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-Five:

Naruto sat, hands clasped around his ankles, listening to Gaara's story of what had happened the day before. Though he was distressed at the news that Hinata may not become heir of her family, both had already agreed that there was little they could do about it at the moment. They could only have faith in her, and protect her when they could. Once the serious matters seemed more or less settled, Naruto turned to an even more important topic.

"So she really did it?" he asked, grinning. "She helped get you off?"

Gaara blushed, his face serious. "Yeah. It was...." He glanced away. "It was really good."

"Well of course it was," Naruto replied with a snort. "It's supposed to, right?" He clasped his fingers behind his head, chuckling softly. "Man, most girls are really picky about doing stuff like that--she must really like you to go that far."

"She loves me. So it's okay." Gaara frowned, shifting uncomfortably. "Um...." He glanced to Naruto and lowered his voice. "You've had sex lots of times now. Right?"

He shrugged. "Maybe not lots, but yeah, I've done it a few times." Naruto smirked. "Why? You think she'll let you go that far?"

Gaara shrugged nervously. "I dunno. Why not? We're engaged now." He leaned forward against his bent knees. "I'm just not sure how to...you know. Go about it."

"Hmmm...." Naruto leaned back against his bed, thinking. "Well, I'm not so sure about girls--never got that far with one--and guys are really different. But as for going about it...." He shrugged again. Might as well be blunt--he won't care. "If you wanna be technical, you just put your dick in her. Don't ever say that to her, though," he warned quickly. "Girls are really picky when talking about sex, and you have to work up to it."

"Well I know that...." Gaara's frown deepened. "It's just...touching is really easy. But I've never had sex, so...I'll probably be bad." His shoulders sagged.

Naruto shook his head. "You won't be bad--you love her, right? That means you'll want to take care of her, and that's really what girls seem to like best." He patted his friend's shoulder. "And if you're worried, you can always wait a while and find other ways to get each other off in the meantime."

Get each other.... Gaara blinked, as if it finally had occurred to him…. "I can do that for her, too?" But girls…how would I know?

"Of course! At least, I think so," Naruto scratched his head. "Like I said, I never got that far, but they get horny and stuff, right? I'm sure there's a way." For guys it's easy. Girls.... They're not quite the same as us, so....

"But how would I know?" Gaara voiced his concerns. "She did say...it felt good, but...." His expression grew thoughtful. "Do you think I could ask Guy-sensei? But I don't think he's ever had a girl…."

Naruto considered that. "Well, that might not be a bad idea. You could try Iruka, maybe, but he might not know either, since he likes guys." He leaned over his knees as he thought. "Oh, and you'll know. Remember how you get all breathless and excited afterwards? Girls are probably the same way, right?"

"I guess so." Gaara considered that for a long moment. Then maybe…she did? But she didn't say anything…but neither did I, actually. I really don't know. "Wasn't there that teacher of yours...?"

"Hmm?" Naruto frowned, wondering who Gaara could mean.... "Ah! You mean the pervert!" God, if anyone would know girls, but.... "Well, he might know, but he can be a jerk about telling you anything. Though I suppose...." He brightened. "He does have some books that get real descriptive--I'm sure Kakashi would lend you one or two of those."

"Books?" Gaara brightened hopefully. That would be a lot better than asking anyone, in any case. "Really? Could I...I mean, do you think it'd be okay?"

"Sure! If you're embarrassed, I could even go ask him for ya. I've borrowed stuff like that from him before, back when Shikamaru and I got started." He grinned sheepishly. "Want me to go get it now?"

"I can go with you." Gaara pushed to his feet. He wouldn't have to tell anyone who he had in mind, after all. He was just...curious. "But yeah, let's go now."

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Gaara and Hinata met again for dinner several nights after the night they'd shared. By then the boy's head was full of stories--from Naruto, from Lee, from the books each had forced on him--of how to behave and what he should do. It was all terribly confusing, and only left him more bewildered and anxious than ever. Being with Hinata calmed that for a time while they ate, but as they finished and made their way back to his small apartment the tension returned to his chest and stomach. He shouldn't be imagining such things. From what he understood, they'd already gone so quickly already….

Gaara let them in, setting his small gourd down nearby. "I...have a few snacks," he offered. "If you…."

Hinata smiled. "Sure. Thanks." She followed him easily, accepting a few sweets as they ventured further inside. He...seems nervous tonight. Well, I am too, but....

