Under the Influence.

Two shot.

Rating: T

Words: 5'542

Summary:Sakura knew her life was all muddled up. She was still single and stress was driving her down. Now, at her best friend Ino's wedding she lets all of those bottled up emotions out. As her mentor always says; sake is the answer to all of life's problems. ItaSaku. Non-massacre.

---

"You'll look beautiful Ino," Sakura said in an attempt to encourage her friend.

Ino was suffering from extreme bouts of fear as the time of her wedding approached. Something highly unusually for the normally self-confident kunoichi. Her eyes were slightly puffy and red from all of the crying she had been doing but, that could be easily covered with make-up.

As Sakura looked at her own reflection in the massive floor to ceiling mirrors that lined one of the walls of the room she thought that she didn't look that much better. They had both burst into frantic, hot tears as soon as soon as Ino's parents left the room and ended up clutching each other for a good half an hour before either of them calmed down enough to even speak.

Sakura was sure they both sounded delirious at that point. Shrieking about 'how things were different when they were little' and 'remember when we used to go picking flowers together' and all of those other far too sentimental things. Ino went into the bathroom to change into the specially picked out underwear. They had both sobbed hysterically on that trip too. Made quite a scene in the lingerie shop and startled one couple enough to have them quickly scurrying out into the street.

Sakura had just always presumed that Ino would always be there and they could complain about man trouble together, go out partying, drink together to forget that cheating asshole from last week, and do all of the other things that single friends do best together. She was pretty sure that Naruto wouldn't watch cheesy chic flicks with her. Bound and gagged didn't count.

Then lazy ass Shikamaru had actually gotten down on one knee and given Ino a ring with the biggest damn diamond on it that Sakura had ever seen. It actually had the power to blind people on a sunny day it was so big. Sakura was delighted for Ino, it was the happiest she had ever seen the blond kunoichi, but her friend's upcoming marriage only highlighted her painfully single state. She did not need a man to be happy, but felt like it had been too long since she had been in a relationship. She was... lonely in that sense.

Surrounded by friends at all times but not actually in an intimate relationship. This was Ino's day and Sakura simply refused to spoil it for her by being the jealous, single bridesmaid.

'There are always plenty of single men at weddings. Shika's invited half of the male Anbu - they're always hot.'

Outer Sakura perked up slightly at that, at least Shikamaru was good for something other than the occasional viciously competitive Shogi games that she always lost.

She was bound to find someone among the 500 plus guests. After all, when it came to parties Ino liked them big and since this was her wedding she would have it bursting at the seams with people. This was a golden opportunity to meet some new people. Her duties as a medic usually kept her far too busy to socialise. Not that she was complaining though, she loved her job.

Picking up the pale, cornflower blue Nagajuban as Ino walked out of the bathroom she smiled encouragingly. The undergarment had been picked because it was almost exactly the same colour as Ino's eyes. Sakura held it up as she slipped both of her arms into the sleeves and wrapped it around herself. Her hands were shaking almost uncontrollably now as she looked at both of their reflections in the mirrors.

The Datejime that was wrapped around Ino's waist was a creamy colour with a single band of blue around it. Sakura tied it in a carefully knot at the front; not too tight so that it could be undone quickly later. Shikamaru was definitely not one to wrestle with pieces of clothing, and from what Ino had told her he would probably just cut it off if it gave him any trouble and she didn't want that.

Sakura picked up the pure white Kimono as carefully as she could. The thick silk was heavy and smooth in her hands and she stared at it for a moment before bringing it over. It was heavily embroidered with images of waves using threads in thousands of different shades of blue. Tiny pearls were sewn near the collar and around the edges of the entire Kimono. It was beautiful, but heavy and stiff.

It would be hard work for her to wear this all day. Sakura helped where she could with wrapping the Kimono and tying Koshihimo. The second Datejime was a deep blue with a single band of white around it; a deliberate contrast to the first. The first could no longer be seen under the Kimono but the pale, cornflower blue of the Nagajuban peeked up from beneath the Kimono and formed a collar. Ino wrapped the Datejime around by herself but once again Sakura tied the knot.

