A/N: Hey all! Guess who's back with another frustrating chapter?

Again, apologies for the later than I had hoped update, things are a little hectic for the time being, and I should warn you guys that the next update will most probably be up next month... I AM SORRY I CAN'T HELP IT

BUT AGAIN! Not to worry, I promise I'm not going anywhere.

Especially since I have a lot of... exciting things lined up for our favourite couple hehehehe

Anywho, I hope you guys enjoy yet another chapter of mayhem!

Something doesn't feel right…

"Hanabi," Hiashi reluctantly approached his youngest in the dojo, his brows knotted in doubt as he glanced at the brown envelope in his clutches.

"What?!" The heiress seethed, shattering yet another tackling dummy into smithereens with a barbaric kick.

"Ah," The patriarch cleared his throat, doing his best to maintain his composure despite feeling the threat of death in the face of his terrifying daughter.

Sometimes he wondered about the fate of the clan, should she take over one day.
He pities the future generation of Hyuuga… and himself.

"A letter from Suna arrived for your sister this morning. It seems your plan was successful."

"Damn, that was quick!" Hanabi guffawed proudly, dabbing her sweaty hands on her pants as she enthusiastically skipped towards her father.

"Sometimes, even I'm impressed by myself. You should feel blessed having a genius daughter, old man."

"Yes… truly blessed." Hiashi grunted.

She eagerly snatched the letter out of his hands and tore it open, her pale eyes gleaming with excitement.

Hiashi quietly watched her scan through the page with bright eyes and a huge grin on her face.

He had never seen her so delighted before.

It would appear that she thrives on mischief. She scares him to no end.

Dear Hyuuga Hinata-san,

I would like to express my sincerest gratitude and appreciation for your kind letter. I am very flattered by your ardent interest in me.

You must forgive me if at any time my reply seems standoffish, it is simply because I have never received such a confession before. I truly don't know how to go about this. But I would very much like to get to know you better. Perhaps, once we are better acquainted, I would be able to address your feelings and requests more efficiently.

I await your favourable reply.

Warmest regards,

Gaara of the Desert.

"What a boy scout." Hanabi snorted.

"Well?" Hiashi squinted at the piece of paper, curiously poking his head around to catch a glimpse of the Kazekage's reply.

"Has the Kazekage expressed any interest in your sister?"

"Well, duh." Hanabi rolled her eyes and messily folded the letter before shoving it into her pocket, refusing to allow Hiashi even a slight peek at its contents much to his disappointment.

"Leave this to me old man, I know what I am doing."

"I suppose." Hiashi sighed, stroking his chin in thought. "It's just that… this feels dangerously… illegal."

"What? So now identity theft and fraudulent letters are a crime?"

"Well… yes."

"Fine then. Just don't come crying to me when nee-san runs back to her creepy ex-boyfriend and ends up being chained in his basement."

"…You're right. I apologise."

"You're damn right I'm right!" Hanabi growled, stomping her foot on the ground with enough force to shake the very foundation of the dojo. It's a miracle the compound has managed to survive her outbursts and tantrums after all these years.

"Now if you want to be useful," Hiashi almost squeaked as she confronted him, nose to nose, her demonic glare piercing into his soul.

"Get me one of those high tech portable cameras. I am going to need them to seal the deal. Alright, old man?"

"Hn." Hiashi nodded, beads of anxious sweat trickling down the sides of his face as she abrasively pushed past him.

Where did he go wrong?

Yes, he might have been slightly abusive to them when they were children but surely, he doesn't deserve to be mistreated this way – especially since he has matured into such a doting father.

Karma is a cruel vixen.

At least at the end of the day, he still has his adorable Taro.

"By the way," Hiashi tensed at his daughter's sharp tone.

"If your fat fucking pig takes a shit in the living room one more time, I'm turning it into bacon."

Hiashi blanched.

Perhaps it is time he finally got in touch with a skilled exorcist.

Sasuke stared at the empty glass in his hand, the dark circles underlining his dull black eyes was a clear testament of his lack of sleep.

