Upstairs, Itachi found Mitsuki sitting by the tub in her bathroom. He put the plates down and crouched down beside her, before taking her injured hand. The girl seemed to have collapsed, a river of tears drowned her little cheeks, and her eyes, staring into space, had lost all their sparkle.

"It's okay, Mitsuki-chan. I'll take care of you," the boy whispered tenderly to her, without getting any sign in return.

He set about removing the small pieces of glass that had been stuck in her palm. He cleaned the wound as best he could, before whispering to her:

"You'll have to wash yourself, Mitsuki-chan. I'll... I'll help you. I promise not to look at you."

Still without an answer, he began to run a bath, then began to undo the girl's bloody dress. As he was about to take it off, he closed her eyelids as promised, and guided her to the bathtub once she was undressed. Mitsuki let him do it, transfixed in a state of shock that she couldn't overcome, she seemed to be a rag doll in his hands.

Having made sure to lather up the bath to hide her, he opened his eyes and set about cleaning her of all her blood. He was careful to hurt her as little as possible, but it was difficult for him to assess her pain as she remained frozen, without a sound.

Her skin was soft under his fingers, and he worked to remove all traces of the incident. When he had finished, he closed his eyes to help his friend out of the bath and wrapped her in a large towel.

"Stay there, I'll be right back," he said as he went back to the bedroom to find her some clothes.

As promised, he returned quickly with a pair of pyjamas in his hands. He helped her put them on again, then sat her down on the bed in her room. He sat down next to her and finally asked her without further ado:

"What has my father done?"

For, although he sincerely loved and admired his father, he knew him to be equally capable of great rudeness towards those he did not know how to consider as his allies. And he'd have to be naive to think he'd see Mitsuki as one of them after a simple dinner.Mitsuki finally turned her head towards him, and looked into his eyes, piercing him when she had seemed so empty a second before.

"Nothing, Itachi. He didn't do anything..." she muttered without much conviction.

Itachi sighed, he didn't want to push her, but he obviously suspected that she wasn't telling the truth, why else would she be in this state?
"Come on," he whispered, grabbing a plate and his friend's hand.

He helped her up to the roof of the house, and after joining her, sat down before making her settle between his legs. He held her close enough for her to feel his heart beating in her back, in that steady rhythm, and laid her head on his neck. She smelled sweetly of cherry blossoms, the scent perfectly matching the feeling of well-being he felt every time he found himself next to the young brunette. She had never treated him differently, because of his precociousness or even his name, perhaps simply because they were the same age, and she had been a stranger to village affairs until then, but in any case he liked to believe that their friendship was most sincere. There were few people with whom he could afford to let himself go like that.They stayed like that for a while, looking up at the stars, Mitsuki eventually resting her head against the boy's.

"It would be a crime to leave these dango..." Itachi sighed teasingly as the plate continued to wag its finger at him for far too long.

Mitsuki stifled a small laugh and handed him a skewer. The boy swallowed one of the colored balls in one go, grumbling with pleasure. The atmosphere having softened slightly, he tried to make her talk again:

"What did my father say, Mitsuki? And don't tell me "nothing", I know it's not true."

Mitsuki looked up at the sky for a moment more, before speaking:

"He only told the truth. I don't belong here, I don't deserve your respect, I can't be happy when so many people have died, so many families have suffered. He said I am a murderer ... and if it is not true today, maybe it will be true tomorrow ... I beg your pardon, Itachi-kun, I wanted to believe a little, to believe in the love you and Aruna have shown me, but if it is to tear families apart, I prefer to leave ... Your father is angry, your mother seemed sad, and Sasuke witnessed it all. It's all my fault..."

"Stop it, Mitsuki! Stop trying to carry everything on your shoulders! My father is sad, but he had no business taking it out on you! It's not your fault, and I don't want you to even think about leaving us! Aruna, Sasuke, and...me...we all care about you. I care about you, Mitsuki. So keep that in mind, and stop running away from us like you're doing! I want to keep trying to make you happy, because you deserve it just as much, if not more, than anyone else! You've earned a brother, and I promise to try to be the best friend I can be, just like you are to me."

