Chapter 4: New Beginnings, Old ends

Naruto didn't let the rays of light peeking through the drapes of his room nor the rough, slapping steps battering his eardrums deter him from his sleep. Not many of his kind found sleep necessary however he enjoyed it. I was a hobby that he was thankful wasn't just exclusive to humans. Should it every become necessary that demons rest in slumber, he's positive that the high and mighty king will kill him. Another good one interrupted in three…. Two…

"Get up." Gaara had swiftly entered the room to find the blonde sprawled out on the bed.

"I'd ask to what do I owe the pleasure, but this ain't no pleasure." Naruto yawned as he sat up.

"I went to see the sister." Gaara stalked to the dying embers of the fireplace. With a short-rushed breath, a flame reincarnated and spread to a sizeable blaze.

"Ya know, a normal demon would think a conversation like this could be had over breakfast. Ya know, in the morning." Naruto ran a palm down his face as he watched the red head. Those who hadn't known his majesty for as long as he had would assume that he was fine, maybe even a little irritated. But the small twitch of his left brow, the microscopic flare of his nostrils when he exhaled, and the dazed expression in his eyes spoke wonders to Naruto. He was confused, and very frustrated with his confusion. Confused eyes turned to him.

"You speak as if you've experienced fatigue or dreariness and need sleep." Gaara cocked a brow.

"No but its nice. I see why humans like it so much that they take short portions. The whatchamacallit… right! Naps." Naruto beamed at the thought of taking a nap later.

"Humans do not enjoy it all of the time. They have night terrors as well." He said, matter-of-factly.

Naruto sighed as he reached for his robe and upon clothing himself, he walked to the fireplace and sat across from his friend. He reached for the fruit on the small table between them and retrieved an orange.

"I still don't get why you're comin' to me." As he struggled to peel the orange.

"I've told you about the little girl from my past and I think this one is too familiar to her." Gaara said staring out of the balcony doors at the stars above them.

"The sister? But I thought you were gonna—"

"I did. She left with Chijo hours ago. It's the older one I'm referring to." Gaara refrained from rolling his eyes.

"Then what did you go see her sister for?" Naruto asked still picking at the citrus fruit.

"I needed some questions answered."

"Obviously." Naruto said to himself, more or less. Gaara's eyes narrowed dangerously as the comment.

"Look all I'm sayin' is, you have little that you remember about the little girl. Do ya remember what she looked like?" His attention still on the fruit. Gaara shook his head somewhat dejectedly, Naruto knew he hated it when he was at a disadvantage, and this was quite the disadvantage. He quickly snatched the fruit, peeled it, and threw it back at the blonde idiot.

'"Thanks." Gaara gave a curt nod.

"The only thing I can remember are her eyes, they had a hue of color to them. Much like hers."

"Yeah I know what you mean. Lightest purple I've ever seen. Think they could be related to Neji?" From the lack of response to his question, Naruto could tell that the thought already crossed Gaara's mind.

"Her and her sister possess similar ocular features to Hyuga, but it still remains that the women are human, and he is not. So, I've eliminated the possibility."

"Got a plan then?"

Gaara thought for a moment then stood and gave a curt nod to Naruto. "See you tomorrow."

"It is tomorrow, you royal-" If the slam of the door didn't leave his words in his throat, the melting door handle did.

Later in the morning…

Hinata felt the bags lounging on top of her cheeks as she stared at her toes beneath the bath water. Sleep hadn't welcomed her easily last night, she probably got only a few hours of sleep. Hinata sighed. She was in what could be the worst predicament of her life, she can't find comfort in her sister, and she is sleep-deprived. She sunk lower in the water until only her eyes and bangs were above the surface. Drowning definitely crossed her mind.

"Ahem."

"….AAH!" Water splashed around the tub as Hinata struggled to cover herself and not drown in the process.

"Apologies, Miss. I've just been trying to get your attention silently and you seem deep in thought." Hinata's puzzled expression landed on a woman. She was young and carried a friendly smile. Her hair was a shiny sunshine color, pulled into a high ponytail. Her eggplant colored outfit was anything but modest yet her posture was very innocent and somewhat submissive.

"Wh-who are you?" Hinata asked, fractionally relaxing.

"Yamanaka Ino, Miss. I'll be your attending henceforth, direct orders from his majesty."

