Summary: Hinata fulfills her promise of changing the Hyuuga clan, and inadvertently catches the attention of the Kazekage. GaaraXHinata

AN: This fic will be short, only a few chapters with any luck… Unless the plot just keeps demanding… Anyways, please read and review? Reviews really help to motivate me, and I do appreciate the encouragement, as staying long enough to finish a story is a challenge for me. I have ADHD, and the constant, nagging reminders that are reviews help me focus.

Chapter 1

Hinata sat silently in her bedroom at her vanity, trembling slightly at the thought of what was to come, and what it would mean for her clan. Hair brush in hand, she stroked her dark hair as tears drew to her eyes. She thought about what had brought her to this point.

It was raining the day her father, Hiashi Hyuuga passed away. Only days before, she had been sitting in the room with her father, sister and cousin, as her father took his last shaky breaths. He had looked right into Hinata's eyes as he passed on. She remembered hearing her sister's choked sobs, followed by her own as their cousin, Neji, held them both. It had been a dark day for the Hyuuga clan. The clan had mourned for days, but the world of the living wouldn't stop for death. The next step for the Hyuuga clan was simple.

The elders had approached Hinata the night her father died, letting her know that within days she would attend the ceremony that would place her as the head of the household. The head of the entire Hyuuga clan and complex.

Hinata placed her hair brush on her bed, lavender eyes turning to her closet, where a beautiful white komono sat waiting. On the sleeves of the delicate fabric, gold had been laid into the weave, bringing a bit of light color into the extravagant formal dress. Hinata removed her clothes, and began to dress. A sudden knock on the door startled her.

"Hinata," Neji's deep voice called, "may I come in?"

Hinata situated the kimono on her body, and gave a soft reply of yes. The door opened to reveal her cousin, who was promptly handed Hinata's obi.

"Could you help me? I'm almost ready, but I can't tie it by myself."

Without a word, Neji stepped behind his cousin, tying the obi with ease. After he finished, Hinata turned to face her cousin and protector. Neji stood a head taller than herself, making Hinata crank her head back in order to look him in the face. His long hair was drawn back loosely with a tie, and he was clothed in his own formal kimono, their clans symbol on the sleeve.

"Are you ready, Hinata-san?"

Hinata gave a light nod, flinching slightly at the show of respect he voiced.

"Are you?" She questioned back, catching her cousin off guard.

He nodded before adding, "They will be angry."

Hinata smiled softly, remembering a long ago but never forgotten promise, a promise to change the Hyuuga clan.

"This is for the best."

Neji gave a nod, and turned to the door. He held it open, and Hinata walked on. Walking towards the future of the Hyuuga. As she walked into the room where her elders laid in wait, she almost laughed a bitter laugh. How strange that the day she had long awaited, the promise she had assured herself that she would keep, would begin with her father's death. The death of Hiashi Hyuuga could very well be the best thing that could've happened to the Hyuuga clan.

Hinata moved to her seat. Hanabi was already in the seat to her right, tears in her eyes and an almost broken smile on her face. It had been no secret that Hanabi had been much closer to their father then Hinata had been. Hinata's heart broke at the sight of her sister in so much pain. Neji placed a hand on Hanabi's shoulder as he passed behind her, though he quickly let it drop and he moved into the seat on Hinata's right.

As Neji took his seat, Hinata gazed around the full room. Main families and branch families filled the large room, chatting, mourning, and settling into their seats. Many had raised their heads, turning to the front as Hinata had entered, looking to her for confort and leadership. Hinata took a deep breath, silently willing that her stutter, that she had worked so hard to control, would not interupt her speach. Hinata stood, the at once the room silenced.

"It is under very unfortunate curcumstances that we are all gathered here today. My father ruled our clan to the best of his ability. He tried his best to be fair, and he tried to do what he thought was best for us in our entirity. In his passing, I have been given the position of clan leader. As such, it is my responsability to do as my father had done. I must make the proper choices for the clan.

This position is not one I take lightly, and for as long as I've known that I would be the one to lead this clan, I've also been thinking about what is best for the Hyuuga's. I believe that I can improve our great clan, and I believe that I know the secret that will allow us all to thrive as a clan. This secret, means change." Hinata hesitated, looking over the crowd breifly, watching as the looks of uncertanty and worry came over their faces. A deep breath, and then Hinata continued.

"I believe that it would be in the best interest of our great clan to move towards the future, and not cling to the past, because to be strong we must evolve. That is why, with much thought, I have made the decision to eliminate the use of the cursed seal."

Gasps filled the room, and main branch members started shouting questions. Many of the branch families looked stunned, and some shouted questions of their own. Hinata rose a hand, silencing them.

