A/N: Hey babes! This is my first Naruto fic though I've been reading GaaHina fanfics for years. This ONESHOT may end up being a TWOSHOT or even a THREESHOT if I really get it going. It kind of just depends on feedback I get soooo if you like it leave a review or a like or what evs. Anyways I hope you like it!

"Hinata! Wake up!" Hanabi shook her older sister. Hinata was normally an early riser, but she was having such a wonderful dream that she had decided to sleep in and continue it. It was about Naruto… the details of her dream were a bit hazy, however in it she knew for certain that his arms were around her and he looked only at her. They were dancing together to no music, only following the rhythm of their hearts. One part of the dream stuck out to her, though she couldn't remember it as clearly. She only remembered glimpses of red. Red hair? His hair? She shook her head to rid herself of the silly dream.

"Good morning, little sister." Hinata smiled and patted Hanabi on the head. She groaned and shook her hand off.

"Hinata I'm not little anymore," Hanabi protested, though she smiled warmly at her sister, "Happy birthday, Hinata."

Hinata smiled sadly, "Thank you, Hanabi. You're very kind for that."

Hanabis eyes began to water and she threw herself at her sister. "No I'm not. You are the kind one. I'm so sorry Hinata. I never meant for this to happen. You should have beaten me all those years ago, and then you wouldn't be so unhappy now." Hanabi sobbed against Hinatas chest, feeling much smaller than she was.

"Shhh…" Hinata attempted to sooth her sister though tears were in her eyes as well. She tried her best not to let anyone know how miserable she was, but her sister had caught on.

"You will be a better clan head than I, there are no accidents. That is your destiny, and this is mine" Hinata whispered the words that their clan followed by. Destiny. Hinata wasn't so sure she believed in all of it herself, but she knew Hanabi did, and at this moment all she wanted was for her sister to be happy. Hanabi's sobs quieted.

"I'm so sorry that you have to go through with this. I've argued with father many times about this. You have lived your entire life for everyone else. You should be allowed happiness. You should be allowed love."

Hinata rubbed her sisters arm, "I must do what I can to bring honor to our family. You will too one day, you must marry within the clan to keep the bloodline pure. And though I may not marry for love, I know what love is through you, my sister. Even if in the past we were kept from spending time together, now as adults we can choose to keep a close bond."

"Hm," Hanabi nodded and moved back so she could look at her sister before giving a short laugh, "Look at us. Red faced and teary eyed. Come, we need to get ourselves presentable for your party tonight. It will take all day at the family spa!" She scrambled up off the bed and smiled at her older sister expectantly.

"Um…" Hinata looked down and began twiddling her fingers, "I would like to take a walk around town first. You go on and I'll catch up. It's just that…" She held back tears once again, "I'm not sure how much longer I'll be here."

Hanabi nodded understandingly, knowing that her sister probably wanted some alone time so she smiled warmly at her once more.

"Sure, Hina. Just come meet me whenever you're ready. It's your birthday after all. I'll be at the bath house and maybe we can get a massage together when you get back or something. Don't let anyone else do your hair but me!"

Hinata gave a small laugh, "Alright, don't worry. I'll see you in a little bit."

Hanabi nodded before she turned to exit the room.

Hinata sighed, and for a moment she contemplated just laying back for a few more minutes of sleep to escape reality, but decided against it. She was behaving like a child. She got out of bed, dressed quickly in her normal nin attire before exiting through her window.

./././

"Hinata," Hiashi spoke slowly, but firmly. The voice of authority. She had been summoned to speak with him privately, which was unusual as he rarely spoke to her unless it was about a completed mission or at dinner. However, Hinata obeyed her father without question and was sitting before him in his office.

"As you are no longer the heiress to the clan, you must fulfill your duty to the clan in another way."
"Of course, father." Hinata nodded, still confused.

"You are my daughter, and though I may be harsh on you please understand that I do care for you. I do not want you to be branded with the curse seal and placed outside of the main house. That fear has plagued me through the years as I have been pressured by many of the house members to put the seal on you."

Hinata was shocked at her father's openness towards her. He spoke gravely and she knew he was speaking the truth.

