Take Me

Prologue: The Pull of Fate

The clock's tick echoed across the dimly lit studio. Its wooden floors were stained with paint and marks of constantly moved furniture. The organic feel extended onto the bare brick wall that had thin windows. It remained without any curtains since the outside of its face was tinted.

This studio had two floors. The first floor was dominated with wooden supports, raw canvases rolled up, shelves filled with paint and brushes along with easels. While there was a variety tucked away, one stood in the center.

It held no surface to paint on despite there being a pedestal in front of its view. Other ones of different sizes and heights were also stacked beside a faded leather couch. In front of that was the coffee table with the bundles of newspapers – some old and unopened while some were scattered and lazily refolded.

The second floor dais had allowed full view of the floor underneath it and since the floor beneath catered to art, the second floor was dedicated for habitation.

A large bed, an iron tub, a metal stove that had its black pipes leading up to the roof, a bookshelf and a desk were all spread out generously in the smaller space.

While most people within this era preferred a more intricate aesthetic with cluttered patterns of flowers, pastel colours and of untouched glass ornaments, the owner of this studio loved the simplistic aesthetic of his private sanctuary.

Amidst the nobles he often visited, he found his place to be comforting. It was cluttered with tools and not just objects. Each and every item there had a place and a purpose.

Much like now, he purposefully wrote in his journal at his desk.

There was much that happened these past few months: the onslaught of the Uchiha Clan, the tricky inauguration of the King Kakashi, the secrets within the Hyuuga Castle and the rescue of Princess Hisana.

He barely spoke to anyone about his littered thoughts. It was safer that way. Although writing it down may seem risky, he made sure to write in an ancient language to avoid leaking all his information.

As he wrote, a loud bell chime right above his desk rung to signal that someone was by his door.

He quickly placed the quill back in its inkpot and took his candle as he descended down the stairs. On his travel towards his door, an impatient chime reminded him of his visitor.

When he reached the door, he settled the candle down and blew out the flames knowing that he would have nothing but the moon and stars to light his way for the night.

He grabbed his long coat from the coat stand, his bowler hat and walking stick before he locked his first door. Since he lived on the floor above the bookstore, he'd have to make his daily trek down the tight stairs to lead to the exit on the ground floor where the familiar burly man waited. There was also a small crowd of men behind him – all wearing a shawl made out of itchy grey material and a newspaper boy's cap to conceal their identities.

"Gatrie." The studio owner tipped his hat to acknowledge the door ringer's presence.

"Sai." Gatrie responded under his breath also tipping his ivy cap.

"Another fine night." Sai commented but Gatrie only acknowledged his observation with a low grunt. Sai found himself indulged by the cluster of stars and brightly lit moon until the cold breeze reminded him of his priorities. He glanced at the empty street, only to realize that Gatrie was gone with the crowd.

"I can't believe they left without me." He pouted and quickened his pace to catch the small group.

He could see them as a black mass traversing through Fenway Park before moving out as smaller pairs when they entered Galloway Street – the street known to house many nobles and wealthy merchants.

It was a street that Sai was very familiar with but preferred to stay away from until needed. Due to his decisions he chose to live across from them in Sweet Cross Lane and was comfortably distanced by the lush greenery of the main park of Copper Town.

He preferred to live amongst the commoners and those known of lower status. From what he had gathered, he felt they were more honest than most nobles.

Inevitably his quick pace led him to the rest of the group who were now hidden amongst the trees and shrubs. Their numbers have diminished while the majority travelled across the street and made their way towards the grand houses of the noblemen.

Judging by their strict decision to turn right, it was clear that they were approaching the Haruno Estate. As he continued to observe those who formed the line, he noticed a break in the pattern when a short blond child followed nervously.

This immediately raised Sai's curiosity and peaked once the little one stood frozen upon seeing a harlot and a drunkard walked in slurred babbles. Sai could see the boy's quivering increase and the adults ahead quickened their pace at the approaching sight of the woman and man.

Rather than retreating further into the bushes like the men around Sai took this as an opportunity to step forward. With swift elegance, he placed his hand on the lad's shoulder and led him straight to the Haruno Estate.

As expected, the prostitute and drunkard were too indulged with each other's company that they failed – or rather – chose not to mind the child so they'd remain shameless on their quest for a comfortable place to shag.

"Thanks mister." The young boy said meekly once they were on the path again. Sai had no words to offer except a soft smile. So they continued onwards and walked along the walls of the Haruno Estate and rather than using the main entrance, they walked through the thin and muddied path on thse side.

"What's a young lad like you doing out here?" Sai eventually asked once they were safely away from the main street.

"My mom's not feeling well so when I heard that Gatrie was doing a food round, I wanted to come..." Sai listened carefully as he silently acknowledged that the father was not mentioned.

