Chapter Seven: Meet the Family
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It was warm and smelled like jasmine and orange blossoms. Itachi inhaled deeply, enjoying the scent of Sakura's shampoo as he buried his nose against her silken tresses. They slept curled up together on her Full-sized bed, sharing the same pillow. His bed was much larger, but he kind of liked the excuse of being crowded next to Sakura. He could get used to snuggling up with her at night.
His treacherous imagination however also envisioned a scenario where this younger brother may have been in this same position not that long ago. Itachi tried to think back to any snippet Sasuke might have shared about 'Rose.' There wasn't much, mostly their mother asking when she would meet the mystery girlfriend. Until Sasuke's apartment had maintenance issues, Itachi hadn't seen much of Sasuke in the last couple of years outside of holidays.
Itachi squeezed his arms around Sakura's waist and pulled her close against his body. It wasn't like he hadn't been in love in the past — he'd loved his high school girlfriend — as much as a seventeen year old could love. Though, he already knew that his feelings as a thirty-two year old were much deeper. And it was a little scary, because he was pretty sure that it was love he felt for the woman snuggled against him.
He didn't believe in love at first sight. That's something foolish Shisui would believe because his best friend always wore his heart on his sleeve. Itachi had always been more cautious and reserved. However, there was his lung condition to consider.
He knew he couldn't stay in this cocoon of bliss forever. His phone continued to blow up and he ignored the incessant text messages from his brother having switched his cell to 'do not disturb'. Sakura's cell had chirped throughout the night as well. If it had been an emergency, it would have been a phone call, so they both didn't read the messages after they saw they were mostly from Sasuke.
There was one from Shisui.
Shisui: 🙏 please forgive me. It was necessary. Just remember, if you punch me — I'll be going to your girlfriend for medical treatment and I'll probably be shirtless. Do you really want me shirtless with Sakura's hands all over me? Healing me — of course.
Itachi needed to head to the restroom and he didn't want to embarrass himself in front of her. Itachi pressed a soft kiss to Sakura's cheek and walked uncomfortably to her bathroom to take care of his morning business and take a long, chill shower.
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Sakura's mind was spinning. One week ago, she'd been picking apples and posing with llamas outside of a castle. Now she and Itachi were leaving the jewelers and her hand now was adorned by a white gold ring with a dark garnet gemstone inlayed within a heart.
Itachi have given her a Promise Ring. This was what she wanted, a man that was serious about his intentions with her. She wanted a man that voiced his thoughts and feelings and made his intentions clear. She wanted a partner that didn't hesitate.
"I will speak with my mother about the heirloom Engagement Ring," Itachi murmured. "Should we continue to progress in our relationship." His dark eyes widened as he seemed to think of something that caused him to blurt out his next question worriedly. "I don't mean to presume! Would you like an antique ring or would you prefer something new?" He tugged at his long ponytail nervously. "It is your choice, of course."
Sakura found it difficult to breath. Itachi was so intense and focused. He was similar to Sasuke in that way, but her ex had always channelled that intensity into his cases or his martial arts training. She wasn't used to being the recipient of that kind of attention. "Honestly, I'm more concerned about my partner." She raised her hand and flashed her new ring in front of his face. "This is beautiful."
"It's cheap. You are worth much more than that costume jewelry," Itachi scoffed.
Sakura arched an eyebrow. It certainly wasn't cheap. It was a two-thousand dollar ring! She looped her arm through his and directed him back to the side walk. "What do you want to do now? It's getting close to lunch. That oatmeal we had this morning wasn't exactly filling. I'm sorry, I hadn't picked up this week's groceries."
"I want to visit the park and take some photos together with you wearing your ring, while we still have morning light" Itachi answered, guiding their stroll in that direction. "And if you're okay with the idea, I'd like you to post these photos to your Insta page. I wish to declare my intentions with you publicly."
Sakura looked between them and their casual outfits. Itachi wore the spare clothes he kept in his car — a red button up shirt and black fitted jeans as well as very expensive leather lace-up shoes. She wore dark bluejeans, tan boots with fur-lining and a white blouse with off the shoulder peek-a-boo sleeves with golden koi fish design. They were casual, yet nicely dressed. Ino would give her stamp of approval for Insta success!
