Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Lonely Heirs ❯ I am alone ( Chapter 3 )

Mic Mic: Hey everyone sorry for the wait but I wanted to make this chapter extra long, we've got many other characters this time. Neji is playing a bigger role and the father Hiashi not to mention Yashamaru. Of course there is a huge helping of GaaHina for yah enjoy^^

 

Hey btw the way TerraChrono that was a very good criticisim. But to tell you the truth grammer doesn't mean too much to me especially the use of commas. I find that if I focus too deeply on grammer my story can't have as much substance. Give me some examples of my mistakes, email me at puppiescute@hotmail.com.

 

But what I really would like to know is how you like the story itself. So far my grammer has not been so piteful the story can not be read and enjoyed and since I'm not submitting this officially anywhere it's gonna have to be as is. However, I have been trying to work more on the grammer to tell you the truth it's one big headache but I'll try.

 

Ages:

Gaara: 9 Hinata: 9 Neji: 10 Hiashi: 36 Kurhiko: 34 Yashamaru: 27

 

Disclaimer: I don't own, Naruto the anime.

Warning: SPOILERS FOR GAARA'S PAST!! Naruto Episodes 75, 76, 77 mainly you might wanna watch them first or just read and then watch. I'd like it better if you read mine first hehe then maybe it wouldn't look so terrible compared to the real thing, the anime version is excellent please watch it if you'd like! ^_^

 

Gaara dashed down the streets clutching onto Hinata's hand tightly. He hadn't ever shown anyone else his secret spot but then he had never had a friend before, except for his bear and that was about it. He didn't even have his bear anymore. His father said he'd never get the bear back and to make his own acquaintances instead of indulging in childish toys.

 

They stood at the entrance to the forest looking at the trees ambling over them. “I didn't know there were forests in Suna?” Hinata said looking with awe upon the lush greens and the sounds of birds twittering in the leaves.

 

“Well, it's been artificially made. When sand ninja go to other villages they have to know the best way to navigate through the forests and this is it.” he said waving his hand out over the forest.

 

“Um, are you sure we're supposed to be here?” she asked nervously as she let go of his hand moving forward to clutch his shoulder. “I mean i-is it safe. I-it looks scary.” She added worriedly clutching the back of his shirt with one hand.

 

Gaara blushed at her closeness as he wasn't used to being close to people at all. People didn't like being around him and he didn't like being around people, at least until now. For some reason he liked being close to Hinata. It made his heart beat faster and feel warm instead of the usual pain filled feeling he got.

 

“Hinata, don't worry.” He said easing her hands off his back. “I'll protect you.” He stated proudly before taking her hand and pulling her to his side as he headed into the forest with Hinata staying close by him.

 

They began walking and before Hinata could even slightly relax she heard loud screeches coming from above them. “G-Gaara-!” she cried out in fear burying her face into his shoulder.

 

“It's nothing but the ravens Hinata. They always screech like that. Now come on do you want to come with me or not?” he asked rather impatiently and she nodded solemnly looking at her feet as if she was ashamed. Gaara had a look of shock before he looked to the side also.

 

“Of course I want to come. I can't help it if I'm a little scared. I-I know you'll take care of me and protect me but it's just-“Hinata let go of his hands and twiddled her thumbs as she looked down at the ground nervously.

 

`I didn't mean to hurt her feelings again. Darn why is this girl the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with and yet the most comforting at the same time.' He agonized glancing over at her curiously as he noticed her sad look. What could he say to make it better, well it didn't matter anyway they'd be at his secret spot soon and then things would be better.

 

Hinata sighed looking down before she glanced at Gaara and his rather angry look. `Does Gaara-kun hate me?' she wondered.

 

“Hinata, um, don't worry about it okay.” He said nervously. Hinata looked up at him curiously tilting her head to the side before she smiled receiving a smile back from him.

 

“Oh okay. But uh Gaara-kun if you don't mind me asking what is your secret spot like.” She asked as she began walking in time with him.

 

“You'll find out, it's a secret.” He answered a sly smile on his face. She was fun to joke around with especially right now as he watched her face get red as she looked anxious.

 

“G-Gaara come on tell me now.” Hinata insisted curious about it.

 

“When I say it's a secret that's the point, we're in the middle of the forest you want other people to find out.” He inferred with a shrug and small smile.

 

“Only me and you are gonna know about it okay.” He said pointing at Hinata and giving her a rough tap on the nose before pointing to himself. He hadn't meant to sound rough and hoped she wouldn't interpret it that way.

