A/N: I am finishing my double-bachelors, so I am super busy. Sorry, all chapters will be very far apart.
"Itachi-san, I'll go grab the mail." Sumire had a few more minutes to kill before they had to leave for work.
"Ah."
She returned a few minutes later, shuffling through the papers reflexively. Why would I have any mail I haven't changed my address with the school yet. She re-entered the apartment and remained at the door still holding the envelopes in her hands. Whoa. She reread the senders address on one of them. Harvard? The American university, Harvard?
"Is there much mail?" Itachi emerged from his bedroom fully dressed.
"You've got a few…" she held it out to him. "You… have a letter from Harvard…"
"Oh, it's likely my transcript."
"…Transcript?"
"Yes, I'm finishing a degree."
"Wait, but… you're here and not…"
"They allowed me to do independent study."
"Oh, wow. Why Harvard and not Tokyo University?"
"I completed my master's in business at Tokyo University."
"Wow…" he took the small stack of envelopes. "Um… what degree are you getting?"
"I'm finishing my Doctorate in International Business."
"That's amazing, congratulations."
"Thank you."
"Don't… when did you… you're…"
"How am I obtaining a Doctorate when I am only twenty-six?"
"Um… well… yes…"
"My father pushed me through grade school quickly. I finished my first bachelors when I was sixteen and my first masters when I was twenty."
"First… first?" her eyes remained wide.
"…yes." Itachi's face was reddening slightly. "It's… it's not that impressive."
"Not that impre… Itachi-san! You're a genius!"
"…we should be on our way."
She was smiling up at him. So cute, he's so humble. Itachi-san is a sweetheart.
X
Breaking down sets took all of Friday morning and most of Friday afternoon. Sumire had noticed a distant air coming from the men around her. Her anxiety wavered in and out throughout the day because of this. Are they treating me differently after what happened? She washed her hands in one of the many porcelain basins in the women's bathroom, her fingers were sore from working with heavy tools she was not accustomed to. She exited the bathroom.
"Hey there little one."
"Kisame-sama, hi."
"You look well rested." His comment was accompanied by an amused chuckle.
"I am, Itachi-san is very quiet."
"I figured he'd be keeping you up all night."
"Why would you think that?"
"You're the most oblivious girl in the world."
…what the hell? What am I missing?
He studied the confused expression on her face, then burst into laughter.
"Poor Itachi-san."
Sumire pouted, her cheeks puffing with irritation. Seriously what is he on about? Am I bugging Itachi-san? Should I not have moved in with him?
"What are you doing to her, un?" Deidara joined them in the foyer, his hands stuffed into the large pockets of his pants.
"Just teasing." Kisame shifted his balance but continued to stare down at Sumire.
She turned her puffed face to the blonde, eyes still narrowed with frustration.
"That's a face."
"Kisame-sama is accusing me of things."
"What things?"
"I'm not sure."
Diedara's gaze traveled slowly from her adorably swollen face to the sharp-featured shark man, grinning his trademark grin. A series of thoughts, some wild and impossible, some mundane, passed through his mind in quick succession.
"What'd you accuse her of, un?"
"I said she looks well rested."
"I don't see how that's a bad thing!" she huffed, raising her arms then immediately dropping them so they slapped her sides.
"I thought Itachi-san would be keeping her up all night."
Deidara scoffed, his arms crossed over his chest. So it's something that comment? Sumire's cheeks deflated. By Deidara-san's reaction it has something to do with that…
"You should give him more credit," Kisame continued, he was glad to have someone who understood his meaning.
"I'll give credit where credit is due un."
"Easy there."
The Uchiha they were speaking of entered the foyer, heading towards the group.
"He hasn't had the guts, why should I be easy on him? The blonde let his condescending eyes fall on the taller man who had stopped a few feet away.
"Sumire, come here."
"Huh?"
His hand slipped behind her back and drew her almost against him. He leaned down to her ear and whispered:
"Just because you're in his home, doesn't mean he's won, un."
Sumire pushed against him, her small hands pressed into his chest. Her cheeks were lit a flame with embarrassment. Won what? What is he talking about?
