The next night came much too quickly for Mitsuki's taste. She could hardly relax, despite Aruna's best efforts to get a smile out of her. They were both busy preparing a real feast. Tempura, Onigiri, Yakitori, Sashimi, there was something for everyone! As Mitsuki finished preparing her inevitable dangos, Aruna put a hand on her shoulder to get her attention.

"We've worked enough for now, let's take a break, shall we?" he offered.

Mitsuki nodded, relieved to be able to breathe for a moment.

"I don't know much about girl stuff yet... but I have a present for you, Mitsuki-chan. I hope you like it!" the delighted, yet stressed sensei told her.

Mitsuki-chan opened her eyes wide, a bright gleam in her two crimson pupils. She followed Aruna into the living room. He was excited about her initiative and the interest she showed in it. On the sofa stood a large white box tied with an elegant red ribbon.

"I have to admit that a friend helped me a little in choosing it. Come on, open the box!" Aruna was impatient.

Mitsuki was amazed by this gesture. It was the first time she had been given a present, and this one seemed rather large! She shyly caressed the box with her fingertips, before touching the ribbon and pulling it gently, making the incredible feeling that preceded the discovery of such a beautiful gift last. She looked into Aruna's eyes again, as if to ask his permission to continue. He seemed to be touched, and pushed her with a gesture to open the box to finally discover what it contained. Mitsuki complied and froze as she discovered the contents, dropping the lid with a thud.

"Aruna-san! How... why... it's so beautiful!" the girl stammered, not hiding her emotion.

She took out a beautiful black dress from the package. It looked like a kimono, but was puffy at the short skirt, amplifying the elegance of the outfit. The long black sleeves were loose. Her wide red belt, matching the fabric of the bottom of the dress, matched the girl's look perfectly. As she turned it over, Mitsuki felt her heart fail. She froze, without a word, in front of the Uchiha clan logo on the middle of the back of the garment. Aruna was watching her, not saying a word, watching for any reaction from her.

"Aruna-san..." Mitsuki murmured after a moment.

The sensei knelt down beside her and took her hand before whispering to her:

"Happy birthday, Mitsuki-chan."

The girl's eyes widened and she flushed. He knew her birthday? Oh, of course, the Hokage! But this gift was so lavish...

"Mitsuki-chan..." Aruna called softly, pulling her out of her thoughts, "We've been living together for several months now...and I was wondering if you'd agree...if you'd agree to me adopting you, officially."

Mitsuki's heart missed a beat again.

"Aruna-san..." she repeated once more, staring at the logo on her dress.

"I know it's not a decision to be taken lightly. I'm not sure I'm going about this the right way... but I am sure I want to be the one to look after you for the rest of your life... Maybe not as a father, I'm too young and fathers are meant to be harsh and annoying!" laughed Aruna, a little nervously, "And I'm not trying to replace the family you lost. But perhaps as a brother, concerned and protective, the confidant of a younger sister. Nor am I asking you to change your name, it represents your heritage, your history, the past, however difficult, but also the future. I had this logo printed to make you understand that you are definitely at home here, and that no matter how the dinner goes tonight, you will remain for me a full member of my family, and of my clan. I must admit that I hope that by integrating you among us in this way, by marking you with something as visual and strong as the symbol of the Uchiha clan, the people of Konoha will respect you a little more... I nourish the hope that one day they will understand your value!"

Mitsuki hiccupped softly, no sound could get past her lips at this beautiful speech. Aruna was still facing her, his gaze plunged into the red eyes of the girl. His hand gently moved up to her cheek, as he rested his forehead against Mitsuki's.

"I like you, Mitsuki," he said in a whisper.

His young student's pupils shrank, her heart seemingly trying to dislodge itself from her rib cage. His hand was still gripping the fabric of the robe. Her breathing became shallow, and she finally threw herself around the Sensei's neck with emotion. Tears were streaming down her cheeks as she wrapped her arms around him. Aruna wrapped one of his arms around the girl's back, holding her close to his heart, and letting a drop of tears fall from the corner of her eyes.

Three little words, a simple phrase she had never had the opportunity to hear. A powerful feeling that she never imagined she would feel, let alone receive.

A new family... for real ...

After many long minutes in each other's arms, Mitsuki released her embrace to wipe her eyes, trying to regain her composure as best she could. She looked up at Aruna with reddened eyes, and, without waiting, finally said:

"I accept."

Aruna could not restrain a small jump of joy, and kissed her forehead.

"But Aruna..." the girl said, looking troubled, "I'm scared...".

