shopping spree! :D
043. obsessions

(non-massacre, yay.)

As a child, Sakura enjoyed many things. Most of them were things other girls enjoyed—dolls, dresses, fairytales. She was generally easy to please. As she grew older, edging towards adolescence, she found a new interest—a hobby, she supposed—that had everyone groaning. If anyone complained, she said she got it from Ino.

Shopping.

As a genin, she still had some time for shopping. She knew there'd come a time when having free time at all would be a leisure, so she took full advantage of it whenever it was available. And the manpower. It was great to be on a team with three other men.

"Naruto, hold my bags!"

"I'm holding a hundred already, though! Get Sasuke to hold them!"

"Sasuke-kun's busy!"

"What the hell! He's freaking checking his nails!"

"Right, because you can totally see over the number of bags you're holding."

"That's exactly my point!"

As they were walking down the street, they crossed paths with two ANBU members. Both of them were well known—Uchiha Itachi and Shisui. They were talking light-heartedly, seemingly just having returned from a mission—but Sakura could sense Sasuke tense from a hundred miles away.

"Hello, little brother." Itachi smiled at her teammate, and she swooned. That was how Sasuke would look if he smiled, surely.

(And although her heart would forever belong to Sasuke, she couldn't deny that Uchiha Itachi was probably one of the most gorgeous men to have ever existed. He was the heartthrob of most of the women in Konoha. Probably mostly because he was one of the few Uchiha who smiled on a regular basis.)

Sasuke scoffed, and looked away. (Oh, what machismo.) "Have you reported to Father yet?"

"We're on our way right now." Itachi caught Sakura unabashedly staring at him. "Hello, Haruno-san."

She smiled dreamily. "Hi."

Somewhere behind her, Naruto collapsed under the weight of her bags.

She was sixteen, and she was positive she needed a new signature look.

Her outfit of red and black suited her well—the sharp cuts and well-fitting shorts portrayed her personality well. But now that she thought about it—she'd looked this way for years. She needed a change. But who to shop with? Shopping alone wasn't any fun.

Ino groaned. "I'd love to. Actually, I'd kill to. But both of my parents are away and I can't leave the shop. Go with Naruto, or something."

Sakura sighed. "He's away training with Jiraiya. Again."

"Mm. Sasuke?"

It was a moment of silence, and then she grinned. "Actually, that is a very good idea."

"Remember to take pictures! There's no such thing as too much blackmail!"

Which was how she found herself in the Uchiha compound, knocking on Sasuke's door. For several minutes, no one answered, so she wondered if he was out. Just as she was about to leave, a little disappointed, the door opened.

"Sakura-san. Hello."

She smiled a little timidly, not seeing the face she expected to see. "Hi, Itachi. Is Sasuke-kun home?"

The older Uchiha frowned. "I believe he's out with our father. Is it urgent?"

"Oh, no, not really." She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, cheeks flushing a little. What would he think of her if he knew that she came searching for Sasuke so he could go shopping with her? "I was just…looking for some company, is all. It's okay—maybe I'll come back later." Just as she was about to turn around and leave before she made a bigger fool of herself, he spoke up.

"I have some free time, if you do not mind me instead of my brother."

For a long moment, all she could do was stare. Did she hear him right? In all the years of knowing him, Itachi had never offered spending time with her for reasons unrelated to work.

"I—uh, sure," she said, before realizing how awkward it would be to spend time with him—even if it wasn't shopping.

Itachi smiled—the smile that always got the girls swooning. "What did you have an idea of what you wanted to do with Sasuke?"

"Uh"—she turned pale then, losing the blood in her cheeks as quickly as it came. "Nothing, really. Just some…friend things."

"And what might those things be?"

She looked up at him sheepishly. "Shopping?"

He seemed to genuinely contemplate this for a long moment, before nodding once. "I can manage that. Shopping for you, I assume?"

