Fading Scars

This is an Alternate Universe fic set perhaps a day or two after Orochimaru’s retreat from Konoha. A lot of liberties were taken from that point on in terms of time-line. This is also a very angsty and sexually graphic fic--just the way we like it!

This was written as a one-on-one RP, so the point of view of the story will change, usually with every paragraph. Scenes will also change abruptly and large periods of time will pass with little notice, though I’ll try to give some warning at the beginning of the chapter.

***Warnings for some graphic material***

Thoughts in Italics

Please read and enjoy!

Fading Scars
Chapter Twenty Nine:

Hinata hesitated outside the closed door, hands curling around the box in her arms. It had taken her a lot of courage to enter the apartment building, finally reminding herself that her task would be appreciated and not rejected. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath.

It's just Gaara-kun, and he just came back from that mission. And with Naruto-kun gone, he'll be all alone. Hinata faced the door again with renewed courage. It's what Naruto-kun would do. She lifted a hand and finally knocked on the wood.

Gaara frowned slightly as he faced the door. Naruto and Lee are both out on missions. Is it…Guy-sensei? He pushed away from the table where his ramen was cooling. "Who is it?"

"Oh, um...." Hinata licked her lips. "It's Hinata." She shifted faintly, wondering if he would turn her away. "I heard you were back from your mission, Gaara-kun."

Hinata? Though hesitant Gaara moved to the door, opening it just enough so they could see each other. "I am. What is it?"

Blushing, she raised the decorated box. "I thought, since the others were out, that you might like some dinner...?" Her shoulders hunched faintly. "I know I should have asked first, but...it's homemade."

Gaara blinked at her, honestly baffled. "You made me dinner?" He frowned, oddly disappointed that he had already prepared himself something. "I made ramen."

"Oh, um...." She slowly pulled the box back. "Well, I guess...." Hinata blushed darkly. "I'm sorry. I really should have asked you first...."

Gaara shifted uncomfortably. Why did she make me dinner? "You can have it," he blurted out, still frowning seriously as he tried to understand the situation. "If...you want to trade dinners. If you...made it for me."

Hinata straightened, brightening. "Are you sure? I wouldn't want to bother you, and it's really not much, but...." Feeling strangely hopeful, she raised the box again.

This time Gaara accepted it, opening the door wider. "It's still cooling," he said as he stepped aside to let her in. "But I...have some soda."

Hinata ducked her head again, though she was still watching him. I guess...he's inviting me to eat with him? "I wouldn't want to interrupt your dinner, Gaara-kun, but if you don't mind my company...." She bowed slightly. "I would appreciate it."

Oh, did I just invite her? Okay.... Though he was still very much confused Gaara nodded. "If you want." Though maybe she doesn't really want to…? "Come in."

Smiling, Hinata did so, unable to help glancing around the small apartment. She was surprised by how clean it was, especially compared to the rest of their peers. I wouldn't have suspected it, but...it's somehow suiting. She faced him again. "I hope your mission went well, Gaara-kun."

"It was fine." Gaara closed the door behind her. When Naruto would have us over, he'd…. "I have...lots of grape soda," he offered as he moved to the fridge. "Do you want any?"

"Yes, please." She spotted the bowl of ramen on the table--a much larger bowl than she would be able to eat, and again she felt a bit guilty. Hinata accepted the drink and stepped hesitantly towards the table. "I hope you like it," he said, nodding at the boxed dinner. "I wasn't sure what kind of food you liked, so I hope it tastes all right."

Gaara brought them each a soda and took a seat. Naruto's only ever brought me dinner before…or Lee…. He lifted the box, and was a little surprised to see a neatly prepared meal of rice, unari, bite-sized octopus…. He stared up at Hinata with a bit of wonder. "You made all this?"

She nodded. "I know it's not much, but...I hope you like it." Hinata politely sat and took up some chopsticks to get a bite of ramen. It's been a while since I've had something this simple. It's good.

