It was a hot day in the middle of the summer. Cicada cries filled the air as an excited energy circulated around the clan. Everyone prayed for the safety of the clan head's wife and unborn child. Sitting on a chair in their home, watching his father pace the floor, a five year old Itachi clenched his fists as he heard another cry of pain coming from the closed room across the hall. Inside the midwife and her assistant consoled his mother, giving her instructions and praise in equal measure. It felt like days had passed, rather than hours, before a squalling sound reached his ears. Father turned to smile at him and he couldn't help but to smile back. When another cry came from his mother both of them paled slightly, his father's eyes filling with worry. Agitated by this the young boy turned his eyes to the door and stared, unblinking.
When the door finally opened the midwife smiled and held out a tiny bundle. "It is a healthy boy, Fugaku-sama." Taking the child carefully his father smiled almost tenderly. "Itachi, come here." Standing from the chair he walked up to his father, looking up at the blanket curiously. Kneeling the man held out the bundle to him and he was finally able to see the baby. "This is your little brother, Sasuke." Reaching out gingerly he smiled when a tiny hand gripped his finger. Another cry startled him and he looked back at the midwife, unsure what was going on. She smiled apologetically. "Don't worry, child. Your mother is in good hands." That said she walked back into the room, closing the door behind her.
The minutes ticked by as he stood with his father and the baby. A second squalling sound came from the room and caught him by surprise. Looking to his father he saw the same surprise mirrored back at him. Gently placing his brother into his arms their father stood and turned as the midwife returned with a second bundle. "Congratulations, Fugaku-sama. You have been gifted with twins. One boy, and one girl." Taking the second bundle the man cradled it against his chest and a bemused smile crossed his face. "Mikoto-sama is doing fine, she is just tired. We'll let her rest for a while then she will be able to receive visitors." Nodding to someone behind her she stepped back and allowed a young woman into the hall, bowing to them politely. "Sasara will help you with anything you need."
The young woman smiled at them politely, standing off to the side I case she was needed for something. Itachi looked down at his younger brother then up at his father, who was holding his sister. "Father, may I hold her too?" Coming forward when his father nodded, Sasara took the bundle that was Sasuke from his arms and shushed the baby gently when he began to fuss. Is father held out the other baby to him and just like before he held her carefully, being sure to support her head. "What is her name?" His father looked mildly distracted for a moment before he mulled the question over. "Hikari. It is what your mother wanted if your sibling had been a girl. It looks like her wish came true." Looking down into her face Itachi smiled. "Hello little sister."
[If you've read, or are still reading, any of my other works then I'd like to apologize for the terrible update schedule. This story has been kicking around my laptop for a while. All I did was re-write it in my new writing style. I'm not sure when I will be updating any of my stories. My step-dad, the best parent I've ever had, has just been diagnosed with cancer. I will be going to stay with my parents for a bit to help out while my dad is in chemotherapy. It is Lymphoma and the doctors say it is highly treatable. But it was still a big shock and is a huge concern for me.]