[he winces at the explanation - somewhere between pained and saddened. did he do that? did he string someone along? did he bully taka into saying that he liked him? in the end, was this all his fault and could he have done something to keep people from being upset?

he lets sasuke's arm go then - if only so that he can cross his arms in front of himself a little weakly, fingers pressing into his arm]

... I should've noticed....

[is all he has to say for taka. because he's good with people, so he should've noticed. he should've been aware of what they were feeling. it was just another thing that he didn't read, another piece that he was missing this whole time.

but when he speaks again, it's soft]

... there's always going to be a place for you with me, Sasuke. I meant it when I said that - because you're my friend. And I want you to be happy, and find peace, and...

[ . . . ]

I'm sorry - that I didn't notice. But it doesn't make you any less important to me.

But... I want what Taka wants, because his happiness is important to me too. So...