#i was nodding off by the end of this saury

[sillyfairygarden]

suit&tie

[ohayohimawari]

And Everyone Else Knew It

A drabble for Day 5 of @kakaobiweek Blue | Safe | Mutual Pining

Brief mature humor, romance, and fluff. I hope that you enjoy reading it!

And Everyone Else Knew It

Kakashi combed his cowlicks with his fingers and tried to steady his heart as he hurried to meet with Obito.

It was part of the latter’s conditional release to have regular meetings with a member of Konoha’s security force. As Hokage, Kakashi was not only the top of the law and order food chain in the village, he was also the only one with authority to pardon anyone for war crimes. As such, the Council of Elders decided that he would be the one assigned to supervise Obito’s rehabilitation and integration back into society. But there was a problem with this arrangement.

Obito was hot, and Kakashi had it bad for him.

His attraction to his old teammate and hero set in almost the exact moment they were reunited on the battlefield during the Fourth Great Shinobi War. The shock over the fact that Obito was most certainly not dead lasted for a fraction of a second, replaced by the shock over the handsome man he’d become. Kakashi barely had an opportunity to make sense of his conflicted feelings before they fought in their Kamui dimension, where he wished they were exchanging blows of an entirely different variety.

But that would be impossible, even after the impossible became possible.

Just because Obito was alive didn’t mean he could return Kakashi’s feelings. Any daydream in which the Rokudaime might indulge quickly ended with the cold, hard fact that a man who would start an international war over a female was probably, most likely, definitely not into dudes.

Even though he wore a watch these days, Kakashi checked the sun’s position in the sky to determine the time. He quickened his pace when he realized he was running late. Running late was Obito’s schtick, and now that he was back, it seemed silly to Kakashi to mimic the habit. At least, that’s what he told himself to explain why he would always hurry to their meetings, not because he was excited to see him or anything.

The funny thing was, was that Obito wasn’t arriving late to their meetings, either.

Kakashi attributed Obito’s punctuality to his desire to make a good impression on his parole officer instead of desiring his parole officer. But what a delicious fantasy that was; it was one that Kakashi turned to often in private and one that he shook clear from his mind as he opened the door to the restaurant where they agreed to meet. They had important things to discuss this time.

Obito said he'd undergone many changes recently, so Kakashi suggested they'd meet in a more casual atmosphere than his office. That way, it could be more like two friends having a conversation instead of abiding by the guidelines of Obito’s punishment.

However, when Kakashi spied Obito waving to him from where he was already seated in a booth, the Rokudaime wondered if he’d set himself up for additional hurt by arranging what could feel more like a date to him than a meeting.

Kakashi nodded a curt greeting at the three remaining members of Team Ten, who enjoyed their weekly dinner together in the booth next to Obito before joining his unrequited crush.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I’m starving, so I already ordered for us,” Obito said as soon as Kakashi sat down.

“That’s fine,” Kakashi was too nervous to have an appetite, anyway. “So, you mentioned that a lot has happened since the last time we met,” he folded his hands in front of him on the table, “you should be moved into your new apartment by now.”

“I am,” Obito nodded.

“How do you like it?”

“I mean, it’s an apartment,” Obito looked down at his lap. “It’s small, but it’s bigger than my prison cell and comfier than a cave.”

Kakashi hummed thoughtfully in response, quietly considering how Obito lived for so long in hiding and doing his best to ignore how his heart ached for the man.

“My neighbor is a kind woman,” Obito continued, briefly meeting Kakashi’s gaze. “She’s elderly; her eyesight isn’t great, and I don’t think she knows who I am,” he smirked sheepishly. “I help her carry her groceries up the stairs, and she brings a plate of whatever she bakes that day, which is really nice.”

This sent Kakashi’s aching heart into somersaults, and he figured he better say something while he still could talk. “Are you forming connections and friendships with others?”

“Yeah, y’know, Gai comes around with his student, Lee, and they invite me to train with them. They, uh,” Obito chuckled, “gave me a matching leotard, and I like sparring with them, but I don’t think green is my color,” he laughed. “It’s nice to feel included, though.”

“Gai is pretty great that way,” Kakashi agreed, thankful for his old friend and rival.

“Kurenai smiles and waves at me when I see her at the cemetery these days, so I hope that we’ll become closer over time.”

Kakashi nodded, shifting uncomfortably in his seat and ignoring how his stomach tightened.

“I dunno, there’s only one person that I talk to a lot since I’ve come back, and that’s, well,” Obito mirrored Kakashi’s discomfort across the table, “I mean, everything about my life is complicated, but that’s really complicated.”

“How so?”

“Well, they’re pretty great,” Obito’s sheepish smile returned. 

Kakashi noted that when it seemed that everything else about his old teammate had changed, that expression remained the same. Then he realized that he was lost in thought, not listening as Obito continued to talk.

“...And they make me feel safe. Which, after everything I’ve been through, that’s pretty important.”

Kakashi kicked himself for not paying attention to Obito because whatever he said made him blush.

“Anyway, that’s hopeless,” Obito muttered.

“Why?” Kakashi asked.

“Well, I was kind of a jerk to them when I was a kid, and… and then I went and messed everything up.”

Kakashi leaned over the table closer to Obito to emphasize his earnestness. “People are learning that you were taken advantage of, Obito. Yes, you did terrible things, but you were manipulated when you were vulnerable. Then, you fought alongside the Allied Shinobi Forces when we needed it, and most importantly, you aren’t running from the repercussions of your actions. That’s why I could pardon you, and it’s why people are able and willing to forgive you.”

“Do you forgive me?”

“Here’s your broiled saury,” a waitress interrupted, and Kakashi sat back in his seat so she could set his dinner down on the table in front of him.

Obito thanked her and assured her that they had everything they needed before leaving them alone at their table.

“This is my favorite,” Kakashi muttered.

“Yeah, I know,” Obito replied off-handed, reaching for his utensils.

As casual as it seemed to Obito, the gesture touched Kakashi. He swallowed down the dangerous beginnings of hope before it could take hold of his exhausted heart and sought to encourage Obito in all of his pursuits. “If I’ve learned anything from being Naruto’s teacher, it’s that nothing is ever truly hopeless.”

“There’s a first time for everything,” Obito spoke through a mouthful of food, and it amazed Kakashi that he could find even that attractive.

“They’re popular, like, really popular, internationally popular,” Obito’s eyes bulged as he stressed the point. “They could seriously have just about anyone they wanted, and I can’t exactly compete with that,” he finished, clearly crestfallen. “Anyway, let’s talk about something else.”

Kakashi was not a romantic man, and he knew it, and he also knew that he didn’t have a chance in hell with the man that sat across from him, no matter how much he yearned to reach out and reassure Obito that he was worth loving, and—

Kakashi chewed his dinner and choked on the word ‘love’ when it crossed his mind. He was in way deeper than he thought and decided that a change of subject was probably best. “You mentioned that you found a job,” he offered.

“Oh, yeah!” Obito perked up at the opportunity to share his good news. “I may not be a ninja anymore, but I’m still in pretty good shape.”

Really good shape, Kakashi thought.

“So, I was offered a modeling contract.”

Kakashi dropped his fork in his surprise, and it clattered on the table.

Obito laughed at him. “I know, it’s unexpected, but,” he chuckled again and awkwardly scratched the back of his head. “Looks like I’m going to be the next bad boy in Blue Boy.”

“Blue Boy?” Kakashi repeated, astonished. “The gay men’s lifestyle magazine?”

“You know it?” Obito asked, wide-eyed.

“Yeah, but I didn’t think you were into— I-I, I mean, I’ve bought a few editions,” Kakashi felt his mouth go dry, “for the articles.” And if Obito would be featured in its photo spreads, he’d be buying a subscription.

“Right,” Obito drawled sarcastically, and Kakashi felt seen. “Anyway, to be honest, I was amazed too,” he fiddled with the straw in his drink, “I don’t exactly consider myself to be fashion model material.”

