Hinata held back a new arising giggle. Was Gaara trying to ask her to stay with him for a while longer without actually saying it? He glared at the papers on his desk, thinking of what to do next.
Hinata picked up a book from the shelf. "May I?"
Gaara nodded with relief coming to his shoulders.
Hinata moved over to a heavily used couch. She sat down and curled her legs under her. It smelled overwhelmingly like him. The idea that this is where he slept more so than his bed worried her. She rubbed her eyes as she picked up the book. To her delight, it was a Suna history book.
Gaara flipped through his mound of paperwork until he heard a thump.
Hinata had fallen asleep, curled up on his couch. Her book fell out of her hand and closed on the cushion. It still amazed him at how comfortable she felt around him. His siblings still gave him sideways glances before they slept in the same camp.
When did she go to bed? She got up as early as he did and required more sleep. Did he keep her up? Was she planning to go to bed when she ended their walk? He should have let her go. He was selfish, wanting her presence longer. He closed his folder and crossed the room toward her.
Gaara reached forward and then stopped. When did he start so freely touching her? Hinata didn't seem to mind it, but he should be careful. He put his hand over hers and moved it.
Hinata jumped, blinking her large white eyes at him. A light sleeper, Gaara noted, but not light enough to be woken up by his approach.
Hinata scrambled to sit up. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to fall asleep on your couch."
"You should have said you were tired," Gaara commented.
"I wasn't." Hinata yawned, betraying what she said. "I'm fine."
"You may resume later. You should go to bed." Gaara pulled the book back to sit it on his desk. Hinata reluctantly got up.
"Sorry," Hinata bowed as she left. Why was she apologizing?
"I think this is more acceptable than the last one," Hinata commented on the papers in her lap, careful to read the fine print. "Though, the Hyuga will likely want to have a small compound in Suna."
"We can't afford to build them one," Temari commented.
"Oh, the Hyuga will want to fund it. It's partially a wealth display, partly a need to keep their secrets." Hinata explained. "Right now, I am unprotected and unsealed. I am a liability."
Temari looked at her with a crinkled nose. "I don't get it."
"The purpose of the branch house is to protect the main house. The purpose of the main house is to protect our secrets." Hinata stated. "The seals are a way to protect the secrets. Stay just that."
"What do the seals do exactly?" Temari asked.
"They can cause extreme pain and even death. The idea is if a Hyuga tries to attack the main house, leave, or is captured, the Byakugan they carry can be destroyed." Hinata explained.
"That's sick." Temari grimaced.
Hinata nodded. "However, it has kept us and our secrets safe for generations, and the elders show no signs of finding other solutions. So they will want branch members close by me since I do not hold a seal."
Temari whined, leaning back in her chair. "You come with a lot of politics. You know that?" Temari stretched before hopping up. "If you think it's good for now, we will send it. We should have a break. You think you could talk Gaara into picking out wedding robes."
"Shouldn't we make an appointment?" Hinata wondered as Temari pulled her up.
"We are right now." Temari pushed her down the hall toward his office, knocking before unceremoniously shoving her in.
Hinata stumbled in. Gaara gazed at her with a non-eyebrow lifted. "Temari-san would appreciate it if you help with wedding planning today." It was silly that she was supposed to ask like this.
"She wants me to ignore my duties," Gaara sighed.
"Just for a little while, for robes." Hinata waited for him to send her out to disappoint his sister. Instead, Gaara sighed, rubbing his temples as he came around his desk. "I suggested an appointment."
Gaara continued toward her. "Do you want me to be present?"
Hinata didn't want to do this alone. Temari could be overwhelming beyond belief. "I can do it on my own, I'm sure." She twirled her ring behind her back.
Gaara examined her before reaching for the doorknob around her waist. Hinata jumped out of his way as he opened the door to his sister, waiting against the opposite wall. "You should give me your messages yourself."
"You would tell me no." Temari crossed her arms.
"He hasn't agreed," Hinata mumbled.
"Yes, he has. Let's go." Temari pushed off the wall, heading down the hallway, poking her head in an office Hinata didn't recognize and told them the Kazekage would be out for a while.
"Which is your favorite?" Temari held up three bright accent fabrics.
Hinata reached forward to feel the fabric. They were all gorgeous. "Do we both have to wear the same color?"
"No, but it's usually easier that way. I've seen the bride's family have one and the groom's family have another. Why?" Temari set them down with the others.
"Well, it's just that Gaara and I don't match as it is, so finding a fabric that fits us both would be difficult." Hinata picked up a bright red sash that matched his hair and held it up to him. "I like this one for him, but red is strong for me. I'm cool-toned."
"What for you, then," Temari looked back through the bright fabrics. Hinata liked all the colorful options, but she knew none of them would flatter her. She wouldn't mind usually, but she wasn't just representing herself anymore.
Gaara skimmed the room and stepped past her and the fabrics, picking a light fabric up and holding it up for them to see.
"Matte lavender?" Temari asked. "I've never seen mattes in a wedding sash." Temari held it up to Hinata. "Matches your eyes." Temari decided before turning to Gaara. "We should bring you with us for more of this." Gaara's face scrunched in distaste. "Did you want a white robe, then? A tribute to your home traditions." Temari asked as she folded the two fabrics they picked.
"Uh, that's not necessary." Hinata waved her hands.
"What does that mean anyway?" Temari wondered.
Hinata cringed. "Purity of virtue."