Sweet Chaos

Disclaimer: I wish I owned Naruto, but I don't…

Chapter 6

While walking through the halls of his childhood home, Gaara had encountered an unexplainable wave of nostalgia. Surveying his surroundings, he realized that everything had been left intact. The house was in the same immaculate condition as when he left. Gaara stepped into his old room, which had been left untouched besides the occasional clean up. Temari had certainly done an excellent job at maintaining the house spotless. Sitting down in his recently made bed, Gaara looked around his room. His room was furnished with a basic twin bed, a wooden desk and chair. It was a simple setup, but that was how the redhead preferred things.

It had been almost three years since Gaara had stepped foot in Konoha. No, he couldn't exactly say that he missed the town, but the sense of familiarity was overwhelming. His father of course had been less than apathetic to his return. Gaara expected no less from his father; their relationship was strained to say the least. Even when Gaara was living at home, he was met with no affection. His father wasn't exactly father of the year material. His meeting with Kankuro and Temari, although brief, was tolerable; they had provided him with a much warmer welcome.

His relationship with his siblings, although rocky at some parts, did fair a bit better. No, they weren't exactly close, but at least Gaara's older brother and sister cared about his welfare. After their mother's death, Temari took up the role as the caretaker. It was a role that no young girl should have had to take, but due to their father's long absences there was simply no other choice. He along with his two siblings were forced to mature much faster than other children. It didn't help that whenever their father was around, he run the household with authoritarian rule. To say that he was a strict parent was an understatement, and anyone that dared to question him or his rules paid dearly.

Kankuro and Temari rarely stepped out of line, and they almost never faced their father's wrath. Gaara, however, as soon as he entered middle school, went through a rebellious streak. At school, his anti-social behavior would get him into fights with his classmates, and at home he constantly butted heads with his father, which produced severe consequences. His father was continuously furious with his youngest son's insolent behavior, and as a result Gaara often found himself at the receiving end of his father's harsh punishments.

Even the bonds he had with his siblings were pushed to the limit. He would frequently get into fights with Kankuro, even to the point where the two brothers would throw punches. Temari would sometimes get involved, and it often lead to shouting matches between the two siblings. This stressed Temari to no end, and his older sister never ceased to worry. However, the falling out he had with his siblings only served to make him angrier.

By the end of middle school, Gaara had gained a reputation of being absolutely incorrigible. It was also around that time that his father decided that his behavior was out of control and shipped him of to boarding school in Suna. At Suna, however, he found the school to be unbearably stifling. He would lash out at anyone at the slightest offense; it didn't matter if it was his fellow classmates, or teachers. His self-destructive behavior brought him to a whole new low less than year ago. Gaara silently sighed, looking towards the bare white walls; there was no point in reliving old memories.

The redhead figured that a walk would both take his mind off of unpleasant matters and give him time to reacquaint with his neighborhood. With the decision made, he left his house, not knowing where exactly to go, so he walked down the block and took an immediate right. Everything looked exactly the same; even the air smelled the same. It was as if nothing had changed, each house looking just as familiar as when he left three years ago. The familiarity, however, did not bring him any comfort.

Halfway down the block, Gaara caught sight of a car pulling into a driveway a couple of paces in front of him. A certain girl in the backseat had captured his attention. She looked to be around the same age, and she was downright staring at him. He was quite taken aback by her unrelenting gaze. Her eyes were a peculiar color, pale with a tinge of lavender perhaps? He couldn't be quite sure. Her milky skin contrasted greatly against her long, raven colored locks. Gaara had to admit this strange girl was quite the beauty.

Upon returning the girl's intense stare, Gaara noticed a pretty pink flush blossom across her cheeks. Was she embarrassed? The ravenette was evidently uncomfortable, yet the girl held her unwavering gaze. Gaara couldn't help but smirk at the girl's reaction. Breaking their eye contact, he continued to walk down the block, his mood lifted. However, he knew that associating with the ravenette would only bring him trouble. The girl was clearly unaware of his tainted past, but Konoha was a small town, and word of his return would spread rapidly.

