Finding Her Heart

Chapter 3



As they made their way thru the many halls Hinata had to admit the place was beautiful. She was amazed by all the colors from the tapestries on the walls to the furniture. She had expected it to be harsh and crude like its owner. She had to say she was surprised by the change in Gaara he seemed calmer maybe a bit more human. No! She thought, he is a cold blooded killer who cares for no one…like me. Naruto’s whining voice broke her out of her thoughts.

“So Temari when do we eat I am starving. You guys have ramen…please tell me you have ramen.”

“Baka shut up!” Sasuke yelled shoving Naruto into the wall. Hinata just sighed. Sasuke looked at her puzzled this was not like her at all. Normal she would have smacked Naruto on the head for his annoying whining.

“Sasuke…Naruto here are your rooms. Hinata you will be sleeping in the room next to Gaara. Dinner will be served in the main dining area at seven.” Temari informed them. Before going in his room he turned to Hinata who seemed to be lost in thought.

“Hinata are you okay?” Sasuke asked her softly cringing a bit inside. He knew he was one of the few Hinata would not punch for asking such question. Expecting a nasty reply his eyes widened .

“I am fine Sasuke.” her voice just a whisper as she continued down the hall to her room.

“Hinata this is your room you have your own private bathroom. These doors connect your room to Gaara’s in case he is in trouble.” Temari was looking at Hinata cautiously.

“Fine you can leave now.” Hinata said rudely giving the girl a shove out the door slamming it behind her.

Looking around her room she noticed it had a large balcony. Looking over the rail she realized she was above a courtyard that could only be described as an oasis with palm trees and a large fountain.

“Akamaru stay here.” She said as she gave his head a pat. Throwing open the doors that separated her room from Gaara’s she stormed into his room. She was already tired of being here in the hot desert. What the hell was Tsunade thinking sending her to play babysitter. Her eyes traveled around the room. It did not contain much furniture besides a large curtained bed and a few chairs and a large desk covered in papers and scrolls. The room was decorated in different shades of blue. She raised her eye brow at that. She would have thought the demon less Gaara would have the room colored in blood red. Getting to work she checked all of the closets and balcony to see possible places an assassin could hide. As she was looking under the bed she heard him enter the room.

“What the hell do you think you are doing in my room?” he bellowed. Next thing he knew a kunai flew past his arm and lodged into the wall behind him. In lightening sped he had her pinned against the wall his hand around her slim neck. “What is your problem…Are you crazy?” His face red with anger.

She just laughed. “Well at least you still have your reflexes. I figured maybe with your little demon gone you had become weak.” She taunted him.

“I am quickly loosing my patients with you woman..” His hand tightening. At this she just rolled her eyes.

“Hey Gaara are you ready…What the hell is going on here!” Kankuro stared at the scene before him in shock. Gaara dropped his hand from Hinata’s throat and stormed out of the room.

“What the hell…hey Gaara wait up!” Kankuro following after Gaara. With that she smiled and sat down on his bed flopping backwards she stared up at the silk canopy. The color reminded her of his piercing eyes. ‘Why the hell was she thinking of his eyes. Get a grip Hinata you don’t need these thoughts.’

Before she knew it she was being jerked from the bed by a very warm hand.

“We are going to be late for dinner if you keep sitting around on your ass Lady Hinata.” Gaara’s silky voice said. Hinata’s eyes went wide.

“W…what d…do you think your doing?” She stammered. Taking her hand he put it in the crook of his arm.

“What am I doing?.. Hmm…looks like I am escorting you to dinner.” He grinned as he watched her mouth open and close a lose for words. Walking her down the hall he glanced at her from the corner of his eye. She was quite stunning.

“You know just because I am letting you escort me to dinner. Doesn’t mean you can check me out. So just keep your damn eyes to yourself.” She warned him. At this he threw his head back letting out a loud laugh.

“As you wish Lady Hinata.”

‘Since when did Gaara get a sense of humor ?’Hinata thought to herself. As they neared the dining room they could hear Naruto’s loud mouth.

“Well, I see something’s never change.” He chuckled. Hinata couldn’t help herself and a small laugh left her lips. Realizing what she did she clamped her hand over her mouth. Gaara’s eyes widened at this. He found that soft laugh endearing and hoped that he would hear it again.

“No ramen what is wrong with you people…what does the sand village have against ramen.” Naruto whined.

“Dobe just sit down and shut up. Tomorrow we will be back in Konoha and you can have all the dam…”Sasuke voice trailed off as he saw Hinata holding onto Gaara’s arm.

“Don’t get your panties in a bunch Sasuke I am capable of acting civilized when I want to.” She smirked at him as she let go of Gaara‘s arm.. The look on Naruto’s face was priceless.

“Baka close your mouth before you catch flies!” Hinata smirked as she smacked him over the head.

“Tcha… That hurt Hinata!” Naruto groaned rubbing his head.

“Then quite acting like an idiot.” Giving him the evil eye. Naruto shut up and looked at the table.

The rest of the meal was rather uneventful considering all the looks everyone was giving Hinata. After their meals were done. Hinata looked around the table at the sand siblings.

“So I must ask…who do you think is behind these assassination attempts?” Hinata asked her eyes studying Gaara.

“No one is sure. The attempts have been random and no one seems to be holding a grudge against the Kazekage.” Kankuro stated.

“I have a hard time believing that .”Hinata snorted. Gaara leaned across the table his eyes angry.

“Why is that…Lady Hinata.” His voice dripping sarcasm. Starring right back at him she smiled.

“Someone with your bloody background is bound to have pissed off a few people.”

“You would know all about pissing people off now wouldn’t you Lady Hinata.” The air in the room becoming thick with tension.

“Sasuke…Naruto I bet you both are tired from your long journey.” Temari said trying to change the subject.

“Yes, your right and after the treaty renewal papers are signed tomorrow we will have the long journey back home.” Sasuke replied poking Naruto in the arm. “Come on Dobe let’s head upstairs. Hinata will you join us for a bit?” Standing up Gaara leaned over and whispered in her ear.

“Don’t think this conversation is over Lady Hinata .”

Hinata just glared back. “Oh don’t you worry I will be finishing it.” With that she left the room following Sasuke and Naruto. When they had reached their room Sasuke turned on Hinata. “Are you crazy picking fights with Gaara!” He yelled not caring if he pissed her off. Hinata just smiled and patted him on the shoulder.

“Sasuke don’t worry I am a big girl now. I can handle little demon boy.” Naruto went to say something but thought better and walked into the room leaving Sasuke with Hinata.

“Hinata please try and not anger Gaara. You might not think so but there are still people who care about you.” Grabbing her into a hug he sighed. As always she just stood stiff never returning it or showing any emotion. When her teammates died it seemed her heart had too. No matter what he did Sasuke had never been able to fix her broken heart. Letting her go he said goodnight and left her standing in the hallway. Turning from his door she slowly walked to her room.

“Dammit! I wish he wouldn’t do that … I don’t need his compassion or sympathy. I don’t need anyone!” Hinata thought her hand going to her chest when she felt that familiar pain. Before going to bed she feed Akamaru and questioned the two guards posted outside the Kazekage room. Doing one last sweep of Gaara’s room she crawled into bed Akamaru snuggling with her like he did every night. As always her dreams were haunted by visions of blood.