A/N: Well…this story is rated T, but to be honest, this chapter really starting bordering on M. Let's just say, Itachi doesn't stay a virgin.

The Missing Ingredient

Chapter Twelve: The Party

.

.

.

Friday's day shift at Konoha Hospital wasn't too bad. There were plenty of twisted ankles, sprained wrists, and broken bones from a skateboarding competition that took place near the Academy. At least Shisui had texted her a heads-ups, as a former skateboarder himself, he'd been there to observe, having dragged Ino along. And at the end of the competition, he'd loaded up his truck with all the injured kids and dropped them off at the hospital before he started to work the second shift as a paramedic with the fire department. At least Ino clocked in and while her focus was Psychiatry, she knew her way around applying splints and casts.

"Shisui, if you keep bringing me this many patients I'm going to strangle you," Sakura warned as he pushed the gurney from his ambulance into her ER for the third time in an hour and a half.

Shisui shrugged and flashed one of his disarming smiles. "Sorry, not sorry. They must know you'll be at Uncle Fugaku's party tomorrow so everyone wants your healing hands on them today."

Sakura blew out a frustrated breath, ruffling her surgical mask in the process. She glanced at the digital clock displayed behind the nursing station. Her shift was supposed to end thirty minutes ago and she still had to shower, decontaminate and dress in street clothes. She was going to be so late to her parents' bakery!

Shisui followed her gaze up to the clock. "Just text Kakashi and he'll come pick you up. He left the station for your parents' bakery already, but wanted me to pass it on. Itachi was already there and a few of your old classmates."

Sakura already knew Itachi was there, he'd texted her during her last break. Though, she hadn't checked her phone in a few hours so she appreciated Shisui's update. "Get out of here, you're distracting my nurses. You know they all have crushes on you."

"Ah well," Shisui murmured, his cheeks burned in embarrassment. "You know I only have eyes for your friend." He folded his arms over his chest and leaned his hip on a nearby counter. Sometimes, he liked to linger in the ER for a bit, waiting until his walkie went off indicating another call. "So…Itachi has been tight-lipped. How are things? You're spending a lot of time together these days."

Sakura just finished reading through the nurse's report on her next patient, reviewing the vitals. Hopefully, she could wrap things up after another two or three patients. "It's going well. He's great — you know that, being best friends and all. He's thoughtful, kind, talented, beautiful." She smiled, just thinking about her boyfriend.

"Beautiful?" Shisui laughed. "Oh, Auntie Mikoto is going to love that you talk about him that way! You got my text, right?"

She looked up at him, meeting his suddenly serious expression. He'd sent her a text of the amethyst engagement ring he showed her. He was planning to propose to Ino that weekend. Uchiha boys seemed to move fast when they were in love. It was another reminder of her previous boyfriend's lukewarm feelings for her. If he'd have been in love with her, he wouldn't have strung her along for so long. Their breakup had been the best thing that had ever happened to her in retrospect. "She's going to love it. And I deleted the message right after I read it, as you requested."

He sighed in relief. "Good. Good." His walkie crackled and Sakura started for her patient. "I'll see you tomorrow." He passed by Ino on his way out and his hand settled on her low back in a way that spoke volumes of their causal affection for each other.

Sakura was extremely happy for her friends having found love in one another.

.

.

.

OoO

.

.

.

Itachi tightened the strings to his apron and surveyed the bakery. He'd been surprised by the number of classmates that showed up. The Harunos had been overjoyed at the plethora of volunteers. At nine, when Kakashi finally returned with Sakura in tow, Itachi couldn't ignore the warm fuzzy feelings that grew in his belly. He saw the way her parents swarmed her with hugs and his lip twitched up into a smile. He loved his mother and father, but they were definitely reserved in comparison to the Haruno family.

It made him wonder if he would be capable of displaying such open affection for his own future children. He certainly hoped so! Then, those lovely jade eyes caught his gaze. Itachi set down the bowl of batter, wiped his palms over the front of his apron and with long-legged strides, crossed the distance to Sakura. She pressed herself against his chest, hands flat upon the front of his shoulders, head tilted back to meet his eyes while his hands banded around her waist.

"Glad you could make it," Itachi murmured, smiling against her temple as he pressed a kiss there. "We're halfway through."

