Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Edited by my brand new beta, DreamingCynic. Thanks again so much!
Note: I corrected a few errors, I apologize for leading you to think Gaara knew Hinata's real name.
Her original plans for Saturday had pretty much been blown to bits but she couldn't begrudge her new plans, though it would be a shame that her apartment would spend another day in disarray but then again there was the fact she had to get up earlier than intended which admittedly was not fun, no matter how much she was look forward towards spending the day with the redhead.
Then there were the memories, jeez was there anything she could do without her thoughts being infiltrated by Sasuke? On a number of occasions after they had become closer she had picked out his attire for work or when they had a party to attend and while they were fond memories, they left her with a cold, hollow feeling in her chest that she didn't want to ponder upon too much.
At very least she knew what she was doing and she had some rather interesting choices she desperately wanted to try out on Gaara that would look absolutely striking with his colouring. Hinata knew how to dress a man and it was a small thing she could take pride in.
She had almost slept through her alarm clock ringing because she was so exhausted and had gone to bed extra late too excited to sleep, her mind bursting with ideas. As a result she was literally running towards the diner after hopping off the bus because she was afraid of being late, she really did not want to start off the day on a bad footing by making him wait.
As she burst through the door panting she glanced at her watch it was only a couple minutes past 11 and as she looked around she pouted as she spotted him sitting at his spot with a cup of coffee already in his hand. Dammit, the universe couldn't give her a break.
Smoothing down her hair she chirped "Good morning."
"You're late," was all she got in response. 'Bastard' she thought, before she flushed in embarrassment, she hoped to god she hadn't said that aloud, but she was only a couple minutes late and she was the one doing him the favour. Hmph!
Not bothering to explain her reasons because he probably didn't care to hear them anyway, she was ready to layout out her plan for their shopping trip when a thought struck her, something she hadn't considered before.
"Uh Gaara-san I forgot to ask you last night, but do you have a price point range you need to stick with? Whatever you're budget I'm sure I can work with it," she added hastily. Hinata knew the party was rather up-scale, but she couldn't naturally assume he had the money to shell out on designer clothing even if it did put a hitch in her plans.
Shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly he spoke-"While I am hardly excited at the prospect of spending an exorbitant amount of money on clothes I have no desire to wear, you need not worry, money is not an issue."
"Oh. Okay great well I can guess we can proceed with my original plans," she answered with forced cheer in her voice, his enthusiasm, or lack thereof didn't exactly give her much encouragement.
"So from what I have gathered there is an entire street devoted to designer couture uptown near the city museum as well I know there are a few department stores in the heart of the city I expect should have a nice selection of men's evening wear. There are a couple more places I have in mind, but I would leave those as a last resort just in case. So…um…do you have any preferences in particular I should know about? How do you feel about ties? Do you have a favourite colour?" she asked wanting to hear his opinion, while having free reign would be wonderful, she did want to be mindful of his feelings.
"I could care less what I wear once it's appropriate. However I warn you now I refuse to anything flamboyant or brightly coloured, I am not a circus act," his tone forbidding.
Hinata had to bit the inside of her cheek to stop from smiling in amusement at the image Garaa's comment conjured in her head, his scowling face and bright red hair clashing with an oversized ridiculous clown suit complete with red nose and face paint. Yeah, definitely can't smile at that lest he take it the wrong way, a man's ego fragile as it is, would surely take offense.
"Right, that's noted. I promise you will fit right in," and then some, she thought. He was handsome once you saw beneath his stoic, cynical mask and it was her job to make sure that others noticed that, after all a man in a suit deserved to be fully appreciated.
"Okay I think that's everything. I think we best get a head start," rising from her seat, she waited for him to pay for his coffee before they headed off for their day of shopping together another question popped in her head.
"Garaa-san do you have a car or do we need to take the bus. Either will do," she inquired quickly trying to determine the right bus to take to get to the other side of town.
