Male!Sakura/Hinata. If it bothers you, might as well just leave. I'll just delete any hateful comments so you'll be wasting your time.

This was inspired heavily by crystalblue19's Lavender Addiction series. I give the credit to them for the idea. It was a long time coming and I finally sat down to write it. Sakurai is typically a surname but whatever.

Sakurai had enough; he was tired of with the snickers, taunts, and jokes. But most of all, he was fed up with being miserable. He angrily stared at his reflection; his green eyes narrowed not on his bruised cheek or busted lip but the reason for them. Sakurai pulled on his pink strands and cried in agony. "Why? Why? Why?!"

Kizashi listened from outside the bathroom door and sighed. He also had the unique hair color but it was much more vibrantly expressed in his son. His own dull shade of pink had caused him problems during his childhood but he decided to take it in jest. It was in his nature to be jovial and charismatic so every time someone would poke fun at him, he would turn it on them or join in on the laughter. Eventually they learned it was futile to mock Kizashi Haruno over something so childish.

He wished it was just as easy for Sakurai. Unfortunately, he had inherited his mother's strong headedness and temper. Deciding to leave him alone, he walked back to the kitchen. His wife leaned against the counter, drinking coffee.

"I'll talk to him about the fight at school later," he said rubbing his neck. "I just hope he was able to land some of those famous punches you're known for."

"You're taking this too lightly!" Mebuki scorned. "This is the first time it's gotten to this level and I'm scared. Our son is miserable and it's up to us to fix it."

"What do you want me to do?" His blue eyes lowered and he slumped down on a chair. "I can't change his color to look like yours. I know he hates looking like me."

She reached over to comfort him but he suddenly shot up. "I know what we can do… We'll dye his hair! I'll talk to him about it and if he agrees, I'll do it myself."

Mebuki grimaced as she imagined the well-intentioned but horrid job he'd do. "Shouldn't you leave it to a professional? But wait, aren't we looking at a short term solution? We need to talk to him about recognizing this is a part of him and teach him how to deal with bullies."

"I've tried but he told me it doesn't work that way." He remembered the stories Sakurai told him. There was the time his locker was painted pink. However, the most recent incident aside from the fight was when some boys held him down and drenched him in cold water. Kizashi was contemplating withdrawing Sakurai from the school but his son refused to be scared away. "I earned this scholarship!"

"Kids are crueler than I remembered. If this is what it takes to make my boy smile again, then so be it."

.

.

Sakurai's heart raced as he walked into the salon. His father checked him in and they waited patiently to be called. A small part of him felt like he was giving in to the bullying, another part was excited to look completely different. However, there was also a nagging feeling that he had somehow hurt his father when he readily agreed. He had smiled at his enthusiasm but Sakurai could tell there was some sadness behind it.

"You nervous?" his father asked. "Did you bring the photo?"

He nodded and pulled out a photo of his mother. They decided to go for the shade of blond his mother had; it would look the most natural.

"Sakura?" a woman called out. "Is she here?"

"It's Sakurai," he gritted and stormed to the chair. Kizashi shrugged apologetically at his son, his name was another source of humiliation but he wouldn't agree with a legal change. It was the first thing he thought of as he held his son for the first time. He picked up a magazine and kicked his feet up since it would be a while.

The stylist, who introduced herself as Akemi, ran her fingers through his hair. "So what are we doing? A trim or fade-"

"I'm dyeing it," he interrupted.

"Yes, I know that sweetie," Akemi rolled her eyes. "I was merely asking if you wanted a haircut to go along with your new color."

"Oh…um I guess a trim. Nothing too drastic!" he insisted. It was laughable considering he was going to be leaving with a different hair color. Akemi nodded and began to organize her tools.

"You're dyeing your hair?" Hinata screeched. She had been on the chair next to him and greeted him with a smile but he didn't seem to notice her. It wasn't unusual for the quiet girl to go overlooked, but it still stung when he ignored her.

She had long admired Sakurai for his intelligence, determination and grit. Some people mocked the scholarship students and while Hinata knew she was smart as well but it didn't hurt that she was the Hyuuga heiress. If she could be honest with herself, it wasn't his intelligence that first captivated her. He was stunning with his green eyes and pink hair. The other girls were quick to point out his forehead as a fault which she didn't think was big at all.

The phone rang and Akemi apologized before going to answer it. It seemed like they were short staffed today.

Sakurai shot her a glare and she quickly apologized for her outburst. "It's just that you have such beautiful hair." It was the second time she'd told another person; Hinata confided to Sasuke when Sakurai first transferred in about her fascination with his hair in particular. He merely rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath.