"There's a lot of people here." Sakura laid her cheek over his chest and hugged him close. "I guess they were sad about our baking class getting cut short."

"Yeah, about that," Itachi started. "I spoke with Dean Iruka and I'll be taking over leading the class. I actually have more credentials than Kakashi. So, now you're officially dating your teacher instead of your lab partner."

"Oh? Who's to say I continue with the class," Sakura teased, reaching for his chin and pressing her thumb gently in the center.

"Look here, Haruno, if you don't show up to class to support your man, I'll drive over to the hospital and drag you to class," Kisame joked, coming to stand behind Itachi. The tall man loomed over them both. "Say, Professor Itachi, mind showing me how to pipe those mini-cakes?"

"I have minds to nurture." Itachi kissed the top of Sakura's head, appreciating the simple French braid she'd secured her long hair with. He'd gone with his usual low side ponytail. Some of their classmates wore hairnets, yet he couldn't quite make himself do that. "We'll take a break in about thirty minutes. The pizza should be here by then."

"Pizza?" Sakura stared at him in disbelief.

"And salads," Itachi added, feeling a tad defensive. He didn't need his physician partner judging him for his diet. The tension in his back eased when she flashed him a quick smile.

Sakura settled in next to Kakashi and worked on the recipe her mother handed them. It was for strawberry shortcakes.

"Well, well, isn't this familiar," Kakashi mused. "You ought to have this recipe memorized by now."

"If this is an excuse for me to do all the work while you read your book, I'm not falling for it," Sakura said, elbowing him in the ribs playfully.

"Ah, it was worth a try," Kakashi laughed. "Oh, I have some proofs for the next Fireman's calendar. You want to see them?"

"Sure, but maybe after we get these cakes into the oven," Sakura suggested. Ino and Tenten were going to flip when she would tell them about her sneak peak at next year's calendar. Either that or they would scream until her ears rang.

"I can send you the image of Neji and Shisui for your friends," Kakashi suggested.

"If you do that you might as well send me a copy of yours and Genma's too. There are interested parties," Sakura teased.

Kakashi gasped. "Sakura! Are you wanting a copy of my photo to ogle? What will Itachi think?"

Sakura rolled her eyes, but didn't answer. The man she was interested in ogling these days was her boyfriend.

They worked in tandem and within an hour, they had two dozen strawberry shortcakes ready to decorate and then box up. They'd finished none-too-soon, as the pizza arrived and they all took a break. The counters and tables filled up fast with all the bakers. Not only had Sakura, Itachi, Kakashi, and Kisame showed up. Surprisingly, Genma, Anko, Shikamaru, Temari, Choji and Karui had also come. Shizune was at the hospital, Deidara had returned to Iwagakure and Sasori had decided to head back to Suna.

"I can't believe so many people showed up," Sakura said, wiggling on the bench seat she shared with Itachi until their hips were touching. He hummed noncommittally and picked up another slice of pizza. That's when Sakura noticed his fingernails were painted black. She took one of his hands, forcing him to eat his pizza one-handed. "Why do your nails look like those of a goth rockstar?"

Itachi laughed. "Well, I suppose that isn't far from the situation. Father asked me to play my acoustic guitar at his party tomorrow. Shisui will be the one singing, don't worry."

"I wasn't worried about hearing you sing," Sakura murmured, tracing her finger over the tips of his dark fingernails. Considering the dulcet tone in his regular speaking voice, he would be an amazing crooner. She didn't point out to him that she'd heard him singing when he borrowed her shower a few nights ago. Maybe she was biased, but she'd adored his voice. Though, with Shisui's personality, he wouldn't have a problem belting out lyrics in front of a crowd. "I haven't heard you play."

"You will tomorrow," Itachi promised. "I am a man of many talents."

"That you are," Sakura agreed. She drew his hand to her mouth and kissed the inside of his palm. "Lawyer, Dancer, Professor, Guitarist, Crochet-expert, Honey-collector, Baker, — seriously, what don't you know how to do?" She smiled up at him. "And that tongue of yours…," she trailed off with a pink stain to her cheeks.

Itachi curled his fingers around Sakura's and rubbed his thumb over her Promise Ring. "I have plenty more to learn," he growled, his eyes darkened with desire. "I have a very patient girlfriend."