"I brought my bike," he stated coolly.
"Your bike?" she echoed following into the parking lot only to stop at a very beautiful, artfully crafted piece of machinery. Hinata knew next to nothing about cars, much less motorcycles, but even she could tell it was top of the line and came with a pretty price tag. Well that sealed it the man was loaded, no worries about the shopping bill.
Wait then did he expect her to get on the back of his "bike"? Oh no. No no no no no! Nuh uh, not happening. She was not a scaredy-cat she wasn't, but she valued her life thank you very much and she knew had no clue about his driving skills so she would stick with the bus, he could meet her there if he wanted.
By the time she woke herself from her mental freakout, he had already mounted the bike and was holding out a helmet to her.
"I'm sorry Garaa-san, but I think I will take the bus. It's just on the other side of town, won't take me long at all," she promised, backing away uncomfortably.
"No it will take too long, just get on my bike it's faster," he insisted.
Shaking her head she put-off, "No really I would feel much better taking the bus. I don't think me riding with you is a good idea. I promise I'll try to get there quickly."
"Get on the bike, Arata," his voice leaving no room for question, purposefully leaving off the honorific.
"I don't-"
"Get on the bike."
"But Garaa-san-"
"Arata," he countered, not letting her get in her protest.
"Please I-"
"Get on."
She really really didn't want to, but she also didn't want him to back out of the whole thing altogether because she was afraid. Biting down on her lip, she gingerly took the helmet before placing it on her head, fiddling with the straps before approaching the "bike" and awkwardly swinging on leg over to straddle the machine. Trying to be mindful of their close proximity she placed her hands on his shoulders, but as he revved the engine and took off she yelped in surprise and fear before quickly lacing her arms around his waist in a death grip.
Apparently he realized her terror and in an unexpected act of kindness he reduced speed cruising along with the other cars, bypassing traffic and avoiding any reckless moves that put her somewhat at ease, and gave her a chance to savour the experience. It was breath-taking, the effect of the speed and blur of the passing scenery, Garaa's confidence and familiarity handling the bike was awe-inspiring and overall it was an out of the ordinary and memorable ride, one she didn't exactly want to repeat any time soon, but at very least could she claim she had ridden on the back of a gorgeous guy's motorcycle.
He was right, if she had taken the bus he would have spent at least 20 minutes waiting for her and that was on a really good day and this just proved she needed to move out of her comfort zone a bit. While she had survived so much hardship and heartbreak, she knew from experience that locking herself away in a safe, expected routine wasn't really living life or enjoying all the things it brought her way. So she wasn't going to turn into a daredevil or an adrenaline junkie, but she could try stepping out of the box and doing something new, a little different, even something she was scared or uncertain about.
She only had one shot at life and she wanted to make it worth living no matter the choices she had made in the past, the one she made now would be what decided her future.
When they finally came to a stop she shakily got off her legs feeling somewhat wobbly as she steadied herself with one hand while self-consciously patting down her mussed hair after she had slipped off the helmet.
"Garaa-san I wanted to know, just to be sure, but you aren't intending to go with your bike tonight, right?"
A shrug was all she got in response.
Inferring what it implied she gaped in horror, "Garaa-san, you can't!" she exclaimed. "It would utterly ruin your appearance. This entire trip would be for naught if you show up looking ruffled and windswept. That will certainly make you standout and not in the best of ways please-"
Her rant was abruptly halted as raised his hand to quiet her.
"You can relax, I do not intend to use my bike I have other means of transport and I assure you, I certainly do not need you and especially not my sister scolding me like a petulant child for my appearance."
Mollified now that she knew he would not be ruining her hard work she could ease her worries, though the blush staining her cheeks was glaringly obvious betraying her mortification at his insinuation. She had no desire to be lumped in the same category as the man's sister.
