Chapter 2: Flower Festival

"Please tell me more of your story," Kira said listening contently as I pulled the covers back over my body once again. It was very cold in this place and the only clothing that I woke up with was two pieces of cloth, one tethered around my bust and the other tethered around my hips just like Kira's but curiously not falling off like it was meant to stay there.

I smiled and then began again.

Hinata strapped the masquerade mask on quickly looking in the mirror once again. her own image was strange to her and yet it was still her, only a distorted version. A her that she tried tirelessly to hide. It was the side of her that showed who she truly was and she hated that fact. She then walked downstairs, her skirts flowing behind her daintily like she was some kind of a strange princess. Her hand flew to the small fragment of amethyst that was tied around her neck by a thin gold chain. It had once been her mothers before she had died and was given to Hinata as a final gift. Hinata never went out without it…

"Hinata-chan, you look so beautiful!" Hanabi said running out in a black kimono with sunflower designs running down its length. It was perfect for Hanabi. A bright simple girl who was up from sun up to sun down always looking for trouble.

"You look very beautiful yourself Hanabi-chan," Hinata said with a smile.

"I look young," Hanabi said a little disappointed. "I want to look 18 like you."

"You will have your chance too Hanabi," Hinata said with another smile. "You just wait ok?"

"Ok, Hinata-chan," Hanabi said looking down at her feet still wishing she looked older although Hinata couldn't imagine why. She was beautiful at the age of 15, sprouting into a beautiful woman but she still didn't seem to think so.

Hinata suddenly felt a presence behind her and knew that Neji had arrived. Quickly she turned around to see Neji dressed in deep navy coloured robes and a long necklace of dark blue snapdragons running from his neck down to his lower torso. His hair was braided down his back instead of tied back Hyuuga style and she was shocked at how much more handsome he had become. Neji always had a bit of a complex about his looks for his features were more defined and normally features like that were only seen on girls. Although these features were perfect on his face and it's what girls were normally attracted to first about him he was still very edgy about it most likely thanks to the guys. Tonight though he looked near perfection. He tied his own masquerade mask around his face quickly.

"Neji-niisan you look so awesome!" Hanabi said excitedly.

"Hinata, you must look like a radiant flower tonight," Hiashi said walking in from the hallway. "You must shine above all the rest of the women. Also there is some news I must share with you and Neji tomorrow morning. Enjoy tonight."

Hinata raised her eyebrow a little confused but the curious thoughts were interrupted by a soft tapping on the door. Hinata opened it and there stood Kiba in deep red robes, a necklace of tulips tightly weaved around his neck like a collar. He looked very handsome that's for sure and she couldn't help but smile and blush lightly.

"Hello Kiba-kun," Hinata said lightly pressing her two index fingers together.

"Hinata-hime," Kiba said bowing lightly to her.

"Bye Hanabi, Bye father," Hinata said bowing lightly then walked out the door with Kiba back towards the gate.

"Shall I carry you my radiant flower?" Kiba asked chuckling lightly. Hinata couldn't help but blush at that statement but it was hard not to when someone so bold as Kiba got together with someone as uptight as herself. Every step she took lingered and they walked towards the town square where the festival was to be held. She could already smell the wonderful fragrance of wildflowers in the distance. She loved flowers.

When they got there they weren't surprised to find the place was jammed with people everywhere. It was like trying to walk through a barrier of bodies, each carrying their own flowery scent. Hinata spied different types of flowers that she didn't think she would see such as babies breath and forget me not's. The men were all trying to make themselves look more stocky and masculine for the flowers they wore would make them look girly and the women were dressed up like pastel confections. Hinata was glad that she was only wearing just a little bit of makeup for she didn't wish to be like them.

"My princess, will you dance with me?" Kiba asked with a smile holding his hand out to her.

"Of course," Hinata smiled back taking his hand as he pulled her into his arms.

(Break)

Gaara didn't know why he had called Ino back the night before and he didn't really know why he was standing in front of her door at that very moment. He wasn't really attracted to her…maybe it was because for once in his life Gaara had actually been challenged mentally. More or less Ino was a challenge and that was something that he could not pass up. A challenge was a challenge and Sabaku no Gaara never backed down from a challenge.