“You’re hot!” Kakashi was juggling too many surprises, and as a result, dropped his filter. Then he did his best to pick it up and put it back on when Obito’s eyes snapped to his face. “I mean, that’s hot, I mean, good for you,” he wished for the earth to open up and swallow him, or for an assassin to show up intent on taking him out, or—

“You think I’m hot?” Obito asked quietly, tenderly, longingly.

Kakashi licked his lips and opened his mouth to speak but closed it when everyone heard Shikamaru’s groan from the table next to them.

“Mendokusē! Would you two just kiss already?”

Both men sat in silence, staring at each other. Kakashi felt as flushed as Obito looked.

“Shikamaru’s right,” Choji agreed. “You two are worse than a one-hundred-thousand-word slow burn fanfic.”

“Oh, I love those!” Ino gasped.

“A what?” Kakashi asked.

“Who cares,” Obito answered, his eyes beginning to smolder in a way that Kakashi had only dreamed. “Let’s pay the bill and—”

“My place or yours?” Kakashi flagged down their waitress.

“How about ours?” Obito asked, his Sharingan eye already spinning.

[nomoregoldfish]

Imagine Pacho Sends You as a Gift to (Spy on) Amado 2/3

This is getting out of hand again, smh. (Not really) Warning: everyone loves Pacho. Un-betaed, I’ll post the entire thing on AO3 later. For now, you can find part 1 here.

Amado is occupied with all sorts of business affairs after you land in DF, leaving you to his younger brother Vicente. You quickly learn Vicente is in charge of security of all cartel business, that's something, you assume.

When asked why you don't go to Juárez directly, Vicente tells you Amado has several meetings with some important figures in DF. You have to figure out a way to infiltrate the plaza to learn more about Amado, staying at a luxury apartment owned by the narcos won't get you anything useful.

"She's crazy!" Vicente's whining when Amado finally shows up late that night, "She woke up at 5 in the morning for a fucking jog and dragged my ass to a wet market before it even opened. And that's not the end of it, she bought so much fish and my car still smells like a stinky fish tank right now."

Vicente is a bit exaggerating but you do have a fruitful trip to the local market. 

"Yet you finished everything she cooked." Amado points at the empty plates on the dining table, not annoyed at all.

"Do you have some leftovers?" The tall Mexican turns to you. Vicente interrupts, "No, we ate all salmon sashimi because Ryoko said salmon has to be served as fresh as possible, and I ate all wasabi. Oh man, that shit is hotter than serrano peppers. But don't worry, we have a lot of more fish in the jacuzzi." Right, it comes handy to have more than one bathtub in the luxury apartment.

Finally Amado sends away his bratty little brother. Then it's just the two of you. 

"I've got something for you." You remember to smile, which seems to work fine as Amado approaches. "All done?" He asks, you haven't figured it out what he's asking about, the dishes? Yes. Then the Mexican lowers your ponytail, running his fingers through your hair. 

"You don't wanna hair in your grilled pacific saury." You joke, bringing him another set of hot meal you specifically make for him.

"Tell me more about it." Amado takes a large bite, looking satisfied and more relaxed.

You two are chatting over some mezcal and a plate of edamame afterwards. Amado asks about your day, and trades some anecdotes about Vicente when you tentatively ask about his. The fucker is smart and vigilant. 

"I have to tell you something," Okay, you get his full attention, "The bluefin tuna you ate three days ago wasn't served in the best condition. Pacho wanted a show, everything grand and pretty, so I had to cut the red part of the fish and make a bright-colored akami plate right away. It's meaty and chewy, which should have been aged for three days in the fridge to allow the texture to soften and release more flavor," You opens the fridge, showing Amado several chunks of tuna you already cut out, "You can have friends over in three days, I bought enough for a full table."

"What about the pink ones?" He seems genuinely interested. You continue to explain that different parts of tuna offer variable tastes from super fatty pink otoro around the head and collar to chutoro, mixture of fat and meat from the back and belly.

To your surprise, Amado asks for a slice of the fat part, "You said it's the most expensive one. I shouldn't waste your hard-earned money, right?" Both of you laugh.

You take a really fat cut. When you're looking for a plate and the soy sauce, Amado just eats it from your hand. Your fingers are freezing from the tuna and when he swallows them with the slice, the hot and soft sensation around fucking turns you on like nothing else. The sashimi-hater even licks your fingers a few more times, "to clean the fat."

As he claimed, "It's better."

"Now you're gonna show me how you destroy my jacuzzi on day one."

You feel great sitting by the edge of the jacuzzi a.k.a. your temporary fish tank and checking out all the aquatic animals you bought earlier.

"It could've been us in it." What a tease. You laugh then get up, "I don't think it's a good idea to get naked with lobsters and octopuses." 

"Wait," Amado turns you around, still sitting by the edge, "Let me make it up for you."

When Amado decides to give you a head, you simply don't say no. It's like sitting on his face because you can barely stand still. He notices then pulls you closer. The lips used to wrap around your fingers now make you feel like in heaven, and God bless his fucking tongue. The Mexican is driving you mad.

"Shh, you wake up the octopus." You're at the tipping point and the fucker pauses. You open your eyes, an octopus is on the move, two tentacles approaching the edge of the jacuzzi, sucker rings very close to your bare legs.

Then imagine Amado gets up and pushes you up against the tiles in the shower, silencing you with a rough kiss. You taste yourself, and something raw, could be the tuna or the cigarettes he smokes. You get even more aroused by that. 

You're desperate for more of his touch. So you grab his big hand and put it between your thighs, and he's willing to comply. 

This is too much. You cum just after a few rubs against him.  

"I'm sorry for the other night. You're a genius." Amado's playing dirty, sweet-talking while he continues to rub against your oversensitive part, "Would you do me favor? I'm thinking about hosting a few guests, somewhere private, the tuna will be ready by Friday, right?"

You can't believe he falls for the trick. This could be an important business meeting and you're gonna be there.

"Sure. Can I ask something in return?" You already come to your senses while giving Amado a painfully slow handjob.

"Anything you want. Flowers? Jewelry? Cars? I have some better collections than Pacho's Corvette C4. Too flashy." Amado offers generously.

You can't help laughing, "Gosh, how could men make everything a dick comparison contest?"

"You saw his dick?" Amado bites your lower lips. He's rock hard, throbbing.

"I thought you did, too. You two seem very close. I mean, Pacho is a gorgeous man." You keep going, and teasing. You enjoy the fact that you just plant something really dirty in Amado's head. You bet he's having an imaginary threesome with you and Pacho. Not a bad idea though.

By the time you make him come, the Mexican almost forgets what you're asking.

"I ask 'Do you have some dumbbells?' I need my daily training and I don't have time to find a new gym here. What? How do you think I'm able to handle a 150lbs tuna in a line of work mostly for men?" You give Amado a little squeeze before licking it off.

You have a dream that night, being penetrated by Amado in some warm water while a giant octopus sucks you off. You wake up with wetness down there.

You visit several Japanese restaurants in town, unsurprisingly boring. You get the idea that local middle-class see Japanese cuisine as an exotic and cultural novelty. 

You even invite Amado to have lunch at one of those restaurants during his break. He frowns at the food after the first bite, "You can't do this to me."

What? "Asking me to eat this crap is inhumane. I'm spoiled." Amado makes it sound like you're the bad guy, but these smiling eyes give him away. He looks at you the way that makes you feel wanted.

You two end up eating cheap Mexican street food and that's where you find some early blossoms of jacarandas with excitement.

"You want those?" Amado asks, picking up some dried petals from the street. All you can think of is jacarandas flower could be an interesting alternative to sakura, which adds a domestic touch to the food you're gonna prepare for Friday. 

"Yes, please." Amado must find it weird but he just nods.

Once being brought to the outskirt location of the private meeting, you spend more time making rearrangement of the decor, trying to create an authentic Japanese ryotei experience. 

You call Amado once for extra resources. It's tricky because you don't know if you're in a position to ask anything when he's away, busy.

