Copyright notice: I do not own Naruto or its characters.
She Is The Sunlight
Rare is the union of beauty and purity.
-Juvenal
If all the flowers faded away
And if all the storm clouds decided to stay
Then you would find me
Each hour the same
She is tomorrow
And I am today
-Trading Yesterday
XXXXXX
The candles flickered in their painted bowls, the flames lighting up the faces of the Sand Siblings and the pale Hinata Hyuga. Each one sat quietly atop cushions at the low mahogany table in the central dining area in the former Kazekage's small tearoom.
Each had their own small favorite dishes served on small china plates next to painted tea cups with Hinata offering to pour tea from the steaming kettle set in the middle. Temari would wave her hand and decline, reminding Hinata she was an honored guest.
"Hinata, you are a guest here. We can pour the tea."
Hinata blushed softly and tucked her loose hair behind her ear.
"I am used to serving tea to my father and Neji-nii-san. It is a-a habit. I am sorry."
Kankuro pushed back his sleeves and smirked at Hinata lightly. "Hinata, we aren't at the Hyuga compound. Relax a little, especially after you fainted."
"Yes, o-of course."
Temari looked over Hinata, taking in her pallor and the gentle contrast of her pale blue robes and the blue ribbon in her dark hair to her pale skin. Hinata had frightened them all when she fainted. Temari began to recall Shikamaru talking once about how shy Hinata was around crowds of people.
"Hinata, why did you faint? I know you're shy."
Kankuro leaned forward, eyes on Hinata. "Yeah, why did you?"
Hinata gently put down her chopsticks and placed her hands in her lap before looking at her plate.
"I-I am shy…um, yes. I-I was scared."
Both siblings replied together. "Why?"
Hinata squirmed and bit her lip.
"W-well, I didn't w-want to shame the Hyuga and Konoha…or the future K-kage."
Temari raised an eyebrow at the last part. She wasn't surprised about the Hyuga portion, understanding how stern her father was from the gossip that would pour out. She knew the Hyuga were proud and noble, but she just didn't know how much pressure this was for Hinata not to fail her clan.
The three resumed eating, with Hinata offering to pour Kankuro tea. She asked so sweetly that Temari noticed the light red in his cheeks as he gave in gruffly. Hinata smiled softly, throwing back her sleeves and gently holding the kettle in such a way that it looked like some sort of art form. Pouring tea for Hinata Hyuga looked…like music being performed flawlessly or a brush stroke of calligraphy. None of which Temari mastered. She was a warrior and now a diplomat. She wasn't what was it Kankuro said? A geisha? But neither was Hinata.
Hinata was…something else.
Temari suddenly grew serious and put her elbows on the table. Her eyes narrowed and her lips thinned in deep thought.
"Hinata, is it true that you were almost kidnapped during the Oto invasion?"
The kettle spilled a little as Hinata's hands began to quiver.
XXXXXX
Gaara was floored, both by Baki's awkward revelation to Gaara of their newly arrived guests and the reason for their arrival to Sunagakure.
Gaara had appeared before Baki at his cramped office, scroll in hand and ready to speak about the Council. Baki had looked uncomfortable but trying to mask it well. His eyes looked troubled and far off, at least until Gaara spoke up.
"Gaara-san, the council has met and reached a critical decision about your request. They have agreed to an extent."
Gaara had paused then. "Foreign references were attained then…how did this happen, by hawk?"
Baki had cleared his throat before speaking low and slowly, as if much were riding on his next words.
"Gaara, the council reviewed a scroll by the Hokage of Konohagakure and the recommendation…of another Konoha member who personally attended."
Gaara let the words roll in his head before cocking his head to the side.
"Who would appear here…for me?"
Baki placed his hands on the desk and looked Gaara directly in the eyes.
"Hyuga Hinata."
Gaara stood still, his spine locked and his lips thinning tightly, a muscle clenching in his jaw.
"Temari and Kankuro personally recommended her presence to assist in your case."
"I see."
Gaara let the sand pour from his gourd and surround him, the grains enveloping him and taking him from the office.
Gaara appeared atop the roof of the Kazekage's central rotunda building and lithely leapt from roof to roof, his feet barely touching the grainy tops. He felt his heart race, something that only occurred in battle and the rare times he felt anger slither in him.
This explains the scent…that pure scent.
Only one person has that.
The only scent…to calm and pain me.
I don't understand…
Gaara quickly reached the round complex the family of the former Kage lived in, one of the larger buildings at the back of the village. It was finely crafted with two stories layered on top, the main focus being the mini oasis towards the back of the home. A small garden had been crafted there but barely tended too. It was now used to gather water when needed…but not often since a larger oasis was near the middle of the village and constructed using irrigation so water reached every home.
Clever Jai…and Father.
Gaara landed in a roll on top of the home and listened, his hearing sharp for any sound of his siblings' voices.
Ah, there a small laugh followed by silence.
Gaara heard Temari's low alto followed by nothing.
