Hi everyone!
I have a new chapter ready to go.
This may be the last one for a while, work load needs my attention. Plus exams and all are around the corner. But I promise that if I have a spare moment I'll update as soon as I can!
I apologize for spelling mistakes, those drive me crazy!
Everything goes to Kishimoto Sensei!
Onwards my dears, onwards!
Gaara was a bit surprised when an unexpected visitor appeared in his office. Shikamaru was a common sight, but Naruto? The loud mouth blonde had showed up with the Nara in the middle of nowhere and now they were standing in front of his desk.
"Gaara! It's good to see you, how's life been? You know you really should get out of this office there's some better stuff to do outside". Gaara really didn't know how to respond to Naruto's constant babbling. He cared for his closest friend, really he did but there were times when he was just a bit too much for him. Thankfully Shikamaru stepped in when he did. "Hey Naruto, aren't you gonna tell Gaara the real reason why where here?" The blonde smiled sheepishly "Yeah actually were here to see how Hinata-chan is doing". Gaara's eyes widened "Come again?"
"Well you see, everyone really misses her back in Konoha and Hanabi has been so miserable since her older sister left. She requested that I ask how she's been and um...well I kinda wanted to catch up with an old friend also".
A part of Gaara felt rather flattered that Naruto had wanted to visit him, but he could understand perfectly why Hinata would be missed so much. Shikamaru was staring out one of the windows, he did want to check up on Hinata, but he was mainly in Suna in hopes of seeing Temari. He practically had to beg Naruto to let him come along. The wind mistress had a hold on his heart. And he'd be damned if he let her get away so easily.
"Naruto I would like to request something of you".
"What's that?" Gaara didn't speak up right away. But he knew that he needed help in protecting his wife. "It's concerning Hinata". Naruto now had his full attention, when it came to any of his friends. Naruto became very protective.
"I fear that Hinata is in danger".
"WHAT?!" Gaara winced a bit as the blonde shouted at the top of his lungs. "It's like this, do you remember my old apprentice Matsuri?" Naruto thought for a moment "Oh yeah! That cute little girl we rescued sure, what about her?"
"She's had feeling for me, for many years but I've never liked her in that manner to be honest I'm fed up with her altogether. A few days ago she tried to seduce me in hopes that I'll love her in return. And she's angry, she's angry at Hinata for thinking that she has everything she doesn't". Gaara paused for a moment "Matsuri is clever Naruto, she's really good at getting what she wants and I know that she'll hurt Hinata. She'll try to take revenge on her in order to get closer to me and I don't know what to do that's why I'm asking for your help".
Gaara didn't like the fact that he would have to share this burden with the Hokage. But he made a promise to his friend to keep Hinata safe and he was going to do just that no matter what.
Naruto thought long and hard for a while. "I'll be sure to help you out. Hinata is one of my dear friends and I'd never be able to live with myself if something were to happen". The red head turned to Shikamaru who was chuckling softly.
"Women...never did understand them, especially when it comes to these kinds of things. But Hinata will be kept safe I promise you that I'll do my best".
Gaara gave a soft smile at his two friends, at least they helped to ease his woes for the time being.
Shikamaru looked a tad embarrassed as he scratched his head nervously "Say Gaara, do you suppose I could meet up with Temari later...I'd like to talk to her". His cheeks darkened a bit, Shikamaru wasn't used to stepping outside his personal boundaries but with Temari he'd gladly make an exception.
The red head slowly nodded, he knew of his older sister's love interest for the Nara and what a surprise she'd get when she found out he was here. "Yes of course". After Naruto and Shikamaru were escorted to their rooms, Gaara thought about how Hinata was doing. His wife had told him once that she occasionally misses him when he's working. The quality time they spent together was rather limited do to his work and all. But at that moment he decided to make an exception. He could leave Kankuro and Baki in charge for a few hours.
Standing up he straightened his clothes and after a few long moments walked to the mansion portion of the tower. To find his wife in the kitchen, the smell of cookies tickled his nose and his curiosity got the better of him. Hinata was so caught up in her cooking that she didn't notice her husband walk up behind her. She was startled for a moment but a kind smile soon graced her features. "Gaara-dana!" She said rather happily; the red head gave a soft smile at her. Gaara found himself smiling more often at Hinata. She just seemed to have this vibe that caused him to bring out his loving side more and more. The woman had incredible talent when it came to teaching him all sorts of things.
"Gaara-dana what are y-you doing here? I thought you had work".
"I wanted to spend some time with you".
"O-Oh!" For some reason, Hinata felt all giddy inside. Gaara had never wanted to find her before; she would always seek him. But to know that he wanted to spend his precious time with her was actually very sweet.
"Um...I" A blush dusted her pale cheeks "I made these cookies for you I t-thought that you might have a sweet tooth o-or something". She offered him one, and their hands brushed as he took it. It was still warm, raising it to his lips he bit into it and a gooey sensation of chocolate filled his mouth. It was good, his wife sure knew how to please him. Hinata hesitantly raised her fingers to gingerly wipe the smudge of chocolate that had stained the side of his mouth before offering it to him. His tongue slowly licked it off causing her to blush even deeper, their eyes never leaving each other.
"Thank you". He said softly and Hinata felt her face darken even more.
She slowly took a cookie for herself and the couple ate their sweets in a comfortable silence. "G-Gaara-dana?" The red head was completely focused on his wife "Yes?" Hinata didn't say anything for a moment "W-Would you like to go for a w-walk around the village. I'd like to see what it holds".