"I'm glad you called. I may not be an Asian culture fanatic like Pacho but I promise you will have anything you want. Whatever rare shit he's bought you, just name it. I'll have an entire Boeing 727 team ready to fly it in from every fucking corner of the world." Yeah, the dick measuring thing is still going on. 

What you don't mention is that you're also glad to hear his voice. "Will you come over?" You almost let it slip, "I mean, to see if you like everything."

"No. I trust you," Amado pauses, "I'll be an hour early."

"Mind the traffic." Bright laughter breaks from the other end of the line.

And thanks to the highly efficient Carrillo Air Express, stuff you request is brought to you the next day including a whole box of violet jacarandas petals.

You ask for a guest list before starting to set the table. "Just set tables for eight people." Vicente clearly has no idea of being a host. You explain that it's part of your job to make sure no one is allergic to seafood. "How the fuck do I know that?" The young man is still complaining.

"Don't worry. Give me a list. I'll look for their office numbers, call their secretaries and find out."

Vicente is easily convinced. You get what you want, a list of high-up politicians and business executives. Not sure how this is relevant but you memorize the names and companies anyway.

Amado makes his arrival almost cinematic. With a chopper still swirling outside, the man in black steps out from the driving seat on the right and waves to you like a king. 

"You're early." You can hide your smile this time.

"Because someone suggested I should 'mind the traffic.' It happens I've owned a few choppers." The fucker looks like a dashing pilot out Hollywood movies. 

You joke that he's nothing like what Pacho used to say, "Low-profile my ass." 

"Oh, Pacho talks about me?"

"Stop. I'm really not interested in which one of you has a bigger dick."

Later Amado hands you a wrapped frame. "I heard you're looking for some Japanese art for decoration. I don't know anything about art but..."

You can't believe he brings you a shunga, tradition Japanese erotic painting, depicting a giant octopus performing oral on a woman with pink tentacles all over her naked body. "You're ridiculous." You frown, it's too explicit you're not sure if it's appropriate for such an occasion.

"I saw something similar at Pacho's house. Well, minus the woman. Just boys." The cheeky bastard winks at you, "You're also serving octopus sashimi tonight? It's a fit then." That's how a print of the famous Octopus and Girl Diver ends up in the main room.

Dinner starts at 8 and everything is ready. You're asked to briefly introduce each dish to the guests when one's presented. Guests praise everything from the chopstick rest made of porcelain with traditional Mexican patterns, to the floral-shaped bream sashimi slices. The tuna sushi is a hit, everyone loves it. You give Amado a knowing smirk when you catch him taking a few himself. The octopus sashimi is a bit tricky but the guests are so "polite", they still pretend to enjoy the exotic food. 

The rest of the time you stay outside the room. You hear things but not in a coherent manner. Amado mentions NAFTA, export-oriented furniture and auto parts factories in Juárez, and two of them are head of the biggest tequila exporters of the country. Nothing makes sense for the drug business. Is the most successful Mexican drug trafficker gonna shift to other legitimate businesses? That might have an impact on Pacho's business.

When dessert is brought to the table, everyone wows — the improvised jacarandas mochi with dried petals is a nice surprise to end the dinner. You tell them the story that instead of the much-anticipated sakura which wasn't well-adjusted to the Mexican weather, how jacarandas was introduced to Mexico City by a Japanese gardener in the 1930s. All the guests finish their plates while giving you a few nods.

Amado seems very pleased with everything you've done. He lowers his voice to ask you to wait for him afterwards.

"Where are we going?" You ask through the headphones. Seems Amado is flying you back to downtown DF.

The Mexican smirks, "To the sky."

You finally land atop the roof of a skyscraper, "This is the tallest building in Mexico." Amado holds you tight when you exit the chopper. The wind at night in early January is insane, let alone you're 700ft above the ground.

It must be some five-star hotel but turns out it's an office building of Pemex, Mexico's state-owned oil company. WTAF? "Put it this way, the biggest exporters of the country hang out sometimes." Amado's sense of humor is something you didn't expect, "Well, I'm not saying they bring as many unattached US dollars as I do, not even close."

When you let the fact sink in — that the Juárez cartel probably earns twice as much as the biggest oil company in the country through exporting "goods," having access to a secret suite on the top floor of the Pemex Tower is not surprising at all.

"You bring people here often?" You ask when Amado pops a bottle of wine. The city view from the 54th floor is stunning.

"I didn't know you're the jealous type." He brings you a glass. You two stand in front the giant window, raising your glasses like you're celebrating. 

"You haven't asked what we're celebrating." Amado takes a step closer.

You put index finger on his lips, which are incredibly soft. Immediately remind you last time you kissed, "I don't want to get myself killed in a foreign country."

"Did Pacho teach you that? Not asking questions, just do your thing." Amado starts kissing your hand.

"Oh, my God. You're so obsessed with him, and it's kinda cute."

"Nonsense." The Mexican disagrees, and turns to the window. 

You sets both of your glasses aside, then leads Amado to the bed. You get undressed first, lying on the bed, waiting.

"You're sure this is something you want?" You ask, completely stripped. Amado stares at your flat-chested body like the first time he found out who you are. 

"You make it sound like I haven't sleep with supermodels. That funny?" The fucker tickles you, "You have no idea..."

Imagine Amado makes you feel adored, marking every inch of your body with his big hands and soft lips. He takes time, mapping your body till he finds the most sensitive spots and makes you moan, shivering.

"Let me warm you up." Amado probably thinks you're cold, so he spoons you. The long limbs of his are like tentacles wrapped around you, fuck, you can feel his erection grinding against you.

You're so wet for Amado. When he finally pushes in from behind, neither of you can resist the sensation.

"Wanted to do this to you the whole week. You're such a fucking tease, aren't you? Dropped at my door in that kimono robe then left without letting me even touch you." Amado pounds into you, with hand reaching your little bean from behind, making you a total mess.

 "Why didn't you make me stay then?" You're nearly breathless, "Is it...because it's within Pacho's territory?" You obviously cross some line with that. The thrusts become harder, feels like Amado is gonna fuck you senseless.

You're not sure if Pacho wants to know you are talking about him when you reach orgasm. 

You decide to leave it out before you pass out.

[chestnut-b]

Clueless (Art + Fic)

Iruka’s sense of self-awareness has never been his strongest suit.

“Good afternoon Iruka-sensei.” he greeted. Kakashi turned to the back of the room. “A busy day in the mission room I see.” The silence was deafening. “There are some reconstruction projects near the Forest of Death that could use some extra manpower. Anyone keen?”.

In all his years in the mission room, Iruka had never seen a room clear out that fast.

He’d been receiving his second report of the day when he felt the sudden release of tension, but Iruka was nothing if not professional. Without even skipping a beat, he pulled his hitae-ate to his neck, tucked the curtain of hair behind his ear and out of his face. Iruka issued a quick apology to the Jounin before him and smiled amicably as he put away a freshly approved report. But the shinobi, whom Iruka had known to lack a chatty disposition, had not moved immediately as he usually did, and instead opted to stare at Iruka in a way that made him feel just a bit self-conscious.

He must have looked more of a mess than he thought.

“Is there something else I can help you with, Jounin-san?”

Iruka only received a mumbled thanks in response before the ninja quickly removed himself from the room. Quickly, he dug into his new vest pocket and felt absolutely nothing. He groaned inwardly, realising that in equipping his newly issued vest, he’d neglected to include his supply of spare hair ties.

“I’m getting a bit too complacent now that the war’s over.” he chided himself. It was too late to excuse himself to look for a spare; Iruka could only sigh as he ran a hand through his  now loose, tousled hair, attempting to make himself look, at the very least, presentable for the day’s duties. So lost in his own thoughts he was, that he failed to notice the sudden dip in chatter that usually filled the room.

