You're thinking about him, right? Those dark eyes are vacant. No, vacant isn't the right word. They're…distant, focused on something. Someone. Itachi.

We're just fuck buddies; it's not supposed to be a relationship. It's an accomplishment, I guess, that you're here when I wake up. It's the first time, I think, that you've spent the night. Something has changed. I'm just not sure if that's a good thing.

I'm the village idiot, but you're the only one who's guessed that I'm only playing dumb. Otherwise, how else would I have the uncanny ability to know what you're thinking. To other people, you must be a mystery. But I know that you're always thinking about him. Your brother. Always. And I'm not jealous. At least, not anymore. You're entitled. Especially today. Because today's the day he left.

I'm no stranger to what loneliness feels like. In fact, I'm an expert. You must be really hurting right now. I don't just like you, Sasuke-teme. I love you. And I don't know when I fell for you, but I just know that I did. I woke up one morning and you weren't here. And it felt wrong.

But I know you love Itachi. I know. But I think you sort of love me too. I just wish you knew it. Sasuke…You're not alone. You've got me. I'm your best friend. Your rival. Like Kakashi and Gai are. I'll support you.

I was the class clown. But maybe I just wanted you to notice me. I was mad, back then, when we kissed. And I still am. I'm sorry it was in public. I know you, Sasuke. I know you're a private person. I'm regretful for that. I'm not sorry, though, that I stole your first kiss.

I want to get a lot of power. Before it was just to become Hogake, to get recognition. But now I want power to protect those I love. And that includes you. Especially you. I want to protect you, Sasuke. I want you to let me protect you. I want to take down Orochimaru so you don't have to. I want to catch Itachi and bring him back to you. To make you smile again, because I know he's the only one who can. I want to do all these things so you don't have to.

I was jealous when Kakashi chose you to train and not me. Because I didn't want you to be training at all.

I've seen you at your weakest. When you were almost dead. That time with Haku and Zabuza. I was so scared. But not for me. For you. You have dreams and hopes. So I fought for you. And I continue to fight for you.

Lying in that hospital bed, I really wanted to kiss you. It was weird for me, too. I wanted to know if we kissed, if it would be better than the last time. But I didn't. Because I knew if I did, I'd never want to stop.

I can forgive Itachi. Because I think he's fighting now, for the same reason I am. He wants power, to protect the one most precious to him. You.

And if you choose him over me, that's okay. I can forgive you. Sasuke, you were the first to believe in me. You understand me.

You defended me against Sakura. You think I don't know about that? But Sakura told me later. But you made me think I might actually succeed and make something of myself. That I didn't need to rely on practical jokes. That I could become important. But I always wondered, then, if I could ever be important to you.

Thanks, Sasuke. Thank you. I can't say anything else. Even though I mean I love you.

I love you. We'll get through this. We have to. So you go do what you have to do, Sasuke. Just promise me you'll come back. And if you don't, I'll come after you. I won't wait for you like you wait for Itachi. Don't worry about me falling for someone else. You think Itachi is better than you Sasuke. But I can say this with all my heart, that you're definitely better. Because you have me, Sasuke. You always will.