Astrocam: This chapter's a little shorter than normal, but I figured it was a good place to end it. Thank you for the positive feedback :) To be honest I didn't expect this story to go this far at all, but I have had a lot of fun writing it and I hope you guys enjoy reading it :)

That being said, I have no idea when this story will end. I was hoping by chapter 15, but then I'm not very good at planning ahead with my stories, I usually just go with it. But I think that I'm seeing an ending somewhere on the horizon so it'll probably be finished anywhere between 15 - 20 chapters. I guess we'll have to see ;)

Chapter Fourteen – Fateful Night

Hinata decided to get a bit dressed up for the party. Why not? It was Christmas. Besides, people dressed up for parties anyway.

Not only that, she kind of hoped that Naruto would notice her.

Why? You're with Gaara now. Who cares what Naruto says about you.

I know. But I just...want to see if he will notice if I make an effort. Or if he's completely infatuated with Ino by now.

I'm sure he's infatuated, so don't get your hopes up.

Yeah, yeah. Hinata dismissed her thoughts, then got up off of her bed to try and pick out an outfit. She had a few hours before the party, but sometimes for her, now that she knew more about fashion, trying to decide on an outfit from her new clothes took a while. It made her miss her simple jeans, t-shirts and jackets.

She finally found a white tank top which she would pair with darkwash skinny jeans, and a long, flowy red cardigan. The cardigan was long-sleeved, so it would be perfect because the weather was chilly now. She also found a silver sparkly scarf and red flats with silver detailing on the toe. And, she also would wear Gaara's necklace, as she wore it everyday. It was the perfect holiday outfit, and not too crazy with the Christmas theme. She knew some people would probably be wearing tacky Christmas sweaters or flashing Christmas lights earrings.

Her phone vibrated just as she began to change into the outfit.

It was from Gaara. It seemed like him and Sakura were the only ones who texted her now. Her last message from Naruto had been on the day of the party, before he'd come to pick her up.

Gaara wrote, Hope you have fun at your party tonight, but not too much fun. Remember, you're mine.

She giggled, then typed, Yes, yours. And you're mine.

I know. Don't let them feed you too much alcohol. I don't want to deal with a drunken Hinata when I get there on the 28th.

Even if I got a hangover, it would be over by then I would think. :P

Knowing you, Miss Lightweight, probably not.

Hey now. So little trust in me, Mr. Paranoid.

I trust you. It's that Naruto douchebag I don't trust.

Well then trust me when I tell you I won't let him touch me. I love you. After what he's done to me, I'm definitely over him now.

Good. So, what are you wearing?

You caught me at an awkward time. You see, Mr. Sabaku, I am right in the middle of taking my shirt off.

Excellent. I won't keep you, then, Miss Hyuuga. Send me a photo of you in your outfit when you're done. I'll go finish what you just started.

And what exactly did I just start?

You know. I haven't had sex in three months. It's pretty easy to turn me on. And I've just pictured you with your shirt off.

Oh, my. Well, I'll leave you to your naughty duties, and send you a photo. Hinata's heart was fluttering as she remembered having sex with Gaara in the woods. She continued to tease him and say naughty things while she was getting dressed for the party, helping him to release his sexual tension. She, herself was turned on as well, picturing Gaara doing what he was doing, but she didn't have time to pleasure herself as she was getting ready.

Leaving the house sexually bothered was a pain, and though Gaara had thankfully stopped teasing her, she was still turned on and wanted sex badly.

When she reached Sakura and Sasuke's place, there were already a few cars in the rather large driveway. It was odd that the place wasn't just Sasuke's mansion now, it was Sasuke and Sakura's.

She parked in a spot that would be easy to get out of later. As she'd predicted, the air was chilly, but there still wasn't any snow yet.

Sakura welcomed her with open arms, then immediately started gushing about her outfit.

"Ahh, it's so cute! You're adorable!" Sakura kissed her on both cheeks.

Hinata blushed. "T-thanks, you look nice, too."

Sakura twirled, her red dress spinning out around her. "I love this dress. Sasuke does, too. I teased him way too much before guests started arriving. He'll deal with me later." Her eyes sparkled at this.

