"I'm done."
"Sasuke, no you're not."

"Yes I am Kokoa." He gathered his things.

"Oi, where to?"

"Home."

"Sasuke, you can't!"

"Nothing is working. I'm going home."

"Sasuke, your father said if we didn't take this seriously, that he'd end it. You'll be in trouble, and he'll hate me! I thought we were being serious. I know you can do this, you just can't give up!"

"Stop yelling at me!" he exploded. She fell silent with a surprised expression.

"Sasuke, I…"

"Never mind. I'm going-"

"Wait." She grabbed his arm. Pulling him into a hug, "I'm sorry. I panicked is all," she mumbled. He stepped away, nodding.

"It's alright…I'm sorry too. Sometimes I feel like everyone's yelling at or expecting something from me. Sometimes I just want to be me and do nothing."

"I understand, but…you're a shinobi…we have responsibilities."

"I know." He looked away sadly.

"Is this about being compared to your snooty brother?" she inquired.

"I thought you like Itachi…"

"Oh I do, but that doesn't mean I have to be nice all the time," she smirked. "So is it?"

"Maybe. I don't know. Anytime someone talks to or about me, they stick his name in it."

"How do you think he feels? He loves you, and believes in you, but when family and others keep comparing you…it hurts him too. He thinks you might hate him or something."

"I could never hate Ni-san. I know it's not his fault."

"You just need to ignore that junk, practice hard, and then "wow" everyone with the awesome jutsu I teach you."

"You know awesome jutsu? I'd love to see," someone sneered. Kokoa's head snapped, glaring at Itachi.

"I would threaten to beat you with it, but you have an unfair advantage."

"And what would that be, Kokoa?"

"Your fancy eyes," she scoffed.

"It's not the eyes that count, but how skilled the user is."

"But you're very skilled, and that's the problem," she pouted.

"I'm sorry. I can't help who I am," he smiled, placing a warm hand on her head. She smiled widely at his words and touch.

"So, how was Sasuke today?" He walked over, crouching to his brother's level. "Was he…trouble?" He delivered his signature poke to the forehead.

"Ni-san…" he mumbled, rubbing the area.

"He was fine. He just needs more motivation. His mind was all over the place today."

"Work hard," He tangled his fingers in Sasuke's hair. "Otōto yo." The child's eyes widened in surprise and joy, thrilled his older brother had faith in him.

"The sun is starting to set. We should probably head back before it's too dark," Kokoa suggested.

"You're right. Come Sasuke."

"I'm too tired Ni-san."

"Does he have a reason to be tired?" He turned to her.

"Tired from sitting around all day," she sneered.

"I worked! I'm tired."

"Ugh, Sasuke…come on then." In one swift movement, he was on Itachi's back, arms around his neck, legs held by his brother.

"You spoil him Itachi," she smirked. All he could do was flash a grin. They started off. Fingering the pendant around her neck, Kokoa smiled slightly to herself, wondering if this is what having a family is like. Sometimes it felt as if the three of them played house: The married couple, and Sasuke was the child. Her heart raced at the thought of one day having a family with the man she'd do anything for, for the man she loved most, for Itachi.

"I swear, maybe training you wasn't such a good idea."

"Why say that Kokoa?"

"If I buy you a treat each time, I'll be living on the streets. I haven't been making too much money due to the fact I haven't had a mission in a while. Ugh…" she sighed, blowing a strand of hair from her face.

"Here." Sasuke handed her half of the popsicle.

"Arigato, Sasuke-kun," she smiled.

"Maybe it will cool you down," he snickered. She shot him a glare.

"Hey, don't take out your anger on me. It's not my fault Ni-san isn't back from his mission yet."

"Sorry, sorry." She shook her head.

"Kokoa."

"Hu?" She faced one of the Hokage's assistants.

"Hokage-sama wants you."

"I've been summoned? What for?" She crossed her arms.

"A mission. Someone wasn't able to complete the team last minute, and you're the only one available who is qualified. You are to gather your things and meet at Hokage-sama's office now." And with that, he left.

"Kokoa-"

"Ah crap…" she muttered, throwing the popsicle stick to the ground.

