A/N: While writing this chapter I inserted a touch of love. Hopefully it's noticeable.

Since moving in a week ago, Sumire's daily life had returned to normal. She would attend class, complete her work, and head home where she would sometimes have a meal with Itachi. Some evenings, however, he would be out, doing some sort of work that she never felt obligated to question him about. It makes sense he would be out at night, doesn't the stage crew have some rehearsals during the week? I've never asked anyone.

This was one of those evenings, where despite knowing she was alone she felt very comfortable and safe. Her mind wandered to Sunday. Shisui-san surprised me. Her knees pulled up to her chest and her chin rested atop them. I didn't think I would meet another Uchiha so quickly, especially one so friendly and informal. When I think Uchiha I think of Itachi-san or Sasuke. I guess both of them are very different it makes sense that each Uchiha would be different. I don't know why I thought of it that way. The doorbell chimed and she turned in the direction. Who could that be? She stood. She scooped her hair over her shoulder as she went to investigate. On the very tips of her toes she peeked through the peephole and saw no one there. Huh. Her small hand reached for the knob, but she stopped. I've seen enough horror movies to know this is exactly what I'm not supposed to do. She set back on her heels. But what if its someone important or someone that needs help?

X

Shisui tapped his pen against his notebook, gradually slumping in the driver's seat of his car. Stakeouts are so boring, how do ninjas do this for weeks, I can only handle a few hours at a time. He yawned and stretched, moaning at the feel of his muscles tending under his skin. He suddenly dropped in his seat, sliding low so he could clearly see out the wind shield. There we go. He watched the person approach the apartment and ring the doorbell. Shisui picked up his notebook and wrote the date and the name of the man on the second floor of the apartment building. They should really try to be more stealthy, it doesn't take much, just come way later.

He pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number. The man in front of the door immediately walked away, his hand searching in his pocket.

"Yo!"

"Shisui-sama."

"What are you up to, Inabi-san?"

"I'm at home."

"Home? Do you have the window open? I can hear a lot of wind."

"Yes, I have the window open."

"I see. Well I was thinking of visiting my cousin, Itachi, want to come along? I can pick you up?"

"Oh no, I don't have very many free evenings, I'd rather stay in."

"Are you sure, it would be no trouble at all. I'm already in my car."

"No no, it's fine, but would you do me a favor while you are there?"

"Sure,"

"You must have heard the rumors…"

"Rumors?"
"Ah, that a woman is living with your cousin…"

"Huh, I may have heard something like that."

"When you go over would you investigate? You know as well as I do that we cannot let this rumor leave the clan…"

"I understand."

"I leave it to you."

Shisui hung up and waited for the car to disappear from the parking lot before exiting and jogging up the stairs. He knocked gently on the door.

X

Sumire spun back around and peeked through the peephole again.

"Oh!"

She undid the latch and pulled it open.

"Shisui-san, good evening!"

"Good evening, may I come in?"

"Oh sure, Itachi-san isn't back yet."

"That's okay."

She stepped aside to let him pass, then closed and locked the door.

"Please make yourself comfortable, I'll make some tea."

"Thanks,"

A few minutes later, Sumire joined him in the living room with a tray, she set it on the table and sat beside him. She poured him a cup.

"I'm so sorry, I missed you the first time you knocked, I looked through the peephole and didn't see anyone."

"No worries." He sipped the steaming cup and set it down on the tray.

"It's good to be careful, even more so at night, you don't know who's going to come by."

"Un," she held her own cup to her face, letting the steam rush across her skin.

"Not to nag, and I'm sure you're a tough girl and all, but you're so small, any large man could overpower you, it's good to be extra careful, even if it's someone you know."

"…" A strange feeling began to build in her chest, causing her fingers to squeeze around the ceramic teacup, "Shisui-san."

"Mmm."

"You and Itachi-san speak often, don't you?"

"Pretty often yes."

"Did… did he tell you, anything about me?"

"Hmm, aside from how he feels about you, no. Itachi is very respectful of people's situations, he tends to keep things to himself."

"Oh."

He was smiling.

"Well, he probably didn't tell you, but my previous relationship was abusive."

The strength of his smile seemed to lessen slightly.