The back of the mission room had always been a bit of a watering hole for the returning shinobi of the village, but as the hour passed Iruka was starting to wonder if he’d missed a memo somewhere. Between reports he took the chance to scan the room. Too many people whom he knew had no business here, some weren’t even on active duty at the moment. Heads kept peeking through the entrance and disappearing just as quickly. As he read the latest report before him, he resisted the urge to grip the knot of tension that had been building up at the back of his neck. But of course, by the time he could look up any shinobi worth their salt wouldn’t be caught dead looking in his direction.

Two hours in, and Iruka was starting to get annoyed. The line stretching in front of him was not only growing, but seemed to move at a snail’s pace. He’d had to engage in more than the usual small talk, and for some inexplicable reason, received three invitations to drinking parties and just as many invitations to a meal or tea.

While it was nice to see that Konoha’s peaceful days were bringing good business to the village eateries, the proposal for a new Academy roadmap he was to present to the Rokudaime and elder council in the coming week wasn’t going to finish itself. He’d had to politely decline each invitation, prompting a chuckle and snicker from Kotetsu and Izumo, who were manning the table beside him. The pair looked disturbingly amused by it all.

Speaking of the Rokudaime - he glanced at the clock across the room. It was about the usual time he’d spot the Hokage wander past the mission room door on what Iruka guessed, was his afternoon break. If Iruka knew anything from having assisted Tsunade-sama in her bureaucratic duties before, it was that Kakashi must have been drowning in more paperwork than the former jounin sensei had ever seen in his life.

The teacher smiled to himself; it didn’t feel like that long ago since he’d last received reports from Kakashi right across this very table. While the man wasn’t the most meticulous shinobi in that regard, Cell 7’s reports always made for an entertaining read (when they weren’t missions gone horribly awry, anyway), and Iruka found himself looking forward to receiving them on their return. Their argument during the Chuunin exams naturally caused some awkwardness between them, but when Naruto had left to train with Jiraiya, it was to Iruka’s pleasant surprise when of his own accord, Kakashi offered to buy drinks on the rare occasions Naruto wrote back home. Iruka hadn’t known what to expect, but their conversations had flowed as easy as the sake on those nights.

A sound of shuffling papers made Iruka pause. Hmm. The heat of the late afternoon sun on his back was making him feel unusually nostalgic today.

There was one Autumn, he remembered, when the first saury had come into season; Iruka passed a home-made bento to the older shinobi, along with an omamori containing soldier pills from their village shrine. Kakashi was due for a long mission that would see him away for a few months, and Iruka had wanted to thank him for all he’d done. Naruto’s absence had been unexpectedly hard on him, and Kakashi’s efforts, he’d realised, had kept the worst of the loneliness at bay. He’d regretted not bringing something for the rest of his accompanying team though, because Gai-sensei, upon witnessing this exchange, burst into a flood of tears in front of the village gates.

Really, he never knew Kakashi could look so pleased. Naruto was right, his sensei really did have a soft spot for saury.

Dragging his mind back to the present, Iruka added another report to the stack. The kunoichi before him was looking strangely flushed, but he just couldn’t muster the energy to suggest a cautionary visit to the infirmary. When she’d finally scuttled away, Iruka’s musings continued. Could a mere teacher and desk worker be friends with a Hokage? He wasn’t quite sure. But he did miss the conversations they’d shared over the letters in those years. Pein’s attack and the war had brought the meetings to an unfortunate end.

The reality of their situation; the new shinobi age, and Kakashi’s appointment as Hokage meant they couldn’t just pick up where they left off, Iruka thought. It’d been only two months since everyone had returned from the front lines. Many people were still mourning, but many were trying their best to move on with their lives.

Perhaps that why he’d received so many invitations. Iruka felt a twinge of guilt at the possibility of this, but remained firm in his decision. It would simply have to be another time.

As Hokage, Kakashi made few appearances in this room now, but on the days Iruka spotted him slouching past, the former jounin would send a surprisingly enthusiastic wave in his direction. Though the teacher never felt quite comfortable casually waving to the leader of their village in the middle of work (and a room full of shinobi), he never failed to send a genuine smile of acknowledgement back. An interaction that lasted mere seconds, but always gave Iruka the boost he needed to finish his shift.

Something he could really, really use right about now. That, along with a cup of tea. His throat was uncomfortably dry from all the extra talking he had to do today. The line at least, was making some progress.

Mere minutes later, as if summoned by an unsaid wish, a silver headed figure ambled by the door. Having noticed him out of the corner of his eye, Iruka looked up, ready to return a smile he was sure was waiting for him. However, there was none to be seen (though with the mask on, he couldn’t be completely sure). Instead, Iruka could only blink as he made eye contact with the man, who had stopped dead in his tracks at the door, looking at him with a mixture of surprise and weirdly enough, a tinge of......panic?

What?

He wasn’t sure if it was a teleportation jutsu or just sheer speed, but in the next moment, the person standing in front of him wasn’t a stammering chuunin, but one Rokudaime.

“Good afternoon Iruka-sensei.” he greeted. Kakashi turned to the back of the room. “A busy day in the mission room I see.” The silence was deafening. “There are some reconstruction projects near the Forest of Death that could use some extra manpower. Anyone keen?”.

In all his years in the mission room, Iruka had never seen a room clear out that fast. His line mysteriously looked shorter too.

Looking rather pleased, Kakashi turned back to face him.

“Working on a new image?” The Hokage beamed at him, gesturing to his own head of silver. Two grey eyes, Iruka noticed, the same colour as his new vest. It suited him well. Two eyes though, he’d have to get used to that. Kakashi emoted so well with one, that two seemed a bit overwhelming at this point. Iruka felt his face grow warm. To be seen in such a disheveled state by his leader. How embarrassing.

“Please forgive my attire, it was certainly not my intention.” Iruka apologised, with a slight bow of his head. Kakashi merely shook his in response.

“No need, sensei. If anything, I should be the one apologising for interrupting your work, but it wouldn’t do to have everyone so distracted.”

Kakashi turned to Kotetsu and Izumo, who’d been enjoying their front-row seats to this scene a bit too much. 

“Kotetsu-kun, could you kindly take over Iruka-sensei’s duties for the rest of his shift?”

“As you command.”

“Do you need something from me, Hokage-sama?” Iruka was getting more confused by the minute. This wasn’t how he’d imagined their first proper conversation in months going. Kakashi merely nodded. Kotetsu took no pause and began shooing him away from his seat.

“Regarding the Academy proposals next week. I’d like to hear your thoughts about it so far. If you have the time to spare, of course.”

Well, he’d just had the rest of his shift taken over, it wasn’t as if Iruka had much of an excuse. Not that he minded at all. There was an unsettling energy in the room right now, and Iruka was more than happy to end what was an odd stint, by any means. Gathering his things, he said his goodbyes to his comrades, and made his way to the exit, where Kakashi was waiting for him. Iruka startled a bit when he felt a pat on his shoulder, but exited with a small smile on this face anyway. Even if they were just talking about work, he found himself looking forward to it more than he realised.

As soon as they’d left, the mission room seemed to take a collective breath, and the world returned to its natural state.

Izumo turned to Kotetsu, who was stamping the report Iruka had left unfinished.

“Think Iruka will ever get a clue?”

Kotetsu grinned and shook his head.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Author’s notes:

Thanks for reading! I’ve been thinking a lot about Iruka these days and felt the need to just write and draw something! It’s been so long too. 

I think Iruka has always been fairly sharp to everything around him, but himself. A little awkward and self deprecating, but that’s what we love about him! 

I’d love to know how you think about it. It was really fun to draw and write after years of just lurking. :D

[rohad93]

Bellow Diamond Week 2019: A Work In Progress - Day 1: Era 3

Bright yellow screens beeped and flashed, data scrolling across them at an inhuman rate. 

Reports and messages seemed to never stop flooding in. Gloved fingers tapped and swiped through the flashing lines of text nearly as quickly as they appeared. Typing replies and sending orders. 

Things were as hectic as ever.

It seemed to Yellow Diamond that Era three would begin in just as busy a fashion as era two had begun, though on a much more jovial note of the return of 'Pink Diamond' rather than her shattering. 

