Chapter Ten: Lesson Seven Cherry Cobbler

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Making friends had never been easy for Itachi. He'd been a quiet child, introverted and cautious. He preferred to observe people, yet people often came to him. His handsome face and deep, story-teller voice often played to his advantage during trials and interviews. His preference to speak as little as possible made him seem mysterious and people wanted to know his thoughts and agenda. He preferred to keep his thoughts and agendas to himself.

He didn't like to be the center of attention. Yet he was the first one picked for a team, the first one the teacher called upon, the one people came to when they had a problem to solve. When his health condition first manifested, his parents coddled him — home schooled him for three years with private tutors. But Shisui had snuck him out one afternoon and introduced him to lacrosse. Later, Shisui begged Itachi's parents that he could attend high school and later university with him.

And then Itachi had made friends — Kakashi, Genma. He'd even had a girlfriend by his sophomore year in high school.

So, why did he feel like it was the first day of school again and everyone was staring at him?

"This was a great idea," Kakashi murmured adjusting the hood to his beekeeper suit. He surveyed the group. "Half the class showed up."

Itachi nodded and then finished stretching the length of the bee suit pants over his deer skin boots. He'd made the mistake the last time he visited the farm of not wearing boots with his bee keeper suit and ended up getting stung through his sock. It was an experience he hoped to avoid. It had been more of an inconvenience than actually something painful. Then again, he did seem to have a higher than average tolerance for pain.

When Sakura sent a group text out to their class, he really didn't expect such a turnout. And then when Shisui showed up on his motorcycle with Sakura's best friend in tow, he'd been even more surprised. "I'm not sure there's been a group this large to help at the honey farm before."

"Hm," Kakashi murmured. He pulled on the goatskin gloves provided by the farm as part of the suit over his hands. "I appreciate you adding the recommended protective clothing to the text. I almost wore a pair of cargo shorts under this ensemble."

Itachi chuckled. "Remember back at university when we played paintball and Genma showed up in a pair of running shorts and a muscle shirt?"

Kakashi joined in on the laughter. "He was black and blue for a solid week and a half." He dropped his voice to a low whisper. "So, that ring you gave Sakura — you're pretty serious about her. I've never seen you like this about anyone."

"I'm always serious, Hatake." Itachi looked on the opposite side of the group to where Sakura stood with Ino and Shisui. He smiled under his mask, Sakura had a pair of deerskin boots like his — borrowed from his mother whom conveniently was the same shoe size. Her friend Ino had worn a pair of high-heeled knee high boots. It was an interesting fashion statement. And seeing the way Shisui had his arm comfortably wrapped around the shoulders of both women, Itachi felt his heart warm. "Though it is an added bonus that my girlfriend's best friend is dating my best friend."

"Or a train wreck," Kakashi countered. His attention shifted past Itachi's shoulder. "That must be the owner of the honey farm."

Itachi turned to watch as Shino Aburame, the owner of the honey farm, strode to the assembled group. His face was hidden behind his own beekeeper hood. Itachi smiled faintly. He knew the reclusive man was grateful for the turnout. And he would likely sell quite a bit of product with the current visitors. Though, since Itachi had helped him broker a deal two years ago with one of the regional markets, selling honey to visitors wasn't a great priority these days.

"I want to thank everyone for coming out today," Shino greeted, his voice muffled by his gear, but still audible. "I'll first show you one of the wooden bee boxes — it's where the hive lives. Bees are a hierarchy with the queen at the center of it all. The worker bees collect nectar from local flowers and blossoms and in the process pollinate the crops and fruit in the area within a three to five mile radius. A single honey bee will visit between fifty and a hundred flowers during each trip. A bee will fly 40,000 miles for one pound of honey."

Genma raised his hand clearly surprising Aburame with the action. The bee farmer gestured for him to speak. "Is it true, all the worker bees are female?"

"Technically," Shino agreed. "From a genetic standpoint the worker bees are female, but they are infertile. Only the queen procreates. And before you ask, there are male bees — they're called drones. Their only purpose is to mate with the queen and they do not collect pollen but feed from the collected honeycombs."

"Oh?" Genma asked with a chuckle. "I know what I want to be in my next life."

