A/N: First, I have to apologise for not updating in a very very long time. I am SO VERY SORRY. You're permitted to throw darts at me. Or rotten eggs. Whichever you prefer. :P

I know this is SUPER DUPER late, and I sincerely thank you guys who were willing to stay on with me. Thankyouthankyou.

Before moving on, however, let us say a prayer for the people of Japan in our own religion and faith. May they be able to draw strength from within them as they face the long and difficult journey ahead - rebuilding their homes and lives. Let medical aid and foreign assistance reach them as soon as possible, so that they may receive the help needed. And may those who grief for their loved ones be free from sorrow and may they be able to find the courage to live on in moments like these.

Here you go, chapter 13. :)

Disclaimer: Naruto and all characters are created by Masashi Kishimoto.

Thirteen

A week later, Hinata watched as Hiroki toddled around the edge of the slide, watching the kids around him apprehensively, a small smile on his face. She might have appeared calm on the surface, but Temari knew otherwise. The Hyuuga had confided in her several issues which, the blond reckoned internally, should not have been her burden to bear. Hinata was not Hiroki's biological mother - she should not have to fret about Hiroki's outbursts and the most appropriate way to deal with the boy.

The mere thought of Hyuuga Hanabi leaving behind her child without so much as a note or letter was enough to make Temari's blood boil. She simply couldn't bear to part with her own child, no matter what the circumstances. Really, how could a mother be so irresponsible? Hadn't she heard of condoms?

"He's behaving fine today." Temari remarked. She didn't want to leave Hinata to her own thoughts.

"He is." The Hyuuga agreed, turning to her. "I think I'm catching on to something."

"Tell me about it." Temari said, crossing her legs and listening intently. "I'm all ears."

"Well, for instance," Hinata began. "Whenever we're at home, Hiroki gets moody after an hour or so. Even though we've got plenty of toys to occupy him, he'll start to cry and walk around, hitting at things. He is getting more active than usual too. But when we're out, he is better behaved. He also tries to run about, something which he can't really succeed, but always tries. Look, he's doing just that now."

Temari looked. Sure enough, the child was taking quick, short steps, arms outstretch and giggling uncontrollably while he pretended to chase another boy.

"At first, I was afraid he would hurt himself, but I realised that would be restricting him and possibly even instil in him fear of trying to run, or even trying for that matter. So far, he's gotten away with scrapes and small bruises. Besides, it makes him and happy and tired. Its easier for me to put him to bed."

The blond nodded. "Perhaps..." She started hesitatingly. "From what you said, it is possible that he's just too active. You know, like a whole reservoir of energy locked up within him. And maybe-"

"He's moody because he wants to get out, play and run." Hinata finished, nodding thoughtfully.

"Yep." Temari snapped her fingers. "But its just a hypothesis. I'd suggest that you don't take me seriously."

"No, I do think it makes sense. I wasn't even aware of it when we were out." Hinata shook her head.

"Hey, take it easy." Temari laughed and patted her back. "Nobody is ever prepared when taking care of a child. Trial and error's the key, Hina. But we don't even know if that hypothesis holds true."

"That's true. I'll try and see." Hinata smiled and patted Temari's hand. "Thanks, Temari."

"I didn't do anything. I'm glad to be of service." The blond laughed and brushed her fringe out of her eyes, making her wedding ring glint in the sunlight. Hinata felt a pleasant sort of envy rising within her. What would it be like to have a significant other?

"Get away from me, freak!"

Temari and Hinata looked up at once, toward the direction of the voice, which belonged to a boy older than Hiroki. He had to be about six. He was gesturing at Hiroki, trying to shoo him away. A few kids near the playground stopped to look at them, and so did their parents.

Hinata got up at once, and Temari followed suit.

Hiroki was staring at the boy, his eyes telling both women that he felt slightly threatened and afraid. He backed away a little, almost stumbling over his own feet.

Hinata's breath hitched, and she quickened her steps at once, but stopped short when she saw a man reach Hiroki first.

He had the same tall, muscular physique as-

"Gaara?" Temari called, surprised and relieved at the same time.

"Gaara," Hinata repeated faintly under her breath. By the time they reached Gaara, who was holding Hiroki's small arms, the other boy had back off, looking slightly awed and apprehensive. The redhead was bent at the waist, due to the obvious height difference between both males. The contrast between both males were great - Hiroki appeared so small and vulnerable as compared to Gaara, who was, well, big and hunky. He looked as though he could easily crush Hiroki, but Hinata could tell that the redhead was holding onto him so gently that he appeared to be skimming Hiroki's arms.