"I have a solution, Hinata. I have been given an offer I simply cannot refuse. This will benefit the house as well as my own personal agenda and also your well being. Though it has been many years since the Sand Villages attack on the Leaf, their elders and our Hokage are restless that our alliance isn't concrete. Suna made a proposal to our Hokage, that one way to ensure the alliance a marriage union between their Kazekage and a member of prestige from our village would be in order."

"A… marriage?" Hinata squeaked, though still unsure where she came into play.

"Yes, marriage unions are rare in todays times, however not unheard of. The Kazekage is of age, and was compliant under the elders. I do believe that originally they wanted to marry off one of his siblings but he said that a union would be stronger if he was married instead. A noble man, I think."

"Yes," Hinata nodded.

"Hinata…" Hiashi looked at his daughter, realizing she wasn't grasping what he was saying, "You will marry the Kazekage."

Hinata felt the blood drain from her face.

"W-what!?" Hinata felt herself begin to panic.

"It is the only way."

"B-but father!"

"No questions, Hinata."

"There has to be another way!"

"There is no other way, Hinata. Now I will hear no more of this. You will marry the Kazekage and you will bring honor to this family. Do I make myself clear?" He said sternly at her.

Hinata swallowed the lump in her throat before bowing, "Yes, father."

./././

Hinata walked slowly, trying to take as much of Konoa in as she could. She would miss it all—the trees, the birds, the people, but most of all she would miss her friends. She briefly wondered how her friends would take the news. In her mind she went through her goodbyes with each, listing out who would be the hardest to get through. Her teammates were at the top. Kiba and Shino were like brothers to her. She almost cried just thinking about it.

And then… There was her childhood crush that she refused to even think about. She refused to even think his name. She didn't want to face him. She still loved him, after all these years. She spent most of her childhood fantasizing about them together. His smile, his laugh, everything about him she could spend days dreaming of. She knew that this, however, was final. That she could never be with him even if he returned her feelings. This made it easier, she thought. A small, very small, part of her was glad she never acted upon her feelings. If he did love her like she did him, she didn't know if she would be able to bear this agreement. A loud, all too familiar voice pulled her from her thoughts.

"Thanks for the lunch guys! It was awesome!"

"Naruto…" Hinata whispered as she saw him exiting the ramen house. She didn't want to do this now; she couldn't bring herself to face him. She just wanted one more day, one more night of dreaming about an impossible future. She turned to leave quickly, but was soon interrupted. She could feel her heart drop.

"Hey! Hinata!" Naruto called, running to catch up to her, "Wait up!"

She internally groaned before slowly turning to face him, however she refused to look him in the eye.

"Oh, hello Naruto." She spoke softly.

"I got your invite to your party tonight, I can't wait. Though, I'm pretty sure I'm going to be under dressed." He laughed and scratched the back of his head.

"That is alright, as long as you can m-make it," she said, still refusing to look at him. She internally groaned at her stutter. Over the years she had become slightly more confident to where she rarely did it anymore—only when she was nervous did it come out now.

"Everyone's been talking about it! The whole town! Even Gaara is coming!"

Hinata winced at the name, feeling dread spread into her fingertips at the name of her betrothed.

"Huh," Naruto finally noticed that Hinata wasn't acting herself, "Hey, what's wrong Hinata?"

"Um…" She began to push her fingers together, she could feel her face heating up and tears well in her eyes, "Naruto… this might sound… s-strange. B-but… This is goodbye."

"What do you mean? Are you going on a mission? I don't understand."

"I know," Hinata gave a small smile, "I'm sure I will see you again. Hopefully tonight. But… I just needed to say it to you, out loud. That I have to l-let you… g-go." She felt a tear roll down the side of your face.

Naruto looked baffled. He was confused, however he felt a strange rage within him at whatever was making Hinata act this way.

"You never have to let me go Hinata. I'll always be your friend." Naruto smiled and put a hand on her shoulder. Hinata smiled at the gesture though she could feel a hole rip inside her chest.

"That is exactly why I needed to say those words." She whispered before wiping her eyes.