Entering the first store she felt the immediate blast from cool air from the A/C she hadn't even realized how warm it had been outside too taken up with her inner thoughts. A rather severe looking sales clerk approached looking at them rather disapprovingly. Admitted she knew they didn't look like the usual kind of clientele which frequented such stores, but at very least she could have done a better job to hide her disdain.
Feeling an uncomfortable, self-conscious mood descend upon her she resisted the urge to straighten her clothing for wrinkles and lower her eyes in submission.
"Good day. Can I help you?" the women uttered with condescension saturating every word she spoke.
Hinata fumbled to respond her tongue feeling heavy and useless as she struggled to deal with the not-so-subtle emotional flashbacks to her father's critical stare, feeling as cowed and pathetic as she had as living under his rule.
Again Garaa surprised her by step forward as though to shield her from the woman's imposing aura before specking in clipped tones, "No there is nothing we will be needing from here."
He then took her by the hand and led her out the door walking a bit further down before they entered another stored, this time he waving away the attendant with a dismissive hand and guiding her directly into middle of the men's section before releasing her, instructing, "I brought you to help me not some crotchety, pompous sales person who could do with a lesson in customer service. Now start shopping."
His voice snapped her out of her stupor immediately and feeling a mixture of embarrassment and relief she gave his a grateful albeit shaky smile before taking a glance around her. All the big name fashion designers were on display, multiple rows showcasing the latest, most overpriced rages in men's fashion and with reaffirmed determination she set about perusing the racks and inspecting the mannequins with a discerning eye trying to fit each article of clothing to match the image in her head she was trying to achieve for Gaara.
Fifteen minutes later she came back with at least 8 shirts ranging in colour and styles before holding them towards the redhead for inspection who immediately dismissed half her selections stating he would not were anything plaid or pastel.
Narrowing in on dark solids and jewel tones she tried to decide which would complement him best.
Navy made his skin acquire a sickly bluish tint that looked wholly unattractive and unappealing. She considered going with white, yet it was the go-to-pick for most men and she wanted something other than generic. Just for curiosity's sake she had him try on a deep ruby red shirt and the effect was unbelievable. His hair stood out even more intensely, the colour adding a sexy, dark edge to his aura however from the scowl marring his handsome face she knew it was not his favourite choice and she granted it would be too much of a statement piece.
So following her instincts she selected a forest green shirt with a slight sheen, silently hoping it didn't appear cliché with his fiery mane.
After a while he had gotten fed up of going in and out of the dressing and decided right then and there to strip off the shirt he was currently wearing right in front of her and all the other sales attendants who were not so discretely milling around. Collectively their eyes widened in awe and shock.
Truthfully the man needed to see the sun more often, he'd make snow look ivory in comparison, but good lord his physique would attract no complaints from any woman, toned arms, defined abs and a tapered waist emphasized by low slung jeans.
Despite the sad truth that she was still very much enamored with her estranged husband and he had been the last man she had seen in any state of undress so forgive her if she had a rather difficult time from dragging her eyes from his exposed chest.
He didn't cast a very tall, imposing figure, more lithe and slender with a disarming fragile quality rarely found in a man, though Hinata would claim the impression to be misleading.
Garaa's eyes were a pale jade that appeared radiant along with his crimson hair contrasting strikingly with the shirt's green shade. The effect on his image was maturing, giving him a composed, self-assured air.
No doubt about it this was the look she had intended…now she only had to get the suit to match and all the finishing trapping. 'That didn't sound difficult at all,' she snorted inwardly.
Motioning to one of the sales girls they all sprang in to action some rushing to her side while the others scrambled back to their post, afraid they had been caught slacking off. Hinata instructed them to package the green shirt along with the red, a couple white and a pin-stripe one she had chosen. She had decided she wanted Gaara to have options in his closet and maybe even encourage him to make some subtle shifts in the way he dressed.
Unfortunately the current store they were in had a rather pitiful selection of men's suits and to be honest she knew they would have to find a tailor on hand to do last minute alterations.
