The shelter we called home was actually pretty roomy. The elder Nin had built it long ago, when they felt Konoha was threatened by other growing ninja nations. Each shelter was equipped with three bedrooms. Most of the ninja had been separated from their original squads. Because of this, Lee, Naruto, and myself were placed closest to the Sound Village.
There was a kitchen, bathroom, and plumbing, as well. The water was pumped in and out through a secret filtered well. Every few months, the Jonin would risk their lives in pursuit of food for the other shelters. They would bring them by quickly, and silently. They performed raids on Sound crops and food hordes. Eventually, these raids became unnoticed by the sound ninja completely.
Originally, the three ninja of squad seven were all together. After the loss of the Hokage tower, the squads had to be regrouped. That's how Lee came into my life again.
It was actually years later before Lee found out the truth about the siege. The plan was simple. As a final desperate attempt to regain out village, the remaining Nin gathered in a large group and stormed the tower in a terrible, unorganized manner. That was the first mistake. The place was over run. No one knew what to do next. No one could help one another. Without a plan, everyone was quickly taken down.
That's when Sasuke had an idea. He pulled me aside in a thin corridor. In a hushed voice, he quickly explained his plan. It should have worked. I should have been stronger.
My job was to guard the hall that lead to the entrance to the Living Chamber. From there, Sasuke, Kakashi, and Lee were to attack Orochimaru directly. I couldn't do it. A sound ninja had me by the throat against the wall. I let Sasuke see me. He ran to me. I let him save me. The Sound ninja swarmed around us as he pulled me close.
I froze up. Couldn't move. Even when the ninja released me from his hold. I sank to the floor on my knees.
He looked me in the eyes. It was a different look. One I had never seen before on him. He was in love. I know that look now. Everything he did, all the times he pushed me away, was because he secretly loved me too.
But I was stupid then. As Sasuke pressed his lips against mine, he spoke the last words he ever said.
"If I don't make it out, know this."
And he stopped. The emotion was drained from his face. He said nothing as he fell to the ground. Pierced by a kunai, through the heart.
"I love you."