Gaara was wearing a black cap with the logo of the Sand Hawks emblazoned on it. Red strands of hair peeked out from under the cap, the colour contrasting deeply with the inky black. He looked so good to eat, amongst other things.

Gaara turned his head, and Hinata caught the glint of those familiar jade eyes.

"Hey."

The sound of his voice alone made the blood rush to her cheeks and sent a tingle down her spine.

"Hi." She breathed, trying to focus on Hiroki, who was angling his head this way and that to get a better view of the person who was holding onto his arms. He gaped and squrimed a little when he saw Gaara.

"Thanks." Hinata murmured, just as Temari asked, "What on earth are you doing here?"

She had never thought that Gaara would show up at a playground. Wasn't he supposed to be undergoing rehab? And this was new - he actually knew Hiroki was Hinata's. Gaara shot her a pointed look - Can we talk later?

Temari nodded curtly. She was curious, but not enough so that her attention was driven away from Hiroki.

Hinata knelt beside her nephew. She glanced up.

"It's alright, Gaara. You can let go of him."

The redhead released the child who wrapped his arms around Hinata as he stepped back to stand beside Temari. The other boy had run off to his mother, a thin woman who stared hard at them and pursed her lips. Gaara and Temari stared pointedly back at her, the same coolly determined look reflected in the eyes of both siblings. The woman turned away and dragged her kid off. The latter cast them another frightened stare and followed his mother, while the other kids ogled at them curiously.

Gaara stood there, still not quite seeing. He was momentarily suspended in time. The scenario was hauntingly familiar, and it gave him a sense of deja vu.

Freak.

He'd been called a freak, once when he was close to Hiroki's age too. At that time, he wasn't sure what the kids who called him freak meant. He'd brushed it off and the moron that he was, attempted to join the kids in playing. He vaguely remembered them laughing at him. But in the end, he'd gotten a beating.

A burning sense of shame and quick anger coursed through his veins. Gaara turned blindly, and focused his gaze on Hinata as he clenched his fists. He feared that the mere touch of his fingers on the little boy's arms would crumble under him - Hiroki felt so small, soft and fragile. He didn't have the heart to grip the boy's arms tightly despite the fear of Hiroki falling on his face lest he lost balance.

The Hyuuga was speaking in low tones to Hiroki, who looked unperturbed at the caustic remark he'd been thrown at. The little boy turned back to glance at him with huge eyes and Gaara felt as though he was seeing a part of himself in Hiroki this time. They were similar in several ways - Both didn't have the fortune to grow up with their birth mother. Both were mostly viewed at through a different kind of lens by others who were quick to judge and form first impressions. Both of them had - and would have - a difficult time carving out a career for themselves in this society.

"Thank you." Hinata said quietly, her soft voice permeating through his feverish thoughts. She rose up and smiled at him.

Unfortunately, he didn't have someone like Hinata to step in the role of a motherly figure. Thank god Hiroki had her. A powerful surge of gratitude shot through his chest, despite him having no relation with Hiroki or Hinata. It was so incredible how someone so...so...right like Hinata could exist.

He cleared his throat, which felt as though someone had just stuffed a football down the column.

"I didn't do anything. Really." He shrugged.

"Modest, aren't you?" Temari knocked her elbow against his.

Gaara rolled his eyes, making Hinata laugh.

"What were you doing here anyway?"

The redhead shrugged again. "Shikamaru asked me over for dinner and I agreed. So here I am."

"Ah." Temari nodded, flicking her blond fringe out of her eyes. "Hinata's coming over for dinner too."

Blood rushed to Hinata's cheeks and her stomach convoluted into tight knots as a conflict of emotions raged through her. Excitement. Fear. Wariness. Hope. How was she going to survive an entire night when she had a range of emotions coursing through her a minute after she saw him?

Mentally, she sucked in her breath and tried to look nonchalant. Afterall, Temari didn't know that she had a stupid girly crush on her brother which was fast turning into something serious and perhaps, unrequited.

Gaara nodded at her, and asked at the same time he crouched down on his haunches. "So how's Hiroki?"

He reached out a hand to the little boy, waiting for him to take it.

Hinata nudged Hiroki with her knee."Sweetheart, do you know who this is?"

Hiroki's green blue eyes stared curiously into his as he backed away and clutched Hinata's jean clad leg. Feeling a little foolish he retracted his hand and settled for smiling at the little boy.

