"He keeps looking at you," Sakura told her shy friend. Hinata glanced across the club to where the red head sat. He pretended to be immensely interested in his drink, but his green eyes met hers for a split second. Hinata felt herself blush and she spun around, leaning against their table.
"I don't know why," Hinata replied, taking a long sip from her rum and coke before adding, "It's a little strange, don't you think?" She tried to keep her voice down, but over the loud music it was difficult.
Sakura looked at her friend with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. She grinned widely.
"It's because you look so damn hoooot!" Sakura yelled, unaffected by the eyes that briefly turned their way. She laughed loudly when she saw Hinata's face.
"I do not!" Hinata said, blushing deeply. She modestly tried to pull her shorts down again, for the umpteenth time that night. Sakura cocked an eyebrow and batted her hand away.
"Stop that! And of course you do! You had me to help you look your best tonight!" She said, looking quite egotistical. Hinata sighed and gave herself a one-over. Her black halter top and red short shorts hugged her body in all the right places. Black leggings and knee high boots left something to be desired. Her only jewelry was the golden locket around her neck. Secretly, so as not to inflate Sakura's ego more than necessary, she did think she looked good.
"Well I still think it's kind of rude to stare," she told Sakura. Her pink haired friend was busying herself undressing a man two tables down with her eyes. He had long black bangs with the hair spiked up in the back, and to Hinata he looked like a poser. There was just an 'I-think-I'm-too-cool-for-anyone' air about him.
Sakura glanced back to Hinata. "Well, maybe he wants you to ask him to dance." She waggled her eyebrows suggestively and gave Hinata a playful shove. "So off you go."
Hinata laughed, but shook her head. "No way! I am not going to dance with a total stranger! I'm not as… brave as you, my dear!" She took another gulp from her drink, the alcohol in it giving her a warm, calm feeling.
Sakura gave a look of fake hurt and replied, "I'll take that as a compliment. And why not? He is totally hot and obviously single!" Her eyes roamed back to the raven-haired boy.
Hinata looked back over her shoulder at the man. He had a new drink, and no one had approached him the whole night, the two seats either side of him empty. He glanced at her once before pretending not to see her. As she looked at him, she realized Sakura wasn't wrong. He was very good looking. His shaggy, yet stylish hair framed his pale, handsome face. Under the dim lighting of the club, his skin seemed to almost glow, greatly contrasting his apparel. He wore a simple black button up and faded gray jeans. The top two buttons of his shirt were undone, giving him a subtle sexy look.
"I dunno," Hinata trailed off, returning her eyes to her own drink. "I'm not really used to this whole going-out thing…"
"Oh come on!" Sakura cried, gently shoving Hinata again. "Live a little! Have some fun!"
"What would my mother think?" Hinata mused, causing both girls to burst out in laughter. Honestly, her mother would probably turn over in her grave.
"You deserve a little TLC, Hina," Sakura said, rubbing her friend's arm. "You have been busy like a bee at the hospital, and I think you should use your vacation time accordingly."
Hinata sighed, placing her hand over her friend's. "I know, it's just—"
"It's risky," Sakura said, finishing the thought for her. Hinata glared at Sakura playfully. "You need to let loose for once! Forget the risk and have some fun!" Hinata knew her friend was right. She was in desperate need of a little fun. What harm could one little dance bring?
"Alright already!" Hinata cried. "If I go dance with the guy, will you leave me to my drink?" Sakura squealed when she finished and threw her arms around her friend. Hinata laughed and gently separated from her, and then she finished her drink in one long swallow. She tried to ignore the smug look on Sakura's face, but failed.
"Yes!" Sakura replied. "There's a good girl! Now shoo, there's a man with my name on him." And with a wink, Sakura sauntered over to where the raven-haired boy sat. Hinata smiled at how she exaggerated her walk so her hips jutted out a bit more.
She glanced over her shoulder to find the redhead staring intently at her. When their eyes met he looked away like a child caught doing something naughty. She giggled, the alcohol giving her a blissful feeling. She sighed and finished Sakura's gin and tonic. Just a little extra courage for good measure, she told herself.
She turned and began to make her way across the room, weaving in and out of people's way. She kept her tipsy eyes focused on the redhead, not noticing the creep coming at her from the side. The redhead glanced at her table and a slight look of alarm crossed his face before he was scanning the crowd. Hinata giggled again, amused by his obvious worry. A man forced his way in front of her, cutting her off.
