I was waken up at seven the next morning by hard banging. I got out of bed and yelled grumply, "hold on!"
I opened the door and found Itachi with some mover guys. I glared and let them in. Yawning I took my small bag of clothes and changed in the bathroom. Coming out more presentable, I yawned once more. Itachi smirked and said, "They'll take everything to your new apartment. Lets go."
I stretched and grumbled, "You had to do this so early?"
He nodded and I looked at him suspiciously, "You did this to torture me didn't you?"
His innocent look told me all I needed to know. I glared and said, "I'm not too old to shove you in the mud."
He chuckled and lead me out. I found Naruko and Naruto next to the moving truck and Sasuke stood next to a black car. I turned to my bike and Itachi demanded, "What is that?"
I looked at him, confused and saw him looking at my bike in disbelief. I raised an eyebrow and said, "A motorcycle. Haven't you ever seen one?"
He shook his head, "Yes, but you drive it?"
My turn to grin evilly, "Ride with me."
He shook his head, and turned to his car, "I have my car. No thanks."
"Chicken."
He froze and I sighed dramatically, "Well if your not man enough to ride a simple motorcycle, Naruko can ride with me."
I picked up my helmet and his hand appeared. I looked at him innocently and he glared fearcly. I handed it to him and grabbed another, "Naruko can drive your car."
He tossed her his keys and she hid her laughter from her face, but not her eyes. I got on and Itachi got on behind me, Naruko must have had the movers put the sidecar in the truck. I called to the others, "See ya there guys!"
I kicked the bike to life and made Itachi wrap his arms around my waist and hit the gas. I heard his sharp intake of breath and slowed slightly. I zipped down the street and had to stop at a stop light. I looked back and asked, "You ok back there?"
He nodded and asked, "Why do you have this and not a car?"
I looked ahead and said, "Couldn't afford a car. And I like this kind of freedom."
The light turned green and I zoomed down the street. We got to the apartments in record time and I parked. Getting off Itachi handed me the helmet and said, "Not bad."
I grinned happily and looked as Naruko drove up, followed by the moving truck. I waved to them and Itachi lead the way to our new apartments, which was on the second floor and Naruko and Naruto lived right across from me. Sasuke pointed next to their apartment, "Mine is there."
Then he pointed to the one next to me, "And that's Itachi's."
Itachi gave us our keys and the movers moved our stuff in. after they left Naruto and Naruko went to put their stuff away and I called Sasuke and Itachi to my room. I took up an old battered box and said softly, "actually, this is yours."
Itachi and Sasuke sat on the couch and Itachi opened the box. I sat in a chair across from them and they looked, wide eyed as they pulled out photo albums and a few nick nacks that I had pulled out of the trash for them years ago.
I smiled softly and said, "I got these before they could take everything away. I wanted to give them to you once I saw you again."
They looked through the stuff together, and to give them a bit of privacy I got up and started putting things away. I heard movement and looked back from where I was putting the few dishes I had away. Sasuke and Itachi stood up with the box, and I saw true thankfulness on their faces. I smiled and said, "Your welcome. Now get, I have unpacking to do."
They rolled their eyes at me and left. I smiled softly and worked to unpack everything. It took a few hours until I was satisfied and I stashed the boxes in the closet. Stretching happily I decided to make myself some lunch.
Bringing out sandwich material, I made myself a quick sandwich and sat on my couch with a sigh, beginning to feel tired. After I finished my sandwich, I lied my head back with a sigh and closed my eyes. Before I knew it I was asleep.
0o0o0o
Itachi went over to Naruko's apartment and dropped off the papers she needed to fill out. She thanked him and when he asked is she'd seen Sasuke, she told him that he was studying with Naruto.
Itachi nodded and went out to give Ariana her papers. Knocking on her door he walked in, feeling like it was ok to barge in. he froze when he saw her asleep on the couch. Closing the door behind him softly, he walked up and sat next to her softly.
He brushed some hair from her face and said, "Ariana. You need to fill out these papers."
She shifted and slowly opened her eyes. She blinked up at him and mumbled softly, "Later please. I'm tired."
She scooted over without thinking and he froze as she rested her head on his shoulder, curled up on the couch and pressed against him. Him! Itachi Uchiha, who was told countless times that he was an emotionless prick no one could love.
She wrapped her arm around his waist and looked up at him sleepily, "I missed you. And a nap can't kill you."
Then with that she closed her eyes and fell asleep. He wrapped his arm around her back and slowly lied back so that he was fully on the couch, Ariana using him like a pillow. He took a deep breath and sighed as he closed his eyes, "Your such a pain."
She mumbled, "Takes one to know one."
He snorted and slowly felt himself fall asleep.
0o0o
A couple hours later I woke up slowly, wondering why my bed was so comfy. Then I saw that I wasn't on a bed, but a body. Slowly looking up I saw Itachi's peaceful sleeping face and it dawned on me that I hadn't been dreaming when I snuggled up against him and fell asleep next to him.
Deciding to worry about it later and deeming that I was too comfy to get up, I closed my eyes and fell back to sleep.
