Like I mentioned on the previous chapter, this one is inspired by Chikiblue's series labeled "Hina's Revenge." You can find it on Tumblr and DeviantArt if you want to check it out (why wouldn't you?!) because it's awesome. I had inspiration after the first couple of pieces so it deviates quite a bit from the origin and story.
Warning though, this is angst.
"I can't continue hurting her, lying to her. I need to end this relationship but I don't know…" Gaara said. His tone seemed indifferent but his face was marred with concern.
Naruto paced back and forth in front of Gaara's desk. "You're my friend and Hinata's my friend, too. I think you should just be honest. Damn, I feel bad for putting you in this spot."
"Don't. You only suggested I should date her because she liked me. I was the one who agreed. I thought that with time I could fall in love with her but..." his voice trailed off and he sighed. "It's time I stop pretending and leading her on."
"But I still feel bad. I mean I kind of brushed her feelings aside and pushed you two together so I wouldn't feel as guilty." Naruto pulled on his hair in agitation. "Aw man, I'm such an idiot."
Outside of the Kazekage's office, Hinata was stunned. Covering her mouth to mute the sob threating to escape, Hinata felt like her heart was tearing in half. Finding out that the person you opened your heart to did not feel the same hurt beyond description. How could I be so blind?
Declining to attend the feast in their honor with everyone else, Hinata cried herself to sleep telling herself that tomorrow she would have to face reality. I need to be strong, she thought. But her tears fell regardless.
Hours later and unable to get a good night's rest, she headed straight to Gaara's office. It was still dark but he rarely got enough sleep so visitors at this hour weren't unusual for him. It had constantly worried her but now she was grateful for the lack of general activity around them. The guards let her pass without questioning and Gaara glanced up for a second.
"Why didn't you attend the dinner? Are you not feeling well?"
She swallowed hard. He doesn't really care. "I need to talk to you."
He continued writing and Hinata frowned sadly. "Gaara I said I need to talk to you."
"What is it?" he asked, not dropping his pen.
"I don't want someone to be with me out of obligation or pity." His movements stopped and he slowly looked up. Her eyes were red and slightly swollen. Gaara quickly stood up and walked towards her but she stepped back. "Don't. I heard everything. I know you don't care about me, at least the same way I do... You only did this because Naruto thought we should date."
"Hinata…"
"We're over," she said. Her body began to shake and he felt compelled to reach out. "People don't have to know why because it'll only further embarrass me. Just say we realized there was nothing there. It won't be a complete lie."
Hinata had left without another word and he remained still, trying to process what just happened. Slowly returning to his chair, he stared blankly at the document in front of him. Gaara had thought that he would get a sense of relief but there was a loud pounding in his ear.
.
.
Shikamaru rolled his shoulders in discomfort. Despite being a strategist, dealing with these kinds of problems weren't his forte. While he was familiar with Team 8, due to Asuma's relationship with Kurenai, Hinata was still an enigma. She was polite, of noble birth, kind and much less of a headache than most of the girls he knew but that was it. He had never seen her act so distraught or disturbed. It unsettled him and he knew it was up to him as captain to set everything right in order to keep a positive image of Konoha in front of one of their most valuable allies.
"Hinata can I see you for a moment?" He asked before they gathered for dinner. She nodded and followed him to a deserted hallway. "Is something the matter?"
"No." She answered curtly.
"Uh huh. So ignoring Naruto at lunch is normal behavior?" She looked down in shame at her unprofessional actions. "Look, if something went down between you guys that will ruin the mission I need to know. Or else I'll have to send one of you home. And it'll be hard to decide between the Kazekage's best friend or girl-"
"We're not dating." She interrupted. "Anymore."
His eyes looked away in discomfort. "Okay... but we still have to remain professional. If you see yourself being detrimental to the mission, I'd suggest staying in your hotel room or going home." Shikamaru wished it was Ino in front of him because he'd feel less guilty for being so stern with her. Chastising Hinata felt like kicking a bunny.
