A/N: Hey here's the last chapter I can post before school starts again so I hope you enjoy it!

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto

Chapter 25

A dust cloud subsided to reveal a log in place of the person there a moment ago. The predator's eyes swiveled wildly as it searched for its prey. A rustle to the left, a twig snapping off to the right. Its eyes closed as it concentrated on the one thing that would lead straight to their victim. Silence.

Ba-bump! Ba-bump! Ba-bump! The erratic heartbeat filled the poacher's ears and the opportunity to attack fell in their lap. In a flurry of leaves and birds it pounced.

Matsuri pushed and struggled as much as she could, to try and free herself from her attacker. Thinking quickly she filled a fist full of chakra toward its face. As expected the target of her punch jumped away and Matsuri sent a clone to tackle her enemy. Scrambling to her feet she stumbled through the small forest searching for the sound of water. The gash on her arm continued to bleed profusely, and her chakra was quickly depleting, she had enough for one medical jutsu nothing more. She reached into the pouch attached to her waist and searched for a soldier pill to help boost her chakra but cursed when she felt a hole at the bottom. A new plan formed in her mind. Heal, and run for the waterfall as fast as possible. She nodded as if to reassure herself that this plan would work. Her hand began to glow a bright green and she pressed it hard onto her arm. When the glowing stopped she winced. Apparently she didn't have enough chakra to heal herself, but it would do. Getting to her feet she stretched then dashed foreword, jumping through the trees. The roar of water reassured her enough to speed up. Her heart sank, however when she burst through the trees and came face to face with her opponent. They looked at each other then at the stone pillar that rose out of the water.

"I'll give you a head start," the other person teased.

Matsuri grinned but took the offer and ran. She jumped up on the small pikes jutting out on the pillar.

"You know I was kidding!" the person pouted standing on a geyser rising from the water.

"I know but I couldn't resist," Matsuri panted from the physical strain

"Well now for revenge!" the other person said grinning and placing their hand on the pillar.

"You wouldn't dare!" Matsuri growled.

"Oh but I would," and with that the stones in the pillar shifted and Matsuri fell into the water.

When she resurfaced the other person held a hand out to her. Matsuri heaved her self out of the water and crossed her arms.

"I wi…," began her enemy but was cut off as Matsuri aimed a kick at their head.

They dodged and also took up a taijutsu stance. There was no noise as they dashed toward each other. A punch aimed at the face a kick on a collision course with the gut, but all were done somewhat playfully. Finally Matsuri got serious and put all of her weight into one punch, her opponent's eyes widened and they grabbed her wrist before fracturing it in the heat of the moment.

"You shouldn't have done that," the person said. "I'm not good with fractures."

"You shouldn't have retrieved it, I will get it!" Matsuri said aiming another heavy punch.

"Look! You need to stop, I don't want to hurt you!" they almost pleaded with her.

Matsuri ignored them and aimed another hit, this time with her legs. Unfortunately her ankle was caught and her leg was ripped from the socket. She fell to the ground panting at the pain, as the other person backed away.

"I'm sorry! I didn't want to hurt you! I only needed to defend myself!" they stammered.

Matsuri got to her feet and was about to go after her opponent when a wall of fire sprang up in between them. She stopped dead and pouted, anger swelling in her.

"Alright I win." The person said as the fire fell.

"Yeah yeah, the only reason why Hinata-chan won is because she cheated," Matsuri mumbled.

"I did not cheat!" Hinata said, hurt.

"What about shifting the pillar so I fell in the water!" Matsuri accused.

"Alright that was a little uncalled for," Hinata admitted. "But what about attacking me after I already retrieved it?"

Matsuri was about to retort but was cut off as another person appeared between them.

"Who won?" Gaara asked, looking between Hinata and Matsuri.

"Hinata," Matsuri said looking at the ground in shame.

"Hn…" was Gaara's reply before he turned to the Hyuuga. "May I have it?" he asked as politely as he could.

Hinata nodded before producing a scroll and handing it to the Kazekage, their hands lingering on the scroll before Hinata released it. Matsuri watched, leaning on a tree to try and ignore the dull throbbing of her leg and wrist. She couldn't help but feel a little jealous of the two familiar teens. They took her in and took care of her but sometimes she wondered if there was any romance between the two.

"Oh no! Gomen Matsuri!" Hinata said before jogging over to her. "I forgot to tend to your wounds."

"I'm fine," Matsuri said, acting tough.

