It is a full house at the clan head's home when every member of the family is present. Mikoto sets up the plates, and Kokuro mimics the graceful mannerisms of her mother as she fills the table with food and dishes.

Fugaku thanks his wife with a nod, and continues his conversation with his eldest. Itachi bows his own head when his sister places his meal in front of him, and little Sasuke is quick to copy the movement. Kokuro can't help but stroke his dark hair lovingly. He's absolutely adorable. His proud smile is missing a few teeth, but it will obviously be a handsome grin one day.

It was a normal night, even with one extra body at the dinner table. It isn't strange for Shisui to share an evening meal with them. Over the last few years, his face became a normal one to see in their residence, being so close to Itachi, and such a respected member of the clan. So, like always, he takes his usual seat next to the eldest child.

Kokuro doesn't care by what means he became such a frequent visitor, just that he is. So she sits across from him at the dinner table happily, having grown a tad more confident when he comes around. Just a tad.

She is still too nervous to speak to him directly with so many eyes and ears around, not that she has anything strange to say. For some reason, though it had lessened, her shyness still lingers. It's why she settles for quick looks at his charming face, and timid smiles between bites of her mother's delicious cooking - she doesn't have the bravery to do much else.

Halfway through the meal and chitchat, "Kokuro."

At the sound of her father's voice, Kokuro comes out of her thoughts, and immediately gives him her attention.

"Yes, Otou-san?"

Fugaku does not look up from his meal, and continues to eat with an intimidating grace men can only gain from life as a ninja - or being raised as a prestigious clan head (or both, in his case). After a swallow, he says in his demanding tone, "You are approaching the age at which courtship is appropriate."

Her heart flutters at the subject, and Kokuro tries and fails to keep her eyes from darting towards their dinner guest. With force, she snaps her eyes back to her father at the head of the table, and waits with concealed impatience for him to continue.

"Chuhei and Dokuji have expressed interest in pairing their son with you." She almost frowns, but stops the indignant expression in time before it can get her into trouble.

Her father is a strict and decisive man, even with his little girl. If he is speaking of this matter to his children, it means he has already made up his mind. An ache builds in her chest as the hope she didn't know she had begins to die.

"A-Akira-kun?" She asks weakly. "He seems...nice, but," her eyes begin to stray to the fetching boy across from her, unable to accept what she knows is coming.

"I will accept their request."

If food had been in her mouth, she would have choked. As it is, she stutters out, "B-But Otou-"

"This is not a debate," he says forcefully.

She knows better than to argue, but it still doesn't stop her. "But I don't like Akira-kun!" Her voice is a bit louder than she means it to be, but she must be heard. Surely, her father wouldn't force her to date a boy she does not want to be with so long as she makes it known? He couldn't be that demanding, could he?

Her father doesn't give her the opportunity to sway him. With a sharp smack, Fugaku slaps down his chopsticks and sets a heavy look upon her. She jumps at the sound, dark eyes wide. Her rash bravery falters under his heavy, black stare. "That boy has a family history of strong Uchiha, and a wealth that would be beneficial to you in the future. The standing they have in our community would do nothing but compliment ours. I need not explain those things to you, but now I have."

"I don't care about those things," she says in a tiny voice, using the last of her courage.

"Enough," he barks, and she cringes away from the force of his refusal. "As a clan heir, you must do things in the best interest of the future generations, not yourself." Fugaku's voice and eyes have grown quite harsh. "You should know this by now, as well as possess the manners to hold your tongue in front of guests," he picks up his chopsticks again. "I'll have to tell your girei sensei to cover the basics on your next etiquette lesson. Your mother did not birth a mannerless commoner." He begins eating once more, having spoken his piece on the matter.

Please, she wants to say, but knows it won't help. Her hand shakes as she picks up her own utensils. She's sure the lump in her throat will hinder her ability to swallow, but she puts a piece of chicken in her mouth anyway. It's tasteless, but she chews mechanically in hopes that comfort will come from the mundane motion while she tries keeping her reddening face downwards - hiding her tears from those at the table who look at her pityingly from the corner of their eyes.

