Chapter 49: Option B

The following morning I made sure to rise early. I had plans to go to the small village to get some supplies and I didn't want to disturb Shisui from his peaceful slumber. Carefully slipping myself from his embrace, I slowly left the bed to get ready. I hoped to be back before he woke - at least that was the plan. I left a note just in case to let Shisui know where I was going, the time of my departure and when I planned to be beck. If I hadn't returned by the time he rose, I was certain he would come for me anyways. I felt it would be a great opportunity to get some exercise and fresh air. I quickly put on my usual shinobi attire, making sure that I had grabbed some small weapons and my favorite sword before slipping out into the cold morning air.

The sun's rays haven't reached the night sky yet and so I took a moment to breath in the air to help me wake up a little more. When I felt ready I bolted in the direction of the small village. As I went I felt the strange feeling of being watched. Of course this could have just been the lingering effects of being captured and tortured, so I shrugged it off. I was fully prepared this time if things went wrong and was confident that with Shisui and Itachi's teachings in the past, along with with the ANBU and my experience as a bounty hunter, there were few in this world who would dare to challenge me. Unlike my two counter parts, who seemed to avoid killing at all costs, I was more than willing to lop someone's head off if that's what it came to.

It didn't take long before the small village came within sight. There were few people, mostly traveling merchants preparing to set up their stands as the morning light finally peaked over the hills and treetops. This would be a good opportunity to see what they had before the other shops opened.

I managed to find a merchant who was selling beads, different kinds of string and other items of the sort. A small smile played across my lips, remembering that I had given Itachi the bracelet I had originally made for Shisui. A light pink color flushed over my cheeks as I picked beads with letterings. I would make another for Shisui that would say 'always,' as Itachi's bracelet says 'forever.' I found a comfortable bench to make the bracelet as I awaited the shops to open.

"Shikara-Sama!" Harumi, the pink-haired girl came running to me, full of excitement.

My eyes widened. I never thought it would feel so good to be called 'Sama.' No wonder Shisui was hell bent on keeping the title.

"You're back!" Her usual group of friends trailed behind her, though there was one new kid.

Her pack grew. I giggled at this. "Good morning, Harumi."

She sat next to me on the bench, her eyes gleamed up at me before she gazed down at the bracelet in progress.

"You're making a bracelet?"

I gave a nod, smiling. "Yes, it's for someone who means a lot to me."

"Like a boyfriend?" Her eyes became big.

"Boys don't wear bracelets!" One of the boys said.

Rei, the other boy turned to him with a light blush. "If a super pretty girl offered me a bracelet, I would take it and wear it for the rest of my life!"

Another giggle escaped me. "Yes, if a girl gives you a gift, it means she cares an awful lot for you. It would be wise to accept the gift, especially if you feel the same."

Harumi gave her friends a nod in agreement then turned her gaze back to me. "So it's for your boyfriend then? Is it the one who saved and brought you here?"

I blushed. "Um...he's a very close friend."

I sat and talked to the kids for a while and tried my best to answer their questions. I had to be careful, for they were all a few years too young to understand relationships and how they worked. I sure as hell wasn't going to be the one to explain it. That's their parents job.

"You must really care for that guy, then! Do you think you'll marry him someday?" Harumi's eyes were practically sparkling.

As if to save me from becoming incredibly embarrassed - one of the shops that I was waiting for finally opened.

"I must get going! Thank you for keeping me company!" I smiled at the kids with a blush before quickly standing and retreating towards the shop, placing the bracelet in my pocket as I went.

The kids stared after me. Rei looked to Harumi. "She's definitely going to marry that guy." All the kids nodded in unison.

I shut the shop's door behind me and made my way to the counter. There was a friendly looking lady who turned to me. "Good morning!"

"Good morning," I replied, still blushing. Those cute, nosy kids...

"Are you looking for any specific medications?"

I gave the lady a shy nod. "Actually...yes."

When I had made my purchase and left the shop, I quickly made my way back in the direction of the cottage. When I felt that I was in complete coverage I took the small package out and took a single pill, then placed the package in my back pocket. I'd have to find a way to discard it without it being seen. The morning was in complete effect as the sun rose above the hills. I needed to hurry back. As I started to run, I hadn't noticed that the package had fallen out of the pocket.

...

He had witnessed Shikara make her escape from the cottage as he had come to visit. Instead of making himself known, Itachi decided to stay hidden and follow her to see what she was up to.

