Sasuke never imagined, even in his wildest dreams, that he would meet the thirteen year old version of his brother, who may or may not have already committed the Uchiha massacre or that he would meet a three year old version of his brother, who was cute enough to melt even Sasuke's bitter heart.

He also didn't know what he was thinking claiming the teenage Itachi as his son. It was true that he was Sarada's age and they needed an appropriate identity for him, but he knew that despite loving his brother, he still hadn't forgiven him for manipulating Sasuke into killing him.

Judging from his reactions, this Itachi had already made the decision to slaughter the clan and torture Sasuke in Tsukiyomi. Sasuke would like to think he hadn't actually done it yet, if the absence of blood from his clothes was any indication, but with Itachi you never know.

The way he and Sarada were taking, anyone would say they were actually siblings. They even looked quite alike. For Sasuke it was foreboding of the role he would have to play.

What would Naruto do in this situation?

Sasuke quickly dismissed the useless train of thought. The Dobe had a heart big enough to forgive anyone, he himself was an example of that. Sasuke wasn't that generous with his forgiveness. But wasn't it petty to hold a grudge with a teenager his daughter's age, who might not have done what Sasuke was holding the grudge over.

"Sasuke." he was brought out of his thoughts by Itachi's soft voice. "What shall I call you?" Was he blushing? "I mean, Sarada calls you Papa and me calling you something else might be..."

"Did you do it?" he didn't elaborate. He didn't need to, Itachi understood him perfectly.

"No." he answered. "I was going to."

Sasuke took a deep breath. "I have already forgiven you for what you did. I forgave you for that long ago. I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive you for what you made me do."

Itachi nodded. "I understand."

"Whether I'll forgive you or not, I want you to know that I'll always love you." Sasuke echoed Itachi's last words to him. "And that you aren't alone anymore, you don't have to carry every burden yourself. I know I'm very different from the Sasuke you left behind, but we're family; you, Sarada and me. Do you understand?"

Itachi nodded again. Sasuke could see how much effort it was taking him, maintaining a neutral face.

That was when Sarada decided to pull them both in a group hug.