Author: Take
Rating: K
Date: 11/7/09
Summary: Love is that warm feeling in your chest. . .?

Sometimes, that warm feeling in your chest isn't love. Sometimes it's that hot drink you just had.

--Take

"Hey bastard, I'm off."

Sasuke hmmed in acknowledgement, his attention mostly focused on the report he was perusing. There had been a lot of unusual activity in Kusa lately. . .

A snort came from directly behind his chair. "I see how it is. Goodbye, Naruto. Take care, Naruto. I know you'll kick some bad guy ass, Naruto. You're a way better ninja that I could ever be, Naruto." Sasuke could hear the faint sulk in his lover's voice. The Rokudaime was the rare breed of Kage that still occasionally took missions; his restless energy was unable to find a productive outlet behind a desk full of paperwork.

And everybody knew a Naruto full of pent-up energy almost indubitably led to some sort of remodeling in Konoha.

Sasuke made a soft sound of derision. "You wish, dobe," he said absently. "Louder ninja than I could ever be, maybe. I can still kick your ass." He paused to turn the page. "But you could be worse, I guess."

Naruto was silent for a moment. Sasuke reached for his tea, his mind already slotting the new intel into the picture previous reports had begun to paint of the region. Something was causing the increased shinobi moving in and out of the area. . .perhaps he should send an ANBU team out just in case?

"Huh. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were complimenting me," Naruto said finally.

Sasuke snorted, but didn't confirm or deny his lover's words. He tilted his face to accept a peck on his cheek, stealing a quick lungful of Naruto's unique smell. "Hn."

"Yeah, love ya too, ya bastard." Naruto's voice was warm despite his sarcastic words. "See ya."

Sasuke took a sip of his tea, following his lover's fading chakra until it disappeared from his senses entirely. He paused. What was this warm feeling spreading through his chest and pooling in his belly? The Uchiha blinked slowly, a conversation overheard long ago flashing through his mind. This feeling sounded suspiciously like the description of love that had been given.

Reflexively, Sasuke took a gulp of tea to soothe his suddenly-dry mouth.

And paused.

Relaxed.

Nah, it had just been the hot tea.

Sasuke went back to the report.