Hello peoples!
Normally I don't have the time to post this early, but I just realized that I'm not going to be able to later since life is about to get really crazy for me. I figured that I might as well post now while I still have the chance.
After this chapter I'm not sure when I'll be able to post the next one. So until things settle down I have to put this story on hiatus for the time being. Do not fret, I will try and update as soon as I can when all is well.
Read and please don't forget to review!
Now onwards my dears!
Otoakure was not a place one did not want to get to comfortable with. But one had to make do with what one had. At least that's what he kept telling himself walking down the suspiciously empty streets.
Muttering quietly to himself Kankuro avoid eye contact with the occasional stray person as he continued down his destined path. It happened to be by accident that he found himself in this foreign village; Naruto had sent word to Suna a few days earlier with news that Sasuke wanted to meet with Gaara in Oto. Instead against his will, his older sister had dispatched him under the impression that it was just for a friendly conversation. At the time both siblings knew that Gaara was going through problems and would most likely not want to speak with the Uchiha. Less more fuel be added to his already growing fires of stress, so as a last minute back-up Temari took it upon herself to send Kankuro instead. Needless to say the puppet master was not pleased with having to play negotiator for his little brother. He wasn't really good with these kinds of things to begin with. So while it seemed like an ordinary mission, it was anything but that.
There was a constant feeling that he was being watched, but every time he turned around there was no one there. Kankuro wasn't stupid, he would know if he was being followed. Years of experience had taught him to always be wary for suspicious behavior. But this wasn't one of those times when it was a game of track and being tracked. One could say that it was simply paranoia. But any outsider would have reason to feel paranoid in this damn village. It was like someone was constantly watching him no matter where he went. It was beginning to drive him mad.
It would've been nice to have directions in advance. Didn't he already past this corner already? Why did everything look the same?
Sasuke was supposedly waiting for him on the very outskirts of the village. Something about drawing less attention; well it was certainly a hell of a lot of trouble just to find the damn man. Kankuro was completely unfamiliar with Oto, despite having worked with its shinobi in the past, there was little that he knew about this mysterious village. It gave off bad vibes everywhere he went.
Shoving down the small feelings of insecurity, the brunette walked along; after many wrong turns and constant swearing later, he finally made it to the location finding the rather impatient looking Uchiha in a back alleyway.
"You're late!"
Kankuro scoffed "Well excuse me princess. I didn't exactly know where I was going".
Sasuke's eyes narrowed as he examined the man before him. He was fully aware that this was Gaara's older brother. But Gaara himself; he has been told that the Kazekage was supposed to rendezvous with him in private. Sasuke wasn't the kind of person that didn't like being taken by surprise. Especially concerning matters like this.
"What's become of Gaara?"
Kankuro resisted the urge to throttle the raven haired man before him. That tone was pissing him off, whether Sasuke was just trying to get under his skin or simply being rude was hard to say. But he didn't like the Uchiha. He would still be a wanted criminal to him no matter if Naruto vouched for him.
"Gaara was unable to come due to personal reasons. I'm here in his place".
"Pff, a heads up would've been nice. Here I was all ready to expect a Kage and I get an errand boy".
"You got a problem with me?!"
Sasuke raised one eyebrow "Depends, you haven't done anything to upset me yet".
"Oh? What that's supposed to mean".
The Uchiha simply waved him off "Look I don't have all day. Just listen to what I have to say. I'm not supposed to be here in the first place so I have to be quick".
"Why are you doing this?"
"I told you I don't have time for small talk".
Kankuro clenched his fists "Answer the damn question Uchiha!".
Sasuke rolled his eyes making a weird sound in the back of his throat. "I'm doing this because I was asked by Naruto. Believe what you want about me, but I owe Naruto everything and I can't just ignore his requests. I may come across as a wander but in truth I'm still being watched over from outside sources. If I make one wrong move then it's over for me. So there's your explanation now can we please move on. I have things to do".
Kankuro sneered a little, he really hated that annoyed tone the Uchiha was using with him. It sounded like he was scolding him. Some changed man he was, it was hard to believe this was a changed Sasuke and not the old bat-shit crazy psycho that nearly destroyed the Shinobi world.
"Alright spill it. What have you gathered so far".
Sasuke thinned his lips "It's not a pretty picture".