"It's a noble thing you're doing." Sai told him quietly. "What's your name?"

"Leo." He said. "Mama tells me that papa named me after Leonardo Da Vinci." At that, Sai posed a curious expression. He was never one to believe in having a hero but he supposed that if he had to give an answer it would be that deceased Renaissance man.

He averted his gaze from the tall branches poking through the steel fences of the Haruno Estate and leaned towards the brick wall to the right. Once the path thinned, Sai nudged Leo to step ahead of him.

The boy's gaze was removed from a particular bird resting on a willow tree. "An owl." Leo said excitedly with a smile. "I always see them in the books papa left. They're nocturnal!"

"You're pretty smart." Sai commented. "From where do you get your education?"

Leo just shrugged. "Mrs. Tupe offers to teach anyone who's willing to learn but I can't go often because I'm helping mom manage the store…" His voice quietened as each word passed. The little one's face mapped out the inner struggles of desire and obligation. But by his presence there tonight, his affection for his mother triumphed.

"But I try to read and write when I can!" Leo's eyes burned again with passion.

It surprised Sai.

Adults were so predictable in many ways but children… children weren't. "That's good." Sai encouraged with another faint smile. He was glad but he couldn't help but think that Leo's potential was wasted.

Neither of them felt the need to spark up the conversation any longer. They figured it'd be for the best so that the others would stop glaring their way. It made the travel to the side gate a lot smoother and once they were in, they all hurried in a line towards the walls of the mansion.

The group of men forced themselves to scuffle across the stoned walls to avoid drawing suspicion from the guests on the other side.

Sai however, made no effort to hide his appearance. Rather, from the tall windows, he was able witness the party he had decided to ditch.

Tall chandlers were brightly lit by the most recent phenomenon of electricity. Only the rich were able to integrate the new system in their homes and it's display in the Haruno household was no short boast of their wealth. The only other thing that Sai felt that he missed out on was the large arrays of extravagant food.

Live musicians and notable attendants in giant puffy dresses and men wearing extravagant coats – some in their military uniform. All were clamoured in the ballroom of marbled floor and cradled by the walls lined with pillars and fabrics.

From the crowd he could see his best friend, Ms. Haruno, chatting with their mutual dear friend: the blonde Fox Demon. Sai was suddenly wracked with shock at the observation of the seemingly innocent interaction between the blonde male and the other woman.

Her dark blue hair, that was vaguely similar to the Princess, was tied up in an elegant bun. It was forbidden for the princess to be outside of the castle grounds since the recent attack on the Uchiha Clan. If only he could catch a glimpse of her eyes, then he would know that it was indeed Princess Hyuuga.

"Wow." Leo gasped catching Sai from his thoughts. The little one had managed to jump up, snagged his feet against a space in the stone and kept his hands gripped on the windowsill.

"I've been on the other side of the wall." Sai commented and went back to observe the inside. "It's not all worth it." He said, leaning towards the window to confirm his earlier suspicions but alas, her eyes were veiled with a lace mesh that neatly covered her eyes and was supported with her hair accessories.

"Just who are you mister?" Leo asked with curiosity as he looked at the adult with wild bemused eyes. He then jumped down and waited for an answer.

The older one in the duo took hold of the child's hand and began to write his name on the palm of the child. Once his finger had finished the last character, he drew back his hand and observed the child's expression carefully.

Leo opened his mouth to say it out loud but Sai placed a finger against his thin lips. Leo's gaped mouth clamped down in a gasp.

"You can only use that name when it's you and I. You can just call me Arty for now."

"May I ask you why?"

"It helps in the long run."

The further they kept on walking, the more the architecture of the wall to their left changed and the tall, wide, curtained windows of the ballroom were replaced by small slits that showcased the kitchen. Due to it's great height Leo couldn't possible see the inside even if he were to jump up.

Only Sai could see the busy workers walking in and out with trays of food and alcohol balanced on the tips of their fingers. Nor could Leo see the quick clouds of steam flowing forcefully out of the pots while the chefs hurriedly prepared more food.

As they've reached their final destination, the line of men stopped to wait. They eagerly readied for their turn and opened the sacks that were pleasantly hungry for the leftovers. One by one, when they finished receiving their share, they would all disperse without a needed guide.

As soon as it was Leo's turn, the young boy opened his sack as well, getting excited as the plump kitchen maid gently places packaged meat, butter and a few bread rolls in the sack. "Are you able to carry that boy?" She asked with a touch more compassion.

"Yes Mamn – I help my mother carry out bags of soil. Thank you very much." He said with a bow and closed the sack before he threw it over his shoulder. He stepped from the entrance and looked around nervously, unsure of where to go.

Sai who had noticed Leo's dilemma, stepped from the line and insisted that the young one wait for him. At first bashful, Leo accepted and waited for Sai who let the rest of the men go ahead before he received the rest.