However her face had a look of determination and she bowed in apology. "That won't be necessary. I'll do my best to fulfill the mission. I promise."
Rubbing his neck, he told her to stand straight and get something to eat. Naruto walked towards him, looking back at her as she walked down the stairs. "Did she tell you?" Shikamaru shook his head, not really one to care for the personal affairs of his comrades. Unfortunately Naruto was looking to vent to someone for advice. Gaara had told him what had occurred and he felt horrible.
When he was done, Naruto looked at him expectantly. "So? What do you think I should do? How do I get her to forgive me and Gaara?"
"I don't know. Weren't they dating for like over a year? To string her along the whole time… that's just-"
"Troublesome?" Naruto joked half-heartedly.
"Yeah that…and cruel." Naruto's shoulders fell in defeat. "But I know you had good intentions. Misguided as they were, I don't think there was any intentional malice behind it. Just give her time."
The rest of the week, Shikamaru kept a close eye on the situation. To an outsider, nothing would seem amiss but he could see the signs. Hinata was displaying typical Hyuuga traits while discussing things with Gaara's advisors. She didn't ignore the Kazekage but her eyes didn't linger on him more than she needed to. He also noticed Gaara speaking more than usual, as if trying to bring her eyes back to him.
After the final gathering had wrapped up, Gaara requested to see Hinata before they returned to Konoha. Naruto seemed like he wanted to stay behind as well but Shikamaru pulled him along. The blonde had a good heart but was thick headed.
Hinata had tried to rush out, but she knew she couldn't decline his request in front of everyone. A small part of her was proud for not running away, maybe she had more respect for herself than she realized.
"Hinata… about how we ended things. I want you to know-"
"Its fine," she said looking down. "I should've seen it but now I realize now that we aren't meant to be. No matter how much I lov-" Gaara's heart raced at those words. "I should get going."
Gaara was at a loss for words. This didn't feel right, but he couldn't pinpoint what it was. It had been about a week since she broke things off but it still troubled him.
"Let me go," she demanded quietly. Gaara looked in shock as his sand had gripped her wrist without realizing it. He couldn't remember when was the last time he lost control over it and didn't cause any bloodshed. His grip wasn't menacing, it felt desperate. "Kazekage-Sama please let me go. I have to meet with my fellow comrades," Hinata repeated. "Please."
His sand retracted back into the gourd and he apologized. The door closed behind her and Gaara couldn't explain the feelings he was experiencing.
After turning in their mission report to Kakashi, Shikamaru privately commended Hinata on her ability to put personal issues aside. Giving him a half-hearted smile she thanked him. He could tell that she was trying really hard not to cry. "You should head home. I'll tell Mirai you'll see her some other day."
Hinata nodded and walked away. His eyes lingered on her departing figure, not realizing that Naruto had been talking to him. "-forgive me. I feel like shit."
Turning to him, he offered to take him to eat before visiting Kurenai. "C'mon. Food will help you think of something," he suggested to Naruto. Yet she remained on his mind all day, which he chalked up to sympathy for a colleague. Having ended a relationship with Temari, Shikamaru knew the days immediately afterward were the worst.
.
.
It had been months since he last saw her and Gaara thought about the Hyuuga heiress now more than ever. He wondered how she was coming along with her clan duties, if she forgave him or Naruto, but more importantly if she was happy. It was ridiculous to assume she'd still send him letters but for some reason, his eyes looked expectantly at the pile of letters on his desk every week.
Most were from foreign dignitaries, few bearing the insignia of Konoha, but none with the emblem of the Hyuuga clan. He thought he'd be happy to have ended things but in a strange sense, Gaara felt worse. His eyes gazed at the painting she had commissioned for him for his birthday. It was a flock of sparrows without stretched wings. "They've been freed from their cage," she had explained. "Just like you have and how I envision all of my clan. Free from pain, scorn and hate." He merely hummed out of obligation.
