A/N: Happy New Year! I apologise again for leaving you, the reader, completely baffled after realising chapters 2 and 3 went missing. Super sorry about that! I had second thoughts about the plot you see. Well I think most of the stuff are ironed out. Anyway, enjoy!

Disclaimer: Naruto and all characters are created by Masashi Kishimoto

Two

A thrilling tingle shot through Hinata's spine and up to the base of her neck as she turned away from the laughing faces of Shikamaru and Temari, who were dancing in the middle of the floor in a posh hotel ballroom. Guests invited to the couple's wedding surrounded them, their faces all bearing smiles as they watched the blissful couple entwined on the floor while they danced to a lively piece.

Gaara was watching her. Heck, he had been watching her since she stepped into his line of vision accidentally at the hotel.

The first time she caught him gazing at her, his jade eyes were filled with interest. Hinata thought she was hallucinating. The second, third, fourth and god knows how many times she found herself being watched by him, those intense eyes of his had gone completely hot, sensual and fiery. It wiped out all her ideas about him staring at other women behind her, and verified that he was indeed staring at her, Hyuuga Hinata. One look at his eyes and she was a goner. By that time, her heart had been racing a mile a second, and she felt her cheeks grow hot.

It was the damn dress. It wasn't her. It was short, white and clung to her skin persistently as though it had been magnetised to her whole body. The dress was held up by two thin strips of organza, and anyone within an arm's length could see she had a bloody cleavage. That was the No.1 most uncomfortable thing about tonight. The other was that the hem of the dress only hit her at mid thigh - she had never worn such a short dress before. She felt torn: It had been a big mistake allowing Ino and Temari to talk her into buying it. A big one, she thought as she spied several males looking at her with great interest. Yet it too made her giddy with exhilaration, for she had never been looked at in this way before.

She had also ditched her glasses tonight and replaced them with contacts. Whatever she did, she didn't have to bother about her black spectacles dropping onto the end of her nose. It was wonderful, and a luxury she seldom used.

The one consolation that she had was that her jet black hair, which had been curled by Ino's favourite hairdresser that afternoon, helped to conceal her chest. It hung loosely about her shoulders, rubbing against her bare skin whenever she moved her head or her shoulders. Hinata felt immensely sexy. For tonight, she promised, she would enjoy this luxury of being able to attract the attention of many men, most of which were hulking rugby players from Gaara's team and Naruto's team. Tomorrow, it would all be gone: She would go back to being plain old conservative Hinata, the shy wallflower who worked at her family's company where nobody noticed her.

Just for tonight.

"Hey sweetie!" Ino sashayed towards her and slung an arm round her waist. Her blue eyes took her in. "You look really hot tonight. I was right about this dress. You pull it off so well! By the way, Temari's younger brother keeps staring at you, do you know that? He's hot, hm?"

"I know." Hinata mumbled to both Ino's questions. She had been having permanent goosebumps throughout dinner, all because of one gorgeous redhead. Plenty of other single women, including Emiko, had been enamored by his mere presence. She saw them talking to him, but he only chatted with them for several minutes before moving on. Hinata did not want to flatter herself over the ridiculous idea that his lack of interest toward other women had been because of her - but most of the time, she'd seen him alone, or with Naruto, Shikamaru and other team players.

"Hey, just do as I say okay?" The blonde suddenly said, grinning at her.

Hinata eyed her warily. "Do what?"

"I'm going to walk away on the pretense that I'm going to get you a drink, but you stay here. Then, gather your hair over one shoulder and look around. Move to the music a little if you want."

"What? W-Why?" The Hyuuga spluttered.

"I'm freeing you up for the Captain of the Sand Hawks!" Was Ino's reply.

Ino removed her arm and walked away towards several passing waiters bearing tray after tray of drinks. The model shot her a look. Hinata merely nodded a little. Her heart was thumping so wildly within her, she wouldn't be surprised if it flew out from her body and skittered across the floor, in plain view of all the guests.

Gross, Hinata thought.

Licking her lips nervously, she gathered her hair at the nape of her neck and pulled it over her right shoulder. Despite the air conditioning from the room, she felt unbelievably warm. And who was the culprit? The handsome redheaded captain, that's who.

"Hello." A voice greeted her from behind. Hinata turned to see a bespectacled young man watching her with brown eyes. Disappointment flooded her, but she maintained a pleasant expression on her face.

"Hi." Hinata said self consciously, smiling as she shook the man's hand.

"I'm Ozana Atsushi. Pleased to meet you." He grinned and shook her hand.

"Hyuuga Hinata. Likewise." She answered, giving him her best smile. He was like a mirror image of her in male form. No women would take notice of him in this room filled with testosterone ladened beings and she wasn't about to treat him like how other women would do. Being gracious was Hinata's forte, and she did it right from her heart without any complaints. So what if he was slightly skinny? He was a nice guy, she could tell.

"You're Shikamaru's friend," She observed.

"Yeah. His colleague too." Atsushi nodded. "We've worked together for around two years or so."

"I see."

