Cheap Thrills

by VoodooScreamQueen

When Hinata is betrayed by the one who she loved, her world is shaken. Now lost, she doesn't know who she is or what she wants. All she knows is she wants to feel good again. Warning: Infidelity, angst, drama and all that awful stuff. Hinata x many.

17. GaaHina: Shattered Glass

There's so much drama because I need to resolve as much as I can. But there is some naughty goodness, I swear.

---

"How do you know him?" Hinata asked softly.

It took Gaara a minute to realize she was asking him; her eyes still were trained on the floor. "He's my brother-in-law."

She let out a humorless laugh.

"What's going on, Hinata?" He turned to look at Shikamaru. "Can someone tell me what the fuck is going on?"

"Gaara, she hasn't told you yet?" Shikamaru narrowed his eyes. "Hinata used to be married to my best friend. Then she fucked him over by sleeping with his best friend."

Taking a step back, Gaara looked at Hinata. He expected her to deny it. But she didn't. If anything her eyes hardened and she gave Shikamaru a dirty look.

'Please, just call him a liar. Say something!'

"You left him a broken man and it's obvious Sasuke wasn't worth it if you're spreading your legs again," Shikamaru sneered. "But I'm not going to let you play with another man's emotions. Gaara, you don't want to get involved with someone like her. She's a fucking whore-"

"Fuck you."

Gaara only realized he had stormed towards his brother- in- law when she finally spoke up and he turned back to look at her She looked angrier than he'd ever seen and her eyes stared directly at Shikamaru.

"Don't try to act like Naruto was an innocent victim. Out of everyone, you know exactly what did. And he betrayed me first."

"But he wanted to stay with you and fix things! He still loves- He loved you!" Shikamaru spat. "And you just played him for a fool."

Hinata scoffed. "He didn't love me. He wanted to control me."

"So it's true?" Gaara asked in disbelief. "Your husband cheated on you and you cheated on him?"

Her posture faltered and she finally met his eyes. There was slight sorrow in them before she blinked it away. "Yes. My ex-husband who I thought I loved more than my own family cheated on me. He also kept more secrets from me after I found out about his affair. It nearly destroyed me but I did something about it. And I don't regret a damn thing. I don't care that it hurt him. I don't care what it did to him."

It was a strange; Gaara felt an unwanted kinship or shared pain with this stranger. He remembered how Matsuri had left him a broken shell with her own betrayal.

"You're really disgusting," Shikamaru sneered. "And I'm glad Gaara finally gets to see you for who you truly are."

His head snapped to the other male but Hinata storming to the bedroom grabbed his attention. He hurried after her but she closed the door on his face.

"Open up."

But she didn't and he slammed his palms on the wooden door. "Hinata!"

A few minutes later, she appeared dressed in her clothes and brushed past him. He grabbed her elbow but she shook him off. She stopped for a moment to address Shikamaru.

"Shikamaru, I'll always own up to what I did but I'm not the only bad guy here. We both know what Naruto is capable of. If he gets word from you and something happens to me, you'll be responsible," she said cryptically. "Remember that."

Gaara looked alarmed while Shikamaru started to sputter. "I...Naruto's not like that anymore! But I'd still never tell him anything about you. He's trying to move on as well," the dark haired male shouted.

Hot on her heels, Gaara reached out once more before Shikamaru pulled him back. "Just let her go. She'll only cause trouble and believe me, she's not worth it."

Hastily shrugging him off he chased after her as she made her way to the elevator. Finally turning to look at him, he saw the tears that threatened to fall. She slowly shook her head and the door closed, leaving him to stare at his reflection. He went back to his condo, stumbled onto a chair and hung his head, not noticing Shikamaru had gotten closer until he spoke. And the words he uttered enraged him.

"Forget about her. She's just an opportunistic slut."

'Slut?!'

The pounding in his ear intensified and he found himself towering over Shikamaru. He groaned with pain and looked up in shock, not expecting Gaara to strike him. The taste of copper filled his senses as Gaara snarled, "Get the fuck out of here."

Wiping his mouth, he narrowed his eyes. "You'll thank me later."

"Get out!"

His brother in law slammed his door as he left and Gaara shouted with frustration. He saw red, his heart pounded against his ribcage, and his lungs felt constricted. When he settled down, all he saw was destruction. All the work he and Hinata had put into remodeling his home was undone.

x-x

The next day at work he saw her smile and joke with her colleagues but became completely stoic when the meeting started. Hinata didn't look at him and he didn't speak except for a few words. The coldness made his heart ache. Thankfully she didn't decline to meet with him a few days later to talk.

Hinata hadn't greeted him with her usual hug and he tried not to grimace when she took a seat across him. "You're upset," she said.

"Shouldn't I be? Why didn't you tell me?" Gaara asked. "This is a lot to take in."

She nodded understandingly. "Maybe I should've said something earlier, it would've saved you a lot of trouble."

"Yes, it would've," he admitted.

"But I never thought it'd come up because this wasn't supposed to last, right?" She smiled sadly. "We both had our secrets. Can I ask you something? If I had told you what I did to my ex, would we still have spent any time together?"

He froze, unable to say anything. His first response was to say no, he would think the worst things about her and avoid her at all costs. But the more he thought about it, the more confused he felt. Gaara knew that Hinata wasn't Matsuri, she hadn't hurt him but Hinata also had no regrets over what she did to Shikamaru's friend.

Could he be with someone like her?

"See?" She said quietly. "We should stop this…"

An unsettling feeling started to fill his chest and he quickly spoke up. "What you said to Shikamaru, what did you mean? What did he do to you?" Gaara asked. "Your ex-husband."

She shifted uncomfortably and he forced his hands to remain still despite the overwhelming feeling to comfort her. "I thought I knew Naruto. I thought he wouldn't hurt me but he has in many ways. He had an affair and did everything he could to hide it from me and when he realized he couldn't control me, he got violent," Hinata said bleakly.

Hinata hugged her body, still feeling uncomfortable with the topic but she felt she might as well tell him everything from her perspective. "Naruto tried to force himself on me right as I was walking out on him. And when he caught me with Sasuke, he got even more physical. He got on top of me and I saw pure rage in his face. I feared for my life."

Gaara's eyes widened at the revelation.

She cleared her throat, "Despite what Shikamaru claims, I know better because I was there. I lived it. I know it's hard to hear the truth about someone close to you but I'll never forget what Naruto did."

He was at a loss for words and didn't how to respond. He felt like holding her, track Naruto down and hurt him, tell Shikamaru he was an idiot. But at that moment all he could say was, "I'm sorry."

"Yeah, I am too," she replied softly. "Goodbye."

Gaara didn't look up until his office door closed. He turned his eyes to his computer screen but the words made no sense, he couldn't focus on anything. He knew his phone rang but he made no movement to answer. He didn't respond to any knocks on his door. Finally his door opened and shook him from his daze.

"Gaara, what the fuck? Why didn't you show up when I called you?" Kankuro asked. "...Hey, are you okay?"

He shakily got up from his desk, grabbed his keys, and walked past his brother.. "I need to get out. I need to leave."

"Where are you going?!"

"Away. Take care of things here. I'm going away for a while."

Gaara rushed out of the building, not seeing Hinata along the way.

He wanted to be able to forget or even hate her; he had told himself that he could never love again because of what was done to him by someone like her. He wanted to scream and yell like he did at his apartment because of Hinata walking away from him.

Her absence was going to drive him insane; Gaara was addicted to her entire being.

Then he realized it wasn't Hinata that was the source of his anger. She had not betrayed him. It was not being able to trust Hinata because of the actions of someone else that made him feel bitter and confused. He was done letting it control his life and preventing him from being happy.

'Just give me time, Hinata.'

x-x

Hinata dreaded going to their final project meeting, well at least the last one where her attendance was required. After this one, she would be focusing on other projects, leaving the supervision of Shukaku's expansion solely to Kakashi and Gaara. She tried to keep her breathing steady as the representatives from Sabaku started to file in but Hinata was surprised to see Kankuro enter.

"Gaara can't be here today," he explained to the room.

She maintained a calm demeanor and the meeting finished rather quickly. As she gathered her things, she managed to overhear Kakashi talking to Kankuro.

"Will Gaara be available to meet with me soon? I need to go over some forms with him."

"Actually I'll be your go- to man here," Kankuro replied tiredly. "Gaara's gone back to Suna."

Hinata hurried out, feeling her heart beat painfully against her chest. She needed air and rushed to the bathroom to calm her nerves.

'He's gone back...It's a good thing.'

She looked at her reflection and grimaced; her eyes were watering again.

Hinata was in pain and doubt filled her head as she remembered Shikamaru's cruel words and Gaara's judgmental eyes. Her tears finally fell when she remembered Naruto's taunting words.

x-x

Being back in Suna didn't bring him comfort or solace; his hometown didn't feel like home at all. Gaara knew there were things he needed to confront if he was to move on. The look in Hinata's face haunted him and he wanted to have her back in his arms, he wanted to go back in time and do things differently. She had ended their…

Gaara frowned; he didn't know how to define it.

They had sex, a lot. But they also shared more than that, they connected on many levels but their pasts had affected it. Whatever it was that they shared, ending it hurt him deeply.

But instead of turning back into his former self, he wanted to use that pain as a driving force for change. He couldn't close himself off again, he needed to do this.

Gaara's knee bounced impatiently as he waited for her to arrive. He had expected her to ignore his calls or turn him down but when she agreed to meet, he was surprised.

The metal bench started to feel uncomfortable when Matsuri finally appeared. She didn't look different from the last time he saw her. Her short light brown hair still barely grazed her shoulders but what bothered him was the cautious look in her dark eyes. She sat next to him, both happy with the space between them. They sat quietly until Gaara spoke.

"Why?"

"I told you why."

He frowned and clenched his fists at her curt tone. Gaara felt the urge to leave the presence of his cheating ex but then he remembered his reason for initiating contact.

"You said I didn't care about you," he said. "But I did. I even thought I might've loved you at one point."

Matsuri shook her head. "Gaara, you really didn't or else you would've let me in." At his confused look she sighed. "You were never vulnerable with me. I told you everything about me, thinking that you'd finally be honest and real with me. I didn't know what you were scared of, anything about your childhood, you never talked about anything. I found out things from your sister, things I waited for you to tell me. But you never did."

"Then why did you stay? Why didn't you just break up with me instead of cheating on me?" Gaara growled out. Although he could never put a hand on Matsuri or take his anger out on her, he couldn't say he never fantasized about hurting the man she chose over him. It was a good thing that she came alone.

"At first I thought you could change, that you'd finally let down your walls. But you didn't and I knew you never would, at least not with me. The first time was an impulse but Ittetsu became the person I wanted you to be. He loves me and I love him," she explained. "But I do regret not breaking up with you before I got with him. I didn't know how much it would actually hurt you and I'll never be able to make up for it."

"No, you won't," Gaara agreed. "I think I agree that I hadn't loved anyone until- I didn't love you. But that doesn't mean I wasn't absolutely miserable because you were the first one I let get close, or at least I thought so. And it ended up hurting my family and left me unable to trust again."

He thought about Hinata. "But I'm through with wallowing in the past."

Gaara knew then that he was still wronged and wouldn't forgive Matsuri for making him reluctant to trust anyone else. But he also realized during his conversation with his ex that losing her didn't come close to how he felt right now, without Hinata.

"Why did you decide to talk?" Matsuri asked. "What changed?"

"I needed closure because it's been holding me back," he revealed. "I can't stay in the past. I want to stop punishing other people for your actions."

Matsuri pondered his words before speaking, "I hope you find someone who makes you happy."

He smiled inwardly but said nothing. They left soon after, Matsuri knowing that a hug wasn't welcomed. However they still left on better terms and Gaara wished he had done it earlier. But he knew where the strength came from. Feeling lighter than ever, Gaara finally smiled as he headed back to his family home to pack.

x-x

Hinata forced herself to stop thinking about him. Whenever he crossed her mind, she would do something to distract her. She had gone through her movie collection, hung out with Anko or Genma but never together since she didn't want to see two people in love. It hurt to see what she couldn't have, what she turned away from.

As much as she hated to admit it, she had fallen for Gaara. He wasn't perfect but even his faults weren't that bad when she thought about it. They listened to each other, confided things, and the attraction was already there. Her heart had finally caught up to her body's reaction to him. But going their separate ways had her feeling like when Naruto broke her heart and she couldn't risk losing herself again. She was done trying.

It was starting to get easy to fake a smile and pretend everything was fine when in reality she was barely holding it together. Her family didn't notice her turmoil and her work ethic didn't waver. As a Hyuuga she knew how to hide her emotions but in those private moments, when she was alone, Hinata couldn't ignore the aching in her chest.

She cuddled on her couch and hugged a pillow as she watched a horror movie when there was a knock on her door. She wasn't expecting anyone and peered into the peep hole.

'Why are you here?'

"Y-yes?" She called out from the other side of the closed door.

"Hinata, it's me," Gaara replied, breathless from the rush.

"I know."

He tried not to frown. "Can we talk?"

"About what?"

He leaned against the door. "Do you really feel like having this conversation like this?"

Hinata sighed; she didn't want her neighbors listening in on her private matters. Reluctantly she opened it and he pushed forward, kissing her hungrily. Hinata moaned in surprise as he held her against a wall, desperately kissing her.