"I wouldn't be so eager if I were you," Shino argued. "After the drone mates the queen, he dies. The worker bees kick them out of the hive by autumn and they starve." He began to pace the class. "Bees don't sting unless they feel threatened. When they sting, they die. I ask that you be respectful to my bees. I don't want any casualties today."

"Shisui and I brought first aid kits," Sakura volunteered. "We have Benadryl and epipens."

"Bees collect honey to feed off during the winter," Shino continued. "Now that it's spring, they're actively collecting and have the honey to spare. We must never be too greedy— the priority is that the bees have enough to sustain themselves. It's in late summer that the drones mate with the queen from a different hive —not their own. If any of you want to come back to watch that flight it truly is something to witness." He waved towards the large collection of bee boxes. "As you can see, there are a lot of hives here, so it's very busy during mating season."

"If I want erotica, I'll stick to my books," Kakashi murmured, leaning close to Itachi's ear.

They split up into groups of two and three. Sakura came to join Itachi and Kakashi. She used the smoker to prevent the bees from being alarmed while Kakashi and Itachi collected the honey from their assigned bee boxes. Sakura took photos of their experience from her phone.

"Nice boots, Sakura," Kakashi complimented removing the lid to their second box after Sakura smoked the occupants.

"They are, aren't they?" Sakura released a breathy laugh. She turned to scan the breadth of the honey bee farm. "It's hard to believe a place like this exists just an hour outside of the city."

"The world is a diverse place," Itachi agreed. He took Sakura's phone from her hand and posed for a selfie with her in their beekeeper suits. It had been a great idea to add the sensor to the index finger pad to the gloves to allow visitors to take pictures while still being protected from the bees.

Shino called everyone's attention and they secured the lids back on the bee boxes. They returned their supplies to the shed and stripped out of the bee suits.

Itachi smiled down at Sakura, enjoying that she wore her hair in a braid over her shoulder. "What did you think?"

"It was interesting, but also a little nerve wracking," Sakura explained picking at her nails and sighing. "I'm a little worried if we took too much honey, since the bees collect it for a reason. I mean — they kill the drones so as not to waste honey and here we are taking the honey they worked hard to create."

Kakashi chuckled. "Wow. You really are a softie. That whole conversation about drones really got you, didn't it?"

"Being a bee is a hard life," Sakura continued. "Not just the drones only having one purpose, but the same with the queen. She spends her whole life getting knocked up by strange men and then laying eggs until she dies. And the workers dedicate their lives to collecting pollen, flying thousands of miles and working hard for the future of the hive even if they themselves don't get to sample the harvest."

"I find your empathy for the bees' plight to be endearing," Itachi murmured, gazing down at his girlfriend affectionately. It was validating, because he has also felt a sadness for the bee's life after his first visit to the honey farm.

"My parents asked me to help them with the baking for your father's party," Sakura said, turning back to Itachi. She looked between him and Kakashi. "Would either of you be interested in helping the baker's daughter?"

"You want me to help cater my own father's party?" Itachi asked, lips twitching in amusement. He'd been on the steroids for a few days now, and so far he'd not felt any irritability. He actually found a lot of incidents to be humorous.

"Sounds fun," Kakashi murmured. "I can spare a couple of hours. Especially if you might agree to pet-sit for me the next time I travel out of town."

"Doesn't Obito normally pet-sit for you?" Itachi asked.

Kakashi reached over and mused Sakura's hair, messing up the carefully braided hair and getting his hands swatted back in retaliation. "Careful, Sakura. My arm is still tender from my injury a couple of weeks ago." He turned back to Itachi cradling his forearm dramatically. "I only used Obito before because I didn't know Sakura at the time. She definitely seems much more reliable."

Sakura loosened her braid entirely and finger-combed her pale hair. Her jade eyes focused on Itachi. "I talked to them about the alternative sweetener and your mother also agreed to the change."

"I'm sure I can spare a few hours," Itachi offered.

Sakura pulled out her phone and started to scan their photos from earlier. She held up the one of her and Itachi together and giggled. "I'm posting this one. I think the title 'With my bae and the bees!' Will work."

