Sunday, March 30th, 2014.

Late update. Again.

I'm sorry.

But like I said last time, instead of trying to pump out a bunch of chapters all at once and failing, I just decided to update whatever chapters I DO have written, whenever they're written, on their designated week. So even though I have DoOver's next chapter done, I won't update until next week, DoOver's week. I would have updated last Sunday, but I completely forgot about it.

Fun Fact:

Just saw the Divergent movie with my sis and friends. There were some changes, but people shouldn't be anal about it and it was overall pretty accurate.
Something to be anal about are the PJO changes in the movie from the book. And that's just the first movie alone. I haven't even SEEN the second one yet.
I liked Divergent, though. :) It was a good movie overall.

I watched Kyokai no Kanata (Beyond the Boundary) last week. I liked it.
Plan on Strike the Blood, Red Data Girl, and The Ordinary Lives of High School Boys soon.
I've read Divergent, and am half-way through Insurgent.
I went to a local con, Con-Nichiwa last week and saw Bryce Papenbrook, Cherami Leigh, Richard Epcar, and his wife, Ellyn Stern. It was either the day I went to see him, or the day after, but the next day, when I got on my Youtube channel, I found the FUNimation video revealing the VA of Eren in Attack on Titan. They were releasing the English VAs little by little for the past week, and were going to announce Eren at AnimeBoston. Guess who it was? Bryce Papenbrook. (I was praying it would be Yuri Lowenthal, though he doesn't normally work with FUNi. Then again, neither does Bryce, but I think Bryce will do a good job regardless) I could have had him sign my AoT stuff if I knew, damnit! GAH! I bet it was released while we were at the con. I'm so upset... I may never get the chance. DX At least he signed my DRRR! poster.

AotW: I hate horror. I hate being scared, and therefore can't stand horror. People who like being scared are masochistic. That's all there is to it. I also dislike drama. Most drama is completely unnecessary, over-exaggerated, and can be totally avoided, but it's not. But most importantly, my heart can't take much drama. I get really emotionally invested in everything, and my heart is week. And especially after Angel Beats, which broke my heart (a bit further than FMA:B did); Shingeki no Kyojin that crushed the pieces of my heart into tinier pieces; and Code Geass which grinded those pieces into dust, burned it, brought it back and made it whole, then crushed it, stomped on it, incinerated it, and then put it back together again (and left it that way) by the end. My heart's still a bit sensitive after all that. And Divergent isn't making it any better.

Rec.(s): Divergent by Veronica Roth (book):

You've probably heard about it by now (especially with the movie being out), but it's a dystopian-future story where people rise up to defeat the oppression (which is super-popular now, obviously).
In this future, though, it's less-obviously dystopian.
The remainder of the world, after a huge war, is divided into 5 factions based on what those factions believe to be the most important trait to avoid conflict and war: Amity for kindness and peace, Erudite for knowledge (to eradicate ignorance), Candor for honesty, Abnegation for selflessness, and Dauntless for courage.

Each though, have a little room for corruption, to warn you.

During the Aptitude test all 16-year-olds take to help decide the faction they most fit in and will remain in for the rest of her life, Beatrice Prior (later known as "Tris") gets 3 (Abnegation, Dauntless, and Erudite) results instead of the usual 1, which is extremely rare and called "Divergent". Told that the word getting out that she was Divergent would be dangerous, she kept it a secret and during the Choosing Ceremony (where you actually decide your faction), Beatrice chooses Dauntless.

The story from there is her life living with the Dauntless and finding out what it really means to be Divergent, and why those who are are hunted for it.

It's a really good series, IMO. And it's not a light series, either. There are deaths, suicides, and heavy times. For the most part, the books have a somber mood to them. But they're good. And there is some romance.

Guest Reviews:
Chloe: Thank you, :) and I will keep going, even if it takes me forever to update. XP

Disclaimer: IDNON.

Dedication: Osiria Rose, yeahthat'sme, TehNicksterBoi, and White Tiger of Onyx Star, to name a few. But really, this is for all of you for sticking with me despite my erratic update times. Honestly, I have very little planned for what's ahead, and am writing this as I go - that's why I'm not updating so often. I don't know what to write.