"You're not happy? You were just complaining about money," Sasuke argued.

"Itachi is coming home today. I was looking forward to surprising him with dango."

"He doesn't need more dango. He'll explode."

"Well I'm off Sasuke. Tell Itachi-san where I went, and don't make up any stories," she warned.

"I won't make any promises!"

Stumbling through the door,

"I got here as fast as I…could…" She froze, eyes locked on Fugaku.

"Kokoa, you're here. Good," Old man third announced.

"U-um-mhm." She nodded. "Is this – this is the team?" she inquired.

"Yes. You may know, or have heard of them," he answered. She nodded slowly. There Fugaku stood, arms crossed, the same displeased expression on his face. Two other men stood at his side: one around the same age, the other only two or three years older than Kokoa.

"U-Uchiha-san," she uttered, still in shock.

"Now that you're here, you may set out," Sarutobi stated.

"We'll fill you in on the details as we go," the younger man, Miyagi, smiled. She nodded, following them out.

'Not only am I the only female, I get none other than Itachi's father. I'm in deep sh-'

"You're name was Kokoa, right?" Miyagi inquired.

"Hu? Oh…yeah."

"I've heard about you."

"Really?"

'What did he hear!? How I let Mamoru die? Why does everyone know about that? I'm not the only one who lost a teammate.'

"You were just promoted to jonin, right?"

"I was, I was."

"We've never really met, but I see you around sometimes, a few times with Uchiha Itachi."

"Ah, Itachi-san," she smiled weakly.

'Why is he bringing Itachi up? His father is right there! This couldn't get any more awkward.'

"Are you two close?"

"He's my best friend," she replied. "Oh, you still haven't filled me in on the mission details, Miyagi." She quickly changed the subject.

"You're right. So…" He started.

'The perks of hanging around Sasuke so much, you learn to tune people out.' She smirked to herself.

"She what?"

"Ni-san…I just said, she was called in for a mission."

"She wasn't scheduled for one."

"That's what I'm saying Itachi. They called her in randomly. They needed her to fill a position."

"What team?"

"How should I know?" Sasuke pouted. "Why are you freaking out? You're being weird again."

"Because Father left for a mission today, didn't he?"

"Ah-oh…you don't think…"

"It's possible."

"But of all the teams, I mean what are the odds Ni-san?"

"Kokoa has terrible luck…especially when it comes to our father."

"What about Kokoa and her luck?" Mikoto jumped in.

"She was called in for a mission and Itachi thinks she's stuck with Father," Sasuke explained.

"Well, I did see her heading for Hokage-sama's not too long after your father left. It's possible."

"I feel ill…" The older brother took a seat.

"I've never seen you lose your cool before Ni-san," Sasuke smirked.

"Shush." He pushed him with two fingers.

"You always do that…"

"Calm down Itachi dear. Why so worried?" Mikoto inquired.

"She's convinced he hates her, and he's…well you know. If she's with him, she's probably walking on eggshells."

"She's a tough girl. I think she'll manage. If she can handle enemy ninja, I think she can handle Fugaku," she giggled.

"I hope so."

"Look at you, worried over your girlfriend. How sweet."

"Sasuke, don't tease him."

"But it's fun."

"So is locking you in your room," Itachi muttered.

"Hu-"

"Too late." He picked up his younger brother, throwing him over his shoulder.

"N-Ni-san! Put me down!"

"Shouldn't have teased me, foolish little brother."

Miyagi did not stop talking…which irritated Kokoa. She also didn't appreciate his wandering eyes.

'Ugh, Itachi…where are you when I need you? Even Shisui would be fine.' She shook her head, letting out a sigh.

"Bored?"

"Hu?" She jumped, turning to see Fugaku sit on a massive log. "N-no. I was just thinking," she stammered. He nodded silently, taking off his shoes, wiggling his toes. She stood there shyly, staring at the ground.

"You aren't tired, are you?" he inquired.

"I'm fine." She managed a smile. This entire mission was painfully awkward.

"It isn't surprising if you are tired. You were called in unexpectedly after all," he said. She froze. The tone in his voice, the way he looked at her. This was all his doing.