Kakashi snatched the phone from her and then shot an image of her and Itachi outside of the suits. He waved down the group. "Everybody gather up, let's get a group shot!"

"What is he doing?" Sakura asked, staring as Kakashi took off with her phone.

Itachi wrapped his arm around Sakura's shoulders and drew her against his side. "Ah, he forgot his phone at home and since he's always the unofficial photographer, it's best not to argue." He pressed a kiss to her temple. "Let's join the others, you can stand in front of me. I'll keep my arms around your waist in one of the class prom-photo poses."

"Did you even go to prom?" Sakura asked, a soft sigh passing her lips as she relaxed against Itachi's chest.

Itachi nodded. "Didn't you?"

Sakura laughed. "I'm embarrassed to think of the photo. My date wore the most atrocious orange suit."

Itachi ducked his chin close to her ear. "I doubt if I saw the photo, I would even notice him."

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OoO

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The smell was absolutely divine. Sakura breathed deep, enjoying the buttery scent of the cherry cobbler. The entire kitchen smelled like the cobblers that were baking in the ovens. Most of the class were chatting amongst themselves, laughing, joking around. Kakashi sat at the front reading his bright orange novel.

Itachi slid over a small bowl of red cherries with their stems intact. "So, since we still have a good twenty minutes you want to have a little competition?"

Sakura angled on her stool to face her boyfriend, their knees touching. "What kind of competition?"

"Who can tie the most cherry stems into knots?" Itachi's lips were curled into a shy smile.

"What?" Sakura's cheeks burned. She picked up one of the cherries and rolled it between her thumb and index finger. She met Itachi's dark gaze. "This seems like something Ino would suggestion."

Itachi's lips twitched. "It was Shisui's idea," he admitted.

Sakura groaned. Those two really were well suited for each other. "Okay, Uchiha. Let's do this." She popped the cherry in her mouth and started working to tie the stem into a knot

Without another word, Itachi popped a cherry into his mouth. Moments later he showed the knotted stem and set it on the cutting board on their table before starting on his second cherry.

By the time the cobblers were ready, they'd gone through all the cherries in the bowl. Itachi had tied seven into knots and Sakura had managed to complete four.

"You may have won in our little competition," Sakura admitted. She leaned close, dropping her voice to a whisper only for Itachi's ears. "But, considering who will benefit from your skill — I'd say that I'm the winner."

Itachi's dark eyes sparkled in interest.

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OoO

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After her shift ended on Thursday, Sakura changed out of her hospital scrubs, took a shower in the locker room and changed into her street clothes. She had a pair of flats in her bag to change into for dancing. The paramedics had come by the ER earlier that day, but it had been Neji on shift and not Shisui. She hoped that he and Ino would show up for the dance lessons. It would be a little less awkward taking dance lessons form her future in-laws if her and Itachi's best friends were also there.

She checked her phone and was glad to see she was running right on time. She noticed a text from Naruto, inviting her to attend a yoga class he and his girlfriend were leading. He promised there would be baby goats.

Naruto: Oh, come on, Sakura-chan! You know you love goats! And the flexibility you gain in yoga is always appreciated in a lover. You know you wanna! We used to do yoga all the time!

Sakura: Stop being a perv! I'll think about it. I'll see if my boyfriend wants to try it.

Naruto: Oh? So that means you and Teme are cool again? You found someone already?

Sakura: Don't call him that. And we're friends.

Naruto: Cool. Whatever. Bring your new boyfriend. It will be motivating for him to see just how flexible your old boyfriend is!

Sakura: You can't talk about things like that!

Naruto: …..

She stepped out of the hospital lobby and found Itachi waiting for her on the sidewalk. His long hair was loose about his shoulders and the gentle evening breeze blew his dark tresses behind him lending him a mysterious air.

"How was your day?" Itachi asked, holding his hand out for Sakura. She shoved her phone into her purse and then took his hand. He drew her close to him, hugging her with his other arm secured around her waist.

"Better with you here," Sakura murmured, tilting her head back and eagerly receiving Itachi's sweet kiss. She sighed against his lips and his curious tongue traced along her seam, traced the contours of her mouth, and used those cherry-stem knot tying skills to curl her toes.

