#crossed paths

He realized that he was getting distracted so he quickly looked back to the watch to read the time.

His watch read 7:00 pm

“Alright, one shot to do this. No pressure” he thought as he took a small moth-looking device from his pocket and coded it to fly over and override the security barrier. The moth flew straight into the barrier and released a strange type of electricity which ended up short-circuiting it and both the moth and the barrier were disabled. 

Once that was taken care of he pulled up his mask and used the cloaking feature to slip past the Cydex guards while they scrambled in confusion.

“Guess that’s what you get for putting your new toys on the front lines of security oh ‘Most Technically Advanced City” He stuck his tongue out at the bots. 

With the biggest obstacle out of the way all that was left to do was simply walk to the seemingly bare stand that had glass encasing it. But that was only for show, a decoy for what was really being protected.

Reece got onto his knees and started feeling around on the checkered floorboard until he heard a beep. When he tapped on the same square he saw a white keypad illuminate on it. 

He looked at his watch, 7:03, he only had two minutes left to do this. 

“I’m guessing the code isn’t 1-2-3-4” Reece chuckled before using his watch’s other function. 

“Ness, decode this would ya?” he pointed his arm towards the square. 

The watch worked as fast as it could but time wasn’t on Reece’s side right now. 7:04

Finally, the decoding finished and the square slid open which revealed the true prize, the hard drive. 

As “luck” would have it, as soon as he picked up the drive, it was 7:05. His cloaking turned off to recharge.

Even better, the Cydex bots recalibrated and looked directly at him.

”Hey guys, I’m just gonna take this and go” Reece threw down a smoke bomb and took off.

—

Marcel made the mistake of thinking he was going to have a normal day.

 The sun was starting to set which would usually make an orange and lilac sky but it was raining so instead it was a dull grey that would eventually fade to black by the time Marcel got home. It was a monotone detail to what had been a monotonous day. 

He held onto his umbrella tightly as he ran across the crosswalk to beat the timer that was already down to 10. As he ran he could see the reflections of multicolored neon lights off of a large puddle that was waiting for him on the other side. Despite his best efforts, he couldn’t avoid it. 

“Green, Pink, Yellow…” Marcel started listing the colors he had seen in the puddle as he sat on a bus stop bench and dried off his legs with the end of the hoodie he had taken off. Talking about colors made him feel calm. As an artist, colors were everything.

A small thing was that now that his hoodie was off, the pred marking on his arm was visible. But sometimes big changes only needed small sparks.

“I think it was more of an emerald than a chartreuse,” Marcel said as if he were talking to someone else.

Of course, he wasn’t. He didn’t have friends. At least, not anymore.

Once he had finished drying off he got back up. “I need to get home quickly so I can at least get a few hours of sleep” Marcel muttered. 

Currently, the fastest route would be to cut through Raygate Street and take the eerie-looking alleyways that winded all around the city.  Marcel hated going through those alleyways, but considering he only had four hours before his next job, he didn’t have a choice.

With a twirl of his umbrella to watch the colored light reflect off the droplets, he started to make his way across Raygate

Meanwhile, located on the other side of the town, a short man didn’t care at all about the puddles that were making his socks soggy. He was busy running from enforcer bots as he carried something small in his left hand.

-

Reece loved the night. The vibrant atmosphere made him feel like anything was possible. Or at least, whatever fate had planned.

 He came upon two alleyways as he ran. With his right hand, he quickly pulled out a coin, an old kc cent from a time long before the world had switched solely to digital currency, and flipped it. 

“Heads for left tails for right” he stated in his mind.  He trusted the world, more specifically this coin, would give him the right choice.

The coin landed on tails. He darted to the right and barely missed being hit by a T.A.Z.E dart. “Phew that was close” If there was something that Reece hated, it was being tased by those things.

“Cease resistance immediately,” a Cydex bot said.

”No” Reece looked back at the bot and winked before he went and knocked over a loose pipe to slow the guards down

Though he could evade these bots for hours, he needed to find a way to lose them. 

That’s when he remembered the unpleasant alleyways near Raygate. They were a lot less safe than the ones he was going through here since they were in the lower-class area but he knew them well enough to get by.

”Is it worth testing my luck?” Reece flipped his coin in the air again

 “Heads for yes tails for no” He called as the shiny piece of metal spun.

