When Mothers Meddle

Chapter 12- Wonderings

Itachi

He should be hurrying, instead his pace slowed with each step. The closer he got to home, where he needed to shower and dress for the busy day ahead of him, the more he wanted to return to Sakura's, grab her, and run away.

But that wasn't an option.

He had commitments to the village. His meeting with Tsunade this morning wasn't a formality. He'd obtained information vital to Konoha's safety on this last mission. Information previous teams had missed. Itachi didn't think he was the best, although he did think he ranked among them. Many hands made light work, and the more eyes and talent you have applied to a problem the more likely you are to solve it.

It wasn't just the village either.

His mother and uncle had both continued to hint, albeit with less pushing than before, that they were ready to retire from leading the clan. Their retirement meant his taking over. Even Hibiki didn't want a different leader, though he didn't want the clan leader married to an outsider.

If he shirked his responsibilities there would be men who would step up, but not many of them would push the Uchiha clan to change.

"You must be exhausted. Or dreading the meeting you're going to." Shisui's jibe pulled him out of his crowded thoughts.

"Why is it so hard?"

"Well, when a beautiful woman—"

Itachi punched Shisui in the arm, smiling at the laugh it elicited.

"Ignore them. Do what you want." Shisui's tone turned serious. "If you let the clan make this decision for you, you're dream of helping them advance will fail."

Shisui was right. But was it possible? If he just did what he wanted would the clan refuse to install him as leader? And how would his mother and uncle handle that? After all this was their idea.

"I wish it seemed as simple to me as it does to you." Itachi's head drooped.

"You love her, right?"

Itachi gave his best friend a withering glance, waiting for the rest of his advice.

"So what's the worst they can do?"

"Hibiki assaulted her the other night when she joined me for dinner."

"He what?!" Shisui's eyes were wide. "What did you do?"

"All I could do in a public venue. And then he and I spoke before the meeting. You were there."

Shisui furrowed his brow, humming as he considered the options.

Itachi waited, Shisui had a playful side but he was also one of the best tacticians Itachi knew.

Finally, Shisui met his gaze, lifting his arms in defeat. "I don't know what to tell you. They want you married, but won't allow you to choose your bride. If your mother or the Hokage won't step in I have no ideas."

Itachi stopped in front of his house. He wanted to brainstorm ideas with Shisui, but he needed to shower and get to his meetings. It was rare that he was able to choose what he wanted to do. He waved goodbye to his cousin and slipped his shoes off at the door.

The sun had set hours before Itachi was walking home. The moon hung high in the sky, stars sparkling around it.

Sakura was working late, and he was exhausted. He could go back to her place and wait for her. A few weeks ago he would have. But he wasn't so sure he was doing her any favors by pretending they could work things out with the clan. And he needed time to figure out what his next steps should be.