A/N: Took me forever to crank this out.
One Wednesday Morning, Many Weeks Ago
"Shisui."
"Yes."
"How does one know if one has developed romantic feelings for someone?"
"That's not something you can really describe. It's just a feeling."
"I see."
"If you're telling me this… does that mean you've developed feelings for someone?"
"…"
"So… who is she?" a grin appeared on his face.
Itachi sighed loudly and leaned against the kitchen counter.
"I am unsure if it is true or not."
"When did you start thinking about this?"
"…"
"Or…" Shisui, perceptive of his friend's difficulty expressing emotion, decided to reword his question. "Tell me about when you first met her."
"…"
"What was your impression of her?"
Itachi remained as he was with his body leaning against the counter. He stared down at the linoleum, recalling when he first saw her.
"When I first heard her voice, I thought it was so soft and delicate, but I hadn't realized she was the new intern. I thought there was simply a girl who was lost on campus and had wandered in."
Shisui did his best to resist grinning.
"When I saw her… I had this horrid feeling in my stomach. A strange fluttering…"
Shisui's lips curled up.
"She was so small. Her eyes were huge and dark, filled with anxiety. I could tell she was absolutely terrified but…" Itachi's eyes took on a distant quality. "She was fidgeting, so nervous but somehow also eager."
Itachi looked up at the ceiling:
"She introduced herself and I suddenly wanted to vomit. She bowed incredibly low and her posture was perfect, hearing her voice and seeing her lips move, I felt as though the world was closing in on me."
Shisui picked up a glass and sipped at his water, hiding his smile.
"I immediately asked her if she was the intern and when she confirmed it, I…"
"What?"
"I raised my hand for a handshake like a fool."
Shisui chuckled:
"That visit to the United States, huh?"
Itachi's face had flushed.
"I must have seemed like an idiot." He placed a hand to his forehead.
"How did she react?"
"She grabbed my hand with both of hers. Her skin was incredibly soft. I must have seemed so awkward."
"…love at first sight."
Itachi had both hands over his face now.
"I don't really believe in such a thing."
"It sounds like you developed a crush on her immediately."
"I didn't think so. I wasn't expecting a stunning young woman to be the intern."
"Stunning?"
Itachi's exhausted expression caused a pitying, but understanding smile to come to Shisui's face.
"Sorry for teasing you, I just have never heard you talk about a girl like this." he reached out and patted him on the shoulder, "It's a nice to hear you fancy someone… so… what happened after that?"
"She became injured within twenty minutes of arriving and I sent her home."
"Injured?"
"Our youngest crew member caused her to fall down the stairs…" another dreamy look came upon the younger Uchiha's features. "She asked me to call her by her first name when she awoke. I can't even begin to describe how pleased that made me…"
"How did you respond?"
"I asked her to call me by my first name as well."
"Good, good. And?"
"I offered to show her around, but Tobi tried to come along. Thankfully, Deidara pulled him away."
"Alright."
"And just when I thought I could speak to her alone for a bit, she looked as though she was going to pass out. As much as I wanted to get to know her I had to send her home."
"It makes sense. Have you gotten to speak to her alone since?"
Instead of answering his question his face looked distant again:
"A flush appeared on her cheeks when we were talking…"
"Did it?"
"She looked incredible."
"Did you immediately imagine bedding her?"
Itachi's head dropped.
"Sorry, sorry." Shisui laughed and playfully punched his shoulder. "But there's no shame in wanting to sleep with a girl, you know."
Itachi sighed loudly.
"Dirty thoughts are natural."
"I understand, please stop."
Shisui chuckled again.
"So… did you get her number?"
"I did, before sending her home."
"Lovely."
"The next time I saw her she was being thrown off the stage by Tobi. I was able to catch her before she hit the ground."
"Perfect."
Itachi registered Shisui's praises, but did not wish to fully acknowledge them.
"Not much happened after that," Itachi continued. "Though I did receive this interesting text from her last night and I haven't decided how to respond."
"Show me."
Itachi pulled up the thread and held it out to his cousin.
"She must be drunk."
"I thought so as well."
"It seems as though she has a better experience of you than some of the other men. Naturally. The worse the other guys are the better you'll likely appear. In addition to how great you are normally."
Itachi shrunk a bit and his phone suddenly vibrated. He read the new text:
Itachi-sama, I am so sorry about the text I sent you last night. I had a few too many drinks and the stress from the day had gotten to me. When I passed you out of work I thought I had spoken rudely to you and I wanted to originally apologize for that. No matter how I clash with other members, I shouldn't take it out on you. I hope you will forgive me for the mistakes I've made recently.