"It, uh, doesn't all have to be decided right now. Things can change as we go along. Sometimes, when I'm with Sasuke-kun, I find something that suits him." She didn't mention how Sasuke usually disappeared on those occasions, the moment she turned her back on him.

Itachi's lips curved into an imperceptible frown. "I see. Then shall we go?"

"Okay."

They received a variety of responses as they walked down the streets together. Some people gave them incredulous looks, some (particularly the young women) frowned in distaste (Sakura called it envy), and some giggled and pointed. That was how things used to be when she first began spending time with Sasuke outside of work, so she was used to it—but she didn't know how Itachi was taking it. (But judging from how apathetic he was, he should be fine.)

"I was thinking of getting a new look," she told him as they browsed the shops. "Maybe green this time, instead of red? There's a store down the street where they sell clothes specially for shinobi. Did you know?"

"Yes. I visit it from time to time."

She looked at him incredulously. "Really?"

"Of course." He frowned at her. "My mother doesn't shop for me anymore."

Right. Of course. That made sense. Why did she become such a moron around him? It was always like this, now that she thought about it. She just seemed to…forget things.

Despite her love for pretty dresses and dressing up, the shinobi store was probably her favorite place to shop at. It provided comfortable, well-fitting clothes that looked good, but allowed the wearer to fight without any problems as well. There were also customizable holsters and medic pouches—most of the accessories that shinobi needed were found here, too.

"Oh, hey." She picked up a mesh shirt. "Do you have any of these? I've never seen you wear one before."

Itachi stared at the article of clothing in her hand for a long moment. "And for good reasons, too."

"Why? Almost everyone wears them. Especially Anko-sensei."

"Anko-san is the reason why I don't wear them."

Three hours later, he looked more haggard than she'd ever seen him—and that was something, considering she'd gone on her fair share of missions with him.

"Sakura-san…I believe we've exhausted the entire store."

She sighed, clearly disappointed. "There's not a single piece of green clothing in here that looks good on me. C'mon. Let's go get something to eat. You like dango, don't you?"

The entire way to the teahouse, she continued to express her frustration. "Ino's had a new look a couple times over the past couple of years—actually, everyone has! Why am I the only person who looks the same? Maybe I should grow my hair out again?"

Itachi was quiet when he slipped into his seat across from her at their table. "Two orders of dango, please," he murmured to a waitress.

"Maybe I should try a different color? Black?"

"Black…would not suit you."

"There aren't many colors that would, considering my hair. I suppose I can check back at that store when new arrivals come in. Maybe there will be something that'll fit me?"

"Why do you want to change your look so much?" He seemed genuinely curious, and it surprised her.

"Well—everyone's changed a little. I want to too, I suppose."

"Sasuke hasn't changed," he mused. "And neither have I." He held his cup of tea between his palms, as if warming his hands. She wondered if he had cold hands.

"Well, I want to change."

Itachi smiled softly, as if he was dealing with a child—and in his eyes, she might as well be. "I think you're fine the way you are," he told her sincerely. "You haven't changed in a long time for a reason. You've found your niche." She frowned. "Don't change."

"You, Uchiha Itachi," she accused, "can only persuade people because you are attractive and all people love you. Your arguments are never actually sound."

He merely smiled. She had no problem with that.

"Sasuke-kun, hold my bags?"

He grimaced. "No."

"Please?"

"Make Naruto do it."

"I would, but Hinata claimed him—I don't think he can be my slave for as long as he's with her. Please? I don't even have a lot."

"I don't stoop myself down to that level."

She frowned. "Itachi would've done it without question."

"That's because Itachi is gay."

There was a long moment of silence, and she narrowed her eyes. "You lie," she hissed. "He's not gay—he's just a gentleman."

He snorted. "Right."

"And I'll have you know, if all of the women in the village had to choose you or your brother, they'd all choose him in a heartbeat."

Sasuke looked baffled, and maybe a little frustrated. That pleased her. "If you like my brother so much," he finally said, "then just get him to shop with you from now on."

