pornographic activities. Luckily, she couldn't say that she didn't enjoy it. Besides, it felt good, to be appreciated for once. To be wanted by a handsome man.

Itachi watched the provocative scene with barely concealed relish, narrowed eyes burning the view into his memory permanently. The things he would do to her when given the opportunity...things she couldn't even conceptualize within her untainted mind despite her being an adult.

His head descended and she gasped at the feeling of his breath suddenly at her neck, placing wet kisses against her skin before nipping at it. Blood was practically pounding in her eardrums, lust scorching every fiber of her innocent being. This man was bring out a side of her that she never knew existed.

Leaning forward, Itachi pressed soft kisses against her lips, kissing her deeply while giving them generous laps of tongue, once more sliding his hands over her chest, thumbs brushing lightly over protruding nipples. Eden mewled softly at the sensation, head lulling back once more.

Unfortunately before another steamy session take place on her now over utilized couch, the sound of her phone ringing effortlessly broke through the space.

Eden jumped animatedly within his embrace, visibly pulled out of the deep enthrallment she was previously trapped in. The pair broke apart, one totally unbothered while the other was considerably alarmed. Eden quickly covered her chest with her arms and removed herself from his lap, bustling over to the island counter. As Eden rushed to answer the noisy device, sharingan roved over feminine curves and well endowed backside concealed under the tight thin material called clothing which messily attempted to fix. Smoothing a hand over her tousled hair, she picked up the phone and held it up to her ear.

"Hello?" she uttered, only to find Jaime on the other end.

"Hey, Sara left her phone over at your place last night. I just wanted to call and let you know."

Eden stiffened at this, before chancing a quick glance around the apartment. "Oh okay. Do you want me to bring it over to your apartment or something?"

"No thanks, we're actually coming right down the street on the way to your apartment to get it now."

Eden's heart dropped down to her feet upon hearing that, her eyes widening in sheer adulterated fear, mouth falling open in shock.

"I'm sorry I should've called earlier. My mind's still trying to recover from last night."

"No are you kidding?" Eden nervously reassured, although it didn't do much in the service of convincing her own self. "It's fine! Everything's...totally fine." she lied. Nothing was fine. "Come on over."

"Okay. We'll be right over."

The moment the call ended it was like flipping a switch, Eden went into full on panic mode. The woman was running back and forth putting random things in their rightful place all the while desperately trying to fix her appearance. Itachi's sharingan was busy closely examining the range of panicked emotions on her face from his relaxed position on the couch. Clearly, he was not at all bothered by the circumstances, maintaining his calm, indifferent demeanor despite the fact.

Eden was absolutely floored. Not only had she was due for an impromptu meeting with her friends gathering at her house but a man (of which she had yet to tell them about) she was secretly engaging in sexual activities with refusing to leave. The absurdly of the situation made it even worse.

Turning to him she explained the situation in complete and utter terror. "My friends are on their way over here right now! They cannot see you!"

An elegant black eyebrow lifted in derisive questioning. "Besides the obvious reasoning, why should I be concerned about this new development?" He asked, crossing his muscled arms.

Eden gave him an incredulous, wide eyed look. "Why should you be concerned? If they see you here, they're gonna murder you and me!" she stated, gesturing wildly.

"Oh? And what if I don't want to leave just yet? What if I want to stay out in the open?" He taunted, a smirk palpable on his attractive face. The taunting was very uncharacteristic from him, and it unnerved her that he could have a sense of humor at this point in time. Any other time would have been welcome but not now.

"Oh my God! This literally isn't the time!" she remarked, running her hands over her face in agitation. "They'll be here in just a few minutes and you need to be gone by then."

"You didn't answer my question Eden. What if I don't want to leave at this particular moment in time?" His tone tone was teasing and contained a hint of amusement.

"What - what the hell kind of question is that? You gotta go!" She screamed pointing at the door. "Please!"

Itachi stand up from the couch, walking over to bring their bodies extremely close together. Eden glancing up into his face she could feel the heat coming off him in pleasant waves. "What would I get in return? For leaving that is?"

"You get to not be jumped by two overprotective female friends." she condescendingly stated. Eden did not miss him narrowing his red eyes at down at her.

