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-Four:


Gaara rubbed faintly at his temple as he waited for the tub to fill. Even after all this time he could feel the demon in him twist angrily whenever he started the bathwater--it cried in him, damning him for the imprisonment. But a few deep breaths would always keep the creature at bay, and soon enough he was soaking in the warm water, settling himself against the sealed pillow at its end.

Hinata was out of breath by the time she reached the narrow ledge outside Gaara's window, and she leaned against the wall a moment, gasping. Gaara-kun.... She finally managed to tug the pane open, but as she tried to slip in fumbled and fell. She landed on a small pile of cushions. "Ga...." Damnit, get up. Just...just find him! Sitting up, she forced herself to her feet, looking around the empty room. "Gaara-kun...?"

Gaara jerked upright at the sound of an intrusion; his gourd, tucked under the sink as always, spilled sand into the doorway as a barrier. "Who's there?" he called sharply.

Hinata jumped at the sudden movement, moving forward to the blocked door and pressing against it. "Gaara-kun," she tried to call, but her voice wouldn't rise higher than a whisper. She hit her fist against it weakly, chin trembling. No--let me in, please!

Hinata? Gaara banished the sand instantly, though returned a bit to keep Hinata from falling over when the blockage abruptly vanished. He started to get out of the tub but stopped when he remembered he was naked. "Hinata?" She's crying. His eyes narrowed. "Who hurt you?"

Wiping at her face, she shook her head and fought to push past the barrier. "Gaara-kun--please...." Hinata finally made it through and dropped to her knees beside the tub.

"What is it?" Gaara touched her face, drawing her closer. "Who hurt you?" he asked again. He tried to wipe her tears away but his fingers were still wet and only made it look worse.

"I'm--" She caught his shoulders, holding him tightly. "I'm all right," she half sobbed. "Just...please, let me stay. Please?" A sob stuck suddenly in her throat, and Hinata covered her mouth to try and stop another.

"Stay...?" Gaara frowned, struggling for the right answer. "You...can stay," he said carefully, his chest aching. "Should I get out...?"

Hinata shook her head, trying to get her tears under control. "H…hold me," she finally gasped out. Please--everything will be better, if I'm with you.

Gaara shuddered--he wasn't sure what to do, and it was drawing panic into him. "Come here--" He wrapped his arms suddenly around Hinata, drawing her into the bath with him. The water would help somehow, he was sure of it.

Hinata fell in with a splash, wrapping her arms around Gaara's neck. Thank you, Gaara-kun.... The heat was forcing her to relax, and after a few minutes stopped crying. She lay against Gaara, holding him tight. "I'm sorry," she murmured.

Gaara held her tightly, his insides twisting with worry. "Are you all right?" he asked, smoothing her hair from her face. "Why are you crying? Who hurt you?"

"I...." Hinata pushed herself up enough to see him. "They're not letting me go on missions anymore," she whispered. "I won't...be allowed to leave without permission. Father said...." Her voice caught again, and she leaned against his shoulder.

"What?" Gaara's hands tightened, and he quickly forced them to relax so he wouldn't hurt her. "Why?" he demanded as evenly as he could manage. "Because of being the heir...?"

She shook her head. "No. Because...Father doesn't think I'll be suitable. They're probably...going to name my sister."

Gaara's expression twisted. Damn them…. He tightened his arms once more, pressing Hinata's head to his chest protectively. "No one...is going to hurt you," he murmured. "You're with me."

"Yes...." Hinata gladly fell against him, grateful for his strength. I wish I didn't have to go back--I wish I could just stay here!

After several minutes she was finally able to relax, enjoying the warmth of the water. Hinata lifted her head to meet his gaze, and she smiled very faintly. "Thank you, Gaara-kun," she whispered. "I feel much better...."

"Good." Because Gaara wasn't sure what else he would have done to comfort her, otherwise. He kissed her briefly. "I got you all wet," he apologized. "Do you want to get out?"

Remembering what he had told her before, Hinata slowly shook her head. "Let's stay," she murmured, lightly touching his face. "If…it's okay? I'd like to stay with you...."

"Stay?" Gaara blushed a little, surprised, by her offer. "You want to sleep here with me?"

Hinata nodded, leaning in for a light kiss. "Is that okay? If I sleep here...."

"If you can…." Gaara's chest swelled with relief and excitement--Hinata was really going to stay with him. "You should...lie on your back," he suggested. "If you move too much and you slipped underwater, it'd be dangerous."

Nodding again, Hinata carefully rolled onto her back, head resting against his shoulder. "I trust you." She tilted her chin to kiss his cheek. It's strange, but...I'll get used to it, for him.

"Hinata…." Gaara wrapped his arms around her middle, being sure to support her. She really wants to spend the night with me, like this. He sighed. "I'm naked. Sorry..."

