A/N: Finally added chapter 6! Sorry it took so long, I had to take a break from writing once I started juggling classes and work. But never fear, this semester is nearly over and I finally have some free time. Quick Disclaimer, the song at the end is called shattered life by seventh day slumber, I have no claim to it. I worked hard on this chapter to make up for lost time. Hope everyone enjoys reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it..
Hinata's head felt heavy as she opened her eyes. Disoriented from sleep, she tried concentrating on something simple; like the birds singing outside. Wait, birds? She jolted up. What were birds doing out? It was still dark. She regretted moving when a sudden dizzy spell caused her to hold her head in pain.
"You shouldn't move around so fast, you've been asleep for awhile." Hinata lifted her head and gasped when she met Gaara's eyes. He was siting at a computer desk with a book in hand.
All at once the night's events came flooding back. Hinata had never felt more ashamed. "Oh G-Gaara, I'm s-sorry I never meant f-for – "
Gaara held up a hand, "It's fine . . . Nothing was you fault."
Hinata bit her lip but nodded, his words didn't make her feel any better. Slowly she looked around, trying to figure out where she was. The room looked familiar with the bare basics of a dresser, a bookshelf in the corner filled full, the computer desk and of course the bed she was in. She noted the gray blanket hanging loosely from her shoulders. Wait. A huge blush crept over her face, she was in Gaara's room, laying in his bed.
Gaara sensed her uneasiness. "You don't need to be scared. After you fainted last night I called Temari. I apologize for not looking for Neji or Naruto, but I couldn't see any other way. I started to let you rest on the couch, but Temari said it wouldn't be comfortable, and since I hadn't planned on going to sleep I let you sleep in here." Gaara's eyes softened. "Rest assured, you were safe while you slept."
The whole time? "W-wait, what time is it?" Hinata panicked. "N-Neji and Naruto must be so w-worried." She had to call Neji, now, before it got anymore later.
Gaara felt a small tinge of anger well up. Thinking about how Neji and Naruto just left her alone like that pissed him off in a way he couldn't understand. "Temari called Neji last night." Gaara picked up Hinata's phone off his desk and handed it to her. "She got his number from your phone."
Relief washed over Hinata. At least no one would think she was missing. "T-thank you." She started to call Neji but stopped when she noticed the time. It was nine in the morning. Neji would be in class right now. Class, oh crap.
Gaara watched, amused, as Hinata buried her face in his pillow and groaned. "What's the matter?" he asked.
"I'm late for school," she said.
A faint smile touched his lips. "Don't worry about that, Neji said to let you take it easy today. He was going to take you home last night, but I believe that Tenten girl decided to stay over. Temari assured him she would watch over you." Gaara was surprised he was talking so much. He normally kept conversations to a bare minimum.
Hinata wondered if Naruto knew where she was, did he even know what happened? Gaara cleared his throat, getting Hinata's attention. "Temari left you some clothes on the desk. She said you would probably want a shower after you woke up."
"Ah y-yes, a shower actually sounds r-really nice." Hinata felt gross. Her face was oily from the make-up, and Sakura's dress was really starting to feel uncomfortable. Slowly, she crawled out of bed, letting the gray blanket slide from her shoulders. Blushing, Hinata couldn't help but feel self-conscious.
Gaara watched as Hinata wrapped her arms around herself. He sat down his book and walked over to her. "Come on, I'll get you a towel. You'll feel better after you get out." Softly, he placed his hand on the small of her back and lead her out.
Hinata allowed Gaara to take her to the bathroom, all the while very aware of how warm his hand felt on her back. Even through the dress she could feel the heat. It was oddly comforting.
Gaara grabbed a towel and washrag from the hall closet and set them on the bathroom sink. "Shampoo and everything is in there. I'll be downstairs if you need anything."
