AN: Hello readers! It has been a while. Sorry about that. I am working on a story with my best friend which is taking up a ton of my time. Between that, work and school, I haven't had much time to write. I wrote this one stormy summer night earlier this year and just found it! Enjoy.
It had been just under a year since Sasuke had come back from his mission to infiltrate Sound. After three long years of endless pain and misery, he was finally free to return home. Though the mission was over, the effects of being "loyal" to Orochimaru's every whim still lingered. In order to succeed in his mission, he had to give himself to Orochimaru, mind, body and soul.
Sasuke awoke with a start, hand reaching for the kunai he had always kept under his pillow in Sound. Lightning flashed and thunder rolled as the former missing-nin gained his bearings. As he listened to the rain beat steadily on the windows, he began to tremble. Images of the horrors he was forced to endure during his time abroad danced across his vision along with the lightning. The brunet whimpered and curled into himself. Just when he thought he'd be swallowed whole by the bloody images tormenting him, a pair of strong arms wrapped around him.
Naruto held the trembling boy close. The embrace was simple, comforting. For once, Naruto was silent, knowing no words were needed. With every flash of lightning that made Sasuke tense, he gave a small squeeze. Eventually the raven stopped trembling and Naruto fell back asleep.
The raven watched through misty eyes as his savior slept. He couldn't help but remember all the terrible things he had done to his blonde. Another bolt of lightning shot across the churning sky, illuminating their shared room. More importantly, illuminating Naruto's face.
Without his wide grin and boisterous laugh, his mask, Sasuke could finally see Naruto. He could see the pain from years of neglect and misplaced hatred. The loneliness and hurt Naruto had gone through was written plainly on his face as words on a page. Strange as it was, Sasuke lived for moments like these. Not that he like knowing, yet still wondering, what had caused Naruto so much anguish. Instead, he relished in the moments he got to see the real Naruto. The one who is not an overwhelming mass of cheer, smiles and optimism. The one who has experienced pain, hatred and misery. Yet is able to get up and face each day with a renewed determination. The one who's struggles make him human.
Sasuke trembled again as more thunder rocked their apartment. Unconsciously, Naruto's arms tightened around him once more. Listening to the rain patter against the window, Sasuke lost himself in the feeling of being wrapped up in Naruto. Smirking softly, he buried his head in the blonde's chest. He closed his eyes and breathed in Naruto's scent. As he felt sleep tug at him, he whispered, "Thank you, Naruto… For everything."
The raven soon surrendered himself to sleep. Unknown to him, the blonde above him smiled and buried his face in ebony locs. Naruto mumbled sleepily, "Welcome home, Sasuke," before he let the thunder lull him back to sleep.
AN: Now that you've read, review please! I will try to be more active now that I am finding spare moments!