'Sup? I'm on summer break now but that's pretty much just me working 40 hours a week haha... Still, I'll do my best to write more often! This chapter is a bit of an in-between, and there wasn't as much spa stuff as I expected there would be, but oh well. They'll just have to go there again I suppose.
Also, somehow ff didn't work for me last night so that's why this update is later than on ao3, but oh well at least it worked now!
There's also not much sasnar in this but... next chapter should be more of a treat;3

Chapter 31: Try again

xxx

Naruto didn't really have any expectations when it came to shopping with Sasuke's mother. Honestly he'd tried hard not to think about it, which hadn't been difficult considering how much of a distraction Sasuke was by himself. He almost felt a little sorry for Sasuke, who had woken up this morning squeezed into the wall with Naruto drooling all over him. Well, according to him at least because Naruto had been sleeping soundly until a swift kick had oh so brutally forced him out of dreamland.

(A dreamland in which he and Sasuke spent a lot of uninterrupted quality time together. He could only hope he hadn't talked in his sleep.)

Currently he was walking alongside Mikoto through the village, headed for what was apparently the Uchiha family's very own tailor. There was something about fabric quality and tradition and so on that he hadn't really listened to, much too busy worrying about whether or not this would count as socializing with your mother in law. He'd never gone shopping with anyone's mother, not even his own in this world, so he thought he was allowed to be a little nervous about it.

"Do you have any favorite colors, Naruto?" she asked him, smiling and appearing perfectly relaxed.

Naruto wanted to relax in her company, really he did, but it was just so weird to go shopping with Sasuke's mother of all people and especially now that they were together. At least, he thought they were together, but he couldn't be sure of Sasuke's view on the matter. And he definitely couldn't be sure of what his parents thought of it. Considering that Naruto had thought of two guys together being all sorts of wrong until recently, it was starting to dawn on him that there might be difficulties ahead.

Well, that was another thing to push out of his mind so he could focus on Mikoto.

"Um, I like orange, I mean I don't have anything against other colors but yeah."

"Like this jumpsuit of yours, huh? You can probably guess it's not exactly an Uchiha color."

Mikoto laughed a bit at her own joke, and Naruto couldn't help but think that her laugh was so pleasant. He wondered if Sasuke would ever laugh like that, and was struck by a sudden longing to hear it.

"Yeah, I mean Sasuke likes to tell me he'd rather be caught dead than wearing orange, so…"

"Is this your training gear, then? Since you were training when you switched dimensions."

"Huh? No, I wear this all the time."

When Mikoto's eyes widened in surprise he shrugged, staring at the ground for his next sentence.

"I never really got around to wearing the regular outfit, I guess."

"I see," she mused, thumb on her lower lip as she considered this. "You don't specialize in recon then?"

Unable to help himself, Naruto let out a little snort at that. Sure, he'd done his fair share of sneaking during missions, but it's not like he went on missions specifically meant for stealth.

"I'm more of a hands-on guy," he grinned. "So I don't really think the color of my clothes make much difference."

"Aha. So you prefer taijutsu? And I have to admit you don't seem the type to sit back and wait the enemy out."

"Mm, isn't that way too boring?" Naruto felt calmer now, talking about an easier topic compared to clan traditions and types of clothing. "The great Uzumaki Naruto hides for no one!"

He was treated to Mikoto's quiet laugh again, and he wondered for a painful moment if it was exactly the same as Sasuke's actual mother's. She laughed in a way that made her eyes crinkle and her nose scrunch up just a little bit, certainly a laugh that made you feel like you had just said the most entertaining thing in the world.

"I can't help but think, Sasuke and you must have very different fighting styles.

Naruto's grin faltered at this, brief flashes of shouting, of charging full speed with sizzling chakra in hand, of combos in the face of a self-proclaimed goddess…

"I don't know," he said slowly, "we're probably not that different if you watch us fight."

At this Mikoto paused, blinking at him in confusion.

"But, Sasuke must be using the Uchiha fighting style? Long range, doujutsu, genjutsu, that sort of thing?"

"Well yeah, but…" He didn't know how to explain it. Sasuke had always been so good at close combat, even though of course he used his long range techniques as well. "We had the same teacher in the beginning, so there's that. But I suppose Sasuke prefers using his katana rather than his fists nowadays."

"Katana?"

"Oh yeah, he left it behind when we came here. I bet it bothers him but he'd never admit it."