"Gaara," Hinata said, stopping him before he could leave. She fiddled her fingers together before continuing. "Ermm, I h-hope I'm not s-stepping out of l-line by s-saying this but you're a v-very kind person. I-I don't care what N-Naruto or anyone e-else at school thinks." Hinata surprised herself and Gaara as she gave him a quick gentle hug. "I c-can't thank y-you enough for h-helping me last n-night. I h-had never been more s-scared in my life." Hinata's face burned with shame. The stress finally caught up with her, causing a tear to slip from her eye. "I'm sorry, e-every time I'm a-around you I s-seem to do nothing b-but cause trouble f-for you."
Gaara placed his hand softly on her face, wiping away the stray tear. "You're no trouble," he paused, carefully formulating his next sentence, "I've never met anyone like you . . . Even after I hurt you that night, you still have the heart to say I'm kind. If only you knew the truth about me, I doubt you'd still feel the same way."
He left, shutting the door behind him, before Hinata could say anything else.
Hinata grimaced when she caught her appearance in the mirror, she looked worse than what she thought. The make-up made dark smudges under her eyes. Hinata sighed and slipped the dress over her head, tossing it behind her. She turned on the hot water, gently slipping out of her bra and panties, and stepped in. The warm blanket of water felt amazing on her skin. Gaara was right, this would make her feel better.
OoOoO
Gaara sighed, as he made his way to the living room. He couldn't stop his mind from reeling, why was that girl doing this to him? The emotions she stirred, he couldn't understand. It made him feel powerless, bending so easy to the emotions of another, it troubled him deeply.
"Has Hinata woke up yet?" Temari asked.
"Yeah, she's taking a shower right now."
She shook her head. "The poor thing. Last night must have been horrible for her."
Gaara gripped his hands. "I can't believe that idiot left her alone, even after she asked him to stay. It was clear how frightened she was."
Temari giggled, "It's not like you to worry about somebody else. I think Hinata is starting to grow on you."
Gaara shook his head. "I don't understand it, you might be right, but it doesn't matter. Nothing good will come of it."
Temari placed a hand on her brother's arm. "Gaara, you can't let Orochimaru keep you from getting close to people."
Gaara sighed, "You don't understand. It's not just about Orochimaru. My whole life I've been treated like a disease. Even before I met him." He ran a hand through his hair clearly flustered. "Now out of nowhere here comes this weak girl showing compassion towards me and...I-I...don't understand it. What is her plan, what is she wanting from me?"
Temari gave her brother a sympathetic stare. "This is truly confusing for you isn't it? Gaara, you need to learn to trust people; learn to let others in. The way you were treated back home was wrong, but you must know, not everyone is cruel like that. Sometimes people truly just want to be your friend."
Gaara smirked. "Why? So it would be that much easier for them to fuck me over?"
His sister offered a sad smile. "I could be wrong, but Gaara, I don't think Hinata is that kind of person. Get to know her a little better, you might be surprised."
"Tch, it's not like it matters, even if I wanted to it would just cause problems between Naruto and her. He treats her so poorly."
"Oh I wouldn't worry too much about Naruto, I have a feeling he won't be around much longer."
"What do you mean?" The red head asked, confused.
"Well . . . I know it's none of my business, but last night while you were getting Hinata in the car, I caught a glimpse of Naruto, it looked like . . . He was making out with another girl."
"That bastard, so now he's cheating on her?" Gaara shook his head. "She doesn't deserve that."
"You're right, but like I said it's none of our business. You know what they say, it'll all come out in the wash. All we can do is be there for her when she finds out."
"Is that really the best way to go about it?"
"There's never a best or easy way to tell someone the person they love is cheating on them. It'll be hard, but she needs to find out herself. It'll be better for her to see what kind of guy he is."
Gaara agreed. He didn't like it but what else could he do?
"Ah Hinata!" Temari shouted, startled by the girls sudden appearance. "Glad to see you awake, how are you feeling?"
"M-much better now. Thank you f-for letting me borrow y-your clothes. I'll wash t-them before I return them."
Temari waved her hand. "Don't worry about it, they were too small for me anyway."
It was just a simple pair of boot-cut bluejeans with a gray short sleeve shirt, but Hinata felt much more comfortable in it than that dress.
"So Hinata, did you have any plans since you're taking the day off?" The blonde asked.