Sakura buckled on the cream Obiita over the second Datejime; this was to prevent the obi from wrinkling. Tying the obi itself was a long complicated process that took almost 40 minutes to complete. A revisiting of her early kunoichi lessons where flower arranging and kimono wearing were the main items in the agenda. It was Navy blue with white flowers coiled all over it. The tiny, thin obiage that was tied around the obi to keep it in place was the same colour of purple that Ino normally wore.

"Told you." Sakura grinned as Ino examined herself in the mirror with a bemused, dazed expression on her face.

The traditional Shiro-maku really suited her.

"Yeah, yeah, Billboard brow. Now it's your turn."

---

Sakura felt a bit dazed as she rubbed the growing bump with her free hand and had her other arm occupied with an overflowing bundle of flowers. The other women looked a little dejected as they saw that she had caught the thrown bouquet that she hadn't even wanted. They smiled at her any way before disappearing into the crowd. Ino had invited everyone apparently.

Said blond kunoichi was now making her way over to her with Shikamaru in tow. Her eyes were sparkling with mirth as she took in the red mark on Sakura's forehead and the disgruntled look painted on her friend's features.

"Oh, Sakura, darling. So sorry about hitting you with those. I guess I just couldn't miss a target as big as your forehead." If it wasn't her wedding she would have strangled her right then and there.

Unfortunately common courtesy dictated that she should not punch the newlywed bride straight into the stratosphere but dammit; there was going to be a big, fat lump there. The flowers just sat motionless in her arm without doing anything else. She wasn't sure what to do with them now. Ino promptly jammed them in a vase after tucking a single Cosmo flower into her pink locks and then shoved Sakura in the direction of a group of bachelors before waltzing off to dance with her new husband.

She really didn't like the predatory glint in their eyes as they looked her up and down but was forced to walk away. Her red Hōmongi Kimono did not allow for much free movement. Really, she had absolutely no idea who half of these people were, but almost every passing male stopped to look over her. It was probably to do with the fact that Ino had picked her a Kimono that had an unusually low neckline.

It was not scandalous or too skin revealing but it still showed a little more neck than the traditional Kimono. This was all Ino's fault. A waiter dressed in a crisp suit passed with an array of mouth watering sweets, dango and chocolate. Sakura carefully plucked a few truffles from the silver plate before he could slip entirely past her. The sweet, mouth watering taste made her feel a little better and moments later she was coaxed into a dance with some of the other members of the bridal party.

All of the bridesmaids danced together in a chaotic circle; her arms linked with Hinata and Ten Ten as they spun half hazardously around the dance floor. The weapons mistress was already half way drunk and stumbled about in her high heels in such a way that forced both Hinata and her to hold onto Ten Ten very tightly lest she should fall.

It was a very hot night and soon Sakura wished they had something else to change into. After escorting a now fully smashed Ten Ten over to Lee and 'accidentally' pushing Hinata into a rather pleased Naruto, Sakura found that she was alone again. That didn't bother her at all. A few more of those wonderful tasting drinks from the passing waiters and she felt much better.

It didn't matter that the world spun when she stopped moving because everyone was happy. The night was warm as she tugged at the collar of her Kimono to loosen it and slipped off her red high heels because they were hurting her feet. She was dancing with a man that she didn't know now but that didn't matter either because he had a nice smile, pretty golden eyes that she half wished she had been gifted with, and hands that didn't wander anywhere inappropriate.

She lost him after ten minutes when a conga line bustled through the throng of people. Sakura joined the end but quickly kicked the man behind her when his hands began to slip South. Ino was positively glowing now and Sakura felt a few tears spring to the edge of her eyes because she was so happy that her best friend had finally found a man that really loved her.

