She sat on a large boulder, staring up at the moon, enjoying the feel of the crisp night air. Behind her, the campfire crackled and the academy students slept peacefully.

"Why are you up Sasuke?" Kokoa inquired, her back to him.

"You and Ni-san are good at sensing me." He mumbled.

"We're jonin and ANBU. We better be." She chuckled, turning to him. He smiled, climbing to sit beside her.

"Thanks."

"What for Sasuke?"

"Sticking up for me earlier."

"Well he was being annoying. I have trouble controlling myself around annoying people. It's my only weakness." She snickered.

"Thanks for that, and for separating us…Itachi and I. Everyone always talks about him, and expects me to do the same things he did. I know I'm an Uchiha, but when he was my age, he had already accomplished so much more." He sighed.

"See, that's why I said what I said. Sure you're brothers, but still different people with different personalities and hobbies, and goals. You're not Itachi, and he's not you. Just ignore everyone. I know it's hard, especially when your own family is shoving it down your throat, but just be proud of your own accomplishments. You may not have done what Itachi did, but you're still the top of your class. And even if everyone still insists on comparing you, just remember that both Itachi and I are proud of you." She placed a hand on his head with a smile.

"Hn, I like your necklace." He said. She held the pendant.

"Thanks –" She froze. "I – I got it –"

"From Itachi?" He smirked.

"Of – of course not. Um…" She stammered, twirling her fingers.

"You're seriously trying to come up with something?" He laughed. She sighed in defeat.

"He really likes you Kokoa. He mentioned you last night. He accidentally confessed his feelings to me. There's also the fact he's been wearing this ring a lot recently. I figured it was from you. Now I'm 100% sure."

"Oh?"

"Well?"

"Well what, Sasuke?"

"You're not going to tell me how you feel?"

"I guess…" Itachi knew her feelings for him. Anything she told Sasuke wouldn't be new.

"You really like him, huh?"

"So much. He was my first real friend, my best friend. I got along with just about everyone else, but Itachi was the only one I hung out with. He was the only one who bothered talking to me outside of school. We just clicked, and ever since, I've been by his side. You're too young, but one day you'll know what it's like to have the need to do anything and everything for that one person in your life. He believed in me, encouraged me and gave me the confidence I needed to be the shinobi I am today, the person I am today. He means the world to me." She smiled softly. Sasuke sat there stunned, speechless.

"And he doesn't know any of this?"

"Well – I…"

"I told my mom to invite you over, hoping you and Itachi could figure out you like each other. That's not the problem anymore though."

"So what is?"

"My father."

"He doesn't like me very much, does he?" She sighed.

"He didn't say anything about that. He just made it clear that there's no way Itachi can have a relationship because it will distract him. I don't think he hates you, he just hates the idea of you…if that makes sense." He scratched his head.

"I see."

"But if you and Itachi really like each other, you shouldn't let my father get in the way. He's too strict sometimes, and never has any fun. Besides, I like you. You're like a sister only cooler, and you make my brother happy. If it comes to it, I'll even help you guys keep it a secret." He offered. She sat up with a surprised look.

"You – you would?"

"Mhm. Even my mother would. She thinks Itachi needs to get out more, and she already loves you. I'm telling you Kokoa, it's all right there. You and my brother just have to make a move already." He teased.

"That means a lot Sasuke. Thank you." She put an arm around him. "This is why I like you so much."

"I like you too. You're always looking out for me like Itachi."

"Well I'll always be there, just like your brother." She hugged him, smiling into his hair.

"You should rest though. We have a busy day ahead of us. I don't want you falling behind because you didn't want to sleep."

"Hai, hai." He playfully rolled his eyes before jumping down and heading off to bed.

"So how did he do?" Fugaku questioned, crossing his arms.

"Sasuke here was the best in his group. You should be very proud Uchiha-san. He'll go far. I know he'll achieve great things, and unlock an immense power. He truly is an Uchiha." Kokoa smiled, placing a hand on Sasuke's head.

"While that is true, still, at his age Itachi was already out in the field."

