Naruto plopped down on the couch and covered his eyes with a hand.
"Long day, huh?" Jiraiya spoke from somewhere to his left.
Naruto hadn't realized he was there, but he wasn't surprised. He nodded.
"Too bad you don't have your woman to make it up to you," Jiraiya sniggered.
"Shut up, you old pervert," Naruto retorted without malice.
Jiraiya's laughs turned into a long, hacking cough. Naruto sat up properly, eyes concerned. Jiraiya noticed and waved him off with a hand, though he kept coughing.
Naruto hurried to the kitchen for a glass of water and Jiraiya's medicine. He carried both to Jiraiya and then sat down while they waited for the coughing to abate.
When it did, they were both silent except for the little wheezing breaths Jiraiya took. He nodded his thanks to Naruto before taking the glass and the pill in his shaking hands.
"Bottom's up." His voice was weaker than before.
Naruto snorted.
"She's a fine woman," Jiraiya said. "I'm very proud of you." He smiled widely. "But how well are you seeing to her needs? I have plenty of books…" Jiraiya coughed again, but it did not turn into a full-blown fit as before.
"Alright, alright, that's enough," Naruto chastised. He stood and moved to Jiraiya's side. "You'd better lie down before your old lady comes home and hears you saying crap like that."
"Ah, Tsunade! Also a very fine woman. Very bossy, though."
Naruto took Jiraiya's arm and helped his stand.
"You are so lucky she isn't here right now," Naruto grumbled as he escorted Jiraiya to his room.
Neither spoke as Jiraiya settled himself onto his bed, Naruto hovering nearby. Jiraiya sighed as he leaned into his pillows.
"Naruto."
Naruto looked up to see Jiraiya gazing pensively out the window.
"You have become a good man. Your father would be proud." He spoke in low, serious tones much unlike his earlier teasing.
Naruto remained silent.
"As am I," Jiraiya added quietly.