Got a new chapter ... but really need ideas for how this story should end.
The tea house Itachi chose was an intimate spot adorned with ornate decorations and delicate porcelain tea sets. Naruto felt a comforting warmth the moment she stepped inside. The aroma of brewing tea and baked sweets wafted through the air, reminding her of simpler times.
Itachi, already seated at a corner table, rose to greet her. They hugged briefly, a gesture of familiarity and shared history.
"It's been too long," Naruto remarked as they settled into their seats.
"That it has," Itachi replied with a soft smile. "You look well, Naruto."
"Thanks. You haven't changed a bit," she said, chuckling. "Still the same poised and calm demeanour."
Itachi shrugged modestly. "Some things never change."
A waitress approached their table, and after placing their orders, Itachi began filling Naruto in on the latest updates about Kakashi.
"Your brother's doing quite well," Itachi began. "He's been putting a lot of effort into his cases, and it hasn't gone unnoticed. In fact," he lowered his voice conspiratorially, "he's about to make partner at his firm."
Naruto widened her eyes in faux surprise. "Really? That's amazing!"
Itachi chuckled. "I thought you might already know. But promise me you'll act surprised when he tells you."
Naruto laughed. "Iruka already hinted at it a while ago. But sure, I'll play along. It'll make Kakashi's day."
Itachi smiled fondly. "He's always been proud of you, you know? And he's excited about this next chapter in his career. His firm will definitely throw a party soon in his honour."
Naruto nodded. "I'll definitely be there. In fact, I've already planned on booking tickets. But it'll be a surprise."
The tea house ambiance, a blend of traditional charm and modern comfort, was the perfect backdrop to the dance of words Itachi and Naruto shared. The soft clinking of teacups and the soothing scent of freshly brewed tea surrounded them as Itachi leaned in slightly, his dark eyes fixed on Naruto with a playful glint.
"So, Dr. Uzumaki, how has Sasuke been treating you?" Itachi teased, twirling a teacup in his hands.
Naruto's lips quirked up in a mischievous smile, her blue eyes sparkling with unspoken laughter as she met Itachi's probing gaze. "Itachi, whatever do you mean?" she asked, feigning innocence. Her tone was light airy, almost as if she were casually discussing the weather and not something that made her heart flutter in her chest. She took another sip of her tea. "Treat me? Why, like any other colleague, of course." She put down her cup, maintaining eye contact. "Why do you ask?"
Itachi, ever the composed one, leaned back in his seat, an amused and knowing smirk tugging at his lips. The corners of his eyes crinkled slightly—a sign that he genuinely enjoyed this interaction. "Oh, Naruto, since when have you become so adept at evasion?" he teased, picking up his cup of tea and taking a leisurely sip. "I believe my question was quite simple. I'm curious about you and Sasuke. Surely, you've noticed his... change in demeanour recently?" Itachi smirked as he continued. "Curious, isn't it?" he drawled. "After all, my little brother isn't known for being sociable, but from what I've seen and heard, he seems quite taken by you."
Naruto laughed softly, placing her cup down with a gentle clink. "Change? Sasuke's always been a bit of a mystery, hasn't he?" she deflected, her fingers tracing the rim of her teacup in a seemingly absent-minded gesture. Inside, her heart was a riotous mix of nerves and excitement. Talking about Sasuke, especially with his brother, felt daring, like dancing on the edge of a cliff. Taking about him with Itachi thought it was a ball game altogether. Naruto laughed lightly, enjoying the gentle banter. "Well, perhaps he's just grown up a bit," she replied with a wink.
But Itachi was relentless, his smirk growing wider as he leaned forward, his elbows on the table. "A mystery, yes, but even the most complex puzzles can be solved with the right... incentive," he drawled, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Come on, Naruto. I can see it, you know. The way he looks with Sarada mentions you. The way you've always looked at him. It's like a story waiting to be told, and I'm rather invested in the tale." Itachi leaned even closer, lowering his voice, "It's nice, you know, to know that there's someone who's captured his ever-so-elusive heart."
Naruto felt her cheeks warm, and she couldn't help the chuckle that escaped her. "My, my, Itachi. If I didn't know better, I'd say you're flirting with me to get information," she quipped, the flirtatious lilt in her voice unmistakable. She was enjoying this back-and-forth far more than she'd expected, but still, she didn't want to give Itachi the satisfaction of getting a rise out of her. "You give me too much credit, Itachi," she deflected. "After all, it's been years since we've been close."