The door opened and there stood a tall older man with long blonde hair just like his daughters. Most people would be pretty frightened of this man but Gaara wasn't. Not in the least. Gaara wasn't afraid of any shinobi no matter the size.

"Kazekage-sama," the man muttered stepping out of the way. It was always interesting seeing what people would do when he put himself into normal situations such as this. People didn't really know what to say to him. This man was obviously Ino's father and Gaara was pretty sure that this man was so wanting to give him a lecture but was obviously restraining thanks to Gaara's standpoint which far surpassed the mans own.

"Dad, is he here!" Ino's booming voice yelled down the stairs.

"Yah," the man yelled back up the stairs loudly just as loudly if not more.

Gaara listened in to the footsteps pattering around upstairs and then start running down the stairs. After 30 more seconds Ino emerged dressed in a ivory cocktail dress that clung well to her curves and a plunging neckline that was lower then Gaara thought comfortable. Her hair was let down her back and softly curled and on the one side a string of lily petals hung from her hair. Her lips curved up in a smirk as she noticed her father not saying a single word

"We going now Gaara?" she asked raising her eyebrow sweetly walking over to him and grabbing his hand which he wasn't really sure if he liked it or not. Her father pursed his lips a little angrily.

Gaara nodded a little surprised at the deviousness of the blonde hanging off his arm. There was much more to this girl then he gave her credit for.

"Father, you've met Gaara before haven't you?" she asked her eyes sweet.

"No, I haven't had the pleasure," he said.

"Gaara-kun this is my dad, daddy this is Gaara-kun," she said excitedly. She even used the nickname. Gaara was never called Gaara-kun ever and he didn't really like it when it came from her for it just didn't seem to match him. Still it was a little amusing that she could use his bad-boy looks to scare her father.

"Hello," her father still looked uptight but raised his hand out to him.

"Hi…" Gaara said deeply shaking his hand mechanically.

"Now lets go Gaara-kun," Ino pulled him out of the door excitedly. Gaara wasn't really sure what happened back there and he wasn't really sure that Ino was going to let him have a chance to stop. That's when he noticed Ino's hand let go of his.

"Sorry about that back there," Ino laughed smiling. "Thought I'd give my father a bit of a scare. Thanks for playing along."

"No problem…" He just shook his head a smirk erupting across his cheeks. Ino stopped everything dazed. "You ok?"

"This is the first time I think I've ever seen you show emotion," Ino said still dazed. "It's amazing you know."

Gaara was a little shocked by this and for this first time ever felt his cheeks slightly colour. He didn't really think it was that big of a deal but she looked absolutely shocked. He was used to it though when people became confused and surprised when he showed human emotions because for awhile he was not really able to do so.

"Lets go Gaara-kun," she stressed the kun jokingly. "You know, I did much enjoy holding your hand."

"As much as I hated being called Gaara-kun?" He raised a nonexistent eyebrow.

"I guess you could say that," she said eyeing his hand hopefully. "So will you take my hand or do I have to take yours?"

"I…" he still wasn't exactly too sure anymore. This was far from his area of expertise and she seemed like she liked him a little more then he would have thought. That wasn't good.

There had been a few small incidents where women actually noticed him as something other then a monster. It actually really wasnt that hard because how could you not notice his attractiveness when you were anywhere near him? It made it almost impossible not to keep your eyes on him. As Ino had noticed Gaara was almost godly to a fault. Even Adonis couldn't pull off the look that Gaara had. Even still, his looks also betrayed his darker side to the world and sometimes it was just to dark for most to want to get near. So Sabaku no Gaara was loved and hated, worshipped and despised, by all.

Ino took his hand quickly pulling him behind her excitedly as she walked quickly towards the town square.

(break)

The night was warm, warmer then it had been all summer and Hinata was soon finding herself swirling across the dance floor in a midsummer nights dream. It was strangely surreal and Kiba was actually a lot better at dancing then she would have thought. Tonight was going by quickly like a blur.

