Lady Luck Chapter 16: The Night Before, a naruto fanfic

Story: Lady Luck

Chapter: 16

Author: Ari

Beta: Proclaimed Penguin Princess

Pairing: Uchiha Itachi & Haruno Sakura

Warnings: Drama, suspense, cliffhangers, the occasional joke that might make you snort loudly at work. Scenes that could make you blush on public transit and potential long wait times between updates.

Disclaimers: See the first chapter for a full disclaimer, but basically, I do not own anything Naruto related.

Note: Thank you all for your kind reviews. Your comments fuel my desire to keep writing.

Enjoy ^-^

-xXx-

Previously.

It was then the raven-haired beauty stopped recounting her major life events through her wardrobe. "The truth is Sakura, no matter what I did, it never felt like I was enough. I thought that loving Fuguku would be enough to satisfy the clan. It was not. They wanted a doll they could dress up and be something inhuman."

Her statement shocked the younger woman. Mikoto was the definition of grace. A pride among the clan.

Sakura rose to put a hand on Mikoto's shoulder. A gesture made in attempts to calm her. She did not speak for a moment. Another breath passed and another before Sakura felt a light pressure on her own hand.

"I'm sorry Sakura." Mikoto turned to face the younger girl.

Pink eyebrows narrowed together as Sakura looked upon the elder woman. Mikoto continued to hold Sakura's one hand and collected her other. "I looked the other way when I shouldn't have. I was too excited about the prospect of having you as a daughter, to hand you the mantle that I forgot the process. I turned my eye to my eldest son."

"Mikoto-sama I," Sakura stuttered at her blatant honesty. "We have, while I can't excuse-"

"I would not expect you to forgive him for the type of engagement he put you through. But you love my son despite all of that. And he loves you. He chose you, out of everyone because of how different you are."

Mikoto's eyes shined with the depths of one thousand secrets.

Dropping Sakura's hands, "I'm supposed to give you this one," She pulled one of the last pieces out. "This was the very one I wore when I attended my first party."

Supposed to.

"But you are not going to give it to me." Sakura attempted to finish her sentence.

"No, I am giving it to you." Mikoto pulled her composure together.

Sakura's emerald gaze regarded the older woman. An understanding came between them.

-xXx-

It was well into the night by the time the two men met. They avoided being in the same place unless absolutely needed. This was one of those situations where they needed to meet. So they met upon the highest roof in the entire village, standing opposed to one another.

"Your kinsman is unwilling to join you." One said after several moments of silence.

"Be mindful of how you talk to me." The second man growled at the first, his black mane of hair blowing in the breeze.

The first man was not intimidated by the second's attitude. It was not the first time he would be on the opposing viewpoint of this man who defied death. But he had to keep the bigger picture in mind. Their organization was formed for much more than his selfish pursuits. "Orochimaru left. Sasori is dead. Konoha will want revenge for the death of the Sarutobi shinobi. Deidara sees nothing but bombs and explosions-"

"What is your point Pein?"

"Your plan is failing, Madara. Akatsuki cannot sit back and continue to wait out this ridiculous fantasy of your prodigy joining our cause anymore. The nations have made some aggressive moves against us. We cannot allow these foolish nations to foresee our plans before we execute them."

Silenced followed as the raven-haired man, eyes red like blood looked to his colleague. Madara found the Reinengan to be off putting, like Pein's eyes were rippling pools of water.

"You may have a point," the red-eyed man conceited. "If my kin will not come to me. Maybe it is time to visit him."

"In Konoha, with the ten tails jinchuriki?"

"Bring him to me."

-xXx-

The following afternoon, Sakura entered the Uchiha Compound's formal tea house to dozens of pairs of eyes critically evaluating her. Not for the first time.

The young doctor was the last one to arrive at the event. While Sakura had never been in this particular building before, she felt utterly familiar with its colorful decor celebrating the history and colors of the Uchiha clan; just like almost any other clan building.

Upon her entry, Mikoto rose from her own seat to meet her future daughter-in-law. With grace and a warm smile, the pinkette gave a respectful bow in greeting to the current matriarch. Mikoto returned her welcome with a small bow of her own before placing her hand on Sakura's shoulder, encouraging her to turn towards the head table.

"Honorable Elder," Mikoto then turned to a woman posed upon a platform so they were positioned above the rest. "May I formally introduce Haruno Sakura, my eldest son, Itachi's, fiancé."