The Hyuuga glanced at the Kazekage before they both walked over to her. Hinata knelt down and began a medical jutsu while Gaara lifted Matsuri's leg and she winced. He pulled it out a bit before shoving it in hard and popping it back into place.

"Ahh!" Matsuri gasped, as her leg felt as if it was on fire.

"Here," Hinata said laying her hands gently on Matsuri's leg and soothed the burn.

Hinata finished with her leg and then moved onto the wrist, Gaara held Matsuri's arm still and waited.

"That's the best I can do for now but you shouldn't walk on that leg." Hinata said. "I'll carry you."

"No you don't have to…" Matsuri began blabbering before Hinata quickly formed a jutsu to knock her unconscious.

Hinata lifted Matsuri onto her back and began to follow him out of the oasis and on their way across the dessert.

"You went easy on her," Gaara accused.

"I know," Hinata said uncomfortably. "Demo I had an unfair advantage."

"In battle there will always be an unfair advantage." Gaara said.

"I know," Hinata said, her head hanging as they continued to head back to Suna.

Gaara glanced at Hinata before reaching into his sash and pulling out one of the matching bracelets Hinata had given him for Christmas.

"You left this in my office, you promised to take it if I let you do this training exorcise alone if you wore it." Gaara said.

"I was looking everywhere for that but I couldn't find it!" Hinata said. "Thank you Gaara-kun!"

He slid the bracelet onto her wrist and they began walking again. Matsuri snored softly on Hinata's back making the Hyuuga giggle. They entered Suna as the sun began to sink below the red rocks.

"Will Matsuri stay for dinner?" Hinata asked as the young girl started to stir.

"I am afraid not, Temari said that tonight was special." Gaara said, waving down a food vendor and purchasing some. "We'll feed her this and I bought extra for Akito."

Hinata watched with a smile as Gaara continued on his way to the orphanage. By the time they got their Matsuri awoke.

"Akito put this on some plates for you and Matsuri and come to her bed so you can eat together." Gaara said, relieving Hinata of Matsuri and carrying her to her bed.

Both of them stood next to Matsuri's bed and waited until Akito came running back with the food. Slowly Matsuri looked up at them, sadness evident in her dark brown eyes.

"What's wrong Matsuri?" asked Gaara.

"You're leaving tomorrow, aren't you Hinata-chan?" Matsuri asked, surprising both of the older people.

"Uh well yes…"she said, her sad expression matching her younger friend. "First thing tomorrow morning."

"I'll be there Hinata-chan," Matsuri said looking at her and grabbing her hand. "Promise."

Hinata nodded before she was pulled back to reality by Gaara.

"Temari will go crazy if we're late, we need to go." Gaara said.

"Alright, good night Matsuri-chan, I'll see you tomorrow then." Hinata waved, before following him out.

They walked to the tower in silence; Matsuri blurting out the obvious was like a slap in the face. Hinata glanced over to the Kazekage and her heart stung, soon she wouldn't be able to see him every day or train with him. Her eyes glanced down at the silver bracelet hanging loosely on her wrist. A smile passed over her lips, knowing that they would always be connected through the bracelets at least.

"Are you coming Hinata?" Gaara asked holding the door to the tower open.

"Oh yes! I'm sorry," She said before dashing through the door with a soft thank you.

"There you are!" Temari cried, walking up to them. "Gaara, you promised you wouldn't be late."

"Gomen!" Hinata said cutting her off. "It was my fault, I hurt Matsuri and we had to drop her off."

"Oh well then that's different," Temari said. "Alright! Time for my surprise!" she said grabbing Hinata's hand and dragging her to the dining hall.

Hinata began to giggle, glancing back at Gaara who smirked and followed them. The doors were opened to reveal Kankurou trying to sweet talk a red faced maid.

"Seriously, you seem like a lot of fun," he said smoothly.

"Ano, Kankurou-sama I must be g-going now," She stuttered, backing up a bit.

"Aww come on, you could stay for a little bit longer," Kankurou said, puckering his lips.

"Onegai…" the maid begged, trying to escape.

"Kankurou," Gaara's voice rang out in the huge room.

The maid and Kankurou both looked embarrassed, but both soon recovered.

"Gaara! You ruined the moment man!" Kankurou teased.

"Oh thank you Gaara-sama!" the maid said rushing over to him hearts practically visible in her eyes.

Hinata, Kankurou and Temari looked on in shock as the once frightful maid was now hanging all over the Kazekage. It puzzled the Hyuuga; she knew that Gaara had grown more handsome everyday but everyone used to hate him, now they seemed unable to keep their hands off him.

