Fading Scars

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 Thirty-One:

As they'd agreed, Gaara and Hinata shared dinner and company several times over the week while Naruto and Lee were gone. They wouldn't speak too much, or about anything particularly important, but Gaara was beginning to find that he enjoyed even her silent companionship. It was so unlike his usual friends, but he found it just as calming, and maybe...even a little exciting.

So when Gaara received a note from Hinata that afternoon saying she wouldn't be able to meet him, due to her father's wishes, he wasn't about to accept that easily. As soon as the sun was down he snuck out of the village, down the short path that led to the Hyuuga clan's compound. With the help of a smaller gourd he had become used to carrying with him he slipped undetected onto the grounds and spied about for Hinata's room. He found her at last in the east wing, seemingly asleep.

Gaara tugged the panel open an inch, allowing a clump of sand to float inside and rub against her cheek. Wake up.

Hinata shifted, though she wasn't too deeply asleep and was able to quickly wake. She blinked at the bit of curling sand, eyes widening. "Gaara-kun?" Sitting up, she held her yukata closed as she glanced towards the screen doors. "Is that you, Gaara-kun?" she called in a whisper.

Gaara called the sand back, fitting it into his gourd. He slid the panel open another inch. "It's me," he whispered back. He waved for her to come closer.

Surprise, excitement, and worry warred within her as Hinata crawled with one hand over to the door, careful to be silent and still keep herself covered. She finally knelt beside the door, eyes wide but unable to keep a faint smile from her lips. "What are you doing here?"

"I didn't get to see you today," Gaara said, as if it were a completely natural explanation. "Come on--I want you to come to the roof with me."

Hinata quickly hushed him, though she was pulling the door open anyway. "Gaara-kun, you...." But she didn't know what else to say, was too pleased to see him to be able to protest. Glancing over her shoulder to be sure no one had come in behind her, she nodded and slipped outside with him. Too the roof.... "Okay," she whispered, suddenly excited. "You...might need to help me. I don't have my shoes...."

"I'll carry you," Gaara offered, and without waiting he swept Hinata up in his arms. "You're light, and it's faster." He stepped away from the building, a swift jump carrying them to the first floor overhang.

Hinata covered her mouth with one hand to keep from crying out in surprise, her other arm wrapping around Gaara's neck. She couldn't help giggling as he carried her, turning her face into his shoulder to keep her voice muffled. I can't believe he's carrying me.

Gaara carried them lightly up the building to the center tower, high above the compound. The roof itself was made of segmented tiles, difficult to sit on, so he took them to the very top, where a small square of flat ceramic was laid. Carefully he set Hinata down. "You okay?"

Blushing back to her ears, Hinata nodded, feeling breathless. "Yes--yes, I'm fine." She kept a hand on Gaara's shoulder, as the square was barely big enough for them both to stand. "Gaara-kun, I can't believe you're here! How did you sneak in?"

Gaara shrugged. "It was easy--I'm a jounin." He took her hand from his shoulder. "Go ahead and sit down. I'll make sure you don't fall."

Hinata nodded, holding his hand tightly as she sat, arranging her robes around her bare legs. She made sure there was enough room for him to join her. I can't believe...he came all the way here. Gaara-kun....

Gaara sat down beside her, though once he was settled he didn't yet release her hand. It's warm.... "You don't mind, do you?" he asked, stretching his legs out in front of him. "You said once you didn't get to do this before, so I thought...."

"Oh no! I don't mind." Hinata shifted closer--it was chilly, and she was grateful for Gaara's faint warmth. Her fingers curled around his faintly. "I'm...really glad." She ducked her head, blushing. "Really glad."

Gaara glanced at her with his own blush. It's always so strange, being with her.... He smiled faintly, though he wasn't sure why. I feel like my heart is really beating. "Me, too. I missed you, earlier…."

I feel like my face is sunburnt. "Me too," she murmured shyly. I don't know why, but...I like being with him. I like the way he holds my hand.

