Sorry that it took so long again. I hope this explains some peoples questions and I hope you enjoy it. Thankyou for everyone's reviews, they really keep me writing knowing that someone's actually reading it! I'll try and update a bit sooner next time but no promises. Remember to leave reviews, good or bad ones, or even if you have questions and I'll try and answer them in the next chapter.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of it's characters.
Neji Hyuuga was stunned. Across the room was his cousin who he thought was dead, being restrained by three chains, one on her neck, wrists and ankles. She was gagged and blindfolded and once again he was glad for his ever stoic face, because the sight was enough to make anyone angry. He had always wondered about his cousin and his aunty, he had been told by his uncle that they died shortly after being kidnapped by rogues. He had believed him then, but now, standing in front of the blue haired girl with eyes he knew were just like his, he wondered of the real story.
He and Hinata had never been overly close, they were never allowed to be. She was from the main household and he was from a different branch of the clan. The Head Family didn't mingle with the people underneath them.
Neji had always been jealous of Hinata and her sister, Hanabi. Cursing his uncle for carrying on tradition even though Neji's dad, a twin of the head, was only born 2 hours later. They were taken to a different part of the compound and given the Caged Bird seal, one that gives all control over to the main family and elders. If they were not happy with Neji, they could easily kill him with that seal.
For that, Neji had always hated the head family, no matter who they were. No matter how many times Hinata tried to talk to him or help him, he hated her for who she was born to.
That all changed when he met Naruto, however. Naruto fought him and his ideals every step of the way and made him see that it wasn't Hinata or Hanabi that had caused it. They had no control over it and his treatment of them had been unfair. Since then, Hanabi and himself had become like brother and sister, both wishing they could escape the compound altogether and using each other as support.
Now he wished he had changed earlier, perhaps then he could have helped Hinata before it had come to this. He didn't know what to do. He had overheard some of hyuuga speaking about killing her. It didn't even shock him anymore, it was a long time ago he started realizing the depths of the Hyuuga's evil and he honestly could imagine Hiashi killing his own daughter. He could still remember all of Hanabi's injuries simply from her father's hand.
He needed to help her but he didn't know how. He couldn't talk to her with all the Hyuuga around, he would have to wait. Wait until they are gone, wait until it was his watch, then he'd figure something out.
Until then he needed a friend, and knowing the best person to be level-headed in these situations, despite her passionate nature, he went to find Ten-Ten.
_~~~_
Gaara had spent all night preparing documents and talking with Temari and Kankoro. Even Matsuri had come to the tower, asking about Hinata because she hadn't seen her for the past couple of days. Kankoro had to take her aside to explain everything, and when they returned to the office, Kankoro had his arm around her waist and Matsuri had a determined look in her eyes. She marched right up to Gaara, not even a hint of fear, and threatened him that if he didn't take care of Hinata that she'd beat him within an inch of his life. Kankoro had looked at her like she was the brightest sun, while she stood there lecturing Gaara like he had already become a terrible husband.
Gaara didn't mind though, he knew that she was just protecting Hinata as a friend. He thought back to when Hinata had first told him about Matsuri, she had looked so happy, so amazed. Yes, he would do anything to keep Matsuri around Hinata if that made Hinata smile like that again.
Now everything was done, he went to ask the lady herself. He didn't know what he'd do if she said no, so his stomach already felt sick, but he knew she didn't have much of another option.
When he arrived at the house, immediately he could sense something wrong. He scanned the area but couldn't see anything out of place so quickly. He went into the house, making sure to keep to the shadows in case she was standing there. "Hinata?" He asked tentatively at first, hoping not to scare her if she was in the house. He waited for a response but none came. So many new feelings coursed through his body. Worry, anxiety, concern. He knew he cared for the girl with navy blue hair, because she made him feel these things, but he didn't know the extent. He didn't think he could ever feel love, he wondered if this was friendship that made him feel such stress. "Hinata?!" Louder this time, he started searching through the house. He hadn't seen her outside, and it didn't feel right. Something was wrong, he could feel it in his bones. He didn't think she'd leave without telling him goodbye. Although the voice inside of him told him that he had caused her to leave, that she found out what a monster he was, he knew Hinata wasn't that sort of person, despite only knowing her for a couple of weeks.
