It was a cold winter night. Freshly bathed uchiha brothers were draped under their silky black bed covers. Smells of bath oil and lotion masked the scent of the evening, and time flew as they giggled secretly in their makeshift fort, way past their bedtime.
This was all fun and games until they accidentally woke their father.
“Boys.” Fugaku said from the doorway, gaining the quick attention of both little ones.
Itachi and Sasuke’s gray and raven heads appeared from under the long blanket they hid under.
Fugaku folded his arms. It was 11 pm and his sons were still playing. Sasuke wasn’t competent enough to be scolded, though Itachi sure as hell was.
“What are you doing up, Itachi? Who told you to bring Sasuke in here and play past when okaasan told you bedtime?”
4-year-old Itachi held his baby brother close in his lap. “I told myself father. I was not tired when it was bedtime. And I wanted to play with Otouto.” he said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. He stroked Sasuke's head gently.
“Itachi, playtime ended long ago. It is bedtime. Turn your lamp off, and go to sleep. This better not happen again.”
Baby Itachi rolled his little black eyes, then rubbed them. “I not tired.”
“Very well. come here Itachi.” Fugaku said firmly.
Itachi melted. “okay . . I sorry papa, I listen.” he moved Sasuke off of his lap and went for his light. “Come here, Itachi.” Fugaku only repeated.
Itachi frowned. He stood up with a huff, he walked over to his father with reluctance.
Fugaku knelt. He turned his son to the side, lifted the mini yukata, and popped the small backside multiple times.
And the rest was history.
~
“Older brother. . can’t we play just a little bit longer? Mother and father won’t even be home till a long while.” Sasuke pleaded, playing with the tie of his older sibling’s bathrobe.
“I’m sorry Sasuke. . “ An 11-year-old Itachi murmured. “Oto-san would not approve of that.”
“But he doesn’t have to find out! Please Niisan.” Sasuke drew closer to his brother, until their faces were just a breath apart.
Itachi bit his lip.
What the eye doesn’t see, the heart doesn’t grieve over.
“We can play for a little longer. . . “