A knock at the door abruptly ended their intense stare off. Eden briefly glimpsed at the door before turning a worried look back at an unmoved Itachi.

"Shit! They're here." she frantically whispered. Twisting her fingers into his clothes, she pulled at his frame vigorously and in vain since he did not move an inch. "Come on...we have to find a window for you to go out of." She was struggling in an attempt to get him out of the living room, yanking and pulling at him to no avail.

"Hurry up! They're literally at the door! Move it." she barked, staring up into his impassive face.

Yet another knock at the door rang out and Sara's distinctive voice behind it called out, "E? Open the freaking door already!"

By this time, Eden was overly frantic and on the verge of an anxiety attack at the prospect of being caught with this man in her house. She was willing to bargain with him for anything just to get him out of sight. "Please, they don't know anything about us and if they do find out, I'd rather them not find out this way." she pleaded desperately.

"I'll do whatever you ask me to, with no questions asked. Just...please go in the back and hide. I don't care where. You just have to be completely hidden. Please, I'm begging you." She had to fight to keep her lip from curling in acute aversion.

Itachi simply stood motionless, merely staring down at her frightened face in quiet musing. To her it might seem as though he was being highly uncooperative but in reality, he was taking the situation into account. Processing all possible ramifications and outcomes. In a half a second, he'd made a decision. This mild inconvenience might prove useful in the future. Wordlessly, Itachi slipped out of her tight grasp and suavely headed towards the hallway leading towards the bedroom with surreal grace.

The action made Eden breathed out a sigh of relief, realizing she still had friends banging at her door, she hurried over to open it. Both Jaime and Sara stood in comfy clothes on her doorstep expectantly.

"Hey." she said, strategically placing a fake smile on her previously flustered face.

"Damn, you finally came to the door three hours later. Good thing this wasn't even emergency of we'd be dead." Sara bantered, rolling her eyes playfully as the pair stepped inside and Eden closed the door.

"Oh shut up."

"It smells good in here." Jaime says, unknowingly pulling Eden out of her racing thoughts.

"Well, I just finished cooking Jambalaya."

Jaime feigned fake hurt on her face as she said, " You bitch. You cooked and you didn't call us? I think you should really learn to share sometimes."

Eden failed to find any humor in the statement since she was currently struggling under the false pretense of acting normal. Normal like she wasn't hiding a whole man in her house almost like a person harboring their fugitive lover from the authorities. The thought was oddly thrilling as it was shocking. Since when had she become this fucking sneaky? And for a man no less? Her life seemed like it was turning into a wattpad story.

Despite it being completely forced, Eden laughed aloud. "Why? So all my food can get eaten up in a day? I think not."

"Jaime, I don't even know why you asked, you know she'd stingy as hell when it comes to food."

"I'm not stingy I just know not to share any with you."

"Well the food's gonna get eaten anyway. Don't act like you don't eat like a starving grown ass man who hasn't had any food for months."

"Even if that was physically possible, you'd have to admit you're still over exaggerating."

"Yeah but not by much." Jaime shrugged.

"Fuck you." Eden said as she walked off into the kitchen area, sticking her middle finger up for effect.

Sara ran a frustrated hand over her tired face. "My life is starting to be so boring. It's not as faced paced as it used to be. And to top it off, I'm getting a serious case of baby fever. One of you need to go ahead and get pregnant so I can be an auntie."

Eden gave her a look. "Is it crack? Is that what you smoke? You smoke crack?"

"She's smoking something and that shit is strong as hell." Jaime answered.

"Gotta be. "

"Kids are not that bad."

Eden just gave her a look. "Do you have kids money? No? I didn't think so."

"A child would break my pockets faster than that the university semester tuition. What makes you think I'm even at that stage in my life or better yet, what makes you think I even want kids? Jaime questioned.

"You and Eden seem like the mothering type. While I'm strictly auntie material."

"Uh huh…"

"I'm barely taking care of myself as an adult."

"That's right. We're ballin on a budget over here. I don't know about you."