Sincerely,
Koizumi Sumire
Shisui watched in delight as a smile came upon his cousin's features, a rare honest smile. He's really fallen for this girl. I can tell. While Itachi replied to her text Shisui asked:
"Are you going to make a move?"
"I don't know if I should. If I did… I wouldn't know how to go about it…"
"You know a good place to kiss a girl is her chest."
"…her chest?"
"Well, people would be expecting lips, cheek, forehead, all of that, but if you want to be original you should kiss her somewhere she wouldn't expect."
"…this sounds like an awful idea."
"I know for a fact that the collar bone is sensitive."
"…"
"Just a nip and she'll be in love with you forever."
Itachi sighed again.
"Maybe use some tongue."
"Shisui."
"I'll stop, I'll stop."
More Than One Month Later…
The empty mugs were rested on the coffee table, in front of them. The screen played some animal documentary that Sumire was only mildly interested in. Itachi was seated, with perfect posture, beside her. He slowly let his gaze travel to the small woman beside him. She tucked her legs up to her left.
"Sumire-san."
"Hai?"
"Are you… will you tell me how this all happened? How you came to be evicted?"
"Oh." She pulled her legs closer to her body. "Well…"
"My apologies. I realize it happened only recently. We can wait…"
"No, it's fine! I just wasn't expecting you to ask so suddenly."
He fell silent.
"Sakura had been acting strangely for the past few weeks. Our lease was up for renewal and she ended it without telling me right away."
"Why did she not continue it… or how is it that the landlord didn't inform you as well?"
"I never had my name placed on the lease because I have an awful credit score. We agreed ahead of time that I would pay Sakura my half of the lease when I can." Sumire released a soft sigh, "and she moved in with Sasuke. That's why she canceled the lease."
I thought my brother had a hand in this. Her eyes widened when he suddenly bowed his head.
"I'm sorry my brother has caused you so much trouble."
"Itachi-san, please. It's okay." She patted his shoulder. "You are my senior. It feels so strange to have you bow your head to me."
"Have you spoken to her again yet?" he spoke after raising her head.
"No, I haven't tried contacting her and she hasn't tried contacting me."
"Hmm."
"It's only been a little while. I don't know if I even want to yet."
"It would be understandable if you never do."
Sumire nodded slowly.
"Don't feel pressured to right away. I'm sure the time will come if it is meant to come."
"Itachi-san is so wise."
He smiled.
Monday Morning
Sumire finished preparing for class and entered the kitchen where she had planned to find a quick snack before heading off.
"Good morning." She chirped at the tall Uchiha standing at the sink.
"Good morning, are you heading off to class?"
"Yes." She fished into the fridge for a prepackaged pastry and unwrapped it.
She nipped at the chocolate croissant watching him as he wiped his hand on a towel.
"Here," he opened the fridge again and pulled out a box. "I prepared this for your lunch."
"…bento? For me?" her eyes widened.
"Yes."
"Thank you so much."
She accepted the box with both hands, still gazing at it in awe.
"Of course." He returned to the sink to finish washing dishes.
Sumire feeling slightly awkward, moved to the living room to finish her croissant.
"I'm heading out!" she called from the front door.
"Have a nice day." He called back.
X
Sumire and Hinata sat beside one another on a bench near the art center.
"Everyone was so worried about you. You didn't come to class for a whole week, we thought something had happened."
"I'm okay." Sumire released a soft sigh.
"Over the weekend Ino told me what she heard from Sakura… I didn't want to assume anything, but is everything is alright at home? Did… did you…"
"Un… I found someplace to live."
"Thank goodness. I'm so sorry about what happened… even though Ino told me about Sakura's side, it sounded really unfair…"
Sumire remained silent, slowly unwrapping the bento box. She lifted the lid and let out a soft gasp.
"Hmm?"
"It's so pretty."
The large section of the plastic box was filled with rice balls in the shape of pandas with spots and eyes made from patches of seaweed. There were a few pieces of rolled omelet filled with ham and shaped into stars. Tucked in the top corner were octopus-wieners with smiles carefully placed atop each one. Cradling each piece in place were pickled radish and slices of cucumber and carrots.
"Whoa, it is… you didn't make it?"
"No… my roommate made it for me…"
"Really? Who… who is your roommate?"