Gaara frowned down at the rice. It looks so nice--it's almost a shame to eat. But he was afraid Hinata would be upset if he didn't eat it, so he quickly popped a piece of cucumber into his mouth. "I haven't had a dinner like this in a long time."

Hinata smiled, pleased. "Then I'm glad I did it," she replied, watching happily as he ate. Only Naruto-kun, Lee-kun, and Shikamaru-kun really know him--he's so quiet with everyone else. I'm glad, for this chance. She continued her own meal. "It's been a while since I've had ramen, too. I think I missed it a little."

"Really?" Gaara gulped down the rice eagerly, enjoying the combination of it with the fresh vegetables. "I thought everyone ate ramen all the time."

Hinata quickly finished her small mouthful before replying. "My Father likes to have large meals for dinner, so we always have large courses with lots of different foods." Smiling faintly, she stirred her soup, watching the noodles float in circles. "I would like to have ramen, though, even once in a while."

Gaara glanced at her briefly. "Naruto and I eat it all the time," he told her. After a moment's hesitation he added, "You should eat with us."

Gaara-kun.... "I...would like that," she replied softly. "Thank you."

Why am I doing this? Gaara continued to eat, forgetting conversation a moment as he considered his own thoughts. Eating like this…why would she come here? She's Naruto's friend. He glanced up at Hinata carefully. "Why...did you come over?"

Blinking, Hinata paused in her eating. "Well, I knew you had just gotten back, and that the others were all gone. I thought...someone should welcome you back, right?" Was I wrong, though? Maybe...he really doesn't want me here....

"But why?" Gaara paused for another bite--it really was very good. "It's not like anyone else really cares what I do here." Even if I can do their hardest missions faster and easier than anyone. They're just using me. His eyes thinned. Naruto and the others are the only ones who really care.

Hinata sat back. I guess...he really doesn't want me here. "I suppose...I just thought you might like some company. I know I'm not the same as your comrades, but...." She lowered her head. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude if you wanted to be alone...."

"It's not that," Gaara said quickly, glancing away. He wasn't very good at these sorts of things--just talking to people he didn't really know well. "I just don't understand why you care, when no one else does."

"Oh." Hinata straightened, composing herself again. "Well, it's not that they don't care, Gaara-kun, I guess...no one really knows you." I hope I don't upset him. "You are very quiet. But when I do get to see Naruto-kun, he tells me about how good you all work together. How strong you've become…." It's amazing, especially now that I know…just how far he has come. "You are Naruto-kun's friend, and…in a way…we are peers, right?"

Peers? Gaara shrugged stiffly. "It's not because I'm quiet," he muttered. "It's because they're scared of me." He lifted his eyes to her. "Aren't you?"

Hinata shook her head. "I know you are strong, Gaara-kun, and...." Should I say this? I want to be honest with him.... She shifted, considering. "Well, Naruto-kun told me how you two both have powerful spirits in you, but that you've learned to control them." She tried a smile, hoping she wasn't upsetting him. "I never feared Naruto-kun, so...I am not scared of you."

Gaara felt his insides almost twitch with that remark; he lowered his head uncertainly. That's right. She's Naruto's friend. And we're the same, so.... He kept his eyes downcast as he continued to eat. She's not afraid of me. "Oh. Okay."

"Gaara-kun...." She lowered her head. Why do I keep upsetting him? Was I wrong again? Hinata wasn't sure what to do--she couldn't read Gaara's face at all. Dropping her eyes, she started on the bowl of ramen again. "Um...is the dinner okay?" she asked quietly.

"It's really good." Gaara gulped down another mouthful of rice and washed it down with his soda. "Do you like the ramen?"

Hinata nodded quickly. "It's very good. Did you make it yourself, Gaara-kun?" This is safer.

"It's just instant ramen," Gaara replied with a slight shrug. "I just heat it up." So I don't have to eat outside when the others aren't here. He frowned again. Lee always says to be nice to girls.... "Yours is a lot better."