Gaara regretted acting so aloof during their time together but being new to relationships he found things to be awkward. But Hinata never laughed at him or chastised him. She was unbelievably patient, kind, and understanding. And he missed her.
Kankuro walked in carrying a bundle of folders, nearly dropping them when he noticed tears streaming down his younger brother's face. "G-Gaara?"
"It hurts. Why does it hurt?" he asked his bewildered brother. "I thought ending things was the right thing and we could both move on. But now I don't know. Why do I feel worse?"
The older male sighed, unsure of what to say. Their sister had mentioned his odd behavior a couple weeks ago. "I guess the break up with the Hyuuga is really affecting him." Temari whispered quietly after leaving his office. Gaara had declined to join them for dinner for the fourth time that week. "He's become more of a recluse and spaced out important meetings. I'm worried."
Kankuro had brushed that assumption to the side, uncomfortable with talking about Gaara's broken relationship. Temari seemed like she wanted to comfort her youngest brother but in the end decided to drop the matter as well. Truthfully, they were all a bit emotionally stunted thanks to the way they were raised.
"Did I make a mistake?" Gaara asked. He looked like a lost child and Kankuro really wished Temari had come along.
"Only you can know that for sure," he replied with difficulty.
.
.
Gaara was eager to make his annual visit to Konoha. Not only was Naruto close to finishing his trials to become Hokage and join him in leading the new age of peace, but he could finally see her. He knew all he needed to feel whole again was to see that beautiful smile.
Kakashi greeted him and Gaara waited patiently as they went through the pleasantries. Naruto was eager to show him some of the new additions to the village but his eyes scanned around for a certain woman. But he couldn't find her, even in her usual spots. It would be well known that he was visiting and he wondered if Hinata was avoiding him. The thought of being ignored or cast aside by her sent a sharp pain in his chest.
"Hey Gaara? Are you okay?" Naruto asked. His friend tried to smile but froze. Hinata was standing in front of a store, scrutinizing some vegetables before placing them inside her basket. She was smiling and his mood had improved greatly the moment he saw her. "Gaara?"
Hinata paid for her groceries and walked towards another shop. Gaara eagerly headed towards her but stopped in his tracks when he noticed the close proximity between Hinata and another man. Gaara narrowed his eyes; Shikamaru smirked at the petite woman as she proudly showed her purchase. They walked away but their hands touched every now and then.
Unable to think rationally, he stormed towards them followed closely by a baffled Naruto. Shikamaru was the first to notice them. "Hey Naruto… Gaara."
The red head nodded. "How have you been?" Gaara asked him. But when his eyes turned to Hinata, she stepped slightly behind Shikamaru and it angered him.
"Things are good."
"They're better than that! I'm going to have Shikamaru be my advisor!" Naruto bragged.
"Temari will be happy to hear that." Gaara tried to gouge his reaction at the mention of his ex. "She always thought you would do great things. Maybe you can visit her someday."
"I don't know about that since she threatened me last time we saw each other," Shikamaru frowned. "But I appreciate the thought." Everyone stood in silence. "So we have to get going. Nice to see you guys."
"What are you two up to? Having dinner at Kurenai's?" Naruto asked. He had seen how close they had become but Shikamaru always shrugged of his accusations of trying to woo Hinata. Yet it was hard to ignore how different the normally uninterested man acted around her.
"Nah, it's just going to cash in on a bet she owes," he answered teasingly.
Hinata pouted slightly. "I'm doing this out of the kindness of my heart, even if you did cheat. You moved my piece while I went to check on Mirai!"
"Words of a sore loser," he joked. "Choji was there, too."
"And what a coincidence that he's going to join us," she muttered.
Even though he was relieved that it wasn't a date, Gaara glared at their exchange and reluctantly allowed Naruto pull him away. The other two barely acknowledged their departure and he nearly ran back when he saw Shikamaru wrap his arm around her shoulders and walk away.
