Hinata tucked herself under his arm to read her documents while Gaara worked on his paperwork. Hinata seemed… brighter. No, that was wrong. Happier? But she wasn't outwardly more so than usual. Her overall being seemed… lighter. What were the words for what he was observing?
Gaara reread the same word he was focusing on for a while and tossed the paperwork aside, curling the now free arm with the other one across her collarbone.
Hinata smiled. "Hope you aren't tired. We needed to do another safety patrol before we got to bed."
"No," Gaara laid his head on her to see what she was reading. It was somehow more boring than what he was working on.
When would there be another day of no work? He hadn't taken a day off in years before their honeymoon, and now he craved it.
The thought drew him back to the paperwork at the back of his filing cabinet that was brought to his attention again that it went untouched. His successor paperwork. Who would take the village in case of his death? With the concern for his safety with the Akatsuki movement, it once again became an issue. Until recently, he assumed Temari would take his place. However, she was planning to move to Konoha within a year's time, so she would soon become unavailable. It then fell to Kankuro. However, he expressed that Kazekage was a title he didn't want full-time, and that caused a problem. Baki was old now. He was all but retired. He would only serve temporarily in the event he was needed.
Unlike Konoha's Kage, the Kazekage was not only meant to be a strong nin but also a strong leader with the ability to handle the job. Your ability to fight meant nothing if you could not see when you were being undermined.
His mind fell to Hinata. She did far more than her station called for. She would, by far, be the most qualified. However, he knew his council, and she was not born to Suna. She would have to fight for the position, and he knew she wouldn't. "Who should I name my successor if I were to step down."
Hinata paused to look up at him. "Is there something wrong?"
"No, I have never put it to paper who I would want to have my position in the event of my death or retirement." Retirement was never something he thought about, growing old. He honestly didn't believe he would live that long. He didn't believe he would be killed. He always assumed that someday Shukaku would become bored of him and want a new meat suit.
"Matsuri-chan, then." Gaara hadn't thought of his student.
"She is young and inexperienced," Gaara countered.
"Yes, but for her age, she has far more experience and potential and grows every day." Hinata set her paperwork with his.
"Would you take the position until she was ready?" Gaara asked thoughtfully.
"I would hope it wouldn't come to that, but I would accept it if it were temporary if vital, but I don't think it would go over well. I'm not Suna born. Therefore, I should not be Kazekage." Hinata reminded him of what he knew.
"You are well-liked, and it would be temporary." Gaara agreed. "The council can't deny the image you have as it was created from what people see, not what they were told."
"Then I guess, but Gaara, why do you think if you were unable to serve your duties that I would be." Shukaku flared.
"You will be safe." Gaara declared at the beasts' urging.
"You can't be sure of that." Hinata pushed. "I know you hope that I would get away or that you will protect me, but I will remind you that I will fight by your side even when you do not wish me to." Hinata's eyebrows furrowed like she was upset or angry, but she didn't look angry. She looked concerned, and something else, affection? He still understood so little. "My safety comes after the village's, and when I fight, it comes after yours."
Gaara's thoughts froze, as did Shukaku. They both needed to process that thought she forced. Had anyone in his entire life put his life before their own, even in theory? Guards were loyal to the village. They believed in his shield or didn't care for him enough that they would not die for his safety. His siblings wouldn't even know. They had too much faith in his ability to protect himself. What protection would their little brother need more than what kept the village safe?
Shukaku growled possessively, sliding sand across the surrounding room. "Hmm?" The beast formed larger than usual, laying a massive head on Hinata and wrapping his tail around the couch. "Are you two alright?" Hinata wiped his eyes as he realized he started to tear up.
"No." Gaara attempted in a hoarse voice.
"I didn't mean to upset you." Hinata hummed with a soft frown. "I hope I didn't bring up anything horrible."
Gaara didn't reply, just buried his face in her shoulder. Hinata laid her head on his cheek and brought a hand up to bury in his hair. The other one pet Shukaku's head.