It landed and ‘the world’ gave him his answer. 

—

Marcel wondered why the world was so cruel. 

He tried to keep his eyes off of the unfortunate souls who were sitting in the alleyway with nothing more than cardboard and some clothes to their names. 

If it hadn't been for his first employer, he probably would have been one of those people.

”I hope the nightclub isn’t too busy tonight I’ve dealt with enough drunk men for one day.” Marcel sighed as he thought about the encounter he had earlier that day.

It wasn’t his fault that he had a more feminine look but it was that guy’s fault for harassing him.

He tried to get his mind off of those thoughts by thinking about how he would see that beautiful woman who performed almost every night. The way her dark curly hair covered her eyes made her mysterious and enchanting. 

Plus, her singing. There was a reason why she was nicknamed ‘The Nightingale’. Marcel would love to talk with her one day if he ever got enough courage.

He probably never would.

It's a bright day in early spring. The sun is shining, the trees are blooming, and the weather is perfect. Everything seems right as rain except for this dog who won't leave you and your dog alone. 

You come to the dog park early in the  morning to beat the Saturday crowds. The later in the day it gets, the more unruly the park becomes. There are just too many dogs in one space for you to feel completely comfortable coming here in the late afternoon. 

And typically, things are very chill in the mornings. There are the regulars like Ms. Yuki with her old Mastiff, Bo, who leisurely stroll around the paved sidewalk, never bothering a soul. And there's Kei with his border collie mix, playing fetch across the vast expanse of the park. And a few other regulars who mind their businesses, and their dogs are well-behaved. No one stepping on each other’s toes. 

You and Dot find your own place with the chill morning regulars of the park. Jogging around the perimeter to let her get out some of her excess energy that builds up while she’s constricted in your tiny apartment. Dot is your best friend and, quite honestly, your closest companion. You originally started your search for a dog by looking for a German Shepherd. You liked the loyalty and protection they’re known for. But then you saw this spotted puppy in a pet store window.

A Dalmatian isn’t your first choice in dog breeds, but you were so enamored by her little black nose and playfulness that you bought her on the spot. You spend every extra moment you have training and spoiling her–maybe indulging too much, but how could you not. It becomes clear she enjoys the finer things and becomes a bit prissy. Walking around with her nose in the air, laying on only the softest pet beds, and refusing the others. And even though you won't ever admit it to anyone, you swear she loves her rhinestone-encrusted pink collar.   

But for as spoiled as she is, she’s a great companion. Licking away your tears after a hard day. Cuddling next to you as you watched another heart-breaking episode of Grey's Anatomy. She's your best friend, and you love to give her the best–even if that makes her a bit prissy. 

The two of you leisurely jogged around the worn path of the dog park, or you were, until he showed up. He is the male dog chasing after the two of you and almost tripping you multiple times as he dips into a play bow near Dot. 

At first, you were shocked to see another dalmatian at the park. Besides Dot and her littermates, you hadn't seen another one in the sleepy little town you lived in. It’s exciting to see another dalmatian until this ruffian starts interfering with your routine.

It’s clear that Dot is beyond not interested in playing with him. She never did like interacting too much with other dogs anyway. Still, you swear Dot turns her little black nose higher every time the other dog tries to entice her to chase him. She refuses to give him the time of day.

He’s also getting on your last nerve. If he runs in front of you one more time and you end up with a trip straight into the dirt, you’re not going to be a happy camper. You slow down, shifting your jog into a walk as Dot follows your lead. The other dog excitedly bounds around the two of you, hopping and barking at Dot. She turns her eyes to you with an exasperated look as if to say Please get me out of here. 

You can’t agree more with her. Letting out a hefty sigh, you remove her pink leash from around your shoulders and bend down to clip it to her matching collar. The other dog isn't giving up, though, still bouncing and barking in circles around you. If you didn't care about the other members of the park, you would scream at whoever owns him to come and get him. Speaking of which, after clipping Dot's leash, you look around the spacious park to see who the owner is of this persistent hellion.  

Your eyes quickly scan over all the familiar faces until they land on a bench near the front gate. A man about your age is sitting there, his face buried in his phone. Of course, the prick is more focused on his phone than his dog. He has long black hair cascading over his face as he stares at the illuminated screen. He’s dressed casually in a black long-sleeved shirt and dark blue jeans. You can’t distinguish his other attributes from where you stand in the park. 

