A/N Hello everyone :) sorry it took me awhile to update, I had this chapter ready to upload I've just had other things to worry about plus we've been getting a lot of bad weather due to hurricane Issac so I've been leaving my computer turned off. Hope everyone is safe from the weather! Be careful and such especially if you're out driving, it's not fun especially on the interstate at 1 AM driving back home from another state . my husband and I had that fun little trip together last night. But anyway without further ado I bring you chapter 3. I hope everyone likes it and i'd like to give a special thanks to a couple of my reviewers: MasterBlaine and DeathBySugarCube, I need all the help/advice and support I can get . So Thank you ;)

Also this chapter is following Gaara based from the first chapter just so there's no confusion.

One thing was for certain – Gaara had a headache. It was atrocious, the sort of head-splitting mind numbing headache that made you want to put a bullet through your brain just to feel some kind of release. Not to mention, the twenty-four hour car ride he'd had to endure, with three more hours still yet to go. But it couldn't be helped, the more distance they traveled the better. He let out a soft groan resting his head against the cool window. He could not, would not complain; after all it was his fault they were in this situation, his two older siblings and him.

Temari peeked through the rear view mirror at her younger brother, "Gaara, are you going to be okay? We can pull off at the next exit and rest if you need."

"No, it's fine . . . I just want to get to our new place already. It's too risky if we make unnecessary stops. Remember what I told you, he is relentless when it comes to tracking someone down, he'll do whatever it takes, you and Kankuro witnessed that first hand," Gaara clenched his fists, "If I had just made it there sooner . . . If only . . ."

"Gaara, that's enough," Kankuro interrupted. "There's no point in tormenting yourself with things you could have done different, it's over now. Just count yourself lucky we're still with you."

". . . I guess," Gaara thought for a moment, "Temari, Kankuro . . ."

"Hm? What is it?"

"I'm sorry to have put you through this, I should have been the one who died."

Temari's eyes filled with tears, "Please, Gaara, don't say things like that."

Kankuro turned in his seat facing Gaara, "For once just listen to us, the worst is over."

Gaara simply nodded, there was no point in trying to argue his point. Instead he gave up, hoping his body would let him sleep till they arrived.

0o0o0

Hours later Gaara woke to the sound of the car door opening, finally, they had made it.

"Rise and shine," Temari grinned, "Come check out the house, it's lovely."

Gaara stepped out of the car and looked around. It was nice, maybe a little old but that suited him fine. There was a fence surrounding the yard it gave a slightly secluded feel – very nice.

"So what do you think?" Temari asked.

"I like it, Temari . . . Listen, I'll be back I want to check out the area."

"Alright just please be careful."

Walking down the road he paused to take a breath of fresh air, thankfully his headache was gone. There wasn't much to look at but he liked what he saw. The town had a tranquil feel about it. It felt nice to let go of his blood rage and hate, if only for a moment. He knew things couldn't last here. It was a temporary fix to a vast problem. When the time was appropriate, he would return and set things right, even if it meant the cost of his life. After all it truly was only supposed to be him that died. His life ceasing to exist was the only way he could atone for his sins.

Gaara smirked, it really was comical if you thought about it. At seventeen, kids his age shouldn't have quandaries like his. How many boys have willing took the lives of others like he has? He should be a normal teenage boy, but that was so far from who he was. Gaara was an inexorable being, feared and hated by many. Temari and Kankuro were the only ones who could handle him, who would have anything to do with him, despite knowing how he was. They always stood by him. Perhaps it was because they knew the real Gaara back before he changed, but that was thanks to their father.

It's still a mystery why their father hated Gaara so. Temari and Kankuro were fine, they made his father proud but at a young age Gaara quickly realized he would never be shown the same pleasure. His mother still loved him but it was out of obligation and duty of bearing a child than a mothers' true love. Doctors said it was because he was born prematurely, a theory that mothers who don't carry their babies full term won't have as strong a bond for as child who's felt a mother affection through the whole pregnancy. Whatever the reason Gaara was the black sheep in his family and nothing he did could change that . . .

