For disclaimer, etc., see Prolog

A/N: This is kind of a weird update as it's not a chapter-chapter but a set of drabbles (exactly 100 words each) with a common, underlying theme. It was fun writing it though, 'cuz this is the first time I tried my hand at drabble writing. :) Also, fixed the formatting (for those of you who saw the "first version" of this update--sorry!).

--

Domesticity Drabbles

--

Old Joke

"Here, let me get—"

"Sasuke, you're so ordinary! Ninjas don't need to use that to do something so simple."

"Oh? And how do you propose we do it?"

"Kage bunshin no Jutsu!"

"Oh for the love of—"

"This is how a real ninja does—ACK!! ...Ouch."

"Idiot."

"Shut up! That was just a warm-up! Kage bunshin no Jutsu! This time it's serious. Clones, hold still, okay?"

"Okay!!!"

"Hm, let's see... twist to the left... stick it in—"

BZZZZZZZZTTTTT!!!! CRASH!!

"...hurts."

"Idiot."

So, how many Narutos does it take to change a lightbulb?

The world may never know.

--

Draining

"Are you sure y'know what you're doing?"

"Yes, now shut up."

"Geez, I told you it wouldn't take it, but did you listen? Noooo. Mr. Fucking Know-It-All. ...Hey, careful!"

"Stop moving around, idiot. You're breaking my concentration. I'm almost done anyway... Just a few more..."

"Whoa! Warn a guy before you do that!"

"Shut up, I'm done."

"A lot sure came out..."

"Let me get a towel and clean the mess up."

Naruto turned and grinned at Sasuke who was wiping his hands and the plunger with a dishrag. "Heh, even the kitchen drain can't take your cooking."

"Shut up."

--

Lists

Rice. Miso. Milk.

Kakashi-sensei says there wouldn't be any long trips away from the village for a while.

Eggs. Bread.

The refrigerator and pantry have been empty long enough. It's time for some serious shopping.

Ground beef. Chicken. Pork.

The weather has begun to turn and the barest hint of frost hangs in the air.

Tea.

It's uncomfortably obvious that the tiles in the bathroom haven't been properly scrubbed in months.

Disinfectant (extra strength).

The list looks pretty complete, but still there's something missing...

Naruto lazily wanders over and, after seeing the list, adds one more item.

Ramen.

Oh. Right.

--

Pairs

In the entryway, one pair of ninja shoes lie in a messy, careless heap while another rests neatly beside them.

Two sets of dirty dishes are waiting to be washed in the sink.

In the bathroom, there are two toothbrushes—one blue and one orange—propped up side by side.

At night, there are two folded forehead protectors lying down on the dresser and two sets of quiet breathing mingle in the still night air.

He looks up at the dark ceiling and wonders when his life had suddenly begun existing in pairs.

"Goodnight, Sasuke."

"Goodnight, Naruto."

It's... not bad.

--

Old Married Couple

"So, how's life with Naruto?" Kakashi asks one day during training.

"I'm surprised I didn't kill him yet," Sasuke grumbles, memories of the past few days flitting though his mind.

"Ah."

"He's lazy and never cleans up after himself," Sasuke continues angrily, the words pouring out like water from a burst dam. "He never wants to do his share of the chores and always leaves a mess after taking a bath. He complains about everything: the food, the missions, the weather, my hair. And he never shuts up."

"...Ah."

"I often wonder why I'm with him in the first place."

--

A/N: Hope you guys liked it! Unfortunately I don't have time to individuall reply to reviews, but I would like to give a very warm general "thank you!!" to everyone who did, especially to those wonderful people who've reviewed this humble little fic from the beginning. :)