Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters. They belong to Masashi Kishimoto.

Note: This is a YAOI fic, so if you don't like it, why are you reading this? This is my first time writing this pairing, so let me know if it sucks and I will not pursue this pairing. Thank you.

Emotionless?

Why is it that I feel this way? I shouldn't feel at all. ROOT had trained my emotions to be nonexistent and my reflexes to be superior. How was it that this one person had thrown all of that away? He, for lack of a better term (or maybe I am finally just getting used to the unusual phrases?), threw me for a loop. And the main thing that kept me from asking about why this happened was the fact that if I phrased it in the wrong way, I'd risk having the full power of the Kyuubi acting against me. To be honest, that is most definitely not a wanted scenario for anyone.

"Hey, are you going to just stand there mumbling to yourself or are you actually going to talk to him?" Looking up, I was faced with the pure green eyes and pink hair of my other teammate, Haruno Sakura.

"Pardon, but what do you mean? I do not believe I was talking to anyone, let alone myself." whoops, left off 'Ugly'... oh well. Doesn't matter much anyway.

"Uh-huh. Look, Sai, I know you feel something for him, so why not go and talk to him about it?" Was it just me, or did she hide a threat in her words and smile? "Now, Sai." Smile being gone, threat was real.

"Fine. But first... I need you to assist me with something, Ugly." Please don't punch me, Sakura-chan, please.

"Ugh, enough of the 'Ugly' already, okay? That is so not a way to show endearment to a friend. And, I guess I can help you. What do you need?" Thank you, Kami. I get to live another day.

"What emotion is it that causes your heart to be erratic? One that makes you feel dizzy and not grounded when you look into someone's eyes? Do you know what feeling that is?" Blunt, I know, but somehow, to me it seemed like if I was being blunt then it would make the problem seem smaller, almost like it didn't exist in the first place.

"Sai... who are you in love with?" Sakura had tilted her head to stare at me in what I could only assume was a curious manner, but what truly caught my attention was her words. I was in love with someone? Love was what I was feeling? And towards him of all people. This could get me killed if I said it wrong when I go to tell him. Hmm...

"I... am not quite sure. I have to go now, Sakura-chan. I apologize for the abruptness, but thank you for your assistance in this matter." I gave her one of my rare true smiles as she looked -incredulously?- at me as I walked off to talk to the object of my aparent affection.

"Sasuke-kun?" (ha! threw ya for a loop, huh? sorry, I had to...) Thankfully, my voice remained steady, not hinting to what I was about to confess to the person I had initially been asked to replace.

"What? I need to train still, so whatever it is that you have to say, make it quick." Even his voice, mad- no, irritated- as he was, made me react strangely. Better to get this over with soon. But first... I need to check on something.

"Sasuk-kun... Your relationship with Dickless is purely platonic, correct? Or... is it that you secretly love one another? You are by no means required to answer, but I would greatly appreciate it if you did." My tone stayed even, showing nothing, just like the emotionless ROOT member I am at heart.

"What? No! Kami, I could never feel like that towards Naruto! Are you sick or something? If anything, I once, once, considered him as a brother, but we are rivals. Nothing more. Besides... uh, never mind. I have to train now." He turned and walked away, leaving me curious, yes, curious, as to what he was going to say. Oh well. I suppose I'll just have to ask him later.

I sat down at the base of a tree and took out my sketchpad and a pencil. I looked up briefly, seeing bits of sunlight through the canopy of leaves above my head, then turned back to my skethpad. I closed my eyes as the tip of the pencil met the paper and kept them shut until I was sure the picture was finished. Sometimes I'll let my self relax like that, drawing a picture of something in my subconscious with my eyes closed to see how correct it really is. When I opened my eyes though, I most certainly was not expecting to see pure obsidian eyes staring back at me. The onyx eyes were framed in dark lashes, interrupted by long black bangs which drawed my eyes up further to admire the perfect brows adorning white skin. Glancing down, I noted that the nose was just the same as in reality, before taking in the soft curve of his lips. They were held in a tight line, bordering on a frown or scowl. The jaw was perfect. Following the gentle lead of the features and drawing a sort of sharp definition to them.

Why? Why had I drawn-

"...me?" Hearing his voice made me come out of my reverie quite quickly, and as I moved to cover up the drawing, he caught my wrist in his hand.

"Uh, forgive me, Sasuke-kun, but what did you say?" Great. Caught in the act of staring, even if it was only at a picture.

"I had asked you, is that me, and if it is, may I ask why did you draw me?" Hmm... no way I'm getting out of this one, is there?

"Well, Sasuke-kun, if I knew why, I would tell you. But, as it stands, I am afraid that I do not know the reason behind this so I cannot answr your question."

"Wrong. You can still answer my question."

"I can? But how? You asked for a reason and I have none."

"Again, you are wrong. I asked initially if it was of me. So is it?" Damn. I was hoping he would ignore that question.

"Uh... Well... yes."

-okay, first chapter, done! Please, review, or be contented with long periods between updates. I personally hate inconsistency, so I would not take pleasure in making you wait. and, I'm no sadist. Until then,

-Akari's Blood