Part Two

Hope

On June 9th he turned eighteen, and by law, was allowed to get married. For many growing adolescents his age, the prospect of marriage was lodged in the back of their heads, to be forgotten until a later time in their lives. The thought of settling down with one woman is something they'll worry and fret over in a couple more years. But Itachi was not one of those boys. He had always, even during his tender ages, always been several steps ahead of his own generation. The idea of marriage encouraged him and he knew exactly who he would spend the rest of his life with.

That autumn, he had a mission to the rural village of Kuzagakure. It was also coincidentally the same place that Mayuri was with her caravan. The mission was a simple retrieval, not too difficult, and most definitely not worthy of his skill level. But the village was short on hands, and since he knew the travel schedule of her caravan he accepted.

He rested up in a dense tree as he waited for any signs of travelers. In another tree close by he felt the presence of his good friend, Shisui. He was carefree and easygoing, and one of the few members of his clan that approved of Itachi's relationship with Mayuri.

"Itachi," he called out. "I saw a caravan traveling toward here from the northeast."

"Is my golden haired siren among them?"

"I can't be sure if I saw a head of gold hidden under a hood of black and grey."

Itachi chuckled, Shisui was jesting. "Your eyes couldn't see?"

Shisui put up a finger signaling that he wasn't finished just yet. "I didn't see your beloved, but I did see her gloomy guardian."

"He's not so gloomy once you get to know him," Itachi said.

Shisui laughed, wrapping his arms around his stomach. He leaned back as a habit whenever he was in the feel for a good hearty laugh, and it seemed as if he was going to fall off the tree. "You're only saying that in hopes of having him as a father-in-law."

"That is one of his good points."

With an intrigued look in his eyes, Shisui turned toward northeast and activated his red eyes. "They aren't far now. Are you going to surprise her?"

Itachi nodded with a content smile on his face. He had prepared a ring for her, one simple, yet classy. It was absolutely perfect for her.

"I'll steal her away."

"Need some help?"

"No, but if you want to join in the fun, I won't stop you."

Shisui contemplated a little. "Sure, why not?" His mind started to wander and think of creative ways to distract Kaimu while Itachi whisks his protégé away. No doubt Kaimu will be angry, but he'll let them off the hook after a short lecture. That's what parents are always like; they extract discipline and then forgive. "Itachi, have you told your folks about this?"

Itachi stuck his hands in his pockets and assumed his relaxed posture, but inside he was distressed over the task of gaining the approval of his parents.

He knew his mother liked Mayuri, perhaps even adored her. She was absolutely delighted to know her aloof son was finally interested in something other than ninjutsus and shurikens. There was no doubt that Sasuke already saw Mayuri as a sister. The boy was extremely protective of his brother's girlfriend. Shisui was also one of his supporters. But the rest of the clan disliked the idea of their most talented mixing his blood with an outsider. Fukaku, Itachi's father, was completely against anything that had to do with Mayuri, and thus she wasn't a very welcomed topic at the dinner table.

"Concentrate on your studies and on your missions," Fukaku would always say whenever Mayuri came up in conversation. "With your talents you have a chance at becoming the next Hokage."

"I'm sure my mother has some sort of idea. But I haven't told my father yet. But I think he'll understand." Eventually, he added as a thought. Itachi would marry Mayuri no matter what. He just liked the thought of getting his parents' blessing while at it.

Shisui shook his head. No one knew exactly how stubborn Uchiha Fukaku was, since no one stuck with their own argument against him until the end, except perhaps his own wife. He was sure that Itachi would at least prove to be a challenge. He is his father's son after all. He wasn't sure what he can do when the time came, but Shisui would help his friend as much as he can.

"Let's go," Itachi said before he leapt forward.

"Whoop!" Shisui teased, "So eager."

It went by fast and easy, and it didn't even last five minutes before Mayuri was in Itachi's arms and being carried away. Shisui had changed his appearance and had cloned himself so it looked as if a renegade was attacking. The fighters and men of the caravan quickly got into position to protect, but just as Shisui came close enough for a melee, the clones dispelled and Mayuri was gone.

"All in a day's work," he commented as he watched the distressed people scramble around in confusion. They hardly even knew someone was missing.

His eyes searched for Kaimu and located him quickly because of his height. The dark man looked around silently. He was aware of her missing, but he wasn't going to throw a tantrum over it. He knew where she was, or at least had a good idea.

"Where are we going?" Mayuri asked in her ever sweet voice while they soared through the air above the canopy of forest trees with one leap.

"Just a little clearing I found on my way here." She felt nice in his arms, he thought, no lighter than a feather.

"Did Shisui-san help you?"

He glanced over at her with laughter in his dark eyes. "You knew even though he was in disguise?"

"What can I say? After spending so much time with you, it should only be natural for your talents to rub off."

Itachi descended quickly into the clearing and set her feet down slowly on the gentle grass. He beamed down at her with a wide smile spread across his face. What he had planned to come excited him until his heart felt as if it was going to burst.

"Mayuri," he whispered her name, "I have something I want to say."

He slid down onto one knee and reached behind his back for his pouch of weapons and retrieved a small box. He opened it slowly and heard Mayuri gasp. He looked up again and found happy tears flow out of her bright lilac eyes. "I know this is very sudden and the road ahead of us will undoubtedly be difficult, but, Shirakawa Mayuri, will you marry me?"

As unorthodox as it is, Mayuri fell on her knees and touched her forehead with his.

"Of course I will."

Itachi smiled. Such straightforwardness, as expected of her. "Are you ready to fight for your position as my bride?"

"Are you kidding? I was born ready. I would kill just to hold your hand."

"Woah, hold your horses," Itachi said and wrapped his long fingers around her small hand. "There's no need for that. You have my heart." He took her left hand and slipped the ring on her finger and lifted it to his lips for a kiss. "I promise, soon, you'll be mine, and mine alone."

"I hope that day comes real soon," she murmured in his ear before he sealed anymore words that came from her lips with his.