"I would like to invite our parents to meet us for lunch," Itachi added.
"Lunch — today? My parents run a bakery, but they'll be free by one," Sakura said, pulling out her phone and pulling up her parents' name.
"Yes today. I want to have things settled between us before I confront my brother. One o'clock works, let's have them meet us at the Korean BBQ place— I can call and make a reservation. It's where you cook your own meat over a flame in the center of the table. It will be fun," Itachi said. He lifted her hand and kissed the knuckles below her Promise Ring. "Mother is going to love you. And afterwards, we can go look at formal wear. I can't wait to see you model different dresses. Actually, if it's okay, Mother would be thrilled if she could help look at dresses. She's always wanted a girl and has lamented having boys."
Sakura smiled faintly, imagining strutting around in front of Itachi in elegant gowns with his mother squealing in excitement. Her own mother wouldn't be interested in looking at gowns, it wasn't her thing. However, it might be fun to see if Itachi would like to visit the bakery with her one afternoon. Then her smile faded as worries began to swell within her. "Are we going to tell them that I was also Rose?" Sakura asked, biting her lower lip anxiously. How would her parents react? Uchiha was't exactly a common last name. And now that she thought about it — Itachi and Sasuke did share a lot of physical similarities.
Itachi ran his thumb over her bottom lip, plucking it free from her teeth. "Why would I do that? I don't care about your past."
"Shouldn't you at least talk to your brother before you do all this?" Sakura asked. As far as she was concerned, she and Sasuke were broken up and she didn't owe him any explanation. They could be friendly to one another, she proved that yesterday at the bowling alley and arcades. Itachi was the person whom she planned to devote her time and effort. Though, things were different between the brothers.
Itachi sighed, running his fingers anxiously through his hair, pulling out his hair tie and letting the length of dark hair fall about his shoulders. "I know. I'll talk to him this afternoon. But, Sakura, I don't want you to talk to him. He's your ex-boyfriend, you don't owe him any explanation. I know he was blowing up your phone last night almost as much as my own. I want to focus on you and our relationship today. Sasuke simply had the good fortune to meet you first, Sakura. He was foolish enough to let you slip through his fingers. I will not be making that mistake."
"Oh, Itachi," Sakura murmured, laying her hand gently upon his shoulder and looking up at him.
Itachi slipped his fingers into her hair and cradled the back of her head. "Once I commit to something, I do not waver. I have never lost a case. I have never not achieved a goal I established." He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers softly, then more insistent. He drew back, his forehead against hers looking deeply into her eyes. "You are my End Game, Sakura."
"Okay," Sakura breathed, her heart fluttering and soaring at the same time. She never thought she'd be on the receiving end of such a promise. "Let's go pose for some pictures and then meet our parents for lunch."
"We'll text them one of the photos of us together when we send the invitation. I know my mother won't be able to resist the intrigue," Itachi confessed, a sly smile brightening his solemn face.
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"Sakura!" Kizashi Haruno stomped across the distance like an eager rhino to wrap Sakura into his arms in a fierce bear hug. He wore a pair of stone-washed jeans, brown leather boots, and a red and white lumber-jack flannel shirt. His bright blue eyes peered over her head towards Itachi. "And Itachi!"
"Hi Papa," Sakura murmured, feeling her cheeks heat at her father's enthusiasm. She saw her mother rising from the lobby's bench and coming towards them at a more demure pace, a friendly smile on her face. She wore a pair of tailored slacks in a slate gray color and a more sedate button up blouse in a fuchsia color that matched her husband's unusual hair. They both looked a bit tired. "Was it a busy day at the bakery?"
"It always is these days," Mebuki said, leaning over and giving Sakura a more tame hug.
"Your family seems to be rather comfortable with hugging," Itachi said quietly.
On cue, Kizashi pulled Itachi into a fierce hug. "Great to meet you, Itachi!" He stepped back, releasing Itachi and peered around the empty lobby and then onto the sidewalk outside the restaurant.
