A/N. Hello my dear readers, it's deadlydoodlebug here with another chapter. I apologize sincerely that it took so long for me to update. I had writers block for awhile along with a lot of things happening in my personal life but that's neither here nor there. Don't give up on me! I will complete this story no matter what, it's been in my head far too long for me not too. Anyway I hope you all enjoy it. 3
Hinata folded up a piece of paper and placed it in her pocket. Walking downstairs she caught sight of her cousin.
"Neji, I'm g-going to the g-grocery store, is t-there anything that you n-need?"
"Nah, I'm good, do you want me to go with you?"
"N-no that's okay."
Neji watched Hinata closely as she slipped on her shoes. What had been up with her? She had not been herself here lately. "Hey, I know it's none of my business, but are you okay? You've been acting kind of gloomy the past few days. Has Naruto done something to you? If he has I swear I will–"
"N-no it's nothing like that, I'm f-fine really. Thanks for w-worrying about m-me." Hinata wasn't in the mood for conversation. She hated to lie to her cousin, but right now she needed to get out of the house. She had to get her mind off Naruto. Going to the store would be an okay distraction, if only for a little bit.
With nothing else said, Hinata grabbed the car keys and walked out the door. Hinata had her drivers license for a year now, but much preferred walking to driving. The only time she really drove was if she had to buy a lot of grocery like today. Luckily, her father was kind enough to provide the three with transportation since he was always away. He made sure Hinata, and Neji passed the driving course, and Hanabi was next when she turned sixteen.
Hinata noted the nice crisp early morning, the sun peaking above the mountains as she got into the car. Today, in all reality, would be a beautiful one. If only she could kill her horrible mood, she could enjoy it, but it didn't look like that was going to happen. No! Hinata shook her head, she was going to enjoy this day no matter what. Today was a good day, it was pretty out, the weather was nice, school was out for today...Other than Naruto she had nothing to be sad about. With her mind made up Hinata backed out of the driveway to the store.
Today wasn't a busy one, which was a good thing considering she hated crowds. Hinata grabbed a buggy and pulled out her grocery list. First things first, need to get bread...
Hinata was almost done shopping when she heard a familiar voice behind her. "Hello, Hinata, how are you doing?" Hinata turned her head, it was her new neighbor Temari.
"T-Temari, nice t-to see you again, I'm okay. W-Where you able to g-get settled i-into your new h-home?"
"Oh yes, we didn't have a whole lot of things to begin with so it didn't take long."
"I s-see." Hinata fidgeted for a minute, she wasn't sure what to say next. Conversations weren't her strong suit.
"Hey, are you doing anything after you finish here?" Temari asked. "If not why don't you come over to the house for dinner? It would be nice to have another female around. I'm surrounded by just my two brothers after all."
Hinata wondered for a moment if Neji ever got tired of being around her and Hanabi all the time, but pushed the thought aside. "Um s-sure sounds nice."
"Great, I will see you later then. Just stop by whenever you're ready." With that said Temari walked off and Hinata made her way to the check out line.
It didn't occur to Hinata till she got home that Temari must be Gaara's sister. Would he be there as well? More than likely, he did live there after all. She didn't think much more on it, because the second she walked into the house Naruto was there sitting on the couch with Neji. Hinata looked surprised. "N-Naruto, what are y-you doing h-here?"
Naruto grinned. "I tried calling your phone but you never answered. So I stopped by. Neji said you would be back shortly so I decided to wait for you."
"I-I'm, sorry. I left my phone i-in the car while I w-was shopping." Hinata went to the kitchen to put away the groceries. Naruto leaned against the door frame. "That's okay, anyway, I know I already did, but I wanted to apologize again for the other day, I was being an ass." Hinata wasn't sure what to say, she was still hung up on him lying to her again. Naruto walked over to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek, causing her to blush. "Do you forgive me?" Hinata was surprised, it seemed Naruto was acting like his old self again, maybe things would be alright after all...What if possibly Naruto had good reasons for telling a couple lies? After all it was only two. Maybe she was overreacting too much. "Y-yes, it's okay, I'm s-sorry as well."