 

“Oh, alright Gaara-kun.” she said with a little huff. Gaara gave a look of satisfaction before he reclaimed her hand in his and headed off.

 

Hinata looked up to the boy beside her. Gaara was so nice to her, she supposed that she didn't have to be anything more than this Hinata with all her imperfections to gain his approval. It was alright to be at ease around Gaara. She didn't have to maintain the quiet and obedient pupil role that she was used to maintaining. `I can laugh without crying.' She thought to herself distracted for a moment and didn't notice the raven flying straight down at her its sharp claws at the ready.

However instead of it clawing into Hinata's arm the raven hit the barrier of sand that Gaara permanently had around him for Gaara in that moment of crisis had pulled Hinata close to his chest.

 

“Be careful okay. This place is safe but only for some people. That's why not too many ordinary people come here. Let's go quicker okay. There's nothing threatening at my place.” He said grasping the shocked Hinata's hand tightly as he broke into a run.

 

They headed through the dense forest to get to an area with a canopy of trees and a huge array of sand. “This is it.” Gaara said ominously as he stared into the depths of the sand. His eyes seemed to glaze over stricken with loneliness as he looked deeply into the waves of sand that began flowing over one another.

 

“I found this place not too long ago. Pits filled with sand, sand from the desert, it was my training...the training I did myself to bring it all here, as much as I could. Kind of a haven you know.” He said turning to face Hinata who was looking on curiously.

 

“Ummm, so what's the secret? I know it's a lot of sand but I don't see the big secret.” Hinata said shuffling her feet as she didn't want to offend him. However, she didn't see the awe in a big sandbox that moved like waves in the middle of a forest with killer ravens.

 

“Well if you wanna see it that much.” He said with a smile and Gaara raised his hand and sand that had begun to meld and crash like waves began rising higher as it swirled and curled along together.

 

“Oh…” Hinata exclaimed as her eyes lit up watching the spectacle in awe. The sand flowed smoothly like water as it began to take shape. A pillar of sand arched upwards and slid down creating a metal slide. The sand slid across the floor and it arched again curling under and around in circles to create a kind of merry go round. It didn't stop its art yet and kept creating the sand playground, making a swing set, monkey bars, and even a huge play set you could go under for shade. The sand all fell as Gaara panted for a bit falling to one knee tired from his creation.

 

“G-Gaara! Are you okay?!” Hinata said rushing over to him to touching his shoulders lightly. Hinata suddenly heard the beginnings of an evil laugh and she was pounced on by Gaara who pinned her down.

 

“Pinned ya!” he said teasingly laughing even more as Hinata blushed. “You know for a girl your actually kind of cute, and pretty too.” He said with a grin as he flipped the hanging piece of her hair away from her face.

 

“Gaara! Get off me.” She said struggling underneath him her blush going deeper. She squirmed but it was futile and Gaara's form was much heavier than her own.

 

“Uh-uh. First you gotta promise!” he said earnestly.

 

“I don't have to bite my finger do I.” she asked a bit of sarcasm in her voice. It was odd to hear her talk in such a way to him or anyone to talk to him like that. Hinata was usually the timid loving one who never spoke out of turn or raised her head.

 

`Gaara is really changing me.' She thought as she looked up into his green eyes.

 

“Well…” he said thinking about it a second for some reason he took delight in seeing her squirm and it made him feel different he never really felt anything like this especially there, it was really odd.

 

“Gaara!” she yelled still trying to push him off her. Him being so close to her…it made her feel all, weird.

 

“Okay, okay, THIS time you don't have to but you still gotta keep the promise. You can't ever tell anyone about this place. Nobody at all okay! Not another living soul.” He said giving her a serious look.

 

“I promise but you know there are more ways to seal promises than just by blood you know.” She said a shy and slightly coy smile appearing on her lips that suddenly let out a girlish giggle of mischief.

 

“What's that?” he asked curiously getting off Hinata to sit beside her. Hinata sat up and leaned forward her nose touching his. She let out another giggle of mischief at his boyish curiosity. “Close your eyes and I'll show you.” She said with a sweet smile.

 

“I'm not gonna do that. Then you'll trick me easily.” He said with a huff crossing his arms across his chest in his usual tough guy stance.

 

“Fine then here.” She said and she planted a soft kiss on his left cheek which turned both of them rosy red the minute her lips touched it. She pulled back giggling as she shot up to her feet.

