Title: Of Missions and Agents

Rating: M (In future chappies~)

Disclaimer: Why the hell would I write this story if I owned Naruto?

Pairing: SasuNaru

Word Count: 3320 words (Not including Intro and A/N)

Warning: AU, some characters will be OOC at times, yaoi, and has side pairings

A/N: I'm back~~! Apparently I've been paying too much attention on TTFSFA... Don't worry fellow readers! My love for this story has yet to die! And because of that, expect another update coming up soon~~! ENJOY!

GUIDE:-
"Normal speech"
'Thoughts'
"Monitor Communication"
-sfx-

-~:~:~:~:~-

CHAPTER 4: TRAINING (DAY 2)

"-slurp- Mmmm… It's sooo good!"

"Slow down will you? You're gonna choke someday."

"I can't help it! Today, it's really good! It's kinda sweet and salty and mmm…"

"-sigh- Whatever.."

What a normal day it was. Everyone managed to sleep well and no one went to the training grounds early unlike yesterday. The squad was currently enjoying breakfast at the cafeteria seeing as they still had 15 minutes to spare before Neji expects them to gather. Naruto had ordered his ever so famous miso ramen while the rest of them ordered assorted sandwiches and snacks. The cafeteria was quite full. It seemed as though everyone had woken up early that day.

The cafeteria was huge. One table fit at least 10 people. There were 30 tables and the squad was currently sitting at the far right, near the pick-up station. The usually moderate crowd had increased that day as well. Sasuke looked over to the counter where the chefs pass food to their customers; surprisingly, many people ordered the same thing as Naruto. 'Is there a promotion or something?' Out of instinct, the raven looked at Naruto who was now just staring at his half-empty bowl of noodles. Something was definitely out of place.

"Oi, dobe."

"…"

Naruto would NEVER let that slide. Sasuke started nudging Naruto's shoulder. By this time, the squad had moved their attention to the pair most likely because Naruto didn't backfire Sasuke's name calling. When the blonde didn't respond, Sasuke got off his chair and started shaking the unresponsive blonde until, "-hiccup-"

Sasuke was kinda surprised by the hiccup but that wasn't an excuse for Naruto to just stare into space. After a few seconds, it came again, "-hiccup- Hehe! Ramen, -hiccup- nice… Me like –hiccup- ramen…"

Everyone was confused including Sasuke, "Naruto…?"

Naruto just smiled widely before pointing at Sasuke's face with his forefinger, "-hiccup- Suke's face, -hiccup- funny! –hiccup- Hahaha! –hicupp-"

No one knew how to respond to a… gleeful and exultant Naruto. The squad just stared at Naruto whose eyes were wider than usual and had a glaze look in them. The blonde then slowly got off his seat and pushed Sasuke back onto his. Naruto giggled like a three-year-old before sitting on Sasuke's lap with their faces facing each other. The blonde pouted at seeing Sasuke's stunned face thus resulting him to hug the shocked raven, "Suke sad…-hiccup- Naru make –hiccup- Suke happy~! –hiccup-"

A kiss was given to Sasuke's left and right cheek. The blonde then rested his head on Sasuke's left shoulder and sighed contently as his beautiful azure eyes hid behind his eye lids. Naruto's faint hiccups continued even though he looked as though he was pretty much asleep. Sasuke was still stiff; too shocked to even process what had just happened.

The squad continued staring at the now resting blonde until Kiba walked over to Sasuke's side and started inspecting Naruto, "His burning up! What the hell is in that thing?" Kiba pointed at the ramen before hesitantly taking a spoon. As he was about to taste Naruto's favourite dish, Shikamaru stopped him, "Wait. I don't think we should taste it yet. Sasuke, do you know any reason why Naruto would be like this?"

Sasuke finally regained his composure as the blonde's light snoring tickled his neck. The raven gently brushed Naruto's hair before placing his hand on Naruto's forehead. 'He is burning up.. But not a fever, more like-' The raven's eyes widened. There would only be one thing that would make Naruto this delusional and feverish; alcohol. Sasuke shifted slightly so that he wouldn't stir the snoozing blonde to reach for the spoon and scooped up a little of the broth before tasting it. Yup, he was right.

Naruto never could handle alcohol; not even sake. Any type of alcohol was a major No-No for him. One gulp and he would cling on anyone he knew and never let them go for at least a few hours. Maybe days if it's strong. It was Naruto's style of getting what people would say drunk.