Arriving in the room she had slept in, he immediately saw signs that caused him distress. The covers were torn off of the bed, despite Hinata regularly making the bed look immaculate, and the window was wide open. He ran to the door and saw scuff marks, dragging marks.
This wasn't Hinata leaving voluntary, she was taken.
Something inside of him snapped at the thought and he saw red, he would kill all the Hyuuga if he could right now.
He fell to his knees and clawed at his head, trying to force himself to calm. He couldn't rampage, he didn't want to hurt anyone but the Hyuuga, the people who had taken Hinata, his Hinata. The woman he was supposed to be asking to be his wife right at this moment.
He knew it was them, the people in his village wouldn't have done something like this.
All he could think of was Hinata at this moment, not knowing if she was alive or dead or worse. Were they going to give her back to the monster that had caused her so much pain? Were they torturing her with their family seals? Sand started to crawl around him, snaking around his arms and his neck, seemingly restraining him from leaving and killing everyone in sight. Even the beast inside of him knew that it would end badly for them both.
He tried to breathe, coming out in short, gasping breaths, twisting in the sand like it was controlling him, not the other way around. At last he stopped, took a deep breath and stood up. Seeing clearer now, he made his way back to the village as fast as possible, not caring who saw him. He ran into the tower, calling out to his siblings.
Within minutes they were by his side, looking frantic and worried, probably wondering how to save as many people as possible from his wrath.
"They've taken her." He started. "They took Hinata, she's gone. They dragged her back."
Kankoro looked more disturbed than Temari, who didn't know Hinata well, because he knew how distraught Matsuri would be when she found out her new friend was missing.
Temari just looked worried for Gaara, telling him to breathe, calm down. "What should we do now?" She asked, truly wondering how Gaara was going to react. The old Gaara would go there as soon as possible and kill everything if he truly cared for this girl, which she knew at some level that he did. But the new Gaara was a mystery. Just the fact that he had come back here first had changed her perception of him even more.
Gaara then stood up straight and looked at both of them. "Kankoro," He started, "You will take over my duties as Kazekage. Try and keep things calm if the Elders find out I have left. Temari, pack. You're coming to Konoha with me, we're going to see the Hokage. Send a message to both the Hokage and Naruto telling them that I will be arriving."
Temari looked hesitant, "What are you going to do, Gaara?"
"I'm going to marry Hinata Hyuuga."
~~~~
Hinata could barely swallow because of how dry her mouth had become from being gagged without water. Her wrists were chafed and she was pretty sure they had dislocated her shoulder when they were dragging her. The back of her head pounded and all she could think about was how stupid she was for waiting to see Gaara, the Kazekage. Perhaps he could have helped, come up with a solution, like Sabaku had said. She should have trusted his instincts, maybe she wouldn't be in this situation now.
She heard the door creak open again and immediately felt the stirrings of panic, willing it not to show in her demeanour.
"Hinata?" came a whispered male voice from the darkness. "Hinata it's Neji, your cousin." Hinata didn't know whether to feel frightened or relieved. She and Neji had never really gotten along, she had tried but he had always been out of reach, bitter about being in the second family. She had never blamed him, however. She knew he had received the caged bird seal and had been treated nothing more than a common servant, despite being the head's nephew.
She started to thrash when he touched the cloth in her mouth but calmed slightly when he calmly stated that he was taking it off.
Hinata felt the blood come back into her mouth when the gag was removed, trying to swallow and wet her mouth was incredibly hard. She then felt something being pressed to her lips, "It's water, drink slowly." Hinata didn't even wait, wanting the golden liquid. Greedily she gulped down the water and then slowed down to sips when she realized he wasn't going to deny her straight away.
When she was finished he wiped the water that had dribbled down the side of her mouth. She spoke, coming out in a throaty gasp, "How did they find me?"