"Are you sure you want to talk to him?"
Temari had not let her out of her sight for these last few days. At first it was a welcomed relief since the bluenette didn't want to even look at Gaara while she was still upset. In truth she had calmed down the very next day. But to her sister-in-law's insistence she was recommended to keep away from Gaara; Temari had explained thoroughly that her brother seriously needed to figure out what the fuck was going on with himself. It wasn't fair to her that she be the victim of his tantrums so Hinata had followed Temari's warning and kept her distance. That didn't mean she was pleased about doing it, so many times she tried to escape Temari's watchful eyes to seek out her husband only to be caught in the act and scolded like a naughtily child. What was supposed to do? As normal as it was for spouses to have the occasional argument, now was not really the time for her to be doing so. As of now time was of the essence Hinata still needed to figure out a way to contact Naruto and inform him of her idea. So after waiting days she somehow managed to convince Temari that she was ready to see Gaara.
"Temari-san what Gaara did was wrong. I'm sure he's aware of that. I know that he was simply frustrated is all".
"I don't want him to hurt you again".
"He won't…I'm sure of it".
The blonde pushed some of her hair behind her ear "Hinata I wouldn't be fooled by the act, Gaara's not been acting like himself lately".
"He's stressed is all".
"Yeah right, he's just being as ass for no reason".
"Temari-san".
The bluenette placed her soft hands on Temari's shoulders "I understand what you're trying to say. But all of this is nothing more than a silly fight please let me see my husband".
"I still don't know. Gaara might need more time".
"How much more time can we give him? I think he's already been punished enough".
"You think so?"
"Please, I have to see him".
Temari scrunched her face in thought before she finally relented to Hinata's wishes. "Damn Hinata you are too kind for your own good. Fine, I guess I can allow it. But if that moron hurts you again I won't hesitate to kick his ass".
Temari lead Hinata to a private room of the residential wing. She was taking an extra precaution to make sure that her sister-in-law would be safe from her stupid brother. She needed to be positive that Gaara was in a listening mood before she let him anywhere near Hinata. It could be said that Temari was being a bit overbearing with her method. But she did have a reason for it. She couldn't be the one that got her baby brother's shit in one piece.
Without bothering to knock she stormed into Gaara's office catching him off guard, and grabbed his collar "Okay Gaara, Hinata is waiting for you in the residential area. You better not screw it up again or so help me you won't be walking on your own two feet for the next month!".
The red head could only stare in stunned silence as his grumpy older sister left as quickly as she came. That was…unexpected to say the least. But knowing that Hinata was waiting for him lifted his mood greatly. If he wasn't a master of self control he would be bouncing of the walls. He hurried to the residential wing mentally reminding himself to stay calm no matter what. He was not going to risk getting his wife upset again. Knowing his older sister's threat he was going to regret it if he did. Eventually he did find her and he nearly ran to embrace her it felt so good to finally see her again. Lavender eyes didn't give off any sign of emotion as he quietly made his way inside closing the door behind him. For five minutes they stood where they were staring at each other. As tempting as it was, Gaara refused to do anything knowing that it would be entirely up to Hinata to make the first move. He didn't want to give off any wrong impressions. So he waited for her to do something; and sure enough Hinata gestured to a nearly sofa. Taking her hint he settled himself down and she sat down next to him keeping a respectful distance; he wanted to protest but kept his mouth shut. Everything had to be done by her. He would not act unless she gave him permission too.
Hinata resisted the urge to play with her fingers. Both of them were fully aware that she needed to be the one that took action. After all she had been the one to face the brunt of Gaara's anger. So naturally she was in control of this situation since she had the advantage.
"How have you been?"
She knew that it was a lame question. But how else was she supposed to start a conversation with him. Anything to break the ice, no matter how stupid it sounded; she needed to take this slowly for her own good.
"I've missed you".
Lavender eyes drifted to the side on purpose "Oh…how nice". The red head resisted the urge to cringe. Yes, he completely deserved it. But still Hinata wasn't supposed to be like this. It was like she was a completely different person. He wasn't used to seeing Hinata so un-Hinata like.
"Hinata may I speak?"