"I missed you," Itachi said quietly, leaning back slightly and then turning them towards the parking lot. "Do you need to eat?"

"No, I'm good." Sakura laced their fingers together and leaned against Itachi's firm shoulder as they walked side-by-side towards his car. "You?"

"I'm good too. Though, knowing Mother, the refrigerator will be stocked with plenty of food should we grow peckish," Itachi added. "She prides herself on being a perfect hostess."

Sakura had never been to the neighborhood where Itachi's parents lived. It was one of the older districts in Konoha. The lawns were impeccable and the trees tall and ancient. Their house itself was stunning — something out of an architecture magazine. "You grew up here?"

Itachi chuckled quietly. "It does have a museum like quality to it, I admit. Especially with father's collection of samurai armor in the library. Mother's kitchen is quite modern and it's big enough to have a ballroom. When I visit, I rarely leave the kitchen to be honest. It's my favorite room."

Sakura smiled at that. It would be his favorite room. "How old is this place?" Sakura asked, unlocking her door and getting out of the vehicle before Itachi even fully turned off the car. She craned her neck back to peer at the balcony on the third floor. The garage was detached and she recognized Shisui's motorcycle and Sasuke's SUV. "Sasuke is here too?"

Itachi came to stand behind her, took her hand and squeezed gently. "That's news to me. I wonder if Mother asked him to practice his dancing as well." He tugged Sakura along with him. "And this house is maybe a hundred and fifty years old? It's been renovated and is larger than its original structure. The clan used to hold formal events here in the last century." He paused on the doorstep and jammed the code into the number lock. As the bolts slid into the door, he looked back at Sakura and smiled. "Now my parents rent out party venues like normal people."

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Itachi watched as Sakura met with his mother and Ino and the three women were chatting animatedly. The music played softly in the background. Itachi leaned against the wall, next to his father and cousin while the latter two finished discussing about a case.

"Shisui, you did well," Fugaku said suddenly. Itachi swiveled his gaze towards his reticent father, wondering what he was praising the black sheep of the family about. "Itachi's shyness had worried his mother. We were afraid he would be married to his work at the rate he was going."

"I'm not shy," Itachi protested. "I'm an introvert. They are two separate things."

Shisui chuckled and hooked his arm around Itachi's neck good-naturedly. "Itachi is my favorite person in the world. I'll always look out for you, best friend of mine." He gestured towards Sakura and Ino with Mikoto. "And I have to say, dating a pair of best friends is really special. Just imagine! We can do our vacations together and raise our kids together. When the ladies need a girls night out, we can have a manly night in playing poker."

"I detest poker," Itachi pointed out. He grimaced, knowing his tone was more harsh than he intended. Perhaps the steroids were starting to affect his temperament. Though, it was nothing like the time he flipped a table.

"As you should. Poker is often associated with gambling and is a gateway to all sorts of vulgar behavior," Fugaku agreed with a nod.

"Geez, poker is just a game of wits you two spoil sports," Shisui pouted. "Fine. Video games, sparring, or hell — baking." He reached over and tried to knuckle Itachi's head, but the latter evaded the attack and danced out of range.

Fugaku sighed. "At least Sasuke isn't enamored by sweets."

"Sorry, Uncle Fugaku, you're still outnumbered. Between me, Itachi, and Obito — we all love sweet things." Shisui laughed. "As should be evident by our choice in women." His gaze swept across the hall towards Ino. "Though, Ino is more spicy than sweet."

Itachi didn't think Sakura was particularly sweet either. She was confident and kind. "I prefer to think of Sakura as wholesome."

"You two have found complimentary partners— it took you long enough. Hopefully, Sasuke will find his other half in the near future," Fugaku worried.

"I saw his vehicle in the garage. Where is Sasuke?" Itachi asked.

"He hit the trails. He was stressed about something and he has always enjoyed running," Fugaku explained. He gestured towards the women. "Certainly more than he's ever enjoyed dancing."

Mikoto called the men over. "Let's partner up." She smiled up at her husband Fugaku when he strode to her side.

Itachi felt a strong fondness for the affectionate looks that passed between his parents. They were often very serious and never engaged in public displays of affection, except on the dance floor.