"I'm not sure, I heard them speaking about how they had a scout in the area and he spotted you. Apparently it went from there."
"Wha—, " She coughed, "What are they going to do with me?"
She could hear him squatting down to her level to speak quietly with her. "I'm not sure, Hinata. I've heard them discussing between killing you and sending you to one of your past beaus to bargain with them." Neji was ever so blunt. "But I'll try and stall them, Hanabi and I have been thinking of ways to try and free you but we need time. Do you think you can hold on a little bit longer?"
Just the mention of her little sister brought tears to her covered eyes again but she nodded. "I'll try."
Neji got up to leave, probably to stand watch outside like he was originally supposed to. "Thankyou." Hinata said quietly, and she swore she could see him nod before securing her gag again, albeit more loose, and closing the door behind him on his way out.
'Please,' Hinata thought to herself, 'please save me.'
The next couple of days seemed like forever for Hinata, she hadn't heard from Neji or anyone else pleasant for a while. She was even starting to revel in the small amount of human interaction she heard from the guards standing watch outside, even when the things they heard them say about her were gut-wrenching. Some of them talked about lewd things they wanted to do to her but would weren't able to, which she was slightly thankful for.
One guard had even given her a small amount of water, keeping her a little more hydrated and sane. She heard him talk to the other guard about how it was so she could stay alive so they could play with her, but it sounded like he was trying to cover up his act of kindness.
Her father had come in at one stage, screaming at her, asking what happened to her mother. He smelled of alcohol as his fist slammed her face twice. She could feel the swelling still, the throbbing in her jaw accentuated.
She hadn't said anything, of course, and eventually another man had come, possibly an elder, and took him away, reminding him that they hadn't heard back from the Land of the Mist and will have to wait to decide her fate.
Hinata was slowly giving up hope. Sometimes her determination would be renewed and she thought of where she would go if she escaped. They only place she could think of was back to Suna. These past couple of days all she could think of was Gaara and Sabaku. She had thought of Matsuri but she didn't class herself as important enough to worry the brunette. Instead thoughts of strong arms lifting her, deep male voices and dark red hair floated through her senses. She could feel herself becoming delirious at times, when the pain became too much. At this point, her wrists and neck were bleeding from chafing, she didn't know how much longer she could take it.
Perhaps she would never be rescued. Perhaps she will die here, or worse.
A small ray of hope came in the form of light footsteps through the open door and a small quiet voice and petite frame holding her body. She thought she was imagining it but then she spoke. "Big sis Hinata, I've missed you so much. We're going to get you out of here, I promise!" She only stayed for a minute before Hinata heard Neji's quiet voice from the doorway telling her that they needed to leave and then she was gone, as quick as she came. It renewed Hinata's strength, however, and she found new solace in the thought that they were still thinking of her, trying to help her.
She only wished she could be completely assured that they'd get to her in time.
~~~
Gaara and Temari had made it to Konoha in record time, never stopping for breaks or rests. Eating food pills on the trip to keep them going. Gaara barely looked out of breathe but Temari looked like she was about to faint. The spikey haired Nara boy had come then, and took her weary body into her arms and started carrying her to the lounge chair at the back of the main floor. "Temari sent word she was coming here, the Hokage is waiting for you in her study as well as Naruto Uzumaki. Please make your way there when you're ready."
Gaara was thankful for the man's delicate care of his sister. He knew that he could leave Temari in his care by the way he looked at her, like a fragile china vase instead of the rowdy, boisterous woman he knew his older sister could be. He went to the Hokage's study, not surprised to see Naruto and the older woman arguing, a stable sight every time those two were in the same room. Naruto had just grinningly dodged a death blow from the Hokage when they both saw him, and became quiet.
"Kazekage, I've been awaiting your arrival, please come in." The Hokage, Tsunade, was a blonde, busty woman who always had her mounds on show. She looked younger than she actually was, being over 70 but looking like she was 40 years old. She looked wary, not knowing what this meeting was about.