"From this day forward, the cursed seal shall not be given to any members of the Hyuuga clan. We need to grow as a unit, not isolate our brothers and sisters. If we plan to survive and thrive, we all need to protect and grow together.

This brings me to my next point. I am aware that the cursed seal cannot be removed from those who have already received it. Unfortunately, that is a burden and a scar that you must carry your entire lives. With this said, I have found a way to render the activation ineffective."

Murmmers filled the room, and many terrified and hopeful eyes gazed back at Hinata. Tears streamed down some normally emotionless faces. Many nodded in their agreement, looking gleeful and childlike with happiness. Some of the elders of the clan scowled and looked upset and lied to.

"With some minor tweeking, I can render the seal useless to all. Starting next week, I will begin this process. It will take time, around three months, to adjust the seal from all branch members. It will be a sure and steady pace, but within three months time, the seal will be rendered completely useless to the Hyuuga clan. Also, until the seals have all been altered, the main families are forbidden to activate any branch family members seal.

After this three month time period, I will be stepping down as the clans leader."

"Who will lead us if you leave?" An outraged voice questioned, "Hanabi is too young, you are the only one available to lead us!"

"In three months time, Neji will take rule of the clan. I will leave you all in his trusted hands." Hinata said softly, turning to face her cousin. Neji nodded in return, meeting her gaze before turning back towards the crowd.

"He's a branch member," A shrill voice cried, "He cannot be trusted!"

Hinata hesitated, wanting to choose her words wisely. She needed to end the conversation now, or they would try to reason with her decisions, try to change her mind. She could not let that happen.

"I trust him. My father trusted him. Hanabi trusts him." Hinata gazed out towards the branch members, "The branch families trust him. There is no doubt in my mind about my decisions today, and no doubt that Neji will uphold them when he becomes the leader of the Hyuuga clan." Hinata tilted her head up slightly, "Your clan leader has spoken." Her soft voice rang out to every member, and the chatter started back up again.

Hinata turned away from the crowd of people, and as she walked to the doorway she heard chairs scrape against the floor as Neji and Hanabi stood to follow her. Out of sight from the rest of the clan, Hinata paused for Neji and Hanabi. Hanabi emerged first, followed closly by Neji.

"You did good, sis." Hanabi said with a smile that didn't quite meet her eyes. She looked exhaused. "Please excuse me, I need to go lay down. It's been a long day."

Hinata gave a nod, drawing her sister towards her and into a quick hug before the younger Hyuuga left. Neji approached next, his gaze drifting to the door that, behind it, lurked the entire Hyuuga clan.

"You did very well, Hinata-san. They took it better than I thought." Neji said, nodding towards the door.

"There was some hesitancy, but that was to be expected." She said softly, "I think they received the news well." Hinata said with a smile on her face. She was pleased with the clan meeting, and pleased that the plans that they had made were finally made public. That their long awaited plans were finally in motion. They had both waited too long for this day.

Neji nodded again, a far off look in his eye as he stood silently.

"Do you think that I will be a good leader, Hinata-san?" He asked solemnly.

With a soft look, Hinata put his fears to rest.

"The best, Neji-kun."

Neji and Hinata stood in silence for a moment, each lost in thought at the eventful last few days they had experienced. Everything almost seemed unreal, dream-like, and Hinata wondered for a moment if perhaps she was dreaming, or simply was still in shock.

"Will you be retiring to your room now, Hinata-san?"

Neji's voice broke her from her thoughts, and she turned her gaze to him slightly startled. She could feel her cheeks reddening lightly, and she shook her head.

"No, actually Naruto asked me to meet him at Ichiraku's to discuss the events of the day as he wasn't able to be here himself." Hinata said, resisting the urge to poke her fingers together. Neji raised an eyebrow at her, and then gave a nod before leaving Hinata to herself.

Hinata walked to her room, ready to get out of her uncomfortable formal wear. She entered, making her way to her dresser, and pulled out a clean black shirt and a pair of lavender slacks which would coordinate with her jacket perfectly. Carefully unwrapping herself from her kimono, Hinata felt the chill of the cool air hit her naked body. She was quick to cover herself, excited to leave the compound and tell Naruto of her day.

Dressed, Hinata made sure to exit the Hyuuga complex quickly, avoiding any members who wished to discuss the changed about to take place. She knew that the best way for them to come to terms with the unfolding events would be to think it over, not to try and debate with herself.

A soft breeze ruffled Hinata's hair as she walked on the path leading into town, and her thoughts turned to Naruto. It had taken much self reflection to come to terms with the fact that she was not the proper leader for the Hyuuga clan. It had taken nearly as much self reflection to come to terms with her feelings for Naruto.