"He knows who you are." Hinata sighed. "He's just not used to you."

He glanced at Hinata and nodded, but instead, was distracted by the familiar pull of attraction as his gaze slid from her face down her body. She was wearing a loose, translucent blue top with white flowers printed all over, and a white camisole underneath, which followed the smooth curves of her body. Her jeans were a jet black and like the camisole, emphasised her legs. He didn't know why, but they suddenly looked very long and...sexy. He didn't kid himself - Hinata was no supermodel, but she appeared darn fine looking today.

As the dark haired Hyuuga proceeded to tell Hiroki his name, he reminded himself fiercely that he could not be distracted by her. The redhead still had his career to ponder over, which would always have to come first. Always had and would. No family (besides his siblings and friends), no commitments, no nothing. Besides he wouldn't be staying here in Konoha permanently, and there was the problem with his inju-

"So are you going along with that date?"

Gaara's head almost snapped up at Temari's voice. Instead, he focused on Hiroki, who had toddled closer to him after being removed from Hinata's leg. It appeared that the women had moved onto another subject while he was too busy with his own thoughts.

Half of his mind was going 'What date? With whom?' while the other half was occupied with Hiroki's movements. The boy gave him an apprehensive smile.

"Oh that." He heard Hinata say. "I'm not too sure, but its likely I'll meet up with him on that day."

His brain shot into overdrive.

Someone had asked her out. Shit. Who the hell was it? And Hiroki was smiling at him.

He knew this would come - Hinata would belong to someone else's if he didn't seize his chance. Fierce determination mixed with a healthy dose of jealousy ran through him. No one could ask Hinata out on any date when he was interested in her.

Oh, so now someone want to make his move. A voice snickered. Didn't you just tell yourself otherwise?

"To hell with that." Gaara muttered under his breath. Hiroki blinked and stared at him. Gaara froze. Shit. He'd just swore in front of a little kid. And not just any kid either. He'd better watch his mouth. Heck, Gaara wasn't even aware how close Hiroki had come to him. The boy was gazing at his black cap longingly, probably on the brown hawk emblazoned on the front.

"Do you like the cap?" He asked quietly. Without waiting for an answer, Gaara took off his team cap and placed it gently on Hiroki's head. The cap, which was obviously much larger than the little boy's head, dropped over his forehead and eyes, obscuring Hiroki's view.

Hiroki chuckled apprehensively, his voice small and low. Something twisted inside Gaara's chest as the little round figure's shoulder's shook and his lips turned up in a full smile. The redhead lifted the cap higher and gaze into Hiroki's eyes.

"Hehehe, hehe." He sounded as though he was hiccupping.

Gaara felt laughter rising up in his chest as thoughts of Hinata's suitor was shoved to the back of his mind for now.

"Its too big." He simply said, propping the cap higher on the boy's head.

Just then, he noticed that his sister and Hinata had halted their talking and were gazing at him, the former with surprise and the other with warmth in her eyes.

"The both of you look so cute." His sister said after a minute or so.

"Yeah right." Gaara said gruffly, but Hinata's smile got wider. Hiroki started walking around cautiously.

"Be careful, Hiroki." Hinata called out. "You have to watch where you're going. Push the cap up on your head." The Hyuuga copied Gaara's movements and pushed his cap up higher, so that Hiroki could see.

"That's a fine cap you have there, sweetie."

Gaara liked the way she talked to him. Hell, he liked plenty of things about her.

"Nice one, Gaara," Temari whispered, as he rose up from his position. The three of them watched as Hiroki slowly move foward. The dark haired boy kept on laughing, his chubby cheeks scrunched up and his eyes gleaming with joy. He looked as though someone had thrown a surprise birthday party for him and had presented him with millions of presents. It was so easy to make him delighted.

Hiroki paused in front of him and started bouncing on the balls of his feet. The boy took off the cap, threw it on the ground and raised his arms.

"Uh. Uh."

"Hiroki, pick up the cap please." Hinata said patiently, pointing to the fallen cap. Gaara moved to do so, but she stopped him by placing a palm on his arm. "No. Let him do it."

Gaara nodded his head.

The boy glanced at the cap impatiently. He hesitated for a moment, then came over and picked it up. Hiroki handed it over to Hinata. Then he gazed at Gaara and raised his arms.

"I think he wants a hug." Temari said, her eyes widening. "Oh gosh, Gaara, bend down. Quick!"

