Emerging slowly into consciousness from his light nap, eyes crack open to be greeted by the streaks of fading light from the window. Eyelids snap closed again as he rolls onto his back, stretching languidly and almost missing the sudden question voiced by Naruto. He stops mid-stretch and turns to cast the blond an incredulous look.
"Are we really talking about this?" He asks, tone still thick with sleep. He already knows the answer of course; Naruto not being one to shy away from a question once asked, no matter how random and touchy a subject. Hands come to rest on his stomach, fingers lacing together as he rolls his eyes to the ceiling in contemplation. "Puberty was…" What can he say? The majority of his puberty was spent in the company of Orochimaru and he had bigger issues to deal with. "It just happened. I can't really remember much about it. Physically, things had started to change here in the village."
Cheeks redden in discomfort. "It all accelerated once I left, I guess. The voice cracking was the worst thing. I know I never used to talk much but Kabuto insisted on making conversation during my many trips to get healed. He never said anything but I think he noticed because he'd always smirk after it. I wanted shove my fist down his throat." He decides not to comment on his hormones. They were a completely different matter entirely and sexual urges were always at the bottom of his priority list. When he had decided to act upon them, it was always a solo expedition and left him feeling confused and unsatisfied afterwards.
"What about you?"
The sluggish answer Naruto receives, albeit not substantial in length, is enough to quell his curiosity. "Ah, yeah," he agrees sympathetically, in regard to rapid change in tenor. "Kakashi would pretend he didn't hear something and ask me to repeat it. It took me a while to realize he was poking fun. Sakura would giggle behind her hand and now that I think of it, that was probably the start of the whole 'cackling hyena thing' I warned you about."
Speaking of their time spent apart makes Naruto wish they'd been together during it, rouses a bit of sadness he'd always hold for that gap in their companionship. When he's questioned of his own experiences, driven away from his previous thoughts, Naruto chuckles as he recalls the memories. " Uh, it was sort of similar to yours, I guess. Though, I had one full year of acne, which was a real treat, I assure you. Sometimes I'd think about things and suddenly my hand would be down my pants." Shaking his head, Naruto covers his face, letting out long, shameful groan.
" I left to train with Jiraiya shortly after you went. I was.." His mouth remains open until he finds the appropriate word. " exposed to quite a few things? Jiraiya attempted to justify paying visits to red-light districts as 'mandatory book-writing endeavors' or some shit. I got my first eyeful of a tit what I was thirteen." Naruto proceeds to ramble on about his time under Jiraiya's questionable wing, delving into the 'Ways of the Traveling Hermit' and all that entailed.
"Okay, so maybe that wasn't the best topic to breach? Look, all I'll say is that puberty was possibly the most normal facet of my life." Blue eyes swivel over to the man beside him, careful expression gauging Sasuke's own.
Thinking back, Sasuke surmises he had been lucky to avoid acne altogether and can't help but point this out to Naruto in a smug manner. "My skin has always been flawless." He teases, fingers smoothing over his own cheek to demonstrate. Flawless, except for the small scar above his lip and the beginnings of facial hair growing back.
At the mention of Jiraiya, he cannot help the small smile the curves his lips. Despite the mans questionable habits, it is clear that Naruto was very fond of his mentor regardless; cerulean hues shining with reminiscence and underlying sadness. Sasuke listens with full attention, laughing at some of the stories Naruto shares and still not quite believing how such a man became Sannin and was somewhat a friend of Orochimaru's.
Rolling onto his stomach, Sasuke leans over his lover and presses a chaste kiss to the warm flesh just above his navel. "You really miss him don't you?" He inquires softly, resting his chin on abdominals and glancing up at Naruto from beneath his lashes. "He sounds like he was quite a guy. In more ways than one…. At least I know where you get some of your more kooky ideas from." He doesn't mind that the other has taken some influence from the Sannin. The old guy helped Naruto become who he is today and Sasuke guesses he had been a good person for Naruto to turn to as a fatherly-type figure also.