He could only hope that he wouldn't run into the girl again, but even that might be too much to ask.

"Ah hey, Ino," greeted Hinata as she entered her homeroom and situated herself next to her blonde best friend.

"Hey," said Ino and waved. At the same moment Shikamaru entered the classroom and Ino immediately tensed. He passed Ino on the way to his seat situated at the back of the classroom. Ino determined to not look in his direction, lowered her gaze and intently stared at the floor.

"Ino?" Hinata was worried, seeing Ino change that quickly wasn't something that normally happened. In fact the only time she had seen Ino be anything other than her cheery self was at the last party they attended. It sure didn't help that whispers of the events that transpired that night still circulated the halls.

"Yea, sorry. It's just… this is so frustrating. I can't even look at him anymore… He probably hates me," responded the blonde rather dejectedly.

"Ino, he couldn't possibly hate you. You're his friend, remember?"

"No he does. I tried to talk to him and say hi to him a couple of days ago. He just walked right past me. Hina, he didn't even look at me. I'm so stupid; I mean he's already with Temari. I never had a chance." Ino looked like she was close to tears. The way Shikamaru was acting was definitely not helping the whole situation. Why did they both have to be so oblivious and stubborn? It annoyed Hinata to no end, just how dense could they be?

"Damn, what happened to you being the gossip queen?" Oh she's definitely off her game, if she's not up to date with the school's latest gossip, mused Hinata.

"Wait, what?" The confused blonde blinked back her tears.

"Well from what I heard they aren't together. It seems that Temari broke up with him."

"WHAT?" Ino instantly shot up, pushing her desk forward with a loud screech. Hinata sure didn't expect that loud of an outburst from her friend. Everyone turned over to look at Ino.

"Miss Yamanaka, isn't a bit early to be that energetic and loud? Please quiet down and take a seat," said Kakashi in a bored tone. Ino, embarrassed at being called out, sat down quietly.

Their white-haired professor had just strolled into class ten minutes late, with a certain redhead trailing behind him. Hinata's eyes widened, oh my god, it's him! Ino looked over at Hinata in confusion.

"Wait do you know him? The blonde whispered quietly. Hinata shook her head. It's not like she actually knew him.

"Ahh class, we uh have a new student here today, Gaara Sabaku. It's a bit late to transfer into a school, don't you think? Oh well, just go ahead and introduce yourself Gaara," said Kakashi, clearly disinterested.

"I—" Kakashi idly waved his hand and interrupted the new kid.

"Actually never mind, that takes up class time. Ahh, now let's see where should I put you? How about behind Hinata? Hinata please raise your hand."

Wait what? Hinata timidly raised her hand. What was wrong with her? Why the hell was she feeling so nervous? She did not like the new unknown feelings that had arisen in her.

Gaara made his way down the aisle to his seat. Piercing green eyes meet pale opal ones, and Hinata unable to hold her gaze found herself feeling incredibly jittery. He took a seat behind her and she felt his eyes bore into her back. Kakashi continued with the morning announcements and attendance. Hinata wished that the bell would ring, why was it taking so long? Every other morning it seemed that homeroom would pass over quickly, yet today it was taking forever. After what had seemed to be an eternity, Hinata finally heard the loud sound she had been hoping for and darted over to the safety of her first period class.

After all what were the chances that he'd have the same schedule?

Hinata sat in the corner of the local café, silently sipping on her iced mocha. She had promised to meet Ino for coffee after school. Her school day had been interesting to say the least. Slim to none chance my ass, thought Hinata, he's everywhere goddamnit.

It turns out that the troublesome (to borrow Shikamaru's word) redhead had transferred over to Konoha High, and he just so happened to share her exact class schedule. To top it all of there always seemed to be an open seat directly adjacent of her, and said open seat would be filled be a certain redhead. During every class period, Hinata was perpetually startled by his presence.