His sister shoved him down gently, and as usual, she barely moved him. The redhead levelled himself to Hiroki's height gingerly and started to circle the boy with his arms. He sought Hinata's gaze - her eyes were bright and luminous. An indescribable expression glimmered in her eyes. She smiled softly.

Gaara didn't have to do much after that - Hiroki latched onto him, his arms round his neck, his legs round Gaara's waist.

Temari laughed. "He really likes you."

"Who doesn't?" Gaara smirked at her. He glanced at Hinata and his gaze went from teasing to something more intense within a few seconds. The redhead adjusted Hiroki against him more comfortably, his arms secure around the boy. Then he stood without so much as a grunt.

Hiroki rested a cheek on his broad shoulder and closed his eyes.

Just like that.

Hinata felt her mouth open slightly.

"Okay. Its official. He likes you." Temari declared. "Congratulations. You've just passed the test."

Gaara laced his hands over his abdomen and gazed over at Hinata. She appeared worn out. He'd caught her yawning as discreetly as possbile behind her hand when she thought he wasn't looking. Hiroki had been reluctant to finish his dinner and Hinata had a difficult time putting him to sleep at around half past eight. It was then he understood why she had rejected him in the very first place - Hinata couldn't afford the kind of schedule women her age could, because she had a responsibility towards Hiroki. She had probably been thinking about the child when he suggested that they finish what they started.

It showed the amount of self discipline and control she had, which made her even more attractive. She was stronger than he realised. Firm.

While Temari gabbered on beside Shikamaru, who did not appear to be listening, Gaara tried to come up with more reasons why he shouldn't make his move, but failed. They were stupid reasons - problems he could easily handle, his mental fears that played a part in his decisions. He was attracted to her. She was attracted to him (he was pretty sure of that). Right? For once, wariness made itself known in his mind. Did Hinata feel the slightest bit for him?

Then, there was her date...

There was another factor to consider. There were bound to be reporters tagging along with him everywhere. He wouldn't be surprised if they had shots of him with Hinata and Hiroki. As long as they didn't come too close, harass them or put them on the papers with acidic remarks and harmful headlines, Gaara left them alone. He could live with that, but Hinata wasn't used to it. Moreover, she wouldn't want Hiroki to be in the glaring spotlight known as the media.

He was in a turmoil. Gaara wanted to be selfish; he wanted Hinata. Yet, he couldn't overlook the consequences that came with it.

Why don't you let her decide herself?

Yeah. He should. The problem was, she didn't know, and he'd have to tell her, which mean some private time between the two of them.

Temari started clearing the dishes while Hinata and Shikamaru helped. Gaara deliberately fell into step with her.

"I'll take this." He said, pulling her plate away from her.

Hinata looked up at him, surprise and appreciation showing in her eyes. "Oh! That's alright Gaara-" The plate and bowl left her hands.

"Thanks alot." She flushed.

"No problem."

He offered to give her a ride home, along with a sleeping Hiroki. He took Temari's car and left his Lambo gave him her address as Gaara turned off the radio, and thanked him profusely. Gaara felt pleasure zinging through him, and he liked the fact that he was earning points. She didn't sit up front with him, rather, in the backseat where Hiroki laid his head on her lap. Gaara was acutely aware of her every movement despite being behind the wheel, and he almost drove himself crazy. It was a miracle he actually arrived at her home.

As the redhead pulled up at her house, he got out and carried Hiroki into the house instead, much to Hinata's protests, which he ignored.

The Hyuugas' house was dark (Hinata explained that her father was probably at an event and Neji would be out with Tenten) when he first stepped in, but there were lights on in the living room. A plump woman with red cheeks opened the door and gawked at him.

"Hello Natsu." Hinata said, moving pass the threshold as the housekeeper backed off. "Natsu, this is Gaara. Gaara, this is Natsu."

He nodded tightly and managed a polite 'Hi' before following Hinata.

"Come, come," Natsu said in a low voice. "This way. It must have been a tiring day."

Hinata nodded and smiled at the woman. Gaara ascended up a flight of stairs without breaking much sweat.

"Rugby training's ten times worse, I guarantee you." He muttered to Hinata as she looked at him worriedly after he placed the boy on his bed in a darkened room.

"Thank you so much." Her eyes were warm, but the tone of her voice spoke volumes. It was merely a simple thank you, yet he felt his heart thump faster. Or maybe it was because of the climb up the stairs.

Riiiight.

