This time of year, the park was frozen early in the mornings. Out for a morning walk on his day off, Itachi found himself headed for his favorite place in the park as a child, a bench by the pond. There were water birds in it during the summer, but now there were only birds late on migrating pausing there on the way to warmer climes. It was a secluded place, one where a genius in need of a break would be able to be alone. The spot was hidden behind the long branches of willow trees, and on either side by rushes in the pond.
Much to his surprise there was already someone there—someone with long dark hair and pale skin that Itachi would have recognized anywhere. Picking up his pace to a jog, the Uchiha heir sat down on the bench next to Neji. "I didn't know you knew about this place."
"I always came here when I was frustrated with the academy or my family," Neji replied. He had some day-old bread in his lap and was throwing bits to the birds, clustered at his feet. Wordlessly he handed some to Itachi, and they fed the birds together.
Brushing the crumbs off his hands, Itachi moved over to find that Neji had already closed the distance between them, and for once, their relationship felt normal.