"Ah, Sai. It's always good to see a familiar face around here!" The redhead expressed with a wide grin.

"It's good to see you too Mrs. Apricot."

"Well here you are lad. What ever we got's left." With both her hands, she lifted the decently sized flour sack that Sai easily carried with one hand. "It's a good thing what you're doing around here… though I will warn yah, Ms. Haruno will be very upset that you did not attend this party."

Sai chuckled.

"She'll understand. I already planned on making it up to her tomorrow."

"Ah, so you told her?"

"No. I'm coming in unannounced."

"As you always do." She giggled. Sai tipped his hat and re-joined Leo who was now in a conversation with Gatrie.

"Gatrie, it is alright. I'll escort the boy home." He informed the burly man.

"Alright, as long as this lad gets home safe."

He patted Sai's back before greeting Mrs. Apricot with an arm around her waist and a quick kiss. The entire kitchen went on to tease the two with whistles. A common response for the married household duo: butler and cook

"It was swell seeing you all." Sai quickly said to avoid any prolonged conversation after that showy display of love. He rarely felt awkward but love made him feel uneducated and less.

"See you tomorrow." Mrs. Apricot bade her farewell before she closed the kitchen door.

Once there was nothing left to wait for Sai walked by the boy and with a simple glance back, Leo knew to follow him. They went back past the ballroom, out the side gate, through the muddy pathway, down the worn brick-laid streets and into the thick tree's of Fenway Park.

"So" Sai began to talk once they were safely away from Galloway Drive. "Where do you live?"

"I live near your house – near the bookstore."

"What about your address?"

"437 Crescent Avenue." Sai paused. He's has walked down the lane quite a bit.

"What about you?" Leo asked innocently. "What's it like to live in a bookstore? Is it different from owning a flower shop?"

"I live on top of the bookstore." Sai corrected as they strolled through the thick forests of the park.

"I'd often look into that store, hoping to read something from there." Leo said softly, thus sparking intrigue in Sai.

"Why not visit me? Mr. Pattson usually hands me old books that are no longer worth selling." Leo's eyes sparkled at the thought.

"Really?"

"Yes." Sai encouraged. "As a matter of fact, I ask you to take them from me."

"I accept!" He said with a wide grin.

"Did you want to come up while I put my food away?" Sai asked when they approached the bookstore.

"Yes please!" Leo said with growing excitement. He was practically jumping when Sai fumbled with the door.

Leo peeked inside and could see the thin long stairs that led to the second floor. It was dark as expected, except for the soft moonlight that spilled from the circular glass stained window.

Although they were not yet inside, Leo was already fascinated by the multi-coloured art piece above. His mouth gaped from wonder when Sai got his door open.

He could see beautifully rendered humans and finished paintings tucked behind empty canvases. "Did you paint these?" Leo asked while Sai settled the food on his coffee table. The little boys curiosity tempted him to move the empty ones aside to get a better look at the ones behind it. He chose not to.

"I did." Sai stated flatly.

"So you're a painter… a well known one? Is that why you're invited to all those parties? And is that why you know the noble people in the ball?" His quick questions drew out a smirk from Sai.

"You're attentive to your surroundings." Sai commented and he walked back to the exit. He didn't bother answering his questions.

"Mom said I get my smarts from papa…" Leo said faintly, still looking around. "Who's that food for? If you are able to afford all this, I'm sure you don't need Mrs. Apricots food." Again, Sai smirked at the child's keen perceptive.

"I do my rounds by giving food to those who can't travel to the Haurno Estate." Sai explained as he ushered the kid towards the door with his hand. "Although the Haruno estate donates to the charity organizations, sometimes those organizations miss the other's who still need food. That's where I come in." He explained while he locked his door.

Once they are outside, Leo confidently led him towards his street where the houses became less maintained. The paint cracked and certain details were falling apart. The flower shop was no exception. Along with the paint peels, some of the letters from the shop were worn off. The only thing that could be read was M NA K F OW R S.

From the title alone it would have been impossible to know what they sold if it weren't for the colourful displays along the windows.

Rather than entering through the front door, Leo led him to a thin alley right beside the shop that took them to the back. It was there that Leo began to settle the sack of food in between his feet as he fished his coat for a key.

The door led them into a decent sized kitchen with faded flower wallpaper. Despite its vast size, it looked nearly empty and the shelves were bare. Beside the kitchen to the right was another room where the dining table was. Its deep mahogany colour faded from its damaged wax.

Aside from the dining room, there was another entryway in the kitchen right across the backdoor. It revealed a set of stairs. Sai could hear the light pads of flesh against the rickety floorboards from above.

"Leo?" A gentle and tired voice called out. "Is that you?"

"Yes mama." There was a pause while Leo set the food on a counter and headed up the stairs.

