0o0o0o0o0o0o Saturday Afternoon 0o0o0o0o0o0

I took a deep breath as Itachi and I walked to the parking lot where Jiraiya was waiting to take us. Itachi glanced at me and said, "Your scowling again."

I quickly schooled my features to show a calm look. Itachi smirked and I nudged him. He looked at me and grabbed my arm to stop me at the bottom of the stairs. I turned to him and he put his hands on my shoulders. I looked up at him and he grinned, "You'll be fine. And I'll make sure you don't maul anyone or blow your top."

I cracked a smile and said, "I am glad you're coming." Then I sighed, "I don't think I could do this alone."

He gave my shoulders a squeeze and said sarcastically, "Wouldn't miss it for the world."

I elbowed him, beginning to grin and we continued to the car. Jiraiya turned from talking to Konan and waved, "Ready?"

We nodded and put our bags in the trunk. Jiraiya said to me as he pulled me into a hug, "Now I want you to promise me you won't yell, hit, maul or maim anyone."

I sighed, hugging him back, "I promise to do my best."

He ruffled my hair with a grin and Itachi and I got in the back. Jiraiya got in the drivers seat and Konan in the passenger seat. We pulled out and was quiet as we drove. Too quiet. After a half hour of silence I groaned, "Ugh! We are way to quiet! Say something!"

Konan and Itachi turned to stare at me, Jiraiya used the rear view mirror. I scowled and said, "Fine, Jiraiya how are the kids?"

He blinked and said slowly, "I don't have any kids."

I rolled my eyes and said, "Fine, how's life? Your morning?"

He blinked again and said, "Fine."

I smacked my forehead and Konan giggled before asking me, "So Ariana, I haven't heard of you sending anyone to the hospital or getting sent yourself lately."

I grinned and said, "I've been good."

Itachi coughed, hiding a chuckle and I glared at him, "Well I have! I haven't physically harmed anyone. And sweeping a company out from underneath some losers don't count."

He looked at me with a raised eyebrow and I glared. He asked, "What about hitting Gai with the bat?"

I snorted and waved it off, "He deserved it for throwing that spider at me."

Konan giggled and Jiraiya laughed, "Oh yes, I'm sure he deserved it."

I shrugged, "He has a head of steel."

Itachi rolled his eyes and Konan asked, "Have you been over to that restaurant by the park?"

We started talking food and I didn't realize how fast time flew until we pulled up next to Aunt Chiyo's mansion. I glared at the old fashioned Japanese home and we got out. I made myself calm down, take a deep breath and walk next to Itachi up the walk to the front door.

Jiraiya rang the doorbell and a minute later a servant opened the door and said, "Welcome, Lady Chiyo is expecting you."

We walked in and another servant took our bags. The first lead us inside and to the living room. The first thing I noticed that a man about my age and what seemed to be his parents were there and then my eyes landed on a short woman with gray hair in a tight bun, piercing green eyes and a gnarled walking stick in her grip.

She stood and we all bowed as she said, "Ah Jiraiya, you finally made it. And who is this?"

She looked at Konan and Jiraiya said, "This is Konan. I thought you'd like to meet her."

Chiyo studied her a moment before nodding and looking over at me and Itachi. She gave us a hard look and said, "Well if it isn't Ariana. And I see you've brought a guest."

I said calmly, though I felt myself prickle at her attitude, "This is my friend Itachi."

Itachi bowed again and Chiyo stepped forward to stand in front of him. She snorted and said, "I don't like him. You should get a hair cut boy! You look like a hobo!"

Itachi's face was a mask and he said calmly, "I'll be sure to visit my barber ma'am."

I fought not to glare at her as she turned on me and said, "It's not your fault you were born from one of poor lineage. And your looks could use some help."

I felt myself twitch as she looked over my attire of jeans and a nice button up shirt, "And what are you wearing! I expect you to be dressed properly for dinner! A dress! Not dressed like a tomboy!"

I force a grin and said, "Sure thing Aunt Chiyo."

She snorted and turned on the people sitting and said, "Now, this is Genma Marino of the Marino family. And his parents Oboro and Moegi. They will join us for dinner."

She turned back to me and said sternly, "I want you to show Genma the garden."

