Kokoa laid in bed in silence. It was after midnight. Most of the hospital lights were off, including her room. She stared at the wall, listening to the ticking of the clock, losing herself in her thoughts, coming closer to sleep with each passing minute. Her eyes began to fall, vision blurred. The door slowly opened. An exhausted Itachi stepped in, weary from the mission he just returned from. He hoped to catch Kokoa awake, knowing she sometimes had trouble sleeping, especially in strange places. He sighed, a bit disappointed that she was asleep. He watched her, admiring how soft and innocent her face seemed, how her hair stuck out in a million directions, the rising and falling of her chest with every breath. In the dark, quiet room, it felt as if they were the only people. No one else existed, the world didn't exist. All that was real, all the mattered was that little white room. Deciding to leave before accidently waking her, he tiptoed over, and kissed her forehead affectionately. He stole one more glance at her sleeping form before disappearing into the night.

"I'm sorry Ni-san."

"Sorry? For what Sasuke?"

"For you getting stuck with me." He pouted.

"Stuck with you?"

"Father is at work, and Mother went somewhere with some other ladies. You got stuck looking after me."

"If you think you're a burden Sasuke, you're wrong. I like spending time with you. In fact, I don't do it enough." Itachi admitted, and smiled at the joy in Sasuke's eyes.

"If you don't have any missions today, where are we going?"

"To visit my friend in the hospital."

"Oh, really? Do I know them?"

"Possibly Sasuke. You'll just have to wait." He grinned.

"You're no fun Itachi." He sighed, running ahead of his brother.

Kokoa looked up when the door started to open.

"Itachi I really need a hug – " She froze when Sasuke came into view. "From Sasuke. I really need a hug from Sasuke!" She laughed awkwardly. He mouthed the word "smooth" before shaking his head.

"Kokoa? I didn't know you were in the hospital." Sasuke gasped.

"Your brother didn't tell you?"

"No! He doesn't tell me anything."

"Itachi you really need to start treating Sasuke better. How can you be so mean?" She scolded him.

"Yeah, yeah. When you two are together, you just team up against me." He crossed his arms, leaning against the wall.

"What happened Kokoa?" Sasuke inquired, examining her injuries.

"I hurt my arm pretty bad. You and Itachi are going to have to feed me dinner later." She laughed.

"What about your side? It looks bad."

"It is…or was. A kunai ripped through me. Just thinking about it makes it throb." She held herself

"Sasuke, maybe a hug from you will make better." She teased. He blushed, avoiding her eyes.

"Maybe it should be Itachi." He smirked.

"Sasuke." His brother warned.

"What? I'm just saying she'd probably like a hug from you, Ni-san."

"I don't think so Sasuke. He smells." She pinched her nose.

"Very funny Kokoa."

"Don't be mad Itachi. We love you, just not your smell."

"Hm, I like her more every time I see her Ni-san. You should really ask her to be your girlfriend." Sasuke said casually. The other two stiffened slightly.

"Sasuke, I thought I told you that –"

"Itachi isn't my type." Kokoa finished. "He's too arrogant."

"And she's too immature." He added. They locked eyes.

"But I thought you were friends…" Sasuke trailed off.

"Oh, we are, but we harass each other all the time. Don't take it seriously." She shrugged.

"…You two are weird."

"Alright Sasuke, let's leave. Kokoa needs to rest."

"But we just got here."

"Come on."

"Fine…"

"By the way Itachi, I get to go home tomorrow, so if you visit here and the room is empty, don't worry. I didn't vanish or get abducted." She explained.

"Like anyone would want to abduct you." He leered before rushing out with Sasuke.

"If you tell me one more time that you don't like Kokoa, I'm going to hit you Itachi." Sasuke threatened as they walked side by side.

"Where is this coming from?" The older Uchiha sighed.

"I saw you two, and you're flirting, and how you looked at her. I know I'm young, but even I can see that you looove her."

"I don't think this is any of your business Sasuke."

"Is too. You're my brother, and she's my friend. It's definitely my business."

"You kill me…"

"I also noticed that ring you've been wearing."

"What? This?" He raised a hand.

"Mhm."

"What about it?"

"Where'd you get it?"