"Hey baby!" he said, his breath reeking of alcohol. He was way too close for comfort. "You look like you could use a little company, if you know what I mean." Hinata felt her skin crawl when his glazed eyes roamed up and down her body. His thoughts were pretty clear.
"I know what you mean, creep. Now get lost!" She said, using a tone that said get-lost-or-die. She tried to sidestep around him, but he stepped in her way again.
He frowned. "Aaw, come on, sweetness. Don't be like that." He grinned and raised a hand to cup her breast. Hinata practically screamed. "I know you want thi—"
She slapped his hand away, her face filling with heat and disgust. "Go find some other bimbo asshole!" She tried to take a step back, ignoring the eyes wandering her way. She bumped into a dancing couple, who proceeded to glare at her. The drunk's frown deepened into a scowl.
"Now listen here bitch! No one tells me—"
"There you are, darling," a gentle voice crooned behind her just before an arm slid around her shoulders. She cast a surprised glance behind her, only to find the redhead smiling at her. Her heart fluttered and she was instantly calm again. As he pulled her gently into his side, she grew aware of his proximity. "For a second there, I thought I'd lost you in the crowd." His voice slid over her like water, searing away all the anger and disgust caused by the drunken idiot.
"Hey, buddy. I was here first! You got to—" the man tried to say.
"I have to what?" the red head's eyes slid to the creep, filled with acid. His voice grew intimidating and possessive. "I suggest you leave me and my lady friend before I have you thrown out."
The man was startled and something in the other man's eyes gave him more than enough reason to back away and slip back into the throng of bodies. The nosy glances moved away from them once more, clearly disappointed nothing had happened.
Hinata realized how close she was to the man and stepped out of his arms, almost sorry to. She faced him and smiled gently. His green gaze was gentle once again. His fingers lingered on her forearm before falling back to his side.
"Th-thank you," Hinata said, clearing her throat to make her sound less mousy.
"It was my pleasure," he said, his tone making her heart skip a beat again. "I can't stand to see someone so beautiful fall prey to men like that. It's rather disgusting." As he talked, she realized he had a very, very, slight accent. She couldn't place it but it was there. "I only wish I had gotten to you before he laid his hands on you."
"Yeah," she trailed off, crossing her arms and blushing in modesty. She shivered at the thought of being groped. "But I'm happy you were there anyway. I'm a little too tipsy to have stood up for myself." She chuckled outwardly, lifting a hand to fiddle with the locket 'round her neck. It was a nervous habit of hers. She also noticed how his eyes followed her every movement, his smile growing the slightest when she laughed.
"Well, I hope you are alright," he said, turning to leave. Hinata felt a minute of panic. She reached out and grabbed his arm. She noticed he shivered, turning to glance at her with questioning eyes.
"Will you d-dance with me?" Hinata practically whispered. Then she blushed again, lowering her hand. "You know, just to uh, make sure he doesn't come back." She raised her eyes from below her brow-length bangs to meet his.
He smiled and faced her again. "Certainly," he replied, stepping forward to take her hand. "It would be my pleasure."
She blushed again, her free hand rising to his shoulder. His shirt was very silky, and his hand was cool. She swallowed a bit hard when his hand settled in the small of her back. Either by some trick of fate, or maybe just pure luck, the DJ decided to play a slower song. I'll fly with you by Gigi D'agstino drifted through the air.
They began to sway gently to the music, in a sort of slow waltz. Hinata breathed deeply, trying to calm her beating heart. She was way out of practice when it came to this. Her eyes were trying to focus on her feet, so she didn't embarrass herself by stepping on his. He chuckled and lifted his hand to her chin he gently tilted her face towards him. Her eyes lingered on his chin before finally meeting his bright green eyes. Her heart stopped and she gasped slightly. His hand returned to her back, but she couldn't seem to look away.
The music drifted through her like the alcohol, making her relax. She continued to gaze into his eyes, entranced by the way they glowed in the lights. She felt as though she was drifting across the room, as though he were the only man here, the only man that had ever mattered. His lips parted, drawing her attention. When he exhaled to say something she inhaled, smelling how his breath was sweet and somewhat intoxicating.
He froze, his face leaning forward as if he were to kiss her. She blushed and finally made herself look away, gulping loudly. To avoid the awkwardness of the moment she began to sway again.
"Wh-what's your name?" she asked, daring to glance at his face again. Somehow his eyes made her want to lose herself in them. She could probably stare into them for hours.
"Gaara," he replied, watching her face carefully. "Just Gaara. And what's yours, if I may ask?"