Gaara paused taking in his surroundings, he'd walked a decent few miles. Up ahead he noticed was a high school. It must be the one Temari enrolled him in before they even left. She had definitely done her research about the place. Satisfied with the provincial little town, he turned, going back to his house.

First thing he noticed was a young girl, probably his age, telling Temari goodbye before she walked off. That wasn't surprising. Despite her headstrong personality, Temari was a good person and could make friends easily if she wanted to. Gaara hated to do it, but he would have to tell his older siblings to try and keep a low profile, and don't go off making a whole bunch of friends. It was for the best.

"Gaara, where have you been I've needed your help," Kankuro said.

"Sorry I took a walk," Gaara paused, "I think we can make it work here as long as we're careful."

Kankuro nodded, "Oh yeah, I'd avoid Temari right now if you don't want to get killed. She's pretty pissed at the movers."

Gaara smirked. It was almost a challenge keeping Temari happy.

It took the rest of the day, but by nightfall the three were finally moved in and unpacked. He sat on his bed checking out his new room. He picked the one upstairs furthest to the back. Privacy was one thing Gaara was big on.

"Gaara!" Temari yelled up the stairs, "Dinner is almost ready."

Temari said when she noticed Gaara walk into the kitchen "Sorry it's nothing special, I'll have to go to the store tomorrow. There's a lot of things we need."

"Eh, it's better than nothing," Kankuro said as he set the table, "So, tomorrow is your first day of school. Are you excited?"

Gaara shrugged. It would be different that's for sure. He dropped out before he was a freshman at his other school. What was the point in going? They couldn't teach him anything he didn't already know, and everyone there, teachers and students alike, were afraid of him.

"I met one of our neighbors today. Her name's Hinata Hyuga, sweet little girl. A tad too shy perhaps. I'd say she goes to the same school."

Either way, it didn't matter to Gaara. He had no intention of making friends. People were useless to him. They only brought pain if you let them get close to you. His brother and sister were the only exceptions.

Once they finished eating and the table was cleared they each said their good nights and headed for their rooms.

Gaara relaxed in his bed wondering what his next move would be. It bothered him knowing what he was putting Temari and Kankuro through, they didn't deserve all this. They should have abandoned him on the spot once they figured out what was going on, that's what anyone else would have done, but not them . . .

Gaara awoke a few hours later to his alarm. School . . . was there even a point in enrolling? But Temari insisted, saying it might help give him a better start, fresh new people who don't know him, maybe make a few friends. She knew things like that were trivial to him but he went along with it regardless, it was the least he could do.

He went downstairs to find Temari in the kitchen making coffee.

"Morning Gaara, Were you able to get any sleep?"

"No more than usual." He said as he got out a couple coffee cups. Gaara had chronic insomnia. He was lucky to get a few hours of sleep any given day. The results could be seen veryclearlyaround his eyes.

He poured himself some coffee. "Kankuro still sleeping?"

"He's in the shower, after you leave we're going to town. Will you be needing anything?"

Gaara thought for a moment, "A small cactus plant."

Temari laughed spitting out her coffee, "Of all the random things, why a cactus?"

Gaara shrugged he just always had a thing for them. Something about how strong they are withstanding harsh conditions, no matter how hot or dry it gets, they manage to survive. Not to mention their spines, meant to keep any and everything away, never allowing anything to get close to it.

"Well alright, I'll see what I can find. Oh, I picked up a few things you might need today, paper, pencils, things like that."

"Thanks Temari, I guess I'll leave now."

"Ok I hope everything goes well for you, have a good day."

A good day? Did he even know what that was like?

O0o0o

Once Gaara arrived he headed for the office. The school wasn't too big, it looked like it carried a few hundred give or take. Gaara knocked on the door than stepped inside. Sitting at the desk was a light-skinned woman with brown eyes and straight blonde hair that was pulled back.

"Can I help you?" the lady asked.

