A/N: :)

"Sasuke-kun?"

The one he had been waiting for walked towards them, her eyes focused on the woman that was clinging to him so tightly. But there was no jealousy in her expression only concern, because she recognized the sound of that crying almost immediately.

"Sumire?"

"Sakura…" He put a hand on the small womans head who still had her face buried in his chest.

"What happened? Sumire are you okay?"

She knew something was amiss. These two never got along. Well, they weren't exactly "getting along," but they've never touched each other before, as far as the pink haired young woman knew. Sumire stepped back, wiping at the tears that did not stop rushing down her face.

"Sasuke-kun?" Sakura repeated hoping someone would answer her question.

"H- H-" she hiccuped. "H- Hisashi-"

"Hisashi came here?" Sakura's eyes were wide in anger.

She looked at Sasuke with a bit of ferocity.

"We need to take her home."

He heard the finality in her tone and did not argue. He allowed Sakura to take charge of the sniveling woman while he sat in his car. He waited for them to settle in the backseat before pulling away from the curb.

X

Her body was still shaking uncontrollably, on the verge of collapsing in front of the door to Itachi's apartment.

"Where are your keys?" Sakura asked her.

"F-Front p-p-ocket."

Her fingers were intertwined and gripping tightly. Sasuke put a hand on her back to steady her. He did this without thinking. She flinched a bit and he withdrew his hand. She slowly looked up at him with a deeply flushed face, her large eyes were still shining with tears. Sasuke felt something odd somewhere in his abdomen but he ignored it. There was something else to attend to now.

X

Itachi had had an easy day and he wished to share his evening with her. All afternoon he was imagining holding her in his lap and gently kissing her. He imagined squeezing her close, the mood would change around them, she would become nervous, he could assure he would be gentle, he would be slow, she would nod blushingly but eagerly, and he would undress her. The sound of the door excited him. He sprung from his office chair and entered the hall.

"Sumire-san."

He froze when he saw Sakura and Sasuke supporting her physically as she took her shoes off in the foyer. He saw the deep flush on her face, the trembling in her limbs. She was not well.

"Sumire-san." he repeated her name.

She looked up and she was running. She launched herself at him, clinging to his dress shirt and bursting into another fresh set of sobs.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

She couldn't answer for she was dissolving into her terror. He rubbed her back gently.

"Would you like to go to bed?"

Her cries quieted just a bit and she nodded into his chest.

"Pardon the intrusion." Sakura stepped onto the wooden floor. "I can help her."

She placed a hand on her shoulder, waiting for her to step away from Itachi, then followed her to her room. There was a tense air as she helped her undress. It remained as such even as she helped her slide on her nightshirt. Sakura did not try to make conversation. She had helped her a few times when she was in this state. She knew saying anything aside from small talk relating to their tasks would only cause extra stress. Sumire finally climbed into her bed, facing away from the pink haired woman.

There was a short silence where Sakura's concerned gaze lingered on her once friend and roommate, but she re entered the hallway. Both men were missing so she headed towards the front door.

X

"Someone approached her outside the west entrance. I just stepped in his way. That's all. She said his name was… Hisashi? I think that was it."

Itachi's eyes flickered at the name.

"Hisashi?"

"I believe so."

They were standing close to the door.

"Let's discuss outside."

Sasuke's own dark eyes flickered. There was some seriousness in his brother's voice, indetectable to a stranger but so apparent to someone who knew him well. The door was closed behind them and they continued their conversation.

"Umehara Hisashi."

"Someone you know?"

"Sumire-san's ex boyfriend."

Sasuke released a short exhale of curiosity. I… feel like Sakura told me about this before.

"He's an extremely abusive man who almost killed her once."

Sasuke's expression hardened.

"A few weeks ago he came to the concert hall in search of her. A few of our crew members were able to stop him from dragging her away."

"I see."

"He's becoming more and more desperate, it would seem, if he's willing to try to take her in broad daylight. If he ever succeeded I wouldn't…"

Sasuke was feeling odd again. His fists were clenched at his sides, but the feeling became unimportant for suddenly his brother was bowing his head.

"Thank you."

"N-Ni-san."

"If you hadn't been there, I'm sure the worst could have happened." Itachi straightened, a grateful, affectionate smile present. "Thank you."

Sasuke felt heat across his face. He turned away sharply. The door behind them opened and Sakura appeared.

