Kakashi's hand feels heavy on Sasuke's head, heavy out of all proportion to its actual weight. It's the reward for doing well, Sasuke knows, a pat on the head, but that's not what it feels like.

It feels like being held back, being pushed down. It feels like Kakashi thinks Sasuke isn't good enough (yet) and wants to keep him in place to keep him safe. To be kept anywhere is not part of Sasuke's plans.

He has a brother to chase; he has a clan to avenge.

Kakashi's hand is heavier than it should be, and it's weighed down with something like affection (Sasuke can't quite remember what love feels like so he's not sure if that's it or if it's just pride and expectations that are pressing down on him). Sasuke could still get out from under it if he wanted, still take off at a run and maybe even make it ten meters before Kakashi caught him again.

He's not even going to try. He'll let the hand stay there, and he'll stay the teacher's pet.

Sasuke deliberately doesn't think about being a child and Itachi being the family's star; he won't let himself wonder if his father ever touched Itachi like this.

He's the teacher's pet right now; he's the star.

And once he catches Itachi, Itachi's going to burn.

But for now -- for now, he'll stay.