"Are you hungry? We can have supper if you like seeing as we slept through dinner. Or we can laugh at bad acting on TV until we fall asleep again."
A single hand travels down to wind it's fingers within inky locks that have become draped over his abdomen. Idly, he twists the strands, thoughtful eyes only flicking over to the gaze staring back at him once the subject of Jiraiya has been revisited. "Missing him is an understatement," he replies quietly, though his lips are upturned in a gentle smile. "I really wish you could have met him. Though, admittedly, he would've rubbed you the wrong way at any time. You probably would have done your prissy-walk-off or something."
"Sasuke, let me tell you something that reflects the very pillars of my soul: I am always hungry, there's never a time I'm not. So when you ask me that, it's a bit redundant. The question is, are you hungry?" Mirthful eyes seek an answer and when he receives it, the blond props himself up on an elbow. Turning his head toward the window, he stares into the last dying rays of the setting sun. It's well into the evening hour now and their impromptu nap has replenished Naruto's energy somewhat. He surmises they'll be up late because of it.
"Well, I need to cast your naked ass from the bed so I can throw the ripped sheet out—or would you consider testing out your sewing skills?" His proposal is voiced, but he makes no move to carry it out, gaze dropping back down to Sasuke. Whatever the response, Naruto flicks at a 'flawless cheek' before eventually sliding from under the other's weight, feet moving over the side of his mattress to flatten against the carpet.
Stiffly, the bond rises to his full height, seeking modesty in the place of clothing and chucking a couple articles behind him, where Sasuke still remains. Back still turned, Naruto mentions that he wouldn't mind trying to make something for the other.
"…And here I thought you were going to say something profound." He chuckles, lips curving into an amused grin. "I am aware of your hollow legs and bottomless pit of a stomach actually but it's still better to check these things." He watches Naruto depart from the bed, snorting in response to the suggestion of sewing. "You know I'm more likely to sew my fingers together right?"
Sitting upright, legs swing over the side of they bed, Sasuke releasing a yawn before pulling himself to his feet. He walks unabashed to the wardrobe, pulling on a pair of shorts. "I didn't mind making something, but if you're offering I won't complain." Thinking about it, they had yet to have had a cooked dinner since arriving back in the village and Sasuke doesn't count ramen and takeaways as cooked dinner. Naruto's poorly stocked kitchen had been filled with plenty of options so there shouldn't be any problems putting something together.
Sasuke follows Naruto into the kitchen and opens one of the cupboards to look for some culinary ideas. "We have plenty of rice. What did you have in mind to make?"
" No, I want to make something for you," he replies, voice muffled from the cotton shirt he tugs down onto him. They make their way in and out of the hallway before Naruto adds on, " Besides, I don't to eat with caution." A cheeky grin is aimed over a lax shoulder, while he flips on the light switch in the kitchen.
Naruto makes his silent way from the fridge, to each cupboard, scanning each space for the items they contain. He's on the last cupboard above the stove when he whirls around, eyes comically wide and hands coming to clasp the edge of the counter behind him. " This is the first time I've had a full kitchen and I literally have no clue what to make." Making staples like cup ramen and simple sandwiches would likely prove to be a travesty, a let down for them both. It seems Naruto is only crafty when given little to work with.
The mention of rice does little to narrow their choices down, his tendency to add the grain to everything is now coming back to bite him. He wracks his brain for ideas, stilling completely and squinting into the ceiling. " Wait!" The sudden exclamation is followed by the blond kneeling down and reaching to a bottom cupboard. " There's this thing," he says, voice straining as he stretches further," that TenTen gave me when I moved into this apartment. It's a.." He pulls out a wooden container, pristine in it's disuse.
"It's a…wok?"