"She's in bed…" she noticed the thick atmosphere. "I think I'll wait in the car."

Sasuke handed her the keys. She politely bowed to Itachi and trotted away. In his car she slid low in the seat so she could just see their faces.

The silence remained between them for only a short while longer.

"Ni-san." Sasuke finally recovered. "What exactly is your relationship with her?"

"We are dating."

"I thought so." he sighed, looking over the edge of the short wall in front of them.

Is she after his money? She's poor so it wouldn't be a surprise if she's after him because of that. Is he really interested in her? Did she… weasel her way into his good graces? Did she give… favors? No… Ni-san isn't the type of person to fall for stuff like that. Then… do they actually like each other… why the hell would he like a ridiculous, panicky, short-

"I plan to marry her."

His pupil's dilated so quickly it hurt. His head snapped towards his older brother whose face was the calmest he had ever seen.

"Ni-san…"

"Assuming things go well."

"Ni-san how can you say something like that so easily? You haven't even known her for a year. How can you be sure you want to-"

"Because I love her."

"Like I said, how can you be so sure?"

"Do you love Haruno-san?"

There came a start. Sasuke looked away, towards the car where she was successfully watching them without her boring eyes being noticed.

"...it's different. I've known her for a long time. We've been in a relationship for a long time."

"But do you love her?"

He was struggling. He made a face that Sakura had never seen before, a complicated expression that was actually common in the Uchiha men. His knitted brows accentuated the lines around his eyes, his reluctant frown almost a pout, his eyes darted about.

Sasuke was embarrassed.

It took long for him to muster the answer. Not to convince himself that it was true, he knew it was true. One could have confidence of the mind, but often the pathway between the mind and mouth was littered with anxiety. What could possibly happen if he were to admit it? Would flaming shuriken rain down? Well, he'd just have to find out.

"I do."

"Then you understand what it's like to want to be with the person you love."

"...I do, but…"

"It's the same."

There was a pause in their conversation. Needless to say, Sasuke was overwhelmed with the confession. But he knew there was no argument against the unwieldy and immovable feeling that was love. His mind did wander elsewhere though.

Father will never… let alone the entire clan…

"You are right. Bringing Sumire-san to the estate and introducing her as my lover and the woman I wish to marry would cause an uproar. I would be hated more than I am now. The only way I can clear my name is to return as the heir and marry within the clan."

There was another pause, as they were both deeply aware of the events taking place back at the estate.

"But I've made my decision. I plan to move forward with it. And if possible, I'd really love your blessing."

If Sasuke had a more sensitive disposition he certainly would have fainted by now. He could only grimace.

"Ni-san."

Itachi's eyes were shut, his posture relaxed. He truly enjoyed saying these things out loud, to his precious younger brother no less. Finally someone knew his truth, the whole truth. He had only shown the surface and touches of it's depth to Shisui, but to reveal it all was somewhat of a relief.

"Does she make you happy?" Sasuke asked finally.

There was a sparkle around Itachi's face as he smiled. Sasuke knew in that moment it was true.

"Yes."

He turned away on his heel.

"Then fine."

Itachi wanted to make his quintessential display of affection for his younger brother, but he was already walking down the stairs towards his car.

Sasuke plopped into the driver's seat with a look of exhaustion. He wanted to drive away quickly, but he noticed the woman waiting for him was gazing at him in awe. He narrowed his eyes at her.

"What?"

She turned away with a flush appearing on her cheeks.

"N-Nothing."

The older Uchiha pulled his phone from his pocket as he watched the car drive away. There were only two rings before the familiar voice came over the phone.

"Hey cousin! How's it going today?"

"Shisui. I have a favor to ask."

"Hmmmmm, what could it be?"

"I know I've already asked you for so much help before and I'm extremely grateful for that. What I'm going to ask you to do, I would understand if you refused."

"Well don't keep me in suspense, Itachi."

Exactly 45 Minutes Later

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Who the hell is that?

An unknown face was smiling rather happily outside the peephole. He undid the lock, but not the chain and opened it just enough. He jumped back when metal shears snapped the chain and the door was flung open with a swift kick. Before him was a group of dark haired individuals, all seemingly excited to be entering the apartment.

"Good evening!" said the tallest.

He saluted him and walked past him into the largest room.

"It's a nice apartment for one guy." the dark haired man continued.