At the next few stops she was again disappointed, nothing coincided with her mental vision and she and her companion were getting frustrated. Garaa didn't understand what all the fussing was about he could have settled for anyone of those suits she had made him try on, it hardly mattered to him, but she insisted they weren't the right one so they kept on looking. Along the way she managed to get him a narrow black tie, a very appealing silver watch that supplied the time settings of multiple major cities that he really didn't mind wearing, and a pair of smart looking black loafers.
At the end of her rope with Garaa becoming more surly with every store they visited insisting she just "pick a damn suit."
She had a sudden mental flashback of something she had seen on one of their stops, a possible contender, and frantically she tried to wrack her brains to remember the store. They didn't have the time to revisit each place in hopes of finding the suit her mind had dredged up and she still had to convince him to get a haircut.
Dammit where had she seen that suit!
And like an annoying mosquito just buzzing out of reach she finally caught the name of the elusive store only to sigh in dismay, smothering her sudden burst of joy.
The suit she had seen in passing was back in the first store they had visited with the awful, snooty attendant. She would honestly do anything to avoid going back there, but she needed that suit and it disturbed her that she was letting to let this woman hold such power over her. She wasn't the old Hinata who would allow others make her feel inferior; she wasn't that timid little girl crippling under the weight of her families expectations, bemoaning her inadequacies and failures.
If she couldn't hold her ground against this woman how could she throw off the burden of her family's hold over her?
So turning in the opposite direction they headed back to the store they had first entered she swept in without paying notice to anyone else, heading directly towards that suit before calling over the same woman.
"I want to see this suit", she stated, her voice firm and unyielding.
Ruffled at seeing the pair back there again she bristled, "Don't you think you should go elsewhere. We don't cater to persons of your standards," eyeing them scornfully.
Swallowing the bile rising in her throat from her intense aversion to confrontations she stood her ground calling upon some of the Hyuuga hauteur that had hopefully rubbed off on her enough for her to do a passable imitation. "I did not ask for your opinion, nor do I care to hear it. Will you bring the suit or would you rather I contact your manager about your terrible customer service skills?"
The woman's face twisted as though she had bitten into a sour lemon before she crisply turned her back stomping away. A few minutes later another attendant returned with the suit and she passed it along to Gaara who had placed a steadying hand on her shoulder during her encounter with the wretched sales woman, an approving gleam in his eye that made her feel ten feet tall and confident and strong.
When he stepped out of the changing room, tugging at the too long sleeve she couldn't suppress the urge to smile it was perfect, or it would be after a few nip and tucks were made, but the gunmetal grey single-breasted Calvin Klein suit was stunning on him. The unusual colour and exceptional cut just amped up the level of sophistication and elegance that far surpassed anything else he had tried on today. The suit was made of superfine wool with side seam pockets and a notch lapel. It was sheer perfection.
After discovering with luck they had a tailor available she stood with Gaara for the next two hours or so while he played the part of a pin cushion wincing and shooting death glares alternately between herself and the portly, old tailor who hummed pleasantly while prodding the redhead with his arsenal of instruments.
By the time it was over and they were ready to leave his scowl had deepened considerably and with one last stop to go she hoped his patience would hold out.
Stepping into the salon she directed him towards her friend and frequent customer at the diner, Tenten, who was very skilled with a pair of scissors and other forms of weaponry. The woman had taken to teaching her cool tricks using a knife.
"Tenten this is my friend Garaa-san", she introduced after releasing the spunky hairdresser from a hug.
Grinning the brunette held out a hand to the redhead, "It's nice to meet you. I promise to take good care of you."
Garaa looked at the woman directly and blatantly stated "I'm not getting a haircut."
Hinata groaned in response and shook her head at him, "We discussed this, a good haircut is important towards making a good impression tonight Garaa-san. I can assure you Tenten is really great at what she does, you will like it, I promise!"
