Hi everybody got the newest chapter up and running.

My current workload has died down a little, so that should give me more time update. Can't say for sure that it's a guarantee, since who knows when I'll be getting more. So for now let's enjoy it while it lasts shall we.

I don't own anything.

As usual read and don't forget to review.

Now onwards my dears!


The first thought that came into Gaara's mind was that he felt like shit. It took another gentle shake for him to remember where he was and what he was doing. The third shake he forced himself to open his eyes and take in his surroundings; at the very least to stop the person who was touching him. Glaring upwards he noticed that Kankuro was hovering above him looking down at him with concern. It was a little hard to process that since his vision was still a bit blurry. He tried to sit up but immediately regretted it when a sharp pain went through his head. Probably wasn't a good idea to make a sudden movement.

"Gaara let me help you".

He found himself slowly lifted up off the floor and soon was in a sitting position with his back against the sofa. The red head groaned a bit as another jab of pain hit him.

Kankuro took in the sight of his little brother. He looked like something the cat dragged in. His clothes were out of place, his hair was mess, his skin was an unhealthy shade that could almost lean towards the green side and the stench of alcohol still lingered on his breath. It didn't take a genius to figure out that he had a bad hangover. Gaara must've been here all night no doubt, the damn fool.

Rolling his eyes the puppet master left the room to retrieve a glass of water with some medicine before returning minutes later.

"Here drink this". He had to help a little since Gaara was still a bit groggy but eventually he did get him to drink it. The cool liquid seemed to do the trick, for he did feel a little better and after taking the small pills Gaara let out a small sigh of relief.

"I feel like crap" he muttered.

"Hmm no shit, you like crap". The puppet master placed his hand on Gaara's forehead "You don't have a fever that's good".

An uncomfortable silence filled the room as the two brothers didn't bother to speak to each other. There was still that tension from last night neither of them was willing to bring up. But sooner or later one of them was going to have to stop beating around the bush and admit to their mistake the question was which one of them was it going to be?

"Gaara?"

The red head made a small sound to indicate that he was listening.

"I…I wanted to say I'm sorry. I was being a jackass last night and it didn't help that we were both drunk. I just kinda lost my temper you know". He gave a nervous chuckle "I fucked up pretty bad".

Even though Gaara was still in a bit of pain he did feel a sense of sympathy coming from his older brother. In truth they had both been incredibly stupid saying very hurtful things under the influence of alcohol and whatnot. Kankuro wasn't the only one that had guilt on his conscious.

"I apologize as well. I did not mean to belittle you like that…I was just angry at this reality and at myself. I'm so tired of all this circumstances and how I can't seem to do anything right". Gaara closed his eyes "I know that I'm not perfect. There are times when I feel like I don't know what I'm doing, but I'm here now to at least try to protect the woman I love more than anything".

Kankuro risked him giving a small smile of hope.

"You mean that?"

Gaara nodded still keeping his eyes closed "I meant what I said. I love Hinata and I do want a normal life with her, but that can only happen if one of us confronts the problem's that's been keeping us from achieving that happiness we both crave".

"I'm sorry man, for everything".

"Kankuro we both have our guilt. Let us forget about what happened last night".

That had been Gaara's way of saying that all was forgiven. One might think that the fact they were able to forgive each other so quickly was a little weird, but this was not going to weaken the bond they shared as brothers. After all Gaara had treated Kankuro far worst in the pass and he had forgiven him for that. So this was nothing to fret over. Life was much too short to be holding grudges.

"Don't go see Hiashi today".

"Why not?"

"You're in no condition to be making negotiations with that man. I'm sure that Neji or Naruto will handle it for you. They've mentioned plenty of times before that they'd be willing to help you".

The red head couldn't find any reason to argue. Even just a couple hours alone would do him a world of good. It would certainly help get his shit together before diving right back into battle.

"Thank you Kankuro".

His older brother simply nodded "By the way, this came for you. It's from Baki".

The puppet master pulled out a small folded piece of paper from his pocket "Apparently Hinata had this thought that didn't settle well with her and she went to talk to Baki about it. In return he sent this to you, saying that it may or may not give you a slight lead against Hiashi".