Gaara held out his hand and conjured his sand eye, looking it over.
See for me what I cannot.
Hear what I cannot.
Let me see her.
XXXXXX
Hinata's hands quivered before she righted herself and placed the kettle in its rightful place.
She blinked her eyes rapidly, feeling the memories of the Oto invasion bring back unwanted images and the tales she had forgotten…about Neji and his father, about the Main branch and the 'Cursed' branch.
I will tell as much as the Hyuga will let me…but I will not lie to them. They need to know…what costs I am risking my clan's secrets and my life.
"I-I was almost kidnapped during the invasion by ninjas of Kumogakure seeking the secrets of the Byakugan. Ko-san, Neji-nii-san and Kiba-san came to rescue."
Both siblings remained silent.
"Hinata…"murmured Kankuro.
"This wasn't the first time that had happened. A head ninja from Kumogakure had arrived to Konoha with a peace treaty, but they decided to kidnap me. I-I don't b-bear the curse seal."
Temari slammed her hands on the table. "Hinata, they wanted your Byakugan and they wanted to kill you! We've heard of that village."
Kankuro hung his head before sighing. "You are risking your life to do this, to help our brother."
"Y-yes, I-I know. M-my clan disagrees with me, b-but-"
Temari shook her head. "Ko said something about this but I didn't know it was…well, terrible. Why? Why are you risking your life? You are your clan's heiress, their future leader!"
Hinata tapped her fingers and began to slouch her shoulders, sweat running along her forehead.
Kankuro moved to touch her hand but stopped.
"The heat here is practically killing you. Its cold now but the heat is not good for your health."
Hinata sat up straight and looked from Kankuro to Temari with clear eyes, the lavender sparkling with fire.
"Y-yes, its not like Konoha. This is i-important for your village, for you both and for Gaara. He will protect this village with his life. His heart is…h-he is…I know he will be a great Kage, even if no one else agrees. I-I understand no one believing in you…that is why I am here."
Temari sighed deeply and wanted to tap her fan, had she had it near her.
Kankuro this time touched her thin hand.
"Hinata-chan, we will protect you with our lives. No bastard will kidnap you in our land."
Temari nodded and genuinely let a small smile slip out.
"Hinata, that kindness might get you in trouble one day but it might be rubbing off one us ruthless Sand ninja. We owe you for what you have done so far. No one else could have rubbed the council like that. We will protect you."
Hinata smiled at both shyly.
"Please do not think Gaara is the only one that changed. I-I need to retire for the night."
Kankuro coughed and pulled back, stretching his arms over his wild brown hair.
"Yeah, you're right. Big journey for you girls tomorrow."
"I am no girl, ass. Don't forget, I'm one of the best kunoichi in Suna."
Kankuro faked a shiver. "And one of the scariest too. Well, good night Hinata."
Both stood to bow to Hinata, who returned a near curtsy before leaving the room. She nearly floated.
Temari thought to herself wistfully.
Well…Hinata is certainly no girl. She might just be a lady.
XXXXXX
Hinata leaned her head against the side of the open balcony's doorway. The cool night air swept along her skin, whipping against her light lavender cotton gown and making it float against her bare legs. She brought up her nearly bare arms, the only cover against the cold wind being the sheer sleeves from her wrist to her upper bicep.
Her hair fell down in a loose tumble on her back, her fingers pushing strands from her eyes every now and then. Her sleepy white eyes took in the shining stars in the clear velvet sky. She never thought she would see such pure beauty in Sunagakure, having heard tales of the harsh desert and its fiery sun. She could agree on the heat, her flesh still smarting from the sun's fury but the night proved almost magical.
She sighed and closed her eyes, a smile lighting her face. Lost in the marvel of Suna's beautiful night sky, she never felt the grains of sand against her dress or became aware of another body on the balcony.
She suddenly dropped her arms and quickly turned, about to activate her Byakugan.
"You shouldn't be so careless."
Hinata felt a light blush creep on her cheeks at the sound of the gravelly tone she knew so well, despite the reprimand from it. Hinata faced the darkly dressed Gaara, his eyes glittering and his dark red hair snapping along his face.
"Y-yes, I know."
Silence was thick then. Hinata didn't know what to say or do. She felt her heart race and the feeling of being almost naked consumed her mind. She held her arms over her chest and dropped her eyes to the side.
Don't faint.
Don't faint.
Self-confidence!
"Why are you here?"
XXXXXX
Gaara had landed quietly on Hinata's balcony, after following along the roof after the dinner he had watched. His mind was in turmoil, thoughts running in different directions and nearly unsettling him. Shukaku had purred and smugly laughed at him, heckling him and speaking…things he did not want to hear and did not understand.
She is giving her life to you.
She is dying for you, what a pity.
We must have her before the sun takes her.
Such naiveté from kunoichi…its sweet. As will be her blood in our sand.
Make her ours.
No, leave my mind.