"Great!" Naruto scooped Hinata up into a hug, causing her to blush deeper. "So you know how I asked if you wanted to go to the movies next Friday?"
"Y-yes." Hinata wondered where he was going with this.
"Well I was thinking how about we make it a group date? You know with a few friends, what do you think?"
Hinata's heart dropped. "Y-you don't want i-it to be j-just the two of u-us?"
"No, it's nothing like that. It's just that a few friends have been bugging me to hang out so I figured with that I could kill two birds with one stone, and to make it up to you I thought we could spend some alone time together tonight."
"T-tonight . . . but I a-already told Temari . . ," Hinata paused. Oh no, does staying away from Gaara mean I have to stay away from his sister too? What if Naruto gets mad again?
"Hm? Who's Temari?" Naruto asked.
Hinata started to fiddle her fingers, she really didn't want Naruto getting upset with her. "Errr umm T-Temari Sa...baku."
"Sabaku ?" Neji asked before Naruto could say anything, "as in the new kid in school Sabaku?"
Hinata nodded.
Naruto looked angry. "Hinata, I thought I told you to stay away from him."
"I-It's not him, it's his sister, I r-ran into her at the store and she a-asked if I w-would like to c-come over f-for dinner t-tonight." Hinata turned to Neji. "They're t-the ones w-who moved i-in next d-door."
Neji half smiled. "Oh, really now? Well, isn't that interesting."
Hinata wasn't sure what Neji meant by that.
"No, Hinata, I don't want you going over there." Naruto said.
"B-but I already p-promised."
"I don't care." Naruto growled.
"Naruto, shut up, you can't tell my cousin who she can and can't hang out with. Besides it would be rude if she canceled after agreeing."
Hinata didn't know what to do, she hoped they wouldn't start to argue.
"Well if Hinata is going than I'm going too." Naruto said in a matter of fact tone.
Neji thought for a moment. "Yes, I believe I will go as well, after all it wouldn't be very neighborly of me if I didn't pay them a visit."
Hinata looked at Neji, what was going on in her cousins head? He could care less about doing something like this.
"Great, it's decided than."
"Yeah great." Naruto grumbled.
OoOoO
Gaara was laying in bed listening to his iPod wondering what the best course of action would be.
Show me how to lie
You're getting better all the time
And turning all against the one
Is an art that's hard to teach
Another clever word
Sets off an unsuspecting herd
And as you step back into line
A mob jumps to their feet
Now dance, fucker, dance
Man, he never had a chance
And no one even knew
It was really only you
Maybe he could sneak away from Temari and Kankuro, make his way back to their hometown.
And now you steal away
Take him out today
Nice work you did
You're gonna go far, kid
With a thousand lies
And a good disguise
Hit 'em right between the eyes
Hit 'em right between the eyes
When you walk away
Nothing more to say
See the lightning in your eyes
See 'em running for their lives
No . . . that wouldn't work, surely they would know where he went, and if they came looking for him, he would surely catch them.
Slowly out of line
And drifting closer in your sights
So play it out I'm wide awake
It's a scene about me
There's something in your way
And now someone is gonna pay
And if you can't get what you want
Well it's all because of me
Now dance, fucker, dance
Man, I never had a chance
And no one even knew
It was really only you
And now you'll lead the way
Show the light of day
Nice work you did
You're gonna go far, kid
Trust, deceived!
Gaara lost his train of thought when he heard someone walk in.
"Gaara are you feeling okay?" It was Temari.
Pulling out his ear buds he sat up so he could talk to his sister. "Yes I'm fine." Gaara watched her place a small potted plant on his night table. He half smiled. "I'm surprised you were actually able to find a cactus. I was half joking you know?"
"Yeah, I figured, but I thought what the hell, believe it or not it wasn't hard to find one."
Gaara didn't say anything.
"So . . ," Temari started, "How has school been are you getting along with the other students?"
"If by getting along you mean ignoring everyone than yes."