"Mind your own business," he scowled. Her eyebrows furrowed in dejection and he scolded himself for being so hostile. Hinata Hyuuga wouldn't mock him; at least he didn't think so. They had stolen glances at each other in class but she was known for her kindness at school.

"I'm just trying something new," he said in a nicer tone. Maybe after this, those assholes can move on to another target. Sakurai griped the arm rest tightly.

"You don't like your hair?" she questioned timidly. "Are you insecure about it?"

"I'm not insecure," he retorted quickly. "I just want to look normal and stop sticking out."

"Sorry, you should do what you want and I have no right to question it." They were silent as Akemi returned and sprayed his hair. The phone rang again and she huffed in annoyance as no one made any movement. She left the two teens alone again.

"I still feel insecure with how my eyes look. People assume I'm blind or there was an accident with bleach," she nervously giggled. "I've learned to accept how I look but there are still times when I wish I looked normal."

Sakura didn't bother to hide his skepticism. She was part of the inner circle that tormented him daily. Specifically Sasuke Uchiha, the boy he used to look up to and admire, that was until he gave him the endearing nickname of Cherry Boy. When Sasuke wasn't indulging in his favorite past time of tormenting him, he could be found next to Hinata. Sakurai questioned if the girl really was blind, how could she not know Sasuke was such a douche?

Of course Hinata wasn't a bully herself, she was never around during their cruel pranks but he found it hard to believe that the well liked heiress ever felt uncomfortable. If she felt that way, why didn't she use some of her daddy's money to fix them?

"Is that your father?"

"No, he's just some guy with the same common hair color as me," he sarcastically said. Kizashi cheerfully waved as the two teens glanced at him.

Hinata ignored his tone; she was used to the brash attitudes of teenage boys being friends with Sasuke and related to Neji. "You're lucky you have his support. When I was younger, I asked my father if I could try contacts. Just for a bit, you know. I wanted to see how I looked with normal eyes. He was furious and didn't acknowledge me for a month. I didn't even get a happy birthday," she said wistfully. "I deserved it, I guess."

"He sounds like an asshole," Sakura muttered. He wondered where the hair colorist had gone.

Hinata giggled then shook her head. "He can be a bit stubborn but I realized he felt insulted. But your dad looks very happy to bring you here. Was it his idea or-?"

"Look, I know your probably trying to be nice after your boyfriend's buddies beat the crap out of me but I'm good okay? Stop taking pity on me!" he shouted. Hinata immediately recoiled and turned her head to face forward. She didn't even have the courage to clarify that she didn't have a boyfriend.

Akemi returned, rolling her shoulders and looked at Hinata. "Masao will be back in a bit. Don't worry, young lady. He'll leave you looking great. I swear I'll give you my honest opinion."

She nodded and Sakurai scoffed. "She's not blind."

"Oh!" Her eyes widened in surprise. "T-that's not what I meant," she lied. Her face turned red with embarrassment.

"It's fine," Hinata insisted, wanting to end the conversation. She looked down and stared at her lap, purposefully ignoring the mirror in front of her. Sakurai could see how uncomfortable she was and realized she wasn't lying when she confessed her own insecurities.

As his stylist trimmed his hair, Sakurai stared at her out of the corner of his eye. Hinata was only there for a touch up so she finished before his coloring process would begin.

Masao blow dried her hair and passed her a mirror to make sure Hinata was satisfied. She smiled and nodded. "Well, then I guess I'll see you for our next appointment. This time don't wait so long, or you'll get more split ends," he scolded.

Hinata hopped out of the chair and hesitated as she walked past him. "I hope you like how you look. Good luck."

"Wait!" She turned back and tilted her head. "You have beautiful eyes, trust me," he muttered, avoiding eye contact. "Just remember that whenever you feel insecure." Hinata blushed and smiled.

He returned her smile and she bit her lip. "Can I touch it? You hair I mean, before you change it? I've always-" Sakurai's eyes widened. "S-s-sorry! It's stupid of me." Hinata rushed to pay for her haircut and dashed out of the salon.

"She's certainly an odd one," his stylist commented. "Shall we get started?"

.

.

Kizashi had a satisfied smirk on his face. It wasn't only because his son had decided to keep his natural color, but also the interesting interaction he had with the girl. He couldn't help but listen in on their conversation. She was soft spoken but Sakurai's attitude didn't scare her off, well at least until she asked to touch his hair.