Chapter:
Content: Hinata & Naruto and Matsuri & Gaara interaction, post-SN4, in hospital.
Romance: Major NaruHina and GaaMatsu, hinted and mentioned ShikaTema & KibaTsuki (KibaxMitsuki).
Warnings: (Badly written) Kissing, if you have a problem with that. A bit of OOC-ness. Sorry. I tried.

Length:
No AN: ~4.2k+ words?
AN: ~5.5k+ words.

Please enjoy!


Chapter 31: Growing Relationships


Hinata POV

"Naruto-kun?" I asked softly, after knocking. After being (pleasantly) surprised seeing Kiba and Mitsuki together, though they didn't notice me, I decided I should take more measures to make sure the occupant(s) in the room did notice me.

I opened the door slightly and poked my head in.

I found Naruto sleeping on his bed.

I was tempted to leave as to not interrupt him, but I had something to give him. I should at least place it on the bedside table.

I entered silently and closed the door behind me as quietly as I could, cringing when the door made a clicking noise as it closed, afraid it'd wake Naruto.

When it didn't, I stepped silently across the room, thanking the special solo training I've been doing for years with the Hyuuga's style of fighting and Gentle Fist (1) that made silent, graceful, and quick traveling easy.

It wasn't much, but I placed the card and letter I had –the card had signatures and messages from our friends, the letter was solely from me– on the table, replacing the old flowers in the vase with new ones.

Afterward, I sat on the chair beside the bed silently, pulling it closer to the bed and drinking in the sight of Naruto before I had to leave.

It was no secret I loved him. Although, to my knowledge, he doesn't know yet. And I plan to keep it that way. I don't want to tell him just yet.

Naruto's face scrunched up suddenly, as if displeased. Even before, looking back on it, Naruto wasn't quite that peaceful-looking to begin with. His face was hard, but almost impassive. Only now did I realize that he was upset.

I frowned. Is he having a nightmare?

I activated my Byakugan. It can't be anything too bad; his chakra is calm.

Spontaneously, before I lost the nerve, I reached over and brushed Naruto's hair away from his eyes. I dragged my fingers lightly and softly down his nose to his cheek, placing my palm there for a moment.

"Relax," I murmured. "You're safe. Sleep peacefully now." Naruto's face softened, as if hearing me, and he sighed and leaned into my hand.

A moment later, I blinked and realized what I was doing.

I snatched my hand away, holding it and blushing furiously. I know I've been braver lately, but that was too bold! Oh great, now my hand feels it's on fire.

I stood up, deciding it was time to leave. Before he wakes up and finds me here.

Then, I heard a (groggy and) familiar voice behind me.

"Hina… ta?"

I flinched. Too late.

I turned around, watching Naruto yawn, stretch, and sit up in the bed.

"H-hello, Naruto-k-kun," I muttered shyly, knowing my face was pink. And here I thought I was getting over the stutter…

I made my way back to the chair slowly.

"D-did I wake you? I-I'm so s-sorry."

I bowed my head apologetically when I was back in the seat.

"No, no!"

When I rose, he put a hand to the cheek I touched earlier. If I didn't know better, I'd think he was blushing. Of course he's not blushing! Naruto-kun is not the type. Maybe he's just warm.

Despite the fact that the hospital room was actually quite chilly.

He was sleeping, after all! Some people get really warm when the sleep, so that could be it!

I didn't acknowledge it, but if anyone else was hearing my thoughts, it'd be clear to them that I was fooling myself.

But sadly, only a small part of me knew and accepted that I was in denial:

Naruto was definitely blushing. Because of me.

"Was that… you?" He asked.

I tilted my head in confusion. "Was what me?"

"My cheek…"

The room went silent for a moment.

Then…

"Oh!" I said, a little too loudly. "Yes, that was me. D-did I wake you?"

I was about to start apologizing profusely –I can't believe I woke him up! I didn't mean to do that! Oh, I'm sorry– when Naruto shook his head.

"No, no! Well, yes actually, but I was having a, uh… not-so-nice dream and what you did turned it into a good one." He scratched his head while laughing, like he often does.

"Oh," I blushed lightly now. "What were you dreaming about?"

"Oh! Um, well…" He sobered slightly.

"Y-you don't have to tell me if you don't w-want to," I assured him quickly. Good, I'm stuttering less now…

"Nah, it's cool. It's not really bad or anything," he explained. "A bit more confusing than anything."

