Hinata felt weary as she sluggishly walked up the flight of stairs back to her apartment. The drive back to town had been just as lonely and mind numbing as the drive was to her father's. She wanted to go back to sleep. To forget everything that happened the day before. But of course it couldn't be that easy, and from here onwards, things would undoubtedly be harder between the two. She felt even more estranged from him than ever.
She pulled her keys from her pocket and placed the apartment key in the lock. She turned it once before the handle began jiggling on its own. Hinata immediately released the doorknob and stepped back.
Someone was in her apartment.
The door flung open and Hinata was knocked hard to the ground. The weight from another body pressed against her. It was difficult to breath but she sucked in enough air to try and scream for help.
"Hinata! I've missed you so much!"
The familiar voice caused her to bite back her scream. She focused on the black haired female atop her.
"T-Tenten," Hinata gasped. "What are you doing here?"
Tenten got up and pulled Hinata to her feet. "I got in last night. I tried calling you but your phone went to voicemail. I used the spare key you gave us to get in. Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I heard you at the door and wanted to surprise you."
Hinata laughed. "You did a good job of it too. I was at my father's. I didn't anticipate staying over there and didn't have a way to charge my phone."
"Your dad's?" Tenten's face twisted with a sneer of slight disgust. Her friend knew all to well of the struggle her family had with him. "How did that go?"
Hinata hung her head and groaned. "Lets go in and I'll tell you all about it."
"He didn't have to be so harsh, what an ass," Tenten said after Hinata finished her story.
The two were in Hinata's bedroom.
Hinata pulled a fresh shirt over her head. "I know. Don't get me wrong, I more or less told him I was done with him. That wasn't exactly kind either, but I don't know what to do anymore. I'm at my wits end. It seems like the older I get the harsher and more persistent he becomes."
"Maybe he's going through a mid-life crisis?" Tenten joked.
"Yea, sure." Hinata giggled and joined her friend on the bed. "How did you find the time to come up here anyway?"
"I managed to get Friday through Sunday off work." Tenten beamed. "And right now we're off school for spring break. Neji was going to come too but he's busy with his father. It's cute watching him work so hard."
Hinata smiled. She was happy for Neji. It was good that some parts of their family managed to stay close. "So," she spoke, ready to get off the topic all together. "Have you and Neji thought anymore about setting a date for the wedding?"
A rare blushed crept over Tenten's cheeks. She wasn't one to be easily embarrassed but topics of her and Neji managed to do it. "Not yet. We've both been so busy, I didn't want to pressure him about it. Right now he is completely immersed with the building plans. It really was an amazing opportunity that your father gave him."
Hinata's eyes fell to the floor.
Tenten waved her hand in front of her face as if to push away the conversation. "Ah, but none of that really matters!" She awkwardly cleared her throat. "Speaking of special someones, what about you? Have you met anyone? Surely there are one or two cute male nurses you work with?"
"Not really." Hinata scrunched her nose. Gaara was the first guy in a long time she started to notice. She was just to distracted with life and work to pay attention to men. "There was one guy I was somewhat talking with but–
"What?" Tenten eye's widened. "You mean you actually met someone and didn't tell me! I know we've both been occupied with our own lives but you should keep me in on the loop with things like that!"
Hinata snorted. She couldn't tell if her friend was joking or not. Neither one was really all that girly and aside from Tenten's notes in high school, neither one ever gushed about guys. "It wasn't anything serious. I'd only met him twice. He said we could go out again but it's been over a week and I've not heard back from him. I don't want to put anymore stock into it."
Tenten frowned. "Do you have his number? You should call him. You can't depend on guys to always keep making the first move."
"I've got a number, but I'm not sure if it's his or the friend that he lives with. His best friend kind of set us up. Things seemed to have went well. But I ended up having car trouble. I don't know. I think I may have put him off. He's not exactly what one would call the sociable type, not that I have any room to talk but he's a bit more serious about it." Hinata intentionally left out key details about that night. She didn't want to talk about the odd, intense, moment her and Gaara shared for fear that she would miss him.
Tenten's eyes softened. She grabbed Hinata and pulled her close for a hug. "Things haven't really been going so well lately for you have they?" She patted the top of her head despite Hinata's wiggling protest.