"Ohh, umm n-not really," Hinata blushed.
"Great! Then why don't you spend the day here? I'm sure you don't want to be home all day alone do you?"
"I g-guess not." Hinata admitted.
"It's settled than." Temari winked. "I'm going to go start breakfast, anything particular you want?"
"Oh umm, j-just whatever you fix t-them will be n-nice."
Temari nodded and went to the kitchen.
Carefully, Hinata made her way to the far side of the couch, making sure there was space between Gaara and her. "Will y-you be alright m-missing school?" Hinata asked.
Gaara shrugged. "Temari called them and said there was a family emergency, it'll be fine."
The two sat in awkward silence for the next few minutes. The only sounds came from the TV broadcasting autumn around the corner and the drop in temperature. Hinata jumped. The sudden vibration from her phone scared her. She pulled it out, guessing it was probably Neji checking on her.
"Oh, it's N-Naruto." Hinata said more to herself. Did he even know what happened last night?
Gaara glanced at Hinata. He was surprised by the guilt he felt, knowing what he knew. But he shoved the feelings aside. Temari was right; this was something Hinata would eventually have to face.
Hey Neji told me u
got sick last night
and took u home.
Hope you feel
better in time for
the movies tonight ;)
Hinata groaned for the second time this morning and slouched into the couch.
"Whats wrong?"
It amused Gaara each time she did that.
"I f-forgot, today's Friday. N-Naruto and I was going to go to the movies tonight, or r-rather us and his f-friends." Hinata said with a frown.
"Does that bother you?" Gaara asked confused.
"W-well it was originally j-just supposed to be the t-two of us, but he wanted t-to invite some of h-his friends too." Hinata's face lightly reddened. "N-not saying that it b-bothers me that h-he wants to bring friends, it's j-just that he's been acting s-strange lately. He cancels on m-most of our d-dates with excuses. I've e-even noticed he's been lying." Saying this aloud was making Hinata sad. Admitting it to another person was forcing her to put things in perspective, she wasn't in the best of dating situations.
"Have you confronted him about it?" Gaara asked.
Hinata nodded. "I've tried bringing up t-the distance between u-us, but it j-just makes him angry. I've been too w-worried to bring u-up the lying."
"If he makes you sad, why stay with him?" Gaara paused to gather his thoughts. "I assume . . . If a person truly cares for another they wouldn't hurt them, or at least that's how I figure it would be."
Hinata forced a smile. "You're not t-the first person to a-ask me t-that. Actually, I g-get that question a l-lot. Naruto . . . H-He didn't always a-act this way. The first four months of our r-relationship was g-great. He was s-sweet, caring, did w-what he could to m-make me laugh. He w-wouldn't pressure me into d-doing anything I . . . w-wasn't ready for." Hinata flushed red. "B-but about a month a-ago he s-started to change. I d-don't know what to do. I j-just want the o-old Naruto back." Hinata leaned against the couch and closed her eyes. She would not allow herself to cry again.
The foreign urge to comfort her came over Gaara. Cautiously, he raised his hand to her but stopped and let it fall back down. What was wrong with him? He didn't need to act on impulses like that.
Hinata rubbed her face against her hands. "Sorry, e-enough about my problems. Say, I-I know this i-is random, b-but have you g-gotten the c-chance to look a-around town? It's not much, but there's a g-great bookstore here, and a wonderful l-little cafe that sells the best sweets." Hinata fiddled with her fingers.
When Gaara didn't respond she continued. "I umm n-noticed you had a l-lot of books in your r-room and well, I j-just thought that maybe you would like t-to check it out. I p-personally love to read m-myself . . ." Hinata fiddled with her fingers. "S-sorry I hope I don't s-sound weird, I j-just thought –
"Would it make you happy?" Gaara asked cutting her off.
Hinata smiled softly. "Y-yes it would . . ."
"Then after we eat we'll go. You must be hungry."
In response Hinata's stomach growled. She giggled, "A-Actually some food would b-be nice."
Gaara couldn't help but let a small smile play on his lips. She was surprisingly easy to please. He found that he really liked that quality.
