DISCLAIMER: NARUTO belongs to Kishimoto
"You would what?!"
Temari's voice was heard outside the Kazekage's office. Some of the shinobi that roam here and there were momentarily surprised by the sound behind the normally silent office unless, of course, the Kazekage is hosting his siblings or the Orange Hokage himself. And since it was just the Wind kunoichi today, they really shouldn't be that surprised anymore.
Gaara sighed. He didn't want to repeat himself, at least not with this issue. It is enough that he had to force himself to come to his own senses and finally make a personal resolution and then decide to actually act on it. He leaned back his chair, closed his eyes and gently rubbed his temples.
"Yes Temari, I have decided to officially court Hyuga Hinata. I am merely informing you before the I announce this to the elders", said in his firm and cold voice. He waited for another sound from his sister, a curse perhaps, a congratulation, a tease! He'd welcome a tease from Temari now, if only she could get over her "shock". Gaara opened his eyes and proceeded to look at his sister whose expression is still unreadable.
"Tema-"
"Oh my god, Shikamaru was right, this was bound to happen. Of course it will happen! You would fall for her after all those meetings and teas together. You are bound to like her! ". It was a statement, a frantic statement.
Gaara sighed, again.
It is true. He was bound to like her. He had come to that conclusion weeks ago and had come to accept them, like the inevitable.
The rebuilding of villages after the war nearly 10 years ago has been very eventful for Gaara. Alliances were struck as help were received and extended. Naruto was not given the title Hokage immediately, he was too young then. But after a few years of heading alliance discussions and missions, he was finally granted the title. On his part, the continuation of what he had started ever since he became Kazekage was quite the routine, only more travelling. That's when he befriend the shy Hyuga Hinata who was then Heiress of the Hyuga Clan. She was present is some meetings but would usually be assisting Tsunade and other Konoha delegates during those times. She also represented the noble clan at some point. Although Gaara wasn't the type to marvel on physical womanly beauty, he liked the sight of the petite kunoichi. Her grace and gentle ways never fail to draw his attention from almost anything to her.
At first, Gaara didn't mind his strange reaction to the Hyuga. He decided that he must be marvelling at those milky Hyuga eyes. Eyes that hold a certain transparency and clearness. Like his, he mused. She would smile at him sometimes, which he would return with a curtly nod. She was so gentle, like the morning breeze.
Her gentle nature has always helped Gaara whenever he'd get stuck with the Hyuga in a room full of arguing leaders and heated discussion. He may be young, but he is far from being inexperienced. He was the friggin Commander-in-Chief of the Shinobi Alliance! No illogical or seemingly lacking political position could go by him easily. And at times that his arguments don't seem to get pass others, he would momentarily loose his internal cool, sitting back and rubbing his temples for a brewing headache. But like a soothing salve of fine herbs, a glance and small acknowledgement from Hinata would almost always do the trick.
Oh how he needed his soothing salve now.