With a plastered smile, Sakura turned to the woman seated on a riser over the rest of the attendees. "Uchiha-sama, it is my pleasure to meet you. I look forward to hosting, and the rest of the clan on Itachi and my wedding day."

"Haruno-san," an older woman, addressed the young doctor. The elder spit over the sounds of her last name. No doubt showing her disdain at the current heir marrying outside of the clan. showed no warmth towards her future matriarch, addressing Sakura with her last name. Her long white hair was pulled up tight and high on her head, her spine was so straight Sakura thought there was a pole shoved up there. Finally, her cold, grey eyes flicked judgmentally over Sakura.

The elder made no effort to hide the irritation on her face as she said, "You finally grace us with your presence."

The murmuring around the haughty tea party was very low, if not for her extensive training honing her senses, Sakura would not have been able to make out the faint words over the general noise.

Were they irritated at her tardiness? Good.

Sakura thought the elder's attempt to get under her skin was a weak starting point, but she was sure the insults would continue in severity as the gathering continued. Honestly? Sakura was bored already. The pretty young medic had plenty of experience 'putting on a face'. This tea party would be nothing compared to her missions. Saura also did not care if she came off with an air of superiority at this time. Itachi chose her, and not them. There was nothing they could do to her that she did not already endure.

With honey coating the young medic's voice, Sakura responded. "Excuse my tardiness, I was called into the hospital this morning. I only just left to come straight here."

Sakura had indeed come from the hospital after purposefully picking up a morning shift. She understood from her prior conversation with Mikoto that Sakura should just be herself. Mikoto did not want Sakura to feel like she had to dress up like a doll to please the clan. Which was perfectly fine with Sakura. So when Sakura entered the tea house in her white lab coat she knew she shocked more than a few Uchiha. Under the coat, Sakura wore a simple sage yukata, nothing elaborate but also had a simple elegance. Her make up minimal, hair pulled back out of her face. Practical, not pretty.

Dispassionate eyes flicked across Sakura's form. "Do you normally spend this much time at the hospital?" The elder uttered.

"More on some days." Sakura rose and addressed the elder with a soft smile and a gentle laugh. "I am one of two students Lady Tsunade has ever taken on to teach her techniques. When emergency cases or complex illnesses are admitted there are less than a handful of shinobi who have the ability to handle such situations. How can I deny lending my skills to the benefit of the village?"

Sakura was proud of her speech. She had practiced it in the mirror a couple of times that morning. Both proud and humble at the same time.

"A Senju Sannin," The elder sneered.

Sakura had anticipated this question. "Medical work has no clan affiliation Uchiha-sama."

With those sharp beady eyes, the elder looked down upon the pink-haired woman but did not respond.

Mikoto, who reached up to touch Sakura's shoulder. "Sakura-chan has worked hard to become one of the most talented kunoichis our village has to offer. She has no equal in her generation with her chakra control and works diligently in the hospital-"

"And an excuse to be surrounded by so many men." Another voice sounded.

Many heads snapped to a decorated younger woman, older than Sakura, but younger than Itachi. She was dripping with all the jewels that her family-owned, wrapped in an elegantly embroidered cloth. In truth, the woman was beautiful. Hair is expertly woven to flatter her face shape. She was one of the women who were groomed from a young age to marry into the head family.

And this woman had the audacity to cut off her current matriarch. Sakura could feel Mikoto's energy simmering next to her.

"Statistics show shinobi ranks do have more men than women. Unfortunately, that ratio slides more the higher rank the shinobi is too. Additionally, our higher rank shinobi statistically have more life-threatening medical emergencies. So it would make logical sense that the majority of my patients are men. In fact," Sakura turned to address the elder, "I've personally saved many Uchiha shinobis' lives. Shisui being one of the latest."

The same murmuring of collective gossip again traveled the room. While not from the head family, Shisui is a valued member of the clan because of his natural talent and unique abilities.

After shutting down her point, Sakura turned back to the woman, "Since you are so concerned Uchiha-san, I'll let you know I also treat civilian families, mothers who bring their children in when they are sick. Do you have any additional complaints about my professional treatment of civilians?"

The beautiful Uchiha woman who spoke out narrowed her eyes at Sakura. She obviously did not do her research if she thought she would get the upper hand by insinuating Sakura was not faithful to her future husband.

"I didn't think so," Sakura concluded. "I also have enough respect to not interrupt my future mother-in-law, and current matriarch of the Uchiha clan when she is speaking. You owe Mikoto-sama an apology."

"Mikoto."

