A/N: Meh, sorry for the wait AGAIN. Updates will be quite slow. ;) Don't hesitate to tell me if you find mistakes littering the text. I apologise in advance. :D I'm trying NOT to hit twenty chapters, because it will seriously be too draggy, and poor you will have to wade through all that text. I can hear you groan, I know. :P So I'm restraining myself and keeping it tight, or at least trying to. ;P Thanks for the encouraging reviews, guys! *Salutes.

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

Fourteen

Yoshihiro Daiki flung the letter he'd just received across his spacious living room angrily, pacing the floor like a caged tiger.

"Hanabi," He seethed. "You scheming little shit."

The letter lay facedown on the floor, its words obscurred, but he could still remember the contents of it, the contents which would no doubt bring an unnecessary burden onto his shoulders and result in damage to his reputation. The team owner of the Sand Hawks swore as a naked woman wrapped herself round his back and kissed his earlobe.

"Good morning sweethea-"

"Scram." He gritted out, reaching for his trousers and pulling out a wad of money. He flung them at her. Offended, the model tossed her hair over her shoulder, picked up the money and stalked off to his room to get change, muttering under her breath.

Hyuuga Hanabi had sent him the letter. He'd already made it clear to her that he didn't want to have anything to do with kids. Or kids with physical disabilities, one that required frequent, expensive medical treatment and special education. One that didn't fit in his glossy and perfect world. Hanabi had promised not to bother him! How dare she send him a stupid letter? She'd even threatened him explicitly.

He could sue her, he thought, his mind working furiously as the door to his penthouse slammed loudly behind him. Daiki took no heed of it.

But you know that's not the best way, a voice piped up in his head. The media will get wind of it.

Daiki took in a deep breath and forced himself to be calm. He did not want a measly child on his hands, much less one that required special attention.

He picked the letter up and scanned through it quickly, reaching to the one paragraph that held the core of the letter. On the glass coffee table, a birth certificate peeked out from the A4 sized envelope.

I have imposed on my sister long enough - she is not responsible for the child, yet, she has provided him with more care than I have in my whole life since he was born. It is now your turn, as a father, to acknowledge Hiroki and fund the medical treatments and education that he require for his whole life. I will make sure, Daiki, mark my words, that you WILL acknowledge him and reveal your status to my sister, my father, and my cousin - Hyuuga Hiashi, Hyuuga Hinata and Hyuuga Neji. I want to see that you will play your part, and I know you have the means to find out who your child is. The birth certificate enclosed is authentic - you can approach the relevant authorities and request for one, although I doubt you will. I know what image and reputation means to you, Yoshihiro Daiki, and I'll make sure you have none of those if you do not step forward.

He crumpled the letter. Hanabi could do what she want. She didn't frighten him, and he didn't give a damn about her or the boy.

He could deny it outright. No one would listen to her, anyway. If she went to the media, they'd reckon she was merely a deranged woman who wanted to be in the limelight. For all he knew, she could have been lying about the stupid kid, and had probably doctored the birth certificate. Hell, she didn't even have the kid staying with her! She herself would be thoroughly embarrassed if she went all out.

All Hanabi wanted was to blackmail him, he thought angrily. If the public and media started to probe and authentic certificates floated up, his father would have his head. All he had to do was to let his father, as well as the relevant people remain in the dark.

Nevertheless, he had to know if Hyuuga Hiroki was alive, in this country or overseas. He would have to keep an eye on the kid, Hanabi and Hanabi's family.

Daiki picked up his phone and punched in a few numbers.

What I need now is information, he thought, blue-green eyes hardening.

"Yo, Capt." Yuura, greeted Gaara enthusiastically, patting Gaara on his back, who was seated amidst Sand Hawk's team players. The whole team (well, almost whole) had decided to gather for brunch after Gaara's rehab session with the therapist. It was the third or fourth time the team met, and everytime they appeared in large groups, women and the occasional men were bound to ogle and gawk at them.

Yuura was a year younger than Gaara, an incredibly talented rugby player who held the position of centre and was the current Vice Captain of the Sand Hawks. He had black hair and sported a goatee that was popular with many models and actresses. Recently, he was forced to get a haircut after Ibiki, their coach, complained that his overly long fringe was getting in the way of his vision.

