Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

*Edit: I added and changed some of the wording to make it flow better. It seemed choppy and rushed before.

Chapter 11: Watched

More and more each day, the feeling of being watched was nagging at me. It was a threatening feeling that made me uneasy all the time, especially when I was alone. In the hallways at school I would keep an eye out, focusing on the dark corners, knowing that someone was there. The hairs on the back of my neck stood and my body was tense, but still I waited for Hinata to meet me outside of her classroom. The sudden laughing of girls echoed down the hall, causing me to turn and stare, when I felt a sudden tap on the back. Jumping in surprise, I clenched my hand into a fist, ready to throw a punch, but it was only Hinata. She held her hands in front of her face and flinched, as I backed away.

"G-Gaara-kun? Are you o-okay?"

"A-ah, yeah. Sorry," My body relaxed, but not completely. I was anxious to get out of the school with many corners. "Let's go." Together, we walked toward the front doors and Hinata stayed close behind me. She didn't know that I felt someone watching me, since I never told her, not wanting her to worry. I also couldn't bring myself to tell her that I liked her. During our walk to the café she kept looking at me with worry.

"Are you sure you're okay? You haven't been acting like yourself, lately."

"Just don't worry about it. I'm tired." Such a sweet girl is worried about a jerk like me. She turned to look at the ground again in thought, as if she was trying to think of something to say. I put a hand on her head, and her eyes traveled to my face. "Everything's fine," I said, giving her a reassuring half-smile. She smiled back and nodded. Cute.

"Oh! Ch-Christmas is coming up soon! Is there something you want?" Startled by the question, I thought for a moment. Christmas. I had almost forgotten about it. What do I want? I want you.

"Nothing." I said in a flat voice.

"Eh? You m-must want something," she persisted.

I just want you. I shrugged it off. "Nah, there's nothing in particular that I want."

"Well then I'll surprise you!"

Then, realizing I had to get something for her, I asked, "What do you want?" I didn't know much about things that she liked. However, there were a few things that she seemed interested in when we went downtown that one time, I recalled.

"Nothing," she said in a sly tone, smirking. It wasn't like one of Sasuke's smirks. God, it was so cute.

"Wh-what?" Her response was unexpected, since she usually answered my questions warmly.

"You didn't tell me, so I'm not going to tell you," she giggled playfully. If I could see that smile and hear that giggle for eternity, I'd be happy.

We arrived at the café and I got started taking orders. A while later, Naruto walked through the doors. "Sup, Gaara. Hey, Hinata," He waved, and she smiled, waving back from her spot next to the window. Then he whispered to me, "So how have things been going with you two?"

"None of your business."

"Hey, I just wanted to know so I can help you more!"

"Shhh!"

"Sorry,"

"Just get to work."

Naruto gave up and went to change into his work clothes, to get started making coffee for the customers. My eyes glared at the window. Again, that feeling of someone watching me - it was tingling up my back. I think I'm going to go crazy if I don't find who it is.

By the time it was 5:30, I was dressed and ready to go. Wearing those ridiculous clothes in front of Hinata was embarrassing, but that's what I wore when we first met. Thinking again of the first time we talked, I smiled lightly. She helped me clean up the mess I spilled. She was always helping me clean up my mess, helping me clean up my life of loneliness. Since meeting her, I fit in a little more. People still cowered around me, but Hinata was always there, and I hate to admit it, but I also made friends with Naruto. No longer was I a pessimistic loner.

"So what are you going to do for Hinata on Christmas?" Naruto asked. "You know, that's one of the best times of the year for romance to bloom. Couples mostly spend time together on Christmas."

"We're not a couple." My heartbeat sped up at the thought.

"So when are you going to tell her that you're in love with her?"

"Will you shut up!? People will hear." Talking about this with Naruto made me so uncomfortable, and I felt so uncool. He was always so loud. "Anyway, we're leaving, so see ya."

"Bye! Don't forget to think about it," he winked, and I sighed at how stupid he was.

"Come on, Hinata."

"H-hai!" She still stutters, even after knowing me for almost two months. Silly girl.

After walking Hinata to her class the next day, I left to go to my locker when Sasuke bumped into me.

"Oh, sorry." He smirked at me. What was he smiling about? I just glared at him with suspicion, and then walked away. He was up to something and I could tell. Maybe he was the one watching me. But why? The warning bell rang and I sped up so that I wouldn't be late for chemistry. The hallways were empty of people, which made me even more nervous. As I rounded a corner, someone suddenly grabbed hold of my shirt and pulled me into the bathroom, slamming me against the wall. Flinching from the sudden impact with the wall, I didn't see who it was that grabbed me.

"Nnng!" Then a blow to my stomach caused me to cringe. Opening my eyes, I saw the aggressor. The guy was bigger than me, and looked an awful lot like Sasuke. His older brother, perhaps? There were three other guys standing next to him. One had reddish hair, like mine. Another had blonde hair, tied back, and the other had spikey dark blue hair with piercing eyes, like a fish. What could they want from me? I've never talked to them in my life! So many questions filled my head, until they were interrupted.

"So you're the one that's been messing around with my girlfriend!? You piece of shit!" he exclaimed, striking me again, hard in the stomach without giving me much time to think. What the hell? Recoiling again, I knew that I was no match against these guys. The outnumbered me, and by the looks of them, they were seniors.

"Where did you get that idea?" I asked with a menacing, yet still cool tone.

"My brother told me he's seen you with her, and more than once." This time, he grabbed my shirt again and threw me to the ground. I grabbed my stomach. It hurt like hell, but I got back up onto my feet. I don't know what he's talking about. My hands clenched into fists, ready to defend myself.

"Talk to her again, and you're dead." Sticking his hands in his pockets, he left the bathroom with the other guys. That asshole, Sasuke, must have done this. The room grew silent and now I was alone in the bathroom. After a while of thinking, I decided to leave, but felt a presence, again. Walking out of the bathroom, I found Sasuke leaning against the wall outside, laughing.

Seeing his face caused so much rage. "You bastard!" My fist almost hit his face, when he warned me.

"Better not do that, or you'll be the one who ends up in the hospital, or worse."

Growling, I asked, "What's your problem?"

"You came along and took Hinata from my reach. She's mine." He stood upright and scowled. "Stay away from her, and I'll tell my brother that he got the wrong guy."

He can't keep me away from her. I don't care what happens to me, as long as I can see her.

"In your dreams." I sneered, which caused Sasuke to throw a punch at me, but I dodged it. "You can't win that easily." With that, I walked away.

So what do you think of the new chapter? A little turn of events, I thought would make it interesting. Anyway, thanks again for reading this far! Please leave a review! ^_^