"Well, I think this is just fine." She smiled. "And thank you, for letting me stay. It's nice to have dinner with...a friend." If...he'll let me.

Gaara paused. "A friend," he echoed. He remembered a time when even the mention of that word would make him cringe, but now…. His shoulders crept up a little as he managed a shaky smile. "Thanks."

Hinata tilted her head. "Is that all right?" she asked, just wanting to be sure. "Would you mind...having me as a friend?"

"No...." Gaara swallowed back his grin self-consciously. "No, I don't mind. We can be friends."

Hinata beamed before turning back to her meal. "I'm glad." He is...really cute when he smiles. "If you like, I could bring you dinner once in a while. I don't get to cook too much, and it's always better to cook for someone."

"Really?" Gaara munched happily on his last octopus. "Does that mean I can…make you dinner, too?" he asked hopefully. The thought made his cheeks redden mysteriously. "It's just ramen, but…."

Hinata covered her mouth as she giggled. "I'd like that, Gaara-kun." Blushing as well, she quickly continued her dinner, determined to finish the bowl even if it was more than she was used to.

Gaara's shoulders inched up. Girls sound cute when they giggle like that.... He gulped down the rest of his soda. "Okay. Let's...do this again."

She nodded, then sat back with a sigh, defeated. "Though, you might have to help me with this ramen. I'm afraid my stomach isn't big enough for your wonderful cooking."

Gaara frowned. Wonderful cooking? "Lee did say girls don't eat as much," he murmured, leaning his elbows on the table. "Something about figures...?"

Hinata immediately felt her face burn, and she ducked shyly. "Well...sorta...." She squirmed beneath his focused gaze. He really is...kinda handsome....

"Yeah?" Gaara tilted his head curiously. "I guess girls are smaller anyway, so it makes sense." He paused. "No offense."

"It's okay," Hinata giggled. "I guess we are a little smaller." She offered the bowl. "Would you like the rest? It's really good, but I'm already too full."

"Oh, sure." Gaara accepted the bowl, eating quickly so that Hinata wouldn't have to wait. It's really strange, eating with a girl…. "I'll make a smaller bowl next time."

She leaned forward, hands curled in her lap as she watched Gaara finish. "Thank you." Hinata sighed quietly, feeling...strangely relaxed with the warm meal settling in her stomach.

Gaara finished, licking his lips as he pushed the bowl aside. He leaned back with a sigh. Now what…? He watched Hinata as he tried to think of something to say. It's usually Naruto and Lee that start talking about something.... "Um...thanks for coming over."

"Oh, it's fine," she replied. "I'm glad you liked it." Hinata's fingers curled, and after a moment she pushed to her feet. "I don't want to bother you, Gaara-kun, if you're busy, but if you're not...." I hope.... "would you like to...do something?"

Gaara straightened. "Do something?" he echoed, unsure why he suddenly felt so hopeful. "I'm not busy...."

Relieved, Hinata thought quickly of something they could do. "Want to go for a walk?" she suggested. "I've been inside the last few days. We can get out of the village for a while?" she added, seeing a bit of worry flash across the boy's face.

"That'd be fine." Gaara stood, not really sure how or why this was happening, but...he kind of liked it. It really was better than being alone in the evening. "If...you want."

Hinata nodded, leading the way out the door as they left. "Thank you for this," she said as they made their way down the street. "It gets pretty quiet, sometimes, you know?"

"Yes, I know." Gaara kept his head up, as Naruto had taught him, as they passed the different groups of people on the street. The few murmurs that reached him he ignored. "Naruto tells me your family is kind of strict."

"Yes, they...." Her fingers curled. "I...do not want to trouble you with my worries," she murmured. "But yes, they are strict, especially about training and tradition. That is partly why I don't get to cook as much as I'd like."

"That's too bad." Though not being able to cook didn't seem like a terrible concern, Gaara didn't like the thought of Hinata being upset by it. His eyes thinned. "Is your father...kind to you?"