"Gaara-" She said softly said when he gave her reprieve. "Why are you here? We're done, remember?"

Hearing those words sent a sharp pain to his chest and he shook his head. "I'm not. I can't be done with you." He trailed his hands to her face. "Hinata, I want to be with you. I feel like I might be in love-"

"Stop!" Hinata shouted. His eyes widened in shock. "D-don't say something you can't take back. What you want is sex and I don't want… I don't want to be used like that anymore."

"I wasn't-!" He protested.

Hinata pushed him away. "When Shikamaru called me all those names, you didn't come to my defense." He opened his mouth but she placed her fingers on his lips. "And I understand why. He's part of your family and I shouldn't be upset that you didn't side with the woman you fuck for fun."

"You're more than that!" Gaara argued. "I was just stunned by the news but I fought with him after you left. I should've said something at that moment and I wish I could go back. But I'm done being an idiot. The truth is I see you more than someone to sleep with, Hinata."

"Still, after Shikamaru said all that," Hinata said. "There was a difference in your eyes and I don't know if you noticed it. But I did."

"It was shock!" He pulled at his hair in frustration. "God damn it, Hinata. I don't think any less of you because I know you. I know you better than I ever knew Matsuri and I don't view you like I do her-"

"Who's Matsuri?" She asked.

Gaara cleared his throat. "She was the last woman I was in a serious relationship with. And she cheated on me. That's why I was taken back by everything. I know how it feels to be betrayed"

Hinata felt sick to her stomach; Gaara had been on the other side of a similar situation and he could never be with her. There was no doubt in her mind what he probably thought about her when Shikamaru berated her.

"But your situation and reasons are different," Gaara continued. "For him to do that to you, it must've really hurt for you to do what you did."

"It still does," she admitted. "Which is why I can't do it anymore. I give up."

"You're not willing to try… with me?" Gaara asked quietly. "To be in a relationship?"

Her eyes looked up in shock.

"After Matsuri cheated on me, I turned back into a monster. I stopped talking to my sister and brother. I left Shukaku for them to deal with while I self-destructed. I instigated fights because I just wanted to hurt people. Then Temari forced me to go to counseling but I hated it so it didn't take. I felt rage but for my family's sake I bottled it inside. I decided that I to help everyone, I just wouldn't let anyone else get close. I had my sister and brother and that was enough."

Hinata stared back, still unsure.

"But then I found someone who frustrated the hell out of me. Someone who had my body on fire but kept my attention even after leaving my presence, someone who I trust. During our time, I found out that for the first time I actually let someone get close and as much as it scares me and what you can make me do, you're worth trying. So can we start again?"

He leaned in but she turned away. "I can't."

"Why?" He asked in a heartbroken tone.

"Because I don't want to end up hurting you like I hurt Naruto. I don't regret my actions with him but I can't do that to you. I don't want a situation to come up where you don't trust me and I feel worthless," she said. "And I also can't put myself in a spot where I could end up getting hurt again."

"I promise I won't let you feel that way!" He insisted. "Just trust me."

She smiled sadly at him. "But you already did even if you didn't mean to which proves that I'm not ready. And besides what kind of relationship would we have if your brother- in- law can't stand to be near me?"

"Fuck him!" Gaara replied. "If he doesn't like it, then he doesn't have to be a part of our lives. This is just about me and you."

"No it's not," Hinata replied. "He's married to your sister and Temari is pregnant. She'll need her whole family together and I can't take you away from the people that saved you from your pain. I'm not a monster."

Gaara started to breathe through his nose, frantic to say something to convince her. Hinata placed a hand on his cheek and he started to calm down. "Please, don't," he pleaded.

'Don't break my heart.'

"Just forget about me, Gaara. I'm sorry but I'm not ready to be with anyone."

She opened the door and he slowly walked out. He lingered in the doorframe and turned around.

"I'll be waiting." Hinata frowned but relaxed her face when he gently kissed her. "And I'll say those words when you're ready to hear them."

Hinata closed the door before he could see her cry, before she changed her mind and ended up ruining both their lives.

Watching in the shadows was Sasuke who hid around the corner. His mood had fallen when he had seen Gaara Sabaku enter Hinata's apartment. He knew Gaara, or at least from a business perspective and his dislike for him grew when he saw them together. He had hoped that in his absence Hinata would realize her love for him. But it seemed like she had found another man to keep her bed warm. What infuriated him most was the closeness they displayed; they were more than fuck buddies. Hinata and Gaara Sabaku went beyond that and he wouldn't let another man take what belonged to him.

After all, he had gotten her away from Naruto, so this shouldn't be any harder than that.

x-x

Temari had been livid when she saw the state Gaara left her husband's face. After hearing what happened from him, she was stunned.

Shikamaru's words bothered her, "I won't let her break your brother like she broke Naruto."

Although she got along with Hinata, there was a small part of her that had wondered if Shikamaru was right. But the change in Gaara was positive and the fallout had deeply affected him. Temari had called and left dozens of messages but he hadn't responded. If Kankuro hadn't told her that he was in Suna taking care of personal business and they were in communication with each other, she would've called the cops to check on him.

Doing her job as a sister, Temari needed to find out the truth and called Ino.

Hinata walked into the cafe, and headed for the usual corner she and Ino sat at. However she froze in her tracks when she saw Temari calmly sipping a hot drink. Her eyes, so similar to Gaara's, gazed up at her and she quickly turned on her heel.

"Wait!"

But she continued to hurry out of the cafe; Hinata didn't want to deal with another nasty encounter. She heard Temari following her.

"Are you really going to make a pregnant woman chase after you?"

She cringed and turned around to see Temari breathing heavily. Worried, she was at her side. "Are you okay? Should I call someone?"

Temari chuckled, "I'm not dying, and it's just kind of hard to sprint after someone." She tugged on her hand and pulled her into the cafe. Hinata blushed at the looks they received but Temari paid them no attention. She smiled at Hinata, seeing her discomfort. "So."

"Ino set this up, didn't she?" Hinata asked.

"Actually I did," Temari revealed. "It seems like we have things to talk about, don't we? Most importantly, why did you turn my brother down?"

Hinata's eyes widened, not expecting that to come out of her mouth. She expected her to berate or threaten her to leave Gaara alone. But the scolding look wasn't as severe as she assumed. "W-what?"

"Gaara really put himself out there and you turned him down. He's hurt and I want to know why," Temari replied gruffly. "He's a good man and yes, he's a bit scary but I'm pretty sure you saw past that."

Hinata giggled.

Temari cocked an eyebrow. "So? Explain yourself, missy."

She looked down at her clasped hands. "Gaara is a good person and I… I feel lucky to have known him. But we can't be together. It's complicated."

"Do you enjoy being with him? Does he make you smile and laugh?"

Hinata pressed her lips together but nodded.

"Do you love him?" She asked. Seeing Hinata tense and look guilty bothered her. "Well, do you?"

"It's complicated-"

"Bullshit! Do you at least like him? Because I'll tell you right now that I've never seen him like this. You make him happy and I love seeing my brother actually smile every now and then," Temari said. "But if you never cared about him, then maybe it's good that you turned him down."

Hinata stared back her, a bit annoyed. "I do care about him, more than I have about anyone else. And that's why we can't be together. I'm not…I can't cause any trouble for your family. You're going to be a mother and I can't have Gaara be at odds with your husband."

"He'll get over it," Temari firmly said. "Don't use Shikamaru as an excuse. Hinata, Gaara has been the happiest I've seen and I'm frustrated that you can't see how better you make him. I'll ask again, do you love him?"

Hinata shrugged her shoulders. "Honestly? He's the closest I've gotten since Naruto," she whispered. She frowned as she thought about her ex-husband. "But I don't know if I can truly love anyone anymore. I'm not perfect. I'm scared that if I trust another man with my heart and they shatter it, I won't be able to come back from it," she said in a broken voice. "I'm still broken and until I'm strong enough, I can't be with him. He deserves to have someone who's not damaged or easily to crumble. He needs someone who's strong."

Temari reached over and grabbed her hand. "Hinata..."

She wiped her tears and laugh humorlessly. "I'm not a whole person yet and I can't give myself to anyone without knowing that I can survive another heartbreak because right now?" She bit her lips, choking back a sob. "Right now, I wouldn't recover and I can't ruin Gaara for another person. He doesn't deserve that."

"You deserve to be loved and so does Gaara. I knew you were a good person and talking to you right now confirms my beliefs that you and Gaara could be really happy together. You're not perfect but he isn't either, and this is coming from his sister!" Temari joked lightly. "But I'm not going to pressure you into something you aren't ready for. I'll just say that when you get to a place where you're ready to be with Gaara, you'll have my support."

Hinata smiled at her, touched that Temari had given her blessing. She cleared her throat and ordered a coffee. Turning back to Temari she asked about her baby. "Have you chosen any names yet?"

The conversation turned lighter with more laughter and teasing, confirming Temari's opinion about Hinata's worth. Softly smiling at her companion, she couldn't help but pity her.

'You're too hard on yourself and I hope you both realize how much you both need each other soon.'

Temari hugged her and insisted that keep in touch. "I'll expect you to be at my baby shower, okay?" Hinata thinned her smile but nodded. "I'll have Shikamaru on a tight leash so don't worry about him."

When she arrived home, Temari gave her husband a quick peck on his cheek. She was still upset at him for ruining Gaara's relationship but at least she acknowledged his presence for the first time this week.

"You're in a better mood. Where'd you go?" He asked.

"I had a fantastic lunch with Hinata. I think I want to spend more time with her, she's a nice girl," Temari replied calmly. At his scowl she grinned, "So what did you do today?"

"Why are you so damn stubborn? Do you think Gaara can handle something like what Hinata did to Naruto?!" Shikamaru asked heatedly. "Or do you think what she did is any different than what Matsuri did to your brother? They're both the same kind of woman!"

Temari just continued to stare at him and Shikamaru opted to lower his voice. "Look, I'm only looking out for your brother. I know how hard it was for you to see him suffer that's why I won't let anything hurt you and our family. Hinata will only bring trouble."

She clicked her tongue in disagreement and shook her head. "We'll just let them figure it out for themselves, okay? Besides, just like you're free to have your own friends, so do I."

She smiled and headed to their master bathroom to have a relaxing soak in the tub.

x-x

Despite turning Gaara down, Hinata couldn't help but feel the anticipation when she received another knock at her door. Without checking, she opened it and was greeted by a smirking Uchiha.

"Were you expecting someone else?" he asked, half-joking. Although she still had a smile, he had seen the change in her expression when she opened the door.

"Sasuke!" Hinata quickly enveloped him in a hug. "When did you get back?"

"A few days ago." He tightened the hug, "God, it's so good to see you again. Did you miss me?"

Hinata nodded but slipped out of his hold when his hands started to trail down to her waist. "Come in, tell me all about your trip!"

Sasuke told her about how he was reconnecting with Itachi and his illness. She was concerned but he assured her that it was under control. He caressed her arm, noting how soft it still felt.

"I really missed you, Hinata. Emailing and texting isn't the same as talking face to face," he said. He leaned forward but Hinata had seen it coming and turned away.

"Yeah, it's nice to have you back, Sasuke. Do you want me to make you something to eat?"

He narrowed his eyes as she got up to refill his mug. "I'm not that hungry," he replied. Sasuke got up and stood behind her, placing his hands on both sides of the counter effectively caging her in. "But I'm in the mood for something else," he murmured.

Sasuke started to kiss her neck but she squirmed away. "Sasuke, I'm really happy to see you but I'm not…"

"You're not what?" He asked. "Hinata, I thought we were finally going to stop messing around and get serious. I've tried to give you space and it was agonizing not being able to see you. I thought everything would be great now. I have my brother back and I'm with the woman that I love."

Hearing those three words didn't bring the same reaction as when she was close to hearing them from Gaara. Fear caused her to interrupt Gaara, but afterwards, when she imagined him saying it, she felt a little flutter in her chest. Her pale eyes looked up at Sasuke's and she felt upset with herself for not feeling the same way with him. They had connected on a personal level but the time apart only showed her that she was okay with his absence. Not seeing Gaara felt like she was drowning.

"But why don't you love me?"

Hinata looked at him with shameful eyes. "I… I'm not sure. To be honest I'm been questioning if I can truly love ever again. I'm sorry, you shouldn't wait for me. You can make someone else really happy and I know I'm not special so you'll find someone-"

"Like you did?!" He erupted. Sasuke's face darkened as he thought about his business and apparently now love rival. "I know about Sabaku. I saw him leave your apartment when I tried to stop by for a visit. And don't lie to me and say nothing happened, I'm not an idiot. I want to know, what makes him any better than me?!"

Hinata took a few steps back as his voice rose. "Sasuke, I told you that-"

"No strings attached, yeah," he chuckled humorlessly. "And I was fine with that. I was fine with the other guys because it wasn't serious and they weren't total assholes. And they didn't last either. But I have, I've stayed because what we have is special. But this fucker?! Hinata, Sabaku has a horrible reputation. If he didn't have his family name, he'd be either dead or in jail. His company has driven others into bankruptcy, and his family-"

"Are nice people," she replied quickly. "I know them. I've worked with his company and so has my father. What you've heard are rumors or things that happened in the past before Gaara took control. He's not a bad man."

He felt his rage increase when she called him by his first name. "Then why were you so fucking upset when he left. Sabaku did something, didn't he?"