"Thank you, Naruto. I will always be your friend too. I hope to see you tonight." She smiled sadly before turning on her heel to walk towards her house with tears in her eyes.

./././

Hinata fidgeted nervously with a strap on her kimono. She was in the sitting room awaiting her… fiancé. She cringed at the word. This wasn't the first time they would see each other. Hinata remembers him vividly from the Chunin exams when he was plagued with a demon. She wasn't sure she could ever forget him murdering for fun. However, she believed in second chances. Naruto had given him a second chance, his village had given him a second chance, and now she must give him a second chance. She knew there must be a reason he was loved by so many.

She tried to slow her heart rate down as she waited. There was no reason for her to be afraid. She had met Gaara many times, though they never spoke much, only a few polite words in passing as he was the Kazekage and she was the daughter of a prestigious family. Hinata drummed her fingers on her knee before she began tracing the patterns on her nicest kimono. It was white, with butterflies starting at the lightest shade of lavender at the top of her kimono and ending with the deepest shade of violate at the bottom and ends of her sleeves. It was her favorite.

She activated her Byakkugan in order to find where her betrothed was. Waiting was making her more nervous. She found him, fast approaching walking swiftly next to her father and the Hokage. He will be here in thirty seconds, she calculated. She took the brief time she had to study him. He only nodded at her father who was being overly courteous as he led them down the hallway. She tried to detail his physical features as much as possible so that she wouldn't be shocked when he arrived. He had strong, masculine facial features with a body to match. He was lean, like most ninjas and he was tall—taller than her father. He was wearing his Kazekage robes which made him look more reserved and official than she.

She heard the opening of the door and quickly deactivated her Byakkugan, feeling a soft blush creep onto her face at her spying.

"Ah, here is my eldest daughter, lord Kazekage." Hiashi led Gaara into the room. Hiashi gestured for Gaara to sit on the mat across from Hinata, and the Tsunade to sit beside him. After they were seated he took his own place beside his daughter.

"Hinata," Gaara murmured and bowed slightly to her. Hinata jumped slightly at the sound of his voice. It was rough, but also warm like velvet.

"Lord Kazekage," she squeaked and bowed to him in return.

"Just Gaara is fine." He said and smiled politely at her. She took it that he didn't smile much as a smile looked a bit awkward on him. She nodded and smiled briefly.

"Now, let's get down to business." Tsunade declared, grinning and Gaara and Hiashi nodded. Hinata gave a shy glance up to see that he was staring at her before he looked back to her Tsunade.

"This marriage will ensure that our alliance with the sand is concrete. The terms under which you are married cannot be broken or the alliance will be broken." Tsunade pulled out a stack of papers from her bag, "Here is the contract that is used in agreements such as these. I've already put down the demands of Konoha." She handed them to Gaara.

Hinata watched as Gaara calmly read through the document before he handed it to her. She looked questioningly at him before taking the documents. She knew that ultimately, she had no say in the matter. She could put up a fight but this contract was between the two Kages. Hinata realized that he was doing this as kind gesture to her. He knew her position in this, but gave her the contract to read to let her know that her opinions mattered, at least to him if not legally.

Hinata read through the list as the Kazekage gave Tsunade a document that were the demands of the Sand Village of the union. Everything was pretty basic in what was expected—the two were to live in the same house, neither of the individuals were to be unfaithful in any way to the other, the individual who was to be leaving their home village is allowed two trips per year to said home village however must be accompanied by their spouse. Hinata blushed as she read the next one—a biological heir must be provided within the first decade of the marriage unless either individual is physically unable to conceive.

She looked up as Gaara handed her another document. She still hadn't finished reading the first but took the next without question. There were no major differences in the demands from aside from wording as far as she could tell. She placed them on the table in front of her. She saw that again, Gaara was looking at her and she gave him a brief nod.

"Here are the contracts that you two need to sign," Tsunade placed another document on the table, "You will sign a marriage license on the day of your wedding, this document is your agreement to the terms of the marriage union. Gaara has already signed it, now we just need your signature, Hinata."

