"Sai are you out of your mind?" After recovering from his stupor the Hyuga teen had grabbed the pale stoic boy by his arm and pulled him away from the shop for some privacy. The remaining ninja, still seated at the ramen shop, simply looked at each other in utter shock as the boys made their way through the crowd of village people bustling about on the streets. Neji had pulled him to the other side of the large crowd, near a somewhat secluded area, to save his self from further embarrassment.

"…"

"Well?!" Staring at the root member's blank un-phased face was really working on Neji's already impatient nerves. How could he just say something like that in front of so many people and remain so indifferent?

"No I am not out of my mind; I simply have a crush on you."

"S-Stop saying that!" He stammers out angrily when he feels heat rise to his cheeks. By the burning sensation in his ears he knows that they are probably red too.

"But it is the tru—"

"No." He interrupts firmly and meets his empty obsidian eyes with a stern look. "You don't, don't listen to Ten-Ten. She does not know what she is talking about. Just forget about this."

"…"

"And stop plaguing me with drawings!" Who would have thought that Sai had been the one tormenting him? He was definitely the last person on the prodigy's mind.

"Plaguing you?" Something in Nin's voice sounded…hurt?

"Yes! I have been thoroughly disturbed these past three days and was considering calling on Lee and Ten-Ten for help in capturing you."

"Oh…gomenasai…" Neji notices how the shorter teen's head tilts downward finally breaking eye contact with him to stare at the ground. "It was, by no means, my intention to disturb you Neji-san. It will not happen again."

"…good."

Sai sighs as he looks back up into the Hyuga's purple tinted eyes with something that could only be oppressed sadness. "I was really hoping that I did have a crush on you."

His eyes widen at the weird comment before narrowing again in annoyance. "Why?"

"I would have finally had an explanation for this strange feeling."

"…"

"I'm not very good with feelings or emotions or even expressing myself. And even though it made me feel funny, I was happy that my body would react to seeing you…it reminded me that I…I am a person too, I can feel things others can feel. I was happy to hear Ten-Ten put a name to my feelings but like you said…she was wrong. I'm sorry again I caused you so much trouble. I never wanted to be a nuisance to you Neji-san."

He's never heard the root ninja speak so much and they've never even had a conversation so it seems kind of strange for him to listen to the short haired boy "pour his heart out" to him so to speak. His voice was perfectly monotone and level which could have only come from years of training but the Hyuga was no fool. Something about his presence seems dejected and defeated. "Uh…well you're forgiven. I suppose you didn't really know any better." He notices how Sai shifts to walk away but he starts in the opposite direction of the ramen shop. "Hey wait a minute, you already ordered your food. Don't leave on this account; I can make sure the other's keep their mouths shut on this subject."

Neji can't place the tight feeling in his chest when the shorter teen flashes him with one of those infamous fake smiles he's come to be known for. This one was different though…it seemed kind of…broken. "Don't worry yourself Neji-san; I am not leaving because of this. I actually have a mission that I must prepare for soon. I was only going to be here for a short period of time. Actually I only came because…" Instead of finishing his sentence he just trails off blankly. A mission? Lady Tsunade had not been giving out any missions to high ranking ninja for at least a week now. And it is obvious that this isn't a "team seven" mission. He can only assume that the root Nin is going on a dangerous undercover solo mission for Danzo, the root organization leader.

"I see. I will let the others know."

He gives a slight nod before turning around, only to stop and spear a questioning glance over his shoulder. "Neji-san." Neji didn't say anything but by the look on his face Sai knew he had his attention to continue. "May I continue to draw you? I promise not to give them to you anymore or show anyone."

"…" What was he supposed to say to something like that? His voice sounds so soft and light and his face is practically pleading. If ever a time when the word "cute" could be placed with the awkwardly pale ninja, it would be now. And after all, he did ask. He could have simply continued to draw him without his knowledge. "Hai."

"Arigatou gozaimasu." After watching him disappear into the crowd the Jonin went back to his friends only to be met with wide grins.

"…What?!"

"Sooo, did he confess his love to you personally?" Ten-Ten dares with a mischievous smirk.

"You shut it, you've caused enough trouble."

"My my, aren't we pissy."

"Neji you are truly my rival in every way!"

"Lee what are you talking about?"

"You have gotten your first confession while I, the handsome green beast of the leaf, have yet to have such a beautiful display of affection!"

Neji can only stare at his longtime friend and wonder once more if the green baka has a screw loose. "Lee you too, shut it!"

"Unless," He continues turning his attention to the pink haired kunoichi of his dreams. "This has inspired you and given you the courage to confess your hidden feelings for me Sakura-chan?!"

"…Lee…get out of my face before I punch you in yours." The hyperactive ninja had leaned in in anticipation, only to get shot down harshly.

"I always knew Sai went that way!" Naruto states bringing them back to the situation at hand. He had been too busy chowing down through his seventh helping of ramen to participate in the discussion. "He's always talking about penis this and balls that!"

"Naruto, I'm trying to eat!" Sakura yells at her inconsiderate teammate as her face begins to match her hair in color.

"Ah gomen!"

"Sai probably likes Neji so much because he looks like a girl, hee-hee."

"…Wait what?!" Said ninja had been doing a great job of ignoring the bunch until Ten-Ten opened her mouth to speak again. "Ten-Ten—"

"Your hair is all long and luscious," The girl continues mockingly running her fingers through the fuming ninja's brown mane. "And your eyes are so pretty and your skin is so smooth and flawless! You are the perfect bishonen Neji!"

