Love is just a game (SasuNaru)

Goodbye!

"Alright, loser, what are you so deep in thought about?" Sasuke asked me the other day, while we went shopping for a few things.

I was actually looking for some very specific stuff, since I wanted to make this biiiiig dinner party thing to give Itachi the goodbyes he deserves!

At least... from me and Sasuke. I still wanted to invite Sakura and Kiba over, even if they're not that close to him, cuz'it could also be to celebrate that we all passed.

I got distracted looking at the cake batter brands since I didn't know which was Itachi's favorite flavor. I didn't wanna just make a huge mix that ended up tasting like everything and nothing at once.

"What do you care? Leave me alone!"
"I'm curious. You've been looking at this aisle for a solid five minutes without even blinking" He said, leaning over my shoulder to look at some of the boxes.

"Also, you never bake. What's come over you?" He added, a little softer, this time, tilting his head to side with curiosity.

Maybe that's why I simply sighed and confessed it.

"I wanna make one for Itachi, as a goodbye gift, but I don't know what his favorite flavor is. Do you?"

"Lemon. He loves it. Our mom used to bake for our birthdays before her and our dad got divorced. Itachi always reminded her to make a lemon cake."

There was a fond, nostalgic smile on his face as he picked what I assumed was the specific brand his mom used. Then... it faltered. He shook his head slightly and placed the box in our kart.

"Anyway, let's go, I'll show you which toppings and fillings to get." He added, putting a hand over my shoulder as we went to the diary aisle.

After we got everything on our list and the stuff for Itachi's party, Sasuke payed and we loaded the car.

"Hey, link your phone to the speakers." He offered as we put our seatbelts on.

"Really? What if I play garbage?" I asked, mostly trying annoy him, but he just smiled and started the engine. "I know you won't."

"How can you be sure?" I continued on, even though I already had my phone in my hand and was ready to hit play.

"You have good taste. I'll like whatever you choose."

His voice was... surprisingly gentle when he said that, even though his eyes on the road. "C'mon, just do it."

I sighed, feeling that familiar warmth as I thought better of it and looked through my playlist before choosing one.

We didn't speak anymore after that, but Sasuke usually tapped his fingernails over the wheel to the bit and even hummed a little, as I muttered the lyrics of the songs I knew.

It was... nice. So simple and mundane but... it made me feel really happy. Really... content.

When we got home, Sasuke helped me tidy up the place and especially the kitchen and living room, for tonight.

"I'll call Sakura and Kiba to help out!" I told him, getting my phone, just as we were done making space for the mess to come while we prepared the cake and dinner.

It was a good thing Itachi had to get some of his passport documentation ready today, aside from some other stuff he had to get before his flight.

"Did you make the cupcakes?"
"Not even a greeting? But yeah, I did! Because I love doing you favors despite how rude you are!"
"I'm sorry! It's just... this is making me a bit nervous, cuz' I want everything to come out as good as it can, and I dunno if I can..."
"Naruto, Itachi will appreciate whatever you two do for him. He'll simply be happy you tried."

I sighed, leaning over the counter as I picked out the spices and veggies for the recipe Sasuke chose. It was another one he remembered from their mom. The pressure built up a little when I looked at how many steps and details I had to follow.

"...okay, okay... that's true. Can you and Kiba hurry up though? I swear- I'm not trying to be mean, just do that take long!"
"We're on the way, man!" The guy beside her interrupted. "Relax, everything will be great, I know it."

I smiled at his leisurely voice, trying to trust what he said as I lofted my gaze to see Sasuke chopping the vegetables carefully beside me.

He momentarily turned to look at me and gave a soft grin, and I mimicked the gesture before bidding goodbye to my best friends.

"You should start cleaning up that chicken, get rid of all the skin and extra fat." He said, turning the stove on and sautéing the vegetables.

I did as he said, and by the time I was done, Kiba and Sakura had rung the doorbell already. Good thing they kept their word!

With them helping out things went a lot smoother, even though Sasuke was a lot more reserved and quiet around them. He only spoken when he wanted to point something important out and remind the others of whatever was on the stove or the oven.

A few hours, a lot of batter, olive oil and food stains all over the counter and the kitchen in general later, we were finally done with the main dishes. Between all four of us it didn't take that much to do the actual dishes either!

"Itachi says he'll be home soon, he's sorry for taking so long..." Sasuke said, smiling at his phone as he texted his big brother back. I'm glad they were finally getting along better. Even if they won't see each other in a long time, they'll get to spend a great last night together.

"Oh no, the frosting's not done yet! I could finish it quickly but it would ruin the pattern..." Sakura whined, looking at her near perfect icing design.

"C'mon, girl, I'm sure he wouldn't mind that, but let's not ruin the surprise over some shallow stuff." Kiba argued, while drying and putting the dishes away.

I took a look over her shoulder and sighed, lowkey understanding where she was coming from. I've never really been that good at anything, but I've had exams where I did poorly just because I didn't have enough time to finish it, where I could've gotten a better result if I could think faster.

"Hey, Kiba's right, y'know! And I think everything you do is amazing, Sakura! You'll figure it out as you go!" I told her, putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

She looked at me for a second and finally sighed, she looked determined now.

"You're right! It's gonna be fine..."

After that we started hurrying, I placed all the silverware and plates on the table and went to help Sasuke with the little decorations we brought for the occasion. Just a few balloons, glow in the dark bracelets and the like.

"How're ya doin' Sasuke?" I asked, slipping inside the living room. It was nice, he set the LED lights to yellow and orange, so it felt warm and inviting. "It's all good, I'm finishing up here. Itachi should be-"

The doorbell rang, interrupting us. We were all dead quiet for two seconds, before Kiba and Sakura rushed in and gave us thumbs up. Sasuke nodded and we all hid behind the furniture in the room.

The door clicked as it opened and Itachi stepped inside.