"Whew! What a mess."

Ino whistled after Sakura relayed the entire ordeal that had transpired the other night at Itachi's parents' house. They were sitting at their favorite coffee shop having their morning lattes.

"I have known Sasuke since childhood. Even though we're not friends, I know enough about him to realize that he is always cold to people he doesn't know well." Ino tried to reassure Sakura.

"That's what everyone's been telling me," Sakura said exasperatedly. "But I don't know. You don't snap at a guest like that, especially if said guest is your brother's date." She pouted.

"It is rather strange," Ino wondered then snapped her finger. "Maybe he's into you!"

Sakura stared at her like she had gone crazy. "...what?"

"Think about it!" Ino said excitedly. "Why else would he call you annoying?"

"Ino..." Sakura said tiredly, rubbing her temples. "You are making no sense."

"Sakura," Ino said slowly, "maybe he called you annoying because he likes you!"

Sakura humphed. "First of all, that's a crazy theory. Second of all, you weren't there. He was suspicious of someone like me dating his dear brother." She said with a sad smile.

"Someone like you?" Ino scoffed. "What, someone who is incredibly beautiful, smart, and successful? Any man would kill to be with someone like you. And if he thinks otherwise then that's his loss."

Ino now looked offended at Sakura's self-derogatory statement. Sakura blushed and smiled at her friend.

"Ino," she placed her hand on hers. "You're so sweet sometimes. Thank you."

Ino smiled and patted her hand.

"So how are things with Itachi? Did that night affect your relationship?"

"No, things are fine between us," Sakura said. She sat back and sighed dreamily. "Oh Ino, he is such an amazing man. He's so handsome, kind, and understanding."

"And a good kisser?" Ino quipped. Sakura blushed. "Well, yeah."

"Okay, okay no need to rub it in," Ino said, "not everyone here is in a relationship with one of the hottest men in the city."

Sakura snickered. Then an idea popped up in her head.

"Hey, maybe I can hook you up with Sasuke!"

Now it was Ino's turn to stare. "Are you crazy?"

"No, listen to me. I have been thinking about it. As much as I like Itachi-kun and he likes me, it is important that his family likes me too. And that includes Sasuke. If you date him, he would warm up to me too. It's a win-win for both of us." Sakura explained happily.

"I don't know, Sakura," Ino said nervously. "My family has been in a business partnership with the Uchihas for so long. Fraternizing with one of them may not end well for either of us."

"Oh. I didn't think about that." Sakura sighed defeatedly.

"Forget about him," Ino waved her hand. "You should be focusing on Itachi. Have you guys taken the next step in your relationship yet?" She asked, raising one eyebrow suggestively and winking at her.

"Ino!" Sakura said abashedly. "That's- that's inappropriate!"

"Oh?" Ino grinned. "So you haven't, huh?"

"I'm leaving," Sakura announced, blushing furiously. She stood up and grabbed her purse.

"Let me know if you need any tips," Ino called out teasingly as Sakura exited the coffee shop, muttering something under her breath.

"I don't want to talk about it."

"You have no choice."

"Yes, I do. And I choose not to talk about it."

"Can you at least tell me why you snapped at her? You've never done that to any of my girlfriends before, even if you don't like them."

"..."

"No."

"Sasuke," Itachi said, rubbing his eyes. He had called Sasuke to his office at lunch hour to discuss his behavior at the dinner the other night. "We hadn't seen each other in months. When I came home that night I was expecting a warmer welcome from you."

"You should've thought about that." Sasuke finally snapped. "You're the one who didn't wait for me to return before throwing a welcome-back party. You're the one who brought another person to what should've been a private dinner with just us."

"Is that what this is about?" Itachi inquired. "You know the party wasn't my decision. And I didn't realize my bringing a date to a family dinner would bother you. I apologize."

Sasuke kept quiet. Itachi sighed.

"Well, at least it is a relief that it wasn't personal with Sakura."

To that Sasuke remained quiet too. Itachi stood up and placed a hand on Sasuke's shoulder.

"Listen, little brother, I really like her. You don't have to be friends with her, but for me at least, could you be a little more civil?"

Sasuke took a few moments to respond then nodded curtly.

"Thanks." Itachi petted his shoulder.

"Want to go bowling tonight? It has been a while since we played." He asked.

"I have plans tonight," Sasuke said and turned to leave.

Itachi shook his head and watched him go. He was still in a bad mood, but Itachi knew he would come around soon enough. He just needed to give him a little space. Although he was a little sad. There was a time when Sasuke kissed the floor Itachi walked on. He would always beg Itachi to spend time with him, teach him things, and play with him But then Itachi would usually be busy with his own training with his father. After all, he was the heir to the Uchiha corp and it came with many responsibilities. With his busy schedule, he would often just poke Sasuke on the forehead and promise for next time. Over time as they both grew up, their relationship evolved into a strong bond where they both knew the other loved and understood them without having to say it out loud. Sasuke had grown up to be a find man himself and Itachi was proud of him. He was probably the person Itachi loved the most in this world and would do anything for him. He just wished Sasuke was more open with him sometimes.

His train of thought was interrupted when his phone buzzed. He picked it up. A small smile appeared on his lips as he read the message sent by Sakura:

"Pick me up at 5?"

And then there was Sakura. He had only known her for a few weeks but his feelings for her grew stronger each day. In such a short time, she had become something special to him.

"Your wish is my command," he replied.