"What about Naruto? Doesn't he want you to stay away from me?" he asked, feeling the pleasant moment pass.
"Oh, w-well," Hinata thought for a moment. "He'll be okay. Besides, I owe y-you for helping m-me last night."
"You don't owe me anything." Gaara stated flatly.
"Hey you two, breakfast is ready!" Temari shouted from the kitchen before Hinata had the chance to argue.
"Come on." Gaara stood up offering his hand. Shyly, Hinata took it. She was shocked to find how rough it felt, but the same pleasant warmth from before came with it.
Hinata welcomed the heavenly smell of bacon and eggs as they entered the kitchen. It had nearly been a whole day since she last had eaten anything. Temari smiled and offered Hinata a plate. "Get what you want, I made plenty."
"T-thank you." Hinata smiled as she got a few spoon fulls of fluffy scrambled eggs.
"Temari, do you mind if I borrow your car for awhile?" Hinata heard Gaara ask as she took her place at the table.
"Umm,sure, I guess." The question clearly caught Temari off guard. "What do you need it for?"
Gaara placed a few pieces of bacon on his plate. "Hinata was telling me about a bookstore in town. I thought it would be nice to go."
Temari beamed with delight. "Of course you can use it. I just filled it up yesterday so don't worry about gas." Gaara nodded.
Hinata sat in silence enjoying her eggs while the siblings continued to talk. The food brought back early memories of breakfast time with her mother. Hinata could cook but, to her, not near as well as her mother could. The unexpected memory was just the perk Hinata needed to chase away her previous anxiety.
After they finished eating, Hinata took her plate to the sink and washed it out. "W-would you like me t-to help c-clean up?" She didn't want to leave Temari with a mess after she was nice enough to feed her.
The older girl waved her hand. "No, no, go on and have fun. I got this. It's pointless to clean up before Kankuro's had a chance to eat anyways." Hinata smiled understandingly.
Gaara finished eating and excused himself to his room so he could change clothes.
"Are you feeling alright?" Temari asked. "I know last night must have been hard."
"Y-yes. But, at this p-point it j-just feels like a b-bad dream. If Gaara hadn't helped me when he did..." Hinata shuddered. "Anyway, I h-have been wanting t-to apologize. I've c-cause so much t-trouble for y-you all."
"On the contrary Hinata, you being around has been good for us, especially Gaara."
Hinata cocked her head in confusion. "W-what do you m-mean?"
Temari shuffled in her chair. "I'm sure you've noticed by now Gaara is somewhat of a loner. He doesn't have any friends and I could only imagine what kids at school say about him." Temari frowned. "Gaara
has had a very hard life, and it only seems to be getting harder. But since you came around I've started noticing some changes in him. I think . . . He's finally learning to let others in. He's realizing that not everyone is cruel, only out for personal game."
Hinata couldn't help but feel sorry for him. She wanted to know more but didn't want to be rude in asking. Remembering all the scars on his body, she had knew he might have had an imaginably hard life. But exactly how bad was it?
"At any rate," Temari continued. "If you don't mind, don't tell Gaara about our little talk. I don't want to upset him."
Hinata nodded her head. "I u-understand."
"Ready to go?"
Hinata jumped and turned around as Gaara entered the kitchen. "Ah y-yes."
"You two be careful," Temari called out as the two teens made their way to the living room, shutting the front door behind them.
Hinata was greeted with a cold wind, wrapping her arms around herself she spoke. "Brrr, It's a l-little bit colder o-out then what I t-thought it was." She laughed.
Without a thought, Gaara shrugged out of his jacket and handed it to Hinata.
"Oh n-no you keep it. I d-don't want you to be c-cold." She said pushing the jacket back to him. "B-besides, it's n-not -that- bad."
He watched her with mild amusement as she tried hard not to shiver. Finally, with a sigh, he walked behind her and placed the jacket on her shoulders.
"Just wear it. I don't get cold easy, besides, I am wearing long sleeves."