Hinata was dancing with Naruto who had such a fierce look of concentration on his face that Sakura burst into laughter just looking at him. Then she tottered over to the table lined with glasses of Koshu sake - her mentor's favourite. She had lost count of the number of drinks that she had already had but downed the sweet, honey flavoured liquid anyway. It seemed to numb the loneliness that had enveloped her these last few weeks.

After swallowing the sinful tasting liquor she remembered exactly why it was her Shishou's favourite. That stuff packed one hell of a punch and she could feel her throat stinging after she swallowed it. She began to vainly search for a familiar face in the hall of strangers. The people jumping up and down made it difficult to see and more than once she was dragged into dancing with a few people she knew vaguely from somewhere or another that didn't really matter at all.

At last she spotted a familiar head of wild, spiky silver hair near the back of the massive hall.

"Kaaka-shi... Sens-ei!" She fell into him after squeezing out of the crowd.

The copy nin was forced to fling out his hands to catch the young kunoichi because she was so unsteady on her feet. His eyes narrowed slightly when he caught a sniff of the pungent smell of alcohol on her breath. Hauling his former pupil to her feet her he lead her over to a seat and promptly dumped a plain bread roll onto her lap and forced a cup of water into her hands.

"Drink that and eat that." She stared at him for a moment before he settled into a single distinct shape.

"Why?"

"It'll absorb all of the alcohol you've consumed."

"Buuuut, Sens... Senseiiii. I'm not intoxchic... Entochicated... Drunk at all." She did as she was told when he gave her as dangerous look as he could muster with only half of his face visible.

"I'm going to go get you some more... Don't you dare. Move. An. Inch."

There was an uncharacteristically stern look on his face and for a minute or two Sakura was content to just sit and watch the pretty, flashing lights on the ceiling. Then she saw Sasuke and a few other Uchiha's enter the room. They always seemed to group together as though "outsiders" were simply less pleasant company, Sakura thought, scrunching up her nose and tottering to her feet. Apparently staying still had long gone out of the window. Sakura moved forward with the intention of greeting her raven haired teammate.

Sakura had long ago curbed her childish crush on him, but the three of them were still a very tight knit group and she would not be so rude as not to say hello. He would probably need rescuing from the fan girls anyway. That was her job, after all. She lost him seconds after stumbling into the crowd and stared around blankly.

She didn't remember where exactly Kakashi had told her to wait and she couldn't see anyone else that she knew either. A warm hand clamped down on her shoulder and she spun around. Or, really. tried to spin around but ended up with an (admittedly rather nice, warm) face full of muscular male chest when she failed to stay on her own two feet. Inner Sakura was very pleased by the 'view'.

And maybe Outer Sakura was a bit as well.

"Whoa there, Sakura-san. If I knew you were that interested I would have come over earlier." That voice combined with those angular features could only be one person.

"Shisui-san, I'm very glad to see you too," she said, addressing the part of his chest that was visible," You haven't been at the hospital lately."

She felt a little more sober now but Shisui still had to wrap his hands around her forearms to keep her from stumbling. At least she could speak without too much slurring now.

"Aa. Missions have been pretty tame." He started to lead her across the floor.

"Good." Shisui swatted her hand away from the plate of drinks as they passed yet another waiter.

"You've had enough."

Sakura pouted. Something she would never have done when she was sober.

---

This was not a way he enjoyed spending his time. The crowds of drunken people that swirled around annoyed him to no end and as he sat there sipping a glass of sake he really wished he could just go out and train. Sasuke had long since disappeared when he spotted his blond team mate and his mother and father were off socialising. He was just thankful that he was not being forced to do so as well.

He was tired; bone weary in fact, from just returning from a very long mission and this was not his idea of relaxing. The only people who dared disturb his quiet corner away from the activity were a group of girls wearing dresses that exposed more skin than they covered. The shiny smiles and batted eyelashes directed at him only furthered his bad mood.

Normally, he would have danced a single dance with them just out of politeness, but tonight he had no patience for anything of the sort. They left after it became clear that they would not get any attention other than a cold glance. At least the sake was good. He sipped it with a slightly sour expression on his usually emotionless features.