She laughed, wiping the last of the tears from her eyes. "It's okay--I didn't notice." Though, if anyone saw or knew…but they won't. Hinata sighed.

"Okay." Gaara made sure they were both reasonably situated before relaxing, giving her a brief squeeze. "Good night, Hinata. I'll take care of you."

"Thank you, Gaara-kun." Hinata closed her eyes. She wasn't sure how well she would sleep in the water--it was certainly strange, feeling like she was floating--but having Gaara's soft breath against her was enough of a comfort to eventually lull her into slumber.

----------------------------------------------

Gaara slept deeply with Hinata against him; the water still felt warm when he awoke to sunlight through the window. Hinata…you did stay. He moved his hand lightly against her stomach, relieved.

"Ah..." Gaara frowned sharply when he shifted, and felt Hinata's body rub against his--blushing, he realized he'd awoken aroused. I must have been dreaming.... His arms tightened slightly around her. Not my fault.

Hinata had slept lightly through the night, not quite comfortable enough in the water to reach anything deeper. She stretched faintly when she felt Gaara's arms move, sighing quietly. How weird...waking up like this....

Gaara's breath caught until she'd settled. She feels good. Though he knew it was wrong of him he shifted his arms and squeezed again, so that his forearms pressed up against the curve of her breasts.

She smiled faintly, finally pulled out of sleep. When she shifted again, she felt something pressing low against her back, and Hinata immediately blushed. I guess...I shouldn't be surprised, given how we're sleeping.... Lifting her own hands, she brushed at Gaara's arms.

Gaara licked her lips. Is she awake? Maybe she'll let me. Slowly he relaxed his arms, so that his hands rested against her ribs. Nibbling her temple he risked drawing them higher.

Hinata tipped her head up, lowering her own hands to her stomach as she waited. I want him to touch me--I don't want to think about what will happen when I go home. I just...want to be here. She couldn't help trembling a bit when he finally brushed her, head falling even further back.

She's letting me. Gaara still wasn't sure if she was awake or not, but rather than risk her telling him to stop he just continued. So soft. He cupped her breasts, remembering her words before and fondling them gently.

Hinata's lips parted around a murmur. The tender affections were comforting as well as exciting, and she tilted her chin to brush his cheek with her lips. Feels good....

Gaara returned her voice with a soft hum of his own, his fingers tightening. The soaked fabric clung so well to her that he could feel the tiny rises of flesh beneath, and as an experiment squeezed each--very gently--in two fingers.

The sensation sent a jolt through her, and she arched up into his hands with a soft moan. "G...Gaara-kun...." Hinata reached up to brush at the back of his hands, encouraging. Yes...I don't want to think about anything else....

Gaara's lips parted--he hadn't expected her to react so strongly, and the shift of her body drew an excited shiver up and down his spine. He couldn't help but move as well, pressing his arousal against her back in hopes of some friction. "I'm not hurting you, right?" he whispered anxiously, continuing to gently massage the sensitive flesh with his fingertips. "It feels good?"

She nodded quickly, unable to come up with the words to reply. Feels...really good.... Hinata tried to urge his hands into more, her feet kicking slowly as if to find some stability. Her voice finally rose in a thin moan against his cheek.

Gaara's eyelids fluttered, and his thighs tightened involuntarily against her waist. "Touch me...?" He kneaded his hands with greater strength into Hinata's breasts as if to encourage her. "Touch me."

Hinata flushed, fighting another moan as she tried to think. He wants me to.... Licking her lips, she opened her eyes up on the ceiling. If she did...things would change. It would almost make them lovers. But I do love him, and if Father is going to keep me away.... "I...let me turn," she murmured, whimpering when his hands tightened. "I can't...reach you...."

He didn't want to let go, but if Hinata was really going to…. He drew his hands back and forced his legs to relax. "Should we sit up?" he suggested, kissing her neck.

Nodding, Hinata carefully pushed herself up, being sure not to put too much weight on him. In embarrassment she kept her eyes up as she turned to face him. Her chest was tingling, sending little ripples down into her hips.

Gaara licked his lips. I like this. Breathless and excited he pulled Hinata into his lap. "Okay?" He caught her hand and drew it down as he kissed her, pressing it shamelessly against his erection. "Touch me."

Hinata jumped at his boldness, for a moment at a loss for what he was expecting. She regained herself quickly, kissing him back before slowly wrapping her fingers around his tight flesh. I can't believe I'm touching him.... Encouraged by his own hand, Hinata began to lightly move her fingers along his length.

Gaara shuddered, and sighed heavily against her lips. "Feels good," he assured, urging her fingers to tighten. His other hand fumbled a moment at her soaked clothing before slipping up underneath her shirt to continue his earlier attentions. "Hinata…."

