The End

There was a reason why he took the enemy's hand that time.
A reason why he took a step back and chose revenge over the brotherhood Naruto had offered him, over his light and his smiles.

It simply wasn't meant to be.

So he chose to let these feelings die. Yet despite the years that had passed by the lone candlelight in his heart still remains to fight.
Never dying, never leaving, still existing.
The fire in his heart burned and yet he doesn't wish to approach, he fears its clutches that would bind him back to the very core of its bewitching existence.
Burning his control over his scalding affections that he had kept in his heart for years.

Sasuke didn't want to ruin what was left of himself.
He didn't want to ruin the peace he had.
So even if it hurts him to see those smiles not directed at him, he will still stay by his side.

A story of Sasuke's torturous days in his path to revenge, a reason why he didn't stay, a reason why he fears coming back and a reason why he couldn't love Sakura.

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Please don't stand so close to me
I'm having trouble breathing.
I'm afraid of what you'll see, right now.

I'll give you everything I am,
All my broken heartbeats.
Until I know you'll understand.

And I will make sure to keep my distance,
Say I love you when you're not listening,

"But how long, can I keep this up?"