Obsidian eyes gazed almost wistfully out the window at the early winter snow flurry, though a hint of sadness forever lurked just beneath the surface. He remembered a time when he wouldn't be standing alone in front of this large window, when he would press his small hands against the pane of glass and let his breaths fog it up until he could barely see through it.
These memories were a painful thing, because now this house was empty and devoid of life, as it had been for years, but he would still come, always in time for the first snow of the season. He still wasn't sure why he'd picked this time of year, seeing as the day he should have paid his respects was months prior, but it seemed fitting, still.
Lost in his thoughts, Sasuke didn't notice the figure draped in shadows, crimson eyes watching him from the opposite end of the room.
--
He wasn't sure why he came back, why he was drawn to this place he'd cut all ties to, but here he was. He'd easily avoided Sasuke's attention despite the fact that he hadn't expected the boy to be here as well, taking up residence in one shadowy corner and simply watching.
The way the boy stood at the window brought back memories he'd avoided thinking about for some time, of a child's innocence and carefree smiles at the first snow of every winter. He remembered each and every time Sasuke's eyes had lit up with childish wonder and excitement at the first delicate snowflakes each year, and the way he even pressed his little face against the window. He remembered round little cheeks and noses rosy from the cold and breathless laughter from the time the boy was old enough to walk.
He remembered one year, sharing just a fraction of that excitement, and a half-hearted snowball fight that he let Sasuke win just because the boy was too easy to hurt.
A quiet sob pulled him from his memories, followed by something he barely caught. It startled him at first, but then he moved.
"Aniki..."
--
A sudden presence jerked the boy from his thoughts as he was pulled back against someone's chest, arms coming up on instinct to try and get away. Just as his hands clutched at black fabric, however, a voice, low, smooth, and familiar murmured close enough that he could feel the man's warm breath against his ear.
"Tadaima, otouto..."
Sasuke stiffened in his brother's arms for a moment, but the embrace was warm and comforting, Itachi's chin resting on his head, and he couldn't help but relax and allow himself to be held close, more tears flowing than before as they stood there in silence. Finally, choking back a sob, he responded, voice trembling as much as his body.
"Okaeri, aniki..."
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