Acts of Affection
✩ Grooming, brushing, or tending to their hair.
It’s more than simply tending to his hair.
It is a means of control.
Itachi is fully aware of the intent behind Sasuke’s actions. His brother is his, and he will decide how Itachi dresses for the day, and how he will wear his long hair, which now has an actual shine due to access to regular baths, and decent shampoo.
Itachi used up all of his cards long ago, and knows that relinquishing this control to Sasuke keeps him complacent, and more importantly, within the village walls.
Sasuke’s fingers are gentle, fingers against Itachi’s scalp as they brush through the locks first, before he even goes for the brush. Sasuke’s pleased his brother no longer has that many split ends, and the length is almost even– save for the bangs.
He opts for a higher ponytail. Not too lose, and not too tight, Itachi tilting his head back when necessary.
Itachi stands when called, and will remain by Sasuke’s side, lest someone be brave enough to pick him off again.