"Hina! Sorry I'm late. I had a meeting with Asuma for some extra credit work," said Ino, interrupting the ravenette's thoughts. Hinata had not noticed the blonde enter the shop.

"Ah, no worries. I'm set." Hinata smiled, lifting up her cup.

"So what's with the new redhead? He was staring at you nonstop in homeroom, you know."

"Huh? Oh… I don't know who he is, but he's in all my classes." Hinata found it somewhat amusing that Ino was incredibly perceptive when it came to others.

"Ahh, so he's smart and good looking, even though he needs to stop glaring at people; it's pretty scary. I guess he's lacking some pretty serious social skills. Anyways he's Kankuro and Temari's younger brother and from what I heard he transfer from a boarding school in Suna. Apparently he used to get into a lot of fights and he got kicked out, that's why he's here," provided Ino. Hinata heard the tone she had used when she uttered Temari's name. Well at least she definitely seemed to be back on her gossip a game.

"Oh wow, that's scary." Hinata now knew why she felt intimidated by the redhead. It seemed that he had a rough past.

"Yeah and rumor has it that he got kicked out of Suna because he was charged with possession. They sent him to rehab soon after because of an overdose," continued Ino. How she was able to compile a small profile of the boy in a couple of hours, Hinata would never know.

"Shit, an overdose? That's crazy."

"Yeah, but I guess he must have cleaned up his act if they let him out of rehab, right? Oh well, he is pretty cute, and it helps that he's got that sexy loner bad boy vibe."

"Ino, jeez he just got here." Hinata shot a look at her blonde friend.

"Oh come on you're telling me that you're not even a little bit interested?"

"No, not at all." The blonde laughed, at Hinata's expression. Was she interested? Hinata couldn't be quite sure.

"Oh please even you have to admit that he's attractive." The ravenette sighed in resignation.

"Fine, but that doesn't mean I'm interested."

"Haha, of course, how could I forget you're busy with Sasuke anyways. How is that going by the way?" Hinata felt herself heat up, the memory of his touch fresh in her mind.

"Oh my god! Is Konoha's famous man-eater blushing?" The blonde squealed excitedly.

"Ino, please not so loudly." Ino could be incredibly boisterous and why did she have to bring him up?

"Oh, you are blushing! That's so cute! Are you guys having lots of mind-blowing sex? Hina don't you dare skimp out on the details."

"Ino!" The blonde' exclamation only served to deepen Hinata's blush to a darker pink.

"Hina, I need details." Once Ino set her target, she would do anything to find out, and boy could the blonde be relentless. Hinata learned a long time ago that withholding any information would only make the blonde more determined.

"Fine. After the party, I went home and he came over." Hinata paused, half expecting Ino to interrupt, but her friend listened intently so she continued. "It was really late and I was kinda surprised that he texted me. I ended up not sleeping, because I had to pick up my father early and Hanabi almost caught us." Ino's eyes widened; she knew how bad Hinata would have it if her younger sister had caught her.

"Oh wow. Damn you would've scarred poor little Hanabi. Sucks that you got interrupted though." Ino giggled at the thought.

"Yeah, that would've been so bad. We were really lucky," Hinata dropped her voice, "and we actually got to finish in the shower." Ino's jaw dropped in astonishment. Her little Hina had truly grown up.

"You little slut. Haha, damn well it sure sounds like you had a good night," laughed Ino. "Well now the real question, do you like Sasuke?"

The question had certainly caught Hinata off guard. Her emotions were still all jumbled up from their last meeting. She couldn't deny how his touch made her react, but she still wasn't sure how she felt. After Naruto, she had promised herself that she would never put herself in a vulnerable situation again. The sense of trepidation she felt was not unfounded, however, whenever she was with Sasuke, she felt her defenses slowly begin to crumble. Ugh, just thinking about it was so frustrating.

"Hina?"

"Ah, um… well to be honest I don't know how I feel. I like things how they are and I don't want to change anything between us. Besides Sasuke isn't interested in anyone. We both aren't and we made it very clear right from the beginning." Ino nodded in comprehension.