 

“Let's go play on the swings.” She said earnestly as she ran over to them holding the ropes of one.

 

“Oh…o-okay.” He stammered. He'd never really been touched so close like that before. His sand usually prevented people from coming close but this he really liked the feeling of warmth his heart felt at the touch of this girl.

 

“Well go on get on!” Hinata encouraged holding the ropes smiling at him. He noticed a blush on her cheeks and as he stared at her she glanced away for a second rolling up her sleeves.

 

“Bu-” Gaara began but Hinata simply shook her head as she gestured for him to come forward.

 

“Uh-uh you first.” She inclined looking on earnestly from her place holding the ropes of the swing.

 

Gaara uncomfortably walked over and sat down. He was glad no one else was around to see his uncomfortable actions that would only give them license to think he was weirder than before. Why didn't Hinata think like that? Why didn't she look at him with those accusing eyes? He wondered what could make her so different maybe people used those eyes on her so she knew how hurtful they were.

 

Gaara was pulled from his thoughts as he felt a push on the back of the swing and felt himself ascend into the air. His stomach flipped as she pushed him again.

 

“Haven't you ever swinged before?” she asked pushing it higher and with a bit more force.

 

“Not this high…”he uttered uneasily as he felt the wind rush through his cherry hair.

 

“Jump Gaara!” Hinata encouraged with a push but her words only made Gaara more nervous. He felt himself go higher than he had before and was a little afraid of possibly falling off not that the sand wouldn't break his fall, still it was a frightening thought.

 

He had never had this happen and his sand quickly rose to protect him. It shot out towards Hinata who cried out in surprise and stopped his swing burying her feet in the sandy ground. The sand pushed her away from the swing forcefully and Hinata fell on the ground behind her hitting it rather hard.

 

“Ow…my arm…”she whimpered tears on the edges of her eyes as she sniffed. Red scrapes lay across it and Gaara hopped off the swing right away his sand cushioning his feet easily.

 

“Hinata! Are you okay?” he asked reaching a hand out to touch her arm as his fingers neared it she pulled back closing her eyes as if in fear of him. Was that it…why did his powers always have to reck everything?

 

“Your powers they're so developed. Your defense is great.” She said with a slight chuckle as if to make the situation lighter. She rubbed her arm gently as she looked up at him her eyes wide. “Gaara, I know you didn't mean to, it's ok.” Her voice concerned as her lips moved to curve into a smile before she winced and touched her cheek. A small cut was visible blood running down the side. It wasn't much but enough to be noticeable.

 

Gaara's eyes filled with sadness as he leaned over taking her arm. He rubbed it gently as if to sooth her pain. “You're wrong Hinata it's not ok. I didn't mean to do that; I can't control my powers very well when I get emotional. I hurt those around me without meaning to. That's why I don't have any friends.” At these words Gaara began to hear soft sobbing sounds coming from Hinata as she sniffed and tears flowed from her eyes.

 

“Well then…what about me Gaara? Aren't I good enough?” she asked trying to wipe her tears away but Gaara did it for her. He leaned over and licked her cut cheek gently once, twice, and then three more times each time capturing a salty tear. He was comforting her in the only way he really knew how sympathizing with her pain. Pulling back they both had blushes on their cheeks as they looked in each others eyes.

 

“Yeah, I mean before I didn't have any friends but now I have the best friend ever, I have Hinata.” He said a tiny smile on his cheeks. Hinata's eyes filled with happiness as she wrapped her arms around his neck crying even more than before into his tunic. Gaara let her cry not really understanding why she was weeping but realizing she needed someone to lean on.

 

`She's so hard to figure out. I thought she was hurt at first but now she's crying because I told her she was my best friend. This girl…' he thought but even though she was a bit troublesome she was still his best friend.

 

`Yes, Hinata is only mine; no one else can have her. I want to be the only one she's close to like this and she'll be the only one I am close to. We'll always be together.' Gaara held Hinata close as he felt sleepy at the moment but it wasn't like he could sleep, he never slept. She laid there on his chest her own chest rising and falling slowly. He watched her and wiped her tears off her cheeks. She seemed so peaceful sleeping as if the worries of the world wouldn't affect her. He wondered someday if he would ever achieve such peace.

 

After a few hours, Hinata stirred. She turned nuzzling her face into the warmth she felt as she clutched onto it. “Gaara, is that you?” she asked a bit incoherent at the time.