He was seated on the stool by the counter, his posture impeccable despite his obvious exhaustion. The bar was horribly crowded yet not a single person dared to take the empty seats by the counter Understandably so – a well-rested Sasuke was hardly a friendly presence; they didn't want to find out what sort of ghastly monstrosity a sleep deprived Sasuke would be.

The poor bartender who unfortunately had no choice but to stay put was living his worst nightmare.

"Hey," Sasuke knocked his glass against the countertop, gesturing to ghostly pale bartender for a refill.

"Y-Yes sir!" He quickly grabbed a pitcher of beer and filled the glass with shaky hands, screaming internally as he feared that his sweaty palms would slip and his children would end up fatherless.

"Hn." The Uchiha grunted for him to stop, bringing the filled glass to his dry lips.

The bartender breathed a sigh of relief, hugging the pitcher to his chest as he rejoiced that he would live to see his family another day.

He should definitely ask for a raise.

Sasuke greedily chugged down the alcohol as though he was quenching a thousand year old thirst. He groaned as the burning sensation streamed down his throat and pooled in his stomach, frustrated that his vision was still clear and his head was still muddled with unrelenting thoughts.

He wanted a moment of silence, just for awhile at least. He didn't want to think anymore.

I miss her.

Ew, no. No, he doesn't.

It's been so long since I've seen her.

So what?

I can't sleep.

It's not because he yearns for her warmth or anything, maybe he has bed bugs.

Besides, sleep is for the weak.

Yeah, I don't need sleep.

I don't need her.

…Right?

"Sasuke-kun!"

The crowd gasped as a blonde kunoichi cheerily addressed the ex-avenger, waving enthusiastically and approaching him with little regard for her safety.

Sasuke cringed at the sound that broke his reverie, looking over his shoulder to scowl at the source of that irritating, high pitched call. His glare was met by a vaguely familiar face – certainly not anyone of interest.

The surrounding customers collectively offered their prayers to the brave woman who threw her life away as she sat on the stool right next to the infamous Uchiha – she was still so young and beautiful, what a pity, they thought.

"Fancy meeting you here! It's been so long!" She chirped, grinning brightly at him.

"Who are you?" Sasuke raised brow, his angry scowl in full force, not at all bothered to mask his annoyance.

"It's me, Ino." She laughed awkwardly and scratched her cheek, an embarrassed blush tinting her cheeks.

"…Who?"

"You probably can't recognise me because of my hair. I switched it up a little."

Ino's lips twitched in frustration as he scoffed and turned away, grunting at the bartender to refill his glass.

He's… much less charming than she remembered.

"Anyway…" She cleared her throat, determined to break through his icy exterior.

"How have you been?"

"Peachy." He replied dryly, sipping on his beer with a bored expression.

"That's good to hear. I am glad at least one of you are coping."

Ino had to fight back an excited smile as he shot her a curious look.

"What do you mean?"

Obviously, that got his attention.

Jackpot.

She could practically taste the sweet, juicy drama that was about to ensue.

"Well, Hinata hasn't really… oh, never mind. I don't want to stir things up..." She redirected her gaze to the ceiling and covered her mouth with her hand, masterfully feigning guilt.

Ino was a simple woman.

She didn't want much out of life, all she asks is for a little entertainment every now and then.

And what's more entertaining than an adorably chaotic lover's spat?

Don't get her wrong, she truly cares for sweet old Hinata, but a little harmless meddling wouldn't hurt, would it?

She is sure deep down, Hinata would appreciate her spicing up their sad break-up.

"What is it?" He shifted in his seat to face her, suddenly infinitely interested in the conversation.

"Tell me."

"I mean, I guess you do have a right to know…" Ino pursed her lips, her guise of seeming conflicted was impeccable.

"Hinata has been downright miserable. Apparently, she's been cooping herself up in her bedroom and crying all day. Her dad was so worried that he actually reached out to us for help!"

"Is that so…" His lips curved into a small, satisfied smirk.

"Yeah. It's pretty sad huh?"

"Yes, it is."

Liar. Ino stifled a mischievous giggle.

"The poor thing. I wanted to give her the space to heal on her own you know? I didn't want to smother her but I can't just sit back and watch her spiral into depression."

"You're a good friend, Enoki." Sasuke rested his chin on his fist, flashing an appreciative smirk.

