Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. I shall refrain from violently expressing what I would do if I did own Naruto, as it is the holiday season. XD

A/N: Part two! This one is dedicated to all fans of Itachi, Sasuke and Shisui (even though he doesn't show up..-.-;)! This time it's…

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-:Itachi:-

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Some days it just doesn't pay to get out of bed.

It helps, though, when you know which days are going to be those types of days. Uchiha Itachi was fortunate enough to know that today was, in fact, going to be one.

Why? Well, because this particular day was a nightmare consistently. Every single year, the same story.

He would go into the living room and be greeted by his mother and little brother's "Merry Christmas!" and his father's stony silence. Fugaku disliked celebrations in general, especially ones that involved decorations, joy, and/or happiness.

The family would open their presents in a colorless sort of way; only Sasuke really seemed excited tearing at the wrapping paper (for which he was promptly scolded by Fugaku, who also disliked any show of cheerful emotion from his sons). Mikoto would unwrap the typical new simple, apron-style dress (to replace her older simple, apron-style dress) from Fugaku, a book of some sort from Itachi, and some little homemade something from Sasuke.

Itachi received weapons every year, no question (god forbid he should have one day without the sharp reminder of his position) from his father and mother; Mikoto knew that to buy anything else for her elder son would only bring trouble from her husband later. Besides, Itachi was so outwardly emotionless-even his own mother couldn't be sure what he would actually like.

And Sasuke..well, both boys were scoffed at if one gave a blatant sign of affection to the other, so Itachi had advised his brother to avoid giving him anything this year.

Sasuke pretty much got what Itachi got-a few weapons; maybe a scroll. Although Mikoto usually took him out to buy a toy of some sort the day after, out of guilt. Woe betide her husband if he tried to say anything against it.

They were often left to their own devices for most of the day, until Christmas dinner, which was a royal torture. Silence and tension built up throughout the whole meal-delicious as it was-especially with Fugaku's silent but obvious irritation. Nobody could ever leave the table fast enough (Sasuke seemed to enjoy the dessert, though; but that was about it).

So this year, Itachi was making a preemptive strike against what was bound to be another terrible holiday. He planned to lay in bed as long as possible; he would pretend to be sick when Mikoto came in to check on him.

He felt slightly selfish, abandoning his little brother to the awkwardness of Christmas by himself, but the ten-year-old wanted one day of freedom-even if it meant staying in bed all day. Anything had to be better than suffering through thanking his parents dutifully for things he didn't even want, and eating dinner on the pretense of actually enjoying it.

He dragged himself out of bed and began running in place as quickly and quietly as he could. If he wanted to trick his mother into believing he was sick, he'd have to have a convincing 'fever.'

"..Aniki? What are you doing?"

...Busted. "..Nothing. What is it, Sasuke?"

The younger raven beamed at his big brother. "I brought you something!"

Uh-oh. "Sasuke, I told you not to get me anything this year," he reminded his brother gently. "It doesn't make Father happy. Remember?"

"Of course!" Sasuke replied brightly. "But you're my big brother, so I have to give you something for Christmas. That's why I'm giving it to you here, while Mother and Father are still sleeping! It's a secret, see?"

The boy's face was shining with excitement; he was so proud of his 'brilliant' idea. Itachi couldn't bring himself to shoot him down. "..All right, otouto. Come here." He sat on the bed and gestured for the younger boy to join him. Sasuke cheerfully complied, pouncing onto the mattress energetically. Nice to have someone here who actually enjoys Christmas, Itachi noted with a smile.

"Taa-daa!!" Sasuke cheered, proudly presenting a small, messily-wrapped box adorned with a very tangled pink ribbon. "Pink was the only color I could reach," he explained apologetically. "And I tried to make a bow, but…it didn't wanna cooperate."

Biting back a laugh, Itachi tore carefully at the thin paper.

It was a…necklace.

An extremely thin chain; at intervals there were small grey stones, oddly-shaped, with holes in the middle of them. Itachi eyed his brother questioningly.

"I wanted to get you something myself," Sasuke said defiantly. "And I didn't have much money. So I bought the chain, and I found the rocks, and I put holes through them to make you this. I was trying to make it more like a belt or something, but I didn't have enough chain. So it came out like this. I guess you could use it as a weapon..but I asked Mother and she said it was a very manly necklace."

Again barely holding back a laugh, Itachi reached up and put on his gift. 'Weapon', indeed. The only enemy that could be taken down by this little creation was an ant, or possibly a beetle. Still..

It's not bad, he decided. It's not like it's sparkly and girly or anything. And Sasuke did work hard to make it.

Aforementioned five-year-old was watching his brother hopefully. "Do you like it, aniki?"

Smiling, Itachi leaned over and kissed his brother on the cheek. "I love it. Thank you very much, otouto."

Sasuke's smile grew exponentially as pink flushed his cheeks. "You're welcome!"

A voice in the hallway interrupted the fluffy little exchange. "Itachi? Sasuke? Come on, we're going to open presents! And Shisui might be coming over as well!"

When did she get up? "Coming, Mother!" Itachi answered. The mention of his best friend coming over racked up a few more points on his cheer scale.

He slipped his hand into Sasuke's own and stood.

This might just be a good Christmas, after all.

~Owari~

A/N: Yes, I am aware that the necklace plot is overdone, but I just couldn't resist.

Next is a certain adorable redhead.

Thanks to all the reviewers last chapter, by the way!

Hope you liked it! –SS