Riku: Hi to all. Sorry for the long late update. If you know me already…you won't question me about being so lazy. Hehe…

Title: A Master's Mate

Chapter Two: Benkyou! Benkyou!

Sasuke cocked his head on the side and sighed before kneeling down to face the grinning boy.

"Naruto…" He started.

"Yes, Master?" The boy excitedly asked.

"Is that how you stand and walk?" Sasuke continued and looked at Naruto's position. The 'boy' was sitting on his folded legs and—whenever he walks, he crawls with his knees and hands, touching the varnished wood floor boards as he moves. Then Sasuke remembered the state of the boy before—

He sighed.

After hearing those words from his master, his perplexed mind reflected on the expression of his tanned face. Seeing this, Sasuke held the boy's hand gently then placed his other hand on the boy's back, supporting him as he helped him in standing up properly.

"Ok, I'll take this week as my break." Sasuke thought.

"This is how you should stand from now on." He instructed and immediately turned away his head when his near, parted lips brushed with Naruto's closed ones. He tried to control the blush that was creeping over his still face and gulped hard, cursing his burning hormones.

xX00000Xx

It took moments before Naruto was able to balance his weight. He didn't have a hard time managing to walk like a normal person too; and eating aptly was the easiest lesson he learned for the whole week Sasuke taught him—the proper etiquette in speaking, sitting, eating ,and appropriate behavior.

"And lastly—" Sasuke spoke. "Call me Sasuke. I don't really like being called as your Master."

The blonde nodded.

xX00000Xx

Sliding his fingers on his sleek, black hair, Sasuke breathed out a sigh of exasperation and satisfaction while slowly closing his tired eyes. Another weight climb onto the navy, cotton couch and silk locks of hair touched Sasuke's pale skin—causing him to open his eyes and stare at Naruto's serene, sleeping face, comfortably laid on his lap. He smiled—

…A very placid but sincere smile.

Then lifting his right hand, he brushed off blonde bangs from the tan boy's forehead and took a closer look on him.

He blushed. His heart pounded on his flat but toned chest. For some reasons, he felt his face drawing nearer and nearer—his lips were eager to catch the other's and when he was about to press them lovingly, a female voice interrupted him and brought him out of his passionate thoughts. He stood up, forgetting that Naruto was sleeping on his lap, and then opened the door after realizing that it was Hinata.

"Hinata, what brings you here?" Sasuke asked, panting.

"I've been worrying about you and Naruto." Hinata replied then walked inside as Sasuke moved aside to let her in.

"Have you been teaching Naruto?" She asked suddenly, looking for Naruto whom she heard was groaning. Sasuke stopped and asked, not very surprised by the question…

"How did you know?"

"I've discovered since last week, that the potion Naruto accidentally drunk has a special ingredient which can turn animals into human—and when you've been gone in my shop, I thought what you are supposed to do. -To teach him." Hinata smiled and directed her eyes to Naruto who was massaging his pained head.

"Are you alright?" Sasuke asked worriedly after running towards Naruto. He checked the other's male's head for any injury or swelling and hugged him unconsciously in relief.

"I'm sorry. I forgot that you were sleeping on my lap."

"I'm alright Ma—Sasuke." Naruto murmured and blushed, burying his face on his Master's—no—Sasuke's shoulder. He always feels comfortable whenever he snuggles close to him; when he seeks for his warmth and tenderness.

"How sweet." Hinata chuckled then strode towards the tow males.

"Naruto." She called.

Naruto looked up.

"Do you know that Sasuke-kun never worries about anyone but you?" She giggled, waiting for Sasuke's reaction.

For a few seconds—Sasuke broke the hug and gave Hinata a slight glare but shrugging his irritation in an instant.

"Sorry about not helping you for a whole week at the shop." He stated.

Hinata shook her head.

"No. It's fine. You did what I am supposed to tell you last Sunday and since you didn't come, I made a conclusion that you decided to do something—you know." She gave him a light smile.

"By the way. I brought you some groceries." She spoke while putting down four bags of food. Sasuke helped her o the two bags and together they laid it on the dining table.

"I was planning to go to the market today. Sorry for troubling you." Sasuke uttered with a little shyness.

When he and Hinata became close friends, he learned how to accept offers or helps from others. He became considerate to people he didn't care once and his old rude attitude altered too. And as many said—he changed…a lot.

"Actually I was really going to give you these. This is a treat for Naruto and you—being his Master. But I guess now—" She paused and gave a teasing look on Sasuke.

"It seems things are different." She continued and made another topic.

"I have to suggest you something." Hinata began.

"What is it?" Sasuke asked, not too interested.

"I think you should bring Naruto to the festival." She glanced at Sasuke.

"It's better if Naruto would be able to meet new people so he could also interact with them and…so he can learn more about his new surroundings."

"What do you think?" Hinata stared at him. Sasuke sat on his dining table's chair and massaged his temple, thinking.

"Don't worry. The festival is still next, next Monday. Naruto would be able to practice what you taught him and I'm sure he'll be totally prepared to meet new people." She persuaded.

"He'll be happy too." She continued, turning to face Naruto who sleeping peacefully on the couch.

"Alright." Sasuke rolled his eyes when Hinata jumped in delight.

"I'll go here before the festival so we could come together." She said while looking at Naruto.

She was blushing.

"He's so cute." Hinata murmured and leaned forward, kissing Naruto's forehead lovingly.

"Ja!" She stood up and went to the door for her exit while Sasuke—

Well…he just stared at her retreating back and later, laid his eyes on Naruto.

Well guys…that's it for this update. The festival would surely be interesting 'cause someone steals Naruto's first kiss! Oh! who could that be? If you're wondering, then stay tuned on the next chapter. I hope it will be updated shortly. I'm hoping so keep on reading and reviewing!

Much love—Riku!