At the start of era two she had been consumed with finishing what had been begun on Earth, taking in the scattered remains of Pink's Court and consoling Blue as best she could all while dealing with her own grief and White’s seclusion. 

She could honestly say this was less hectic than that, but the recent turn in the empire's direction was taxing nonetheless. 

In an effort to cooperate with Steven they had agreed to cease all future colonization for the moment and instead focus on finding renewable resources to sustain the gem empire moving forward. 

It was working far better than the three matriarchs had ever imagined, but the sudden shift after eons of status quo was proving troublesome in some areas.

Gems were exceedingly adaptable but change took time, even for them. 

It seemed that every rotation there was a slew of new problems concerning the sudden changes in parameters. Kindergartens across multiple systems were being shut down and uprooted, battalions of gem soldiers were being rerouted from missions to exterminate the local organics to taming the terrain for construction projects instead.  

As much as she was irked by all the new problems filling her control room recently there were certain changes she was happy to accommodate.

The pneumatic hiss of her control room doors opening heralded one such change. 

"Hello, Yellow!" Blue Diamond glided into the room with a smile that lit up her once perpetually somber face. 

It was almost impossible for Yellow not to smile in turn at the joy that radiated from her companion now, more so now than even before the beginning of era two. 

“Blue.” She simply greeted, eyes turning back to her screens as new reports popped up, each flashing, vying for her attention. “Can I help you with something?” She asked distractedly, finger swiping at different messages as Blue stood beside her, looking down at the seated gem with a smile. 

“Yes actually, you can,” the other answered, prompting Yellow to look away from her screens and look up at her counterpart quizzically.

“The construction has just finished on the solar energy converters in sector six, come, I wish for you to inspect them with me.” Blue explained with a smile and an excited eagerness lighting the depths of her cerulean eyes. 

“Does such a task truly warrant two diamonds?” Yellow arched a brow at her fellow diamond, which only made Blue’s joyful smile morph into one of patient exasperation, the same face she often made when she would admonish Pink so long ago.  

“Hardly,” She scoffed. “I simply would enjoy it more in your company. Besides…” she trailed off, long elegant fingers reached out and flicked Yellow’s flashing screens out of existence, causing the generals eyes to widen in surprise. “You’ve been in here for six rotations. Take a break and come with me.” 

“These reports…” Yellow began, gesturing to the space her screens had once taken up.

“Can wait, just a little while. Please?” She smiled, eyes silently pleading and Yellow felt her usually unwavering resolve crumble to dust. Just as it always did when Blue looked at her that way.  

“Very well.” She stood from her chair, arms folded behind her back, distinctly ignoring the pleased smile on Blue’s face as they walked out of her control room to the nearest warp pad. Their pearls, with a quick word from Blue stayed behind, awaiting their return.

A flash of bright light signaled their arrival at the energy bay in sector six, sending their subjects scrambling into stiff backed salutes when the light cleared revealing the two monarchs.  

The head Peridot and Bismuth in charge of the project scrambled to the front, hands snapping into salute.

“My Diamonds,” They intoned.

“Show us the energy converters.” Yellow commanded. 

“Of course, please, come this way.” They quickly ran ahead of the larger gem’s long strides as they approached the large metallic panels facing Homeworld’s nearest star. 

“They were finished just a few cycles ago, my Diamond.” The peridot stopped, turning to look at Yellow, hands snapped back up in the diamond shaped salute.

“Are they working as intended?” Blue asked aloud as she looked up at the panels that would have towered over White Diamond were she present. They reached far above them, the large reflective plates meant to catch the radiation of the nearby stars blocked out the light, casting the two diamonds and all nearby gems in its shadow. 

“Yes, my Diamond.” The Bismuth spoke up. “Everything is up and operational.” A screen popped up and Yellow took it from the burly gem, expanding it to better look at the diagnostics filling the screen.

“As you can see, My Diamond, the amount of raw energy collected is even more than what we normally would have gained in the same time frame as resource drilling on colonies.” The Peridot piped up.

“Not by a substantial amount, but still…” She trailed off, talking to herself as she scanned the data. “Yes, well done.” she affirmed with a nod. The two gems beamed proudly. 

“That will be all.” Blue dismissed the two smaller gems with a flick of her wrist, who saluted again before scampering away with pleased smiles. “Well?” She turned to Yellow who was still scanning the screen of data.

“Everything seems to be working as I projected.” She gave a curt nod. “Yes, this should work well.” She decided.  

“Good. White will be pleased.”  

"Indeed. Everything seems to be in order here, I should return to my work…" she turned to go but was halted by Blue taking hold of her arm. 

"Not yet, there's something else I wish to show you. Something I've been working on." 

Yellow would be lying if she said she wasn't intrigued. Blue had worked on nothing for the last six-thousand years nearly.

She followed Blue back to the warp pad. A few moments later in a flash of light they were standing in an unfamiliar forest. Only the area around the warp pad and a trail leading through the towering trees had been cleared of vegetation. 

“This way,” Blue was smiling excitedly as she led the way down the path and eventually out of the trees to a flat grassland.  

A glance up at the darkening sky and its unfamiliar stars told her they were no longer on Homeworld. The north end of the Andromeda galaxy perhaps?

Blue glanced back and saw her scrutinizing the area,mouth twisted and nose wrinkled.

“This is Sauris Six, the last planet I began to colonize before we stopped everything.” She explained. Yellow hummed in acknowledgment.

Their earthquaking steps sent small creatures scattering through the tall grasses.  

“Where are we going?” Yellow finally gave into her curiosity as she followed the azure gem. 

“Were almost there.” Blue just smiled cryptically over her shoulder. A look that made the generals face heat up ever so slightly, luckily the burnt golden color was hidden by the bright light of this planets setting sun.  

It was about then Yellow became suddenly aware of the sound of rushing water growing steadily louder.

They crested a hill and Blue stopped, gaze locked onto something below them. Yellow stopped at her side, looking down at whatever had captured her attention.

Below them was a lake, towering cliffs of deep gray stone enclosed the dark water on three sides. The last rays of light were stretching over the jagged peaks, coating the dark water below in a golden shimmer.  

The sound of rushing water quickly brought Yellow’s eyes to the giant waterfall streaming over the cliffs across from them and falling into the lake below.

“Do you see that structure there?” Blue spoke up, pointing at a wall built across the top of the massive waterfall. “It's a Hydroelectric dam!” She smiled, seeming incredibly pleased. “A source of energy. It was Steven’s idea, really but it’s finally finished.” Blue clapped her hands together.

“How does it work?” Yellow asked, tapping her chin with a gloved finger, intrigued.  

Blue pulled a schematic from her gem and held it out for yellow. Explaining that using Lapis Lazuli’s they could reroute rivers on any one of their planets with abundant water sources to make waterfalls and convert the movement to energy.

Yellow was impressed by the idea and it showed in the set of her face. Blue could tell. 

“Like your solar converters these will take very little in the way of maintenance, gems we can easily spare.” She explained the lack of their subjects as they moved down the cliffs to the water's edge. 

Little waves lapped at the sand and their feet as they moved along the shore, their steps shaking the ground and causing the water to ripple.

Blue stopped a little way from the waterfall so that it’s roaring waters did not drown out the sounds around them and sat gently on a large boulder. Yellow stopped beside her, still studying the schematics for the dam.

Blue couldn’t help but smile at the furrowed brows and twisted mouth that made up Yellows face when she was deeply concentrating. It was adorable, and she was the only one around to see it.

She made sure of that by sending all the gems who had been working on the project to finish the construction of a secondary dam elsewhere before she brought Yellow here. 

She had initially chosen this plant for it’s lush resource filled landscape, now she was also quite glad for it’s calmness and remote nature. She looked up at Yellow, still studying the schematics.  

The fast fading rays of light bounced off her armor, making the already golden gem shine. 

To show her companion the completed dam was not the only reason Blue had brought her out here. 

It had been over a year since they had begun implementing change on homeworld, over a year since Steven had changed White’s mind and brought her out of her own head.  