"Oh, I have an idea!" Tenten suddenly pushed Hinata arms length apart. An impish grin reached her eyes. "You need to get out of this apartment."
Hinata cocked an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"
"Lets go to the karaoke club in town! It's been too long since we last got to go. Remember, we used to sneak and go all the time back in school?"
Of course Hinata remembered. How could she forget? Somehow Tenten always brought out the mischievous side in Hinata. Making her do things she would normally never do. Like sneaking out of her home in the middle of the night or ditching the last period of class on a Friday to slink away and do karaoke. But it's not like Hinata felt pressured into anything. She knew that if she truly was uncomfortable with doing anything Tenten wouldn't force her.
After Hinata's mother left her father it was Tenten who made her feel somewhat normal again. High school was so hard to deal with. There was nothing quite as awkward as being one of the richest girls in school but not pretty enough or popular and to beat it all she was way too shy for her own good. She often got picked on by her peers, or the more snobbier girls would pretend to be her friend and try to pump money or anything else they could out of her. It was Tenten who eventually saved Hinata from that rut.
Hinata had one specific memory in mind. It was the first day the two girls met, a day that Hinata would never forget. It had ended up with both girls being suspended for a week. God, was Hinata's father furious. But Hinata got something irreplaceable out of it. A friend, someone true and honest who wanted to be around Hinata for no other reason then to be her friend. Not because she wanted to use her like so many others before.
The school day had started out like any other. Hinata was eating lunch with her so called friends when a few of the girls noticed one of the less fortunate students. They begun sneering and making fun of him for his ratty appearance. Hinata wanted to stop them, they were being so cruel but what could she say? If she protested them they wouldn't be friends with her anymore and Hinata would be all alone again. She really didn't want that. The boy looked miserable like he was about to cry. Hinata, despite her feelings, was ready to defend the kid until Tenten appeared and dumped her lunch tray all over the head of the girls' main leader. It was a chilly day too. Hinata was stunned and Tenten went on a rant about bullying and how when it came to being ugly they should really get a reality check. The girls were furious and Hinata had made the mistake of laughing at them. They turned their rage onto her but instead of fearing them Hinata gathered up her courage. She did the same as Tenten and dumped her tray on one of the other girls. They were immediately called to the principal's office. It was horrible, never had Hinata gotten in so much trouble as she did that day but it was well worth it. Tenten made Hinata feel brave. She finally found her voice. Though her shyness still held her back she still knew how to stand up for herself if things got too rough.
Hinata's attention refocused to the present. "Of course I remember."
Tenten winked. "And best of all. We are totally old enough to drink now. It'll be so much fun. We'll get a private room just like before. Order some food. Get a few drinks in you. Whatever we gotta do to get you out of here for a bit. I can stay with you the whole weekend too. What do you say?"
Hinata grinned. Why not? She could use a mini-vacation anyway. "When do you want to leave?"
"Yes." Tenten pumped her fist. "Now that's what I'm talking about. We'll head out in a few hours. I actually could really go for a nap right now."
Hinata laughed but she understood. She had woken up way too early this morning. Most of her energy was sapped. "I'll set an alarm for around five. How does that sound? That should give us enough time to get woken up, and dressed."
Tenten muffled back a yawn. "Sounds good to me. Want to share the bed like before?"
"Sure" Hinata smiled warmly. It felt so good to have her best friend around again. She had missed her so much.
The two girls got comfortable atop her full size mattress. They curled into each other like they used to and peacefully drifted off to sleep.
The karaoke bar was packed. Not too surprising since it was the weekend. Hinata couldn't wait to get away from all the crowds of people and into their own room.
She anxiously held onto the back of Tenten's shirt while her friend talked to the man at the entrance counter. Another group of people passed by bumping into her without so much as a sorry.
"What do you mean we can't rent a private room?!" Tenten roared.
"Look, sorry alight? But we're just too busy. We're reserving the private rooms for parties of four or more. If it's only the two of you you'll just have to enjoy your time out on the open floor with the public stage."
Tenten slammed her fist on the counter. "That's bullshit. I came here for a private booth and that's what I want! I'm not singing out here with all of these drunk idiots."
The middle aged long haired attendant glared sharply at Tenten. Crows feet crinkled the side of his greying eyes. It didn't take a genius to tell this man hated his job. He looked like someone you would have once seen on a rock and roll magazine. Not at a small town karaoke bar attending to obnoxious people.
