I can't believe I've gotten so far in this story! It's seems to be going great. Keep reading guys and review please!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any name brands in this story.

Protected. Chapter 10.

"Here's the rest of Hinata's stuff. Where do you want me to put it, Gaara?"

Gaara turned around and looked at his best friend Naruto holding a box marked 'clothes.' Ever since Sasuke told the police about Hinata's situation at home about four things happened. First the police drove to Hinata's house and rammed the door down and arrested her dad. His court date is in a week. Second, Hanabi was taken by social services and is now living in foster care, waiting for her sister to come get her. Third, Neji is now looking for a job and an apartment while staying at Lee's house, his friend from school. And lastly, Hinata had to find a place to live and everyone agreed that Gaara's house was probably best. They thought that maybe Hinata could help out Gaara since he had his left leg in a cast. But all she has done so far was lock herself in the guest bedroom that is now her room for a while.

"Just set it down there for now. I'll tell Hinata later that her stuff is here."

"Is she still hiding?"

"Yeah, she won't talk to me or my siblings. I don't know what to do," Gaara sighed.

Naruto came over to Gaara and patted his shoulder that had one of the two crutches under the armpit.

"Don't worry we'll figure out something."

"I hope so. Oh and thanks for helping out with the move. I can't really do much at the moment so it's really helpful."

Naruto just beamed at him and waved good bye while walking out the front door. Gaara headed up the stairs very carefully; being very conscious that one little slip of one crutch will end in pain. It's been three days since Gaara was discharged from the hospital and Hinata moved in. When Hinata's father was taken to jail, the police taped off the house and did some snooping in the office of Hiashi. They found all the names and personal information of all the sponsors and even found the secret room where everything happened. The H.P.G didn't want anything to do with that room; all they wanted was Hinata's stuff. The police allowed access to her room and Hanabi's so they could get what was needed. Everyone put her stuff in the appropriate boxes, marked them, and put it into Kiba's truck. Only Sasuke, Kiba, and Naruto went to Gaara's house and put all the boxes on the lawn, but Sasuke and Kiba left right after. Then Naruto stayed behind to help while Gaara could only swing to his own door. Gaara got to the top of the stairs and went forward a couple of feet. He stopped in front of a door to his right and knocked on it.

"Hinata, do you want anything specific for dinner?"

Not one sound was made in the guest bedroom. He tried again to get her to answer.

"Your stuff is downstairs so you can come and get them when you want. Do you want me to tell Temari about what you want for tonight's dinner?"

Silence.

"Hinata, please answer me. I don't like it when you're upset. You know, everyone's worried about your health. You haven't eaten since you came here and that can't be good. We miss you Hinata…I miss you. Please, say something."

"…You know I'm on the other side of the door, I don't see how you could miss me."

Gaara felt his lips turn upwards just the tiniest bit.

"Well we miss your company. What do you want for dinner?"

"Miso is just fine with me. I-If that's alright with you and y-your family."

"That's sounds great. How about you come outside and we can get your stuff in your room," Gaara asked.

After a few seconds of silence he started to hear shuffling from the other side of the door. He then heard a click and the door opened to reveal a distraught Hinata. Her long midnight blue hair looked like no one has brushed through it in a week and her eyes was still red and puffy from crying so hard. He also saw that she was still wearing the same clothes from the hospital and wanted nothing more than to comfort her in her time of need. He moved back a little and watched her go first down the stairs while he followed close behind. He watched as Hinata looked over at all the boxes and then looked through them to see what they brought.

Hinata found all her clothes in two boxes and then looked over at the package that was marked 'special.' Curious, she opened it and almost started to cry all over again. Right on the top of the pile was the picture of all her friends from when they were younger that she kept on her nightstand. She was in the middle and had her hand raised a little to show she was waving at the camera. Gaara and Kiba were on either side of her with Kiba putting his arm around her shoulders and doing the peace sign while Gaara stood stoned face and had his arms crossed at his chest. Sasuke was on the right side of Kiba doing the same face as Gaara but had his hands in his pockets. Naruto had his trademark smile that was wide open and put his thumb up in the air. Choji and Shikamaru were standing next to each other and simply had on small smiles. And Shino stood ramrod straight but you couldn't tell if he was smiling or not because of his glasses and high collar. Hinata loved this picture than all the other ones combined because this was taken on her mother's birthday and everyone was there together to go to the grave site of the mother's tomb.

Hinata set that photo aside and went to look in deeper. She found her family's photo album, her favorite teddy bear, her blanket that her mother gave her, and all the gifts she received from her friends from past birthdays. She now understood why the box was marked special for there was nothing more special than all the reminders of the times when they were together. She repacked all the stuff she took out and carried the boxes upstairs. Her new room wasn't big but it was very cozy and welcoming. It had a twin size bed against the wall and on the opposite wall there was a square dresser, a nightstand, and some random picture frames. The best part about the room though was the little balcony outside of a glass door.

"I hope you like the room. It's nothing compared to the room you had before but I think it's nice."

Hinata turned towards Gaara who was standing in the doorway and smiled; it wasn't her regular smile but a smile none the less.

"It's very cozy and warm. I love it, Gaara," Hinata commented while walking over to her friend.

Hinata gave Gaara a big hug and stayed there. She could feel his masculine chest through the t-shirt he was wearing and pushed her face even deeper into his neck. Gaara was surprised at first but he wasn't complaining. He leaned his crutches on the doorway and moved his arms around her, enveloping her in a comforting embrace. She didn't smile as much or laugh like she use to but this was a start.

I love this chapter, it's cute and fluffy. I hope you guys like it too. The vote is still on so please vote between Gaara and Kiba, thank you.