#so he's like shoo don't go near that complicated stuff lmaooo

[fighterbound]

Why is he still pushing this? He's told him several times they're friends, all of them. Is he looking for something else? Trying to get him to say something stupid to hang it over his head? His eyes narrow in response to that particular thought, but in the end Sai never been one to pull that kind trick. Still though, he's confused on why Sai isn't letting this go. Like why does he care so much? Looking more deeply into things complicates everything and he doesn't do well with complicated.

Friendship is enough for him. Honestly he's grateful for it. Going from people ignoring him and pretending he wasn't there to having a good group of friends and being acknowledged. It's great, awesome even! No way he needs more than this. He heaves out a sigh accompanied with a tired smile.

"Last time time I'm tellin' ya," he claps a hand over Sai's shoulder and squeezes, "they're my friends. I care bout them a lot, and that's that. I dunno what else you wanna hear from me, but ya ain't getting it." He drops his hand and flashes Sai an overly bright smile.

"I got nothin' else to offer ya." Shrugging, he lifts both arms to fold them behind his head. "So go bug someone else about this stuff."

❛⠀you don't ... ? ❜ sai blinks, somehow dumbfounded by the statement. naruto is the most loved person in the village, especially since he has successfully defeated pain and consecutively ended the fourth war. it is hard to believe he wouldn't know what love looks like.

still, perhaps just because naruto wouldn't know, that doesn't mean ...

❛⠀you wouldn't give up on sasuke no matter what, for one. and he... is as easily devoted to you, i believe. even sakura's faith had shaken, but only because she was given an ultimatum that the threat of revenge could worsen among the villages had she not put a stop sasuke herself. ❜ the issues among team seven have always been... complicated, sai thinks. deep, and long, and wounded. sai can come in and metaphorically provide a temporary balm sometimes, slotting in his presence despite the fact he's never been asked, but he knows it wouldn't resolve anything until they, themselves, would.

he doubts that they would though. sakura only ever speaks about sasuke in hushed, terrified tones whenever sai and her are alone. with naruto, she braves an eager expression. always as easily enthusiastic about receiving any letters by sasuke whenever the blonde mentioned it. that's... love too, isn't it ? ❛⠀and i know the majority would perceive she has a preference for sasuke, but she is as equally protective of you. revered, even. do you not feel the same then, small dick ? ❜