Ai (love)?

Gaarazlilmiss

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of the characters in Naruto, only this story and everything said in it.

YAY!!! I got a new keyboard!! So now I can frequently update again (Well, between school and this, as frequent as it'll get, probably a chapter every two days or so) So anyway, here's chapter 14, I hope you'll enjoy it! Oh, wait, by the way, there are only two more chapters after this one, but there will be a sequel, and it'll be three years into the future.

Gaara : Great…Stupid Wal-mart!

Hinata : ((Laughs))

Gaarazlilmiss : Anyway, let's get rollin'!

Chapter 14 : Sayonara

Hinata looked at Gaara, his head held down, and his breathing heavy. It saddened Hinata to see him like this, along with her village. Many had died, her family had died. Hinata felt selfish for a moment. Now, she felt this might all be her fault. "Why…?" she said quietly.

Everyone looked at her. No one knew what to say. The situation in her case was much to complicated to bring forth any sympathetic words.

Naruto slowly stepped up to Hinata. "What will you do?" he asked. He was confused. Nothing made sense. What happened?

"He intended to kill me." said Gaara. "That was what I had to pay…my life." he said. "And I had finally found out what being alive met, only to have someone try to take it away again." said Gaara.

Hinata looked at him.

He stood slowly, and out of instinct now, everyone took on offensive stances. Gaara noticed this. It annoyed him, but what could he say? No matter what he found out, or what he thought he understood, no matter how much he changed, no one would understand him, and now, he felt even Hinata wouldn't. Did it even make sense to explain to her why he did it? The family that hurt her, that was all she had. She would morn them regardless, and fault him for it. He didn't want to see her. Jumping off, he left everyone where they stood.

Kankuro raised a hand to protest to his leaving, but couldn't do much more with Temari in his other arm. He laid her down on the ground. "She's out like a light. Her chakra has been depleted. " said Kankuro.

Shikamaru walked over, studying Temari. "I doubt the clinic is of any use at the moment. Probably still evacuating. She'll have to just sleep to recuperate. " said Shikamaru.

"Do you mind explaining what has just occurred?" Kakashi asked looking at both Hinata and Kankuro.

"I'm not sure myself. Our kazekage sent Gaara on a mission. Didn't seem like much from what he told us, and we come to find out from our sensei that he's killiing people again. I don't know…I really don't." said Kankuro.

The way I said that sounded all wrong…they probably think our Kazekage's up to something again even though it's not Orochimaru this time.

Kankuro thought.

"We'll do some background checking." said Kakashi as he eyed Temari. "Sakura…you're a medic ninja now. Take care of her, and make sure there aren't any other injured people anywhere nearby." said Kakashi as he nodded to Kurenai. Both jumped off.

Hinata fell to her knees and sobbed. Why did he do it? What reason did he have to go off and kill the entire Hyuuga clan and other townspeople? It was incomplete, her information. The only way she'd find out is if she confronted Gaara himself.

Naruto walked over and patted Hinata on her back. He didn't know what to say, but comforting her was the least he could do. "Cheer up, okay? I know all of this, well, it'll turn out halfway decent…" he said.

Doy! That came out all wrong!!!

He thought.

"Way to help baka." said Sakura under her breath to Naruto. She started to help Temari replenish her chakra. "How did she end up like this?" Sakura asked.

"We were trying to get here quickly in order to help out. Temari had to use a jutsu that consumed a large amount of chakra to get us here. If she didn't do that, we wouldn't be here for at least another day or so." said Kankuro.

"Where is Kiba?" Hinata asked Naruto.

"…Um…well…I'm not sure right now. The hospital evacuated all its patients. You might see him tomorrow." said Naruto, trying to smile. He started to remember things…

((Flashback))

"Naruto-kun…" Hinata said with a small smile. She had a small basket in her hands with something sweet smelling inside.

Naruto was busy talking to Sakura, trying to get her to date him for once. As always, he'd been turned down again, and Sakura was trying to figure out a way to get Sasuke back. Finding it hopeless to get her attention, he bumped right into Hinata, who dropped the basket she was carrying and the chocolate cookies she had spilled all over the ground, breaking and a few being squashed because Naruto had fallen on them.

