Chapter 2-Return

It was a year since the war—a whole year since he'd bid goodbye to his teammates, his friends and wandered the lands in search of peace and redemption for his sins.

He thought he'd be better off—that they'd be better off but he could only stand the company of strangers or the companion of solitude for so long, before it weighed on him heavily.

Heavily enough that he'd awoken that morning and let his feet carry him back the way he'd come—back through the familiar, hills, mountains, desert and wasteland until he found himself standing at the borders of the Land of Fire. This was familiar.

This was…home, perhaps.

He'd taken care to send a messenger hawk ahead of him, letting Kakashi—the sixth Hokage—know of his imminent return. However, he'd expressed his desire of it remaining a secret; he may be returning but that did not mean he had intentions of staying permanently, nor did he have the patience for all the chaos that would doubtlessly ensue when his teammates heard of this. Naruto would be his typical obnoxious-pain-in-the-ass self and Sakura would merely stare like a fish out of water with a light pink dusting her cheeks and that stupid look on her face.

Tch.

He hated the fuss they always made— like a flock of annoying, pecking mother hens, the lot of them.

He'd rested for a few hours of the night but rose well before dawn to continue his journey; it would still take most of the day but he didn't want to spend the night out in the open again if he could help it. He was used to sleeping in the elements but it didn't make the hard, unforgiving earth any more comfortable and his back had plenty of knots and kinks as it is.

Keeping his traveling cloak tied securely around him, he'd strapped Kusangi to his back—concealed beneath the cloak—and untied the strip of cloth from around his forehead, letting his raven bangs fall into his eyes.

He didn't want to draw any unnecessary attention and even with the Sharingan and Rinnegan being inactive, his black eyes seemed to draw plenty of it, all on their own.

It was sundown when Sasuke caught sight of the gates of Konoha in the distance and upon closer inspection—activating his Sharingan—he caught sight of a lone figure standing just inside, poised in his direction.

The shock of silver hair was a dead giveaway and Sasuke smirked in spite of himself.

Reaching the gate, he stopped, his crimson eyes scanning the area.

"Don't worry, there are no Guards—I sent them on rotation just to be safe. But the others will be here soon."

"Rotation, huh?"

"Well you did say you wanted your arrival to be discreet, hm? I mean I know you could've very well slipped past them and they would've have been the wiser, but…well I just had to come and see you for myself."

An eye crinkle smile warmed Kakashi's masked features, causing his student to roll his eyes.

"You still wear that ridiculous mask? Honestly Kakashi, you're the sixth Hokage, this whole keeping-your-face-a-mystery is really getting old."

"Oh this?" He gestured to the mask, another eye crinkle following and a chuckle when his former student scowled at him.

"Tch. It's pedestrian and childish…not to mention stupid."

"Ah well, it keeps the people curious…and it adds to my…swarthy, charismatic mystery."

Sasuke rolled his eyes again, crossing his arms over his chest and ignored the man beside him. His sensei was an idiot and his idea of humor left much to be desired, not to mention he was lecherous 'old man'. But he was a renowned Shinobi—skilled, intelligent and powerful and for this, Sasuke had always respected him.

They were nearing the Hokage tower—the streets were quiet and not a soul could be seen. "So. You're back."

"Hn."

"Any particular reason why?"

"I was weary of wandering—particularly among strangers; their company is insufferable. I prefer my solitude."

"Yet you returned here. To the home of your friends, the place of your birth."

"My reasons are my own. Besides, I don't intend for it to be permanent."

"Oh?" Kakashi gave him a sidelong glance. They reached the tower and he turned to face Sasuke. "Well at any rate, whatever your reasons, it's good to have you back. You have any plans for where you'll stay?"

"If the old compound is still standing?"

"Relatively speaking, yes; as well as can be expected."

"Then that would be my choice."

Kakashi eyed him curiously. "There are better accommodations, Sasuke; we've rebuilt since the war and even if you prefer more privacy, I could easily house you in one of the apartments on the outskirts of the village…or even in my own quarters, if you prefer."

He gestured towards the tower but Sasuke shook his head.

"I don't desire to be an inconvenience, Kakashi. You have plenty to concern you with running a village. You don't need an old student, ex-avenger and former criminal stirring up chaos."

"You are not an inconvenience, Sasuke."

"Nevertheless, my decision stands."

Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck and sighed heavily. "Very well. If the Uchiha compound is what you prefer then by all means, you are welcome; it is yours after all."

Sasuke nodded stoically then turned to take his leave.

"Do you know how long you'll be staying?"

Sasuke paused in his steps but did not turn around. "I haven't decided yet."

"Well I'll do my best to keep this under wraps as long as I can but you know word's gonna get out sooner or later. Naruto and Sakura will eventually know you've returned."

Sasuke eyed his old sensei from the corner of his eye. "I'll deal with that when the time comes."

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Note: This drabble is finished. So excited for what comes next! Remember, if any of you have drabble requests for this collection, let me know in your reviews and I'll be happy to fit them in!