Naruto just looked solemn, already knowing what the conversation was about. In his missive they had explained Hinata's situation. After sitting down on the chair next to Naruto, Gaara started speaking, not waiting for the Hokage. "I have come for Hinata Hyuuuga." He stated boldly.
Tsunade was shocked, not expecting something like that to come out of the stoic Kazekage's mouth. "Hinata Hyuuga? From the Hyuuga clan? I'm sorry Gaara, she's dead."
Expecting that sort of reply, Gaara explained how the Hyuuga had not actually died but instead come to Suna with her mother, who was also supposed to be dead.
"If that is so then I must alert the Hyuuga at once and reunite her with her former clan, they will be glad to know that she is safe, although her mother didn't make it."
Both Gaara and Naruto started arguing at once, each telling her the horrible things the Hyuuga had done to the poor girl. "Calm down both of you!" She yelled. "Gaara, what is this about?"
"You can't in good conscious send Hinata back to her family when they sold her like cattle and then were going to kill her because she became blind!" Tsunade looked taken aback, not quite understanding. Gaara explained slower and clearer, trying to make the Hokage see how the Hyuuga had really treated Hinata.
"But it doesn't matter now, they have found her and taken her back to the compound, where I believe they will kill her or sell her again. I don't even know if she's still alive."
Both Tsunade and Naruto watched defeat come over the "Red Demon's" face. It was obvious to anyone who saw that Gaara felt strongly about this girl, and Tsunade immediately started thinking of ways to help the villages ally. "What can I do to help, Gaara?" The Hokage said, using his name as a way of presenting herself as not only an ally, but a friend.
"I'm going to ask the Hyuuga if I can marry Hinata and give them what they want in return, but I'll need you there to help with negotiations and to persuade them."
As expected, Tsunade was shocked to hear this come out of the stoic man's mouth. Naruto was nodding his head and agreeing to everything that Gaara said.
"I'll be there too!" Naruto exclaimed, fully intending to come along and help in any way that he can.
Both of the Kage's told him "No!" at the exact same time, looking a bit sheepish after their outburst. "You are too emotional, you will not help by destroying the compound."
Naruto scratched the back of his head in defeat, fully in agreeance although a little frustrated. "What can I do to help then?" He asked. He may not have known Hinata that long but he felt a kindling of friendship and he wanted to help in any way that he could to save the delicate girl.
Gaara and Tsunade both looked thoughtful for a while, time ticking. Finally it was Tsunade that spoke. "If the Hyuuga are as bad as you have told me, as well as what I already know and have heard, we may need a medic on hand. Go to the Hospital and grab Sakura, she'll be able to help. Also go get a marriage certificate made up for Hinata and Gaara. Getting married as soon as possible will help protect the girl from the Hyuuga, we can make the negotiations there and have another, more public wedding in Suna afterwards."
Finally happy to help, Naruto immediately got up from his chair. "I'll get the certificate first and then Sakura, don't know how long the negotiations will take. Good luck." He laid a hand on Gaara's shoulder to comfort him and then was gone faster than they could blink.
"Get Temari and Shikamaru for the negotiations and meet me by the door. I'll procure a couple of ANBU bodyguards in case we need to use force." Gaara nodded to the Hokage and went to find the couple, knowing that they won't be far from each other.
It only took fifteen minutes to get everything ready and so Gaara, Tsunade, Temari, Shikamaru and a couple of ANBU set out towards the compound. They were met there by surprised and somewhat hostile stares. Tsunade spoke before Gaara could say anything. "Gather the Hyuuga elders and Hyuuga Hiashi for a meeting. As fast as you can, go." Gaara was thankful for her help as the Hyuuga bodyguards left as soon as she finished her sentence and they were then guided to the meeting rooms in the middle of the compound. They sat and waited in silence for about five minutes before Hiashi and the other Hyuuga elders arrived, along with a younger boy who looked around his own age. He surmised this must be the Neji that Naruto had spoken of.
"Lady Hokage, Lord Kazekage, what a surprise. What can we do for you?" Said Hiashi, the main head of the Hyuuga.