"Which is more important? Scoring tries or scoring with women?" Baki had bellowed after he discovered Yuura hadn't gotten his haircut a few years back. Speaking of which, with his long fringe gone, a white scar could be seen running down the side of his face (he had taken the brunt of a tackle by Iwagakure's bulky forwards), giving him an edgy look that too, was equally popular with models and actresses.

And how'd he know that? Because a whole lot of them had tried to swamp him when they entered a post-game party.

"Hey." Gaara nodded, abandoning his fork to clench Yuura's hand.

"You're definitely looking better." Yuura commented after several greetings from the rest, who were engaged in their own conversations, and who were occasionally talking over one another. "You think you'll be ready to join us for training camp?"

"I can't join the team first week or so." Gaara said. "Doc said to give it two more months." The doctor's words had spurred him on greatly. He was recovering nicely and far better than he ought was definitely good. He wanted to join his team again, feel the exhilaration of being on field, and the contagious excitement whenever a game began.

Yuura nodded. "What about the pre-game party? You know, on Friday."

Speaking of which, he wanted to bring Hinata along as his date. The redhead couldn't see himself tolerating the mindless words some faceless bimbo was going to utter throughout the entire night.

"Yeah. I guess I'll be there."

"Got a date?"

"Just someone in mind."

Yuura waggled his eyebrows at him. Gaara rolled his eyes. Before asking any questions, however, he made eye contact with the waitress, who moved over at once to take his order.

"So. Who's this babe?"

"What's your business?"

"Aw man!" Yuura said, shrugging. "You always have one of those lingerie models hanging around you. How'd I know which one?"

Hinata definitely wasn't a lingerie model. But the fact that he knew her personally, had kissed her before, had felt the soft curves of her body against his much harder and stiffer one, was more than enough to keep him awake at night, wondering how it would feel like if she were sleeping right next to him.

"What about you?" The redhead asked.

Yuura smirked and gave him the woman's name, but it didn't ring any bell in his head. While the player started elaborating on how stunning she was, Gaara's mind drifted off to Hinata. He wondered if she would agree. He would have to fend off groupies swarming around them, and he didn't want to give Hinata a single chance to suspect he was cheating on her. Never.

He checked his watch. Did she mention that she had the entire day off today? Perhaps he could take her out to dinner...

If there was ever a woman who could temporarily make his mind go blank for at least two minutes, it had to be Hyuuga Hinata.

The dark haired Hyuuga was no model. That, anyone could tell, but there was something incredibly appealing to him about her, especially today. Maybe it was the environment they were in - Gaara had to admit that the distant, rhythmic sound of waves breaking as they met the shore on the nearby beach was pretty romantic in its usual movie cliched way. Naruto had delcared that the sunset in Konoha was always beautiful, partly because it reminded the blond that he belonged here, but Gaara understood even without having to be a legal citizen, why Naruto had said that. The last rays of the orange-red Konoha sun didn't miss out any spot on the earth at all.

However, he was pretty sure Suna's sunset was even more splendid, and made his mind to show Hinata one day. But that was not the point now.

Perhaps it was the way the shock of inky hair in a loose plait against the milky white of her skin told him that what others could not see in Hinata, he could. And the way her eyes lit up behind her glasses when she saw him, along with the light pink blush dusted across her cheeks, made him feel ridiculously pleased and smug. The light green dress she wore today - soft, with its jewelled tone, and almost the shade of his eyes, pointed out to him the obvious differences between their physiques and once again reminded him that he was a man.

There were other women in the chic, beachside cafe might look even more amazing than her, but other than aesthetic appearances, they lacked all the attributes Hinata had, and Gaara couldn't see why they might appeal to him.

Hinata might not know it, but she had already eliminated the rest of the women he had or might meet.

"Sir?"

Gaara glanced at the waiter, who was looking at him expectantly. Apparently, the latter had asked him if he would like to place his order. Over the waiter's shoulder, he could see Hinata conversing with a waitress at the entrance and then glancing his way, her blush evident even from his seat.

"I'm waiting for someone." He said. The waiter nodded easily and retreated. "Of course, sir. Just let me know once you're ready."

As soon as the waiter had moved off, Hinata advanced towards him. Gaara stood up abruptly, which sended a twinge of slight pain shooting through his ankle, but he barely registered it.

"Hey." He said, brushing his lips across her cheek lightly. Gaara wasn't afraid of anyone catching them together - he'd booked one of the most secluded seats. The casual restaurant also happened to be popular with people from the higher rungs of society, as well as a reputation for allowing its customers to dine privately without any unwanted attention. Gaara had spotted a model or two who had threw him surreptitious glances since he'd stepped into the place. As usual, he'd ignored them.