Stepping up behind the blond and resting his chin on his shoulder, Sasuke peers over to see what Naruto is holding. "Hm, it's a bit like what they use in restaurants but smaller. Well then, I'll let you surprise me." Pulling away he heads over to the sink and runs some water for their pots that had been neglected from that morning. "When we get some free time.. as in a full day, what do you want to do?"
Sasuke supposes they'd better pay a visit to Sakura and Ino at some point, he can't imagine their patience being very good. He voices this as he runs a washcloth over one of the used bowls. "… and I don't know what you think, but I don't think they'll take us having time together as an excuse to not seeing them." That and they are bound to suspect something… he adds silently.
Once everything is washed and dried, he puts everything away and leans with his palms pressed against the counter. "Is that training ground still in use by the way?" There will be times when Naruto is working and Sasuke is not so he thought he can at least train to pass the time and keep fit until he can do missions again.
Sasuke tends to self-appointed tasks and Naruto moves to proceed with his own, seeking out the proper ingredients for the dinner he plans to prepare. "I definitely think we should visit Sakura and I guess Ino, if she manages to turn up," pausing to aim a dubious glance in the other's direction, he goes on to say, " and she probably will."
He is warned of a possible bout of reprimanding from the two women in lieu of their lack of contact since the last time they'd seen the pinkette. He supposes their complaints would be valid, but should Sakura bring up the subject, he'll promptly tell her that him and Sasuke had things to work out.
The mention of the training grounds rewires Naruto's train of thought. Of course, since the village had been rebuilt, areas designated for shinobi have been expanded. Nowadays, Naruto would have to ask which training ground, as there are more than one. However, he knows specifically what Sasuke means and will mention how his choices have broadened. " Yeah, that one is usually free. There are other training grounds now, we've even opened funding for those areas to be specialized, as far as terrain goes. Baa-chan and Shikamaru mentioned it to me a while back."
Naruto grabs a knife and moves to cut ingredients like, cilantro, tofu, scallions, and a few other spices to add into the dumplings. He chops slowly with inexperience, but eventually finishes that particular task. Turning around, he decides to inform Sasuke on his intent. " I figured we could try making these without pork. I like tofu, but it has to have flavor." Under his breath, Naruto mutters, " I hope I'm doing this right.."
"Oh?" Sasuke's interest is piqued at the mention of the training ground developments and future plans. Konoha really knows how to rebuild…
"That's good, I figured I could spend time honing my skills when I'm on my own and with some downtime." He explains. "Until I'm allowed to do missions again of course." Only a few days into his community service and already he is feeling idle. He would complain but in all fairness he has been let of lightly and his re-trial is coming up in the next month or so.
A month to earn back some trust…
After today's events, the outcome is looking grim but he needs to remain optimistic for Naruto's sake; the blond had been though and sacrificed so much for him it would do little good to mope around. With a soft smile curving his lips, he watches the other concentrate on the preparation of their meal. Sasuke is setting the table when Naruto turns to him.
"Tofu? I don't think I've tried that before." He walks over and looks at the array of ingredients Naruto has set out. "Whoa, going all out tonight are we? I'm sure it will be fine." He assures, hands settling on the others hips to press a brief kiss to the side of his neck. "If not we have a cupboard full of cup ramen." Flashing a smirk, he pulls away to finish setting the table, pouring them both a glass of water.
It isn't long until Naruto has the wok sizzling away, the small kitchen area filling with the scent of the various ingredients used. Sasuke takes a seat ready, drumming his fingertips gently on the table. "It certainly smells good." He offers his opinion to encourage his lover who is beginning to look a little flustered. Sasuke finds it quite endearing that Naruto is trying so hard and decides that even if it tastes like foot, he will eat it all.
Face flushed from standing over the steaming wok, Naruto decides to move from nursing their dinner, to standing near the only other chair near the small table. " It actually does smell pretty good," he mumbles with uncertainty, eyes sliding to the sink and finally settling on the other kitchen inhabitant.
