Like so many times before, she laid in the basket in a corner of the living room next to Sasuke. It had been a couple months since the attack and now was early spring. She guess they were about nine to eleven months now and while she didn't' know much about baby development, never having a younger sibling herself, she still thought it was about damn time for her to start walking.
She promised herself to not actually do any landmark achievements until Sasuke himself had-like walking or talking- but sitting here was making her antsy.
How was she supposed to save everyone if she couldn't walk!?
So she compromised.
She decided, that today this early spring morning, she would crawl right out of this basket and up to her dad. Spring signified the birth of new things, and today it would symbolize the birth of her plots. Being clan head, Fugaku held tremendous sway over the Clan and the village as a whole. He was (if her memory served her correctly) even considered a candidate for the fourth hokage. While there was a rift between the clan and village now, she was sure there was still some loyalty left.
Danzo, of course, screwed it all up in the first place by holding the clan back when the Fox attacked, leading to resentment. If she could change her father and wrap him around her cute chubby baby fingers, she could hold his ear without him even knowing. The best way to do this was to stand out and impress him.
There was only one problem with that.
Sasuke was clinging to her like a grape vine.
Normally she wouldn't mind, as she'd cling back just as enthusiastically. He was also really warm and was honestly her sunshine. She could one hundred percent understand why Itachi loved him so much, as she felt like her heart was melting with how much she adored the marshmallow. Seriously though, how did babies get all those flabby bits?
Now that she thought about it, (again) It didn't even matter really what she did. Itachi's shadow, while completely unintentional on his part, would cover anything she or Sasuke did and render it unimpressive. So if she got up and broke into pirouettes she doubt they'd bat an eye. She should just stay here in the warm blankets with her personal heater...
She snapped her eyes open, not even realizing they were closed in the first place, and began her wiggling anew, much to Sasukes annoyance. She struggled out of the downy yellow blankets and with a huff or triumphant, plopped down on the floor. Success!
Sasuke started to sniffle. Panicking, she tried to climb back into the crib. If he cried and somebody came in, the surprise would be ruined. Her chubby fingers were too weak as she futilely tried to lift herself back into the basket and all the while his little huffs became louder.
As a last ditch attempt, she started humming a half forgotten tune from her past life.
As if pressing a magical button, he immediately stopped all action, and blinked owlishly at her, mystified.
She squealed mentally at how cute he looked, before the shocking realization settled in, that in his short life, he had probably never heard music before. As a former choir student, that was unacceptable and she vowed to teach him the ins and outs of it.
Even though it was a strain she continued humming until his eyes fluttered back to sleep. Slowly and with much effort she shuffled up and the action took her breath and the tune away.
So caught up in herself, she didn't notice Sasuke moving until he plonked down right besides her and looked expectantly. She gaped in shock, before smiling and letting out a little happy baby giggle. Deviously, she thought, she couldn't beat Itachi by herself, but if she and Sasuke paired together...
She slowly got up on all fours and started crawling away. She heard the shuffling of his matching blue onesie and smiled. Everything was going perfectly.
Until her arms gave way and she went down like the titanic. As she oomph-ed, she heard an identical one behind her. They weren't even halfway across the room!
Sitting on her backside she frowned and looked at Sasuke, who had rolled over onto his back and was staring at the ceiling fan.
Light bulb.
She started humming again, a faster paced tune to get into the mood and Sasuke rolled over to her and gave her a clumsy hug-apparently missing her. She hugged back, then tightened her grip and maneuvered them both into crawling position.
He looked confused before an excited looked crossed his adorable face. And with their cloth covered hinnies, shoulders, and cheeks squashed together, they crawled forward.
Teamwork!
This would be even more impressive! It showed they were able to coordinate and work as a pair. Plus, she was sure they were adorable. From now on, she declared them partners-in-crime!
They slowly made their way across the room, before slowly turning in the open door down the hall, where a cracked door shined light. They had another falling out halfway down the hallway (where she sensed dad and Itachi to be) And burst into giggles along with Sasuke as they got up again. The faint talking coming from the rectangle of light stopped abruptly.
Huffing and puffing, they squeezed their way into the room.
Itachi and Fugaku were staring at them in shock and soft adoration. On the latter's part that is. Because he wanted too, they crawled over to Itachi, who was smiling softly at them. She didn't mind, as long as dad was watching. They grabbed at his pants, both of them having recovered from their surprise. Her new dad (weird) said some parting words before getting up to leave.
But he barely saw anything!
Like a bolt from the blue, an idea hit her.
"To-Tou tou" She garbled.
Said man froze in shock, before turning to look at her. He slowly approached and lifted her from Itachi's and Sasuke's sides. He brought her up to eye level and regarded her critically before giving a small, hesitant, smile.
Success.