"No!" She protested.

"Then he will!"

She remained quiet and Sasuke felt pleased by her lack of response. Softening his voice and facial expression he cupped her cheek. "Hinata, I'm sorry I got so mad but it's because I love you and I don't want to see you get hurt. I told you, I'm the only person who understands you. You'll realize it soon, and I'll be happy when we can stop pretending to be just friends with benefits. I've never made you cry because I love you."

He softly kissed her lips and smiled. "I'll go now but we should schedule a lunch or something."

Hinata was left to ponder his words after he left.

x-x

A Hyuuga party was just a way to network and she was required to attend the event. Hinata would've preferred if it was just immediate family that came to celebrate her cousin's birthday but she knew that her father saw opportunities everywhere. A dress code was expected but she would be lying if she said she didn't like the midnight blue dress Hanabi picked out for her.

She scanned the crowd, seeing some familiar faces.

"Looking for me?"

Hinata smiled at Sasuke who held out a glass of champagne for her. "Thank you," she said, accepting the beverage.

Although their reunion had been tense, Sasuke had been much more upbeat when she met him for lunch. She had been upfront about the sexual relationship she had been with Gaara but that she had stopped it. She mentioned the conflicting emotions but while she didn't explicitly say it, Sasuke knew that Hinata probably felt something special with him and he hated it.

Regardless, he had apologized for his tone and assured her that while he was ready to take their relationship to an exclusive level, he could wait for her. In a way she felt like he was subtly pressuring her to give him a chance. It wasn't that she didn't care for him; it was just that staying strictly friendly with Sasuke wasn't such a bad thing.

But she still didn't think that it was wise to jump into a serious relationship with anyone.

Although they didn't arrive as dates, her father had personally invited him, they stuck together as soon as he spotted her. Hanabi had been causing social mayhem which was why she was being chaperoned by their father and kept away from her but Hinata had a feeling that Hiashi had a hand in making sure that she and Sasuke spent as much time together as possible.

"How's Neji enjoying his party?"

Hinata chuckled as they glanced over to her cousin. He was swamped by people and was forcing a smile on his face. "Aww, I should go save him."

But he held onto her hand. "He's fine, besides it's much more comfortable over here away from all the noise. I doubt you'll be able to help him anyways, they'd just cling to you, too."

She shrugged in agreement. Hinata stared at the clear night sky, remembering of the time when it had been Gaara and her in this balcony. How he had infuriated her, she thought with a ghost of a smile.

'You might be gorgeous but women like you are like the stars in the sky, bountiful but rarely significant.'

His words rang in her head and she finished her glass. "I think I'm going to head home."

"I can take you, if you want!" Sasuke quickly offered. "Hiashi sort of tasked me to make sure you got home safe and you have been drinking."

"Not much more than you," she pointed out.

"But I can handle my liquor," he teased.

Hinata playfully pouted and he wrapped his arms around her waist. "C'mon-"

"Hinata."

Sasuke bit back a snarl as Gaara approached, and tightened his hold on her. He knew that Gaara had also arrived but throughout the evening he made sure their paths never crossed.

Gaara noticed, evident by the narrowing of his eyes. But he focused on Hinata who had a dumbstruck look. "I just wanted to say hello. I hadn't seen you all night."

"Oh."

"And the project has been a success so far," he said in the usual monotone voice he reserved for a boardroom. Gaara tried to think of more things to talk about. "And Kankuro's birthday, while not as extravagant as this, was also nice."

"That's good," she smiled. Seeing that directed at him caused Gaara's heart to beat faster. "I know he must've had a better time than Neji is right now."

They both chuckled and Sasuke clenched his jaw. "It's getting late, we were just heading out."

"...Well, it was really nice to see you," he said. He turned on his heel and started to walk away. Suddenly he stopped and took a deep breath before turning back to her. "And I also wanted to say that you look absolutely beautiful."

Hinata's face flushed and Gaara smirked at her attempts to hide a smile. "T-thank you."

Sasuke cleared his throat and Gaara briefly acknowledged his presence. "And I'm glad you're happy again. Truly."

She stared back in confusion before she realized the position she was in. "Oh! No, this isn't-"

"We should really be heading out, Hinata. It's been a pleasure, Sabaku," Sasuke said.

He pulled Hinata along without resistance, but when he glanced back to see the look on Gaara's face he had also gotten a glimpse of hers; both of them had a longing gaze directed at the other.

During the ride home, Hinata had pretended like nothing had occurred. But he knew better, it hard to ignore and he bit the inside of his cheek, to resist from erupting in fury again. He hadn't slept with her in so long and she had avoided his attempts to kiss her again. Sasuke knew he was losing everything he had been aiming for the moment he had snatched her from his former best friend.

'I'll just have to show you just how much of a bastard he can be, and prove that he's not worthy of you.'

He spent the next couple of days wondering just how he should drive his point home for Hinata. Then he remembered just how she had fallen into his hands in the first place and knew what he had to do. After using his contacts and researching the backgrounds of some Shukaku employees, Sasuke made a few phone calls.

Now feeling better than ever, he leaned back in his leather chair and sighed contently. 'I can wait as long as you need until you finally realize how perfect we are together, Hinata. But I won't let another asshole have a chance to take you away. Not again.'

x-x

Sari felt anxious as she checked her phone again. Seeing her target approaching, she patted her blouse down a few times, trying to look seductive when Gaara passed by but he didn't notice or even look at her. She frowned but hoped that he'd see her in that way soon enough.

Although she had harbored a crush on her boss, she didn't think anything could ever come from it. He didn't seem approachable and their interactions were rare. So she admired him from afar which she was fine with, until she got a phone call. It hadn't been much of a secret that Sari was in a financial crisis but she never thought she could solve it so easily.

It began when Gaara's secretary had suddenly resigned and she was summoned to temporarily fill that role until they hired someone permanently. If that wasn't lucky enough, her financial donor gave her one simple task: seduce Gaara Sabaku.

But all her efforts had gotten unnoticed. He remained aloof and the money that had started to flow in was in danger of being cut off, increasing her frustration. The latest exchange she had with her donor had been very threatening and her task had been slightly altered. Sari just hoped the windfall she expected in the aftermath would be worth what she was about to do.

She looked at the notification on her phone and gulped. She had to act now.

Sari had made sure she stayed at her desk while everyone else went out to get lunch, so there was no chance of someone walking in, except for the person that needed to see them together.

Gaara looked up when she opened the door and closed it behind her.

"Um… Sir?"

Gaara waited patiently for her to speak.

Sari quickly walked over, "It seems there's something wrong with the documents I sent you earlier today. But I think I caught the mistake, can you pull it up?"

Gaara turned to his computer, not noticing that she was unbuttoning her top. "Here it is, now what's…" His eyes widened as he saw her. "What are-?!"

Sari turned his chair and straddled him. "I'm so sorry for this but I can't help myself. I've admired you for so long. You have no idea how I've dreamed of touching your body and feeling your cock." She started to rub herself on his lap, drawing an involuntary groan. Feeling confident, Sari brought his hands to her uncovered ass since her skirt had bunched over her waist. "I want you to fuck me, Sir."

Sari started to kiss his neck.

Gaara knew Sari was attractive, and he wasn't blind to her attempts at flirting. But whereas in the past he would've fucked her if she had approached him in a different setting, he felt disgusted with his body's natural response to stimulation. It didn't feel right, and he grabbed her waist to pull her off.

"No, you need to stop-"

Sari started to panic at his quick refusal. She hoped to buy some more time if he wasn't going to actually go through with it; her bank account depended on it. "But I won't tell anyone! I swear! I just want one time with you, and I promise I'll even quit afterward. Please?"

He frowned. "I said no. I'm being very patient but if you don't start fixing your clothes, I can have security escort you out. Don't bother quitting. Consider yourself fired."

Sari bit her lip and nodded. But as soon as he let down his guard, Sari sat back down and kissed him. She held his head and hungrily delved her tongue into his mouth. It didn't feel as wonderful as she imagined, especially since he wasn't reciprocating.

There was a gasp and Gaara's face paled as he stared at Hinata's horrified face. "Hina-"

Her face turned stoic and she pulled out a file from her purse. "Kakashi needs these papers signed as soon as possible. He'll be expecting them by tomorrow afternoon at the latest," she said in a hollow voice.

As Sari scampered off Gaara, well more like trying to catch her balance after he pushed her off, Hinata exited his office.

"Hinata! I- It's not what it looks like!" He shouted as she chased after her. "Just let me explain!"

Some employees had returned from their break and peered at the strange sight but he didn't give a damn. He grabbed a hold of her but staggered back when he felt the stinging pain on his cheek. The gasps were audible and chatter started to increase.

Hinata looked around and felt ashamed by her actions. "I'm sorry," she whispered. Her eyes watered as she felt the weight of their stares. It was suffocating and she needed to leave. "I'm so sorry."

He saw her being to hyperventilate and pulled her into an empty office and closed the door.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that. I-"

"Are you okay?" He asked.

She looked up in shock; she had slapped him in front of his employees but he was concerned about her?

"I'm sorry." It was all she could say right now and her hands started to shake. He softly enveloped her smaller hands with his and they stopped.

As her thoughts cleared, she harshly pulled away and wiped her tears. "I...I don't know why I did that. I had no right. You can do whatever you want. It's your office and your life, I mean its fine. You just need to lock the door, because that's not what everyone wants to see. If you want to tell Kakashi or Iruka or Mr. Ibushi, I understand. I acted unprofessionally and I'll accept whatever consequences. I'll also apologize in front of all of your employees if you want-"

"I don't give a damn what anyone thinks," he said in a low voice. His cheek felt like it was on fire but so did his chest, both were extremely unpleasant sensations. "Except for you. Hinata, what you saw-"

"It's fine," she insisted. Her voice cracked and she cleared her throat. "I'm not- We're not… You can… I just don't want to see it."

His heart ached as he heard the pain in her voice and it angered him. "Hinata, just listen to me. She tried to seduce me. I never ever let her think that it was okay and I was trying to get her off me. I don't even know her that well."

"You didn't know me either but -"

"That's different! I won't ever feel anything for her or any other woman like I do for you!" He pulled at his locks in frustration. "I'm going insane, okay? I hate that you're crying and that it's because of something you think I'm responsible for. I want you to be happy every time I see you. Even if it kills me that you're with the Uchiha, as long as you're happy then I'm going to be okay. Because that means that the person I love is happy. But I won't ever be responsible for making you cry. Please trust me."

Hinata looked up at him, hating him so much at that moment. He had said so many sweet things but for a split second it mirrored her relationship with Naruto and the way he had taken her love and toyed with it; seeking pleasures somewhere else while still proclaiming to love her. The mixed emotions and messages were too much and she realized she had enough of it.

Even if they weren't together, she felt like she was dangerously close to becoming that broken woman Naruto created when he betrayed her. Seeing the man she loved with another destroyed her and the devastation she felt right now was too similar for her liking.

She caught a glimpse of the lipstick stain on his white collar and felt sick to her stomach.

"What you saw-"

"I don't care. I...I need to go. I'll apologize to everyone outside. Then I'll inform my supervisors about what I did and resign. Word is bound to get out about what I did, so there's no point in pretending." She took a deep breath. "Don't contact me again, please."

Gaara let her walk out, falling to his knees upon hearing the soft click of the door. He didn't hear her apology, the increased chatter upon her exit, or the gasps that followed when he stormed out. "Where is she?! Where's Sari?!"

Employees shook as he swiftly checked the area for the brown haired woman. His eyes caught a glimpse of her scuffing to the fire exit and he chased after her.

Sari kicked off her heels as she went down the stairs, her lungs burned with adrenaline as she tried to leave quickly. But he was faster than her and quickly caught up to her. He painfully grabbed her arm and pulled her back to his office. Not letting go, he headed to his desk and phoned security. He fumbled around his desk and pulled out a pen.

"Why?" He hissed. "Why did you try to force yourself on me? I said I didn't want you! You and I are going to talk to Hina- Ms. Hyuuga and you're going to tell her that it's all your fault," he growled.

Sari cowered and whimpered. "I thought...-"

Gaara pinched her cheeks together. "You thought what?! That I'd be flattered? I rejected you. I wasn't interested! We're going now before you cause any more problems."

But she resisted. "N-no! I'm not going."

Sari knew that doing that would definitely cause her to lose everything. The conditions of her agreement were clearly stated and she knew that the Hyuuga woman would need to see them together and come to the conclusion that they were sexually involved.

"Yes, you are or else I will make your life a living hell," he threatened. "Wherever you work, wherever you even apply, I'll make sure you'll regret ever crossing me. Do you fucking understand?"

Gathering her courage she stared back at him, knowing that everything he threw at her wouldn't matter. When she went to collect her reward, she wouldn't need to worry about working at all. "I'm not scared of you. You can't hurt me, I'm untouchable."

His eyes narrowed as she glared back. "So...there's more to this than some supposed stupid crush. What else did you in mind, hmm? Did you think you'd be able to blackmail me? Say I harassed you and sue?"

Sari looked away, it had been talked about but she had refused to do such a thing. Getting the courts involved was terrifying. "I just wanted… I wanted you," she replied.

He scoffed, "You're nothing more than trash. Your work performance was barely above adequate and the only reason why you were placed in this role was because my old secretary recommended you for the job. Other than being the person who takes my messages and keeps my appointments, I don't think much about you at all."

