"I still don't understand why the Hokage hasn't assigned you a mission in nearly a week. Not a single mission." Fugaku sighed, rubbing his face.
"Hokage-sama said he was waiting for the right one to come across his desk. It's only a matter of time Father." Itachi explained, extremely annoyed because this was all Kokoa's doing.
'She just had to tell the Hokage that I was sick. Sneaky little…still, I can't be too angry. She did it for my sake.' He thought, sighing loudly without meaning to.
"If you're as frustrated as I am, go do something about it Itachi."
"It'll be fine. In fact, I'll go to town soon to see if there are any local assignments, ways to help without leaving the village."
"Just do something. I don't want to find you lying around."
"Understood."
"Are you here to scold me for going behind your back?"
"That was my original plan, but…I can't yell at you." Itachi sighed, letting his shoulders fall in defeat.
"You weren't listening. I had to intervene. I just told the Hokage that I noticed you were very overwhelmed with some things going on within the clan, and that he should avoid giving you any tasks for a few days. He likes me, so it wasn't too hard." She shrugged.
"My father was displeased, but I am rested and feeling better, so I guess…thank you." He grinned.
"Well that's good. Oh, I finally got it." Kokoa stated.
"Got what?" He fixed his vest as they walked.
"Part two of your gift."
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that. So, what did you come up with? You better "wow" me."
"You know how I like buying cool trinkets, and random things I spot?"
"I do, I do." He nodded.
"I bought this a while back, but for some reason the next day, it didn't fit anymore. It's too big. I found it in my room yesterday, and after thinking about it, I concluded that it suits you. Give me your hand."
"Why?" He paused to face her.
"I'm not going to bite you Itachi. Just give me your hand."
"Alright, alright. Here." He put out his hand. His eyes widened slightly when she slipped a ring onto his finger.
"What's this?"
"It's a silver band, so not really feminine. Nothing wrong if a man wears it. I thought you'd like it because of the engraving." She explained. He brought it close to his face, scrutinizing the symbol.
"Heiwa." He read aloud. "Peace."
"I know it's your favorite word."
"You remembered. Thank you Kokoa. It means a lot."
"I'm glad you like it."
"I'll try to always wear it. I really do love it."
"Oh, before I forget, that picture we had taken of the two of us, it finally came in. Here's your copy." She said, pulling out a small square from her pocket. In it, the two of them stood in their uniforms, dirty from the previous mission, smiling deviously. He laughed out loud at the sight.
"Very attractive Kokoa. This should be framed and put on display for all to see."
"My copy is already framed and on my dresser. Looks like I beat you to it." She grinned.
"Hm, thank you. I'll keep this safe." He smiled.
"I wanted to give you these today because I leave for my mission early tomorrow morning."
"You were finally given one?"
"I know, it's been ages. Maybe they were sorting some things out because I was just promoted to jōnin. Main point is that I finally get to see some action. I've been itching for a good fight."
"Wild child." He shook his head, then noticed the fading sun.
"I'll let you go since you have to be home soon." She said. He nodded, taking her hand in his.
"As you always tell me, try not to get yourself killed."
"I'll see what I can do, Uchiha." She smiled, tapping his nose.
"There, you got it Sasuke. That was quite fast." Itachi said with his arms crossed, nodding in approval. Fugaku and Kokoa were off on separate missions. That meant he could dedicate his free time to Sasuke, who Itachi felt he was neglecting lately.
"Really Ni-san?"
"Yup. I think you got the hang of it faster than I did. I'm impressed Sasuke."
"You're not just saying that to make me feel good, are you?"
"There's no point in lying. If you didn't master it, I'd have you keep trying. I think you nailed it. Of course practice will help you perfect it, but I'm proud of you." He said. Sasuke smiled a huge smile, thrilled Itachi was finally giving him the attention he desired.
"Ni-san, I'm glad you're here."
"So am I Sasuke. I told you that the minute I get a break, I'd help you out. You are my little brother after all." He grinned, poking his forehead. "I'll always be there for you."
"And I'll always be there, unless you keep bothering me." The younger brother laughed.
"How about we go buy a treat? Think of it as a reward after a hard day's work." Itachi offered.