Hinata gave a slow grateful nod and slipped her arms through the warm cloth. She was surprised to find she enjoyed the smell of his jacket. It had an odd pleasant natural earthy smell to it. So much better than the over bearing Axe sprays Naruto wore. Hinata shook her head vigorously. What am I doing? I shouldn't be thinking like this. First his hand and now his smell? Whats wrong with you?
Gaara watched, puzzled as Hinata mentally scolded herself. "Well . . . if you're ready we'll get going."
"Ah y-yes, sorry..." Hinata blushed.
Finally inside the black Chrysler, Gaara started the engine and slowly backed out. Hinata stared out the window in a daze, wondering what she would do about tonight. Did she really want to go? She would eventually have to tell Naruto what really happened last night. How would he take it? Maybe, if she was lucky, Naruto would be grateful that Gaara helped her, then Naruto would stop being so cold towards him . . .
"Hinata . . . ?"
She tore her eyes from the passing scenery. "I'm s-sorry, what was t-that?"
Gaara took a breath and repeated himself, "You'll have to direct me, I don't know the way."
Hinata's face turned red. "Ah s-sorry, right . . . umm." She paused, taking in the area. "Take a left at the next light."
A few minutes later, they pulled into the bookstore parking lot. Gaara stepped out, analyzing the old brick building. "Huh, it looks like it's a decent size store." From what Gaara could tell, it was two stories tall. He noted the dying kudzu growing up the right side of the building but other than that, the store looked nice.
Hinata giggled and shut her door. "It's c-called The Dusty Page. It s-sells used books, music, g-games, and such. P-People can bring in t-the stuff they d-don't want anymore and g-get cash or store credit for t-them."
Even with Gaara's jacket Hinata could feel the cold biting at her body.
"Come on, let's get inside, it's getting colder out here." He didn't have to tell her twice before she headed to the entrance. Gaara made it first, opening one of the two glass double doors. Hinata stopped, waiting for him to walk in.
"Ladies first," he said when Hinata didn't move.
"Oh! S-Sorry." Hinata stuttered. She wasn't use to someone holding a door open for her.
Gaara gave a puzzled look. "You looked truly confused by that, aren't people courteous to you?"
"It's n-nothing like that." It wasn't like people were rude to her, it was just typical that everyone did everything for their self. Opened their own doors, pulled out their own chairs, etc.
"What about, a least, Naruto?"
Hinata tittered like the thought never crossed her mind. "N-Naruto? No he d-doesn't do a-anything like that. B-but he's not a bad g-guy because of it," she quickly added.
Gaara was confused. "Being polite was something my father made sure I knew. I may be a monster, but still a gentleman."
Hinata eyed Gaara carefully, "W-why would you s-say that?"
Gaara just shrugged and walked to the nearest set of books.
An hour later the two walked backed out into the cold. Hinata was happy, silently humming to herself. She had managed to get a few books she had really wanted.
Gaara was content. He wouldn't say happy, but content. Hinata seemed liked she was enjoying herself. He had never spent this much time with one sole person like this, and especially for them to be happy. Gaara started to think he was allowing this to go too far. He didn't need anyone getting close to him regardless of what Temari thinks.
"Are y-you okay?" Hinata asked with concern.
"I'm fine." Gaara lied.
Hinata's eyes fell to the ground. She didn't believe him . . .
Hoping to lighten the mood, Gaara asked, "Where's that cafe you wanted to stop by?"
Hinata looked up, surprised. "Y-you want to g-go?"
"Didn't you say you wanted to?"
"W-we don't have to i-if you d-don't feel like it." Hinata poked her index fingers together.
"It's fine, how far is it?"
Hinata pointed. "J-Just across the road."
Gaara nodded walking in it's direction. "We'll walk since it's so close..."
Once again, Gaara held the door open for Hinata. She thanked him and quickly moved in without hesitation. The gentle smell of coffee and sweets greeted them at the entrance. "Hello, welcome to Sugar and Cream, table for two?" The hostess asked. Gaara nodded.
"Great, just follow me please."
She lead them to a back booth with a window view of outside. "Your waitress will be with you shortly." The hostess offered a warm smile, and handed them each a menu."