Mikoto nodded, pursing her lips.

"I think I'll have to watch you two in a practice match to understand what you mean, don't you think?"

"Uh…" Naruto didn't want to tell her that anything besides sparring tended to escalate between the two of them. Loads of their techniques had been banned from usage in the chuunin exam, and there had been a deliberate choosing of opponents in the final matches. Sure, they said all the matches were picked randomly, and he'd believed them – right until they were about to face off in the very last match and a suspicious blizzard had put an end to the exam.

Not that it had stopped them, anyway. They just used the weather as a cover to sneak off further into the mountains to have their match – a match that sadly ended as a draw, but only because the lightning storm that Sasuke conjured up was an unfair advantage in Naruto's book.

Next time he would definitely beat him.

"Well, that's for another time," Mikoto ended that particular topic with. "We're supposed to think about your clothes today."

"Right. Clothes. You're not putting the Uchiha fan on them, are you?"

"Oh, I'm sure Sasuke considers you as practically family, but we can get you the Uzumaki symbol if you prefer that."

"Yeah. Thanks."

Not that Naruto had anything against Sasuke's clan symbol, and the sweater he'd borrowed from Charasuke was certainly comfortable. He just thought it would be a little strange to have it on his own clothes… though of course, everyone who wore the standard outfit carried the Uzumaki clan's symbol on their clothes. Still. Clan stuff was sensitive, and he could only imagine the reactions if they managed to return home and he was covered in Uchiha fans.

"Well then, let's get going," Mikoto chirped, placing a hand on his shoulder and pushing him forwards. "It'll take us a while to decide on designs and so on, so we really shouldn't idle the time away here on the street!"

Designs? Naruto would be fine with a copy of his current jumpsuit, really, and he'd thought Sasuke could just have a couple more sets of the standard outfit. It really couldn't be that much work, could it?

xxx

Sasuke had to admit, watching himself getting a massage was a lot less weird than it should be. And well, watching himself relax in the bubble pool was more of a treat than anything else. Call him self-absorbed, but he looked so pretty with steam curling his hair and water droplets running down his collarbones.

"Do you have to stare at me?"

Of course, the glare kind of ruined the whole pretty-boy image, and he desperately wished he knew how to pull one off that was as sinister as his counterpart's.

"I don't have to," he replied, lips twitching at the corners. "But it's better than staring at the ceiling or something."

"Didn't anyone ever teach you that it's impolite to stare?"

Just because, Sasuke made sure to drag his eyes slowly up and down what was visible of the other Sasuke's body, lingering on pert nipples.

If he had more shame in his body he might feel embarrassed, but considering that being a flirt was pretty much the only thing he had going for him lately he might as well enjoy himself.

"You're assuming I listen to lecturing," he shrugged, sinking lower into the hot water. There were some really nice bubbles hitting his spine, and he thought that maybe he should try and come here more often. "Besides, people always stare at me so I just started staring back at them."

The other Sasuke – he really needed a better name for him – frowned at him, lip curling into a small but annoyed sneer.

"I really don't think I'll ever understand you," he said, turning slightly so they weren't face to face.

"Yeah, well. Can you ever truly understand another person?"

He meant it to come off as a light joke, but the way the other Sasuke seemed to mull it over indicated that he took it seriously.

"If you tell me that you and Naruto understand each other I think I'll throw up, so please spare me."

It was amusing how quickly Sasuke turned back to him, annoyed as he flicked some hair out of his eyes.

"Naruto doesn't understand anything, least of all me," he muttered, which was a bit surprising to Sasuke. "He's just a dumb idiot who does whatever he wants."

Maybe it was the steam in the air, but it was hard to miss the slight reddening of the other Sasuke's cheeks as he leaned back against the tub.

"So like, he does you?"

"Does me?" The other Sasuke was frowning, like the innuendo went completely over his head.

"Just forget it, it was just a joke," he said, trying to brush it off. Sometimes he forgot that he couldn't make sex jokes with people who weren't Sakura. She was definitely a bad influence on him.

"Explain."

He couldn't help himself. Slapping a hand over his mouth he tried his hardest not to laugh, but it was made difficult by the huffy look on the other's face and the reaction he imagined he'd get if he did explain.

"You can be pretty annoying," the other Sasuke continued, glaring at him again.

"I don't know, you seem to like annoying guys," he winked in reply, grinning openly now that his so called twin looked positively mortified.

"I don't like Naruto," he claimed, which made Sasuke snort.

"You've been dating for a year, I don't think you can really deny it."

This made the other Sasuke snap his mouth shut, shoulders stiffening like he'd gotten caught doing something he shouldn't.

"What?" he asked, but his counterpart merely gazed stubbornly into the water, eyebrow twitching just once. "You can't tell me you two aren't dating, hell you're practically married!"

"Don't be ridiculous," the other Sasuke sneered. "Men can't marry in Konoha."

Sasuke stared at him, at the pained look in his eyes and the tension in his jaw.

"You… they can't?"

A stiff shrug was all the answer he got, and he could feel a heavy lump forming in his stomach. Sure, there were people who didn't like the idea of two men or two women being together in this world, but those were just opinions, they couldn't cut off someone's rights to choose their own partner. What kind of scary place did that?

"So…" He licked his lips, feeling a small strain in his throat. "Were you forced to hide your relationship at home, or something?"

The other Sasuke sighed heavily, combing a hand through his hair in a tired move.

"We haven't been together for a year, or I don't know. Maybe we have. Maybe I always knew we would be eventually, if…" he trailed off, lost in thought, and there was an expression on his face that made him seem so much older, as if he'd already lived a whole lifetime comprised to eighteen years.

Sasuke folded his legs and hugged them to his chest, waiting with baited breath for a continuation. He felt so inexplicably sad, thinking of what little things he knew about his alternate self.

He knew that he was strong, enough to force Menma out of Kyuubi mode with just one chidori.

He knew that his older brother was dead, and that he had his eyes.

He knew that he and Naruto had something special, something he could only dream of having with Menma.

He knew that he had cried when told that he could have his life, since Sasuke didn't want it.

And, he knew that even though he was so strong, he'd been a construction worker for the past year, after a war had ended.

"Hey," he started uncertainly, but the other Sasuke didn't react. "I know I wasn't that nice to you at first, and it's not like I understand you at all, but we're the same person, right?"

Still no reaction, so after sucking in a breath he slowly moved closer until their knees bumped, placing a tentative hand on the other Sasuke's heat-flushed shoulder.

"If something's bothering you, it's okay to talk to me. I'm probably no good at giving advice, and it's not like I'm strong enough to do much to help, but at least I know how to keep a secret."

He got a glance this time, and a quiet little sigh.

"Or, you know, I'm okay with sharing Itachi. He's pretty annoying but he's not a terrible brother, I guess."

"No," the other Sasuke agreed, the corners of his lips twitching into what could resemble a rueful smile. "He's got a long way to reach my Itachi's level."

"See? If your Konoha is so bad, just stay here! You can teach me all your techniques and I can, um…" He fumbled for something good to offer, slightly flustered when dark eyes watched him curiously. "I mean, I can do whatever you'd like me to," he finished lamely.

"I can't stay here," his counterpart told him, averting his eyes again. "Even though I'd like to."

"Why not? I mean, sure it's a little weird that there's two of us, but dad would be delighted to have someone take over his legacy in the police force."

At this the other Sasuke raised an eyebrow at him, shifting a bit so they weren't sitting so close.

"What makes you think I'm interested in the police force?"

Sasuke shrugged, getting the hint and scooting backwards a little.

"Dad seems pretty pleased with you, and you seem like you don't hate it. I mean, you're kinda intimidating so you'd fit the role at least."

"Well, there's no point in speculating."

Unsure of what to say, Sasuke gnawed on his thumb as he contemplated the other Sasuke's carefully blank expression.

"I really need something to call you besides 'the other Sasuke' in my head," he blurted out, figuring it was safer to change the topic.

"Uh-huh. That's not really my problem, is it?"

"Oi." Narrowing his eyes, he poked the other Sasuke's cheek even though he received a glare for his efforts. "If I have to live with Charasuke, then you should just help out and think of something for yourself."

"I don't see what's wrong with just Sasuke."

"Because obviously it gets annoying when we're the same person!"

"Then just decide on something you can call me in your head, it's not like I care."

Fidgeting a little, Sasuke tried to come up with something that wouldn't get him either thrown across the room or ignored for the rest of the other Sasuke's stay.

Naturally he came up empty-handed.

"Doesn't Naruto have a nickname for you or something?" he asked, trying to recall if he'd heard one used.

"Sure." The other Sasuke sounded amused now. "But it's usually a variety of insults, like bastard or jerk."

"Oh. I mean, he did want to call me 'Pervy Sasuke' so I guess I shouldn't be surprised."

"Anyway, are we done here yet?" His counterpart had started looking increasingly grumpy, probably fed up with Sasuke's constant questions. "I have training to do."

"Um, you're not allowed to train."

The look he got was positively chilling.

"Fine, you'll be my cover. You want to keep secrets? Don't tell anyone we snuck off to train. Especially don't tell Naruto."

Sasuke opened his mouth to object but found himself pulled out of the water and dragged towards the showers, his towel forgotten next to the tub.

"This is such a bad idea," he muttered to himself as they got dressed, wondering which was worse -Sasuke's or Naruto's wrath, because he was sure that no matter what he did now, one of them would be angry at him.

Maybe Naruto was slightly nicer?

"Let's go," the other Sasuke decided as soon as he'd finished putting on his clothes, leaving Sasuke to scramble with his shirt before hurrying after him.

I should just think of him as my evil twin, he thought as he apologized to his mother's cousin by the entrance lobby as they left much earlier than they were supposed to.

If he was very lucky, his mother wouldn't find out about this.

"Where's the best secluded training ground?" his evil twin asked, and Sasuke was starting to wonder if he had any chance against both Naruto and his mother.

"This way," he sighed, figuring he might as well give up since he was going to get in trouble no matter what. "And if anyone finds out, you totally forced me into this."

"Of course," the other Sasuke readily agreed, heading in the direction he had nodded at, "no one tells me what I can and can't do."

The worst part was that Sasuke utterly, wholly believed him.

xxx

Mikoto sat back as old Takahiro took Naruto's measurements, smiling inwardly at his slight embarrassment over the dolphin-patterned boxers he wore. Surely he must have borrowed those from Iruka, and she made a mental note to order some underwear and socks for both him and Sasuke later. As usual Takahiro took his time, limbs frail with age but steady and sure as the measuring tape was held this way and that to Naruto's apparent annoyance.

She had assured him that this was the best tailor in the village, something made obvious simply by the fact that he was an Uchiha clan member. He did make a face at Naruto's colorful clothes however, being one for more traditional ninja colors. Honestly, Mikoto found it a little strange that Naruto would wear orange, unless it was true that he didn't hide for anyone. Was he really that strong? Mikoto liked to think of herself as a good judge of strength, but Naruto was a bit of a wild card. He didn't move with Sasuke's grace that screamed 'trained killer', and he didn't enter a room demanding respect; rather he seemed as if other people's rank had no impact on him unless he wanted it to.

He was loud and brash, but also very sweet and thoughtful.

Of course, if she based her judgment on what Obito and Orochimaru had told her about the secretive boy then it was clear that Naruto was someone worthy of not only respect, but a healthy dose of caution as well. And considering how close Naruto and Sasuke were, it wasn't strange that Sasuke hadn't thought twice about taking on Menma even when he was using the Kyuubi's power.

Now, on the other hand, she only felt like she was watching a young man like anyone else, twitching when the tape tickled him and making faces at Takahiro when he wasn't looking in reply to his comments on how he should be using more lotion to keep his skin in better condition.

Once the measuring was done she picked up the heavy clothing catalogues from a shelf and placed them on the high table to the side of the room. Takahiro left to get some samples, Naruto sighing in obvious relief once he was gone.

"That guy was a little creepy," he said with a small shudder, curiously coming closer when Mikoto set the first catalogue onto a supportive stand. "What are these?"

"Examples of clothes and patterns, let's see if there's something that catches your eye, okay?"

Naruto sent her an unsure look, cheeks flushing a bit when she waited for him to say something.

"It's just, you really don't need to do anything special for us. I'm sure Sasuke's fine with the standard outfit, and maybe some t-shirts and pants for training. And this jumpsuit is fine for me so…"

"Oh nonsense," she brushed him off with, "of course you should take the opportunity to find something you like! My clan might be a little traditional in our choices but Takahiro tailors for lots of clans, so there's a little of everything in here."

Naruto had started flipping through the pages of the thick book, taking in the different designs for sweaters and shirts with wide eyes. There really was a little of everything in there, from simple t-shirts to elaborate formal wear and form-fitted fighting gear. There was another catalogue for pants, and one for patterns and color designs only. She'd skipped the one with dresses and skirts, figuring they weren't precisely Naruto's style.