'Did he arrange for this happen? To get me alone on a mission where Itachi couldn't interfere? I don't want to believe it, but the look in his eyes…'

"Well if you've organized all your belongings, don't just stand there like a lamppost. Sit." He glanced at the empty space beside him.

"Thank you, Uchiha-san," she whispered, lowering herself. Chewing on the inside of her cheek, she fiddled nervously with her thumbs, unsure how much more of this she could take.

"How is Sasuke doing?"

"Hm?" She glanced at him.

"You are training him…aren't you?"

"Oh – yes. He's doing very well actually. He's very intelligent, has a lot of potential. You should be proud, Uchiha-san," she smiled. "I've started talking to him more in depth about chakra control, and his tai-jutsu has improved in just a short period of time. He'll be very valuable in the future."

"I see…" He trailed off, rubbing his sore foot. "What is your relationship with my son?"

"Oh, Sasuke is precious. I consider him a good friend of mine-"

"My other son…" he interrupted. Swallowing hard, she fell silent. She viciously picked at her nails.

"I-Itachi-san and I have been good friends since the academy. I was, and still am, very shy, so I didn't interact too much with the other students. He was very withdrawn as well, and eventually because of that, we crossed paths and became close. We've also worked together a few times in the past," she explained.

"I see."

"He's always there when I need him, and I try to do the same for him. He is very important, very dear to me, someone I respect, admire, and cherish. Y-you should be proud, Uchiha-san, to have him as your son. He is very strong, passionate, and noble. He's always putting you and the clan before anything else. He knows his responsibilities. Sometimes I tell him it's a bit much, but I realize how important all of this is for him…for you. I won't be the one to make him go against your word." She fell silent again, surprised she shared so much with him. He rose to his feet, slipping the shoes back on. He left without saying another word. She watched him, panic rising, afraid she upset or disrespected him in some way. Gripping her arms, she held herself, wishing more than anything to be back home.

She stirred, pressing her face deeper into the pillow. Peeling her eyes open, she shivered when a crisp breeze fluttered through the open window.

'Open? I don't remember opening it.' She shot up, snatching a kunai from the bedside table.

"Easy there," Itachi lulled, stepping from the window onto the bed.

"Itachi? It's – what time – why?" She rubbed her eyes, letting the weapon fall to the floor.

"My father returned from his mission not too long ago. I had a feeling you were stuck with him," he explained.

"So you come visit me in the middle of the night?"

"Problem?"

"…No…of course not," she faked a smile. Pushing the hair from her face, she realized she wore a pajama tank top and shorts.

"Sorry!" she cried, wrapping the covers around her, even bringing it up and around her head like a hood.

"For what?"

"I'm not decent," she whispered, hoping he wouldn't notice her blush in the moonlight.

"What are you talking about?"

"Itachi-san…" she groaned, pulling the covers tighter around her.

"Did I embarrass you? I-I'm sorry. I didn't see anything-" he stammered.

"No, no! It's alright now! See!" she smiled. He crawled over, sitting crossed legged across from her.

"I was going to ask you about the mission, but seeing you now, I don't want to ruin your mood or sleep," he stated.

"I appreciate that," she chuckled.

"You've been working hard lately, training Sasuke and dealing with my father. I think I owe you a surprise."

"A surprise?"

"Mhm," he nodded.

"Tell me."

"I can't. Then it wouldn't be a surprise." He tapped her forehead.

"Please?" she whispered.

"Where's the fun in that?" He lowered his voice as well. Gasping slightly, a shiver went down her spine

"You'll just have to trust me Kokoa."

Lips still parted, she met his eyes, nodding once in agreement. He took this opportunity, kissing her deeply. Her grip on the sheets came loose. The white fabric slid off her smooth skin. He pulled away slowly. In a daze for about five seconds, she soon looked down with a red face, realizing she was exposed. Her eyes widened as he lifted the material, gently folding it around her, hiding her. Placing a hand on her head,

"Goodnight Kokoa." One last breeze rushed through the room before he left, closing the window behind him.