Dark Anty – Whatsup people! A new chapter to grace your viewing pleasure. Hope you like. Now on with the show!
Here is the list of the writing:
Writing
"Speech"
Thoughts
"Demon"
'Demon thoughts'
Inner Self
"Phone Calls"
'Notes/Letters'
Computer: Typing
/Writing During Comp Type/
Text Messaging
-SFX-
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. All characters and the show are copyrights to Masashi Kishimoto, writer of the manga.
Crystal Rose
Chapter 2: Count On It
I'm weak. I've always been weak. Too weak to defend myself against my enemies, too weak to defend against my friends; I'm even too weak to defend against my so call father and clan. My family see me as a waste of time, effort, and flesh, but they still keep me.
Why am I still here in this clan, this family? Of all the time they could have ridden me from their lives, they still keep me. Do shite? Because I was first-born? Alternatively, maybe they keep me because they want me as a scapegoat for their problems in life. Someone to yell at, to scream their frustrations on or someone who just can't fight back for the fear of her family hating her.
Hai, I was weak—weak-minded. I allowed them to make me believe I was weak, not worth the time and effort, and believe that I have no one in the world that would care for me.
Then I saw him…
Some big kids were picking on a young seven-year old boy, calling him rude names and throwing rocks at him. I looked at the whole thing and he just stood there, not making an effort to dodge or move, but he didn't look in pain or was about to cry. He looked at them with a strong, glareful expression, standing tall against his enemies though they were twice his size. He looked over to me with a glint of sadness resonating in his eyes and then something in me clicked. When they made their move towards him, I came quickly as lightning in front of them. If they looked surprised, then I was completely in shock of my actions, but I never showed it. My expression was hard, cold, and pissed off. They shouted for me to get out they way, but I only berated in clear full sentences. The first time I was able to speak without a single stutter.
I yelled at them about how cruel they were to be picking on a boy twice less their size and how they dishonor the name ninja and shinobi by being fatheaded bullies. My words must have struck a cord for the last thing a saw was pure darkness, but though my eyes see only blank, my ears can hear the screams of terror and pain coming in full, not from one person but more. Never have I heard such a thing: such fears and cries for mercy and help. After what seemed like hours of unrelinquishing horrors, the screams faded away. Then I felt something wet drop on my face. I opened my eyes to see the young fiery redheaded boy, holding me close and crying over me. I raised my hand to his face, cupping his cheek. He flinched from my touch and looked down to me, eyes still brimming in tears.
I asked for his name and he gave it to me and I told him my name for he was very cute at the time. When he let me go from his embrace, he asked why I helped him. I said I didn't really know, only that when he looked at me, I saw the same sad eyes that I see everyday in the mirror, so I had to help him. He asked why I was sad, and my answer was because I didn't have any friends, thus I offered him to be my friend. He was hesitant but finally gave in and thus he became my first best friend and because of him, I have become a stronger person. He gave me the strength to do the things I needed to do and fight the harsh world that stood before me with him by my side.
He was handsome. He's still handsome. His cold indifference, but caring, loving heart was so contagious, so abundant, so invigorating that I couldn't get enough of him. This boy with his light aquamarine eyes, his wild fiery red hair, and fair skin was like a guardian to me. He protects me from the harsh world that surrounds us and he gives me strength to keep my head up high and never look away. He made me strong and gave me everlasting confidence in myself. He is my protector, my source of strength, my pure crystal rose…
My Gaara…
Thursday-October 24, 2107.
-BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ!- -Slap!- A small porcelain hand smacks down on the annoying alarm clock that disturbs her peaceful sleep. She grabs it and looks it over.
"6:30 a.m. As always," said Hinata in a groggy yet light tone. Her family would consider Hinata as a mid-morning person, so she was close to being a morning person if she had the stamina built for it. She placed the clock back to the dresser top and pulled back her covers to embrace the warm air hitting her, glad that she had her own air-conditioning in her room and connected to no else's. A small benefit for the heiress.
She steps down from her platform and heads for the closet for her morning wear: her top a Red baque with sheer long-sleeves and it zips in the back with a drawstring for easy reach and her bottom a Black, Red roses embodied, long skirt. She picked up her knee-length Red Antique boots and threw them on the bed with her clothes. She went back to rummage for red bikini bottoms and with the pick over her underwear, she heads off to the shower and begins her usually regiment.
Giving off the scent of fresh lavender, Hinata makes way for the kitchen where many good things awaits her. In the kitchen was her Oto-sama, always a blank expression to his face with Neji, still a bit groggy from the lack of sleep he had from doing his many homework that his overactive sensei, Gai Maito, has given him. Hanabi was a clear definition of morning person. She had an active energy surrounding her as she helped with the cooking. Her Aunt Hinako and cousin Keshino were up and about as well. (Just to put this out, Hinako and Keshino do not live Hinata and her family. Instead, they live just next door to her house, and the Head of Hyuga family asked them to give their small services to the family.)
"Ohayo, Oto-sama," Hinata spoke in a light yet firm tone.
"Ohayo, Chojo-sama (Eldest daughter)," That's a first. He barely speaks to her unless she's worth the time talking to, and not on good terms, mind you.
"Ohayo, everyone," said Hinata in her light and mildly cheerful tone.
"Ohayo, Hinata-sama!" spoke her aunt and two cousins.
"Ohayo, Onee-sama!" shouted Hanabi with a smile. Hinata smiled back and placed herself next to Neji as he yawned tiredly.
"Are you ok, Neji-niisan?"
"Hm? Oya un, I'm fine. Just -Yawn- a little weary, that's all."
"Yoshi," Hanabi with Hinako and Keshino came in with the breakfast platter meant for royalty. From blueberry muffins to steak & eggs, everything was a desire waiting to be fulfilled. Everyone grabbed their plates and picked their favorite dishes. Hinata finished her breakfast, as did Neji and Hanabi. They rose from the table, said their goodbyes to the family and walked out the door to Neji's Konaha Mazda G6. Once inside, they sped off to pickup Tenten and Rock Lee along the way.
Tenten and Rock Lee are from prestigious families as well: Tenten's family comes from a long line of bladesmiths, making the weapons and tools the ninjas of Konahagakure use. The family business grew all over Konaha, with high respects and to what they are called 'Konaha's Finest.'
