Chapter 6: A Hair Pull

Sasuke waited in the Hokage's office for team Gai to arrive. The sun was setting and the village was slowing down for the day. Sakura decided to wait with him but she didn't say a word to him. It was strange to see Sakura angry with him. Usually the Kunouchi was angry at Naruto. But since the blond's sudden transformation into a baby, she restrained herself(since it was an urge).

The door of the office opened and team Gai entered. Naruto was being carried by Neji. During the day the trio switched turns, so each of them would carry Naruto at some point. Now it was Neji's turn again, to his chagrin, since the blond loved to pull his hair. The Hyuuga stood hiding the slight pain he felt. His gaze on Sasuke.

"We're here Lady Hokage," bowed Neji in greeting.

"Right," said Tsunade. Then, she stared at Sasuke, "Don't let this happen again understood?"

Sasuke nodded his face impassive.

Neji moved forward with slight hesitation. Though he wasn't a particularly affectionate person, he still felt uneasy handing Naruto back to Sasuke. The Hyuuga carefully untangled his hair from Naruto's hold making the blond pout. Neji tried handing Naruto over but the blond wouldn't let go of him. The small blond stared at Sasuke with fright and refused to be held by him.

Sasuke watched silently. The Uchiha felt a slight pang of regret. He was also hurt by Naruto's actions. He felt guilt because of what he had said. He felt hurt since he was the one who has taken care of the dobe all this time. Deep down Sasuke thought the dobe would be grateful.

Sasuke cared about Naruto despite the resentment he felt. But Sasuke himself did not realize his feelings at the moment.

"Come on Naruto it's Sasuke-kun," coaxed Sakura gently, "he promises to be good."

Naruto wouldn't budge. Neji however handed the boy to Sakura, whom he seemed to be more open to.

Tsunade sighed, "Sakura escort Sasuke and Naruto back to their home and try to fix this." Tsunade then turned her eyes on Sasuke, "You have a lot of work to do," she said to Sasuke.

"Hn…" he replied.

Sakura nodded to Tsunade and began to walk away. Sasuke followed, staring at the distance.

Kakashi appeared in Tsunade's office. His mission for the day completed. The Hokage informed the copy-nin about his former student's behavior and Gai's idiocy.

"I see," Kakashi sighed, "it is to be expected. Sasuke is very proud. The Sharingan as well as the Uchiha clan are very valuable and sensitive subjects to him."

"Are you sure Gai was the right person to pick are you even sure about Sasuke? He should be in prison y'know," said Tsunade as she drank some Sake.

"Hai," nodded Kakashi, "Gai is an idiot but I am hoping his stubborn determination will crack Sasuke's thick skull and get him to open. As for Sasuke well…even if the boy doesn't realize it yet, he has a place for Naruto in his heart already."

The two teens arrived at the apartment. Sakura then asked Sasuke what he usually did with Naruto at this time. The raven shrugged and said that he bathed him put him in bed. Sakura looked at Naruto who was staring at Sasuke, still slightly intimidated.

"Do you play with him?" the girl asked.

"No," replied Sasuke.

"Why?" Sakura demanded.

"…" Sasuke said nothing.

Sakura breathed trying to control her temper, but she still went on, "I know why. You're scared of getting close to him because he will jeopardize your goal to kill your brother right? You think that you getting attached to him will somehow weaken you." She stated.

"If you knew why did you ask," said Sasuke annoyed.

"Because I wanted to hear it," whispered Sakura.

"Hn," grunted Sasuke.

"Look Sasuke-k..Sasuke-san," Sakura cleared her throat, "Naruto needs love and affection. I'm sure Sensei told you. He lost a bit trust in you. I'm sure Naruto will bounce back but you need to do your part. At least PRETEND Sasuke-san!"

Sasuke noticed the changed of suffix. It...hurt. Sasuke was surprised he actually cared this much. Sakura was an annoying banshee…a friend. Even if he wouldn't admit to anyone in public. The boy kept his annoyed exterior and sighed.

"Fine I will pretend if it will get you off of my back," he replied

"Alright but I want to see you doing it," said Sakura.

"You...what?" Sasuke's cool and annoyed composure fell for a few seconds.

Sakura put Naruto down and encouraged him to crawl over to the dark-haired boy. Naruto wasn't very inclined to the idea and crawled away.

"Go get him Sasuke-san," Sakura pointed at Naruto, "Now," the last command wasn't a question.

Sasuke did as he was told quietly. He walked over to Naruto and crouched so the blond would see him better. Naruto looked wary of him.

"…dobe…." Sasuke had no idea what to do. He couldn't do what Sakura asked of him while she was there. Sasuke felt embarrassed and thought that maybe if Itachi were here, he would call him weak. A softie. Sasuke shuddered.

"Sasuke," Sakura sighed, "just pretend I'm not here."

Sasuke didn't have to be told twice. He decided that he should just focus on Naruto and what was needed at the moment.

"Naruto…" Sasuke called quietly, "…I'm not going to hurt you…"

Naruto squirmed as Sasuke lifted him from the floor into his lap. Naruto stiffened but eventually let Sasuke hold him. "There…" muttered Sasuke.

Sakura watched. Her eyes fixed on both of her former teammates. She decided to slip away quietly. Only the sound of the closing door announced her parting.

Sasuke sighed in relief. He looked down at Naruto who was showing signs of tiredness. Sasuke bathed the blond and readied him for bed. When he tried to put Naruto in his crib the blond wouldn't let go. Sasuke frowned and tried again but this time Naruto pulled his hair.

"Owowow! Naruto!"

Deciding that he was too exhausted to put up a fight, Uchiha Sasuke got into bed with Naruto in his arms.