Hinata lowered her head. "I...." She bit her lip, trying to decide how best to explain her situation without speaking ill of her clan. "We do not see things the same way," she finally murmured. "Father and I. It makes things...tense."

"I see." Gaara didn't like the sound of that, and his hands tensed at his sides. "You shouldn't let him be unkind to you," he said in a low tone.

Hinata glanced at him. "Gaara-kun...." Naruto-kun did say...it was his father that did that to him--put that monster in him.... She reached out, lightly touching his arm in comfort. "I think you're right," she murmured. "I know he is doing what he thinks is right, but...."

Gaara flinched a little when she touched him. Despite all his time in the village there were still very few who would dare to come near him, and to think that Hinata could so easily touch him sent a tiny quiver of pain into the back of his skull. That uncertainty he'd never been able to completely erase…. "If you think he's wrong, don't do it," he said quietly. "No one...should control you that way."

She shook her head, slowly pulling her hand back. "I'm not strong enough to...do that," she replied. "All I can do is...work harder, and wait." Until I am officially named heir, until I have the chance to...make things better.

Gaara's frown deepened, but he didn't want to upset her by pushing the issue. By now they were outside the village and he could relax a little, at least. "Then you should at least take care of yourself," he offered instead. "Until you're ready."

Hinata smiled faintly, wondering if Gaara was worried about her. "I will, Gaara-kun," she assured, relaxing as well now that they were alone. The sky was starting to turn orange in preparation for sunset as they idly wandered. "It's inspiring, being around you and Naruto-kun and the others--you've all gotten so strong. I...would like to be able to do the same."

"You don't want the kind of strength Naruto and I have," Gaara replied softly. The power of demons waiting in us…. "You should try to be more like Lee."

She glanced up, puzzled a moment. "You have all struggled," she murmured. "I admire your determination...." He...seems upset. Maybe I shouldn't say anything else.

"It's not that. Lee's strength is his own--he earned it. Naruto and I…." He lowered his gaze slightly. "We're strong because we have to be. It's what we were meant for."

Hinata nodded, subdued. "I understand," she murmured. "Excuse me. I only meant...." Trailing off, Hinata could only shrug helplessly. "I'm sorry. I guess...I don't really know now."

Maybe we don't really make good friends after all…. Gaara stopped walking, frowning down at the path they'd been following. "Sorry," he said. "I'm not really used to talking to people like this. You didn't say anything wrong."

"It's all right, Gaara-kun. I...have never been really good at things like this, either." Hinata blushed, fingers curling around themselves. "I have not...really had that many friends until recently." She smiled faintly in embarrassment. "I guess...I still need a lot of practice."

"Yeah. Maybe." Gaara lifted his head, and spied a wide branch just above them. "Do you want to sit in the tree?" he offered. He'd always felt more comfortable in high places, and he hoped it would help him relax a little.

Though surprised, Hinata nodded easily. "Sure." She hopped up after him. I hope I don't say anything else stupid--I'm not sure...he really likes me.... Distracted as she was, Hinata's foot slipped on a bit of moss, and with a gasp she started to spill backwards off the branch.

When Gaara saw her start to fall he lunged without thinking. He twisted an arm around her waist, and as he began to fall with her focused his chakra into his feet. They halted with a slight jerk: dangling upside down from the branch by Gaara's feet, Hinata clasped tightly to him to keep her from falling. He blinked in surprise of his own instinctual reaction. "You okay?"

Hinata wrapped her arms around his neck without thinking, feet dangling behind her. He just.... "Uh, yes," she breathed. She held still, not wanting to disturb his concentration and cause them both to fall. "I'm all right...."

"Good." Gaara craned his neck back--the ground was still a long way down, but he wasn't sure if it was enough that they would be able to right themselves before hitting. "Um, how do you think we should get down...?"

"Well...." Hinata glanced for herself, then looked up at the branch they were on. "Do you think you can get us closer to the trunk?" she asked. "I should be able to walk up then, and…pull you up...?"

