A/N: :D Thanks for your reviews guys! I read every one, even if I don't always reply! This is definitely a *feels* chapter haha so I'm looking forward to your responses ;)
Happy Fourth of July to my fellow Americans :)
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Chapter Eighteen: Love
"It's the anniversary of Neji's death." she finally told him, some time later. "I just wish I could have told him how much I loved him, respected him, admired him...how much he inspired me."
She pulled back from him, but allowed him to retain her hand, which he rubbed soothing circles on with his thumb.
"Love can be so painful, ne?" She sniffled, wiping her face inelegantly on her sleeve.
"I know what you mean." Sasuke replied softly, looking away towards the dying light of the sun, "I feel the same way about my brother."