"Some small shop on the way home from a mission. What's with all the questions Sasuke?"

"You're lying. You always lie Itachi. I can tell now."

"Sasuke, it's a ring that I bought one day."

"Mhm. I don't believe you."

"Isn't that too bad." He chuckled.

"I'm serious Ni-san. Well if you won't make a move, I'll have to do it for you."

"Make a move? For what?"

"Kokoa."

"That's not such a good idea Sasuke."

"Why not?"

"It's nothing…" He turned away from him.

"You can tell me Itachi. That's what brothers are for."

"You know Father, he's always on my case, hovering over me. If he doesn't like it when I hang out with friends, can you imagine what he'd do if I started seeing a girl? It's just too hard right now." He shrugged.

"Oh, I see." Sasuke said sadly. His lips curved into a small smile when an idea hit.

"You had an idea…this can't be good."

"You'll just have to wait Ni-san."

Itachi stood in the kitchen, slowly drinking a cup of water. Sasuke casually walked by, hands behind his back, fighting to suppress a smirk. The older brother watched him from the corners of his eyes.

"Sasuke?"

"Hm?"

"What did you do?"

"Nothing Ni-san. What makes you ask?"

"Your behavior…I'm slightly afraid."

"Well you see –"

"Itachi?" Mikoto called, searching for him. "There you are."

"I'll let Mother explain." He sneered before running off.

"Sasuke, wait! Ugh…" Itachi rubbed his face annoyed.

"Itachi?"
"Yes?" He replied. "Oh, did Sasuke say or do something without me knowing?"

"That's what I wanted to speak with you about. He mentioned something, and how he had this big idea. I think it could work."

"I'm still afraid, but go ahead…what is it?" He crossed his arms.

"Well…" She stepped closer and lowered her voice. "He told me he suspects that you like Kokoa. I didn't say anything about it, but he's pretty convinced you're interested."

"I know…we argued about it the other day. It's none of his concern."

"But wait, listen to this, he suggested we invite Kokoa over for dinner." She smiled. His arms fell to his sides.

"I can't – we can't – she can't." He stammered.

"Why not? I'm dying to meet her Itachi. How can you be in a relationship where I don't even know the girl?"

"Do you know – actually, you do know what Father would say, what he'd do. I've been keeping it a secret for a reason. It's not that I don't want you to be a part of it, it's just that I can't risk ruining the relationship."

"She was just released from the hospital, and you've already mentioned in front of your father that you've been visiting her."

"I never said that."

"Itachi dear, it wasn't too hard to figure out that your injured jonin friend was Kokoa. Plus Sasuke mentioned a thing or two." His mother shook her head.

"It's not a date, or anything serious. Think of it as a fellow ninja enjoying a nice home cooked meal with us. Friends. I'll make sure no one suspects anything."

"I'm not too sure…" He stared at his feet, thinking it over. "Only if Shisui comes as well. If he's there, it won't be as awkward, and there's less of a chance of this turning into a mess."

"A mess?"

"With your and Sasuke's constant teasing, things would surely get out of hand."

"I'm your mother for God's sake. Give me a little credit. I know when to clean up my act. Besides, you should be forever grateful to me for keeping this a secret."

"I am, I am."

"Good. Let Kokoa know. I'm dying to see this special lady." She giggled. He looked away with a blush.

"Hn, well isn't that great…" She mumbled, marching into her room.

"I thought – I thought you'd be pleased." Itachi stammered.

"I am."

"Then why the angry tone? I'm confused Kokoa."

"You're not as smart as everyone says you are, are you Itachi?" She chuckled, poking his chest. He furrowed his brow.

"I'm ecstatic that I finally get to meet your family, but also quite terrified." She admitted.

"You are?"

"I'm meeting them as a friend, correct?"

"Yes."

"I'll have to be cautious not to let anything slip, or make it seem like you and I are interested in each other. Your father…what if he doesn't like me? It would be so conflicting because I want him to accept me, but I have to make it seem like I don't care."
"You're rambling Kokoa. Breathe." He instructed.

"Maybe – maybe this isn't a good idea. I'm still weak from my injuries. I need my rest."

"You've been running around all day, buying things and harassing me. You're fine. Look, I invited Shisui."