"Oh, but you don't realize how much fun it is to see you suffer," she sang, linking their arms together. She could literally see a part of her teammate die.

"Where have you been?" Ino demanded, clearly upset that Sakura had brushed off her plans for something else.

"Checking out that new perfume store," Sakura sighed. "I bumped into Itachi, so we took a little longer than excepted. Sorry." She smiled sheepishly. "But look! I got you something." She held up two small bags—one for Sakura, and the other for Ino.

The blonde stared at her for a long moment, before grudgingly accepting the gift. "I suppose you're forgiven this time."

"And look at the one I chose!" Excited, Sakura pulled out her own small bottle of perfume. "And this time, it's not cherry blossom." Along with the bottle came a slip of paper, tied onto the lid carefully with—shinobi wire?

"What's that?" Ino caught the glint of the wire just as quick as Sakura had.

"I don't know." She frowned, and carefully untied the folded piece of paper. On it was elegant writing—it was familiar, but she couldn't quite place a finger on it.

I will pick you up at eight. Dress formally. Knowing you, you will have a wide selection in your wardrobe.

"Who's it from?" Ino snatched the note from her to read the message.

"I have no idea."

"Oh, wow. I wish Shikamaru was this romantic."

Sakura frowned. It'd be more romantic if she knew who was asking her out. What was she going to do? Do as she was told, and be ready for eight? What if it was someone she didn't like? Then what? Her brow furrowed. If only she could remember where she'd seen that writing before…

She was pulled from her reverie when Ino tugged at her arm. "C'mon, we've got to dress you up!"

"But—"

"No buts! Let's go!"

She wasn't incredibly surprised that it was Itachi standing at her door—maybe because she'd secretly been hoping that it'd be him.

He smiled. "You look lovely tonight." Ino had chosen one of her red dresses, and curled her hair and tied it up in a half ponytail. She blushed, staring at her feet.

"Thanks."

"Shall we go?" He held out his arm.

"Okay." She linked their arms together.

He looked great tonight, too. She didn't think she'd ever seen him in a suit—and she never expected to, either. She could get used to this.

"Wait, wait, Itachi—isn't this place, like, the most expensive restaurant in the village?"

"Is there a problem with that?"

She could really get used to this.

Three dates later, and her overall mood had improved tenfold.

"And this guy still isn't your boyfriend?" Ino asked incredulously. "Why, child? Why?"

"We've just had a couple of dates," Sakura said breezily. "Itachi takes a lot of women on dates." But the thing was, she was hoping that she was different from all of those other women. But the chances that Itachi actually took interest in her was slim to none. After all—who was she? His little brother's friend, that was who.

"But he goes shopping with you," her best friend enthused. "That can't not mean something."

"In case you haven't noticed, Ino," she turned to face the blonde, smiling, "we're in the hospital."

"Yeah, so?"

"I'm a medic."

"I know."

"…Which means I'm working."

"So? This is your love life we're talking about! Way more important than your patients!"

She rolled her eyes. "Right." Someone cleared his throat, and she looked up. Speak of the devil. "Itachi! Good, you're here on time. Sasuke-kun's never on time." She turned to Ino. "Now, if you'll excuse me."

Two days ago, Itachi had returned from an ANBU mission. He had a deadly poison in his bloodstream—but nothing she couldn't handle. He was administered the antidote that was made within hours, but she had him come in for a check-up, just in case some of the poison was still in his system. He followed her silently down the hallways, until they reached an empty room.

"Please sit on the bed." She pulled out a clipboard with a blank form. "Have you experienced anything unusual? Dizziness? Shortness of breath?"

"Only a little dizziness after training."

"And does this usually happen?"

"No."

"Alright. Please lie down." After jotting down a few notes on her clipboard, she placed it on the bedside table and waited for Itachi to lie down. He was wearing casual clothes today—a loose black shirt and comfortable shinobi pants.