"What about you?"

"Oh I've known Shikamaru and Temari since high school." Hinata explained. "They're my closest friends."

Atsushi grinned. "Cool. You guys still keep in touch after all these years."

"Yeah, we always find time catch up with one another."

Silence descended over them for several beats.

"Uh, well, do you want to dance?"

A slow dance was coming on, and other couples were joining Temari and Shikamaru. The music had changed as well - softer, and definitely more romantic.

"I'm not good at dancing." Hinata confessed truthfully.

"Neither am I," The man laughed. "But I guess we can try, though. Would you like to, Hinata?"

"Sure." The Hyuuga answered, remembering what it was like to watch with envy while Emiko had been picked up by handsome strangers every time they went out. She wasn't going to decline this man. If anything, it would give him an ego boost in the future.

And Gaara? Well, she didn't bother to look at him.

The Captain of the Sand Hawks felt little pleasures of currents zipping through his body as he watched the dark haired woman talking to the blond supermodel. They were both Temari's friends, he remembered vaguely. It was a wonder how she could have escaped his eyes so easily the first time he met all the bridesmaids, and how much a dress could do to one woman.

Tonight though, Hyuuga Hinata looked gorgeous and fabulously sexy in that short, white, clingy dress that enhanced her curves. He bet his paycheck no woman could wear it the way she wore.

Clearly, she had been made for the act of copulation itself - the kind of hot, lusty, sweaty sex that most men fantasised about. She had a generous mouth that had been glossed over with a shiny pink lip gloss tonight, and her eyes were a pure snow white that reminded him of all things unsullied, pure and innocent. For some reason or other, it turned him on. She behaved as though she had been wearing nothing, and was incredibly self conscious - so unlike the other women who had been preening perfectly before him for the past few years or so, with their skimpy attires and barely there clothes. It attracted him immensely.

Didn't she know how she had been making all the men in the room squirm, just watching her put a spoonful of soup in her mouth? Or how she had smiled at Temari and Shikamaru? Or how she touched her hair and pulled at it?

Clearly, he wanted her in his bed. Hell, anywhere else. She made the rest of the women seem dull, uninteresting. They were the usual cookie cutter female types - fun, gorgeous, flirty, too perfect on the surface, shallow in the inside and incredibly attracted to his status and wealth.

He sensed that she was different. She hadn't made a move to talk to him, although she did meet his eyes once. It made her cheeks turn a pretty shade of pink and he swore he saw shock in her eyes.

What's so shocking, baby? Never seen a man look at you this way before?

Gaara knew he had to be careful though. Hinata was Neji's cousin, and the latter was pretty protective of Hinata. It wouldn't do to incur Neji's wrath, or Temari's for that matter. But he wasn't going to leave this ballroom till he had talked to her or danced with her.

He knew she knew that he had been looking at her. He wasn't afraid to show it and had clearly enjoyed how uncomfortable he was making her. He barely listened to any of his friends' conversation or the women who approached him. All senses and thoughts were concentrated on her. Gaara had noticed other men, including players on his team looking at her with great appreciation. A huge powerful surge of possesiveness overtook him just then, making him clench his glass hard.

You are officially screwed.

The redhead watched as Ino left her - he was surprised at his lack of attraction towards the beautiful blond model, but only for a minute. He set his glass down, getting ready to start towards her when he noticed a skinny guy with glasses, dark hair and a stupid smile reach Hinata before him.

The guy was Shikamaru's colleague, he was sure. The twerp shook hands with her and started talking. Gaara glanced away, pretending to be enjoying himself. Damn it. He just ruined my plans. He reached for another glass on a waiter's tray and watched over the rim of his glass as the man said something and Hinata laughed.

What the hell had he said was so funny to her? I bet I can make you smile and laugh more than that nerd can.

Then, he took Hinata's hand and the couple started to make their way to the dance floor. She wasn't fit for him. Anyone who wasn't blind could see that. The man was of the same height as her, if not shorter, and they were moving stiffly on the floor. He didn't encase her properly in his arms they way Gaara would have done it, and he could tell Hinata wasn't comfortable about it.

Gaara decided to give them several more minutes before he would cut in.

"Whatcha lookin' at?" Kiba asked, coming to stand near beside him. The Inuzuka was a right-winger on Konoha's national team, the FireBlades. On field, the Hawks and Blades were both rivals who played against each other hard and well, but off field, the teams had immense camaraderie with one another.

The redhead merely stared pointedly at Hinata.

"Hinata?" The dark haired nodded. "I've known her since middle school. Neji's shy cousin." Then he grinned. "She's gorgeous, isn't she? She's really sweet. I wouldn't do her if I were you."