During the rest of his stay, Gaara was in a foul mood. He couldn't privately talk to her like he wished since she was constantly occupied or with him. He had jumped at the opportunity to dine with the Hiashi, assuming that Hinata would be attending. Once told that she was with a friend, Gaara made an excuse and left early.
He thought being ignored would be the worst she could do, but there was something else. On his last day in Konoha, Gaara found her sitting under a tree, looking at peace. Relieved that she was alone, he stepped forward but stopped when he saw a familiar and increasingly annoying figure. Shikamaru stood in front of her and after exchanging a few words, laid next to her. Hinata patted her lap and failing to look annoyed, Shikamaru rested his head on her. She giggled and stroked his scalp.
This isn't right! He shouldn't be there! He thought. Jealousy was a new emotion to him, he likened it to possessiveness.
Unable to stand it any longer, Gaara cornered Hinata as soon as Shikamaru's female teammate called him away. "Is there something going on between you and Nara?" he asked. Hinata's eyes widened. "Don't lie to me either."
"I don't know why you need to know," she said suspiciously. Then she nodded her head. He wants to protect Temari. "I heard the breakup with your sister was a bit messy. Does she still harbor feelings for him?" Gaara slowly shook his head. "Then I don't understand why you care."
"I'm just curious." This wasn't for his sister who was in another relationship; Gaara needed to know for his own sake.
Blushing she looked down. He really missed the way she would blush; unaware that he wasn't the cause of it. "No…" He felt relieved.
"Hinata, there's something I want to say. I think I-"
"I forgive you," she interrupted. "It's taken me some time but I can't hate you for doing that. You tried and that's that. There's no use in living in the past."
"Gaara! We need to get going if we want to miss that sandstorm!" Kankuro bellowed. Gaara cursed his timing but was stunned when she embraced him.
"Have a safe trip home." He nodded, slowly smiling. Seeing things had improved between them, he figured he could fix things between them when he returned. Or he could just request her assistance for a mission.
.
.
Kakashi had found it odd that the Kazekage had specifically requested Hinata to assist in a simple mission. He had heard through the grapevine that the two had broken up but perhaps things weren't as messy as people speculated. Hinata herself looked confused but accepted it readily. Shikamaru had asked to join her, which Kakashi had no problems with and even allowed Naruto to tag along. Their mission success rates as a group was high.
Shikamaru bit his tongue as Gaara welcomed the group, obviously surprised about the additional assistance to the mission. Although he had given the time frame of one week, they accomplished it in less than a day.
Gaara casually mentioned how they could use the rest of their time to relax which Naruto enthusiastically agreed. Kakashi has been running him into the ground and he was ready for a vacation, no matter how short. Hinata shrugged to Shikamaru who hid his annoyance.
His attempts to stay close to her side irked Shikamaru. Having spent time with Hinata, he knew that she had moved on and remained cordial to Gaara. However, he saw right through Gaara's attempts to extend their time together. Since the three had visited Suna frequently, there was nothing new to take in. They knew all the dining spots and monuments yet the Kazekage acted like he needed to show Hinata around personally.
Fed up with these pathetic attempts, he asked Gaara to meet him on an old training ground. Naruto had sensed something brewing and followed along.
"Why won't you leave her alone," Shikamaru asked Gaara. "Hinata is doing much better. Maybe you should step away-"
"It's you who needs to step aside, Nara," Gaara warned. "Don't get involved where you aren't needed."
Naruto stared nervously at his two close friends. "C'mon guys. How about we go eat instead? I'm too hungry to do anything else. Gaara didn't you want to show us-"
"I know she doesn't need me. Hinata is far stronger than people give her credit," he admitted. "But I want to protect-" Avoiding the blast of sand, he stared defiantly back at Gaara. "Hinata has moved on. It's time you stop playing games with her heart. She doesn't love you, not anymore."