Sighing, Sara stood and made her way from the kitchen, much to the surprise of Eden who gaped at her in a mix of confusion and shock. "I'm gonna go to the bathroom." she stated nonchalantly.

Eden's heart gave a great pound.

"Okay." Eden replied, outwardly calm, but inwardly freaking out. Shit! Shit! SHIT! Her mind was going blank, trying and failing to come up with a reasonable, non suspicious excuse why she couldn't allow her friend to go near the back of the apartment. Instead, she watched miserably as Sara continued on towards the bathroom, shifting uncomfortably on her feet.

Sara silently watched the movement in perplexed bewilderment. "Eden, are you alright?"

Her nervous friend's head snapped back in her direction. "Yeah...I'm good."

"Are you sure?" she interrogated, lifting a curious brow. "Don't think I haven't noticed how strange you've been acting lately."

Eden was taken aback. "Strange like how exactly?"

The expression on Jaime's face told it all, her brows were creased, eyes filled with strong emotion. She was really concerned. "I don't know. I just got a feeling...something's off. And you know I trust my gut feeling more than anything else."

Eden was quick to reassure her saying, "Jai, I told you everything's fine. I swear." Silently praying Jaime couldn't sense the discomfort in her voice and tension ingrained into her frame. Whenever Jaime's attention was elsewhere, Eden cast nervous glances towards the direction of the dimly lit hall, she had no way of seeing adequate from her current position. The past few weeks of keeping secrets was slowly starting to weigh on her, it was emotionally draining but now wasn't the right time to disclose her big secret just yet. She needed more time. For now, she settled on remaining calm and changing the subject.

"I thought y'all would be gone by now."

"Our flight leaves early tomorrow morning. We've just making sure we have everything together first."

"Just let me know what time I'll go to the airport terminal with you. To see you guys off since it'll be the last time I see y'all for a while."

Jaime's face lit up at that prospect before morphing into one of puzzlement the longer she gazed at her best friend. "Hey...Eden you got a little something on your face." she said, gesturing towards her own confused features. "It looks like cream or something."

Eyes widening, Eden lifted a searching hand to the surface of her face, lips grazing at her cheeks then her lips. Finding a tiny speck of moisture at the corner of her mouth, the source of which she knew and recognized from the moment her finger touched it. It would appear that she hadn't completely cleaned Itachi's essence off her face as she'd thought.

"Oh! Yeah...It's just...um…" Eden scrambled for a plausible explanation. "It's just frosting! I had a cinnamon bun earlier. It must've gotten all over my face."

"Must have been a really good cinnamon bun then."

"Yeah. It was." she nodded. If only she knew.

A loud scream startled the women out of their wits enough that they jumped up and dashed towards the hallway entrance with a quickness that should've surprised them both. Only both of them were solely concerned with one thing and that was protecting their friend, who seemed to be in some kind of unknown danger.

Eden was so scared that her stomach seemed to have jumped into her ribcage, along with a massive adrenaline rush of panic that made her lightheaded. Her life was literally flashing before her eyes. This time her mind seemed to not want to short circuit, working vehemently to scrape together a proper explanation. God knows the woman hadn't expected them to discover her recklessly kept (at least on her part) secret in such as deceitful, cringeworthy way.

Out of the blue Sara whipped around the corner so quickly it made the other two shriek aloud. "Oh my God! I just killed the biggest fucking spider known to man. You should get the apartment manager to hose this place dow-" She stopped talking once she saw the spooked looks on their faces. Both wide eyed and panting. "What?"

"What do mean what? You screamed like someone was trying to kill you!" Eden yelled, clearly rattled by the interaction.

Sara crossed her arms stubbornly, saying, "If you had seen that spider...you would've screamed too."

Eden ran a relieved hand through her hair, breathing evenly in an effort to slow her heart rate down from where it had accelerated in her chest cavity. This girl nearly gave her a heart attack over a spider. While it was partial to her normal idiotic behavior, considering Sara had done much worse in the past, basically the tip of the iceberg. Not that her reaction wasn't justified, since most people were afraid of the eight legged creatures but it was just the circumstance around it that scared her the most. Eden had no idea if Itachi was actually found a window to leap from or was still lurking around. Nevertheless, it was still a huge risk to have all three in one place at the same time. She decided that her best bet was to get her friends out of the apartment as soon as possible.