Her face was so red and his son sported a similar blush, which was still evident now. Sakurai had been quiet the whole ride back home. Mebuki was shocked to see that aside from a shorter hairstyle, he looked the same. "Did you get nervous? I knew I should've been there," she said regretfully. "Maybe we can try tomorrow?"

"It's fine mom," he grumbled. Sakurai wanted to wipe that smirk off his father who began to wiggle his eyebrows teasingly. "I have homework to catch up on before the suspension is over."

He sprinted towards the bathroom and splashed cold water on his face. "Can I touch it?" He moved his head side to side and analyzed his hair. Sakurai didn't think anyone aside from his parents actually liked it; certainly no one at school had indicated so. Weird, unnatural, girly, and fake were the words most of his classmates threw his way but Hinata actually wanted to feel it and even called it beautiful. He preferred she had called him handsome or attractive instead but it was still an ego boost.

"Maybe I'll give it some time," he said.

.

.

Hinata grabbed her books for her first class which she dropped in surprise when Sakurai walked over. "Here let me help you," he offered. She remained stunned at his appearance. "Are you okay?"

"Sorry, it's just…" Her hand slowly reached upward but she pulled it back. "You didn't do it."

"Nope, I figured it'd be a hassle to maintain it." He handed her the books and blushed at their contact.

"I'm glad," she whispered and smiled. "I mean, if that's what you want."

"It is."

She closed her locker and they stood around awkwardly. "So," both said before laughing nervously.

He rubbed his neck. "I was wondering if you'd like-" Sakurai began before he was roughly shoved to the side. Suigetsu crackled while Sasuke smirked and wrapped his arm around Hinata's shoulders.

"Let's get going, Hinata. Don't want to be late," the Uchiha said. He ignored Sakurai but Hinata kneeled down to help him up.

"Are you okay?" She asked voice full of concern. He nodded and she shot Suigetsu a reproachful look. "That was very rude of you, Suigetsu. You should apologize."

The teen rolled his eyes but Sasuke frowned at him and he reluctantly complied. Sasuke tried to pull Hinata along but she remained in her spot.

"Would you like to join me…I m-mean us for lunch later?" she asked. Her blush was obvious and Sasuke glared at the pink haired boy.

"I don't think that's a good idea," Sakurai said, looking at the smug boy behind her.

"Oh okay," she replied rather gloomy. Hinata sensed the two boys didn't click but hoped they could all hang out. "See you later." Sasuke guided her away, this time with no resistance.

"Wait!" Sakurai called out. "Maybe you'd like to hang out after school. Just the two of us? As friends I mean." He noticed the snarl on Sasuke's face. "I wouldn't want to upset your boyfriend."

She looked at Sasuke and giggled. "We're not a couple. People probably think we are, but we're just good friends."

Sasuke's eye twitched and he reminded Hinata that they had less than three minutes to get to class. Sakurai raised an eyebrow; the Uchiha had an annoying habit of mentioning around him that Hinata was his girl.

"Okay, glad that's cleared up. I guess I'll see you in Chemistry and we'll make a plan there," he said. Hinata nodded and smiled bashfully at him. Sasuke had tightened his grip around her but she peered over her shoulder to look at Sakurai.

He winked at her and her face flushed. "Get going Haruno. You don't want to be late after returning from suspension, do you?" Sakurai shook his head at Headmistress Tsunade and jogged to class.

Sakurai had a great day at school and although the taunts didn't disappear, they didn't sting as they once did. He ignored them all and smiled when Hinata sat next to him in Chemistry class. While they worked on an assignment, he mentioned that he wasn't opposed to her request.

"Really? It doesn't weird you out or annoy you?" she asked excitedly. He shook his head and she reached out. "It's just as soft as I imagined it, it's so beautiful." Her eyes expressed her genuine feelings and blushed at his intent stare.

"I could say the same thing," Sakurai replied.

"Less flirting and more working." Kakashi leaned between the two causing them to jump apart. "Keep your hormones in check, at least until school's out. Okay?"

Hinata nodded and stuttered out a sting of apologies while Sakurai scowled. "Maybe you should be paying attention to Uzumaki over there. It looks like he's about to start a fire."

Kakashi stopped smiling and ran over, leaving the two alone. They chuckled and returned to the problems on their textbooks, all while leaning closer than before.

AN: Boom! I got this one done!

I have ShikaHina/ GaaHina in mind next, which was inspired by angst fanart. I'm not making promises on frequent updates since I want to finish Buried Desolation and Hidden Motives first. Thanks for reading!