A/N: We go back to the time when it all started, buckle your seatbelts, the next slew of chapters are going to be a bumpy ride.

Hindsight 20/20
Chapter 2: 20/200
Blind Part 1

She tasted salt, moisture, and bitterness.

It lingered on her lips, the taste of her own tricking tears. Fond memories were so far away now, and yet, sat in the palm of her hand. Even the weather taunted her. It was a warm day in Konohagakure, bright and sunny. Pity that her mood didn't reflect the sentiment. She felt cold, empty, like a winter frost. It had only been a little while since her recent divorce with Naruto. Trying to adjust to being on her own again, she spent her time locked away in the Hyuga compound.

In her hands, an old photo protected by glass kept her attention. She looked at the teenaged group with fondness – the original Konohagakure eleven.

It was perhaps the only photo she had with everyone all crammed together. It was the early days of their lives, times were simple then. As teenagers, and as ninja. At the time, all of them were fully fledged genin, and considered the newest recruits for Konohagakure's enlisted program. Even Sasuke was glaring daggers at the camera that day. The group gathered around before the start of the chunin exams.

Hope, overconfidence, and their youthful naivety kept them from truly understanding the dangers they were about to face.

Deadly fights were ahead, or so went the rumor. For some sort of strange justification that Hinata couldn't remember, many wanted a memento – just in case someone didn't make it. The photo had been Shino's idea, always the pessimist. Hinata was thankful she had the picture now, because it was the only one that included her cousin by his teammates.

She missed Neji dearly, and now regretted that she didn't have more pictures of him when they were younger.

Tenten and Lee were the ones that kept those kinds of things around, which was fine because they deserved them. They'd been good to him, which wasn't always easy. Hinata knew she was the cause of that, just as she was the cause of a great many problems in her life. She didn't have any more time to dwell on it though. A knock came to her bedroom door. It was unexpected, but blotting away her tears and clearing her throat, she stood.

"Just a moment." She called to her guest, carefully setting the photo back where it belonged. Sure that her yukata was flawless, she then slid the door open. The man in front of her startled her even more. "Kazakage-sama?" She didn't expect him to even be in Konoha. "Is everything alright? Are you well?"

He didn't seemed bothered by her worried frown as he nodded. Gaara gave her a searching glance, but, even that was impassive. He knew this woman better than that, didn't he? Surely they were well beyond titles by now. Still, since she saw fit to maintain them, he would amuse her. "Hinata Hyuga? Or is it still Uzumaki?"

Hinata still bristled at the sound of her old married title. It reminded her too much of Naruto. No, she didn't want to be called that anymore. "My maiden name is fine."

"I see."

"It's good to see you." She forced a smile, speaking quietly. "Please come in, it wouldn't due for you to stand outside the door."

"Un." A negative reply. "I will decline." Gaara said to her simply.

There had to be a reason for his visit. She said nothing to him. His abrasiveness was normally cool. He didn't do it to be rude, it was just his way. If Naruto were around, he'd drag Gaara inside without the Kazekage having a choice in the matter. That was just Naruto's way…but, it had never been Hinata's way.

Instead, she waited for Gaara.

The white cloaked man seemed to be mulling over something. His silence was the only indication that he was even pondering anything at all. Eventually, he came to a pointed conclusion. "I came to make an inquiry." He finally said slowly. "The time is not currently inconvenient for you, correct?"

"Not at all." Hinata gave him a sign to continue.

"I received a missive a few weeks ago." Gaara held the scroll in hand. It was fairly large, strangely so. "I was informed that you wished to place distance between yourself and this village. I've come to verify."

"Distance…" Yes, she supposed that's what she wanted. More so, she needed it. Nervously she pushed her short hair behind the shell of her ear. "When you put it that way…"

"That was the description given to me." Gaara replied. "Was it made in error?"

She breathed. "I suppose I would like a little space from Konohagakure." She had told her father that just last week, and had long ago told her old teammates she needed some time to herself. "I have made the statement before, so it wasn't as if you were being told lies."

Gaara's eyes narrowed, not angry exactly. Yet not particularly kindly either. "Do you seek to be away at length?"