Sasuke put the spoon down and faced the rest of the group, "No wonder everyone's ordering this. There's sake in the miso ramen that's why."

Shino nodded, "That's true. People love eating anything that has a little bit of alcohol in them." Kiba tilted his head, "Eh? I thought blondie here was fine with wine and beer and stuff.."

Sasuke lifted an eyebrow at Kiba, "Have you ever seen him drink?"

This had Kiba and the rest thinking. Well, Naruto never actually drank with them… he'd usually drink the soft drinks and sit with Sasuke. There would always be one or two beer bottles left after every party because Neji never allowed them to drink more than one even if none of them had missions. So, what other reason could it be if one of them doesn't drink since Lee always made sure he had bought enough for everyone!

"Last time he accidently had alcohol, he wouldn't let go of me for 2 days… It was during a mission too! Imagine having a hyperactive blonde shouting at you when we're supposed to be hiding from enemies sight!… And ears! –sigh-"

Kiba was downright laughing his ass off. Gaara, Lee and Kankuro gave teasing looks, Shikamaru sighed with a smile and Shino actually chuckled!

Sasuke had put on a dull face, "It's not that funny… C'mon, let's go before Neji crazy murders us…"

Sasuke got off his seat and readjusted Naruto so that the blonde was on his back; in a piggyback position. Naruto didn't mind; he seemed happier than before if that's even possible, "Mmm… Sasu-nii…" The blonde tightened his hold around Sasuke's neck. Sasuke had stopped his tracks when he heard what Naruto had called him. The raven's eyes soften as he remembered the familiar suffix only Naruto had the right to add to his name. 'Has it really been that long?'

"Oi, hurry up Uchiha!"

"Yeah yeah I'm coming."

South Branch – Meeting Room

"This is not happening…"

"Don't be so gloomy Neji. Besides, I'm sure Itachi will do a wonderful job!"

"That's not what I'm worried about. Sir, you know very well how the Uchiha brothers react to each other."

"Ah yes… That problem… I'm sure they'll be fine.."

"Fine? We're talking about two brothers who once turned a simple horseback riding afternoon into a jousting match in a matter of seconds! At the age of 9 and 16!"

"Wow.. Sasuke told you about that? Besides, I'm very sure Sasuke was the only one scowling, while Itachi was practically laughing with joy."

"It was Naruto who told- That's not the point! I can show Sasuke your resignation letter but showing him the part where you pass the position to Itachi is what I'm afraid to reveal…"

"There is no reason why he wouldn't accept it. Itachi is his older brother."

"Brother or not, Sasuke NEVER takes orders from him. In a letter you sent him 4 months ago, Itachi had written 'Don't forget to eat your veggies' as a side note and guess what? Sasuke stopped eating them! I don't even want to know why…"

"Alright, if there is any problem, I give you permission to allow Sasuke to contact me through the monitor. Besides it's been a long time since I last saw him…"

"-sigh- Fine… Good day, sir."

"Good luck Neji."

And the connection was terminated. This was too much for the Hyuuga to handle.. He can already imagine the look on Sasuke's face when he announces Itachi is the new head… 'And it's already 6.45a.m.! Great!' Neji got off his chair and walked to the training grounds with a huge grey cloud above his head. 'Damn Uchiha's are so troublesome… Now I sound like Shikamaru. Can this day get any worse?'

In a matter of seconds, a panting staff wearing a lab coat was suddenly in front of the Hyuuga, "Neji sir! The head of the East Branch has announced an emergency situation through a transmission and is currently requiring your assistance!"

'Okay so maybe it can', "Is the transmission still connected?"

"Yes sir, in Computer Room 3!"

Head Branch – Head Office

Fugaku allowed a peaceful smile grace his face. It was time that Sasuke accepted Itachi back in his life. Although he never knew what had actually happened between his sons, he always knew that someday they would need each other.

"-knock knock- Father, may I come in?"

An Uchiha will always be able to distinguish a yes or no from each other without an actual confirmation. Itachi walked in and took a seat before his now-retired father. Silence filled the office until the younger Uchiha finally asked, "Are you sure you want to do this?"

Fugaku grunted as he gazed into his older son's eyes, "Your mother is already worried enough for your younger brother."