"Hinata I'm going to get something to drink," Kiba said loudly over the ending song. "Would you like some punch or something?"

"Punch is fine," she said sweetly smiling. Kiba then jetted through some people towards the refreshment tables far from the dance floor leaving Hinata feeling quite alone. She wasn't really to sure that the happiness inside would keep out the new arising fear. The fear of being alone with so many people around. She watched as Kiba filled up the cups slowly, her heart sinking as she started to feel a bead of sweat drip down her forehead. She knew he would be back in a few seconds but she hated being squished in to so many people alone like this. Suddenly her fears became worse as Ino was suddenly standing beside him getting punch and they began their normal arguments that would take up at least quite a bit of time. Hinata was about to go to Kiba but suddenly stopped when her eyes drifted to a man dressed in full black robes. His hair was crimson red like blood and shaggy as if he cut it himself. On his face was a white Masquerade mask with what looked to be the bud of a black morning-glory on the side of it. It was eerie to say the least…

And yet she couldn't look away. Not even for a second. He stood still, his posture perfect, and though his mask his eyes were visible…the most entrancing eyes. Bright aquamarine eyes that shone like glass. Suddenly those perfect eyes jetted in her direction and she felt her cheeks colour. She had been staring this whole time. She looked over in Kiba's direction but he still seemed to be arguing with Ino. Her eyes turned back to the red-haired man except this time he was much closer now then he was before and gaining ground. Was he walking this way? She shook her head. He wasn't walking towards her…but he continued walking…

(Back to Gaara)

She was different. Way different then any girl he had ever seen. Blue indigo tresses, pale creamy skin, strange lavender eyes. She was different, strange, and yet amazing…she was looking right this way. She was looking right at him. Her big lavender eyes pointed directly towards him with almost as much confusion as he felt. He knew he shouldn't…he shouldn't go anywhere near this girl…but he couldn't help himself and soon found his feet moving towards her with the same strange gracefulness that he was always gifted with. Straight even footsteps pushed him forwards towards her as if he didn't have a choice in the matter until he found himself standing in front of this strange creature. This…angel of a girl (A/n. Ironic no?).

He stopped in front of her. Right there in front of her feet. His eyes were questioning, confused, and hard. They were wise eyes of someone much older and yet his body was young, of a teenager. He was different and she was curious.

"H-Hi…" her voice stumbled lightly as she felt her cheeks turn crimson again. She looked up at him to see that he did not shift not even an inch from the spot he stood. He just looked down at her questioningly.

Suddenly his hand reached out for hers. She looked down at it a little surprised and blushed even redder but surprising took it too curious of this stranger to pass up the chance. He then began to lead her away from the dance floor. She was confused and most of all surprised. Where was he taking her and why couldn't she make her feet stop? She knew that it was bad that she just let him take her away from the party but for some reason she just let it happen. It's what she wanted. They soon found themselves outside of the festival altogether in the middle of the deserted street where the music reached only faintly.

"Would you like to dance?" his voice was low, velvety almost. She wasn't expecting such a strange voice and yet it matched him perfectly.

"But the festival is back that…"

"I was hoping maybe out here," he scratched his head lightly. "There is too many eyes in there and too little of room."

"Oh," her voice was surprised. "Ok… my names…"

"Shhh," the man but his finger to her mouth to shush her. "Let that be a mystery even for a little while."

She didn't mean to let it happen the way it did as his hand took hers and they suddenly began dancing nimbly across the street to the faint sounds of the music. She didn't mean to but she found her feet dancing with his, the nights dream becoming more and more beautiful…this didn't make any sense. This man was…perfect… I guess you could say that the moment their eyes met they saw fate and there was no words in the world that could describe the sudden emotions that washed over both of them except the confusion and surprise of this phenomenon.

"What…am I doing?" she asked aloud as he spun her gently, gracefully. If Kiba was good at dancing then this man was an expert.

"I guess I could ask the same question," his deep voice was candy to her ears.

