Our Beloved Son

Part 3: Working Hard

Sasuke POV:

Menma is late...

Hn, I won't bother. 

One light ball of energy and sunshine is enough in this household.

Then I hear the front door open. 

I walk out to the hall and see Menma taking off his shoes and jacket. 

I lean against the wall and smirk.

''You're late, Menma.'' I say. He notices me and grins that famous smile.

''Sorry, I was visiting mama.'' He says and scratches the back of his neck.

''Hn.'' I hum in reply and walked toward the living room.

''Had a good day at the academy?'' I ask as Menma sits down on the couch beside me.

''Promise me you won't tell mama?'' He says.

''I can't fully promise. It depends what you tell me.''  I simply say and shrug. Menma rolls his eyes.

''I kind of thought it was....boring?'' Menma says. 

Was he nervous to tell me that?

I start laughing.

''H-Hey! What's so funny, dobe!?'' Menma yells.

Yes, he has stolen my line.

''You were nervous to tell me that?'' I ask after I stopped laughing.

Menma looks down slightly.

''I....didn't want to disappoint the greatest ninjas of all time.'' He says. 

I put and arm around his shoulder and leans close to his ear to whisper.

''First of all, I am not the greatest ninja of all time, and second, it is your opinion that matters, not ours.'' I say. Then I back off and take away my arm from his shoulder.

''Naruto won't be disappointed in you. Sure, he might be surprised but he won't be disappointed.'' I say in a reassuring tone.

Menma bites his lower lip. 

He is like Naruto, biting his lip or inner cheek when he is nervous or hiding something.

''Tell me, what is it?'' I ask.

He looks at me, then down again, then at me again.

''I already told mama that it was fun.'' He says.

So, what Menma is saying is that he...lied to Naruto.

''Well, then you messed up.'' I say.

''I know!!!'' Menma yelled in a whisper.

I sigh.

''You got to tell Naruto the truth, Menma. Naruto doesn't like it when people lie to him or themselves.'' I say. 

Menma nods.

''When will mama be home today?'' He asks. 

What kind of stupid question is that?

''After midnight.'' I simply reply.

''Then, can I stay up late?'' Menma asks and puts on the same damn puppy eyes Naruto uses.

 I hate this.

''No. You can talk to Naruto tomorrow. He is off work tomorrow.'' I reply.

''Okay, dad.'' Menma replies and stands up from the couch.

I stand up in front of him and bent down to do the forehead poke.

''Dad, why do you always do that?'' Menma asks. I smile.