She realized she liked his voice immensely. They danced for a while longer, before she asked, "Gaara? You must not be from around here. It's not a very common name."
"You're right," he said. He spun her gently in time with the music. When her gaze returned to his he replied, "I have only moved here recently."
"Hmm," she said more to herself than Gaara. "I wonder what it's like to live far away."
He chuckled, and was about to say something when the music changed. The bass line thickened and the beat slowed down. It grew louder, until Hinata felt her ears throb. Whether it was due to her alcohol consumption, or the fact she was not acting as per her usual self, her arms slid around his neck and she began to rock slowly from side to side. Her hips moved in beat with the music.
His lips shut again and his eyes darkened slightly. He dropped both hands to her waist, instinctively. Hinata danced on him, rolling her body front and back, feeling the music move her like a puppet. She closed her eyes and let go of all of her worries. She could feel his hard chest every time her breasts brushed up against him. She giggled out loud, dancing more openly as the song continued. He moved with her, keeping perfect rhythm. She inhaled deeply, wondering how a man could smell so good. She turned around and pressed her back against him, rocking and swaying and rolling her body. She lifted a hand to wrap round his neck, pulling him closer, if it was possible. She could feel her body heating up, a single drop of sweat rolling down her stomach.
He leaned into her, still keeping rhythm. She could feel his breath on her hair, smelling her like she had just been him. His fingers drifted up the side of her arm, making her shiver all over. He let his fingers touch her neck, her chin, and her lips. She sighed in contentment and leaned back against him fully. He wrapped one arm around her waist, while the other played with a lock of her hair. She could feel his pounding heartbeat radiate through her wherever they touched. She craned her neck back to look at him, and her eyes grew wide.
His eyes were tight with effort, his breathing growing haggard. She gulped when he trailed his fingers back down her arm, this time gently brushing her ribs, feeling each solitary curve under her shirt. His hand settled on her waist, but she could feel his grip grow tight, possessive.
She felt her normal self rush back into her brain, making her gasp and pull away. He almost tried to pull her back but he released her she spun to face him, her breaths coming out in erratic little bursts. His eyes were smoldering when she met them. Her skin tingled where he had touched her, making her aware of her sudden need for him. What was she doing?
He's a complete stranger! What were you thinking? she inwardly cried. She raised a hand to her neck and turned away, needing air and needing it now. She got the horrible feeling she was being smothered. She could feel his eyes on her as she raced back to where her clutch sat.
Sakura was in the lap of her 'friend', nuzzling his neck. She caught sight of Hinata just as she turned to run towards the door.
"Hinata? What's—" the rest of what her friend had said was lost to the music and the sound of people laughing and talking. She found the doors just as she felt her lungs would burst.
She pushed through the door and gasped, filling her lungs with the cool, night air. She ignored looks thrown her way and ran down the sidewalk, towards the parking garage. She ran until she reached the entrance to the garage, slumping up against it. She was panting and her head was swimming. The alcohol was taking its affect quicker than it had in the club.
She rounded the corner and slid to the ground, her head resting on her knees. She gulped in deep breaths of air, thankful to be out of the stuffy place.
"What were you thinking," she asked herself as she tried to calm down. "I must be crazy."
She thought back to the way she had practically jumped Gaara's bones right there on the dance floor. He was just a simple man, not some god! What was she thinking, letting go like that and getting all hot and bothered.
A man who was incredibly handsome, she thought inwardly. Not to mention, he smelled so good. And he has the most beautiful eyes. As soon as the trail of thoughts was completed, she gasped aloud. She must've have had a lot of alcohol. Yes, that's it! Just too much drink and romantic sexy music. That's all it was.
She even thought of how she hadn't been with a man in a while, so it was just her body overreacting to the setting. Yes, that must be it.
She rose slowly to her feet, using the wall as a support. She waited until the ground stilled before walking into the garage, staying close to the walls just in case the world revolved again. Her boots and the sound of muted music were the only noises that broke the welcome silence. She reached the elevator and dinged the button. She couldn't even think of taking the stairs right now.
She sighed and raised a hand to her forehead, wondering if she really was feeling feverish, or if she was still recovering from… well, whatever had happened in there.
The elevator dinged again and she waited expectantly until the doors slid open. Her heart stopped and her eyes widened with dread. The drunk who had groped her earlier was standing there, looking at his shoes. Before she could move away, he looked up suddenly. She was sickened by the smile that grew on his face.