 

Gaara nodded before he realized she couldn't see him and said yes in a low tone. He didn't want to push her awake. He figured people took their time waking up after they slept.

 

Hinata lifted her head rubbing her eyes as she sat up to look at Gaara. He was still awake after all this time she was a bit surprised at that.

 

“Weren't you tired? I mean why didn't you go to sleep too?” she asked curiously Gaara looked away for a second he did not want to tell her everything but he knew that she would find out sooner of later about him and his insomniac lifestyle. Things spread awful quickly around their village especially about the Kazekage's own son. If she heard it from anyone he wanted it to be himself.

 

“I can't sleep…ever I've never slept before in my entire life.” He said bleakly his black rimmed eyes seeming to get darker.

 

“But…how do you survive?” she asked looking at him worriedly.

 

“I don't get as tired as you do besides if I do go to sleep…or whenever I try, I have terrible nightmares. I don't even know why but I guess it's because I'm a monster. I don't know why I am but everyone looks at me with fear so there must be something wrong with me, I don't even know why…” He trailed off his eyes shadowing over with pain.

 

“That's not true Gaara! You're just the same as everyone else why even better than them. No one else can control sand like you can.” She encouraged trying to cheer him up.

 

“Is everyone else unable to sleep at night never ever resting since they were born without being plagued by never-ending nightmares? I have already come to accept that I'm a monster. Hinata you should accept it to.” With those words Gaara gently pushed Hinata back and stood to his feet. His sand playground dissipated as he stared into the woods towards where the village was located and stepped towards it before stopping and looking up into it.

 

“I don't understand why you would stay with a monster Hinata…even though I want to stay with you.” He said squeezing his fist tightly.

 

Hinata hurried to her feet and ran towards him hugging him from behind tightly. “You're not a monster Gaara! You'll never be a monster to me! How many times do we have to go over this…” she said with a sigh hugging him tightly.

 

“Because we're not used to it…not me or you…I'm not used to friends and you aren't either we're always trying to make ourselves feel better so used to being alone.”

 

“Remember the promise.” Hinata reminded in a quiet voice with a small smile as she hugged him tighter leaning against his back.

 

“Yeah.” Gaara whispered a bit stubbornly. He pulled Hinata's hands away turning around to face her as he dropped her hands from their place around his waist.

 

“Friends forever right…” she softly said her hand out to him. Gaara reached his out and gently caressed the hurt place on her arm.

 

“Friends don't hurt each other I promised to protect you.” Gaara said with his face looking as if he was having an inner dilemma. Hinata saw this and thought for a second how could she cheer him up and show him she was alright.

 

“Then show me how to be strong too. Will you Gaara?” she asked a bit hesitantly.

 

“Maybe we could talk about that another time. I don't want to fight you or train you or for you to be stronger, I want to control myself and be with my best friend. Maybe later, okay.” He said firmly as he looked down at her.

 

Hinata nodded agreeably glad with his answer. She was enough and worthy of being his friend, he didn't want anymore of her and didn't ask anything.

 

“Mm. That's okay Gaara I'm sure another time will be okay. Oh no! Gaara it's almost dusk how long was I asleep!” she asked worriedly.

 

“About 3 hours I would guess.” He said evenly as he looked at her worried face.

 

“I've gotta get home quick. Gaara can you show me quickest way home from here?” she asked. Gaara nodded simply taking her hand and running forward with her through the loose branches and muddy foliage. It took a while but they eventually reached the exit without any raven attacks or shinobi surprises.

 

Hinata panted hard as she leaned on her knees falling back against a nearby tree at the exit to rest.

 

“That, was much farther than I thought I'd be…” Hinata panted out holding her chest.

 

“Mm.” Gaara said taking a quick breath as he stood straight his eyes on Hinata and her heavy breathing.

 

“You okay?” he asked touching her shoulder gently. Hinata nodded and pulled down her rolled up sleeves to cover her bruises.

 

“I'll get a band-aid for my cheek later.” Her smile was simple one that was sweet and endearing yet genuine.

 

“Are you sure you'll be okay?” he asked rubbing her hurt cheek gently.

 

“Yeah I will it uh doesn't even hurt anymore.” Hinata insisted her cheeks fire engine red.

 

“Oh, okay, well the Hyuuga mansion is that way. Follow me.” He said and Hinata nodded as they walked beside each other. When they finally reached the mansion Hinata gave Gaara a quick bow.