"T-Thank you," Hinata said sweetly.
Gaara glanced through the menu but stopped when he heard Hinata giggle. He raised an eyebrow in question.
"I'm s-sorry. I shouldn't have laughed, it's j-just that you l-look so out of place." Hinata covered her mouth to stifle another giggle.
Gaara looked around and smirked. He really did stick out. The inside walls were brick and painted a yellowish cream color that blended wonderfully against the dark wooden floor. The booths and chairs were all light pink, with dark brown tables, complete with doily style place mats. He understood where she was coming from when you compared him with his black clothes and crimson red hair to the little chic cafe.
"Hello, my name is Moegi, I'll be your server, are you ready to order?" The young waitress asked kindly.
"Oh um. I g-guess I'll h-have a slice of c-cheese cake with a hot chocolate p-please."
The girl nodded, jotting down her order. She turned to Gaara "And how about you, dear?"
He quickly skimmed the menu. "Just a coffee for me, please."
"Is that all you want? We have plenty of delicious treats to chose from." The waitress said.
"I'm not really into sweets."
"Alright sweety," Moegi patted Gaara gently on the back, before leaving. "let me know if you change your mind. I'll have your order out in a minute."
Gaara crinkled his nose. "Nobody has ever called me that before."
Hinata laughed, surprised by his sentence. "Really? N-Not even y-your mother?" Hinata watched Gaara's face turn hard, and immediately covered her mouth.
"OH G-Gaara... I'm s-sorry. I s-should have n-never asked t-that . . . Temari told m-me about your parents passing and –"
Hinata jumped when Gaara quickly shot up. "What did she tell you!?" he snapped.
"N-Nothing," Hinata stuttered with confusion, "Just t-that they passed a-away, t-that was all."
She felt her face grow hot. How could she have been so stupid to bring up his parents? Temari had told her how bad it had affected him.
Gaara took a slow deep breathe and sat back down. Before anything else was said, Moegi came over with their order.
"Alright, we got one cheesecake and a hot chocolate," she said placing the food in front of Hinata. "And one coffee for you. Let me know if you need anything else," Moegi said, oblivious to the dark atmosphere.
Gaara spoke, once the waitress was out of earshot, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have snapped at you like that." Hinata didn't respond. He couldn't see her expression. She had her head hung low, bangs covering her face. "Hinata?"
She took a shaky breath. "I . . . I feel so c-cruel for saying t-that. I'm s-so stupid."
Gaara rubbed his temple. "You're not stupid. I over reacted."
He saw her wipe her eyes with a sniff. "Are you? – Don't cry . . ."
Gaara gritted his teeth. This wasn't easy; he wasn't sure how to fix this. "You're cheesecake is going to get warm." he finally said
. . . She didn't respond.
Gaara grabbed her fork and sliced a piece off. "Well, If you're not going to eat it . . ."
Hinata looked up as he popped the sugary concoction in his mouth. Stunned she asked, "I t-thought you s-said you don't l-like sweets?"
"I don't," he replied flatly.
Hinata couldn't help but laugh as some of the fluffy filling fell to his chin. "Y-you're so s-silly," she said between laughs.
Gaara wiped his chin and handed Hinata her fork. At least she stopped crying . . . They sat in silence for a few minutes before Gaara gave in. "My mother . . . ," he paused, "She wasn't like most, at least not to me."
"W-what do you m-mean?" Hinata tread with caution, not wanting to see him mad again.
Gaara didn't continue. He just starred deeply into his cup of coffee.
"C-Can I ask you," Hinata gulped. "How d-did you get that scar on your forehead?"
Gaara blinked as if trying to recall. "My father gave it to me."
Hinata gasped with repulse, "Y-your father?"
"Yes," Gaara touched his fingers to the scar, "it was a gift, to remind me . . . that I could never be loved.
"H-how could he . . . ," Hinata was speechless, what could she possible say to that.
Gaara shook his head and glared hard at Hinata "Never mind, my past doesn't concern you."
