It's unfortunate.

How ironic it is, if things had happened in only moments' difference, that we would be leaving here alive. Perhaps if you'd toyed with the children a bit longer, If I had killed Kakashi sooner, if Gato had arrived just seconds earlier to betray us, you would still be breathing.

Oh well. The past is passed. We're here now, together.

The snowflakes I surmise are your tears land on my skin, melting, my body numbing as I die a little more with each moment. But I stay alive with all my willpower so I can hold you a bit longer.

Even as I stare into closed eyes, I don't quite feel you've left me. Your beauty is graced by peace and a softness only you have. I rub a lone trailing tear away from your cheek and tuck a tress of long matted hair behind your ear, because I know you can still feel me.

You were always much too soft for your own good. Why you loved me, I'll never truly understand. You're not a murderer, nor are you cruel. Your greatest fiend was your own heart, you broke in two today.

You say I gave your life purpose.

As I lay here, my arms aren't my arms anymore, no longer weapons of power or tools for my bidding, they fall at my sides as dead limbs. I have holes in my body that leak blood instead of water, it's over. And yet I am content. You give my death meaning.

But I hope this isn't the end.

It doesn't hurt now, I'm losing things. Who we fought, where we are. It's all been fading, all I was edging farther and farther and is now only a dark slate of memories, I can see you everywhere. I can't feel your hand anymore but I know you're squeezing mine. All I know for certain is you, next to me.

And...it's snowing. Please, don't weep for me.

I'm sorry it's taken me this long to attempt to return your kindness. You were always at my side, finally I am at yours. I never thanked you, and I hope you will forgive me for that. And though I know it cannot be, because I am cruel and you are pure, I hope that where you have gone, I can join you. How I wish I can join you there, Haku.