Peace.

If you had to describe how you felt in this moment with one word, it would be peace.

You and your squad, Team 7, were on a mission to deliver an important scroll from the Hokage to the Hidden Sand Village, which luckily went well, and you were returning home after staying for a day, After a long day’s journey, you’d stopped near the border and set up camp for the night.

The warm glow of the fire lit up your faces as you all shared stories and laughter. Naruto, as usual, dominated the conversation with exaggerated tales, drawing groans from Sakura and the faintest smirk from Sasuke. The scent of burning wood mixed with the crisp night air, creating the perfect ambiance for your team to relax.

Eventually, everyone retired to their tents. The fire was reduced to glowing embers, and the night fell into a calm stillness. Crawling into your tent, you hoped for a peaceful sleep, and that's what it was. For the most bit.

That peace didn’t last.

A few hours later, the soft crackling of flames pulled you from your slumber. Groggy, you stepped outside, puzzled to see the fire alive again. Sitting by it, his face illuminated by the flickering light, was Sasuke. He perched on a log, staring into the flames with his usual stoic expression, holding a fire poker as he poked around the logs in the fire.

You hesitated, watching him. The shadows danced across his sharp features, masking whatever emotions might be hidden beneath his calm exterior. Breaking the silence, you asked softly, “Couldn’t sleep?”

He didn’t look at you right away, his gaze fixed on the fire. Finally, he replied, “Something like that,” as he moved to make space for you.

You sat next to him on the log, letting the quiet stretch between you. Sasuke’s thoughts were a mystery, but for now, you didn’t need words. The fire crackled on, and the moment of stillness felt like enough.

Maybe it is peaceful, for now.