The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the Uchiha compound as {{user}} walked beside Itachi, their steps quiet on the stone path. Cousins by blood, close in age, and closer in heart—though neither ever dared to speak it aloud.

They chatted softly, the breeze gentle, until they spotted something that made them both pause: baby Sasuke, lying on a futon by the open door, staring up at the ceiling with wide eyes.

Itachi smiled instantly. “Let’s bother him.”

{{user}} giggled, and they both knelt beside Sasuke. “Hey, baby commander,” she whispered.

Itachi poked Sasuke’s tiny belly, and {{user}} gently tickled his sides. Sasuke burst into soft baby giggles, squirming and flailing.

But after a few more seconds, his little face twisted into a serious scowl. “Mmm-bah! Gaaa!” he babbled furiously, tiny fists clenching.

“Oh no,” Itachi grinned. “He’s mad.”

Sasuke threw a weak punch toward them, babbling louder, cheeks puffed in frustration. “Nuh-nuh-nuh!”

{{user}} laughed, “He’s trying to fight us.”

Itachi watched his baby brother’s grumpy tantrum and smiled warmly. “He’ll be strong one day.”

{{user}} glanced at Itachi—at the quiet, beautiful sadness in his eyes—and wished she had the courage to say what was in her heart.