"No, I don't want a haircut and I don't need one, especially not for a ridiculous party I don't even want to attend," he sounded like the petulant child that he had complained he wasn't earlier.
Sighing she tried to reach a compromise "I know you don't believe me, but she will not butcher your hair. If you are so insistent if you don't like how it looks at the end I'll- uh give you free coffee for a month!"
Then realizing what she promised she had to resist the urge to smack her forehead at her complete stupidity, telling him he could have all the coffee he wanted was like telling a child they could have all the snacks in the grocery, he would wipe-out her pay-check when it was over.
Crap, crap, crap!
Tenten had better not mess up his hair.
Appearing contemplative for a moment he reluctantly sat in the chair looking doubtful and grimacing as Tenten got to work, prepping him before spritzing his hair with water and wielding her scissors. Soon enough snippets of red hair were covering the ground and Hinata anxiously watched from the side-lines as her friend worked her magic.
Twenty minutes later once Tenten had finished cutting and styling his hair, she stepped back and waited for the verdict.
Hinata couldn't help but smile in relief and triumph, Tenten was truly an artist at what she did, Garaa's hair looked really really good. He had gone from shaggy and unkempt, to I-just-rolled-outta-my-bed- and- it–still-looks-hot. A few strands were artfully falling into his eyes and the tips of his hair just brushed his ears, it was slightly dishevelled, but in a not so obvious, very cute way.
And from the look on his face he didn't appear to resent his new look, so she would take it as a good sign and go with it, she imagined her wallet was currently crying tears of joy.
Turning to Tenten he nodded, complimenting "Not bad."
The brunette and Hinata shared a looked before giving hi-fives and doing a little fist pump for victory.
Afterwards Garaa took her back to her apartment she still had some time left before she had to head to work.
"Good luck tonight Garaa-san you are going to look amazing, I'm sure of it."
"I'm not counting on having a good time", he countered before adding, "Thank you for your help. While this party is a complete waste of time I do appreciate your efforts today."
Beaming with happiness the waitress smiled, "I had a very interesting day with you Garaa-san it was more than I bargained for, but I hope know you can come to me any time for help I would be more than glad to be there for you again."
Nodding his head in acknowledgment he got back on his bike, took off as she waved to him goodbye.
Garaa's Perspective
As he stepped out of Kankuro's Aston Martin he paused for a split second before handing over the keys to the valet, his brother's rather colourful threat to paste him in his kabuki makeup before stringing up to be used as one of his puppets only to disembowel him and put him on display execution style if god forbid anything should happen to his "precious". While he was tempted to scoff at his brother for being so melodramatic he knew he would not take it likely if it were his bike so for good measure he glared at the young man before warning "You let anything untoward happen to this car and all hope of you ever procreating will be remote dream." With a cold, suitably menacing glare he strode towards the entrance pulling out the invitation from his jacket before handing it to the security who scanned the magnetic strip attached to the invitation that would bring up Garaa's information immediately putting him as a high priority guest.
Once the confirmation came through the guard nodded, "Good evening Sabaku-san it is pleasure to have you here tonight. Please enjoy the mayor's hospitality."
He had been to the mansion before when he was younger and it was custom to bring all the little rich kids together to play nice so they form lasting bonds that would carry over when they took their parent's place at the helm of their companies or entered the political arena. To be honest he had never given a shit about the snot-nosed brats who didn't have a thought in their head that hadn't been planted by their parents and believed they were boarding on fucking royalty and his rather antisocial tendencies had not fostered any fondness for him either on their parts.
He knew he had been a demented, precocious little bugger as a child all the better since not much had changed since then, he still found their presence insufferable and since he had been excused at the age of twelve from attending these little get-togethers after a not well received stunt that had earned him a beating from his bastard of a father that had made sitting a most unpleasant chore for the better part of a week, he had been unofficially banned for fear he would poison these brilliant, vulnerable young minds.