He tightened his grip a little tighter, and Mitsuki felt a drop slide down her neck.

"Itachi-kun... You're already the best friend anyone could ever hope for..." she murmured, shuddering under her friend's tears, disturbed to see him give in to so much emotion, yet he always seemed to have everything under control so easily.

"I was so afraid you wouldn't come to, you didn't answer, and you looked so sad... I'm sorry your birthday went wrong, Aruna was having such a good time preparing this surprise for you," the boy apologized, quickly wiping his eyes, embarrassed to let his feelings show.

"Itachi-kun, having my friend around is all I need today, and seeing you engulf those dango will be my greatest gift," Mitsuki joked gently, equally moved and touched by all the attention.

"Let me give you your real present though," the boy begged her, pulling out the small package he'd given her earlier.

Mitsuki shyly looked at the object, which she had cherished even before she knew its contents. She carefully peeled off the paper and discovered a pretty little box. She opened it with a trembling hand and discovered a thin bracelet, beaded in red and black, with two small bells at the end of the closing links. Mitsuki looked at it from every angle, letting the bells tinkle with a delicate sound each time she moved her slender fingers around the jewel, which Itachi finally took from her and tied gently around her wrist.

"It will bring you good luck in the future," he assured her, convinced.

Mitsuki placed a kiss on his cheek before giving him a hug. The boy immediately felt his cheeks heat up slightly and awkwardly returned her embrace.

"I'm so happy to have you in my life, Itachi-kun," the girl whispered.
Itachi held her a little tighter to his heart, kissing the top of her head. They stood there for a few moments, neither of them wanting to interrupt this sweet exchange. But the weather decided otherwise, and fine drops of rain got the better of their tenderness.They hurried back to the girl's room, when Itachi suggested a little sadly:

"You should get some rest, it's been a hard day for you..."

Mitsuki nodded, and reluctantly went to bed. Itachi placed a kiss on her forehead and whispered a "Good night".As he was about to leave, a small hand grabbed his. He turned around and saw his friend's imploring look:

"Please stay a little longer, Itachi-kun," she asked in a small voice, afraid to be alone.

The boy's heart leapt, and, unable to refuse her anything, he replied with a laugh:

"You're incorrigible!"

Mitsuki made a little place for him next to her, and the boy didn't hesitate to sit down. He put an arm under the girl's neck and she rested her head on his chest, letting herself be lulled by the regular beating of his heart. At the same time he stroked her hair in a soothing gesture, and soon answered the call of Morpheus' arms himself.

Later that evening, Mikoto and Aruna, hearing no sound, gently slipped their heads through the bedroom door. They sighed, touched by the sight of the two children asleep in each other's arms. Mikoto gently pulled the blanket over them, taking care not to wake them, and they walked out without a sound.

"Do you mind if Itachi stays over?" asked Mikoto.

- No, don't worry. I owe him that much after taking care of my Mitsuki," Aruna replied.

- I'm glad you took her under your wing... This child needs love. How can we expect her to stay out of trouble if we leave her to her own devices in an unkind environment... And then, I'm sure she will only bring you good things in return, you deserve that.

- I thank you Mikoto for being so understanding, and so kind to her. I only hope that the future will allow her to meet more people like us, and that she will be able to blossom without danger.

- I'm not worried, after all my big boy is looking after her. Don't worry about Fugaku, he sometimes takes his role of protecting the village too much to heart. I'll try to reason with him, but I'm sure that with time he'll recognize Mitsuki's value.

- Yes, but I understand his anger you know... I also... At first... I wanted to hate her... But she was so lonely, and kind, gentle, and determined. She'll probably become a great kunoichi, if we give her the chance."