Over a year for Blue to think about what White had revealed to her.

“She’s so strong, but so weak when it comes to Blue.” 

Blue had thought about those words many times since that day, it was obvious to her what White had meant, became more obvious everyday as she truly took notice of how her counterpart behaved towards her. 

She had thought of confronting Yellow with this information many times, but what was she to say? Was she just to accuse her fellow diamond of harboring such intense and tender feelings for her and then walk away? No, she thought not. 

She chose instead to wait and watch. 

The more she observed Yellow the more things began to come to light that she had been blind to before. 

 Things like the delightfully wide grin that would spread across her usually severe face whenever Yellow managed to make her laugh or the way she could get away with nearly anything if she smiled prettily and ghosted her fingers over Yellow’s cheek, which would turn a spectacular golden color before she relented to whatever Blue desired with a huff or roll of her eyes. 

Her comical obsession with the neatness of her control room was another thing Blue found oddly endearing. 

Then one day out of the cosmos, it had broadsided her without warning.

They had been finishing work on some notes from a meeting with White when she’d happened to glance over to find Yellow staring intently at the screens, her finger tapping her chin in quiet contemplation. Face relaxed and unguarded. 

Blue couldn't help but smile at the easy expression.

Perhaps sensing Blue’s stare she turned to meet her gaze with a questioning one and Blue found herself held captive by those glimmering, gilt eyes.

After a solid ten seconds of staring at each other wordlessly Blue had come to her senses and whipped her eyes back to her screen. She could feel her cheeks turning near violet and Yellow’s curious stare and it felt like the weight of a galaxy had fallen onto Blue Diamond’s head. 

Without realizing it, her affections for Yellow had swelled into so much more. Into something she was afraid to give voice to. 

Still unsure she had decided to consult Steven on her last visit to Earth, the young hybrid had been beside himself with joy when she admitted how she had been feeling.

The advice he offered was sound.  

“Just tell Yellow how you feel.” 

If simple. 

His reassuring smile did little for her now as the two gems were alone out here with no one to see or hear them. She clasped her hands together, nerves flaring in anticipation.  

“This is well done, Blue. I'll have to start my Bismuths’ on the construction of one of these dams on some of my own colonies as soon as we return…” Yellow’s voice broke Blue from her nervous thoughts. “Shall we go?” She turned to Blue, a brow cocked upwards in question.

“Not just yet.” She patted the space on the boulder beside her. “Have a seat.” She insisted. Yellow heaved a sigh.

“Blue, I have many things that require my attention… ” She started.

“I know.” Blue’s voice cut through Yellow’s words. “As do I, but please, Yellow. Just a few moments more. There is… something I must discuss with you.” Something in her face made Yellow walk over and sit gently on the stone besides Blue.

“What is it?” She asked and the tenderness of the question struck chords somewhere deep within Blues gem. 

Her mouth suddenly felt dry but she managed to force out the words. 

“When Steven tried to reason with White and she spread herself through us, do you… remember what she said, about you?” It was clear even before she had finished the question that Yellow knew exactly what she was talking about by the way her lips pursed and her form tensed. 

She sprang off the rock and away from Blue, as if burned. Her gloved hands curled into tight fists, jaw tense. Blue frowned at her back. 

She already knew this would not be an easy conversation. Where she excelled in expressing her emotions, Yellow had always struggled and been defensive. Now was no exception.

"What does that have to do with anything?" The stern diamond demanded, only looking at Blue over her shoulder.

"It’s what I wish to speak to you about..." She asserted, standing and following Yellow, but at a distance. She could feel the static building in the air around her aggravated partner. Yellow glared at her over her shoulder. 

“There's nothing to talk about.” She growled, refusing to turn around and face her.

“I think these feelings you have for me are something we need to discuss…” Blue answered just as resolutely in the face of Yellow’s stubborn refusal.  

“You would never have noticed if White hadn’t…!” She whipped around to face Blue but the admission trailed off as their eyes met. Shoulders untensed as she sighed “It doesn’t matter.” She finally finished, turning away from Blue. 

“Of course it does!” Blue walked around the stone still figure, and laid a cool azure palm against a warm yellow cheek, forcing Yellow to look at her.

“Your feelings matter to me.” She asserted. “I... have been thinking about it ever since and have come to realize that I care deeply for you as well, Yellow…” She admitted, looking back into wide, gold eyes. “I won't apologize for the time I spent mourning Pink, as pointless as it was and blind as it made me, but I am sorry it took me so long to notice the way you felt.” Her fingers traced a sharp cheekbone.   

A gloved hand reached up and covered Blues on her cheek. Her eyes slid closed as she held the cool hand to her face. The static in the air had vanished but the trepidation was obvious on Yellow’s face.  

“It wasn’t Pink that kept you from seeing, Blue.” She said after a long moment, opening her eyes to face her fellow diamond, staring back at her perplexed. “... My feelings for you are far older than era two.” Cerulean eyes widened and Yellow sighed.

“I have always loved you, Blue.” She admitted at last, curling her fingers into the spaces between Blue’s. “When you first emerged I thought you were the most beautiful and radiant gem I had ever seen.” Both their faces warmed at the confession. “I can’t remember a time I haven’t loved you.” She admitted shyly but refused to break her gaze.   

The admission shook Blue to her core. For that long Yellow had felt this way and she had never noticed? Was she that oblivious to the sole being she had lived in tandem with since her emergence? Fat tears began to roll down the well worn tracks of her cheeks. 

“Yellow… I… I’m so sor-” She started but Yellow shook her head as she reached up and for the first time in many years wiped away the tears streaming down Blues face with her free hand. 

“It was I who chose to never say anything. There is nothing for you to apologize for, Blue.” Yellow was adamant. Blue was quiet, staring back into eyes that were so familiar and yet so foreign. She had never seen such raw, unguarded emotion in Yellow’s face. 

 She pulled their still joined hands to her chest, nestled against her gem and held Yellow’s hand between both of hers. The burning gold on Yellows face could no longer be played off, as Sauris Six’s sun had fully set behind the mountains, casting both gems in the shadows of the planets twilight.

“Perhaps... era three can be the beginning of more than a change in the empire.” She smiled as Yellow wiped away the last of her tears.  

[guardian-of-the-thunder]

Baby Girl: Chapter 4

When the three of them got inside the Uchiha compound, Sasuke decided to lead them to the east wing because it housed the modern sets of furniture compared to the rest of the compound.

Naruto and Sakura couldn't help but be amazed at the vastness of the Uchiha manor as they passed through several rooms and wide hallways. Sakura was especially awestricken at the beauty of the Uchiha garden ever since the manor was renovated.

"How do you even maintain all these?" Naruto asked while Sasuke merely smirked inwardly.

"The Shadow Clone Jutsu is not an exclusive technique for you Naruto, even I could use it." Sasuke stated.

Ever since his friends renovated the Uchiha manor, Sasuke made it to a point to maintain everything in order. He thought that it would be his way of repaying his friends for what they did. He let out an imperceptible smile.

The moment they reached the eastern wing, Sasuke lead them further to a wide staircase and brought them to their respective rooms. After Sasuke deposited Sakura's bag in her own room, they agreed to meet at the main wing once they've settled their things.

**********

Kakashi was about to leave his apartment when he was met by two Anbus on his way out. One was wearing a dog mask, the other, a bird.

"The Lady Hokage asked for you, Kakashi." The one with the dog mask said. The silver-haired shinobi only eyed them cautiously.

"Hmm, seems like she forgot something to say." Kakashi casually commented.

"If you're good to go, then let's head out." The other Anbu member commanded.

"Then by all means, lead the way." Kakashi said.

The moment Kakashi reached the huge double doors of the Hokage's office, he was ushered inside.

"These two here said you were looking for me, Hokage-sama." The Godaime simply looked at him and waved for the two Anbu members to leave. Both of them disappeared in an instant.

"Kakashi," Tsunade called. "We have to talk about Sakura's condition."

Kakashi's visible eye narrowed at the Hokage's words.

