Written for sasusakupromts; theme being fairytale.

i: breaking the spell

Sasuke stands at the edge of the cliff above the Hokage Monument. The breeze ruffles his hair and he shifts to hide his hands in the pockets of his nin-pants. He likes to stand here, at the edge of this cliff, looking down at the village below him and count the specks that move every few seconds. Sometimes, he likes to pretend he actually gets some thinking done.

But there isn't really anything to think about, anymore.

So he finds himself, with every visit, standing there and observing; like a hawk in the sky, like a snake on its belly as it studies its prey.

Konoha is at peace and has been for almost six years. It's something that, even now, most shinobi have a hard time wrapping their minds around, something that the humble villagers accept with happiness. Sasuke doesn't know where he stands; he is back… home, he can say. Yes, he is back home and he's a twenty-three year old jounin.

And surprisingly, it is enough.

For once, it is enough.

He takes a deep exhale, closes his eyes and feels the light wind rock him in place.

Time is at a pause, as it always is when he is up there. Sasuke takes a moment to curl around the empty feeling that consumes him. This feeling—this emptiness is different from the one he has always felt. Before, it was like acid; it bubbled through his veins, blurring his sight and shutting down all of his senses. Before, it made him angry, made him lonely and filled him up with resent and god—god, that resent was never enough because he always felt so much emptier.

But—but now.

Now, Sasuke feels this emptiness of accomplishment—this empty weight that slows his body down—and he has for a very long while. And yet, he isn't quite used to it.

He takes another sigh and opens his eyes. Konoha buzzes into life, below him and he swears he could hear its heart beating steadily. Slowly, his lips tilts upwards, at the corner—a ghost of a smile, because it is all he could ever offer; he's too greedy to show how truly content and at peace he is. It is his, only—

"Hey."

Sasuke doesn't turn, but he quietly hums a hello. The grass below him shifts and he knows someone is standing next to him; a breeze flutters by and he can see strands of pink dance in the air, from his peripheral vision. Slowly, he turns towards her, facial expression blank, as is custom. "Yes?"

"Naruto's back from his mission," she says, nose wrinkling and eyes squinting. "He wants to eat ramen."

"Then let him," he shrugs, ignoring the rustle of his flak jacket.

She reaches over and lightly punches his shoulder, "You know what I mean, stupid."

Sasuke smirks, nods and turns away from the edge. They walk down the path, together, with their hands brushing every other five steps, and it is fine.