"I still take missions, if that's what you're asking." Hinata found the question to be a strange one. Yes, she wanted a long term mission away, but this wasn't what she had expected. Inwardly settling herself, she forced another smile. "Sunagakure are noble allies to Konohagakure. I enjoy working with friends." Hinata wasn't sure why, but his gaze made her uneasy as she cupped her hands in front of herself. Fidgeting was unsightly in her eyes, a weakness she was trying to be in control of. "However, any mission outside of Konohagakure would need to run by the Hokage. I cannot accept missions on a whim."

Gaara shuffled uncomfortably. "You misunderstand."

If not a mission, then what brought him to her door? He wasn't looking for a person to drink tea with, or to talk of political matters. "I'm sorry." Her eyes drifted southward, her head bowed. "I tend to be a bit distracted nowadays."

"Then endeavor not to be." He wasn't asking for a mere leaf ninja to run a mission for him. "I need only a moment." Actually, what he needed was something else, something that required a delicate hand. "I am in need of a woman mindful of proper decorum." He pulled from his neck a favored chain of his. "Your father has permitted my request." It was a slim, golden chain. Simple and without any added complexities. "Now, I ask you. Will you become the lady of my home?"

The suddenness of the question left Hinata shocked. She leaned heavily on the door frame, needing to brace herself. She lifted a hand to daintily cover her mouth as she cleared her throat. "That is...well, it is a rather sudden request."

"You have expressed a desire to travel away from Konohagakure." Gaara couldn't understand. Was this a refusal on her part? He doubted it, but he could never be sure. "I happen to need a wife."

"Kazakage-sama would you please come inside?" Hinata requested again. This truly was not a conversation to be having in the middle of the clan gardens, where her room was located.

He sighed, slipping off his shoes before entering. He watched as she slid the door closed, confused by what seemed to be her flustered visage. "Do you decline?"

She took a breath. "Kazakage-sama…" She shook her head. Now that was truly a stupid thing to do when a man so openly declared his intents. "Gaara-sama, you must understand, it is not a simple request."

"I think it very simple." He replied.

"Forgive me for saying so, but, it is not."

He didn't see the complication in the matter, but he indulged her strange whims, keeping the chain in his palm. Perhaps it was the gift? He'd chosen simplicity over extravagance, and that might have been his downfall. Then he recalled just who this woman was, and concluded that he was foolish to have ever thought that. Hinata Hyuga was many things, but she was not a woman who demanded finery at every turn.

Women were easy to worry, or so his brother once told him. Perhaps he had caused her some undue distress? That, he decided had to have been the reason. He would rectify that. "I will simplify anything you wish of me." He said, desiring to appeal to her. It would be easier to have her favoring him.

Hinata smiled sadly. He didn't understand. He couldn't…oh, but how could he? "It isn't a matter you can force." She told him apologetically. "It hasn't even been a full year. It would look poor of me to take a husband again so soon."

"That makes things complicated?"

"In a manner of speaking." How could she properly convey herself? "How I feel…that…doesn't particularly matter." Gaara's steel-like image intimidated her. It always had, because she had a hard time reading him. "I am Konohagakure born and raised."

Gaara blinked. Would it be made difficult because of that? The politics mattered nothing to him, he would do as he needed, simple as that. "I will provide for you." His voice gave no indication of his feelings. "See to your needs, have them met with priority. I would demand the rights and privileges of a husband in return. You would carry out these duties. Is that not acceptable to you?"

"This would not be a union of love." Hinata took a breath. "You do not love me."

"Love is not a requirement of procreation." Gaara concluded rationally. "You are well schooled in your role, correct? I require that level of discipline in a suitor. I also require that she be strong." He blinked as he looked away for a mere moment. Then he met her gaze head on. "It is rather difficult to find such a woman who also maintains the decorum of a noble."

"Well, that at least, I can provide." She had been raised properly, even if her father had been heavy handed about it. She knew how to manage the eyes of the elite, and hold her own in battle. "Why me, if I may ask?"

Gaara cocked his head to the side, studying the woman. It wasn't that he particularly sought her, but, it wasn't that he was disinterested in her. "Mutual benefit is a reason onto itself for this union. If that is of merit to you, anything else can and should be negotiable."