Rock Lee's family are owners of The Hard Rock Gym: Highly renowned for its high definitions workouts and special chakra controlled weights, this from the help of his sensei, Gai Maito's family. The business itself grew as well and has been highly recommended for Taijutsu users.
Tenten still wears her hair in the Dango hairstyle and wears a pink qipao shirt with black pants, as where Rock Lee decided to keep his hair in two of his childhood hair styles, his hair slightly flipped and mid-length at the top with extra long braid in the back, reaching down to his buttocks. Though he kept his hair as his own, he still tends to dress like his sensei. (Not the green spandex, but more of the lines of a green turtle neck and black jeans or pants with vest.)
They came up to Hanabi's elementary school and soon dropped her off to go on to Hinata's school. They pulled up front and Hinata quickly gathered her things.
"Have a good day, Hime." Spoke Neji with a smirk.
"-Grunt- You too, Neji-niisan."
"-Chuckle- Bai,"
"Bai,"
"Have a good day, Hinata-sama," said Tenten.
"Nanibun, call me Hinata-chan, and have a good day too." Hinata stepped out of the car to let Tenten take the front.
"YOSH! May your day be filled with the flames of springtime youth." Said Rock Lee with a salute in the back. Hinata just giggled.
"Yoi, Rock-kun. Bai, everybody!"
"Bai, Hinata-chan (Hime)!" A wave of goodbyes' and he and his team sped off to his school whereas Hinata had to run to get to her homeroom.
-BRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING- The first bell of the day just rang and everyone were to report to their homerooms. Hinata sat in the middle column, second row next to Gaara on his right as Naruto sat on her right.
Hinata and Gaara with Naruto almost have the same classes-eight periods full. All three share Algebra II for second period, Homeroom-a free period (Their fifth period), Lunch for sixth, Literature for seventh, and Taijutsu class for the final class of the day. Gaara and Hinata take Earth Science for their third, and Hinata and Naruto take Ninjutsu for their fourth.
Since they have been friends, they have been inseparable, from their time in school to the days of just hanging out. The only other person in their homeroom was Sakura who sat behind Hinata and took third and fourth period with her. Sasuke, Shino and Kiba share a homeroom next door to them.
Today, Sakura, Naruto and Gaara were really stylin' out. Naruto wore a Red sleeved black jacket, black bondage pants with red strip down the sides, a red army fatigue mesh shirt, and black boots. He wore a red dog collar with flat studs around the collar and the same gold huggy earrings in each ear.
Gaara looked liked someone out of the matrix. He wore a Black, long strap trench coat, Black jeans, a Dark Red, medium-sleeved turtleneck, and Black steel-toe boots. He wore a gold chain with the cross hanging on it and wore a crucifix in his right ear.
Sakura wore a Red form-fitting, opened-collared vest shirt with Dark Blue jeans and Red, medium high heel boots. She wore a red chocker and Ruby dangle earrings with red bangle bracelets.
"Yoshi kurasu (Alright class), I will begin the row." Announced their sensei, Umino Iruka. "Say present or here if you are called. Baratsu Loki ,"
"-Far Off Corner- Here!"
"Besku Horoshi ,"
"Here!"
"Catsuko Juro ,"
"Present," As he called off the row, Hinata and Gaara started passing notes to each other with careful skills so not to be caught. Hinata received the folded note and read it over.
'Anna, when are you moving, exactly?' Hinata scribbled down and rolled the note over to him. He picked it up and looked it over.
'June 13th.' Gaara scribbled down and rolled it back to her, she picked it up and read.
'Do you want to spend the first month with me and our friends?' Few scribbles later, Gaara received the note.
'That would be very nice. I would love that.' Few scribbles later, Hinata received the note.
'I knew you would. Let's make it a month to remember.' Hinata turned to Gaara and smiled.
"Hyuga Hinata ," She turns to her sensei calling her name.
"Present," The row call continues its course, as she scribbled on the note and passes it to him.
'Count on it.' Gaara gave a small chuckle as he looks towards Hinata with a small noticeable smile. All the names were called and Iruka-sensei called for his classes' attention.
"Yoshi kurasu, as you may know, we have a Homeroom High Rank Tournament against room 206 (Next door) and room 210 coming up in November, so as asked of you, prepare for those of academics, Taijutsu, Ninjutsu, and Genjutsu. I will pick four for those four categories with the highest score in each of those categories, so if you want to participate, sign-up on the sign-up sheet on the wall outside the room. However, if none of my homeroom students participates for this, your grades will be reduced by fifteen percent in each of your classes."
"NANI?!"
"Those are the rules and since we have the highest marks next to 206 in the classroom, we are automatically chosen to be in the competition by the principal if the teacher of the homeroom refuses. I chose not to because I believe in each and every one of my students and that you have a great chance in showing what you can do in your studies. Keep in mind that if we win, we will be given an 'All-You-Can-Eat' expense pay at Mt. Capri Shore!" Everyone cheered for that.
Mt. Capri Shore is one of the best Sushi bar and Grill in all of Konaha, first to Hozuko's Korean barbeque. After the bell for second period rang, everyone scurried out to their classes while few people stopped to sign up for the tournament. Gaara, Naruto, Hinata, and Sakura signed up for the tournament, knowing by chance that they would be picked for the game. After signing the list, Hinata went to Algebra II with Gaara and Naruto.
Algebra II weren't their favorite subject, but they made the best grades out of it (Yes, I mean Naruto as well. I really don't want him to have no common sense about everything.). After that was Earth Science with Gaara and Sakura. Hinata and Sakura found it quite interesting whereas Gaara was bored to death from the subject. Then came Ninjutsu with Naruto and Sakura. The sensei teaching the subject was Kotetsu Hagane. He has long, wild, spiked aloof Black hair and wears the Konaha haitate around his forehead. He wears a white cloth tied around his nose, down to his jaw line. He wore a Black long-sleeve shirt and black loose pants with the green vest with all the pockets and compartments on it.