"In what way?" I asked curiously.

"Well," he started, scratching his chin almost comically. "I was outside my body, and I saw myself asleep. Older, and our friends, mainly Sakura, was trying to wake me up. But I wouldn't, for whatever reason. Then, the point of view of my dream switched to inside my body, –like, in my mind– and I could see myself running. This must have been the dream I was having. I was in a black void, but I was just running. I couldn't see anything behind me or in front of me, but I kept on running. I was completely exhausted and my clothes were ripped up, but, though I don't know why, I couldn't stop. Like I was afraid or desperate for something.

"Then, I collapsed. I felt panic as if something was about to hurt me if I didn't start running again, and struggled to get up. But I couldn't. Just when I felt something dangerous coming, I saw light and there was a hand pulling me up and healing me; then I heard your voice speak those words to me. I felt safe. My point of view was switched to the outside again, but this time seeing from my own eyes as I opened them. And when I did, I saw you, an older you, smiling at me from above me. Then I smiled, too." (2)

He fidgeted slightly. "That's when I woke up. So, uh, thanks for that."

"Oh." My face was an inferno again. "You're welcome."

I despite being embarrassed, I was happy and pleasantly surprised that my spontaneous action had such a kind effect on Naruto, and turned his nightmare into a pleasant dream. I was proud, and happy that I had done something to help him, even if it was unintentional.

In love, the little things that made him happy made me happy.

I couldn't help myself; I fought a smile.

"What's this?" He turned and picked up the card and letter from his bedside table.

"Did you replace the flowers?"

I nodded.

"Thanks, Hina-chan."

He looked at the card again, opening it and reading it. A smile came on his face, and a smile came over mine, as well.

"Thanks, again. I can't wait to tell the others 'thank you', too."

I nodded my head. "You're welcome."

Then, he picked up the letter, and my face, once again, flamed.

"What's this?" He made to open it.

I fidgeted, trying to think up an excuse to leave.

But right when I opened my mouth, my phone buzzed.

Naruto turned to me, and I bowed apologetically before checking the text quickly. I sighed in relief.

"It's Kiba-kun. I have to go now, see you Naruto-kun!"

I hurried to the door, opening it and about to close it behind me when his voice stopped me.

"Hina-chan, wait!"

I stopped, turning back to look at him.

He looked down shyly. "Um, sometime soon, do you wanna watch some more movies again? Like last time, when I visited you?"

I was shocked for a second, then I smiled and nodded. "Of course. I can bring my laptop and we can stream some more movies to watch."

He smiled and nodded as well. "Awesome!"

I was about to leave again, but I paused in the doorway. "Anything in particular, Naruto-kun?"

"Well, we got to finish the Lord of the Rings last time, so why not The Hobbit?"

For the record, yes, we did watch all the Lord of the Rings together. I had essentially spent almost two weeks at Naruto's apartment watching movies with him whenever he was free in the month he had before the Finals. That was that happiest I've ever been.

I nodded again. "Alright, let's do it."

I turned and exited, and before I closed the door completely, I faced Naruto and said, "See you tomorrow, Naruto-kun."

He replied in a gentle tone, one that made me want to almost swoon, "See you tomorrow, Hinata," as I closed the door.

Outside the door, I took a moment to collect myself, and bring my complexion back to the almost sickly pale tone it usually was. Or "snow", as Ino insists.

I headed to Kiba's room in a cheerful mood, from both what had transpired with Naruto and with what Kiba had texted me to come for. Oh, he and Mitsuki are so cute together! I hope he finally asked her out! Or is planning to – all he said in the text is that he needs advice on her…

I almost skipped and squealed. I better be a bridesmaid at their wedding!


Matsuri POV

"Matsuri?"

"Hm?" I paused for a moment, placing the fork in my hand back on the plate of mangoes I had cut for Gaara. "What is it, Gaara-kun?"

"Did you-…" He looked down for a moment, stopping himself, before picking up again and looking determinedly into my eyes. I almost flinched, but forced myself to stay still. "Did you mean what you said back there?"

I was confused. "What I meant back whe- Oh."

My face burned. So that's what he's talking about.

"Uh, yeah. I mean, yes I did!" I bit my lip and looked back strongly at him, refusing to give into embarrassment and shy away. I must have looked ridiculous with my face the color of a tomato, but I ignored it.