From where he stands, looking down on Sasuke, he quite likes how the other fits in the space. Having someone to talk to and gripe with at all times of the day or night—-the blond finds it a privilege and wonders how he ever got through coming home to an empty apartment at the end of the day. Eventually, his silent musings give way to his senses, the scent of their dinner in it's final stages bringing him back to the present.
"It should be done by now." Purposeful strides bring him to the counter edge again and arms stretched out, he removes the lid with caution, letting the bulk of the steam float free. As it disperses, Naruto gets an eyeful of what most would deem sloppily made dumplings. At least none of the filling has fallen out, he thinks with a shrug. Donning oven mitts, he carries the container to the table and gingerly sets it down.
"I think they're cooked," he admits, finally lowering into his seat. " We'll find out, I guess! You take the first bite and be honest." When Sasuke does so, Naruto waits with bated breath.
Peering into the steaming pot, Sasuke cannot discern whether the dumpling are right or not, having never eaten them before. He reasons that they have a good colour to them and are in some semblance of shape; however the taste is what matters. Picking one out and transferring it to his plate, he gives it a few more seconds to cool a little before lifting it to his lips. Taking a bite, he is surprised at the light texture of the dumpling and then he tastes the filling. The warm mixture is chunky and full of flavour, well-seasoned without being too rich. It's delicious.
Chewing and swallowing, his eyes flick towards Naruto who is watching him with an anxious expression. Sasuke stares back blankly for a few moments, trying hard to keep his expression neutral just to make the blond sweat a but more. It doesn't last however and his lips twitch, curving into a full smirk before he licks his lips.
"That," he begins, "is the best thing you've cooked so far. I'll be honest, I was little dubious just looking at them, but to taste… this is a winner." Not waiting to see the others reaction, he continues eating, happy he allowed Naruto to cook. "Who taught you to cook by the way?" He asks curiously. Although Sasuke had taught himself to cook some basics, he wouldn't even attempt what Naruto has just made. As they eat, they talk easily, mostly about Konoha and it's inhabitants and where their old classmates are these days. When their plates are clean, they remain seated and fall into their usual banter.
"…So you've had no little kids asking you to marry them yet?" Sasuke teases when the subject falls on Naruto's visits to the academy and his little flock of female admirers. "Does Iruka not mind you disrupting his lessons?"
Visibly, Naruto deflates, shoulders sagging with relief as the approval is voiced. " I'm glad," he admits, sinking back into his chair and grabbing a few for himself. His gaze then flicks back to Sasuke, azure eyes brimming with mirth. " Not that I was trying to please you, or anything." True to Sasuke's word, the food is great and Naruto enjoys it thoroughly, burning the roof of his mouth out of impatience.
He's fanning a hand in front of his mouth when the other asks him where he got his cooking ability. " Iruka-sensei," he replies through a mouthful, " and Sakura. I asked them—well, Sakura for recipes one day as a joke and found a list taped to my door the next morning." Sakura must have stopped by after a late shift, far after Naruto would have gone to sleep. He thanked her by giving her the first meal he made. To this day, he still doesn't know if she managed to stomach it.
Once full, Naruto hooks an arm around the back his chair, raising the other to appreciatively rub circles into his full stomach. " Ah, none of the rugrats have been bold enough to ask me like to grab at me, though. Why are their hands always sticky? Anyway, Iruka actually likes to use me as an example sometimes. At one point I had dropped in and he had explained I was 'just in time' and roped me into being a class speaker. Can't really remember what I said, but he didn't look disappointed. I sort of just waffled on for a few minutes about teammate correspondence, which is basically the 'buddy-system' to them."
In the future, when things have begun to smooth over regarding the villagers' outlook on Sasuke and his presence, Naruto would like to cart him along on a trip to the Academy. He suspects he'll acquire his own group of cheerleaders. "I'm so full I can't move. I think I ate too much.." What follows is a groan and a, " I don't think I can bring myself to wash the dishes…."