You feel your blood boil watching him so casual and carefree while his dog terrorizes your leisurely Saturday morning. It’s taking everything in you not to stomp right up to him and give him a piece of your mind. Taking in a shaky breath you begin to walk towards the entrance. You have to keep repeating to yourself just walk past him, don't say anything. That’s until his unruly dog jumps up on you, leaving dirt-covered paw prints behind on your black leggings. 

You can't blame the poor dog. He wants attention that his owner won't give him. But you decide you’re going to give this asshole who is still buried in his phone a piece of your mind now.

"This isn't a daycare. You still have to watch your dog, you know!" Anger punctuates every syllable as you yell at the man in a huff. And finally, at your harsh words, he glances up from his phone. His dark eyes shift around until they find yours. You can tell he's taking in the situation by how his eyes widen when he sees your stained clothing and his hyperactive dog hopping around you joyfully.

"Ugh, I'm so sorry. Spot come here!" He stands as he calls to the dog, who vehemently ignores him.  Wow, Spot, how original. You think sourly with a roll of your eyes, conveniently forgetting your dog's stereotypical name. But you also take the chance to get a good look at the stranger who ruined your morning peace. He's pretty handsome, tall, and fair, with dark black eyes, striking stress marks etched under them where tears would fall, and long silky black hair tied in a low ponytail.

You watch as he squats down, and Spot comes bounding over to him, practically toppling the man over. "Alright, buddy, I'm sorry, you're right; I should have been playing with you. Work is just killing me at the moment." His voice is calm and soothing as he gives the hyperactive dog gentle pets. The deep baritone in his voice isn’t what you expected and sends a shiver down your spine. 

As annoying as this man is for ruining your morning peace, you have to admit he's very attractive. Very different from the little old ladies and couples you typically see here this early. 

"It's okay," you finally say, feeling bad that you lashed out. You know what it's like to be swamped with work, unable to put your phone down because of it. 

The stranger sends you a slight smile that you can't help but return as he clips his red leash onto Spot's collar. Crap, you hope he isn't leaving just because of your blowup. You feel guilty now but don't know how to approach the subject without it being incredibly awkward. 

So instead, you choose to save that conversation for another day. If you see him here in the future, you could make niceties then, but right now, you just want to run to your car and drive home, forgetting all the conflicted feelings that were swirling inside you. You start to walk to the set of gates with Dot, trying to keep your pace seemingly natural. But of course, the man follows you–you probably would have deduced this if you weren't in a state of lashing feelings battling in your brain. 

All you can think is how awkward this is, the silence that lingers in the air as you try to exit and how his dog barks and jumps forward to reach you and Dot. Only a few more moments, and then you'll be safe in your car and can forget this ever happened. But fate has a different plan for you; she seems destined to bring the two of you together.   

As you open the first gate to walk into the little holding pen to reach the second iron latch, Spot surges forward in front of you to get Dot. You're so surprised that you drop her leash, and she backs away from the male dog rushing at her. 

"Spot no! Come!" The man's voice still holds a sense of calm, but you can also hear the slight panic seeping through. Spot whips his head around to his owner, his black ears perking up to his owner's calls. And it's like you can see the catastrophe unfolding right in front of you as Spot bounds directly towards his owner. That red leash wraps tightly around your legs, right at your knees, forcing you to spin with the amount of speed Spot is using to get towards the man. The scratchy fabric cuts into your leggings and squeezes the back of your legs, pulling you right up to the mysterious man. 

You place your hand on his chest to steady yourself while also trying not to simultaneously fall on top of him. A quick sound of surprise escapes your lips as you watch Spot run around in a circle around the two of you. Now trapping both of you in his red web of chaos. The man lets out a "No Spot!" as you squeak and place your other hand on his shoulder for support.

If you had more time to think about everything that was happening, you would have paid attention to how defined he was under that loose shirt, or you would’ve seen the slight dust of pink on his cheeks as your wobbly leg slipped in between his for more stability. But instead, you’re focused on the inevitable fall that was about to come. Spot finally stops his movements, which seems to be the last straw for your balance as you topple into the dirt, pulling the stranger down with you. 