Itachi chuckled, a deep, resonant sound that seemed to vibrate through the space between them. "Would that be so terrible? Maybe I'm just trying to look out for my little brother... and making sure that the woman who's captured his heart is aware of the treasure she holds." After a pause, Itachi's smirk transformed into a full-blown grin. "You've always been good at this game," he mused. His eyes shifted subtly, but not without Naruto noticing the flirty undertone. "But you should know, even though it's been years, some things... feelings... they never truly fade."
Naruto's heart raced a little, both from the implications of Itachi's words and the unexpected flirtation. They had been close in the past, but their relationship was more of camaraderie than romance. "You always did have a way with words, Itachi," she said, smiling warmly. "But if you're trying to find out more about Sasuke and me, you might want to be more direct."
Itachi chuckled, "Where's the fun in that?" He paused, taking a moment to look deeply into her eyes. "Just know, if my brother does anything to hurt you, he'll have me to answer to."
The atmosphere shifted, the teasing air charged with a gentle but undeniable sincerity. Naruto's smile softened, and she met Itachi's gaze squarely. "Itachi, I... " she paused, searching for the right words. "Let's just say I'm not unaware of Sasuke's feelings. And, well, he's not unaware of mine." Chuckling, Naruto continued, touched by his protective nature. "Noted," she replied, finishing her tea. "But, remember, Sasuke and I are both adults. We'll figure things out. Report this back to my brothers, too, will you?"
Itachi nodded, "I have no doubt, and I will do my best." Itachi's eyes warmed, his smirk evolving into a genuine smile. "That's all I needed to hear," he said with a satisfied nod. "Just know, Naruto, our family adores you. Always have, always will."
Naruto's heart swelled, a sense of belonging washing over her. Teasing aside, she knew that this conversation and bond was yet another confirmation of something profound blossoming in her life. Regardless of where things went with Sasuke, the Uchiha had always been her secondary family. As she and Itachi continued sipping their teas, the conversation drifting to more mundane topics, Naruto felt contentment she hadn't realized she'd been missing.
Naruto leaned back as they finished their tea and desserts, feeling content. "Thank you, Itachi. It's been nice catching up."
"It was my pleasure," he replied. "Promise me we won't let so much time pass before our next meet-up."
Naruto nodded. "Definitely. Take care, Itachi."
With a final hug and promise to stay in touch, the two departed, leaving the tea house with warm hearts and cherished memories rekindled.
_._._._._
The moon hung high in the velvety sky, casting a silvery glow through Naruto's bedroom window. Naruto had just settled into her bed, the softness of her blankets enveloping her as she prepared to drift off. Her phone buzzed softly beside her. Figuring it was just another notification, she almost ignored it. But something nudged her to take a glance. The name "Dr. Bastard" flashed on her screen, prompting her to swipe open the message immediately.
Dr. Bastard: "Do you have any idea how tempting you looked today? Every time I think about the way that dress hugged your curves, my imagination runs wild... What were you thinking sending me your picture in that dress but not letting me see you in person?"
Her cheeks coloured, and an electric thrill shot through her. This side of Sasuke was still new to her, both startling and intoxicating.
Dr. Sunshine: "Is that so? I might have to wear that dress more often then. Or perhaps... less of it?" she typed back with a playful smirk.
Dr. Bastard: "It was hard not to imagine what it'd look like on my bedroom floor."
Sasuke Uchiha, sending her a text like that? She bit her lip, her fingers hovering over the keyboard as she thought of a response. A mix of embarrassment, excitement, and daring pulsed through her.
Dr. Sunshine: "Is that so? I might have to wear that dress more often then. Or perhaps... less of it?"
Dr. Sunshine: "Well, Mr. Uchiha, imagining is free, but to see it would cost you." she typed back with a playful smirk.
There was a brief pause before her phone vibrated again.
Dr. Bastard: "Name your price, Dr. Uzumaki. I'm sure we can come to some... arrangement."
As soon as she received that text, she saw the three dots, indicating Sasuke wasn't done with his message. Oh, this was fun.
