The streets of Konoha buzzed with life, the clatter of footsteps and the occasional laughter of children always echoing through the village. Sasuke had grown to appreciate the busy sight. The privilege to be able to walk down along its citizens is something he never takes for granted. The guilt from his past actions still clings to him, an ever-present chain that tugged at his heart, and yet warmth creeps in, softening the edges of his heart, and the touch of the sunlight seems all the brighter.

Sasuke knew the true source of that warmth: he was coming home to you. No matter how long his duties took him or how many battles he fought to atone for the mistakes of his youth, his heart was always left behind in your gentle hands. And every time he returned, you would give it back, whole and healed. Sasuke walks with a still expression, his dark cloak billowing with each step; the only thing he can think about is returning to you.

The path to his house grows much quieter, lined with trees that whisper in the wind. The door creaked slightly as he stepped inside. Sasuke slips his shoes off and hangs up his cloak, the weight of his travels shedding from his shoulders. He sensed your chakra before his eyes even landed on you, the presence a warm embrace.

When his eyes finally found you, a faint smile ghosted across his lips—an expression so subtle it might have been missed by anyone else. Without words, he gives a nod of greeting. He was home, and that was enough.