After the talk with Sasuke, Kokoa didn't run to find Itachi. She didn't meddle, she didn't push. For once, she took a step back and waited. Unable to fall asleep, she laid in her bed, staring up at the ceiling. Nothing was right. Nothing felt right. The person she loved most had become so distant, and now everyone was turning against him.

Creeeeaaaak. The window opened. She jumped up to a sitting position, ready to grab the kunai from the side table.

"Itachi-san," she sighed in relief. Tossing his shoes to the side, he stepped onto the bed.

"Kokoa, I am sorry for not coming to you earlier. There was a lot happening –" She pulled him close against her, arms coiled around his back and neck. She did nothing but hold him. No questions, no arguments, no speaking. Surprised at first, he loosened up, returning the hug. He wanted to let go completely, just this once. To break open, to shed tears for his fallen brother. To shed tears for the clan he would erase, the parents he would slay, the brother he would torture, the girl he would leave behind.

"Shisui tells me there's stuff going on in the clan. I get it. Family things. I won't force you to tell me," Kokoa said softly, sitting on the floor with her back against the bed. Sitting above her on the mattress, Itachi gave her a confused look.

"He has a point. I just need to give you space and let you know that I'm here whenever you need me."

"Kokoa…are you –"

"Just know that I'm always here. He made me promise."

"Kokoa, you do know, don't you?" He furrowed his brow.

"Know what?"

"Shisui."

"What about him?"

As much as it pained him, "He's dead." He lowered his voice. She said nothing.

"Kokoa?"

"Sasuke said something, but you know Sasuke, he always makes jokes."

"Kokoa he wasn't joking."

"I…"

"Kokoa." He stood up, pulling her to her feet. "Kokoa, Shisui is dead." He met her eyes. "He's gone, Kokoa. They found him in the river." He held onto her arms. Her fingers grabbed handfuls of his shirt.

"But I – I saw him just the other day. He – we were talking. How can he be dead? He can't be!"

"This must be the shock," he said more to himself.

"He was just here! I just talked to him! Why would he kill himself?" Tears spilled. She let out loud gasps, trying to control herself.

"I – I'm sorry Itachi-san." She stepped away from him.

"For what?"

"Being so selfish, so childish." She rubbed her eyes. "I'm crying like an idiot for someone I've known for only months. He was your best friend, your brother! You should be the one crying, not me."

"Kokoa, he was your friend. I know you cared about Shisui, and he cared about you. You are allowed to mourn his death," he told her. "Didn't Sasuke tell you this? I thought you knew he was dead."

"He did, but…I was shocked, but I didn't want to lose it and scare Sasuke. I guess I depersonalized it. I don't know." She shrugged. Her eyes snapped back to him.

"What's worse is that they think you did it! How could they – how could anyone say you killed Shisui! That's bullshit!"

"You know?" he whispered.

"Sasuke told me. He witnessed the whole thing. I guess after it happened these three Uchiha came over to me."

"What?" He furrowed his brow.

"One in particular confronted me, asking if I knew anything about you. He said if I know that I should come clean before you take me down with you. What is he talking about? I understand if you're having family issues, but is there something going on? Am I involved? Do I have to worry –"

"You don't have to worry about anything," he said firmly. "They were pissed because of some of the things I said, so they took it out on you because they know we're close. Forget them. They caused a scene in front of Sasuke; inconsiderate and arrogant," he mumbled.

"I see." She nodded.

"It'll be alright." He kissed her forehead. "It'll be alright."

Kokoa shifted uncomfortably, moving closer to Itachi as they walked.

"We can go home," he offered.

"I'm fine," she assured him, trying to ignore the looks from everyone. Ever since the incident with Itachi and the others, things weren't the same. There was tension between him and his father. There was tension between him and the clan. The other villagers heard something happened behind the closed doors of the Uchiha. The fact Kokoa associated with him raised suspicion. Eyes were on her. Words were whispered about her.

"If you're uncomfortable, we can go," he suggested ending their peaceful walk.

"I'm fine. People talk regardless. No worries." She smiled. He glanced away, feeling guilty he was putting her through this.