"Oh Gaara, I don't understand why you have to be such a loner, it would be good for you if you made a few friends."
"Temari, listen, there's something I've been meaning to talk to you and Kankuro about. It's not going to be a good idea to get other people involved with our life. You know as well as I do what kind of situation we are in and if we start getting known around by other people it wouldn't take long for him to find us. You know as well as I do if it would help him find me he wouldn't think twice about hurting an innocent person."
"I understand Gaara, but we can't run our entire life. Sooner or later we will have to fix this. We–"
Gaara cut her off. "No Temari you and Kankuro have nothing to do with this, this is my problem to fix and until I have the means to set things right I have to ask you to keep a low profile. As for me, I think I will drop out of school." Temari tried to protest but Gaara stopped her. "Don't you understand? It's not safe. Our parents are dead because of me and don't think he won't kill you and Kankuro as well. The only reason I went along with your running away plan was to keep you safe, everything would have been okay for you two if you had just let me give myself up to him but since you where so against it I have to think of another way." Gaara could feel another headache coming on. He knew he was upsetting his sister but what other choice did he have? He had to keep his siblings safe.
"Gaara, I . . . " Before Temari could finish the door bell went off.
"I got it!" Kankuro shouted from downstairs.
"Temari," Gaara started, "Who is that?"
Temari laughed nervously, "Umm, company?"
Gaara pinched the bridge of his nose. "God, you're trying to get us all killed aren't you?" Gaara sighed. "Who did you invite over?"
"The little girl from next door I told you about, Hinata Hyuga."
Gaara looked up. "Hinata?"
"Yeah, have you met her already? I figure she goes to the same school as you."
"I have, and she does."
"If it upsets you that much I can ask her to leave." Temari suggested.
"No, just this once will be okay, besides she loaned me her English book and I need to return it to her."
Temari clapped her hands together. "Oh Gaara, that's great! So you're not a complete loner after all!"
Gaara stared at his sister for a long moment than shook his head. "Just please . . . shut up." Gaara stood up from his bed. "Come on let's get this over with."
The two made their way down the stairs to discover a confused Kankuro at the door.
"Umm, can I help you?" he asked.
"H-hello, my n-name is H-Hinata, we m-met a few days ago. Um, your s-sister Temari i-invited me over."
"Hinata!" Temari shouted as she opened the door wider to welcome her in. "So nice of you to–" She stopped when she noticed the two boys beside her, "come..."
Gaara shook his head for the thousandth time. Yup, definitely trying to get us killed.
"Ah, I'm s-sorry Temari t-this is my cousin N-Neji and my–"
"And I'm her boyfriend Naruto Uzumaki." Naruto threw his arms around Hinata. "Believe it!"
Kankuro snickered, "Is this kid for real?"
"Hey, what's that suppose to mean?!" Naruto fumed.
"Kankuro be nice. Won't you all come in?" Temari offered.
Hinata took in her surroundings. The living room was small but cozy. There wasn't much furniture, just a cream colored couch on the far back wall, with a matching loveseat the the left. In the center, resting atop a red and brown rug was a wood framed coffee table with a glass top. Hinata noted the 40 inch flat screen TV sitting in an entertainment center nestled in a corner, around it was cluttered with DVDs and games, along with a few consoles.
"I like what you've done to the place, its been years since I have been inside here, but the last time I seen it, it definitely needed a little TLC." Neji said
"Thank you, Hinata dear, why don't we head to the kitchen and let the boys hang out for awhile, you can help me with dinner if you like." Temari suggested.
"S-sure." Hinata followed her to the kitchen wondering if it would be alright leaving Naruto in there alone with them, hopefully Neji would keep him in check. "I'm r-really sorry to bring o-other people w-without your p-permission. T-those two w-worry too m-much about me."
"That's okay, I understand completely. I worry about my two brothers so I see where they are coming from.
Hinata peeked back to the living room to check on the boys. Mainly Naruto.
"Oh hell yeah! You have Unreal Championship 2, let's all play!" Naruto shouted.