A familiar chakra signature reached his honed senses and he looked around just as Shisui emerged from the crowd with a young, and clearly very drunk, female in tow. Ignoring the questioning gaze the elder Uchiha proceeded to drag the pink haired female over and sit her in the seat next to him so that she was sandwiched between the two.

The little female did not seem particularly bothered by the fact that she was stuck between two of the most powerful males in the entire ANBU and quite happily picked a glass of sake from the table behind. It only took a few seconds for Shisui to change that to a root beer - he wasn't called Shisui the Body Flicker for nothing. She made a soft whine of protest but drank the non-alcoholic beverage anyway.

This was Sasuke's team mate. He had heard a lot about the Hokage's young apprentice from both his brother and others, but had never actually met her in person other than a few glimpses when he had picked Sasuke up at the Academy years ago. It was hard to believe that such a tiny thing could pack such a huge punch; he took in her large, emerald eyes, pink hair and easy smile with calculating eyes. She interrupted his silent examination of her by grasping his hand and shaking it lightly.

"I'm Haruno Sakura. It's a pleasure to meet you. Sasuke speaks of you all the time." Her open, honest friendliness surprised him slightly but he shook her hand none the less.

"Uchiha Itachi."

She nodded slowly and drained the rest of her drink. Not seeming to be interested in trying to draw him into some meaningless conversation. She seemed at ease just to sit between the two of them with a dazzling smile on her face as she carefully arranged her Kimono, which was coming loose in places. He was intrigued. It was not often that a female could be found that did not throw herself all over him - Shisui, Sasuke and most other young Uchiha males had a similar problem.

Sasuke spoke so highly of her.

Shisui was watching the two of them with an unfamiliar expression on his face. He stood moments later.

"I'm going to find Sasuke so that he can escort you home Sakura-san." She stuck her tongue out at him but said nothing.

"Watch her for me," he added, earning a nod from the younger man.

The moment Shisui was out of their line of sight Sakura picked up a glass of sake and downed it in one. He didn't stop her as she slowly worked her way through half the glasses on the table. In fact, he joined her. Apparently, she had picked up her sensei's love for alcohol.

"You know... You're alright, Itachi. Not like half the other guys here who tried to grope me every chance they got." Her cheeks were slightly flushed to from the amount of liquor she had consumed.

Looking at her he understood why she had so much male attention. The pouty red lips, friendly smile, delicate features and pleasant personality were bound to draw in a lot of attention. Coupled with her feminine form she was almost irresistible to most. Perhaps even to him. He didn't even mind that she dropped the honorific from his name and addressed him familiarly.

"You're alright too, kunoichi."

"Sakura." She was pouting again and this time he found his gaze drawn to her plush lips.

"Haruno-san." It was amusing to see her irritation; he rarely found things entertaining.

"Sakura." She insisted.

"Sakura-san."

"Just Sakura, Itachi." She sighed and drained yet another glass of sake.

She licked her lips to get rid of the last traces of sake and drew his attention to that part of her yet again; he felt something within him stir. Perhaps tonight wouldn't be a complete waste of time after all.

---

Shisui had disappeared for almost twenty minutes now and Sakura was getting more and more sure that he was never coming back with Sasuke. He had probably left her here in the hope that they would bond, or some crap like that. Everybody seemed to be trying to play matchmaker with her. She was disgruntled. The male beside her did not seem to notice the waves of increasing displeasure radiating off her, but this was Uchiha Itachi, she reminded herself, he was simply ignoring her displeasure and calmly sipped at his drink while they watched the drunken dancers.

Sakura was not one to lie to herself. Uchiha Itachi had to be one of the most gorgeous men she ever had the pleasure of laying eyes on. Despite being Sasuke's team mate - for what? -nine years now she had never once spoken to his older brother. Although she knew enough about him to write an entire novel. Sasuke idolised his older brother completely and utterly and spoke of him often.