"Scared?" the sensei worried.

"Yes... afraid of what they might do to you for this... afraid that this is all a dream ... and afraid of what the rest of your clan will think ... I am happy Aruna-san, happy to have you as my... big brother. But I'm scared..." the girl explained as best she could.

Aruna grabbed her hand and said:

"As a family, we'll face whatever difficulties come our way together, Mitsuki."

The girl smiled thinly and Aruna turned away abruptly:

"Now, Princess, try on this dress!"

Mitsuki didn't hesitate, and rushed to her room to change. She carefully put on the dress and shyly opened the door to let her head in.

"So? Does it fit?" inquired Aruna, curious.

Mitsuki came out slowly, and presented herself to him under the light.

"It's beautiful... Nii-san..." she replied, blushing.

Aruna raised his eyebrows, surprised by this new title she offered him.

"I don't know how to thank you..." Mitsuki continued.

"Your presence by my side is the best thanks, Mitsuki. Let's finish getting ready before our guests arrive, let me do your hair," Aruna offered.

He took care to braid his black hair into a crown around his head.

"Itachi won't believe his eyes when he sees you," he teased her, pleased with the result.

Mitsuki poked him in the shoulder to shut him up before hugging him again to thank him.They were busy setting the table, which Mitsuki decorated with some cherry blossoms picked in the garden, when there was a knock at the door. The elation Mitsuki had felt for a few minutes fell like a soufflé, and apprehension took hold of her again. Aruna invited her to follow him to open the door for their guests. He held Mitsuki's shoulder tightly, so she could feel that he would be there at all times, and opened the door to Itachi's entire family. Itachi seemed to go through every facial expression as he discovered his friend so well dressed, which made the girl's cheeks turn red.

"Good evening Aruna!" Mikoto greeted, before naturally turning to the girl, "And good evening, Mitsuki! Itachi has told us a lot about you, I'm very happy to meet you."

Her tone was soft and warm, and she seemed so sincere. Mitsuki still didn't feel very comfortable, but not wanting to make a bad impression, she finally said:

"Good evening, Mrs. Uchiha and Mr. Uchiha. It is an honor to meet you."

She made a small bow, staring at the ground, then turned to the little boy standing next to Itachi.

"Oh, you're so cute!" she said as she came up to his level, "My name is Mitsuki, I'm a friend of Itachi's. And you, what's your name?"

The little boy clung to his brother's trousers before answering in a tiny voice:

"Sasuke..."

"Nice to meet you, Sasuke! I'm sure we'll become very good friends too!" the girl assured him with a tender smile.

Fugaku winced a little, but the girl just pretended not to notice.She straightened up to her friend and said shyly:

"Good evening, Itachi-kun."

"Good evening, Mitsuki-chan! I... Happy birthday!" the boy exclaimed, handing her a small package.

Mikoto sighed in delight at her older brother's gesture. Mitsuki couldn't believe her eyes and turned the package over in her hands.

"Come on in, let's go sit down!" invited Aruna, "Mitsuki, we've already broken tradition by opening my present early tonight, would you please put this one in the kitchen, you can open it for dessert!"

It was torture for the girl, very excited to discover Itachi's present, but she accepted without flinching. She turned to head towards the kitchen, when she heard banging behind her. She turned around in surprise and saw Fugaku, his fist frozen against the doorpost.

"Honey..." his wife tried to relax him.

"What the hell is this?" shouted Itachi's father, scaring his youngest son at the same time, who cowered in his older brother's arms.

Mitsuki didn't dare move and quickly realized what was causing the man's anger: the Uchiha clan badge she was wearing on her back. She turned her gaze back to Aruna, who didn't flinch:

"I'm going to ask the 3rd Hokage for the possibility to officially adopt Mitsuki. I've decided to take her under my wing permanently, to protect her and give her a normal life. She'll never have to set foot in an orphanage or be left to her own devices again. And what you see, Fugaku, is her birthday present. She will officially join our clan soon and I wanted to give her a piece of clothing that bears our mark."

Fugaku gritted his teeth so hard he was scarlet. His knuckles were cracking as his fingers dug into his flesh.

"It's very touching what you're doing for that little girl, Aruna-kun," Mikoto said in an attempt to lighten the mood.

"You should have told us about this before, again! What an insult to our clan! She will never be a true Uchiha! Has she mastered the Katon? Her eyes are red, but they will never awaken to the Sharingan! They only express the violence within her! Damn it, Aruna!" growled Fugaku.