There was a pause and Hinata realized that they were waiting on he to sign the document. That was what this meeting was for. She inhaled a breath to steady herself before she picked up the pen that was on the table. Her hand shook so bad she was afraid her signature would be illegible.

"Wait," Gaara breathed and Hinata froze. Hiashi and Tsunade looked at him, perplexed. Tsunade worried he was having second thoughts, though he had already signed the contract.

"Could Ms. Hyuga and I have a moment to discuss this matter privately before she signs?"

"Of course," Hiashi nodded, though he looked warily at his daughter. She nodded at him, though she looked and felt dazed.

"Lord Hokage I will bring the signed documents by your office in a bit." Tsunade nodded and she and Hiashi proceeded to take their leave. After they were gone Hinata felt her heart rate begin to pick up. She swore that Gaara could hear it, she could.

"This must be hard for you," Gaara looked at her, he wasn't very expression though she thought she saw a glimpse of… an apology?

"You are in the same s-situation as I" Hinata breathed politely, cursing herself for her stutter. She refused to look him in the eye.

"I never aspired to marry. There has been no one in my life that I have felt for in that way."

Hinata nodded, "Neither have I." She lied out of politeness.

"Don't lie to me," he said, though not unkindly, "If this union is to work we need to be honest with each other. I cannot offer you… love. However, I can give you protection, I can give you comfort and comradeship. Eventually, when you want them I will give you children. I know that the situation isn't ideal, but I will try my best to make it as easy as possible for you. I know you have no real say in this matter, but please understand that I value your opinion of this union.

Hinata was stunned at these words. She couldn't believe how forward he was being. He was giving her the best thing he could—his understanding that she didn't want this. But, at the same time he was going to be good to her, or so he claimed though she couldn't doubt the honesty of his turquoise eyes. She smiled at him, a real smile that took him off guard.

"Thank you, Gaara. I too will try my best to make this union work and bring honor to my family as well as you," she smiled as she signed the contract with a steady hand.

./././

"I hear the Kazekage is very kind." Hanabi murmured as she curled her sister's hair.

"Yes," Hinata agreed, "He is one of Naruto's most treasured friends." She didn't allow herself to dwell on the thought of her crush. She also didn't want to reveal to Hanabi the time she had spent with the Kazekage alone. "The people of Suna adore him."

Hanabi nodded, "That is a good sign."

"Mhm," Hinata hummed. She didn't want to think about it. Though Gaara had proven himself kind didn't mean she was happy to marry him and move to another village. It may be selfish, but she wished that her party tonight would be about her and her happiness. Instead, it was decided that her father would announce the engagement.

"Alright, I'm finished!" Hanabi exclaimed. Hinata looked in the mirror. Her hair was done up in a big ponytail with strands of hair purposefully falling about her face. Hanabi had also taken the liberty to apply light makeup to Hinata, just enough to accent her features.

"Thanks, Hanabi." Hinata smiled. She wasn't one to focus much on her outward appearance, though she knew her sister had put a lot of time and effort into her looking beautiful. She wore the kimono that her father had purchased just for this party. It was white with intricately woven red desert roses and black butterflies. The symbolism was not lost on Hinata.

"Promise me you'll let me do your hair and makeup for your wedding," Hanabi smiled sadly at her sister and patted her shoulder.

"Of course Hanabi, I wouldn't want anyone else to do it," Hinata squeezed her hand reassuringly. They heard a soft knock on the door.

"Hinata," she heard her father's voice, "It's almost time to come down to greet your guests."

"C-coming!" she called. She briskly walked to the door with Hanabi trailing behind.

./././

Hinata walked through town, alone. It had been a week since her engagement with the Kazekage was finalized and she still felt as if it were all a dream. She had had trouble sleeping at night. She felt as if every moment she wasn't doing something she would miss out on appreciating the aspects of Konoha. Every surface of every building, sculpture, sign, and plant she grazed gently with her finger tips. She loved the leaf village with all her heart. She couldn't bear to leave it.

However, she could bear to disappoint her family even more. This was the only way that she could be useful. The thought brought tears to her eyes. All her life she had trained to become a respectful kunoichi. And when she finally felt herself getting better, after she had just passed her chunin exams she was being married off. As if her womanhood was worth more value to her clan than her skills as a ninja.