Her father is not immune to the feeling. Something in Fugaku twinges at his daughter's pretty face so crestfallen, but she must learn to accept these parts of life. He knows a day will come when she understands his choices. Hopefully, that day she will even see that he took her wishes into consideration, as well.

His eyes are skilled in more ways than just battle hardened sharingan. He sees the way she looks at young Shisui, but the boy is older. The age gap may not be a concern in the future but as of now, the young shinobi is far too busy with missions and clan business. Who's to say Shisui would be interested in the first place? Fugaku cannot pair her with a suitor that does not wish to be paired.

From the corner of his eye, he sees movement that focuses him back to the table. It's obvious in its intent and in no way is it attempted to be concealed. Shisui uses his spoon to transfer his sweetened carrots from his plate, to Kokuro's. Immediately, she smiles gratefully at him through the wetness in her eyes. The boy watches affectionately as she eats the gift of her favorite food, and Fugaku gets the hint - even before Shisui looks his way discreetly, but with a clear message.

With a practiced skill, the stoic man remains expressionless, but his mind echoes one word.

Interesting.

o0o

Uchiha Shisui is a brave boy - the "stare into the eyes of imminent danger" kind of brave, but not the "speak with your crushes father about your feelings" kind of brave.

Despite his discomfort, he sits tall. His face holds nothing but calm, and his aura exudes confidence. He holds eye contact, and makes sure to leave just the right amount of looseness in his shoulders to put up a front that he is relaxed, and sure of himself.

Inside, Shisui is none of those things. He has just asked to date the clan heiress, and he did so in a way that was almost aggressive.

Let me court Kokuro.

Where Shisui is a damned good shinobi and hides his nerves well, Fugaku has much more experience, and his face might as well be carved of stone. There's no way to tell if he's considering Shisui's request, or considering banishment for such arrogance.

By the way Fugaku has said nothing for over thirty seconds, Shisui is beginning to think that the confident approach wasn't the best tactic - that, or he just did it incorrectly.

The back of the young boy's neck pricks, and he fights off the nervous sweat trying to form. He wants to roll his eyes at his own jitters. He can take out a squadron of shinobi on his own without so much as flinching, but he can't be brave now?

Get a grip.

But...is Kokuro just someone? She's special to him, of course, but special how? He thought about that before coming to see Fugaku today, but couldn't come up with a definitive answer. It could be a mixture of the age gap, and the fact that they're both so young in the first place, but he doesn't know how to describe what he feels for her. He treasures her the same way he does Itachi, but also differently in a sometimes subtle, sometimes distinct way.

For example, he would go out of his way to cheer up Itachi when he's upset, too. But if Itachi got a girlfriend, he wouldn't lose sleep over it like he did last night thinking about Akira-kun.

He doesn't know how to put his thoughts into words, but all he really understands is that he did not like hearing of Kokuro's possible boyfriend. Not one bit. Thinking of her paired to himself, however, he likes very much.

So here he is, going on two minutes of silence with his clan head. He wants to say something and end this waiting game - the silence is maddening - but Fugaku finally speaks.

"What makes you worthy?"

Shisui pauses. That's a good question. Other than his raw talent as a shinobi, there isn't anything that sets him apart from the rest of the Uchiha - not in a good way, at least. He's different in the sense that he isn't rolling in ryo like some. He doesn't have a strong family system, or rather, he doesn't have any family left at all. He has a name in the ninja world, but he is no one when it comes to the nobles. In short, he has nothing to give to an heiress like Kokuro.

He isn't worth a damn, and looking into Fugaku's knowing gaze, the older man is aware of it, too. Fighting off shame, Shisui realizes he was never meant to come up with an answer to that question, he was only meant to remember his place. But Kokuro had the odds against her last night, and still did not give up without a fight, so neither would he.