"What the hell are you doing? Who the fuck are you people?"

"Shhhhhh." the one with the metal cutters tapped his lip with the edge of them.

What the fuck is happening?

"Umehara Hisashi, right?" said the tall one.

"...who's asking?"

A chuckle came from the three men.

"Please don't make this difficult. We just came here to talk."

"Then talk." he snarled.

"Since you're going to be that way, we'll make it quick." he approached the slightly shorter man. "You know Koizumi Sumire."

"She's my girlfriend."

The one with the cutters belly laughed.

"This idiot!"

"See that's where you're wrong." the tall one put a finger to his chest. "She's not with you anymore. She has a new man and he's a really nice guy…"

He poked him harder in the chest. Hisashi's glare intensified.

"She's moved on, so I think you should too."

"Fuck off."

The one who had been quiet yanked his arm back suddenly and restrained him. The tall one gripped his free arm and rammed it onto the nearby countertop. He struggled but both men, despite being slightly thinner than him, were much much stronger. He froze when the shears were wrapped around his middle finger.

"No! Wait! Please!" he was already in tears, already terrified.

"Now, that sounds like you agree with us. You'll leave her alone?"

"Yes! Yes, I will leave her alone!"

They released him and headed towards the door.

"Please remember," the tall one stopped in doorway. "She's under the protection of the Uchiha. If you go within a kilometer of her, we will know."

Hisashi remained knelt on the ground, trembling in fright.

"Have a nice evening!"

Itachi's Apartment 15 Minutes Later

He finished preparing for bed. He found his dear one in the kitchen preparing a glass of water.

"Sumire-san, how are you feeling?"

Sure, he was disappointed that his plans for the evening were shot, but he was genuinely more concerned with her well-being.

"I'm okay now. I was… just really shocked. I wasn't expecting him to do that."

"I understand."

He put a hand on her shoulder and pecked her temple. She sipped at her water, staring at the flood.

"Are you sure you are alright?"

She nodded slowly:

"It'll take a little bit, but I'm okay."

"...may I hold you?"

His immense sensitivity always put a smile on her face. She set the glass of water on the countertop. Itachi pulled her close and planted a kiss gently on her head. He lingered in that position, enjoying the scent of her hair and the warm feel of her against himself. His phone suddenly started to vibrate in his pocket and he retrieved it.

"Hello?"

"All done!"

"Thank you."

"No problem cuz!"

There was a click and he slipped the device back into his pocket.

"What was that?" she asked meekly.

"Just Shisui. I asked him to do something for me and he called to tell me it was done."

"Ah."
He nuzzled into her hair and squeezed her tighter. They rocked from side to side until Itachi said:

"There's no need to worry anymore. That man won't bother you again."

She was looking at him with an expression of doubt.

"Trust me."

But there was something about the way he said it that eased her.

The Last Evening

The mood was only slightly somber, for the members were very good at keeping spirits lively when they wanted to. But Sumire could feel how deeply emotional she was. So many things were swimming in her head, so many issues and events were on the horizon, but she could only think: Today is my last day as the intern at the Akatsuki concert hall.

Things passed far too quickly for her liking. When night came and the last of the trash was cleaned up, she waited in the foyer thinking deeply about what she wanted to say to them all. They gathered around her naturally, their separate conversations falling silent as the reality of the situation encompassed them. She took in a deep breath and said with a shaking voice:

"I'm so lucky to have gotten to be a part of this crew. You all were so amazing. I'll never forget this experience for the rest of my life. It was truly an honor. There's so much more I want to say but..."

A deep flush was on her face as she bowed low to the group in front of her.

"Thank you. Everyone."

There was a chorus of "well dones." They were waiting because this professional air was not bound to last. They saw her eyes fill with tears.

"AH! SUMIRE-CHAN DON'T GO!" Tobi scooped her up and spun her around.

She laugh-screamed, but didn't fight or panic. She was still laughing as he set her down on the tile.

"It's decided, time to get you drunk!" Hidan hooked an arm through hers.

"No buts, hm." Deidara took her other arm.

"Wait no, I don't like-" she yelped as they lifted her off her feet.

Together they carried her out of the entrance with the rest following leisurely behind.

"Everyone is buying you a drink. And you have to finish all of them." Hidan continued.

"What? There's no way! I'll die!"