"Hmm, I'm not feeling that patient," Sakura whispered, biting her lower lip. The sound of Itachi's hitched breath may have made her feel just the tiniest bit smug.

"I'll take you home tonight," Itachi murmured, leaning back and creating just a little distance between them.

.

.

.

OoO

.

.

.

They left the Bakery just after eleven, the industrial sized refrigerators were stuffed full of the sweets for his father's party. When Itachi had announced to his former classmates his intention to take over the instructor role for the last four weeks of the baking class, their enthusiasm had been endearing. Even Shikamaru had expressed interest in continuing with the course.

Sakura spied his guitar in the backseat of his car and pestered him to serenade her back home, but he didn't want to have the police called for disturbing the peace by her neighbors. "You'll have to wait until tomorrow," Itachi said, opening her door to escort her to her apartment. "I promise, you won't be disappointed by mine and Shisui's performance."

They waved to the night security guard and took the stairs to her floor. "I'll be back by five to pick you up tomorrow," Itachi said, as Sakura opened her door. He waited in the hall as she stepped inside.

She turned, her eyes narrowed. "Aren't you coming inside?"

"Uh," Itachi swallowed thickly. He was tired, but Sakura was so pretty and the way her eyes just seemed to drink him in. "I mean, I could stay, it is late, but I need to go to sleep."

Sakura grabbed hold of the front of his shirt and yanked him inside. Itachi didn't have the will to protest as they kicked off their shoes and continued towards her bedroom, falling into the bed together. He braced his arms on either side of her head and hovered over her. Sakura's arms wound around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. His hair had come loose from his ponytail and fell around them in a midnight curtain. He showed her just how skilled his tongue really was — tying all those cherry stems into knots coming in very handy in acquiring certain skills.

"I suppose you want to go to sleep," Sakura breathed heavy, pupils blown wide as she gazed up at him from the moonlight streaking in past the gaps in her blinds.

"I might be persuaded to sleep in tomorrow instead," Itachi murmured, lowering his body to hers.

"Too many clothes," Sakura said in between kisses.

"Agreed." Itachi sat up and grabbed the hem of his shirt to pull it off over his head. He tossed it to the armchair in the corner of Sakura's bedroom. When he looked back down at Sakura she was down to her lacy pink bra and panties. He smiled down at her, memorizing the expanse of her pale flesh. "Have you thought about what you want for your birthday?"

"Would it be too forward if I said— you?" Sakura's cheeks were pink as she asked the question.

Itachi brushed his thumb over the seam between her lips. She opened her mouth and bit his finger gently. "I'm all yours, if you want me." He lowered himself to her and began trailing kisses from behind her ear, down her throat, to her swell of breasts. "I think I've been a good boy long enough, don't you?"

Sakura giggled. "Being a virgin or not doesn't make you a good or a bad boy, Itachi. But, you're a good man."

Itachi leaned back and kicked off his pants. "I'm your man."

They didn't go to sleep until very early in the morning. And Itachi was more than happy to help Sakura with the laundry the next day.

.

.

.

OoO

.

.

.

Sakura brushed her hands down the skirt of her gown— it was a flowing jade green with golden marble veins that was ankle-length with a deep cut V that showed off her cleavage. Every step she took in her scrappy golden heels, she shimmered. She wore her hair down, with a jade and gold clip keeping her long tresses out of her eyes.

When she opened the door, Itachi's hair was in his typical low ponytail, a tailored suit in raven black with a crimson vest over a black button up shirt. Fire and smoke were Itachi's trademark colors and he pulled the color theme off nicely.

"You look — hot," Sakura said, smiling as she raked her eyes over Itachi from the top of his perfectly put together raven black hair down to his Italian Leather dress shoes.

A soft smile curled Itachi's lips, his onyx-colored eyes twinkled in amusement. "Hot? Should I describe you as a jade goddess?" He took her hand and entwined their fingers together. "Aphrodite in the flesh?"

Sakura laughed, feeling her cheeks heat up. "That's a little much."

"Is it?" Itachi leaned towards her and cupped the side of her face with his free hand and brushed his lips softly against hers. He tasted like the mint chapstick he favored. "I don't think it's nearly enough," he whispered against the corner of her mouth. "I feel I definitely worshiped you last night and again this morning. If I didn't know it took you an hour to fix your hair, I'd worship you again right now."