She hugged her body to herself. She was so deep in her thoughts that she didn't realize that she was being followed. It was only when she heard his voice did she stop dead in her tracks, every hair on her body prickled as if it were a live wire.

"Hinata," She heard him breathe. She hadn't seen him since the signing of the contracts. He had gone back to Suna not long after. She took a deep breath to steady herself before turning around to face him.

"Kazekage."

"Gaara," he corrected.

"Gaara."

"You're out late," He murmured and walked closer to where they soon stood before each other, only a foot apart.

"I c-couldn't sleep," Hinata whispered and then refused to look at him. Gaara nodded as if he knew exactly what she was talking about. Hinata then remembered that she once heard that when he was a demon, Gaara would never sleep. He didn't ask for any further details and Hinata assumed that he was the type of person who didn't pry. She liked that, however she didn't know what else to say. She felt extremely awkward around him.

"Konohagakure is a beautiful village," Gaara murmured, catching a leaf as it fell from the tree above them. Hinata shivered, she didn't realize she was cold and the slight breeze didn't help.

"Mm, I'm going to miss it," Hinata smiled as she stroked the trunk of the tree.

"You will see your home again," Gaara stated.

"I know," Hinata sighed, deciding to drop the subject. "I thought you were back in Suna." Her voice came out more accusatory than she intended, however she heard him give a short chuckle. She looked and to see a gleam in his eyes though for the most part his face was expressionless.

"I came back for the announcement," he stated and gave her a small smirk.

"My birthday…" Hinata whispered. She had forgotten the date. Her birthday was tomorrow. The announcement was tomorrow. She felt a growing anxiety within her belly and she leaned against the tree to steady herself. Gaara said nothing and only stared at her.

"My birthday…" Hinata repeated.

"I will leave after tomorrows festivities." Gaara said, and his voice sounded different to Hinata. It was as if he was reassuring her somehow.

"Oh?" Hinata said, though she still didn't look at him.

"I will return for the ceremony within the following week," Gaara coughed.

"Oh…" Hinata murmured, feeling guilty at how relieved she was when he said he was leaving. Her heart sank as his words sank in. Not too long from now and they would be married, yet she could barely bring herself to talk to him. It was too sudden, she reasoned with herself. Everything was happening too fast.

They had remained silent for a few moments, neither knowing what to say. What was there to say? Neither one of them were talkers, though neither of them would say that that was a bad thing. The silence was uncomfortable, yes, but Hinata also found that he didn't expect her to say much.

"I-I'd better get… Home," Hinata murmured and slowly turned to leave. She expected Gaara to let her leave without a word and so she let out a soft gasp when he grabbed her wrist gently. He immediately recoiled his hand when she looked at it and she slowly brought her gaze up to meet his eyes for the first time that night.

"Allow me to walk you home," Gaara said softly, "Please." Hinata only nodded, dumbfounded by his actions. He gestured with his hand for her to continue and she began walking with him at her side.

"I'm sorry," Gaara muttered randomly.

"For what?" Hinata asked.

"For grabbing at you earlier. I promise I won't ever hurt you." Gaara spoke awkwardly. It almost made Hinata smile, almost.

"I didn't think you would," Hinata assured and, without thinking about it, reached out and grabbed his wrist in reassurance. Gaara stared at her hand holding on his wrist, and just when Hinata thought about letting go he rearranged their hands to where he was holding her hand firmly in his. Hinata still thought about pulling away, but his warm hand felt oddly comforting in the chilly night. Also, she thought, we'll be married soon and I'll have to get used to him touching me anyways… The thought made her a bit queasy so she pushed that aside to think about later. She was blushing furiously though Gaara said nothing about it.

Before she knew it they had reached her home. Without thinking she had led him to the window to her room, how she had planned originally to enter.