It's like some cheesy romance film, now. The man straddles you, trying not to put his whole weight on your hips as he untangles himself from the leash. And you’re trying to not focus on how he looks leaning over you, how that might look in a different setting, a curtain of black hair cascading over you. My god, you just met this man; you don't even know him; get a freaking grip. You chastise yourself as the man finally untangles the two of you from the leash. 

He stands up and offers his hand out to you; all of your anger from earlier is gone, and you grasp his hand firmly and accept the help. Looking over at Dot, you can't help but laugh at the expression on her face. She's looking at all of you like you're the biggest embarrassment of her life, and this only causes Spot's owner to look at her quietly, snickering. You can only imagine what a mess the two of you look, covered in dirt and dust, both of you laughing after being knocked to the ground.

After all the laughter, you let out a heavy sigh and turned towards Spot. "Thanks for the laughter, you silly dog, but please try to be a little coyer if you're trying to impress a girl," you giggle and pat the dog's head as he sits there panting with a wide grin. 

You miss the grin across Spot's owner's face as he watches you interact with his dog. It warms his heart in a way he can't explain. And as stupid as it sounds, that little moment the two of you just had makes him want to get to know you more. And so he takes his shot.

"I am so sorry about that; he gets a little excited," he says with a nervous chuckle as you turn towards him. "Please let me make it up to you or buy you coffee for all the trouble."      

The proposition throws you off; it isn’t what you’re expecting from him. But something in your gut was telling you to take this chance. Trust the handsome stranger with the hyperactive dog. 

"Sure, why not?" Your heart flutters at the genuine smile that spreads across his face as he reaches his hand out to shake yours.

"I'm Itachi; nice to meet you," he says with that warm smile that makes heat rise to your face.  After introducing yourself, you exchange numbers and promise to meet on a future day–without the dogs.

After that first meeting, you and Itachi spend a lot of time together. From the first coffee “date” to elegant dinners and play dates with Dot and Spot. It doesn’t take long for every weekend to become date night. Itachi is always a gentleman; once he finds your favorite meals, he learns how to make them just for you.

The two of you just click. It’s crazy to think that a hectic morning in a dog park brought the two of you together so long ago. You share a love of reading and cooking with Itachi, as well as a love of dogs. Spot and Dot accompany you on many dates, both of you finding places that welcome your furry babies. It feels perfect to have your little family of four. 

But something you really love about Itachi is his love for the piano. A small bluish-gray piano is nestled in his townhome. The first time you saw it, you begged him to play a song for you. But as always, Itachi is forever humble and waves you off, saying it’s not anything special.

But now it’s the first night you’re spending at Itachi's home, and you’re dead set on getting him to play it, even if you had to pull some strings. 

It’s especially early in the morning when you wake up after the first night together. You immediately snuggle back down into the soft blanket to escape the cool weather from seeping in from outside. White powder peaks in from the bedroom window. Sending a thrill of excitement at the thought of taking the first step out in fresh snow. The window to Itachi's room is covered at the edges with icy frost as the morning light filters in. Clouds hang heavy in the sky, vast and pale gray, as they spread snow on the ground beneath. You deduce that it’s still early morning since the light from outside is low. But there’s no rush to get out of your warm space. The two of you have nothing to do today.

The soft blanket is warm even though the room seems ice cold. There’s a brick fireplace in the corner of Itachi's bedroom, and the thought crosses your mind to get up and start it but leaving the comfort of the bed keeps you rooted. Instead, you flip over to search for Itachi. His back is turned to you, and he has a hand tucked under his pillow where he rests his cheek on the plush material. He seems so peaceful in his sleep, the hard lines of his face smooth and unworried.

You wrap one of your arms around him, shifting closer to him, and press yourself into his warm back as you bury your face in the crook of his neck. The cold tip of your nose meets his neck, and you breathe in his earthy aroma, shutting your eyes and releasing a content sigh. You think back to the day you first met and how you never imagined this would be the outcome. Itachi's larger hand that was flung over his torso shifts atop your own, and he laces your fingers together. His hand is so warm as it cradles yours. Itachi pulls in a lazy breath, signaling his awakening.                                                             

Itachi rotates to meet your body with his own as you wrap your arms around his shoulders and urge him to come closer to you. He wraps his arms around your waistline – limber fingers pushing the cloth of your nightdress up in pursuit of your smooth, warm skin beneath. Itachi traces the small of your back with delicate fingers. Your fingers find his long black hair and his back – tiptoeing through his black sleep shirt, feeling his smooth skin, and tracing his scalp with delicate moves that get a sigh out of him. His warm breath fans down your cleavage as he nestles closer, arms tightening around you. 