"Want to sit down for a bit?" she suggested. "If you don't mind if I stay for a while longer...."

"Of course not," Gaara assured quickly. "I...wouldn't mind at all."

There wasn't much furniture in the apartment, as Gaara rarely used it before starting to see Hinata, but he had a collection of cushions and pillows he kept piled in a corner for when people visited. Naruto had always seemed fond of them. He took only a moment to arrange them decently before dropping down.

Hinata joined him, blushing as she settled next to him, munching on the last of her snacks. Last time I was here we.... He must want to do it again. Gaara-kun.... She licked her lips as she finished. "I haven't seen the others lately," she spoke up. "Naruto-kun and Lee-kun. Are they...doing all right?"

"They're all right." I don't want to ask. I'm not sure I can do…everything in those books. Gaara blushed a bit and tried to change his thoughts. "Naruto spends most of his time with Shikamaru now. They're talking about developing jutsu together or something--combo strategies and such."

She smiled faintly. "That's good. I'm glad to hear they're so happy together. They both deserve it." Naruto-kun especially, after everything. Hinata's fingers curled with indecision before shifting a bit closer. "I wonder if...being together...helps them when they're fighting...?"

"Fighting?" Gaara frowned, glancing to her curiously. "What do you mean?"

"Well...." Hinata shrugged. "If they are that comfortable together, it must help them move when fighting. Tell what the other is going to do, right? Some of the older ninja talk about things like that, working with someone they've known a long time, being able to predict each other." She smiled a bit wistfully. "They could better support each other, since they know each other so well already. Don't you think?"

"Oh. I guess so." Gaara straightened subtly. "Do you think...for us, too?" he suggested hopefully. "We haven't fought together all that much, but...." We've been together a lot. Does that count?

Hinata blushed, but her grin widened a bit. "I think if we practiced...then yes." She reached out to take Gaara's hand. "I think our different styles...could complement each other. Right?"

"Yes...." Gaara twisted his hand so he could give hers a slight squeeze. "I think we could." He lowered his eyes shyly. "Maybe training together would even be an excuse to...see each other more...?" I shouldn't ask for more, but...I do want to see her.

If only my father hadn't become so strict.... She leaned closer, resting her cheek against Gaara's shoulder. "I'm sorry I can't come more," she murmured. "I...wish I could...."

"It's okay," Gaara quickly assured. "This is fine and…it's not your fault." He released her hand so he could wrap his arm tentatively around her shoulders. "I'm happy."

Hinata settled easily against him, as always growing calm with Gaara near. "It won't be for too long," she continued quietly. "Then...we'll see each other all the time. Whenever we want."

Gaara's eyes widened a little, hopefully. "When we're married...?"

She nodded. "Yes." I will marry him. I don't care what they say--I'll...I'll find a way. For him. Hinata tipped her head up enough to see Gaara's face. "When we're married."

Gaara relaxed and grew more nervous at once. When we're married.... "Good." His hand tightened slightly, almost possessively, around her shoulders. "I'm...I'm glad."

Hinata watched him a long moment, knowing they were thinking the same thing, but.... Tilting her head up, she gently rubbed their cheeks together. If I can just take care of him, I'll be happy.

Gaara felt a little shiver. We shouldn't be so nervous. We've done it before. He licked his lips self consciously and dipped his head. "Can I kiss you?" he whispered.

She nodded, strangely charmed that, after everything, he still asked. Hinata easily tipped her chin to bring their lips together, shivering a bit herself at the contact.

Gaara turned a bit to make it easier on them both as he kissed her back. He tried to remember everything he'd heard and read...but it was hard concentrating and it only made him clumsy. He focused instead only on Hinata, on following the movements of her lips and coaxing them to part.

Lifting a hand, Hinata gently cupped Gaara's cheek to keep him close, sighing quietly between their lips. He was always so gentle. She smiled faintly, after a moment leaning back into the cushions. They cradled her easily, and Hinata shifted around a moment to better settle herself.

Gaara waited until she seemed comfortable before following, keeping his weight off her for now as he stretched over her. We don't have to do too much. Just some kissing--like usual. He continued his slow attentions.

After some time Hinata finally drew her lips away, breathing slow and deep as her stomach curled. She could feel her cheeks blushing darkly with all the attention, and she couldn't help pulling Gaara a bit closer. Feeling bold, she bent a knee up against him, welcoming him.