Holding out his hand for the message Gaara slowly went over the contents of it, raising a questioning eyebrow.

"What's it say?"

"She thinks that Hiashi may be under the influence of what appears to be an outside group…but it's much too vague to go off from. It's almost like she was afraid that someone else would find this".

I am missing something critical. But I don't know what it is. Just what exactly is up with the Hyuga clan?

Running a hand through his hair, Gaara carefully reviewed every piece of information that he had received about the Hyuga and their past interactions with Suna during the third Great War. Gaara was aware of what happened during that era but for the most part it was a very bloody time in Suna's history since Shinobi were dropping left and right. He had looked over the information from Kazu several times and knew it to be true. But it still didn't add up that missing piece of the puzzle. Clicking his tongue in annoyance Gaara tucked the paper into his pocket. He was already at the end of his rope, but it might be useful to do this.

How typical one bloody thing after another.

"Bring me Neji".

"What?"

"You heard me. I wish to speak to him about something. Perhaps he can fill in this gap".

Kankuro felt as though he should comment; but then second guessed it. He could try to talk his little brother into getting some much needed rest. But that wouldn't do any good. Once Gaara set his mind to something he always stuck with it. Forcing himself up from his spot the older brother set off to find the Hyuga leaving Gaara alone. The red head couldn't help but groan loudly as he leaned back a bit. So much for having a few hours to unwind.

"Lady Hinata are you sure that this is what you think is right?"

"Yes. I want to speak to the man who tried to kill me".

"But my Lady-"

"Please Baki-san, there's something I have to confirm".

She had been insisting for two days now that she do this. Hinata hadn't bothered to tell Temari since she knew that she wouldn't come up with plenty of excuses not to do it. Regardless this was probably the only way she could get what she needed. It had been bothering her for some time and she wanted answers to her theory. It wasn't like she was stupid or something; Hinata had thought this through multiple times and had only reached the conclusion after convincing herself that this was the best way possible. If this didn't work then she didn't know what would.

"If Gaara-sama was here, there's no way he'd let you do this".

"Well the fact that he's not means we shouldn't have any problems".

"I insist that you let one of the anbu handle it, it would be much safer to do that".

"No, I must be the one".

It wasn't that she didn't trust Suna's anbu black ops. They were damn good at what they did, but simply for the sake of putting her mind at ease Hinata knew that it had to be her.

"Baki-san this will be our little secret, I will tell Gaara myself when he returns. I understand your concern but please just let me do this. It's most important that I know something very important and chances are they only way I'm going to find out is by asking a reliable source".

Hinata waited a beat for Baki to make up his mind. He was very much loyal to Gaara, at the same time the old ninja was fond of Hinata and he respected her greatly not just because she was Gaara's wife. But that she was a highly capable shinobi that had proved she had what it took to survive. If Hinata was that determined to do this, then he would take her word for it.

"As you wish my Lady, but I strongly insist to send at least three anbu with you. Gaara will have my head if so much a scratch was inflicted upon you".

Despite the fact that she would've preferred to do this alone, Hinata knew that if she protested that Baki wouldn't allow it otherwise. Oh well, it was definitely better then not being able to do it at all, she'd let it slide.

"Thank you Baki-san".

Gaara was breathing deeply as he pinched the bridge of his nose. He had been talking with Neji for hours now to try and squeeze out any information about the Hyuga's history with Suna but that proved to be nothing but a dead end.

"Is there really nothing more you can say? I thought you said that you knew the Hyuga history".

Neji gave an irritated huff.

"I told you before. I'm only a branch member, not even I know everything about the Hyuga. You'd have much better luck with someone else".

"Are you serious?!".

"Did I stutter? Take my advice I've already told you all I know. I'm sorry but I can't tell you anymore that what I know".

The red haired Kazekage grumbled to himself angrily. Perhaps it was a bad idea to try and get information from Neji. They'd had this conversation before but in the back of his mind, he had been hoping that Hinata's cousin could still help him. Even if had given him the tiniest detail it still would've been enough to help him. He was tired of it all. It could be said that this was a last resort for help.