"Yes please!"
Itachi spent the day doing little tasks around the Uchiha compound such as, moving things, helping those who needed it, just simple everyday things. He strolled through the village, running a few errands for his mother. He was expecting to see Kokoa today, but so far there was no sign of her. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't help but feel anxious. Finally not being able to handle it anymore, he decided to investigate a bit. The gate guards came into view.
"Looky here, it's Itachi. Long time no see." Akio greeted, leaning back in his chair.
"You're right. What have you been up to Mr. ANBU captain?" Etsuo teased.
"I'm not captain today. I've been doing small things here and there to help out since I wasn't assigned anything yet." Itachi explained.
"So sweet of you." Etsuo swooned. Itachi gave him a dull look.
"Did you need something?" Akio raised an eyebrow.
"Did – did any teams that are scheduled to return today come back yet?"
"One did not too long ago, but things didn't look so good."
"What do you mean?"
"Two were badly injured. They were rushed to the hospital."
"Do you know which team? The captain?" Itachi pushed.
"That girl you're with sometimes –"
"Kokoa?"
"Yeah, that's her. She was one of the injured ones."
"Thank you." He said before sprinting off.
He quietly stepped into the hospital, searching for a medic, or anyone who worked there.
"Are you looking for someone?" A high pitched voice sounded. He turned to face a mousey girl with short blond hair.
"Kuroki Kokoa. She was rushed here with her team. They just got back."
"Down that hall. It's the fourth door on the right." She pointed. He nodded and started off.
'If I can see her, then she can't be in that bad of a state…right?' He wondered. He stepped in slowly. Closing his eyes, he sighed in relief. She sat on the edge of the bed holding herself.
"Itachi." She said softly, looking up.
"I thought I told you not to get killed."
"Hey, I'm alive."
"Barely." He commented. She shook her head annoyed. "So what happened?"
"What happened as in you want me to flashback, or what happened as in what's wrong right now?"
"The second one." He walked over to sit beside her.
"I sprained my arm pretty bad when I fell on it. I also had a kunai rip through my side. They're working on stopping the bleeding. That's why I'm all taped up. And of course as you can tell, thousands of little cuts and bruises, but that's baby stuff." She tried grinning.
"I heard two of you were badly injured and rushed here. I nearly had a panic attack."
"Sorry to worry you…wait…two of us? That's right. My mind's been so cloudy from all the pain that I almost forgot. Where's – where's Mamoru?" She questioned, panic overtaking her.
"You're teammate? I'm not sure. I didn't know who it was, so I didn't ask."
"He – he was badly wounded. They kept saying on the way here that he wouldn't make it. I have to see him." She started to get off the bed.
"Kokoa, you can barely breathe. You shouldn't be walking in your state." He placed a hand on her shoulder.
"But I have to see him. Please let me go."
"That's not a good idea. They're probably working on him right now."
"Itachi, he was my responsibility. I have to see him." She begged.
"Fine." He gave in. "But I'll help you. Come on." He started to move her, when, she let out a sharp cry.
"What is it? Did I hurt you?" He gasped, slowly stepping back. She shook her head, holding her side.
"Your wound reopened. That's not good. Kokoa, don't move."
"I h-have to go to Mamoru. He – needs – me…" She trailed off, swaying a bit before her eyes rolled back, and she fell over face forward. Had Itachi not been there to catch her, she would have split her head open on the hard floor. He snatched a towel that sat on the desk, pressing it against her side as she laid there unconscious.
"Hang on Kokoa." He said, rushing out the door to find a doctor before she bled out.
She slowly pushed herself to sit up when Itachi entered the room. She searched his face for any hope, any sign of good news, but…
"I'm sorry Kokoa. He passed." He said quietly. She nodded, biting her lip, blinking aggressively to keep the tears from falling. He walked over, taking a seat on the bed.
"We're taught no emotion. No crying, no whining. We're simply tools. And I – I made sure I understood it, that I knew what being a ninja required, but when terrible things really do happen to you…it's as if everything you learned is thrown right out the window. I'm supposed to be a jōnin…look at me now. I'm reduced to this hysterical mess." She rubbed her eyes. Itachi remained silent, and gently placed his hand over hers.