"Sure knock yourself out kid," Hinata heard Kankuro say.
Well, at least Naruto was playing nice . . . Hinata turned her attention back to Temari. She was pulling out a sack of potatoes. "I'll p-peel those if y-you like."
"Thanks Hinata, we'll need a lot with so many mouths to feed. I don't know about your cousin and boyfriend but my brothers know how to put away the food. Especially Kankuro." Hinata giggled. She understood completely.
They sat in silence peeling the potatoes. Hinata was trying to think of something to talk about. Why did she have to be so awkward and boring to be around? "S-so are you l-liking it h-here?" Hinata finally managed to get something out.
"It's nice, it's smaller than our other town I must admit, but it's quiet here."
"HA! Neji I'm kicking your ass," Naruto shouted.
"Tch, not for long."
Temari laughed. "So Hinata, out of curiosity, how does someone as shy and polite as you end up with someone as loud as Naruto?"
"Oh h-he's not t-that bad, he just g-gets worked u-up easy."
"Son of a bitch! How am I losing now?!"
Hinata sighed, "Really e-easy."
Temari laughed again. Hinata smiled. She was starting to like Temari, maybe with some luck they could become good friends. But something was bothering Hinata. " Errmm . . . T-Temari, can I a-ask you a p-personal question if y-you don't mind?"
"Sure, what is it?"
"It's just-" Hinata paused. "W-Where are y-your parents?" Hinata watched Temari's happy expression change. "I-I'm sorry you d-don't have to answer if you d-don't want t-to, it's just I hear y-you say so much a-about your b-brothers but n-nothing about them."
Temari gave a halfhearted smile. "You're very observant, that's okay. It's understandable to wonder. To be honest, they died shortly before we moved here."
"I'm s-so sorry." Hinata regretted asking.
Temari continued to peel her potato. "It was a tragic accident, that's about all I can say. It's actually the reason we had to move. We–"
"Temari, that's enough."
"Oh G-Gaara," Temari was surprised. "Why aren't you in there with the others?"
Gaara rubbed his temple. "They're too loud, I'm going upstairs for awhile. Temari, please, remember some stories don't make for good conversation." Gaara shot a glance at Hinata causing her to blush and look down.
"I'm s-sorry, I hope we didn't make h-him mad." Hinata said when she was sure Gaara was gone.
"It's not your fault, Gaara is just real touchy about the subject, it's hurt us all but he is the one who's been affected the most by everything."
Hinata nodded her head in understanding. "M-My mother passed a-away seven years a-ago giving birth t-to my little s-sister, Hanabi. We're thankful to s-still have our f-father at least. However m-my cousin, Neji, h-he could relate t-the most. Both o-of his parents died i-in a car crash about two y-years ago. That's why h-he's living w-with us. Our f-father gladly t-took him in."
Temari let out a small laugh. "I doubt too many people could relate what we've been through, but that doesn't make your losses any less meaningful, I am sorry for that."
Hinata cocked her head to the side. What did Temari mean by that? What could have possibly happened that was so horrible? Hinata pushed the thought down. It was none of her business and the topic seemed to be an uneasy one for Temari, and especially Gaara.
The two girls continued making dinner with minimal conversation. After a while the food was finished and the table was set.
"Boys, dinner is done!"
"Alright, I'm starving!" Naruto made a dash from the living room to the food, quickly filling his bowl.
Neji shook his head in disagreement. "Naruto, show a little more respect when in other peoples home; After all, it was Hinata who was originally invited."
"Hey man, don't worry about it," Kankuro said from behind Neji. "It's been nice having some company. Can't say I'd miss the little loudmouth blonde over there though."
"Hey, hey, I'm not a loud mouth, you're just jealous cause I kicked your ass in there."
"Ha! Please, I was giving you kills just to stop your damn whining."
"Yeah right, whatever you need to say to make yourself feel better."
Kankuro grabbed Naruto by the scruff of his shirt. "Why you little–" He was stopped short when a bowl collided with his head.