The Hyuga male silently scanned over Gaara's body. He did not look well. Even he could see that. These past few weeks he had noticed Gaara's health draining with each day. The man hadn't bothered to take care of himself since he arrived in Konoha. Couldn't really have that now could he? So deciding to voice his opinion the Hyuga told him something he shouldn't said a while ago.

Gaara-sama I'd suggest you go home. Clearly there's nothing more you can do here".

"Is that an offer?"

Neji thinned his lips "More like a friendly request. Look at yourself, you're a mess. Believe me when I say that my uncle is just toying with you. He's been doing the same thing with me. Shikamaru is leaving in two days; he says that it's time to go back. Please follow his example and go back to Suna".

Gaara was a little shocked to hear that. Did he seriously take him for a fool?

"What's that supposed to mean? You think that I don't have the strength left to do what's best for my wife!".

"I'm simply saying that there's nothing more to be done. Don't get so caught up in anger that you become blind. Think Gaara-sama what have you been doing this whole time, I know that you've been trying but obviously it's not working".

The red head wanted to yell, but he knew better. He knew that Neji was simply telling him the facts straight but that was just it. Gaara felt like he was being cheated by Hiashi; all these days in Konoha and he had gotten nowhere. Well shit, no wonder he wanted to scream and throw a tantrum the man had wasted his time.

"Gaara-sama" he felt a hand on his upper arm. "Please go back…for your sake and Hinata-sama's go home and think things through".

Neji would be lying if he said he wasn't concerned for Gaara. He had developed a rather odd friendship with him and he was Hinata's husband so in a way he did view the Kazekage as his brother so to speak. He was feeling a bit drained as well, Gaara was not the only one that Hiashi had worn down. The two males locked gazes; speaking some sort of silent language to each other. This continued for a minute or so till Gaara turned his head to stare at the floor.

"Maybe you're right".

Neji was well aware that Gaara had a hard time admitting that. But he wouldn't say anything.

"Then you should know that your efforts were not wasted. At least now you can tell my cousin what you learned".

"Don't try and make me feel better".

"But I-"

"No more Neji, please no more".

The Hyuga male stood up from his spot, taking a step forward to give Gaara an apologetic pat on his shoulder before quietly taking his leave. At the same moment Kankuro walked into the room noticing that his little brother looked very much defeated. He had heard everything from the next room over so he knew what had been said. Kankuro actually felt like it was best that they go back to Suna and had known it for some time. He had chosen not to say anything about it though, since he wasn't sure at the time how Gaara would respond. But he was in agreement with Neji for this one. It was time to go back; all that they could do had already been done here.

Taking a few steps he stopped before Gaara. It was a little hard to resist the urge to hug him, he looked so utterly defeated.

"We'll leave with Shikamaru in two days".

Kankuro nodded "Yes…we'll go home".

Gaara turned his attention to his brother, his teal eyes had a worn out expression. His voice sounded broken as he spoke.

"I miss my wife".

"She'll be happy to see you".

"Will she?"

"What do you mean?"

"Will she really? I did tell her I'd try".

"Gaara don't say that. I won't have you feel sorry for yourself".

Kankuro took one step closer so that he could place a hand on Gaara's shoulder. "No more sulking, think of what Hinata would say".

Shrugging the hand off him, Gaara placed his hand over his eyes. Hoping that his brother wouldn't notice that he felt like crying. He wasn't a baby, he was Kazekage but sometimes he forgot that he still had emotions just like everyone else.

Sensing that Gaara needed to be alone Kankuro left the room to give his brother some much needed space; soon as he was gone he heard the sounds of Gaara's sobs and he resisted the urge to turn around and comfort him. He sighed; going back to Suna couldn't come soon enough for both of them.

Alright I think that good for about now.

Next chapter will be a little more interesting so until then this will do. I might be able to post the next chapter up sooner if I get enough reviews.

Please do not hesitate to leave me some. Believe me when I say they are very much appreciated.

Love to everyone!