In order to keep from being late, they left then. However, as was often the case with new lovers, they were both in a bit of a lust-filled fog. Sakura couldn't help, but appreciate Itachi even more after he'd proven himself a very enthusiastic and attentive lover.

Sakura stared at Itachi as he drove them to the party, admiring her handsome boyfriend. He stopped at the red-light and turned towards her, a knowing smile on his lips. "A picture lasts longer," he suggested teasingly. Sakura reached across the console and gripped his thigh, squeezing the muscle just above his knee. The smile faded from Itachi's lips as his pupils dilated. He cleared his throat and when the light turned green, he switched lanes until he was driving alongside the sidewalk and pulled over into one of the free parking spaces. He turned off the engine and plucked Sakura's hand off his thigh and then dragged her over the console until she was sitting in his lap.

Sakura gasped, shocked by the abruptness of Itachi's action. "I thought you were worried about my hair," she moaned when one of his hands slid through the underside of her hair and cradled the back of her head.

"I have a brush. I'll fix it," Itachi grunted.

They kissed until they were both breathless, their hands roamed over their clothed bodies. The windows began to grow steamy from the heat in the car reacting to the cooler temperature outside, forming condensation.

Then there was a very rude knock at the driver's window.

Sakura giggled as Itachi shifted uncomfortably. He picked Sakura up bodily and returned her to the passenger seat. "Behave," he murmured. He unrolled his window and standing just outside the car was a police officer in the standard blue uniform. "What?" Itachi snapped. Before taking a breath. Maybe the steroids were making him irritable after all.

"Is that any way to talk to your brother's best friend?" The white haired man asked smiling arrogantly. He crouched low and looked past Itachi towards Sakura, pushing down his sunglasses to reveal a pair of lavender eyes. "Here I worried you were having a seizure when the car was rocking."

"Your concern is touching, Suigetsu," Itachi deadpanned.

"While normally I'm all for romance, you're going to be late to the Police Chief's party. Want a police escort?" Suigetsu peered past Itachi at Sakura. "Ah, so you're the babe Sasuke lost to his brother, eh?" He started to laugh.

"Sasuke talked about me?" Sakura asked in surprise. She started to finger-comb her hair, trying to make herself presentable and not look like she'd just been making out with her boyfriend in the car on the way to his father's party.

Suigetsu scoffed. "No way, that boy will take his secrets to his grave. Never met anyone so private. My girlfriend Karin told me all about it after some bowling group date." He sniffed and shoved his sunglasses back in place. "Anyway, you'll see her there. She went with Sasuke so he didn't have to be pathetically single when everyone else had a partner. As friends, mind you. I'm being nice and volunteered to work tonight. Most of the force is at the party." He straightened and rolled back his shoulders, gazing back towards the traffic. "Chief Fugaku is a good man. It would be a shame if his precious oldest son was late to his celebration."

Itachi glanced down at his expensive wristwatch and sighed. "Very well, we'll take you up on that escort."

They followed after Suigetsu, whom turned on his lights and shaved off at least fifteen minutes from their commute.

Sakura took the brush Itachi offered and fixed her hair until it was mostly presentable and then turned her attention to fixing his hair as well. Likely, no one would know about their detour, at least until Suigetsu told everyone.

When they reached the event center, Itachi gave his keys to the valet and arm in arm, escorted Sakura inside. There were streamers, balloons, banners marking Thirty-five years of service. "This was supposed to be Father's retirement party, but he's not ready to let go of his position."

"I see my parents in the back. It looks like they're chatting with Kakashi," Sakura said, pointing out where they were in the back of the room.

"I should find Shisui and start our performance. I'll find you after," Itachi said, gripping Sakura's hips and then kissing her once, lips lingering before he stepped back.

As Sakura made her way through the mingling crowd, she recognized a few people. The officers were wearing their dress uniform. She came across Anko in her uniform along with Shizune wearing a tasteful black cocktail dress. She walked with her as she continued towards the back of the room. They peeled off to meet up with Genma and Kisame and it looked like the four-some had grown quite close over the last few weeks.

"Oh! Sakura, dear! You look beautiful," her mother Mebuki cried as she drew near.

Her father sent her a trembling smile. "You go have fun, Blossom. We have plenty of help tonight."