Gaara licked his lips. I wonder if this is what Lee told me about, he thought, his hands tightening. That little butterfly feeling. He turned his head slightly toward her, hoping he wasn't being too bold--her hair smelled like it had just been cleaned, and he liked it.

Gaara-kun.... Hinata shifted closer. "Gaara-kun?" She leaned slightly against his shoulder, watching him a bit hopefully. "Is it okay if I...?"

"Hm?" When Gaara realized that she was trying to move closer he let go of her hand, reaching to touch her back lightly. "You can come closer," he offered, "if you want."

Relieved, Hinata shifted up against his side. He seems so antsy sometimes, when I get too close, but.... Hoping she wasn't going too far, she rested her head against his shoulder. He really is warm.

Gaara stiffened a little but quickly forced himself to relax. It's Hinata. I trust her. With a deep breath he slid his hand around to her hip. She's warm. "I'm glad you're not still afraid of heights," he murmured with a smile.

She giggled softly. "Yes...me too." Hinata tugged at her robes, just making sure she was covered and finally settling her hands in her lap. "I'm...really glad you came, Gaara-kun, but I do want you to be careful. Sneaking in, I mean."

Gaara snorted softly. "I won't get caught," he replied easily. "No offense to your clan, but I'm too good for that." He couldn't help but indulge his pride sometimes. "Maybe I'll even come see you a lot."

Well, he did get in here.... She lifted her head a bit, just to better see him. "Maybe you could let me know before hand?" she asked lightly. "Then I could get dressed, and I wouldn't be out here in my night robes."

Gaara blushed; he actually liked the robes, as they were soft and parted slightly over her chest…. "Sorry." He tightened his hand slightly against her hip, fingertips scratching lightly. "Maybe next time."

The touch made her heart flutter a bit, and Hinata leaned against him again. "Next time," she echoed, content for now to just...sit quietly. Though Gaara never said much, she found the silence easy and comfortable.

I want.... Gaara took in a deep breath, enjoying the way it moved Hinata against him. He shivered a little. She feels good. I wonder if.... He tilted his head down, but with her curled so close all he could do was press a hesitant kiss to the top of her head.

Hinata's fingers curled. He just.... She licked her lips nervously, not sure what to do. Of course...she had thought about this, though only recently had those thoughts featured Gaara. But to really do something...Father would.... She leaned closer as she tried to decide what to do.

Gaara wasn't sure how Hinata was supposed to react, so when she didn't pull away he figured that was the best he could have been met with. She is shy, after all. But what should I do? He slid his hand a little higher up her side, tracing her ribs.

I guess...it's okay. Hinata took a deep breath, raising her head. I...do like him. His hand was making her stomach twist with excitement.

"Hinata...?" Gaara tilted his head, nuzzling her temple. He shivered. "Is this okay?" he asked in a whisper. "Can I...?"

She smiled faintly, nervously, but nodded. "It's okay. Just...." She ducked a little. "I've...never done this before...."

"Neither have I." Gaara reached up with his free hand, touching her neck. "So it's all right." He turned, dipping his head so that he could press his lips gingerly to hers.

Hinata held still, eyelids fluttering closed. It didn't last long, but she stayed close, feeling her lips tingle. After a moment, she raised her own hand to lightly touch Gaara's cheek, and she urged him down for another kiss.

Gaara shuddered; the gentle contact, as slight as it seemed, was already more than anything he'd had, and it made his chest ache. He gasped softly before kissing her again, moving his lips clumsily as he pulled her more tightly against him.

Reaching up, Hinata's fingers curled in his shirt, a bit surprised by Gaara's strength. But it...feels nice.... She tried to return his warm affections, though she was just as clumsy as he was. When they pulled back again she gasped, not realizing she'd been holding her breath.

Gaara chuckled breathlessly. "I never thought...." He grinned against Hinata's cheek, though the expression felt somewhat strained. She does like me. So why does it still hurt? His heart was pounding, nearly making him light-headed. He moved his thumb against Hinata's neck as he kissed her cheek.