It was strange how easily she found herself compelled to agree with him. He was a good man, chilly perhaps, but a good man none the less.

"My father approves." She murmured quietly. Really, that was all that mattered in the grand scheme. "If he has agreed, who am I to refuse?"

Gaara nodded, taking the time to slowly and gently attach the necklace around Hinata's pale, smooth neck. He then collected his things and left her without a word, going to the Hokage immediately to get the proper documents signed.

…

Gaara stepped into the Hokage tower, where Kakashi and several others waited. None of them were positive that Hinata would accept. Even though she was a Hyuga, fully aware of her status and expectations, there had always been a slim chance. A tiny fracture of doubt that she didn't want to be married. That she really didn't want to leave Konoha after all.

"The reply was favorable." Gaara said in his usual monotone.

"That's good news indeed." If all parties were in agreeance, then there was little to dispute over. Truth be told, Hiashi had long awaited the day he would choose for his daughters capable husbands. "I admit, I worried. Although, I really should have known better, Hinata aims to please. She enjoys harmony in all things."

"We were all a little worried though." Temari spent a great deal of her time in Konoha. She had been privy to the fact that Hinata was not in the best of moods. "Gaara, did she hesitate before she accepted your gold chain?" When Gaara had selected Hinata, Temari feared the worst.

"Yes, as was expected." Gaara took his seat, where some documents waited for him. "Her fears have been properly dispelled." Partaking a small cup of tea that Temari handed him, he looked to Hiashi. "May we conduct our business as planned?"

"Yes, of course." Hiashi said as he was the first to sign the paperwork. "I'm relieved that she agreed. It eases me in a way that I have no words for."

He had been planning to hand his oldest over to the Inuzuka clan, a choice he had concluded back when Hinata was a child. Kiba was a wild boy, and grew into a wild man as a result. Still, Kiba cared greatly for Hinata, where he lacked decorum, he most certainly didn't with ironfisted dominance. Marring her to Kiba would have been his way of keeping his eldest daughter safe…but, she had made other plans…fallen in love with Naruto.

And like a fool, he'd permitted it, only to see the pain that resulted.

When she was husbandless once more, he had to consider a proper spouse for her. His mind once more settled on Kiba Inuzuka. The one man able to get through to Hinata when many others could not. However, his plans had changed when Gaara had confronted him, asking for Hinata's hand. It was an impressive request, and one Hiashi had to take to heart.

Like the fierce Kiba Inuzuka, Gaara no Sabaku was not a man who would take his duties to his wife idly. Gaara was the Kazekage, another point in his favor. The final nail in the coffin, was that Hinata wanted to leave. To walk away and find her own place in the world. Clearly, her place would never be in her clan, and feeling proud of his choice, he watched the ink dry.

"Do you plan to depart immediately?" Hiashi asked.

Gaara thought on this, his eyes flicking to his elder sister. She wouldn't say it, but she wasn't so quick to want to leave. She would much rather spend her time with Shikamaru than worry about Suna's politics. "So be it then." Gaara decided, after concluding that leaving early truly would upset his sister inwardly. He glanced to Hiashi once more. "A few days of respite might be in our favor. We should leave the morning after next."

"Then, if it would please you, it would honor me if you stayed at our compound." The Hyuga invited with as happy of a tiny smirk as he ever mustered. "I'm sure Hinata would say the same."

"That would be acceptable." Gaara agreed, as his older sister rolled her eyes. "Yes?"

"Gaara, I understand that this is a marriage of convenience, but can't you at least act a little happy?" Her chiding attracted undue attention, but she still felt the need to say it anyway. This was her little brother after all. "Finding a bride is supposed to be a good thing."

"I am content." Gaara told her as he stood.

"She will make a fine bride." Hiashi did the same and the two men excused themselves from Kakashi's office.

…

Though the paperwork for a village transfer had been completed, the wedding itself would take place in Sunagakure, and so would the signing of the marriage certificate. Since they weren't technically husband and wife, Gaara was placed in a room across from Hinata's own. He spent most of his time resting against the open door, watching the gardens pass him by. Hinata was all too willing to do the same, and as he gazed at her from afar, he considered the small little frown of displeasure that graced her lips.

