"You're too kind, Auntie," Naruko said softly, feeling her face burn. She hurriedly changed the subject. "Um, is Sasuke doing okay? Is he resting in his room?"
"He is, he is. He's in his own room." Mikoto smiled and pointed upstairs. "He's probably still feeling a little unwell, so he's lying down."
"Just go upstairs and see him. It's fine. I'll bring you both some snacks and tea in a little while."
"Thank you, Auntie!" Feeling as though she had been granted a reprieve, Naruko quickly thanked her, then practically fled upstairs with light, quick steps.
Watching her slightly flustered yet lively figure retreat, Mikoto's smile softened further. She gently shook her head and headed into the kitchen, humming a cheerful little tune.
Standing outside Sasuke's bedroom, Naruko settled the giddy feelings Auntie Mikoto's praise had stirred up before raising her hand to knock.
"Come in." Sasuke's somewhat muffled voice came from inside.
Naruko pushed the door open and stepped in.
The curtains blocked half the light, leaving the room rather dim.
Sure enough, Sasuke was lying in bed beneath a thin blanket, apparently on his side facing inward, showing her only the back of his head and his slightly stiff back.
As her footsteps approached, Sasuke seemed to recognize who it was. His body stiffened almost imperceptibly, and then he actually buried his head farther beneath the blanket, showing no intention of turning around.
Naruko raised an eyebrow, stopped beside the bed, and deliberately spoke in an exaggerated tone:
"Well, well, is this how the Uchiha Clan treats someone visiting a sick friend? And here I was, kind enough to bring the very best healing medicine for a certain idiot who tried to play the hero."
The figure on the bed did not budge.
"Ohhh—" Naruko drew out the