Sumire raised her head.
"If… if I tell you will you keep it a secret?"
"…even from Naruto-kun?"
Sumire shook her head.
"No one. Please, tell absolutely no one."
Hinata nodded:
"I promise."
"I'm living with Sasuke's older brother…"
"…Sasuke's? His older brother?"
"Un. He's my co-worker and when I told him about what was happening… he offered me his spare room until I can figure out where to go."
"That was very kind of him."
"It was…" she paused. "Please don't tell anyone, especially not Ino. I love her, but if you tell her she will tell everyone. I just settled into his apartment and I want things to calm down before… well… before things change or…"
"I see. If anything happens, you are always welcome in my home."
"Thank you, Hinata."
Sumire lifted a star shaped rolled omelet and took a bite. She smiled at the colorful and neatly formed food in her lap. Itachi-san is so thoughtful.
X
"What if I put too much sugar in the omelet? What if the rice balls fall apart when she picks it up? It would be humiliating."
"Relax Itachi. I'm sure if it did she wouldn't be upset. She's probably grateful."
Itachi leaned back in his chair and readjusted his fingers around the cell phone he held to his ear.
"I think you can relax and take your time now. She's going to spend much less time around the other men, so you have an even greater chance of winning her heart." Shisui encouraged his cousin.
"But I don't have a lot of time… the…"
"I know, let me take care of that. I'll run interception while you catch the girl of your dreams, don't you worry about that."
"Thank you, Shisui."
"No problem. Keep me updated cousin."
"Sure."
Itachi hung up his phone. He let out a huff and opened one of the many textbooks on his desk.
X
"Sumire-san, I was wondering…"
"Yes Hinata."
Their class had ended early that day.
"Would you go with me to the mall? I have…" her face reddened.
"What? Getting waxed?"
"No!" her flush increased. "Naruto-kun's birthday is coming up and… I wanted to surprise him with a new… outfit…"
"…you mean lingerie?"
Hinata nodded.
"I see, I see. Sure, I'll come along."
They arrived at the mall shortly and walked directly to the lingerie shop. Though Hinata was nervous, Sumire calmed her and helped her find the perfect set. Outside the shop, they passed a small costume shop and Sumire paused at the front.
"I haven't seen this shop before."
"Neither have I, maybe it's new?"
They entered and looked around.
"Welcome!" an energetic male voice called from the back.
Sumire found herself drawn to a rack filled with white colored costumes. She wasn't sure what they were at first, but as she looked through them she realized they were frilly aprons. They're so cute.
The man approached them a bright smile on his face.
"I see you found the aprons. They are machine-washable so if you do decide to cook and clean while wearing one, they are easy to clean."
Sumire nodded. As she looked through she found a small apron with pleated edges. The price tag was marked down and she felt a bit of excitement. She took the apron off the hook and held it up to study all of it.
"We have a few marked down. You see we receive the unsold stock from some larger stores. Mostly from stores that sell adult products."
"…adult?"
"The apron you are holding was originally sold as a lingerie piece, but it's functional enough that it could be used as your daily apron."
"I see… that's why it's so cute."
Hinata nudged her.
"I think it'd look good on you."
Sumire smiled, a slight blush coming to her cheeks. Would Itachi-san like it? Her eyes widened at her sudden thought. Why do I care if he likes it or not? It's Itachi-san… he's a sweetheart and caring, but… Back then he said he was interested in me, but maybe it was just a passing moment or something. There's no way he'd still be interested in me, he's… just a good friend. She gazed at the soft material in front of her again, then pressed it to her chest. I want to wear it in front of him… just to see how he reacts…
X
Later that evening Sumire entered the kitchen and started preparing dinner. She had slid the small apron over her body and carefully tied it. Now she was turning on the rice cooker and slicing vegetables. She nervous glanced back down the hall, wondering if he would appear. When he didn't she returned to slicing. She turned a piece of fish over in a frying pan and yelped when a bit of oil splashed onto her hand. While running it under some water she heard footsteps approaching from behind.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes, I just splashed some oil on myself." She responded.
She spun around and showed him. Itachi paused when he saw Sumire in her apron, but walked to her nonetheless. He gently took her hand.
"It's a bit red."
"Un, I should be okay though."
"Let me get you some burn cream."
"Okay."
Itachi quickly walked back to his office where the first aid kit was kept. He snatched his phone and sent a text to his cousin.
