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-Two:

Gaara smiled faintly as he dangled his feet in the stream's cool water. When he wasn't someplace high up he preferred the feel of water moving over his skin, the way it kept him clean and silenced the tiny quiver at the back of his skull that still arose from time to time. And with Hinata next to him, it was even more pleasant. They had met often over the past two weeks, though not again on Hyuuga grounds for fear of being caught. Each time Gaara found himself more eager than the last. And though he had not yet been granted the chance to touch her breasts, it certainly was not from lack of trying. He was embarrassed but he couldn't help but be curious, despite--or maybe because of--Lee's stressed emphasis of how much care such matters deserved.

For now, though, seated on a log at the stream's edge, Gaara was content to sit quietly. He splashed his feet against the water idly. "Do you want to go swimming?"

Hinata blushed faintly. "It's a bit cold," she pointed out, dunking her toes. "But...if you want to. I might need a little more sun first, to warm up." She tipped her head skyward, eyes closed as she enjoyed the beams coming in between the branches.

"Oh, okay." Gaara stilled his feet--he didn't want to swim if Hinata wasn't. "Your father wasn't too mad, was he?" he asked suddenly. "About you coming over the other day."

She shook her head, fingers curling faintly in the grass. "Not really, though he wasn't pleased." Hinata sighed quietly. "He spends most of his time with my sister now, training. I...think he might be considering her as heir...instead of me...."

Gaara frowned. "Is that bad?" he asked, tossing a pebble into the stream. "It means you won't have to worry about the clan so much."

That's right...he doesn't know. Hinata lowered her head. "It means...if she becomes heir, then I will no longer be considered a part of the main family." Eyes still closed, she leaned forward to fold her hands in her lap. "I won't be allowed to train any further, to learn any new family jutsu. I will be expected to become my sister's protector and…her servant. And…." She trailed off. Neji-kun....

Gaara's frown deepened. "Is that what would have happened to your sister, if she wasn't the heir?" he asked softly. His fists tightened at his sides. "Would they have just thrown her aside, too?"

"Yes." Hinata looked out over the water, eyes narrowed. "One of us will be named the true heir, once she comes of age. The other...will be sealed." She couldn't help a faint shiver, remembering Neji's face when he returned from the ceremony, the tears that had still been drying on his face.

"That's...." Gaara felt a shudder pass through him, igniting some of the familiar pain in his chest. Thrown out like garbage. Kept like slaves…. "That's not right," he hissed, pressing a hand unconsciously over his heart. "It's not."

Hinata glanced at him, and she was distressed by the expression twisting his face. "Gaara-kun...." Shifting closer, she laid a hand over his. "It's all right. It's...one of the things I want to change, when I am strong enough to." Please, don't be upset....

Gaara shook his head. I don't like that. I can't accept that. "It's not right," he repeated hoarsely. He pulled Hinata closer so he could press his face against her hair. "It's not."

Sighing, Hinata accepted him close, leaning into him. I know. It's not--it's really not. "That's why...Neji-kun left," she murmured. "He wanted to...escape." I wish I could. But I won't--I want to fix it.

"No one will hurt you," Gaara said firmly. His voice hardened slightly as he continued to hold her close. I won't let anyone hurt her. She doesn't deserve to live through that. Not like me. "I won't let any of them lay a hand on you."

Gaara-kun.... Hinata reached up, brushing his cheek and neck, trying to help calm him. "I'll be all right," she murmured. "I want to end this...slavery." She smiled faintly. "But...thank you. I always feel stronger...being near you."

Gaara took a deep breath. Don't upset her. He kissed the top of her head. "Then I'll stay with you," he replied easily. I will protect her. This time….

She nodded. "Thank you." Hinata settled easily at his side, grateful for his support. "When we're a little calmer...let's swim," she suggested, hoping to help bring his spirits up.

"Okay." Gaara settled his arm around her shoulders, relaxing a little. He kissed her temple. "We don't have to, if you'd rather sit a while...."