"Um…" she turned to face Gaara who was looking at her with an amused smirk on his face. "This is m-me I guess…" Hinata looked down feeling strangely embarrassed. She only looked up when she heard a strange scraping sound. She stared at him smirking at her, arms crossed, a whole head taller than her. She gasped when she felt the ground below her feet shifting and clumsily stumbled to where she was now clutching at Gaaras shirt. She looked down and saw that it was sand that was moving beneath her.

She watched as sand filled the space beneath them and slowly lift them into the air. She looked back at Gaara, noticing that he seemed to be doing this without moving a muscle. She was still clinging to him though she was afraid to move lest she fall. It would be even more awkward if he had to catch her. In moments they were in front of her window to where all she had to do was step down off of the sand and she would be in her room. She went to make that step and Gaara gently eased her down into her room, holding onto her hand to support her.

"Thank you," Hinata whispered, turning back to him. Her hand was still in his and she gazed at him standing outside of her window.

"Of course," Gaara spoke softly to her. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze and then pulled away, leaving in a gust of sand. Hinata's arm was still outstretched as if she were reaching for something. She slowly brought her arm down and clutched her hand to her chest.

The Kazekage… wasn't so bad. It didn't make anything easier though. She loved her home, she loved her friends, and… she still loved Naruto. She did not love Gaara. He did not love her. He told her up front that he couldn't give her that. The thing about her situation that gave her the most grief, what she really couldn't get over was that all of the possibilities of different futures were suddenly coming to a close. The future she had imagined for herself filled with her friends, her family, and…. Naruto? None of that was possible now.

With tears in her eyes and heavy heart she trudged over to her bed. She wrapped herself up in her blankets and succumbed to a fitful sleep about the boy she loved and man she would marry.

./././

"You look lovely," Gaara murmured as he took her hand and placed a small kiss upon it. The action surprised Hinata, though she quickly assumed the action was expected of their dance together. The music started and Hinata looked at Gaara, unsure of how to begin. She could feel a blush heat up her face as she felt everyone's eyes on them. Gaara, however, automatically took her hands in his, placing one on his shoulder before placing another of his on her waist.

"Thank you, Kazekage," She whispered, allowing no emotion to break her polite mask as they began to move.

"Just Gaara," He breathed as he spun them both. They looked at each other with polite interest and didn't speak for the first few steps.

"Your friends are angry with me," Gaara noted, a small smile pulling at the edge of his lips. Her father had made the announcement as soon as all of the guests arrived much to Hinata's horror. He had assured her he would wait until at least after dinner. Their meal was strained. She couldn't even sit with her friends. She was surrounded by her family, the Hokage, the elders of both the Sand and the Leaf, and of course Gaara who sat to her left. She could only sneak glances at her friends who gaped at her and her fiancé. Thankfully, none of them had made a scene.

"Probably just shocked. I didn't give them any warning." Hinata replied, smiling softly at the thought of her friends worrying over her.

"Hm," Gaara nodded as he spun her around.

"I didn't peg you as the dancing type," Hinata smiled as she smoothly came back into his arms.

"I have spent the last month rehearsing with my sister," He smiled, "In truth I loathe dancing. But it is expected." He frowned at that last statement as did Hinata.

"Yes," she nodded, feeling her emotions crash back down after their brief distraction, their dance coming to an end, "It is expected."

Their dance came to an end and everyone clapped albeit halfheartedly. Gaara released Hinata before giving a small bow to her as she returned to gesture. She noticed everyone else filling the dance floor and was soon swept up by Kiba.

"Hinata, what the hell?" Kiba hissed so low only she could hear. He was much less graceful than Gaara and much more rough in his awkward movements. Hinata accidentally stepped on his toe.

"Sorry! For the toe and… well not tell you. Everything happened so fast. Really, I just found out about the engagement a few weeks ago."

"A few weeks ago? Damn Hinata." Kiba growled and then suddenly they stopped dancing. He held her at arms length and looked deeply into her eyes. Hinata felt a blush begin to creep back up to her face.

"Hinata, are you sure about this? We could talk to the Hokage, clear this up. Maybe someone else could do it. It's just… Gaara…. Are you sure?"