A smile crosses your face as you gaze down at Itachi nestling into your chest. He looks so serene and perfect and knowing that he shares this unique part of him with you fills you with joy. Your dear Itachi. You press another peck on his forehead and run your fingers through his dark hair. 

"My love," you whisper as you press another kiss onto his temple. "I love quiet days like this." 

Itachi tightens his arms around your midsection. His eyes stay closed as he soaks in your words. But the overwhelming need to return your kisses calls to him. He wants you to know how much he loves you and how you brought out such deep feelings in him that no one ever has been able to. He wishes he could be in this moment forever, in your embrace, cradled by your warmth, as your fingers cascade through his long hair. It feels like nothing else in the world exists. He feels so complete with you. In the arms of his woman, he can forget about the world. 

The words "I love you" are on the tip of his tongue. But he's scared. Scared, you might not feel the same. But he doesn’t want that to make him give up. He plans on continuing to be with you until he feels confident enough to express those words.

Itachi is lost in thought until you cup his cheek and place a loving peck on his lips. And with that small action, you wipe away all of his concerns. It's like you can tell exactly what he's thinking. You know him better than anyone else and can pick up on the little signs when he's getting too lost in his thoughts. You’re his everything.

You run your soft thumb across his cheek as his dark eyes meet yours. "Tell me what you're thinking, Itachi." 

It amazes him how well you know him, even for a short time. Itachi reaches his hand and cups the back of your head, bringing you close to him. You bury your face in his defined neck as your arms wander to his chest. It feels nice to have him hold you like this, arms surrounding you, keeping you safe. The two of you find comfort and solace in each other. Itachi makes you feel desired. 

And you do the same for him. Holding him close at precisely the right time. And caring for him, ensuring he's taking care of himself by eating three meals despite his busy schedule. You are always just there for him no matter the circumstance. 

And he knows he doesn't want to lose you. 

"I–" Itachi hesitates and places another kiss by the shell of your ear, making shivers run through you. 

You pull yourself up to look at him, your smile bright and your eyes pulling him in. As you climb into his lap, you wrap your legs around his defined thighs, straddling him and pulling the plush tan blanket around your form to cover his. "Come closer," you whisper as you wrap your arms around his shoulders and cup the back of his neck, his long hair silk under your fingers, as you urge him closer to you.

Itachi returns the gesture and wraps his arms around you, taking in the warmth of your skin. He closes his eyes, inhaling the scent that’s so uniquely you as you bury your fingers in his midnight locks and run them through your fingers. He loves when you do that. It's soothing and lulls him into a state of calm.

Itachi looks at you again as you move your hands to cup each side of his face. The moment takes him over again as he pulls you into a kiss. Catching your lips so quickly, you let out a little yelp. His strong arms tighten around you as you dissolve right into him and close your eyes. Itachi nibbles at your lips until they are swollen from his actions. You want to drown in him, let his tongue suffocate you with his sweet taste of the dessert the two of you shared before bed. Both of you crave each other and need each other. Every touch feels like a burning flame. You can't stop yourself from kissing him back just as passionately. Your fingers bury into his hair, holding him tightly to you.

Itachi gingerly lays you down on the bed, his body on top of yours. His arms settle on the plush mattress around you to keep him from placing his whole body weight on you. Your mouths are still together like he can’t stop tasting you, even for one moment. Today is the day you’re going to be his. 

Itachi trails kisses down your chin, neck, and chest. Your hands stay tangled in his hair, within the silky raven locks, as you pull him closer to you. He kisses and bites at the soft skin of your neck.

You open your swollen lips to release a soft gasp as Itachi sucks on your neck, leaving his mark in its wake. Your fingers pull his hair as he groans and shuts his eyes, long dark lashes dancing on his cheeks. He wraps his arms around you and holds you flush against him for a moment before gazing into your eyes. Pressing his forehead against your own as his hand moves to remove your night dress. His breath tickles your skin with warm puffs as his long dark bangs brush over your cheek. 