"With all due respect, Itachi is a prodigy, a special case. Sasuke will be able to do the same things, it'll just take a little longer. I know they're brothers, but they're still different." She explained. Sasuke swallowed hard. She just talked back to Fugaku. This couldn't end well. The older Uchiha narrowed his eyes. She noticed this.

"B – but of course this isn't any of my business, and I apologize for speaking out of line. It was not my place." She said with a bow.

"Thanks for walking me home Kokoa." Sasuke smiled, trying to ease the tension.

"Thank you for the report." Fugaku expressed.

"It was nothing. By the way, is – is Itachi home?" She inquired.

"Why?"

"Oh, I thought since I was here, I could say hello, but if he's out or busy, I understand." She rambled, avoiding his eyes. After about a ten second silence…

"He's in his room."

"Come on, I'll show you." Sasuke took her hand, leading the way. Not giving her a moment to think or speak, he shoved her inside, shutting the door.

"Kokoa?" Itachi looked up. He sat on the bed reading the note in his hand, several other papers scattered before him.

"…Helloo…" She smiled shyly with an awkward wave. "So…you come here often?" She grinned. He gave her a look.

"What are you doing here? I mean, what a pleasant surprise, but still."

"I dropped Sasuke off from his little mock mission, and reported to your father. Now I'm here…creeping on you." She pointed at him. "Of course Sasuke dragged me and threw me in here, but still."

"He's still meddling?" He sighed.

"More than you know. He saw this." She held up the necklace. "And he told me he noticed your ring."

"Does he think we're…" He whispered.

"No, but he wants us to be. He's even willing to keep it secret. I feel so guilty keeping it from him, but –"

"He's still a child. If he accidently lets it slip, we're done for."

"I know Itachi, I know…what are you reading?"

"Some reports, some documents."

"Sounds boring."

"It's not so bad." He shrugged. "Actually...I lied. It's terrible. I want to rip my hair out."

"Don't do that to your beautiful locks!" She gasped. "You have better hair than I do."

"Nonsense. Your hair is very pretty." She blushed at his comment.

"I should head home before your father tries interrogating me." She whispered with a grin.

"Sorry about him…"

"No worries. I'm fine. I'll see you Itachi." She moved, wanting to go over and kiss him, then stopped, suspecting that Sasuke was creeping around somewhere.

"Next time." He smirked. Shaking her head, she chuckled, flashing one last smile before leaving.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

"What the hell?" Kokoa spat, jumping out of bed. She slipped a shirt over her tank top before heading to the door.

"I – Itachi?" She gasped, flinging open the door. He stepped inside, uniform covered in dirt and blood, a blank expression on his face.

"Itachi what's going on? It's three in the morning." She explained. "Did you just now return from your mission? Does the Hokage know you're back?"

"All of that is taken care of." He replied.

"So then…" She stared at him confused. "There's blood all over you." Using her thumb, she rubbed the blotch of red from beneath his eye.

"Come sit down. Come on." She led him to the couch. "Tea? I'll make you some tea." She hurried to the kitchen.

"Here you go Itachi." She handed him the small cup of hot tea. He gently took it, taking a small sip.

"Thank you." He said quietly. She sat beside him, staring at the floor.

"What happened? Why did you come here?"

"I needed to see you. I didn't want to go home only to be scolded."

"So something went wrong I presume?" She raised an eyebrow.

"We lost two men. It was a horrible mess." He sighed, rubbing his face. "I just wanted to see you…and to be with you because I know you wouldn't overreact or push me."

"Well you're right. You can stay here if you'd like." She offered.

"Thank you –" He coughed into his arm.

"Are you alright?" She grabbed onto him.

"Fine. I'm fine…just exhausted." He whispered.

"Well you should change out of your uniform. I have a set of your clothes. You left a shirt and some pants here a while ago. I kept them for emergencies. Come on." She led him to her room, pulling out the clothes, leaving him to wash up and change.

"Feeling better, or cleaner at least?" She chuckled, sitting beside him on the bed.

"Thank you Kokoa. I just needed to get away for a moment. I'm not looking forward to facing my father."