Dr. Bastard: "As much as I'd love to explore that particular scenario, I might not be responsible for my actions. I've been patient, remember?"
She could almost hear the playful tone in his text, making her heart race. She decided to up the ante.
Dr. Sunshine: "Patience is a virtue, Sasuke. But who says I want you to be responsible? "
Dr. Sunshine: "Dinner. Your place. You cook. And who knows, maybe after dessert, you might get a little show."
The immediate ping of Sasuke's response made her grin.
Dr. Bastard: "Deal. The first night after my devil of a brother leaves. Prepare to be wined, dined, and... well, let's see how the evening progresses."
Naruto chuckled softly to herself, enjoying this newfound side of their relationship. It was exhilarating, the dance of words, the flirtatious banter. The promise of what might be, combined with their shared history, added layers of complexity and intensity to each exchange.
Dr. Sunshine: "Just remember, Sasuke. You started this. So, don't be surprised if you can't handle where it ends up,"Naruto texted, the playful challenge evident in her words.
Dr. Bastard: "Oh sweetheart, I can absolutely handle anything you throw my way… and then some 😉. Any men would have to if they had to watch how you sway your hips when you walk."
Naruto laughed.
Dr. Sunshine: "Oh, really? I wasn't aware you were so... observant, Dr. Uchiha."
Before she could set her phone down, it vibrated again. This time, the tone was a little more serious.
Dr. Bastard: "There's a lot you don't know about what I observe, especially when it comes to you. By the way, Itachi mentioned you two met up today. How did it go?"
Naruto's fingers paused over her phone's screen. Trust Itachi to report back to Sasuke. She decided to play along, her own flirtatious side emboldened by the late hour and their intimate conversation.
Dr. Sunshine: "It was good. Your brother is quite charming, you know. He certainly knows how to make a girl feel special."
She could almost sense Sasuke's change in demeanour even through text.
Dr. Bastard: "Is that so? I wonder... does he know how to make you blush the way I do?"
The daring in his words sent a thrill through Naruto, and she found herself eager to match his boldness.
Dr. Sunshine: "Maybe... but I'm curious to know if you're all talk, Dr. Uchiha. Do you really know how to make a girl's heart race, or is it all in your head?"
She didn't have to wait long for his reply.
Dr. Bastard: "Why don't we find out? I could show you... firsthand."
Naruto's breath caught at the blatant invitation, her heart pounding in her chest.
Dr. Sunshine: "Promises, promises. You're building quite the expectation, Sasuke."
There was a brief pause, the anticipation building, before his next message appeared.
Dr. Bastard: "Then it's a good thing I intend to keep them."
Naruto snuggled further into her duvet, and it was quite riveting to be able to text Sasuke in such a way.
Dr. Sunshine: "On a more serious note, Itachi and I caught up and reminisced; he may have tried to play matchmaker. Subtly, of course."
Sasuke's response was almost instant, his curiosity palpable.
Dr. Bastard: "What did he say?"
Naruto thought for a moment before replying.
Dr. Sunshine: "Nothing direct. But he made it quite clear he's rooting for... whatever this is between us. He's always had a way of seeing things others miss."
Sasuke's answer took a bit longer this time. When it finally came, his words' mix of vulnerability and hope was evident.
Dr. Bastard: "Do you... believe in us, Naruto? In the potential of what we could be?"
Reading his text, she felt her heart swell. Their banter was thrilling, but this depth of sincerity touched her deeply.
Dr. Sunshine: "Yes."
She began, choosing her words carefully as she wrote the following message.
Dr. Sunshine: "There's a lot of history between us, some of it painful. But every moment, every memory has led us to now. And right now, I believe in us more than I've ever believed in anything."
There was a pause, the weight of her words hanging in the digital space between them. Then, a single heart emoji from Sasuke concluded their conversation for the night, speaking volumes more than any words could. As she set her phone down, her mind was abuzz with images and 'possibilities' indeed. This dance they were engaged in, teetering between playful banter and something deeper, was new, but she found herself ready for wherever it led. With thoughts of Sasuke filling her mind, she drifted into a fitful sleep, the promise of tomorrow igniting a spark within her.
As she drifted off to sleep, she saw her phone light up once more with a text from Sasuke, "Sleep well my Sunshine. Dream of possibilities."
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