Chapter fourteen;

It had been almost three months since Sasori and Evelynn 'introduced' Itachi and Shoto. The two former had exchanged numbers the morning after they baby-sat Deidara and Adrian. For the past two months or so they often called each other, or sent text messages back and forth. Once or twice the two had gone for a walk together, but had yet to actually go on a date.

So, about a week after Day of Giving, Itachi decided to finally ask her out. The truth was the woman infatuated him to no end. She was tough, but she was kind. She adored Adrian and Deidara, she didn't take bullshit from anyone, she was fiercely loyal to her friends, and she was attractive. Really, she would be considered the woman of any man's dream, right?

Meanwhile, Shoto had been waiting for Itachi to make the first move. Call her slightly old fashioned when it comes to dating. Of course, had it not been for her views on the matter she would have asked him out herself quite a while ago. He was an ideal man. Patient, calm, good with children, and not to mention handsome. Ah, Shoto would have to remind herself to thank Evelynn later. It was Friday night when Itachi called.

"Hello?" Shoto answered casually.

"Hello, Shoto." Itachi paused. "There's a winter festival going on down town. To celebrate the new year. I was wondering if you'd do me the honour of accompanying me?"

"Of course. What time will you be here?" The raven haired woman inquired.

"Noon."

"Very well. See you then."

The two hung up, and Shoto had to hold back a smile. Finally, he asked her out. It was around nine o' clock now. Shoto knew she shouldn't fuss, but she decided to pick her outfit out now. She went to her closet and pulled out a light grey, skin tight, v-neck sweater, and a black skirt that stopped just above her knees. She went over to her dresser and pulled out a pair of thigh high black socks, to keep her legs warm, and decided on a pair of grey boots that stopped just below her knees, and had faux grey fur around the tops. She would also, of course, wear her black winter trench coat, and a pair of black gloves. With one more glance over the outfit, and a satisfied look, Shoto headed to bed.

-Time skip!-

It was at exactly noon that Itachi stood outside of Shoto's door. she owned a small, one story home. She was the type to like her privacy, so an apartment would never do. The Uchiha was dressed in a black sweater, dark blue jeans, and a pair of black snow boots. He also had a black leather jacket, and a pair of black gloves covered his hands. He rang the doorbell, and in a few minutes Shoto opened the door.

She looked.. Stunning. If Itachi had to use a word for it. While his hair was in it's same low pony tail, Shoto had pulled her's up into an elegantly styled messy bun. Her bangs were parted to the left, and she had two strands of hair, curled, in front of her ears. Itachi smiled slightly.

"Are you ready?" He asked.

"Yes. Just let me grab my purse." Shoto turned to grab her bag off the table near he door, but Itachi stopped her.

"No need. I'll pay for everything." He assured.

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely."

With that the two headed to Itachi's car. Itachi opened the passenger door for her, and Shoto nodded her head in thanks. Then, he went around, and slipped into the drivers side. With a last side-ways glance at Shoto, Itachi started the car, and drove towards down town. It was a short drive, only about ten minutes. Itachi pulled into a parking space in front of one of the down town shops, and went around to open Shoto's door.

As she stepped out the sight took her breath away. Everything was covered in snow, and there were little stands and tents, that held games, jewelry, and little knick knacks. Some of the stands and tents had strings of lights decorating them. No doubt the area would be glowing by nightfall.

"Shall we?" Itachi asked as he held his hand out for Shoto. With a small smile she placed her hand in his, and the two started walking down the street.

"That's cute." Shoto suddenly remarked. Itachi turned to her, and then followed her gaze. She was looking at one of the prizes to one of the games. A small panda plushie. Itachi smirked.

"I could win it for you." Itachi told her as they approached the stand. It was a ring game. Itachi had three chances to make a ring over a wooden pole that was about ten feet away.

"Are you sure?" Shoto asked with some amusement. As a psychologist, she knew how proud men could be.

"Of course." Itachi snorted. He paid the man, and was handed three rings.

Itachi tossed the first one a little too hard, and it ended up flying over the wooden pegs. The Uchiha narrowed his eyes, and Shoto looked at him amused. Itachi focused and tossed the second ring. He didn't toss it hard enough, and it hit one of the pegs, and bounced off. The raven haired man let out a soft growl of frustration, and Shoto held back a giggle. Itachi stole a glance at the woman beside him, and then tossed the third ring. It barely got hooked onto the wooden pole, and then spun neatly around it while it fell to the bottom.

"Congrats!" The old man working the stand smiled as he handed Shoto the panda plushie. "You got yourself a strong man there, young lady."

"Thank you." Shoto nodded at the man.

Her and Itachi continued down the road. Looking at the stands, and trying food samples from other countries. Both had to admit they were enjoying themselves immensely.

-Time skip!-

It was now seven o' clock at night. The two had walked up one side of the street, and down the other. It was around five when they finished checking out all of the tents and stands. Now, they were talking a walk. It started snowing softly, and the two stopped on a small bridge over a frozen brook.

"It was nice today." Shoto smiled up at him.

"Indeed." Itachi looked down at her. Suddenly, in front of them, fireworks started going off.

"Oh, I wonder what the occasion is?" Shoto asked as she stared at the exploding lights in awe.

"Hm.." Itachi hummed as he stared at her.

Her black hair was starting to get coated in snow, but the woman remained oblivious. She had her arm linked with his, and the bright fireworks in front of them lie her face up. In fact, with the moonlight and fireworks shining on her she almost seemed to glow herself. Sensing Itachi's eyes on her, Shoto looked up curiously. As soon as she looked up, before she could say anything, Itachi pressed his lips to hers. Shoto blinked, but slowly closed her eyes and kissed back.

After a moment they pulled away, and seemed to study each other.

"Evelynn will never let us live it down that her 'plan' worked." Shoto informed him. Itachi raised an eyebrow.

"I can live with that."

Then, he captured her lips again in a heated kiss. Yeah, they'd definitely have to thank Evelynn and Sasori for this one.