"That won't be necessary. I don't need anyone at my beck and call." Hinata reached for a towel, Ino quickly took one off the bath rack nearby before unraveling it and holding it up for her. The dark-haired girl huffed in frustration before rising from the water and wrapping herself in the offered towel. "I really d—"

"Please allow me to assist you miss. Should you refuse my aid, I believe the king will have my disposed of in assumption that I'm inadequate for this position." Ino rush the words past her lips in a low bow before looking back at Hinata.

"What's so bad about being fired from a job like th—" Hinata hushed at the pleading look in the other woman's eyes. "By disposes you… you mean." Ino nodded.

"Wha-What?! Just because… but I don't… that's ridiculous!" Hinata was at a complete loss of words.

"So, you understand, Miss. I ask again for your acceptance to be your right hand."

"Uh.. okay. But only when I ask." Ino gave a firm nod and Hinata could see the appreciation in her relieved eyes. "Okay. I'll go get dressed now."

"After the servants made your bed and tidied the room, I took the liberty of laying out some choices for you, Mi—"

"Though I hardly get demon aging, you look my age so you can drop the 'Miss' when it's just the two of us. I'm Hinata." Hinata gave an encouraging smile.

"As you wish, Hinata-san." We'll have to work on it, I guess.

Hinata turned to the bed to gaze at the luxurious pieces laid out across the sheets. They were all light-fabric dresses. They were all beautiful. Her eyes lingered on the crème colored slip dress. Ino's soon followed and she gave a nod of approval.

"This dress is very appropriate for today's weather, and it is a wonderful contrast to your long hair." Ino picked up the dress before holding it in front of Hinata. "A definite compliment to your eyes."

"Thanks." Minutes passed as the girls continued to get ready for the day but Hinata felt frustrated. As she sat and allowed Ino to manipulate her hair, she could no longer hold her tongue. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course, Hinata-san."

"Why am I here?" Ino paused for a fraction of a second before continuing.

"You were chosen as his highness' inamorata."

"Lover of sorts."

"L-Lo-Lover?"

"Hn." Ino managed to get Hinata's long locks into an appealing mid ponytail. "You'll feel cooler today with your hair up like this, and the view of your neckline will please Gaara-sama."

"Thank you but… why does he need to find a lover? I mean, he's not... um. Well he's..." Hinata didn't quite find the words coming to her mind appropriate.

"Indeed. The king's attention is one that every woman, demon or not, is envious to receive. However, those of us in the palace know of a number of them that have acted on that envy and receive consequences for it."

"I see. So he isn't looking for...for..." Damn it.

"No. I don't believe sex is on his agenda." Hinata let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. "I'll go get the guards to escort us to breakfast." With that the blonde left the room. What is his agenda?

"Great. We have some time before breakfast is actually ready. First, I'll show you around the palace and point out places you are allowed to go. Then after breakfast, I'll help you and show you how to do your duties. Okay?" Hinata nodded. Duties? She wasn't so excited any of it but she would have to get used to it, until she figured everything out. As they walked and looked around, Hinata' eyes would occasionally fall on the morbid shadows for guards that were appointed for her. This can't be the definition of royal treatment.

"This is the main hall." Ino uttered as they walked. Hinata took the time to appreciate the artwork and furniture that she hadn't noticed when she first arrived. Everything was so elegant and expensive looking. She noticed one painting of a man with almost redwood colored hair and the expressionless face that Gaara almost always had.

"I'm sure you have heard of the previous lord. I was brought here during his reign when I was just a little girl after a huge attack on my village by a vicious demon. I was the only survivor," She said.

"Oh gosh. I'm sorry." Hinata said with a small frown.

"Thank you, Hinata-san. I've enjoyed my time here with the people of Suna and I haven't done anything bad yet to get punished or scolded by the king so there isn't anything to be sorry for." She said with such a smile that Hinata returned it with one of her own.

"Why do you say it as if you're going to do something wrong?" Hinata raised a questioning brow.

"It's not a hope of mine. But Gaara-sama finds fault in everyone…eventually." Ino last word was but a whisper but Hinata chose not to question further. For now.

"What happened to him?" She said, returning to the enormous mural.

"He died a long time ago. I advise you to not discuss it around the castle though. It's against the law to speak of him, especially in the king's presence." She said in almost a whisper. Hinata nodded, making a mental note, and they continued.