"Mmm, it's all right," she assured, kicking her feet lightly in the water. "It's starting to get warm out. Let's just rest a bit longer." Hinata brushed at the arm around her, comforted, as she always was, by the gentle weight.

"Okay...." Gaara continued to move his lips against Hinata's temple, nibbling lightly. "However long you want."

She giggled softly at the affectionate touch, for a moment wondering just how many people knew this side of her friend. When the sun was bright and directly above them, she finally turned her head for light kiss. "Ready now?" she asked, smiling against him.

"All right." Gaara leaned back, removing his tunic top and shoes. Once he was stripped down to his pants he slid eagerly into the water. He gave a tiny gasp. "It's cold."

Hinata giggled, slipping out of her own shoes and extra layers. She left her thin shirt on, as well as her tight shorts, pulling the tie from her hair--it was nearly past her shoulders, now that she was letting it grow. Slipping in after, Hinata let out a little cry as she sunk up to her armpits. "Ooh, it's really cold!"

Gaara sank down to his neck, and though he shivered he stayed, forcing himself to get used to it. After a moment he took a breath and plunged under. When he resurfaced, he flashed Hinata a grin. "It's not so bad."

She laughed and splashed at him. "You're just a water sprite," she accused. "You get used to it too fast!" Hinata bounced a bit, trying to warm herself up before attempting to go under.

Gaara swam over to her, slipping around behind her. "But it's warm," he insisted. He wrapped his arms around her dry shoulders and pressed his cold nose against her neck.

"Aah, no!" Giggling and squirming, Hinata tried to pull away. "You're too cold," She caught his wrists and tried to tug them off, but Gaara was too strong for her thin fingers. After a while she had to give in, leaning against him. "Will you let me go under quick?" she asked, still laughing.

"Okay. Breathe deep." Gaara took an exaggerated breath of his own before tugging Hinata gradually with him under the surface of the water.

Closing her eyes tightly, Hinata remained still as she was pulled under. It was almost strangely intimate, floating there, trusting Gaara to bring them up before she ran out of air. Her fingers moved gently against his arms.

Gaara didn't stay under for long--he pulled them gently back up a moment later with a quiet gasp. He shook his head to get some of her hair out of his face. "Still cold?"

"Not as much," she assured, after another moment gently slipping out of his arms so she could turn around, smiling. Making a fist just above the surface, Hinata squeezed and sent a squirt of water at him.

Gaara blinked, and then with a smile of his own splashed her lightly back.

Hinata giggled and swam closer, leaning in for a soft kiss. It's warmer when he's nearer. "You really like the water, right?" she asked, head tilted.

"It's quiet," Gaara replied, sliding his arms around her waist. He kissed her cheek and caught a taste of her wet hair that was pressed against her face.

"I never really thought of it that way," she admitted, setting her own arms over his shoulders. "But I think you're right." Tilting her head back, she tried to shake her wet hair away; she giggled when a bit fell over her nose.

Gaara reached up, tracing the line of her face to get the hair away from her. It left her clear for a kiss, which he took happily. "It helps me sleep," he added.

She blinked. "Sleep?" Hinata drifted closer, grateful for his warmth in the chilly water. "What do you mean?"

"Oh." It wasn't until then that Gaara realized he'd never told Hinata about his sleeping habits. He hesitated a moment before admitting it. "I have to sleep in the water--in my bathtub."

"In your…." Hinata watched him a moment, puzzled and not knowing how to respond...until she caught brief sight of his gourd on the bank. "Is it...because of the sand?" she asked cautiously, not sure if it was an appropriate topic.

Gaara nodded--he didn't mind explaining it anymore. "Naruto helped me when I first came here. When I'm asleep the demon in me tries to get out--if I'm wet, the sand can't form around me."

Nodding her understanding, Hinata lightly ran her fingers along his temple, brushing his hair back. "That makes sense," she murmured. "So, have you never slept out of the water?"