"Ah, that's my cue," Kakashi said, wearing a slate gray suit with dark green button up shirt, as he side-stepped her parents and grabbed Sakura's hand. "If you don't mind. I'll be stealing away your daughter for a bit." He pulled her along with him, easily cutting through the crowds. "Itachi's hair doesn't look as perfect as usual." He dipped his head close to her ear. "You wouldn't happen to know anything about that?"

Sakura laughed nervously. Before she could think of a clever response, the sound of a five-string guitar began to play over the loud speakers. Sakura turned to see Itachi on stage alongside Shisui, strumming a guitar. His bedroom eyes laser-focused on her. Then Shisui began to croon Elvis Presley's Falling in Love song.

"I see Obito and Rin," Kakashi said, pointing out the couple a few meters away. "Let's go dance by them."

"Ino is there too," Sakura pointed out. Her best friend was dancing with none other than Naruto. "Naruto is here too?" Then she spotted Hinata sitting at a nearby table next to Sasuke and Karin. "At least he's not wearing orange this time." She grimaced. "So much orange." His suit was bright white with an orange vest. Hinata must have helped him pick out his outfit.

Sakura danced with various friends — Kakashi, Obito, Ino, Naruto, and Genma. Shisui gave her a hug, but apologized that he wouldn't get a chance to dance with her since his girlfriend was giving him that look. It had hardly mattered, because then Itachi was there, smiling down at her with his midnight Uchiha eyes.

"My Lady," Itachi said, bowing formally.

Sakura giggled and answered with a curtsey of her own. Then they fell into the practiced ease of partners who had spent hours honing their dance moves together. He held her securely in his arms and Sakura clung to him, none of the casual space she'd given her previous partners.

"I don't want to dance with anyone else — ever again," Itachi whispered, his voice a deep rumble. "Do you know how torturous it was to play on stage, while Shisui sang and watching you dancing with so many others. I had to watch their hands on you," he added, his eyes dark with possession. "You're mine."

"And you're mine," Sakura agreed. "It's just a dance, Itachi. Sometimes, it's expected to dance with others to be polite. As long as we always come back to each other, that's what matters." Sakura pressed a kiss to his cheek. "We switched up partners at the lessons with your parents. It doesn't have to be a big deal."

Itachi's nose crinkled in annoyance. "I am expected to dance with Izumi. Her mother and my mother are old childhood friends. Her husband is here, but his leg is broken."

"Then go dance with her, I'll take a little break when you do," Sakura suggested. Her arms tightened around his neck and she drew his face down to hers for another kiss, this one slow and deliberate. "No need to meet your social obligations right away."

Itachi held her close. He didn't normally have a possessive bone in his body. However, the steroids increased his natural aggression. Sakura wore the Promise Ring he gave her, but he wanted more than that. Before the summer, she would be his wife, if she was willing.

"You should probably go dance with your friend," Sakura whispered.

"Fine." Itachi extracted himself from Sakura and led her to the table Kakashi, Rin, and Obito had claimed earlier. He waved down a server to bring her a drink and then he strode towards Izumi and her husband.

.

.

.

OoO

.

.

.

Sakura finished her refreshment and watched Itachi across the dance floor. He was nothing but prim and proper, but she didn't like seeing Itachi holding someone else's hands and waist. She understood his earlier annoyance. She sat her empty cup on the table a little too forcefully when she saw the dark shoes at her table. She looked up to see Sasuke looking down at her with the faintest of smirks on his lips.

"So, Suigetsu sent me the most interesting text," Sasuke murmured. "Then he made sure I read it when he showed up a few minutes ago to dance with Karin before hitting the streets to patrol again."

Sakura scoffed, but stared down at the table for a moment, willing her blush to fade. Suigetsu did not make a good impression. "Yeah, he was concerned about our punctuality."

"I bet he was," Sasuke said with a faint chuckle. "You look very pretty tonight, Sakura." He took a deep breath and held out his hand. "Would you like to dance, Sakura?"

She blinked up at him in confusion. "You don't dance," she stated, staring at his offered hand in shock.

Sasuke sighed, his dark eyes lifted to the ceiling momentarily, but he kept his hand extended. "I don't enjoy it. I have a lot of traumatic memories associated with forced lessons as a kid, but I put you through a lot of grief and honestly— I saw you dancing with Itachi earlier and a half dozen other people — you're really good. I'd like to have at least one positive memory of dancing and I'd like to make that memory with you."