Gaara had to swallow to keep vicious words from spewing out of his mouth at the very sight of Hinata's father. This was the man who was supposed to love and cherish his daughters but although he looked serene and calm, any father who would try and kill their own child was not really a father at all. Gaara remembered his own father, a harsher looking man but with the same evil tendencies. Using Gaara as a weapon and threat instead of a son. His father had tried to kill him also when he realized he couldn't fully control Gaara's power, but Gaara was a monster, he could understand. Hinata was pure, a delicate flower in contrast to Gaara, how anyone could think to hurt her after knowing her was beyond Gaara's comprehension.
"Sit down, Hiashi, please." Tsunade spoke again. After everyone had been seated she started to tell them the reason they were here. "We have come to talk to you about Hyuuga Hinata, your daughter." The immediate change in their faces was telling enough, Hiashi looked angry but also scared. His brow furrowed even though he hid it with a slight smile.
"Ah, my daughter. I only have the youngest, Hanabi, now. As you remember, Hinata and her mother left the compound and then were killed by rogues." His fake contriteness gnawed at Gaara's bones and he was thankful for his own stoic expression that didn't give him away, regardless of the anger he was feeling right now.
Before he had the chance to speak, however, the Hokage spoke up again. "Do not lie to me, Hiashi. I have come into some interesting information regarding your daughter." She held up a hand when the man tried to intercept her. "I have heard that your daughter is alive, and that she was found and brought back to the compound."
It was an elder that spoke next. "With all due respect, Lady Hokage, your information seems to be incorrect. May I ask from what source came this information?"
Gaara straightened his back further and finally spoke. "It was I. I have met Hinata and become her acquaintance. I know she is within your compound and it would be wise not to lie to us." At this, all of the elders started to look worried, their faces becoming pale and worn in the space that it took him to finish his sentence.
The same elder tried to speak, though spluttering now, but Gaara sat back -more calm than he felt at this very moment- and spoke over him, directing his words to Hiashi instead. "I would like to marry Hinata. In return I will offer you land and resources, also connections and an area that you are able to set up another base for the Hyuuga in Suna."
It took a few moments for everyone to digest this information and the Hyuuga all looked amongst each other. After a few nods and whispers it was Hiashi that spoke. "We will need time to discuss privately. Please excuse us."
Nearly all of them left apart from the youngest, Neji, who ran back to Gaara when the others were out of sight. "I will try and convince them. Please help save my cousin." He bowed and then swiftly returned to the others, leaving Gaara to stare after the boy. 'She's alive then.' He thought to himself. Feeling the relief swiftly as it coursed through his body. He hadn't realized how tense he had become until he breathed outwards. He felt a small hand on his shoulders and looked into the eyes of his sister. 'It will be alright.' She mouthed to him, obviously knowing he didn't want anyone else seeing how vulnerable he was that moment. He was grateful to have the support from not only her, but the Hokage, who by just being there emitted a powerful and respected aura that Gaara envied.
~~~
Neji listened to the elders debate with his Uncle of the ups and downs of the union involved. Neji wished there was another way to save Hinata that didn't involve her becoming engaged without her permission but so far he and Hanabi had come up with nothing. They couldn't sneak her out, the Hyuuga would find her even easier now. This seemed to be the only option, and the man in question, the Kazekage, would provide for her and keep her safe. He wished he knew the man better so he could be convinced of Hinata's wellbeing, brotherly instincts coming in full force for a cousin he barely knew.
Hiashi and the Elders were at a standstill. The elders wanted to wait for the Village in the Mist while Hiashi thought it would be best to take this bargain. They would still get advantages from it but Hinata would have to be restrained from speaking about their secrets somehow. With the Village in the Mist, they knew they could infiltrate and take over, they could do whatever they wanted then.
After a few more minutes of arguing, Neji could think of only one way to convince all of the members that marrying into Suna was the best option. One that would haunt him.
"If I may speak, Uncle?" Neji asked, knowing that his Uncle regarded his intelligence highly, he continued after Hiashi nodded. "Suna seems to be our best bet. If we lose this opportunity it may never arise again. If we wait for the Village in the Mist, we may never figure out what to do with her if they don't reply, losing our chance altogether to increase the Hyuuga clan. Incorporating the Hyuuga into a growing Village such as Suna it gives us more opportunity for growth and its advantages."