She was quite happy to sit beside him though, occasionally indulging in a little conversation, and doing very little other than simply sharing one another's company. Sakura had to force herself to ignore the delicious smell that he seemed to radiate and the slight body heat that came off of his form. It didn't help that her alter ego was constantly encouraging her to make a move on the elder Uchiha.

He was attractive, yes, but would probably think her a drunken fool if she was to try and flirt with him. She respected him too much to make a drunken pass that she could possibly regret tomorrow. He was Sasuke's brother after all. She didn't notice the way his eyes flickered up and down her body or the way he leaned towards her slightly until their arms brushed.

Her fingers clasped around a cool glass as she carefully lifted some more Koshu from the table and began to drink. Making sure that she did not slop some of the yellow liquid down herself. Itachi turned slightly in order to get himself another glass but found that there was none left. She felt a little guilty for guzzling half the drinks on the table and proffered her glass to the stoic male.

Itachi raised a single dark eyebrow, but accepted the half finished drink from her anyway. Their fingers brushed lightly as she passed it to him and Sakura had to force down the chill that her skin touching his caused. Onyx eyes didn't leave hers as he slowly downed the last of her sake. His stare was doing funny things to her insides and she could feel her cheeks heating up, but hoped that he would just think the blush was caused by the alcohol.

She had grown very accustomed to his presence this last hour or so and would be sad to part with him at the end of the night.

'You don't have to part with him at all.'Outer Sakura knew just what her Inner self was implying.

Sakura sighed and slumped down a little in her chair. The butterflies swarming about her stomach were making her feel uncomfortable and the alcohol she had consumed was now coming back to bite her in the ass. She was going to have such a hangover tomorrow. Luckily, she could use her medic skills to numb the pain a little bit, but for now she would just have to stand the waves of nausea.

She was, after all, far too intoxicated to control her chakra properly.

Someone emerged from the mass of people with a pair of red high heeled shoes clutched tightly in his hand. The guy from earlier. The one with the pretty, golden eyes. He was walking over having spotted her. Itachi's chakra, which had been subdued and calm just a moment ago flared ever so slightly. Sakura did not pay much attention to that and watched as guy-with-the-gold-eyes stopped in front of her beaming. For the life of her she could not remember his name.

"Sakura-san, you forgot these." He bent over slightly as if he was going to put her shoes back on for her but Itachi was quick to intervene.

He didn't stand a chance and one intimidating look later and it was just her and Itachi again. He set her highly uncomfortable shoes next to her and resumed watching the crowd as though nothing had happened. Sakura was fuming.

"Why'd you do that?! He was nice," she hissed at the silent male. It seemed he was just as irritatingly protective as her team mates.

"He was Ito Yuichi."

Now where had she heard that name before... Ah yes some of the trainee nurses had been giggling about him the other day when they were supposed to be filing reports. Apparently he was quite a playboy. Sakura bristled up as it became clear that Itachi thought she couldn't handle herself. Before she could speak the Uchiha prodigy cut in.

"And he was planning on escorting you home at the end of the evening."

"What if I would have liked him to escort me?" His stare was even more intense than Sasuke's and she found herself powerless and angry at her own sudden lack of strength.

"He planned on escorting you to his home at the end of the evening." Something about him drew her in and suddenly she couldn't summon the strength to fight against him.

She just felt very, very tired now and decided that Itachi had done that to protect her and even though it bordered on damn possessive she would let it slip. Why did he have to smell so good?! Her eyes felt so heavy that she would be surprised if she could make it through until dawn; which was when this would end. The alcohol had begun to lull her into a semi-conscious state and she did little to stop herself from sliding into sleep.

---

Sakura had been silent and he assumed that she was angry with him for getting rid of her 'admirer'. He had never felt such a protective instinct before and the moment Yuichi's fingers brushed the pale, milky skin of her legs anger ignited within him. This was irritating; he did not go around claiming females and chasing away every man who dared make a move on them.