I bowed, hiding my twitch by doing so. She huffed and I turned to Genma, he had short brown hair and gray eyes. Not bad looking but not as hot as Itachi. I said calmly, "Why don't we all go?"

I shot Jiraiya a pleading look and he nodded eagerly, "Sounds good!"

He lead the way to the garden as I walked in between Genma and Itachi. But before we got far Chiyo called out, "Jiraiya! I want you, Konan and Hippy to stay here and tell me what you do for a living."

Jiraiya shot me an apologetic look and I gave Itachi one as I continued on with Genma at my side. We walked outside to the neat garden at the west side of the house, and I put my thumbs in my front pockets and said, "So here's the garden. Now lets go back in."

I turned to go back in but he hooked my arm with his and said, "Wait, why don't we take a walk?"

I yanked my arm back and said calmly, "How about not and say we did?"

He frowned slightly and said, "Chiyo told me you were polite and nice."

I shrugged, "Sorry pal, but I don't intend on being nice and polite when there are better things to do with my time."

He raised an eyebrow, "Like what?"

I snorted, beginning to walk, "Anything. Playing at the arcade, going cliff diving." He suddenly grabbed my elbows and then pulled me into a hug, pressing my body against his, "Now you really should be a bit nicer to me."

I growled as I shoved him away, "Back off before I kick you where the sun don't shine."

His face grew from confused to appalled. He blurted out as he followed me, "but you're a lady."

I shrugged and said with an evil grin before we walked back into the living room, "Hey, a lady has to have some fun."

I walked in and gave Chiyo a bright grin, "All done! And I'm starving! When's dinner?"

She frowned and demanded, "Go change and it will be ready."

I grinned and hooked Itachi's arm, "Great! He need to get ready too! See you at dinner!"

Konan grabbed Jiraiya as I made a hasty retreat towards our rooms. As soon as we got to them I grabbed Jiraiya and asked, "Any idea what she wants yet?"

He shrugged and said, "Not yet. But I'll bet it has something to do with Genma."

I snorted, "He's a pansy."

I sighed and Konan put an arm around my shoulder, "Come, we must make you look like lady."

I groaned as she dragged me off to my room and closed the door. I sighed again and pulled up my bag and pulled out a dress, "Fine. Lets do this."

She chuckled at my face and I dressed in a nice green dress that brought out the green in my eyes and she put on a dash of makeup and put my hair into a nice bun. She dressed in a nice light blue dress and left her hair in it's bun.

We heard a knock and I opened it to find Itachi wearing black slacks and a blood red dress shirt. Jiraiya had black slacks and a white shirt on. Itachi had also done nothing to his hair. I grinned and said, "You two look handsome."

Jiraiya teased, "You too."

I stuck my tongue out at him and Itachi held out his arm, "Shall we?"

I took his arm and said, "into the belly of the beast."

He grinned, "And out the demons ass."

I chuckled and we walked into the dining room. Chiyo sat at the front of the table, Genma's parents on one side and Genma on the other. Chiyo motioned to Genma when she saw me, "Sit with him girl."

I hid a frown and did as I was told. Itachi sat next to me and Jiraiya sat at the end of the table and Konan sat next to Genma's mother. Dinner was served and I focused on the conversation and the food. I entertained myself by making faces at Itachi and Konan when no one was looking, both trying to keep straight faces. Itachi was better at it then Konan.

I stiffened when I felt something on my leg to my right and I grabbed Genma's hand. I shot him a glare before shoving it in his lap and turned to Genma's father as he said me, "So Ariana, you look lovely."

I forced a smile as Genma's hand returned, "Thank you sir."

I grabbed Genma's finger and bent it back. He yanked it away and I smiled for real. Konan noticed and gave me a questioning look. I made a gross look when no one was looking and she blinked, glanced at Genma and I nodded.

I took a bite of food and gasped as Genma's hand landed nearly at my crotch. I coughed as the food got lodged in my throat and I snapped at him, "Stop that!"

I blushed crimson as everyone stared and I quickly said, "Excuse me, something got stuck in my throat."

Chiyo sniffed and said, "You need to learn proper manners. Didn't that mutt of a mother teach you anything?"

I stiffened and she chuckled, "I doubt it. She really was good for nothing."

