Chapter Text
The next morning after some training he headed to Mio’s restaurant before the academy. At six in the morning. He waited outside tell he saw Mio coming towards him. Talking with a young shinobi who was getting more and more animated and hopping along. Eventually they got to the door.
“I’m so glad you both came! This is Sasuke and this is Ren. The broth’s been brewing the last day and just needs me to finish and plate it! Later will you both be willing to come and help me with sweeping?” Mio asked with a smile. They both nodded causing Mio to smile.
Click. The door lock turned and opened and when they entered a warm smell hit their noses.
“Mio! Mio! Is it pho?!” Asked Ren hopping animatedly.
“Yes I wanted to give you a treat since you were going on your first C rank mission. I still have some things to prep. Would you two be willing to wipe the tables and sweep?” Mio asked her voice calm. Ren bobbed his head quickly and Sasuke just stood glossy eyed and tired. Before nodding his heavy head. Stepping inside with Mio and Ren. Mio walked off to get some supplies. Before coming back from the back area handing them a couple rags and a bottle of solution.
Ren grabbed his before hopping off to his table all the while practically yelling. “It was so cool! We encountered bandits but we handled them! I got hit in my hand and the medic said it’s probably gonna leave a scar! But that’s fine cause I was protecting Makoto!” Ren turned to Sasuke who’d been slowly dragging the rag across the table with unfocused eyes. “That’s one of my teammates! He’s perfect!”
“Nobody is perfect.” They both jumped and turned to see Mio holding a tray with a pot of tea and cups. Setting it down carefully. Before putting the cups on the table and filling them with tea. “Go ahead and have as much tea as you like. We’ll eat in 20 minutes so make sure to tidy up. I’ll go cook and prep. I’d appreciate if you could tidy up the dining area so that I can open soon!” Mio said smiling.
That seemed to light a fire in Ren cause he was tearing around the space scrubbing the tables. Sasuke did his best but only managed to clean one by the time Ren finished the rest of the tables. Ren grabbed a broom and began to sweep quickly darting around as though evading enemy fire.
“Sasuke! Would you mind holding the dust pan? We can get this done super quick!” Ren exclaimed loudly and happily. Sasuke nodded and walked to get the dust pan and walk to the area Ren was sweeping. From there they skirted around sweeping. Sasuke occasionally deposited the tiny bits of food. They had been on the floor then traveled to his dust pan to the trash can.
“Nice job you both!” They turned to Mio to see her smiling and standing over the table with the teapots and cups. Now it had an edition of three bowls.
“Hurray!” Ren exclaimed running over dropping the broom.
Clatter clatter.
Sasuke walked over memories of his mother smiling kindly and giving him breakfast. His face grimaced but his lips began to lift into a smile before the memory turned into his mother’s scream. His mother on the ground lying in a pool of blood. That was so incredibly red.
“Sasuke! This is genuinely the best food ever! Mio’s the best cook in the world! You can ask anyone! Plus she’s a genius! Comes up with lots of different kinds of food!” Ren exclaimed happily. Grabbing his arm and pulling him to the table. Before sitting and grabbing the chopsticks.
“Manners.” Mio said. A tone similar to someone chiding a small child.
Click. Ren set down the chopsticks and brought his hands together following Mio and Sasuke followed them both.
“Thank you for the food.” They chorused. Before picking up their chopsticks. Sasuke took the chopsticks and stirred slowly. The noodles, meat, and broth. As well as vegetables danced around the water. Before eventually lifting the chopsticks to his lips and tasting the warm noodles full of flavor. Before grabbing the spoon and tasting the broth, noodles, meat, and vegetables. It tasted like the embodiment of warmth.
“Mio! Mio! How do you come up with these masterpieces?” Ren asked. Mio looked up something haunting her gaze.
“Some people I knew would cook it. I didn’t invent anything.” Mio replied. Her voice sounded strained and her eyes returned to her bowl.
“Ummmm right,” Ren exclaimed loudly earning him awkward silence as they both looked to him. “Cough cough ahem ahem. Well they clearly were a genius! Speaking of geniuses where is Akio and Takehiko?”
“They don’t like the early morning’s but I’m sure they’ll be by later.” Mio said before directing her gaze at Sasuke, “Some children come and get bentos from me and in return they come by after the academy to help with cleaning, cooking, and serving. For anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour depending on the day and the amount of children who got bentos from me. But normally they stay and help. Then I ultimately give them dinner as well. You’re welcome to help with my restaurant and I’ll give you food. I simply cannot feed everyone for free unfortunately.” She frowned and looked down.
“Mio, we stick around for the food and company! If it were a bad deal we’d stop coming!” Ren said happily. Earning a tight grimace from Mio.
“Thank you, you both take your time it’s nearly seven so I need to open the doors. Children will arrive soon for their lunches. As well as some shinobi probably they tend to like my food and think it’s comforting. Let me know if you would like seconds and Ren your welcome to finish mine if you like,” Mio said while moving to the area with the forgotten cleaning supplies grabbing the broom and rags before turning and returning it to the back and heading to the door flipping the closed sign to open.