The two men glared at each other. Feeling the tension rising, Mitsuki intervened as calmly as possible:

"Shall we go eat? You must be hungry, Sasuke-kun?"

The little boy nodded, smiling, his innocence allowing him to turn away from his father's anger very quickly.

"Great! Why don't you come help me? We'll let the adults settle in!" Mitsuki offered, earning herself an unfortunate look from Fugaku, who obviously didn't appreciate her approaching his son.

"I'm coming too!" Itachi declared, saving Mitsuki's.

Mikoto, on the other hand, seemed touched by the sight of the three children cooperating together.

"Let's go settle down, Mikoto, Fugaku," Aruna invited them, trying to regain her composure.

"I'm going to go outside for a moment to get some fresh air, if you'll allow me Aruna. I'll be right with you," Fugaku decreed.

Aruna nodded, understanding his need to get his thoughts together and accompanied Mikoto into the dining room.

"Don't blame him, Aruna-kun. He's having a hard time forgetting what happened six years ago... He's worried about the future of his children, and of this country... But I'm sure he will eventually understand and tolerate Mitsuki. I think you did the right thing, turning this little girl's life around."

Aruna smiled warmly at her and invited her to sit down.

"That's a beautiful table you've set up there, and I smell wonderful smells! I can't wait to see what you've cooked for us!" the mother enthused.

In the kitchen, Mitsuki and Itachi were busy finishing up the preparations, while Sasuke looked on greedily at the dishes spread out before his eyes.

"You look very pretty in that dress..." Itachi murmured shyly, his cheeks turning pink.

Mitsuki let out a small cracking laugh as she spotted Itachi's father through the window. She hesitated for a moment, then apologized to the young brunet before sneaking out. Itachi tried to hold her back, but she had been too quick, and it was with apprehension that he reached out his ear, watching for the slightest hint of a voice.

Mitsuki slowly approached Fugaku before signaling her presence:

"Forgive me for disturbing you, Mr. Uchiha. Would you allow me to chat with you for a moment?"

Fugaku gave him a surprised look at all the politeness, while he didn't mask his resentment towards him, and sighed:

"Do you really give me a choice?

- I know you don't like me, and I accept that. I know what you've been through, and I understand the hatred you have for my family. I am not asking for your forgiveness because nothing and no one can excuse the loss of your brother and what happened to your wife. I only wish you to know that I have no ill intentions against anyone here in Konoha or in any other country. I love Aruna-san and Itachi-kun deeply, and they have offered me more love than I could ever hope for in my entire life. I understand your concerns, but you should know that Master Sarutobi and I have made sure that I cannot access my hereditary jutsu, so that I will never harm anyone. I am trying to become a good kunoichi though, to protect Konoha from any further threats. I will never right the wrongs that were done by my family, and I will live with them for the rest of my life, but I would like to help bring peace to the hearts of our people...

- Why are you telling me all this? Fugaku questioned him somewhat abruptly.

- I only wish you wouldn't get angry with Aruna, he's been good to me, more than anyone else would have ever been. I didn't mean to insult your clan by putting on this outfit, I'll change it if you like...

- No, keep it," Fugaku cut her off. I'm not that angry with Aruna. You seem very intelligent, I understand why my son has become attached to you. This past resurfacing is hard to take, you know... Somehow I'm glad that Hiruzen had the presence of mind to make you more... harmless by bringing you here, and at the same time powers of this magnitude, being well controlled...

- It is out of the question.

- I know that... Young lady, I'll make you a deal, since Itachi doesn't seem to be willing to let go. We'll enjoy this meal that has been taunting our noses for the past while, and we'll get to know each other. I tolerate your presence among us, and as for the Uchiha badge, if it will keep you out of trouble... After all, you will become an integral part of this family. But let me make you a promise: at the slightest misstep, I will personally take care of eliminating you.

- Deal! Mitsuki agreed immediately, holding out her small hand, somehow glad that someone was willing to stop her by any means necessary, and with such determination, if something went wrong.

Fugaku looked at her for a moment, a little surprised that she wasn't intimidated by his last words, then agreed to shake her hand.

They then walked back into the living room together, much to Mikoto and Aruna's relief. Mitsuki joined the boys in the kitchen. They grabbed the dishes, and brought them to the table, Sasuke standing proudly at the head.

"Aruna-kun, Mitsuki, you must have spent hours on this!" Mikoto exclaimed.