The two friends smiled fondly at each other, and Mikoto finally picked up Sasuke, who had been asleep on the couch for a while. She greeted Aruna one last time before returning to her house.

~

It had been a long time since Mitsuki had slept so well. No nightmares, screams, or cold sweats on the horizon, which was surprising after the previous night's altercation.She breathed in the scent of Itachi again, who had finally stayed the night, and then stretched, unhappily jingling her bells on her wrist.Itachi then slowly opened his eyes and smiled at her as soon as he saw her.

"Sorry..." Mitsuki apologized.

"Come here," Itachi forced her tenderly, rolling her back into his arms.

They enjoyed the light that filtered softly through the window, and the birds singing in the garden.

"Thank you for staying, Itachi-kun," the girl whispered.

The boy's only response was to kiss the top of her head.While neither of them seemed to want to move, a delicious smell tickled their nostrils. Mitsuki's stomach began to rumble, causing Itachi to laugh.

"Come on, let's go join Aruna-san," he said before letting go of her.

The two of them went into the kitchen, where the sensei had prepared a new feast for them.

"Hi, youth! Did you sleep well?" he greeted them with a wink.

The children nodded shyly.

"Your mother came home with Sasuke last night, you both looked so good we didn't want to wake you up," Aruna explained to Itachi, before serving them plates filled with omelette, some vegetables and a little rice.

The three of them ate in silence, Aruna glancing at Mitsuki every now and then, trying to gauge her mood.

"Nii-san," she called out to him as if to reassure him, "Look what Itachi-kun gave me!"

She held out her wrist to show him her bracelet proudly.

"When can we officially become a family?" she questioned him, erasing the incidents of the previous day.

Aruna finally smiled at her, touched by the girl's enthusiasm, before answering:

"We have to go see the Hokage. I don't know if it can be done quickly, or not, we'll go ask him afterwards, if you wish."

They finished their breakfast in good spirits.

"I'll leave you to it, I have to go change," Itachi announced as he got up from the table to clear his plate, "Thanks for everything Aruna-sensei! See you later Mitsuki-chan!"

As he walked out the door, Mitsuki pouted, which didn't escape Aruna's notice.

"Come on, Princess! You'll find your lover soon enough! You should go get dressed in the meantime, I've concocted a little day to make up for yesterday!" he teased her, ruffling her hair.

"He's not my lover !," Mitsuki grumbled, scarlet.

Aruna laughed, to which the girl responded by sticking her tongue out at him. She stood up, holding her head high, mimicking annoyance, and headed for her room, but Aruna blocked the door with a quick movement.

"Are you going to leave me sulking, little sister?" the man questioned her mischievously.

Mitsuki persisted, but a subtle shudder escaped her when she heard him call her that for the first time. Aruna looked carnivorous, and in a maneuver as sharp as it was delicate, he tackled her to the ground and began tickling her, forcing her to laugh until her ribs hurt.When he had got his way, he sat up with a satisfied look on his face and said:

"Well, little sister, are you going to leave this room with a face?"

"No, of course not, baka! Now, if you would stand up? You're crushing me," the girl pleaded, her eyes moist from laughing so hard.

Aruna complied, victorious, and Mitsuki ran off to her room, giggling, before he got the idea to catch up with her.She came out a few moments later, dressed in simple red shorts with a short black tank top. Her hair was tied up in a high ponytail, falling down to her shoulder blades. She rushed over to the sensei and threw herself around his neck, hugging him as hard as her small arms would allow.

"Let's start by going to the Hokage's house," Aruna offered, after returning his embrace.

As they walked together quietly through the streets of Konoha, Mitsuki took the time to watch the movements of the city all around her. She felt serene, and for the first time, allowed herself to walk around without staring at the ground for fear of being caught up in yet another conflict. She was with the one who was now her big brother, and she was proud. He was happy to see her so happy after the previous day's failed birthday party. Itachi was probably no stranger to her joy either. She was bouncing around, and seemed to be dancing in the crowd, her now inseparable bracelet clanking in her fluid movements. The sound was crystalline and pleasant, perfectly matching the girl's graceful rhythm.They arrived at the Hokage building and entered, Mitsuki moving more soberly. Aruna knocked gently on the door and the Sandaime immediately invited them in.

