I caught you, as you fell. I stopped you from hitting the ground, but I couldn't stop the bleeding.
"Why?" I whispered, so quietly my voice broke.
Then I shouted, screaming to the sky.
"Why? Sasuke!"
I didn't want to fight.
I didn't want to kill you.
I wanted to save you.
For Sakura.
For Konoha.
For Kakashi-sensei.
For me.
I…
There's so much left unsaid. So much I don't even know I want to say.
Let me borrow the image of your strength just once. Let me hold your broken body close so that I may hide the tears of my broken soul.
In the end, I surpassed you. My rival.
How bitter is my victory.
How painful the cost.
How I wish it could be me in your place, now that all is done.
"Sasuke…" My voice is rough from crying, but leaves me steadily enough. "Sasuke… You were always my best friend, too."
In answer, the clouds poured down their rain, soaking me as I shielded your still form.