"See anything you like?" she asked after a couple of minutes, noting how Naruto flushed again and ducked his head.

"There really is a lot," he mumbled, and Mikoto supposed he felt a little exposed with her hanging off his shoulder like this.

"Just take your time, I'll sit over here and look through some stuff myself," she told him reassuringly and headed back for her chair.

She might as well use the time productively, and picked up another book filled with things like arm protectors and leg pieces. Sasuke (her actual son, that is) had always loved these as a child and she was thinking of getting something for her friend's daughter.

Now and then she glanced over towards Naruto, noticing how some pages he skipped entirely while others were pondered over, fingers skimming the paper back and forth. Sometimes he would flip back a few pages, probably to compare different versions of similar pieces. Takahiro arrived when Naruto seemed almost done with the first catalogue, dropping off sample shirts and pants that could easily be modified to a perfect fit by skilled hands.

It took Naruto the better part of an hour to go through all three catalogues, but eventually he shut the final one with a definite smack and turned towards her.

"There's just way too much to choose from," he declared, crossing his arms and sending an annoyed look towards the books. "But I found some that Sasuke will probably like."

"And did you find something for yourself?"

He hesitated at the question, weighing on his heels and tipping his head back and forth as he thought.

"Maybe…" he cleared his throat, looking torn. "But I really am fine with something simple, honestly."

"Well," she told him, standing up to join him by the table. "Personally I wouldn't be fine with that. I have a reputation to maintain, you know? And what would Kushina say if I dressed her precious son in second rate clothing?"

When Naruto gaped at her she smiled brightly, patting the book containing all the different pattern designs.

"Please show me everything that interested you."

She made sure to take notes of everything that Naruto pointed out, suggesting clothes that could fit or where he could place the designs. She was in no way an expert, but Takahiro always got so annoyed with customers who didn't know what they wanted. They also went through the pile of sample clothes, comparing them to the catalogued ones and discussing fabrics. Once Naruto got over his hesitation he seemed more than eager to experiment with different things, though he was a lot more assertive when it came to suggestions for Sasuke.

"No, there's no way the bastard would like that. I was thinking something like this – or actually this one might be better. He prefers it when the collar is loose so I have no idea why he keeps insisting on wearing the standard shirt."

It went on like that for a while, Takahiro checking in on them now and then to throw in suggestions of his own. When Mikoto finally felt like they had decided on the basics at least, another head popped into the doorway.

"Ah, Mikoto-san?"

It was Chihiro, one of the girls she knew worked at the spa she'd sent both Sasukes off to in the morning.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, well, it's just that they left early, Haruka-san told me to let you know…"

"Hah, I bet Sasuke got bored," Naruto commented, rolling his eyes at a most likely imagined scenario.

"Any idea where they went?"

Chihiro shook her head, twirling a dark lock of hair as she snuck looks at Naruto. Mikoto supposed that she was only too eager to see the second dimension traveler with her own eyes. It didn't hurt that he was only wearing a pair of loose sweats meant for training either.

"Oh, I can find them," Naruto said confidently, not seeming very concerned over the fact that Sasuke had apparently gone missing. "Not that I know if Charasuke is still with him, but yeah."

Mikoto's eyebrows rose.

"Charasuke?"

Naruto caught himself, biting his lip in what was an obvious attempt at containing laughter.

"Just a nickname Shisui made for him so we can separate them…"

"Hm," she said, not so sure how she felt about her son being referred to as a flirt. "Let's finish up here first and then we can see what they're up to."

While she might have used the words 'finish up', it took them at least two hours to work out the details and she'd have to come back the next day for approval. Naruto seemed pleased though, if a little worn out by the bickering he'd done with Takahiro. The old man still didn't approve of his color choices but had eventually backed down once he realized that agreeing would save him a headache.

"Aah, finally some fresh air!" Naruto groaned as they left the shop, stretching out kinks in his back. "I'm getting kind of hungry."

"Mm, we can have lunch after picking up Sasuke and Sasuke… you know, I'm not sure I approve of your nickname but it does make things easier, doesn't it?"

A grin split Naruto's face as he eagerly nodded his agreement, a little skip to his step as they made their way in a direction Mikoto supposed at least one of them were in.

"I'm waiting for someone to come up with a fun nickname for my Sasuke, I mean he'd never agree to something I call him so it'll have to be someone else's idea."

