welcome

Illusions
October, 1963: Homecoming

Sasuke and Sakura returned to Konoha, and immediately had Naruto over for brunch. He brought Sakura flowers, and Sasuke a lucky bamboo to their new home – both recommended and provided to him by Ino with no charge.

"I'll put these in water," Sakura beamed, hugging him tightly, "and put the bamboo in the kitchen window. I'm almost done with the bacon – why don't you two go catch up while I finish?"

"Thought something smelled good," Naruto beamed.

"Can't go wrong with bacon," she laughed, and headed into the kitchen.

Sasuke waited until he was sitting across from his former partner to look him up and down.

"You don't look nearly as shitty as I was expecting."

"Same goes for you," Naruto said easily. "How's the arm."

"Better," he shrugged. "Still adjusting. It took longer than expected to fit, so that set me back. It's enough that I would've been delayed coming back to the force, so Kakashi got me in through the backdoor somewhere else."

"Somewhere else?" Naruto raised his eyebrow. "Who works with the KPD, and will let you stay on this assignment?"

"It's a low-level local government desk job," he shrugged. "Nothing interesting."

"That's what Itachi says," Naruto's eyes sparked with good humor. "And we both know he's KIA, even if he's rarely in Konoha."

Sasuke waved aside Naruto's comment, and as always neither confirmed nor denied his brother's involvement with the Kage Intelligence Agency. Instead he offered, "I'm supposed to meet with the Aburame this coming week. Will you be there?"

"Probably. This weekend he and his team are in Tanzaku Quarters to inspect some pieces, but I wasn't needed. Captain says I'm back at it on Monday."

"Sounds like Aburame's inspections are thorough."

"You don't know the half of it," Naruto half laughed, half groaned. "Anyone applying to have their pieces included had to have several meetings with Shino, his team, and their individual insurance agents. 'We will need a full report and appraisal on each piece,'" Naruto mimicked Shino, adjusting an imaginary pair of glasses. "'Why? That is because, nothing but truly authentic pieces will be invited to the exhibit, and they will be insured under a separate policy through the Hyūga estate and the museum. You understand.'" Naruto shook his head. "And they all nod and smile, and thank him, but no one knows what the guy is thinking. So, what do rich people do? They send invitations to parties, dinner, soirees, theater engagements – he could go out every night if he wants, and never have repeat a host."

"But he doesn't?"

"He's refused any kind of gift or social engagements until this preliminary process is complete."

"Bet that is making some people nervous."

"Oh yeah. Shino talks in such a roundabout way, and you are never quite sure if he is pleased or not- and they can't just wine and dine him like they normally do when they want someone to do something. The Old Man has already been approved, so they've been bugging him constantly."

"Sarutobi? How did he get approval so fast?"

"Shino already had record of his stuff from when he came back to Konoha. It belonged to his dad, or his dad's dad…something like that. Either way, he just had to verify those records, and it was done. Which reminds me," he leaned back in his chair. "The Old Man asked me to come by after work and eat some pie. Wanna come?"

"He knows he can just drop it by the precinct, right? Food doesn't last long around there."

"Oh, he knows, alright, but it's hard to smuggle the stuff out when there is always someone that 'just happens to be in the neighborhood.' So? You in?"

"Pass," Sasuke said flatly. "I don't do sweets, and I definitely don't do sweets where people are sniffing around for favors."

"Suit yourself," Naruto shrugged. "Just means more pie for me."

"I doubt it," the corner of Sasuke's mouth tipped upward. "The only person I've ever met that could eat like you is Sarutobi's grandson. You'll be lucky to get crumbs."

"Don't be jealous Sasuke." Naruto blinked innocently. "You're still my favorite partner."

"Mine, too," Sakura breezed in and dropped a kiss on Sasuke's temple. "Come on, you two," she smiled. "Brunch is on the table, and the bacon is excellent!"

She shared a soft look with Sasuke that gave Naruto's heart a bittersweet twinge that he masked behind a bright smile.

"Best offer I've had in ages," he stood. "So tell me about your time away – the censored version, please."

Sakura smacked his arm playfully, and Sasuke rolled his eyes (were the tops of his cheeks pink?!) but they three of them took their seats around the small kitchen table and the small Uchiha home filled with laughter.

And for all of the worry they each held for the other, that moment was nothing but a simple joy between the best of friends.