"I told you it's dangerous to go out… You're still a child."

"Mom…" He whined but stopped upon hearing a chain of coughs. "Oh no." He gasped as he ran up the stairs in such haste that he forgot to place his muddied shoes by the open door.

At first Sai hesitantly stood by the entrance, wondering what he ought to do as an uninvited stranger. Eventually he decided to close the door and follow the boy up. The same floral print was used on the wall by the stairs. It was faded and yellowed in its corners except for the saturated squares that indicated hung pictures from before.

Sai crept up towards the opened door where light spilled into the dark hallway. At first he felt uncomfortable but it was quickly expelled upon seeing a fallen woman on the ground. She was near her bed, most likely collapsed after taking a few steps and her son was on his knees, trying to wake her up.

Without another second of thought, he ran forth and swept the woman off the ground. Her long pale blonde hair covered her face until he laid her down on her bed and brushed her hair away.

His eyes widened for a moment when he took in her appearance. "Beautiful…" The words escaped his lips.

He was shook to the core. As an artist, he has seen many beautiful people, some naked even but she was able to captivate his attention. He started to feel anxious as the unfamiliar feelings of attraction hit the bottom of his gut.

His eyes remained on her pale skin that glowed from her sweat and glistened from the candle on her bedside. He watched her eyes twitch and although he knew he ought to escape into the night, he was curious to see the colours of her eyes.

At last, a pair of bright blue eyes satisfied his curiosity. Her pupils quickly dilated at the sight of a stranger and she began to cower in fear.

"Who are you?" Her voice hitched as her adrenaline gave her the energy to shuffle far from him.

"It's alright mom, he's a friend." Leo quickly said as he reached out to hug her. She glanced at her son, wrapped an arm around him but never left her eyes from Sai.

"Your name." She demanded before breaking into a chain of coughs. Sai waited until it passed before he acknowledged her request.

"Arthur." His response was smooth and gentle by comparison. Again she broke into another chain of coughs. This time she scrambled for her handkerchief by her bedside to spit into. "How long have you been sick?" He observe her mucus dampened the cloth.

"I-I caught the worst migraine." Her voice sounded stuffed. "It was two to three days ago and it hasn't gotten any better. Why? Are you a doctor?" Her eyebrows knitted. Her entire body had been drained from its vibrancy.

"I'm no doctor but I have friends who are… I'd like to visit again to see how you and your son is doing." He informed her. It seemed to calm her nerves. She relaxed and settled herself back in bed. The adrenaline slowly left her body as the fatigue made it's way back.

"Do what pleases you then." She said in defeat and closed her eyes. "And make sure you lock the door." She managed to say before turning her back from him and succumbed to the rest her weary body needed.

Once she was at peace, Leo left his mother's side as he walked Sai downstairs.

"It seems your mother caught pneumonia." Sai informed him once they were away from her. The little one's face scrunched up in growing distraught and his eyes glossed with approaching tears.

"Is mama going to die?" Leo asked as he wiped his eyes with his sleeves.

Sai didn't immediately respond to that question. She could. It was a real threat. Eventually he figured that lying would only hurt the boy. "She could." Sai said as he watched Leo sob in response. "But I assure you, I will do everything in my power to make sure she gets well…" Sai hated to admit that he was moved by compassion. He hated feeling his heart twist uncomfortably. He rarely felt moved for anyone aside immediate family.

But children always had a space in his heart. They forced him to stop and think. Often they'd toss his thoughts back to his own fragile and helpless past.

Sai said nothing else but placed a comforting hand on Leo's head. He stood there, waiting until Leo calmed down into timid hiccups. "Thank you very much sir." Leo sniffled.

"You ought to take care of yourself. You could easily get sick as well."

"I won't." Leo assured with great confidence and childlike faith.

Sai sighed and shook his head softly. He'll make sure that his doctor friend examined Leo carefully for the morrow. "Well get some rest. I'll see you both past noonday." Sai tipped his hat as he slipped into his shoes and walked out the door.

He turned back to see Leo wave his last goodbye before firmly shutting the door. Sai hadn't quickened his pace until he heard a satisfying click.

He always instantly felt much better once he was in his private sanctuary.

He hung his coat, hat and walking stick before relighting the candle by the door. Lifting it from the table, he carried it to his desk on the second floor. As he approached, he could see his notes and journal scattered and unmoved.

Gently he laid the candle on the table and sat down. His mind was overwhelmed with images of the woman he had recently met and when he finished a quick sketch of her, he paused.

He couldn't believe he hadn't asked for a name. With a defeated sigh, he sunk back in his chair and allowed his fatigue to catch up. He closed his eyes as his brain quickly formed the plans for tomorrow.

The Haruno Estate.

Yes.

He'd have to pay a visit to his doctor friend.