She was infuriated. "Oh, yeah? Well then, maybe I will tell everyone. I'll say that you forced me to fuck you in order to keep my job. I'll even have Ms. Hyuuga as a witness! Everyone will think you're a scumbag and I'll take everything you own."

But instead of being angry, Gaara smiled. "So you're going to make false accusations, just because I turned you down?"

"Because you're an asshole and deserve it!"

He chuckled, "That's all I needed." He held up his pen and waved it in her face. "I'll be giving this to the proper authorities, blackmailing someone can have a pretty heavy sentence especially when you factor in such false accusations." Sari paled and he opened the door for security. "Call the police to pick her up."

"No! Please, I… I didn't mean for this. If you let me go, I won't say anything about you! I swear!" She pleaded.

"Come with me to talk to Hinata and I might have mercy on you," he replied. "Or I can just play this for her and it'd serve the same purpose. What would you prefer? To maintain what's left of your integrity or to wait for the police?"

"But I can't tell her…" Sari said quietly. But it was useless, Hinata would know that Gaara didn't instigate anything with her and her donor will eventually cut her off. There was no way out except to try to save herself.

"Why?"

"Because I was told not to," she admitted.

Gaara listened as Sari revealed to everything, his rage increasing with every detail.

"He's going to be very angry with me," Sari said. "I'm scared."

'You probably cost me the only peace I have. If she completely walks out on me...you'll have more that the Uchiha to worry about.'

He nearly sneered at her but controlled his breathing as he thought about Hinata. "I'll do whatever I can to keep you protected from him but after that, I don't want to hear about you ever again. They'll take you home."

She meekly nodded as security escorted her out the building.

x-x

Sasuke felt like everything was right in the world. He had reconnected with Itachi and now Hinata was crying on his shoulder. He knew the reason for her tears but in his mind it was necessary. He loved to play the role of white knight to her damsel in distress.

"I don't know what to do now. I quit, which was probably a mistake since I don't have anything lined up. But they would've fired me anyways. I saw the look of disappointment in Iruka's face. Oh God, I'm such a moron. My father's going to hear about it eventually and I'll have to deal with that… I'm such a screw up."

He caressed her hair, "It's going to be okay, Hinata. Hey, why don't we just get out for a while, hmm? You and I can stay with Itachi or another Uchiha property if you want privacy. Just you and me?"

She looked unsure and he tilted her chin to look at him. "Hinata, I just want what's best for you. Staying here will only be stressful. Let's just get out of here."

"...Okay."

He grinned and kissed her, elated that she didn't move away as quickly as before. While she hadn't responded like she had in the past, it was still progress in his eyes. He would remind her that he was the only man for her and causing her to quit her job made him feel much more secure about his position. She wouldn't be constantly around Kakashi or Genma, who were both past flames. Sasuke had achieved what he wanted, to be the only romantic interest or option in her life.

"We should probably go soon," he suggested. "I can help you pack if you want."

"How long are we leaving for?" She asked.

"As long as you need," he said. "But I think a few months might be what you need to recharge and relax."

Hinata frowned, "But my apartment. I have a lease-"

Sasuke rubbed her cheek affectionately. "I'll take care of everything."

She smiled at him. "Thank you, Sasuke. I don't think I can ever repay you for everything you've done for me."

'When you marry me, we'll call it even.' He smirked.

"Don't worry about it. I'll go make some calls for our trip. Why don't you start getting some things together and call Neji or your sister to let them know."

Hinata walked back to her room to grab her phone and saw the dozens of messages waiting her. Some were from Kakashi, others were Genma but the ones that caught her eye were Gaara's. He had left so many voicemails and text messages. She frowned and went to delete them when she hesitated.

First she read his texts; over and over because it didn't seem real. Then she listened to the voicemail and finally played a video. Hinata sighed and her chest shook as she started to sob. 'Is Sasuke really capable of this?'

Sasuke came in and wrapped his arms around her but was surprised when she jerked out of his hold. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"How long have you been talking to Sari?"

He froze but frowned to look confused. "Who?"

"Sari, Gaara's secretary," she spat. Looking at him carefully, she saw that realization in his face that he was caught. "Sasuke, why would you do this? Do you know that Gaara's thinking about going to the police with this? Why would you try to make it look like he and that woman were… intimate?"

He started to breathe through his nose, cursing Sari's impotence. "I didn't- He doesn't deserve you!"

Sasuke started to pace as Hinata shook her head at him. "Do you know how long I had to suffer while you fell for Naruto and almost squandered your life away because of some dipshit?! Then you left him and started to look my way, and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity and make you mine. And you've always been mine! Even when all those other men left, I remained!"

"They're still my friends just like I thought you were," she replied. "And I needed friends more than I needed someone to sleep with."

Sasuke's anger grew. "Friends?! We've done things that friends don't do! And I'm so fucking tired of you pretending that we aren't more than that! I love you and I've tried to show you every single time just how much. So when are you going to stop acting like an idiot and realize it?!"

"I know it's hard to comprehend but I don't love you," she said. "And I don't think you love me either, not truly. Love doesn't make you want to hurt the other person. When you love someone, the thought of anyone hurting them should sicken you. What you feel for me isn't love."

Hinata felt exhausted. "Sasuke, you should leave. Focus on other things like Itachi and just leave me alone," she said softly. "If this is how you want to show your love… If seeing me cry and hurting me is okay with you, then I don't want to have anything to do with you anymore."

"You don't mean that. I messed up but I was only trying to make you see the truth. You need me." Sasuke pressed his body against hers, trapping her against a wall. He attempted to kiss her.

"Get off of me!"

She pushed him off, causing him to stumble. He huffed as he glared at her. "You're so fucking stupid sometimes…The next time some asshole breaks your heart don't come back to me unless you're ready to be my woman."

Holding her head up, she narrowed her eyes. "Don't hold your breath."

Sasuke stared at her, nostrils flaring. He scoffed and stormed out, thinking that it wouldn't take long for her to call him. His main focus was leaving and regrouping with Itachi. He was grateful he at least had his brother back.

x-x

Gaara was anxious with every day that passed. He had gotten a short message from Hinata apologizing for her behavior and that she realized that she had jumped to conclusions. She thanked him for telling her about Sasuke's involvement and clarified that she hadn't been in a relationship with him at all.

But whenever he tried to call her, he was sent to voicemail and didn't get a call back. He had fired Sari and promised to go through with his threat if she tried anything again, but he was still unsure of what to do with Sasuke Uchiha. It was reported that he had left the country again so he didn't know if he was worth the effort especially since Hinata was still in Konoha.

Fed up with the lack of communication, he drove to her apartment. He knocked continuously until he got a response. "What do you want, Gaara?"

"Are you okay?" He asked from the other side of the door. "I've been so worried."

"I'm okay."

He sighed and pressed his forehead against her door. "Can you let me in?"

"Why? I've said everything I needed to."

"I just need to see you again, I need to make sure you're not lying and the sadness in your voice is for some other reason," he replied. There was no response and he exhaled deeply. "Then I'll just stay out here until you open the door."

Hinata rolled her eyes and moved away, going about her day as she sent final emails to her former colleagues and pondered Neji's offer. Every now and then her mind would go to Gaara but she refused to give in. Deep down she felt guilty, and wondered if she gave Sasuke mixed signals. Despite her feelings, she didn't want to potentially give another man false hope, especially Gaara.

Even if she wanted to run into his arms again.

Satisfied with her progress, she headed to bed. Before walking into her room, she stopped by her front door and peered through the peephole. With a quick glance, she didn't see him standing there.

'Good.'

Hinata tried to ignore the feeling of disappointment as she slept.

The next morning when Hinata opened the door Gaara plopped backwards at her feet. He had been leaning against the door the entire night and fell asleep.

"Oh!" She kneeled down, helping him get up.

He rubbed his neck and groaned with discomfort. "What time is it?"

"Eight. I can't believe you stayed all night. If I had, maybe I would've made you leave so you wouldn't waste your time."

He stretched his arms. "Or you could've just opened the door when I asked. I'm lucky that none of your neighbors called the cops on me, which is kind of alarming now that I think about it."

She stifled a laugh and Gaara gave her a small smile. "You haven't gotten back to me and even though you've said that you believe me about Sari, you didn't sound...happy. You do believe me, right? I still have the recording with me if you want to hear it again."

Hinata shook her head. "That's not necessary. I believe you and Sasuke didn't deny doing it. I was actually with Sasuke when I got that message." She saw his jaw tense. "And I've cut all ties with him because of it. He's only been trying to manipulate me just like Naruto had, and I'm done with people like that."

"Good," he simply said. They stood silently for a few seconds. "So where does that leave us?"

"I'm not going to change my mind," she said sadly. "If anything this just proves that I'm not ready to trust anyone again. As much as I care for you, I don't know if I'm ready and besides I'm not sure you are either."

He opened his mouth to argue but she placed her finger on his lips. "I've been hurt by someone I thought loved me unconditionally and maybe I'll always wonder if I'm enough or maybe you'll wonder if I'm truly faithful to you. We just don't work right now because we're both damaged people, too damaged to be together."

"But why can't you just give me a chance to prove it?" He asked softly. "You won't regret it."

Hinata stepped away and crossed her arms. "Gaara… Even if it wasn't just a trust issue, there's still your family. I adore Temari and Kankuro but Shikamaru is still a part of your family. He hates me and I don't want to be in a situation where my presence only brings problems."

"I don't care what he wants," he insisted. "He doesn't have a say in who I choose to have in my life."

"But I care and if that brings stress and trouble into your life and Temari who has been incredibly kind to me, I don't see how we'd work. It's just not the right time, I'm sorry."

Gaara saw the look of determination in her face and knew that she wasn't going to give him what he wanted right now. He had been persistent every single time and maybe that wasn't what she needed. His own breakup had been painful and crippled him emotionally but the closure was surprisingly not as difficult as he dreaded. Hinata was still dealing with her trauma and doubted her worth.

"I understand. But I'll still be there for you even if you find someone else. I'd like to know when you've finally found happiness." He kissed her forehead and tried to smile. "Stay in touch, Bunny."

She smiled at him and nodded. "You, too. I hope you find happiness."

With a sincere smile he responded, "You'll be the first to know."

x-x

Temari sighed as she closed the door behind her. When Gaara had told her that he was staying in Konoha for the foreseeable future, she had been incredibly happy and hopeful. But he had only shaken his head when she asked about Hinata. She was annoyed that Hinata still wasn't giving her brother a chance but Gaara had only said that, "She wasn't ready yet so I'll just have to be patient."

She told Gaara that she only wanted him to be happy and if that meant Shikamaru would feel uncomfortable, then that'd be fine with her. "I'll go call her right now and settle this once and for all!"

He moved quicker than she ever remembered when he snatched her phone. "No! I appreciate it, Temari but I don't want to pressure her. If we're going to work, we need to be fully committed to it."

Reluctantly she agreed, but it wasn't easy to see him like this.

She knew that Gaara was heartbroken but whereas his breakup with Matsuri had made him lash out, he was calmer if a bit more somber than usual. He was there to help her, along with Ino, with the nursery. He still smiled at her but the tension when Shikamaru was in his presence was obvious.

Fed up with their strained relationship, she sat Shikamaru down for a talk. "You need to step back and allow them to figure out if they're meant to be together."

He frowned and leaned against his chair defensively. "I'm only looking out for him. He'll get over this and meet someone better."

She scoffed softly and reached over to hold his hands. "Shika, you know I love you with all my heart but you're making me sad. Gaara and Hinata… As far as I saw, she was good for him. Listen, you weren't there when he shut down from everything. You only saw a small part of the aftermath. But when he was with Hinata? I've never seen him look so...happy. I'm the last person that would want to see Gaara get hurt again and I have a good feeling Hinata wouldn't do that to him."

Shikamaru hated hearing the tenderness in her voice; he knew it meant that she truly believed in her words. "Tem, it's Hinata. Naruto's still trying to recover and-"

"But it wasn't all her fault. We both know how far he took things. Let me ask you something, if he had done any of those things to Ino, would you still see him the same way?"

He rolled his eyes. "It's different."

"Why?"

Shikamaru was at a loss for words and it angered him. "Because it just is!"

Temari pulled her hands away. "I don't want you and Gaara to avoid each other. I want us all to be together when our son is born so I'll never choose between either of you. I just hoped that you'd stop hating the woman that my brother fell in love with."

"Naruto's my friend, and I'll always be in his corner," Shikamaru replied tersely.

"But that doesn't mean that you should ignore what he did," Temari replied. She stood up and his eyes lowered to her pregnant belly. "For what it's worth, it was her choice to stop seeing Gaara. She didn't want to cause our family any problems and say what you will but I think that's pretty selfless."

For the next couple of days Shikamaru pondered his wife's words. He had initially thought Hinata was a kind woman and made Naruto better as a person. Their affairs had destroyed the image he had of the couple but since he was close to Naruto, he had listened to his side of things. Even when she brought up Naruto's violent actions, he had tried to rationalize how Naruto's erratic actions could've been misunderstood. Since he thought he'd never see Sasuke or Hinata again, Shikamaru didn't have to deal with the doubts in the back of his head. But now it was harder to ignore.

x-x

"Hi Shika!" Himawari said happily as she ran to hug her godfather.

