In his past lifetime, Sasuke tended to be a nervous wreck at the dinner table, always under the unwavering gaze of his disappointed father and pensive expression of his mother, while Itachi, silent and emotionless, ate his food.
This time, however, Sasuke basked in Fugaku's eyes of disappointment, enjoying the fact that his father even exists. He would take his father's disappointment over his father's absence anytime. It was a lesson he learned only after Itachi killed everyone, which was obviously much too late.
Having been given this second chance to eat with his family again, even if his father appeared to be disappointed in 'her,' Sasuke couldn't stop smiling.
"Stop smiling," Fugaku ordered.
Sasuke stopped smiling. "My mistake, father."
Mikoto looked pissed off.
"Why were you staring at me as if I've come back from the dead?" Fugaku asked instead, noting Mikoto's reaction. She would explode on him in private if they didn't settle it here- that damned Kushina's influence.
Taken aback, Sasuke wondered if he was really that obvious, because Fugaku hit it spot on. Deciding to go for the partially honest route, he confessed, "I figured that eating with tou-san, kaa-san, and nii-san, feels better than eating by myself."
Fugaku widened his eyes and Mikoto swallowed a gasp and held in her tears, finding it adorable and touching.
Itachi just smirked slightly, not taking his eyes off his food; he knew this side of Sasuke well. Affection was something Sasuke displayed the most to him, but when it involved 'her' parents, Sasuke was a bit reclusive. It was a nice change to see little Sasuke opening up.
"Well then," Fugaku coughed into his fist. "We are Uchiha, it's how we're born to feel. We are superior in that we have the skill to keep this weakness from appearing on our faces, but love for family is the proof that you have Uchiha blood in your veins."
Fugaku looked at Itachi pointedly. "The unbreakable love for family is what made the Uchiha clan survive and thrive all these centuries, unlike the Senju, who treasured the alliance of other clans, Konoha, more than their own family." Under his breath, he whispered, "Minato made the same mistake."
Itachi trembled slightly, breaking his chopsticks. Appearing surprised at his lack of self-control, he picked himself up and took his bowl to the kitchen. "I'll be leaving for a mission."
Fugaku sighed, and Mikoto quickly stood onto her feet, following after Itachi.
Left alone with his father, Sasuke stared contemplatively.
The Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu is the proof that you are a full-fledged Uchiha, worthy to wear the clan insignia at your back.
Blinking slowly, he spoke, "Father...the Great Fireball Technique...teach it to me..."
Fugaku almost choked. Y-You haven't entered the Academy yet, we haven't decided whether you should even become a ninja, Fugaku wanted to say, although he knew all Uchiha worthy of their name became ninja. You're too young. He really wanted to say that. But he knew, if he did say any of that, it was out of bias- that he didn't want a second-Itachi. And those selfish actions were bad for the clan.
So Fugaku closed his eyes, and sighed. "You've done your research, Sasuke. I'll humor you, but do not expect to pull it off for years."
Sasuke smirked. "As if I care."
I don't care what happens to me as long as Itachi doesn't suffer...