Sasuke listens to Naruto's story with a small, wistful smile pursing his lips. He imagines the blond is admired as a hero and not just by the village's youth but the general populous. Who better to bring inspiration to everyone? Despite his rocky start and the adversities he had faced, he had rose above all that and proved everyone wrong. Sasuke only wishes he had been around to witness Naruto's growth as a person and that he could have an ounce of his resilience.
Rather than dwell on the topic however, he pushes it aside and laughs at the sticky hands comment. "Kids touch everything they probably shouldn't. You should know that dobe, I'm pretty sure you got hold of some glue and tried to glue someone's seat… in fact the whole class got left behind because of it, I remember because I wanted to punch you for it."
Sliding his chair out, Sasuke rises to his feet and walks around the table and grabs both of Naruto's wrists and pulls him to his feet. "Leave the dishes, let's go and digest on the sofa before bed." Sasuke half-drags the reluctant blond into the living room, grabbing the tv remote on the way. They both slump on the cushions, Sasuke finding some wildlife programme and letting it play. The camera follows a lion pride, hunting, eating and eventually mating rituals.
"Do you think Kurama goes into like, a male heat?" Sasuke sniggers, joking. The idea is absurd but amusing either way. Absently, he reclines onto his back, shuffling around until his head is resting on Naruto's lap. A soft yawn escapes his lips. "I like lions." He voices suddenly. "I don't know why… they are just big-ass cats really" Shrugging and stifling and another yawn, he peers up at Naruto. "What animal do you like aside from frogs and foxes?"
"Yeah, I remember," he admits, head tilting towards one shoulder, tongue flicking out against a smirking mouth. " The times when I made you mad were pretty gratifying. Still are, actually." Images of Sasuke's young, reddened face would put Naruto in a lovely mood during his time in the Academy. He finds the same person pulling him up from his chair and out of his lazy musings.
His full stomach weighs him down as they move into the living room and he settles nicely into the pillows of his couch, with Sasuke following suit. Surprisingly, Sasuke's show of choice turns out to be a nature documentary. Naruto watches the scenes with half-lidded eyes, only perking up when the other questions him of any mating rituals Kurama may have. " Say his name three times and he will appear," he replies in a haunting voice. " But seriously, I'll be sure to ask him for you next time he visits. He'll probably be delighted to give you an answer."
Naruto then explains that Sasuke asks all of the important questions in a mocking tone, flattening a palm over a pale forehead in feigned endearment. Despite his words, Naruto does consider the next question, eyes swiveling up towards the ceiling. " Well shit, that's actually hard to answer—they all have good qualities. Are we talking about capabilities or just liking an animal just because? Literally, the deliberation can go on for hours if you ask me something like that, I mean, why do you like lions?" When his own question isn't immediately answered with what would surely be a scoff, Naruto looks back down to realize Sasuke has drifted off. He spares himself a moment to observe the resting body below him.
Dark are brows relaxed from their usual serious position and lips slightly parted to expel small, even puffs of air—Naruto feels guilty for having to move, but it is perfectly justifiable. Gingerly, he scoops the other's form into his arms, astonished that Sasuke hasn't woken up in protest of the act and carts him to their bedroom.
The following morning finds Naruto up and dressed with practice. Golden strands are smoothed and parted. In the mirror, Naruto even gives his reflection a wink before departing from the bathroom. Padding softly into their room, the blond leans downwards to hover over his seemingly asleep partner. Lips part to whisper, " I mustn't wake the sleeping lion in it's lair, but have things to do….." Naruto then proceeds to snicker at himself.
The ghosting of air fanning over his cheeks is what awakens Sasuke that morning. His eyes peel open to be met with the grinning face of Naruto. Mildly disorientated, he sits up and rubs at his face. "What are you saying about lions?" His first words of the day are muffled and thick with sleep.
When he returns to earth and learns he is bed, he doesn't need to even ask how he got there. Of course Naruto would tease him about it. There is little time for that however, the other ushering him out of bed and into the bathroom. "You let me oversleep!" He grumbles as he showers.