Sakura felt her eyes water. "That's really sweet, Sasuke." She accepted his hand, finding him infinitely more chivalrous as the brother of her boyfriend than he'd ever been during their own relationship. She even liked him better as a person! "Okay."

He was a surprisingly good dancer and it was easy to follow his lead. Sasuke maneuvered them to be near Naruto and Hinata and the unabashed laughter of the blond and the shy giggles of the brunette were pleasant.

"This is so cool!" Naruto cried out, almost rubbing shoulders with them in his proximity.

"Respect my bubble," Sasuke warned.

"Oh, right, right," Naruto agreed with a laugh. "Sasuke doesn't like people in his personal space."

Sasuke's eyebrow twitched, but he otherwise didn't react as he lead Sakura further onto the dance floor, away from Naruto and Hinata. Sakura caught Ino's eyes and then she focused back on her dance partner. He was silently counting, his lips moving faintly in his concentration. Sakura laid her head gently on his shoulder, feeling more comfortable with him now, than ever before.

As the song drew to an end, the last chord reverberated through the dance floor and Sasuke smiled down at Sakura. She smiled back. "See, that wasn't so bad," she teased.

"Hn," Sasuke scoffed. "It was torture, but worth it." The faint smile on his lips was genuine. "Thank you, Sakura. For giving me a chance. I—I am grateful for our friendship and I really hope you'll be part of the family." He pressed his forehead against hers. "You belong with us."

Familiar, pale fingers tapped on Sasuke's shoulder, the nails painted black. "I'm cutting in," Itachi announced, gently prying Sasuke away from Sakura. He took her hands and they began to sway to the newest song, but his shoulders were stiff. He hadn't appreciated the gentle affection Sakura and Sasuke had shared moments ago.

.

.

.

OoO

.

.

.

Across the dance floor, Itachi finished his obligatory dance with Izumi. It had been over a decade since their breakup, but her mother was a family friend. So Izumi and her husband had been invited to Fugaku's celebration. Itachi had finally finished his social obligations and was about to finally reconnect with Sakura so they could spend the rest of the party together when he was waylaid by his Uncles Madara and Izuna. They spoke about the possible acquisition of a smaller law firm in Mist. Unfortunately, as his uncles droned on, it gave Itachi a good view of his girlfriend and his younger brother sharing a dance.

They were both quite fetching. Sakura, wearing the sleeveless jade green dress with golden marble veins that dipped low in the front showing an impressive expanse of her cleavage that he'd appreciated only a few moments ago. Sasuke in his slate gray suit with lavender vest complimented her well. They were both beautiful people and made a beautiful couple.

And the visual was starting to piss him off. He'd been a little jealous when he watched her and Kakashi dancing during this musical performance. He hadn't spared a thought for seeing her with Obito, Ino, Genma or Naruto, but seeing Sakura and Sasuke just really got under his skin.

At first, it made Itachi grateful to see them getting along. Then he overheard Izuna's wife giggling about Sasuke and his pretty girlfriend and it was as if Itachi's vision turned red.

"Excuse me," Itachi murmured, pushing past his Uncle Izuna on his way to cut in. He loved Sakura. He loved Sasuke. He did not love to see Sakura and Sasuke together. His eye started to twitch as the familiar steroid rage started to manifest. He either needed to pull Sakura away from his brother, or he'd be giving his baby brother another black eye.

Sakura stepped into Itachi's embrace, his chin rested comfortably on top of her head, enjoying the sensation of her silky hair. He loved the way her curves pressed against his chest and he could feel the heat from her body radiating into his hands where he gripped her hips while her arms wound around his neck, her fingers toying with the hairs at his nape.

The anger he felt earlier had ebbed and now the heat running through his veins was very different in nature. And then when the little minx kissed the pulse point in his throat, Itachi literally growled.

"Too much?" Sakura teased leaning her head back to peer up at him.

"Not enough," Itachi countered. He took her hand once more and led her off the dance floor towards one of the private restrooms down the event center's long hallway. He wasn't sure what exactly he planned to do with his girlfriend, but he knew he couldn't do what he wanted on the dance floor in front of an audience.