"Hey," Hinata laughed nervously and patted Tenten's back. She didn't want to stir up anymore trouble "It's fine. We can still have fun out here."
"That's not the point." Tenten growled. "I'm a paying customer just like everyone else. We should get what we want."
"Look lady," The man bent below the counter and pulled out a hand full of glow sticks. "What if I give you these for free? Don't make me have to kick you two out."
Tenten's angered reached its peak. She was ready to lunge like a cat until Hinata pulled her friend back and slid between her and the counter. "That will be fine," Hinata squinted her eyes at the man's name badge. "Ken . . . Thank you."
Hinata swiped the glow sticks from him and tugged the fuming Tenten past full tables to the center of the room where a square bar was placed. "Lets get you a drink, you need to calm down."
Tenten plopped down in the nearest empty stool. "I don't need to calm down. What I need is for people to stop being such assholes."
Hinata laughed and wedged herself between Tenten and some other random female.
"But you are right. I need to chill out. We came here to help you unwind not add more stress." Tenten waved her hand in the air and called out an order of drinks to the bartender.
Hinata wasn't listening to what she ordered. She wasn't much of a drinker so it was for the best that Tenten picked something for her.
She glanced around the building. The change in atmosphere excited and made her nervous all at once. She loved how dark they kept the room save for the neon blue string lights that were suspended from the ceiling and the soft yellow lights that hung from the bars rafters . Though, it was the stage that really caught her attention. It was small and shaped like a half octagon. It had different colored floor lights that shinned bright against the back wall causing the singers shadow to stretch high from their feet on the floor all the way up to the ceiling. It was mesmerizing to look at, even with the atrocious singer that was dancing around in a drunken stupor trying to pull off a high pitched chorus to a song that Hinata didn't recognize.
"Here you go ladies."
Hinata tore her eyes from the stage and back to the counter. The bartender placed their drinks down. He winked and left to serve the other patrons.
"Are you going to sing?" Hinata picked up the cold glass. It was slippery from condensation but she held it tight and took a sip. The drink tasted like cherries. She couldn't guess what the alcohol was but there was no denying its presence as it burned all the way down from her throat to her stomach.
"Maybe later," Tenten gently shook her glass. The ice clanked softly together as it spun around. "I'd rather sit here and make fun of a few people before I get up there and make a fool of myself too."
Hinata snickered and took another drink. Maybe she would work up the courage to get up there also. But first she needed to loosen up a bit more.
An hour and a few drinks later Hinata was feeling good. Her and Tenten had their glow sticks, waving them high in the air. They were still seated at the bar but sung along in sloppy unison with the lady on stage singing Survivor by Destiny's Child.
They both laughed when the song was over.
"I'm glad you're having fun." Tenten signaled for one more drink.
Hinata's voice was slightly slurred. "Yea'. It's been too long since I've gotten to go out and done anything like this."
"Why don't you try to make other friends? I hate to know I can't be with you as often anymore and I'm sure you work with a lot of other girls. It wouldn't be hard to do. You just have to be open with them like you are with me."
She had thought considerably about it, but it just wasn't the same. Tenten was her best friend. And it was so hard to open up and be herself with other people. With her it came natural.
A soft vibration came from Hinata's pocket. Someone was calling her. She fumbled around with her pants before pulling out her phone.
"Who is it?" Tenten mouthed
"I'unno," Hinata eyes were half lidded as she starred at the unrecognizable number. She tried to answer with as normal as a voice as she could.
"Hello, is this Hinata?"
"Yes, who is this?"
"It's Gaara. I apologize for calling so late."
Hinata covered the mouth piece to her phone. "Oh my God, it's the guy I was telling you about earlier."
Tenten's grinned devilishly. "You should have him come join us."
"What? No way! I don't want him to see me like this."
"Are you still there?"
"Ah y-yes. Sorry." Of all the nights he would have to call of course it had to be tonight.
"Is this a bad time? I could call back later if you want?"
"No . . . Well, I don't know actually." She was getting flustered and couldn't clearly think. Hinata turned around in her stool. She wanted to go outside to hear him better but as soon as she stood up some guy walked into her knocking her drink from her hand and onto her shirt.