"I apologize in advance if I step on your toes," Sakura murmured, chewing her lower lip and gazing up at Itachi when he settled his hands on her hips and hers fell to his shoulders.

"It will be worth it," Itachi assured her, a faint smile. "Bruised toes will heal."

The music began and while his parents looked elegant and graceful, Shisui and Ino looked like they needed to find a private room. Itachi focused on Sakura. Her eyes were intently trained on their feet.

"Up here, Sakura," Itachi encouraged, holding her chin and forcing her jade gaze to meet his eyes. "Feel the music and follow my lead. You know the basics. I'll guide us." He twirled her out and then back. Sakura crashed back into him, her hands upon his chest and her face flushed. He smiled down at her.

After two songs, Mikoto had Sakura and Ino take turns dancing with Fugaku while she watched their movements critically, making adjustments as needed.

It was when Sakura was dancing with his father that Itachi noticed Sasuke standing just inside the doorway, mouth gaped open in shock. Itachi caught his brother's expression of panic and when he backed away, Itachi followed after him.

Itachi caught up to Sasuke in the backyard, grabbed his elbow. Sasuke whirled around, his dark eyes narrowed. "Father could have mentioned that you were coming over," he accused, shaking Itachi's hand off his elbow. He sat on the old swing set from their childhood.

"If you didn't ask, he wouldn't offer. You know how he is," Itachi reasoned, sitting down on the swing next to him. He noticed the chains were new.

"I fixed the swing and replaced the chains back when I was living here," Sasuke explained, noticing his attention. "You don't need to check on me. Go back inside and practice your dancing. Mother is going to worry."

"Mother will be fine," Itachi argued.

"This is my problem, not yours, Itachi. Don't worry about me," Sasuke tried again.

Itachi scowled. "I'm not dead, Sasuke, and I'm not going to live like I'm dying. Why don't you join us? You know there will be dancing at Father's party. You can use the practice."

Sasuke wrinkled his nose. "Because I don't dance." Sensing Itachi's imminent protest, he continued. "It's not that I can't, but I don't want to." He leaned forward, his dark hair obstructing his face. "And do you know how much of an asshole it will make me look if Sakura sees me dancing when she asked me for years and I wouldn't ever take her dancing?"

Itachi was both surprised and irritated. Those damn steroids were making him more sensitive to anger. "It doesn't matter if you were a shitty boyfriend, Sasuke." His tone was sharp. "You're not her boyfriend anymore — I am. She's not one to hold a grudge and if you think she would — you really never knew her."

Sasuke's eyes were wide as he listened intently to Itachi's words. "You're definitely back on steroids."

"I'm just speaking what I'm thinking," Itachi explained. "I can't blame that on the steroids."

Sasuke sighed, but a faint smirk lifted the corner of his mouth. "I really dislike dancing. I'm capable, but it makes me extremely uncomfortable. And I can see the two of you together— you just," he waved his hand at Itachi vague, "—-mesh. If she's going to end up family, I don't want her to resent me. She already thinks I'm a liar because I never introduced her to the family and I explained why already."

"You did," Itachi agreed. They swang together silently for a while. The cool night breeze sent a chill down Itachi's arm. "I need to head back inside."

"Did you tell Sakura about your lung condition?"

Itachi nodded. "She went with me to see Dr Shi last week."

"Really? And you started steroids again?" Sasuke arched his eyebrow. "You seem pretty calm. Not at all on edge like you were last time, maybe just a little more blunt than usual."

"It's a much lower dose. It's only been a week, but it seems to help." Itachi rubbed his hand over his chest. "The tightness seems to have released and the ache is less."

"My apartment has been repaired," Sasuke said.

"I know it hasn't all been tranquility, but I have enjoyed getting to know you again, Sasuke." Itachi was torn between asking Sasuke to keep sharing his space, or if he wanted his privacy. Eventually, he and Sakura would need a place together, but would he want it to be an apartment? Or would he want a house with a little yard and a swing set of their own? Maybe a swimming pool? Or maybe he should just focus on making a good impression at his father's party with his girlfriend and not try to plot out his future life with Sakura.