He starts by telling the truth, "Kokuro deserves better than me."

Fugaku's expression does not change. He remains seated stiffly, hands tucked into his sleeves, and waits for Shisui to continue.

"But in my eyes," the younger male says confidently, "no one is worthy. She deserves better than what she has to choose from. So instead of coming with the assets the other candidates possess, I come with the one thing they do not have, and may never acquire." He grows bolder as the truth reassures him, and his eye contact remains steady with the older man's as he gets embarrassingly emotional (by shinobi standards).

"Others may have more than me now, but money can always be lost, homes can always be destroyed, and family can always die - just as money can be earned, a home built, and a family grown. But love," he pauses at such a strong word, but continues when he realizes it feels right to say, "love cannot be forced. Someone cannot be made to care. But because I care, I know that I'm worth more than any other potential suitor. Kokuro deserves to be cared for."

Fugaku is a hard man, but anyone can see the tenderness in his eyes when he looks at his Kokuro, and Shisui can see it now as the father of three thinks of his only daughter.

Unbeknownst to the young shinobi, Fugaku had been debating whether he should seek out Shisui after his display at dinner the previous night. The knock on his office door had to be a sign from above when it was revealed to be Shisui on the other side with a determined look in his eye. However, it isn't enough to simply be interested, or have the interest of his princess. Fugaku had to make sure Shisui meant what he silently said last night, and now he is left with a content feeling in his chest knowing that he would be leaving his Kokuro in capable hands one day.

The man's eyes close for a few moments, and when he opens them again Shisui knows by their rare light that he's about to hear something good.

"I approve."

The boy's heart does a somersault, but he works hard to keep his face from showing it. Instead, he bows deeply uttering, "Thank you very much."

"Hn," Fugaku smirks with his eyes as Shisui straightens, "Why don't you stay for lunch?"

Shisui's satisfaction gets the best of him, and he openly grins back, "I would love to."

o0o

Kokuro sits on her bed. She's wrapped herself so tightly in her quilts, her figure is nothing but swirls of the reds and purples stitched into them. Her room is dark. In her gloom she's closed the crimson curtains on the light of day.

The only ones that come to try and cheer her up are her siblings. Itachi was the first to knock, but she didn't respond. He tried again just a few minutes later with Sasuke in tow. She almost gave in, hearing her baby brother's voice beg longingly, "Nee-san, won't you come play?" But her melancholy held fast, and she ignored them both.

"We'll try again later, Sasuke," Itachi's muffled voice said through the door before they let her be.

Part of her wishes to sneak away. The brook is calling her name, but she is far too afraid to go. Shisui holds true to his word, and he's found her there multiple times, but the thought of his comfort over this makes her all the sadder.

But even if it isn't for her quiet place, she knows she'll have to go outside eventually, but the mere thought of her sudden boyfriend still leaves a sting in her eyes. So, today she just wants to mope.

And what's so wrong with that? She thinks, her pout growing poutier. Sometimes moping is healthy, right? She nods to herself, the blankets scuffing past her hair and creating static. Right, so I'm not moving from this spot until I'm ready.

There is another soft knock on her door. "Kokuro," her mother calls gently, "lunchtime."

Kokuro does not answer. She doesn't want to eat.

"Kokuro," her mother says again. This time Kokuro can hear the sing song tone, as if her mother has a secret she isn't willing to share, but is apparently willing to flaunt.

The girl doesn't take the bait. Even though her mother can't see it, she juts her chin out stubbornly, turning her head further away from the door. She'll come out when she feels like it!

This time, Mikoto isn't able to finish her sentence, "Shisui-kun is having lunch with us toda-"

At the sound of his name, Kokuro sprints out of bed - her quilts billowing in her wake before fluttering to the floor. Quickly yanking her door open, she makes to sprint past her mother, not knowing what she'll do when she gets to him, but needing to despite that.

Mikoto is faster. Laughing, she halts her daughter by the shoulders, and guides the overexcited girl back into her room. "Do you really want to see him in your sleepwear and bedhead?"