Ah, you think you have mastered me better. You think you have become stoic and powerful. Stupid boy.
I will crush this village. We can together.
Never. I wish to protect, to change.
Ah, delusions are powerful. Keep on and maybe I will be set free quicker when you tire out.
Gaara tried to ignore Shukaku as he landed and blended with the shadows on the balcony. He let his mind become blank and his face a mask once more, his body settled into what he made it. Armor, figuratively.
That was until he saw the small figure of Hinata in her sheer dress of lavender blowing in the breeze, her eyes sparkling in delight at the night sky and a smile hugging her pert pink lips. Her midnight hair was trailing along her spine, the strands as shiny as the stars she looked upon. He noticed quickly how the years had passed since he saw her last in the desert…before it happened.
Then he felt a strange sensation in his body. His heart was racing, the blood pounding in his ears and his breath becoming quicker. His hands trembled before his eyes. He narrowed his eyes in confusion, wondering what was happening to him. He wasn't hurt, that rarely happened. He needed to see the medical ninja once more for the herb they would provide him when these bizarre sensations happened.
What did Kankuro call them? Emotions?
I don't know them.
I'll read about them, maybe when I study with Matsuri.
Gaara quickly recovered and spoke loudly to Hinata, feeling a need to say something to her. It was unnatural for a ninja to be unaware of their surroundings and not notice another ninja approach. That could be deadly…
"Why are you here?"
Hinata had looked away then bit her lip before looking at him.
"I-I came to help as a reference. Y-you w-w-want to be Kage."
"Yes, I do. I do not understand why you came."
Hinata became silent until she moved from her spot and came a little closer.
He felt his body clench, wanting to draw back and move forward at the same time. He watched her with predatory eyes as she turned to the railing and looked at the stars again.
"I-I want to h-help you because…because I know you want to change. I know you want to p-protect. I have seen you do it…and…"
Her voice wandered off as she brought her arms up to hold her little body. Her tapered fingers brushed a tendril of hair on her shoulder, those pearly nails contrasting with her dark strand of hair.
"You want to change, you don't want to be what they think you are. I understand that…a little."
Gaara heard some of her gentle words, his heart pounding once more and his vision wavering slightly. He blinked, finding his own hand nearly reaching to touch hers before he pulled back to clench his fist just in time before she looked at him with her large white eyes.
She waited for a response, her eyes echoing both slight embarrassment and…something else he didn't understand. He could almost recall a similar thought, a similar sensation but felt it leave.
He stood silently, turning his head to watch absently at the sky.
XXXXXX
Hinata waited nervously for a reply. Gaara seemed…so distant. His eyes still remained sharp, burying into a person and piercing their mind and soul. There was something different about them though. The only thing she noticed was a clenched fist and tick in his jaw muscle while he looked at the stars.
He suddenly spoke sharply.
"You risk your life for this?"
"Y-yes…"
Silence.
"You are going with my sister to the daimyo's residence to plead my case. Correct?"
"Y-yes, I plan on-"
"I will travel as well. It should be only logical I meet him as well, to debate on this. That I have changed and desire to protect my village."
With that last statement, Gaara faced Hinata and slowly spoke the words like an intimate friend would to another. Hinata blinked her eyes and rolled her lips into her mouth, not minding the strand across her nose.
Gaara's sharp eyes caught the movement of hair but said nothing. He simply blinked, sharing one last long stare before conjuring his sand to transport him gods know where.
Hinata let out a breath and clutched her chest, feeling her legs wobble.
"Hinata-sama! Who was that?"
She heard Ko's voice ring out and felt him instantly by her, checking for wounds. His Byakugan was activated; the veins throbbing along his temples and a fierce look in his white eyes.
"You need to be more aware, Hinata. We are not in Konoha. You must be careful."
"I understand, Ko-san."
Ko looked into the sky then back at her.
"That was Sabaku no Gaara, yes?"
"Yes, Ko-san."
Ko gave a troubled expression, a tick in his jaw and his nostrils flaring.
"He is dangerous, Hinata-sama. I do not know why you are…championing him.
Hinata faced Ko and smiled sadly.
"Maybe no one ever will. Ko, I need to rest…but understand please. Gaara would n-never harm me."
XXXXXX
Gaara sat on the roof and held his head between his knees, still taking in the strong scent of lavender that radiated from Hinata on her balcony.
Hinata…
You are right.
I will protect this village with my life…and you.
If you let me…
You have changed.
So have I…
But who for the better?
She lives in a daydream.
I don't belong.
She is the sunlight.
The sun is gone.
- Trading Yesterday
Author Note: Please enjoy, read and review. I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did writing it, late as it was. Do not worry I am not abandoning or forgetting about the story. I've been researching and letting the plot roll in my head, while playing video games. Somehow that helps me. Weird. Thank you for the reviews and compliments! This is where I promote myself shamelessly and ask you to spread the word to all GaaHina lovers or even Hinata and Gaara lovers. :-)