He leaned down and picked her up. "Hey, Hima. Look what I got you." He handed her a new doll which delighted her.

"What's up, Shika?" Naruto said. He smiled as his daughter hurried to her room to play with it. "You sounded pretty weird on the phone."

Shikamaru pointed to the backyard so he could reach for a smoke without harming Himawari. "I wanted to check up on you. How are you doing?"

Naruto shrugged, "I'm fine. Shion finally agreed to the custody agreement and I think we might be able to share Hima's birthdays from now on."

He nodded but Naruto knew that he was holding something back.

"And are you seeing anyone?"

At this Naruto had to laugh. "Hell no. I don't think I'm ready and besides I'm focused with Himawari adjusting to everything. I think she's starting to understand that she has two homes now."

"Hm."

"What's really on your mind, dude?"

Shikamaru didn't know if it was wise to tell Naruto that he had seen Hinata let alone that his brother- in- law had been in a relationship with her. "I was just wondering how you've been and how things are going. I mean what if you came across Hinata or something. What would you do?"

Naruto's face softened. "I still love her and I hate what I did. I had it all with her but I was a moron. I'd ask for forgiveness and hope that by some miracle she takes me back. But I know that it's impossible now. I don't regret Hima but sometimes I wonder how she'd help me raise her as her mother."

Shikamaru remained quiet and Naruto noticed. "Did- Have you seen her?" He asked, failing to hide his excitement "How does she look? Is she single? I heard that Sasuke's moved permanently to Otogakure so I don't think they're together."

"I don't know," he replied vaguely.

Naruto's shoulders lowered with disappointment. "Oh… Well, I just hope she's happy now." At Shikamaru's surprised look, he shrugged. "I told you, I still love her but I didn't treat her right. I was selfish and I was so cruel to her. I hurt her and still said some horrible things when I could've salvaged some dignity. But being a dad, you see things a bit differently. I've been trying to move past my spitefulness, except when it comes to that Uchiha fucker. I'd probably beat the shit out of him if I saw him again."

"So what if you saw her with another man," Shikamaru asked. "Someone not Sasuke?"

Naruto frowned. "I had my chance and I threw it away. If some lucky fucker gets to be with her, then I just hope that he treats her better than I ever did. I don't think I'll ever forgive myself for how I hurt her. I was a real piece of shit."

Shikamaru felt lighter than before but thinned his lips. "Yeah, you were."

He changed the conversation to his growing family. After he left however, Shikamaru didn't know what to do next. He had taken his anger out on Hinata while being blinded by his friendship with Naruto. For the longest time, he had contempt for Hinata so to try to do a full 180 would be difficult.

x-x

Hinata debated whether to go or not to Temari's baby shower up until the day. Ino had pleaded with her and Temari even phoned her a few times with Hinata being non- committal with her responses. However she decided to at least show up for an hour or two, as a favor to Temari and Ino. It was reassuring when Temari had said Shikamaru wouldn't be there for the festivities but she didn't know how she'd feel about potentially seeing Gaara after so many months.

However they had left on good terms so it could serve as a test for both of them.

Checking her appearance before she got out of her car, Hinata took a deep breath and headed to the door. She had a tight grip on the green gift bag as she waited for the door to open.

'Fuck…'

'Just my luck.'

Shikamaru stared back and she felt like running away.

"Hi."

"Hn."

Hinata waited for Shikamaru to let her inside but when he didn't say anything, she thought that it was because of his dislike for her. "I just wanted to stop by and give this to Temari. I guess I can just give it to you instead."

He took the bag and she smiled nervously. "Well, congratulations." When he didn't say anything in response, she turned around and walked back to her car.

Shikamaru was having an internal battle; debating whether to invite her in but when she said she was only dropping off her gift, he couldn't help but feel relieved. He was on his way out to meet with Choji and cursed his luck when he saw who was at the door.

He walked back to drop off her gift at the table with the rest of them. For a second he thought about telling Temari about Hinata's visit but decided against it and tried not to look in Gaara's general direction.

'She was just stopping by anyways.'

While Kankuro had teased his younger brother for volunteering to help Temari during her baby shower, it didn't bother Gaara at all. He allowed himself to be bossed around by Ino and even tried to look friendly to their guests. But he was constantly on the lookout for Hinata.

"I haven't seen her yet," Ino said. She had noticed his wandering eyes. "But I have a feeling she'll show up. I can be very persuasive."

He grunted although it did make him feel hopeful. But as the day went on, he started to have his doubts. When it was time for Temari to open her gifts, he had lost all hope that he'd see Hinata so when Karui read out her name, he jerked his head towards the group of women.

"Hinata?" Temari asked looking around. "Where are you?"

"I don't think she's here," Tamaki said.

But he continued to look around until he gave up and retreated to Temari's study so he could get a moment's peace. He went back down when it was time to clean up and came across Ino who was on the phone looking exasperated. "He wasn't even here-... Okay yeah but he wasn't staying. You should've just came in… Hmm, well Temari is going to want to see you soon. Bye."

"Was that her?" Gaara asked.

She nodded. "Turns out she did show up but I guess she saw Shikamaru and she chickened out."

Gaara narrowed his eyes. "Did he say anything?"

"I don't think so."

But he was unconvinced. He waited for Shikamaru to arrive, hoping he'd have a less physical confrontation this time around. Temari stayed close by, having been informed by Ino about what caused Hinata to skip her baby shower.

Shikamaru walked in, unaware of the interrogation he was in for. "Hey, how'd it go?" He then looked at Gaara who was looking less than happy to see him.

"Good," Temari replied. "Hey Shika, did you happen to see Hinata today?"

He slowly nodded. "Did you get her gift?"

"Yeah, I need to thank her when I see her," Temari replied.

He turned around but Gaara called out, "What did you say to her?"

"What?"

"Hinata. What did you say to her?" He repeated.

Shikamaru stared back, unflinching. "Nothing."

"Then why didn't she come in?" Gaara asked.

"I don't fucking know. She said she was just stopping by, what was I supposed to do? Force her to stay?" He replied heatedly. "Why don't you just ask her? I didn't do anything."

Temari stood up and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't get mad, we were just kind of hoping she'd show up. I'll talk to her later and clear up any miscommunication. After all, it's not like you turned her away at the door. Right?"

"Right," he said curtly.

"And you invited her in." Temari questioned.

He remained silent for a few seconds. "...I assumed that she knew she could come in. But like I said, she said she was just stopping by."

Gaara scoffed and walked away. Shikamaru rolled his eyes but Temari kissed his cheek, extinguishing any annoyance he felt with his brother- in- law. "It was a nice gift," she said.

"Hn." He rubbed her stomach, quickly forgetting about Gaara's relationship troubles. After all, he'd be a father soon and was looking forward to it.

x-x

Hinata had decided to spend the day out since she had put some effort into her appearance. She went to a bookstore for a bit, had lunch at a cafe, and walked around the park. She was walking out of the elevator when she almost bumped into Gaara.

Stunned, she didn't know what to say.

"Hey."

"...Hi?"

Gaara shoved his hands in his pockets since he felt like reaching out and touching her, especially since she looked so beautiful. "Temari missed you at the shower."

She looked away, feeling remorseful. "Oh. I- Did she like the gift?"

"Yes." He cleared his throat. "So I- Temari was wondering why you didn't at least say hi? It wasn't me, was it?"

"No! I- I was just dropping her gift off."

He saw her twitch. "Really? You kind of look like you were heading to a party."

"I just like to dress up sometimes," she lied.

Gaara crossed his arms and she tried to look firm. "Uh huh. So it wasn't me?"

She shook her head.

"Okay… Then what did Shikamaru say to you when he saw you?"

Her eyes widened and Gaara knew he had her. "Hinata, what did he say? Or did he do something?"

"He didn't say anything, really!" Hinata exclaimed. "It was my fault. I saw him and he didn't look really pleased to see me so I decided that it wasn't my place to make him feel uncomfortable in his own house. I should've been clearer about going, maybe if I did he would've expected me or I could've given Temari her gift at a later day."

She took a deep breath after her ramble. "He literally didn't say anything," she added.

"He still could have invited you in or said something to me and Tem," Gaara said gruffly. "I hope you're prepared for the guilt trip Temari has in store for you."

She giggled. "Its fine, I deserve it."

He chuckled and they fell into a comfortable silence. "Have you eaten dinner yet?"

Despite knowing what he was going to suggest, she shook her head.

"Well since you're already dressed, would you like to go out to eat? As friends or whatever," He said quickly. "To make up for Shikamaru's lack of manners."

Hinata's blushed and thought about turning him down but she had already mentally prepared herself for an encounter with Gaara already. Having dinner would allow her to see just how much progress she had made. "Okay."

He almost didn't hear her but when she looked at him expectantly, he grinned. "Okay."

Throughout their dinner date, they made conscious moves to avoid being affectionate. He refrained from wrapping his arms around her as they waited for their car, while she stood away from him and his radiating heat. But it had still been a pleasant night where they quickly fell back into sync, although he wasn't happy to hear that she had followed through with her resignation.

"I can give them a call," he insisted.

She declined. "It was for the best. I needed to be held accountable for my lack of professionalism. But don't worry about me. I've been working with Neji while I decide my next steps. But I might have to leave Konoha for a while. Neji wants me to go with him and says it might show father that I'm capable of overseeing side projects for him. It could be a good opportunity for me."

He tried to sound happy for her. "Sounds like it."

A part of her was disappointed when he didn't seem too bothered by her news. She had told him about Neji's offer so he wouldn't feel guilty about her quitting but now she wondered if she should take the offer seriously.

As he walked her back to her apartment, Gaara finally had a genuine response. "If you want my advice, I think you should take Neji up on his offer. I know you'll prove to them how capable you are, Hinata. You're determined and I know you'll succeed. Just don't get too smug when you're running me out of business."

She was shocked and touched by his words. Abruptly she pulled him in for a hug. "Thank you."

Their embrace was long, as if they both felt like it could be one of the last times they'd see each other, despite a promised to keep in touch. When they pulled away, there was a hint of sadness but they couldn't help but smile at each other.

x-x

Temari had been taken back when Hinata informed her, Tamaki, and Ino that she was moving away. Ino had to pry her hands off her shoulders as she violently shook the pale eyed woman.

"It's only temporary!" Hinata cried out. "I swear!"

Tamaki brought a plate of sweets to subdue Temari, although she continued to glare at Hinata. "You better come back when I give birth," she grumbled in between bites.

"Of course! If I don't hear it from any of you, then I'm sure Gaara would tell me," she said bluntly.

Temari's jaw dropped. "Then- Are you and him-!?"

Hinata shook her head. "But...we still want the best for each other and it's been getting easier to talk again."

Although she was grumpy that Hinata and Gaara still weren't together, Temari saw the blush on her face. She also found out that Gaara had been helping her pack and store some things away, which was news to her. But she was there, along with Gaara, to see her off at the airport which surprised Neji.

Temari cried, which she blamed on the hormones. Hinata tried not to tear up and moved to Gaara.

"Call me when you get there," he whispered.

"I will," she replied.

They hugged, further baffling Neji who wondered just how familiar Hinata was with the Sabaku family.

On the drive back, Temari decided to confront Gaara about what had been on her mind these last few days. "I thought you loved her."

"I still do," he replied. "Nothing's changed."

She frowned. "Then why did you let her leave? I think you should've at least done something romantic to show her that you still care. What if she thinks you moved on and then she decides to get with one of the snobs Hiashi has lined up?"

Much to her surprise, Gaara only chuckled. "Hinata knows how I feel about her and I can't force my love on her. She's still figuring things out and hopefully when she's ready to trust another man, we can be together. But until then, I can only support her decisions and choices. Hinata deserves to be happy."

'But so do you, you idiot,' she thought sadly.

x-x

Temari felt so tired and she lazily kissed Shikamaru as he thanked her for the millionth time. Shikadai had been so stubborn and made the labor last longer than she would've liked. However her son had been born healthy, particularly with a good pair of lungs on him. His cries constantly filled their large home.

It had been a week but the excitement over the new addition was still everywhere. Kankuro was still a blubbering mess when he saw his nephew, and decided to stay a bit longer before he returned to Suna. Gaara finally looked happier than he had been in a while. There had been so many visitors at the Nara home but the new mother welcomed any help available; Ino was constantly over with Inojin, gushing over her godson.

But when Hinata showed up, her eyes completely lit up. "Hinata, you came!"

Hinata hugged her. "I tried to come earlier. How are you?"

"Tired," Temari responded with feigned frustration. "I don't know where Shikadai gets his energy. Shikamaru's mom said that he was quiet as a baby."

Hinata laughed and asked to see the baby, and Temari happily pulled her to the nursery. "I need to get his bottle ready, can you watch him? If he gets too fussy, just pick him up."

Although nervous to be alone with the newborn, Hinata could help but watch in amazement. She caressed his soft cheek with the back of her finger and his eyes turned to her.

"Hi," she softly said.

He started to fuss and squirm.

"No, no, it's okay. Mommy's going to be back soon."

Her eyes widened when Shikadai began to cry out. His face scrunched up and he showed Hinata just what Temari meant. Carefully she picked him up and started to rock him. His wails softened into whimpers until he was satisfied with the gentle movement.

"He has quite a set of lungs on him, doesn't he?" Shikamaru asked. He had heard his son crying from his home office and hurried over so that Temari wouldn't stress out. He had been watching Hinata coddle his son for a while.