Hiashi and the Elders were all nodding and consenting at that point, but they asked the one question Neji was dreading having to answer.
"What shall we do about her speaking about the clans secrets? If she tells it to the Kazekage after they are married, he may very well break the alliance."
The young man just stood there, once again glad for his stoic face and looked all of them in the eyes one after the other. "There is only one option, the Caged Bird Seal." He could feel the bile rise up in his throat at the very mention but managed to keep a calm façade. "It means that she will not be able to speak of any actions of the Hyuuga and that we have some control." Neji would never forgive himself for mentioning it, especially after everyone consented and agreed with the idea.
Some members were sent back to the meeting room to negotiate terms with the Kage's while others prepared to seal Hinata in their sealing room. Neji asked to be able to escort Hinata there, saying that it was to ensure she didn't escape from the guards while travelling between rooms. He knew it was the only way, but he wanted to at least warn Hinata of her fate before it happened. Then she could prepare herself.
After opening the door to Hinata's cell and looking around with his Byukagun to ensure no-one else was around he ran towards Hinata.
"Listen to me quickly, Hinata. The Kazekage of the sand has asked for your hand in marriage and the Elders and Hiashi have agreed." After her mumbed response he continued. "Hinata, in return you will be given the Caged Bird Seal. This will be painful, and leave scarring. I suggested it, there was no other way, I'm so sorry."
Hinata was quiet, but then straightened her bent back and nodded. Neji was surprised by the determination she showed, she must trust this Kazekage to be able to go through the Caged Bird Seal without any arguments. Neji wasn't going to lie, the Caged Bird Seal was one of the most painful things he's ever had to experience and he was sure Hinata knew that from living in the compound. He hoped that after this was over, perhaps one day she'd forgive him. He doubted he'd ever forgive himself however.
They walked out of the cell, Hinata still gagged and blindfolded and walked through the compound to the other building. Hinata was limping and Neji could see she was in obvious pain but she still walked with her back straight, not one foot out of step despite not being able to see. How anyone could not see Hinata as Hieress material he didn't understand. But the Hyuuga were too cruel for her anyway. He hoped this way she would have a better life without constantly having to look over her shoulder.
They walked past Hanabi on their way and Neji could see the despair in her eyes, he just shook his head at her and walked on.
They made it to the building where Hiashi and some of the Elders were waiting and Neji relunctantly released Hinata into the hold of her father who had evil eyes, despite how pure white they were. They quickly started the seal, tightening Hinata's gag so no one could hear her scream despite the soundproof room and that she wouldn't bite on her tongue.
_~~~_
It was over nearly as soon as it began, but that didn't mean the pain wasn't excruciating. Hinata had never felt so much pain in her life. Her brain felt like it was going to explode and she couldn't help the screams that were muffled by the gag. She could still feel the pain after it was done and the tears streamed down her face as she doubled over. They fixed up her bangs then, to hide the red mark that had appeared and told her to straighten her back and wipe her face. They took of her gag and her blindfold and she finally looked into the face of her father, the one that was supposed to love and protect her. She wondered why she ever felt any sort of love towards a man who had never shown her the same, and immediately every single pleasant feeling she had held towards the man, vanished. Instead in its place was regret, pain, even hatred. A new feeling for Hinata.
She was unrestricted, but with this mark on her forehead, she felt more trapped than ever. They walked her to the building and when she saw the stoic, red-headed Kazekage she felt her tears start anew. She breathed in slowly and straightened up her back. Bowing to first the Kazekage and the Hokage she looked back at Gaara, surprised to see the markings of a frown marring his usual expressionless face. He almost looked… Worried for her. Not that she'd ever believe it, however. He didn't know her well enough. In fact, the only reason he was saving her was probably because he felt duty-bound. Guilt stabbed at her conscious and she wished she could break the pact, but selfishness and a want to survive overrode that feeling, and she knew this was her only way out. Hiashi firmly pushed her forward then, and she said what they told her to. "Kazekage, I would be honoured to accept your proposal."
