"Oh, I know where we can go!" Sasuke yelled.

Mikoto glanced around, painfully aware of the people watching. She had come to pick Sasuke and Naruto up after school to take them to lunch. She should have realised how many Uchiha-hating, Kyuubi-loathing, despicable people would be there.

"Sasuke," Mikoto said gently, feeling a lot less awkward now, "Why don't you let Naruto choose?"

Sasuke pouted but turned to Naruto, who grinned almost blindingly. Mikoto tried not to flinch at the guilt in her chest as she realised her unnoticeable act of kindness meant so much to him.

"Can we go to Ichiraku's?"

Mikoto tried not to freeze up as she nodded mutely. Ichiraku's. Kushina loved that place more than anywhere else at Konoha. Whenever Mikoto needed to find her, she would always check that restaurant first. It left an almost hollow feeling in Mikoto's chest as she thought about the good times with her late best friend.

Mikoto followed the boys silently to Ichiraku's, much like she had done that morning. The famed Ramen shop was no place for an Uchiha, really. Mikoto had never taken Sasuke there, though she had taken Itachi upon Kushina's request. No Clan Member - whether it be the stiff Uchihas and Hyuugas or the laid back Inuzuka's - went there. It was a restaurant that seemed to be strictly for civilians and minor clans.

Not that Mikoto was saying she disliked the place. No. She had many fond memories there. The food there was surprisingly delicious and Teuchi was a kind old man.

As Mikoto, Sasuke and Naruto continued down the street, Mikoto was once again painfully aware of the whispers and stares.

"Isn't the Lady Uchiha -"

"- say the Sharingan -"

" - control Kyuubi -"

"That demon brat, best -"

"- death would be to good for him,"

Mikoto knew quite well how Kushina would react in a situation like this (jump into a rage and scar some people for life, surely) but none of them where Kushina. Sasuke seemed oblivious to the whispers, but Naruto had noticed the quite well. The adorable blond kid was glancing back nervously at Mikoto before redirecting his eyes back to the street.

To Mikoto, it felt almost painful to be around Naruto. Not only was he a perfect replica of Kushina, but his aspects of the Fourth Hokage were impossible to overlook. Honestly, where these people blind?

The Hokage and the Council can say what they like, but Mikoto was not going to just stand by and be a good girl like they told her to. Not when those blue eyes looked so broken.

"I'm sorry," Mikoto stated coolly, her voice soft, yet grabbing the attention of everyone on the street, "But is there something you'd like to say to our faces?"

A man stepped forward and Mikoto turned her eyes to him, her Sharingan ablaze and intimidating. The man hastily stepped back, stumbling in the process.

When nobody else said anything, Mikoto hissed, "That's what I thought. Now, perhaps you should return to your own business,"

The street jumped to life, people quickly bustling away from the angered woman. Some who were brave enough to glimpse at the Uchiha Matriarch and the two boys were met with a glance that promised death if they dared to turn their unworthy gazes on them again.

Naruto put his hands behind his head, whispering to Sasuke, "You're mum is amazing!"

"Scary more like it," Sasuke whispered back.

Behind them, Mikoto grinned in slight amusement, sending more than a couple of people scurrying away in fear.

"Hello, Old Man!" Naruto greeted, running up to the running stand.

"Naruto! Welcome! And who's this?" Teuchi asked.

"I'm Sasuke," Sasuke said in a small voice, "Sasuke Uchiha,"

Teuchi blinked them chuckled, "Welcome, welcome," I hope they don't destroy the shop like the last time an Uzumaki and Uchiha were in here together.

Just the Mikoto walked in, making Teuchi grin, "Lady Uchiha! How long has it been?"

"Please, Mr Teuchi, call me Mikoto,"

"What brings you here, Mikoto?"

"Seems like fate doesn't keep trouble makers apart," Mikoto said, quietly enough that Sasuke and Naruto didn't over hear.

Teuchi laughed merrily, "Well, what can I get you all?"

Mikoto smiled before ordering her food. Sasuke did the same. She noticed, though, that Naruto hesitated, before ordering only a single bowl.

"Hmm," Teuchi said, "So what causes you to take interest in Naruto's life now, of all times,"

"Sasuke befriended Naruto, and who was I to stop him,"

"Why not earlier?"

With more than a little remorse, Mikoto sighed, "Politics,"

Teuchi sighed, "I never understood those things, but I know you and Kushina used to be inseparable. You are a good person. You would not have left Naruto alone unless you had a good reason,"

"Thank you, but I don't deserve such praise. Yes, there were other boundaries, but I still feel guilty. Maybe, a part of me is afraid,"

"Afraid?"

"It's hard to explain,"

"Whatever it is, it's not to late,"

Mikoto's eyes gained a fierce determination that Teuchi was sure she had gotten from Kushina, "I will not abandon Naruto, not again, lest I die and meet the hell known as the Red-Hot Habenero's rage,"

Teuchi nodded, "And you can start with getting Naruto some proper food. He come's here way too often, and though I love him, he needs proper, healthy food,"

Mikoto nodded, "Surely, he doesn't only eat one bowl, if he's anything like Kushina or Minato. People don't quite know, but Minato easily beat Kushina in a Ramen eating contest,"

Mokoto didn't know Minato all that well, but they had hung out quite often before MIkoto's arranged marriage.

Teuchi chuckled, before serving Naruto and Sasuke another bowl, "You two are growing kids, you need more food,"

"I can't finish this," Sasuke told his mother.

"Then I'm sure you'll have some help," Mikoto smiled, indicating the Goldilocks that was gobbling down his own Ramen.

First order of business, Mikoto thought with a grimace, teach him some proper etiquette.

"Thank you, Mrs Sasuke's mum, for the food," Naruto said, slightly in awe and whatnot.

Mikoto smiled down at Naruto, pushing away all negative feelings, "Please, Naruto, call me Aunt Mikoto,"

Naruto looked like his face was going to rip apart for the grin he was giving her. Mikoto's heart shattered at the happiness he felt despite only have had one free meal. The boy was so deprived of love that it hurt and Mikoto could do nothing but blame herself for it.

"Mum, can we go to the park now?" Sasuke asked, hopping with energy.

"Don't you two have homework?"

Sasuke thought quickly, "Oh right. Naruto, how about we do it at your place,"

"What?" Mikoto blurted out, "I mean, if you're okay with that Naruto,"

Well, Mikoto thought, this is going downhill fast. After all, the Hokage and ANBU were probably already monitoring them, surely, someone would stop them before they got to wherever Naruto was staying. Mikoto also had to get back and prepare dinner for Fugaku, who's be back soon.

"If you want," Naruto said shyly.

"I don't know," Mikoto said carefully, "Maybe next time," seeing Naruto's hurt look, she quickly added, "You're father is coming back from his mission today,"

Sasuke shrugged, "Who cares?"

Mikoto was completely shocked, "I'm sorry, but this is your father we're talking about,"

"Whatever. I mean, he can wait, right?" Sasuke crossed his arm defiantly, "I want to go to Naruto's house,"

Mikoto shrugged. There was nothing she could really do when Sasuke dragged her away. A perfect excuse. Yes, that would work, "Alright then,"

"Really?" Naruto asked, gobsmacked, "Are you sure? I mean, you don't have to..."

"We're sure," Mikoto said firmly.

Naruto smiled nervously before following Sasuke toward the direction of Naruto's house. Mikoto wondered how exactly Sasuke knew where he was going.