"Oh, right." Gaara licked his lips as he turned on the branch, being careful of his feet. When he started to move he felt Hinata's weight shift, and it startled him into pausing. "You should bring your legs in," he suggested.

"Um...." Hinata closed her eyes. This is so embarrassing.... "Okay...." Blushing until her skin felt slightly burnt, she pulled her legs up and lightly wrapped them around Gaara's waist. The move caused her to slip just a bit until his head was nearly even with her chest, and she tightened her holds to keep from falling further. "Sorry," she murmured helplessly.

Gaara's breath caught, momentarily distracted by Hinata's body scraping against his. He gulped and forced himself to move towards the trunk, even though he couldn't see with Hinata so close. "Am I going the right way?"

Turning her head, she could just see the tree over her shoulder. "Yes--just a bit more." When they were at last close enough, Hinata called her own chakra and pulled her legs free again. Arching her back, she managed to get a firm hold, and she slowly let Gaara go. "All right--I'm on."

Gaara sighed in relief as he let Hinata go. His face was burning as he turned, crouching so he could grab the branch and begin pulling himself up. "Are you all right?"

Hinata was able to walk up the trunk and hop back onto their original branch, taking care to keep from falling again. "Yes, I'm fine." Reaching down, she took Gaara's hand to help pull him up. "Thank you, Gaara-kun."

"You're welcome." Gaara seated himself, glad for the break--having just returned from a mission his chakra had already been somewhat spent before his rescue attempt. "You're pretty light."

Giggling softly, Hinata sat as well, letting her feet dangle over the edge of the branch. "Then, I guess it was a good thing I didn't finish all that ramen. You might not have been able to hold me."

Gaara smiled faintly at that. "Maybe." He did feel better up off the ground, with the dull wind blowing around them... He took in a deep breath. "It's nice tonight."

She nodded. "Yes. It is." Hinata glanced at him, still smiling faintly. "You like it outside, don't you, Gaara-kun? You seem much more relaxed."

"I guess I'm used to it," Gaara admitted, his legs swinging subtly. "I used to spend nights outside, on the roof, so I could see everything." His eyes thinned, but he didn't want to upset Hinata again. "It's familiar to me."

Hinata nodded. "I remember Neji-kun would do that a lot," she replied. "He tried to take me one night, but I was too scared." She shifted a bit closer to Gaara as the wind picked up and the branches swung faintly.

"Scared?" Gaara glanced at her curiously, drawing his hand unconsciously back--so that she could move closer without hitting it, if she wanted. "Of the roof?"

"Yes. Or really, of falling off." She smiled at her companion, chuckling softly. "I was a big scaredy-cat, for a long time," she admitted, kicking her feet childishly. "In some ways, I guess I still am. But I'm not afraid of heights anymore. What an awful ninja I would be then!"

Gaara smiled. "You might have managed," he assured. "If Lee can be a ninja without any genjutsu, I'm sure you could be a...non heights ninja."

Hinata laughed softly. He really is cute when he smiles. "Wouldn't that have been funny to see." She shifted a bit closer, pleased by how easy things suddenly felt between them. "Though I couldn't come up here to watch the sunset with you, if that were the case."

"Oh…." Gaara's cheeks colored a little as he turned his gaze away. "Well, then maybe it's good you're not scared of heights anymore." Because this is…kind of nice.

"Yes...I think so too." Hinata looked away as well, watching a few pink clouds drifting through the darkening sky. He really is sweet--I guess we're just both really shy. She took a deep breath. I guess...I'll have to be the one to say something? Licking her lips, fingers curling in her lap, she glanced at Gaara again. "Maybe...we could do this again, too? Like...have dinner too, but maybe...walk together again?"

"Okay," Gaara answered easily. His smile deepened a little. "I'd like that." Maybe I'd really have another friend? It'd be nice, when the others are gone…and I don't have any other girl friends.

Hinata beamed, ducking her head, pleased. "Yes. So would I." Turning back to the sky, she wondered why her heart was fluttering the way it was.

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