Chapter 1: Nothing

Sakura sat cross legged and watched Sai as he drew something down in a sketchbook. It was strange to have a calm silence, she wasn't use to Naruto not being around. Ever since he returned from training with Jiraiya Naruto had always been by her side. She almost expected him to be trotting right beside her like an annoying loving little brother. It wasn't a bad silence, it was actually rather peaceful for once. Even though she enjoyed Naruto's company she was relieved that she didn't have to hear him moaning about how he could have been stronger during the previous mission.

Kakashi had decided that the team split in half in order to complete their latest mission. Kakashi and Naruto would hit the villages to the North and East while Sai and Sakura were to gather information in the South and West. It was a simple mission really, to obtain as much information from town authorities about news that could possibly threaten the Leaf Village and report back to Lady Tsunade. They had one month and Team Kakashi were to meet up every Sunday to exchange information.

She sighed and Sai looked up. Tilting his head with his black eyes studying her, he looked as if he were trying to read her emotions.

'Through the fire and moonlight,' Sakura thought as she watched the shadows on Sai's face outline his features. 'he almost looks like Sasuke sitting there..."

Almost.

She blushed a little from the attention. She never had someone stare at her like he was just now. Well, nobody except Naruto that was.

Like Sasuke, Sai showed no emotion at times like these. Perhaps the only difference between the two was that Sasuke was at least capable of showing emotions when the time was right. With Sai however, Sai had no truth behind his smile. It wasn't because he was fake or hateful, he didn't know what it was. He didn't know what emotion was.

'What kind of life did he live as a boy? What was his schooling like? His home life?" She pondered.

"What are you thinking about?" Sai asked still looking at her.

"Oh just silly stuff I suppose. Nothing really." She fidgeted a moment and pulled her knees to her chest.

His gaze was blank.

"For thinking about nothing you express a great amount of emotion."

Sakura didn't know how to respond.

"Well of course!" she paused. "Don't you feel something when you think?"

He thought a moment. "No. I already told you, I feel nothing."

She frowned as she remembered the conversation they had on their first mission together. He had been drawing a picture and when she asked what he was going to name it he had no response. He had no feelings towards his art, he said he never felt anything at all.

"Nothing at all? Ever?"

"Never."

"Everyone feels something, Sai. Even if it is just for one moment. A split second. You're human after all, that is what we do. We think, we feel, we love, we hate..."

"No." He said coolly interrupting her. "I feel nothing."

With that, Sai looked down at his drawing and continued to draw.

Sakura looked down at the ground below. The two of them had made a fire on a large branch that they would call home for the evening. For being the first night alone with out Naruto and Kakashi she felt a little nervous. After all, Sai didn't offer much protection.

'He is a bit of a sissy.' She thought.