He seemed to look towards Hiashi, his face darkening again, then back to Hinata and nodded.
As soon as everything was negotiated, Gaara stood. Temari spoke then, "As negotiated, we will be taking Hinata back to Suna with us, the official wedding will be in a weeks' time. Your presence will be requested for a short period of time for official reasons but when that is finished you may leave."
The Elders nodded and watched as Gaara walked over to Hinata and helped her out of her chair, supporting her wait. She could feel the warmth on her waist as he lifted her up. She was in a daze, everything had happened so quickly, she was going to marry the Kazekage, Gaara. She had a scar on her forehead bearing the mark of her disobedience.
They walked out of the compound, Gaara still holding Hinata, and went towards the tower. Gaara leaned his head down towards her and whispered in her ear, asking if she was alright. She didn't trust herself to speak so instead she just nodded.
When they got to the tower they were met by Naruto and a person with pink hair who immediately went over to her.
"My name is Sakura, I'm a friend and a doctor, and I'm here to help." Hinata nodded again, eyes downcast.
Naruto stood and looked at her, teeth becoming bared and eyes becoming redder as he studied her. "What the fuck did they do to you?! I'm going to kill them I swear!" And he truly did look like he was capable of destroying the entire compound with one blow for hurting her, Hinata was touched by the statement but shook her head no. The one with pink hair, Sakura, laid a hand on Naruto's should then and also shook her head. "That's not what she needs right now, Naruto." She told him quietly, and he started running his hands through his hair.
"I'm sorry. I just don't like it when people hurt my friends." Again Hinata found herself warming more to the blonde, she tried to smile at him but the pain in her jaw intensified and she winced. Sakura took her arm then, "You guys get what you need ready," She turned and faced Hinata, "Hinata, you come with me into another room and I'll have a look at you, alright?" At her nod, and a small look at the Kazekage, who gave her another slight nod, she went with Sakura into the adjoining room.
"Okay Hinata, can you take your top clothes off for me and I'll check for any damage, and then I'll do some tests. Is that okay with you?" She nodded again, warming quickly to Sakura's easy-going manner and friendly smile. She took off her clothes, leaving her underwear on, and laid them across the chair, her bones aching with every move she made. When she was done, Sakura came back to her and started checking the swollen areas for breaks or fractures. It was painful despite Sakura's gentle touch, and Hinata couldn't help but suck in short gasps of air every time Sakura prodded at one of her bruises.
"So you have a slight fracture in your elbow and bruising. Some scrapes you have on your back have become infected so I'll get some salve to help fight infection and I'll put on something to soothe the marks around your neck, wrists and ankles. Your jaw will go down but we'll put some balm and ice on it to help with the swelling. First things first, your shoulder is dislocated. So breathe in and I'll pop it back in. One…" That's as far as her counting went, shifting her shoulder back straight afterwards so Hinata wouldn't tense. Tears fell down Hinata's face from the pain but she had to admit that it felt better already. Afterwards, Sakura applied balm and salve to Hinata's bruises and scrapes, wrapping up the infected areas and telling her to change the bandage every couple of hours for the first day as it would seep through. When she was done, she gave Hinata some clean, soft clothes to change into. "I didn't have a whole lot of warning, or idea what you looked like, but I brought some of my old clothes that won't irritate the affected areas. Hopefully they'll fit." She said the last bit while looking at Hinata's chest. When she was younger she knew she had bigger breasts than most, but now when someone's comparing them she felt very self-conscious about them.
They were nearly done when a drop of blood fell down Hinata's face. "I thought I checked your head but maybe I missed something."
Hinata didn't move back fast enough before Sakura lifted up her bangs and saw the newly made, seeping wound from the seal. She heard a small gasp but Sakura's face quickly went back to professional. "We'll have to salve and bandage this as well. Hold still for me please."