"Hey," Temari said, elbowing Hinata in the side. "Someone is trying to steal your man, you need to go and mark your territory."

"My territory?" Hinata asked, louder then she meant to, making it echo in the room.

Kankurou began to laugh, while Temari looked away embarrassed. The maid seemed somewhat smug, and Gaara just stared at Hinata waiting to see if the real meaning would soon sink in. Unfortunately for Hinata it did and her cheeks burned bright red as she turned to Temari.

"Temari! I h-have no territory!" Hinata said, trying hard not to glance at the Kazekage.

Gaara dismissed the maid, who looked as if she was slapped in the face, before he went to the two girls and saved Hinata from any other humiliation.

"Temari what about you're surprise dinner?" Gaara asked.

"Oh right! Sit! Sit!" Temari said ushering everyone to take a seat.

As per usual Gaara sat at the head of the table his siblings at either side of him and Hinata next to Temari. Just as the Hyuuga pulled out her chair she heard a meow and she looked down.

"Ahh! Yuki-chan, there you are, I didn't see you this morning," she said scooping up the small cat. "I seem to lose you more than anything!" Hinata said putting the white cat onto the table where it began to explore. "I wonder where Kazu-kun is."

Just as she spoke, the ginger cat came slinking into the room and walked straight toward Gaara, who picked it up and put it on the table. They watched the two cats interact for a few minutes, watching as Yuki would shyly approach Kazuma who only stared. Then after the white cat would get discouraged Kazuma would always move a little closer. Hinata glanced at Gaara and smiled warmly at him, another thank you for the two cats that he gave her. The door to the kitchen swung open and a butler came out carrying drinks.

They all took them silently, Kankurou shifted uncomfortably, not accustomed to the silence and definitely not enjoying it. Temari cleared her throat and began conversation.

"So how did training go?" she said, almost grimacing at the motherly tone that came with it.

"Good," Hinata answered.

"Hinata won," Gaara stated.

"Good for you Hinata," Kankurou tried to encourage.

The door swung open again and the food was on its way, but the butler didn't notice Yuki and Kazuma. He stepped on Yuki's tail making the white cat meow loudly and the ginger cat bite him on the ankle. The man hopped around on one foot until he lost balanced and one tray of food flew out of his hands and a bowel of scalding soup landed on Kankurou's lap.

"AHHH!" the puppeteer screamed. "Son of a ….! AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Temari was about to say something to calm her brother when a bowel of Caesar salad landed on her head. Hinata stood to remove the salad bowel and Gaara began to clean off the table where some of the soup spilled. After Hinata had removed the salad bowel another butler came in, he tripped over the one on the floor and his food also went flying in all directions, nailing Kankurou in the face with toasted bread and a bowel of mashed potatoes replacing the salad bowel on Temari's head. Hinata glanced at the door as it began to open again and dove under the table. She crawled as fast as she could to where Gaara stood and pulled him under the table with her.

"We should hide here until the servers get up or until they run out of food." Hinata said, just as a ceramic bowel hit the table hard above their heads.

After a few minutes of silence, Gaara dared to go out. Then when Gaara signaled to Hinata she also got up. Her eyes found Temari who was trying to clean mashed potatoes, cranberries and salad off her face and head. She then looked over at Kankurou who had macaroni and cheese along with a strange red food along with soup in his lap, to stunned to do anything. The swinging of the door almost made Hinata's heart stop as her and Gaara looked at the door. This guy was carrying a tray full of desserts. It seemed to happen in slow motion, the man tripped over his fellow servers and the desserts went flying, a huge dish of assorted ice creams and flavors landed on Gaara's head, shocking the red head so much that he fell to the ground. Then just like in a classic comedy a pie landed on Hinata's face.

Hinata continued to dry her hair after a long shower, finally all the pie had come out of her hair. Another few shakes with the towel and she was satisfied. She looked over to her bed to see Kazuma napping peacefully on it. Taking the damp towel she through it on top of him and woke him up. Giggling she hoped on her bed and waited for him to curl up on her stomach as usual and fall back into a small nap. One glance around the room brought Hinata's once cheerful mood to sadness. Three bags of luggage sat next to the door while everything else was empty. As gently as she could Hinata transferred Kazuma onto a small cat bed at the foot of the bed. She took one last glance around her room before heading to the roof, to sit and chat with the Kazekage.