 

“Thank you for walking me home Gaara-kun.” She said another of her kind smiles tickling his belly.

 

“It's just Gaara and you're just Hinata to me.” He said taking her hand and squeezing it lightly.

 

Hinata's cheeks reddened once again as she looked up at him her smile never leaving her lips. “Okay, Gaara.” With that she gave him a quick hug wrapping her arms around his neck and tightly embracing him. “Bye see ya tomorrow at school!” she said waving with a bright smile as she ran into the house. Gaara waved back as Hinata left watching her disappear into the home. He supposed now he would go back home. His mind was focused on one thing…how Hinata had told him she wasn't hurting anymore. What was pain really like?

 

Gaara walked into his home as he picked up a kunai fingering it curiously. He pushed it down trying to stab himself in the hand but it was futile. “It's no use the sand interferes…” he said sadly. How could he understand Hinata's pain if he never felt what she did?

 

Suddenly his uncle Yashamaru walked forward beside him. Gaara hadn't noticed when he had come in. He remembered a few days earlier he had gotten upset and attacked some of the village children however; his uncle had blocked it the attack protecting them. He was surprised Hinata hadn't hated him for that. Apparently she must have been away in the sandbox as that day he was playing with teddy on the swings. Yes, now that he thought about it he remembered she was over there also alone that day. His uncle proceeded to explain to him that he was his new caretaker and not to attempt hurting himself in such ways. Gaara said nothing only looking to the side.

 

`Sure Yashamaru was there to protect the other children but who protects me…'

 

“What does pain feel like?” he asked and his uncle then explained to about pain that hurts the body physically and that physical pain makes a person uneasy and nervous that it's uncomfortable.

 

`If that is how it feels…if all that is true then why did Hinata act like she did? She didn't seem to care about the pain.' He wondered…maybe it didn't affect her as much as it affected his uncle. But as he watched his uncle demonstrate and willingly cut his finger he thought differently, then physical pain isn't so bad then…maybe he could make it better. His uncle then told him of another kind of pain.

 

He told him that a wound of the heart that never heals except with a certain kind of medicine and that medicine was love. Gaara clutched his heart. “Maybe I'm wounded and need medicine too then. I always hurt here…except when…well…there's this girl…”he said trailing off.

 

“A girl?” he asked curiously his purple eyes widening.

 

“Yeah…she makes my heart feel warm…” he said with a small blush his eyes to the ground.

 

“Then you have to look no farther Gaara-sama you've already received it. Even before that you had love.” Gaara listened closely as his uncle explained about his mother, that loved him and that was why the sand protected him. Did that mean he wasn't a monster… was it simply his mother only protecting him from pain? That explained everything then…if that was the case then he was loved by more than just his uncle and Hinata his mother was always with him. Gaara thanked his uncle and left as he headed to the roof to stare at the stars as he did every night but now he had newfound company.

“Mother…you're always here with me.” He said with a genuine smile not even Hinata…not even his best friend could give him this feeling of a mother's love.

 

Hinata sat in her room after dinner looking out into the stars.

“Gaara is out here under this same sky.” She thought out loud attempting to sit up before slumping back into bed. She was trying not to sleep so she could identify with Gaara maybe if she learned how not to sleep he wouldn't be so lonely on these long nights. However sleep caught the young heiress in its clutches and her eyes slowly drifted closed the thoughts of another sandman than the red headed one occupying her dreams.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Next Day

 

Neji knocked lightly on Hinata's door as not to surprise her but loud enough to wake her up.

 

“Hinata-chan it's morning. Come on we only have 30 minutes to get to the Academy.”

 

“Mm…but Gaara why can't we just ride on your sand…” she mumbled into her pillow before her eyes widened and she jumped upright.

 

“30 MINUTES! Oh no!” she said and quickly scrambled out of bed. She headed for the kitchen grabbing a quick bread treat with fruit filling and then running back to put on her clothes.

 

Hiashi stared at his daughter running in and out of sliding doors and quickly called her name in a loud sharp voice. “Hinata!” at this Hinata stopped a ninja capable pop-tart in the side of her mouth and a pajama shirt on with standard shinobi pants on backwards.

 

“H-Hai Father!” she said righting to attention. Hiashi sighed and put on as kind of a smile as he could before walking towards her.

 

“Relax…I will send Neji to wake you earlier than usual and have the cooks prepare you a healthier breakfast.” He pulled the side of the piece of bread filled with fruit filling away as she chewed it the remainder swallowing nervously. He opened her hands and dropped the rest in them while looking down at her.

