"What happened to her?" Aki asked Kakashi who just managed to catch Itsuko from hitting the ground. Kakashi carried Itsuko up bridal way and sighed.

But before he could answer, Kurama took over. "It happens every time she uses up too much chakra. Kakashi, please transfer some chakra over to her later. I'm going to sleep, I need a replenish of chakra too."

Kakashi turned to Aki, "show me the way."

Seeing the crucial aid needed, Aki didn't bother to walk him there, instead she teleported them over. Giving her a thankful look, Kakashi brought Itsuko over to the couch. He sat down, placing her head on his lap while the rest of her body rested on the couch.

He held her hand tight while he transported his chakra over to her. His other hand couldn't help from playing with her hair, it was his favourite, soft and smooth.

Aki shot him an odd look, confused. "By any chance, are you two..?"

"Yea, we're going out." Kakashi mumbled out an answer in reply, a smile crawling up his lips, his eyes not once removed from Itsuko.

"How long have you been dating?" Aki asked, taking a seat on a chair nearby. She poured a cup of water, drinking it. She couldn't believe it. She hasn't been with Itsuko long but she heard from many about her, that she rejected all the good looking Anbus that have ever confessed. Yet here she was, witnessing Itsuko in a relationship.

"About a month or so." He continued his actions, not bothering about Aki's presence.

"How'd you do it? I heard she rejected every single Anbu that confessed. Even the extremely good looking ones." Aki questioned. She found it amazing how he managed to do it.

Aki blinked twice, slapping herself. "Just checking if this is real. I really didn't think she was the type to date you know?"

"Unexpected, I know but it feels like it could last forever." Itsuko said, her lips barely leaving each other. Her eyes were still closed but she was no longer unconscious.

"Are you feeling better?" Kakashi asked, stroking her hair while he looked into her eye, though they were closed.

"Mhm, feels warm and comforting." She mumbled, addressing the chakra Kakashi is transporting over to her. Kakashi smiled, giving her a pat on the head, "rest well."

-

Just as a piece of blackness blinded her eyes, a mysterious looking yet familiar figure stood before her. She missed it so much yet it pained her to know why she's seeing him here instead of anywhere else.

"I'm supposed you received my word." He smiled, reaching out to pat her head at the same time mess up her hair.

"Don't kid yourself. Did you really think you'd be dead? Half dead maybe but not dead." Itsuko laughed, throwing his hand off.

"You underestimate Sasuke too much." Itachi sighed, shaking his head.

Itsuko raised an eyebrow, shaking her head confidently. She knew Sasuke, he couldn't possibly beat Itachi even if he gets help from Orochimaru. He wouldn't be strong enough.

"So, how's it going on your side? You've been appearing lesser around this dream land of ours. I assume it because you found a way of getting sleep?" Itachi shrugged, he didn't want to continue on the topic about Sasuke. He knew Itsuko wouldn't give in, not on that topic.

"Different. Someone with potential finally stepped out." She said, smiling.

Itachi laughed, he knew what it was. Even though she smiled often around him, there were different sort of smiles. The happy one, the sad one, the forced one, the fake one and lastly the one that only appeared when she was wooed.

"Who is it?" He questioned curiously, taking off his Akatsuki cloak, taking a step closer to Itsuko, sitting down.

"Remember Kakashi Hatake? The captain of the first team I assigned you to? That's him." Itsuko introduced, taking a seat beside Itachi.

"Him? Why him? You never accepted any Anbu members." Itachi asked again, curious to find out more. He knew his sister, she was very particular, especially when it comes to her choice of men.

"I known him ever since I knew Minato, Itachi. Besides, he's no longer an Anbu member anymore, he changed a lot. He's smart, loving but most of all, he understands me, he knows me, he can empathise." Itsuko explained, her voice soft and smoothing.

Itachi could only smile softly. He knew how popular she was, especially amongst the Anbu. He knew how she rejected every last one of them. But then again, he knew that if she ever did accept someone, they'd be special to her. She'd love them. She would never betray them having being betrayed so many times before. She was the perfect loyal partner anyone could ever want.

"All the best with this one." He replied. He knew how much it tore her apart when she broke up with Ibiki. He didn't want to see her like that ever again, more so he might not even be there with her.

-

"Kakashi?" Itsuko mumbled, opening her eyes slightly, admiring Kakashi who was dozing off. She chuckled. He was so cute when he sleeps.

"Stop it, I know I'm handsome." Kakashi smirked, opening his eyes. Itsuko laughed, punching him playfully.

"I want to go for a walk." She suddenly brought up, much to Kakashi's surprise. But Kakashi Shook his head. He couldn't allow her to do so in her state, she wasn't well, anything could happen. She was vulnerable.

"Not even if you bring me?" She changed her tone. Now sounding like a poor child who really wanted a walk. Who could say no to that?

Kakashi sighed, "Alright, I'll carry you."

He bent down, allowing Itsuko to climb up behind. "I've never piggyback ride anyone before." He joked, pretending to let his arms slip.

Itsuko punched him again, "don't do that!"

Laughing, Kakashi turned his head slightly, giving her a small peck on her cheek. "Let's go."