Itachi slid open the door then closed it behind him softly. He paused to take off his shoes then stepped into his home, heading for his room. Thundering footsteps made him pause, glancing over his shoulder. No sooner had he looked back he felt two small arms wrap around his leg.
“Chi!” His little brother only used the later half of his name, opting for the easier syllables of his name. Sasuke lifted his arms, reaching up in a sign that he wanted to be lifted into his brother’s arms. “Chi chi!” Itachi smiled a little then looked around to make sure no one was watching. Seemingly being ignored, Sasuke puffed out his cheeks and pouted, a look he knew his brother couldn’t resist.
“Bah...” Itachi scooped up his three year old brother into his arms. He’d never tell anyone else... but his brother could be cute at times. At first he tried hating his brother, his appearance marked the beginning of his father’s abuse. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t hate him. “I bet mom is looking for you.” Sasuke giggled then toddled off toward the kitchen. Itachi followed, the scent of cooked meat filling his nose. As he entered the room, his mother paused and glanced up at him, smiling kindly.
