Day Five.4;; Tremble - Pain

                                    

                                          
    It had been many years since Sasuke had returned to the Village. The village was bigger and more technologically advanced but while things had changed, the core of Konoha remained pleasant. Children ran through the streets, squealing as they played tag and pretended to be shinobi. Men and women gathered in the shopping district to exchange goods and replenish stock. Birds flew overhead and cats prowled amongst the shadows. Laughter could be heard from every direction, warm and welcoming as Sasuke made his way to the Hokage’s office. Perhaps things had changed for the better.
                          
    He could hear people within Naruto’s office, speaking in relaxed tones and chuckling every now and then. Sasuke didn't wish to disturb them, choosing instead to wait outside until their business was concluded. There was a small group inside, perhaps back from a mission or just discussing daily life within Konoha. Either way, the conversation sounded amiable from where he stood. Minutes passed before they began to say their farewells and head toward the exit. They were inches away from the door when someone stopped.
                          
    “Oh, by the way Hokage-sama, how is your son these days?” A woman’s voice asked.
                          
    Sasuke’s eyes widened as he fell into the shadows, hiding his presence from the group inside. It was a childish thing to do, he was well aware of that, but he didn't want to face his dear friend with this new information. So much time had elapsed, it only made sense that his life had moved on past their childhood. All the same, it didn't feel right. Deep inside, Sasuke had always wanted to be the one Naruto had a family with. He found the idea to be ridiculous now, an impossible fantasy he played with to cure his own loneliness and boredom from being isolated for so long.
                          
    “He's great!” Naruto laughed and Sasuke knew he was smiling, his voice softening with every word as he continued, “He's a handful, yet I've been told he's much better behaved than I ever was.”
                          
    “Well that isn't hard,” a man snorted.
                          
    Sasuke decided to take his leave before anyone had the chance to notice his presence. He didn't understand why his body felt heavy. Every step felt like it was weighed down with concrete as he made his way back to the streets of the bustling village. His legs buckled beneath him as his body trembled. It took all of his effort to catch himself from falling into despair. Tears welled in the corners of his eyes as he observed the village once more. People were smiling and laughing and hugging and living. Everyone was enjoying the small, tender moments. Everyone except him.
                          
    That's when he saw him - the splitting image of Naruto running up into the Hokage’s arms. They were both grinning and Sasuke thought the sight put the sun to shame. It had been a long time since he saw Naruto this happy, and it had been an even longer time since he himself had felt anything that resembled joy and yet he felt overwhelmed with it now as he stared at Naruto carrying his son, pride evident within his azure eyes. Sasuke allowed a brief smile to grace his features alongside the single set of tears that had collected unbeknownst to him. If anyone deserved the entire universe handed to him on a golden platter, it was Naruto. Setting aside the mild tang of jealousy that stung at his sides, Sasuke stood straight once more.
                          
    He had lived a life of little significance and many regrets; the only redemption he received was from the the comfort he found in their friendship. It had been his guiding light for many years, something he had come to rely on to get him through the dark, cold nights and dreary days that turned to weeks. Facing away from the two as they walked onward to their home, Sasuke knew it was time to follow his own path. It was time to find his own happiness, independent from the man he cherished. He couldn't burden Naruto any longer with the shackles of his sins. They had survived and they had to carry on living - they owed it to everyone that died to protect their dreams. Sasuke wasn't going to let Naruto leave him in the dirt any longer, he had to embrace his future as well. No longer would he allow himself to be held back by the mistakes of his past. In honour of his companion, he would learn to love the little things that the world provided.
                          
    Perhaps things had changed for the better, after all.