"…"

The elder Uchiha straightened up and placed his elbows on the table with his fingers entwined, "Do not allow what happened in the past to repeat again, Itachi." The message was said with a flat tone but that only made it sound more stern than usual. Itachi nodded silently, "I'll make sure of it. I hear he and Naruto are part of the elite squad of the South Branch with Hyuuga as their leader."

"Hmph. Do not underestimate their team Itachi."

"Of course not father. Why would I make fun of the group that has the ever so intelligent Nara, the student of the legendary green beast, the stealthy blade, the eldest son from the Inuzuka clan and Aburame family along with the vicious shadow from the south? With Sasuke's precision and Naruto's agility, they sound like a threat to my team if you ask me. They're doing just fine it seems. Tell mother she has nothing to worry about."

Itachi silently got off his seat as he bowed graciously to the elder Uchiha. Along his way to the door, the younger Uchiha looked back to his father, "I wish to bring Kakashi with me if you do not mind."

Fugaku raised an eye brow before smiling knowingly, "Of course."

Itachi thanked his father with a final nod and left the room for good.

Fugaku leaned back into his chair as he turned to look at a picture on his desk that was taken many years ago. A picture in which Sasuke was smiling radiantly next to Naruto who pretty much had the same expression as they celebrated New Years Eve together for the first time. The picture was taken by Mikoto; his wife during the countdown just outside the Uchiha estate. The boys had been waiting anxiously for the fireworks that would be launched secretly by Itachi in the nearby forest with the help of all the other agents and staffs that adored the two. It was a fun night especially with Minato; Naruto's father present as well.

That was the last time anyone from the main branch had seen their happy smiles and heard their laughter. Fugaku gritted his teeth, "We won't make the same mistake twice. Not now, not ever."

South Branch – Hallway 2

Neji raced to his destination. The East Branch was by far the closest to the South Branch. It's no surprise that when help was needed, they would depend on each other. The Hyuuga slammed the door open only to see a group of staff tapping numerous things on their keypads. Neji eyed the man currently sitting in front of a computer screen on the far left of the room, "What's the situation Amachi?"

"Not good… Iruka was disconnected just a few minutes ago. We're trying to reconnect but I don't know why it's so difficult. We've never had this kind of problem before. Not with the East Branch at least. And Iruka sounded really distressed."

"He's always distressed…"

Amachi gave out a small chuckle as he continuously tried to reconnect to the East Branch. After a few minutes, the empty screen finally showed a familiar face but the connection still wasn't clear. The screen was a bit fuzzy and Iruka's voice was continuously being cut off making the message unclear.

"…-bzzt-…nee-…-bzzt-…help!...-bzzt-…too many…-bzzt-"

Neji increased the volume in hopes that the message could be delivered more clearly, "Iruka! Iruka, can you hear me?"

"-bzzt- Neji…-bzzt- We need help!"

"What's the matter? What happened?"

"A team was sent to…-bzzt- they're not back yet! It's been 3 weeks! It was only suppose to..-bzzt- 3 days! We can't contact them neither can…-bzzt- enter the damn house!...We..-bzzt-….-bzzt-…really…-bzzt-..as soon…-bzzt-..possible..-bzzzzzzzt-"

"Iruka! Damn it! Can't we get a clear line?"

Amachi and the rest of the team sighed frustratingly, "That's the best we can do for now.."

Although the transmission was cut off, Neji managed to get the gist of Iruka's plea. Something was definitely wrong. Well, one thing's for sure, Iruka DOESN'T swear. And another thing, a 3-day mission will always prolong when there is a miscalculation in difficulty but to not be able to re-contact the team or retrieve them was a major problem. "They'll need all the help they can get. Send them a reply in whatever way you can, say that help is on the way."

"Yes, sir!"

Neji picked up the receiver beside Amachi's keyboard and dialed a 4-digit number. In a second, a man's voice was on the other line, "How may we assist you today, Neji, sir?"

"Prepare me and my team a chopper. We're going to the East Branch."

"Very well sir. Estimated time approximately 10 minutes."

The Hyuuga hung up and called forth one of the workers in the room, "You there! I need you to inform the situation of the East Branch to our elite squad currently at the Training Grounds. Tell them to prep up and meet me at the rooftop of Block B!"