She nodded "I want to apologize for my behavior. I did not mean to lash out at you like that. I was being irresponsible and nothing more. None of this is your fault; it's my fault for not being a better husband and for not listening to you when I should have. I'm sorry".
Gaara knew that Hinata most likely would not want to listen to petty words. So he had kept it short and went straight to the point. He couldn't tell what she was thinking since her eyes were focused somewhere else.
If Hinata was her old self she would've been content with that. But since she was going along with some bitter advice. She decided to ask him two basic questions.
"Do you love me?"
Taking a risk, Gaara extended his hand nervously and placed it on top of hers. That got her attention and her head snapped back to look at his large hand over hers before she looked at him. In an unusual display teal eyes were swimming with emotions. Hinata could clearly see the regret and guilt as well as sadness. It made her heat skip a beat.
"Hinata I love you. You are the first and last person that I will be ever able to love. I was a fool for acting that way in front of you. Please don't think that I've stopped caring. I love you, I truly do".
The bluenette swallowed hard. It was starting to get difficult to keep a serious face. "Why did it feel like you no longer appreciated our marriage?"
He knew she would ask that question; but how was he supposed to explain to her that it was a misunderstanding. He would have to word it carefully, but if he confused her even more it would mean trouble.
"I did not mean to sound like I despised married life. I was angry and nothing more. I know that we've had some problems but believe me when I say I have not once regretted marrying you. If you ever once felt like I wanted out then I deeply apologize for making you feel that way. I love you Hinata and I want to be with you for always".
His voice was so sincere, it was really difficult for her not to hold back the feelings she wanted to say. Hinata had always been the type of person that couldn't hold a grudge for very long. Sure she might come across as being too forgiving but that's how it's always been. However as much as she wanted to tell him that all was well, the battle wasn't quite won yet.
"Temari told me about your idea to send Uchiha".
"Huh? When did-what?"
"I contacted Naruto a few days ago. He said that Sasuke is already there investigating, that what you wanted to tell me before wasn't it".
Hinata's lip quivered as she nodded "So you understand?"
"Yes…I'm sorry I didn't listen. I can see your reasoning behind sending Uchiha" he chuckled bitterly "I guess even people like me can still be fools". She giggled a bit, yes that was certainly true. Everyone had their own troubles.
"Gaara?"
"Yes?"
"Can I…"
"What is it?"
Hinata's lavender eyes became slightly glossy "Can I hold you now?"
The red head hadn't expected her to say that. But the knowledge that his wife was willingly asking if she could hold him was enough to make him smile as he nodded. In a moment to fast Hinata had moved herself into his lap squeezing the life out of him. Gaara responded instantly wrapping his arms around her body. How he had missed the feeling of warm skin again his own. He knew that his wife had already forgiven him, her actions only proved that. Hinata had been right when she said that it had been nothing more than a meaningless fight. Even adults acted like kids sometimes.
"Gaara-dana I've missed you too".
He could feel wetness on his shoulder, only difference was unlike last time there were not tears of hurt. Gaara carefully wiped away his wife's tears with the back of his hand. Both of them had been crying a lot recently. But crying was not necessarily a bad thing. He had realized that crying was just another way of expression emotion. Unintentionally, Hinata was always teaching him small but important lessons of what human nature was all about.
"Hinata?"
"Hmm?"
Gaara's eyes drifted towards her cherry lips. Before returning his gaze to her eyes "Would you allow me to kiss you?"
The bluenette beat him too it. He had barely finished the sentence when he felt himself being pulled into a hot kiss. As the kiss escalated Gaara savored the taste of Hinata. There was no need to continue with apologies as of now that was all in the past. There were other more serious issues to worry about. He was expecting a report by Naruto on Sasuke's investigation. But it was so much more satisfying to have his wife shove her tongue into his mouth and entice his to dance. For now he'd allow his mind to slip into pleasure. He could worry about other things later.
Okay…I don't particularly like how the chapter went. But I suppose it's better than nothing. I need to do some serious thinking to make sure things are moving along. So hopefully the next chapter will be better. This is not my best work but please bare with it. I will make sure that this story turns out fine.
I'm not sure when my next update will be, so until it happens this is all I can give. As I've mentioned before if you have any ideas for me please do not hesitate to ask. I want to make sure my readers are satisfied with this story.
Leave lots of reviews!
Bye bye!