Back during the… Invasion, I had planned on following Naruto and Gaara for their fight. I didn't really have anything planned, and there was no way I was going to be any use in a fight, but I just felt I had to be there.

But shortly after Naruto and Gaara began battling, I was pulled away and nearly killed by two other Sand ninja.

Despite telling them I was from Sand, as well, and showing them my headband, they still attacked me.

They informed me that the Kazekage had ordered my death if I interfered with Gaara's role in the Invasion.

He had always viewed me as a pest in Gaara's way. Or his way of Gaara. I know that the Kazekage did love his family, though not enough to choose them over what he felt was right for the village, but I still hat-… have a strong distaste for him.

But I hadn't even done anything yet to or with Gaara and they still tried to kill me. Apparently they could do whatever they wanted if my behavior was viewed as "suspicious".

And suppposedly, they were allowed to attack Temari and Kankuro as well if they saw them going against the plan, which the Kazekage had suspected they'd do.

Thank God that the other Sand nin didn't find them and that the two were busy – if they weren't fighting the SN4 right now, going against the plan is exactly what they'd be doing.

Anyway, these shinobi were only Chuunin level, (and judging by their skills, there were probably only made Chuunin at the last Chuunin Exams 6 months ago(3)) but only being a Chuunin myself in the original timeline and having to adjust to a weaker and different body, I'm not as strong as I could have been.

Long story short, I didn't kill them, (I try to avoid that as much as possible) but it took a long time for me to get rid of (i.e. knock out, defeat) them.

By the time I got back to Naruto and Gaara, the fight was over and done with, and Naruto was just finishing up his "I understand you so much it hurts", speech. (I knew the speech from the memories Itachi gave me, and from what Gaara had told me in the future.)

There were more parts to it, this time, but not many.


FLASHBACK


I stumbled through the debris in the forest, following the trail of destruction to find the two I was looking for.

I ignored the injuries from my earlier fight, cursing myself for being so weak when I saw them.

I hid behind a tree, not wanting to interrupt.

"… I would have ended up just like you," Naruto coughed. "I hated the village for the way they treated me. But then Iruka-sensei adopted me as his brother, and I channeled my hate into a desire to make everyone pay attention to me, and matter… as Hokage. Then, I met Sasuke-Teme and Sakura-chan in the Academy… they became my friends, and I met others who would also become my friends. I wasn't lonely anymore. If it wasn't for that… I'd be as full as pain and hatred as you."

"You…" Gaara choked out. "Had people to love you… the one I thought loved me most tried to kill me, and my father wants me dead. My siblings are afraid of me. Who… do I have?"

Now, I thought.

I stepped out from behind the trees. "You have me, Gaara-kun. Why do you think I stayed all these years?"

"Ma-" Gaara's eyes widened as he cut himself off. From the corner of my eye, I saw Naruto smiling, before a pretty woman with long, dark hair and a beauty mark appeared behind Naruto.

When he saw her, he looked surprised, but he spoke quietly with her as she picked him up and got him out of here silently.

Gaara didn't appear to notice them.

"I love you," I continued, walking slowly toward him. "And Temari and Kankuro – they love you, too, though they may not act like it or admit it. Baki even cares about you, too. Though how much is debatable."

I knelt beside him, caressing his cheek with my hand while I had the courage. His soft blue-green eyes stared up at me, wide and yearning. For love he's been secretly thirsting for all this time. No matter what kind or form of love it may be, he needs it. He's been starved for all these years.

"We all love you," I whispered, feeling tears drip down my face.

"But…" Gaara started, confused. "I tried to kill you all, treat you horribly… I hardly cared about your well-being. How could you-…?"

I shook my head. "We know. You've been difficult to handle all these years, as you can tell. But we love you anyway. No matter what you did, even if we hated it, we loved you. That's what family is for, Gaara-kun. We may not approve of or even hate what you do, but it's our duty to love you and stay beside you anyway."

I couldn't stand the look on his face – as if he were going to cry.

I leaned down quickly to kiss his forehead, where his tattoo laid. Love….

"I love you," I whispered to him before I laid a quick and soft kiss on his lips.

I sat back up, and smiled, wiping the tears from my eyes.

"Now let's get you out of here, okay?"