"Yoshi kurasu, today you will demonstrate the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu, producing four exact copies in your place. Then we will review the Henge no Jutsu where you create five people that you know out of your clones and self in perfect likeness. Now, who will show us the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu?" Only a few people raised their hands, two of the few were Sakura and Hinata. "Ah! Hai, Hinata-sama, you may go first." Hinata came in front of the class and took a deep breath. She went through the hand motions perfectly and shouted out the jutsu.
"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Shadow Clone Jutsu)!" -POOF- Smoke appeared, concealing Hinata inside. When it cleared, everyone was in awe of now five beautiful Hinatas'. One on the right end had her hands behind her back and the one second to the end had her hands on her hips. The one of the left end had her hands fold behind her head, the one second to the end had one hand on her hip and the middle and real Hinata had her arms crossed under her slightly large breasts, smirking.
"Sugureta (Excellent), Hinata-sama. Now demonstrate the Henge no Jutsu." With a nod and a smirk, Hinata went through the signs and shouted the jutsu.
"Henge no Jutsu (Transformation Jutsu)!" -POOF- Once again, smoke has concealed the lovely Hinata with its thickness. Once the smoke cleared, the five Hinatas' were replaced with Kiba, Naruto, Gaara, Sasuke, and Shino with dark sunglasses, topless and buffed out! All the girls had nosebleeds and screamed their heads off when they saw those buffed bodies whereas Naruto was completely shocked and wide-eyed as well as embarrassed. His look-alike looked at him and winked, making him blush madly as a few more girls screamed and giggled.
"Whoa! Calm down, redi-zu (ladies)! They're not real!" shouted their sensei over the waves over girlish screams and cheers for each body that stood there. It calmed down a bit with a few shouts, whistles, and giggles. "Hinata-sama, can you please release the jutsu before these girls decide to jump your bones." With a humph and smirk, Hinata as Gaara put her hands together and shouted out.
"KAI!" -POOF- Smoke appeared and after it cleared, only Hinata stood and took a bow as her classmates cheered her for a great jutsu that she created, mostly the girls. She took her seat next to Naruto, whom she was grinning at as he shoke his head in a way that said 'I can't believe you did that.' Kotetsu, taking his breath, called out Sakura to perform her jutsu, each one coming out perfectly. Then he called Naruto who had a large foxy grin on him. He turned to Hinata and mouthed out 'Pay back' before he went up. He too performed them perfectly without a single mistake.
"Yoshi, Uzumaki-san, you may take your seat."
"Ara! Ueito (Wait)! Before I do, can I perform a jutsu I've been working on. It's very new and could prove useful to distract the enemy."
"Hmmm…I don't see why not. Yoi, perform the jutsu." With a smile to his teacher, and a devilish smirk to Hinata, he went to the hands signs and shouted out his jutsu.
"Oiroke no Jutsu (Sexy Jutsu)!" -POOF-
"What did he say?!" spoke Hinata, but it was too late. After the smoke cleared, standing in his place was Hinata in a black, revealing bikini and her hair long and flowing.
"Hi boys! -Smoooooch-" Every boy in the room had massive nosebleeds, even their sensei. The boys cheered as a few of the girls were shock and upset for such a sight, Sakura just giggled a bit. Naruto turned back, laughing at Hinata and her shocked, blushing face.
"HAHAHAHAHA! Pay back's a bitch, huh?"
"Uzumaki Naruto, I will see you after class." Spoke Kotetsu with a twitching right eyebrow and two wads of tissues in his nose to stop the bleeding. Naruto knew he would get into trouble, but he didn't care. He got his revenge and that's all that matter.
"NARUTO-KUN! I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU WOULD DO THAT!" Shouted an angry, soft-spoken, blushing young woman.
"-Giggle- That's what you get for showing me off like that. That was just as embarrassing as my Oiroke no Jutsu, having me stand up there half naked, and for the whole class to see no less!" Naruto spoke in a hyped up tone, not really mad with what Hinata did, but it was something he couldn't put past him. Hinata, however, was quite upset. She has never shown off any parts of her body in such a provocative manner, even her swimsuits were less revealing, though form fitting. To be put on blast like that was down right, utterly humiliating.
Sakura giggled a bit. "Ano, Hinata-chan, he is right. You started it first, so it would seem fair if he got you back." Sakura wasn't really offended by such a jutsu since she seen it first hand. She didn't mind it at all when he introduced it to her because her friends' considered her quite the open-minded person. She merely saw it as a joke or a great use, whichever came first.
Hinata looked at her with a glare and humph. "You wouldn't think it was so funny if it happened to you."
"Hmph, I really wouldn't care. Practically everyone has seen me in a swimsuit, revealing or non-revealing, so to be put out as that would probably get me more fan boys no less. Beside, I'm not the one on trail here. You are with your own personal Oiroke no Jutsu." Hinata put on her pouty face that Naruto couldn't help but love on the temper-tantrum hime.
They walked down the hall to report to their homeroom, giving them time to collect their lunches or chat with friends. This is the time where Gaara would be spotted sleeping on his desk from time to time. They walked to their lockers and placed their books inside, getting their lunches and books for the final two periods. Closing their lockers, they turned the corner to their room and saw Shino, Kiba, and Sasuke coming their way and wearing one of their more appealing appreals.
Shino wore a Black Nazi jacket stopping at the knees with the Konoha symbol on his front pockets and an armband bearing the same symbol on his left arm. The collar was standing high so only his eyes, ears and hair was showing. He wore Midnight Blue jeans and Black Army boots. Any jewelry to be seen was under his coat except for the two hoop earrings on top of each ear.
Kiba wore a White short-sleeve t-shirt with a splattered paint Konoha symbol on front and Black, solid J Rock Gloves that covers his palms and straps down under the sleeves. He wore Black, tattered jeans with white speckle paint all over and Black and White All-Stars Converse. For jewelry, he wore a dog collar and a short black feather in his right ear.
Sasuke was more of the Aristocrat style, wearing a Black silk vest, Red cotton dress shirt and Black pants with stylish dress shoes. He wore a Black long coat with wide brimmed collar, the Uchiha symbol in the back, and assortment of pins on the collar, the Uchiha Fan and Konoha leaf the biggest. For jewelry, he wore a Dark Silver cross and two Black opal stud earrings.
"Ooi guys!" shouted Naruto in his loud mannerism. They walked up to the group as they walked along the way.