Gaara turned to look at Kiba, whose dark brown eyes had turned serious. He detected a hint of threat in the Inuzuka's voice. Everyone - that was Suna and Konoha, and maybe other countries too - knew that he had a reputation for switching girlfriends every month, and he was notorious for his bad rep off the field. He was also aware of the false reports floating about out there: some said he was on drugs, some said he abused his girlfriends (which he NEVER did), and others said he beat up people just because he wanted to (FALSE). All these were greedily gobbled up by the press and the public, who blew them up and took pictures to 'verify' their 'statements'. The shots had been all taken to go along with the headlines and his team manager, Baki, had thrown a fit over them countless times. Gaara hadn't bothered to hold a press conference or release a statement denying these claims - as long as Kankurou, Temari, his team, Baki and the woman he was dating were clear as to what the truth was, he didn't see a need to deny them in public. As far as he was concern, he gave his best on the field - his personal life was his own to deal with, not the press nor the public. If they wanted to judge him by those ridiculous rumours, it was none of his concern.

"What if I do?"

"Neji, Naruto and I are gonna come after you if you hurt her or anything. I'm sure your sis too."

Gaara leaned against a pillar and watched Hinata.

"I know." He said simply. "I'm not planning on doing anything to her. Maybe one dance."

"Go for it." Kiba smirked. "That nerd there has got his hands all over her and man, he's quite short. What the hell is with his slicked hair anyway?"

The redhead pushed away from the pillar and moved towards the couple.

Hinata and the man had stepped away from each other and were exchanging a few words. Gaara noticed that he was reluctant to let her go, and this spurred him on even more.

"Excuse me," He said pleasantly.

They both looked at him. Hinata's face was turning red, and the man was staring up at him. He smiled - or rather, smirked, and turned towards Hinata.

"One dance, Ms Hyuuga?"

"Uh," She hedged, looking at the guy. "Atsushi-"

"Its alright," Atsushi said, gesturing nervously at Gaara. "Go ahead, I'll just go get myself a drink."

"Thank you." The redhead said, still maintaining a neutral tone.

"Thank you Atsushi. That was wonderful." Hinata said before he could take her in his arms. She smiled at Atsushi, who grinned.

"Yeah, catch you later, Hinata."

Never.Gaara added silently in his head.

Atsushi disappeared amongst the other couples, and Hinata turned to face him. Her eyes were darting all over him and she appeared as though she didn't quite know what to do with her hands.

"Am I making you uncomfortable?" He asked, stepping closer to her just as someone bumped into his back.

"N-no, no, of course not." Hinata said, smiling nervously.

Without saying another word, he took her into his arms, one hand on her waist. He took her smaller hands in his and placed them on his shoulders, and return his other hand to her waist. He pulled her closer, barely restraining himself from groaning at the mere contact of their bodies. Gaara thought he heard a gasp from her, but wasn't quite sure. He was pleased at the way her white eyes widened slightly and her cheeks pinken when they melded perfectly together.

Take that, Atsushi. He thought smugly.

Hinata took in a shaky breath Gaara's warm hands brushed hers, placing them on his shoulders.

Good god, he was so good looking. He was already handsome enough without a tux, but wearing one made him more godlike, more surreal - it was a wonder the women didn't come grovelling at his feet.

Ino was right. He was hot.

There was nothing surreal about him though. She could feel the muscles of his broad shoulders tensing slightly beneath the expensive material, the vibrant colour of his crimson hair, which seemed darker under the dimmed lights. They fell against his forehead in an unruly mess, several strands in his deep jade eyes. Like Temari, he exuded self confidence and raw masculinity without sayng much, something which affected her alot. His face wasn't perfect - he bore the scractches and cuts of the physical contact on field, but nothing could marr the features he had been born with.

He was a head taller than her despite her heels and as though he knew about her discomfort, he had inclined his head instinctively towards her. If she reached out with her hand, she could probably touch those tendrils. If he leaned any closer, he would be kissing her already.

His large palms were warm on her waist, a soothing source of heat in the cold room. She wondered what it would be like to have it rove-

Oh my god, stop it!

The difference between him and Atsushi was great - whereas Atsushi had been slightly shy like her and was slightly chatty, Gaara took the lead and was silent. The redhead moved her with such an ease, she fell into step with him fluidly too. He was so solid and real, she could only focus her thoughts on him as the rest of the couples dissolved into nothingness.

His thumb brushed small circles round her waist and she felt his gaze boring into her face, more intense and hotter than ever. Hinata knew she had to say something, but she didn't know what.

"This dress fits you perfectly." He murmured, gazing into her eyes. No wonder so many women were enamored by him.

"Thank you," She felt heat creeping up her neck, flooding her cheeks.

"Its also the reason why you have my entire team as well as the other men in the room completely under your spell."

"O-oh," She managed. Her throat went dry and she licked her lips, a come back ready. His gaze dropped to her mouth, almost making her trip over her words. "I didn't mean to." Hinata whispered.

His clear jade green eyes held a spark of mirth in them, making him look devilishly handsome. The Love tattoo on his forehead was hidden by his hair as he bent his head more, a smile tugging on his lips.

"You didn't know what you were capable of." He said huskily. Gaara moved his head back and she felt disappointment wash over her again.

"Come with me." He said, releasing her waist and grasping her hand.

"To where?"

The smirk he gave her was nothing short of suggestive.