"It'll be dark soon. You should go. I don't want you getting in trouble."
"But…"
"I'll be fine Itachi. They stopped the bleeding, and said I was fine. I just need some sleep." She assured him, running a thumb across his hand.
"Alright. Feel better." He left a tender kiss on her forehead before heading out.
"Itachi dear, are you alright? You didn't bring the stuff I asked you to buy until later in the day, and you look upset." Mikoto said over dinner. He looked up at her.
"You do seem a little spacey." Sasuke added.
"Did something happen?" Fugaku pressed. Itachi glanced down at his plate before meeting their eyes again.
"While I was in town, word reached my ear that a friend of mine returned from a mission badly injured. I stopped by the hospital to check on the team." He explained.
"I heard someone died, a chunin. Was it him?" His father inquired.
"No. I didn't know him."
"How is your friend?"
"Has a sprained arm, and a deep wound that wouldn't stop bleeding, but when I left, everything seemed fine." He took a bite, hoping they wouldn't ask anything else. Mikoto noticed how he didn't specify "he" or "she."
"Well I hope everything turns out ok. Maybe tomorrow I'll make something yummy to take to your friend." She smiled.
"Knock, knock." He smiled, tapping the door with his knuckles. "Are you decent?"
"Just lying in bed. I have been since you left me yesterday." Kokoa sighed.
"Don't complain. You get to sleep all day."
"That's the thing, I'm sick of sleeping. I didn't think it was possible. I'm also sick of the food here."
"Kokoa, you've only been here one night. You're already tired of this place?"
"Wouldn't you be? I'm so bored, and I can't lie on my side because it hurts, but I can't keep lying on my back because that will eventually get uncomfortable. It's a lose/lose situation."
"Will this make it better?" He inquired, holding up a small plate. "My mother made some yokan."
"You didn't eat it all on the way, did you? I know you when you're around sweets."
"I only had one of yours. The rest of my stash is at home." He grinned.
"Thank you." She smiled softly.
"How are you feeling?"
"Tired. In pain."
"I mean…about your teammate…"
"Oh…I've been trying not to think too much about it only because I already feel like death. I think I'm still in shock too. Don't worry, it'll hit me like a wall soon enough. That always happens to me."
"This negative energy of yours, it's not contagious is it?" He tried making her laugh.
"You know, I have no idea. Watch out Uchiha. You're next." She pointed at him.
"Oh whatever will I do?" He cried. She smiled at his playfulness.
"They tell me I'm staying here for another few days, until I can walk around and take care of myself again, because I live on my own." She explained. He stared at the floor.
"What's wrong Itachi?"
"I'm supposed to – I wish I could take care of you, it's just that –"
"You don't feel guilty do you? Please don't." She begged. "I'm better off here just in case my wound reopens, or if I feel funny. Besides, they're letting me go only when they're sure I can look out for myself. Even if your father wasn't so strict, I wasn't going to have you tend to my every need 24/7."
"But I want to be there for you. You need someone, you need me, but again, like always, I can't be there for you…You're badly injured and in shock. You need someone to look after you for a bit."
"I hate when you blame yourself Itachi. I'm fine, and it's the thought that matters. I know that if things were a bit different, you'd be with me the entire time, and that's all I care about. I'm not angry, or upset. I understand. Like I said before, the doctors are looking after me. I'll be fine." She extended her hand. He nodded, entangling his fingers with hers. She turned her head to stare at the ceiling.
"Did you help Sasuke, or do I have to kick your butt?"
"I actually spent most of the time that you were away, with him. My father was gone for a bit too, so I had a lot of free time."
"That's good. He worships you. A little attention from his older brother doesn't hurt."
"In case you forgot, I have to divide my free time between Sasuke, and a certain girl who is bedridden in a hospital."
"Poor girl. Dealing with your antics all day? How does she do it?"
"Rude."
"I'm only kidding I-ta-chi-kun. You know how much you mean to me, and how I appreciate all that you do."
"That's better." He smirked.
"Now give me my yokan before you eat it all." ^/_\^