"No…." Gaara tugged her a little closer, turning his face against her fingers. "A few times I've slept out of the tub, but then I have to soak the sheets." He frowned slightly. "That gets cold."

Smiling faintly, she leaned close for a soft kiss. I like learning more about him. I'll have to remember this, too. "You're not going to fall asleep now, are you?" she asked lightly.

"Of course not." Gaara rubbed at her back, up between her shoulders again. "Will you kiss me again?"

Instead of replying, Hinata slid up for another kiss, enjoying the way Gaara's arms tightened and held her close. She continued to run her fingers along his hairline as her eyes closed. "How's this?" she whispered between them.

"Mmm…." Gaara shifted his hands slightly, so that when he stroked her back his thumbs rubbed against her ribs. I still want to touch them. But he didn't want Hinata to have to push him away just yet, so he only kissed her back, simply.

Hinata relaxed into the familiar affections, content to stay there forever. Gaara was always so gentle.... And he's being slow this time. When they pulled apart for a moment to breathe, Hinata found her stomach was fluttering in excitement. "Gaara-kun...."

Gaara watched her with wide eyes, tracing her figure with his gaze--the way the water made her clothing cling to her body kept him from wanting to look away. "You're beautiful," he whispered against her cheek.

Hinata flushed, embarrassed with the attention but pleased. She never would have expected Gaara to be so sweet.... "Thanks," she murmured. "No one's...every really said that to me."

"They should know better." Gaara kissed her cheek, making his way to her neck--he wanted to hear all those tiny sounds of hers that only he had ever caused. His hands tightened against her shoulder blades in restraint.

Letting her head fall onto her shoulder, Hinata sighed quietly, slowly pulling herself closer. He feels so good.... He always does. She murmured softly as he kissed the joint of her shoulder.

Yes--like that. Gaara felt a familiar heat settle into his stomach, and he couldn't help himself; his hands were creeping forward toward her breasts, though he expected to be pushed away again.

Hinata noted the movement, but this time...she didn't stop him, waiting with held breath. With things about to change at home...I don't know how many of these chances we'll have. Gaara-kun I...I do care about you.

Gaara was so surprised that he didn't feel Hinata's hands by then that he paused, turning his head to watch where his own were. She's letting me? Shivering excitedly he slid his hands forward to curl gently over Hinata's breasts. He licked his lips. They're so soft....

Hinata shivered, but she held still, waiting to see what Gaara would do. Her own fingers moved unconsciously over the back of his neck.

Gaara's expression was focused and awed as he watched his own actions. Taking full advantage of Hinata's unsaid permission he traced the curve of each breast with his fingertips, drew his hands up to her collar and back down to squeeze them gently. I like them. He continued his explorations as he finally returned to kissing the side of her neck.

Left trembling from all of his experimenting touches, Hinata couldn't help squirming faintly. "Tickles," she murmured, shoulders hunching.

"Soft," Gaara murmured thoughtlessly. He pressed one hand against her back to keep her tight against him as the other continued to massage her chest. He met her lips in a proper kiss.

Gaara-kun-- She pawed as his back as his touch strengthened, her own arching faintly. God, that feels.... Hinata's voice rose between them, though she wasn't able to pull away.

Though thrilled with his victory--his body tight with arousal--Gaara quickly found he wanted more. "Can I...?" He lowered his hand to the lip of her shirt, his fingers twisting lightly at the hem. He licked his lips and tasted her. "Can I touch you?"

Hinata blinked, needing a moment to understand what he meant, flushing and breath quick. He...kind of already has, but.... She pulled her hands between them, drawing them over his bare chest as she tried to regain her senses. It's okay, isn't it? Just this.... "Okay," she whispered, shivering. "Okay...."

Gaara's breath whispered shallowly as he slid his hand beneath Hinata's shirt--his other hand quickly joined it, pushing up the stiffer material of her bra to finally reach her bare breasts. "Mmm…."

Hinata squirmed as the tight bra cut into her ribs, and she quickly caught Gaara's hands. "Wait--" She tried to urge him back.