"Well you could stay here for the rest of your life. I promise to keep it a secret." She whispered in the end. He smiled warmly before turning away to cough.

"I appreciate the offer, but we both know that won't work." He tapped her nose.

"We could try." She leaned in, pressing her lips to his. His hand moved up to hold her face. He pulled away, avoiding her eyes with a slight blush.

"You're too cute when you're not so serious." She teased, pushing him down with a single finger.

"Guess what?" She said after another kiss, hovering over him.

"What?"

"You're sleeping here tonight."

"I thought we already established that Kokoa."

"Don't get smart Uchiha." She warned. "I mean here in my bed."

"And what about you?"

"I'll take the couch, no sweat." She shrugged.

"But it's your home, and you've been so kind as to let me stay. I can't be even more trouble for you." He sighed.

"Where do you think I sleep during missions? In the dirt of course. Compared to that, my couch is like sleeping on clouds. Besides, you're exhausted, dirty and bloody, you keep coughing, and I want you to really get some rest for once in your life." She rose to her feet.

"Thank you."

"Always so polite." She laughed. "Oh…did Sasuke mention me say anything about you?" She inquired, wondering how much of their conversation Sasuke repeated to his brother.

"No."

"O – oh, alright. Goodnight Itachi." She walked to the door.

"Kokoa?"

"Hm?"

"You mean the world to me."

She stood in the doorway, hand gripping the frame, eyes fixed on the bed. He was gone. Kokoa went to bed that night hoping to wake up the next morning and share a small breakfast with Itachi. Just something simple the two of them could enjoy and bond over. She loved treating him with food and gifts, and he deserved it. However, he was a complicated, unpredictable, and busy young man who often left her with more questions than answers. She sighed sadly. Now there was nothing to look forward to, nothing to prepare. Deciding another hour or two of sleep wouldn't hurt, she crawled into bed, pulling the covers around her, imagining how he slept there, searching for his scent.

She let out a loud sigh.

"What has you sighing so dramatically?" Kakashi inquired. He and Gai sat on the ground playing some card game. She looked up surprised.

"Oh you heard that?" She mumbled.

"Of course." Gai commented.

"So? Are you going to share?"

"I'd rather not, Kakashi-san."

"Clearly something's troubling you. Why not tell ole' Gai? I'm told I'm a great listener. People always come to me for advice and guidance, isn't that right, Kakashi?" He grinned.

"Hu? You say something?" The masked man looked up with a bored expression. Kokoa laughed at the two.

"It's nothing serious…well it's a little serious…serious to me at least." She shrugged.

"Is the mysterious Uchiha giving you heartaches?"

"G – Gai-san…"

"I always see you with him. Whether you two are official or not, is none of my business, but I see the way you look at him." He smirked.

"Gai…I doubt someone her age wants to discuss relationships with men our age…" Kakashi said dully.

"Nonsense Kakashi! I may be older, but I'm full of youth! Besides, there are only a few years between us."

"No, no. Kakashi-san is right." She chuckled. Gai's shoulders fell in defeat.

"It's just difficult to manage things sometimes. Being a ninja has its ups and downs, and I'm just having a few bad days. I'm still not completely over the loss of my teammate. I know I never will be 100%, but I still have trouble dealing with it. I'll be alright though. Thank you for your concern."

"Anything for the new jonin." Kakashi chuckled. They all turned their heads.

"Kokoa, may I speak with you for minute?" Itachi said, motioning for her to come. She rose to her feet, rolling her eyes at the kissy faces Gai and Kakashi made.

"You disappeared." She said, crossing her arms.

"I wanted to get home early. My Father asked enough questions as it is. Still, he wondered where I was and even suspected your place."

"Oh he's good."

"So until he cools down, I suggest not stopping by the house…at least when he's home. I'll let you know when you can visit my mother or Sasuke, which is often, so you shouldn't be too upset." He smiled. "I just don't want him suspecting something is up, and then overreacting."
"I completely understand. No worries. I'm just sad I didn't get to feed you." She poked his stomach.

"A growing man needs to eat."

"I'm fine. I eat enough."

"Sure you do Itachi-kun. Dango doesn't count."