X
Itachi took in the scene before him. Does he think this will infuriate me? The cell phone in his hand creaked as his fingers tightened around it. He turned away and instead entered the men's bathroom where he speed-dialed his cousin.
"Hey cousin."
"Shisui…"
"What's up? You sound upset."
"How should I react… if another man is making advances on her?"
"Fight him."
I truly love my cousin but I do feel exhausted by him sometimes.
The silence made Shisui chuckle:
"Sorry, you make things too easy. Just play it cool. It'll be tough to watch, but if you were meant for each other, things will fall into place."
"I see, alright. I don't want to make the same mistake twice and drive her away."
"Yeah, again sorry about that, I didn't think you'd take me seriously."
"It's sometimes difficult to decipher if you are joking or not."
"So are you going to ask her today?"
"If I can be alone with her."
"Why not ask her at home/"
"I want her to have the option to move away from me. If I ask her in a car or at home she may feel boxed in."
"Good thinking. Best of luck, soldier."
"Thank you."
X
"The competition continues," Kisame walked away from the pair.
Deidara straightened, letting his arm fall. Sumire remained pensive, her eyes glued to the chest of the man in front of her.
Competition? That crap again? When her thoughts calmed, she noticed the puff of the blondes chest and the triumphant smirk on his face.
"What're you happy about?"
"I think I killed two birds with one stone, un."
"How so?"
"Don't worry about it."
She groaned. Everyone's speaking in riddles today. He hummed confidently while exiting the foyer and even broke into a whistle.
"Are you alright?"
For the first time in a while she was not startled by the voice coming from behind her.
"I'm fine." She turned around calmly.
Itachi's breath caught in his throat when their eyes met. His palms were sweating now, a nervousness he hadn't felt before was filling him. She folded her hands together and hunched up her shoulders, waiting for the man in front of her to speak. This is my chance, he thought, I should ask her now.
"Itachi-san?" she spoke finally.
His eyes flashed wide for a moment at the sound of her voice.
"Yes?"
"Did you need something from me?"
"Oh… uh…" he fidgeted slightly. "No… no."
"Okay, well I'm gonna get back to work."
"Yes… do that."
Sumire smiled at him and walked back towards the main hall. A look of longing filled his expression, which quickly faded back into calm. He followed her at a distance.
X
Sasori emerged from the bathroom stall, his far away gaze had a hint of sullenness to it. He washed his hands and entered the foyer in time to catch the look on the Uchiha's face. He sighed to himself, his hand reached into his pocket for his own cell phone. Whatever her name was, I suppose I'll text her. He continued into the hall. Backstage he found Sumire packing the last of the silk decorations into a large plastic bin.
"Who are you texting?" she asked playfully, when she noticed the red head entering the room.
"No one."
"Is it a girl?"
"I said it's no one."
"Who is she?" Sumire teased.
The reddish-brown eyes locked onto hers for a moment and she caught an air of sadness coming from him.
"Absolutely…" he paused their stares separating, "no one."
"Oh…"
He proceeded to pick up a bin and carry it to the storage room.
Is Sasori-sama okay?
Saturday
Did you do it?
No
(；￣Д)
I had a chance and I blew it.
You'll have another chance.
I don't know, the other men are making moves…
Stop thinking about it so much and just do it.
I'm not scheduled for work today and she's already gone to the concert hall.
Did you offer to give her a ride?
No. Darn it. (﹏)
You gotta think on your feet in you want to get anywhere with her. //\[﹏]/\\
I'll have to wait until tomorrow.
You could ask her when she gets home.
No, I don't want to pressure her too much.
The phone suddenly started to ring. Itachi placed it against his ear:
"You're not pressuring her at all! That's the issue! She may not even know you're interested!"
Itachi stared blankly at the ceiling, processing his cousin's words carefully.
"I wonder if Sasuke has this much trouble with women."
"Don't change the subject."
A deep sigh came from the man laying stretched out across his navy blankets.
"I don't know if I can."
