"I mention I have a surprise for you, yet here you are treating me to dango," Itachi stated.
"I like you, you like dango, so because I like you, I got you dango," Kokoa shrugged.
"Lovely logic."
"I try," she grinned.
"Look here, if it isn't the Uchiha Itachi and his charming lady. The children you two pop out will be an asset to the shinobi world," Shisui smirked, leaning against a tree. Kokoa stiffened, cheeks turning red. Itachi sighed, blowing strand of hair from his face.
"What? Everyone suspects you're together. Just come out with it already."
"Shisui..."
"I know, I know, your father. Maybe if I have a good talk with him?"
"I already did," Kokoa commented. "It was more of an interrogation though."
"Does he know?"
"No, but he may suspect something. He asked me, "What is your relationship with my son?'" she imitated.
"Did you say you love him?" He said casually. Her eyes widened. He noticed her reaction. It wasn't meant to tease her about her actual feelings. It slipped, and he had to save her.
"You know, because everyone loooves Itachi-kun." He poked his friend's passive face.
"You have three seconds Shisui..." he mumbled.
"I'm done, I'm done." He stepped away. "I'll let you two lovers get back to your date. Sayonara."
"I apologize about him," Itachi sighed.
"He keeps things fresh. I don't mind, as long as he doesn't go too far," she giggled. A figure caught her attention. Her eyes gazed upon an older man. A walking stick sat in his hand. Itachi noticed, and turned his attention to the scene. The man stood speaking to two older shinobi.
"Ne, Itachi-san, I know him. I've seen him only once though. His name is on the tip of my tongue," she whispered, tapping her chin as she thought it over.
"Shimura…Danzo…"
"Aha, that's it. He's one of the elders. I hear he's also involved in some type of underground work. I don't really know him."
"You should keep it that way." His face hardened. She noticed the venom in his words. Deciding it would be best if they left, she gently took his hand in hers.
"Let's go to the lake. Maybe I can get you to swim this time."
"I doubt it, but I'll still go," he grinned.
"You're no fun. I know why Sasuke's always complaining about you."
"He complains about me?"
"Itachi, he complains about everything. It's Sasuke…"
"Truer words have never been said."
Itachi climbed out of the water, reaching for his shirt.
"I don't think so," Kokoa smirked, snatching it away. He looked up with a dull expression.
"I'm cold."
"Too bad."
"Why do you insist on taking my shirt hostage?"
"Because I like teasing you."
"Are you sure it isn't because you like what you see?" Oh how he enjoyed tormenting her.
"I– I – well…" she stammered, not sure where to look.
"What, you don't like me?"
"I do like you! A lot, and you're very…toned? Hahaha…" she laughed nervously, almost twitching.
"You should know not to take what isn't yours," he smirked, grabbing his shirt.
"Sorry," she pouted. "Forgive me." She imitated, poking his forehead. "Poor Sasuke always gets a poke. How does it feel Itachi-kun? A taste of your own medicine!"
"Have you been eating too much sugar? Or perhaps you're spending too much time around Gai-san, and Kakashi-san."
"That could explain it," she agreed. The sun sank slowly. "It's beautiful out –"
"Like you," he cut her off with a tender kiss. She immediately gave in. He pulled away, eyeing her with a slight smirk.
"You need to stop doing that," she mumbled, wiping her lips with her sleeve.
"Where's the fun in that?"
"Shush!" She turned away with a blush.
"Don't be so shy," he chuckled, placing a hand on her head.
"I can't help it. I have issues, ok. I'll work on it."
"You're fine just as you are, Kokoa."
"Amazing, Ni-san! You even hit the target behind the rock!" Sasuke exclaimed. Itachi rose to his feet, lightly dusting himself off.
"Yosh! I'm going to try. I can do it too."
"Sasuke, we should head home in a minute."
"Not fair," he pouted. "You said you'd teach me a new shuriken jutsu. We just started, Ni-san."
"I'd love to stay and help you, Sasuke, but I have an important mission tomorrow. I have to go home and prepare," he explained.
"Brother, you liar," He mumbled, turning his face. Itachi shook his head with a smile.
"Oi." He motioned for him to come.
"Hm?" Sasuke turned, rushing to his brother with a smile. Poke!
"Forgive me, Sasuke. Next time, ok?" he chuckled. Sasuke stumbled back with an irritated look, slightly embarrassed for falling for Itachi's trick…again.
"Hn, watch me!" Snatching two kunai, he ran off.
"Sasuke, wait! Don't get carried away, or –"
Sasuke hung on his older brother's back, arms around his neck. He giggled softly into his shoulder.
"Why is the one with the injured leg laughing?" Itachi commented, trying to look back at him.
"Maybe you did it on purpose just for the piggyback ride."
"No! I'm just excited about our next session in the academy is all, Ni-san."
(In this part in the actual story, Sasuke hasn't started the academy yet, however in my previous chapters, he's already enrolled. I didn't take this scene into consideration. Sasuke's excited about starting, and Itachi argues with Fugaku about who will go to the opening ceremony. You've all seen this several times lol It's not too big of a deal. Pretend it didn't happen o.0).
"That's good you're excited."
"I can finally start catching up to you," he smiled. Itachi fell quiet, sadly eyeing the road. He looked up when loud footsteps met his ears.
"My favorite Uchiha boys," Kokoa gasped, coming to a stop.
"Where are you off to in such a hurry?" he inquired, amused.
"Hokage's office. I don't know why I'm running though. I don't really have an appointment time to keep." She scratched her head, grinning.
"I was right. Gai-san is rubbing off on you."
"Hey now, watch it," she warned. They noticed Sasuke staring off to the side.