Just because she was pleasing to look at and didn't fawn all over him didn't mean that he should immediately pursue her. They had only been formally introduced to each other mere hours ago. He was not at all used to the feeling of not being completely control of the situation and didn't like it one bit. His eyes immediately flickered over to the young woman sitting beside him.

He had been surprised when she had offered him her glass: that was a sign of familiarity and a courtesy that people usually did not extend to people they had only truly met two and a half hours ago. Itachi wondered if this little female was as friendly with every person she met. Her eyes were half lidded and she had a strange, dreaming expression on her face. Moments later the reason became apparent when she slumped abruptly to the side.

Itachi ended up with a face full of sweet smelling pink tresses and a lap full of soft feminine curves. No surprise showed on his face and to an onlooker it would have seemed like the Hokage's prized apprentice fell asleep on him every day. He took her in for a second before lifting her entire body onto himself with an ease that would have suggested she weighed little more than a feather.

He was not that cruel that he would just dump her onto the floor and leave her there, but he would be sure to remind her of just how foolish she had been. Well, he would tell Sasuke to remind her of that. Getting herself so drunk that she was at the mercy of anyone in this room. Some kunoichi she was. Shisui was nowhere in sight and he really didn't want to push through the crowd of very drunk dancers to look for someone to take her.

After all, he was very tired himself and they both needed some rest. He had few qualms with taking the little female home and allowing her to rest in the spare room until she recovered from her over indulgence. She was his younger brother's team mate after all. He stood easily and rearranged her limbs in a way that hopefully would not cause her too much discomfort before walking out of the front door into the cool night air. The sun was just beginning to peak over the horizon.

It would help if she did not nuzzle her head into his chest and fling her arms around his neck. Every movement pressed her body far, far too close to his and he was forced to grit his teeth and bear it. She did not mean to cause him any distress. It was not her fault that she was one of the few women that attracted his full attention.

Now, if only she would not lift her head to expose more of her smooth skin than was entirely proper. If only she didn't unconsciously pout her lips at him and nuzzle his neck. He closed his eyes and looked away; forgiving her for all unconscious slights.

The Uchiha compound did not come into sight quick enough but he walked through the gates with the unaffected aloof air that normally surrounded him. This was going to be a long few hours.

Notes on things mentioned in the chapter:

Sake;

Koshu is aged sake. Most sake does not age well, but this specially made type can age for decades, turning the sake yellow and giving it a honeyed flavour.

Drinking from someone else's sake cup is considered a sign of friendship.

Kimono;

Nagajuban is an undergarment worn under the kimono.

Datejime is the Obi like thing used to go around the Nagajuban (under kimono)

Hōmongi may be worn by both married and unmarried women; often friends of the bride will wear Hōmongi at weddings and receptions. They may also be worn to formal parties.

Shiro-maku The traditional white Japanese wedding kimono is called. Shiro meaning white and maku meaning pure. The wedding kimono actually consists of two different kimono. The white wedding kimono is worn for the wedding ceremony and an elaborate rich patterned silk brocade kimono called uchikake is worn over the white kimono at the wedding reception.

Uchikake is a highly formal kimono worn only by a bride or at a stage performance. The Uchikake is often heavily brocaded and is supposed to be worn outside the actual kimono and obi, as a sort of coat. One therefore never ties the obi around the uchikake. It is supposed to trail along the floor, this is also why it is heavily padded along the hem. The uchikake of the bridal costume is either white or very colourful often with red as the base colour.

This was inspired by my Auntie and Uncle's wedding just a few weeks ago. I ate far too much cake, killed my feet wearing uber high heels, danced around with new Canadian relatives all night and had multiple glasses of champagne forced into my hands while they were toasting. Everyone seemed to ignore the "I am underage" protest. X.X Don't worry I discreetly poured most of it into the bushes around the massive, white tent thing we were in. Ice tea tastes way better anyway.

I am in the process of writing the second part of this.

Edited; 09 Oct 2009