"Would you two idiots knock it off and sit down already!" Temari held another bowl threateningly to Naruto and Kankuro.
"Y-yes ma'am!" they said in unison and quickly took their seats.
Hinata covered her mouth to stifle her laugh. Temari could go from motherly to demon in a second flat.
Once everyone was settled at the table Naruto spoke up. "You know I have to admit, Temari, you and Kankuro are nothing like Gaara. Which is great, I mean no offense and all but your brother is so egotistic. You should see how he is at school, I mean the guy acts like hes too good to talk or be around anyone. Who acts like that? I bet I could knock him down a notch or two just give me–"
"N-Naruto! How could y-you say such m-mean things like that?" Hinata couldn't sit silent any longer and let him talk about someone else like that. It was completely uncalled for. Hinata turned to Temari, "P-please forgive him, he doesn't u-usually act like t-this." Before anyone could say anything a phone started ringing.
Naruto pulled his out of his pocket. "Ah, sorry guys, I have to take this. Give me one second." Naruto excused himself and stepped outside.
Hinata felt her face grow hot. She was about to cry. Why was he being so rude? Hinata felt humiliated. Temari and Kankuro were probably furious, and she couldn't blame them. Hinata stood up from her chair letting her hair hide her face, she had to be alone for a minute. "M-May I please u-use your restroom?"
"Of course." Temari spoke gently. "It's upstairs to the right."
Hinata made her way up the stairs; wiping away a stray tear and opened the first door she came upon. It took her a moment to register the room she was in. It was . . . a bedroom. And there resting on the bed was . . . a shirtless Gaara . . .
"Oh my! P-please excuse me." Hinata covered her eyes. "I didn't m-mean to intrude I w-was trying to find t-the restroom." She peeked through her hand when he didn't say anything. Was he sleeping? This wasn't right, she shouldn't be in here. She was about to turn around and leave till something caught her eye. Something looked . . . unnatural about his chest, was he okay?
Very cautiously she walked over to the sleeping boy. Hinata let out a gasp . . . his chest and stomach . . . They were covered with scars. Some were long, deep and jagged, others were more straight with a shiny smooth surface, the more rough looking ones were a reddish pink suggesting they were more recent than others. What or who had done this to him? Her eyes followed his chest up to his face, the more noticeable scar was the one on the left side of his forehead, the kanji symbol for "love" Softly Hinata placed her hand to the deep red mark. The first time she saw it, on his first day of school, she assumed it was a tattoo but that thought was now long gone. Hinata felt sick.
She didn't have time to register her next thought before Gaara's eyes snapped open. Hinata let out a cry as Gaara swiftly moved from the bed, shoving her hard, pinning her body between him and the wall. He slammed his hand to her throat, cutting off her air supply. Hinata turned frantic, with each sound she made his grip became tighter. Was he going to kill her? Hinata felt herself growing weak from lack of oxygen, her whole body felt tingly, and numb. She was faintly aware of her heart beating rapidly in her neck. This was it, she couldn't take anymore . . .
Then, just as quickly as it happened, it was over. Gaara quickly released his grip, letting her small body slide limply to the floor. She began coughing, taking in gulps of air. The immediate return of blood flow made her dizzy.
"What are you doing in here?"
What was she doing there? Was that really all he had to say after what he just did? Gaara knelt to the floor and offered his hand but let it fall back when she flinched and backed further against the wall. Gaara looked into her frightened eyes.
"Hinata," Gaara raised his hand again, softly placing it on her cheek. "I am sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you, are you okay?" He didn't wait for a reply before carefully sliding his fingers to her chin gently lifting her head to analyze her neck.
"Hey! What the hell is going on?!" It was Naruto. Hinata, watched Neji step into the room as well. Gaara stood up. Naruto's stare went from the shirtless Gaara to Hinata on the ground. "You bastard, what did you do to her? I'll kill you!" Naruto lunged at him. Gaara didn't attempt to defend himself as he allowed Naruto's fist to make contact with his face.