With her mother's help, Kokuro quickly makes herself presentable. Hair smooth, kimono wrinkle free, and even smelling of lilies, Kokuro looks the part of an heiress when she arrives downstairs. However, it's hard to keep that image when she's all but vibrating in giddiness at the sight of Shisui's handsome face.

He smiles, and she does the same automatically. When it's him looking at her that way, she doesn't think she could ever respond differently.

It's now that Kokuro notices her usual seat across from him is taken. Itachi gives her a small quirk of his lips before facing forward again, and her eyes take in the not normally empty seat next to Shisui in mild confusion. No one mentions the change, and she pretends to not have noticed. She all but skips around the table and begins helping her mother set out the food - trying to look unaffected by the young boy of her daydreams.

At some point, she loses the mental battle and looks towards Shisui's dark eyes. He's already looking her way, smiling bigger than he normally allows himself. The girl blushes, because there is something new in that smile. She doesn't know what to make of it, and quickens her pace in setting out chopsticks on the table with her thoughts preoccupied in nervousness. As she lays out the utensils, she keeps looking his way, nearly dropping chopsticks and tripping over her own feet.

Flustered, and to save herself more embarrassment, she finishes and sits in her new seat. She's hyper aware of his presence beside her, and she nearly forgets to join the chorus of "itadakimasu" before eating.

It's silent for the next few minutes, save for the typical clinking and such that comes with a meal. The first to speak, surprisingly, is Fugaku.

"Kokuro."

Her hair swishes as she turns his way. She hesitates, afraid of more foul news, but responds obediently if not warily, "Yes, Otou-san?"

"I've talked to Akira-kun's parents," he says as he prepares his next bite of food, and her heart stills in trepidation. "I have thought more on the subject, and I declined the pairing between you and their son."

Now doing the complete opposite, the muscle in her chest gallops into overdrive. Kokuro is buzzing in place, peeking not so subtly at Shisui, who is smiling into his bowl of rice.

"May I ask why?" She asks with rapidly growing excitement.

Her father takes the bite of rice and vegetables, dragging out the moment and pushing Kokuro near to bursting. He chews leisurely to try her patience - finding it humorous to do so - and when he finally frees his mouth to speak, he informs her, "I have found a better suitor."

He's barely finished before she urges, "You have?"

He takes another bite, and savors the burst of flavor on his taste buds. He chuckles mentally when he sees her jerk, her legs probably kicking out under the table in impatience. When his mouth is free again he replies, "I have. Also, thank your older brother." Kokuro's smile slides from her face to make way for confusion. "Itachi was nice enough to take a different seat," Fugaku says, without looking at her. She takes a disbelieving double take at his mouth, spotting the ghost of a smirk on his lips before it disappeared. "He thought you would want to sit next to your new suitor."

She surprises Fugaku when she remains silent, staring at the side of his face until he turns to meet her eye. Red cheeked and with a smile so large, he fears her pretty face may break in two, she whispers, "Thank you, Otou-san."

Fugaku's lips twitch as he fights away the rising smile. It's harder to do than normal - what with his chest growing so warm- so he nods in an attempt to hide his struggle.

Kokuro cannot stop herself from looking at Shisui, and she is caught in his warm gaze. They're both trapped between happiness and disbelief, but enjoy the unfamiliar ride all the same.

Fugaku can clearly see the stars in his daughter's midnight eyes, and a single glance can confirm that those same stars glitter in Shisui as well. Against his will, a minuscule grin breaks free of his stone mask for the world to see.

For once in his life, he doesn't have to worry about his little girl. His princess has found her prince, and though Fugaku knows better, he lets himself whimsically believe in fairytales, and everyone knows that they always live happily ever after.

But as Fugaku knows deep down, fairytales are merely dreams, and this is reality. He does not foresee the two young ones to have a simple life, but never in a million years would he expect what actually transpires to be what tears them apart.