Now here he was back among years later even more reluctant and wary that he had been as a child, for he could only assume from experience and Temari's ranting that they had only degenerated with age and he had no patience nor the tolerance to withstand the drivel that pass as conversation among them, but he would have to suck it up and hope he possessed enough self-control not to irrevocably damage relations between his family and the rest of Suna's upper crust.
Though he couldn't resist discovering how many bordering on offensive, snide remarks he could make while coming off as being polite and unassuming, leaving the buffoons none the wiser. It was rather enjoyable being in on a joke that everyone else was not privy to especially when they were the subject matter of his amusement. For God knew if he did not take their foolishness and pomposity with a forbearing smile he feared he would go into hysterics listening to their self-praise, their egos inflated to gigantic proportions that sent them floating above the clouds of mere mortal's heads, he strongly suspected they inhaled helium on a routine basis to keep themselves afloat, a steady flow of compliments, flattery and ass-kissing on the parts of lowly, social climbing sycophants.
He certainly did not envy them in the slightest.
A waiter stopped to offer him a glass of champagne, but he declined- alcohol was not his friend, lest he wanted to spend his night in the thrall of nightmarish dreams and furthermore- he needed his wits about him.
His eye roamed the ballroom, the theme becoming apparent frighteningly quick and he was unable to quell his sneer of disgust. In their infinite wisdom for all things fashionable they decided a winter wonderland would provide and contrasting relief from Suna's unbearably heat. While the effect was almost bordering on magical, the fairy lights and icicles adorned every available space, numerous ice-sculptures fashions after elegant birds and a flurry of imitation snow leisurely drifting in the air.
While he was tempted to find a corner and claim it for the duration of his stay he knew he needed to make his rounds, pay his "respects" else Temari would come after him like a hyena ready to chomp on a bloody carcass. It didn't take him long to identify the host of the party, Ishiguro Kazuki, a rotund man who liked his liquor only a smidge more than he did his revolving door of women.
Once the next set of guest had moved on he easily slipped forward and greeted, "Good evening Ishiguro-san- it has been a long time."
The man stood blinking as him blankly as though wading through the alcohol induced fog before exclaiming, "Garaa, my boy. It's been years, I heard that pretty little sister of yours couldn't make it. I imagine my surprise when I heard you were taking her place," he clapped his hand on the redhead's back, his breath noxious with the taint of strong spirits.
"Yes, it is a surprise to you and I both. You have certainly gone above and beyond for this year's part," casting a hand at the room's décor."
"Definitely it was a stroke of pure brilliance, wouldn't you say. I knew it would have left my guest speechless in its grandeur."
"Mhmm it is a wonder why no one, but one such as yourself could have conceived such of a idea. It almost borders on being gauche, absolutely mesmerizing," his pretty words bemused the addled man's brain who spared not a thought for Garaa's insinuating comment.
"Come, come let me introduce you to some of your peers I am sure you will have much to speak about after all this time," Ishiguro said leading him to a small circle of sharply dressed young men and ladies dazzling in their finery.
"Sorry to interrupt, but there is someone you must meet. May I introduce Sabaku Garaa", his hand pushing Garaa into the spotlight.
Their smiles faltered for a second as recognition was alit in their eyes, the men seemed to inhale, puffing themselves up like proud peacock while the women directed coy smiles his way, perfect red curved bows meant to beguile him as they batted their eyelashes deliberately, their feminine charms had gone from simmering to explosive in a split moment.
Inwardly he groaned cursing whatever magic Arata had glamoured him with for the wolves were already sinking their claws into him, his prior intentions of an isolated corner now appeared as a distant, fond dream.
Hinata's Perspective
By the time she arrived at work she was exhausted, but pleased. Garaa looked incredible and she knew without a doubt he would garner attention, she had dressed him to impress. It had been the most eventful, exciting day she had had in a very long time and she would keep it like a treasure close to her heart, taking it out of storage to reflect upon and brighten her day when life wore her down with sadness and frustration as was inevitable.