Itachi can't stop thinking about all the reasons he loves you as he graces your body. Your love for animals, kindness, tenacity, and the list continues into eternity. You're everything to him.

You smile at Itachi and lift your hand to touch his cheek, smooth against your palm. Your fingers are gentle on his face, and he can't help but sink into you. Letting your hand drop from his face you start removing the buttons on his nightshirt.  

Itachi pushes off his unbuttoned shirt for you, and you can't help but take in his physique. His abdomen is sculpted perfectly, still slimmer than most men but absolutely stunning as if he was carved from marble. His muscles ripple underneath your touch as he pulls off your night dress. He looks ethereal, like an angel among men in the dim lights of the bedroom. You can't help the pull that brings your lips to his neck to place soft kisses on him. Soft kisses continue to trail from his neck and down to his chest as Itachi lets out a soft sigh. 

Goodness, you were perfect. No one had ever been so tender and kind to him. He would drown in your soft kisses if you'd let him. At that moment, he knows you're the one made for him. Feelings overcome him as your lips touch his jawline, tracing down his chin. Itachi gingerly pulls your face to his, capturing your lips harder than before. If he can't express his feelings in words, he'll have to do it in action. He needs to show you how badly he craves you. Your tongues meet each other again in a feverish dance.

You can feel your face warm by being bare before him. Itachi releases your lips and again takes all of you in with his penetrating gaze. Cupping your face, he tries to calm you as his padded thumb strokes your cheek.

Pulling you back in, he presses a kiss on the shell of your ear. "You're stunning," he whispers with your name. His large hands find your own as they guide you to hold onto him. "So incredibly beautiful." 

He's overwhelming you with his praise, but it doesn't stop you from wrapping your arms around his lithe shoulders. Allowing your fingers to trace small patterns on his back. The muscles below your fingers flex at every slight movement. 

"Itachi," you purr as you place a kiss at the crook of his shoulder. Itachi takes your encouragement and plants his face in your neck, kissing and sucking gently up your flesh.

Itachi can't stop himself from trapping the delicate skin between his lips and sucks gently. You release a quiet gasp and bite your lip to hold back a moan. Itachi trails down to your chest and does the same to the skin in that area. Before moving onto one of your nipples and trapping it in his mouth, sucking gently. He runs his warm tongue over your pebbled peak as you shake beneath him. You're already so sensitive to his touch. 

Itachi continues his journey down your body, below your stomach, pausing right before the hem of your panties to ask for permission with his dark eyes. You feel more heat rush to your face, seeing him begging to venture lower. You nod, biting your lower lip harder to keep in all the noises you want to escape. Wordlessly, you help him by slipping off your panties, now fully revealed to him. Itachi's eyes meet yours once more as he pushes apart your legs to allow him in. He crawls slowly back on top of you and captures your lips with his own again. 

Again, you pull him closer, both of you caught in the moment with your eyes shut. Itachi's fingers find your hips and trail to your thighs, stretching your legs around his waist. Fuck. He's so hard beneath his sleep pants he's not sure he can stand it much longer. You're so perfect to him. I love you, is on the tip of his tongue, ready to spill out at any moment. He knows he wants you to remember this first time together forever because Itachi is sure he'll never forget.        

Your soft fingers trace his bare shoulders, back, neck, and chest, making little patterns as they go. Itachi can't imagine having a moment like this with anyone else. Only you were worthy of this intimacy. 

Itachi's hand reaches between your legs, where you're already wet. His padded thumb skims over your clit as you let out a gasp. The slight touch causes you to break your kiss with him and fall back against the soft down pillows. Itachi has to bite his lip as he takes in your look of pleasure. Your eyes lay closed, your lips swollen from kisses, and your chest heaves in shallow breaths as he circles his thumb around your sensitive clit. He reaches down further, finding your awaiting entrance as he gathers your slick on his index finger and slowly inserts it. Your back arches at the intrusion, and more pleasure build inside you. 

"Itachi, please," you whine and lay your hand on his heated cheek, "I want you so badly." 