She appeared unhappy, in fact she seemed quite sad.

That would never do. As the man of his station that he was, he meandered his way over slowly, but with purpose. Reaching the spot where she sat, he let his eyes fall once more to the garden. "Will you permit me to accompany you?"

Hinata smiled, but it was weak. She couldn't force herself to look happy no matter how hard she tried. "You may." He sat, and she was thankful he didn't try to look at her. What would she do under his scrutiny? She wasn't sure. She mentally kicked herself. "We're to be married, so, you don't have to ask about that kind of thing." It wasn't as if she could deny him anyway, that would have been completely rude.

He nodded, but he had no idea what to say. "He still favors you."

Hinata just sighed. Gaara was talking about Naruto, rightfully so. "Perhaps you're right." She would have never become on friendly terms with this man, if Naruto himself hadn't once insisted that they would get along well. "That doesn't bother you?"

Gaara made a noise, but she couldn't decipher it.

"It bothers me." She finally admitted, it always had. Some part of her still loved Naruto, and always would. "For a man, he is very sensitive. I've done him a great injustice. You consider him a good friend, yet you've chosen me as your wife. I wonder if this will bring him even more pain."

"You accepted me." Gaara noted. "Do you wish pain upon him?"

"Never. I don't like seeing anyone in pain, especially not him." To Naruto's credit, she had come to agree that Gaara was a pleasure to converse with. At least when he wasn't looking at her. "I am a selfish woman, I won't deny that."

"He speaks highly of you." Gaara knew that because Naruto had a tendency to ramble about whatever came to his mind. Hinata had been the topic during many a drunken stupor. "He has never once claimed you to be selfish."

"I am though." She shrugged lightly. "I know I am. I won't deny that."

Gaara said nothing to this. If she considered herself to be that kind of person, who was he to really question it? He stayed quite a few moments more, still and clam. He listened to her soft breathing, the rustling of the wind among the bushes that held flowers. "The necklace suits you."

…

The day of departure came faster than Hinata anticipated, even as time crawled by. She would go with him back to Suna. Later on, a small group would bring her things along with them. So aside from the mission pack that rested on her shoulders, she would have to wait for the rest of her belongings.

Gaara extended his hand, palm open. "If you will allow me."

Hinata's fingers ran along one of the straps. "I can carry it." She assured him, somewhat confused about his offer.

Gaara blinked to the tall village gates, the emptiness there. He expected a farewell group of some sort, but that's when he realized Hinata hadn't told anyone, likely hadn't even spoken a word. He took a breath, if she didn't want to make a fuss about it, he supposed that was fine. He wasn't in the mood for being too friendly, his mind was on other things. He flicked his gaze to her once more, it wouldn't be right to have her straining herself. "We shall arrive in roughly five days."

"Five? Forgive me if I'm mistaken, but I thought it was only three by foot." In fact, if she thought hard enough, she was sure it was three days. Her team had made the hard earned travel there in such time before.

"Five days." He repeated placidly. "I have no desire to run, if the reason itself is not paramount."

"May I ask; doesn't Suna need you?"

"I arranged to be away for an ambiguous amount of time." He let his eyes meet hers briefly. Honestly. Coolly. He had considered keeping his reasons vague, but as they had once agreed, this was not a match of love. It was of opportunity. He wouldn't hurt her with the truth. "If you had denied, I would have sought out another. I was not willing to return empty handed."

"Oh, well I suppose that does make a little sense." She had been his first choice. That was just a tad unsettling. "You had a second choice in Konoha."

Gaara nodded, but his next words were an observation. "You avoid my gaze."

"A habit, I'm afraid." Hinata said, forcing herself to meet him face-to-face. "It bothers you. I'm sorry. I'll try to stop."

Gaara only shook his head. He didn't mind one way or the other. "Stay as you are."