"Hey Gaara-kun," Hinata greeted as she took a seat beside him.

"Hn," was his reply as he stared at something in his hands.

Hinata tilted her head and saw Yuki curled in the Kazekage's large hands, and the Hyuuga giggled at how gentle he was with the cats.

"So it's decided right?" Hinata asked, earning a curious glance from Gaara. "I'll take Yuki back to Konoha with me, and then whenever you come for a visit we'll switch out."

Gaara only nodded, the mention of the leaf village making him completely unresponsive. White eyes shone with sadness as they stared at the horizon willing dawn to never come.

"I'll miss you," Hinata said, wiping away a few tears. "I'll really miss you."

Still Gaara remained silent, making Hinata hurt even more. She stood up again, forcing a smile on her face.

"Well goodnight Gaara-kun," she said her voice a bit shaky.

However as she was about to go back inside Gaara grabbed her hand and pulled her back. She looked at him a glimmer of hope burning in her eyes. But when the Kazekage stayed silent, Hinata felt her heart crack. She slid her hand from his loose grip and walked back in to the tower, leaving Gaara to himself.

The next morning Hinata awoke at dawn and got dressed. She searched the room for anything she might have forgotten, not noticing Kazuma trading places with Yuki in Hinata's bag. After she was satisfied she grabbed all her things and headed to the exit to Suna. The people on the streets stopped and stared as she passed, whispering rumors to one another. Finally she saw Temari, Kankurou and Matsuri waiting for her and she sped up slightly, ignoring the ache of her heart at the missing Kazekage.

"There you are!" Temari said. "Guess what I learned this morning? I'm going to Konoha to, to get a treaty from the Hokage!"

Hinata who was obviously supposed to be ecstatic at the news only smiled sadly. Temari glanced at Matsuri and Kankurou who both looked disappointed.

"Here Hinata-nee-chan!" Matsuri cried holding out a small wood box. "It's a goodbye gift."

The Hyuuga smiled and took the box, when she opened it she found a bracelet made of small blue glassy stones that could only be found at the bottom of the lake in the oasis. Her eyes stung with tears.

"Arigotou, Matsuri-chan…" Hinata said her voice cracking.

"Me next," Kankurou said holding out a cardboard box.

Hinata began to open it suspiciously, but when she saw the gift she looked up at Kankurou shocked.

"H-how did you know?" she asked, still trying to recover from the surprise.

"Well, let's just say I have great memory." Kankurou said shrugging.

"Arigotou," Hinata said, not hesitating to hug Kankurou.

"Hey I have a gift to!' Temari pouted.

Hinata turned back to Temari who held out a narrow box. The Hyuuga took it and opened that one to; she pulled out the white gold locket, which had her initials engraved on it. She opened it to find a picture of her and Temari around a month after coming to Suna and on the other side was a picture of her and Gaara in snow country.

"Arigotou," and this time the tears would not stop.

They gathered around her patting her on the back and saying their last goodbyes. Hinata was about to walk out of the gate when she was tapped on the shoulder. She turned hopefully but was only disappointed to see a Jounin standing behind her.

"From the Kazekage," he said simply before shoving another box into Hinata's arms.

She looked at the box, dumbfounded until Temari urged her to open it. Slowly she lifted the lid and gasped before pulling out the gift and dropping the box to the ground. It unfolded itself to reveal a beautiful whit kimono with blood red flowers on the hem a bright yellow obi also included.

"It's beautiful," Hinata gasped.

"It was our mothers," Temari said, as a side note.

The Hyuuga looked at her, her mouth opened about to give the beautiful Kimono back when Temari silenced her with a smile.

"It will look great on you." Temari said.

Hinata glanced at Kankurou who also smiled and nodded, she was so astounded by the dress she didn't notice the note that fell from it. Matsuri saw it, picked it up and read it.

"Hinata-chan," She said a smile forming on her face. "I think this is for you to." Matsuri concluded holding out the piece of paper for Hinata to read.

I'll miss you to

-Gaara

Hinata once again began to cry as she held the note to her chest while Temari put the kimono back into the box. Once again they were on their way out; Hinata gave one last glance at the Kazekage tower and saw the familiar silhouette of Gaara. One last tear slid down her cheek before she turned back to the path to Konoha.

A/N: I decided to go back and reread this, fix any mistakes and whatever, there will be more but I'll probably break it into two parts now, the other part will follow more of Shippuden and it will show if Gaara and Hinata will ever get married and all that other junk. So please REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!