Gaara blinked, regaining his senses a bit as he retrieved his hands--not without disappointment. "What is it?"

It hurts.... "Just...." Hinata stepped back a moment, taking a deep breath before crossing her arms and peeling her shirt off. She tossed it onto the bank, blushing darkly as she reached to undo the hooks on her bra.

Gaara straightened. I get to see, too? He glanced around quickly to make sure there was no one around, watching. He licked his lips. "Is this okay?"

She nodded. "Yes." Gathering her courage, Hinata finally removed the last bit of fabric, tossing it onto the shore with her shirt. Her arms quickly rose to cross over herself, embarrassed despite her choice, but she moved closer to Gaara all the same. "Just...careful, okay...?"

He gulped. "Are they that sensitive?" I wouldn't know…. He brushed his fingertips against the edge of her curves, all that he could reach with her arms crossed as they were. "I'll be gentle."

Nodding again, Hinata let her arms slowly relax, resting her hands on his shoulders. "They are pretty sensitive," she admitted quietly. "That's...how it is for girls."

Gaara nodded, and returned his hands to her flesh with renewed reverence. They seemed to fit perfectly in each palm, and he sighed quietly as he took a step closer. He brushed his thumbs lightly over her nipples. "Is this all right?"

Hinata gasped and jumped, fingers tightening around his shoulders. She giggled nervously. "Yeah...really sensitive," she murmured, squirming.

Gaara blinked. "Is it bad?" He couldn't help but be excited by her shivering; he continued his light caress. "You're shaking."

"It…kinda tickles," she replied, eyelids fluttering. But it's good.... Her skin was growing tight beneath Gaara's hands and the chill of the water. Hinata leaned in so their foreheads were touching. Feels...really good....

"Yeah?" Then I won't stop. Gaara kissed her eagerly, more anxious than before now that he had warm, supple flesh beneath his fingers. "I like it."

She chuckled softly. "Of course you do, silly." She started to say more, but was cut off by his quick lips, and she trailed off in a murmur. Gaara-kun, you.... Her breath was quickening with his touch, a faint warmth dispelling the chill of the water.

"Come closer," Gaara whispered between them. When she didn't move enough he wrapped his arms around her waist to draw her in, murmuring at the feel of her bare skin against his chest. "Hinata…."

Hinata wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, kissing him back eagerly. "Gaara-kun, you...." She grinned and rubbed their cheeks together. "Nice...."

Gaara hummed softly as he returned to kissing her neck. His hands were trembling a little as he traced a line down to her shoulder--he had to sink a little into the water to reach her. "Hinata...?"

"Hmm...?" She ran her own hands along the top of his spine, head tilting to allow him easier reach.

"Do you...." Gaara's shoulders crept up a little as he kissed the bone of her collar. Something quivered behind his ribs. "Do you love me...?"

Opening her eyes, Hinata held him a little closer. Love.... "I...." I've known him for years now--I care about him. I want to stay with him.... She lowered her head, pressing her face against his neck. "Yes," she whispered. "Yes...I do."

Gaara stopped as another tremor went through him; his arms abruptly tightened around Hinata's midsection. She really does love me. He gulped, and was startled by the splash of tears against his eyelids when they fluttered. He couldn't speak as he hugged her close.

Hinata returned his desperate embrace, shivering at the emotion she felt in his tight arms. "Gaara-kun?" She touched the back of his head. "Do you...love me?" she asked in a nervous whisper.

Gaara tried to speak, but his throat closed suddenly around the words. He could taste the salt seeping into the corners of his lips. I can't--I'm shaking. He nodded weakly against Hinata's chest. I do. I do!

She continued to hold him close. Oh Gaara-kun.... You've...never been loved, have you. Hinata gently stroked his back, hoping to calm him.

Gaara choked on a quiet sob. I don't want to cry. He pushed himself higher up Hinata's body, turning his face against her neck. "Sorry," he whispered, unable to stop from crying. "I'm sorry...."