"You did?" She said surprised.

"I did. I figure having another friend there would make it seem like it's just a normal dinner, and not me introducing my girlfriend to my parents. Make sense?"

"Yeah, I understand. If Shisui will be there, I guess it isn't so bad. I really want to meet your mother. You said she knows about us, yes?"

"She does."

"I'll come then, for you." She smiled. "But now I have no clue what to wear…"

"Just when I thought you were completely different from other girls…" He grinned.

"Hey, I want to make a good first impression. They are going to be my future in-laws. There's nothing wrong with winning them over from the start."

"True, true."

"So help me decide Itachiiii." She whined. He gave her a dull look.

"Itachi-kun, don't make me beg." She pulled at his sleeve.

"Well first off, don't wear the necklace I gave you. That would give everything away."

"You're right. Maybe you are as smart as they say after all." She shrugged, taking it off.

"You keep hurting my feelings, and you'll be officially uninvited."

"Good, then I won't have a panic attack in front of your father. So do I dress in full ninja gear? Or forget the vest and just stay in the shirt and pants? Or do I drop all the ninja garb and wear something feminine? A kimono? "

"Do you honestly think Shisui is going to dress up for this? As long as you're clean, it doesn't matter what you show up in. Stay in your uniform, but ditch the vest. I'll say you were performing tasks all day, and that's why you're in the uniform, and that's only if someone asks or gives you a strange look. You'll be fine. Besides, if you want to win over my father, you'll have a bigger chance if you look like a professional and serious shinobi." He explained.

"But I am a professional and serious shinobi." She narrowed her eyes.

"Not around me. You're as childish as Sasuke." He flicked her forehead.

"I am not! I just let go in front of you is all. I don't have to be so uptight and proper because you actually accept me and my weird traits."

"Right, right." He grinned. "I have to go do a few things, but I'll see you tomorrow for dinner. Don't worry about anything, you'll be fine. I promise." He kissed her cheek, before heading out the door. She shook her head with a sigh.

"Yare, yare…"

"I'm a ninja. I am constantly faced with terrifying enemies. I am strong. Then why the hell am I so afraid of meeting his family? Ugh…" Kokoa stopped in her tracks, letting her head fall.

"You alright there?" A warm voice sounded. She looked up.

"Shisui?"

"The one and only. I assume you're headed to Itachi's place as well, that is, unless you're planning on escaping." He cocked an eyebrow.

"I wish." She sighed.

"Oh?"

"Don't get me wrong. Itachi means the world to me, and I really want to meet his family, but I might pee myself." She stated bluntly.

"You are a strange woman, but then, Itachi is a strange man, so I suppose it works out. Don't worry Kokoa. He's just as nervous as you are. Plus, I'll be there. I won't let things get awkward, unless…I find it entertaining."

"Not helping." She growled.

"You're a shinobi. Suck it up."

"You're right. Let's go." She followed him.

"Oh, Shisui, it's been a while." Mikoto smiled, letting them in.

"You're right, it has been. Thank you for having me over." He smiled.

"You showed up after all." Itachi smirked.

"I wouldn't abandon you Itachi. You know that. I spotted Kokoa on the way and decided to be her escort."

"Instead of flirting with women, you should focus on your upcoming mission." Fugaku said with a grin. Shisui shook his head, chuckling. Itachi noticed Kokoa standing there awkwardly. It was now or never. He cleared his throat.

"Father, Mother, this is my friend Kokoa, the jonin I told you about a while back."

"Ahh Kokoa, I've heard a little bit about you. It's nice to finally meet you." Mikoto beamed, trying not to explode.

"I've heard a lot about you as well. It's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for inviting me over." She replied. She noticed Fugaku's hard gaze on her. She looked up shyly.

"Uchiha-san." She said with a slight bow, as a way of greeting him. He responded with a nod of his own.

"Kokoa! Why didn't anyone tell me she was here?" Sasuke complained, rushing over to hug her.

"It's nice to see you again Sasuke." She smiled, ruffling his hair.

"Well why don't we all move to the other room? It's getting crowded in here." Mikoto suggested, shooing everyone out. As they made the move, Kokoa felt Fugaku's eyes on her once again.