South Branch - Training Grounds

The wait was irritating for Sasuke. Neji was late and Kiba would not stop poking Naruto who was currently using the raven's lap as his pillow. "Kiba, if you don't stop poking him, he'll glomp you." Kiba immediately backed away. No way would he want 'that' to glomp him! 'Hmph. That got rid of him.' Shikamaru had joined Naruto and was sleeping on the grass, Kankuro was sharpening his kunai collection and Gaara was staring at Naruto while listening to Lee with his speech about…alcohol..?

"Oh god where the hell is Neji?"

The sleeping blonde groaned at hearing Sasuke's distressed voice. Immediately all eyes were on the raven. 'You wake him up, we'll kill you' was everyone's collective thought. They didn't even have to voice their thoughts for Sasuke to get the message. Well, of course. The heated glares, stiffened bodies and overflowing dark aura were hard to miss. Sasuke sighed, "He's not gonna cry for crying out loud… Sheesh you guys are so tense…He acts like a 3-year-old, not an infant."

Kankuro sneered, "Either way, it's still the same."

Sasuke was about to retort when the door of Field 1 opened with a researcher heading their way. Kiba whistled out loud, "Looks like trouble is heading this way~ Whatever it is, I didn't do it!"

The white coat agent bowed his head and briefed the squad of the East Branch's transmission and situation. By the time the messenger was done, everyone had a serious look on their face (except a certain blonde of course...).

"Neji has also requested that all of you meet him on the rooftop of Block B as soon as possible."

Sasuke nodded, "Understood. Give us 7 minutes. Let's go get ready."

The team got up and left the Training Grounds. Shikamaru stared at Sasuke who was carrying Naruto and decided to inquire, "Sasuke, is Naruto really alright with this mission?"

The raven pondered over the question and responded, "He'll be fine by the time everyone's ready."

Kiba shrugged, "If you say so."

Everyone went to their separate rooms and packed their equipments and necessities. Sasuke had packed his and Naruto's in 2 minutes and was currently working on getting the blonde back to normal. If there was one thing that Sasuke hated about Naruto getting drunk, it was the nightmares Naruto would have before he became sober again. The Uchiha had placed the blonde on the bed. Naruto suddenly started fidgeting and sweat had started to drip from his head. 'It's started...'

The raven regretted that all he could ever do for Naruto at times like this was to just hold his hand and wait for the blonde to awake on his own. Eventually, Naruto's eyes opened frantically and his body lifted instantly. Like a switch, Sasuke held the blonde in his arms and rocked him immediately, "It's alright, I'm here."

Naruto was panting hard and unfocused but he knew that there was only one person who would be there for him no matter , "Sasuke.." The blonde buried his head into Sasuke's shoulder and clung desperately onto the raven's back, "I knew there was something in that ramen..."

The two remained in that position until Sasuke asked, "Did you dream about.. 'them' again?"

Naruto froze. His clutch tightened greatly. The raven caressed the blonde's head lovingly, "The East Branch sent out a distress call. Guess who's going there to help them out." Sasuke's heart was at ease when he heard Naruto laugh, "Who else would there be?"

Sasuke hugged Naruto one last time, "C'mon, Neji's waiting at the rooftop this time."

"A chopper?"

The raven smirked and helped Naruto off the bed. After passing the blonde his weaponry bag, the two left the room and made their way to the rooftop. Not surprisingly, they were the last one to arrive. The sound of the rotating helicopter blades filled the air. Sasuke and Naruto could see their squad smiling at them. Not wanting to get left behind, Naruto followed by Sasuke got on the chopper. Neji gave a signal to the pilot and they were off. Kiba sneered at Naruto, "What's the hold up! Not sober enough, Uzumaki?"

Sasuke replied, "Careful Kiba. He might really glomp you this time!"

Neji laughed, "That'll shut him up."

Naruto smiled, "Naturally!"

-~:~:~:~:~-

A/N: Well... I got nothing to say for this chapter... I enjoyed writing it but I'm actually more excited about the next one cuz that's their first official mission as the elite South Branch squad! And Itachi makes an appearance! The humor in this chapter was partially provided by my daily life btw!

Fun Facts: Difference between a 'Chopper' and 'Helicopter'? There is none actually! 'Chopper' is just another slang of saying 'Helicopter' and is considered rather informal. It's like saying 'TV' instead of 'Television' or 'Plane' instead of 'Aircraft'!