"And, I am a woman. I know that I need to be careful and I don't need a man to remind me of it, considering you likely don't know what that experience is like." Her voice came out as a steady stream of words.

Her expression was very calm but by the tone of her voice he detected a touch of irritation. Shisui placed his hands on his knees, elbows sticking outwards, and bowed his head. Sumire jumped. Oh no, not again, this is embarrassing.

"I'm sorry Sumire-chan, you're right. I don't need to lecture you on things you already understand. Please forgive me."

"Eh… 'chan'? Geeze," she patted her fiery cheeks, "Don't bow you're head and call me 'chan' at the same times, it's disorienting!"

He was grinning when he raised his.

"My bad."

"But it's okay. It's not that important." Biting her lip to stop a smile from forming on her lips, "Big bully."

He chuckled. It was in that moment that Shisui viewed her as a woman for the first time. Previously, he had only seen her with the title of "My Dear Cousin's Love Interest" floating somewhere above her dark head. I see her appeal now. His gaze drifted over her leisurely. When he first told me and I looked her up I thought she was average in looks. Itachi has always been approached by stunning women with bodies you wouldn't believe. Especially that story he told me of the two American girls he met at a frat party he was coerced into attending. They tried to convince him to sleep with them at the same time and he immediately left. What a story right? Those American girls, haha. He passed up an opportunity many men dream of. Anyways, I figure there have been many women who crossed his path who look like Sumire-chan, long dark hair, large dark eyes, naturally pouty lips, long eyelashes… His thoughts started to slow, a cute button nose, a round face with a round chin, a slender body but soft-looking around the middle… Her breasts aren't huge but she has a nice figure… Good style…

"You Uchiha are so complicated."

"Sorry, we are a rousing bunch." He snapped out of his thoughts.

"Rousing? Are you complimenting yourself?"

"Ah, I've been found out."

Sumire giggled. He's so funny.

Shisui sipped at his tea again. She doesn't back down, she comes off as super meek and shy but she's capable of holding a conversation even if its difficult. And her personality is…

"Shisui-san, you're very fun to be around, do you not have a lover?"

She noticed his face redden slightly.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't ask something so personal."

"It's okay, I've been very direct with you. I do not have a girlfriend at the moment."

"I see."

"I've been very busy with work."

"I hope you don't feel too pressured. Is there someone you are interested in?"

He chuckled softly:

"Not at the moment, no."

She hummed and held the teacup to her lips again.

"I'm about to turn 30, I should definitely work on it."

"I'm sure she's just on the horizon, waiting for you to notice her."

"I wish she would tap me on the shoulder to let me know she's there, I can't seem to see her."

She pouted at him.

"So, Sumire-chan, enough about me. How was your day?"
"Okay, I got all of my work done early."

"Now you're just waiting for my cousin to get home?"

"Um… well…" she looked down, her fingers curling at the edge of her skirt. "I suppose."

Oh right, I should start dinner.

He was delighted by her sudden nervousness.

"Hopefully he'll be back soon."

"Un,"

"What is he working on today?"

"I'm not sure, I didn't ask him."

"Hmm, probably a meeting with some business people."

"Business? Oh yes, he's working on his doctorate, isn't he?"

"Yeah, his second one."

"…his… his second one?"

"Yes. It would be his…" he silently counted on his fingers. "His seventh degree."

"Seventh?" her eyes were wide now. "How? What?"

"Three bachelor's, two masters, two doctorates."

"How is that…" her hands cupped her face again.

"Well he triple majored in his undergraduate at Tokyo University."

"But… seven degrees… what were the three bachelors?"

"Business and Economics were the two main ones, he told me," he paused smiling at his thought, "that he did a philosophy degree for fun."

"Philosophy…" her faint smile returned, "that definitely sounds like something he'd enjoy."

I'll remember that, it'll be good to bring up on our date. Her cheeks turned red again. Why am I preparing for the date? It's my first ever date… I want to do my part to make it fun. Shisui could tell she was deeply considering the information he had provided her.

"I'm sure he would have pursued it further, had his duties left him time to."

"Duties? Being part of a well-known family sounds like a lot of work."

"Of course, even more so when you're the son of the CEO."

"Wait, what?" Sumire was stunned.