"Kokoa, why are you doing this?" he whispered.

"What?"

"Putting up with this?"

"I like you, in case you haven't noticed, and I told you I'd be there for you. What kind of person would I be if I walked away when you needed me most?"

"That is kind of weird, Sasuke. Maybe it's good though." Kokoa rubbed her chin.

"I thought so too, but...the only reason Father is spending time with me is because he and Itachi aren't speaking. I'm just his replacement."

"Oh." She watched him sadly.

"It hasn't been the same. Ever since the fight, things haven't been the same, Kokoa. Father is always upset, more than usual, and Itachi is acting weird. I barely see him anymore and it's not even because of missions this time," he sighed.

"I know. Your brother is tired. People think he killed his best friend. How would you feel?" She shrugged.

"Yeah, but we could help him. I just want to be there for Ni-san like he always is for me. I want him to be happy."

"So do I, but...I realized that maybe he doesn't want us getting involved, or...maybe he's not ready to move on. I don't know..."

"Itachi," Fugaku called, stopping his son in his tracks. He turned slightly.

"Yes, Father?" he spoke.

"I haven't seen that girl around much."

"Kokoa?"

"Ah. Are you not speaking to each other anymore?" He raised an eyebrow.

"We are fine. We're just busy."

"I see her with Sasuke sometimes."

"She is training him still, isn't she?" Itachi answered.

"Yes. You aren't having trouble are you?"

"She's my friend. If we were having issues, we'd fix it over a cup of tea or some onigiri." He shrugged.

"That's all I wanted then. You may leave." Fugaku dismissed him. Itachi rushed out. His father saw the two of them. Fugaku knew about his son's secret relationship. Why hadn't he confronted Itachi yet? Why was he avoiding it, playing games as he just did? Itachi stepped outside, letting out a sigh of relief. His eyes snapped open.

"Kokoa."

"Hello, Itachi-san," she smiled, walking up. "I just wanted to see if you wanted some dessert. It's a nice evening."

"I can't," he replied, staring to the side.

"Oh? I understand. Did you want me to bring or save you any?"

"I'll be alright, Kokoa. Arigato."

"Mhm." She tilted her head, scrutinizing him.

"Kokoa?"

"Hm?"

"Don't come here," he said firmly, meeting her eyes.

"Why?" Her smile faded.

"Because of what happened recently, there's so much tension...and suspicion. My father is watching me even more closely than before, if that's possible. He can't find out about us. You are the only good thing going for me right now, and I will not have him interfere. Only do so if you're picking up Sasuke for training. Otherwise...do not come here."

"I..." She glanced away. As hard as it was, "I understand, Itachi-san. I'll see you when I do -"

"Kokoa-chan? Long time no see." Mikoto called. Itachi stiffened. "Join us for dinner. We'd love to have you again."

"Oh - I would, but I've got things to take care of." She managed a smile.

"They can wait. Come on. Sasuke will be thrilled," she urged. Kokoa considered the offer. She glanced at Itachi before turning to his mother.

"I should really go. I have so much. I appreciate the offer, and I'd love to, but you know life gets in the way." She forced a small laugh.

"I suppose," Mikoto sighed. "You'll have to come over once. I'll make sure it happens."

"Hai, hai. Of course. Thank you again, Mikoto-san, and goodnight. Goodnight, Itachi-san." She met his eyes one last time before leaving.

"She's a lovely girl," Mikoto whispered, playfully poking her son's shoulder. "You're very lucky to have her."

"I know, Okāsan...I know..."

Itachi sat in his room, eyeing Shisui's suicide note. His best friend was gone. His relationship with his father and others in the clan was strained. Now he was pushing away the only girl he'd ever had feelings for. Putting the slip of paper away, he decided to go to bed early. If anyone asked, he would say work exhausted him.

Kokoa roamed the streets of Konoha, glancing up at the setting sun every so often.

"We never got to watch the sunset yet," she whispered to herself. Her eyes scanned the shops. She pulled out her pouch of money. Minutes later, she found herself sitting on an empty bench in the quiet part of town, dango in one hand, the other catching the tears from her eyes.