"Watch where you're going." The guy sneered.
"Asshole! It was your fault." Tenten yelled.
"I'll call you back some other time. You sound preoccupied."
Hinata tugged her cold wet shirt loose from her stomach. "No you're fine really, I just – I have to run to the bathroom, talk to my friend for a minute."
She chucked the phone to Tenten. "What the? What do you want me to say?"
"Anything, just don't let him hang up yet. I won't be long." She ran off to the bathroom
A few minutes later, Hinata returned. Her phone was laying on the counter.
"What happened?" Hinata asked.
"He's coming over here. He said it wouldn't take long."
"He's what? No! Tenten, I didn't want that."
Tenten laughed. "I'm sorry but after I told him we were both drinking he offered to give us a ride home. And lets face it, we've both had a little too much to be driving."
"But what about your car? You don't really want to leave it here do you?"
Tenten flicked her hand. "It'll be fine. We'll bring your car back here tomorrow to get it."
Hinata mumble incoherently under her breath. She couldn't think of any other way out of seeing Gaara tonight. "What about a taxi? We could call for one?"
Tenten thoughtfully raised her eyes. "A cab? Honestly. If you really feel comfortable with trusting some stranger to take you home while inebriated then be my guest."
Hinata groaned and laid her head with a soft thud on the counter.
"What's wrong with you? Earlier you seemed bummed about him not calling. Now he has and you don't want to see him?"
She tilted her head to the side to face her friend. "It's not that I don't want to see him. It's just that our first date didn't go so well in the beginning and this will only be like the third time I will have seen him. I don't want him seeing me after I've been drinking."
Tenten rubbed Hinata's back. "Don't worry about it. He sounded completely fine with coming out. He was the one who suggested it."
Hinata grimaced.
Tenten laughed again then stood up "Come on, our turn is coming up next."
After singing a few badly off key songs two girls made their way back to the bar. They were red faced and out of breath from laughing. Hinata had finally started to relax about seeing Gaara. Maybe it wouldn't turn out too bad. She really didn't want him to see her how she was but on the other hand she really wanted to see him. Why did feelings have to be so complicated?
The two sat back down. Tenten was busy ordering another round of drinks when Hinata noticed a guy coming their way. At first she didn't pay him any real mind until it was obvious he was approaching them.
"Hi there," The guy's attention was on Tenten. He propped one elbow on the bar counter and leaned his body against it. "I couldn't help but notice you on the stage. You're very pretty. Are you here with anyone else aside from your friend?"
Hinata chuckled. Maybe it was the alcohol messing with her brain but this guy's lame attempt to pick up girls was very amusing. He looked like someone you'd expect to see somewhere on a beach surfing a wave with his toned tanned body and short wavy disheveled blond hair, certainly not in a rinky dink place like this.
Tenten raised the back of her hand to his face and wiggled her fingers to show off her ring. "Sorry pal, but I'm engaged."
The blonde moved closer to her. "Does that have to matter? You must be really bored with your fiance to be here without him having fun."
Tenten forced a tight lipped smile. Annoying persistence pissed her off. She took her untouched drink and passed it to him. "No, thanks. Why don't you take this and trying picking up on some other girls.
The blonde flashed a wide pearly white smile. It was the type of grin that melted girls where they stood. The kind that allowed him to get whatever he wanted. But something like that wouldn't work so easily on Tenten.
He took the drink. "Alright, what about your friend over there?" He moved past Tenten to Hinata and offered her the glass. "Would you be interested?"
"No, I'm good." Hinata replied flatly.
He batted his long black eyelashes. His dazzling blue eyes didn't even faze her. " Don't tell me you're also with someone?"
Hinata's thoughts went to Gaara. They weren't together by any stretch of the imagination, but still. Until she got things figured out with him she wasn't remotely interested in anyone. Not that she was even interested in anyone before Gaara but that wasn't the point. She had no desire to do anything with this guy.
"No, not exactly, but –
"But what?" The guy placed his hand on Hinata's knee and gripped it. "Not exactly means no, so come on what do you say?"
Tenten stood up. She was ready to give this guy what for. But someone came up behind Hinata and placed an arm around her shoulder. Comforting heat surged through her neck down her back.
It was Gaara.
