He places his hand on the carved stone in front of him, reading the words slowly.

Hyuuga Neji

He who had changed his own destiny and identified himself as a true friend.

Finger tips trace over the words as a smile of gratefulness appears on the Uchiha's face. A true smile he has gained once again after being saved from darkness. He takes in what is written on the stone and smiles wider.

Hey Hyuuga, thank you for saving him. Thank you for being there with him when I was still the foolish me. Thank you because you played a role in pulling me out of darkness as well. We never truly got to know each other other than how our strengths then were. Hell, I never got the chance to even spar with you. I know it was not for me but him so really, thank you. I will protect and take care of him forever if he allows me to. I promise so please do not worry. This time, I will be here for him.

Sasuke wonders if Naruto ever thought of what Neji felt for him. He believes Neji loved Naruto to go so far for him. Somewhere along the way, he must have fell for the seventh hokage, just like what has happened to him. He ran away from his feelings, denying them. Neji, however, was different. He silently stood by Naruto's side, watching the blond from a distance and always being there for the other. That is enough for the Uchiha to hold so much respect for a guy he never really knew. The Hyuuga had loved and would have been able to continue loving Naruto even more than him. He knows that much. He has been given a chance and there is no way he is ever letting go of it again. This is also a chance Neji have given him. And he will try until he succeed, to be able to stand by a certain blond and protect him like how Neji did.

"Thank you." He mutters his last 'thank you' softly, the smile still adorning his usual blank face. Gently, he puts down the small bouquet of mixed zinnias in his hands.

The sound of footsteps caught his attention immediately and he turns, only to spot Hinata approaching.

"Sasuke-kun, I wasn't expecting to see you here."

"Hinata-san... It's been a while. I thought I should come and visit." The formality he has yet to get accustomed to sounds weird coming from him.

"I see, thank you."

He nods at the bowing kunichi and walks off, feeling accomplished after finally expressing his gratitude towards the Hyuuga. The newly appointed head of Hyuuga only stares at his back, feeling confused but soon turns to look at her cousin's grave which is already decorated with a bouquet of mixed zinnias.

/

I hope you enjoyed and that this is readable n~n;;/ thank you for reading and any feedback is welcomed!