 

“You are only 9 years old Hinata even your cousin Neji at 10 doesn't push himself so hard. Take a breath, and walk evenly to class. If you wish to be a strong kunoichi then you must learn not to rush things. A true ninja waits and then attacks…”he said before gently patting her head.

 

“Do well Hinata-chan.” He said before turning and heading towards his own room. Hiashi sighed to himself not looking back he really loved that daughter of his and recently the helpers in the dojo had told him of his harsh treatment. He had not seen it that way, only as training trying to help her hone her skills but that was not the effect he was resulting in. He never wanted to crush her spirit and now he longed to repair the damage that he had done.

 

`If only Kurhiko would do the same.' He thought but Kurhiko was bitter. Her sister in the branch family had always been the stronger of the two and she longed to surpass her. He and Kurhiko were arranged to marry yet he couldn't say that he didn't love her with all his heart. When they were alone she was never such a harsh bitter woman always so tired, yet why did she have to hide it he wondered.

 

`Why did I hide it?' he pondered and headed on his way. He would tell Kurhiko that things were changing around here. Hinata was not going to be put down any longer.

 

Neji blinked in surprise before pulling on his sandals as Hinata ran up beside him a long white tunic around her shoulders and a red t-shirt underneath. She still had the standard blue pants and pulled on her sandals hastily. He stood as he walked forward she followed after him.

 

“Hinata-chan what did you say to Uncle to make him so…compromising?” he asked curiously what in the world could ever make that cold man even smirk was beyond Neji.

 

“I didn't say anything Neji-niisan. I just woke up this morning.” She said her smile to the clouds.

 

“Mm, well…what is that Gaara guy to you?” he asked a tinge of jealousy in his voice. “I know you guys are the same age and all but he isn't normal. I'm worried because I'm always off training on breaks and your alone at the Academy.” He said reaching out and taking her hand. Hinata squeezed it directing her smile at him instead of the clouds.

 

“Don't worry Neji-niisan. Gaara is a great friend. He protected me from the bullies.” She said a slight blush on her cheeks that mirrored Neji's own that was barely visible.

 

“Just stay safe Hinata-chan. I couldn't bear if anything happened to my favorite cousin.” He said a bit hesitantly.

 

“I will Neji-niisan thanks for caring. I really love you a lot.” She said giving him a quick hug. “You're like a brother to me.”

 

“I guessed that much by you calling me niisan all the time.” He said with a grin.

 

“Well you didn't say anything about it.” Hinata said shyly beginning to play with her fingers she turned even redder at Neji's next words.

 

“Nope it's nice to hear Hinata-chan's happy voice I take it when I can get it.” He said with a cheeky grin.

 

“Neji-niisan…” she said with a shy blush her voice wasn't that great at all.

 

They arrived at the Academy laughing and walking together as Gaara sat in his desk. He looked up to see Hinata entering and…holding…hands…with Neji Hyuuga. Wasn't he like her cousin or something? `But she's mine no one else can touch her or have her smile.' But nonetheless Hinata was giving it to him and joking with him.

 

`I guess its okay…he is family after all.' Gaara thought calming himself down he would let that one slide. He couldn't let Mother get upset certainly not here. The sand was for protection not attack he couldn't hurt people with it anymore. He didn't want to make his Mother sadder than she already must have been.

 

Neji and Hinata took their seats as the teacher began teaching. That day school couldn't end fast enough for Gaara as his eyes caught the empty seat of the girl he had hurt in that attack before. He'd take her medicine…Yashamaru said it made wounds better. Then he would give some to Hinata. That would really make her happy.

 

Gaara had spent time through recess with Hinata once again on the swings though this time it had been her turn. They had laughed together and had a great time though Gaara couldn't ignore the nagging feeling that he was being watching.

 

“Byakugan.” Neji said quietly from his hiding place behind the Academy. He was watching Hinata swing with that…son of the Kazekage, Gaara he remembered his name was. She was laughing and genuinely happy. Even happier it seemed than she was with him. It made his throat burn and stomach tingle. She was his cousin wasn't she? He wanted to spend more time with her but now he had to concentrate on his training.

 

`I love you Neji you're just like a brother to me.' He heard in his head. Yes he loved her too and wanted to protect her. What would happen if Gaara went berserk again like he was rumored to often do and hurt his precious cousin? She wasn't strong and was very delicate. Gaara could break her easily if he tried. Neji had to trust Hinata's intuition at this point.