And of course, like always, he was gorgeous.

She placed her hands right over his heart, palms flaring up with chakra, and got to work.

"How have you been lately?" he asked conversationally several minutes later. She wasn't having a hard time getting rid of the rest of the toxins—his immune system was already beginning to take care of it, and she was only helping it along.

She smiled playfully. "We saw each other two days ago."

"A lot can happen in two days," he said seriously. She just rolled her eyes.

"Trust me. Nothing happens in my life."

"Nonsense."

It was only twenty minutes later that she finally had the job done. Sighing, she smiled contentedly and picked up her clipboard again. "Well, you should be fine now. But if anything happens, you know who to call."

He returned her smile. "I think you should just become my personal medic."

She laughed, trying hard not to blush. It didn't work. "I'm a lot of people's personal medic, actually. Naruto, Sasuke, Ino…and Kakashi does prefer me, but will put up with someone else if he has to. I only have two hands."

"Well, then." He sat up. "I suppose I'll try my best not to get injured." He got to his feet, and it was only then that she remembered that he was tall. Very tall. And very sexy.

Wait. That last thought wasn't supposed to happen. Backspace. Delete.

"I'd like to see you try," she said wryly. He only smirked. Leaning down so his lips brushed the shell of her ear, he said softly:

"I'll see you tonight. Dinner at eight."

And before she could even manage a dazed, "Okay," he had already swept out of the room.

"Thanks! I had lots of fun tonight." She smiled, gripping her purse tightly.

In all honesty, the date itself hadn't been different from any of the other dates. Dinner, a walk through the village, and being escorted home. She always loved talking to Itachi during those walks—he had such different perspectives of everything. It was just so interesting.

But tonight—tonight was different.

She couldn't exactly put her finger on it, but something just wasn't right. Or, well, maybe it was right, but…

He'd been saying cryptic things the entire time. Not the usual compliments on how nice she looked or how she will one day surpass Tsunade—but things like, "Have you ever considered getting married?" or, "You've never had a boyfriend before, have you?"

What a rude question. Did he think she didn't have the capability of attracting someone? Of course, she wasn't as pretty as some other girls, but that didn't mean…

Well, he did say she was attractive every chance he got. Shouldn't that mean something? Unless they were empty words?

"Sakura-san?" She snapped out of he reverie. "Are you alright?"

"Oh! Just—just fine." She smiled, and reached for her doorknob. "Goodnight, Itachi."

"Wait."

"Hm?" She kept her pleasant smile on her face, because she didn't want him to know she was a little upset—and he'd always been able to read her rather easily—"Mmphg!"

Okay. She wasn't expecting that.

"Um." Great. She was probably red as a tomato by now. "What was that?"

"A kiss." How could he say that so easily?

"Well, I know that—but, like, why?"

He looked at her like she was some odd animal in the zoo. "Because I like you, of course."

"Um…?"

"Sakura-san," he said seriously, "I hold your shopping bags for you. I give you honest opinions on the clothes you try on. For you, I drop all of my dignity. Surely, you must know that it means more than just being friends."

Did she just unknowingly step into a relationship with Uchiha Itachi?

…Well. She could deal with that.

"Of course!" She nodded sagely. "Of course I knew…that…" The way he raised his eyebrows told her that he didn't believe her. Damn. She coughed. "Anyway. Can we…try that again? I was caught off guard, so it doesn't count."

"Why would you want to try again when you can just have another one?"

"…Good point."

"He is such a good catch," Ino muttered under her breath. "Sakura, you are magical."

She grinned. "I know." Upon glancing over her shoulder though, she felt a little bad for her boyfriend.

"Itachi-san! Here's another one!" Ino hung her latest shopping bag on Itachi's ear, because all of his hands were full.

…Well. He was a highly capable ANBU member. He'd be fine.

Hopefully.

A/N: Lacking some flow, and a little awkward at parts, but it was fun to write. :)

Now. To start studying Math. Again. D: