Author's Notes: The subtleties in Sasuke and Naruto's relationship are usually just that, subtle. Too much so for anyone to really see…until one of them is hurt. Then they slip, just a little, and they couldn't care who sees.

Summary: Sasuke's back fighting with Konoha, but people are becoming aware of the real reason he returned.

How They Are

Sasuke drops down next to the blonde, settling a hand on his whiskered face and making the group tense. His voice is whisper soft. Exceedingly gentle in a way that makes the nearby nins shift uncomfortably, wanting to turn away because they know this is something not meant for their eyes. Words and mannerisms reserved only for two childhood rivals that were each others world.

"Naruto…wake up."

Naruto groans, but doesn't open his eyes. He licks his dry lips briefly.

"Te…me…"

The briefest smile flicks across Sasuke's face. He runs his thumb over Naruto's brow.

"Hn…baka."

They watch as Sasuke grabs Naruto's hand and brings the limp arm around the Uchiha's neck, putting his own arm under Naruto's knees, another behind his back, and lifting him up. The blonde's head tips back bonelessly and settles comfortably along Sasuke's shoulder. Both of them look like they've never belonged anywhere else, never fit anywhere else and didn't want to.

Kiba turns to Sai in disbelief.

"You trust him?"

"Of course not." Sai smiles, but his voice is serious. "He'd kill any of us in a heartbeat."

The canine-wielding nin looks affronted and ready to pounce, to protect Naruto at a moment's notice. He grits his teeth and growls out at Sai.

"And you just let him be so casual with Naruto?"

"Sasuke won't hurt him." Sakura interjects. "He wouldn't think twice about destroying Konoha and everyone in it, but he'll die before he hurts Naruto again.

Kiba and the rest are shocked silent. He'd seen those two spar dozens of times since the Uchiha's return and it always went too far. There was always more blood than was necessary and they both usually wound up in the hospital getting yelled at and scolded by Sakura and Tsunade respectively. When they woke up, movements slowed by pain, they'd play cards and Naruto would laugh while Sasuke watched him fondly.

Sakura shrugs at Kiba's confusion, biting back a smile and exchanging a knowing look with Sai.

"It's just how they are."