Sakura stared blankly out the window of the inn. She takes every death to heart. Sasuke pulled a hand through his hair.

"Sakura."

She hummed, but didn't face him.

"You know that…" It's not your fault? You couldn't have done anything? It all sounded so cliché and made her seem weak. His tongue defeated, he moved closer.

He watched her fold inward, knowing exactly what it felt like—this devouring sadness. He'd lived with it every day as a child. He'd thought, If only I was better. Smarter. Stronger. I could've saved them all. Then one day in a dark forest, arms no bigger than twigs closed around him. The sun broke through the canopy of leaves, haloing the jagged edge of her newly-shorn hair and he knew—I can save one.

He reached out, enclosing her in his arms. "Stop."

She curled into him, tears finally flowing. "I tried to save them."

"I know."

"If only I was—"

His grip tightened. "We can't save them all."

But I can save one.

Just a little drabble to start off SasuSaku Month. There's a few more little bits coming later in the month.

Thank you so much to the Mistress of Bacony Goodness, Unicorn Paige. You right my wrongs, Paige! Now, if only you'd learn to appreciate the deeper mysteries of cabbage...