She took an involuntary step backward, her heart pounding loudly in her ears. The one day she forgot her mace, just her luck. He laughed and stepped from the elevator, smelling worse than he did before. She caught sight of a bottle in his hand. Vodka, no less.
She gulped and sidestepped, trying to look as though she didn't recognize him. He stopped in front of her and didn't move on as she had hoped. Her mind scrambled with the little self-defense maneuvers she learned in high school.
"Hey, I know you!" he slurred, taking a lurching step forward. "I knew that punk wasn't with you! I knew it!"
She took another step back, her face melting into panic. She shouldn't have had so much to drink. She was always prone to be a lightweight. He grinned and took a drink from his bottle. Hinata grew disgusted as some dribbled down his chin. He gasped loudly when he was done, his drunken gaze roaming over her once again.
"Now about that good time you promised me," He started before taking a step forward. "Where were we?"
Hinata took a breath and replied, "I don't know what you're talking about." She tried to keep her voice as even as possible.
"Oh you don't?" he said, his face scowling once more.
"No, I don't," she said. "Now, if you'll excuse me." She tried to sidestep around him, but he caught her arm.
"Where ya going? You gonna leave ole' Ganju alone?" he drew close to her, and she almost gagged. "I don't think so, bitch."
With a surprising strength, he threw her back onto the ground. She yelled out as she threw her hands out behind her. Her palms painfully scraped the asphalt. He laughed at her as she stumbled to crab-walk backward and away from him. She could feel herself start to cry as her vision grew dizzy once more. She watched as he grew closer to her, looming over her.
"Please," she begged. "Just leave me alone!" Tears flowed freely from her eyes. This seemed to make him laugh at her even more. When he stopped, she made a quick decision. She chucked her purse at his face. It hit him square in the nose, making him start and cry out. She turned and stumbled away from him. She couldn't help but feel slightly helpless as she ran like a drunk through the lanes of the garage.
"Ow! You stupid whore!" she heard him yell behind her. "Get back here!"
She began to sob when she heard his thundering footsteps coming after her. She tried to run fast without stumbling. She failed and kept tripping over her own feet, pushing herself forward off of the random cars.
"Come here, you little cunt," she heard really close behind her. She turned just as he swung the bottle at her head. When it connected to her temple, her eyes grew wide. Pain exploded across her skull and her face contorted in pain. White lights sparkled across her vision as she sank to her knees. Due to her momentum, she rolled across the parking lot and came to a stop some few feet away. She felt the rocks dig into her arms and her leggings get ripped, but the pain in her head drowned out the rest.
When she stopped, she was gasping and groping for her head, and she felt warmth on her fingers. When she looked, blood coated her fingers. She groaned, completely unprepared for the next blow. The man grabbed her hair and dragged her up off the ground. She screamed loudly, hoping to God someone would hear her.
She looked at him with wide fearful eyes, noting his nose was bleeding from her purse. She smiled weakly but quickly began to cry again. She weakly grabbed at the man's hand, trying to wrench it from her hair. He held strong. She tried to scream again, but he covered her mouth and nose, making her gag. He pressed hard, preventing her from biting down.
"No more screaming, you slut!" he said. "Scream anymore and I'll kill you!" He released her hair and produced a switchblade. She grew even more panicked.
She clawed at his face, kicking out at him. Anything to get away from this guy. She ended up kneeing him in the groin. He gave a shout and threw her away from him, sinking to his knees. Her head thumped painfully against the back of someone's SUV. She slumped to the ground, whimpering like a baby. She crawled away, trying futilely to get to her feet. Her world swam in an array of colors, her head feeling ready to crack.
She could hear him groaning behind her, and not knowing what else to do, she began to scream for help.
"SOMEBODY!" she yelled her head and throat hurting from the effort. "PLEEEASE!" she began to cry again and her words dyed out into wailing. She was crawling pitifully across the ground, trying to reach her cellphone, inside of her purse.
Her heart was pounding and her throat was burning. She couldn't hear the man groaning any more. She cast a panicked look over her shoulder. She screamed in horror and tried to move faster across the ground. He was coming for her again.
She felt a boot in the small of her back, and she was slammed down, her head hitting the ground. Her vision went black and her ears began to ring. She lay perfectly still, no longer feeling any of her pain. She tried to focus her eyes, but her vision was fading in and out. She could hear someone whimpering, but it wasn't her. Then she heard a man scream.
Just as she let go and he vision filled with white, she heard the soft voice croon to her, "I'm here, my sweet."