"Well you know Sasuke isn't a bad guy." Hinata looked at Ino, did she know something she didn't?

"I know. By the way I'm surprised you haven't asked me about Shikamaru and Temari." Hinata figured there was no reason to skirt around the subject.

"Oh… that… what happened? I haven't been able to talk to anyone about that."

"Well I was talking to Choji during class and apparently she broke up with him. That's why he's been extra moody and reserved."

"Why would she do that? That makes no sense she just bitched me out last weekend because of him."

"They got into a fight." Hinata resisted the urge to roll her eyes; her best friend could be incredibly thick at times.

"What? Why? Hina, that doesn't make any sense."

"Well what could they have fought over?" Jeez, was she going to have to spell it out for the blonde. Ino's eyes widened in realization.

"Over me," said Ino in a small voice. Bingo, thought Hinata. Finally things would be able to work out.

"Well I… I told Sai that I'd go on a date with him and I'm going with him to Kiba's party this Friday. I also said that I'd chill with Kankuro. He's pretty hot even if he is her brother," finished the blonde regaining her trademark confidence. Hinata had spoken too soon; things would only get more complicated.

"But what about Shikamaru?"

"What about him? He didn't believe me and on top of that he's been ignoring me. I can't wait for him to finally decide that I'm good enough for him. I have other guys, other hot guys that want to be with me you know," the blonde girl responded fiercely.

"It hurt so much when he left with her. I thought I could handle seeing him with another person, but I couldn't. I looked like a fool Hinata. I can't keep doing that… I wish I didn't feel the way I do… I can't keep waiting for someone who won't even give me the time of day. I deserve more than that," Ino said quietly. She looked like she was on the verge of tears. Taking in a deep breath she continued. "Besides Sai is really hot and seems pretty chill. I'll tell you how our date goes." Ino smiled mischievously.

"Haha, Sai is definitely a cutie." Hinata couldn't help but worry about her best friend. Even though Ino refused to show just how vulnerable she really was, she was clearly still hurting. If only she could knock some sense into Shikamaru and Ino, but it wasn't her place to get involved in their affairs. She could only support Ino, whatever her decision may be. It seemed that everything was going to get a lot more difficult, before things could be figured out.

"So, are you going to Kiba's party with Sasuke?" Ino asked slyly.

"Ah, well I don't know. I haven't talked to him since the last time he was over. I guess I'll meet him there because that's what we always do." Despite the fact that they shared many classes together, Hinata and Sasuke rarely interacted with one another during school. Occasionally they would greet each other briefly, and sometimes Sasuke would flash her his trademark smirk. Other that that, they usually kept to themselves, not want to bring too much attention to their so-called relationship.

"Ahh that's sooo boring," the blonde girl pouted, "Tell Sasuke to pick you up or something."

"I don't mind. Besides I don't think I can ask something like that of him. It's not like I'm his girlfriend."

"Yeah, I guess. At least you'll be able to get it on with your boo this weekend though. I sooo jealous, you guys probably have amazing sex all the time. Guess it's time to try out Sai," said Ino with an impish grin and Hinata laughed in response.

"Hey I don't think Sai will disappoint. You know what they said about the artsy kids." Hinata winked at her friend.

"Haha, he better be good. Ahh I just want this week to be over. I seriously can't wait for Friday night. Kiba's parties never let me down and god knows that after everything that's happened I need little alcohol to calm me, haha." Hinata nodded her head in agreement. She couldn't wait either; it'd be a chance to relax and to see a certain someone, the only person that could make her crazy with a single touch. Both girls left the café, and wished for the weekend to come.

Friday night was definitely going to be good.

Hey, hope you guys enjoyed this new chapter and thanks for all the reviews! I've also put in Gaara's point of view. I think I'll be adding in Sasuke's point of view somewhere soon and things will be getting interesting for both Ino and Hinata. I'll be updating more often, so guys please keep reviewing and feel free to leave any suggestions!