"Where are we going?" Sakura asked, breathless.

"Somewhere private," Itachi murmured, leading Sakura to the bathrooms on the other side of the event center. There were four unisex "family" restrooms. Itachi claimed the one on the far left. It really was ridiculous, how obsessed he'd become with Sakura just because their relationship had evolved into sharing intimacy. The heirloom engagement ring was practically burning a hole in his pocket. He almost gave it to her at the bakery the night before. Or even this morning, when they'd woken up naked wrapped up in each other's arms with their legs entwined.

He definitely couldn't propose in the restroom surrounded by sinks, a toilet, diaper changing station, and a small section of a bathroom vanity. He locked the door behind them and hung his suit jacket and vest on the hook, he was starting for his shirt when Sakura shoved him against the wall. She pulled his shirt out of his pants and started a trail of kisses down his abdomen, pausing at his slacks before unzipping them.

She looked up at him. "If you don't mind, I think I'd like to inspect your happy trail."

Itachi chuckled and then pulled Sakura up. "Later, Sakura. I didn't drag you back into the restroom so we could have sex in a public bath." He took a deep breath. "I just needed a break. My temper was rising and I just needed to be with you without eavesdroppers."

Sakura reached behind her back and unzipped her dress. Then she dipped under Itachi's arms to hang her dress up on the hook. "Well I came with you into the restroom to rock your world." She pressed herself against him and Itachi relaxed. "Is there anything I can do to change your mind?"

"Consider my mind changed," Itachi murmured.

As his girlfriend's magical mouth and soft hands stroked multiple sensations across his bared body. He cried out, unable to stop himself. Sakura released him and covered his mouth with hers as his legs shook from the experience. He stayed standing, tasting himself on her tongue. "Sakura, that's hardly fair."

"Oh, I'm sure you'll make it up to me," Sakura whispered.

"Let's take advantage of that counter over there," Itachi said, picking Sakura up, wrapping her legs around his waist and carrying her. There was a large mirror on the wall and just the mere sight of the two of them together was enough for him to be ready again.

Afterwards, the two of them both had stupid grins on their faces and were straightening their clothes. He made sure that both of their hair was impeccable, especially after how badly he mussed Sakura's wavy pastel pink hair.

Sakura grabbed Itachi's wrist and peered down at his watch. "Maybe no one will notice we were — in the bathroom for forty-five minutes. Yikes," she grimaced.

Itachi groaned. "Oh, people will notice." And Shisui would definitely be giving him a hard time.

There was a sharp knock on the restroom door. Itachi cracked it open to see Shisui standing outside, his dark eyebrow arched. Ino was standing beside him, fixing her hair, having just left the restroom opposite theirs. "Are you done? Your father is about to make his speech."

"I'll never be done," Itachi intoned, realizing that Shisui had been doing the exact same thing as him a few doors down. He held his hand out for Sakura and was glad when she took it. They only stepped a few more feet, before he turned abruptly. "Wait, I want to do this now. I thought about doing it in front of a crowd, but I think with our two best friends as witnesses is enough." In the middle of the hallway, Itachi dropped to one knee and held out his grandmother's ring.

"Sakura, I have spent my life searching from something that I couldn't quite identify. I filled my days with hobbies and work, always keeping busy — my hands working and my mind thinking. It wasn't until we started that baking class and you were my lab partner did I realized the missing ingredient in my life— was you. Will you be my wife?"

Sakura's hand flew to her mouth as she stared between the ring held between his index finger and thumb and his eyes. She grabbed his hands and pulled him up and then nodded emphatically. "Yes, yes I will."

With a relieved sigh, Itachi slid the ring onto her left hand.

Ino elbowed Shisui hard in the ribs. "When you propose, it better not be right after restroom sex."

"Oh?" Shisui reached into his own suit pocket and pulled out a diamond ring encrusted with amethyst stones. "So, you don't want this then?"

"Oh shut up!" Ino hissed snatching it from his hand and staring at him expectedly.

Itachi pulled Sakura close to him as they watched, kissing her temple gently while she stared between her ring and their friends. "So, do you think we can get married at your friends' castle?" Sakura asked, leaning against his shoulder.

"My Love, if you want an alpaca or a llama for a flower girl or a tiara made of apple blossoms, I'll make it happen," Itachi promised, breathing easy with his heart full of love.