Hinata looked at Naruto, who stood up quickly, and was dusting the back of his pants off. "Sorry Hinata-chan…I didn't see you there." he said rubbing the back of his head.

Hinata blushed. "O-oh…It's o-okay Naruto-kun…" Hinata said pushing her fingers together and smiling slightly.

"Hey Hinata…why do you always do that? It's not like you like me or anything right? So why do you always blush like that?" he asked. "Don't worry. I'll get you some more cookies." said Naruto.

If I have money left over after I get ramen…

He thought.

"W-well…they were…I mean….I made them. T-they were for y-you." Hinata said.

Naruto grinned. "Really? Gee thanks Hinata! But Sakura already made something sweet, and me and Lee were gonna go and get some of that! I mean, since the ones you made are all messed up now, we can't eat those can we?" Naruto said, a smile spread across his face.

Hinata felt crushed in a way. "N-no Naruto-kun…it's alright…Ja ne." she said as she began to walk off.

"See ya Hinata!" Naruto called after her.

((End Flashback))

All the things Hinata had done to get his attention, to make him notice her, and he never even realized it. It was sad that he couldn't help her now. Sakura had finally informed him that she didn't like him, and Hinata all along had. Naruto didn't know what to think.

" " " " " " " " " " " "

Gaara looked at the moon in the sky. It was starting to fade away now that morning was coming again. He was deep in confusion. What would he do? Did he still want Hinata back? What if she didn't want to even glance his way anymore? She'd be well within her rights not to want to.

It's all your fault…

Gaara spoke to the Shukaku.

Hmm? Did you say something little one?

The shukaku asked, slightly amused.

Why did you do this? Oh, that's right. You're only here to make my life miserable…

He said.

Don't deny it. At least I won't ask for anything else for awhile. So you've finally given up on that girl? It's about time…Don't talk to her anymore…I'll take her away from you quick…

The shukaku said. He was apparently calmed and relaxed now, leaving Gaara to be himself completely, or as much as he could.

They think I'm stupid…I know what is going on…the Kazekage now wants me dead too doesn't he? He probably begged Hyuuga Hiashi to kill me…I'm sure he had no objections. Baki was probably unaware of this…

Said Gaara. Knowing the Kazekage, it was probably one of his twisted schemes and his alone. When he talked to him about the mission that day he parted ways with Hinata once she was in Sunagakure, he could see it on his face. Sly as a rat, he had yet another scheme.

"They're really trying it again." he said resting up against a tree. Tommorow, he'd leave to go back to Sunagakure. It would sure surprise the Kazekage to see him back, ALIVE. One would think the new Kazekage wouldn't be anything like his father, but apparently, the villagers still wanted him dead, and so he catered to their every want.

" " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " "

"So it seems Hiashi Hyuuga failed and died in the process…and I thought Hyuuga's were suppose to be top notch." said the Kazekage with a sneer as he shredded the distress call and report. "We've still got him to deal with. He's probably realized by now that he's been targeted. What to do?"

Baki looked at the Kazekage, unable to believe what he was hearing. "You tried to kill Gaara?" he asked.

"Yes. Why not? The village is still terrified of him, the bond with Konoha is weak because of him, and a creature like that running loose isn't something safe, even with his siblings with him he's still a threat. They don't always restrain him properly." The kazekage said.

Baki shook his head. "Unbelievable." he said.

"Do you have a problem with this? If so, I suggest you don't voice your opinion before you are dealt with." the Kazekage said.

Baki didn't speak. No ties to Gaara, right? Then everything would be okay…but still, something told him he'd regret this, along with the Kazekage and all of Sunagakure.

" " " " " " " " " " " "

After everything was over and morning had come, Konoha's clean up began. A funeral was to be held for the Hyuuga clan in the evening, and even though Hinata was technically not a Hyuuga anymore, she was still required to attend, along with Neji and Hanabi, both of which didn't want her there.

