Hello everybody!
I'm sorry you had to wait a while, but I was on vacation and I really didn't want to do any writing while I was traveling. But I'm ready to get going again.
Please read and review!
If you see any spelling mistakes I aplogize.
Now onwards my dears!
With the opening of the third eye connected to his optic nerve, the Kazekage then started to scan the landscape for any sign of Hanabi.
Gaara had grown impatient of no news whatsoever and decided to step in to do something about it. He knew that Hanabi was hiding somewhere in his country and he was going to find her no matter what. She was more trouble than she was worth. But she was still Hinata's sister and he knew that his wife needed to have her back for her own safety. He had already sent out some of his best tracking ninja to look for any clues to her whereabouts, when you added him to the search Hanabi's chances of hiding were limited.
Having been born and raised in Suna, Gaara knew the desert like the back of his hand. He had a few ideas in his head as to where Hanabi might be but he'd have to wait a little longer till he came up with something. The sand eye looked far and wide; while it was useful there was a limit to far his vision could go. And he was starting to feel the strain of it, as his left eye began to ache a bit. Still the red-head kept it going hoping to find some sign of his sister-in-law. Eventually Gaara was forced to stop when the pain in his eye was too great. He had pushed his third eye as far as it would go. But that still wasn't enough. He would have to resume the search another time. But for now, he'd would have to rely on his trackers that were out there somewhere in the vast dunes.
His wife on the other hand was not having any good fortune at all. Hinata had spent three extra days in Konoha wishing that her sister would appear but nothing was heard. Naruto had done everything that he could but Hanabi wasn't in Konoha and nobody knew if she would even come or not. The bluenette thanked her friend for his help, and Naruto promised that he would inform her and Gaara immediately should her sister do decide to come to Konoha. Hinata was a little grateful that her dear friend was here to help but she did feel a little guilty that she was preventing Naruto from his personal life. The blonde had reassured her that she had nothing to worry about and it was best that she return to Suna.
"Hinata-sama what do we do now?"
"Kankuro-san, Baki-san we should go now".
Well that didn't really do anything, but at least we gave it a try". Kankuro's light humor didn't exactly help the matter but it had been attempt to try and ease Hinata's worries. She was still a nervous wreck after all.
All three of them agreed that they'd have better luck in Suna. Kankuro had told her that she did the right thing looking in Konoha, but to Hinata she felt like it was a waste of time.
"I've cost us dearly and we must hurry". Baki had sent word to Gaara that they'd be arriving soon and then the journey home began.
Hinata didn't bother to speak as she went as fast as she could, she had a new resolve now and she wanted things to finally start going her way. Kankuro and Baki sensed that Hinata was in a hurry and both of them knew not to talk to her; not while she was working things out in her head. Sure, she'd give the occasional command every now and then but for the most part there was no talking. Rather Hinata didn't have any reason to talk at all, so the three-day journey back to Suna was quiet.
A few days later when they arrived home, Shikamaru had news that Hanabi had been spotted. She was traveling along the border that marked the boundary between the Land of Wind and the Land of Lighting.
Shikamaru didn't really have much to go on, but it was enough to at least some ease to those that were searching for her. Action had already been taking to try and locate her.
Hearing the news Hinata was overjoyed to know that her sister found, Gaara had already sent a ninja squad to try and retrieve her under his strict orders not to cause a scene. He was not going to let his wife go on this expedition she needed to rest for a bit. But Hinata had other ideas.
"Gaara-dana please don't do this, I must speak with Hanabi".
"I've told you before I have everything under control. Don't start an argument with me Hinata".
"But-"
"No! It's bad enough that Hanabi tricked you. Should you go off again you could lose her for good. Let me handle this I know what I'm doing".
This was an argument Hinata knew she couldn't win. Her husband did have a point but he was making her feel like she had been searching for nothing. Her sister was not going to come quietly and both of them knew this. She trusted that Gaara wouldn't hurt Hanabi, but her little sister was going to put up a fight.
"You know Hanabi won't back down".
"Yes, that's why I intend to go myself".
"But why? Let me go instead".
Gaara ran a hand through his hair "Hinata please don't start this again. Your sister is on the border to a neighboring village, unless I go they could get the wrong idea. And that last thing I want is a war to break out. I will do whatever I can to make sure that Hanabi is safe but you have to understand, that this is no simple matter people could potentially get hurt".
Hinata felt like crying but she reminded herself not too.
