Chapte 49
Gaara Vs. Naruto
Gaara knew what he wanted to say to Naruto, but just as Hinata had felt heart broken over him, Gaara now saw him as the source of his heart break. He knew that wasn't fair and he would eventually find a way to make peace with the situation.
Naruto came into Gaara's office and saw Gaara pacing the floor. Naruto stood there and rubbed his hand on the back of his head, waiting for Gaara to notice him. When Gaara turned he saw that Naruto had already come in.
"Naruto," he said with surprise, "I never did get to ask you how your journey went."
"Gaara," Naruto began "I owe you an apology. I'm sorry about…earlier," Naruto thought about the kiss he had seen between Hinata and Gaara.
"No, you don't owe me any apology." Gaara said looking down. "I wanted to tell you that I don't want to fight over her. I want to see her be happy and be with someone who is worthy of her, and you are nothing if not worthy." Gaara meant what he said even though it pained him to say it.
"You've always been a friend to me, and this time I'm not sure I deserve it. After seeing what I put her though, and what that's put you through…" Naruto faltered. He had been seeing things differently since Hinata left the village and since his journey with Shikamaru.
"I did imagine she would stay longer, even still, it wouldn't have changed you coming for her. I suppose it was meant to happen this way." He finished with a half-hearted smile.
Naruto smiled back and he and Gaara shook hands until Naruto pulled him in for a hug. "You're a good friend Gaara, I can't thank you enough for everything you've done."
Gaara pulled back "you saved my life once, I haven't forgotten Naruto."
"You would have done the same for me," Naruto reminded him when there was a knock at the door.
"Come in," Gaara called.
Hinata stepped through the door and looked at the two guys. She wanted to speak with Gaara before she left, and hoped Naruto would give her a chance to do just that. She didn't want to leave on bad terms with him especially after all he had done for her.
"Hinata," Gaara called out. "I'm glad you're here," he looked relieved to see her. He wondered if she might even leave without saying goodbye.
"Naruto, would you mind if I spoke with Gaara when you're finished?" She asked.
"Sure Hinata, we were just finishing up," Naruto said as he reached out to shake Gaara's hand again. He took a last look at Hinata before leaving the room.
"This has been a long day for you, I'm sure," Gaara started.
Hinata laughed "Yes, very long." She agreed.
"Are you sure you don't want to leave until morning?" Gaara asked.
"I'm afraid not," she returned, "but I couldn't leave without thanking you for all you've done for me Gaara." She said as she stood next to him.
"It was nothing Hinata, I'm glad to have helped you. If you ever change your mind and want to return, just know that you can." He offered.
"You're very sweet Gaara, thank you," she said as she leaned in to kiss him on the cheek.
He stood frozen in place as she broke her kiss and stepped away from him.
She walked over to the door and opened it, "Good bye Gaara," she said as she stepped through the door.
"Until we meet again," he returned.