Two artists |Araya x Inojin/Shikajin|

5

Soon the boys were sitting at the table with others. Their wounds were wrapped with bandages and they felt better. The atmosphere was pretty good. People were singing and dancing but these two were too tired to do the same. Suddenly, someone appeared in the hallway, so they both turned to silhouette. It looked familiar.

"Dad?" Inojin asked confused. He was really surprised to see him. "What are you doing here?"

"Good job, you two. I was watching you" he said with a smile. "I had to make sure that you are alright, since you're just genins" he explained as he approached and placed his hand on his hip. "I knew you will get along"

"Y-yeah..." the blonde anwered blushing. "So, are we going home? I miss Shikadai and others. And my bed.."

Hearing these words, Araya felt sad a little. Their return means that their mission ends. They will have to say goodbye to each other. He will miss him for sure. He really liked that boy.

"I thought, you would like to rest for a while. You must be exhausted" Sai responded.

"I'm fine, Dad" he assured as he stood up.

"I don't think so. You don't look good. You should get some rest. Araya won't carry you home. Nor will I" he said with a smile and little giggle.

"Dad! I can't believe... You're so embarrassing! You better be quiet" he sighted with a light blush on his cheeks. "I will be alright, so please, hurry up."

Araya couldn't help but laughed. He didn't mind caring Inojin since that blonde wasn't that heavy. Yet, he was smaller than most of people at their age.
He was jealous of their relations. He knew he will come back to the empty room and he won't be greeted by anyone. Of course, he missed their teammates but they were too calm to show emotions. Especially Shinki, who hardly ever says a word.

"Besides Inojin, I'm glad that you use your mother's techniques. She will be proud of you. Your skills really improved since Chuunin Exam."

"You really think so? Thanks!" he said cheerfully and looked at him. "You should see Araya! He fought with one of them like if they were just genins! And then he protected me."

"I saw that" he answered and turned to the other boy. "Thank you for saving my son" he said with a smile.

"I-I didn't do a-anything" he murmured.

"Don't be so modest, Araya. You're really talented shinobi! I owe you."

"Y-yeah..." he responed. He didn't want to argue. Yet, he couldn't agree with that. He may saved his body from the attack but Inojin was the one, who treated his wounds and manage to handle with their opponents. What a shame...

"Now, now. You should thank them for their hospitality, so we can leave"

"Oh, you're right. They were so nice! They even gave us these bracelets! These are really great suvenirs from our first mission alongside! Right, Araya?" he turned to him and the other boy nodded. They walked away to the villagers, who were upset that their guests had to leave

Sai was watching them carefully. At first, he wasn't trusty towards that boy from Sunagakure. He remembered their fight in which he was basically cheating. He remembered how sad Inojin was, when he lost to him. He knew his son, so he was afraid that they will be arguing or simply fighting during the mission. He was surprised, when he found out, that these two actually liked each other. Moreover, they became friends. He smiled, remembering his beginnings, when years ago he joined to the team 7.

"Can we leave? I want to go home." He heard Inojin's voice. He was just like his mother.

"Yes. Let's go" he ordered as they left the building and that small village. He was glad that there was bo silent. The boys were talking about random things. "Araya, you know that right after we came back to Konoha, you will have to return to your village, right?" he interrupted their conversation with a question.