Ino squealed and spun in a circle with Shisui before dragging him towards Itachi and Sakura. Then she threw herself at Sakura and Itachi had to brace both him and Sakura against's Ino's sudden weight.

"Double wedding? What?" Ino suggested, shoving her ring right next to Sakura's.

Itachi looked over the heads of his excitable fiancée and her best friend to meet Shisui's eyes. His best friend shrugged helplessly, a dopey smile on his face. Itachi sighed and then gently extracted Sakura from Ino. "Let's head back to the party."

.

.

.

OoO

.

.

.

Sakura and Itachi passed her parents on their way back into the dance hall. She quickly flashed her engagement ring at her parents and her mom smiled the biggest, toothiest grin she'd ever seen. She held her hand with her thumb at her ear and pinky at her lips and mouthed. 'Call me later!'

Itachi's hand gripped hers securely as he navigated them through the crowd until they reached the base of the stage. His father had just walked up the steps and turned on the microphone to address the guests. Mikoto stood just behind him, looking elegant in her sequenced navy blue gown. Sasuke walked towards the stage and sat on the top step, one arm lazily braced over his raised knee. He glanced over towards Itachi and Sakura.

Sakura raised her left hand slightly and felt her heart warm at the sight of the genuine smile on Sasuke's lips. His dark eyes flickered towards Itachi's briefly before returning to hers. 'Good,' he mouthed.

Police Chief Fugaku Uchiha tapped the microphone to gain everyone's attention. "Good evening. Thank you all for coming to celebrate my thirty-five years in the service. I know many of you thought I would be announcing my retirement, but I am not ready to be put out to pasture just yet." He smiled faintly and the crowd chuckled at the awkward joke. "I am truly honored that so many of you made time to come out tonight and celebrate our Konoha Community. We have the safest village of the five great nations on the continent. That has only been possible with the aid of all of you." He gestured towards the crowds. "It is not only the Police Force, but the Fire Department ," he gestured towards Kakashi and Genma.

"Also the Hospital," he said gesturing towards Shisui and Sakura. Itachi draped his arm across Sakura's shoulders, drawing her close against him. Shisui and Ino had just come to stand next to Itachi and Sakura in the crowd. "And our justice system as a whole," Fugaku added, pointing towards both Itachi and Madara.

He extended his hand out towards Mikoto, who stood elegantly at his side. "Family is important and I've been blessed with a loving, brilliant wife and two hard-working sons." He smiled at the crowd, his normally stoic face creased in joy. "I am a blessed man indeed." He stepped back from the microphone and made his way off the stage to thunderous applause.

The music began to play again, more upbeat than the classical dance music that had played during the majority of the night.

Sasuke climbed down from the stairs and moved towards Itachi and Sakura. "Well done, brother," his dark eyes met Itachi's and the two merely stared at each other for a few moments.

Finally Itachi nodded. "Thank you, Sasuke."

The tension in Sasuke's shoulders loosened and he turned towards Sakura. "It was always meant for you," he said quietly. "Welcome to the family, Sakura."

Before Sakura could say anything else, the moment was interrupted as Ino shoved against her and gripped Sakura's left hand with her own to flash both engagement rings in Sasuke's face. "Your family just got bigger by two, Sasuke-kun," Ino cooed.

Sasuke took a step back. "Yeah, so it seems." He reached out his hand and tapped Sakura's forehead. "I'll see you around, sis." Then he melted into the crowd.

"That went better than expected," Itachi whispered in her ear. "Would you join me back on the dance floor?"

Sakura laid her hand across his cheek and smiled up at her fiancé. "I thought you'd never ask."

Itachi chuckled and then leaned down to scoop Sakura up into his arms. He looked past her at Shisui and Ino. "Coming?"

"Ah, sure," Shisui agreed, imitating Itachi and scooping Ino into his arms as well earning a squeal. "You may be a late bloomer, Itachi, but no one can doubt your romantic heart."

Moments later, the friends were dancing, enjoying a perfect evening and the start of many more years together.

.

.

.

A/N: Thank you for joining me on this sweet, fluffy, minor - angsty piece. I adore soft-spoken, perfectionist Itachi (and my favorite heroine, Sakura). Happy reading, hope to see you around!