**********

"Where's Kakashi anyway, it's almost dinner time." Naruto complained. After setting his things on the room given to him by Sasuke, he went back to the main wing of the Uchiha compound and saw Sakura and Sasuke playing Shogi.

"Late of course." Sasuke muttered. "And we just ate a while back." The raven-haired ninja additionally pointed out.

"But that was a late lunch! We had that four hours ago, and now it's almost 7 pm. I'm hungry." Naruto slumped himself on the sofa which was near Sasuke and peered over the shogi board.

"Woah, Teme, you're losing. Your ass is being handed to you by a three-year-old." Naruto mocked.

"Shut up, loser." Sasuke said. "And what do you know about this game anyway?"

"I know enough. Iruka-sensei used to teach me this game, but it was too boring." Naruto commented.

"That's because you don't understand." Sakura finally spoke as she awaited Sasuke's next move.

"How do you even know this, Sakura? You're like, three!" Naruto asked, the little girl sighed beside him.

"For all those years that we've been teammates and you still don't have a single clue." Sakura stated.

"Huh? clue? About what?" the blonde ninja asked.

"About the fact that I'm a genius." Sakura exclaimed. "You and Sasuke may be good at combat but I'm great at analysis and strategy." The three-year old calmly stated.

Naruto scratched the back of his head and thought that if people were actually hearing their conversation, a lot would be amused about the tactless attitude of the little girl.

Sasuke shifted and moved a piece in the board.

"Shit!" Sakura exclaimed.

"Good thing your parents are not around to spank you in the butt, huh, Sakura?" Naruto teased. "For a three-year old, you have such a foul mouth."

"Well, that's because I'm losing, right after I said that I'm great at analysis and strategy.'' The little girl pouted.

"You've got an excuse to just send this board flying to the lawn if you really wanted to, you know? You're three." Naruto said, giving her a great idea. When suddenly, a piece from Sakura's side moved forward, startling both the blonde-haired ninja and the silent one.

"Check mate," an all too familiar voice said. It was Kakashi.

"Yes!" Sakura cheered, she raised both her hands in the air.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Wait a minute. Since when did you get back, Kakashi?' Naruto asked his former sensei.

Kakashi stood from behind Sakura and deposited the two huge paper bags at the nearest table he could see.

"About the time when Sasuke made his move, I was studying Sakura's board from the sidelines."

"We didn't even see you anywhere!" Naruto stated, a shocked expression plastered on his face.

"You were preoccupied with the game, and you had your guards down. I mean, who would get so tensed inside the Uchiha mansion? Right? It's understandable." Kakashi simply stated.

"Are those groceries?" It was Sakura who broke Naruto and Kakashi's conversation.

"You bought groceries?" Sasuke asked, a little surprised at the fact that his former sensei, who couldn't pay for his own meals had brought groceries.

"What's inside? What's inside?!" Naruto jumped from the sofa to the table and dug inside the two bags. "Whoa! There are lots of food in here! and…" Sasuke watched as Naruto slowly pulled something rectangular out of the bag. "…diapers?"

"Diapers?!" Sakura asked, her eyes went considerably wide the moment Naruto revealed a huge pack containing dozens of diapers. "Sensei! Why did you buy me diapers?!" Sakura asked, annoyed.

Kakashi started scratching his cheek. A worried expression started to form on his face. "These didn't really come from me, they came from the Hokage." The silver-haired ninja stated calmly.

"Lady Tsunade?! No!" Sakura said, clearly exasperated at the fact that the Godaime bought her diapers.

"Well that explains the groceries. I thought for one second, Kakashi bought these with his own money." Naruto said.

"It's probably the end of the world if that happened." Sasuke added when the three of them heard soft sniffles. They turned to look at Sakura who was trying her best to contain her whimpers. Her lips were trembling and her eyes were filled with tears which threatened to drop like waterfalls. She was silent crying and it broke the three ninja's hearts. Even Sasuke's stoic heart felt like silent crying as well when he saw Sakura, but it was Kakashi who made the first move.

"Hey, hey." Kakashi lifted Sakura in his arms and whispered to her softly as he gently cradled her from side to side. "Shh, don't cry. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you." The silver-haired shinobi rubbed Sakura's back, willing her to stop crying. "You know how the Hokage is, right, Sakura?" Kakashi willed Sakura to look at him. The little ninja nodded. "She'll smother me with her big boobies if I refused the diapers." Naruto let out a controlled smirk from the background while Sasuke just face-palmed and sighed.

"But wouldn't you like that, sensei?" Sakura asked, still containing her tears.

"Of course not!" Kakashi denied. "Her boobies look heavy! They'll immediately suffocate me if that happens." Sakura softly giggled, having been able to get the picture.

"Yeah it would." She said, now already smiling.

"That's better. Now, let's get to the kitchen and Sasuke will prepare delicious meals for us, okay?" Their former Sensei turned to look at the silent ninja and Sasuke couldn't do anything but to agree.

"Fine. Just let Naruto carry the bags." He said as the four of them simultaneously walked over the kitchen.

**********

"Wow! These look neat!" Naruto exclaimed, appreciating the different sets of dishes in front of him. They have tuna immersed in tomato sauce, broiled saury and miso soup.

"I didn't know you had the ability to appreciate food other than ramen, Naruto." Sasuke said.

After reprimanding Naruto numerous times to back off the kitchen after he seriously failed at chopping the tomatoes, Sasuke was able to come up with a pretty decent dinner for all of them.

Kakashi then placed the now smiling Sakura at the chair beside Naruto where the blonde-ninja placed several stacks of pillows for Sakura to sit on. He then took the seat beside Sasuke as the latter started distributing their bowls of rice.

The four ninjas ate in silence and was about to finish when Naruto suddenly farted. He grinned.

"Unbelievable." Sasuke muttered. "You're really disgusting, Naruto." Sasuke said.

"Well, I can't help it! It's a natural bodily function." Naruto explained, when they heard another fart, now softer. The three ninja's turned to look at where the sound came from and saw a crimson-faced Sakura. Her cheeks were puffed and the rims of her eyes and eyebrows were flushed, red.

"That doesn't look good." Naruto stated the obvious.

"Sakura?" Sasuke called cautiously, his eyes wary at the girl who was silently seated beside Naruto. The pink haired ninja swiftly turned to him, her eyes brimming with tears.

"I need to poop!" She shouted.

The three ninjas immediately scrambled on their feet when Sasuke snatched Sakura and brought her to the nearest bathroom, dropped her inside and closed the door.

The three of them let out their own shaky breaths when Sakura kicked the door open. Her face still in the brightest shade of crimson and stared angrily at the three ninjas.

"I can't reach the toilet!" She cried.

"Find a stool! Go and find a fucking stool!" Sasuke commanded to the other two who scrambled to look for one. Kakashi was able to come back with a wooden stool, merely seconds after Sakura demanded it. Sasuke immediately placed it on the foot of the toilet and closed the door. Together, the three ninjas slumped to the floor as they heard shuffling inside, and eventually, silence.

Several seconds passed when Naruto stood up and started pacing back and forth. He was followed by Kakashi who was ultimately followed by Sasuke. The three of them set fast paced steps in front of the bathroom door when Sakura's voice echoed inside the bathroom.

"Stop pacing back and forth! I can't concentrate!" The little girl yelled, to which the three of them stood frozen on where they were.

"I'm actually really nervous. She might get herself flushed down the toilet." Naruto whispered.

"Shut up! She might hear you, idiot!" Sasuke muttered.

"Who's going to wash her after she's done?" Kakashi asked. The three of them looked at one another, obviously not wanting to take the responsibility.

"Hey! I heard you!" Sakura once again yelled from the bathroom. "I'm not that dumb Naruto! I won't get myself flushed down the toilet, and I can perfectly wash myself, thank you!" Sakura bellowed.

Moments later, they heard the flushing of the toilet and the rustling of water. Naruto, Sasuke and Kakashi visibly relaxed. Then they heard the stool being dragged inside the bathroom and the sound of the shower valve being twisted open.