"My name is Gaara Sabaku, I just recently was enrolled here."

"Gaara? Ah yes we were expecting you, nice to meet you, my name is Tsunade. I'm the Principal of this school," Tsunade pressed a button on her desk, " Ms. Shizune will you please come here for a moment?"

"Yes ma'am."

A lady who Gaara assumed was Shizune walked in.

"Shizune this is Gaara Sabaku, our new student, would you mind getting his class schedule together, I need to go get ready for the meeting."

"Yes, of course Ms. Tsunade."

After Tsunade walked out Shizune took her place at the desk and started typing on the computer.

"Okay, let's see, Gaara, Gaara, – Ah there you are, looks like your first period class is English with Kakashi-sensei. I'll print the rest off for you." Shizune handed the freshly printed schedule to Gaara and started to speak in the same box Tsunade did. "Hayate, will you please page Kakashi to the main office, thank you."

Gaara looked at his schedule:

First period: English - Kakashi

Second period: Psychology - Kurenai

Third period: Math – Iruka

Fourth period: P.E. - Guy

A few moments later a tall man with white spiky hair walked in, "You needed me Ms. Shizune?"

"Yes Kakashi, this is Gaara Sabaku, starting today he will be in your first period," Shizune turned to Gaara, "If there's anything you need, come back and see me whenever, do you have any questions?"

"No, thank you."

"Alright then, hope you have a good day and welcome to Konoha High."

"Come on Gaara, follow me, class has already started," Kakashi opened the door for Gaara.

With Gaara following behind, Kakashi stepped into the classroom, "Sorry I'm late kids, I got lost on the path of –

"LIAR!" Gaara heard the whole class shout . . . how annoying . . .

Kakashi scratched the back of his head. "We'll regardless, class today we have a new student – Gaara won't you come in?"

The second he walked in he could already hear the other students. They were afraid of him. That didn't take long. So much for starting out fresh, these people were no different than the others with their harsh judging eyes. He was different than them and they sensed that. People hate things that are different, because they cant understand them, when they can't understand, it turns to fear and more hate.

"Okay kids settle down," Kakashi looked at the boy, "So Gaara, won't you tell us a little about yourself, hobbies, likes, dislikes, things like that."

Gaara glared at the class. This was so stupid he was not an open book for their own amusement."My name . . . is Gaara Sabaku, and as for the details of my life, that is of no concern to anyone."

"Oh man, what a real douchebag, look at him trying to act all cool," that pissed Gaara off. He quickly singled out the blond who said it, sending him an icy glare. He might end up having problems with that one.

"Hmm? Hey man you got a problem?" the blond asked.

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I do," Gaara replied sharply. He was definitely going to have issues with him.

Naruto growled "Why you little–

"Okay, okay, now guys, that is enough," Kakashi said, "Naruto shut up. Gaara don't go getting into trouble on your first day."

"Hmph whatever," he heard the blond say.

So the boys name was Naruto, he would have to remember that.

"Alright now that's settled...Hmm lets see where's an empty desk." Kakashi looked around the room, "Ah-hah, Gaara take the empty seat beside Hinata. Hinata, please, raise your hand."

Gaara watched a timid girl raise her frail hand. He walked over and took the seat beside her. Hinata, Gaara thought, that must be the girl Temari met yesterday.

"Alright now class listen up," Kakashi said, "You all know Halloween is coming up next month and with that comes the Schools costume dance. So we're going to need volunteers to help with the decorating and such, you'll get extra credit of course. Oh and Gaara, I recommend you help as well, since you've came here half way through the semester there is a lot you won't be able to make up, help out with the dance and that will give you enough credit to get caught up with the rest of the class, fair enough?"

Gaara nodded, there was no point in resisting. It was better than a mountain of homework. He tuned out everything after that, he felt another headache coming on. The last thing he heard was Kakashi telling the Hinata girl to share her book.