"The only reason I ran over here was because Eden ran first. Frankly the look on her face scared the shit outta me."

Sara rolled her eyes, mostly to mask the amusement dancing in them. "Whatever...where's my phone charger?" she asked, moving into the living room area.

"It's plugged into the wall by the shelf." Eden pointed out, watching as she received the item she came over to get in the first place.

"Do you guys want me to fix you a plate?" She wasn't surprised when both women wasted no time approving of the notion. Eden then fetched two to-go plates from the small kitchen pantry, before grabbing a spoon and start shoveling food into the plates. By the time she finishes and hands them the plates, her friends had begun their usual habitual argument about nothing. Eden merely chuckled, walking to the door after saying her polite goodbyes. Leaning her head against the cold, hard surface of the door, Eden felt a feeling of ease come over her. That was so close Too close.

Pushing herself away from the frigid exterior, Eden turned away only to walk into a warm, unmoving surface, that could be likened to a brick wall. She wasn't frightened, however, since she was very familiar with this surface in particular. As opposed to yelling at him for still being in her apartment, Eden only stood chest to chest with him, looking into his now black eyes. There had been a question lingering in the back of her mind for the longest time, now presented an opportunity to receive plausible answer.

"Why do you always sneak anyway from work to come here?" she asked quietly.

Itachi's sleek, gentlemanly voice provided her a perfectly respectable response. "I am CEO and proprietor of a major company, I don't have to sneak away from anything. I simply walk out."

"Oh."

A vibration from his breast pocket drew his attention. It wasn't a call but an alert. The Uchiha heir was scheduled to appear at a state of affairs meeting this afternoon.

Time never seemed to be on their side.

Eden's face fell. "Let me guess...it has something to do with work."

An entrepreneur did not work a conventional nine to five occupation, they did not even possess a normal habitual schedule that required a methodical, systematic way of operating. In fact, their schedule was always subject to change with various sorts of work and new pursuits. They could work long extended hours, coupled with brief meeting with clients or have to travel on a prolonged business trip. In addition to that, there were a number of other business demands and ventures that needed attention along with strategic planning with various business associates.

A ghost of a smile made its way to his lips. "You're correct."

"Oh I know." The pair had yet to move out from under the others embrace, seemingly savoring the moment before it ended, though neither would ever be willing to admit that. Neither was willing to acknowledge the intimate weighty, feelings they had for one another, content to pass it off as just physical attraction. They were becoming attached to one another. Powerful arms wrapped themselves around her, bringing their bodies even closer.

"Shouldn't you be going? You don't want to keep anyone waiting do you?" Eden asked softly.

Bringing his head down until their foreheads touched, Itachi spoke these soft words to her. "If I want them to wait...then they'll wait." The two stood motionlessly together until Itachi finally stepped away, releasing Eden from his hold. Before he walked out the door, he bellowed. "As you may know, time seems to have a vendetta us. I've never been interrupted this many times before I met you."

Eden took his words in consideration and she was inclined to agree.

The man's eyes slowly slid to hers, inky depths gleaming with a familiar ardor, ardor that often sent heat rushing into her belly. "One thing I can say for certain is that when given the proper opportunity - I'll make sure it won't happen again."

"Did you hear, Miyata Masago and Hashira Tadao are supposedly more than just friends. According to the latest gossip that is." Ayako claimed behind her peach colored fan.

The group of wealthy female socialites were seated in a beautiful, secluded area of a courtyard located in the back of the Hirano's grand mansion. The area sat smack dab in the middle of an abundant yet colorful garden. The women were indulging in various amounts of expensive wines and finger foods spread out on the table. Various uniformed servants were placidly standing off nearby in a straight line awaiting any request to be made to them. Be it refilling glasses or bringing new refreshments to the occupied table. The staff were quiet and methodical when moving about to complete their assigned tasks.

"Are you quite sure? I could never see them being a perfect match for each other. I mean she's just so...so...ghastly. And that god awful hair color doesn't even begin to do her justice." Kaguya pointed out before taking another sip from her glass.