"Oi, Naruto-kun, I heard what happened in Ninjutsu class with Kotetsu-sensei. I can't believe you would be so mean to Hinata-chan." Laughed Kiba.
"Oi! You didn't hear what Hinata-chan did?" spoke Naruto, a little upset that only his actions were recognized.
"Uhhhhhh, not exactly. Do shite?" Kiba was curious as to what Hinata could have done to make Naruto retaliate in the first place.
"Man, she produced each of us, including Gaara-kun, with her Henge no Jutsu, half-naked and buffed out in front of the whole class!"
"-GASP!-" All the boys looked at Hinata with shocked expressions.
"Hinata-chan, you didn't?" spoke Shino in his monotone voice but with a tinge of embarrassment. Hinata only smirked at the boys, giving them the answer they needed.
"Hinata-chan, you are so bad." Spoke Kiba.
"I know," She giggled. They walked down the hallway to the rooms as Sasuke and his group left to their room. Once inside everyone was seated and chatted about the classes they took and about how their day has been so far. The bell rung once again and everyone scattered out the room for lunch, all except one. It took her three minutes to realize that he wasn't behind her, so she went back and look and behold, Gaara on his desk, catching Z's again. Man, not again. Hinata thought as she made her way to his desk. She was about to wake him, but stopped in her attempts as she looked at his sleeping form. He looked so…peaceful.
Instead of shaking him like she always does, she kneeled down to his level and brushed her hand over his hair. As wild as it may look, his hair was amazingly soft and well taken care of. It made her almost jealous that he would have such good hair, almost better than hers. As she brushed back the hairs on his forehead, she came across the Kanji symbol of love in his left temple. Such a strong and powerful expression it was, bearing it bright red colors for it to be seen as his strength as well as his word, but it too was his weakness and his misery. As she looks at it, she goes back when they were younger, when the first time she learned about the symbol…his power and misery.
A year pasted since they became friends. Gaara was still a bit hesitant, but became more open with himself to Hinata. School ended at Konoha Elementary and they decided to go to the empty playground in the park. They managed to get to the park without so much confrontation. Thankfully, Hinata had hidden bodyguards watching over them, so any attempts on their lives were easily thwarted out.
"Let's play on the swing, Gaara-kun." Spoke Hinata in her light hyper voice.
"Yoi," said Gaara in his light yet husky voice. They ran over to the swings set and Hinata sat down. Gaara went behind her and started pushing her on the swing. She squealed joyfully as she told him to push her higher to the sky. Gaara had a small smile grace his face, loving hearing her sounds of happiness emanating from her lips. It made him glow with happiness to hear someone's screams of joy than screams of terror. It made him happy to have a friend just like her.
After going through the jungle tower and many varies slides, they went up to an ice cream vendor and got their choices of ice cream: Hinata, chocolate, and Gaara, vanilla. They sat under a cherry blossom tree, licking away their frozen treats as they viewed the park in quiet splendor. After the treat, they sat quietly with each other, not finding what to say, until Hinata looked back at him and then turning her gaze to the Kanji symbol.
"Gaara-kun,"
"Hai, Hinata-chan?"
"How did you get that mark on your forehead?" Gaara visibly stiffened when he heard the question. Remembering how he got it was a painful experience and didn't want to look back on such a thing.
"My sand did it," was all he said to her as he blushes a little.
"Demo do shite? I thought the sand was supposed to protect you." He blushes even more and turns away from Hinata. Hinata leaned her head out to see his face but he puts it down in his lap, trying to hide his embarrassment. Suddenly, she heard soft whimpers and saw Gaara shaking.
"Gaara-kun, what's wrong?" She asked as she moved closer to him. He lifts his head up a bit to show his tear-filled eyes. Hinata was concerned as to what have brought this along. "Gaara-kun?"
He lifts his head completely and wipes away the tears, sniffing a bit before he looked back at Hinata and then back out to the clear field ahead of them. He closes he eyes and sighs.
"It's…hard to tell you…I don't know how to start." Gaara started shaking again until he felt a warm hand on his shoulder. He looks to his left to see a smiling Hinata with caring eyes.
"It's ok, Gaara-kun. Just start from the beginning." He looks at her and smiles a genuine smile. He turns to her and began he story.
"Ano, ever since I was born, a demon was placed inside of me, but for them to do it, my Okaa-sama had to die when she gave birth to me…since then everyone feared and hated me because of the demon inside me. I wanted friends, but they all ran away from me, and sometimes…I lose control over my feelings, meaning I lose control over my sand. I hurt a lot of people because of it.
"Ever since I was six, people kept trying to kill me, but they failed because the sand protected me from harm. Then comes the last person I would never believe to try to kill me…my Oji-san (Uncle), Yashamaru. The sand protected me from him, and he was hurt very bad. I looked at him and cried because I hurt the one person who I thought cared about me and who taught me what love was. He told me that my Oto-sama sent him to kill me. I forgave him that moment because I thought he was forced to do the job, but then he said that he had a choice to not do the command, but he did it out of hatred of me.
"He said he hated me, never finding a reason to love me because I killed his sister, my Okaa-sama. He told me that my name had a meaning when Okaa-sama gave it to me…it means 'Self-Loving Carnage', a name given by Okaa-sama in spite and hopes that I would take revenge and destroy those who would do this to her. Yashamaru tried to kill me again with bomb tags on him and he said, 'This is it. Please die…'…and everything blew up…-Sniff-…The sand protected my body, but not my feelings. I never felt so alone and betrayed as I did that night, that my head was filled with what he told me.
"In all my anger and misery, the sand came to life again and pounded against my forehead." Gaara touched the symbol as he spoke. "The sand burned into my skin, leaving the mark you see here to live up to what my Okaa-sama called me." He looked at Hinata as he removed his hand. "Anna, that's how I got the mark. It's my strength, but my misery as well." Gaara averted his gaze to the ground, feeling his sadness creeping over him again. Then he experienced something he never felt before…a kiss, on his forehead.
He was wide-eyed, as he knew whom the kiss was from, and then he was suddenly put into her embrace, holding him close to her.
"Gaara-kun, I'm sorry about what happened to you. Would it make you feel better if I said 'Aishiteru' to you? Because I really do love you and you should not feel unloved." Gaara was even more wide-eyed then before. He looked up to Hinata with her gentle, loving expression. Gaara was in tears and nodded his head as he held her close to him as well.