Hinata sighed, "Yes, Kiba. It is my duty to my family. And Gaara is… Nice." It wasn't a lie, and she couldn't tell her friends how horrified she was at the idea of this marriage. They would give such a fuss. She knew she had to put on a brave face for everyone, even if it meant she felt like she was dying on the inside. She would miss them terribly, but at least they would be able to picture her happy.

Kiba snorted, "Ha, yeah whatever. I'm not happy about this. No one is really. You should see Shino sulking. Well I doubt you'll see him all night. You're like our little sister. But I know you're grown up and you can make your own decisions and take care of yourself and all that crap but… Just… Let give us a heads up next time."

Kiba forced himself to smile and Hinata giggled at the gesture though she was holding back tears from his words. She reached on the tips of her toes to give him a small peck on his cheek. Their dance too came to an end, all too soon. She gave him one last hug before she was picked up by one of her her clansmen.

It went on like this all night, and for the most part, Hinata had a great time. She danced with all of her friends, some of them twice. Each one interrogated her about her engagement, however everyone let it drop after some reassurance. It made her happy that they didn't dwell—that they had confidence in her. The only one who refused to even act happy about the agreement was Neji. He was furious. He promised to have a word with her father despite Hinata begging him to not make a big deal of things. He wanted her happy, she knew, and he could see that she really wasn't with her situation. He couldn't just turn a blind eye like the rest of her friends.

"Hinata I can't allow this to—"

"Shhh!" Hinata hissed as Neji's voice continued to rise. They were dancing together now, and it was getting late. This was his third dance, his third whispered argument with her.

"As your cousin I can't accept this." He whispered harshly.

"Neji it's already been decided. I've already signed the contract."

"Contract," Neji spit the word.

"Please, Neji. This is the only way I can bring honor to our family."

"Hinata you don't need to bring honor to this family. Why would you want to? What good has the clan done for you?"

"I…" Hinata started however the music ended and Hinata was swept gracefully, though forcefully, out of Neji's arms. Hinata internally breathed a sigh of relief until she looked up and realized who she was dancing with.

"Lord Kazekage! Er… I m-mean G-Gaara!" She squeaked, her face turning pink.

"I'm sorry. I've been keeping my distance all night however I couldn't allow your cousin to keep belittling you like that." Gaara spoke smoothly, his face a mask of indifference aside from the spark in his eyes.

"T-thank you," Hinata breathed, "Though, you don't have to worry about Neji. He just wants me to be happy and…"

"You're not happy." Gaara said as a statement, though it wasn't an accusation. He was just stating a fact. Hinata couldn't argue but she couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt in her belly when she noticed his eyes flinch at her words. She tried to change the subject.

"You were… Trying to stay away?" She asked.

"I thought you might like to have tonight to have fun with your friends. I tried not to impose as much as I could. I tried to convince your father to not announce our agreement on your birthday."

Hinata was silent for a moment, reflecting on Gaara's words. He was trying to give her normalcy, at least for her, for one more night. He knew that after tonight people would treat her different. Hell, people already were. But, this, was Gaara's birthday present to her. Time with her friends before she had to leave them behind. This, truly, meant the world to Hinata.

"T-thank you, Gaara." She croaked as a lump had formed in her throat as her eyes begin to water.

Gaara said nothing, only nodded and removed his hand that was placed on her waist in order to dry the tear that had fallen down her cheek. Instinctively, Hinata leaned her face into his palm, closing her eyes at being comforted. Gaara let out a small gasp at the contact and could only stare at the one woman in front of him.

"Hey! You had better not make her ruin her makeup!" Hinata's head jerked up to see Hanabi standing a few feet away from them, arms crossed and face mockingly stern. She smirked at Hinata and Hinata let out a giggle. Gaara spun her around and squeezed her shoulders, holding onto her for just a moment longer, not wanting to end their physical contact.

"Happy Birthday, Hinata," he whispered in her ear, sending shivers down her spin before pushing her gently towards her sister.

A/N: Yeah I know it just sort of... ended. But I wanted to leave room for me to continue it and develop their relationship and all that jazz. So if you want me to continue leave a comment or follow, if not I'll just go hide in a corner. Thanks for reading! I know it was long :p