"Gaara-dana I know that this is my fault; but you need to let me do this. My sister will listen only to me, you'll only end up provoking her. You'll be driving her into a corner and she'll fight back".
Gaara closed his eyes for a moment trying to think of a counter statement but he came up with nothing. His wife was right, Hanabi was going to fight back and he knew that he couldn't handle this on his own. He didn't want her to handle this by herself yet at the same time Gaara was fully aware that the situation was between the Hyuga which was something that he didn't really have part of.
"Are you sure that Hanabi will listen to you. She may toss you aside". Hinata thought for a moment, her husband was speaking honestly, should her sister decide to ignore her than the matter would get much worse. But still she had to try.
"I know the stakes and I'm fully prepared to take them. Hanabi is my responsibility and I must do whatever it takes to help her. You are right, she may very well choose to throw my advice away but even if she does I have to keep trying".
Is she was once her old self, Hinata would've cowered and backed down not having said anything more on the matter doubt running through her. But she was different now, so much different. She wouldn't allow herself to let someone tell her what was best for her not even her husband.
Her lavender eyes told her inner feelings. Gaara could see the determination in them plain as day.
While he still wished she'd leave it to him, he gave up knowing there was nothing he could do to stop his wife. Pinching the bridge of his nose he accepted her conclusion. "Fine I will let you come with me. But I want you beside me no matter what I will not take any chances losing my wife".
Hinata did a little happy dance in her head when her husband agreed. Sometimes a push in the right direction was all that was needed for things to happen. She kissed him sweetly and he reluctantly returned her kiss. "Thank you" "Hn". He kissed her again "I will bring back my sister no matter how long it takes".
The very next day the Kazekage and his wife started their mission to the border that lead to Kumogakure. Baki and Kankuro wanted to accompany them but they were needed to look after the village in Gaara's absence. Hena was left in the care of Temari promising that she would be well taken care of. The couple had ventured off alone, there really wasn't any need to take a full squad; besides the less people the better they did not want to give off the wrong impression. It was a long trip to reach the border to Kumo. It would take at least a weak and because of the altitude and mountain ranges it would be no easy search for Hanabi.
Hinata felt as though she should say something to her husband but for whatever reason she couldn't think of anything.
This was not an easy mission but she still felt like they needed to talk. They had a long way to go after all. A few times she debated whether or not she should speak but her husband knew what she was thinking and he was the one that finally broke the long quiet silence between them.
"If you want to speak then speak".
His voice made her jump a little as she was not expecting him to talk. A blush went over a face from embarrassment "I'm sorry". Gaara raised an invisible eyebrow at his wife "What are you apologizing for?" "I...I don't know". It was a bad habit that Hinata had, one that had stuck with her since she was very young. Gaara suddenly stopped which in turn caused her to stop "Is something wrong?" he didn't say anything he simply stared at her. "Ano..." she resisted the urge to fumble with her fingers out of nervousness. Her husband was giving her a weird look and it was making her uncomfortable. "Did I do something wrong?" her question had been asked out of curiosity but to her confusion Gaara took her in his arms.
"I can tell that your hesitating to talk to me".
Her blush only deepened as she looked into those teal eyes.
"I...Um...Well". She couldn't really think of an answer for that. Hinata was embarrassed with herself for this little awkward moment. She wasn't a child for goodness sake.
Amused by his wife's embarrassment Gaara leaned in closer so that his forehead was pressed against hers. "There is nothing that you have to apologize for. If you want to have a conversation with me just say so". Hinata's face grew redder it was like her brain was working backwards or something. She had no idea how it got to this.
"O-okay". Her voice sounded a bit like a squeak causing Gaara to chuckle a bit.
To settle her down he kissed her nose, then her cheeks before pressing his lips against hers. This seemed to do the trick and Hinata was much more relaxed then she was a few minutes ago.
"You are my wife, don't be afraid to talk to me".
"I love you" she blurted out and she Hinata looked ready to faint.
Gaara could only laugh softy as he kissed his wife once again "I love you too". Despite her embarrassment Hinata smiled at him and he smiled back at her before pecking her cheek sweetly. Taking her hand the couple continued their journey to Kumo hoping to find Hanabi.
I thought that little fluff scene was a nice way to end it.
Next chapter will be up in a few days, I'm planning something ahead but I'm not sure yet how I want to add it. I really like positive reviews, and I'm open to any ideas.
Until next time!
Goodbye!