I opened my mouth furiously and Itachi grabbed my hand and caught my eye. I took a deep breath and took another bite, refusing to answer her. Once I finished the bite I had calmed myself and turned to Chiyo, "Aunt Chiyo, why did you ask us here?"

She set down her fork and took up her glass, "But first a toast."

I frowned and we all held up our glasses. Chiyo said in a joyous tone, "A congratulations is in order, to my niece Ariana McKing and her fiance Genma Marino. Hopefully we will be uniting our families this fall."

The parents clapped and Genma smiled proudly. Everyone else stared at her in shocked disbelief before there was the sound of shattering glass and everyone turned to look at Ariana. Who stood up angrily to glare at her Aunt openly with apparent loathing in her hazel eyes. Her right hand was bleeding from the force she had used to break her glass.

I snarled in outrage, "What the hell are you talking about?"

Chiyo looked at me calmly and said, "You have taken too long to find a suitable husband so I found one for you."

I snarled with fury, "What makes you think I'll marry a no good sleaze like him?"

I thrust my finger at Genma, who stared in shock until I said that then glared and snapped, "Now wait just a."

I barked, "Shut up!"

He shut up. I growled, "He has done nothing but feel me up this whole evening and he's lucky I don't knock his lights out! And what makes you possibly think I'd get married just because you say so?"

She glared and said, "You will if you want even a hint of the family fortune."

I laughed, a cold emotionless laugh, "What makes you think I want it? I don't need it and there's no way in hell I need you!"

She stared at me, now beginning to see hard eyes glinting with something she couldn't name. She took a deep breath and said, "Sleep on it and tell me your answer in the morning."

I shoved the chair back, and stormed out. Listening to the chair smack the floor I hoped it broke. I stormed outside and went up to the fountain in the middle of the garden and sat on a bench. I let my bleeding hand hang and I put my elbow on my knee and my head in my hand.

I let out a sigh and tried to calm myself down. A hand touched my shoulder. I was about to sock that person before I saw that it was Itachi. He sat down next to me and I leaned into him, keeping my bloody hand away from his nice clothes. He wrapped a hand around my shoulders and just held me.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o00o0

Jiraiya tossed his napkin on to the table in disgust. "Aunt Chiyo, may I speak to you for a moment in private."

Hearing her older nephews voice shook Chiyo out of her stupor. She never heard her youngest niece so angry in all of her years she had seen her. It scared her. Did Ariana hate her as much as her eyes showed?

"Yes, of course, Jiraiya." They left the room.

Konan stood and went to her room to get some bandages ready.

0o0

Jiraiya closed the doors and stared at his Aunt critically. She really wasn't the person he remembered when he was a younger man. That woman had been loving and caring. The one that stood before him had let grief consume most of her after her husband died and her younger nephew, Jiraiya's brother Darian, left with the woman he loved. She held onto that grudge and it made her bitter.

That was no excuse for her behavior though. Chiyo had gone too far.

"What do you think you are doing, Aunt Chiyo?"

Sort of confused, the older woman furrowed her brow, "What do you mean?"

Jiraiya glared, "I mean engaging Ariana to such trash. Have you lost your mind? I am head of this family, did it even occur to you to consult me before you made such an idiotic mistake? I thought you had more intelligence than that."

Chiyo flinched at the hardness of her nephew, but she would not back down. "I am your Aunt, Jiraiya. Have some respect. I am doing what is best for my niece. I want great nieces and nephews. I know you, Jiraiya, will get married and have children when you are ready, I don't know what Ariana is waiting for, so I chose for her."

She scowled and said, "I blame that witch who took my dear Darian away. That girl is half of that witch and."

Jiraiya snapped, "Enough! Don't talk about Laura like that!"

Chiyo gaped as he ran a hand across his forehead, in process brushing his bangs from his eyes as he tried to calm himself. "Look, Laura made Darian happy. And you couldn't see that. Now your making their daughter unhappy with all this witch talk and mutt bull shit. Right now, Ariana hates you. She wants nothing to do with you. And I agree with her. If you should try to force her into the marriage, I will have you stripped of McKing privileges."

Chiyo's mouth opened to protest but Jiraiya's look stopped her. He said sternly, "I mean it. I can keep Ariana from harming anyone, but I won't be responsible if you push her too far."

