Those Quiet Things That No One Really Gets

By

CloudN9ne

I know they're all just trying to cheer me up and as much as I appreciate it, I think I'd be better off without their sympathy. That's what irritates me most. When they pretend everything's alright, that I'm alright. Like acting like it's okay will make it go away or at least cover it up enough to not really be noticed. Maybe that's why you and I get along so well. You don't pity me...because you can't.

Hinata x Sai

A/N: I was trying to find a sweet couple and was hoping I'd come up with something non-Naruto related but that's when the inspiration bug hit me and this coupling came out of it. I can't resist a good odd couple. XD

Part One

"I'm Sorry"

Konoha never looked so bleak. It wasn't so much that the news horrified Hinata to the point of depression. Things just didn't seem as...bright...as they once did. The sky was just a little grayer, the buildings appeared to loom more, as if she were twelve again and the voices of the streets mingled together almost like a field of seagulls would...for awhile Hinata believed that it was just that the weather was changing. Winter was beginning to set in, so things naturally looked a lot less...alive.

But then why did she feel so unsettled? So hopeless.

Maybe it was because she felt, at one time, that she still had a chance.

She was in the room where the joyous blond announced his and Haruno Sakura's engagement. It was almost like Hinata had shrunk into the wall, and while she was used to feeling like part of the background, she didn't realize just how far her pale face had fallen. It was an unnoticed contrast to the rest of the room. Kiba and Chouji gave him a slap on the back and Shikamaru Nara congratulated him with a smirk, hands shoved into pockets. Even Neji smiled, closing his eyes with arms folded. "About time." He said.

Naruto's face was alighted and he laughed, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly, saying something along the lines of "Yeah, it just happened this morning! B-but don't tell her I told you yet!" He added, fearfully.

It was too easy to ease herself out of the barbecue restaurant during the celebration that commenced. When Naruto said he had an announcement to make and gathered his closest friends in secrecy, she was sure it was something that would make her happy for him...but...

The Hyuuga proceeded down the street at a slow pace, folding her arms for warmth. It was chilly enough to see your breath thick on the air. She felt foolish. It was strange. While Hinata felt overlooked before, she'd never once felt as if she were ignored. Not that it would have bothered her...but that was the closest word she could find to describing this feeling. The thought that she truly had been invisible in his eyes, all these years, purposely looked over. Was this...anger that she felt?

But to whom could she be angry with? Naruto? No, certainly not! And Sakura had done nothing wrong to her...besides; Hinata was not the type to begrudge at all. So, the only person left to blame was herself. Why? Because she was too late to act? Because she could never hold herself together around him, the man she admired most, long enough to even hold up a lasting conversation? Because she should have been the one...

Hinata then realized how childish this sounded, even if it was only herself which heard these thoughts. She was 19, for goodness sake! She shook her head, as if to clear a mindset that was just not like her.

Her long raven blue hair swung around, covering her shoulders. She blushed in embarrassment at herself. Acting so immature now. She felt like such a selfish person. She should be happy for Naruto, like everyone else...happy he's happy.

Despite trying her best to smile at that thought, her slow walk soon ascended into a run. No sooner had she accelerated her speed and turned the corner onto a familiar street, did she bump into someone. She hit them head first, as Hinata had been looking down as she ran in her haste.

A black book fell to the cold pavement, followed by a small 'clack', as a brush landed against it.

She blushed and tried not to look up, embarrassed once again. She's been spotted crying like a lost child.

"I-I'm sorry." She mumbled. Her voice cracked as she looked downward, hiding her face. Hinata attempted to sidestep the stranger. It was then that she caught a glimpse of him. That stark white boy, part of Naruto's team. He stared directly into her face with absolutely no expression.

"You're crying."

She reddened deeper. Repeating her apologies, Hinata hastily ran past.

Sai turned, looking after the girl's back as she disappeared, running along the rooftops. Her long hair streamed behind.

Kneeling, he picked up the book he was drawing in. Probably not a good idea to draw and walk, but he had seen Kakashi-sensei do it with a book and had decided to try it himself. But, the outcome was obvious.

"Distraction leads to accidents." He said to himself in confirmation, staring back to where the kunoichi had gone.

So far away

It's growing colder without your love

Why can't you feel me calling your name?

Can't break the silence

It's breaking me

All my fears turn to rage

Your Star - Evanescence