"I have never heard you so nervous about anything, in fact, I'm shocked that this is so difficult for you. You're an Uchiha, when we have our eye set on something we pursue it to perfection."
Itachi remained silent and still on his bed.
"Gather the gusto and go for it cousin, you've said it yourself, she's the girl of your dreams."
"I'll talk to you tomorrow."
"Ita-"
He hung up the phone and tossed it onto the bed. He raised an arm over his eyes, letting out another deep sigh.
Sunday Afternoon
Sumire turned at the corner of the street, somewhat relieved to be home. Her body was tired from the long day of studying and essay-writing that the idea of a late afternoon nap was incredibly appealing. Standing near the entrance to the apartment complex was a tall young man. He had spiked dark hair and an air about him that seemed familiar to the small woman She approached cautiously, the natural anxiety of being around men made her hands start to sweat. She gripped her bag tighter against her when he raised his head. A smile formed on his lips.
"Are you Koizumi Sumire?" He asked.
Her footsteps slowed to a stop a few feet away.
"Uh… yes…"
"Uchiha Shisui, it's nice to meet you."
"It's nice to meet you." She bowed her head.
Another Uchiha. No wonder he seems familiar. They all look a bit similar, don't they?
Shisui gracefully leaned back until he could peek into the parking lot past the entrance as though he was making sure something was there.
"I'm Itachi's cousin." He stated once he straightened.
His cousin?
"I wanted to come by to meet you." He glanced into the parking lot again.
"Ah…"
"You know what, we shouldn't be standing around like this. Let's go get a bite to eat."
"Oh… um… well…"
"My treat. C'mon." He grinned, successfully silencing any protest she could think of, he placed a hand on her shoulder and guided her to a black car similar to Itachi's.
She sat in the passenger side and snapped in her seatbelt robotically. Why am I just going with him? Is it because he's Itachi-san's cousin? She squeezed her thighs together and brought her arms close to her body. It smells like cologne in here. It reminds me of Itachi-san… do all of the Uchiha make their cars smell like a boutique store? The car pulled away from the curb and down the street. She nervously looked at the man beside her, noticing a particularly enchanting smile on his handsome face.
"…um…" her voice was quiet, enough so that she thought he wouldn't hear her.
"Yes?"
"…Uchiha-san… did… did you need something from me?"
"I did have a question, but I think we should eat first."
The car pulled into a drive thru McDonalds.
"What would you like?"
"…uh… a burger is fine."
"Okay."
He called out an order through the drive thru window while Sumire continued to shrink in her seat. This is so strange, but he's so nonchalant. He handed her a small bag after paying, placed two small drinks in the car cup holders, and pulled out of the McDonalds lot back onto the street. Where are we going? I should ask it aloud, but… He continued to drive until they entered a parking lot. Her heartrate picked up, the paper bag crinkled between her fingers, and the air became filled with the scent of fast food. The car slowed to a smooth stop in one of the many empty spaces. He turned off the car and let out a triumphant sigh. He turned his grinning face to her.
"I'm sorry. Am I making you nervous?"
"…a bit…"
"Please don't worry. I'm not here to interrogate you or anything."
She remained silent, squeezing the paper bag, and avoiding eye contact.
"Well, before it gets cold we should get started."
"…oh right."
She handed him back the bag and he sorted the food between them.
"How are things in school?" He asked before she could take a bite.
"Is that the question you wanted to ask?"
"One of them."
"I thought this wasn't an interrogation…"
"It's not. I just wanted to ask."
"School is fine. It's getting close to the end, so I'm a little bit busy and my internship is ending soon too, but I should be okay."
"That's good to hear." He took a big bite of his food.
"…Uchiha-san?"
He made a short hum sound before swallowing:
"Mmm… Shisui is fine, no need to be so formal."
"…okay. Shisui-san, what were you doing outside Itachi-san's apartment?"
"I've heard nothing but good things about you, I was eager to meet you."
"…huh…"
"I know this is going to come off very sudden…"
She gazed at him, interested in his question.
"Do you have feelings for Itachi?"
Her face turned bright red and she clenched the sandwich in her hand.