Hinata had forced herself to step back, and put her feelings aside. Realistically, she knew that her feelings for Naruto, although strong, were unreasonable. He had made it clear time and time again that he had not been interested in anything more than friendship, and after almost a year of thinking, Hinata realized that her feelings were more that of admiration. Naruto was a handsome man, a kind man, and very resilient. She had admired that. She had admired the attention that he had given Sakura and Sasuke. She wanted the same.

Although in her mind Naruto seemed so perfect, Hinata reasoned with herself that he was not the perfect man she imagined him to be. He was human and flawed, just like she was. In her new mindset, Hinata had come to realize that her childhood infatuation with Naruto was just that, infatuation. Hinata was a precious person to Naruto, just as he was to her, but it would never be anything more.

Hinata was happy for Naruto though. He had recently told her that he was dating Ayame, the daughter of the owner of Ichiraku. Having reevaluated his own feelings, Naruto had also moved on from his first love. He found solace in the arms of someone who had been right in front of him all along.

"Hinata!"

An eager shout broke Hinata from her thoughts, and her gaze rested on Naruto who was waving enthusiastically at her as she approached. To her surprise, next to him stood a stoic Gaara, his piercing green eyes sending a shiver down her spine. She came up to them both hesitantly.

"Hello Naruto-kun, Kazekage-sama." Hinata said, bowing slightly as she fought of the return of her stutter, which only seemed to reappear when she got too nervous.

Gaara gave a slight nod, studying her intensely, and Hinata felt herself flush.

"Hinata! I hope you don't mind, but Gaara was in town today was well, and I promised him last time we spoke that we would have dinner together when he returned to the village." Naruto said, scratching his head with a sheepish grin etched onto his face, "Do you mind?"

"N-No, not at all. We have much to discuss, and any friend of yours is welcome to join us." Hinata said, addressing Gaara at the end. Gaara responded with a nod, and then turned away from Hinata and Naruto, moving to seat himself at the bar. Hinata and Naruto followed closely behind, Naruto taking the seat to Gaara's right, and Hinata next to Naruto.

Ayame came over to take their orders, smiling wryly at Naruto, who grinned and blushed in return. Gaara and Hinata both ordered one bowl of ramen each to Naruto's seven. 'How he eats so much, I'll never know.' Hinata thought to herself, smiling softly.

"Sooo… Hinata give us the details! Or can you not discuss them yet?" Naruto said as Ayame walked away. Gaara turned to her, giving a curious look. She doubted that he knew what Naruto was talking about. She hadn't really spoke to Gaara since the chunnin exams, and Hinata knew that Naruto would never speak of the events that had gone down today without Hinata's permission.

"It will be common knowledge soon enough, so I am free to speak of it." Hinata confirmed, and then took a deep breath. Exhaling slowly and meeting Gaara's intense gaze, she began at the beginning to get Gaara up to speed. "Years ago, at the chunnin exams, I spoke to Naruto of wanting to change the Hyuuga clan. My clan had two separate branches, the main as well as the branch. Branch members receive the cursed seal. It has been placed on branch members for years, originally intending to suppress their bakugan abilities, but also used for control and power."

Hinata paused, and Naruto stared at her in interest, while Gaara's face was impassive, his eyes hard.

"My father died a few days ago, and today I took over the title of clan leader. I announced to the clan that I was stopping the use of the cursed seal, and would begin altering the seals of the members already placed with them. My alterations will leave the seals ineffective." Hinata said softly, smiling pleasantly.

Gaara's eyes softened, and Naruto grinned.

"How did your clan receive the news of such changes?" Gaara questioned, startling Hinata. He had been so quite, she hadn't been expecting much conversation from him.

"They were reluctant, but many looked hopeful. I can't say that the transition will be easy, but I think that in the end this will have been the right choice for the Hyuuga." Hinata said confidently, her cheeks reddening a little as she felt Gaara studying her face.

He had changed very little since the chunnin exams. His hair was a bit longer, and he now towered over herself, but otherwise he looked the same. More mature now, but very stoic. His eyes were just as intense and chilling, his hair just as bright and bold.

"So it went good! I'm so happy for you Hinata-kun!" Naruto said with a cheer, smiling warmly.

"T-There's more." Hinata told them both, and the two in turn look on curiously. "I made a decision after much thought, a decision that is not only the best for the clan, but myself as well. After I have altered the cursed seals, I will be stepping down as the clan leader."

"What!" Naruto shouted, his light blue eyes growing larger. "But Hinata-kun, you worked so hard to get to this point! How could you just give up?" He demanded, shocked.