As he followed her to the nearest small village he decided to use a transformation jutsu to blend in with the group of kids that were playing nearby. Itachi wasn't a fan of the adorable disguise, however the kids had run to him and his plan worked.

"We haven't seen you before!" Said a little pink haired girl. "Come play with us!" She said, grabbing his wrist and pulling him with her and all the other kids followed. It seems that the girl was their ring leader. The kids guided him through town and eventually the girl's eyes fell upon Shikara who was busy fiddling with something in her hands.

"Shikara-Sama!"

He followed the kids to her and they were asking all kinds of questions about gifting items and whatnot. He smirked to himself as one of the boys spoke.

"If a super pretty girl offered me a bracelet, I would take it and wear it for the rest of my life!"

Itachi forgot about the one on his wrist and hid it behind his back. Luckily Shikara wasn't paying attention as she finished the one in her hands. She and Shisui seem to be doing well...he had only been away for a couple of days. Kisame had his own personal things to tend to, so Itachi was free from Akatsuki dealings for the next few days.

Shikara was suddenly met with a question after trying to answer to others the best she could. He had to hand it to her, she was really good with kids, especially nosy ones like these.

"You must really care for that guy, then! Do you think you'll marry him someday?" Asked the girl called Harumi.

Itachi smirked again. How will she answer to this? He watched as she became red with embarrassment and looked past all the kids to a shop behind. She had quickly dodged the question and practically ran to the shop. The kids were convinced that she would be betrothed to Shisui and the smirk became a gentle smile upon Itachi's lips. We will see about that...

He quickly parted ways from the group of kids, waiting for Shikara around the corner of the shop, then followed as she left the village again. He decided that he would join her at her side after he released the transformation jutsu. Shikara had stopped to take a pill and he paused. Is she ill? She should have sent Shisui instead...Shikara then placed the package loosely in her back pocket before speeding off. The package fell and Itachi went to pick it up. Option B? Itachi's eyes narrowed as he read the specifics. It seems they've been getting along...very well. He kept the package and pursued after Shikara.

...

I was getting close to the cottage and slowed myself to a walk. The morning was still young and I just wanted to enjoy it for a little while longer to myself. Suddenly I heard someone approach me from behind and flipped around, grabbing the sword from my back and stood defensively.

"Do you plan to cut me down, Shikara?" Itachi had a dark grin upon his lips as he gently pushed my blade to the side.

I dropped the sword to my side and my eyes widened. "Itachi-sama..."

He stepped closer to me with a strange glint in his eyes. His lips slightly turned up, into a dark smirk before holding up the package. "Someone's been busy..."

I flushed a bright red. "You...you've been following me?" His eyebrow raised in response and I blushed, completely embarrassed and ashamed. I looked down to the ground, holding my arm. Honestly I wasn't sure what to say.

"I didn't expect you two to get so close within a day or two of me being away. You've taken me by surprise..."

My worst fears seemed to be coming true. I didn't want to hurt anyone. I nervously peered up at Itachi, tears were threatening to form. "I'm sorry if I've hurt you..."

His eyes narrowed before he sighed and poked my forehead. He started to walk towards the cottage, still holding the package. "Let's go." He called over his shoulder.

I blinked the tears from my eyes and followed, still unsure about what was going to transpire from this.

Shisui was waiting at the front door, looking like he was about to leave before he saw Itachi. He couldn't see that I was trailing behind. "Itachi, you're back." His light smile was quickly replaced with worry. "You didn't see Shikara on your way here...did you?"

Itachi's smirk reappeared. "Not so easy to keep an angel tied down...is it?"

I peeked my head around Itachi nervously. "Good morning...Shisui-sama..." I gave an awkward smile and waive.

His eyes narrowed. "I guess it's not so easy to keep an eye on her..." he then chuckled, "I now realize that I should commend you, Itachi."

My cheeks puffed. "Okay...for one..." I started my rant, marching around Itachi and closer to Shisui. "I'm an adult, I do what I wish. - Two:" I held up two fingers to Shisui as I stood before him frustrated, "I don't need you or anyone," I motioned to Itachi, "to baby sit me, it's demeaning!"

...

Itachi watched as Shikara bravely told Shisui off. She was fearless and it was more than amusing to see the look on Shisui's face as he eyed her. When she was finished, still glaring, Shisui finally responded with a sly smile.

"Does someone need to learn another lesson, I wonder?"

With that, Shikara gasped, turned more red than Itachi had ever witnessed before and she covered her lips with her hands before looking over to him.