"It has been. I'll leave Grandmother's ring with you." Sasuke's eyes were serious and a faint, sad smile on his lips. "It was always meant for Sakura, just not from me. I intended to put it back in the family safe here. It's the real reason I came by, not just to hit the trails." He unzipped the pocket of his running shorts and held out the familiar ring.

"Does this mean I have your approval, little brother?" Itachi studied Sasuke's expression. It was unreadable. He took the ring, turned it over in his dextrous fingers.

"Not that you need it, but yes. You should go back, finish the dance lesson," Sasuke suggested.

The ring was a symbol, an expression of an older love story within the family as well as the hope for a future one. It must have been hard for Sasuke to give it up. "You don't have to leave — the apartment I mean. It's been nice bonding with you. And I own it. You wouldn't have to pay rent, you could save up. With the time it took for maintenance to make your apartment's repairs, I can easily nullify your current lease agreement as they broke their part of it of the contract. I could file the document by noon tomorrow."

"Don't you want the place back to yourself?" Sasuke asked. "I broke your table. I doubt if it will be the last time we get in each other's face. We always have."

"That's what brothers do." Itachi pocketed the ring. "I would want a new place with Sakura eventually. Besides, my apartment is a much nicer place than your current apartment. Even with the salary of a detective, you could use the fiscal break."

"I could," Sasuke agreed. "I'm not one to waste resources. Very well. And it's fine if you bring Sakura over sometime— I'll deal with it. We're trying to be friends." He grimaced. "I need to try harder especially since it looks like we'll end up as family."

"Your home should be your safe space. I'll meet her at her apartment or when you're at work," Itachi offered. "I don't expect you to bottle up your feelings, nor her. Nor would I want that."

"It might be nice to share dinner with the two of you. She makes a great tomato sauce," Sasuke murmured. "And I think seeing the two of you together, will help me come to terms. I still want her as part of my life. And you're the most important person in my life."

Itachi held out his hand. "Come, we're almost done with the dancing anyway. Why don't you shower? We can all hang out for a little bit before going home."

Sasuke took his hand and stood. He held on for a moment longer, gripping Itachi's wrist in a solemn sort of promise.

"Are you going to bring anyone to Father's party?" Itachi asked, the ring in his pocket seemed to burn against his flesh through the material. "Karin seems like she might like to dance."

"Ah, I'm not bringing Karin," Sasuke protested. "She's more interested in Suigetsu than in me. I might invite an old friend though. And they love to dance. They're a bit of a clown."

"Can I have a clue? I'm not sure I can handle any more surprises," Itachi said with a raspy laugh. Maybe his lungs were still inflamed.

Sasuke grimaced. "Yeah, I was thinking of asking Naruto. I haven't seen him since last summer. But he's always fun."

Itachi frowned. Why was that name familiar? "Okay. Why do I sense there's something more to this? Who is Naruto again?"

"Ah, well," Sasuke said with a chuckle. He splayed his hand between Itachi's shoulder blades and they walked side by side towards the house. "He was Sakura's boyfriend before me."

"Oh, do you think he has a copy of their prom picture?" Itachi asked. "Sakura alluded to it, but she refuses to show me."

"Oh, yeah," Sasuke said. He released Itachi and pulled his phone out of his pocket and started texting. His eyes lit up in amusement. "He's going to snap a photo of it." A moment later he laughed and then showed the image to Itachi.

It was a teenaged version of Sakura with shoulder-length hair and a tall, tanned boy with spiky sunny blond hair and sky blue eyes. She wore an elegant pale lavender mermaid style prom dress. The boy wore a loud orange tux. They both had crowns on top of their heads. "She was the prom queen?"

"Yeah. He's apparently friends with everyone and she's — well — you know the appeal." Sasuke forwarded the text to Itachi. "In case you want to look at it more."

Itachi heard his phone chime indicating the text. He opened it and saw a flier about a yoga class with baby goats. "Um, baby goat yoga?"

"What?" Sasuke scowled and then sent a second text. "Ignore that. Naruto is trying to get me to go attend his yoga class."

"It sounds interesting."

"You would think so," Sasuke muttered.

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