Hinata suddenly felt like she was doing something inappropriate and tried to lower Shikadai back into his crib but the infant would start back up when he felt her stop.

"He won't give in," Shikamaru said. "He's really needy."

"Oh...I'll just give him to you then. I just wanted to stop by and visit Temari before I went to see my father," she lied. She walked towards him but he feigned tiredness.

"I think you have it down," he said. "Besides I'm sure Temari would appreciate you staying a while longer. Ino couldn't come today and she needs a friend around."

Hinata looked back with astonishment but nodded. "I guess I can see my father later."

"Hn." He tried not to scoff at her lie. He peered down at his son and smirked. "He has Temari's eyes."

"He's really beautiful," she added. "Congratulations."

"Thanks but all the praise should go to Temari," he said jokingly.

"You're damn right," Temari said. "Shikamaru just stood around looking like a deer caught in the headlights while I pushed his big headed son out."

Shikamaru groaned but smartly stayed quiet as Hinata lightly laughed. "Have you seen Gaara yet?" She asked.

Hinata shook her head, "But we have plans to meet up later today."

"Why don't you just stay for dinner or whatever?" Shikamaru suggested. "I mean, Gaara tries to see Shikadai every day and this way he won't feel rushed or anything. Kankuro's also coming so it can be a big family thing. Who knows how many opportunities we'll have once Kankuro returns to Suna."

He tried not to smirk at Temari shocked look.

But Hinata was still weary. "I can reschedule with Gaara. I wouldn't want to impose on a family's dinner."

"You wouldn't," Shikamaru said with slight annoyance.

'Just take the damn hint!'

"Yeah!" Temari added. "It's not a problem."

Her son winced at her outburst and Hinata handed him over to his apologetic mother. "I'll just put Shikadai down for a nap. Hopefully it won't take long."

Shikamaru and Hinata left. She didn't expect him to follow her to the living room so when he sat down, it was starting to give her jitters. Finally he cleared his throat and looked at her directly.

"So…" He said quietly.

"Hmm."

"I'm...um… I apologize for my behavior," he struggled to say. "I said things out of anger and it wasn't my place. Since I was closer to Naruto I took his side and tried to ignore what he did. It wasn't right especially since he went to such lengths to harm you. In all the time I knew him, I could never imagine he'd be capable of things like that so I assumed that you were at fault and I'm sorry. He isn't shying away from responsibility and it's time I acknowledge your suffering as well. I'm truly sorry, Hinata."

"..." Hinata didn't know what to say. Her heart pounded against her chest as she relieved her painful past but during her time away from Konoha, she had gotten better at dealing with it. And perhaps moving past some things would help with her recovery especially in this instance.

"I accept your apology but I want you to know that everything you said really hurt me. The names you called me... For a moment, it felt like I was staring at Naruto. I'm not going to allow anyone to say those kinds of things to me ever again or victimize me again."

"I know, and I'm truly ashamed. Temari and Gaara tried to convince me but I was still so angry. I was angry at Naruto too but took it out on you instead since it was easier than confronting the fact that one of my friends wasn't the person I thought I knew," he admitted. "But I have talked to him recently and he's trying to move past it, too."

"I'm glad. I heard that he's a father now."

Shikamaru softly laughed. "Yeah, Himawari's my goddaughter."

Hinata tensed at the name but decided to stay mum about its personal meaning to her. She had told Temari she didn't want too much information about Naruto's life after she revealed that Naruto had a daughter.

"If it's worth anything, he's sincerely sorry for doing all that to you."

She couldn't help but scoff at that. "The affair or-"

"Everything. He said he hopes you're happier now." Shikamaru watched her carefully as she smiled, wondering what she was thinking. "Do you still care about him? Gaara, I mean."

"I do. But things are so complicated. Still, I feel grateful to be a part of his life, even if we are just friends." Hinata started to fidget as Shikamaru narrowed his eyes.

"What's holding you back? Are you still worried about trusting him or something? Because I can tell you that Gaara is fully-"

"It's you," she said quickly much to his confusion. "I came to the realization that I love Gaara. I've known for a while now. I love him so much which is why I couldn't have him choose between me and his family, and that includes you. I didn't want to be the reason why he didn't see his sister or nephew. Sometimes I wonder if that means that I don't love him enough since I'm willing to let him go and maybe we weren't meant to be."

'I think it means you love him more than you know.'

Shikamaru sighed. "So it's my fault he's been depressed. No wonder he still hates me."

Hinata immediately felt bad. "Oh, no! I told him it's-"

"It's my fault," he repeated. "I should've said something earlier then you wouldn't have left and Gaara wouldn't be so gloomy."

She quickly spoke up, "But this time apart helped us, at least it helped me clear up some of my thoughts and I feel like I'm in a better place. I don't know if he's told you or Temari, but we do talk a lot."

"Yeah… he doesn't exactly talk to me," Shikamaru deadpanned. "But maybe now that you're here, he'll have to acknowledge my presence. Just promise you'll make him happy. He's getting unbearable."

She smiled widely and Temari walked in, having hidden around the corner as they talked. She was ready to calm any tempers but felt incredibly proud of her husband. Temari sat next to Shikamaru as Hinata filled them in on what she's been up to and her plans.

"So you're back for good?"

"Yes," she confirmed. "I think my sister will be happy that she won't have me or Neji hovering over her anymore her while she attends college. And I've accepted my father's offer to stay with the company. We just need to find a suitable position."

There was a noise at the door and Shikamaru went to see what it was. Gaara briskly rushed past him to see Hinata who waved shyly at him. She giggled as he quickly scooped her up in his arms.

Temari walked to Shikamaru and pulled him into the kitchen to give the two some privacy but to also thank him. Shikamaru hummed with delight when she kissed him. "Hmm, what was that for?"

"For being so smart," she grinned at up at him. "Keep it up and you'll be in for a nice reward later."

He smirked as she swayed her hips when she went to check on dinner.

Although he had set her down, Gaara kept his hands around her waist. Hinata started back up at him. "I guess you're happy to see me."

He laughed heartily. "Yeah, you can say that. I missed you so much. It's nice to touch you again."

She raised an eyebrow and he rubbed the back of his neck. "I mean, it's good to have you back."

"You know, you could've visited me if you missed me so much." Hinata giggled and he smiled. "I wouldn't have minded."

"If you want my company, just extend an invitation." He leaned closer. "So Temari said you're staying for dinner? Are you sure about that?"

She cocked her head playfully. "Yeah, why?"

He gave her a knowing look.

"It's going to be fine, trust me."

Gaara grabbed her hand and squeezed it. "Okay but the moment you feel uncomfortable, tell me."

"I will," she promised.

There was still some lingering tension until Kankuro arrived and Gaara spent some time in the nursery before he joined the rest, sticking close to Hinata. The Naras noticed how their interactions blurred the line between friendly and flirty but they pulled it back when Kankuro loudly announced his arrival.

Kankuro was surprised to see Hinata but didn't think much of it until Temari suggested Gaara drive her home since she had taken a taxi. He shook his head in disapproval at his sister's attempt to fix their emotionally stunted brother with the Hyuuga beauty. Before Gaara responded, he spoke up thinking he'd save everyone from embarrassment.

"I can take Miss Hyuuga home," he said much to everyone's displeasure. "We can go now if you'd like."

"Oh...um… okay?" Hinata looked around as Shikamaru stifled a laugh, Temari glared at her brother, and Gaara's lip twitched. "T-thank you."

"Kankuro sit down. Gaara's taking her," Temari ordered. "Sit. Down. Now."

But he crossed his arms. "Tem, give it up, okay? Don't force him. It's useless, believe me. I mean you have no idea how frustrating it is to see him constantly turn down women. But I've accepted his preferences. If he doesn't like women then that's okay."

Everyone was speechless as he turned to Hinata with a flirtatious glint in his eyes. "But that doesn't mean I'm opposed to spending some time with such a lovely lady as yourself."

"Kankuro." Gaara narrowed his eyes.

"You moron," Temari groaned.

"What? I'm still available," he pointed out. "So Miss Hinata, shall we go?"

Gaara swiftly walked over and pulled Hinata away from him. He pulled her along as she tried to thank Kankuro. They heard the start of Temari's tirade against a clueless Kankuro but Gaara didn't have a hint of sympathy for him; he had humiliated him in front of their whole family and Hinata.

"He was trying to help," Hinata said. He grumbled and she wrapped her arms around his neck. "C'mon, don't be mad."

He was confused by her intimate actions but he wasn't going to say anything in case she decided to move her arms. "He needs to learn when to shut up."

They laughed and she started to casually play with his hair. He started to feel a stirring in his groins and that's when he had to speak up. "Hinata, what are you doing?"

She bit her lip and leaned up to kiss him. It was gentle but Gaara's heart leaped with joy. "Are… Is this happening?" He asked softly.

"I don't want things to go back to how they used to be. I don't want the sex if I can't have everything else with you. So if you'd still have me, I would like to try again. I know it was hard for you to wait until I got my thoughts together and for me to be brave enough to trust you with my heart. It wasn't fair and even if you had been with other women in the meantime, I would understand. It's understandable," she rambled. "But if you still feel the way, then I'm more than ready now. I love you and I have for a while now so do you think that maybe there's a chance-"

Gaara pulled her in and kissed her hungrily, letting her get some air before kissing her again. A deep chuckle erupted from his chest when she asked if that meant yes. "Fuck… I've waited for this for so long it doesn't feel real… Say it again, Hinata."

"I love you," she replied happily and without hesitation.

He pressed his forehead against hers and sighed contently. "I love you too, Hinata. And if anyone says shit about it, I'll fight them."

"You won't have to," she said. "It was Shikamaru's idea for me to stay over. We're going to be okay now, at least I hope so."

"Good, because I'm not letting anyone take you away." He stared into her lavender tinted eyes. "I fucking love you, Hinata. I've done so much to even get to this point with you that I'll never just give up. But you have to meet me halfway. Do you trust me?"

"I'll always be a little scared," she replied. "But I'm ready to take a leap of faith. Before we met we were badly hurt, but now it hurts even more to be apart from you. So please don't leave me."

He didn't like hearing the sadness in her voice. It was a happy occasion after all. "Never. Hinata, I'll be your strength when you feel weak or scared. And I'll need your help too when I don't feel good enough for you."

"How?"

"By just being yourself, by just loving this red headed demon," he smirked teasingly. "After all, I'm not exactly the best or nicest person around."

She silenced him with a kiss, stopping him from saying any self-deprecating things.

He jerked when she started to trail her hands to his waistline. "I know we just got together and I don't want this to just be about sex but would you mind if we got acquainted privately? I've been on a sexual drought and I want to see just how badly you missed me," she whispered into his ear.

Gaara licked his lips. "I've been starved too so it might take all night. You'll have to sleep over."

"That sounds good. But I left my luggage at my father's house. I won't have anything to sleep in." She looked at him shyly but he saw the lust in her eyes.

His cock twitched in his pants and he groaned as he palmed it. "Hmmm, that may be a problem but I'm sure we'll find a solution."

They hurried to his car and peeled out as Kankuro was still trying to process what Temari had told him. "Wait… We're talking about Gaara and Hiashi's daughter, right? In a relationship… You're joking, right? Ha ha, you really got me, Tem."

Shikamaru sighed as Temari forced him to sit down and listen to her again. He left them to check on his son and was glad that he was still asleep.

"This whole family is so troublesome. Promise me you won't be like them."

x-x

Hinata was happier than she had ever been and it wasn't hard to see why. Besides a happy and healthy relationship with Gaara, she was flourishing at college. Gaara had encouraged her to return as to not have any lingering regrets. Since they moved in together, she didn't have to worry about living expenses since he only wanted her focused on her studies which meant she postponed taking a position at her father's company. But her friends and family had never seen her so animated and excited as she spoke about her progress in school. She missed working with Kakashi, Iruka, and hanging out with Genma during lunch but it wasn't like she stopped seeing any of them. They were still her friends and supporters.

It still felt awkward to be around Shikamaru sometimes especially when everyone, including their circle of friends, came together for special occasions. She hadn't encountered Naruto so far but Temari had told her that he rarely attended group events. She had also revealed to Hinata that Shikamaru had told Naruto about her relationship with his brother- in- law so that likely contributed to his frequent absence.

"But he reminded Naruto that if he so much as threatens you or Gaara, then he'd cut him out of his life," Temari explained. "Not that Gaara would let it go so easily."

Hinata nodded in agreement. Although Gaara had curtailed his behavior significantly, he often told her that he'd take care of anyone who hurt her whether it was her ex-husband or Sasuke, who she hadn't heard from again. She knew what Gaara was implying and hoped that it never came to it because she preferred the loving and calm side of him. Gaara protected those that he loved and she felt grateful that he had chosen her.

It was that love that filled her with comfort, happiness and plenty of pleasure.

But there were times that she wanted to bring out the fiery side of him, the one that first drew her in.

x-x

Hinata had struggled to keep her breasts in firmly place as she tested out her movements in the suit. Every time she jumped or shook her body, the fabric would shift until it wiggled down and completely exposed her tits. She knew that Gaara's passion was intense so it would be impossible to keep them inside the costume if she kept it on while they had sex.