The 'spar' ended with the help of Naruto's many clones. Gaara walked away physically unscathed but Shikamaru knew he hurt him deeply. It wasn't his intention to do so but he wanted to make things clear to the Kazekage before he confused and hurt the woman he cared about.
Hinata was shocked after getting word from Matsuri. "Was it about Temari or you?" the brunette asked. Kankuro had mentioned to her something about an annoying love triangle. The Hyuuga thinned her lips and left to check on Shikamaru. He wasn't in a talkative mood but stared at her lovingly as she cleaned up his wounds.
She chastised him for fighting the Kazekage on his land, mentioning everyone else assumed it was a friendly spar which of course their leader won. "Are you mad?" Shikamaru smirked as she tried to glare at him.
"I think we should leave as soon as you gather your strength. You took quite the beating." His smirk turned into a slight frown. "Shikamaru, I can fight my own battles. You don't have to do this."
"I know but I want to." She looked vulnerable and he wished he had the strength to wrap his arms around her. At first, spending time with her was just about making her feel better. Then he began to selfishly seek her out even after she let go of Gaara, cherishing her affections and tenderness. "You know I love you, right?"
Hinata nodded and softly laid her head on his chest. "I love you too."
"I know you've said it before but I can't stop smiling. For a while you were scared to acknowledge my feelings," Shikamaru said. "I'm sorry this makes him unhappy but I'm not sacrificing what I've built with you just because he realized things too late. I care for you too much to allow someone else try to take you from me. But you are your own person and if you wanted to end our relationship, then I won't force it. I want you to be happy whether it's with me or not."
Hinata's eyes widened, realizing for the first time just how deep his love ran. She intertwined her fingers with his. "I'm in this for the long run. When I'm with you, I feel at peace. Others may think our relationship might seem boring and lacks passion but they aren't with us all the time." Shikamaru blushed at her words but held on tightly. "I love you, Shikamaru," she reiterated. "You are the only one who holds my heart."
Before departing, Hinata knew she had to make things clear to Gaara. She didn't want him to hold out any hope when there was none nor did she want to put Shikamaru in a position where he questioned her love for him.
With a glum face she sat across to him. "I don't know why you did this or why you keep suffocating me. I was okay, you know? I accepted things but now you try to act like…why do you insist on causing me so much heartache? Do you enjoy it?"
Gaara felt ashamed. He never wanted to bother her or cause her so much grief. There was so much he wanted to say and make things right; make things return to how they used to be. "I miss you," he said. It was all he could think of but it didn't have the reaction he wanted.
"You didn't even care for me while we were together and now you miss me?" she asked angrily. "I'm genuinely happy now and I know he cares for me. He loves me."
Gripping his robes tightly, he looked away. "How do you know?"
"Aside from telling me? I feel it in the way he talks or stares at me. Shikamaru has been patiently waiting for me to open up to him and I really want to without anything holding me back But I can't move forward without setting things right with you. I thought we already did but I guess not." Gaara reached out to hold her hands which were fidgeting but she pulled away. "It should be clear that I don't feel for you like I did before, like I do for Shikamaru now, not anymore. That time has passed and you need to respect me enough to stop playing games. If you care about me, this is how you can show it. Free me from this torture."
The door burst open and Naruto pointed at the two desperately. "Gaara don't give up! I know things are weird between you, Hinata, and Shikamaru but we can make things work. Trust me." He turned to Hinata. "I know you still care for him. How about-?"
Hinata dropped her jaw. "Naruto!" She was mortified that he was able to so carelessly talk about others personal problems. Her relationship with Shikamaru was secret but most people had assumed correctly. Is Naruto's guilt that blinding?
"I was embarrassed and hurt that you two did this. I'm an adult and don't need to be coddled. Did you forget that I fought Pein and lived?" Naruto winced at memory and his lack of response towards her confession. "I've accomplished so much but you've insulted my abilities by doing this. I admire you and Gaara for similar reasons but you both still have much to learn. I do care about Gaara as a friend and nothing more. Stop trying to push us together!"