"…w-why… are y-you asking me s-such a thing?"
"My apologies, I'm sure you weren't ready for this conversation."
"…" she took a sip of her beverage.
She could not manage a word, her fingers began to tremble.
"I only ask because I'm worried about my cousin."
Her line of sight remained on the dashboard. She inhaled deeply before speaking:
"…worried about what?"
"Well," he grinned. "…I'm worried that my cousin is going to get his heart broken."
Her head turned to him, her eyes wide in shock.
"You see…" he slouched slightly in the driver's seat. "He's fallen head over heels for a young woman…"
"…has he…"
"Yes, and I wanted to know if that young woman felt the same for him."
Involuntary tears filled her eyes, then streamed down her face.
"I don't know." The words came out strained. "Sometimes I feel like I do and sometimes I don't…"
Her fingers dug into the sandwich still between her fingers.
"D-does he really…"
"Yes, you're all he talks about."
Her face dropped into her palm, wiping at her cheeks.
"He sometimes acts like he does but he also acts like he doesn't and I just get so confused…"
"I'm sorry about that. My cousin has a hard time with these types of things…"
She nodded slightly, still brushing her face with the back of her hands.
"I'm sorry for making you cry."
"Oh no, it's not you, no." she let out a soft laugh. "I'm just so shocked and… happy."
The spiky haired Uchiha smiled gently at her and reached over to pat her head:
"That's good to hear."
He started the car and he drove out of the parking structure back onto the street. It didn't take long for them to return to the apartment. As they parked he scanned the area with his eyes.
"Shisui-san, are you searching for something?"
"Oh no, I was just looking around." He shut off the car.
"…okay."
"Well, thanks for letting me talk to you."
"…sure…"
"And please be patient with my cousin. The best word to describe him is shy, so if things don't… maybe you can give him a bit of a push… that is, if you are interested in him."
Sumire stared at the tall man beside her who was still smiling encouragingly at her.
"…um…"
"You know what." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a cell phone. "Give me your number, I want to keep in touch."
"…oh…okay…"
He finished saving her contact information and he sent her a text. She opened the thread to read.
It's Shisui! ()/
She giggled:
"I see where Itachi-san learned to use kaomoji's."
She glanced at the man beside her whose cheeks had gone a bit red with embarrassment.
"I'm sorry Shisui-san," she giggled again hiding her mouth with a small hand.
"Have a good evening."
"You too, thank you for the food."
"Of course."
Shisui watched her as she climbed the staircase to the second floor. She's so sweet and charming. I'm glad he's interested in a woman like her.
X
She had just straightened her shoes in the small patch of stone by the front door when she heard Itachi's office door open. A quickened drumming developed in her chest, but she spoke anyway:
"I'm home."
"Welcome…"
She let her gaze scan over the form of the tall dark haired man in front of her. He seemed stiffer than usual and incredibly uncomfortable. His hands clenched by his sides and he took a single step closer.
Is he… going to ask right now?"
"…Sumire-san."
Don't do anything to make him too nervous.
"Hai?"
She remained where she was, a faint smile appearing on her soft features.
"Are you busy Wednesday?"
She slowly shook her head.
"I'm free after 2 pm."
"Would you like to go with me into the city? There's a new crepe stand opening…"
"Sure… yes… I would like to."
"Okay… great."
He nodded shortly and returned to his office in only a few steps. Sumire, realizing she had been holding her breath, exhaled and finally entered the home.
X
So she said yes? ( ▽ )
What did you do?
What do you mean?
She's easily startled. She's an extremely nervous person, but she wasn't surprised at all! ლ(ಠ_ಠ ლ)
Why does that makes you think I did something? (*ﾉωﾉ)
Who else knew I was going to ask her out? (￢_￢)
Okay okay, so I may have mentioned something. (￣▽￣*)ゞ
What did you say to her?
I said for her to respond how she felt, not to spare your feelings if she wasn't interested, that is all I said, nothing else.
Thank you.
I didn't do anything; her response was all because of you. ＼(￣▽￣)／