He turned his head to the side, for a second he thought he heard someone talking to him. It took him a moment to realize it was Hinata. She had a really soft voice, he almost had to strain to hear her. He watched her fiddle her fingers as she offered to scoot her desk next to his. This girl was very nervous, was she afraid of him? Did she think he was a freak like everyone else? Of course she did, there was no way this girl was any different. Before he could reply the bell went off.

Gaara stood up to leave till he heard Hinata again.

"G-Gaara, if y-you would like y-you can borrow my b-book s-so you can g-get the w-work done," was she only saying that so she wouldn't have to sit close beside him?

"How will you finish yours?" He asked out of curiosity.

"Ohh, um, I will u-use Naruto's book, h-he probably w-won't do it anyway."

Gaara heard her laugh softly. Everything about this girl seemed so tender. Now that he actually had a good view of her he could see just how fragile she really looked. It was as if he even looked at her the wrong way she might break. Its a trait he had never seen in anybody before. Most people are too loud and, over all, just obnoxious, but she didn't seem to fit that category.

"Okay, thank you," he finally said, accepting the book.

Gaara watched Naruto walk up from the side and pulled Hinata by the arm., "Come on Hinata let's go, stop wasting your time with him."

So Hinata was friends with that idiot? Maybe she wasn't different after all . . .

Gaara was about to walk out when Kakashi stopped him, "Hey Gaara, listen,try not to let Naruto get under your skin, he's annoying but he's not that bad of a guy. You're next class is psychology room 202 right down the hall." Gaara thanked him and left.

Gaara was at room 202 when he saw Hinata run by him. What was wrong with her? She looked upset. He wondered if possibly Naruto had said something to her, but quickly disregarded it, it was none of his business after all.

Kurenai was at her desk when he stepped in, "Ah Gaara, the new student right? Nice to have you. I already got your book right here. Kakashi-sensei told me his idea for catching you up in his class so for me I want you to write a five page book report on the founding father of psychoanalysis due in one week."

Gaara nodded

"Good, go ahead and take the desk in the middle to the far left by the window. Alright class time to calm down," Kurena said as she began her teaching lesson. "Can anyone tell me the five basic principles of humanistic psychology?" No one raised their hands. "Hmm, Gaara how about you? Let's see what you got."

Gaara thought for a moment –

"One: Human beings, as human, supersede the sum of their parts. They cannot be reduced to components.

Two: Human beings have their existence in a uniquely human context, as well as in a cosmic ecology.

Three: Human beings are aware and aware of being aware

Four: Human beings have some choice and, with that, responsibility.

And lastly five: Human beings are intentional, aim at goals, are aware that they cause future events, and seek meaning, value, and creativity."

Kurena beamed, "Very good Gaara, have you took this class before?"

Gaara shrugged, "It's just a subject that's always interested me."

"Well I'm glad to have you a part of this class."

Gaara ignored the churlish remarks from the students behind him. He never made an effort or point to show off his intellect, but if he was called on he gave an answer.

Kurena continued her lesson when the door opened. Gaara looked to see Hinata walk in looking very somber.

"Ah Hinata, good of you to join us."

"I-I'm sorry K-Kurenai-sensai . . . I wasn't f-feeling very w-well."

"Hm? Do you need to go to the nurse's office?"

"N-No, I'm o-okay now," Gaara watched her walk over and take the desk beside his.

"Okay, but if you get to feeling bad again don't hesitate to leave. Anyway, class, as I was saying-"

From the corner of his eye Gaara watch Hinata pull out some paper. He noticed her look again for something else, she paused for a moment seeming disheartened. Did she not have anything to write with? Out of nowhere Gaara decided to give her his pen, it didn't look like he would be needing it. He watched her turn, meeting his eyes. She had been crying. Just as he thought, something was wrong with her earlier.

"You looked like you could use this." he wasn't sure why he even bothered offering. For some reason he just felt the impulse to help her, a feeling he's solely felt for Temari and Kankuro.

Gently she took his pen, "Ohh, t-thank you, I really appreciate i-it. I'll g-give it back."