"N-Na-Nanibun…s-say it a-again," He spoke between his soft sobs. She smiled and hugged him even closer.
"Aishiteru, Gaara-kun,"
Aishiteru, Gaara-kun. She smiled as she brushed over his head again. He stirred from his slumber, but didn't showed signs of doing it. He opened his eyes half way to see Hinata, her eyes unaware of his consciousness as she still stared upon the symbol. The strokes of her soft warm hand through his hair were such a relief from the hard day of school life. He just wanted to relinquish himself in her hands and take comfort in his friend's care for him. After a while, he decided to announce his presence to her.
"Arigato, Hinata-sama," Hinata gasped as she heard his deep voice emanating from him.
"F-For what?"
"For waking me so nicely. It sure is better than Naruto's way. I thank you." She smiled, as she blushed a bit. He saw her blush and just smirked. "C'mon, we should get to lunch."
"Huh? Oya! Un! Lunch," They rose from their sittings and walked out the room. On the way, Hinata handed him his bento with his favorite foods: Spiced Spider rolls, Volcanic Dragon rolls, and Rose Sashimi with veggie salad and a boiled egg. Hinata's the best when it came to fixing meals, and Gaara was blessed with her as a cook as well as a friend, mentally and verbally thanking her that he wouldn't have to suffer under his brother's poor cooking skills.
They came to the outside world to once again to meet many of the looks that they always received in the public eyes. Many of the looks were just hateful, jealous looks, while others, fan people, looked at them with great admiration and love, and few others in fear and intimidation (of Gaara, of course). Gaara and Hinata walked past them with their heads held high and without a care in the world of those who would think so badly of them, smiling at those who would recognize them as people, not celebrities. They came to the end to see their many friends laughing, studying, or arguing, whichever came naturally around the table.
"Oi guys!" shouted Hinata in her usual soft tone.
"Ooi!" shouted everyone. They sat down in their usual spots and taken part in the few conversation that hoped to leak about.
"Oi, Gaara-kun. Did you hear what happened in Ninjutsu class with Hinata and Naruto?" asked Kiba with Akamaru sitting in his coat, his head poked out. A devilish grin appearing on his lips as Gaara quirked an eyebrow and Hinata blushed.
"What happen?"
"-Giggle- Sate, you see—OW!" Kiba grabbed his arm as he looked to his left towards Shino. "Shino-kun! Why did you pinch me?!"
"Because you're embarrassing Hinata-chan,"
"Oh c'mon! She embarrassed us first. Besides, it's funny and I think Gaara-kun has the right to know."
"The right to know what?" asked Gaara with a slight glare.
"That Hinata used her Kage Bunshin no Jutsu and Henge no Jutsu to—OW! STOP PINCHING ME!" yelled Kiba at Shino, his fangs baring his annoyance towards the bug lover as Akamaru snarled in defiance towards the bug lover as well. Gaara just glared and growled at the two for making him wait to know the story. Shino, though they can't see it, cringed at the impatient Gaara and backed off. Kiba was a little spooked but managed to continue.
"Hinata-chan used her Kage Bunshin no Jutsu and Henge no Jutsu to create you, me, Shino, Sasuke, and Naruto."
"Is that all?"
"Iie, because when she created us, she created us without our shirts on and buffed out into front of the whole class!" Gaara went wide-eyed and looked at Hinata with shock on his face and with a blush on hers.
"You didn't?" asked Gaara. She rolled he eyes and smiled, trying hard from laughing. "You did! Do shite?" asked a shocked and embarrassed sandman.
"I thought it would be cool since you guys are very handsome and the girls just loved it. I've never heard so many girls scream your name before, Gaara-kun." She said with a smile and blush. Gaara blushed even bigger than Hinata's; even his ears were turning a bit red.
"Yoooi…so what did Naruto-kun do?"
"Oooooo, that's the funny part. After Hinata's little stunt, he did came up with his own jutsu and Hinata being the target."
"What kind of jutsu?"
"A jutsu he dubbed Oiroke no Jutsu, creating a bikini-wearing Hinata in front of the whole class!" Kiba started laughing at the end of the story, but stopped at he saw Gaara's death glare, a glare that has never present itself on his face before, until now. Akamaru whined and Kiba turned completely white from Gaara's eyes, sinking below the table, as did Shino. Hinata turned and saw a very unhappy Gaara.
"Gaara-kun? Don't be mad. It was just a joke. Nothing more," She tried to calm him and she could sense that he was trying his best to do so.
"I know…gomennasai (excuse me)," With that, he rose from his seat and made a slow trek towards Naruto sitting between Sakura and Sasuke. With a raised hand, he made a dead smack on the back of Naruto's head, sending him face first into his ramen soup. Naruto rose from the hot streaming soup, his face covered in strands of noodles and kamaboko swirls, and turned to a slightly angered Gaara, his glare never faulting.
"Ummmm, did I do something wrong?" asked Naruto in a nervous tone.
"You used a jutsu to show Hinata off in a provocative manner. I say that's something wrong." Spoke Gaara, his arms crossed over his chest. Naruto knew exactly what Gaara was talking about.
"She started it," Gaara glared even more, making Naruto cringe under his eyes. "Yoi! Yoi! Ashikarazu!" Yelled Naruto, holding his hands up to show he surrendered. Gaara lessened his intense gaze and trekked back to Hinata, leaving a spooked Naruto and giggling Sakura. Gaara sat back with Hinata and began eating again.
"You know you didn't have to do that, Gaara-kun…but I'm glad you would want to protect me so much. Arigato," Spoke Hinata.
"Doitashimashite (You're welcome). Remember, I'll always be with you."
"I know," She smiled and they continued eating their lunches for the day.
"Welcome back, kurasu, to Taijutsu. You already know the drill: the pairings can be boy-boy, girl-girl, and/or boy-girl. Understanding that when collaborating, you are not allowed to go easy on each other. Show your fullest potential and do not stop until they are defeated by exhaustion, or if they surrender. Now let us begin." Spoke their sensei, Namiashi Raido. The final class of today and it was held in a very spacious dojo, adorned with varies weapons, tools, and art around the room. Each student dawns on their own training clothing: Gaara wearing a black gi and pants with a white sash and Hinata wearing a white, no-sleeves kimono shirt stopping just at her hips and black pants with a black sash.