END OF FLASHBACK


We were in his bedroom now, and he was still recovering. He wanted to leave the hospital as soon as possible, so once he woke up from passing out in the forest (took him 2 days to wake up), was stable enough to be moved elsewhere and all that jazz (with clearance from the hospital), we brought him back here.

He still had an IV stand and was covered in bandages and everything. I normally stayed in his room with him, and slept on the floor in his room to monitor him.

Temari and Kankuro were still recovering and had other things to take care of to watch over him constantly, and since I volunteered anyway, it was my job to take care of Gaara.

Meanwhile, Baki had fled to Suna, leaving us to deal with Konoha while he handled the now Kazekage-less Suna.

When Gaara woke up, he had a chance to talk with Temari and Kankuro, where they told him they cared about him, even using the "l"-word and for once, bonded. I sat at the corner of the hospital room, wiping tears from my own eyes as the siblings cried together and told each other they loved each other for the first time. (It may also be the last, knowing how proud and tsundere Kankuro and Temari are.)

Gaara's arms were still weak, and even though he could've just used his sand, he let me help him feed him, dress, and do almost anything else he needed to do. I sometimes suspected if he liked having me touching him.

(He used his sand to get to the bathroom, though… Though I sometimes helped him to the shower… and washed him a couple times… But I've done it before! And he had his boxers on every time! No funny business! Just to be clear!)

Before, that would have been a preposterous suggestion that could in no way be true, but with a new Gaara… it might just be right.

All this time spent with Gaara, as he was becoming a new person, was bliss.

He opened up to me more, little by little. He let me touch him, and touched me back.

He let me help him try to sleep again, depended on me. Told me he cared (once, but it happened). Trusted me.

And with each and every second, I fell more and more in love with him.

"Huh?" I was shaken out of my thoughts by Gaara's voice. "Sorry, I wasn't paying attention. What were you saying?"

Gaara sighed, but he did not seem angry. "I asked you what you meant when you said you love me."

"What?" I squeaked, face burning. "What is it supposed to mean?!"

"I meant, you don't view me as a brother, do you?" He explained almost exasperatedly.

I shook my head furiously. "Ew, no! I don't!"

"I didn't think so." He took a breath, and exhaled. "So do you love me… the way people do in books and movies?"

I didn't say anything, noticing that he had more to say.

"'Romantic love'… like the way the Nara looks at my sister?" He looked at me, eyes begging for an answer.

I was surprised he noticed Shikamaru's feelings so easily, and understood them enough to use them in his example, but I still nodded.

"Yeah. I do," I answered. "My love for you is the romantic kind."

He looked like he was about to say something, almost troubled-looking, but knowing what it was, I interrupted him.

"I never once expected you to return them!" I hurried. "I don't need you to."

"But what good is that?" He asked. "You love someone you know doesn't love you back. And you continue to. What good is that supposed to do?"

I was silent for a moment, a bit hurt by the statement. I know it's true, but still…

I think he noticed.

"I didn't…" he started. "Intend for it to sound so… mean. Sorry," he choked out.

I looked up, surprised.

He was looking down, embarrassed but also apologetic and slightly ashamed. It's going to take some getting used to, but Gaara's doing really well at trying to improve himself.

"No, you're right. And I've known that for a while, I just…" I sighed. "I just don't like to remind myself of it."

He looked back up at me.

"But that doesn't change anything. Unrequited love happens a lot, but it doesn't mean you have to stop loving that person. It can happen, but it's not something you can just choose to do, anyway," I explained. "We can't choose who we love, but I love you and don't regret loving you. All I want is to be near you, and for you to be happy. As long as those conditions are met, I'll be happy. But if you don't want me around, I'll leave."

"And do what?"

"Start going on more missions and train to make a living, I suppose. Maybe find a few jobs on the side until I'm stronger and can sustain myself on mission money alone. I can take care of myself."

Gaara frowned, and his eyes looked almost… sad.

"Don't leave." He ordered sharply, abruptly. "Don't."

I jumped slightly at the sternness and the suddenness of it, but I nodded. "I'll stay as long as you want me to."

"I mean it," he said, grabbing my hand. "I may not love you, but I know I want you to stay. So stay with me. Don't leave me…"

He was so sincere and his eyes so passionate that I was startled into speechlessness and tears fell without my control.