Gaara's lips parted excitedly. She…wants me to. He leaned into her, keeping braced on his elbows as he kissed her more deeply. As he should have been used to by now shifting closer pressed her breasts against his chest, and he shivered happily as if this was their first time together.

Hinata slid her arms around his shoulders, holding him close and tight. Their kisses grew deeper, her head tipping back with a soft murmur. She felt...warm, enjoying the feel of his weight settled against her.

Gaara groaned quietly into her mouth; she was wonderful, as far as he was concerned, and he couldn't help himself. Shifting slightly against his left his hand rose to trace her ribs. He managed to keep himself from touching higher yet, wondering if she might...grant him permission again.

Please.... Hinata arched her back, just slightly, running her hands slowly down his spine. Her legs shifted anxiously as if to push herself closer.

Gaara took in a sharp breath, realizing...it was all right. Hinata was going to be his wife--she trusted him. He could touch her all he wanted…. With a quiet murmur he slid his hand up her body, kneading gently into her soft breast.

Hinata shuddered a bit, fingers tensing against his back. It still felt strange to her, letting him touch her so openly, but...he seemed to enjoy it, and it made her pulse beat up in her ears. She finally broke their lips with a gasp, squirming beneath his hand.

Gaara licked his lips, leaning back just enough so he could see her face. He massaged the tip of her breast lightly with his thumb. "Are you okay?"

That touch, though light, sent little jolts through her, and Hinata couldn't help squirming more. "Ye...yes," she managed to murmur, stopping his hand a moment so she could properly breathe. Her face felt warm and flushed, but she managed a faint smile. "Yes...very."

Pleased, Gaara lowered his head suddenly, nuzzling happily between her breasts. I like them. He continued his soft attentions, eventually bold enough to give her a careful pinch.

Hinata laughed at his playfulness, lightly stroking his hair. Her face darkened. He's...so wonderful. So warm.... Settling herself back further, she stretched again into his hand, hoping he would continue....

Gaara was content for a while, but soon Hinata's quiet voice, her delicate shivers, were too much for him. He pushed himself up again to kiss her mouth, with greater passion than before. No one can take this from us. He began to tug her shirt up.

Hinata easily lifted her arms to allow him to slip the garment off, shivering at the feel of cool air against her skin. Once freed, she gave his own shirt a light tug. "You too?"

Gaara smiled, shyly, shifting so she could help him remove the garment. "Feels better," he explained excitedly as he leaned into her again.

She nodded her easy agreement, welcoming him close and into a slow, drawn out kiss. Though it took some squirming, she guided Gaara's hands to her bra as well. I want to feel him....

Gaara fumbled a moment with the clasps--he was too excited to get his fingers to work properly. She's letting me. If we keep going…. Casting the fabric aside he lowered his head, drawing his lips over Hinata's chest.

"Aah!" Hinata gasped, fingers catching his shoulders in surprise. Again, that little jolt went up and down her spine. "Gaara-kun, that...."

Gaara shivered, too, when he felt Hinata move beneath him. It did say she'd like it.... His confidence reassured, he tried to remember the things from Naruto's books. It wasn't as difficult this time, with his own body urging him; he kissed her wetly, daring to suck at a tender nipple.

Hinata arched helplessly beneath him, kneading at his back with her head tilted up. She hadn't imagined it would.... Her leg bent further, rubbing against Gaara's hip.

Hinata…. Gaara murmured softly against her. I…do want more. I want to touch her, and…and…. He gasped, pausing to kiss her properly again before leaning back a little. "Hinata, I...." Can I just say it?

Eyelids fluttering, it took her a moment to realize Gaara had spoken. "Hmm?" She reached up, brushing his cheek gently.

"I...." Gaara turned his face into her hand. You should wait until you’re married, Lee's advice floated back to him. He licked his lips. "If you don't want to, it's okay, but..."

Hinata's eyes widened, nervousness twisting in her stomach. "Gaara-kun...." It shouldn't matter, should it? We both...want to. I want him to be happy.... She glanced away, uncertain, the anxiousness in her chest warring with old warnings.

"We don't have to," Gaara assured, hoping he hadn't upset her. "We're supposed...to wait, right?" He kissed her cheek in hopes of reassuring her.