He knew it sounded cheesy and corny but he couldn't help it. Sakura had turned him into a hopeless romantic. When he was with her, everything seemed beautiful and lively. When he was not with her, he was always thinking about her. There was something about her that attracted him to her. She had this energy about her that not many people had. She lived her life with a purpose and was determined to achieve her goals, and Itachi respected that. At that moment, he felt lucky that she had let him in her life and reciprocated his feelings. Girls like her don't stay single for long. He smiled and looked at the clock. 5 pm couldn't come soon enough.

"-and then Tsunade-shishou asked me to take over the surgery. I was hesitant at first but she said she trusted me to complete the job. I'm just glad I didn't let her down."

Sakura threw her empty cup of cold coffee in the trashcan as she finished telling Itachi about her day at the hospital. Sakura had her arm wrapped around Itachi's. They were taking a stroll by the beach. The weather was pleasant tonight, a soft breeze touching them as they walked.

"You have really made a name for yourself in such a short amount of time. I'm proud of you." Itachi responded.

Sakura blushed. "Oh, it was nothing really. But thank you."

"So how was your day?" Sakura asked, changing the subject. Itachi shrugged.

"Other than confronting Sasuke about the dinner night, it was mostly uneventful."

"You did?" Sakura asked, dismayed. "I wish you hadn't done that. Now he probably thinks that I put you up to it."

"I assure you he doesn't. And I needed him to know that you are really important to me. I couldn't just let it go."

Sakura's eyes softened. "Itachi-kun.."

Itachi smiled at her. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer.

"You are Sakura. Every moment I spend with you is like a dream. Ever since I first laid eyes on you, you have captured my mind and heart." Itachi whispered near her ear.

Sakura felt weak in her knees. He was conquering her with his words. And she was happy to surrender.

"Itachi-" Sakura whispered this time, her hands clutching the front of his shirt.

Itachi grazed her cheek with his lips, her nose, and her forehead. He stayed like that for a few moments then suddenly pulled back.

Sakura gasped at the sudden loss of contact and stared at him.

Itachi took out his hand. "Let's go somewhere private."

Sakura begged her beating heart to calm down as she accepted Itachi's hand.

They made their way to Itachi's car and drove silently, the air around them thick with anticipation. Their hands intertwined. Hearts beating.

Itachi pulled outside his apartment building. After handing his car keys to the valet, he placed his hand on Sakura's back and guided her toward the lift.

Once inside, they both stood close to each other. Itachi pressed the button to his floor. Sakura again took his hand and interwound their fingers. She couldn't deny that she had longed for this as well. Itachi may have taken with her first, but she had fallen just as hard. At that moment in the elevator, she realized that she was-

The elevator stopped with a ding and the door opened, interrupting Sakura's thoughts. They stepped out and Itachi led her toward his apartment. As soon as they were inside, Itachi pulled her toward him and kissed her. Sakura wrapped her hand in his hair and kissed him back. Itachi turned her around with her back against the door and deepened the kiss. His hand grazed her cheek then moved toward her neck, her chest, her waist, and finally rested around her thigh. He pulled her thigh up and pushed himself toward her. Sakura gasped between their kisses and pulled him closer.

"Ahem!"

The sound of a cough broke them apart. Itachi turned to see Sasuke standing there, his arms crossed. He was frowning but Itachi could tell he was a little flustered. Sakura's face turned deep red and she hid behind Itachi in embarrassment.

"Sasuke! What are you doing here?" Itachi asked, surprised.

"Perhaps you should look around before engaging in such activities," Sasuke said lowly.

Itachi raised an eyebrow. "Little brother, you are standing in my home right now where I live alone. I wish you had informed me before coming here."

"I didn't realize I needed permission to come here," Sasuke growled.

"That's not-" Itachi started.

"I came here to discuss some business and maybe go bowling later." Sasuke continued. "But it seems you have other plans." He hadn't even glanced at Sakura yet. It was like he was ignoring her presence.

He didn't tell Itachi that he had felt bad for blowing him off earlier and realized that spending some time with him wouldn't be such a bad idea. He had come here to surprise him. Now he was feeling stupid for not realizing that he probably wouldn't be alone and be with his new girlfriend instead.

"I will leave you to it." He said and moved toward the door. Itachi and Sakura watched him silently, both feeling incredibly awkward.

"I don't think he will ever like me," Sakura muttered sorrowfully after Sasuke left.

"Don't worry about it," Itachi assured her, "He is angrier at me than anyone else." He ran a hand through his hair and looked at Sakura.

"Would you like something to drink?"

"I guess," Sakura sighed, placing her head on his shoulder. Itachi rubbed her arm. "Don't look so sullen. I am not done with you yet." He said, smirking. Sakura looked up at him and blushed lightly.

"Come on," Itachi said, taking her hand. Sakura gladly let him lead her inside.

Sasuke sat in his car with his hands on the wheel. He hadn't started the car yet but rather he stared out the windshield, lost in thought. There was a flash of pink hair in front of his eyes and he growled in frustration. What the fuck was wrong with him? Why was he so... weird toward this girl? Was he so lonely that he was feeling a pull toward his brother's girlfriend? How pathetic did one have to be to stoop that low? Maybe he'll just stay away from her and let Itachi's relationship run its course. Soon enough Itachi will move on to someone else and he wouldn't have to see her ever again. Yeah, that sounded like a good plan. With his mind made up, Sasuke started his car and drove away.