Her shift was quiet, one of the slower nights where she had time to stop and indulge in her musings or share a conversation with Choji or Ino. That evening Ino wanted to know all about her shopping trip with the redhead after being alerted that Hinata had met him at the diner this morning and as relentless as bloodhound tracking a scent she eventually yield and told the blonde the whole story, who had stared at her wide eyed and grinning in delight.
"Arata! You are so lucky, too bad you didn't get a photo of him all dressed up he must have looked damn good', the bubbly blonde pouted, wishing she could have peered into the other girl's mind and gleaned his image for herself.
"Oh I didn't think to do that", she admitted ruefully before adding, "I don't think he would have liked it though Garaa-san is very private. It wasn't easy for him to approach me. That reminds me Ino-san you can't tell anyone, please you can't."
"Araaaaata", she whined, "Why not? You know how curious everyone is about the mysterious, cool redhead who only happens to speak to you," she raised her eyebrow suggestively.
Flustered she waved away the idea frantically, "No, no its nothing like that at all. He's just….a friend. I think? I don't ever know if he regards me that highly. But promise me you won't breathe a word of this to anyone it will surely offend Garaa-san, I don't want to drive him away."
Sighing in resignation the blond acceded. "Oh very well Arata I promise my lips are sealed, but you have to tell me everything going on between you two. It's like one of those television dramas only so much better!"
She coloured slightly before nodding her head.
Not five minutes later, speak of the devil said redhead walked into the diner looking… dare she say, tortured?
Upon seeing him the blond gawked in astonishment before disappearing into the kitchen and bursting girlish squeals fanning herself as she felt slightly delirious and overwhelmed at the sight of him. Hinata humouring her friend meanwhile straightened her uniform before heading over to greet him.
"Gaara-san it's good to see you again so soon, but shouldn't you be at the party?" she questioned then taking a step back she looked at him, he was still dressed in his suit.
Ignoring her question he commanded, "Brew me the strongest cup of coffee you have and bring the pot with you", he added for good measure before he literally slumped in his seat his head buried in his arms.
Alarmed she was tempted to arouse him, but figured she should have the coffee as back up so taking up the darkest coffee beans they had on hand she started to ground them to make him a fresh pot.
By the time she had finished brew the coffee and brought it over she had rationalized the party hadn't gone so well and while she sympathized with him Hinata still wanted to get all the details.
Passing him the cup he took a deep drink despite the fact it must have scalded his tongue, but from expression it hardly seemed to matter. Once he had finished the first cup in record time she poured him another and patiently wait for him to open up. He would…eventually, she hoped.
"What did you do to me?" his fingers gripping the cup in his hands like a lifeline.
Startled at both his question and the fact that he finally decided speak.
"I don't understand what you mean? What did I do?" she felt puzzled and confused, had she don't something wrong?
"What did you do? You want to know what you did?" he gave a bitter, almost maniacal laugh in response.
"Just tell me what happened Garaa-san," Hinata just about pleaded, becoming more frightened and alarmed every time he spoke.
A/N: I know I was supposed to include some shocking details unfortunately that was involved in Sasuke's POV which is quite sad and depressing and I withheld including it in this update since I felt it would dampen the overall mood of the chapter so I will try to fit it in maybe the following chapter.
Gaara's misadventures at the party will be in the next chapter I hope you all will be thoroughly entertained. Thank you so much once again for all the awesome reviews and a special thanks to those who volunteered to be my beta.
Quick question: I have had so many reviews describing my writing as "beautiful" and it is incredibly flattering. However I never thought of my writing in that way I would be grateful if you could kindly elaborate. I have read "beautiful" writing and my own writing would never seem on par with some of those amazing authors.
Feel free to tell me any ideas, comment, criticisms you might have, I am always eager to hear from my readers. Hope you enjoyed this chapter and please review!
Sincerely,
CharmGirl24.