Tears

Tears, it seems like they were always streaming down her face.

She cried as a young child, picked on by others, for her large forehead.

She cried as a pre-teen, because Sasuke called her annoying, for her ignorance. Again she cried, because he scared her in a moment of sadistic rage. When he was in the hospital, and when he left the village, left their team, left her, she cried.

Three years later, she still cried, not as much for the missing raven haired boy, who had rarely paid her attention, but more for her blond companion.

She cried, seeing him push himself to the breaking point, for a promise he had made her. She cried, learning of his burden, and the danger he was in because of it. She cried because no matter how strong and happy he looked and acted, she could see the pain within him. Had it always been there? She wondered, as another tear rolled down her cheek. She cried for him, risking his mind, body and soul, to fulfill his promise. She cried at her inability to do any but "the dumbest of things" for him.

Fives years later, she still cried, as she watched her husband, the once rowdy, mischievous, blond, give everything in and of himself, to protect the village, to protect his friends, to protect her, her and the precious, blond, bundle she carried in her arms.

Tears, it seems like they were always streaming down Sakura's face, tears of pain, loss, and love.