"Yes Elder-sama?" Mikoto answered

"This girl seems to have finally learned something." the elder added with a smirk.

Sakura did not try to hide the smirk on her face. Mission accomplished.

With an exhale Sakura focused her chakra into the spot on her wrist that connected her to Itachi.

-xXx-

"I would have paid many monies to see the look on that cousins' face" Tenten laughed.

Sakura once again found herself in her favorite bath surrounded by her closest kunoichi friends.

"Tomorrow Haruno Sakura will marry Uchiha Itachi." The stunning blonde raised her mimosa as the group of women soaked in the hot spring.

It feels like deja vu. Not too long ago the four of them were in another hot spring celebrating Tenten on her own marriage. Now the women gathered to celebrate Sakura for a day of pampering.

After the four women toasted, Ino continued, "I have to give it to you Forehead. When I first heard about the two of you, I thought it was a joke."

Admittedly Sakura did too. But she took another sip of her mimosa, using the moment to school the expression on her face.

"You lusted after Sasuke for so many years," Tenten began. "But I do feel Itachi-san is much better suited for you."

"What do you mean?" Sakura asked.

"When Sasuke looks at you, he is content. Like he is just going along his day." the weapons specialist said while popping some fruit in her mouth. "But when Itachi looks at you, he looks like he wants to devour you. He sees you as a woman, not just as a teammate. Sometimes it gives me shivers!"

Sakura gave a knowing smirk. "There are plenty of men who see me as a woman."

Ino laughed, "Please, those men just want one thing." She paused for a moment, tracing the rim of her glass. "But I am curious Forehead, how did Itachi get through that oversized, thick skull?

Three sets of eyes turned to look at their pinkette friend.

A gentle blush rose to the apples of her cheeks. "Itachi," Sakura began withdrawing her thoughts. Uchiha Itachi was one of the most observant people she knew. At the same time, a passerby would never know it. Constantly aware, making calculated decisions and movements for the greater good. He was selfless, always thinking of himself last.

He apologized for his behavior. He promised to make it up to her. True to his name he weaseled his way into her heart. For once Sakura felt like someone saw every part of her soul. Not just a teammate, not just a medic, not just a kunoichi, not just a woman; Itachi valued her for all.

"He was just him." Sakura could not stop the giddy smile overtaking her face. "He was persistent, but not in a green spandex way. In a way that he let me know he believed in me, but also was there to support me if I needed. I did not know I cared until I was already in over my heart."

There was a round of giggles from the group.

Sakura continued softly, looking down at the water, "The Itachi that most see, is not the Itachi I know. Because he let his guard down and let me see his heart, my guard also dropped. He knows me for me. He knows how to make my favorite cup of tea. He knows where I get my favorite dumplings. He supports my goals in training for ANBU and he is not trying to tell me what I can or cannot do."

"Do you think that will change once you are married?" Ino asked, probing again.

"No" Sakura shook her head. She was confident in that.

"There wasn't any hesitation from that answer," Ino noted again.

Sakura raised an eyebrow, "Why would there be?"

"Neji never asked me but we are planning to have children." Tenten added.

"If I ever get married," Hinata began but was quickly interrupted.

As if they were in a choir the other three women sang, "You're going to marry Naruto."

Hinata blushed fiercely then continued, "I'm just saying I would not ask my husband to give up everything for my clan. It's not his responsibility."

"But he will be connected to the clan through you," Ino said. "Your children will be part of the clan."

"Neji chose Tenten knowing exactly who she is. Hinata loves Naruto and will marry him knowing exactly who he is. But the same is true of the other. I know exactly who Itachi is and what the Uchiha clan expects of him, of us."

Sakura's eyes met each of the girls respectively as she addressed them before concluding, "And I am still choosing him."

"And he is giving you that choice?" Ino's gaze bore into her friend.

"We did not start out on the best terms," Sakura admitted. "He came on strong and intense. Neither of us reacted well. Once we reset, yes he gave me that choice."

"What changed?"

"For him? I went to Suna. I think he realized that his influence only went so far. That the more he pushed me the more I withdrew. So he asked me to start over. Let me come to him and talked less. We took things slow. We spent time together and got to know each other. And, we agreed to share our lives together."

"That is so sweet." Hinata beamed.

"It almost makes me want to puke." Ino smirked.

"Don't be a jealous pig."

-xXx-

Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura all made their way to the guest bedroom where she had been sleeping the last few nights. She did not ask permission if her best friends could spend the night with her. She was Haruno fucking Sakura and she would be Uchiha fucking Sakura come tomorrow and she would answer to no one.