Obviously, Gaara and Hinata pair up all the time, never finding anyone, beside Naruto, to meet their demands in training. They knew that they can't take it easy on each other for they knew that they wouldn't be the best in school if they did. Hinata and Gaara, with the rest of their friends, rank top ten in the whole entire class, Gaara first and Hinata second, for the past three years. Such feats have barely been achieved for others and Gaara and Hinata wear it like a badge of honor, working hard to get to where they are now. Gaara and Hinata found a large secluded area to begin their training for the day.
"Anna, Gaara-kun, do you wish for me to use my Byakugan in our training?"
"It's fine, as long as you don't hit me in the hip. That was quite painful last time and I could barely walk right for three days."
"-Giggle- Yoshi, Gaara-kun, I'll keep away from the hips." That said, they went into their fighting stances, Hinata's Gentle Fist with Gaara folding his arms, and prepared for battle. They stared at each other, unflinching, completely still as they try to see their move for attack. In a flash, Gaara disappeared. Hinata looked around only to hear a war cry coming from above. Hinata looked up and saw Gaara making a dead on punch to Hinata. She quickly blocked the hard hit, skidding back by a few feet. She ran up to Gaara, delivering kick after kick with much power. Though Gaara is blocking, her kicks started to hurt him and leaves a few bruises.
When did Hinata get stronger? In the mist of his mind, he didn't see the 540 Roundhouse kick that came his way thus sending him ten feet from where he were. He landed on his back but quickly did a rising handspring, landing to his feet and running towards his target. Now it was Hinata's turn to block and dodge as Gaara came heavy with the kicks and punches. Gaara spun, landing a forearm strike on her neck. Hinata was taken back by the hit, kneeling down to the ground, but came back to block the Axe kick coming down to her head. She circled the block, taking his leg under her right arm and sending a roundhouse kick to the stomach. Gaara bent down from the blow, giving Hinata an opportunity to send a flying punch to his head.
When the hit connected…-POOF-. A Bunshin no Jutsu (Clone Jutsu)! Hinata didn't have time to react as she went sprawling down the floor from Gaara's flying kick to her back. He landed after the kick and waited for Hinata to take her stand. The kick was hard and it shocked her too much to make much effort of getting up. After finding the strength, getting to her feet and taking her stance, Gaara charged at her once more. Hinata placed her hands together and called upon her kekkei genkai.
"BYAGUKAN!" Large bulbous veins appeared around her eyes, her eyes giving a look that she has pupils. Gaara threw the first punch and Hinata blocked it with ease. She charged towards him and made a serious of stabbing motions to his body, trying to make hits to his pressure points. Gaara knew her kekkei genkai fairly well and tried to make sure that none of her hits landed. She made motions for his right shoulder and he stopped her with a grappling hold. She used her other hand and hit a point in his right bicep. He instantly released her; she put her hands together and pushed Gaara off with an open double-palm thrust.
He collected his footing and stood his ground. Now he was in trouble. Hinata managed to land a hit and using his left arm would prove most difficult for him against a well-trained fighter like Hinata. Hinata took her stance once more and waited for Gaara to make his move.
"Do you conceded, or are you ready to get you butt handed to you." Spoke Hinata with a smirk. Gaara returned the gesture and took his stance, his arms folded once more, and just looked at Hinata to make her move. Hinata made the charge next and threw as many of blows that she could put out. Gaara blocked a few, but missed around his left forearm, right lower abs, and back of his left shoulder. Gaara was at wits end and had to think fast to counter her moves.
Gaara squatted down and made a sideswipe to her legs, having her flying in the air from the surprise hit before she landed hard on her back. Gaara moved fast and grabbed her hands as she was immobilized from the hard fall. He twisted her around and put her in a Full Nelson with his knee in the small of her back. Hinata struggled furiously against him, but knew she had no way out of her situation for Gaara was more muscle than she was. She released her Byagukan and settled down.
"Yoshii, Gaara-kun, I give." Gaara released his hold and stood up, turning Hinata over and helped her up as well. Hinata hit Gaara's chakra points to release his chakra back into his body.
"That was good training we did." Gaara stretched as he spoke.
"Un, too bad it only lasted fifteen minutes."
"Hn," He was walking over to a corner to rest, but not before Hinata jumped on his back, having him pinned under her weight. "Hinata-sama! What are you doing?" spoke Gaara in a slightly shock tone.
"Oya kaimu (Oh nothing)," said Hinata as she whispered in his ear, smirking. He could feel her smile and was about to flee but it was too late.
"AAAAAHHHHHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! HINATA-SAMA! STOP! AAAAHHHHHAHAHAHAHAHA!!" Gaara rolled around the floor, trying desperately to remove the tickle-torturing Hinata from his back. She laughed with as she tickled his sides, her arms and legs fully wrapped around his torso.
"DO YOU GIVE UP!!" shouted Hinata.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! N-NEVER!!"
"THEN PREPARE FOR MORE TORTURE!!" She tucked her face in the nape of his neck and bit him as she continued tickling him. Now he was immobile facing down and having a laughing fit.
"DAMN! DAMN! DAMN! YOSHII, YOSHII!! I GIVE UP!!" Hearing that, she released her hold on him, rose from him, and sat in front of him as he tried to catch his breath.
"Hah, hah, hah…I…will…get you," panted Gaara.
"I'm sure you will." Hinata giggled and rose from her seat, walking to the water fountain in the dojo. The water came up and the cool liquid touched her lips, refreshing her heated body with a single touch. She felt relaxed at that moment, her muscles less tense than before. She moved over and gave Gaara, who was behind her, a chance to drink, relaxing his worn, heated body as well. Afterwards, the bell rang and everyone went to his or her locker rooms to shower and/or change back to their clothes. Everyone was in a rush to get home from their hard day's work and relax for the coming weekend. (Konoha Ninja Middle School only lasts for four days, giving Friday the starting weekend.)