Hinata felt a pain shoot through her heart, he made it clear he was done talking. "Y-your coffee is g-getting cold."
Gaara stared out the window, "So it would seem . . ."
Hinata couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief when they finally pulled into the driveway. The tension in the air could have been cut with a knife. They hadn't talked any on the way back.
Gaara looked at Hinata, unable to ignore her sad expression. "Thank you . . . For showing me around town. It was nice."
"Y-yeah, any t-time . . . ," Hinata started to take off Gaara's jacket, "Thank y-you, it kept me w-warm."
"Keep it on. You can give it back later."
Hinata did as she was told, once again jumping from her phone vibrating. "A-another text," Hinata tittered. It was Naruto again.
Be there in
an hour!
Be ready ;)
"I g-guess I should g h-home. Naruto will be h-here soon." After everything that happened today Hinata just wanted to crawl back in bed but she couldn't do that to the blonde teen.
There was a moment of silence. "Hand me your phone," Gaara finally said.
Hinata obeyed without question She watched as Gaara pressed some buttons then handed it back. "My number's in there now. Call me if you need anything."
"O-Okay..." Hinata thanked Gaara again for the jacket, told him goodbye and then headed home.
OoOoO
Hinata made her way to her room to change clothes, all the while thinking about Gaara and their conversation back at the cafe. How could his father do something so cruel? And what of his mother . . . Hinata started to understand why Gaara was so withdrawn. He had been abused, that much was certain. To go through life believing that no one would love you, that was too much. She desperately wished there was something she could do to help him. But what could she possible have to offer?
"Hinata are you home?!" Neji yelled from the living room.
"Y-yes, be down in a m-minute," Hinata quickly changed clothes and ran a brush through her hair. Cursing as each stroke caused her hair to stick up. Cold weather always put static in her hair.
Neji greeted Hinata with a tight hug. "Hinata I am so sorry about last night. I should have never left you alone."
"I-It's okay. R-really," Hinata muffled into her cousins shirt.
"No it's not, I know how you are when it comes to crowds," Neji released Hinata, "Besides, I owe it to your father to keep you safe." Neji watched Hinata's face fall, "Hey, but that's not to say your father is the only reason. You're my cousin, and I love you, I won't let any harm come to you if I can help it."
Hinata smiled. What would she do without him? "Oh, I h-heard Tenten s-stayed over l-last night." She said, changing the subject.
Neji grinned. "Yea, she's really something."
Hinata smiled, glad for her cousin. It was good that Neji found someone else he could stand to be around, especially after losing his parents. "W-would you and h-her like to go to the m-movies tonight? Naruto and I and a f-few others are g-going." If Naruto wanted to bring friends she didn't see any reason why she couldn't invite someone too.
"Sure, let me call and ask her first."
OoOoO
An hour later, Hinata, Naruto, Sakura, Kiba, Neji, and Tenten, settled into the crowded theater.
"Now You See Me is suppose to be really good," Naruto said, tossing his arm over Hinata's shoulder's.
"Hmph, I doubt it." Sakura complained. She wanted to watch something romantic, but the majority of the group ruled against it.
"Aw, don't be mad Sakura," Kiba teased, "How about next time you and I will watch whatever you want."
Sakura rolled her eyes, "In your dreams."
"Hush guys, the movie is starting."
Hinata relaxed into Naruto's arm as the lights slowly dimmed. This was nice, but a part of her felt guilty. Maybe she should have invited Gaara. She wondered what he was doing now. The thought of him being alone, made her sad. Sad in a way she had never felt before . . .
"Ah come on, it's so obvious who the bad guy is!"
"Naruto shut up," Neji hissed.
"Whatever, this is boring." Naruto stood up. "I'm going to the snack counter, anyone want anything?"
"No, just go. You're blocking other peoples view," Kiba growled.
Naruto shrugged and stalked off.
Sakura leaned toward the group. "I'll be right back. I umm . . . have to use the restroom."
Hinata nodded and turned her attention back to the movie. She found it interested regardless of what Naruto thought.