Sasuke checked the clock. Several minutes had already passed and Sakura hasn't still come out of the bathroom.

"What's taking her so long?" Naruto asked.

"She's taking a bath." Kakashi said, he was already visibly engrossed on his Icha Icha Paradise the moment he heard the shower. When suddenly, all sounds stopped from inside the bathroom and more shuffling took place. Kakashi closed his book and brought it back to its pocket. Then Sakura called.

"You can open the door now!" She said.

Naruto looked at Sasuke who was closer to the door.

"Didn't she get to open it a while back?" Naruto whispered.

"Not really, I wasn't able to close it entirely that's why she was able to kick it." Sasuke said.

"Open it then." Naruto said. Sasuke nodded.

The three ninjas tensed and shifted in their places as Sasuke reached for the door knob and opened the bathroom door. Steam slowly clouded the room when Sasuke opened it, and at the bathroom floor stood a newly bathed Sakura. She was wrapped in white towels which visibly ate her small form.

"Okay Sakura, it's time to go and change." Sasuke said, but his command went unnoticed when Sakura started running past them. She slid herself past Naruto's legs and continued running around the house. The three ninjas were left stunned. Sasuke was the first one to snap back to reality.

"What are you doing, idiot? She just escaped!" He yelled at Naruto and started going after Sakura. Naruto and Kakashi followed.

"She shocked me, Teme!" Naruto yelled back.

"We were all shocked." Kakashi said.

"You can't catch me!" Sakura shouted, octaves of giggles followed her as she left droplets of water wherever she stepped. She went on the direction of the hallways going to the western wing of the Uchiha compound. The three ninjas followed.

Sasuke suddenly smacked Naruto at the back of his head as they pursued the little devil.

"Hey! What was that for?!" The blonde haired ninja complained.

"You fed her candy, didn't you?" Sasuke accused.

"Well…hehehe." Naruto only grinned at Sasuke.

"Oh, he fed her a lot when you weren't looking." Kakashi said, confirming Sasuke's notion.

"I told you not to feed her candy, now look at what you did!" Sasuke yelled at Naruto. "Unbelievable." He muttered. "Let's just catch the little beast." He commanded.

The three of them stood silent as they reached the western wing of the compound which served as storage house for numerous stuff. Each room held valuable Uchiha collection which were assembled and gathered all throughout the years. They listened to their surroundings. It was quiet, but Sasuke noticed that all the sliding doors have been opened.

"Sakura concealed her chakra." Kakashi stated.

"What?! A three-year-old can do that?" Naruto asked, amazed.

"Well, among the three of us, Sakura was always the best at chakra control." Sasuke commented.

When suddenly, they heard a low rumble, which sounded like an object rolling on the ground. Naruto squinted his eyes, when at the end of the hallway he saw a semi-giant ball rolling towards them.

"That's…that's kind of big for a bowling ball." Naruto said, turning to Sasuke who was now visibly irritated.

"No." Sasuke whispered. "That's a jade sphere which my parents purchased from a neighboring nation!" He yelled and moved forward to stop the ball from rolling further and kept it in one of the rooms.

"Close every door you pass through!" Sasuke commanded when suddenly, Kakashi's voice boomed over them. "There she is!"

Naruto and Sasuke saw a glimpse of Sakura's towel who just turned at another hallway.

"You can't escape from me now! Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Naruto summoned four identical clones to pursue Sakura. But she just disappeared again.

"Where are you? Where are you?!" Naruto yelled. Sakura poked her head in the hallway, her body hidden in one of the rooms.

"I'm here!" she called, giggling to herself, and continued running down the hallways.

"We have to catch her soon or she'll catch a cold." Kakashi said. He brought a scroll out from his back pocket and did a familiar hand sign. "Ninja Hound Summoning Jutsu! Bull, go after Sakura." He commanded his largest ninken. It barked, and went after Sakura.

All of them abruptly stopped and watched the scene.

"We have to talk about something important later." Kakashi whispered. Naruto and Sasuke nodded as they looked at Sakura who also stopped and faced the incoming Bull.

"We got her now." Naruto said, grinning widely. But the moment Bull reached Sakura, the huge ninken bit the back of her towel which exposed her naked butt and carried her further. Sakura squealed with delight.

Naruto's blood spiked to his head and a shower of blood erupted out of his nose. His shadow clones all poofed in the air as the true chakra owner fainted.

"Bull!" Kakashi called, speechless at what his dog did.

"Ugh. This has to stop." Sasuke exclaimed. He activated his Mangekyo Sharingan and perceived where Bull would go next. Even before the dog could reach his destination, Sasuke raced past him to which the huge ninken bumped on his pant leg and poofed in the air. Sasuke crouched down and held Sakura firmly on the shoulders.

"Bed. Now." Sasuke commanded as he lifted Sakura up, wrapping the towel more securely around her.

"Well, someone's being stingy!" Sakura teased poking Sasuke's cheek with her small finger.

"And someone's being really difficult." Sasuke stated. He went past Kakashi who had Naruto on his shoulders.

"I'll send this one to bed." He called back.

"Take your time." Kakashi said.

When Sasuke reached Sakura's room, he placed her on the edge of the bed and dug for a shirt for her to wear. Sakura pointed at a light green shirt that caught her eye and waited for Sasuke while doing her flutter kicks.

"Stay still." Sasuke ordered when he returned and helped Sakura push her head out of the neckline of her shirt. Sasuke then lifted Sakura as he let her stand on the bed, her shirt going way past her toes.

"Stay there." He commanded again. Sakura only pursed her lips but stood still while Sasuke went to another drawer where Naruto placed the diapers and brought one out.

"I'm not going to wear that!" Sakura yelled at him when she saw the thing in Sasuke's hand. Her brows were furrowed and the little ninja stared angrily at Sasuke.

"You have no choice. This is your punishment." Sasuke stated in a matter of fact voice.

"But that's harsh!" Sakura complained.

"No it's not." Sasuke simply stated. "For every time you misbehave, you will have to wear your diapers."

"You're evil." Sakura muttered under her breath. Sasuke removed the towel from under her shirt and motioned for her to hold onto his shoulders for balance.

"Now, lift your leg." Despite Sakura's protests, she still complied and pushed her foot in one leg hole and the other on the next one.

"Don't you need to put powder on my butt?" Sakura asked sheepishly. Sasuke sighed and dug for the baby powder he packed in Sakura's bag a while back.

He turned Sakura so her back was onto him, lifted her shirt up and pulled at the waist adjustment of her diaper and puffed powder on her butt.

"There, happy?" Sasuke asked. "Now, sleep." He told Sakura as he started gathering her towels.

"But I'm not sleepy yet, Sasuke." The little ninja complained. Sasuke gave her a stern look which made Sakura prop herself on the bed and covered her body with a blanket.

"That wasn't difficult was it?" Sasuke asked teasingly.

"No." Sakura answered. "What's difficult is getting to sleep." She was already lying down but she had her small arms crossed over her chest. Her own sign of defiance.

"I want a story." Sakura demanded.

"Do you really want a story?" Sasuke asked. Sakura's eyes widened with amazement as she bobbed her head up and down, ruffling the back of her hair in the process.

"Fine." Sasuke left Sakura's towels on a nearby chair and went to sit on Sakura's bed. "Now, I want you to listen carefully Sakura, and look into my eyes." He commanded.

"Okay. Will it be a scary story?" Sakura said in her small voice and kept her eyes plastered on Sasuke's face. Sasuke then looked at Sakura's eyes and immediately activated his Mangekyo Sharingan which instantaneously sent the little girl to sleep.

Sasuke sighed as Sakura's breathing became steady. He brushed a strand of hair from her cheek and slowly got up. He once again took the towels and hung them on the balcony of her bedroom. He walked out silently, leaving a small space on the door so that light would seep through. Sasuke then went downstairs to meet with his other teammates because Kakashi said that they had something important to talk about. Something important about Sakura.

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AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/16095212/chapters/37591655