"Itachi is the first son of Uchiha Fugaku-sama, the CEO of the company and the head of the family. You didn't know that?"

"…no…" her voice was tiny.

So she knew he came from money but she had no idea just how much huh? That's a huge appeal I suppose. A girl that has no interest in his money or his fame.

"He just…" she brushed her hair over her shoulder, glancing at the now cold tea, "he just becomes more and more otherworldly."

"Otherworldly, that's an interesting way to put it."

"Otherworldly, incredible, genius, out of reach…"

"He's definitely not out of reach. I know he's very quiet." His hand gently rested atop her.

"But he's fairly open once you start talking and with you…" His fingers squeezed hers gently, "Just ask him anything."

"Thank you."

"Stay relaxed and he'll open right up."

"Un."
They heard shuffling at the door, the sound of keys, and it opened.

"I'm home." Itachi's voice traveled to them.

"Welcome-"

"Welcome back!" Shisui called loudly.

Sumire immediately burst into giggles. He was up and in the hallway in moments.

"Did you bring anything to eat?" he asked.

"Shisui."

Sumire followed him.

"I'm sorry, I haven't started dinner yet, Itachi-san."

His shock lessened when he saw her face.

"It's alright."

"Well, I'm going to head out. You two have a good evening."

I thought he came to see Itachi-san…

They watched him exit the apartment, both still slightly in shock. Outside Shisui made a note to himself to tell his cousin about his stakeout. I'll tell him on Thursday, I don't want him to be too nervous for his date.

Wednesday

Dressing was nerve-wracking. She was barely able to put her makeup on. Her hands were shaking. My first ever date and… She sighed. It's with Itachi-san. It wasn't until she had exited into the hallway that she felt a sense of confidence. Shisui-san said Itachi-san really likes me. There's nothing to be afraid of. The man on her mind was waiting patiently in the living room, his thumbs quickly typing out message after message to his cousin.

Take a deep breath and go! (o_ _)ﾉ彡

Was the only response he received. Itachi stood when he heard the soft padding of the woman he was waiting for. She stood behind the couch, nervously watching him as he faced her.

"All ready?"

"Un." She gave a short nod.

Her face ignited with fire; the feel of his dark, piercing eyes scanning her outfit already had her heart racing. She fidgeted and stared at the ground. Her hair was carefully brushed and strategically placed over her shoulders. A lavender blouse covered her torso with white shorts partially hidden underneath. Her outfit was completed with black thigh highs. She couldn't imagine herself going on a date without them.

"Shall we go?"

"Ah, un."

Is he not going to comment on my outfit?

She looks so cute.

In the foyer, she slipped into a pair of Maryjane's. A few feet behind her he adjusted his coat over his black turtleneck, wondering if he should have complemented her. I can't text Shisui and ask him. I must consider her feelings. If she saw me constantly on my phone, she would likely become upset.

As they approached his car, Itachi suddenly moved faster, trying to beat her to the passenger side. He grabbed the door handle but quickly realized he had forgotten to unlock it. He pulled the keys from his pocket, Sumire pausing behind him now, and opened the door. She giggled, putting a fist to her mouth to hide it, and entered the car, thanking him before he closed the door.

She never felt stressed in Itachi's car. He drove carefully, almost expertly, the wheels gliding over the pavement as though it weren't there. His overall presence always soothed her nerves, but this moment was a bit different than before. He seemed stiffer than usual, his knuckles turning white from his tight grip on the steering wheel. The silence continued even as they pulled into the parking structure near their destination.

I can't take this. I don't want him to be so stressed.

He undid his seatbelt, but before he could exit she reached out and gently touched his wrist. He looked at her slightly wide-eyed, a single wave of fear rushing through him at the sudden touch. Did I do something to upset her?

"Itachi-san."

His breathing hitched. She had spoken his name with the low, smooth tones that usually began a ballad. Was she going to sing to him? Right here? Right now? No. She was smiling very encouragingly.

"Please don't think too hard about all of this."

Is she rejecting me?

Her small fingers squeezed his sleeve.

"It's our first date. Let's just relax and have a good time, okay?"

A heavy weight slid off his shoulders and toppled to the ground. Our first date. He exhaled and returned her smile with one of his own.

