He stumbled down the dark street, slightly inebriated. A few shots with the Hokage had turned into a few bottles with an old friend. He tried to catch his balance while desperately attempting to remember where the Uchiha Manor was. That's where he was staying until he could find a cheap yet livable apartment. Apparently, five years was too long for his former landlord to wait. Not that Naruto could blame him…five years was too long in his opinion.
He knew Sasuke would be up, waiting for him. Their friends would never believe what a mother hen he was. And sometimes…most of the time, it drove Naruto crazy. He had always taken care of himself…he was not used to having to answer to someone. And he didn't really like it, especially now that he was well past the age of being capable of taking care of himself. Sasuke would not be pleased Naruto had been drinking either. As much as he loved Sasuke…he could be such a wet blanket. The minute the front door swung open, he knew he was right. There was Sasuke, alert and waiting.
He didn't say anything at first. Sasuke looked tired. He was one of those early to bed, early to rise people. Late nights were not his thing. And unfortunately for him they were Naruto's. "Isn't past your bedtime, nii chan?" Naruto said as he pushed past him.
Sauske noticed the stench of sake immediately. "Drinking with the Hokage?"
"Yes. We were catching up." Naruto curled up on the couch, yawning.
"She's a bad influence on you."
"She's the Hokage!" Naruto laughed.
"You're not sleeping on the couch. Come on, I have a room made up for you." Sasuke led him down the hall into the room across from his.
"Are you ok with me staying here? I know how much this house means to you."
"It's been a mausoleum for too long, it needs some life. And if anyone can bring it back to life, it's you, nii chan." Sasuke smiled as Naruto curled up to sleep. It looked very much like a fox.
"Night, Sasuke."
"Goodnight."
"I told you coming home would be good. I'm so happy we've come back…" Naruto's words trailed off as he fell asleep. Sasuke smiled. Coming back to Kohona was worth everything if it made Naruto happy. He deserved some happiness…