Surprised by his candidness, she waited, hoping for more. He wouldn't speak another word on the matter. Instead, he was more focused on those who approached. As his elder sister reached the gates, a tired and grumpy Shikamaru was trailing behind. His hands were stuffed into his pockets, while Temari dragged him along by the arm. Gaara, now satisfied his full travel party had arrived began walking at a leisurely pace.

"Good morning, Temari, and you too Shikamaru." Hinata greeted, seeing that they both clearly hadn't slept well. "Are we your mission, Shikamaru?"

He yawned, muttering about how aggravating it was to be up so early.

"Just you." Gaara murmured, surely he didn't need anyone else besides his sister to follow him. "Until the service proper, you must be protected by Konoha."

"Which meant that she dragged me along." Shikamaru said, though he didn't mind it as much as he ranted.

"It's a long road ahead." Gaara warned them. "We will make many stops."

To his credit, they did. They traveled along a merchant road that contained several places to rest. Although he never asked Hinata about her condition, he still observed her from afar. Most of the walk was made in silence. Temari and Shikamaru would occasionally whisper back and forth, but Gaara wasn't impressed with the fauna that they passed, or at least he wasn't willing to make notice of it vocally.

If Hinata or Temari asked him something personally, he responded in his usual clipped way.

"Don't worry, he likes you. He just doesn't know what to say." Temari finally sighed when her brother seemed to refuse making idle conversation.

"Temari." He barked quietly, already feeling the glare burning into his back.

"Gaara, come on now. When was the last time you actually talked to a woman?" She asked him, causing her little brother to growl despondently. "Outside of missions, little brother."

"I speak to you, do I not?"

"I meant a girl you aren't related to." Temari brushed him off, concerned for her soon to be sister-in-law. "Never mind him, Hinata. Did you see that caravan we passed? How much you want to bet he's going to try to pawn off all of his bolts of fabric?"

"Hempen yarn of that quality won't sell for much in Konoha." Hinata murmured quietly. "Not with the traders coming in the north."

"Oh, right, I forgot about those policies." Temari nodded, as they passed another caravan. This time it was a silk merchant, and another man behind him carried clay and bone china. "Come to think of it, I've noticed a distinct lack of complaints about C-rank escort missions."

Hinata noticed it too. "That could be due in small part to the other hidden villages nearby." She wasn't entirely sure, but it was her best guess. Her fingers lifted to the straps on her backpack as she spoke. "Since they're still so small, they can get by on charging much less for a C-rank mission. The roads have become less dangerous since the war too, which means they aren't looking for the same kind of protection that they were before."

"That only means the C-rank missions you do get, are normally that much more dangerous." Temari noted with a shake of her head. "I've already proposed a new ranking system for Sunagakure to maintain our economy. Konoha might want to think about implementing it there too."

Gaara could hear them chatting idly about mission ranks, and the inflation of prices. That topic didn't last long, as they soon bantered about newest silk kimonos on the market. Later it was about the pottery trade. While the women both touched briefly on the economic values of the trades in question, they were both far more interested in the aesthetics. What colors they favored, and what type of gloss best suited the making of a tea cup. He noticed very quickly that Hinata was well versed in mathematics and economics, and that her grasp of history wasn't far behind.

She favored exquisite things when it came to appearance, but rationally disputed that such finery would only due in particular situations. Though no one saw him smirk, he was very attentive. He listened intently, even as they stopped to partake their meals, where discussions of cooking and cutlery began to morph into the ideal throwing knives to use, and why they favored one type of composition over another.

Once night fell and dinner had been long since finished, Gaara stopped them at an inn. "We shall stay here for the night."

"We aren't planning to camp?" Temari asked, knowing her brother hated sleeping in places he couldn't implicitly trust.

"We are not." He then flicked his eyes to Hinata. She could likely walk several hours more, but the next tea house was a good five hours on foot, two or three maybe at a ninja's speed. Still, he didn't think it polite to force her to make the run. "This is favorable."

"Is it though?" Hinata asked. "Inns along this road can be rather expensive."

Gaara cocked his head to the side. Did sleeping here displease her? He was inclined to wonder. "We may camp, if that is what you prefer."

"I simply want to do what is easiest for you." She told him. "I don't like being considered a burden."

"Hm. Then we shall stay."