"Darling, I'll help Hiroki wash up and get into his pajamas." Natsu said, pointing to the door. "You look dead beat. I do believe our guest needs a drink. Hiroki's not that light afterall eh?"

Gaara grinned. "Nothing's too light for me, ma'am."

Natsu blushed, and Hinata felt a rush of emotions for the redhead. It felt weird...it felt as though she was introducing her boyfriend to a family member for the very first time, and that he'd just gained approval from Natsu. And he'd said 'Ma'am', which was kind of...charming.

Hinata gazed at Gaara, his tall, strong profile outlined by the light spilling in from the half opened doorway. He was so handsome, she wanted to throw herself at him and, and...

"Hinata?"

"Oh yeah." She said at once, embarrassed to be caught staring. "Come on, Gaara."

The redhead followed her and they descended the stairs together. He decided to wait till they reached the kitchen, where they were out of earshot from Natsu.

Gaara didn't decline as she offered him a cool glass of water.

"Hinata."

"Yes?"

He placed the glass on the table as she watched him, her hands intertwined with each other.

She was wary. Nervous. The redhead stepped closer to her, backing her up against the wall.

Gaara had never been good with charming women out of their clothes despite his status. He wasn't sure how Hinata was going to react, but- to hell with it.

"Don't take this as an insult or anything." He said quietly. Hinata looked up at him expectantly. After a beat of silence, he spoke. "I'm attracted to you, Hyuuga Hinata."

That was original.

As the words left his mouth, he knew that it was the truth. Saying it felt as though he was reinforcing it, strengthening it. But what ensued thereafter was silence. It felt like hours to him - long, excruciating hours separating him and her answer. He felt as though he was hanging onto a rope thrown over a cliff. Any moment and it could either pull him back up or sent him down into a deep dark abyss.

Gaara felt his body tensed, humming with suspense, just like before an important match as he waited for her to speak. Hinata's eyes were wide, her mouth slightly parted, and it took all of his self control not to lean down and kiss that mouth he had once kissed, but never treasured. Her hands were still clutching each other, and she was staring at a spot above his shoulder.

Dammit, what are you thinking, Hinata?

"Look." He said, breathing in deeply, which made him worse, because all he got was a noseful of her shampoo, which sent his hormones raging like never before. "Its really late, and we're both tired. I'll-"

Small hands cupped his cheeks and suddenly, his arms were full of her - she was everywhere, kissing him gently, hesitantly on the lips. His arms automatically slipped round her waist, pulling her closer against his body so that her soft curves were melting perfectly against him. He groaned into her mouth, the need for her burning strongly in his blood. Weeks and weeks of bottling up his desire and attraction for her exploded within him - he had never felt so exhilarated before. He poured it into the kiss, turning it hotter and sweeter. One hand left her waist and ran through her dark tresses, keeping her close to him as he angled his head for a deeper kiss.

They pulled apart after several minutes, but he never loosened his hold on her waist.

Gaara leaned his forehead against hers, his lips brushing Hinata's as it curved into a smile. He felt her hands running shakily through his short hair and then coming to a rest on his shoulders.

"That's my answer." Hinata said softly. Her face was the same shade of red as his hair, and it made him pleased.

Gaara chuckled, kissing her lightly again.

"You wouldn't reply me." He shook his head, jade eyes a shade darker than usual. "I thought you were going to reject me."

"I don't know any woman who would."

Gaara shot her a wicked smile, making him look devilishly handsome. He pulled her against his hip and ran a thumb lightly over her lower lip. "I know one who did reject me."

Hinata blushed, and licked her lips which were swollen from his kisses.

"Are you really serious..a-about th-this?"

"I am." Gaara's tone lowered, and the mischievousness vanished from his eyes completely. His jaw tightened, making his features sharper and more defined than before. His jade eyes shone, almost like green steel. "I don't kid around when it comes to this." He took her hand and placed it on his chest, directly above his heart.

"But you're- you're the Captain of the Sand Hawks-" He saw the genuine fear in her snow white eyes, her apprehension as she shook her head in an attempt to make him see her point.

"Hinata. You're not going to compare yourself with any women. There is no competition. There never was."

"But-"

"We'll take this one step at a time. We'll see how it goes. And I'll be with you every step."

"Okay." Hinata slid her hands from his shoulders to his chest, and tried to remove them, but he trapped her against his hard body. She had nowhere to move.

"So. We're together." Finally.

"Y-yes." The Hyuuga stuttered.

He kissed her again and she closed her eyes, allowing bliss to take over for now.