 

`There is no one else who will…so I'll watch over you Hinata. I will be your brother and your protector.' And with that he hurried off back to the Hyuuga mansion, recess had some time left and more training could be essential to learning a new technique. Father was probably waiting for him as was Uncle Hiashi.

 

Soon enough school was over and Gaara had hurried over and asked and received ointment from Yashamaru. The day went by and by nightfall Gaara had worked up the courage to visit the girl's house. He ran along the streets quickly a small smile on his face. This would make Mother proud…this would show everyone that he wasn't a monster. Finally he arrived and Gaara sighed as he looked up at the huge intimating door reaching his hand up to knock on it softly.

 

Angrily the girl he attacked before glared at him from the cracked sliding door.

 

“About before. It hurt right…” he said nervously holding the paper sack. “Here this is ointment. Use it if you want...” He said timidly as he held it out almost like a peace offering in his heart he was begging for acceptance even in his humble eyes. However he didn't receive it. She only seemed to get more upset and yelled angrily at him.

 

“Go home Monster!” shutting the door in his face. Gaara stood there trembling with rejection as he lowered and dropped the bag aimlessly headed home. On his way a foolish drunken man knocked into him. He spat at him to watch where he was going. Unfortunately by the time he realized who Gaara was his look of horror did nothing but seal his fate. A shatter of a liquor bottle was heard and the chatter of villagers also as the man's bloodied corpse fell to the ground. Gaara ignored it all hearing nothing but the screaming words of `Monster' in his ears. He continued walking sparing a sad glance at his father who did nothing more than glare at him.

 

Gaara headed for his spot that he would watch the stars from but tonight he couldn't hold in the endless pain. He covered his eyes as tears ran down them.

 

`It didn't go well…Why am I the only one who's a monster? What am I?' he wondered tears never stopping. It was Hinata's face that first flashed in his mind. Even my friend even she has one's who love her.' He thought thinking of her smiling so brightly with her cousin.

 

`And Yashamaru is only ordered to take care of me…but at least he cares. He even said I was important to him.' He thought but still the tears came and Gaara wept under the moonlit night.

 

`A wound of the heart. The only thing that can heal it is love. Is that why the warmth Hinata gives me turns away the stabbing sadness…' he wondered.

 

“Hinata…Yashamaru…”he whimpered as he sniffed his tears endless. He clutched his heart the pain was so unbearable he needed to see Yashamaru to see Hinata to see anyone.

 

Suddenly he heard something hit his sand and turned. His anger flared as he looked on saw a masked nin with kunai that were suspended in the air prepared to fly towards him.

 

`Why?!' he thought angrily clenching his fists his hairless eyebrows furrowing down. `Why am I…Why am I the only one to have to go through all this?!' and this time Gaara fully turned standing to attack. The kunai flying at him only hit his sand and with a quick move Gaara's own sand encompassed the masked nin as he lifted him into the air and with a close of his fist Gaara crushed the ninja's insides. Blood shot towards the moon tainting the pure blue of the calm sky at night.

 

“Who are you? Why?” he asked shaking as he pulled his hands to his chest. He was afraid no one before had ever tried to hurt him. He never hurt anyone intentionally and couldn't understand who would do this. Were they finally deciding to hunt down the monster of Suna?

 

Gaara hesitantly walked towards the dying man and noticed the cut on his finger. Yashamaru had cut that same place earlier but it couldn't be him trying to attack him. His uncle cared about him he'd never do something like attack him when he was off guard. Ninjas often got injured there was a good chance it was coincidence. Gaara gulped and reached down but as he pulled away the mask his suspicions were affirmed. It was in fact Yashamaru lying there.

 

“You are strong as I expected Gaara-sama.” He said evenly blood dripping from his mouth and forehead.

 

Gaara clutched his heart desperately as his eyes widened. The pain was unbearable even worse than before. “Yashamaru…”he said his voice dripping with pain and he covered he his head letting out a cry of heart splitting agony into the night. He wept and cried into the ground as he leaned up his tears continuing.

 

“Why? Why Yashamaru why did you why why?!” he begged holding his head. Yashamaru said that he was important to him. “I thought that you were-”he stammered through his tears unable to finish as it hurt so much to even talk inside and out.

 

“It was an order. I was ordered to kill you by your father.”

