My One and Only

Chapter 10

Sakura finished eating breakfast and went to take a bath. Itachi had left her alone, thank god. The water was nice and warm and made her feel sleepy. There was a slight steam emitting from it. The only noise was the slight swaying sound of the water as she fidgeted about. 

Her hair was up in a ponytail so it wouldn't get wet. The door opened and a maid came in. The maid quietly placed her folded clothes on a small table before quickly excusing herself.

Sakura wanted to stay in the bath as long as possible but she felt as though the clothes had been a reminder to hurry up. Sighing defeatedly, she stood up and wrapped a towel around herself. She dried off and mechanically put on her clothes. 

There was something surreal about putting on the clothes she had been wearing last night.

She groaned annoyedly as her fingers reached for the zipper on her dress. She looked toward the door as she debated whether or not to ask for his help. She tried once more for the zipper before dropping her hands to her sides and pouting in defeat.

With a small creak, Sakura opened the bathroom door. "Itachi?"

Itachi glanced at her. Her eyes were downcast and her fingers were gripping at the edge of the door. Letting go, she stepped forward and turned around, "Can you help?"

Itachi strode towards her and lifted up the zipper. Turning her around, he slightly adjusted the sleeves of her dress for a moment before asking, "Are you ready to leave?"

Sakura softly nodded and he took her hand in his, leaving the room.

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The journey to Sakura's parents would be a long one. They were currently staying in the Haruno estate out in the country. It would be at least a two-hour ride.

Sakura and Itachi sat in a royal carriage. She had her hands in her lap as she sat quietly next to Itachi, the queasy feeling in her stomach only increasing as they neared her home. She couldn't even be excited at the prospect of seeing her father after so many weeks.

She had been deep in thought when Itachi wrapped an arm around her and tucked her in against his side. He kept his arm there for the rest of the way.

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The carriage came to a stop. They had finally arrived. Itachi opened the door and stepped out first. Sakura anxiously looked toward her house as she accepted the hand Itachi had offered to help her climb out. 

Their footsteps made a small scratching sound as they stepped on the grainy dirt. Itachi didn't let go of her hand and held it all the way to the doorstep. 

Sakura stood still for a moment as she attempted to grab her bearings before knocking. Seemingly getting impatient, Itachi beat her to it and knocked instead. A maid opened the door and looked confusedly between the two as she took in Itachi and Sakura standing in the doorway.

It was understandable, Sakura was supposed to be in the capital, and Itachi's presence was just bizarre.

Composing herself, the maid hastily moved aside and bowed. "Please, come in your highness, my lady," She said addressing them, "I will announce your presence to the Master and Mistress."

They stepped inside. The maid scurried off once closing the door after them and they were left to wait.

The door the maid had left through burst open and in strode Kizashi Haruno with Mebuki not too far behind him. 

Kizashi only offered Itachi a simple greeting of, "Your highness," before turning to Sakura, "go to your room." He ordered firmly.

Without protest, Sakura meekly went upstairs. At least she wouldn't have to witness the oncoming discussion. The maids had kept her room nice and tidy it seemed. She laid down in her bed. It felt nice to relax and pretend everything was fine.

Meanwhile, Kizashi turned to Itachi and said, "I imagine there is something you want to talk about."

"There is," Itachi said simply.

"Come on, let's sit in the living room," Kizashi suggested. Kizashi and Mebuki sat on a light blue couch while Itachi sat in one of the matching chairs across from it.

"I spent the night with your daughter." He stated without preamble once everyone was settled.

Seemingly unfazed, Kizashi asked, "Alright. What do you intend to do about it?" His voice coming out calm and steady. The tensing of his jaw stated otherwise, however.

"I am not averse to a marriage as soon as possible." Kizashi's jaw remained tense. Although, Itachi did not miss the pleased expression that overtook Mebuki's face before she quickly schooled it back into indifference. He wondered if she would be as pleased if she knew her daughter had been crying throughout the whole ordeal.

"It would only be the reasonable thing to do," Kizashi stated, bitterness seeping into his voice.

"Sakura would come live with me right away."

Kizashi frowned, "I would rather wait after the wedding for her to do that." 

"I would rather not," Itachi responded. No room for discussion in his tone.

The conversation ended shortly after. Sakura's door swung open and she lifted herself up and turned to look at Itachi who had just entered.

"Come on," Itachi said grabbing her arm and leading her out. Was she going back with him? "You're going to live with me." He told her as they headed downstairs. 

Her parents were standing by the doorway.

Before they could leave, her mother suddenly spoke up, "May we have a moment to say goodbye to our daughter before you leave?"

Itachi nodded and turned to Sakura, "I will wait for you outside." He opened the door and stepped out to give them privacy.

Her mother walked toward her and cupped her face, "Well done, Sakura. I'm proud of you." She said patting her cheeks. Sakura just stared at her with her brows furrowed. The smile on her mother's face was beginning to anger her.

"Mebuki!" Kizashi admonished, "This isn't something to be happy about!" Sakura did always like her father more.

"Oh hush, dear. It's not like they're not going to get married. Everything's fine." 

Kizashi shook his head disapprovingly at his wife's nonchalance. He turned to Sakura, "I hope you can be happy." He told her quietly before turning around and leaving, promptly ending the conversation.

She stepped outside and Itachi grabbed her hand again as they walked toward the carriage. They left, heading back to the place she would now call home.

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Hey! Just wanted to say I have started another Itasaku fanfic called, 'Can't Help Falling In love With You.' I would really appreciate it if you checked it out. Chapter's one and two are already out. I hope you enjoyed this new chapter of My One and Only.