0o00
Another hour later Itachi stirred, hugging the warm object in his arms tighter, not wanting to let go. The fog in his mind was starting to clear up and his dark eyes opened. Forgetting where he was for the moment, the Uchiha was about to sit up to check the time as he always did but when he couldn't, he blinked sleepily and looked down in confusion.
And he was greatly surprised at what he found. Ariana held onto him tightly and was sound asleep. His first thought was that this was his best friend! He shouldn't be lying like this with her!
Then he stiffened as she took a deep breath and sighed as she snuggled closer if that was possible and then was still. It was then as he gazed at her soft pink lips and the way her reddish brown hair curled around her cheeks, that he realized that he actually liked this.
He frowned and thought to himself, "Wait, then this means."
His eyes widened and he looked at her in shock as new feeling's he never felt before stirred in his chest. He thought in shock, "I like her."
He nearly jumped when she growled in her sleep, twitching as if in a fight. He calmed himself and shook her shoulder gently, "Ariana. Wake up."
0o00o0o0o0
I shot up and looked around wildly. Not seeing the bastard I looked at Itachi and demanded, "Where did he go?"
I crawled off of him and he grabbed me quickly before i fell off the couch, "Wait what?"
I blinked as I looked around and slowly sat back down beside Itachi, who looked at me in worry. I sighed in relief and smiled brightly at him, "Just a dream. Thank the goddess."
I plopped back and Itachi asked, worried, "What were you looking for?"
I shrugged, closing my eyes again, "my old boss. I was dreaming he was coming onto me and I had a golf club in my hand. I hate it when people who are married hit on other girls."
I didn't see Itachi look relieved that I didn't hate boss's hit on me, just married ones. I opened my eyes and said as an after thought, "old guys are so weird."
He snorted in amusement and I grinned at him. my cell phone suddenly rang and I reached into my pocket and answered, "hello?"
Naruko babbled nervously, "Ariana, I have no idea what to take to work on Monday! I don't know anything! I can't do this!"
I rolled my eyes and said, "Hang on Naruko."
I hung up and dialed Naruto. He answered and I told him, "Go slap your sister, who's having a panic attack and ask Sasuke to help her choose what to take to work tomorrow."
He agreed and we hung up. I shook my head and said, "Naruko's nervous about work."
I looked at him and teased, "Not that your scary or anything."
He glared and crossed his arms with a huff. I laughed and ruffled his hair as I stood and went to dig out my sketch book, feeling good enough to draw at the moment.
I curled up next to Itachi and flipped to a new page. He watched me curiously as I grew immersed in the page and started to draw. He watched in amazement as I drew Sasuke and Naruto, both having a look on their face that clearly said they liked one another.
Itachi asked in surprise, "Sasuke and Naruto?"
I grinned at him, "Yep, they like each other. it's only a matter of time before they figure it out."
He hmmmed and I asked, "Is that a problem? Sasuke liking another guy?"
Itachi shrugged in his cocky, an Uchiha gets what he wants, shrug, "If he wants Naruto as a boyfriend, who am I to stop him?"
I cooed, "Aww, such a good big brother."
He scowled once more and I blinked as he snatched the book from me and started looking through it. I shrugged and went into the kitchen to grab a soda. I opened the can as he asked softly, "Ariana, is this?"
I blinked at his sad tone and hurried over. I sagged when I saw the picture he showed. It showed Itachi and Sasuke on the ground and the car rolling above them. Though I couldn't stop myself from drawing it, I didn't have the heart to draw their parents.
I nodded slowly and said, "I couldn't get it out of my head until I drew it." I turned and meant to go back into the kitchen, feeling sadness and pain once again make itself known. I wasn't sure he still forgave me for that day.
But I didn't get far before I jumped when Itachi said, "Ariana."
He wrapped his arms around me like that day in our hide out. I turned to look at him and he said softly, "I don't blame you for that day. I never have."
I brushed away a tear quickly and said, "I know, it's still sad though."
He pulled me into a hug and I hugged him back tightly. We sat on the couch and he pulled me onto his lap, the tears coming and I couldn't stop them.
0o0o0o
Itachi could see the pain in her hazel eyes and the tall man's heart clenched tightly. He thought sadly, "She's been carrying this for years." Without even thinking about it, gathered Ariana in his arms and pulled her onto his lap.
The girl let out a shuttering breath and rested her head in the crook of his neck; she wrapped his arms around the dark haired man's neck, completing the hug. It felt so good to finally letting the tears and pain out instead of brooding about it alone in her creepy apartment, all alone without anyone to tell.
She felt Itachi's warm fingers shift through her hair and hearing that sweet voice whisper that it was alright in her ear.
They stayed like that for awhile both enjoying the embrace. Ariana was getting drunk on the scent of Itachi. He smelled like some sort of cologne and something else⦠maybe vanilla? It was intoxicating; she was becoming a bit drunk of the scent.
She then thought to herself furiously, "He's my best friend and boss now! I can't fall for him!"
She pulled away and looked into those brilliant pools of onyx. "Thank you," she whispered softly not wanting to break the spell. Itachi nodded and she started to climb out of his lap, but strong arms stopped her by pulling her back to a muscled chest.