"What's wrong, Sasuke?" she questioned.
"This– isn't this where father works?"
"Oh?"
"This is the Konoha Police Force's headquarters," Itachi answered.
"I've always noticed this, but really never knew why: why is the Uchiha Crest part of the police force symbol?" he pressed. Kokoa crossed her arms and listened as well. Old Man Third could wait a few minutes.
"So you did notice after all."
"Of course I did, Ni-san," he snapped.
"You should treat your older brother better, Sasuke," she teased. "I might have to beat you up. If he's sad, then I'm sad."
"You're just weird." He stuck his tongue out.
"Hn, no more treats after training!"
"Fine! Back to my question."
"Our ancestors were the ones who founded and organized the force. That's why. They simply used their crest as the symbol. For some time now, the Uchiha clan has been in charge of protecting the village. The crest is a symbol of pride. The numbers aren't as large as they used to be, but even today, most members are in some way associated with the first squad, and work to maintain the safety of the village, because ninja who cause crimes can only be stopped by ninja who are even better," he grinned. Kokoa smiled brightly at how he informed and encouraged his younger sibling. It warmed her heart.
"I knew Father was amazing," Sasuke gawked. "Ni-san, are you going to enlist there too?"
"Who knows?"
"You should! I want to join when I grow up, too."
"That's if you ever grow up," Kokoa teased.
"Hn." He glared. Kokoa blinked, surprised to see she had followed them to the Uchiha compound.
"Gah! I went back the other way…ugh…" She rubbed her face. "I guess I enjoyed Uncle Itachi's story time too much, huh?"
"I'm sorry. I should have said something, but you seemed to know what you were doing," Itachi laughed. All heads turned when Fugaku appeared, leaning against the gate.
"Eh-"She took a step back, eyes wide.
"You're late. What were you doing?" he questioned, arms crossed.
"Father…" Sasuke whispered.
"I need to speak to you. Come quickly," he ordered, ignoring Kokoa.
"Goodbye for now, Kokoa," Itachi said with a nod.
"Sayonara Kokoa!" The brothers were off. She waved softly, watching them leave.
'He still hates me…' She let out a defeated sigh.
"Kokoa? Long time no see."
"Mikoto-san? You're right," she smiled, surprised to see her. "You look like you could use an extra hand." She took one of the bags from the woman.
"Thank you dear. Can you bring it in for me, unless you have somewhere to be."
"Oh no, it's fine." She followed.
"So what brings you here?"
"I ran into Itachi and Sasuke, and I guess I got carried away talking with them, I didn't realize I had followed them home," she chuckled.
"Those boys, getting you into trouble are they?" she teased.
"No, no. Don't worry. They're wonderful. They keep my life interesting."
"Especially Itachi, ne?" Mikoto whispered, her hand curved near her mouth as if someone was near by listening.
"Well– I – um…" Kokoa stammered, nervously grinding her heel into the floor.
"Have you two already shared a kiss?" The mother couldn't help herself. She finally had her son's love interest alone with no witnesses. It was now or never.
"Eeep!" She threw a hand over her mouth, avoiding Mikoto's eyes and question.
"Kokoa, as his mother, I'm entitled to know."
"Well you see…it wasn't bad…we just…yes…" Her head dropped.
"No need to get so flustered." She tapped her nose. "You two are grown up, quite mature. A kiss here and there does no harm."
"Ahhh…" she groaned in embarrassment, holding her head.
"Still wearing the necklace he gave you?"
"Huh?" She looked up. "I haven't taken it off. Not once. It's…special. A little part of him. It's hard sometimes…when he's away on so many missions, one right after the other. Sometimes it's all I have."
"I understand. I'm his mother, living in the same house, and I barely see him," she sighed.
"Ah, the life of a shinobi." Kokoa rolled her eyes.
"You're good for him. He actually smiles at the mention of your name. And I know you take care of him. He's always complaining about how you feed him too much dango."
"I know he loves it. I can't resist treating him from time to time."
"Stay honest, and true to each other. I see you two having a long and bright future," she said softly, gently cupping the girl's face."…I also want grandchildren," she grinned. Kokoa hit the floor.
"I – I should go, before you kill me, Mikoto-san," she laughed anxiously.
"I promise to behave!"
"No, no, it's quite alright. I have to see the Hokage anyway. Tell Itachi and Sasuke I'll see them around." She started off.
"Why don't you stay for dinner?"
"I would, but like I said, I have some things to do, and besides…Uchiha-san doesn't seem to accept me yet. He doesn't know…does he?" she whispered.
"Itachi said to keep it a secret, and so my lips are sealed." She zipped her lips.
"Thank you. I hope to see you seen Mikoto-san – "
"What are you saying!? Have you lost your mind!?" The head of the household's voice boomed. Both women froze.
"You should know how important tomorrow is!"
"Are Itachi and Sasuke with him?" the older of the two inquired.
"Both followed him when he approached us at the gate. I think so –" They froze again. The three males stepped outside onto the walkway, passing the women.
"Sasuke, don't forget to put ice on your ankle," the older brother suggested.
Kokoa glanced at Itachi from the corners of her eyes. She saw the hint of frustration present in his face, and the obvious dejection smeared across Sasuke's.
"I should go…before I get in the way," she said quietly.
"Ah. I'll see you some other time," Mikoto nodded, escorting her out. Kokoa waved one last wave before leaving the compound.
'I don't hate you, Fugaku…I just wish I knew why you're so cold…so strict and harsh about everything, especially when it comes to your sons. Sasuke is constantly fighting for your attention, and Itachi…Itachi suffers more than you can imagine.'