"Hello Aruna," he greeted before setting his eyes on the girl,

"Hello Mitsuki, tell me, it looks like you're doing well living with our sensei! How you've grown! It seems that you're eating well again! And you're glowing, I'm happy to see that."

"Thank you Hokage-sama, Aruna takes great care of me and I'm happy to share his roof!" assured Mitsuki.

"That's right, Hokage-sama... We were here to ask you something about that... I wish...we wish to officially form a family. And I'd like you to allow me to adopt Mitsuki and ensure her a comfortable life within the Uchiha clan."Aruna explained.

Hiruzen Sarutobi watched them silently, his hands crossed under his chin. His gaze was piercing and Mitsuki began to feel a lump forming in the pit of her stomach. She hadn't thought about the possibility that their request wouldn't be granted. She felt the sensei's hand gently slip into hers. As she looked at him, he tried to give her a reassuring smile, but his own tension was palpable. Time seemed to pass in slow motion, but finally the Hokage declared:

"On one condition."

"What's that?" inquired Aruna without delay, ready to accept any condition.

"I want Mitsuki to pass the Genin exam first. At that point you will no longer be bound by a Sensei/student relationship, this should prevent further jealousy of her," the third Hokage decided.

Mitsuki winced slightly, but Aruna agreed without batting an eyelid. The exam was a month away, there was no rush!

"There are other things I wanted to talk to you about, Hokage-sama. Mitsuki, could you wait for me in the hallway, please?" asked Aruna.

Mitsuki greeted the Hokage politely, and walked out in front of the office where she noticed two ANBU guards watching the door. Too excited to make their request to the Hokage, she hadn't even noticed them until she entered the office.One of them turned his animal-masked head towards her, before standing straight in front of the door again.

"Hello," Mitsuki greeted them.

No response...she repeated herself, trying to move her hand past the gray-haired ANBU's eyes, but nothing helped. He didn't move an inch or say a word. She pointed her finger at his belly, pushing it down until she got a reaction, when he roughly grabbed her hand to immobilize it. She finally met his gaze, black and ... red ? that he never looked away from her red eyes.

"Hello?" she repeated again, not giving up.

"What's going on here?" the Hokage's voice they hadn't heard coming from the office questioned, "Kakashi, would you release Mitsuki's hand?"

After one last look, he complied, before resuming his seat.

"Mitsuki, these ANBU are part of my guard. They're known for their discretion and are instructed not to be distracted by anything. In the future, can you please not bother them?" the Hokage asked.

"Yes, sorry master Hiruzen... And Mister Kakashi," Mitsuki apologized with a sigh.

"We're done here, Princess. Let's go for a walk, shall we?" Aruna offered, holding out her arm.

The girl caught it, delighted. She turned to the man in the mask one last time, looking teasingly, and greeted him:

"Goodbye, Kakashi-san."

Once she disappeared from the hallway, the man sighed in exasperation, making the Hokage laugh and return to his office.

The rest of the day was going to be like a fairy tale for Mitsuki. Aruna showed her the best views of Konoha, they picnicked in front of the Hokage mountain, where he told her a multitude of stories about them. He took her to the hot springs near the village, where they talked and talked through the fence separating the men's and women's baths. He gave her a beautiful bouquet of flowers on the way out and invited her to dinner at a beautiful restaurant, before ending the evening on a hillside to watch the sun set and the stars in the sky.

Mitsuki was ecstatic, and engraved every moment in her memory. Aruna took his role as a big brother to heart, and kept his promise to make her happy. Before going to bed, she placed a kiss on his cheek and hugged him to thank him for having devoted his entire day to her. They parted, each with a smile on their lips, and fell asleep with a light heart.