Chapter 3: Night out
Sasuke balanced the chopsticks with his lone hand—once in a while stealing a glance at his friend, wondering if he tasted what he put in his mouth or if he was just a bottomless pit.
Sasuke scanned his surroundings, noticing the record holders of some ramen eating competition that was held at the establishment. He saw the obvious winners: Choji, Naruto, and Hinata— Hinata! He blinked, confusion rushing to the surface. He stole another glance at his friend who continued to indulge in his favorite meal. Did she even taste this stuff?
Sasuke's thoughts were broken when Naruto belched, loudly, causing the restaurant to go silent. The patrons, some disgusted, others suppressing their laughter, looked on at the scene. Their server, bless her, rolled her eyes. Was this a regular occurrence? Sasuke rolled his eyes too. Then, in one swift motion, elbowed Naruto. His friend, 'oof' and all, shifted in his seat, almost falling off. Naruto quickly regained his balance, now leveling an annoyed look at Sasuke, jabbing an accusing finger in his direction.
"What was that for!" Naruto complained.
Sasuke grabbed a hold of the spinning seat Naruto sat in, whirling in the direction of the patrons. "I don't think the people of the village want to see their leader loudly gorge himself in a restaurant," he muttered. He turned Naruto back around, prompting a small squeaking noise from his friend.
Sasuke finished his first bowl, noting how Naruto was on his fifth, no, sixth bowl of ramen. It amazed him. His child was more moderate when it came to his eating habits, Sasuke found out. He savored his food, eating like a regular person, not like someone who didn't know if they would ever eat again.
"—That was great!" Naruto suddenly called out.
He wiped away the broth with a napkin; then placed a sizable tip on the counter. "Yo, Kaito; that was your best bowl yet!" he yelled to the back of the restaurant. The man, Kaito—rugged, burly—placed a thumbs up. "No problem, Hokage sir!"
Without saying anything, Sasuke retrieved his cloak that rested on the back of the chair, flinging it over his shoulder. He noticed Naruto fiddling with his cash—an old, worse for wear, frog wallet was his primary source for storing his currency. Naruto then interacted with people close by the only way he knew how—a smile, a wave, a "how you doing". He treated the people of the village —his village—the way someone would treat their family. Naruto was the 'Face' of the village, and for good reason. While he assumed the role of the 'Shadow', one who would dirty his hands to preserve humanity.
They strolled through the village, side by side. It was the evening, which brought the regular crowd of drinkers to the restaurant district. As you might figure, inebriated citizens swayed and staggered, laughter and gibberish accompanying them.
Naruto coasted his way toward an establishment that served alcohol, though he stopped, noticing that Sasuke continued. "Hey," Naruto called out. He jogged the short distance over. "Got plans for the rest of the night? Want to grab a drink?"
An amused smirk suddenly formed on Sasuke's face. "I never took you to be a drinker."
Sasuke was surprised that his friend consumed alcohol, though he could understand. The job was stressful, even someone as carefree and jovial as Naruto needed to unwind and indulge in one of the forbidden vices.
"Well," Naruto scratched the back of his head, grinning.
"But Lord Hokage," Sasuke started with a mocking tone. "One of your principles is to abstain from consuming the forbidden fruit. Your weekly public announcements
highlighted—"
"Alright, alright," Naruto interrupted, waving his hand. He smiled and glanced over to an establishment, Sasuke following his motion. "C'mon—it won't hurt.
Sasuke weighed his options. He figured, why not. It could potentially lead to an entertaining moment, like Naruto embarrassing himself beyond recognition. "Someone has to drag your lifeless body home after you've had a few too many. Fine."
Naruto's face brightened, almost as if to say "Yes! I got him!"
Sasuke pushed Naruto's inebriated body through the doorway, noting the Kage's wife's concerned expression. He placed him on the stoop, ignoring the pungent smell of alcohol radiating from his breath.
Hinata let out a sigh, coasting her husband to the couch. She placed a blanket on him, then pecked him on the cheek, causing him to groan with pleasure.
Sasuke lingered around the entrance, fastening his cloak around his body. Hinata rejoined him near the entrance and embraced him. Sasuke swayed back, surprised at the unexpected contact. "Thank you for watching over him tonight.
Short chapter after a three-year absence.