She bit her lip and finally said, "Very well. Do what you like."

She turned and stormed out. Jiraiya sighed and went back into the dining room and said, "Everyone, I regret to inform you that this little dinner is canceled. Also, there will be no engagement taking place."

Genma stood up, "What did you say?"

Jiraiya really hated repeating himself. Especially when he was tired and pissed. "I said that there will be no engagement taking place. Ariana turned the engagement down."

"But I'm perfect for her."

Jiraiya snorted and said, "You may stay if you were already going to, but I want you gone by morning."

With that he turned to go find Konan. He needed someone to vent to as well.

0o0o0o0o0o00o0o0o

I slowly pulled away from Itachi and said bitterly, "Some day huh?"

He shrugged and took up my hand to look at it, "It could have been worse."

I raised a critical eyebrow and he chuckled, "Ok. Maybe not."

I sighed, wincing as my hand throbbed. "Sorry you had to be here."

He shrugged again, wrapping my hand in his handkerchief, "It's ok. I'm glad to be able to help."

He frowned and I looked at him confused. He said, "Though I wasn't much help."

I chuckled, causing him to look at me in surprise, "More then you know."

We sat in silence for a minute and Itachi asked softly, "Are you going to marry him?"

I jerked away from him to stare at him in horror, "Are you out of your mind?"

He blinked and I snapped, "I would never marry because someone told me too or marry a pansy ass like him! If I marry, it'll be for love! How could you even ask."

I was cut off from ranting more when he put a hand over my mouth and said, "Easy. It was just a question. Because I have something to tell you."

I blinked as he removed his hand and took a deep nervous breath. "Ariana. I like you. A lot."

My eyes widened as my heart stopped and he continued, "I've like you since we were kids. And when we ran into each other again and we slept on the couch, I realized I liked you more then a simple crush. The more time we spent together the more I liked you. You've saved me countless times and your always there for me and Sasuke. You don't have to tell me how you feel yet but..."

I stopped him by pressing my lips to his. His eyes widened in surprise and I let him go and confessed, "Me too. I like you a lot. There are so many things about you that I like. I like how you're only nice to me. I like how you make me feel. And I like you for all your grumpiness. And."

Before I could actually finish, I found soft lips attached to mine. My mind went blank.

Itachi bit down on that full bottom lip, gaining entry into that sweet mouth. His tongue messaged Ariana's, making the red head moan. Itachi tasted every bit of Ariana before he pulled away, breathing a bit heavily.

I was blushing beet red and turned to go stick my head in the water when he wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pressed his lips against mine once more. I returned the kiss and when we broke apart he smiled at me softly, "I like you. I've liked you for a while now."

I blushed and smiled back, "Same here. We're so stupid."

He snorted, "Uchiha's are not stupid."

I rolled my eyes, "Are too. Now lets go find Konan and see if she'll patch me up."

He sighed and I giggled and took his hand with my good one and he twined his fingers with mine. As we walked to the door I sighed heavily, "Goddess I'm tired."

He chuckled, opened the door for me and we headed to our rooms. As I pecked him on the cheek good night I entered my room to find Konan waiting with a first aid kit. I sighed in relief and she helped me put on my pajamas without bleeding on them and then bandaged my hand.

There was a knock and I said, "Come in."

Jiraiya opened the door and smiled softly at me, "hey kiddo. You ok?"

I shrugged and grinned softly, "Yeah, sorry for flipping out."

He chuckled and sat next to me, "If you hadn't, I would have."

He looked at me apologetically, "I'm sorry. I had no idea what she was up to."

I grinned and hugged him one armed, "I know. It's ok. I'm not mad at you."

He smiled and I said sternly, "But we leave in the morning. I can't stay another day here."

He chuckled and kissed my forehead, "Sure. Now to bed."

I pouted and Konan chuckled and followed Jiraiya out. I turned off the light and curled up on the bed. I sighed deeply and remembered that I had finally confessed to Itachi and found that he liked me back. I blushed, "So that makes him my boyfriend." I blushed brighter, buried my face in the pillow and slowly fell asleep.

0o0o0o0o0o

Chiyo went to Genma before he went to bed and whispered something in his ear. His grin told her he'd do it and she smiled wickidly and went to bed. "That'll teach that bitch to embarrass me."