After a few minutes of walking, Ino led Hinata to the kitchen and met the head cook. His name was Choji. He must have been in his mid-twenties. He had long, light brown hair and green eyes. He was a little darker than Ino and was on the bulky side when it came to his built muscles, yet he looked really strong in his own way. He also seemed like a friendly person.

"I'm Choji. It's a pleasure to meet you, milady." He said shaking hands with Hinata as she blushed.

"Nice to meet you too, Choji. I'm Hinata."

"Beautiful name to go with the beautiful face." She grinned brightly at the compliment.

After getting a quick bite of breakfast, they said their goodbyes and headed toward the dining room. It was a good size room with a big, long table located in the middle of the room and actually took up most of the room. The girls just walked through the room to get to the main hall again. Then they started walking down to the ballroom. This is massive! Hinata couldn't believe her eyes. There was a beautiful chandelier in the middle of the room. It took up most of the middle of the ceiling. There were tables for food and a shiny floor for dancing.

"Makes you want to just dance around the room."

"Yes. It's absolutely beautiful." Hinata agreed in awe.

The girls left the ballroom and went down another hall that led to another room. They walked in and it looked to be an art room. In fact, that's exactly what it was. It was a bigger room, not quite as big as the ballroom but not as small as the throne room. There were easels all over the room with paintings and drawings, some looked finished and others looked like they had yet to be done.

"This is where the master paints. He mostly does this in the morning, but sometimes he'll be here when he's had a stressful day. You'll be in charge of cleaning here. We'll comeback after the tour." Hinata was somewhat excited about that, though she didn't know why, she really wanted to see more of his work.

"I know this is a lot to remember but eventually you will get to know this place like the back of your hand, Hinata-san." She said cheerfully.

"What you really have to pay attention to is that room." They stopped walking as Ino point to a single set of doors down the hall. "That this the king's personal room which he is in frequently and doesn't allow anyone in. It used to be the Queen mother's bedroom. Don't go in there, no matter what you do. I wouldn't be surprised if he was in there right now."

"Alright." Hinata nodded.

Hinata was then brought to big double doors. Why is everything so big around here? Ino bowed and bid her a farewell to catch up on other responsibilities. She took a moment then knocked on the door.

"Come in, dear." Hinata heard the voice and opened the door. She slowly opening the door and saw Lady Chijo in an armchair near a window reading a few old looking scrolls. She looked passed her and saw rows of shelfs with about a million books and scrolls on each. How big is this place and how can they fit so much in it? "Have a seat, Hinata. I thought you should hear the rest of what I was telling you before you go back with Gaara." The look of panic didn't miss the old woman's eyes as Hinata sat down and looked at the scrolls that were laid down near her feet.

"Lady Chijo, May I ask you something first?" Hinata couldn't help but feel curious.

"Why, of course."

"Why does Gaara seem more lenient toward you? You said he never gets angry with you." Hinata couldn't help but feel that their relationship had something more.

"I'm afraid I can't answer that. Only he can." Hinata pouted at the response but nodded in acceptance. "Now..." She set the scrolls down and faced Hinata. "As I told you last night, I've cared for Gaara since he was a child, I was his teacher when he had studies during the day. I noticed his interest in art at a young age. Gaara had been a very quiet boy since the incident..." Lady Chijo looked as if she was going through a terrible flash back. Her gray eyes stayed on the flames of the flaring fire.

"Incident?"

"Gaara's father had always wanted to experiment things to gain more power and when he heard of the power of the tailed beasts...He became eager for it." Tailed beasts?! What does that have to do with him? "I had come back from a conference one evening and I was too late."

"What do you mean?"

"Gaara's father had somehow gained possession of a tailed beast and encased it in Gaara."

"Lord Gaara?" Ino looked to find Gaara new the large windows of the room sitting in front of an easel painting. He was staring intently at the stars out the windows.

"How was her first day?"

"It went well, my lord, and she seems to understand her duties—"

"That isn't what I meant." He said with annoyance laced in his voice but he continued painting.

"Oh? What did you-"

"Never mind that. From now on I want you to become close with her, to be her confidante. I want you to be with her at all times except when she's with me, Chijo, and when she is doing her duties. You will report back to me each day, understood?"

"Yes, sire." She said bowing. Ino gazed at him as he worked. He was too handsome, she wish he would find her attractive in some way. She would always make sure her hair was in tight ponytails and she wasn't too messy from work. But why did he take such an interest in this girl? Why does she get his attention? Why she would-

"Speaking of which, where is she?"