Sakura giggled. "Itachi, these are my parents Kizashi and Mebuki Haruno. Papa, Mama, this is my boyfriend — Itachi Uchiha."
Kizashi nodded. "Uchiha? Any relation to Madara? He helped me with business contracts years ago."
"He's my uncle," Itachi explained.
Mebuki smiled. "It's lovely to meet you, Itachi. Where are your parents?"
"They have already secured us a table," Itachi explained. He offered an apologetic smile at the harried hostess. "If you don't mind, I know the way."
"Of course, go ahead," the hostess said, smiling back with a practiced grace. "The Police Chief secured room three — your family's usual."
Itachi took Sakura's hand and started to lead the way towards the back of the restaurant.
Sakura reached into her purse and pulled out a clean handkerchief and handed it to her mother. "Your left cheek," she whispered.
Mebuki accepted the white cotton cloth and wiped the flour off her cheek with a warm laugh. "You can take the baker out of the kitchen, but can't keep the kitchen out of the baker."
Itachi glanced over his shoulder and snorted in amusement. His parents were tucked away into a private room in the back of the restaurant. "We come here often," Itachi explained.
"So I gathered, room three, the usual," Kizashi murmured with an amused twinkle in his eyes.
Fugaku and Mikoto Uchiha stood in greeting when the quartet entered the private dining room. The Police Chief wore a dark blue suit with gray tie and Mikoto wore an elegant dress in deep purple, bringing out the lavender low-lights in her dark hair.
"Mebuki!" Mikoto cried, surprising both Sakura and Itachi.
"Mikoto!" Mebuki cried and the two women skirted the table and hugged each other close and did a little bouncing dance. Then they backed away and started an intricate hand slap routine while shouting a non-sense cheer involving a lot of the Greek alphabet.
Fugaku closed his eyes and rubbed the heel of his hand over his forehead. "Of course, they're sorority sisters." He sat back down at the table with a huff.
Kizashi smiled as he watched the two women fondly.
"Sakura! Mikoto is my old college roommate from Freshman year!" Mebuki explained, looping her arm around the elegant, taller woman's waist.
Mikoto laughed, the sound an elegant tinkling. "At least until you quit university to pursue culinary! Though, no one can blame you! Your pastries are to die for!" Her dark eyes fell in Kizashi. "And you're the Engineer!"
"Guilty," Kizashi admitted with a chuckle. His bright eyes swiveled towards Fugaku. "Though I probably shouldn't say that around the Chief of Police!"
Fugaku rose from the table and extended his hand towards Kizashi. They shook, but said nothing more.
"I'm no longer an engineer though. After a decade in the office, I decided to support Mebuki's dream of owning a bakery," Kizashi explained.
"It seems this lunch is going to be less awkward that we thought," Itachi whispered, leaning down into Sakura's ear.
Both mothers locked eyes on Itachi and Sakura, large matching smiles on their faces. "Or much more awkward than we first imagined," Sakura whispered back.
Itachi squeezed her hand. "Mother, Father, this is my girlfriend, Sakura Haruno." He gestured towards her parents with his free hand. "It seems you already know her parents, Kizashi and Mebuki Haruno."
As if on cue, Mikoto and Mebuki's gazes narrowed in on the ring on Sakura's left hand.
"It's a Promise Ring," Sakura explained before the two women got the wrong idea.
"Is it now?" Mikoto said, a cunning sparkle in her dark eyes. She knocked her shoulder against Mebuki's. "Will you be joining us looking at gowns this afternoon? Itachi has invited Sakura to join in Fugaku's work anniversary party next month."
Mebuki frowned. "Next month…oh! I already made the arrangements for the dessert and cake!" She smiled at Sakura and Itachi. "I would love to look at gowns, but I won't last long. And I remember how much you love to shop."
"Indeed, Mikoto will have them occupied all afternoon," Fugaku said, returning to the table and pulling out his wife's chair.
Itachi pulled out a chair for Sakura. They sat next to each other while their mothers continued to chat, asking the two of them countless questions. Kizashi looked quietly amused while Fugaku started ordering their food. The lunch lasted for two hours.