"And then maybe one day..." he said slowly, softly. "Maybe, just maybe… I'll return your feelings."

"Gaara-kun," I was almost sobbing now, and I wrapped my arms around him, needing to touch him. "Don't force yourself. As long as I'm with you, and you're happy… I'm content."

He wrapped his arms lightly around me as well, and I felt his chin on my head.

"Thank you…" he said.

We continued to just hold each other there, comfortable. Sometime during the hug, I had moved to sitting on the bed beside him, arms still around him.

"Matsuri…" he asked, breaking the long silence.

I looked up, pulling away slightly, at his face. "Yes, Gaara-kun?"

He looked down, suddenly embarrassed. "Could you… do that again?"

I scrunched my eyebrows. "Do what again?"

"What you did in the forest. To me. When…" he trailed off, his face still slightly pink.

I just stared, completely astonished at seeing a blushing Gaara and totally confused when it suddenly clicked. "When I wha-… oh."

My face burned. "When I kissed you, you mean?"

He nodded.

"Yeah…" Gaara's face slowly got redder, and I couldn't help but find it completely adorable, despite the fact that my own cheeks mirrored his. "That… it felt nice, s-so…" He just stuttered! He must be really embarrassed!

"Oh." I looked away from him, too. "That was the only time I've ever kissed anyone so I don't really even know how to… properly."

"So?" Gaara asked. I turned back to look at him, and I found him staring at me, his cheeks still red, but less so than before. "I don't either. But I still want to."

Then he seemed to realize something. "Do you not want to? Never mind, then..."

He was obviously dejected, but he tried to hide it. For me…

"Forcing people to do things isn't right..." he muttered to himself. It occurred to me that he must repeat thing he should and shouldn't do to himself like a mantra to remember them and remind himself. Kind of like how Sai is adjusting to social interaction, Gaara's re-learning how to treat people, now that he no longer feels he needs to kill them all.

I giggled, finding his concern for me sweet. "No, no! I do want to. If that's alright with you…"

"It is." He looked back up at me, and his eyes were eager and I almost wanted to laugh at how cute it was.

But it never came out because I realized at the same time, just how manly Gaara was becoming. Noticing the small things like his longer face, a more pronounced jaw, and less baby fat than I remembered seeing last.

I caught a glimpse of his 16-year-old self within him, and I blushed. He's really growing up…

"Alright," I whispered, leaning in.

He mimicked. I tilted my head to the side and he leaned in closer.

"Like this?" he asked softly his eyes looking straight into mine.

Captivated by the look of passion in them, I murmured, dazedly, "Yeah. Like that…"

We both stopped when our lips were barely centimeters apart, feeling each other's breath on our faces.

The air was suddenly awkward, both of us nervous and inexperienced in what we were about to do.

Suddenly, Gaara moved, "Just a little more," he murmured, before he pressed his lips to mine.

My mind went blank, and I closed my eyes immediately.


The kiss was may have been a bit sloppy, messy, and a little awkward-feeling, but it was still easily the best moment in my life. And to have been sharing that experience with Gaara, something I had only dreamed of before, made it all the more fantastic.

And I knew, just knew, as I laid beside and stroked the red hair of a sleeping Gaara, that there would be more memorable experiences with him to come and never forget in the future to come.


(1): Remember that one (filler) episode in Part 1 with Hinata dancing on water? And she was practicing those moves in the Hyuuga compound? That's the kind of training I'm talking about. Let's just say she's kept that up all these years, huh?
(2):
This is in no way a prediction for the Naruto manga. It just happened to happen this way. And Naruto just happened to wake up in the manga during the week of when I wrote this chapter. (Last week)
(3):
Remember, the Chuunin Exams takes place twice a year. That's how Kabuto took it 7 times in 3 1/2 years. These guys were made Chuunin at the last one.

I still feel really bad about not updating.

But whenever this happens, I'm just going to update a chapter on it's designated week, and not try to make up for what was lost. Just update what I have on it's turn. So even though I have DoOver chapter's written, I'm not updating it until next week, when it would have been anyway.

QotW: #1: X-Mas ideas for DoOver. Could be couple interaction, could be presents. Any ideas you have that you'd like to see.
#2:
For all I know, Easter may pass before the next update. What does your country do for Easter? If it celebrates it?

With love and apologies,

-Cherry.