Hinata was dressed in a short black Kimono, a headdress, and she had her mid-length hair rolled into a delicate bun. Her attire was simple, unlike Hanabi's, who had on much more than she needed.

She stepped out of the small apartment she had dressed in, which belonged to Sakura and walked the dead streets. It was a dreary day in Konoha. The usually inviting apperance was replaced by a ghost town, gloomy setting. It was scary. Before the funeral, she decided she would try to find Gaara if he was still somewhere around, and ask him about all of this. She knew he'd more than likely keep himself away from her. "Where did he go?" she asked. "Byakugan!" she said. Hopefully he was still somewhere around. She detected faint chakra everywhere, none of which could belong to Gaara. He definetly wasn't anywhere in Konoha, and if he was, he must be some kind of idiot. Hinata began to search around the outskirts of Konoha, and had no such luck. Just when she was about to leave…

"Are you looking for me?"

Hinata spun around to find Gaara sitting upon a tree branch, his face was stern and his eyes unemotional at the moment.

He noted her attire.

Mourning, just like I expected.

He thought.

"Y-yes…" Hinata said quietly.

"Why?" he asked.

"Why else?" Hinata asked him as she looked up at him, expecting him to come down. When he didn't come down, she went up.

"I'd think you'd stay away from me considering what just happened." he said. "What about Inuzuka? Aren't you going to visit him?" asked Gaara.

"Yes…I am….but he too is going to attend the funeral, and I won't be able to talk to him until he is done with all the medical stuff and getting ready. I suppose I was just biding time." Hinata said.

Gaara nodded.

"I know…It was the shukaku, wasn't it?" Hinata asked.

Gaara nodded hesitantly. "Yes. But also," he began.

"Hai?" Hinata asked.

"Your father tried to kill me. I went to pay the "debt" and ended up finding out I'd have to pay with my life." said Gaara. "It irked the Shukaku. He decided to finally take over." said Gaara.

Hinata couldn't believe her ears. "My f-I mean, Hiashi-sama tried to kill you? But…why would he…?" Hinata asked distantly as she thought.

"He had nothing to lose by killing me." said Gaara. "He was asked to do this by the Kazekage. They all still want me dead. I knew what was happening once I stepped foot in that house." said Gaara.

Hinata nodded. "I'm sorry…I didn't know…" said Hinata. "I probably won't get to go back to Sunagakure…and…" Hinata said.

"I know. And I'm probably not going to be able to come back either." said Gaara.

Hinata eyed him worriedly. "I…" she said. Suddenly, some bells sounded. "I have to go…" said Hinata.

Just as Hinata was about to jump out of the tree, Gaara held on to her. "I won't get to see you for awhile." he said.

At first, Hinata actually struggled to get loose so she could go, but she stopped and allowed Gaara to hold her. Emotions welled up in her, confusion, sadness, shock, happiness…she didn't know how she felt. Both of them were twisted in a game that neither of them could win, and they knew this moment would be their last.

Gaara pulled her closer to him and she held on to him as well. A tear slid down her cheek. "I don't want-"

"It can't be helped." said Gaara.

She wanted to stay there forever, even after everything that happened, someone's hug, anyone's hug would sooth her, but only Gaara's embrace would calm her. It was strange…something neither of them could explain other than something that just…happened. Something that they both needed, but knew they couldn't have for long, without their lives meddling in it.

Hinata looked at him. "I must…" she said.

Gaara nodded. "Sayonara Hinata…" he said.

"Until we meet again." said Hinata as she felt his embrace leave her. She jumped down swiftly, and started to walk away, and when she looked back to see if he was still there, he'd vanished.

" " " " " " " " " " " " "

Gaarazlilmiss : PLEASE READ THIS!! The sequel to this story will be rated M. I know the swap in ratings is kinda evil (Even though I know everyone will look at it anyway…) But it's the way it's gotta be. Um, yeah…Chapter's 15 and 16 should be out soon, and the next story should be out by at least the end of this week earliest. Thanks for staying with me!

Gaara : I'm afraid of the sequel

Hinata : It might turn out much better than this one, who knows?

Gaarazlilmiss : You two are night and day.