"Not particularly," Gai replies as he continues to brush. "I know that you take excellent care of your hair and I do not want to mess that up, but I also know that for some this can be a sign of affection, and I do not connect with you often as much as I wish to!"

He rests his hand on Neji's shoulder for a moment. "You are precious to me too, Neji. I do not say that enough." Then he resumes brushing Neji's hair. When he speaks again, his smile is audible. "Also my hair is short and so is Kakashi's which means I do not really get to brush long hair, and it is a soothing activity!"