Three of the four Uchiha's glared at each other fiercely. The fourth, Itachi, was staring off into space and rocking back and forth in his chair. Sasuke had one hand placed protectively on his brother's shoulder. "You can't send Itachi to a hospital. He'll be miserable." Mikoto frowned. "I don't think so. We found a very nice place with excellent nurses, out in the country. Itachi would be very safe and well-cared for, and he'd eventually forget us. Maybe he could make friends-" "Forget about us?" Itachi whined in pain as Sasuke's grip on his shoulder became uncomfortably tight. Sasuke let go of his older brother and looked at his parents with clear disgust written across his face. The youngest Uchiha took a deep breath to steady himself, then tried to talk some sense into his parents. "There's no need for Itachi to be hospitalized. I can take care of him here, and the teachers help him at school. You can't get rid of your son just because he isn't perfect."

Itachi didn't know what was going on, but he could tell that everyone was angry. Feeling agitated, Itach tugged on Sasuke's sleeve and gave his brother a pleading look. "Do you want to go upstairs?" Sasuke asked, eternally patient. Mikoto made up her mind then and there. She couldn't bear to watch this anymore, couldn't bear to see Sasuke care for his elder brother like an infant. She would check Itachi into the hospital as soon as possible... but there was no need to tell Sasuke. "Use your words, 'Tachi," Sasuke encouraged his sibling. " "Bed." "You're tired, huh?" "Yeh." With a gentle smile, Sasuke helped Itachi to his feet and took his hand, leading him out of the kitchen. Mikoto's heart twisted in pain-she knew that Sasuke was guiding his brother to his room because Itachi would get lost otherwise. Lost in his house... well, no matter. Soon, she wouldn't have to watch these things, wouldn't be reminded of her son's disability.

"Wake up, dear." Itachi blinked slowly, staring up at the ceiling. His ebony eyes focused on his mother, and a childish smile spread across his face. Mommy and Daddy never talked to him, so he must have done something really good to get their attention! Granted, he couldn't think what that might be-he couldn't remember doing anything out of the ordinary recently-but why else would Mommy wake him up in the middle of the night like this? "Nigh," Itachi said, pointing out the window. Mikoto wrapped her arms around Itachi's shoulders and pulled him out of bed, then scooped him into her arms rather than letting him walk downstairs-what if he fell, or stepped too heavily and woke Sasuke? Itachi, unaware that he was soon to be abandoned by his beloved parents, happily buried his face in his mother's neck, overcome with joy. He couldn't even remember the last time Mommy had paid so much attention to him! At first, Itachi didn't notice or care that his mother was carrying him downstairs, but he shivered when they stepped into the cold air outside. "Where...go?" He asked in confusion as Mikoto strapped him into the backseat of the car. "We're going to a... um... special school, with other kids like you." Itachi frowned. He liked his school, where he had friends and nice teachers. Plus, Sasuke walked to school with him in the morning. "Wanna... stay..." Mikoto smiled tensely. "You'll be happier at the new school, and we'll visit you all the time. I promise."

Well, Mikoto had been right about one thing-the hospital was certainly out in the country. Itachi was distracted by the forest on all sides, occasionally pointing out birds or interesting plants. Aside from that, however, most of the car ride passed in silence, and Mikoto was relieved when they finally reached the hospital. It was a large building, four stories, and brightly lit on the inside. Mikoto parked carefully, then helped Itachi out of the car, giving him another pained smile. "Is there anything you need before we go inside? Food, water, a... a change?" Mikoto hated changing Itachi's diapers, not because it was a chore or disgusting, but because it reminded her just how helpless and dependent he was. Even after he shook his head no, Mikoto checked him very quickly, then led him inside. A slim young receptionist smiled brightly at both of them. "You're Mikoto Uchiha, right?" Taken aback, Mikoto nodded. "Yes, I am. How did you-" "You're the only person with such a late appointment. You admitted Itachi earlier today, so you can leave him here or come see his room, where he'll be staying, all of that. Most people want to meet the nurses, but it isn't strictly necessary." Mikoto shook her head quickly. "No, I need to get home before my younger son wakes up. I assume he'll be in good hands with you." Having said that, Mikoto turned to Itachi and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, then tucked a lock of dark hair behind his ear. "Be good." She said sternly. Confused-where was he, and what did the nice lady mean when she said Mommy had "admitted" him?-Itachi nodded, and tried to follow his other out the door. "No, Itachi. Stay here, and listen to the nurses. I'll be back next week."