"…It's Ino. Enoki is a mushroom." Ino seethed through gritted teeth, plastering on a wavering smile.

"Right, right."

She can't believe that she used to fawn over this obnoxious jerk!

Honestly, what was Hinata thinking?!
Though it would be relatively easy to ignore his troll personality with a face like that…

Curse the unrivalled hotness of the Uchiha clan!

"So, how do you plan to uplift her spirits? I could help if you want. It pains me to know that she's under duress." He looked far too amused to emit sincerity.

"Actually, the rest of the gang kind of thinks that it would be best to keep her away from you for the time being."

Sasuke's face fell into a sour frown, much to Ino's delight.

Gosh, this was way too easy.

"But personally, I think you'd be a big help to her right now. That's why, I'm going to tell you something but you didn't hear it from me, okay?" Ino winked.

"Hn." Sasuke eagerly leaned close to the blonde, lured by the prospect of catching the elusive Hyuuga.

"There's a mentorship program going on next week at the academy and we convinced Hinata to volunteer with us. We figured it would be a good distraction – and, it seemed like the last place she'd ever end up bumping into you."

"True. Disciplining young miscreants isn't really my cup of tea."

Surprise, surprise. Ino mused.

"But if it would help Hinata, then I'm more than happy to oblige."

Ino felt the weight of her actions bearing down on her shoulders at the sight of his devilish smirk, devious intent gleaming in his obsidian eyes.

"Now, enlighten me about these vile children."

Ino let out a nervous chuckle, attempting to mask her growing discomfort.

Maybe… just maybe… this was a grave mistake.

Dear Hinata,

I apologise for my absence, there were some very pressing issues I had to attend to.

I miss writing to you.

I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I should tell you that I had some reservations when I received your first letter. I wasn't sure if it was wise for me to respond to you. I was afraid of the emotions I felt at the time.

But I'm now very glad that I reached out to you. I'm glad I got to know you.

I hope I have not overwhelmed you. I am just expressing my very honest feelings.

I have attached a photo of the cactus flower I told you about in my previous letter. I'm in it as well. I hope that it will provide solace to you whenever I'm away for too long.

If it's alright with you, could I also ask for a picture of you? Again, I mean no offense when I say this but I do not know your face.

I wish to see you.

Sincerely,

Gaara of the Desert.

"Ha!" Hanabi snorted.

"Can no one resist my transcendent charms?" She sighed, in complete awe of herself.

She tucked the letter into the pile she had kept hidden in her underwear drawer, the stack of papers had grown considerably over the past few months.

Honestly, the plan was progressing much faster than she had expected.

Her powers of seduction were truly out of this world.

"How boring." Hanabi shook her head as she scrutinised the photo that was clipped onto his letter. The red head was donned in his usual attire that seemed far too uncomfortable to be wearing in the desert, he sported a shy smile and pink blush, staring into the camera whilst holding on to a potted cactus bearing a red flower.

He was cute, no doubt but he could have been a tad more adventurous with the picture.

She wasn't expecting his dong to be out and saluting her or anything, but at least strike a sexy pose! Take off that goddamn robe and flaunt some pecs and abs!

"I'll show you how it's done, Kazekage-sama." She chuckled darkly as she grabbed her brand new portable camera.

"Prepare to be annihilated."

…What time is it?

Hinata groaned wearily and rolled over in her futon with great difficulty. She rubbed her heavy eyes and squinted at her bedroom window which was draped shut, the meagre streaks of sunlight that managed to peek through tells her that it was day time.

She then wondered what day it was. How many days has it been since she took a shower or had a proper meal?

When was the last time she even got up? She didn't know.

She can't seem to get up. She feels so tired. Why is she tired? She hasn't been doing anything.

She's just so tired.

"Hey!"

"Eek!" Hinata squealed, frantically scrambling under the covers as her sister burst into her room without warning.

"H-Hanabi-chan! Y-You scared me!" The frazzled Hyuuga gasped, clutching her blanket to her heaving chest.

"How long do you plan on being holed up in here like a sad sap?!" Hanabi raged as she stomped towards the gloomy mess curled up in the futon.

