A/N: This will begin Naruto's half of the story from his POV (Point of view). Sasuke's half (Point of view) can be found in Similar But Opposite. While it's not required to read both (you can understand each story as it stands on its own) further explanation to Sasuke's actions will be found in Similar But Opposite. Likewise, the explanations for Naruto's actions will be found here in Opposite But Similar! Now, without further ado, enjoy!

Opposite But Similar

"Dammit." He crumpled up another paper, not bothering to toss it at the overflowing trash can and laid his head on the desk. He knew what he wanted to say, Uchiha Sasuke was never speechless. He just couldn't put the words down on paper. Sighing he pulled another piece of paper closer, and began again.

He stared at the paper. It had obviously been crumpled and abused even though it now rested in a perfect rectangle. He stared at it... because he didn't want to open it. He didn't want to see the words written on paper. He didn't want to read the words that would shatter and burn what was left of his heart.

He closed his eyes, and decided there was nothing left to shatter, nothing left to shatter, because it was no longer there. Sasuke had it. And he always would. And so he began to read.

Dear dobe,

I won't say 'if you're reading this that means I've left', because that's how these always start, ne?

As Naruto read these words, it was as if the old Sasuke was bleeding through, and he quickly read on to the next lines, oblivious at the moment to the ink splotch at the bottom of the paper, nearly covering three words.

I probably shouldn't say this, because I know it will give you false hope. But I know what you want, and I've thought about what I really feel, and what I really want. So maybe this hope won't be so false.

I'm sorry dobe. I'm sorry for hurting you, and I'm sorry for leaving you. But this is something I have to do, and something I have to do by myself. And I'm not sorry for that. I don't expect you to forgive me, and I know I deserve any hatred you give me.

You mean more to me than words can describe. You taught me that if there's someone who can leave and cause scars on my impure heart, there's also someone who can heal them. You're that someone, dobe.

But right now these scars need to stay fresh. Right now, I need to finish what he started. I need to destroy him. And you don't have to understand. Just trust me, please.

And I do... have one favor. I know I have no right to ask this of you... but I need to. Please, please, don't stop smiling. Don't lose that light that made me love you in the first place. Keep smiling, for me. And if you can't smile for me... then smile for the others. Don't lose your light.

I love you

Sasuke