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Itachi had been dreading his confrontation with Sasuke. Sure enough, his brother was pacing, his expression angry when Itachi entered the apartment. Sasuke held his phone up accusingly. "Mother called. Told me all about your fiancée and how you all had lunch together - our parents and her parents. And then you went looking at dresses for Father's celebration next month."
"Mother was just excited to do something girly— she always wanted a daughter. Mother has been hoping one of us would settle down in the near future or at least have a girlfriend spend time around the family," Itachi murmured. "And we aren't engaged. Sakura and I are committed to one another. I have promised myself to her."
Sasuke's scowl deepened. "Sakura is Rose. Does she know you're my brother? Is this some scheme the two of you concocted to make me jealous? Make me come crawling back to her? Force me into a proposal? I won't be trapped into a marriage." He stared down at his phone once more and grunted in disgust before throwing his phone onto the couch where it bounced twice before becoming lodged between the cushions.
Itachi picked up Sasuke's phone and saw it was Sakura's Instagram account and his brother had been pouring over their photos. Sakura had uploaded a photo dump — images of the two of them from the park, the apple orchard, with the llamas, and from their baking class.
Itachi stared at his brother in silence, trying to read Sasuke's true emotions. He was hurt. Perhaps Sasuke thought that Sakura would just wait around for him to sow his wild oats before settling down with her. In Itachi's opinion, Sakura was the type of woman you married, not the type you strung along.
Perhaps, Sasuke was angry because Sakura had moved on— and had moved on to the older brother that Sasuke has idolized for much of his life. "Sakura thought my last name was Karasu." He didn't mention that Shisui was very aware of everything. Did Shisui want to make Sasuke jealous for Sakura's sake? Or did he think Sakura and Itachi would make a good match? "Sakura is a very nice woman. She wouldn't play games with people's hearts or try to force someone to be with her. If you knew her, you would know that."
"You think you know her better than me?" Sasuke challenged, standing at his full height and towering over Itachi by two inches. "Did you know if you trace your thumb under her ribs she's ticklish and she'll practically melt in your arms? That she loves snuggling up on the couch to watch old Black and White romances? That she cries when she sings because she's so moved by the music? That she prefers shower sex because she hates doing laundry?"
Itachi's temper flared. He'd tried not to think too hard about Sakura being with Sasuke intimately before. He thought he had succeeded. He wasn't going to judge her for loving someone before she met him. But he didn't want it rubbed in his face either. Itachi reared back his fist and slammed it into Sasuke's jaw causing him to stumble back from the force of it.
Sasuke hadn't expected the attack and his eyes flashed in anger as he rubbed his jaw. Then he flew at Itachi in a rage. The brothers had both been trained in self-defense from a young age, most of their hits didn't land and were harmlessly deflected. However, both were angry and more sloppy than usual. Itachi felt a black eye forming over his right eye and he managed to sweep Sasuke's legs out from under him. Sasuke crashed onto the coffee table, splintering the wood and causing it to collapse under his weight.
"When she's stressed, she'll go running early in the morning, while it's still dark out," Sasuke panted. "Even though that's the most dangerous time of day, no matter how many times I've warned her!"
"You should have offered to go running with her then," Itachi murmured. He offered his hand and Sasuke took it, rising to his feet. His anger started to fade, replaced with sadness that he'd come to blows with his brother. Sasuke wasn't the only one that failed at communication. He's spent his whole childhood protecting Sasuke. Now he was defending the woman he loved from that same beloved brother? He'd only known Sakura for less than six weeks. How long did it take to fall in love? He was starting to think it only took a few days. How long was she with Sasuke? "And you didn't love her. You broke up with her— several months ago."
"We're on a break," Sasuke snapped, pulling back his hand as if touching Itachi burned. He rubbed his bruised jaw. "I never said I didn't love her."