"It's been nearly half a year since you kicked that piece of shit to the curb! I was hoping you'd snap out of it on your own but I think it's about time for some tough love!"

Hinata jumped as her scary sibling slapped both her cheeks and dragged her up to eye level to meet her stern glare.

"Now tell me, who's the ultimate being of this earth?"

"… Y-You are…?" Hinata swallowed audibly, evidently terrified.

"Exactly! You have a responsibility as my sister to act with more dignity for the sake of my reputation! You're a disgrace damn it!"

"I-I am sorry…" Hinata sniffled, her solemn, tired eyes glistening with fresh tears. "I'm trying… it's just…"

"Trying how?! By stewing here in your own filth?! Get a grip woman! That slime ball isn't worth it! Now, repeat after me." Hanabi cleared her throat and raised her right hand, gesturing for her docile older sister to follow suit.

"I, Hyuuga Hinata."

"I-I Hyuuga Hinata." Hinata mumbled as she held up a shaky hand, her voice laced with insecurity.

"Am a hot piece of ass."

"Am a h-hot piece of a-a-ass."

"And I am going to stop being a pathetic wimp and strap on my high heels –"

"I-I can't walk in high heels." Hinata hesitantly interjected.

"What?!" Hanabi furrowed her brows, her pale eyes filled with disdain.

"You're a fucking shinobi, what do you mean you can't walk in high heels?"

"I-I have wobbly ankles..."

"For fuck's sake…" Hanabi groaned in frustration, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Forget it! The point is, you're going to get your butt out of this bed, okay?"

"O-Okay…" Hinata nodded weakly, biting down on her quivering bottom lip, holding back her sobs as the younger Hyuuga continued to chastise her.

"And you're going to march out of this room and fucking do something with your life! Unless you want to waste your years away and end up as an old, lonely hag with wrinkly, saggy boobs. Cause that's what happens to women who lay in bed all day and sloth around, you know. Is that what you want? Do you want wrinkly, saggy boobs, nee-san?!"

"N-No ma'am."

"Good! Now,"

Hanabi's nose crinkled as she took a deep breath in, her dark brows twisted in displeasure.

"Why on earth does it smell like a rotting carcass in here?"

"O-Oh um…" Hinata shamefully sank into her pyjamas.

"T-That might be me…"

"When was the last time you showered? Or changed your clothes?"

"I'm not so sure actually…"

"Fuck! The stench is making my eyes water! Damn it nee-san, you're a fucking biohazard! Take those putrid pyjamas off and burn it! Don't you dare put it in the laundry, it'll destroy anything it touches!"

"Y-Yes." Hinata sighed, clumsily pulling her top over her shoulders and slipping out of her pants, setting her garments aside on command.

"Go take a shower after this too, got it?!"

"Y-Yes!"

Hanabi nodded in approval, watching her obedient older sister sit on her knees and square her shoulders, clad in nothing but her underwear, yet she appears much less vulnerable than she was earlier – her eyes were still glazed and teary, but there was a tiny spark of determination brewing.

It was a small step forward, but a step forward nonetheless.

But more importantly, Hanabi had successfully set the scene for her diabolical plan.

"Alright then," Hanabi's lips twitched vigorously, fighting back the urge to laugh nefariously and swoon over her brilliance as she reached into her pocket and retrieved her camera.

"Let's commemorate this moment, shall we?"

"E-Eh?" Hinata blushed, crossing her arms over her chest as Hanabi pointed the camera at her.

"Y-You're taking a picture now? W-When I am like this?"

"Oh, don't be such a prude! It's not like I'm going to show it to anyone!"

Not anyone in Konoha at least.

"Think of it as something to look back on whenever the going gets tough; a reminder that you never want to end up like this ever again!"

"…A-Alright." Hinata slumped, conceding defeat, too tired to argue.

"Okay! Now, fix your hair a little. Yeah, good, now hands on your thighs, and look into the camera, and think about all the crap that jackass put you through!"

Hinata winced as the flash went off, the tears she had held back spilled over alongside all of her repressed emotions.

"Perfect." Hanabi chuckled under her breath as she admired the scandalous polaroid. As awful as it may sound, Hinata always seemed to look her sexiest when she's pouty and upset.

