19 The Aftermath
A new day rises over Konoha.
The Rookie Ten are still asleep in their homes, bodies heavy from yesterday's battles and celebrations. The village itself, however, is already awake. Jonin move across rooftops, ANBU shift through the shadows, and the Hokage's tower hums with paperwork and responsibility.
Inside her office, Tsunade sits behind her desk, fingers drumming against a stack of reports. Shizune stands beside her, holding a clipboard, listening as Tsunade grumbles for the third time this morning.
"That brat really knows how to stir things up," Tsunade mutters. "A promotion party, sake involved, and somehow he still manages to keep his head."
Shizune smiles faintly. "From what I've seen, Naruto was far more sober than you usually are, Lady Tsunade."
Tsunade shoots her a look. "Hey. No need to point fingers."
She leans back in her chair and exhales. "I need that sake to survive this job. Paperwork, politics, elders complaining… I swear, I can't wait until that brat grows up enough to take this hat off my head."
Shizune chuckles softly. "You'll have to wait a few more years before that happens."
Then she hesitates. "Still… I didn't expect Naruto to bring Temari back to the estate last night."
Tsunade raises an eyebrow. "You sure nothing happened between those two blondes?"
"Nothing happened," Shizune says confidently. "They were both drunk, but Naruto was aware enough to know his limits."
Tsunade snorts. "Good. At least Jiraiya hasn't completely ruined the kid. Sounds like he's still a gentleman."
"That's one way to put it," Shizune replies.
—
I wake up to a strange, unfamiliar pressure on my chest.
For a split second, my brain refuses to cooperate. My eyes crack open, and all I register is warmth. Weight. Soft breathing.
Then I look down.
Temari's head is resting on my chest. One arm is draped over my torso, her fingers lightly gripping my shirt. She's asleep, face relaxed, hair spilling over my shoulder.
I stare at the ceiling.
"What… happened last night?" I mutter.
Inside my mindscape, I find myself standing ankle-deep in water. Kurama lounges behind the seal, stretched out lazily, tails flicking.
"Well, brat," he says dryly, "in simple terms, you got drunk."
"I don't get drunk," I reply immediately. "Because of you."
"I didn't clear the alcohol from your system last night."
I turn toward him sharply. "Why not?"
Kurama yawns. "You were enjoying yourself. First time since you came into this world that you actually relaxed. I figured I'd let you have that."
I narrow my eyes. "You could've warned me."
"I didn't let you get completely wasted," he says. "Enough to loosen up, not enough to do something stupid with your female companion."
"…How did I get here?"
Kurama grins, sharp and amused. "Flashback time, then."
The memories slide back into place.
After Sakura left, the mood eased again. Sake came out. Ino was loud. Kiba was louder. As he tried to outdrink everyone and failed spectacularly. Shino disappeared at some point. Choji passed out with food still in his hand. Tenten and Lee left together. Neji excused himself quietly with Hinata.
Shikamaru pretended to be drunk until he wasn't, used Shadow Possession to drag Ino home, and complained the whole time.
Eventually, it was just Temari and me.
She could barely stand.
"You didn't want to walk her back to her hotel," Kurama continues, "and you were worried she'd collapse on the street. So you brought her here."
I rub my face. "Great."
"You had Shizune change her clothes," Kurama adds. "Then you tried to sleep in another room."
"…Tried?"
"She grabbed your hand and refused to let go."
I groan. "Of course."
"So here you are," he finishes. "Now wake up. She's stirring."
The world snaps back into place.
Temari shifts, blinking slowly. She groans and presses a hand to her forehead.
"Ugh… my head," she mutters. "Where am I?"
"Morning, sleeping beauty," I say lightly, leaning back against the headboard.
Her eyes widen as she looks around, then down.
Then at me.
"…Why am I here?"
"You were drunk," I say honestly. "Like, dangerously drunk. I brought you home before you face-planted into the street."
She stiffens, then notices her clothes. Her grip tightens on the bedsheet.
"Who changed my clothes?" she asks sharply.
"Whoa, easy," I say, raising my hand. "Shizune did. I didn't touch you. Swear on my life."
"…Then why am I in your bed?"
I scratch my cheek. "From what I remember, after she changed you, I tried to leave. You grabbed my hand and wouldn't let go."
I tilt my head slightly. "You're still holding it, by the way."
She looks down.
Sees it.
Steam practically comes out of her ears as she yanks her hand back, face turning bright red.
"I— I'm sorry!" she blurts out. "I shouldn't have—"
"It's fine," I interrupt calmly. "You didn't do anything wrong."
She hesitates.
I grin. "I mean, I got to sleep next to a princess. Not many guys can brag about that."
Her blush deepens. "Stop it!"
She grabs a pillow and throws it straight at my face.
I laugh as it hits.
Worth it.