Hinata giggled, but was secretly jealous. She wished she could see Gaara whenever she wanted.

Stepping aside, Sakura let Hinata in, and she noticed a few people in the kitchen.

One of them saw her right away, and his eyes lit up.

"Hinata!"

"Kiba!" I'm glad you interrupted me before I could confess to Naruto. Everything happens for a reason. I love my life now. Thank you. Her thoughts were going insane as Kiba rushed up to give her a huge hug, lifting her off the floor.

"I haven't seen you since you've come home!" he laughed, setting her back down and holding her at arm's length, staring into her eyes. "You look good. Different. I like it."

She blushed. Kiba looked handsome, too. With his messy brown hair and deep brown eyes, along with the outfit he was wearing, he was rather attractive. "A-arigato," she told him shyly.

"I should get your phone number, so we can hang out sometime," he went on.

"I-I have a boyfriend," she murmured apologetically. "You know that f-from Facebook."

Kiba shrugged. "So? That doesn't mean we can't hang out."

I don't need anymore guys causing drama, she sighed. "I'll see."

"What? Your boyfriend doesn't want you hanging out with friends?" Kiba snorted.

I know you liked me. You would probably like me again if we hung out more, and I can't deal with that. "I said, I'll see. I'm busy with school and stuff too," she reminded him.

At that, he lightened up. "True. Sorry. What are you taking?"

So they launched into a conversation while Sakura went to the other guests and Sasuke. Shikamaru, Tenten, Chouji and Rock Lee were there. A few more people had yet to show up, including Naruto and Ino.

Hinata ended up hanging around Kiba pretty much the entire night. A couple hours into the party, Naruto and Ino were still a no show, but almost everyone else who was invited had arrived.

Sakura was a little miffed at Naruto and Ino. "Man, where are those two? I tried texting them, and calling, but not a word," she grumbled to Hinata and Kiba.

Kiba shrugged. "Who knows? Naruto's never blown off a party before."

"Exactly. He loves parties, and get-togethers. I'm pissed. That's the last time I'm inviting him."

"Yeah, really, what a douchebag move," Kiba frowned. "I wonder why he's acting so strange lately."

"It's because of him and Ino getting together," Sakura told him. "He thinks the sun rises and sets with her."

"True." Kiba rolled his eyes. "So lame when that happens."

Hinata listened to their banter, but inside she was feeling...a little disappointed. She had wanted Naruto to see her all dressed up, so that he could think "Man I missed out" but instead he didn't show up at all. She'd hoped to make him jealous, make him regret not dating her when he had the chance.

Her phone vibrated.

It was Gaara, as usual.

Hey, babe. How's the party?

Good. Naruto and Ino didn't show up. I miss you.

I miss you, too. Wish I could be there, but I'm glad they aren't there to cause you more grief.

Suddenly, Sakura's cell phone rang. She answered, and the more she talked, the more her face went completely white, like she had seen a ghost.

"W-what? Where?...When? O-ok...a few of us will drop by...thanks..." she hung up, her eyes wide. "Naruto and Ino were in a car accident. Ino's in a coma. Naruto's awake, and he's been asking for his friends, namely me, you and Sasuke," Sakura gestured to Hinata. Then tears started spilling down her cheeks. "I feel awful. SASUKE-KUN!" she screeched, and everyone at the party went silent to stare at her.

"Man, that's not good," Kiba sympathized. "I hope they're all right."

Hinata's heart dropped. Naruto...in an accident. Ino in a coma.

Sakura informed everyone at the party of the news. Everyone was sympathetic, and they cut the party short to let Sakura, Sasuke and Hinata visit Naruto. Sakura promised to give updates as soon as she was able.

Hinata followed Sakura and Sasuke out to their vehicle, leaving hers in their driveway. She'd get it later. Right now she needed to be with her friend.

But he betrayed you. So did Ino. Why should you care?

Because that's what a real friend does. I can't let what they did stop me from seeing them in the hospital after an accident.

