&&&

She watched the whole act. From start to finish. When Sasuke came up to Naruto, when Naruto yelled and jumped from the tree, when Sasuke gently kissed his lover's wound...

When Sasuke witnessed one of the most horrifying things he could see in another persons eyes and promised himself he’d make it right.

Seeing that look that said "This wound... yeah, I deserved this one."

The look that should never exist.

How Sasuke immediately embraced Naruto.

How it took Naruto a few moments but he eventually started to cry.

And wail.

And sob.

And choke on his sorrows.

Something Sakura had never seen her friend do.

Something she hated, loathed, and despised with every part of her.

... Something that made her think, even if just for an instant, as Sasuke kissed Naruto, that maybe some things were meant to be and she had no reason to be jealous.

Even though Naruto didn’t hug back but instead just continued to wail...

&&&