"Hello," Hinata said, smiling up at him. "How did your rehab session go? Did the therapist said anything about your condition?"

"Exercises, therapy and monitoring of progress...you know, the usual." He moved his head side to side as he pulled out a chair for her.. "Just two more months, and I can leap, jump and tackle. My hand probably needs one more month of rest and it'll be fine."

"Thank you. I can imagine." Hinata sighed. "Well as long as you can get back onto the field, I'm relieved."

He chuckled as he re-seated himself. "You sound as though you're the one who knocked me down on the bike."

"Well, it was partly my fault-"

"No. I forbid you to say that."

"Why, yes, my lord." Hinata said, smiling at him mischievously.

God, that smile was enough to send his pulse racing. Gaara laughed. "I can't believe you said that."

"You were the one who started it."

"I gladly surrender. You look really beautiful, by the way." Gaara flipped open the menu and held her gaze for what appeared to be a long time.

He thought he heard Hinata's breath hitched, but didn't really know. She looked down and smiled. "Thank you."

They placed their orders after deciding on the meals.

"Gaara, when will you be leaving for Suna?" It was important to her, he could tell. Being together physically was important to her, and he had to admit that was important to him as well.

He leaned forward, feeling his knees brush against hers. The table they were seated at weren't that small afterall, and he welcomed its size. "A week or so after the game."

"Oh," She said, and he could see that a shadow had been cast in her eyes.

He reached for her hand under the table, which was on her thigh, grasping it gently but firmly. It was smoother than his as he'd expected, and much smaller.

"I want this." He said strongly. Hearing these words seemed to strengthen him even more, cementing their relationship. "I want this even when I'm in Kumo or Iwa or Konoha or Suna or Kiri. I want this everyday. I don't give a damn where I have to go. We're together."

Hinata stared at him. The redhead thought he caught a glimmer of something shiny and wet in her eyes, but she blinked and then they were completely dry.

"I want this very much, too." She said softly, squeezing his hand. "Oops, is this-" She looked down and released a breath. "For a moment, I thought I'd squeezed your injured hand." He smiled for a moment, but sobered up soon after.

"Don't you go imagining things whenever I'm away from you," He said, fighting the urge to haul her into him. "You know very well that I have Temari and Kankurou watching me like a hawk, no matter where I go. The reason why I've been out of the deep shit some rugby players land themselves in is partly because of them. I don't want my siblings - or you - to hang their heads in shame and feel disappointment because of some sordid affair of mine. You have my promise. Don't even think about those models before you."

Gaara took in a deep breath and ran a hand through his thick hair, as though racking his brains for words to assure her. "They're just words now, but I'll prove it to you. I swear."

Hinata blinked and her other hand slid softly over their clasped hands. He could feel the soothing coolness of her small hands against his warmer ones.

"I believe you." She whispered. "You have immense resolve and control, Sabaku Gaara. Didn't you prove it to me at Temari's wedding dinner? I should not doubt you." A warm smile drifted across her lips.

"I was a moron then." He said huskily. And he was.

Footsteps sounded behind Hinata. They broke away while the waiter set their meals on the table. When they finished their meals, Gaara signalled for the bill. Hinata tried to make him share the bill between the both of them, but he stubbornly refused.

They decided to stroll along the dark beach, which only had a handful of people on its shores.

"Hinata...The team has a pre-game party a day before the match. Are you keen on going with me?"

The Hyuuga looked up at him and stopped walking.

"A party?"

"Its a formal party." He scratched his forehead. "Everyone has to be present. Although Daiki or Sajin hasn't informed me yet, they will, soon. And I need a date."

His jade eyes met hers. The redhead rubbed his thumb over their entwined hands. "The FireBlades are going to be there too. I can't guarantee you this, but I think Ino will be there." He added. Some of the players, like Naruto, Kiba and Chouji knew Hinata well. She wouldn't have anyone she did not know there. And as for the blond model, it was rumoured that she would be present.

"Oh..What about the reporters?"

"Well, there might be a bunch at the entrance, but they won't have access once we're admitted. I'll be with you all the time. If this will help in your decision making, I'm going to say this - I don't want to bring any other women into this party as my date. Another alternative would be to just go alone. I'll have a hard time fending off some, er, persistent females. Who knows, the newspapers might also declare me gay the very next day." A mischievous glint took over in his jade eyes.