"Wha—Ten-Ten! You! What nonsense—"

"Ha-ha Neji I'm just kidding. I just wanted to see that look on your face." He's had enough. With a quick glare to his female teammate he slams his money down for his meal and walks away from the laughing group.

(Three Day Time Skip)

The next three days were completely peaceful for Neji. He did everything he's been doing except now he has not had to about being plagued by disturbing images of his self. He still has yet to have a mission and the weather has been stunning in Konohagakure. Everything had been so perfect that he had actually forgotten about the incident involving the root ninja and the pale boy had taken his rightful place at the back of his mind once more. That is, until he happened to be walking home one night after some late training. The last rays of sunlight had just disappeared from the sky and the stars were now taking their places. The Hyuga prodigy was just planning on going home, taking a bath, and meditating before a good night's rest.

But of course he can never have his way. A mere half a mile away from the Hyuga Estate, from his peripheral vision, he identified three shady figures run by through some trees. As a Jonin he could not ignore such suspicious behavior, so after a short sigh he activated his byakugan and gave chase to the perpetrators. In an instant, he knows they must be skilled ninjas since they easily pick up on being followed and suddenly increase their speed. Three minutes later, after they realize that he is not one to get rid of so easily, they stop abruptly and prepare to go on the offense. Neji does the same but is surprised when he comes to a stop in front of a very familiar loudmouth blonde, green Taijutsu master, and female weapons specialist.

"Oh you guys it's only Neji." Naruto smiles at him, as if this meeting is a friendly get together, and throws his arms behind his head casually.

"Ten-Ten, Lee, Naruto what on earth are you guys doing sneaking around so late?"

"Well if you must ask." By the tone in the devious girl's voice Neji already knows he's not going to like where this is going. "We were training earlier and afterwards we were hanging out at the academy and we started reminiscing about old times and of course gossiping—"

"How ridiculous."

"Anyway we started talking about who likes who and then of course we remembered you and Sai."

His face turns down into an unintentional grimace as he glares at the group. "So what?"

"So." Naruto cuts in. "We remembered that Sai said he has drawings of you back home. Sakura and I know that he had been inspired lately by something…well you…and we were all kinda' curious about what paintings he has of you. You know like what do they look like."

"So we're going to go check it out." Lee finishes up excitedly. All of the lack of activity lately has had the hyperactive boy eager to do anything.

"So you're going to pester him at this late hour for something so trivial?"

"Of course not…" Ten-Ten trails off with a smile.

"He still hasn't come back from his mission so we're just gonna' sneak in."

He can only gawk at the rasengan-user in disbelief. "So instead of worrying about your teammate, you are going to invade his privacy?!"

"I am worried…you can do both at the same time."

"Come Neji! Why don't you join us? You must also be curious!" Lee offers as the other two run off in their previous direction.

"Tsk, no waaa-! Lee put me down this instance!" The green beast had hoisted his teammate on to his back in a piggyback fashion instead of listening to him and already started his chase after the other two. No matter what the Hyuga says Lee just ignores him the whole way and before he knows it they're coming to a stop.

"His apartment looks so plain and small…"

"Ten-Ten, this is wrong and I won't be a part of—"

"Oh Urasai Neji, I know you want to see too." The Kunoichi grabs his wrist and Neji only sighs as he's guided up the stairs and to a plain cream door. He shakes his head when it only takes the Uzumaki seven seconds to pick the lock and open the door. Neji is the last to step and being the only sensible one, he flicks on the light switch. He's surprised when there's no a significant difference with the lights on since they're so dim. The others quickly roam around the apartment searching for what they desire but Neji only stands by the door and looks around. The walls remind him of a hospital room. They're so white and plain. He had expected the place to be littered with art. The living room and dining room/kitchen is all one semi-big space. There's a small raggedy faded black rug in the center of the studio room, small brown coffee table with three cushions around it, a shelf in the far corner of the wall filled with books and scrolls, and a small fridge and two pots a top the counter. Other than a few discarded ninja tools and papers, that's all there is to the room. Could he really live in such a place? There wasn't even a window. It must be one in his bedroom.

The others had gone to what could only be his bedroom by this point and Neji was contemplating calling out to them when a sound suddenly caught his attention. His ear immediately presses against the cold door and he can distinctly hear the sound of feet shuffling closer and closer.

"You guys!" He yells in a loud whisper that he's surprised Lee heard.

"What is it?" He shouts back and Neji can see him in Sai's bedroom; looking under his bed curiously.

"He's coming!" For a moment everything freezes and the others simply stare at each one another. In a flash he watches as they run to the other side of the bedroom, which is out of his line a sight. There's the distinct noise of a window being shoved open and then three muffled thumps. So there must be a window! Neji makes a move to quickly run down the short hall and follow suit but he knows it's too late when the doorknob turns during his fourth step. He doesn't know why he stops but he just does. Maybe because he knows it's futile. The door creaks open and then there's no sound. One second goes by…then five…then ten. The Hyuga teen sighs inaudibly before turning around to meet the root member. What he sees shocks him, however.

There in the door way is Sai clutching on to the doorknob and staring bleary-eyed at the byakugan user. His other previously pale hand is clasping his bloody side under his left arm. There are splotches of blood smeared all over his chalky skin like paint staining a blank canvas. Neji can see the pools of sweat sliding down his face and takes note of the way his legs tremble with the strain of supporting his own body weight. Their eyes finally meet; Neji's screaming horror while the other illustrates numbness and tiredness. His body sways violently and obsidian eyes roll to the back of the wounded teen's head. As if in slow motion Sai's body lands with a weirdly soft thud against the blood stained white carpet.