Except the Hokage. She kind of had to answer to the Hokage.

Unless that Hokage was Naruto, she could still punch him if needed.

Sakura strode through the Uchiha main house with Naruto and Sasuke flanking her. Sleeping bags, packs, pillows, and snacks in hand. Mikoto and Fugaku had already settled into the tea room for the night. Sakura could hear other voices with them; high-ranking clan officials spending time with the main line the night before their heir's wedding.

Ultimately they are insignificant to Sakura in that moment.

She could not feel Itachi's presence within the house, but she knew he was not far away.

As the trio approached the guest bedroom which would be her bridal suite the next day, Naruto loudly bid Mikoto goodnight. Sasuke shot their blond teammate a glare, knowing the fox boy was purposefully trying to goad his relatives to say something about them spending the night with Sakura.

She wanted her two teammates with her tonight. Sasuke's steady temperament kept her nerves in check. Naruto kept a smile on her face. Sakura was not nervous per say, but she could feel the anxiety, the energy filling her veins.

She set her bag down and opened it immediately producing a bottle of sake. A gift from Tsunade.

"Well that didn't take long." Sasuke quipped.

"If you are worried about running out of booze," Sakura said, reaching into her bag again. "Don't be." As she produced a second bottle of sake.

"Grandma hooked you up." Naruto's signature fox-like grin spread wide.

"Hn" Sasuke said as he rose up, exited the room silently, and quickly returned with three glasses. Meanwhile, Sakura spread out the bedrolls. Bed-be-damned. They were having a slumber party and she wasn't going to spend her night alone on a bed.

Sakura poured them all a glass of sake, opened her throat, and let the whole amount slide down in one shot.

"So that's how it is going to be?"

"That's how it is going to be." Sakura echoed her affirmation, then poured herself another cup of sake.

"You ready?" Sasuke asked.

"Absolutely not."

"Hn" Sasuke grunted taking his shot.

"I'm terrified of the pressure. Of making a fool of myself. Of embarrassing him. What if he changes his mind?"

"He won't"

"We'll just track him down and drag him back." Naruto put a hand on her back in reassurance.

"Thank you," Sakura smiled, her hand covered her fox brother's, then putting her other hand is Sasuke's, "Both of you."

-xXx-

It was approaching midnight when she felt his chakra outside her door. Sakura raised her head sensing, looking to see if her teammates had sensed him too. Naruto's blue eyes were staring back at her before he closed them and rolled over to his other side. Sasuke just grunted.

Her feet moved in time with her heart as she approached and opened the pocket doors.

She appeared, her hair was disheveled, lips chapped but she did not care.

Neither did he.

Sakura crossed her arms across her chest and playfully said, "I've been told it's bad luck to see your bride the day of the wedding."

Itachi's lips turned up. "I still have two minutes." Gentle fingers stretched to capture the strands of hair. With skill he twirled those strands through his fingers. His hand followed diving into her famous pink locks, cupping her jaw to bring her head towards his own.

Her own hands rested upon his chest as his free arm wound around her to pull her closer. Those two minutes passed like an eternity as they held each other. Itachi communicated best through his touch. Thankfully Sakura had years of looking underneath the underneath and enough time with this stoic Uchiha to begin to understand him.

"Are you sure you still want to marry me?" She asked in a whisper, her forehead resting on his.

Without hesitation, he nodded and tilted her head to his. His kiss was his response. Itachi's lips consumed her as if she was the air he needed to breathe. He was saying everything he did not know how. He said he loved her. He said he was sorry. He said he wanted her now, tomorrow and everyday in the future.

Itachi had never been so sure of anything else in his entire life.

The tingle of his lips lingered on hers as he pulled away into the shadows. "Until tomorrow hime."

She sent a prayer up to Lady Luck.

-xXx-

A/N

(hides for cover) Hi friends….. If you are reading this, thank you.

So, I finished my Master's degree and bought a house. Tier four adulting right here.

I'm thinking there will probably be two more chapters to this story before I will end it. Originally I wanted to explore this relationship more post their marriage. But considering it has taken me 10+ years and a lot of self criticism to even get to this point, I think I will let this one end with the next two or three chapters. Your imagination is probably better than mine to where these two would go.

Speaking of 10+ years- 700 hundred reviews…(I'm not crying, totally not crying). I cannot express enough how much your constant support has meant to me. Whether you have been with me from the first chapter, or you are just joining now- I appreciate you and stay awesome.