Fugaku didn't seem unconcerned, despite his attempts to hide his urge to pounce on every dish.Mitsuki took a seat between Aruna and Itachi, which made little Sasuke grumble, as he no longer had a place with his older brother. He then reached out his little arms towards the girl, to the Uchiha's surprise and Mitsuki took him in her lap, much to the little boy's delight.

"Well... if even Sasuke has adopted you..." Mikoto giggled, ignoring her tense husband again.

"Sasuke cries whenever someone other than us carries him," Itachi explained, ruffling his little brother's hair.

"I'm hungry!" exclaimed the little boy, causing general hilarity.

"Me too, Sasuke-kun! Tell me what you'd like!" Mitsuki asked as she grabbed her plate.

The little boy cheerfully pointed to almost all of the food, and Mitsuki happily served him.

"Easy, Sasuke! You're biting off more than you can chew!" Mikoto grumbled gently, "and go sit next to your father, you'll embarrass Mitsuki-chan."

The boy wrinkled his little nose as he adamantly refused to move from the girl's lap.

"He's not embarrassing me, don't worry, Mrs. Uchiha. We're going to eat together, right Sasuke-kun?" Mitsuki replied affectionately.

"You can call me Mikoto, we're all one big family now, sweetheart." Mikoto pointed out.

Mitsuki smiled at her, grateful for the kindness Itachi's mother was showing.They ate their dinner quietly afterwards, Fugaku remaining desperately silent, while Mikoto asked her son's friend a thousand questions.

"You're welcome to stay with us whenever you want, Mitsuki-chan! We're both surrounded by boys, and I've always dreamed of having a girl! If you need anything, I'll be there!" Mikoto raved again, ignoring the glare Fugaku gave her.

The clock was ticking, and it was time for dessert. Aruna went ahead of Mitsuki, forcing her to sit with the diners, while motioning for Itachi to follow him.The girl looked at his father, he still looked closed off. She tried to approach him, still not feeling very comfortable:

"Itachi told me that you are the head of the Konoha police, Mr. Uchiha? It must be quite a job watching over such a large village. You must have some great stories about your service?"

"Nothing that would interest you," Fugaku replied coldly.

"Honey! She's just trying to lighten the mood! You're really not helping her. You haven't opened your mouth all night! At least try not to be unpleasant," Mikoto grumbled.

"If I'm bothering you, I might as well go home. You asked me to give him a chance, so that's what I'm doing. I don't think that includes making conversation with her, nor seeing her wandering around under OUR roof," her husband snarled.

- For God's sake, Fugaku! How stubborn you can be! Mitsuki's been helpful, kind and caring all night, even Sasuke saw her as special! Why do you keep harping on old grudges?

- But because my brother is dead, Mikoto! And if anything happens to any of you again, I'll never forgive myself! So now get off my back with your lectures, if you want to remain blind and continue to leave your son in the hands of a murderer..."

Fugaku was cut off by the sound of breaking glass. Mitsuki, who was still sitting across from him, blood running down her forearm, shards of glass scattered on the table in front of her. She was pale and stammered as she looked at Mikoto:

"C-can you take Sasuke back, please...I...I have to clean this up..."

"But you're hurt!" Itachi's mother pointed out to him as she walked over to take her son in her arms.

Fugaku slammed his fist on the table, abruptly moved his chair back and left without a word.This was the moment Aruna and Itachi chose to bring in the plate of dangos that Mitsuki had made and a beautiful cake topped with candles as they began to sing a "Happy Birthday". They quickly stopped when they saw Mitsuki's bloody hand.

"What is this? Aruna began, quickly placing the birthday cake on the table and hastily blowing out the candles.

Mitsuki stood up, staggering, before running off upstairs.Mikoto sighed, looking saddened, and leaned over to Itachi and asked:

"She needs you big boy, your father has... blundered. I'm going to help Aruna put this away, you go help her clean her hand... Here, have some cake, and some dangos, and don't forget the gift you wanted to give her, I'm sure it will cheer her up."

She prepared two plates, handed them to her son and kissed him on the forehead. Itachi left in silence.

"I'm sorry, Aruna-kun. We ruined your surprise..." Mikoto apologized as she set Sasuke down on the couch, and began to pick up the pieces of glass.

Aruna put her hand on his.

"It can wait, Mikoto-chan. Let's sit down, you look troubled..." he invited her before wiping a small tear from the corner of his friend's eye.She complied and he served her a piece of cake. Mikoto told him what had happened in detail, apologising repeatedly for her husband's behaviour. They then tidied up the dining room together, leaving Itachi to watch over his friend.