Control

The Final Stage

Sasuke led you through the quiet hallways of his clan home, only stopping once he reached the back door. You weren't sure where you were going but you followed him anyways. You knew he would never purposefully endanger you, so you were at ease. You were just happy he wasn't angry at you anymore.

Reaching forward, Sasuke opened the backdoor before nodding for you to follow him outside.  He then silently led you towards a familiar path that you used to frequent as children. The dirt path was slightly overgrown now due to lack of use but it was still visible. As you walked along the path, a gentle breeze blew past you carrying a rich earthy scent with it. You smiled, finding the smell comforting as you followed behind your dark-haired friend.

The two of you were walking in silence but you didn't mind. You had been friends for so long that the silence was comfortable. As the two of you walked, you noticed that the dirt path was beginning to fade into the grass as the trial ended. In front of you was the dock overlooking the lake where you used to play as children. Smiling at the thought, you watched as the lake gently rippled in the moonlight. A soft breeze was pushing the small ripples forward causing the reflection of the moon to be blurred. It was beautiful. 

As you observed the natural beauty before you, you sat down on the edge of the dock with Sasuke. After setting down, Sasuke sat the bag of take-out between the two of you and began taking out its contents.

"I got chicken dumplings, onigiri, and plain rice."

You nodded at Sasuke's words as he handed you some chopsticks and grabbed his own from the bag. He then picked up the container of chicken dumplings and ate one before glancing towards you with a raised eyebrow. You had yet to touch the food and were just silently watching him.

You felt heat rise to your cheeks at having been caught staring. You weren't trying to be weird, but you couldn't help but wonder where he had been for the past month. You assumed that he was avoiding you but you weren't 100% sure if that was the whole story so you voiced your thoughts.

"Where have you been?"

"I have been training with Kakashi. I only came back to the village to get food. I've been eating the same things and wanted something different. I'm leaving to train more once I'm done."

You looked at Sasuke as if he had five heads. Why would he leave when it was already so late? On top of that, the final stage of the Chunin exams was tomorrow so he would need to be in the village to make it in time for his battle with Gaara.

"But the final stage of the Chunin exams is tomorrow. Aren't you worried you'll be late?"

Sasuke casually shrugged at this, as he sat the container of dumplings down and grabbed some onigiri.

"No. I will be on time for my battle."

Nodding at Sasuke's words, you grabbed one of the chicken dumplings with your chopsticks. You then pulled your mask down and took a bite of the dumpling before jumping as a loud voice boomed behind you.

"Oh!? So this is where you have been?!"

Spinning around, you saw your Uncle Gyo standing in the grass behind the dock with his arms crossed. His features were pulled into a deep frown as he stared at you and Sasuke disapprovingly. 

"Out with a boy in the middle of the night...You're too young for this sort of thing! "

Sasuke choked on his food at your uncle's words and you felt heat rush to your face as your uncle continued to scold you.