Benji made her way back to the house, grinning as she went. She had spent about three hours teaching her newest addition of the family how to speed through hand seals. He had picked it up quickly, and she had nodded and said, "Welcome to the family."
Then she had told Sasuke to bring any of all of his belongings with him to the house. Because she had a room for him, and it was empty save a bed and a small dresser. It was in the side of the house, so he had his own bathroom and walk in closet. Yeah, he would be fine.
--
"I'm home!"
"You're late!"
"Who's behind you?"
Benji grinned widely at Gaara. "Excellent question. Person behind me, meet your new family."
Sasuke looked down as Benji stepped aside, not wanting to see their faces.
For a long moment it was quiet, and it was Naruto who finally broke the silence with, "I hope he's hungry! I just made ramen!"
--
"He doesn't hold a grudge very long"
Sasuke sounded surprised as Benji tucked him in. More like sitting on the edge of his bed as he asked her questions and made comments.
"He learns to forgive and forget. He's willing to let anyone into his life. You just need to be ready to let him in, too."
"…You're talking about Itachi, aren't you?"
"Him too, but I really mean it. Gaara was on his way to be a psychopath when I adopted him. He's changed. He loves it here, and with Naruto he's closer to than anyone, I love the both of them. I know that's not very clear, but when they really let you in you'll get it."
Sasuke nodded.
"Alright."
"Is that it, or do you want any other questions answered?"
"I think that-oh!"
He looked down at his covers.
"You must think I'm a little kid."
"I do."
"…"
"You are! Don't try to be a grownup till you get there. Trust me, it's more fun being a kid. Loosen up a bit! That's what this family is about. We'll always be here for you."
"That's kinda my question. Why did you pick me?"
"I look for the kids who have the potential to do great things. And all three of you are amazing. Naruto might have been bitter if he didn't have me and eventually Gaara. Gaara was already calling himself a monster. Naruto and I changed that. Their intelligence has grown so much! And you. You are a prodigy. At such a young age, too. You know so much, and yet you still lack something. Do you know what that something is?"
"…I'm not sure."
"Love. Attention."
"Huh?"
"All your life you have been the center of attention, but why? Because you are an Uchiha. Not because you are you, but because you are born into 'better' blood. And what you were missing was love. All you need is a little love and encouragement and you could rule the world! Don't though. Trust me."
Sasuke laughed and snuggled into his blankets. "Okay."
"Now, I have one question for you, and then sleep. I'm making you catch up to your brothers very quickly. What is your dream?"
"My dream? I…I have a goal more than a dream. I need to avenge my clan."
"Sasuke, make a new one. Forgive and forget. At least for now. Just live your life as a kid. What's the point?"
"…"
"Naruto's dream is to be Hokage and Gaara's dream is to have enough control. Over what you'll learn later but they have a purpose. You just want power to kill. That sounds a bit evil, now don't you think?"
"….I guess, if you put it that way….okay! I have a new dream."
"Oh?"
"Hai! My dream is to be Hokage!"
Title: Follow in His Footsteps