'I doubt he'll be upset.' She cocked her head and giggled. She had been trying to think of a really exciting way to surprise her boyfriend and when she came across a Playboy Bunny costume, it seemed like the perfect idea. Hinata knew that Gaara would like it.

She heard the door open and walked out to greet him when he called out her name. Gaara had noticed the lack of lighting when he entered the home they had moved into earlier that year. He stared in awe as she glided towards him, or at least that's how Gaara saw it.

"Welcome home, Mr. Sabaku," she said in a flirty tone. "I hope you didn't have a stressful day at work. But I'm ready to make it all go away, if it pleases you."

Carelessly dropping his suitcase and jacket, he slowly walked around her, his eyes predatory as they took in the sight of his girlfriend in the sexy costume. It stunned him how she could look innocent, sultry, and damn near sinful in different angles.

The black satin bodysuit looked like it was painted on her body but it barely contained her bust covered, not that he minded. The red heels made her legs, which were encased in semi-sheer black tights, look longer and he swallowed thickly. The red bowtie acted like a sexy choker and on top of her head stood a pair of perky white bunny ears. Despite the length of her hair, he could still see the oversized fluffy white cotton tail firmly mounted on top of her voluptuous ass which she wiggled for his amusement.

He put his hand around her throat, gently. He ran it down to her large chest, cupping one breast causing her to lean into his hand. His other hand went down to her ass and smacked one of her cheeks.

"You are fucking gorgeous," he finally spoke after the heavy silence.

The atmosphere was intoxicating and arousing. Hinata pressed her nose against his neck and sniffed; she loved his cologne. Their sex life was never mundane. They constantly switched control when they had raw, unfiltered sex. When it came to making love, it was more sensual and had an equal share of power. Hinata knew that in this get up she'd be at his mercy and she was okay with that. After all, she had tied him up just a few days ago and teased him to the point that she feared he'd really hurt himself trying to get out of the cuffs.

"I always knew you loved being my Bunny," he murmured, squeezing her ass.

He pressed his soft lips against hers and Hinata ran her hands up his arms to his shoulders. His tongue stroked the seam of her lips and she opened them slightly. Gaara brushed her tongue with his, softly until she started to suck on it.

He bent to kiss her neck. Hinata's hands came up around his neck, slid into the mass of unruly red hair. Hinata felt his thick cock through his slacks and she rubbed herself against it, making him groan in response. "I'm going to fuck you in this costume, Bunny."

His hand hovered over her pussy, teasingly moving the fabric aside. Hinata gasped when she felt his finger circle her clit a few times, then dipped down into her cunt creating overwhelming spasms.

He smirked when her eyes locked on his, and her breathing increased. Her leg muscles throbbed and felt tighter as he continued to finger her.

Hinata stood up onto her toes, slightly lifting her feet out of her heels. Again her legs cried out in pain as they burned from such a rigid position and she regretted putting on such demanding heels. Nonetheless, Hinata gripped his hand, keeping him in place so he wouldn't stop or pull away before she reached her peak.

"... Ah!... Mr. Sabaku," Hinata panted. "Please…"

Gaara's fingers quickened upon hearing her plea. "Anything for my Bunny," he whispered into her ear. "And you are my Bunny, right?"

"Yes!" Hinata cried out. "Only yours!"

She gasped when he finally set her over the edge. He kept one arm around her, steading her when she fell forward. Gaara held her tight against him as she spasmed, waiting for her to recover before he continued to enjoy his gift.

Satisfied she didn't need him to remain upright, Gaara sat on the far end of their couch and motioned for her to get closer. "Come here, Bunny."

He pulled Hinata down into his lap, straddling him, and kissed her deeply. She loosened his tie and moaned into his mouth, rubbing his hard chest. They kissed heatedly for a few minutes during which Gaara had worked his way from her ass to her large breasts. They had stayed mostly in place but his groping had them teetering on the edge of complete exposure.

Hinata and Gaara pulled away from one another, breathing heavily. "What would Mr. Sabaku like me to do next?"

"Suck my cock," he replied bluntly. "But keep everything on."

She smirked naughtily and gently pushed him back on the couch. Hinata rubbed his clothed thighs, inching closer and closer to his hard erection until she finally reached it. "Mmm," she said licking her lips.

With a few quick movements, his weeping cock was freed from its confines and Hinata licked the precum, swirling her tongue around the head. But she kept her eyes on her boyfriend whose chest quivered as she pleasured him. He squeezed his eyes shut when she took him between her lips.

"I have such a good Bunny," he said, stroking her head as she sucked expertly.

"Fuck, Hina-" He reached to push her head down and take him even deeper.

Hinata took in all, quickly swallowing his cum when he couldn't hold on any longer. Gaara had raised his ass off the couch, his position erect as she savored his taste. This time it was Gaara, and his cock who needed time to recover which Hinata helped along with her tongue that dutifully licked him back to a firm hardness.

"Hina… fuck… Can I take your ass?" He panted. "It just looks so… fuckable."

She stood up and looked over her shoulder. "And where would Mr. Sabaku want me to bend over?"

'Shit, she's going to be the death of me.'

"Bed."

She was already on all fours when he reached their bedroom and Gaara nearly unleashed the demon in him and fucked her right there until she was knocked unconscious from the pleasure.

Hinata felt his hand reach into the back of her costume. Gaara stroked her ass cheeks, pulling the fabric up and away. As he pulled, the crotch of the fabric rubbed her pussy. She heard the careless ripping of her tights and was glad she didn't use her nice ones.

She was nervous the first time that he fucked her ass, especially since he could be rougher than any of her previous lovers but Gaara he knew what he was doing. She relaxed when his finger pressed against her asshole.

Getting her loose and ready, he lined up his condom covered cock and pushed a few inches in. Gripping her hips with both hands, he waited for Hinata to give him the go ahead which didn't take long. She pushed against it and they began a steady tempo until he bottomed out, stroking in and out frantically as her moans and Gaara's growls increased.

Her breasts spilled out of her top when he started to thrust in. Gaara brought his hand down repeatedly to smack her ass as he rode her. Hinata continued to chant his name despite the painful grip he had on her hip. But it didn't take long for him to cum and he fell forward to cover her body with his as he humped her, his cock jerking as it filled the latex.

Feeding off the adrenaline from the anal sex, he hastily took off his condom and eyed her pussy hungrily.

She felt him rub his cock against her opening.

"Thank you for my gift," he murmured. Hinata could only gasp as she felt him slide in.

Gaara hissed as he stuffed his cock into her tight walls.

"So fucking good," he grunted, his strokes getting deeper until he completely filled her.

He continued to pound her from behind, the cottontail catching his eye a few times.

Hinata arched her back when she felt her release approaching and met his thrusts vigorously. "Oh, fuck me. Fuck me harder, Gaara."

He knees gave under her as she spasmed from her violent climax causing Gaara to pull out. Gently he turned her over.

Now on her back, he had a better look at her. A pink blush covered her face and trailed down to her exposed chest. Her bunny ears were skewed and her hair a complete mess. And yet there was still a lustful need in her eyes.

'So fucking hot.'

Gaara tugged his tie off his neck and the rest of his clothing. He ran his hands up and down her curves, smirking when she shivered. First softly kissing her neck, he then moved down to her breasts and gently bit a hardened nipple.

"Gaara," she moaned as he lapped it and moved to the other one.

Once satisfied by the attention he gave her lovely tits, he slowly moved down her body, until his head lingered over her tingling pussy. Gaara moved the satin fabric to the side and a deep chuckle erupted from his chest when she squealed.

After being together for so long, Gaara knew every part of his woman and how to drive her crazy. He sucked on her clit and licked slowly, driving her to an intense orgasm.

"Mr. Sabaku… please," she panted.

He slid two fingers inside her cunt and curled them upward, hitting her g-spot perfectly. Hinata screamed as her orgasm hit, a gush of liquid drenching his fingers and mouth when he went down to salvage what he could. Her pussy throbbed and her hips gyrated wildly as he licked her clean.

Instead of wiping his mouth, he moved upward and kissed her. Hinata wrapped her tired legs around him. "Gaara," she breathed. "I need you inside again."

She softly protested when he opened her legs and told her to keep them wide open. But then she felt him slide some of his dick into her.

It was a true feat to refrain from going balls deep already but he managed to remain in control. Gaara hooked his elbows under her knees and started to thrust in frantically, knowing he wouldn't last. No matter how long they went at it, every single time felt incredible.

"Goddamn, Hinata," he gasped. He swirled his hips and started pounding faster, "You're fucking perfect."

Her walls tightened and he angled his body downward, pressing his chest against her breasts. The sound of their labored breathing, rocking headboard, and moans would give any passerby a clear idea of just how intently Gaara was fucking Hinata. He was happy that they lived alone and would cherish every private moment because once he created a family with her they'd need to be more considerate.

Merely thinking about Hinata carrying his child had almost pushed him over the edge and he was barely hanging on. Hinata felt it and lifted her hips as his thrusts became more erratic. She held his head against her neck as he came. Feeling the torrent of sperm spray into her pussy and his harsh thrusts triggered her own climax.

Her legs quivered and one of her heels had flung off. Gaara sucked on her neck as he swirled his dick and continued to empty his balls. Hinata mewled with satisfaction and welcomed his languid kisses. She stroked the back of his neck while they came down from their high.

When their breathing finally evened out and he let go of her legs, he pulled out. He placed his arms behind him, supporting his weight as he stared at Hinata. Her legs flopped to each side. He didn't see any of his cum flow out of her but the fabric that moved back into place was quickly getting wet bringing a lazy grin on his face.

"Did Mr. Sabaku find everything satisfactory?" Hinata shakily asked.

Gaara reached up and pulled off the headband that kept the bunny ears on her head and threw it to the side. He kissed her soundly on her lips and hoped she would love his surprise as much as he loved hers.

x-x

When Hinata had told Ino about the things she wished for, her blond friend truly hoped that Hinata would get everything she wanted. And although it had taken long, too long in her opinion, Ino was happy that Hinata had found it with Gaara. She had her loving man and family, although they still didn't have a child. But if Temari's gossip was true, it wouldn't be long until they had a baby of their own.

But Ino couldn't lie about her hopes that Gaara would seal the deal and marry her friend. They were living together and acted just like all their married friends but if Shikamaru's relationship was anything to go by, she knew Sabakus weren't in a rush to marry. It had caught her by surprise when she found out Shikamaru had even asked Temari since the other woman had insisted that her relationship didn't need a piece of paper to make it legitimate. Shikamaru later admitted that seeing Naruto's marriage dissolve was an eye-opener but not in the way one would think. He saw it in a logical way and only wanted Temari legally protected and taken care of in case something happened to him. It had been a small wedding which upset Ino so she hoped that Hinata would at least let her have some input.

What Ino didn't know was that Gaara had been planning for the right moment and a black velvet ring box was safely stored in a locked drawer. Gaara knew that his first test came when he learned of Hinata's past with all those men, but instead of being worried he remembered how she looked at Kakashi or Genma and how she looked at him. There was no doubt in his mind that Hinata was the woman for him and he wanted to show her just how committed he was to her and their relationship.

But his brainstorm sessions with Shikamaru and Kankuro had been useless as Kankuro didn't have a romantic bone in his body and his brother- in- law had simply asked Temari without much fanfare. He started to wonder if he needed to find some friends but even if he considered Kiba or Genma, he still didn't feel comfortable asking them. Kiba was hard to be around when he wasn't with Tamaki, and he was worried that she'd let it slip. Genma didn't look like he'd be much help due to his laid back attitude; he'd likely be on the same romantic level as Shikamaru.

Gaara was stumped until he came up with the possibility of using Shikadai in some way since Hinata absolutely adored the toddler and since they'd see him and the rest of their family at his birthday dinner, he figured it was the perfect time.

He watched as Hinata and his sister laughed and it washed away any fear that she'd reject him. Gaara picked up his nephew and took him aside, away from any prying eyes especially Hinata's nosy sister. "Okay Shikadai, I need your help for a very special mission. Can I trust you?"

Shikadai's face lit up with excitement and he nodded. "Yes!"

Gaara shushed him and Shikadai looked very determined to complete his task. His green eyes widened when his uncle pulled out a small black velvet box. "I need you to keep this safe. I want to surprise Hin-"

"Is it for 'Nata?!" He exclaimed happily.

Gaara looked around frantically, hoping no one heard him. "Shhh…. I just need you to hold this and keep it safe. Don't lose it and don't let anyone take it. When I say so, we'll both give it to her okay? I'll give you something nice if you help me."

"'Kay!"

He put the box in his pocket and zipped it up so he wouldn't drop it.

"I'll keep it safe," his nephew said with a serious look.

Gaara kept Shikadai in his arms or by his side as the night went on, until he got distracted by Hiashi who he had been avoiding the whole time. Aside from planning the proposal, he had been in meetings with Hiashi all week. He suspected that the Hyuuga patriarch was testing his patience, judgement, and worth but as long as Hinata was happy, he'd endure it.

"It does sound productive," Gaara droned. He wished Neji would save him but Hinata's cousin was busy keeping Hanabi away from any alcohol.

'Good thing. I don't want her to cause any ruckus before I propose-'

He reached down, and froze when he didn't feel Shikadai's hand tugging on his pant leg like he had been doing during his boring conversation. Half an hour ago he had silenced him with a look and focused on Hiashi. 'Shit!'