"I-I'm not giving up." Hinata said gently, looking down at the table in front of her. She felt an ache in her chest, the ache of knowing she was a disappointment. A very familiar ache.

"Naruto-san." The three spun their heads, and an ANBU member stood behind them, the mask of a dog covering their face. "The Hokage has requested your presence. You must come with me."

"Geez," Naruto said with a sigh, scratching the back of his head, "Ayame! Please save my order, I'll be back for it later!" Naruto called to his girlfriend.

"Sorry guys, I gotta go. Hinata, I'll talk to you later, I got a lot of questions. And Gaara, make sure you catch me again before you leave?" Both nodded, and Naruto disappeared in a flash.

An awkward silence filled the air, and Hinata turned her gaze back to the grain of the table, watching its swirled pattern. She had never expected to be alone with the former jinchuuriki. She had barely even held a conversation with the quiet man. She knew that it would be rude to excuse herself, but Hinata was not sure what to do.

Ayame brought their ramen over, and both Hinata and Gaara began to eat in silence.

"Why are you stepping down from leading your clan?"

Hinata lifted her eyes to meet Gaara's, surprised. She thought for a moment before speaking.

"It feels right. Neji has always wanted what was best for the clan, he has always wanted equality. He will be a strong leader. And I…" Hinata paused. "When I'm there, I get the feeling as though I don't belong. I've always felt that way." Hinata finished with a whisper. She watched as Gaara's eyes softened, and the corners of his lips twitched upward in might be interpreted as a smile.

"I understand that very well."

Hinata gave a sweet smile, and she watched as a light blush overcame Gaara's face as he turned back to his food with a slightly uncomfortable look on his face. They finished their meal in a comfortable silence. As Ayame came to clear away their dishes, Hinata turned to Gaara.

"Thank you for having lunch with me Kazekage-sama." Hinata said, pulling out money to pay for her share of the food. She was pleased, Gaara had been surprisingly pleasant company.

"Gaara." He said firmly, placing his own money down on the counter and standing.

"Gaara." She confirmed with a smile, standing as well. He was at least a head taller than Hinata, dwarfing her with his own lanky figure. "How long are you in town for, Gaara?"

"A few days, trade negotiations." Gaara stated, his voice giving away his annoyance. "Most of my time spent here will be in meetings."

"I see. Maybe we will speak again before you leave?" Hinata offered shyly. Gaara had not been as bad as she had originally feared. And Naruto liked him as well, it would be nice to be able to get to know him better.

Gaara gave a nod, deep in thought as though considering the possibility. Politely, Hinata excused herself. She had enjoyed her lunch, but her responsibilities called for her back at the Hyuuga complex. Hinata had much to do to get things in order.

The walk home was quiet, and as Hinata approached the complex the sky had began to darken, a bitter orange color illuminating the heavens. Clouds, tinted with pinks and oranges floated along, and Hinata felt a relief flood her body. The events of the day seemed to be too real for her, and the relief of the thought of freedom elated Hinata's spirit.

She reluctantly walked up to the Hyuuga complex, not knowing what would await her inside.

Entering the Hyuuga household, Hinata went straight to her room. The members stared at her as she passed, and she felt their heated eyes almost burning her skin. The weight of the day hit Hinata like a ton of bricks, and Hinata was exhausted. Stripping out of her clothing, Hinata grabbed an oversized grey shirt, one that her father had owned, and pulled it over her head. A loose fitting black pair of pants covered her legs, and Hinata crawled into bed.

Hinata lay in her bed, quietly recalling the events of the day. In three months time, she would be able to leave. Her clan would be fully united, Neji would have taken his rightful place as the clans leader, and she would be able to pursue a life outside the clan.

Her thoughts then drifted to Naruto and Gaara. Naruto had been so upset to learn that she was giving up her position in the clan. Granted, she had given him no warning that it was her intention. She would have to explain her reasoning to him when she saw him again. Gaara's reaction was one of curiosity more than anger though. He was also curious as to what brought her to her decisions, but seemed to accept the fact that the choice was hers.

'They really all quite different,' Hinata thought with amusement, 'Naruto is very expressive, and wears his heart on his sleeve. Gaara is more reserved and hides his emotions well.' A stray thought leapt into her mind, whispering that they were both very handsome as well, but she shooed it away.

Hinata's eyes felt heavy, and as they drifted closed, bright green eyes seemed to pop up behind them.

AN: Just to reassure you all, the plot will thicken. The Hyuuga family specialize in assassination, and in my own mind seem like very calculating people. This will come into play.