Author's Note: Here's another one! Enjoy!
Sai jolted awake at the sound of ruffling, eyes quickly glancing around the dark tent, shoulders tense with anticipation. "Whew..." He relaxed at the sound of your voice, your body following soon after. You looked pretty roughed up, but you were still on your feet, so it couldn't be that bad. "We got 'em good, Sai!" You confirmed tiredly, plopping down onto one of the sleeping mats next to the pale shinobi. "Didn't think I was gonna make it, but then Shikamaru and the others showed up; saved my ass, I tell you."
You smiled wearily. "Jeez, I hope this war ends soon... I know Naruto and the others are holding up the best they can, but..." You shook your head. "I don't know." Sai stayed quiet but kept his attention on you. Despite the fact that you had been fighting in the war, you hadn't seemed to have changed much. The war had been taxing on everyone in many ways. It had been putting a bit of a strain on yours and Sai's relationship, but you were still as upbeat and positive as you where the day Sai had met you. "Y'know Sai, I don't think I've ever seen you smile," You commented. "I mean like, really smile." When Sai remained silent, you snorted. "Heh... sorry. That was a weird thing to say, don't mind me."
"I was wondering," Sai began, choosing his words carefully. He did care about you, after all, and romantic relationships were completely new to him. "How you are still able to smile so freely, even during war?" You shot him a lopsided grin.
"Well... I like to tell myself that it'll be over soon. That I just have to hold out for one more day." You shrugged. "It's hard though, sometimes. Things just seem to be getting worse and worse. I mean, sure, we're making progress, but sometimes it feels like one step forward, two steps back." Your gaze shifted towards Sai's art supplies, laying neatly by his cot.
"I envy you, Sai... even during war you're still able to create art." Sai turned his gaze to where you were looking. "This... this might sound kind of dumb... but... do you think you could draw me something? I... always wished my art could come to life the way yours does." There was a slight pause before Sai nodded, reaching for his brush and a blank scroll. "I... I mean, I understand if you can't, we're in the middle of a war... and you need all the resources you can-" You were cut off as Sai pressed his lips to yours. You blinked, mind going blank for a moment. However, before you could deepen the kiss, Sai pulled away, a slight smirk on his face.
"Apologies _." He said coolly. "You were rambling." You huffed, a slight blush dusting your cheeks. You were thankful that the tent was dark enough that Sai couldn't see your flushed cheeks. Sai reached over and turned on the lantern that was near his cot. Pulling the scroll into his lap, he unraveled it, the rest of the scroll bounced onto the floor. Uncapping his brush, and ink, Sai dipped the brush into the bottle, coating the fibers in jet black ink.
You sat next to him quietly as Sai began to paint, letting his brush dance across the page. It had been so long since he had allowed himself to immerse himself in his artwork, and It wasn't long before butterflies and dragonflies were melting off the scroll and into the air, fluttering near your head. Next it seemed as though a fox had jumped right off the page, landing in front of you, fluffy tail twitching. You laughed in delight as birds appeared next, flying from the scroll with one landing on your knee, and another on your head.
You closed your eyes, and for a moment you were back in Konoha. Playing in the open fields, a warm breeze blowing through your hair. However, the moment was short lived as the muted sound of shouting and explosions in the distance woke you from your reverie. The artwork disappeared and the ink splattered to the ground. You glanced up at Sai, smiling. "Thank you for that, Sai." you said quietly.
"It was my pleasure, _." Sai replied. You stood up and stretched before putting your hands on your hips. Glancing outside the tent, you saw that the sun had just begun to rise, streaks of pinks, oranges and reds with hints of fading blues painted the sky with the beautiful image of night melting into dawn. Turning back to Sai, you grinned, the corners of your lips twitching upwards.
"Come on, we've got a long day ahead of us."
End of Chapter 8
Author's Note: Hope you enjoyed! See you in the next one! Bye!