Gaara was at first a bit taken back at his wife suggestion. Up until now she had never requested anything from him, but he really wanted to try and get closer to her. Perhaps this was a good way to do so. Finishing his cookie he took his wife's hand and soon they were walking down the streets of Suna hand in hand.
Since coming here Hinata, hadn't really the time to do some exploring. Suna was very different from Konoha but in the short time that she's lived in the village she had grown to love it.
The two of them talked a bit, as they walked alongside each other. Hinata tried to avoid asking questions concerning her husband's past as she was informed by Kankuro and Temari that Gaara's childhood hadn't been the best. It ended up actually that she ended up talking more about herself which she really didn't mind. It was nice to have someone to open up too. And Hinata was sure that Gaara would eventually tell her everything once he felt more comfortable around her.
As they walked past a play structure a small group of young children stopped playing and ran up happily to them. Hinata watched as Gaara smiled down at the children patting their heads. It made her happy to see her husband interacting with kids. It gave her hope that in the future when the eventually did produce offspring Gaara would make a kind father.
"Lord Gaara, who's this lady? She's awfully pretty". Hinata blushed a bit at the compliment.
"This is Hyuga Hinata, she is my wife". All the children then bowed their heads "Lady Hinata it's an honor to meet you". The bluenette smiled "I'm very happy to meet all of you".
A small girl then tugged at her hand "Please join us for some games, please play with us!" A chorus of pleas was heard from the children as they tugged on Hinata's clothing begging her to join in. Seeing all their adorable faces Hinata found herself unable to resist and it wasn't long till she was happily playing games while Gaara watched with a smile on his face.
"Gaara-dana would you like to join?"
The red head was taken back by the children all begging him to play hide and seek with them. Hinata had a smile on her face as she gently took her husband's hand and ever so slightly tugged on it. "It will be fun give it a try". Gaara was unable to deny his wife's encouragement and he soon followed her as they found the children hiding in various locations.
Needless to say, Gaara actually found these games to be quite fun. Perhaps because he never got the chance to play these games as a child that he never knew the joy they could bring. All too soon the fun ended when the red head reminded his wife they should probably keep moving. Hinata waved goodbye to the children promising that they'd all play again soon.
They walked all around the village meeting new faces and exploring new sights. Hinata never knew that Suna could be so beautiful especially as the sun set over the horizon. It was gorgeous, a marvelous display of colors that painted the sky.
It got even better when the night stars appeared. They were just breathtaking, nothing was in the way to bloke the view and Hinata was simply amazed by it all.
"Gaara-dana thank you so much for showing me your village it meant a lot to me".
The red head looked at his beautiful wife, under the moonlight she was positively radiant. He moved a bit closer to her "Your welcome".
Gaara was finding it very difficult to take his eyes off Hinata, her lavender eyes brought out her indigo locks which seemed to shimmer with gentle hues of silver in the dark. No doubt about it, Hinata truly was beautiful inside and out and Gaara was finally starting to understand why he was falling in love with her.
He cupped her face. "Hinata I have to tell you something". She looked at him with her full attention "Yes?" Gaara paused for a moment, he knew that it may be too soon but it just felt so right.
"I love you". Those three simple words were enough to make her heart stop. She couldn't believe what she had just heard, someone was actually telling her that they loved her. It seemed too good to be true. And yet here they were standing on the rooftop gazing into each other's eyes. He had just confessed his love for her. Did she love him back? Was it all to fast? She simply didn't know.
Hinata didn't say anything for a long time. The internal battle within herself raged for some time before finally she made her decision.
"Gaara-dana I love you too".
It was true she really did love him. It had taken her so long to forget about Naruto that she almost believed that there was no hope in someone ever loving her. But with Gaara it felt so right, like it was just meant to be or something like that. Hinata was finally allowing herself to love again and she couldn't be more happier with her conclusion.
He kissed her tenderly and Hinata melted to the feel of his lips. Why did it feel so good to be kissing him like this, her senses seemed to dull as the kiss became more and more passionate. Soon their arms were around each other and the desire was building up. Gaara had never wanted a woman the way he wanted Hinata. The feeling inside of him was growing and he was starting to imagine the many ways Hinata could say his name.
Both of them stopped kissing suddenly panting heavily. Hinata knew what she wanted but she didn't feel ready just yet to cross that bridge. It was all happening too fast, they had just declared their love for each other they could go any further, not yet at least.
Gaara took her in a hug, she felt wonder pressed against him. Life had changed for him so much since marrying Hinata and wasn't ever going to let her go. He needed her, like she needed him.
"It's cold". He nodded "Come". Picking her up his sand swirled around them and soon they were in his-their bedroom. He gently placed her on the bed with his hand on his cheek.
"Gaara?" He didn't answer he simply rubbed his thumb over her smooth skin.
"Hinata...I love you and I want to protect you. Would you let me love you?"
His question was a bit odd but she nodded anyway. "Yes...would you allow me to love you?" He gave her his answer with a brief kiss.
Neither of them knew what was happening. But whatever it was both of had a feeling that this was definitely the start of something.
I know this chapter is a bit short, sorry about that but I didn't really have time to make it longer. My work load if off the charts at the moment and so many thing need my attention. I promise as soon as I have everything on track I'll give you all a nice long chapter. There's going to be a bit more Gaahina in the next few but not too much, a good story needs more than just romance.
Please review!
Goodbye my dears!
