Sakura knew it would only be a matter of time now. Soon she and Naruto would be able to rescue Sasuke from Orochimaru, and he would then thank them both, declare his undying love for her, and revert to his old ways. They would then live happily ever after, and she would be the Uchiha matron, birthing red eyed, pink and black haired babies.
Yeah, right.
Sakura let out a short, undignified snort. And Shino doesn't love his sunglasses, sure. Of course, it wouldn't hurt to dream. If only… and that was the root of the problem.
Sakura sighed. If only, if only. Too many of those thoughts had been drifting through her mind lately. If only I was stronger, if only I could get through to him. If only he would listen…
If only he hadn't left in the first place.
Sakura knew that wistful thinking was getting her nowhere, but she couldn't help it. How could things have gone so horribly wrong? Had the curse seal twisted the Sasuke she knew and loved so much? Or had he always been that way, ever since the death of his family at the hands of his brother? How… and why…
Why did he leave her, especially after what she had told him? Thank you. She hadn't said that just to gain his gratitude! She had meant it, from the bottom of her heart. Couldn't he see that? Why couldn't he see that?
Why didn't she believe herself anymore?
I love Sasuke, I love Sasuke, I love Sasuke… She chanted it to herself, willing herself to believe. If only her love had been strong enough…
If Only, If Only,
The woodpecker sighs,
The bark on the tree where as soft as the skies!
While the wolf waits below, hungry and lonely,
He calls to the moon
If Only, If Only.