She texted Gaara to let him know of the news. He was sympathetic as well, but she could tell by the way he was writing that he didn't feel sorry for Naruto one bit. In fact, he was probably glad, so that maybe Naruto would learn his lesson and not hurt Hinata anymore.

Am I being a pushover by going to see him despite what happened? He's alive. So is Ino.

But Ino's in a coma. She may not live.

That thought turned her mood from cheery to somber in less than five seconds. The news of their accident was finally starting to sink in.

This was serious. Ino could die.

With Sasuke driving as fast as he could without pushing the speed limit too much, they made it to the hospital in about ten minutes. Once inside, Sakura took charge, asking where she could visit Uzumaki Naruto and Yamanaka Ino. Instead of giving her directions, the receptionist eyed her. "What relation are you to Naruto and Ino?"

"Best friends," Sakura twitched. "Why?"

"I'm sorry, but only family is allowed to visit them at this time."

"Naruto is asking to see us! He has no family! We are his family!" Sakura groaned, exasperated.

The receptionist raised her eyebrows. "I'm sorry, but they need rest. You may see them tomorrow."

"No!" Sakura looked so angry that Hinata was afraid she would unleash her fury at the woman.

Sasuke suddenly stepped up, and said in his attractive, "I'm-not-taking-any-bullshit" voice, "Naruto is like my brother. Sakura and Ino are like sisters. I think we should have the privilege of seeing our best friend. We just got the call that he was asking for us. If he wants to see us, I think he should be able to."

The receptionist was obviously swooned by Sasuke's dark looks. "I understand. But what about her?" she gestured to Hinata.

Hinata spoke up. "I-I dated him. We are best friends." It was a bit of an exaggeration, but anything to see him.

"Fine, I can see you're not going to give up. Go to the third floor and wait in the waiting room for further instructions." The receptionist glanced greedily at Sasuke one last time before going back to her paperwork.

Sakura kissed him on the cheek as they headed up. "I love having a sexy husband."

"Hn," Sasuke shoved his hands in his pockets, then whispered something to Sakura that Hinata couldn't hear. Sakura's eyes lit up, and she kissed him on the mouth.

She felt awkward when the three of them were in the elevator. Sakura was constantly touching Sasuke. Whether it be holding hands, or arms wrapped around him for comfort. Hinata understood that it was upsetting to learn when someone's best friend was in an accident, but she wished that Sakura had more respect when it came to PDA. Sasuke was fine, he knew what the boundaries were, but Sakura obviously did not.

They finally made it to the third floor, where they checked in with the receptionist up there and found the waiting room.

Hinata remembered going through this when she'd been so worried about Gaara, that fateful night of him breaking her heart. She shuddered at the memory. Dealing with her boyfriend being shot, then having him break up with her that same night was one of the worst things she'd ever had to go through. She was so glad they were happy together, now.

About fifteen minutes later, a doctor came into the room. "I'm look for anyone who is here to visit Uzumaki Naruto and Yamanaka Ino."

Sasuke, Sakura and Hinata stood up. "That's us," Sakura announced.

"Ino's parents are still with her, but are leaving shortly for the night. Naruto's still awake, but starting to get tired, so I'm afraid you'll have to make it short," the doctor told them.

They followed him to Naruto's room, and Hinata barely recognized the blonde-haired boy under all his bandages. It was a shock to see him like this.

Once the doctor left the room, Naruto spoke first.

"I'm sorry I missed your party, Sakura-chan," he almost whispered. Hinata could tell that he was obviously tired. "I was on the way, I really was. We were running late and then..."

Sakura took his hand gently. "Hush, Naruto-kun. It's fine. I'm glad you're all right. You can tell us in the morning."

Naruto moved a little, then winced. "I have bruised ribs, a sprained wrist, and lots of cuts and bruises, some of the cuts needed stitches. But I guess I'm in better shape than Ino. I feel awful, in more ways than one."

"Are they going to press charges?" Sasuke asked.

"No. It was a stupid accident. Ino's parents won't charge me. They knew that it was the other driver's fault. He ran into us, on Ino's side." Naruto looked as though he could barely keep his eyelids open. Then he spotted Hinata. "Hina-chan? You came?" he use the nickname she'd loved.

