The first time Sasuke came to Naruto for help he was flabbergasted, to say the least. Naruto mouthed soundlessly for a while before forcing himself to speak.
"Why?" Naruto was suspicious and thought about his actions for the past month. He hadn't done anything too remarkable stupid and so couldn't think of a reason why Sasuke would be so cruel and get his hopes up like that.
"Because I need someone to train with." Sasuke fidgeted. "So, you going to help me or what?"
Naruto crossed his arms. "No tricks?"
Sasuke rolled his eyes. "No tricks. I promise."
Naruto smiled happily. "Awesome!" He grabbed at his loudly growling stomach abruptly then grinned sheepishly at Sasuke. "Um, can we go eat first? 'Because I'm starving!"
Sasuke sighed before punching Naruto's shoulder. "Fine, but you're paying."
Naruto's indignant cry continued all the way to the ramen shop. Onlookers commented to themselves what an odd pair they made. They couldn't deny that seeing Sasuke smile was a pleasant surprise. Not since before Itachi had left for his mission had the young Uchiha smiled.
After school they practiced every day for three hours. It only occurred Naruto to ask why a month into their rigorous training.
"Why are you doing this?" Naruto asked, then ducking to avoid a well aimed kick at his head.
"I want," Sasuke leaped into the air, spinning, "to be ready for when Itachi gets home." Sasuke came down and his next hit connected with Naruto's stomach. He crumpled to the ground.
"What?" Naruto spluttered.
Sasuke crouched down to Naruto's level. Naruto looked up at him through messy blond strands.
"Itachi said he'd train me when he got back from his mission." Sasuke's puffed out his chest, bursting with pride for his important older brother. "But, only if I got more experience. That's where you come in." He gave Naruto a winning smile.
For some reason, Naruto felt disappointment. Why had he thought Sasuke was only trying to spend time with him? Of course there was another motive. Naruto got up, dusting the dirt off him. He was ready to fight. He imagined Sasuke was Itachi; it was surprisingly easy. What was also surprising was the lack of glee he got from landing a few blows on Sasuke.