A little less than an hour later, a rather disgruntled Uchiha is dressed and fed, following his blond lover out into Konoha's streets on route to the Hokage building. Sasuke is wondering if this is a good idea afterall, his grouchy mood will no doubt be detected as soon as he sets foot into the room. Prior to returning to the village, Sasuke had never encountered the woman but he had heard stories. So far he hadn't experienced anything too bizarre but he is certain that will change over the course of the morning.
"Who's bright idea was this again?" He gripes but one look at Naruto's face tells him to shut up and that puts an end to his complaints.. for now. Lips compress into a thin line as they approach the entrance of the building, the men guarding it exchanging a few quick words with Naruto before reluctantly letting them pass. "I guess they weren't expecting me." Sasuke says with sarcasm. "I'll let you explain to Tsunade why I'm with you."
Trudging up the many steps occupying the side of the building, they find themselves outside the door to the Hokage office. Sasuke folds his arms and waits for Naruto to knock.. or something.
Sparing the door no raps, Naruto twists the brass knob, pushing forward and into the quiet house. He aims one last cheeky grin at Sasuke before cupping the side of his mouth and calling, " Baa-chan! I brought something for show-and-tell!" The blond doesn't expect an immediate response and doesn't wait for one either, beckoning his hesitant companion to step past the door frame.
There are no lights on inside, but the stream from the sun illuminates the area sufficiently. He takes his time making his way through the rooms, silently watching Sasuke take in the surroundings as they pass him. He supposes meeting Tsunade for only the second at her house must be a bit surreal for the other. Blue eyes scan down the slightly withdrawn posture, the way the other keeps his hands close by his sides, and the legs that move stiffly in front of each other. He'll be fine.
Tsunade is in her usual spot, under the shade of the largest tree in her back garden and reclining into a beautifully articulated, but incredibly uncomfortable chair. She watches as the two of them step out onto the dewy grass, is still when Sasuke reveals himself from behind Naruto. Her silence is enough to offset Naruto, but he she will do nothing out of hand. "Surprise," he mutters weakly.
"Not much of one," she replies in a bored tone. Clearly, the situation will need some tweaking in order for the three of them to converse in the way he'd like. Stopping at the table, he realizes there are only two chairs present, one of which has been claimed by Tsunade and fretfully, Naruto mutters something unintelligible before retrieving one from the kitchen.
"It's okay right? He'll just sit here until I'm done with my lesson. Literally, he probably won't move at all…"
Her gaze lazily shifts between the two of them before she supplies, " I had no idea I was teaching a class today." A lacquered nail points towards Naruto's bag. " Take out your assignments and convince me you've improved on your foreign policy."
Walking through Tsunade's home, Sasuke can't help feel a little apprehensive. He is uninvited after all and he wouldn't be surprised if the woman turfed him out from the word go. He follows Naruto to the garden and as he steps out, his eyes fall upon the reclining form of the lady Hokage. Their eyes meet briefly and Sasuke finds he cannot decipher what she may be thinking from her gaze alone. He says nothing as Naruto disappears to retrieve another chair, arms folding under his chest.
"I'm not sitting down until I'm invited to." He quips stubbornly, dark hues trained on Tsunade in expectation. He take's note of the minute twitch of a shapely eyebrow and the thinning of glossy lips. He doesn't back down however, gaze unwavering in his resolve.
"Sasuke Uchiha." She says, tapping a nail to her chin. "You came into my home uninvited did you not? You're lucky I haven't thrown you out you ungrateful shit. Stand up, sit down; Do what you want, I have better things to do that cater for brats with an ego-complex." Her tone is firm, almost cold in nature. "…And you," She barks, addressing Naruto. "Leave him at home next time."