Gaara offered another ride to her house, and she kindly took it, spending every little time they share knowing it is slightly limited. Temari came as usual, they climbed in and she sped off to the highway as always before, Temari lighting a cigarette and Gaara taking a stick for himself, trying to relax the troubling mind that plagues him so as Temari and Hinata talk about their day with each other.
They made it to her house, said their goodbyes' and she ran up to the door before looking back and waving at back at them. Gaara made a wiggling motion with his fingers as if showing a keyboard under them. She got the message and she went inside to see her large entry to the house. One small room was where they wiped their feet on the mats lain on the floors and hang their coats in the closet inside the smaller yet large room. Then Hinata came up to the second entry that leads her inside her house.
The house inside was a spacious and majestic as the outside. In the middle of the floor was a large spectacle of a fountain. On top were five figures, the clan leaders of the Hyuga clan; those who are recognized for the great leadership, dedication to family, and great power were place on such a thing, her father being in the middle of it all. She looked at the fountain with much dislike and walked on by to see the large staircase in front of her. She walked past it and headed down the hall towards the kitchen to the people that she felt she could be herself with them.
"Hinako-obsan! Keshino-kun! Konnichiha!"
"Konnichiha, Hinata-chan!" spoke her aunt and cousin. They were cooking once more and the food was titillating her senses as all their foods do to her. They were great cooks and should open the own restaurants. 'But then you wouldn't be the only one to take delight in our cooking,' her aunt said when Hinata suggested it. Her aunt and cousin would love to do their own business, but money can prove to be a hassle and though they could get the money from the clan leader, they prefer to make their own money instead of being indebted to the Hyuga clan.
"You're here early. I was sure you would be with Gaara-sama." Said Hinako.
"I decided to come home early for the starting weekend."
"Ano, that's good. It would be nice to see you more early once in a while." Said Keshino. Hinata smiled. She loved being around them too because them weren't the cold, calculated kind of people she had in her family and was glad that she can at least say she had a good life in the Hyuga family with those two around her.
"What are you cooking?"
"Oya, just some seafood we came by at the market. It'll be a mid-lunch meal before dinner starts."
"Oya, yoi. Ano, I'll see you later."
"Ato (Later)," Hinata went towards a different hall that leads to her room. Down the hall was a large winding staircase, and she climbed them effortlessly. She went down the hall and made it to her room. She entered and closed the door, locking it to keep others out for her privacy. She headed to the computer and quickly connected to KOL (Konoha On-Line) to see if Gaara made it to his.
GentleQueen12: Gaara-kun? Are you there? /She waited a while but finally got his call./
SandKing1: Always.
GentleQueen12: Anna, what do you want to talk about?
SandKing1: Nothing much. I only have a question.
GentleQueen12: Sadaka, what is it?
SandKing1: When did you get stronger? /She pondered at his question and replied quickly./
GentleQueen12: What do you mean?
SandKing1: During Taijutsu class, your kicks were very powerful. Much so than usual.
GentleQueen12: Oya, I've been training with Sakura and Naruto lately. Their helping me build power in my legs and arms to defend myself better and still keep up on the offense.
SandKing1: I see.
Enter Kyubii1010
Kyubii1010: Oi, guys.
GentleQueen12: Oi, Naruto-kun.
SandKing1: 'Sup, Naruto-kun.
Kyubii1010: Yoshii, so what's the topic?
GentleQueen12: Gaara-kun asked about why my kicks were stronger in Taijutsu class.
Kyubii1010: Un, you can thank Sakura and me for that, Gaara-kun. But, Hinata's a great student, so we can't take all the credit.
GentleQueen12: Arigato, Naruto-kun. : )
Kyubii1010: No problem.
Kyubii1010: Oya ueito! Gaara-kun, you're not mad anymore, are you?
SandKing1: Ina, Naruto-kun. You're too good of a friend to stay mad at.
Kyubii1010: That's good to know. You ok too, Hinata-chan?
GentleQueen12: I'm fine.
Kyubii1010: I'm glad.
Enter CherryBlossom328 and DarkFire7
CherryBlossom328: Oi, guys!
DarkFire7: Oi.
Kyubii1010: Ooooii, Sasuke-kun and Sakura-chan! Glad you came.
DarkFire7: I don't know why or how, but even on the computer you can sound annoying.
Kyubii1010: OI! SCREW YOU, YA TEME! /Naruto wasn't the kind to take brash insults. He rather dishes them out./
CherryBlossom328: Naruto-kun! You know his joking, so don't act out.
Kyubii1010: -Sigh- Un, you're right. Ashikarazu, Sasuke-kun.
DarkFire7: Hn. Me too.
CherryBlossom328: Yoi, now that's settled, what's the talk for tonight?
GentleQueen12: Gaara-kun wanted to know how my kicks became stronger.
CherryBlossom328: Oya ittai? Naruto-kun and I have been helping Hinata build strength in her body for better stance and control to the ground. She has a nice low-center of gravity, so it's working out to her advantage.
SandKing1: I see. Sate, the training worked well. The kicks she gave me left a couple of bruises on my arms.
GentleQueen12: Ara, ashikarazu, Gaara-kun. : ( /Hinata was really sad that she might have hurt her friend./
SandKing1: Don't worry. I'll live. /Gaara smirked, though now one could see it./
GentleQueen12: -Giggle- That's wonderful to know. /He didn't know why, but even when she not with him, her smiles and laughter always brighten up the room./
Kyubii1010: I swear you two should get together. /Gaara and Hinata blushed at the statement they received./
CherryBlossom328: NARUTO-KUN!!
DarkFire7: Baka.
Kyubii1010: Nani!? You guys see it too, I'm just wondering why don't they?
CherryBlossom328: Naruto-kun, you know that it's rude to blurt things out like that! What if you embarrassed them?
Kyubii1010: Yoi, yoi! I'm just kidding. ;3
CherryBlossom328: You're such a fool. : )
CherryBlossom328: Oi, has anyone heard from Shino and Kiba? They usually be in the chat room at this time.
DarkFire7: I heard that Shino and his family are taking a trip to see his cousins this weekend and Kiba said he had to work in his family's restaurant tonight.
CherryBlossom328: Shai, Sasuke-kun, for the info.
DarkFire7: Sadaka.
Kyubii1010: Anna, any ideas for the weekend? /It took a while for everyone to answer./
GentleQueen12: We could hang out like we usually do.