Naruto's shoulders slumped and she mentioned that she and Shikamaru were leaving in a few hours. "You can stay longer if you want. Enjoy your vacation."
The blonde sat beside a glum Gaara. "I'm sorry, Gaara. I need to think before I speak. Are you okay?" The red head shrugged his shoulders but Naruto could sense waves of sorrow coming off him. "You cared about her don't you?" Naruto said.
"I do. Has the opportunity truly passed me by?"
After Shikamaru was medically cleared, he and Hinata walked back to her room to gather her belongings. They noticed something on her bed; it was a glass rose, a gift from Gaara. Hinata sighed sadly and asked Shikamaru what to do with it. He shrugged and walked out but she could see it irritated him.
Pulling out a piece of parchment, she began to write. She folded it under the rose and ran to catch up with her boyfriend.
"Sorry but I can't accept this knowing the meaning behind it. I will cherish you as a friend if you wish but nothing more. I know you'll find someone and wish you the best."
Gaara crumpled the note and flung his gift at the wall, shattering it. He had hoped that she would stay but after getting word from his guards, he checked to see if she took his gift as well.
He had experienced his first heartbreak and dove into his duties as Kazekage just as intently as before, trying to ignore the ache in his chest. For a while, his siblings thought he had finally moved on. However after word came of a Hyuuga/Nara wedding, he refused to see anyone. Gaara sent his brother or sister whenever they needed a representative of Suna in Konoha. It didn't raise any suspicion as that was normal protocol, but those close to him knew he would've gone himself in the past.
.
.
Four years later, there was one event he couldn't snub no matter how much it hurt to go back. Naruto had been made Hokage and he had to be there for his closest friend.
It had been a grand celebration but in the large crowd, his eyes found Hinata. She was glowing and looked happy. Shikamaru was by her side and once the crowd thinned out, he noticed her protruding stomach. His stoic face slightly faltered and wondered if Naruto would forgive him if he left early. Hinata suddenly had a look of pain and he grew concerned.
Shikamaru escorted her to an empty bench and rubbed her back comfortingly. "I just need to sit down for a bit. I don't want to be a bother, why don't you go have fun at the festival? You promised Shuichi you'd win him a big teddy bear, remember?"
"The day I consider my wife, pregnant or not, to be a bother is the day I've lost my damn mind. I'm sure Kiba won't mind watching him for a while longer. He likes to use him to pick up girls," he smirked. She laughed but I was cut short by a sharp pain in her stomach. "Hinata let's go home. I'll call Ino to do a quick check up."
"No, she's probably busy with Sai." He scoffed at her excuse; Ino was honored to not only be her primary doctor but their second son's godmother as well. She had cut a double date with Sai and them short when Hinata had complained of back pain. "Besides Shuichi has been excited all week and I'd hate to ruin his fun because I need to sit every five minutes."
Naruto appeared beside Gaara and nodded towards the married couple. "Let's say hi," he softly said. The Kazekage nodded and took a deep breath.
Both of their eyes widened as the two well respected men stepped towards them. Hinata tried to smile at them, refusing to show how rambunctious her son was acting inside her womb. "Kazekage, Hokage, nice to see you both," she struggled out. Turning to her husband she implored him to make sure their son had a good time. "I can handle myself."
"I'm not leaving you alone," Shikamaru repeated.
"Why don't you go grab Shuichi and see if he wants to go home? He looked pretty tired the last time I saw him. I'll stay with Hinata and I swear I won't allow anything to happen to her." Naruto stood confidently. "I'd turn in my title if anything happens to her under my watch."