Sasuke holds back his next retort, reluctantly taking the seat provided. The rumours about her temper are definitely correct, he concludes. Clasping his hands under his chin, he watches as a flustered Naruto digs around in his bag for his papers, his gel-slicked hair shining under the suns rays. "Why do you make him wear his hair like that?" The questions surfaces before he can stop himself and when he turns back to Tsunade, it is clear he is in for another ear-bashing.
So soon it becomes apparent that Naruto would hardly think twice about jamming the heel of his foot into Sasuke's toes. He barely escapes the initial disagreement between him and Tsunade, but when the estranged Uchiha finds it appropriate to bring up his teacher's set of rules before he's even begun his lesson, no less, it's Naruto's turn to stare daggers into the other's petulant eyes.
He mouths a, 'what the fuck' that could clearly be read, had anyone been looking at him. Naruto's quite unsure of where the sudden anger is stemming from, he's the one who invited Sasuke along, who, under no certain terms, had said he'd act like a perfect angel. But the other isn't one to blurt out his thoughts, and the blond had just gotten finished explaining he wouldn't become a bother. Well. That's all down the drain.
As a response, slender fingers come to clasp in front of an ample bosom and Tsunade considers Sasuke, really observes the man before deciding to answer his question. The inquiry isn't out of order, by normal standards, and had Sasuke worded it in a way that suggested he was genuinely interested in her methods, perhaps her answer would be different.
"What would you suggest, Uchiha? Have Naruto arrive at a diplomatic meeting sporting the stunted hairstyle that resembles the sodden feathers of a duck's ass? Maybe unkempt bangs that drape like a security blanket but do nothing to hide insecurities? At this point and time, I have Naruto style his hair so that everything is openly displayed. I can better pinpoint any falter in his demeanor and fix it."
All the while, Naruto his stilled in shock, mouth agape at the insult so plainly spoken. When the hokage turns to him, she is met with the same expression. " I'm assuming you two will be attached at the hip from now on. You would do well with teaching him some of your elementary lessons—actually, I doubt you'd need to pull out the books I gave you. Iruka would love to have you in his classroom."
He can feel the heat of the others glare and surmises that Naruto may not appreciate his rudeness towards the Tsunade and Hokage no less. It couldn't be helped though, he truly wanted to know why the woman thought it was necessary for Naruto to wear his hair a certain way. Her explanation makes a little sense but he is more interested with the obvious insult to his own hair style. He wants to bite back with something about her own age insecurities but thinks better of it. Instead he bites the inside of his cheek, eyes averting to the side as he reluctantly takes a seat.
As Tsunade instructs Naruto further, Sasuke takes the opportunity to look around at his his surroundings. Admittedly, the garden is stunning. It could even rival the garden of his family home and that was something to behold. In fact from the glimpses he got walking through the house, the whole place seemed to be well-looked after. He reasons it would be expected of a Hokage's home. Where the Uchiha house was grand in the traditional sense, this house seemed to hold many modern touches.
If Naruto became Hokage, would he live here?
The thought surfaces and along with it are other questions, like would he live with him? Would their relationship still be a secret? What exactly will he be doing? His expression is pensive as he mulls over the options, the spell only being broken by a …. flying shoe. It barely misses him. "What the fuck?!"
"Some Shinobi." A dry female voice. "I'm sorry to interrupt what I'm sure are riveting thoughts, but I asked you a question." Resting her chin on her hand, she leans forward with a smirk.
"You didn't have to throw your fucking shoe at me." He hisses. This warrants a laugh from the Hokage, "Calm down princess. Now, I was asking how your living arrangement is?" Despite the nickname, Sasuke is somewhat surprised at the question, blinking rapidly a few times. "It's okay…" He says finally. "I mean it's Naruto, so you've got to expect some noise and all that but overall … it could be worse." He hopes Naruto catches on that he is playing it down for Tsunade.
"Hm I see…" Her gaze flicks between the pair thoughtfully. "Well then. Give me my shoe back brat." Resisting the urge to throw it back, Sasuke picks the item up gingerly and hands it over.