Itachi stared at Sasuke with incredulous, wide-eyes. "What does that mean to you? That you can date other women, like the pretty redhead? Is she supposed to sit at home and long for you and sink into a deep depression?" He stepped closer to Sasuke, his hands going into fists at his side. "That she's supposed to pine for you and accept whatever morsel of affection you might toss her way? Did you ever say with words that you loved her? I know you're not heartless, Sasuke. Don't pretend you don't have feelings. You knew what you were doing by never introducing her to our family. You never intended to commit to her."
Itachi took a moment to center himself. This wasn't a trial. He wasn't giving his closing statements, but it sure felt like he was. "Mother would have welcomed her with open arms. She has in fact. Mother and Father absolutely adore her — daughter-in-law material Mother told me." Itachi raised his hands and started reciting the list his mother had quoted earlier. "Beautiful, polite, intelligent, educated, well-read. Maybe her family doesn't come from a noble clan, but this is the Twenty-first century, Sasuke. We're not living in the Feudal Era — so who cares?"
"That's exactly why I didn't introduce her to our parents!" Sasuke snapped. "You don't think I know she's perfect? Once Mother has something in her head she doesn't let it go. She'd have had Sakura and me married within a year of dating if I'd brought her home — whether we were right for each other or not." Sasuke groaned, kneeling next to the shattered coffee table and gathering the broken pieces. He avoided Itachi's eyes. "You have to stop seeing her."
"No. I don't," Itachi argued. "Just because you didn't see her worth, doesn't mean someone else won't see it. She's my friend. And I love her and I'm going to marry her."
"I have grandmother's ring," Sasuke declared, glaring at Itachi.
"What? How?" Itachi demanded. He felt his chest growing tight again and forced himself to take deep, calming breaths.
"When Sakura asked me to make a commitment, I thought about it. However, neither of us had dated anyone before each other — it seemed prudent that we know for sure." He gestured towards Itachi. "It seems I was right to be hesitant. Maybe she needed to wait for the perfect brother, not the inferior shadow copy."
"You're not inferior to me, Sasuke. We're just different." Itachi crouched on the floor next to the broken table. His chest still ached, but he could breath fine. "You broke her heart, Sasuke. I have been mending it. I don't need Grandmother's ring," Itachi vowed. "A piece of jewelry doesn't make a healthy relationship, but communication and affection does. Both are skills you lack, Little Brother." He braced his hands upon his knees to stand again. He walked into the kitchen and opened up the freezer and pulled out two bags of frozen peas. He wrapped them both in clean kitchen towels and then tossed one to Sasuke.
His brother caught the peas-peace offering and sat on the couch, the frozen vegetables over this jaw. Itachi sat next to him with his bag of peas over his eye. "I think there's a NASCAR race on this afternoon."
Sasuke picked up the remote from the debris that was the coffee table. "I'll replace your coffee table," he muttered before flipping on the television and finding the car race. "This conversation of ours isn't over."
Itachi's lip twitched. "I know. We'll table it for now."
Sasuke snorted. "You're a complete dork."
They fell into silence, both nursing their bruises and staring at the boldly painted cars racing across the television screen. Sasuke took their half-melted bags and stuck them back in the fridge. He returned with a couple of bottles of mineral water and a bowl of popcorn to share.
"Does she know about your lung condition?" Sasuke asked quietly.
Itachi had just tossed a handful of buttery popcorn into his mouth. He chewed contemplatively. He had not told Sakura about his lung condition. It hadn't come up and frankly, it had been months since his last flare up. "Did you ever tell her your real feelings about her?" Itachi countered.
Sasuke sighed and took a long draught of his water. "I see. We're both a couple of cowards then."
"Mother and Sakura's mother were roommates in University. They were sorority sisters," Itachi added.
Sasuke turned towards him, his eyes wide. And then he burst out laughing. "Did they do that weird hand-shake with the song?"
Itachi sighed. "They did indeed."
Sasuke continued to laugh. "How did Father take that?"
"As he usually does, in stride," Itachi answered, a faint smile on his lips as he thought about his parents. The love they had for each other was clear. He wanted that for his own life — regardless of how long his life may be.
"Sakura is a doctor," Sasuke pointed out, once his laughter subsided. "She has connections. You need to tell her soon. If you don't….," he trailed off, his expression somber. "Then I'll tell her." .