Authors note:

GOMENASAIIIIIIIIIIIIII! /

It has been a long time (really long time) since I updated this fanfic, I was quite lost and didn't know how to proceed with the story and didn't have much time in between school to write. But when I re-visited this, I found the urge to write again. Though I'm still at a loss of how to proceed with this, I kinda have an idea… So I will start from there.

I won't write a long excuse on why I haven't updated in so long, so I will start with the story now.

I do hope you like it. Any comments, reviews and suggestions will be highly appreciated.

Thank you.

~hiinata

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Previously:

She was preparing to leave and go back to the lounge when someone grabbed her arm and turned her around; she was prepared to attack but stopped immediately as she recognized the person's voice that called her.

"Hinata" a calm voice called.

Hinata looked up to the person who was holding her arm and was met with dark cerulean eyes

She smiled as she said the name of the person in front of her…

"Gaara" she blushed as she drank in his beautiful features. Those eyes, his red hair that was pleasantly disarrayed…

"We meet again Hinata" Gaara whispered enclosing Hinata in his arms.

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As the feeling of shock left Hinata, she smiled as she hugged her close friend back. It has been quite some time since she saw him.

"Gaara it is nice to see you!" Hinata said as Gaara pulled away at arm's length and looked at her and gave her one of his rare smiles.

"Your hair has gotten longer" he randomly commented as he took a few strands of Hinata's hair and tucked it behind her ear.

Hinata giggled "I leave it to you to notice the simplest of things"

Gaara smiled. He loved it when he hears Hinata giggle or see her smile, but then right now, he felt that something was off. Hinata did smile and giggle but it didn't quite reach her lavender eyes… she looked quite tired and scared.

He led her to a bench near them and they both sat. Hinata looked quite wistful as she was looking at the sky as they sat.

She thought about how she would tell Gaara of her present dilemma, she was sure that Gaara would understand her sentiment, but she also knows that he would probably be upset, and she never wants to upset him or any of her friends. Gaara was a special friend for her because he once saved her life.

Gaara's question broke Hinata out of her thoughts

"What are you thinking about Hinata?"

Hinata turned to Gaara and smiled. "I was just thinking of the time you saved my life.

"Ah. I also remember that day quite clearly" Gaara replied.

"It was the time we truly became friends" Hinata said more like a whisper but Gaara heard it.

The young Kazekage looked at the girl beside him, she might look fragile, but she is one of the strongest kunoichi he knows. Any person that would underestimate her would make the biggest mistake of their lives… But looking at her right now, the Kazekage felt the sadness radiating from her, she never saw how truly precious and valuable she is and she has always been selfless and put other lives and happiness before hers, and it made him want to protect her more.

"Gaara?" Hinata called to him.

"Hm? What is it?

Hinata knew that Gaara was looking at her, and she knew that Gaara felt that something was wrong… but what she liked was the he never pried or pushed her to tell him about it… he waited for her to tell him when she was ready and that was one thing she truly liked about her friend.

"One of the reasons why I came here was that, I have to tell you something… and I want … I need you to understand and listen to my side well"

"I'm listening Hinata… What is it?"

Hinata looked at Gaara with sudden panic growing in her eyes " E-etou…" Hinata wasn't able to finish her sentence when someone interrupted what she was about to say…

"If it isn't the Kazekage" the person said as it was walking toward the Hyuuga heiress and the Kazekage.

The Kazekage and Hinata stood up as the person got near and came into view.

"Sasuke-san" Hinata exclaimed. "E-etou.. I thought you went to your room already"

"Tsk." muttered Sasuke without even looking at Hinata. "You know it isn't so polite to keep your guests waiting".

"Sasuke-san! The Kazekage is a very busy man, he was needed in an important meeting." Hinata explained. But Sasuke ignored her and continued glaring at the Kazekage. Gaara returned the glare with equal ferocity until an anbu arrived beside the Kazekage.

"Kazekage-sama…" the anbu started bowing … the Raikage has arrived personally for this summit and he wishes to see you now.

"Tell him I will be with him in a while" Gaara said looking at Hinata "I am still in a middle of an important conversation

Hinata panicked and started telling Gaara to attend the meeting with the Raikage "Gaara, our conversation can wait after the summit you don't have to worry"

The Kazekage looked into the Hyuuga's eyes and nodded. "We will talk about it soon"

Hinata nodded and smiled at the Kazekage "We will" and with a blink of an eye the Kazekage was gone with the anbu.

Hinata looked tentatively at Sasuke "How much have you heard Sasuke-san?"

"There wasn't anything to listen to, cause you haven't told him anything yet"

"You see I am just afraid I will upset him"

"It's none of my business Hyuuga. You tell people what you wish to tell them. But in my opinion if he is truly your friend he will support your decision" Sasuke said and walked away.

Hinata's eyes widen with the Uchiha's speech. She have never heard him speak a lot since they left the forest.

'He is right though' the Hyuuga thought. 'I shouldn't be scared of telling him, Gaara is a precious friend that needs to know about it.'

Hinata looked at the Uchiha's back as he was walking away.

'He indeed cares for people more than he shows it, and I do hope he will accept me as his friend' Hinata smiled as she followed the Uchiha back to their rooms.

-xx End of Chapter 9 xx—

So what did you guys think?

The chapter was kinda uneventful cause I wanna try to save some action on the next. But I do hope that this wasn't a boring chapter. I apologize for any mistakes in grammar and spelling. I am trying to get used to writing again so I wish this chapter was okay.

Tell me how I can improve more through your reviews or messages, it would really be appreciated.

I will try to update the story more when I can

Thank you for all that supported this story. It means a lot

Have a nice day everyone. :D

~hiinata