For now, it seems that Tsunade's scathing remark has quieted the Uchiha down. Naruto has almost chewed his bottom lip raw watching the exchange and relief floods to the damaged skin once he is no longer inclined to press sharp enamel into it. Sasuke looks to have resigned to his own thought and the blond dreads to think what he will say once they leave.
Blue eyes flick back to Tsunade to find she is already staring at him. Plainly, she points a finger towards his notes, signaling that he may continue. For the most part, he does, but not without angling a few quick glances to his left every now and then. It's when he's furrowing his brows at Sasuke, who seems to remain in his own far-off world does Tsunade finally give up and lightly inquire how the 'home-life is going'. The question has Naruto scrambling for an answer, as it is quite sudden for the woman to ask, but when an answer finally finds it's way to his lips, a sandal whizzes by his face and, by the sound of it, impacts Sasuke in quite an undesirable way.
Bypassing the occurrence entirely, he is quick to fire back at the two of them speaking as if he weren't present. " I am sitting right here! And Sasuke I'm sure you'll elaborate on what you mean by saying 'it's Naruto'. I won't forget. Baa-chan, don't listen to him. The amenities I provide for him are superb, of course this is how he pays me back!"
All the while, red lips have quirked into a smile, pulling higher and higher until they part, laughter spilling from them. Naruto watches, uncertain if he should feel alarmed, particularly because when Tsunade laughs like that, ridicule is sure to follow. The older woman proceeds to ask if they've told anyone yet.
"Huh," Naruto replies, thoroughly confused. " I mean we're slowly making our rounds, trying to meet everyone might be a bit of an overload—" The godaime interrupts him.
"No, Naruto, I mean have you told anyone the two of you are gay. Specifically for each other."
Well, Naruto hadn't been completely wrong for being apprehensive.
For Tsunade to bring it up so casually, as if she were asking how his plants were coming along— could she not have eased them into things? Sighing, Tsunade leans back in her chair. " Naruto's quiet heart attack tells me that, no, you haven't told anyone. No bother, I doubt it'll come as a massive shock to anyone. Anyway, I'm done with you for today, Naruto."
"Baa-chan—"
" Scram."
She then starts up with her hurried clapping, explaining that she has an appointment at the salon and that they aren't moving fast enough for her. They make their way out, but not without Naruto banging his hip on the sharp edge of her kitchen table and yelling an expletive.
Nothing, nothing could have prepared Sasuke for the crazy old woman's next questions. He is sure his heart has stopped, a cold sweat breaking out on his skin. How did she….?
He is about to protest, deny the accusations but words seems to fail him, dying in his throat before they have a chance to surface. Then just like that they are being hurried out, rather forcibly too. Sasuke is still a little too shell-shocked to do anything but obey, following Naruto back through the grand home and back onto the streets.
They walk aimlessly in silence for sometime after that. Sasuke is trying to think back to anything either of them might have said that gave them away but could come up with nothing. The biggest issue is how many more people are going to work it out. Are they obvious?
"Well.. that was interesting." Sasuke finally speaks through grit teeth, dark hues sliding to regard his lover. Softening his features he adds, "I suppose it could of gone worse…" Hands delve into his pockets, absently kicking a pebble along the path. One thing he has noticed, the whispers from the villagers have died down but the wary looks are still there and obvious. Sasuke wonders how ordinary townsfolk would react to their hero banging the traitor. Perhaps he is just being pessimistic.
"I like her." He admits after another round of prolonged silence. The statement both surprising himself and Naruto. "I mean.. you may not of noticed before but she looks at you with adoration. I think she's really fond of you." A chuckle follows. "What is it with you getting under people's skin?" Sasuke shakes his head.
He can't say that he will get on with Tsunade but he reasons that through Naruto, they will both reach a mutual understanding and respect. They both want to protect the same person after-all. An involuntary smile breaks out on his lips and he almost laughs aloud at the looks of horror ad astonishment from onlookers.
"Oi shithead, where to now?"