Hinata was thankful she didn't ask any questions, she couldn't handle it today. Now everything had been bandaged and taken care of, and Hinata had changed clothes, only straining a little bit in Sakura's large shirt, they went back to the other room. Everyone was still sitting there around a piece of paper, including the Hokage who was still present, and when they all looked at her she felt very, very uncomfortable. Sakura laid a hand on her back and helped her walk through, making her sit down on the comfiest chair she made Naruto vacate, and then motioned the Kazekage to follow her into the next room.
Hinata didn't know how to feel.
She didn't want anyone to look at her and see the failure that they all had to rescue. She was undeniably grateful but she wished they wouldn't look at her like she was a broken doll.
~~~~~
Gaara followed Sakura into the other room and she made him sit before she started telling him of Hinata's injuries. Which was probably a good thing because with every single one he grew more and more upset, although he didn't show it.
"She's malnourished and dehydrated, so get the marriage stuff over as soon as possible and get her to the hospital and I'll hook her up to a drip for tonight. She has swelling on her face and jaw, probably from being physically attacked. The chafing on her wrists, neck and ankles is deep, they're wrapped up now but you'll have to watch for signs of infection as it's only just been treated. Looks like she was restrained from a heavy chain and her neck may have some pain for a few days but it should be okay. Scrapes on her back are infected, bandages need to be changed every couple of hours for the first few days, she will probably need help with that. Her shoulder will have some pain but I've put it in a sling after I put it back into place and just make sure she keeps the sling on for her fractured elbow."
She paused and watched Gaara's facial expression. The most emotion she's seen the entire time. He looked physically pained but he nodded slightly nonetheless to make sure she understood he was listening and taking note. "Look, there's one more thing. She has this… Mark. I've seen it on a friend of mine before, Neji Hyuuga. It looks like the Caged Bird Seal and it's deep and will leave scarring. Those bandages will also need to be changed as it's still slightly bleeding. She's fragile at the moment, so I wouldn't pressure her into anything… But that should be all. I need to go back to the Hospital now but like I said, please bring her by as soon as you can."
Gaara waited until she left and processed all the information she had just given him. Those bastards had sealed her. Those fucking bastards had hurt her and put a seal on her! He got up and punched the wall clean through, not getting his frustration out since his sand protected his hand. He couldn't imagine the pain she was in. He had heard of the Caged Bird Seal and the person who gets it has to go through unimaginable pain. He held his head, feeling the frustration. Those monsters must have done it while they were waiting like fools. No wonder they had taken so long. They had marked her just beforehand. He remembered her face, she had been crying. He thought it was because she was scared but she must have screamed and cried and he didn't hear a fucking thing. He punched through the same wall. He should have protected her, he shouldn't have waited. It's all his fault! He is the real monster. If he had just protected her then she wouldn't be in so much pain, she wouldn't have that mark, she wouldn't have had to go into a marriage with another fucking monster! He groaned as the thoughts went through his head and he didn't even hear when Naruto came in and laid a hand on his shoulder.
"Gaara, come on. It's me. Calm down. Talk to me, buddy." He shook off Naruto's hand and howled, feeling every bit the monster that he was.
But Naruto didn't leave, he just kept talking to him. Gaara must have been speaking his thoughts out loud because Naruto just kept repeating, "It's not your fault. It's not your fault."
Eventually he felt the energy drain out of him and just fell to the floor. Staring at the wall he had ruined. "That's it. Come on." Naruto held him again, this time putting his arms around him.
Gaara felt so weak. He couldn't do anything to save her. How could he lead his people if he couldn't help one person. He needed to rest, to think.
Naruto helped him up and they walked to the other room, stoic mask in place despite the fact that everyone heard noises coming from the room they walked out of. He leaned down towards the paper and scribbled his name where it was supposed to be and pointed to the other place for Hinata. She slowly took the pen and wrote down her name next to his, not really reading anything, or being aware of anything. Just another stab at Gaara's conscious. After everything had been done he asked Naruto to take Hinata to the Hospital. He then went to his room and stared at the ceiling for hours until eventually, he passed out from exhaustion.