“My little fox, you are growing big…” Sasuke reads (if fatherhood taught him one thing, it was that dramatics always earned brownie points), waiting for the little one to read the words that followed on the next page. Patience was a definitely must when teaching a five year old how to read properly. It’s been a bit of a routine as of late, for him and Naruto to alternate each night with a bed time story, try and help him along. Suengri’s catching on fairly quickly in Sasuke’s opinion, he’s only had to correct pronunciation on a few words tonight.
A few pages later, Sasuke glances down at the boy currently leaned into his side. He might be too preoccupied with the various illustrations on the page, but he follows Sasuke’s pointer finger over the words. “Out… in the w..wild, I’ll al..always be… ne..ar.” It was a good try, sounding it out was good, Sasuke always makes sure to let him know that. “I’ll watch over you, through your very first year.”
Figures Suengri would ask for a book about foxes. They’ve been all he talked about lately. Sasuke wasn’t going to argue against it, after all the look on his little face when they agreed? Pure sunshine if he’s ever seen it. And he has seen it, arguably he’s married to it. Thus, the copy of My Little Fox was a new staple in their bed time ritual.
After a few more pages detailing the little foxes adventures throughout the seasons, and Suengri’s various attempts at not jumbling up his words, they finally reach the last few pages. Sasuke decides to read more than one. “My little fox, you’re nearly grown. It’s time for you to explore alone.” Instead of continuing the narrative like the father expects, Suengri looks scandalized. Raising a brow, Sasuke watches his son turn to look up at him. “They’re going to leave him?!” Blinking in a bit of confusion, it takes a minute for Sasuke to realize he’s talking about the book, and the mother fox ‘leaving’ the baby. A small snort escapes him, shaking his head while pointing to the next page, that Suengri doesn’t look very fond of reading, so Sasuke continues it for him.
“Just know that you can always find me, back at the den, beneath our tree.” Small pauses taken in between pages, and finally he closes the book to set aside the younger’s bed. Suengri looks less angry, but slightly more confused, so it earns a small sigh from the elder. Opening his arms for the little one to return to his side under the covers, he keeps him close. “No one left anyone, the little fox always comes back home.” He assures, rubbing his back gently. A small ‘oh’ escapes his son, and he can feel his cheek pressed up against Sasuke’s chest while the ending settles in his head.
“When can I go explore on my own?”
Sasuke stays silent. This book might’ve been a bad idea.