Gaara shrugged he didn't care if he got it back or not. Confused by his simple act of kindness, Gaara turned away to look out the window. He chalked it up as a thank you for her letting him borrow her English book.

After class Hinata caught Gaara before he could leave, "T-thank you again f-for letting me borrow this."

"Why were you crying?" his question confused even himself, he just wanted to know.

"E-excuse me?"

"When you walked into class, your eyes were red and slightly swollen," would she think he was weird for noticing something like that?

He watched her force a laugh, "Oh t-that, it was n-nothing, I h-had something in my eyes." She was lying, of course she wouldn't open up to someone she didn't know. Especially to someone like him. He didn't see the point in pressing the matter.

He watched her shuffle around for a moment, protectively folding her arm around her chest.

"Do I make you uncomfortable?" he already knew he did.

"N-no," again she was lying. He wasn't sure why she didn't tell him what she really felt. Everyone else didn't have a problem with it, was she taking his feelings in consideration? Again something no one else had ever done. But he couldn't be too sure.

"W-Well I guess we had b-better go to l-lunch. D-Do you have anyone to eat w-with, you could s-sit with me and m-my friends."

The simple gesture caught Gaara off guard, she really did confuse the hell out of him.

"That's kind of you, but I'll have to decline," Gaara left before she could say anything else.

What an odd girl, he thought as he located the lunch room.

Gaara didn't bother eating. Instead he found a lonely booth near the back and sat down. He hated this lunch room. It was far too loud and crowded.

He was hoping to be left in peace but that didn't happen as young guy walked over to him.

"Sabaku? Gaara Sabaku, the new student right?"

"Yes, what of it?"

"My name is Neji Hyuga, normally I'd be polite and ask if the other seat was taken, but well, since this is originally my booth, I'll skip that."

"Hyuga?"

"Hm, so you've heard of me?"

"No, do you have any relatives here?"

"Yes I do, my cousin Hinata."

"Ah."

"You know her?"

"Hardly, she's in my first two classes."

"I see, so how are you liking it here?"

"Why are you talking to me?" Gaara finally asked.

Neji smirked. "Just being friendly and like I said, this is my booth."

Gaara stood up to leave, he wasn't going to waste time with this idiot.

"Hey wait now, don't go, sit back down. If you're trying to keep away from everyone this is the best spot for that. But . . . ehh . . . with the way you glare, I'm sure you don't have a problem keeping people away. I like your style Gaara, you give off a lovely "Fuck off" vibe."

"I guess that means you're not going to take the hint?"

"Bingo, you know Gaara, you've been quite the talk of the school today, did you know that?"

"What do I care?"

"The students have been saying some cruel things about you. They talk about how scary you look, you have eyes cold as a demon's, awfully mean of them wouldn't you agree?"

"Are you trying to make a point?"

"Yes, another curious thing I've heard from a few teachers, you don't seem to have much of a background on your school records, as a matter of fact, they're more or less blank."

"Someone's good at gathering information."

"Call it a hobby of mine if you will. What's you're story Gaara?"

Gaara felt his patience slipping. "I don't know who the hell you think you are but you had better mind your own business, you'll end up wondering around in something you won't be able to escape from."

"Threatening me are we now? All I'm saying is you've caught my interest. You have a very colorful past, I can tell. Unlike the other students in this school, I like you Gaara , I think we should be friends."

"I don't make friends."

Neji laughed, "Yes, I can see that. But who knows maybe all that will change."

The lunch bell suddenly rang.

"You're weird," Gaara finally said.

"Yes, I am, thank you for noticing, you'll come to find I don't frighten as easy as half these idiots here. Well better get to class, don't want to be late. I'm serious Gaara, I want to be friends," with that, Neji walked off leaving a slightly annoyed and confused Gaara.

End of chapter 3. I don't think I really like how I ended it, I wanted to add a little more to this chapter but I wasn't sure if it would sound right ending it the way I had originally planned. Oh well I guess. Chapter 4 will be coming soon enough. Thank you all for reading!