"Perhaps not Shisui's," Mikoto said, amused despite herself. "Are you sure they're this way?"

"Oh yeah, I can totally sense him."

Mikoto gave him a questioning look that he shrugged at, but there was something about the way he avoided eye contact that told her there was more to it.

"I have some sensor abilities," was his explanation, though Mikoto had to wonder what kind of sensor abilities would only allow you to sense one person's presence.

"Mhm," she hummed, tapping her chin in thought. "A hands-on guy with some sensor abilities, and the Kyuubi to boot. The official report from the last time you were here doesn't state much, but you can use your father's rasengan, right? And of course, his teleportation technique."

"Yeah. Well I couldn't teleport last time, I just learnt that pretty recently."

He had also told her while discussing clothes that he preferred close combat and needed sturdy fabric that didn't tear easily, but that the loose fit was just a personal preference and not for hiding weapons and the like. Surprisingly enough he'd debated on a kid's frog pattern for a t-shirt, letting slip that he'd trained for Jiraiya himself and made a contract with the toads.

Even if she couldn't be certain until she watched him in action, Mikoto could tell that he would prove a difficult challenge if they ever had to fight him. A ninja who didn't need to hide, either himself or his weapons, was either incredibly dumb or simply too strong to care. It was possible that Naruto was a little of each; not dumb but impatient perhaps, with far too many surprises up his sleeve.

He walked in quick strides, leading them straight towards the edge of the village without checking if she was keeping up. His face didn't show any particular concern, at least not until they reached one of the smaller gates in the wall where a sign reading 'Training grounds' hung above it.

"Did he…? Oh who am I kidding, of course that bastard would go train while I was busy!"

Naruto scowled at the gate, but there was a tension to his jaw that spoke of more than simple anger.

"Didn't he listen to what I told him?" she sighed, leading the way now that she knew where they were headed. "He's going to hurt himself at this rate."

"He's completely stupid and never listens," Naruto muttered, absentmindedly rubbing his chest. "But he's not so dumb that he'll hurt himself. That's more my thing, to be honest."

Mikoto hummed, recalling Orochimaru's concerns from last night. Even though she had reminded both Sasukes this morning to under no circumstances do anything more strenuous than relax, it seemed to have fallen on deaf ears. Maybe she would have to take measures.

As they neared the training grounds she contemplated what strategy to use when confronting the two boys. Maybe threats wouldn't work that well, and she should just let it slip this time? Then again, Sasuke was going on a mission and needed to be in top condition for it. The only problem was that he'd be sent off on it whether he rested or not, and he most likely knew that already.

"They're behind those trees," Naruto suddenly told her, and she put a hand out to stop him from walking over.

"Let's see what they're doing before we let them know we're here."

Naruto gave her a dubious look but nodded, following her lead as she took great care to hide her presence, approaching the trees and the small clearing behind them. She had to admit it was a good choice of place, considering it was rather run down and unpopular, while still providing decent cover from the road. Soon enough they could hear voices, distinguishable only from the fact that one sounded angry and the other sounded, well, angrier.

"Are you going to train or are you just going to sit there?"

"Fuck you."

"You already said that."

"Well this time I really mean it!"

"You're being ridiculous, it's only been a couple hours! You can't be tired already."

"Easy for you to say, you haven't been doing the same move for two hours straight without even taking any breaks!"

Mikoto shared a questioning look with Naruto, motioning for them to try and move closer.

"Oh haven't I? I've been forced to stand here for two hours and correct your mistakes, that is tiring. How do you think I learnt this move anyway? By whining to my teacher?!"

The answer was too quiet for them to hear, but it was starting to become obvious which of the voices belonged to which Sasuke.

"What was that?"

"You heard me."

"Clearly I didn't if I'm asking you to repeat it."

"Whatever, it doesn't matter. I'm taking a break."

"It's been two hours! How the hell are you exhausted already! What were you going to do if you had to fight someone, just ask them to take a break so you can catch your breath?"

"Shut up! There's no way I can learn it today anyway! It's impossible!"

"Unless you remember to straighten your back and angle your knees properly, then yes, it'll definitely be impossible. I'm expecting you to have it perfected once I return from the mission."

"Are you insane? There's no way I could do that."

"Stop saying it's impossible. Nothing's possible unless you work for it."

