"Why do I Love You"

by: Crimson Night

Disclaimer:  I don't own Naruto.

***

What are you thinking about brother?  Me perhaps?  I stand, darkness surrounding me and watch Sasuke from a distance.  I knew he would be here, awaiting my return, I hope.  Our last 'reunion' hadn't gone as planned.  It…I can't think about that now.  I must concentrate.

I see your body tense as you become alert.  I guess you sense my presence.  I move forward.  Before you have time to realize it's me, my arms wrap about you, my face nestled in your hair, the warmth of your body adding to mine.  For a moment you relax, sink back, using me for support.

I turn you around to see your eyes.  They're glazed with such intense emotions.  Is there something you want to say that you're holding back?  My insides are squirming, trying to make sense of all the feelings surfing through my mind.  I lean forward and place my lips gently upon yours.  You give in to the kiss, return it. 

The moment is sweet, satisfying in a way, but you pull away from me.  I'm not startled by the reaction at all.  I know how you feel, Sasuke.  I know your emotions, your mind, what you're thinking this very second.  I don't say this aloud.  There is no need.  I'm sure my eyes tell you what you need to know. 

I allow my lips to curl up into a smile.  Then, in only a fraction of a second, I go back to my reserve.  I find your gaze and hold it.  You do the same, gaze unwavering.  I move my right hand down to the sword clasp there.  Your eyes follow the movement of my hand.  My left moves to grasp another sword.  I step forward, holding the sword by the blade, allowing you access to the handle.  Your hand closes around it and I release my end.

I make the first move.  I step to my right, your left.  My blade goes up, I pick a point to strike.  My blade moves down, slicing your armband.  It falls to the ground.  I will not hurt you, Sasuke.  Not yet.

You counterattack.  The cool steel of your blade pierces my skin.  I feel something trickle down my cheek.  Blood.  Quickly, I aim for your knee, making a neat cut.  We put distance between us, beginning to walk in circles, facing each other.  At once we surge forward, swords straight. 

It took me barely a second to decide that I don't want to kill you.  I put my sword down.  You don't.  Yours tears at my skin.  I feel the blade enter through my chest and exit from my middle back.  I can only smile as the strength that keeps me standing fades. 

I fall to the ground, blood entering my mouth.  You kneel beside me, putting your lips atop mine.  AS you turn away, I grab your hand, squeezing it as tight as I can.  There is something I should say before you leave.  "Sasuke.  I love you, little brother."  I am not sure if I spoke loud enough, fore I could not even hear the words.  I could feel my consciousness slipping away.  But I will not be defeated.  I will come back for you Sasuke…..

~owari~

A/N:

I'll be working on the sequel….I guess this means Itaichi isn't dead.  ^^;;