She nodded. "W-why wouldn't I?"

"Because of the way I treated you..." he trailed off, his eyelids closing even more. "Damn this morphine. You look pretty." Was the last words out of his mouth before his eyelids shut and his breathing became slow, even. He was asleep.

The doctor came in the room moments later. "Naruto will be asleep for the night now. He needs to rest. Ino's parents have left, you can see her but only for a few minutes."

Sakura kissed Naruto's hand before setting it back down on the bed, and they followed the doctor again out to another room down the hall.

Hinata's heart was fluttering. He said you look pretty. He noticed, despite being drugged. Or maybe it was the drugs that made him say that.

"Oh, Ino..." Sakura murmured when they were alone in Ino's room. The doctor was standing just outside the windows.

Ino was covered in bandages as well, only there were more machines hooked up to her. A heart monitor, a ventilator, an IV, and whatever else was there Hinata didn't recognize. And Ino wasn't awake. Her eyes were closed, and she was motionless.

So this was what being in a coma looked like.

Sakura suddenly began to cry, throwing herself in Sasuke's arms. "T-this is too much, Sasuke-kun," she sobbed. "I've done this to my friends."

"It wasn't your fault. It was that other driver." Sasuke cradled her in his arms, helping her to stand, Hinata noticed.

"But if it weren't for my party, they wouldn't have been out on that road!" Sakura wiped at her eyes as tears streamed down her face.

The doctor returned to the room, gazing at them sadly. "I'm sorry, guys," he gestured for them to leave.

Hinata took one last look at Ino before they closed the door behind them.

"You may return tomorrow, and we'll call if there is any updates," the doctor assured them. "You left your phone numbers with the receptionist when you signed in. We'll let you know."

Sakura nodded, still crying silently. "Thank you, doctor."

The emotions of the night took their toll on Hinata as the three of them walked out to Sasuke's car. From being horny, to being excited about the party, then to have everything else come crashing down with news of Naruto and Ino, and now actually seeing them in the state they were in -

She burst out crying, as well.

"Hinata, please," Sakura murmured, releasing her hold on Sasuke long enough to hug Hinata. "You can stay the night at our place if you want. We have a guest room. Call your father and let him know."

Poor Sasuke. Having to deal with two girls crying, on top of his best friend being in an accident.

Hinata just nodded, then quickly called her father and told him about the accident. He agreed to having her stay the night. Sakura assured her that she had clothes that would fit her, and she could change into the next day so she wouldn't have to wear the same clothes again.

But Naruto said I looked pretty. In a way, she didn't want to change out of this outfit. Then again, he was drugged, so he likely wouldn't remember anyway.

Once they'd arrived at Sasuke's and Sakura's house...more like, mansion...Sakura gave her a pair of pajamas and a spare toothbrush. Hinata just wore her white tank top to bed with the pajama pants Sakura had given her. After brushing her teeth and washing her face free of make up, she was ready for bed. The guest room was on the first floor, so it had easy access to the washroom and kitchens. Sakura's and Sasuke's room was on the second floor.

Crawling into bed felt so nice. Thoughts were swimming in her mind about what Naruto had said about her looking pretty. She wondered if he really meant it, or if it was the drugs. Why does it matter? You're with Gaara now.

Yeah, but -

But what? You don't have feelings for Naruto anymore, so it shouldn't be an issue.

It's nice to get a compliment.

True. It makes us feel good.

Exactly.

Then she decided to text Gaara, but remembered that her phone was still in her purse, which was in Sasuke's car. She hadn't bothered to bring her purse with her into the house when they'd gotten back.

Oh well. Gaara will live for one night. You just texted him a couple hours ago. It's fine.

Fine. But I miss him. I want him here.

He'll be here in about a week. You've waited three months. A week is nothing.

I'll be fine. Gaara, I miss you... was her last thought before drifting into a restless sleep.

Astrocam: Well, let's hope that everything turns out all right and that Ino survives. Then again you never know. It could take a turn for the worse. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed :)