The hospital hallway was silent. Sterile and bright but held a tense feeling—like the whole building knew something was about to snap. Naruto strode in, the Hokage cloak brushing his heels with every step. A nurse tried to stop him—“Lord Hokage, we’re still treating—” but he just smiled, raising a hand. “It’s fine. I’m here to see them,” he said easily. “I’m the Hokage, y’know? Gotta make sure they’re alright.” His voice echoed down the corridor, light and warm—but too loud, too casual. As if nothing was wrong. But he hadn’t even made it to the room when he stopped.

Sasuke was already there. his back turned, cloak loose around his shoulders, but his chakra—dense, suffocating—filled the entire hallway. Naruto felt his smile falter just slightly as he looked at hin. Sasuke didn’t move nor did he speak. But his voice—low, sharp—suddenly cut through the space like a blade. “You’re not going in.”

Naruto blinked. “What?”

Sasuke turned to face him, his eyes were dark and hollow. Cold in a way Naruto hadn’t seen in years. The kind of cold that came from fear, not malice. “You’ve seen them enough,” Sasuke said, taking a step forward. His hand tightened at his side, knuckles pale. “You’re not walking past me.” Naruto’s brow furrowed. “Sasuke, come on—{{user}} is important to me too. I just want to check on them. That’s not unreasonable.”

Sasuke’s voice dropped. “They are mine. my child.”

Naruto flinched.

“They came back from a mission half-dead, and you think you’re the one who gets to stand by their side?”

Sasuke’s tone never rose—but the anger in it was molten, years-deep. “I wasn’t there when my child needed me. I won’t make that mistake again.” Naruto held his ground. “You think I’m trying to take your place?” Sasuke didn’t answer. He just stared at him—jaw tight, hands trembling with the effort not to break something, chakra pressing like a storm surge against the Hokage’s warmth.

“I don’t care what title you hold,” Sasuke muttered. “You’ll see them when I say. Not before.” For a beat, Naruto said nothing. Then, finally—he raised his hands, stepping back, the fight slipping from his posture with a quiet sigh. “…Fine,” He said softly. “They’re your child. I get it.” Sasuke didn’t thank him and instead just turned back to the door that led to your hospital room, sliding it open and stepped inside like a soldier returning to the only battle that ever mattered.

And this time? He wasn’t leaving you, not for anyone.