"You're a work of art nee-san."

That innocent desert dope won't know what hit him.

Hanabi was startled out of her naughty musings by the sound of muffled cries reverberating across the room. She peeked down at her sister, blinking in shock when she found the half-naked Hyuuga holding her head in her hands and bawling her eyes out.

"Nee-san, why on earth are you crying?!"

"W-Why do y-you think?!" Hinata gurgled between sobs. "Y-You w-w-were being so m-m-mean to m-me!"

Aw, hell.

Perhaps she overdid it a little.

My dearest desert king,

I am so happy that my heart could burst! You have no idea how painful these past few weeks of silence were for me. I couldn't sleep a wink, worried that I might have scared you away.

When your letter arrived, I felt like I could breathe again. But alas, the restless nights persisted.

I am sorry to tell you, that your photograph did little to comfort me. Instead, you have crippled me with an intense yearning that I can't put out no matter how hard I try.

I am elated to be able to look at you, but it feels like I am hurting myself each time I do.

I have held it close to my heart as I touched myself, willing myself to believe that it was your hands on my body.

But my skin longs for yours, my darling. I do not know how much longer I can bear this distance between us.

I want you to look at me too, look at what you have done to me.

I can't rest on this empty bed for much longer.

Yours, and only yours,

Hyuuga Hinata.

"Oh… my…" Gaara gulped audibly, pressing the damp towel draped around his neck on to his hot cheek. It has been quite a while since she sent something so… blunt.

It's a good thing he had just gotten out of a long, cold shower.

He was seated on the edge of his bed, repeatedly studying the letter in his hand, his blush deepening with each re-read.

Once he was finally satisfied, he neatly folded the paper and set it aside, breathing a long, heavy sigh as his thoughtful gaze fell onto the envelope in his lap.

His fingers traced the hard outlines of the polaroid tucked within the envelope, his blue-green eyes filled with curiosity and doubt.

He has been wanting to see her since the very beginning; but now that the image is in his grasp, he was afraid.

It's not because he was worried that his expectations of her would be ruined.

To be honest, he couldn't even imagine what she would look like.

A beautiful woman, in theory, would be desirable but truly, he wished that she was a normal, everyday face. That way writing to her would be less daunting.

He wonders if and how things would change once he sees her.

Hopefully… it wouldn't make much of a difference.

There's nothing to be nervous about. She's just another face.

Gaara took steady and deep breaths as he slowly dug the photograph out of the envelope.

There's nothing to be nervous about. She's just another –

His breath got caught in his throat as the picture slid into his hand.

He didn't know what to anticipate, but this… this definitely was not what he would have ever envisioned!

Oh no! S-She's hot!

He was confused. He was distracted. He was dizzy. There was too much for him to take in.

His focus darted around; her hooded ivory eyes accentuated by her dark, thick lashes, her plump lips curled into a pout, her long indigo hair that reached up to her ample hips… and her body… her underdressed body…

How could she… send him a picture of her…

…In her underwear?

She's trying to kill me.

Gaara clutched his chest, trying hard to look away as his heart rate skyrocketed, but to no avail.

The smooth expanse of her bare thighs, those large, perky, round mounds stretching out the thin fabric of her camisole that left very little to the imagination…

T-those… pink… protruding…

N-Nipples! He could see her nipples!

Why would she torture him so? He might be the Kazekage, but even he is no match for those all-powerful nipples!

Incapacitated by Hinata's nipples, Gaara couldn't even hear the hard knocks on his bedroom door.

"Oi, Gaara!" Kankuro clicked his tongue, impatiently swinging the door open. "Didn't you hear me –"

The puppeteer stopped in his tracks, gaping at the horrific sight before him.

His little brother, red from head to toe, akin to a boiled lobster, quaking on the foot of his bed. He was so profusely flushed that Kankuro almost didn't notice the streaks of blood dripping down his nostrils.

"Gaara! What on earth –"

"K-Kankuro…" Gaara wheezed.

"N-N-Nipples… h-help…" Were his last words before his vision turned black.

Hehehe... see you guys soon ;)