"Easy for you to say, you're like, a genius or something."

Silence fell suddenly, and Mikoto frowned as she snuck even closer, enough so that she could climb a tree and see the clearing from its top. Her son was sitting on the ground, wearing his telltale purple jacket that was now smudged with dirt, while the other Sasuke stood above him with crossed arms.

"They're really fighting, huh?" Naruto whispered, having joined her so quietly she barely noticed, and that was saying something for a ninja who claimed he wasn't meant for stealth.

"You wanted me to train you." Sasuke's voice was calmer now, thoughtful rather than annoyed. "And I agreed to it, but I'm not teaching you chidori unless you can master a basic move such as this. You can make it in the four or five days before the mission is done."

"I can't."

"You can."

They glared at each other, neither appearing to back down.

"Look, why don't we make this even? You learn how to do it and I do something you decide."

"Anything?"

Her son had perked up at this, though he still sounded apprehensive to the suggestion.

"As long as it's reasonable."

More silence, and then Sasuke got to his feet so they were face to face.

"Tell Naruto you like him."

There was a small gasp by her side, Naruto seeming to struggle with different colors on his face after hearing the demand.

"Why."

"Why not? You clearly do, don't you think he deserves to hear it? It's unbelievable to me that you still deny it after a whole year of dating. This isn't your Konoha, you don't need to hide. Sure it's not perfect, but you won't get in trouble for it."

"You're actually serious."

"Obviously! If saying it is so impossible for you, don't expect me to practice for even a second while you're gone!"

"This is stupid. You're the one who wanted me to teach you all my techniques!"

"Am I hearing this right? You can't do it? It's impossible, is that it?"

Mikoto swore she could hear Sasuke (the one that wasn't her son, even though he kind of was too – and maybe Naruto was right and they did need nicknames) gritting his teeth all the way up in the tree, but then he turned his face up at them and glared at Naruto.

"Get down here, dobe. I know you're listening."

So he knew the whole time? Her own Sasuke looked as surprised as she felt, gaping at Naruto as he jumped into the clearing.

"You've got stuff to explain," Naruto declared hotly, and Mikoto wondered how she ended up listening in on so much drama.

"Yeah, whatever. Anyway, I like you."

"Okay that was the shittiest confession I've ever heard," Naruto complained, turning his nose up in disgust.

"Like you've ever heard a confession before!"

"No, I have to agree with Naruto. That wasn't good at all."

"Well you didn't specify!"

"Oh come on, you have to do it properly! Cradle his face in your hands, gaze deep into his eyes and tell him he's the sun and you're the moon and-"

"Do you mind?"

Mikoto decided it was time to step in before someone ended up in a hospital again.

"Boys," she called, jumping down to the ground and jogging the last bit before reaching them. "Don't you think we should save the confessions for a more private setting?"

Three faces turned bright red, both Sasukes looking surprised to see her. This raised a couple interesting questions, but she figured she could deal with those later.

"I suggest we all go get some lunch, maybe relax a little like we were supposed to?"

At least her son had the grace to look vaguely ashamed of his actions. Still, she pulled him in by the shoulders and placed a kiss to his temple.

"Maybe a shower is in order?" she asked him, keeping her smile intact when he rolled his eyes.

"I'm covered in dirt."

"Yes, I can see that. Why don't you run ahead and then meet us for sushi? Oh, and I don't mind helping you train for a couple of days, if you'd like."

"No," he quickly replied, most probably out of sheer stubbornness.

He did leave after one last calculating glance towards Naruto and Sasuke, who were both very busy communicating with each other through glares and gestures.

"Sasuke?" she said softly once it was just the three of them left.

"Yes?"

"I understand that you mean well, but please don't break my son, he's very important to me."

"Of course. I understand."

"That said," she continued, turning her back on them to lead the way. "It's good for him to feel some pressure once in a while. He's kept his head in the clouds for too long, feel free to bring him back to earth."

She could tell that Sasuke was startled by the silence that followed her statement, but rather than offer any further input she merely kept walking, hoping things would work out in the end.

I seriously can't think of a good nickname for Sasuke. I mean, do they even have the word emo in this universe?

Anyway, just how is Sasuke going to make up for his shitty confession, huh? At least he took a huge leap in saying the words, even if it was just out of spite lol. Poor Charasuke didn't think he had it in him, haha.

Okay I better go to bed before I write something stupid... hope you enjoye