 

“Father…father…did but why…why me…” he whimpered tears now dripping to the ground like rainfall.

 

“You were born with the Shukaku of the Sand and then observed like a guinea pig. But since you could not control the power of the living soul Shukaku you were deemed a danger to the village.”

 

“So, you were ordered to that's you did this.” He said believing that maybe his uncle still cared.

 

“No, I could have refused but I wanted to do it. Deep within my heart I always hated you because you killed my beloved sister. She never wished to have you and your birth killed her. She died cursing you and the village. That is why she called you Gaara a demon that loves only himself. You were not loved. Love yourself and fight only for yourself and by doing so you can continue to exist. You were not loved.” With those words he opened his vest that revealed many exploding tags.

 

“This is it. Please die.” He said fearlessly. A huge explosion occurred but Gaara was left without a scratch.

 

Everything Yashamaru had said had been a lie. Except for his talk of love…yes that and only that would heal this excruciating pain. Only himself to love no… there was another, another who he could trust and give love to…another who would give him the love he frantically longed for. He knew in his heart she would not betray him, Hinata…yes. The love I want and long for, she is the only other person who will give it to me. And myself.' He thought darkly at that he cried out loudly as pain surrounded his whole being inside and out. His forehead stung like a thousand bee stings as his sand began to carve the kanji for love into his forehead. He panted as the sand fell around him blood dripping from top left hand side of his forehead. Love was there. Yes he would only love himself and Hinata.

 

`That is what Gaara is me. I only have one person that I love. One person to fight for. With everyone else I'm alone. Yes I am alone.' With that Gaara headed home solemnly going into his room. He laid on his made bed that was barely used and went to sleep for the first time in his life.

 

Mic Mic: Look everyone…I worked really hard on this chapter and I have about 56 hits, however only one of you guys could take that little bit of time to hit the review button. This is very important to me so I can make my writing better and improve, I also want the make the story more to your own liking and I want to know why you enjoyed it. Please hit that review button. I delivered my part of a long chapter all I ask is that you deliver your input…

 

*passes out from exhaustion* Promised it would be long and I believe I have delivered I even edited the whole thing before work. Mind you it's a huge spoiler of Gaara's past but it has a few changes in there to shorten up that looong flashback that most of you have already seen and to include how it'd be different if he was friends Hinata at this point. By the way I am fully aware Gaara wasn't 9 when this happened well…he's nine now >.< I'm sorry but I just had to do it for storyline reasons they had to be a little more mature and then I also don't want to do a huge time skip

 

 

Also please point out if you find many grammer mistakes I know they are there no matter how much I proofread. Anyone that would help me and be my beta I would be very happy to have some help.

 

The GaaHina theater continued ^^ just my little author's note blurb

 

Kazekage Gaara: *weeps* That was such a time of pain…

Hinata: Aww there there Gaara. Try not to think on it.

Kazekage Gaara: But it's the ending…*slumps*

Real Gaara: Hinata doesn't even notice me expect when she shivered in fear when I

killed those rain nins…man I was fresh their blood falling like rain on their own weapons

Hinata: *shivers and clutches Kaze Gaara* 12 year old anime you is scaring me

Kazekage Gaara: Aww, just cuddle up to Big Daddy, here you want warm up in my

jacket. I don't need this gourd holder anyway

Real Gaara: What?! You mean you don't have to wrap it

Kazekage Gaara: I'm too busy trying to make babies to wrap up a gourd junior

Real Gaara: *fumes* Why you! *grabs Hinata and pulls her close* I think you'd prefer a younger man to this old geezer *caresses Hinata's cheek* I bet he doesn't even have a lot a stamina…well nothing compared to mine…I bet he even falls asleep after he does it and he's me,come on Hinata-chan I'll take you for a ride don't worry I'll be gentle

Kazekage Gaara: *sand avalanche looms over Real Gaara* Don't you eve-

Temari: Gaara we've been looking everywhere

Kankuro: That paperwork ain't gonna stamp itself you know

Kazekage Gaara: But- but I'm currently killing young anime me

Temari and Kankuro: We have to do it now *drag Kage Gaara*

Kazekage Gaara: Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Hinata: So…are you my husband too

Real Gaara: Yup don't worry, I'll thank me later

Hinata: *blushes shyly* Well…I-I suppose if your him-

Real Gaara: *smirks* Heh, this time I get the girl. *closes curtain as shadow is of Gaara on Hinata* Review please