Are You Happy?

Chapter 2

"Are you guys ok?"

Awkward. Unredeemably awkward. That's what this moment was. Hinata had arrived at Suna's front gates completely calm and not even winded, while Gaara's escort ninja looked as if they would pass out. Hinata had obviously gotten stronger.

Kankuro had been the one to pose the question. Of course they weren't ok. This was the first time they'd seen each other, as far as Hinata knew, after Gaara had changed. As much as she trusted Naruto's word, she couldn't help but be wary of the former killer. Gaara was mostly nervous but that was definitely not a feeling he was accustomed to. He had no idea what to say to her, much less how to tell her that he was Silent Yearning.

They'd been staring at each other for a few moments. Kankuro's outburst had instantly brought them back. Gaara ignored him, nodding at Hinata, and turned towards the Kazekage manor, knowing she'd follow. He took her slowly through the interconnected hallways, allowing Temari to show her where every thing was. At last, he led her down a hallway that she could tell was devoid of life. The lights somehow seemed dim, the colors and wall paintings lonely and sad. He stopped at the door in the center of the hallway and pushed it open.

Gaara spoke to her for the first time that day. "This will be your room." He stepped aside to let her go in. Hinata gasped at the site before her and Gaara heard a small whimper. The room was an exact replica of her room in the Hyuuga compound. The walls were the same baby blue, the furniture was the same off white, and her bed sheets and blanket were the same lavender floral pattern.

Hinata spun towards him and smiled brightly. "Thank you so much, Kazekage-sama!" Gaara's eyes widened and he looked away, a very slight blush coming to his cheeks, but Hinata still noticed.

He nodded and said, "It was Temari's idea. My room is next door to the left if you need anything. Dinner is at seven p.m. So you may roam as you please." He watched her nod vigorously then made a quick escape.

Gaara walked to the living room with a smile. Yes, he smiled now, just never when anyone was around to see it. He reached his destination and banished the smile. Temari looked up from the video game that Kankuro had probably goaded her into. "Hey, where's Hinata?" At this Kankuro paused and looked up, adding his own question.

"Did you make out?" Gaara glared and Kankuro wiggle his eyebrows suggestively.

"She is admiring her room." Temari smiled and turned back to the game.

Gaara made his way to the kitchen. The cook was preparing dinner, but when he strolled in she pushed herself as close to the counter as the could. Her assistant just froze in place. He glanced at the apprentice, "Milk" and went towards the cookie jar that was always kept full. Gaara took his cookies and the milk she'd poured him and headed back to watch his siblings play games. He thought about how predictable his servants were.

The Kazekage was no longer a murderer, but knew he would be forever seen as what he had been and not what he was. The people still feared him, though Temari and Kankuro pretended not to. He was grateful to his sibling for trying but he didn't blame those who didn't try. He didn't expect much from them, not even from his Hinata. He still didn't regret his decision in making her his wife. The council would've started bugging him about it eventually. He'd simply saved them the trouble.

Dinner was filled with girl talk between Temari and her. Kankuro complained, whenever he wasn't adding a comment simply to annoy Temari, and Gaara predictably stayed silent, ever watching. Afterwards, Gaara got up without a word and left. Hinata excused herself and followed. Gaara invited her into his room when she asked to speak with him.

She looked around to see cream colored wall and floor tiles. The sheets on his bed were black and the blanket was as red as his hair. The carpet was red also and the bedside table, dresser, and the bed itself were black. There were tall black curtains with long curling red lines that covered the floor to ceiling glass doors.

Gaara watched till she was done gazing at his room to ask. "What is it that you need?" She seemed to come back to earth at the question.

"Kazekage-sa-"

"Gaara"

She nodded. "Gaara-sama, what exactly is expected of me as your wife?"

To sum, Gaara responded that she'd have to attend important meetings and the like and also take on some of the work load concerning his schedule, informing and dealing with the council of elders, and helping him carry out plans involving relations with Kanoha.

"Lastly," He stated after his explanation. He came close, bending down to her ear. "you will need to provide me with a sufficient heir." He stared into her eyes and she asked hesitantly, "W-why d-did you ch-choose me?"

For the first time, Sabaku no Gaara showed someone his smile. "Because I want you," emotion filled his turquoise eyes and Hinata gasped. "All of you." He leaned forward to capture her lips, but Hinata turned her head.

"Kazekage-sama," she spoke softly but sternly. "I will perform all my duties as your wife, but I'm sorry, I can't give you my heart... I-it belongs t-to another." He jerked back from her with a growwl.

"Naruto"

Hinata smiled sadly and shook her head. "No, not Naruto."

Gaara growled again and stepped closer to grab her chin, making her look him in the eyes."Who?!" he demanded quietly, anger flashing in his turquoise crystals. She gently removed his hand and took a step back. The sham of a smile still darkened her features. She shook her head, looking away once more. Gaara stared at her till finally it became too much, he stormed past, slamming his door.

Hinata stared at the door for many long moments, knowing she'd hurt him, until she realized where she was and returned to her own room. She fell into the Queen sized bed and stared at her ceiling. She'd been there for she didn't know how long, when she felt something warm and wet on her face.

Tears. She was crying... again. She tried to stop the onslaught, yet she couldn't even slow it. Why was she crying anyway? Gaara. She was an extraordinarily kind person, so maybe she was crying for Gaara. Yes. That had to be it.....

So why did that feel like such a lie?

So now Hinata somewhat understands Gaara's feelings. What will she do about it? And how will she figure out her feelings? Will Gaara tell her the truth about his mysterious visits? Who Knows!!! Sry 4 takin this long for such a short chapter. Question. Is it clear who Hinata likes? If not plz review and tell me and i will reitterate in the next chap. Thanks for reading, pls review!!!! Yaaaay!! Author's note is over!!