Hinata's eyes widened and her mouth opened slightly. Gaara chose that moment to lean down and kiss her open mouth. The redhead released her hand, only to pull her closer to him by her waist. She was obviously much shorter than him, but it didn't stop her from slipping her arms up his chest slowly as she responded. He could tell that she rarely, or had never kissed anyone in her entire life. Gaara hoped it was the second option. A possessive surge overtook him then. He probed her lips with his tongue, and she obeyed hesitantly.

This time round, the kiss was even better - it was slow, hot and sensual. He could feel his shoulders and muscles tensing in anticipation at her small hands, as Hinata became bolder. He angled his head for a deeper kiss, feeling the imprint of her soft breasts against his hard chest. A groan was heard, and he realised that it was his.

The redhead broke away, slightly breathless. Hinata's eyes were glazed over, and her arms were slowly slipping from his neck. She was taking deep breaths. He tightened his hold on her, keeping the Hyuuga close to him.

"Dammit." Gaara said, burying his nose in her neck. "Say yes, Hinata." He kissed her neck.

She made a little noise, her hand clutching at his shoulder. "Don't worry about the attire or make-up." He whispered into her throat.

"I-I can't think with you this near.." Hinata said softly.

Gaara pulled back and grinned.

"Sorry." He didn't sound apologetic at all.

"I think this kiss was your strategy to persuade me to go with you." Shaking her head, Hinata palmed his cheeks and smiled into his eyes. She gave a resigned sigh. "I'll go with you and save you from being labelled as gay then."

"So who's your date?"

"Hinata."

Kankurou choked on his tea and started taking in deep mouthfuls of air. This was followed by loud hacking sounds, and he thumped his chest in an effort to be rid of the annoying coughs. Splotches of beetroot red started appearing on his cheeks in the process. Gaara crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow as his older brother clutched the desk table for support.

"What?" He wheezed.

"I never knew tea was bad for your health."

Kankurou rolled his eyes. "Shut up!" He patted his chest again and stared at Gaara. "Repeat what you said a while ago."

"I never knew tea was bad for your health."

"Oh for Kami's sake!" He cried. "Not that bullshit! Who did you say was accompanying you to the pre-game party hosted by Daiki?"

"Hinata. She's not accompanying me. We're dating."

Kankurou ogled at him. "Dude, you serious?"

Gaara merely stared at him.

"Does Temari know?"

"She will know."

"Know what?" A familiar voice asked curiously. Temari poked her head into the study room that Kankurou and Gaara were occupying. Apparently, in the midst of Kankurou's hacking, Temari and Shikamaru had arrived home.

"And I heard someone choke." The blond added, her eyes swinging to the tea cup, then to Kankurou's red face.

"That would be him." Gaara said, pointing his finger at Kankurou without unfolding his arms.

"Do you know why I choked? This guy here said that he was dating-"

"I'm dating Hinata." The redhead stepped in front of Kankurou. He'd planned to let Temari know, together with Hinata present, but since Kankurou and his huge mouth couldn't even keep a secret for a few hours, he wanted Temari to hear it from his own mouth.

His sister's eyes widened as she stared at him, her teal eyes flicking from Kankurou to Gaara.

"You're dating Hinata?"

"Yeah. I hope you're not going to object." He tucked in his chin and observed his sister. His jade eyes looked as though they had been chipped carefully from emerald stone.

"What? Object? And will you stop giving me that 'Captain Look'? Look, I am surprised, but not unpleasantly surprised. At least she's dating someone I know well, and at least you're not dating a bimbo." Temari blew out a breath. "Things are gonna be awkward if you break up though. I said 'if', not when." Temari added in the last sentence when Gaara opened his mouth, ready to defend him and Hinata.

"We wanted to tell you together. But blabber mouth had to blurt it out." The redhead glanced over at his shoulder to Kankurou, who looked deeply affronted. "Hey! What blabber mouth?"

Temari snorted.

"But if you break her heart," The blond said quietly to Gaara. "You'll know who I'll come after. I don't think you will though, right?" Temari looked up and grinned at her baby brother. "Finally, you've got someone decent."

This is the first time Gaara actually goes for someone different. Definitely worlds apart from his usual conquests. It looks serious. Which was good. And the way he stood ready to protect his relationship with Hinata was a testament to how serious he was about her friend.