"Ah."

She blushed, her hand retreating. Too sexy. They both exited the car finally and made their way out of the parking structure.

I know I said we should relax, but I'm so freaking nervous. I took one look at him and I thought I was going to pass out. It was midafternoon, the air was warm, but the weather forecast said it would become chilly quickly.

Itachi knew this, hence the thick coat he had worn and the turtleneck beneath when he would inevitably, offer his coat to the small, thinly dressed woman beside him. Unfortunately, his well thought out plan was complicated by the increasing heat.

Sumire's ability to perceive Itachi's emotions was working in full force at this moment.

"Ne, Itachi-san."

"Hmm?"

"You look really cool and all…" she tugged on his sleeve, "but you shouldn't try to steam yourself. I can carry it for you."

They paused on the sidewalk. People passed them on either side, deeply engaged with their own agendas.

"You're right." He slid the coat of and carefully folded it. "You do not have to hold it though."

"You'll hold my crepe for me until we find somewhere to sit, if that's okay with you?"

He considered it and gave a slight nod.

"Good idea."

She cradled the article of clothing in her arms and they continued down the street. The crepe shop now only one block away. She glanced sideways at his tall, slim figure. The black turtleneck hugged his torso well, enough so that ever-so-faint defining lines of his god-like figure through the fabric.

He's so sexy. How did this happen? How am I on a date with this incredibly attractive man?

The idea that this was a date was still looming over his dark head. His mind had gone mostly blank. Every conversation topic he had prepared was nowhere within his minds grasp.

"Itachi-san?"

"Hmm?"

"Have you had crepes before?" Sumire felt his nervousness radiating off him.

She wanted to relax him somehow but was unsure of how to do so.

"It's similar to a pancake, though it is extremely thin. Usually they allow you to pick your own toppings, but they also have some display crepes to give you ideas. I'm unsure if this one will be the same though."

"What flavors have you tried?" Do they have chocolate?

"Strawberry and whipped cream… green tea… natto…"

"Natto? Really? Was it good?"

He shrugged his shoulders.

"It was edible. I prefer fresh fruit and whipped cream."

She nodded her head:

"I hope there's chocolate."

"Chocolate is your favorite?"

"Un!"

Make a note of that for future reference.

The sign was brightly colored and large. Inside it was full of high school students chatting loudly. A group of girls gasped when Itachi entered, after holding the door open for Sumire of course. He kept his eyes on her as they waited in line.

"How nice… I want a boyfriend like that…" one of the high school girls moaned.

The others proceeded to tease her, but the dark-haired pair was not paying attention to their surroundings. Though silently, they were consumed with one another's presence. Itachi was preoccupied with measuring the distance between himself and her, concerned with being too close or being too far, while Sumire carefully examined the menu. They even have dango, what a comprehensive list.

When they arrived at the cashier Itachi ordered first.

"Strawberries and cream."

No dango?

"And for you?"

Itachi stepped back to let her order. Sumire leaned close.

"Nutella, banana, and whip cream please. Also," she lowered her voice, "would you put dango at the bottom of his?"

"Sure,"

"It's his favorite, but I think he's nervous, so he's probably missed it."

The cashier smiled at her:

"Understood."

"Thank you!"

Itachi reached past her to hand them his card. She thanked him and they stood back from the line, both scanning the small shop for open seats, but finding none. She tugged on his sleeve until he leaned to the side and she rose on her toes to speak in his ear:

"We can go to the park across the street. There could be somewhere to sit there."

"Ah."

Their number was called and Itachi collected their desserts. Outside the air was mild and showing signs of beginning to cool. Finally, they found an empty bench. The silence remained despite Itachi's best efforts to will himself to speak.

Sumire noticed this. Maybe Shisui talked him up too much and just made him more nervous?

"Would you like to try mine?"

"Sure, you try mine as well."

They exchanged and bit into each other's.

"I'll have to try that next times, it's really good."

He nodded and they returned their crepes.

"Itachi-san,"

"Yes?"

"What are you thinking about?" Sumire wasn't the best at making conversation herself, but in this moment, she figured this was better than allowing the silence to continue.

"How…" he released a sigh. "How poorly I'm performing currently."

Once the words registered she burst into a fit of giggles.

"Geeze, Itachi-san. This is a date, not a test." She licked some cream from her lips. "You don't have to worry so much, I already like y-"

She froze up and her face flushed. Oh gosh, I said that aloud. He gazed at her wide-eyed, his own face reddening somewhat. She bit into her crepe, avoiding eye contact.

"I really like you."

Sumire jumped and turned sharply to him.

"I've liked you for a very long time."

"Itachi-san…"

"I've made mistakes while getting to know you, but it was all nerves. I didn't want to make you uncomfortable, but I wasn't prepared to engage with my feelings."

She waited a moment before she responded:

"M-may I ask, what do you like about me? I just…" her gaze drifted downward. "I don't know what someone as impressive as you would find appealing in someone as… as ordinary as me."

"Your smile is beautiful."

She clenched her dessert.

"You're honest and genuine. You may have your defense mechanisms, but you are self-aware. Your personality doesn't clash with mine. Your ability for sympathy and understanding is unrivaled. Some may argue that is a sign of weakness, but I believe it is a sign of strength."

That's very philosophical… he has a degree in philosophy, doesn't he?
"I am somewhat similar and I think I felt drawn to you because of that. However, it's…" his lip curled. "It's your comfort with displaying emotions is what I find most attractive. It is always something I've struggled with. To see you so comfortable displaying your frustration and your joy... I find that enormously appealing."

"I don't think I've ever been praised this much before…" she spoke quietly.

"Sumire-san."

Her eyes slowly met his.

"I like you."

Her fingers relaxed around the crepe as he scooted closer to her.

"I only wish you thought more of yourself." His voice lowered, his face nearing hers.

Her entire body felt warm, from hearing so many praises, but also from anticipation. Wait. She thought. Itachi has… done odd things to me, but we've… we've never actually…

They both paused when a loud wail filled the air. Only a few yards away was a small girl, kneeling on the pavement and sobbing into her hands. They glanced at one another and both stood. Sumire spoke to her first.

"Are you okay?"

The girl cried out again, this time screaming for her mother.

"Where is your mother?" Sumire prodded.

The girl was not listening. Itachi handed Sumire the remnants of his crepe, knelt beside the child, and titled his head.

"Excuse me," he began.

The girl was still crying, but her attention had been successfully drawn in.

"Are you lost?"

She leapt towards him and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I can't find my mom!"

Sumire kept a palm over her mouth to hide her smile. Itachi looked somewhat shocked, but gently patted the child's back.

"We can help you find your mother." He tried to pry her off, but she only gripped him tighter.

"Mister Prince please help me find my mom!"

"…mister… prince…" Itachi was now uncomfortable.

Sumire couldn't hold in her laughter anymore, when she finally relaxed she patted the still kneeling man on his back.

"C'mon Mr. Prince. You should carry your princess."

He was embarrassed, but scooped up the girl and seated her on his shoulder. She clung to his head as he walked in the direction the girl pointed. Sumire followed close behind, still giggling as she recalled his expressions of discomfort. They walked all through the park for only a few minutes when a woman came running over to them, calling out the name of the girl on his shoulder. He set her down and she rushed into the arms of her mother.

"Thank you so much!"

Itachi bowed his head respectfully and Sumire did the same.

"Thank you Mister Prince and Miss Princess!"

Sumire blushed and Itachi hid a smirk by turning his head. When they looked at one another again, Sumire forcibly handed him back his crepe.

"Hush."

"My apologies, miss princess."

"Hush!"

They found another bench and ate, Sumire with her cheeks puffed and Itachi with a bit more confidence than when the date had first begun. When he looked at her now, he felt a calm that resembled how he felt before she had moved in with him. Sumire polished off the last of crepe just as he reached the bottom. He held the crepe at a distance for a moment, then peeked between the thin folds of pastry.

"Dango?"

"You found your surprise."

"Are you responsible for this?"

"…maaaaaaaybe."

He was smiling at her again and she stuck her tongue at him. The silence that followed them as they walked back to the parking structure and drove back in his car was different. They were comfortable, content with the few hours that had passed. Arriving back at his apartment he calmly opened the passenger-side door for her and walked with her side by side until they reached his apartment door. In front, they both halted, her turning around until they were facing one another. He confirmed his final action when he saw her hopeful eyes.

"Sumire-san."

"Yes?"

"May I kiss you?"

Her entire face and neck flushed. Her shoulders hunched up. Her heart rate increased. We've never actually kissed before.

"I've never…" The air she breathed in suddenly felt thick. "been asked before."

The emotions welled until her dark eyes were nearly brimming with hot tears. Itachi-san is amazing. Why didn't I just let myself feel this before. He waited patiently for her response, knowing that her nervous disposition made things like this difficult. When she had finally gathered herself she nodded then said:

"Yes."

He leaned forward and down, gently placing two fingers beneath her chin to tilt it up slightly. Her eyelids fluttered closed. The moment that passed before his lips touched hers felt like an eternity. Anticipation had her squeezing her hands into fists, her toes curling in her shoes. A spark rushed to her fingertips and her hands unclenched at the soft, feather-light press. She tipped forward.

Itachi titled his head, the pressure increased and Sumire hooked her hands behind his neck. A hunger filled his body, but he resisted his urge to grasp her around the waist and press their bodies together.

They parted slowly, her hands slipping onto his shoulders then sliding off. The silence between them was incredibly comfortable, both breathless from the intensity of such a simple kiss. The moment was complete when he smiled, his rare, genuine smile and she patted her heated face.

"It's very cute."

"Huh?" her eyes widened, not expecting him to speak.

"The way you gently slap your face when you're embarrassed."

"Don't make fun of me!" she whined.

He was still smiling.

"Meanie."

He leaned down suddenly and pecked her on the lips. Steam burst from her ears and she spun around. She shoved her key frantically into the lock and rushed inside, shutting the door behind her.

"Sumire-san." His voice was slightly muffled.

"No!" she yelled.

"Please unlock the door."

"No!"

"I won't kiss you again."

She undid the latch and opened it enough that she could look through.

"…that's not… no. Not that."

"Please let me in." His smile was as bright as ever.

She stepped back, opening it fully.

"I don't want… there to be no kisses."

"You would still like kisses?"

She shut the door and redid the latch, refusing to look at him. I feel like I'm gonna melt into the floor. I'm so embarrassed.

She turned to him and nodded. His hand was under her chin again and their mouths met. This time deeper, harder, more loving than the last. He finally drew her against him, eliciting a gasp from the small body, now grinding against his. Naturally their tongues slipped out, twisting curiously with one another. He was cupping her face, thrusting the muscle more forcefully against hers. Her moan vibrated across his lips. God, I want him to take me now. Sumire's fingers had been busy gripping his thin dark hair, tugging gently when the sensation caused heat to pool between her thighs.

Her eyes opened when they parted, watching the string of saliva stretch out then disappear, but she gasped again when he picked her up by her waist and nearly slammed her against the door. He was upon her again, unleashing all the frustration that had built up within him over the past seven weeks. Her short legs were hooked around his waist.

"Mmm." She was able to lift him off a bit. "Itachi-san."

His eyes were half-lidded, the expression far different from the fondness he portrayed a few minutes ago.

"W-would…" her shyness preceded her. "Do you want to…"

He blinked and there seemed to be some clarity appearing on his features. He realized his lips were pulsating from the repeated kneading of their mouths. As his temperature finally began to cool he planted a kiss upon her forehead, just beneath her hairline. He carefully set her down, his hands lingering on her waist.

Sumire wanted to grasp his hands and put them back on her body. She wanted to press herself to him and mold lips again. She wanted him to grab her, just as intensely as the moment he lifted her, carry her to his bed, throw her, tear off her clothing, and claim her as his. She snapped from her thoughts when he lifted her hand. He placed another peck between knuckles.

"I'm taking you to dinner after work Friday." She felt his breath over her fingers.

She nodded eagerly:

"Un."

He let her go and walked away. She watched his back as he disappeared behind his office door. So we're going to wait. How long are we going to wait, I wonder… It's okay. Don't get too excited. He probably just wants me to be ready… She giggled and shook her shoulders. This is all really happening… If this is a dream. I don't want to wake up.

A/N: I am still in the throes of my Senior Undergrad Thesis. So... it'll be a while from now. I'm not lying this time.