"Sorry to keep you girls waiting."
His deep voice rang in her ears. She turned her head to meet his eyes. "N-Not at all." She replied breathlessly.
Hinata's thoughts were completely on Gaara. She had forgotten about the other man till he cleared his throat.
"So you are with someone?" His hand was still on her knee.
Hinata felt Gaara's weight shift further against her back as he took his other arm and pushed surfer boy's hand away from her leg.
Gaara replied in her stead. "She is, and I think it's time for you to leave." His eyes again met Hinata's. They were stern and deep but yet there was a tenderness behind them. "Unless . . . do you want him to stay?"
Her voice was trapped in her throat. She shook her head.
There was a long painstaking moment as the annoying guy and Gaara stared each other down.
Ultimately, the guy raised his arms in defeat. "Fine, I'm not looking for any kind of trouble. I just want to get laid. There's plenty of other girls here anyway. Thanks for the drink though." He gave the girls a parting wink before gallivanting off to a table full of other girls.
"What an idiot. I thought he would never leave." Tenten scoffed.
Gaara moved his arm from around Hinata. The warmth left with him but it's lack of presence cleared her head. She started to speak and gesture to Tenten. "This is my friend Tenten."
Gaara extended his hand. "Nice to meet you, I'm Gaara Sabaku."
Tenten grinned and took his hand into hers. "Right, antisocial guy who hadn't called Hinata back, nice to meet you too."
Gaara's face remained stoic.
Hinata jaw dropped. "Tenten!"
"What? I don't dislike the guy yet. I'm just calling out the truth."
"Anyway," Gaara interrupted before anything else could be said. "If you ladies are ready to go we'll head out now."
"I am." Hinata stood up. The sudden movement caused her head to spin. She stumbled.
Gaara put his arm on her shoulder to steady her.
Tenten giggled. "Sorry, we might have had a little more to drink then needed."
"Clearly." His voice was hard. Hinata met his eyes once more. The softness from before was long gone. She swallowed hard. Was he mad at her? And what if he was? If anything it was her who had a right to be mad at him. Did he really think he could just not talk to her for so long after promising he would then out of nowhere decides it's alright for him to just show up and ruin their girls night out?
Hinata's sudden anger towards him shocked her. She wanted to chalk it up to either the alcohol messing with her or that she was still reeling from the pent up feelings she held for her father. God, she hoped this wasn't the starts of a toxic mentality of hating men with thoughts that they would only hurt her in the end.
Aside from Hinata directing him, no one spoke while they drove back to Hinata's apartment
Gaara had to help Tenten walk up the many steps to make sure she didn't fall. She had had a little more to drink than Hinata.
Hinata unlocked the door and stepped aside so Gaara could enter. She shuffled shyly. She didn't want him to see her pitiful apartment, especially since he lived in such a beautiful one.
"Where do you want her?" Gaara asked.
Hinata stammered. "O-Over there on the couch will be fine."
Tenten groaned miserably when he laid her down. "I really hope I don't get sick."
"I'll go get some blankets and a trash can," Hinata said. She needed a moment away from Gaara.
He waited patiently for her to finish making sure Tenten was comfortable. She wanted to hurry up and thank him so he would leave.
"Well, thanks for the ride home." She pulled out a wrinkled bill from her pocket. "Here's some gas money for your trouble."
Gaara gave her a sharp look. "I don't need your money."
Hinata's tempered sparked. Why did she have to feel so angry? "I know you don't need it. But I have still yet to repay you for anything you've done for me. Please just take it."
Gaara shook his head. Did he have to be so stubborn?
Hinata huffed and started to close the gap between them so she could put the money in his pocket but instead ended up tripping over her own feet. Gaara moved fast to catch her.
"Easy." He whispered.
Hinata's head was swimming. Her cheek pressed hard against his chest. She could feel his heart beating. It was calm. Soothing. Unlike hers that was beating so hard she was sure it would explode. It wasn't until that moment that she noticed Gaara was wearing his lab coat. He must have been working late again. And he had stopped what he was doing just to make sure she made it home?
It was Gaara who ended the moment. He gently helped her stand back upright and said, "You shouldn't have drank so much, especially being out in public like that."
Hinata laughed.