0o0o0o0o0o

I felt someone take the covers off and grumbled, still asleep. It was when hands ran over my body that my eyes shot open and I reacted with my fist and a scream. My fist collided with a face and I leaped out of bed and turned on the light to see Genma on the floor groaning and holding his punched eye.

He stood with a growl and said, "I was going to be nice, sweet heart. And you'll sleep with me even if I have to tie you up."

I paled and began to shake as he took another step towards me. I pinched myself to snap myself out of my stupor and snarled, "Just try it fruity!"

I swept my leg out and caught his knee, making him crash to the floor. All the anger and fury I had been holding back and the new anger of being assaulted filled me. I yelled, "YOU ARE SUCH AN ASS!"

I lifted the nightstand, lamp and all and yelled, "PERVERT! HOW DARE YOU!"

The door burst open and I saw Jiraiya, Konan, Itachi, Chiyo and Genma's parents at the door. Chiyo yelled, "Ariana! What are you doing? Put that down!"

I growled, vision blind with my rage "He's a disgusting pervert! And needs to be pounded!"

Jiraiya said urgently, "But not like this."

I lifted the thing higher and Genma flinched. I paused as I heard Itachi say softly, "Easy Ariana. Put the nightstand down and we'll take care of this."

I turned and looked at him, feeling the anger leave me in a whoosh as I looked into his calm eyes. I slowly lowered the piece of furniture. Itachi hurried over to me and wrapped an arm around my shivering shoulders, "Easy, it's ok. It'll be ok."

I swiftly kicked Genma as he tried to crawl away and Itachi demanded in a cold freezing voice, "What the hell is he doing in here?"

Before Genma could disappear Konan grabbed him. Chiyo said calmly, "I told him to."

Everyone stared at her and I whispered in horror, "What?"

Chiyo glared at me and said louder, "I told him to come and make love to you. To show you what a mistake you were making. I didn't realize you were as psychotic as your mother."

I was out of Itachi's grip before he could stop me and I slammed my fist into the wall next to Chiyo's head. It caved under the force and I growled, "You shut the hell up!"

She stared at me in horror and I snarled, "My mother was the kindest, greatest person alive! And so was my father! YOU on the other hand ask a man to rape me to get your point across? You're a no good sack of shit who should die alone! I won't come to your funeral and I don't want you money! I never EVER want to see your disgusting face again!"

Her knees gave out and she collapsed to the floor. I spun and said, "I'm leaving."

Itachi nodded and said, "I'll get my things." His glare at Chiyo made her shrink back in fear.

I looked at Genma and his parents and barked, "Get out!"

They bolted and Jiraiya grabbed Chiyo and said, "I'll stay and take her to a rest home tomorrow. She is no longer allowed McKing privileges."

Chiyo seemed to snap out of it and stuttered protests. I grabbed my clothes and closed the door. I changed, grabbed my pack and walked out as Itachi did. Konan said quietly, "You ok Ariana?"

I nodded and said numbly, "I will be, see you later."

She nodded, pulled me into a hug and we walked out and Itachi called for a cab. As we waited, he pulled me into a hug and I buried my head into his shoulder and let a few tears loose. He didn't let me go even when the taxi arrived and we got in. He pulled me onto his lap and said softly, "Just cry. It's ok."

I wrapped my arms around his neck and buried my head into his shoulder once more. The only sign that I was crying was the slight shake of my shoulders and the fact that Itachi's shirt was getting wet.

He rubbed my back and it took a while for me to get a hold of myself and accept the tissue he held out to me. I wiped my eyes and blew my nose. I took a deep breath and he asked, "You ok?"

I nodded and he kissed my temple, "We're almost home."

I perked up and looked out the window eagerly. I couldn't really tell, it was too dark out and I looked at him and said softly, "Thanks Itachi."

He nodded and I tugged on his ponytail, "But we shouldn't wake up Iruka and Kakashi. Can I sleep over at your place tonight?"

He held me tighter and said, "Of course. I wouldn't let you be by yourself tonight anyway."

I raised an eyebrow, feeling my cheeks heat up and he explained, "What kind of boyfriend would I be by leaving you alone after what just happened."

The Taxi pulled into the apartments parking lot and I grinned and kissed Itachi's cheek, "My hero."

