Hello, I am back. On with the story... but... before that :

Zero176085 - Since you have given me a lot of wonderful words throughout this story, here (hands you a maroon bottle of perfume) have an Itachi perfume... xD

The personality of the characters will differ from the anime/manga so please don't compare them from the original. They are normal people in love in my FFN world - in other words, they will be OOC every now and then.

A/N : My Disclaimer : I own nothing but the plot. The characters belong to Masashi Kishimoto. UnBeta-ed... This was made purely for enjoyment purposes.

If you don't know who Naruto Uzumaki, Itachi Uchiha and Sasuke Uchiha is, don't read. If Yaoi disturbs you, don't read either. Slight SasuNaru at first, but this is purely SasuIta and not the other

INTOXICATED

Chapter 35

Sasuke had a day to spare before his flight, so he decided to do some shopping. He knew Karin would be pouting the whole day if he didn't get her something.

So he decided to get her a few things : some Parisian blings, make-up and scarves. He then went to shop for wine-laced chocolates for his father and Naruto. He also got a few shirts and food items for his apartment's caretaker.

So everything was bought and packed, all except for Itachi's present. What should he get the man who has everything?

The time he have known Itachi made him realize that his lover was a simple man and simple things made him happy. But that didn't hide the fact that the man was filthy rich and - as mentioned, had everything.

As he pondered, he passed by a boutique and saw a red tie that made him think of Itachi even more. He wasn't planning to get the man the tie, obviously he probably had a closet full of ties.

But the tie on display called unto him. He went in and asked to see the said clothing article. It was made of red silk and embroidered with gold. The design was intricate that you need to hold it against the light for it to flicker it's pattern.

"That one is a rare tie, there are only a hundred of those manufactured and spread all over the world." the sales lady stated.

"A special edition?" he asked and earned a nod.

"I'll take it..." Sasuke stated as he reached for his credit card. As he was waiting for his receipt, an idea came to his mind.

He quickly rushed out the moment he got his package and flew to the jewelry store that Mei frequented. The woman loved jewelries and Sasuke had accompanied her a few times.

He was greeted by the woman at the counter. Sasuke wanted to give Itachi jewelry. He wanted something not too flashy nor too plain. As far as he can remember, Itachi only wore a wristwatch. And he wanted his beloved to have something - as a symbol of his love.

"A gift for a love one?" the woman asked with a smile. Sasuke smiled at her graciously and listened to her suggestions. He still couldn't decide what to give Itachi. He couldn't get him a ring - though he can always call Naruto to get Itachi's finger size.

Then something caught his eye.

It was a necklace resting on the velvet cushions. It was silver with three circular pendants - about an inch away from each other. The circular pendants each had a ruby center. It was perfect.

Sasuke asked to see the item. He carefully inspected it as the woman explained the item. It was made of white gold and rubies. Sasuke knew he found the perfect gift for Itachi. His mind created a picture of Itachi wearing the necklace and he liked the outcome.

So he purchased the necklace and unexpectedly got a freebie from the store. He left the stall with a big smile plastered on his face.

He went home and began packing. He knew he will not be able to get a wink of sleep.

He will be seeing Itachi the soonest.

How me missed his boyfriend so much.

The next day, Mei drove Sasuke to the airport. Though he only had around four hours of sleep, Sasuke looked up and alert.

"I will miss you, Sasuke-kun. Promise me that you will come back the soonest. The fall collection is just around the corner." she stated.

"Of course. I will be looking for prospects as well. Since I am planning to open a branch in Japan. Maybe I need to get a Japanese endorser." he thoughtfully stated.

"Yes. That would be a fabulous idea. I will be visiting the other branches here tomorrow. The scents you left were excellent. Just perfect for the coming show." she commented, earning a smile from the raven.

"Thank you, Mei. You have been supporting with this without any complaints. I really appreciate it." Sasuke stated as he squeezed Mei's hand.

The woman laughed, but a blush dusted her cheeks. She reached out and patted Sasuke's cheek.

"I enjoy working with you and I enjoy this work. And no - you will not convince me to purchase your stocks in the company." she giggled.

Sasuke smiled. Mei didn't want to own the perfume business they had. He did ask and offered her his shares to make her a sole owner, but she refused... as always.

"Let me be this way Sasuke. I have my own reasons." she said.

"Thank you. I will be seeing you soon." Sasuke stated. He leaned over and kissed Mei's cheek. He took his backpack and the paper bag with all his gifts. He waved and made his way towards the airport's entrance.

Mei watched Sasuke's back as he slowly walked away. She smiled to herself. Though she knew Sasuke's orientation, it did not hinder her from admiring the man.

She knew she was older and but she had always liked Sasuke, ever since they met - she took an instant liking to him.

Being Sasuke's business partner was the only way she had to see him and be with him. Her attraction to Sasuke never faded. And though she knew they can't be together, she was willing to be there for him. Whenever he needed a friend, she will be there.

~TBC~

Well, Mei did state that Sasuke was attractive in the Manga series. Yes, her situation may be a bit sad. But love comes in different packages - and not all of the packages are pleasant.

Thank you for reading. The action will be coming... stay tuned.