"She is with Lady Chijo, Gaara-sama." She finally saw him put down his brush and stand. She turned as he only walked past her and out of the door. She turned back in the devastation and disappointment that she was used to. She became curious as she walked forward and looked at the painting he was currently working on. She saw the beautiful replication of the night sky that he had done but much like the other unfinished paintings, there was a huge space left blank. What's supposed to go there? Why does he never fill that space in?

After five minutes of staring at it, Gaara opened the door. He felt like slapping himself, and he would have, if it didn't go against the will of his protective sand. Why can't I just enter the damn room? She was in there and he knew it. The scent of honey and jasmine, though masked by paint, struck his nose.

Gaara slid into the room and closed the door behind him. Two pairs of eyes landed on him and he was kept in place by the sight before him. Hinata stood next to a large window in a paint-splattered silk dress. She looked as if she had wash off all dirt, grim, and paint yet she still wore the dress. Said dress left no room for imagination as to extravagant figure, Gaara could see the outline of the hills and valleys of her figure. He had never wanted to be around the gold-digging whores of his village who practically threw themselves at him, but something was making his fingers twitch at the thought of what he would find under the fabric.

"Nice of you to join us, Gaara-sama."

Gaara turned to Lady Chijo, giving a curt nod while walking towards them. He could admit that he was entranced by Hinata's captivating eyes. They were mostly absent of color but not of emotion. He could see her fear, he smirked. She's trembling. I can intimidate her that easily? Her pale pink lips were slightly opened as she breathed heavily. She isn't real, there is no way it's her. He was going to prove it.

He would break her.

"If you'll excuse of for the evening, Chijo." He uttered, his eyes never leaving the dark-haired girl's frame.

"Yes, I suppose I should. Your sister will want an update of your wellbeing." Hinata gave Chijo a look of deep appreciation before the woman saw herself out. After a few wordless minutes, Gaara spoke.

"Come."

Hinata saw as he turned on his heels and walked out of the room. Confused and terrified, she quickly raced after him. Some time past and she recognized the walls of the hallways and she knew where they were going. He swiftly opened the door to her room and entered. Hinata followed suit and closed the door behind her. After what felt like an eternity of staring Hinata watched as he wordlessly stalked to the bathroom and shut the door. Huh? She sat down as she heard the sound of water running. If he was going to shower, why did he bring me here? He was taking too long and Hinata became extremely curious. She slowly stood and made her way to the door. As she was about to knock, the door opened. A gush of steam...and something hard sent her crashing to the floor.

"Itai!" She mewled as she rubbed her head and lower back. As the steam above her cleared she saw him standing looking at her, with only a towel wrapped around his lower body. She got up quickly and turned around. "Uh, why am I here?" She asked covering her eyes.

Gaara said nothing as he walked past her to one of the dressers. She could hear the drawers open and close and the movement of fabric, she assumed he was dressing for bed. A soft fabric hit her back and fell to her feet, interrupting her thoughts. She peeked to see that it was a royal blue nightgown.

"Change." He said in a commanding tone. She only nodded and turned toward the bathroom with the gown in her hands. "Here." She halted. Did he really expect her to change in front of him? He smirked at her as Hinata began to tremble slightly, he walked over to her. "One thing you will learn is that I do not repeat myself and I expect my commands to be done with urgency." She just stared wide eyed at the door of the bedroom. If I run will I make it?

"If you are incapable of doing so, I can assist you." At that she turned around to face him again, regretting it completely.

He stood before her having a good height advantage on her. He had a well-built upper body that she could see clearly with his shirt on. His hair was still slightly wet, and it stuck to his forehead and the nape of his neck. He looked very exotic and she could feel certain parts of her body agree with the thought. His eyes looked as if they were smirking at her, his face remained expressionless.

"Uh...okay. C-could you turn around then?" She asked hopefully.

"No." He crossed his arms in front of him and looked at her expectantly. Gaara could see the panic enter her eyes. She remained still just looking at him, like he was supposed to change his mind. "I give you ten seconds." 10, 9, 8... Hinata slid the straps of her dress down slowly. 7, 6, 5... Her hands began to shake as she tugged on the hem of the fabric. So, this is it? She thought just as the dress began to slide down her chest.

"Stop."