"I'm serious." Gaara's voice dripped with stern disapproval. "Anything could have happened to you. Where is your bedroom? You need to sleep it off."
She put a hand on her hip. She didn't appreciate the tone he had with her. Like an angry parent were scolding their child. "I can make it to my room on my own. I really do appreciate you coming to get us, more than you know. But I think you should leave."
Gaara looked her square in the eye. "I will leave. But first I want to make sure you are alright."
"Fine." Hinata huffed with defeat. Her head begun to throb, she was no longer in the mood for stubbornness from either one. She gestured for him to follow her.
"Okay, here we are." Hinata said and walked into her room.
Gaara stood at the doorway. He didn't enter, whether it was out of respect for her or not she didn't know but before she sent him on his way she was dying to ask him why he hadn't gotten in touch with her.
A blush crept across her face as she spoke. "I thought you had lied. You promised I could see you again." She hated how desperate she sounded. She didn't want to scare him off by seeming so clingy.
Gaara sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I understand why that would upset you. I should have called you to let you know."
"Let me know what?" Hinata asked. Fearing the worst. Did he find someone else? Someone much more interesting to be around than her?
"It's nothing serious." Gaara assured her. " I was out of town for the week. A friend of the family asked if I wouldn't mind going back to Suna to look at her horse. It hadn't been eating properly. Again, I should have called you. But unfortunately, things like that don't cross my mind. I'm not making excuses. I just want you to know it didn't have anything to do with me not wanting to see you again."
Hinata wrapped her arms around herself. She felt stupid. He had a very legit reason. What could she say? She settled for apologizing for her behavior tonight. "I'm sorry. I've been snappy with you most of the night. I just – I didn't want you to see me like this. I normally don't drink. But Tenten thought I needed to get out and have some fun for once." She chuckled despite how miserable she felt.
"What you did tonight wasn't very wise. Like I said earlier. Anything could have happened to you. If I hadn't of gotten there when I did that guy –
Hinata cut him off. "Tenten was with me. It would have been fine. She knows how to defend against guys like that."
"Tenten might." Gaara stressed. "But what about you? Do you know how to stop an unwanted advancement?"
Hinata bit her bottom lip and shrugged. "I-I don't know. Maybe? I've never been put in a situation like that. And again, Tenten was there so . . ."
She stopped when Gaara smirked. She wanted to ask what was so funny but before she could he moved swiftly from the doorway towards her. He grabbed her firmly by the arms. She tried to get away but with each step back she took he moved that much closer till finally her legs pressed against her bed. Gaara pinned her down to the mattress. His hands gripped her arms above her head. She couldn't move.
She struggled, but it was no use. He was too strong.
He leaned down to whisper in her ear. His voice was deep and perverse. "See how easy that was. You can't move and your friend isn't able to help you either. I can do whatever I please."
Hinata drew a steady breath. "You say that, but you won't hurt me."
His eyes narrowed and he took his free hand and forcibly ran it up her shirt. But he brushed no further than the bottom of her ribcage. He chuckled darkly. "What makes you so sure? You're not really in any position to presume what I will and won't do."
Hinata's heart slammed against her chest. His touch felt rough from calluses but so warm. It made her whole body tingle. But she kept her mind as clear as possible. " All you're wanting to do is get your point across. I know you won't hurt me . . . Because you're a gentleman."
Gaara tossed his head back and laughed; it was strange and unfitting given his normal behavior. "Women have called me many things, but never that."
He released her arms and removed his hand from under her shirt then gently caressed the side of her face. His demeanor turned soft and his voice sounded sincere as he spoke. "But you are right, I'm not going to hurt you. I'm not trying to say that you're weak or can't protect yourself. But to try and defend someone off while intoxicated, it's not sensible."
He took a ragged breath. It looked like he was struggling for words. He seemed like he desperately wanted to say something but didn't
Hinata uttered an apology. She hoped he couldn't see how flustered he had made her.
"No need for that. I just don't want to see you harmed." The mattress shifted as Gaara got off the bed. He grabbed a blanket that was hanging off the edge and spread it atop Hinata's body, then bent down and kissed her forehead. "But keep in mind that even gentlemen have moment's of weakness. Now get some sleep. I'll call you soon. I promise."
With that Gaara left leaving behind a stunned Hinata to wonder what had just happened on her own.