She's wearing an apron. Shisui. Help. (ಥ﹏ಥ)
He returned to Sumire with the first aid kit. She placed the cooked fish on a plate and set the sauté pan down. Sumire watched his stoic expression as he massaged the soothing cream into her hand.
"Thank you!" she smiled up at him. "Dinner should be ready soon."
He nodded and took the supplies back into his office. He picked up his phone and read the reply.
Kiss her. (´ ε ` )
That's not helping! (ᗒᗣᗕ)՞
Itachi sighed and dropped himself in his office chair. He tapped his knee impatiently while waiting for a reply.
Has she said anything about it? Did you say anything to her about it?
No.
Then compliment her on it. That's the least you can do… then once she's all blushing lay some lips on her. (っ˘з(˘˘ )
Itachi's forehead hit the desk. Why do I ask him for advice? He rubbed his forehead and responded.
Do you have any other ideas? I can't just kiss her.
Well complimenting her should be enough.
What should I say?
Something like: I've never seen you so beautiful… or I want to see you in that again and nothing else.
(눈_눈)
Don't you mean: (눈/_\눈)
You're not my cousin anymore. (凸ಠ益ಠ)凸
(￣︶￣) Just tell her she looks pretty. Don't think about it too hard. If it's a compliment from you I'm sure she'll take it well.
Itachi released another sigh.
"Itachi-san! Dinner is ready!" the high-pitched voice called from the kitchen.
He gathered his courage and willed a calm expression to his face. Back in the kitchen he paused again taking in her image. Her hair was tied in a high ponytail. Beneath her apron was short-sleeved light blue shirt and a pair of black form-hugging jeans. She walked about the kitchen in yellow slippers and a slight skip in her step. He was taken by the smile on her face as she served the fish and various dishes.
"Sumire-san."
"Hai?" she placed a full bowl of rice on his side of the island table.
"That apron really compliments your figure." I shouldn't have said that.
Her face suddenly flushed and she averted her eyes away from him.
"Thank you…" she motioned towards the table. "Please come sit and eat."
He sat down and she sat across from him. Neither could look directly at the other as they ate, but the tension was broken when Itachi spoke:
"This is very good."
She glanced up only to look back down again.
"Thank you… I know it doesn't compare to Itachi-san's cooking…"
A reddish tint appeared on his cheeks and he continued to eat, staring at the table. The awkward silence was maintained far after they had completed their meal.
"Let me wash the dishes." He rose.
"You don't have to."
"You'll wash the cream off your hand, I'll take care of it. Thank you for the meal."
"A…alright…"
Sumire went to her bedroom, sliding off her slippers, and putting on her favorite pair of fuzzy socks. She sat on the edge of her bed and stared at the closed door. Itachi-san… he's so sweet. Does he have a girlfriend? I feel as though he doesn't… why would he let me move in if he did? Why am I thinking about this anyway? I've been here for less than three days and I'm already thinking about Itachi-san this way? I'm so easily swayed… no wonder I keep getting taken advantage of… no stop. Don't think like that. I should think about what I'm going to do after my internship ends… that's coming soon. I should get a job, that way I can move out quickly and I won't be bothering Itachi-san for too long.
What should I do right now though… watch TV?
She stood and re-entered the hallway, nearly running into the tall Uchiha.
"Oh sorry." She belted.
"No, I'm sorry."
They both froze in place staring at the floor.
"…you've… you've put socks on…" I'm a failure as a man.
"Oh… yes… they're my favorite. They're owls." She lifted her foot and wiggled it.
She set her foot down and hugged herself, still unable to meet his eyes.
"They're very cute…"
"Thank you."
"…"
"…"
"Well… um…"
She looked up at him.
"Goodnight." He said quickly and rushed into his room.
"Goodnight." She spoke softly as his door closed.
At the soft click the latch in the door made, she realized her face was extremely hot. She patted her cheeks and made her way back to the living room. We're so awkward around each other. I wonder if the other Uchiha's are this awkward.
X
Why didn't you just smooch her?
Shisui. (`ー´)
(っಠ‿ಠ)っYou know you want too.
I already told you why I can't.
Then ask her out on a date.
Is that appropriate? If it doesn't work out, we will still be living together.
I don't see how it won't work out. You're irresistible. (*¯ ³¯*)
When would be a good time to ask her?
Not more than one week. Can't wait forever.
Okay… I'll ask her sometime this weekend.
You can do it! ⌒(o＾▽＾o)ノ