Itachi smirked. "I see that she's already had a lesson with you, Shisui..." He flew the package at him who snatched it from the air and observed it in question.

Shikara glared from Itachi and back to Shisui, then stepped around to enter the cottage without a word. She was clearly upset as she slammed the door behind her.

Itachi's smirk widened. "It seems that we've been placed in the doghouse."

Shisui looked up from the package with a rather sheepish grin. "Want to go grab drinks?"

Itachi's smirk disappeared as he eyed the morning sun, contemplating if going to get drinks this early was really a good idea. He then faced Shisui again and gave a nod. By the time they went to the nearest village it would be early afternoon...so why not? He could use one.

...

A huge sigh left me. These boys were going to be the death of me. Between being scared to death of hurting Itachi or Shisui and having to express how annoying it is that they felt that they had to baby-sit me was too much. I was glad to hear Shisui outside the door offer to Itachi to go out for drinks. I needed some time to let my mind catch up with everything going on. The best place to do this was in the shower with no sexy Uchiha men to distract me.

After the water finally became cold, I turned it off and decided it was time to catch up on chores around the house. It was nice to have peace of mind for a few hours and then I realized that it was nearly time for dinner to be made. Because tonight was to be the night Shisui and I were to tell Itachi of our plans, I decided to make a meal fit for a king...or two.

The sun was starting to set in the sky and I was starting to worry about the pair. Dinner was on the table and I had dressed myself elegantly in a white, silk kimono with cherry blossoms and petals decorating it. Even though I had been frustrated with the two before, they deserved anything that I could possibly give. I was starting to wonder if I should go out to find them, in case something had happened and then the door busted open.

"Ah!" Startled, I reached for a kitchen knife. My eyes then narrowed at the two men who had clearly had more than enough sake.

Shisui grinned at me as he and Itachi supported each other and they stepped in. "Hey gorgeous!" They were both grinning as if they had won the lottery and their faces were red.

They're completely trashed. I raised an eyebrow. "You two look like you had fun."

"It was." Itachi chuckled.

It's nice to see them totally relaxed and carefree. They made their way to the table and sat on either end. I joined with a light smile. It was safe to say by the way they stumbled over that we weren't going to be having a serious conversation and I was okay with that.

"Please help yourselves." I said happily.

"You're amazing, angel!" Shisui exclaimed, dishing up a huge plate.

Itachi was still grinning. "You truly are."

I giggled. "You two are sweet."

The boys were talking and joking the whole time as we enjoyed the dinner together.

"I can't believe you finished that bottle to yourself." Itachi laughed.

Shisui grinned. "I'll be feeling that later. But you, Itachi have me beat! Four shots of the hardest stuff they had in a row? You're crazy!"

Itachi returned the grin. "Not as crazy as you getting us kicked out."

My eyebrow raised. "You were kicked out?"

"Hah, yeah." Shisui's grin widened, "A guy recognized me from before and was jealous that I was with such a pretty girl." He winked at me. Itachi shook his head.

"So... what did you do?" I tilted my head curiously.

Itachi started to chuckle which soon turned into a full blown laugh. I haven't seen him do this since...well...ever and my curiosity peaked.

Shisui grinned. "Well...the guy picked a fight, claimed that he could 'kick my ass and take you for himself'..."

"And then?" I pressed. Itachi was trying to contain his drunken laughter at this point.

Shisui paused for a moment, reliving the moment in his mind. "I gave him a wedgie." They both busted up, laughing so hard that I giggled just witnessing it.

I put a hand over my mouth, picturing Shisui giving some guy a wedgie. "How embarrassed that man must have been to be degraded in such a way!" I finally laughed full-heartedly. I guess that was playful, drunken Shisui for you. He didn't like confrontation or violence so a wedgie was what he resorted to.

"What did you do, Itachi?" I asked after wiping away a tear.

One of his eyebrows creased as he looked to me. "You think I just sat there?" I shrugged and he smirked with a glint in his eyes. "I helped, of course."

Shisui, I could picture doing this in a drunken state...but Itachi though? "No way! Haha!" We all laughed about this before I finally decided to get up from the table and start putting things away. I wanted the two to enjoy themselves. They really were having more fun than I've ever witnessed and honestly, I didn't want it to end. They deserved this. They kept talking amongst themselves as I went.

As I washed dishes I smiled to myself with a light blush. I could get used to this. Having the two around and enjoying our time together...

"Hey, angel?"