Hinata watched horrified as blood trickled down his chin. "No . . . please stop" She whispered. Before Naruto could land another punch Hinata flung her self between the two teens. "Naruto stop, please! It's not his fault!"
"Wha–?" Naruto quickly pulled back before hitting Hinata.
"I-It's not what it l-looks like!" Hinata cried.
"Oh yeah?" Naruto spat. "Then tell me what I'm not seeing!"
"It w-was an accident." Hinata took a breath. What could she say to make this right? It was her fault after all. Suddenly from the corner of her eye she noticed the English book she lent to Gaara. "I ermm," she paused, "came to ask Gaara f-for my English b-book. I l-let him borrow it." Gaara shot Hinata a strange look but she ignored it. "I w-was about to c-come back downstairs b-but I tripped and hit my h-head hard against t-the wall, you know how c-clumsy I am. G-Gaara was just m-making sure I w-was okay."
"You're lying!" Naruto shouted.
"N-no I'm not." Hinata sent Neji a pleading look.
"Naruto calm down." Neji walked up to Gaara. "Was that what happened?"
Gaara didn't say anything. Hinata froze. Please just go along with it. Finally Gaara nodded. Hinata breathed a silent sigh of relief.
"See, all is well. Hinata I think it's time to call it a night, I believe we've imposed enough."
"You better stay away from her, or next time I promise you'll get more than a busted lip." Naruto tossed his arm over Hinata's shoulder leading her out the door. She sent an apologetic glance Gaara's way as she left.
Neji lingered behind. Walking over to the dresser he picked up Hinata's book. "You know, Hinata is many things, meek, shy, somewhat awkward, but clumsy and a liar, those she is not. I wonder what really happened?"
Gaara wiped blood from his lip. "It's just as she said, it wasn't what it looked like."
Neji chuckled. "I believe you. You don't strike me as that kind of guy. Tell me, why did you allow Naruto to hit you? You could have easily avoided him. Judging by your scarred up body, you've had your fair share of fights. Some pretty intense ones from the looks of it. There's no way a little punk like Naruto could stand up to you if you had chose to fight."
"Are you finished yet?" Gaara finally asked.
"Yes for now." Neji turned to leave. "Oh, one more thing, we are more alike than what you realize Gaara, but if you hurt Hinata again I'll kill you."
"N-Neji are you coming?" Hinata called from the bottom of the stairs.
"Yes, dear cousin." Neji gave Gaara a farewell smile and left . . .
OoOoO
"What a h-horrible night," Hinata said sadly. Thankfully, they were back home. Naruto left immediately afterwords. He was still pretty pissed. There was nothing Hinata could say to make things better at this point. "Temari will probably never want to see me again."
"I wouldn't worry about that Hinata. Temari and Kankuro were pretty understanding about everything. It helps that we all now share a common detest for Naruto. If you go over there again I'd advise against taking him along."
Hinata shook her head sadly. Why did things have to be like this? She didn't want to think anymore about it. Right now the only thing she wanted was to go to sleep. Hinata told Neji goodnight and headed to her room.
Laying in bed Hinata couldn't help but replay the night's events. Why did she do that? She should have left Gaara's room the second she noticed where she was. Hinata rubbed her tender neck. His reaction seemed so extreme. Either way Hinata didn't blame Gaara. As a matter of fact she really wanted to apologize to him. If it weren't for her he wouldn't have got hurt. Though he probably didn't want to see her, never mind talk to her. Giving up, Hinata went to her desk and pulled out some paper. She could right him a note. That way she can say sorry and he wouldn't have to see her. With her mind made up Hinata began writing her letter.
Dear Gaara, . . .
Any good, yes, no? Things to improve on perhaps? oh and to reader "Hateme101" I know neji does seem ooc but I did that for a reason, he plays a big part as the story gets deeper and I need him to be a certain way. I tried keeping his normal personality as best as I could but I was having too hard a time doing it. I hope it's not too much of an annoyance. Any way I've already started working on the next chapter so it will be up shortly ;)