The walk to the izakaya was much louder than usual. The men that finally set Sumire down were arguing over who would buy which drink. Hidan suggested they get progressively stronger while Deidara insisted that sake shots were fine.

"We're not trying to kill her, hm."

"But that way we guarantee she gets drunk and stays drunk."

Deidara rolled his eyes. Sumire slowed down until she was between Kisame and Kakuzu. Their enormous presences on either side of her was entertaining to the small woman.

"Can you handle hard drinks?" Kisame asked her.

She shook her head.

"After a few shots of sake I'm already buzzed."

"Do half shots then. To make those two shut up." Kakuzu said.

She nodded in agreement.

"It's my last day after all." she giggled.

"It's gonna be a bummer not hearing the pitter-patter of a tiny Sumire around the concert hall." Kisame mused.

She was laughing again.

"I'm definitely going to miss it."

"Sumire-chan is going to visit, right?" Tobi wrapped his arms around her shoulders.

"I'd be happy to. When you guys are having a slow day."

"You're always welcome." Pein added.

"Un, thank you."

X

Itachi and Pein were in the restroom when the real conversation began. She was three shots deep, which was enormous for her for she never went further than two. The fourth left a burning sensation down her stomach and pooled in her gullet. She was grumbling and glaring at the table. The rest were all at varying levels of drunkenness and were shouting over each other. Sumire's grumbling was increasing in volume and quickly drew the attention of the shark man on her left.

"What's the matter?"

She groaned frustratedly and crossed her arms over her chest.

"Relationship troubles."

She humphed louder.

"I'll take that as a yes."

"What's the trouble, Sumire-chan!" as per usual Tobi was boisterous without alcohol.

"It's nothing."

"Doesn't sound like nothing, hm."

"Did Itachi do something to make you uncomfortable?" Konan's silky voice asked.

She shook her head from side to side exaggeratedly.

"How is that going by the way?" Kisame prodded.

"Fine." she huffed.

"So you two are together, un?"

She seemed to return to her shy self and she managed a short, bashful nod.

"So what's the problem?" Sasori was paying attention.

"We've only kissed." she slurred.

Kisame let out a chuckle. Sounds like he's taking it slow but…

"Are you satisfied?"

"No." she then let out a grunt.

Drunk Sumire is adorable, Kisame thought. She was humming frustratedly and bouncing on the cushion.

"You want to bang him?" Hidan joined the conversation.

She grunted again.

"Not surprised the Uchiha has no balls."

Her bouncing became more frantic. Sasori put a hand on her shoulder.

"Stop it."

She shook his hand off and huffed again.

"Have you tried putting the moves on him?" Kisame asked.

"Yes!"

"Hmm."

"The shy fucker. If he doesn't give you what you need soon, you know my number short-shit."

"Shut up!"

Itachi and Pein returned to find the group laughing.

"It's good to see everyone getting along well." Pein commented while taking a seat by Konan.

"It's all thanks to Sumire-san." she responded.

"Truly things have felt a little different since she arrived."

The night continued as such, with one loud conversation drowning out another. All culminating in Sumire motioning that she was going to throw up and Itachi collecting her before she did. The couple left with the crew members yelling that she better come out with them the next time they went drinking. Itachi drove her home, smiling rather happily about the day. He wasn't normally the jealous-type, but he was pleased with the idea that he would have her all to himself from now on.

He helped her up the stairs and into the apartment. Her clouded consciousness was propelled into action by the underlying desire within her. She grasped Itachi's face just before he bent to remove his shoes and kissed him. Her tongue forced its way into his mouth and hungrily brushed around. Itachi's brows knitted with some discomfort, the taste of alcohol on her lips was overbearing. Despite the hunger in his body he grasped her shoulders and held her away from him. They stared into one another's eyes and she frowned.

"I'm a bit tired, so I'm going to go to bed." he said finally.

She looked down with some disappointment. He straightened. Recognizing the sadness in her face he reached out and tapped two fingers against her forehead. She flinched from the soft touch, then put her hand to the spot. Her gaze returned to his face.

What the heck was that?

"Forgive me, Sumire-san. Next time."

The kindness in his expression made her feel a strange warmth, a warmth far different from the effect of the alcohol.

"Un."

A/N: Thank you for all the reviews so far! I really appreciate them! Also thanks for reading, this is one of my favorite chapters. XD