"It's okay," she replied quickly, then gently urged him back to see him. "It's okay, Gaara-kun," she murmured, wiping away his tears and smiling faintly in encouragement. "It's okay to cry when you're happy."

Gaara hiccupped quietly, and nodded. When he managed to regain his voice, he murmured, "I love you." It made his chest ache, and hid his face in Hinata's hands as he smiled. "Can I marry you?"

Hinata laughed softly, leaning in to kiss him. "Maybe when we're old enough," she replied, kissing him again. He...really loves me....

"Old enough?" Gaara returned his arms to around her waist. "I'm not old enough now?"

Hinata shook her head. "We have to be sixteen," she explained. "One more year...." He really is serious. Her eyes widened faintly. "You...really want to get married...?"

"Why not?" Gaara frowned slightly with worry as he tilted his head to the side. "We should, if we love each other. Right?"

She leaned closer, resting their cheeks together. "Yes, but...Gaara-kun...." Her arms tightened. "My family.... If my sister is made heir, I…I won't be as free as I am. They can forbid us to...."

"No they can't," Gaara said instantly. His arms tightened possessively around her. "No, they can't do anything. Not to us."

"Gaara-kun...." She didn't want to argue with him, not now. And it might all be pointless anyway. If I am named heir...they won't be able to stop me. Hinata hugged him back, marveling at the feel of their bare flesh. "Okay," she whispered. "If we're together...."

"Good." Gaara closed his eyes as he held her, simply, for a few moments more. "The water's getting cold," he murmured. "Do you want to go back to the bank?"

She nodded. "Yes." She hadn't realized until then that she was shaking, and Hinata gladly accepted his help getting out of the water. Remembering her half naked state, she quickly covered her chest with an arm as she sought out her discarded clothing.

Gaara watched her dress with a bit of disappointment--if not for all their confessions he would have been able to touch her longer. But he tugged his shirt on as well, and tied the rest into a bundle. "You can come to my place until your clothes are dry," he offered hopefully.

Hinata smiled gratefully. "Thank you--I'd appreciate that." She followed his example of simply gathering up her remaining clothing before moving to his side. "We should sneak in, though--it'll be embarrassing for me to go like this." She indicated the shirt sticking tightly to her body.

Gaara looked, and he blushed. I got to touch them. He smiled boyishly. "Should I carry you again?"

Giggling, she looped her arm through his and tugged him along. "How about we stay like this," she suggested. "And when we get to town, we race for your window."

"Okay." Gaara followed easily, enjoying the closeness. "Can I ask you something?"

Hinata kissed his cheek shyly. "Of course."

"Why'd you let me?" Gaara kissed her temple, as if that would keep her from being mad. Because I tried a lot before, but…. "Is it a...time thing? A trust thing?"

"Well...." She blushed faintly. "I guess...a bit of both," she answered. Hinata stared down the path, finger tight around his arm. "There are...steps, I guess, when people are together. Kissing is one...touching another...." She looked up at him shyly. "And it's important to...not go too fast."

"Yeah?" Gaara frowned, wondering how girls knew stuff like that. Or was it just girls? "But Naruto and Shikamaru have sex," he blurted out.

Hinata felt her face burn. "Na…Naruto-kun and….Shikamaru-kun?" She ducked her head again, forgetting their conversation a moment in her surprise. "I...didn't know that...."

"I don't think I was supposed to tell," Gaara admitted, unconcerned. "Is it different because they're boys? They're the only ones I know that do it."

Hinata quickly pulled herself back, trying to think of the best way to explain. "Well...." She leaned a little closer. "It is different. Girls...have more to worry about with sex. And sex is different for boys and girls, too. It's...important for us."

"Yeah?" Gaara considered. Well, because men and women get married. Have kids. Guys can't do that. "I understand." He smiled slightly. "So let's get married. In a year."

She chuckled, relieved that he wasn't going to keep asking. "Okay," she replied, resting her head on his shoulder. "In a year...."

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