"Supposed to," she agreed quietly, "but...." Hinata hugged him close, taking strength from his warm, smooth skin. "I do love you," she whispered. "Just...I guess...."

Gaara swallowed hard. "I know. I'm...nervous, too." He pressed another soft kiss to Hinata's cheek. "If you don't want to...."

She shook her head. "It's not that," she insisted quietly, closing her eyes. Gaara-kun...it'll be okay, right? You've always been so gentle.... After a moment, Hinata took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay," she whispered. "It's okay, Gaara-kun...."

Gaara tensed, biting back his reaction until he was sure it was what he wanted it to be. "Are you sure?" he asked quietly against her cheek. "Naru...I mean, I heard at first it's..."

Hinata nodded seriously, meeting his gaze. Naruto-kun told him about girls? At least...I won't need to. "It'll be hard at first," she confirmed. "But...I want to." She firmed up her resolve, touching his cheek. "I want to."

"Okay…." Gaara nodded as well, and in a rush of anxious emotion kissed her firmly. "Okay," he repeated, shivering. And he kissed her again.

Hinata settled back, willing herself to relax and not get too nervous. It was just Gaara--Gaara who loved her. It wasn't wrong, if they loved each other. She held him close, letting the familiar affections calm her again, reminding her of how wonderful everything they had done felt.

Gaara continued to kiss her, returning his hand to trace the curves of her body. She feels so good. It'll be good. With a deep breath he reached down, beginning to push at her pants.

Licking her lips, Hinata continued to remind herself of her decision. She lifted her hips just a bit, enough to help Gaara. "Just...go slow?" she asked meekly, running her hands down his neck and over his shoulders.

"I will." Gaara leaned back to ease the rest of Hinata's clothing, doing his best not to stare at every bit of newly uncovered flesh. He smiled slightly and blushed as he began removing his own as well. "You're beautiful."

Hinata flushed darkly, squirming and unable to half cover her chest in some embarrassment. "You always say that," she murmured, inwardly pleased.

"I'm not wrong." Gaara hesitated before taking off his last bit of clothing, his blush deepening. I want…. He spread his hand over Hinata's thigh, delighted to be touching more of her than he'd been able to before.

Shivering, Hinata watched his testing movements, trying not to squirm too much. "Gaara-kun...." She blushed as she caught sight of his desire, quickly looking away.

Gaara noticed, and his face burned a little. Carefully he began to stretch out over her once more. "Slowly," he assured, kissing her. "I'll be slow…."

She nodded, and after a moment of hesitation forced her legs to relax and allow him closer. Her cheeks darkened further when she felt him brushing against her thigh, shifting nervously. It's going to hurt at first. It always does....

Relax. It's supposed to feel good, right? Gaara took a deep breath, and just to be certain reached down between them to help guide himself. Just…gently. Slowly, he slid inside her.

Hinata shifted slightly, breath quickening a bit at the odd sensation. He's really.... When she felt Gaara hit a moment of resistance within her, her fingers curled tightly around his shoulders. "Do it quick," she whispered, closing her eyes, preparing for what was coming.

Gaara gulped. I don't want to hurt her.... He turned his lips against her ear, making a soft sound of apology as he thrust again, quickly this time.

Hinata clutched him tightly, unable to help a thin whimper as she felt something tear. She turned her face into his neck to hide any tears that might have escaped, breathing as steadily as she could to push that pain aside.

Gaara cringed, and was still a moment in hopes of allowing Hinata to relax. "I'm sorry," he whispered. But his body was trembling in excitement, wrapped up in her warmth...he felt guilty for that pleasure when she was in pain.

After an extended moment she was able to reply. "I'm okay," she whispered, gradually relaxing her hold. It still hurt a bit, but she could endure--for him, if nothing else. Hinata urged him into a familiar kiss, hoping for distraction.

Though by now more nervous than ever, Gaara kissed her back. Reminding himself to be gentle he started to move again, slowly and a little awkwardly. It felt good...so different than he'd imagined, but it still raised tiny murmurs in his throat.

Hinata carefully relaxed her legs to allow him to move more easily. It still ached, and she was trying to hide it as best she could.... Reaching down, she caught one of his hands, pulling it to her chest as they continued to kiss. "Touch me?" she murmured.