Itachi presses a quick peck to your lips before taking another moment to study your expression. He knows he can't hold back for much longer as he sits up on his knees and goes to remove his sleep pants. You watch his movements like an enthralling show, pulling your bottom lip between your teeth. 

Itachi kicks his pants off, letting them fall in a heap on the floor, and crawls back on top of you. As if it was natural for the two of you, you part your legs around his waist. His cock brushes against your lower stomach, and you gasp at how hard he already is. Again you find your fingers tracing the lines of his body. 

Gently you take his length in your hand as Itachi tries to fight back moans from the slightest touch. Stroking him, you smear the pearlescent drops of precum that weep from his tip. His length is larger than what you’ve seen before, with a prominent vein on the underside. Your mouth waters at the sight of him. 

Gingerly you guide him to your slick entrance and bring your gaze back to him before giving him a soft, "Please, 'Tachi." 

Itachi can't help but oblige, he’s stunned that you're pleading with him to take you. Fuck, he loves you. If only he could bring himself to say those words. 

"I want to be closer to you," Itachi breathes in your ear, encouraging you to wrap your arm around his shoulders, ultimately dissolving into him.

Itachi slowly slips into you as he catches your lips with his own and bottoms out inside of you. He swallows a gasp from you as both of you adjust. A whisper of your name lingers on his lips when he pulls away, those three little words begging to tumble out after.

"I love you, Itachi," you whisper to him.

An overwhelming amount of love and contentment fills his heart, the words he'd been so scared to say; you'd been thinking them all along. "I love you too." He brings his thumb to your face and strokes your cheek as he gazes into your eyes. You're absolutely perfect. 

Itachi begins to move gently, thrusting in and out of you, holding you to him as he builds up his speed. Everything outside of the two of you melts away, caught up in this peaceful world together. Itachi places soft kisses along your neck and collarbone as he continues his ministrations. Hitting perfectly in the spongy spot deep inside you, you can’t help but release a loud moan. Within moments pleasure washes over you as you tighten around Itachi's length with a shudder. Itachi groans at your walls gripping around him. You're so wet and tight, swallowing him greedily with every thrust. It feels terrific, like he could get drunk on you and only need you to survive. 

"Tachi, harder," you whine in his ear as you try desperately to pull him closer.

Itachi obliges immediately, increasing his speed as another gasp escapes your lips. Your hips crash into each other as he continues to hit that perfect spot in you. The coil inside of you is becoming impossibly tight, signaling your orgasm. You whisper his name like a prayer as your body tenses around him. Itachi doesn’t think you can get tighter than before, but a groan spills out of him as you reach your peak. Once more, he brings your lips to his as both of you reach your climax.   

Thick warm ropes of cum shoot inside you as you shake from the after-effects of your orgasm. Both of your breaths fill the room's silence as you try to catch your breath. You can't stop yourself from placing a kiss on Itachi's temple, his long hair cascading around it.

"I love you," Itachi whispers, more confident than before.

"I love you too."  

"We should probably check on the dogs," his voice is husky as he lets out a chuckle.

"Ah yes, I'm sure they are not happy campers being locked out of the bedroom for so long," you giggle as you move to get up to go to the bathroom. "Oh, and one more thing, will you play the piano for me now?" You turn to him before fully getting out of bed, putting on your best pleading look. 

A sly smile crosses Itachi's face; you always keep him on his toes. "Fine, only for you, though."

Of course, Itachi is a master of the piano. Watching him wholly enraptured in a skill he loves is a beautiful scene. The first time you watch him play, he closes his eyes and plays a soft lullaby. Sweet long notes fill the air and tickle the goosebumps on your skin. 

Not only is he beautiful as he plays, but his passion shines through as you watch his fingers delicately dance across the keys. You fall even harder for him at that moment. 

And the rest is history for the two of you. You move in a few short months after that with Dot. And while she isn't excited to share a space with another dog, you can tell she's becoming more fond of Spot. From practically ignoring him to sharing her overly fluffy and expensive bed with him, they eventually become two peas in a pod.

It's always fun going on a walk together, your little family of four. You love how Dot and Spot fall right into step between you and Itachi. Like all of you were meant to be a perfect little family from the very beginning. Who would've thought the man and dog who knocked you down would end up being one of the brightest moments of your life.