“Whoever appeals to the law against his fellow man is either a fool or a coward. Whoever cannot take care of themselves without that law is both. For a wounded man shall say to his assailant, 'If I live I will kill you, if I die you are forgiven'. Such is the Rule of Honor.”

- “Omerta”, Lamb of God

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Itachi took off his ANBU mask, then slid the door open. All of the lights in the Uchiha household were off, which suggested that the family had retired for the night. He stepped inside, sliding the door closed behind him and taking off his sandals. It wasn't surprising that his father, mother, and little brother had gone to bed. It was late, after all.

He moved silently down the hall, pausing momentarily at Sasuke's door. The seven-year-old was most likely fast asleep and dreaming. He continued on toward his own room, but then stopped before he reached the door. The door was cracked open. Itachi had not left it that way. He placed one hand into one of his pockets, then slid the door open.

“Aniki! You're home!” Itachi blinked as his little brother's body slammed into his as the boy ran to him and hugged him. He allowed Sasuke to embrace him for a moment, then pushed him back with one hand.

“Sasuke, you're supposed to be asleep,” Itachi said quietly, stepping around the younger boy and into his room. He set his mask down on the dresser, then glanced back at Sasuke. Sasuke was staring at the ground with his hands behind his back, biting his lip. Itachi sat down on his bed, then sighed. He patted the space next to him, and was rewarded with a smile and the little boy jumping up onto his bed.

“I know, Aniki. But...” Itachi raised one eyebrow as Sasuke suddenly grinned at him. “I made this for you!”

A card was pushed into the elder Uchiha's lap. Itachi glanced at it, then to his little brother's face. Sasuke was looking at him expectantly, wide eyes shining. Itachi picked up the card, then smiled inwardly.

“Happy birthday, Aniki!” Sasuke exclaimed, then hugged his brother's arm. This time Itachi allowed himself a small smile. He ruffled Sasuke's hair, then picked him up. At the squeak of of protest, he responded, “Time for bed.”

Itachi tucked his little brother in, then paused at the door for the second time that night. He turned to watch his brother's small form, then smiled. He closed the door, then turned away.

“Thank you, Otouto.”

Itachi took off the traditional hat of the Akatsuki, then leaned back against a tree. He looked up toward the moon, then smiled faintly. It had been many years since that event, but Sasuke was still the only person who would remember his birthday.

“Sleep well, Otouto.”

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(Author's Note): Seeing as how today is Uchiha Itachi's birthday (June 9th) I felt the need to write a story for him. I hope you guys enjoyed it. I enjoyed writing it.