We got out, Itachi paid the cab driver and we quietly carried our stuff upstairs and to Itachi's apartment. He opened the door and took my bag from me and set them aside. I hugged myself and he turned on the lights. I blinked and had to grin, it looked like a messy version of his office.

He caught my eye and frowned, "I haven't had time to clean up."

I grinned wider and he scowled more. I giggled and he tried to hide a grin as he closed the door and I surprised myself when I yawned loudly.

Itachi smirked and said, "I think it's your bedtime now."

I yawned again, agreeing with him. He said gently, "Come on, I'll show you where you sleep." I followed him out of the living room. we walked passed the bathroom and further down in the hallway. Itachi walked into his bedroom, turning on the light. I was impressed. The bedroom was well furnished and clean. The bed cover was blood red with the Uchiha fan embroidered into it. The walls were bare but it seemed to fit him.

Itachi began to leave the room but my voice stopped him. "Where are you going?"

"There's only one bedroom, and I was going to get some blankets for me to sleep on. So I'll take the couch. "

I frowned and said, "I'm a guest here. I'll take the couch, it's only fair."

He shook his head stubbornly, "S'okay. I'll just sleep on the couch for tonight."

Before he could walk out I grabbed his upper arm. The tall man was forced to turn around to face me. Obsidian eyes looked deeply into dark hazel ones, my mind coming up with a solution to this problem quickly.

"We've slept on the same couch and bed before, why can't we do it again?" A hot red blush worked its way to my cheeks and Itachi couldn't help himself this time. Unlike that time in the kitchen, his self restraint vanished. Itachi brought his hand to touch Ariana's soft cheeks, enjoying the feeling of them.

The small woman flinched and the Uchiha felt hurt at the action. His hand dropped from the velvet cheek and a thought that he had buried in the back of his mind reared its ugly little head again.

The feeling to question the beautiful red head welled up inside of him. "You regret us sleeping together, don't you?" Itachi said accusingly without meaning to.

Startled pools of dark green and brown met jet black eyes.

I started to shake my head furiously. I had seen the flash of hurt in Itachi's eyes. I wanted to ease what ever the man in front me was feeling. I didn't mean to flinch, I just wasn't expecting Itachi to touch me.

"I don't regret it. You don't know how much those times…helped me. It's just that tonight..." My head lowered and Itachi felt terrible. He didn't really understand why he felt guilty for making Ariana tell him that she didn't regret that time. Maybe it was because that if Ariana had been ashamed of it, he would be crushed.

Itachi moved back, feeling as though he had stepped over the line. He didn't want to scare Ariana away. Especially after what had happened earlier.

I said softly, "Fine I'll—"

Itachi shook his head, and looked straight into Ariana's eyes, "No you're right, we have slept together before and we have slept in the same bed together." Guilt and hurt disappeared instantly and Inner Itachi cheered and danced happily, "I would be in the same bed as my wonderful red head! Yes!"

I grinned happily and hurried to grab my pajamas and changed in the bathroom as Itachi changed in his bed room. I made sure to give him enough time before knocking and squeaked when the door shot open and he pulled me into a tight hug.

I grinned and asked as I hugged him back, "Miss me?"

He pulled away slightly with a grin, "Of course."

Then before I could protest he scooped me off my feet and carried me to the bed. I giggled as he set me down and crawled in beside me. I snorted and said, "Way to make me feel like a princess."

He hugged me and I curled up with my head on his shoulder, "That's the idea."

I giggled and took a deep breath, "You're my favorite Itachi, no matter what anyone says."

He chuckled and I fell sleep, feeling safe and at home. Little did I know that my world would fall apart the next day.

0o0o0o0o0o Earlier that day 00o0o0

Sasuke stretched as he walked out of his apartment, wondering how Itachi and Ariana were doing at her Aunts. Apparently she was a Dragon Lady so hopefully Ariana didn't loose her temper. Sasuke snorted to himself, knowing full well Ariana would more then likely.

"Sasuke."

Sasuke paused and turned, glaring at the man who had called his name. The messy black hair and red eyes told him it was Madara Uchiha. Madara walked up and smiled down at him as his eyes flashed, "Hello Nephew. Long time no see. There's something I have to tell you about your dear friend Ariana."