Ariana tilted his head questioning, "Itachi?"
The older man just tightened his grip, "Not yet, Ariana," was all the Uchiha said. The red head not finding anything wrong with another hug just wrapped her arms around Itachi's neck and sighed contently.
0o0o0o
This was nice. And we stayed like that, enjoying each others presence. I finally pulled away and grinned up at him, "How much do you want to bet Sasuke and Naruto get together within the two weeks?"
He looked thoughtful and then grinned, "I bet dinner that Sasuke waits a month."
I held out my hand, "Deal."
We shook and I got off his lap and punched the air, "Now I want to do something!"
There was a knock on the door and I went over and opened it. Naruko smiled at me and said, "can you help me? The sewing machine is acting weird."
I nodded and called back to Itachi, "Sorry Itachi, but I have a date with a sewing machine. See you later?"
He nodded and followed us out and went to his apartment as I followed Naruko into her apartment and went to take a look at the machine. It took a while as I carefully took it apart and found a worn out gear. Naruko took it with a sigh, "It's getting late, I'll get the part tomorrow."
I nodded and Sasuke and Naruto came out of the back room. Naruto asked, "Is it broken?"
Naruko shrugged, "Just need a new part. Are you staying for dinner Sasuke?"
He shook his head with a small grin, "No thank you, I have to go make sure Itachi isn't so engrossed in his work he doesn't eat. We'll probably go out to eat."
Naruko nodded and I said, "I'll be right back Naruko."
She nodded and I followed Sasuke out. After we were alone he tugged on my sleeve to make me look at him. he hesitated and I saw the blush on his cheeks. I smiled and asked softly, "Do you like Naruto?"
His face turning beet red gave me my answer and his stuttering did as well. I tugged him into my apartment and sat him on the couch, "OK, spit it out."
I got us some soda's and sat across from him. he held the drink and was quiet. I let him think and sipped my drink. He mumbled something and I leaned closer, "Sorry what?"
He repeated a bit louder, "Do you think it's wrong that I like another guy?"
I sipped my drink and said bluntly, "Nope."
He looked up at me and I said sternly, "It doesn't matter weather it's girl, boy or clown. All that matter is what makes you happy."
He blinked and seemed to think it over. I got up and glomped him, "Oh your so cute!"
He grumbled and tried to pry me off. But I held on and cooed at him. then he asked, "Do you think Itachi would be disappointed?"
I stopped my cooing and snuggling and smiled at him, "Of course not, he's a mean brat but he loves you and wants you to be happy too. So go for it."
He looked relieved and I grinned evilly, "But if you don't believe me, I can go ask him."
I leapt to my feet and ran out the door. He shouted behind me and I got to Itachi's door before he grabbed me. I screamed, "Itachi! I have great news!"
Sasuke covered my mouth with his hand and had me around my chest with his arm. He hissed, "Don't you dare."
I kicked the door with my foot and heard, "Coming."
Sasuke paled and dragged me back. Itachi opened the door and saw us. Sasuke froze, beginning to blush and I yanked his hand from my mouth and said, "Itachi, I have awesome news! Sasuke.."
Sasuke covered my mouth once more and said solemnly, "Sorry brother, she hit her head. I'll take her to her apartment."
Itachi watched in amusement as Sasuke dragged me with a death look in his eyes. I laughed helplessly as he drug me into my room and lifted me up by my shirt, "Ariana!"
I straightened and said, "just kidding, I'll wait for you to tell him."
He froze and slowly blushed red. I grinned and he let go with a sigh, "Ariana."
I hugged him and said, "you'll figure it out. And now I have dinner to go to, out."
He shook his head at me, grumbling something about Itachi and I being two peas in a pod as he left. I chuckled and grabbed the papers on the coffee table I had to fill out and headed over to the Uzamaki's. As I entered, I found Naruko shaking her head over a blushing Naruto.
She turned to me and grinned, "We'll ask Ariana!"
Naruto blushed redder and cried, "Naruko!"
I looked at them curiously and Naruko came up and said slyly, "Naruto has a crush."
I smiled back slyly, "Really? Who is it?"
She smirked, "A certain Sasuke Uchiha."
I gasped and said breathlessly, "Won't they be so cute together?"
She nodded and squealed, "I was thinking the same thing!"
Then she turned serious and said, "but Naruto believes that Sasuke won't like him back because he's a guy."
I waved it off and said, "Trust me, it doesn't matter if he's a girl, guy or clown. You should go for it Naruto."
He looked at me, eyes pleading for some sort of hope. I nodded with a smile, "As long as it makes you happy, you should go for it. Naruko and I are for it, and we just want to see you happy."
Naruko nodded in confirmation and Naruto smiled with more confidence, "Thanks guys."
We smiled at him and we sat down for dinner. Afterward Naruto voted to clean up while Naruko and I did our paper work. I've done this type of paper work millions of times, so I was done quickly and helped Naruko with hers.
After we were done, I said good night and headed to my apartment. Dressing in my pajamas, I curled up in my bed and listened carefully. No scratching, no noises of insects of any kind. Smiling happily, I slowly went to sleep.