The woman sat her drink down on the table to lean over it fervently. "God yes! I spoke to Shirai at the cabaret last weekend and she said she saw them at the Pontocho Misoguigawa that Thursday afternoon. She says the woman ordered a chocolate marquise with berries and pistachio cream."

The other three women gasped collectively in disbelief, placing perfectly manicured hands against their chest. Expressly appalled.

"Well that's to be expected. You know what class of people she hails from, they're practically the lowest of the low. Her father's barely a middle class businessman as specified by the social hierarchy. What would Miyata possibly know about prestige?" Shizuka laughed in her rich, snobbish voice.

"The woman's virtually a scapegoat; the poster child for pathetic."

The rest of the women giggled and nodded at the proclamation.

"I mean, she and Hashira can have their little affair all they want. It's not like he's gonna put a ring on her finger." The Hirano heiress continued, positioned chastely on her makeup covered face, dressed in a tight fitting ensemble. "She just a plaything, something he uses to amuse himself for the time being."

She sat back in her chair and lifted her glass up purposely, the large engagement ring glistening under the light although they were sitting under the shade. In her mind, a diamond rock this marvelous needed to be shown off every day of every second. It was a direct symbol of her impeccable status.

"Speaking of rings...someone's about to become a married woman soon." said Reika with a bright smile as she leaned across the table towards the elated Shizuka who returned the boasting, gleaming smirk, oddly thrilled that she was now the source of the girl gossip.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little envious of you Shizuka." Kaguya noted. "I mean look at you...you're finally marrying the man of your dreams."

"Oh...don't be. You can find yourself a man like Itachi somewhere in the world. He just won't be a Uchiha that's all." the heiress said, holding out her glass that a servant swiftly scurried over to fill with amber liquid then bowing respectfully.

Reika leaned back in her chair in silent contemplation before asking. "So...what's it like? Being engaged to one of the richest, most sought after man in all of Japan?"

Shizuka's expression faltered a bit upon hearing that particular question. She'd never been asked that question before. What was it like being engaged to Itachi Uchiha?

For her - it felt like she was floating, floating every second of every day. It was like a dream...an intense dream where she was safe and supported, wrapped in every deep facet of serenity known to man. The feeling itself was so hard to even put into words. The woman knew it was everything she'd ever wanted since she was a child, that she knew in her heart. Only, it was just not everything she'd expected it to be.

While she was a very emotional, expressive person, Itachi, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. Like any other man, he wasn't without his flaws. Her raven haired lover, was often cold at times and somewhat closed-off emotionally even before this parents untimely death - and yet he still had this magnetic quality about him. The possessed a strong irresistible mien that she knew for a fact made women swoon with little to no effort on his part. Add an abundance of wealth, good looks, and ties to royalty along with distinguished birthright. Itachi Uchiha was more that the full package. After all, who doesn't love a handsome man with so much power at his disposal. Itachi Uchiha was known to take lovers, temporary sexual partners from time to time to satisfy his lust but they never really lasted beyond a day or two. When it was all said and done, she would be his loyal, loving consort. His intended. For this reason, she was to be placed at a higher station than any other woman that had been in the Uchiha's life, past or present.

"Oh its pure bliss." she explained animatedly, lovingly staring at the ring on her finger. "We were made for one another. Being with him is like a dream come true to me." Her eyes staring off longingly into the distance. "He'd do anything I'd ask of him; give me anything I want."

The other women at the elaborate table melodramatically sighed with genial contentment, already inclined to agree with the woman's ecstatic words.

The dark haired woman soon raised her glass into the air, promoting the others to follow suit. "Cheers to a happy life of luxury. And the men in the world eager to spoil."

"Cheers." The rest agreed in unison.

The rush of people in the crowded airport terminal both departing and arriving was mind boggling. It was expected, however, since the airport was a place of incessant activities that carried out nonstop. People were busy rushing to exits or simply walking into the multiple entrances, or standing in very long lines.

"I'm really gonna miss y'all. Now I'll be here all by myself." Eden stated as she took turns hugging both friends.

"You're so dramatic." Jaime chuckled. It's just for summer break, a little over a month and a half. Don't act like we're leaving forever."