Hinata nodded, holding him close. It is strange, but good. She sat back, just enough that they could see each other. "That was my...first kiss," she admitted, smiling shyly.

"Mine, too." Gaara took in a deep breath, touching a hand briefly over his chest--it still felt tight. "Does this make you my girlfriend?"

She blushed darkly. "I...I guess so," she replied. "If you really...want me as your girlfriend." But Father....

Hinata shook the thought aside. This was her choice, and she cared about Gaara. She wouldn't let her father decide this for her. Hinata brushed the backs of her fingers against Gaara's cheek, daring to kiss him herself. "Would you want to be my boyfriend...?"

"Yeah." Gaara smiled shakily, and drew her close again--suddenly convinced he couldn't get enough of her gentle taste. He moved his fingers lightly against Hinata's collar. Her skin was soft after her bath, and when her robe shifted slightly he dared trace lower.

Hinata shivered, and she gently urged his hand back up to her shoulder. Not...too much. Sighing, she continued to kiss him a few more moments before needing to pull back to breathe. "Gaara-kun...."

Gaara murmured softly as Hinata pulled away. I don't want to stop.... He gathered his breath, eyelids fluttering. "Hinata...?"

She touched his jaw in assurance. He's never done this either, so.... "Just...let's go slow," she murmured. "Okay?"

"This is slow...." Gaara shifted, a little embarrassed, and glanced away. "I mean, okay. Do you want to stop?"

"Well...." Blushing again, Hinata edged closer. "Maybe we could...kiss a little more?" Because it really is nice....

"Okay." Reassured, Gaara touched her chin to draw her into another kiss. All at once the heat returned to his chest and stomach; he moved his lips experimentally against hers.

Murmuring wordlessly, Hinata tried to return his hesitant affections, gradually getting used to the movements of his lips. It was making her stomach tighten again. Just a little while....

But I still want to.... Gaara continued to kiss her back, shivering with delight. But it wasn't long before he grew bold once more. Desperate for something deeper he drew his hand low once more, skating over the top of her breast. Soft....

Hinata shivered, and she again urged his hand higher again. Gaara-kun, that.... She pulled back, breath shallow. I know it feels good, but....

Gaara frowned slightly. I just want to touch them. "Sorry." He lowered his hand to his lap. "Should I not...?"

She nodded. "Just...not yet," she replied, ducking her head.

But I want to touch them now. Gaara leaned back a little, letting the night air cool his face and neck. "Okay." He took a deep breath. "It's late. Should I take you back down?"

Well, I didn't mean.... But it was getting late, and she needed to be up in the morning to train. "If you wouldn't mind," she answered, reaching up to smooth her hair. "It is getting late...."

"All right." Gaara pushed reluctantly to his feet and offered Hinata his hand. "I can carry you again, if that's okay."

"Thanks, Gaara-kun." Accepting his help, she smiled shyly as she slid her arms around his neck again.

Gaara felt his face heat--suddenly he was all too conscious of the subtle press of Hinata's breasts against his chest, and it was somewhat distracting. Remembering himself he drew Hinata up in his arms and started down the roof.

Hinata leaned against him, sighing quietly. He really is strong. "I'm going to be busy tomorrow," she said softly. "But the night after...want me to bring dinner…?"

"All right." Gaara hopped lightly to the ground, and hesitated only a moment before letting Hinata down. Naruto will be coming back soon, but…maybe it can still be just us. "I'll see you then."

Nodding, Hinata paused a moment before leaning close, touching his lips in a quick, soft kiss. "Good night, Gaara-kun."

Gaara smiled. "Goodnight, Hinata." He kissed her again and forced himself to take a step back. I'll see her again soon. Before he could be convinced to stay longer he quickly turned and darted away from the compound.

Hinata blushed, watching until Gaara was beyond her senses. Sighing quietly, she slipped back into her room. We'll have to be careful, though. If Father ever found out...he'd probably be furious. She crawled into bed and curled up on her side, smiling despite her sober thoughts. But he did feel good....

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