Shikamaru nodded and walked past Gaara, looking at him for a second before sprinting to find his son. Gaara was thankful that he had left as it alleviated some of the tension but it returned in full force when Genma called Naruto away. Smiling sheepishly at both, he apologized and promised to be back soon. "No one will mess with Gaara. That's a death wish!"
"Go already. I'm sure Gaara can manage one pregnant woman." Hinata giggled. Once alone, Gaara stood in front of her but she patted to the space next to her. "How have you been?"
"Working." She laughed. "I didn't mean it to be funny."
"I'm sorry but you're so serious all the time. You need to relax more."
Gaara's lip perked up and he sat next to her. He found himself at ease with her as she filled him in on how things had changed. Hanabi was now the heir as Hinata hadn't married a Hyuuga but she didn't seem upset about it. "I'm glad my oldest doesn't have the Byakugan but I worry about this one. His chakra feels different and although we've managed to get rid of the Caged Bird Curse Seal, I still fear that they'll revert back to that horrible practice." Hinata rubbed her stomach and it seemed to calm down her son. "Neji vowed to protect him. I swear, he worries more than I do sometimes." She smiled and Gaara looked at the scene lovingly.
Gaara was glad that Shikamaru hadn't returned yet as he still needed to talk to her. "I'm happy for you but I have to know." He exhaled harshly. "Could this have been us?"
Hinata sighed and he was afraid he had upset her once more. "I don't know for sure. Maybe if we had stayed together we would be in this position or we could be miserable. There's no way to know." Gaara tried not to look disappointed. "I'm very happy with how my life has turned out but I also want you to be happy. You deserve to be loved."
She turned to face at him and saw the look in his eyes. The adoration she had always wanted from him was there but it was too late; she didn't feel a thing. "Thank you. I think your family is waiting for you," he said.
"Don't be a stranger, okay?" He nodded and slowly pulled away from her hug.
Shikamaru had been observing them but their son was eager to show off his prize. The dark haired boy ran ahead of his father, and happily grinned at his mother. "Momma! I won a fish!" He waved the foam figure around and every adult was thankful it wasn't a living creature. Hinata opened her mouth in amazement and praised him much to his delight.
"Shuichi this is Gaara, the Kazekage of Suna." Hinata introduced him and her son politely waved to Gaara before pulling out more of his prizes out of a large bag. The young Nara enthusiastically replayed the manner in which Shino and Kiba had competed against each other to win him his toys.
Feeling out of place, Gaara excused himself and began to away. Shikamaru kissed his wife and caught up to him. They stared at each other unflinchingly. "I still care about her," Gaara said. "I will always care about her."
Shikamaru watched as his son sleepily rested his head against Hinata's stomach. "I know and I'm sorry it hurts you."
"It does but I know that she'll never look at me like she looks at you." Shikamaru remained silent. "Take care of her."
"With my life," he vowed.
It was a struggle to admit that he had let her slip away. Gaara had seen what love looked like as he watched the Nara family walk away.
Over time he learned how much of it he had felt himself; it was wonderful, confusing, and painful at times. Gaara had experienced the best part of it when he saw his daughter for the first time.
But it was also unbearably painful whenever he thought of the pale-eyed woman. It was unfair to his wife as she constantly complained of his lack of affection but he couldn't pretend. Gaara and his wife shared respect and a sense of fondness but not love. It wasn't confusion either, like when he was with Hinata. With her, there was something there he unfortunately didn't recognize. But after all these years, he knew he hadn't felt anything like it with his wife. While Gaara hadn't realized it at the time, she was his first love and he began to wonder if she was his only.
Her painting still hung on his wall and her old letters kept inside a locked box. Kankuro had suggested he get rid of them, but in a strange way these things provided comfort. It showed Gaara that he was loved and he taught his daughter to never take something so special for granted.
AN: Boy this was a long one, huh? Well it is a one shot and I had a lot to put down. The next ones up are Kakashi/Hinata and MaleIno/Hinata. Itachi is waiting in the wings as well and I'm working hard on one with Sai.