"Do you know how slow time passes when you live in a different country than the one you grew up in? Over a month is forever to me."

"Well...hopefully it'll go by quick." Jaime assured as they watched Sara struggle with the conveyor belt baggage claim. "We'll be back before you know it."

Even though Eden smiled and nodded, she really wasn't convinced. This was going to be the longest month and a half without them ever. She was not looking forward to it. After carefully watching them board the plane and waving them goodbye, Eden began the lonely trek back to her one bedroom apartment, where thankfully no Itachi Uchiha would be waiting for her. The woman knew she couldn't get too hopeful about not seeing him just yet, since she did have to work a night shift at the estate later on. She wasn't looking forward to that either.

Stuck in her thoughts and walking groggily down the empty street, she shuffled over to the front entrance of the apartment complex's lobby. Gripping the heavy door handle to her building, a small whimper made Eden pause in her efforts. It kinda sounded like a baby. Straightway, her eyes started to look around, searching for the source of the distressed cry. In the corner of her vision, she noticed a small brown box moving aimlessly across the surface of the ground.

"What the hell is that?" she muttered, brows furrowing.

A few seconds passed before she summoned up enough courage to get close enough to check the mysterious, moving box out. Under it there was a little white and brown puppy with gorgeous big blue hues that were staring up into her similar ones, happily wagging its tail. She tried to sidestep the little thing but had preoccupied itself by sniffing and jumping between her legs, nipping at her heels. It was certainly a playful, enthusiastic little thing. It couldn't have been no more than a few weeks old by the looks of it. A closer inspection showed that he had a visible limp and was having trouble standing on his left back leg.

Leaning down, Eden lightly scratched him behind the ears. "Hey little guy. What are you doing out here all by yourself?" The dog merely licked at her hand, ears raised, tail still wagging furiously.

It didn't appear to have an identification collar around its neck so there was no possible way it was domesticated or home trained. The question of how he ended up under a cardboard box in front of her building was a conundrum. The responsible thing to do would've to wait for his owner to come for him but deep down in some part of her mind, she knew no one was coming from him. He was all alone out here. The thought immediately tugged at her heartstrings. She couldn't leave this tiny, dirt covered and injured puppy out here all alone. She'd never forgive herself.

Therein lied the problem, her apartment sadly did not allow pets like cats and dogs and unless this puppy could turn into a goldfish then he couldn't possibly be brought into the lobby area. Him being seen would create a problem. Luckily she had a plan for that. Glancing around anxiously and making sure no one was looking, Eden carefully pulled the large purse from her shoulder, she picked the puppy up softly and placed him in the bag, arranging him in a way where he could be comfortable, at least until she made it to her apartment. Venturing through the lobby, she finally arrived at her apartment door, the dog seemed to understand this as he began to move more energetically with the bag.

"Just hold on, we've almost in." she voiced quietly, slipping her key into the lock and turned it, unlocking the door. Eden hurried inside the apartment and shutting the door behind her, breathing a sigh of relief. Placing the purse on the floor, she watched as the dog practically jumped out, plodding around the apartment, sniffing curiously at every possible object it could. Generally, it seemed very excited to be situated in a new environment. Most dogs would be nervous.

"You better not pee on anything in my house. Do you understand me?" she scolded, although she knew the dog couldn't possibly understand a word she was saying.

Much to her surprise, the puppy ran over as soon as he heard her voice, standing on its haunches and looking up at her, it's head turning as if it were confused. The sight was so cute, Eden had to resist the urge to gasp by clenching her hand tightly. Instead she settled for crouching low, rubbing at his soft fur, grateful that it wasn't matted or too unkempt.

"I guess you'll be staying here...at least until I can find you another home. I'll get you cleaned up and later give you some food." she cooed to it. And its response was to run in a circle and brief chase its tail. "Mmmhh, let me see…" Eden picked the puppy up to examine its underside, clicking her tongue at the finding. "So you're a boy. I thought so."

The puppy merely stared back at her, presumably in wonder.

"You need a name. You can't just live here without having one...so. I think I'll name you Maddox. You look like a Maddox." she nodded.