The movie was half over before Hinata started to worry where Naruto and Sakura were at. How long could it take to pee and get candy? "Neji," Hinata whispered. "I'm g-going to check on N-Naruto."
Neji's eyes darkened. "I'll go, stay and watch the movie."
Hinata smiled. "It's o-okay, I won't t-take long." What was wrong with Neji?
Hinata squinted, letting her eyes adjust to the bright lobby. Where was Naruto? She scanned the room, only to see some workers idly chatting and a couple kids wasting their coins on a crane-machine. She checked the bathroom next, maybe Sakura had gotten sick?
"S-Sakura? Are you i-in here?" But the restroom was empty.
"E-Excuse me s-sir?" Hinata asked the boy behind the counter.
"Yes, what can I help you with?"
"Um, did y-you happen to s-see a b-blonde boy or a pink h-haired girl about my age pass b-by?"
"Hm." The boy thought for a moment. "Yeah actually, about twenty minutes ago. They went outside, Haven't came back in yet."
"T-Thank you." Hinata smiled. I guess Naruto didn't want to watch the rest of the movie. Hinata thought as she stepped outside. Where are you? She walked all around till she finally deciding to check the back of the building.
"Oh Sakura . . . please . . . m-more."
Naruto? What was he . . .
"Naruto . . . W-Why are you-" Hinata gasped, "Naruto!"
She couldn't believe what she was seeing. Naruto was pressed hard against the dirty wall, Sakura on her knees, sucking his . . .
"Hinata!" Naruto stumbled, and fell to the ground, frantically trying to pull up his pants.
"Oh God! Hinata . . . ," Sakura cried. "I'm sorry . . . This . . . We . . ."
Hinata shook her head, unable to speak. Naruto stepped forward, reaching for her arm.
"D-Don't . . . ," Hinata backed up. "Don't touch me!"
Neji came running from the side of the building. "Hinata what's-"
His eyes snapped wide at the sight. Granting himself only a moment of shock, before focusing in, "Naruto! You son of a bitch- I knew it!"
Neji lunged forward tackling Naruto to the ground. Naruto cried out as his head collided against the wall. Hinata watched mortified as her cousin pinned Naruto to the ground with his knees, bashing his face side to side with his fist's.
"Neji get off him!" Sakura cried, tears streaming down her face. "Hinata I'm sorry, this isn't how we wanted you to find out!
Hinata couldn't stand it anymore, without warning she turn and fled. She didn't know where she was going, all she knew was she had to get away . . . Blindly, she ran from the parking lot into the road, not noticing when a car came to a screeching halt, swerving, missing her by inches. "You stupid bitch!" the driver yelled from his window. "Watch where you're going!"
Hinata shook, but pushed forward, running and running until finally tripping over her feet. She cried out as her body hit the frozen ground. This isn't happening . . . Hinata thought, moaning as she pushed herself up. Tears streamed down her cold cheeks as she examined the fresh cut's on her forearm. She tried standing up, only to stumble and fall back down, her hand landing on something hard. It was her cell phone... "Call me if you need anything." Gaara's word's echoed in her head. With trembling fingers she searched for his number . . . Right there it was . . .
Quickly she hit send, waiting for the ring . . .
"Hello?" Gaara's voice flooded from the phone. At first Hinata didn't speak . . . "Hello?" he asked again.
"G-Gaara?"
"Hinata, is that you?"
"Gaara . . . I . . . ," Hinata choked back a sob, "I need you."
For a moment there was silence. "Tell me where you are?"
This wanting more from me is tearing me, it's breaking me
But what you want's not mine to give
I'm your dollar sign, your brand new house,
Your product line
When you're done with me I'm spent.
When the smoke is gone I have to face what I've become...
Will you rescue me? Could you get me out alive?
I'm trying to hold on but I've lost the will to fight
Will You rescue me? Take me far away from this shattered life.
How can I go on pretending that there's nothing wrong?
Life has brought me to my knees
This mask I hide behind is killing me,
There's nothing left
Is there anyone who feels like me?
When the smoke is gone I have to face what I've become.
Will you rescue me...