Gaara's fingers curled obediently, mostly without thought, hoping he could please her. Despite his inexperience something warm was encouraging him, and he tried to hold back as he rocked more quickly against her. "Hinata…."

Closing her eyes tight, she gradually felt the ache leaving, allowing her to relax and better appreciate Gaara's attentions. It even...was starting to feel kind of nice, and she was able to meet his lips with more warmth than before.

Gaara groaned softly. He felt as if he were on the edge of something, something amazing…. All at once the blood rushed into his ears, and he gasped, shuddering, as he abruptly climaxed. "Ahh…."

Hinata shivered, and as Gaara slowed she sank back into the cushions. She felt tired, and without his gentle movement to distract her, the dull ache was returning to her hips. When she saw his face though.... Blushing, she touched Gaara's cheek, pulling him into a soft, affectionate kiss. I was able to please him--I'm glad.

Gaara kissed her back clumsily, oddly dazed and exhausted from the entire encounter. "Hinata...?" He nuzzled her happily. "I'm sorry, I hurt you…."

She shook her head. "It always does," she murmured. "The first time, anyway." I hope. Hinata started to lie back but paused, shifting. "Gaara-kun, could I...use your bathroom?" she asked, embarrassed.

"Okay." Gaara pulled back, thinking he should probably as well, when he was caught by the faint scent of blood. He remembered hearing something about that...but to see the pillow beneath them stained made him jump. "Hinata…?"

Sitting up, she frowned at the mess they had made. "It's okay," she assured quietly. I should have remembered to...put something down first. Hinata carefully stood, taking the stained cushion with her. "I'm just...going to clean up a bit."

Gaara felt his insides twist, and he pushed quickly after her. "Are you all right?" he asked with concern. "I didn't...I know it's...supposed to, but I tried to be…."

Hinata paused to face him. "I'm all right," she insisted, touching his shoulder, hand sliding up to his cheek. She blushed faintly. "It just means...next time will be better, right?"

"Yeah…." Gaara was still unconvinced, and he couldn't help the nervous, guilty sensation creeping up into his ribs. While I was enjoying myself, she…That's not how it's supposed to be. He gulped, but nodded. "Okay."

Leaning in, Hinata softly kissed him. He's still upset, but...I need to clean up first. "I'll just be a moment," she assured, stepping back. "Okay?"

"Okay." Gaara nodded again and turned away, beginning to gather their clothes up so that she'd know it was okay to leave. "Take your time…."

Hinata tried to be as quick as she could, though she had to give up on the pillow--the case was ruined, and she removed it to save the cotton within. I'll make him a new one.

Once she felt fresher, she returned. Gaara still looked concerned--he had that crease in his brow. "Gaara-kun? Are...you okay?"

Gaara glanced up. He'd been seated on the floor, neatly folding Hinata's clothing for her. "I'm fine," he assured, his gaze slipping away. "Are you...? Naruto...he said it gets better. I'll be gentler next time."

She shook her head, sitting beside him. "It wasn't that, Gaara-kun," she insisted. "You were wonderful--really. Girls...were just made this way. There wasn't anything either of us could have done, and you actually made it go away." Hinata blushed faintly. "After that...it felt good...."

Gaara blinked at her, feeling...a little relieved. "It did?" He shivered, leaning into her. "I...wanted it to. I want to be a good husband."

Hinata slid her arm around his shoulders and turned her face into his neck. "It did," she assured. "And next time, it will be even better." Because we love each other. Smiling, she tipped her chin to whisper her lips against his ear. "I do love you, Gaara-kun," she whispered, shivering.

Gaara's shoulders crept up, the emotion curling in his chest making his eyes flutter. He turned his face abruptly against her hair. "Me, too." It was all he could force through his voice.

She nodded. "Then we'll be fine." Hinata pulled back for a gentle kiss, even as something in her chest tightened. "I...should probably go, though," she said with regret, running light fingers through his hair.

Gaara frowned, but he knew better than to keep her, when so much was at stake…. It made his chest clench in frustration. "Okay." He kissed her back. "Can I take you back?"

"At least through town," she agreed, not wanting him too close to her family's compound. Pushing upright, Hinata gathered up her clothes. "Let's get dressed."

"Yeah." Relieved, Gaara gathered up his clothes as well, but then paused. "I'm going to use the bathroom," he excused himself. He didn't like the thought that there might be some of her blood on him.

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