"I have a question," she whispered lightly, her cheeks bright.

"And what would that be?" he asked pulling her in gently making her blush as they swayed more.

"How did this happen?"

"I saw you…" he said and his lips curved into the perfect smile. "and suddenly I knew I had to meet you. I had to at least make some kind of contact with you…"

"So it wasn't only me," she shook her head again and they stopped.

Hinata felt suddenly light-headed as she looked up into those deep aquamarine eyes of his. Eyes that were perfect. Was this…could this be…has this really been love at first site?

"I'm so confused," Hinata whispered gently, her heart suddenly skipping beats.

"Me too," his smirk grew light. "Would you mind if I made this more confusing?"

"Hmm?" she asked confused but suddenly her questions were answered as his lips pressed very gently against hers in a very small kiss that made all other kisses seem weak. Electricity seemed to zap between them like the perfect match had been made. The perfect fit…It was destiny…

"Wow…" his voice shook. Something that was obviously not normal for him. "You… what?"

"That was amazing," she whispered awkwardly pressing her two index fingers together embarrassed.

"It really was…" he cupped her cheek in his palm and leaned in again hopefully, his lips skimming hers once again as the electricity formed once again. She was about to lean into the kiss but quickly pulled away at the realization of what she was doing. His eyes were wide with confused, his head tilted to the side.

"I…I'm sorry but… I just cant do this…" she said biting down on her lower lip. "I have to go… Kiba is waiting and I…"

"I will never see you again after this," his face became somewhat agonized. "Please grant me one more kiss before I go."

"I…I just cant…" she lowered her head in a light bow and then started running back towards the dance. She couldn't deal with this right now. Yesterday with her 10th month anniversary with Kiba… and she just kissed another man… and liked it…

Gaara touched his lips gently with his fingertips. He had never been attracted to anyone before, and his sudden possessive emotions started to take over. He wanted her more then anything else…. But how would he ever claim her as his own… when he didn't even know her name?

There was one thing he knew for sure though. If he ever saw her again there would be nothing stopping him from claiming her as his own…

"I want her," the Shukaku chuckled menacingly.

'I thought you said that you don't have a sex-drive,' Gaara smirked to himself lightly.

"I don't," he chuckled again. "But I like the thrill of lust that runs through your veins when you were kissing her. Compassion may not be my best-suit but if you have that much lust for her now then the adrenaline in your blood when you're thrusting into her would be wild."

'Don't even speak of such matters to me,' Gaara sneered.

"Don't hide it Gaara," the Shukaku's murmured. "You are only human after all, and if I want her then you will want her too. You know this too well don't you? You may have feelings for her, but my will also becomes your will. I want to hear her scream. It exhilarates me. Her cries will be my pleasure."

'You're sick Shukaku,' Gaara shook his head angrily. This wasn't going to be good. If Shukaku wanted her then there was going to be many more problems and he knew it… and he could end up hurting her if he didn't find something to stunt the Shukaku's voice. He could feel his lust growing deep inside of him, the idea of stripping the young girl apparent in his mind. It was the will of the Shukaku. He had to stunt the want of the Shukaku even for a little while…

"Controlled by a demon," Kira raised his finger to his mouth. "He may kill and lust, but I don't think he shall suffer because of it."

"I really hope that is the cause," I looked down at my hands again. "I don't want him to suffer because of me…

(End)

So yah i hope you enjoyed it XD because the next chapter i'm about to screw EVERYTHING up muhahahahahahahahaha. Sorry to all the people who really like Kiba but that would be on of his last scenes in this story XD. Just a little hinter there muhahaha.

Gaara: That was very anticlimactic.

Kiba: How was that anticlimactic? I was in it!

Gaara: There just wasnt a really big cliffhanger or anything is all.

Shukaku: I think Gaara wanted to rape Hinata

Shukaku snickers.

Gaara: HELLS NO!!

Hinata: is...is that really...true...gaara-kun?

Gaara: NO!!

Me: Well yah, i'll see yahs all next chappy and please R&R!!