The title says it all:

Introduction to my very own character.

Enjoy!

"She did what?"

Hanabi stood by her sister, stunned.

"H-Hanabi, it's alright. I'm f-fine now."

"But, onee-san, she did something that's unforgivable!"

"I-I'm sure that she just h-had a b-bad day," Hinata stuttered as she placed her finger on the rim of her mug. "Really, I-I'm in no pain now."

Hanabi scratched her head, bewildered by her sister's attitude. Yes, Hinata was a benign person, but she was a tad bit too forgiving. That left her wide open for manipulation, and Hanabi was not about to let that happen.

"Onee-san! You can't let her get away with that!"

"P-please, let's just leave this a-alone for now."

"Oooh, I know! Just give Neji a call. He'll hire his own secret police and blow up that girl's house."

"Hanabi—"

"No, that would be the bomb squad. Wait, does the bomb squad create bombs or disarm them?"

"Hanabi-chan."

"Oh, sorry. What did you say?"

"Don't tell Neji o-or father about this. I-I can—"

"Why not? I mean, what's her problem, anyway? It was your first day there!"

"I know, but…Hanabi, please just p-promise me you'll k-keep it to yourself."

"Well," she sighed. "I don't know about promises…"

"Please, I'm begging you."

"Alright, alright. Don't start crying."

Hinata exhaled with relief and headed for the stairs.

"Thank you."

"Yeah…hm, onee-san."

"Yes?"

"Who was that person by the way? The one who sent you home."

Don't tell her, Hinata! Make up a name, no, no, just say he's—

"A friend. One I met today."

"Oh, okay." Hanabi beamed. "Hey, you actually have 'people' skills. I was wrong about you!"

Oh, I wish I did.

After her shower, Hinata slipped into some warm pajamas and made her way down the stairs into the kitchen. Neji was at the front door discussing something with Hanabi.

He appeared quite upset.

Uh oh, it must have been me that angered him…

The two stood outside for another ten minutes and then came in.

"…don't understand why." She heard Hanabi say.

"Well, didn't you ask her?"

"I think I did."

Neji groaned with his cousin's inability to remember and lay his briefcase on a sofa.

He sat down and rubbed his temples.

"Hanabi, who took her home?"

"She said it was some friend."

"Did you see this friend?"

"I was up in my room so I didn't get a good look at him."

"Him?"

"Yeah, it was some ginger head."

"A boy sent her here?"

"Oh my God, you sound just like father."

"I never—well, Hinata—wouldn't…"

"That doesn't mean they're in a romantic relationship." She rolled her eyes.

"True, but…"

"Neji-kun, you're way too paranoid for your own good."

He sighed at that remark, realizing she was right.

That boy was merely a boy-friend.

Yep, that's all.

Nothing more than 'friends.'

For now at least….

Hinata was at the corner of the kitchen. She had been listening to their conversation and decided to show herself.

"N-Neji…ano…"

He turned his head to face the girl, who was still in the corner.

"Hinata, what are you doing there?"

"A-ano, I-I u-uh w-was j-just, u-uh, I-I d-didn't…"

She was stumbling on words too much and her voice became inaudible.

"What are you doing there? Eating dust?"

Hinata sauntered into the living room and lowered her head.

"Hey," Hanabi jumped up. "Eating dust is gross."

"Shush. Hinata-san, what's wrong?"

She didn't say anything at first, but teared up instead.

Neji grabbed her hands, concerned, and said

"Hinata, did something happen?"

"Mmm, it was my f-fault. I-I'm s-so sorry."

"Oh, no, it's not your fault. Don't—"

"It is, I w-wasn't car-careful and I gave y-you trouble."

"Eh? No trouble for me there. I was a bit worried—"

"Hanabi t-told me y-you had b-been looking f-for me."

"Yes, but I was on my way back here. Hinata-san, you needn't fret about all this."

"I-if I h-had b-been a b-bit—"

"Hinata," He raised his voice and became stern. "I'm not upset. Now, let us leave this alone for today. Alright?"

She nodded slowly and turned away, back up the stairs again.

Hanabi then felt sorry for her sister, who had to deal with all this crap in one day:

New school, new people, the girl 'gang', disgusting weather, and her own cousin.

"Hey, Neji."

"What?"

"Don't be so rough with her. You have no idea what she's been through."

"I know what she's been through."

"But you don't know how she feels. I mean, losing a mother…"

"Yes, but she has her father now. And us. I haven't seen her mourning."

"You dummy!" Hanabi stood up, fuming. "Neji, you know that she's suffering."

"Do not raise you voic—"

"I can't imagine the pain she's having to endure right now! It must crush her to death!"

"And I feel for her, but there's nothi—"

"We should be giving her support, yet we're here arguing once again."

"Hanabi—"

"Hinata!" She charged up the stairs. "Come on, let's talk! Tell me anything you want…"

Neji watched his cousin jump into Hinata's room and sighed.

True, he thought to himself. I can't feel her pain, but I'll pray for her strength.

Hinata-chan…Forgive me. I was wrong.

The sun had set, and sprinkled its last red dust onto the clouds. They moved with the wind, happy, like downy gray sheep swimming in a pool of purple-blue.

Gaara was lying on his bed with a major headache. Temari and Kankurou had started up again, this time over her cooking.

He needed some rest after a horrid day and drifted off into slumber… until his phone rang.

Ring…rinnnngggg…ring…

"Gaara, pick up!" He heard Kankurou yell.

Riingg…riing…

"Gaara!"

Riiiing…ring…ring…riiing!

"Why don't you get it?"

Riing…ring!

"The phone's in his room….Gaara! Did you hear me, ya punk?!"

The red head ignored his brother, but agonized over the nonstop, irascible ringing.

Just when he thought he'd snap, Temari answered the phone.

"Got it!"

Thanks, sis.

She squinted her eyes at the tiny screen and read: Caller, Suzuki Mayu.

Damn, it's her. She must want Gaara.

"Ahem, hello?"

'Temari-san.' It was a demure and pretty little voice.

Yeah, the witch.

"M-Mayu, good e-evening. Can I help you?"

'May I speak to Gaara-kun, please?'

Grr… she never leaves him alone.

"Sure," she said with groan. "Gaara, it's Mayu!"

He opened his eyes and reached for a black phone across the bed.

"Yeah?"

'Where were you today?'

"Home."

'Demo, it's not like you to miss—'

"I was tired."

'Hmph. I don't believe you.'

"I'll be there tomorrow."

'…. Promise?'

"Sure."

'All right. Um, Gaara-kun?'

"Hm?"

'I…worry for you. You know that, right?'

"Yeah."

'And if you're ever…down about anything, I want you to tell me.'

"'kay."

'Because I care about you and…I just don't like seeing you displeased.'

"Fine."

'Alright, well, bye.'

Gaara hung up and went back to sleep.