CherryBlossom328: Doing what exactly?
GentleQueen12: Anything that comes to mind…except preverted things, Naruto-kun.
Kyubii1010: OI!
CherryBlossom328: LOL! GOOD ONE!
DarkFire7: LRL! She does have a point. (LRL, if you don't already know, means 'Laugh Really Loud.')
SandKing1: LOL! And they say I'm mean.
Kyubii1010: Hinata-chaaaaaaan. : (
GentleQueen12: Ashikarazu, Naruto-kun, but I couldn't resist. -Giggle-
DarkFire7: Anna, what do we do for the weekend?
GentleQueen12: Anything that you can think of that me and Gaara-kun can buy.
SandKing1: Now how did this get to a point of where we have to pay for everything? : (
GentleQueen12: Awwwwe, c'mon, Gaara-kun. It's not like you can't get all the money back. We do have two of the most successful companies in the world, so we can't be so tight with our money that we can't share it with our friends.
SandKing1: Demo, does it have to be my money.
GentleQueen12: Nanibuuuuuuun, Gaara-kuuuun. :3
SandKing1: …Bakkin. Whatever they want, we'll get for them. You owe me big, Hinata-sama.
GentleQueen12: Mochiron. It'll be our little deal. -Giggle- ;3 /Gaara smirked at the screen once more./
Kyubii1010: Anna, where do we meet? /Everyone pondered about this until someone finally answered./
CherryBlossom328: Let's meet at your house. Wherever we go, it'll be close by since you live in the city and all, Naruto-kun.
GentleQueen12: That's a great idea Sakura-chan. : )
Kyubii1010: Un. Wish I thought of that before asking.
CherryBlossom328: No worries. Not everyone's brain can work at half capacity, much more full
Kyubii1010: OI! LOOKA HERE, BIG HEAD GIRL! YOU ARE GOING TO STOP INSULTING ME AND CALLING ME DUMB!!
CherryBlossom328: WHO ARE YOU CALLING BIG HEAD!!
Kyubii1010: YOU, FIVEHEAD GIRL!!
CherryBlossom328: BAKA!!
Kyubii1010: BILLBOARD BROW!!
CherryBlossom328: LOUD-MOUTHED EL STUPIDO!!
Kyubii1010: PINK-HAIRED MONSTER!!
CherryBlossom328: FOX DEMON CHILD!!
Kyubii1010: AND PROUD OF IT, SISTA!!
SandKing1: ENOUGH!!
DarkFire7: SHUT UP ALREADY!!
GentleQueen12: Calm down everyone! Sheesh! Yoi, so we agree to meet in Naruto-kun's house, ma?
Kyubii1010: Un.
DarkFire7: Hn.
CherryBlossom328: Yoi.
SandKing1: As agreed.
GentleQueen12: Then it's settled. We'll meet at 4 o'clock p.m., and no later than that. And if anyone can, tell Kiba-kun as well.
DarkFire7: I'll be sure to tell him.
GentleQueen12: Arigato, Sasuke-kun. /Just then Sasuke heard his brother calling him from down stairs./
DarkFire7: Oi, guys, I gotta go. My family's calling me for dinner. I'll see you all tomorrow.
GentleQueen12: Yoshii. Bai
SandKing1: Bai.
Kyubii1010: Bai.
CherryBlossom328: Bai.
Exiting DarkFire7
Kyubii1010: Ano, I have to go too. See ya.
CherryBlossom328: Me too. Bai!
SandKing1: See ya.
GentleQueen12: Have a good evening.
Exiting CherryBlossom328 and Kyubii1010
SandKing1: Looks like it just us, queeny.
GentleQueen12: Looks like it, kingy. Lal (LAL means either 'Laugh A Little' or 'Laugh A Lot'. Whichever, your choice, audience.)
SandKing1: Sate, see you tomorrow, Hinata-sama.
GentleQueen12: Count on it.
Exiting SandKing1
Now Hinata sat in her empty room, staring at the screen with a sad expression. She rose from her seat and headed out the door to the dining hall below, but on the way, one single thought forever ran through her mind as she went down the stairs.
Oh, Gaara-kun. How I wish we could stay together forever.
Gaara was going through the motions as well, and as he lay on his bed with closed eyes, one thought circled his mind.
We will be together, Hinata…Count on it.
To Be Continued…
Notes from the Authoress:
Hinako and Keshino: Hinako is the older sister of her late sister, Himochi, the late mother of Hinata and Hanabi. Since and before her sister's untimely departure, Hinata considered her aunt as a second mother to her, and Hinako loves the girl dearly as did her sister. Hinata was closely named after Hinako with 'Hina' as their starting names.
Keshino is Hinako's first and only son. With the death of his father, he lives with his mother and considers Hinata his little sister, whom his loves very dearly.
Shino and Kiba: Shino family is business owners as well, owning the best and largest computer company ever: AbuSoft. Shino, heir to the company, comes in second to Hinata and Gaara with their companies.
Kiba's family owns Red Moon, the highest class of restaurant ever to exist in Konahagakure. He works part-time to help the family when their short-handed on workers.
Sakura and Sasuke: Sakura and Sasuke are of the middle high-class status, but companies our not their ownership. Land is. They have a vast major of land in their names and not only that, but owns what's on their lands: Sasuke's family owns the gold mines as Sakura's family owns the diamond mines.
They, like the others, don't flaunt their money around as does many other people. They want to be accept as they are, thus they become part of the Shadows Casted and became great friends with Hinata and Gaara.
Computer Talk: The numbers I had by their names were their birthdays and I will give you the list here.
Sasuke: July 23
Naruto: Oct. 10
Sakura: Mar. 28
Hinata: Dec. 27
Gaara: Jan. 19
Everyone else's…
Kiba: July 7
Shino: Jan. 23
Neji: July 3
Tenten: Mar. 9
Rock: Nov. 27
Shikamaru: Sept. 22
Ino: Sept. 23
Choji: May 1
Kankuro: May 15
Temari: Aug. 23
Dark Anty – So how did you like the second chapter. I think I did a pretty good job with this one, though I made it longer than intended to. Tell me how you like the second chapter. NO FLAMES!! T.T.F.N.