I turned to Shisui's voice. It seemed that he had sobered up a little. He and Itachi were on the couch now and had been talking in lowered voices.

"Yes?"

"Come over here, we want to talk to you." His voice was smooth as he reached out, beckoning to me.

I glanced over to Itachi who had a light smile and a glint in his eyes. This was enough for me to know that it was safe, whatever the conversation subject would be. I gracefully stepped over to Shisui, who gently pulled me into his lap. The blush I had revealed that I was still nervous about the two having hurt feelings.

"You seem tense." Itachi commented with a smile. "Would you prefer to sit with me?"

My voice was soft as I struggled to respond. "Uh...um." I felt my face become hot and my heart felt like it would jump out of my chest. It honestly didn't matter who I sat with, I felt that I would be nervous either way.

Shisui's arms tightened around me. "Don't be nervous."

My lips parted as I struggled to breathe normally. "O-okay..." Peering up at Shisui who had a grin, I asked, "What do you two wish to speak of?" The question alone was strained.

"About us." Shisui replied before looking to Itachi.

Ohhhhh...oh my god...right now!?

I felt that I was about to have a panic attack and Itachi read it immediately. He took my hand with a reassuring expression. "This is something that should have been made clear to you..."

"We never had the chance until now..." Shisui added.

Breathe in...and out...

"You've been honest about your feelings...for us..." Itachi continued. "And it's time that we paid the same respects."

"We both love you, Shikara." Shisui proclaimed with a gentle smile.

"Which means Shisui and I want you to be happy." Itachi glanced at his best friend. "So we are willing to share, if that's what you want." His eyes returned to mine.

I could feel Shisui tense as he waited for my response. He and Itachi both had light red skin tones that wasn't effects from the alcohol. I think that I had stopped breathing because the room became dark and I felt my body slump before totally going blank.

...

"Shikara...?" Shisui felt her body go completely limp in his arms. He looked to Itachi. "Does this happen often?"

Itachi blinked. "Only when she's incredibly nervous...or exhausted." He peered at Shisui. "I've only ever seen it once before...more recently."

"Huh, I guess this was too much for her?"

Itachi shrugged. "She'll come to. I've told her before that she didn't have to choose between us. This should be no surprise..."

Shisui smirked. "I said the same." He sighed as he carefully stood and cradled the goddess in his arms. "I'll put her in the room."

Itachi gave a nod before holding up a bottle of sake. "There's more, so hurry back."

"Pfft, What do you take me for, Itachi?" Shisui chuckled as he went to place Shikara down and quickly returned to help Itachi finish the bottle. The night was still young.

...

When Shisui left the room I opened my eyes. I took in a deep breath and blinked at the ceiling. They were serious about this 'sharing' thing. How would it work? There's no way I could handle both of them...I blinked again. Actually, technically, I already have. I sighed to myself before turning onto my side and thought things through. I need to make one thing clear...to both of them if this is to work. Before standing from the bed, I took in another deep breath before gracefully and purposefully reentering the living space and stepped up to the boys who were eyeing me curiously. I gently grabbed the bottle from Itachi and took a huge swig of it, then handed it back.

My eyes met each of theirs. "If we are to do this...all three of us...then I need you both to promise me something."

They tilted their heads. "What is it, angel?" Itachi asked.

My eyes especially fell to his. "Back before I started the academy, you told me that I was responsible for my own life and only my life."

Itachi blinked, realizing where this was going. "What's this promise you want us to make...?"

I looked from one to the other. "Promise that you won't hover over me every moment of every day. I have a life to live as well." My eyebrow raised. "Otherwise I'll have to say 'no'...to both of you."

The boys exchanged glances and Itachi was the first to nod. "I think that's fair...for all of us."

Shisui seemed a little more reluctant but he faced me as he stood and embraced me. "You deserve to live freely...Angel."

I sighed in relief, returning the embrace. When Shisui stepped back and pulled me to the couch with him, I peered up at him with a sweet smile. "I made something for you today..." I offered the bracelet to him and his eyes slightly widened before he accepted it.

He sounded out what it said. "Always."

Itachi smiled. "And 'forever'." He held up his wrist to show his own bracelet.

I blushed to see how much pride he held within his eyes to have such a simple gift but I understood because I would always treasure the hair pin that he and Sasuke gifted to me.

Shisui held me a little closer. "Thank you." His voice was soft and it melted my heart.

I helped him put it on without ever needing to be asked, then closed my eyes blissfully, feeling a shameless smile spread over my lips. "Now you're both mine."