"Excuse me, Hiashi. I need to find my nephew." He bolted before hearing a response and scanned Temari's backyard for any sign of the toddler. Finally he found him in the kitchen, standing on a chair, reaching for yet another handful of the once pristine looking cake. He was a complete mess but before he could do anything, the kitchen door opened.

"Oh my god! Gaara, you said you'd watch him!" Kankuro shouted. He picked up his nephew, keeping him at an arm's length so he wouldn't get any frosting on him. "Look at him! Look at the cake… Tem's gonna kill you."

"Just give him to me, I'll wash him up," Gaara replied.

"Ugh… Don't worry about it. I'll try to get him clean since it is your birthday. Besides, you might want to say bye to Hiashi since he's leaving now."

"What?!" Gaara snatched Shikadai from his brother and hurried to join the others. Hiashi was already putting on his jacket and hugging Hinata goodbye. "Wait!"

Everyone turned to look at him and gasped at Shikadai's appearance. The toddler waved at his mother who was stunned like everyone else with frosting covered hands. If he had been thinking clearer or wasn't pressed for time, Gaara would have just taken the box from his nephew's jacket.

He reached to grab the box, which thankfully was still there and hoped that Hinata would make this all better soon. "If I could have everyone's attention," he started.

Hanabi snorted and he stopped himself from glaring at her.

"Hinata, would you come here, please?" She stood before him and any feelings of anxiety or humiliation washed away as she smiled at him. "I wanted to say just how I'm honored to have you here, with me. As far as I remember, my birthdays were never joyous or happy. I didn't feel like celebrating another year because there was nothing special about me. I kept everyone away from me because I didn't feel like I deserved their love and patience."

Temari and Kankuro gave each other a sad smile, knowing how suspicious their younger brother was about everyone.

"And it was fine. I was content with how things were. But then you came into my life and I felt a fire, a new light deep within and you showed me that I do deserve to feel loved and taught me how to love in return. I've been asked what I want for my birthday and I want you. I want your smile, your laughs, your tears, your everything. I want you."

He pulled out the small box and placed it on Shikadai's hand. Together they held it out for her. "So will you do me the honor of being your husband as well?"

Hinata covered her mouth and started to cry but nodded. Everyone cheered and laughed when Shikadai reached out to Hinata thinking she was sad.

"Don't cry."

"It's a happy cry, Shikadai," Hinata cried.

"Well, show us already!" Hanabi said.

Hinata eagerly opened it and her smile immediately fell.

"Ouch," Kankuro muttered.

"Is it small?" Hanabi asked, indignantly. "Gaara, you cheapskate. It's fine, Hinata. You can just use Mom's since I'm not getting married any time soon."

Neji smacked the back of her head and gave her a scolding look.

Gaara paled as Hinata looked up, her previous joy replace with confusion. "Do you not like it? We can get another one, I j-just thought that a yellow diamond would look nice and-"

"...There's nothing there." Hinata finally said. "The box is empty."

He snatched it from her hand and gulped when he saw for himself. "It was there. I swear, I checked on it right before I gave it to-"

Shikadai giggled as Gaara started to frantically search his pockets. Temari felt lightheaded as her son licked his hands clean.

"B-baby? Did you find a pretty ring?"

Shikadai smiled knowingly at his uncle and Gaara felt sick to his stomach. 'Oh, God. Did he eat it?!'

"And can you tell me where it is?" She asked.

The boy scrunched his face and shook his head. "Nope. It's a secret. Right, Uncle?"

"Shikamaru, we're going to the ER." Temari ripped her son from Gaara's arms. "Baby, we need to go to the doctor, okay?"

The toddler pouted. "But I'm not sick."

"But we just need to make sure you didn't eat something bad," she replied.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to!" Shikadai began to wail. "I don't want to go to the doctor! I promise I won't eat anymore cake! Daddy!"

He reached out for his father and Shikamaru took him from his wife. "It's going to be okay, Buddy. We just need to find the ring and we think it's in here." He pointed to his belly and tried to look calm. "The nice doctor is going to take it out and you'll be fine. We can even go to the store and Uncle Gaara is going to buy you so many toys."

Gaara felt weak and had to sit on a nearby chair. "Y-yeah. W-whatever you want."

"But it's not there! I didn't eat the shiny ring. I put it with all my other special toys!"

Shikamaru knew that his son had a trunk where he kept his 'treasures' and went to the playroom. The others followed and sighed when they saw that it wasn't a large container. Temari kept a watchful eye on her son while the others thoroughly searched every toy as they emptied the trunk.

After a tense ten minutes, Shikamaru heard the train toy make a cluttering sound. Everyone held their breath until the diamond ring fell into his palm.

"Thank God!"

"See, I told you!"

"It's pretty. Nice going, Gaara."

But Gaara only reached out to his nephew and started to kiss his temple, feeling a weight fall from his shoulders despite the still pissed off look Temari was giving him. She looked ready to deck him. "I'm so sorry. I'm sorry."

Shikadai giggled. "I kept the treasure and the box safe. I helped. So am I still getting toys?"

Everyone chuckled.

"Sure."

Gaara walked over to Hinata and placed the ring on her finger. She hugged and kissed him, trying to soothe away his mortification. "It's beautiful, Gaara."

"Thank you... I'm never going to live it down, am I?" He lamented as he buried his face in her neck.

Hanabi snorted while Shikamaru and Kankuro shook their heads. Hiashi was more vocal about his opinion. "Maybe they should hold off on having any children," he said to Neji. "Practice having a pet fish or something."

"Father," Hinata said warningly.

Hiashi shrugged. "I'm simply a bit concerned about his lack judgment."

x-x

It was Shikadai's fifth birthday and Temari wanted to go all out. Their backyard was filled with screaming and yelling children, but Shikamaru wouldn't want it any other way. Seeing the pure joy on his son's face made the inevitable headache worth it. He handed Naruto a drink.

"Thanks man."

"Yeah, I'm glad you made it. Himawari's having fun."

Naruto's eyes shined brightly, "I hope so. She kept reminding me every day for a week that his party was this Saturday."

They chuckled but there was still an unspoken issue at hand.

Naruto had felt like the air had been sucked out of his lungs when he saw Hinata. She was still so beautiful and he nearly rushed over to talk to her. However a small squeeze from his daughter, who was eager to see Shikadai and play with the other children, reminded him of their circumstances.

He kept a respectful distance and didn't know if she noticed him. A small part of him wished she would look over. But Shikamaru had remained by his side, either to help distract him or keep the peace. Maybe both. But even with all the chaos of a children's party his eyes always seemed to go to her.

He saw how happy she was and couldn't help but smile. The only time he felt bothered was when he saw a red haired man put his arm around her waist and kiss her. He knew who he was and who the baby she cradled in her arms belonged to. And it killed him.

"I'm not going to try anything," Naruto said. "You don't have to babysit me."

"I know." Shikamaru took a gulp of the refreshing beverage. "Otherwise I wouldn't have invited you. And they still showed up knowing you were coming. Gaara has become much more protective now that they have Akiro and I know he won't hesitate to protect the ones he loves by any means necessary."

His eyes widened.

"But this is my son's party and they care for him just as much as you do. Shikadai loves spending time with you and Hima, but he also adores Gaara and his family. So when we need to come together to celebrate someone we all love, everyone will make it about them and not their own personal problems," Shikamaru told him sternly. "Anyone who ruins that will be dealt with."

Shikamaru hoped that he picked up on the underlying message because he knew that his brother- in- law wouldn't react unless provoked.

Despite the grave tone, Naruto smirked. "Of course."

Feeling better, Shikamaru was able to enjoy the party. He still watched Naruto carefully and was proud that he didn't let him down.

As the party died down, Hinata started to rock Akiro to sleep. She caressed his wavy burgundy hair as his pale eyes started to close.

"Is that your baby?"

She looked up to see a blond girl in pigtails look at her son with fascination. "He's so cute," she whispered.

"Thank you," Hinata replied. "You're very pretty, too. I like your dress."

Himawari twirled and smiled. "My mommy bought it for me. She loves yellow."

Naruto watched as the two girls that held his heart interacted and for a brief moment he could imagine a world where they were mother and daughter. 'She should've been yours and he should be mine. And I should still be your husband.'

But he knew better than to walk over, it'd ruin the pleasant feeling he was experiencing. After dealing with something so heartbreaking, she had moved on. It gave him hope that one day he could find his second chance at love. So he stayed away, only calling out to his daughter when it was time to go. By then Hinata had gone inside, to put her son down for a nap in a guest room.

Gaara walked behind his wife as she tucked their son. Akiro yawned sleepily and his chest swelled with joy. He still couldn't believe that he had someone that returned his love and that with that love they created something so precious. Gaara wrapped his arms around her waist and nuzzled her neck.

"Gaara," Hinata whispered. "Not here."

He chuckled. "Can't I just hold my wife? Or were you already having naughty thoughts?" He teased.

She turned around and slapped his shoulder playfully. "Because it always ends with a hug, right?"

He shrugged unapologetically and watched as she searched Akiro's diaper bag for his pacifier. Leaning against the wall, he crossed his arms. "He didn't give you any trouble, did he?"

"Akiro just got a little fussy when the kids were playing tag near us but-"

Gaara frowned. "You know who I'm talking about. I lost track of him for a bit."

"Gaara, today has been a good day. Let's not ruin it by thinking about him." This time it was Hinata who wrapped her arms around him, she sighed and kissed his cheek. "But no, we didn't talk and frankly I don't have anything to say to him."

He huffed. "Still, I don't like that he actually showed up. What if he tries to-?"

Hinata silenced him with a kiss. "Gaara, I love how protective you are but we can't focus on him or worry every time we might see him. It's been years and if nothing's happened then I doubt it ever will. He knows where I've been all this time and he didn't try to talk to me. We've moved on. C'mon, stop frowning."

Gaara still grumbled under his breath.

"Mr. Sabaku, I don't like seeing you so upset," Hinata seductively said. "Is there anything I can do to take your mind off it?"

He smirked and pulled her close. "I might be a bit hungry."

"Then let me get you something to eat," she said cheekily. "Keep an eye on our son, okay? He gets his grumpiness from you."

He groaned as she walked away but couldn't feel that bad; he knew that once they got home he'd have her writhing under him. He heard his son start to whimper and quickly walked over.

"Hey Aki, don't cry. Daddy's here," he softly said, looking down at his son.

Akiro reached out, wanting to be held by his father. Gaara picked him up and started to rock him back and forth, but Akiro wasn't in the mood for a nap. He cooed and giggled when Gaara made funny faces.

'Shows what you know, Hiashi. I'm a great father.' He looked out the window and caught sight of Hinata fixing him a plate, although based on a few of the items already there it seemed like she was hungry too.

Her beauty still stunned him but her inner strength is what made him most proud. Regardless of what she had to battle, she came out of everything stronger.

"I hope you take after her more than me," Gaara told his son. "We're both lucky to have her."

Akiro gurgled and Gaara chuckled. "I'm lucky to have you, too."

He kissed his forehead and waited for his wife's return.

---

-It's done! I hope this was a satisfying end to the whole saga and if you didn't vibe with this arc, you have 3 other endings or even just chapter 11 where the possibilities are endless.

-Personal Commentary: If you saw the intended similarities between Naruto and Gaara, then great! But there were also significant differences. Gaara's need for control was more towards himself and his hiding his emotions. The sex began as an attempt to seek or retrain control over his situation which quickly backfired because we all saw how Hinata was quickly making him act in ways that scared him.

Naruto and Gaara were both betrayed. But their reactions showed their character. Gaara is enraged but closes himself off and is fearful of being vulnerable again which mirrors Hinata's mindset. Naruto, even if he was betrayed by two people at once, is enraged and tries to do whatever he can to specifically hurt Hinata and break her down. He uses violence, verbal and physical, to try to intimidate her. Gaara detests Matsuri but never did what Naruto did. Naruto is obsessive and possessive over Hinata and doesn't begin to accept facts until he becomes a father.

The main difference I wanted to emphasize in this arc is in how people treat the person they love or think they love. Naruto hurt Hinata and wanted to possess her by any means necessary, even against her will. In his mind he was the only one that could have her. She is to be his wife, bear his children, and love only him. Sasuke is manipulative as hell and aside from his ending he's a real piece of work, too. Gaara on the other hand lets her go despite his genuine love for her. He wants her to be happy and never tried to sabotage her relationship like Sasuke has done multiple times. When he assumes she's with someone he respects it to a much greater degree than Sasuke ever could. Only when he finds out what Sasuke planned does he act.

They are all "in love" with her but only Gaara allows her to do what she wants and doesn't try to force her to accept him. He is the only one to take a look at himself and try to grow. He wants to win Hinata over with affection and respect but most of all healthy love. None of that was present with Naruto or even Sasuke, both which used manipulation.

-Also, when I see "Naruto Fan" in a guest review I know it's gonna be good. I don't know what's more hilarious: the self-insert SasuSaku troll or Naruto fans who rant that "Hinata belongs to Naruto!" or that it's wrong to have SasuHina present but okay if Naruto cheats with Sakura because "feelings." Dude, stfu and leave me alone. Just because of that, I promise to make MORE SasuHina one shots where he seduces her or vice versa which will fit in nicely in the upcoming lemon filled collection I have yet to name. The first short story will be Naruhina, then Sasuhina, and then it'll be chock full of random ass Hinata pairings. I hope to have the first one up before the month is over.