She tried to follow all his urgings despite her embarrassment. Maybe...I can take care of him.... Hinata tightened her grip, her own breath catching at his attentions on her.

Gaara gasped weakly; he tried to arch his hips against her hand but it was difficult with her weight pinning him. "Harder," he murmured. It feels good. He lifted his other hand to join the first at her breasts.

Closing her eyes, Hinata easily complied, adding her other hand to better reach all of him. Gaara's hands were growing rougher, but somehow that only increased the tension growing in her stomach. She leaned in for a clumsy kiss as she forced even more strength into her small fingers.

Gaara shifted and moaned, and suddenly the heat in his groin grew too much for him; with a quiet cry he climaxed, hips jerking. "Hi…." His breath hissed unevenly against her cheek. "Mm…Hinata…."

Hinata shivered, glancing down briefly. He.... She smiled, embarrassed but strangely pleased with herself. "Gaara-kun...." She slowly pulled back, pausing a moment to kiss him.

Gaara kissed her back clumsily, slowly opening his eyes fully. He licked his lips. That felt…really good. He blushed and glanced away. "Thanks."

"It's fine," she replied, pushing herself up to sit on the edge of the bath. "Would it be okay if I borrowed something?" she asked quietly. "Until my clothes dry?"

"Oh. Yeah, go ahead." Gaara glanced at her shyly. "Take whatever you want--I'll be right there."

"Thanks." Hinata tried to wring out her clothes before leaving the bathroom, hunting up some shorts and a loose shirt to change into. I'm glad I could do that for him--he seemed happy.

Gaara dried himself off quickly, and wrapped himself with a towel as he joined Hinata in the bedroom. Though he'd just awoken he still felt tired. He smiled slightly when he saw her in his clothes. "Are they okay?"

Hinata turned, smiling as she ran her fingers through her hair, trying to dry it a bit. "They're fine," she assured, blushing faintly. "Thank you."

Gaara glanced about, as if hoping for a clue as to how he should proceed. A girl spent the night with me. I'm sure Lee would know what I'm supposed to do, but…. "Do you want some breakfast?" he offered.

"Oh. Yes." Feeling a bit awkward, Hinata moved towards the tiny kitchen area. "Would you...like me to make something?" she asked.

"I can help…." Gaara followed her, feeling bouncy and shy at the same time. He kissed her cheek when he got the chance and moved to the refrigerator. "I have some eggs."

Hinata smiled, reassured, and joined him. "I can cook those up, if you'd like to make some rice, maybe?" When we're married...I'll make breakfast for him all the time. The idea made her blush as she retrieved the eggs.

"All right." Gaara started to prepare it as she'd suggested; gradually the air between them relaxed, and he enjoyed the quiet, easy company. I want to ask her more about her father, but she'll be upset. He kept himself from frowning as he worked. She can stay here as long as she wants.

Finally they were seated and eating, sharing embarrassed smiles now and again, sometimes brushing their feet beneath the table. When they were done, Hinata happily accepted his help in cleaning the dishes. She took her time, trying to prolong the moment when she would have to leave and return home.

She's stalling. Gaara recognized it easily, and it made his chest ache. While Hinata was finishing with the dishes he came up behind her, touching her shoulders. "You don't have to go," he whispered.

Hinata sighed, pausing to lean briefly against him. "Yes I do," she replied just as softly. "I...can't just run away, and I still have some time before the decision is made...." She turned to face him. "I'll still see you," she assured, leaning closer. "I'll sneak away, whenever I can...."

Gaara's eyes narrowed, but he turned her mouth up to his for a kiss. I'll take care of you. They won't hurt you. "Don't get caught," he warned softly. "I can sneak in, too."

She shook her head. "I know, but...." Hinata leaned close, against his chest. "For now, I don't want them to know about you. That way...no one will be able to find me here. Right?"

"Okay…." Gaara wrapped his arms around her. There was still a twinge of angry discontent lodged in his ribs--he hated to think Hinata's parents were being cruel--but he stayed still, for her sake. "Be careful."

"Of course." Pulling back, she touched his cheek to guide him into a kiss. This place will be safe for me. Right here--with him.

Gaara kissed her firmly, possessively, and pulled back with a tiny sigh. "Then you should go back," he murmured. "Before they start looking."

Hinata nodded. "You're right." She touched him again, briefly, before backing away. "Is it all right if I change quickly?" I can't go walking back in his clothes, after all.

"Yeah. Take your time." He let her reluctantly go, glancing away.

Hinata slipped into the bathroom, not bothering to close the door as she began to change. Strangely, her skin still felt a bit sensitive after all the attention she had been given earlier, and she closed her eyes as she remembered. I wonder...when I'll be able to see him again....

--------------------------------------------------------