"I haven't thought about it too much, I...its....complicated." I shot Tsunade a look, hoping she'd help me knowing why this was more complicated due to my reincarnation. It's not my place to love anyone romantically and she should know that. However, she seemed to beg to differ.

"Hinata." Tsunade took my hand, sobering me up a bit. "You deserve to let yourself love as much as the rest of us." I was drunk, thats the only reason my eyes got watery.

"Right, so even if you haven't thought about it..."

"Who makes your heart beat with just a glance? Who do you find yourself thinking about the most? Who makes you feel safe, seen, loved? When you think about your future, who do you see by your side, holding your hand and preferably keeping you happy for the rest of your life?"

"I...." It wouldn't be so bad if I truly thought about dating, right? I couldn't help my thoughts as they wandered, thinking of a future I once tried not to focus on. I thought of weekly letters, panda eyes, hands crafted for destruction so carefully caring for succulents, sand that protected me despite its intent to kill, a kazekage who cared so much about everyone it hurt, a man who was so sweet he remembered all of my favorites and had them ready when I came to visit. I wanted to protect him, I wanted to show that he was loved and cared for, hell I still want all of those things. "Fuck."

A look of realization dawned on me, I think I like, really truly, like Gaara, the motherfucking Kazekage who lives in a different nation. "Well, Hina, who is it?" If I wasn't intoxicated already, they'd be able to see how terribly I was flushing.

"Oh. my. fuck. I think I might be in love with Gaara." Gaara who had never felt affection and probably doesn't know what romantic love is. Would I just be taking advantage of him if I were to ask him out, I have an influence on him after becoming his first friend?

"Damn, the Kazekage? You like them large and in charge." Ino giggled, looking extremely satisfied with herself.

"Why Gaara?"

"He's so sweet and gentle, he's shy and awkward and doesn't always understand people but he tries hard and cares so much about everyone. He had everything pushing him to be a monster, yet he is so kind, so strong, so amazing because of all that he went through. He really cares about what I have to say and protects me as fiercely as I protect him. He's beautiful inside and out." It was like the words were just flowing and I could do nothing to stop them. All I wanted is to see his face, look into those beautiful eyes and getting lost forever.

"Well then you'd be happy to know we need a liaison to go to Suna and help decide the new peace treaty as well as plan the next chunin exams. Shikaku waasss going to assign Shikamaru to the assignment, I could talk him into giving you both the assignment."

"You'd really do that for me?" I slurred, that would be more than perfect. Shikamaru could finally spend time with Temari (after we have a dreaded talk because I don't know where his feelings lie and I don't want to be held up on our crush we shared when we were 13) and I can hopefully talk to Panda-kun.
"Of course brat, who do you think I am."

"Pretty awesome is who you are."

***

"Oh little brother, I have a surprise for you~" Kankuro sang, waving a scroll around. Gaara knew that seal, so he held his hand out waiting for his new letter. He put on a composed front even when it felt like his heart was going to beat right from his chest. He wasn't sure if it was possible, but it sure felt like it every time he got a new letter. "Why so eager?" The puppeteer teased with a smug ass smirk.

"Just give me the letter, Kankuro. I do not have time for you today."

"Then come and get it, shorty." Using his superior height, he held the scroll as high as he could reach, a height that Gaara couldn't reach without jumping and embarrassing himself. Without a second thought, a tendril of sand swept Kankuro's legs out and another tendril brought the scroll to the kazekage's awaiting hand. He gently unrolled the letter, a hidden smile threatening his stoic face.

Hey Panda-kun or should I say Kazekage-kun,

It's been a while since I've written you a letter. You probably know, being kazekage and all, but I was requested to join Shikamaru on his mission to be liaison for our villages and the chunin exams! By the time you're getting this letter, I should be within Suna and on my way to your building. I can't wait to see you and learn even more about where you grew up!

Love,

Your favorite Hyuga

"Why didn't anyone inform me of these changes? There is only one room ready and I didn't plan on taking much time off this week and-" kankuro clasped a hand on his shoulder to stop Gaara's slightly uncharacteristic rambling. God, he was so into the little Hyuga it was adorably hilarious.

"Chill lil' bro, no need to panic. Hinata's room from her last stay is still ready, you wouldn't allow us to change it remember. Man, I knew you liked her, but this little crush of yours might be bigger than I thought."

"Crush, why would I want to crush Hinata?" Gaara frowned in thought, not liking the idea that people think he would hurt Hinata.
Man, his brother was clueless. "Not like that, I mean you like Hinata as more than a friend, you love her. It's so obvious, you blush with every letter she sends." If kankuro wouldn't inform Gaara of his feelings, nobody would and he would lose his girl before he even had a shot.

"What do I do about this 'crush'? Do I tell her? How do I tell if she feels the same?"

"Simple, when she gets here, kiss her. If she blushes, she's into you. If she hits you, you guys are just friends." It took everything in his power not to cackle. Kankuro was setting things in motion and he was ready to see the outcome of his meddling. Plus, his bro getting a gf or slapped was an equally entertaining outcome.

"Is that the only way?" It seemed backwards, kisses were special, but nobody was as special as Hinata so perhaps it is the best option. Even if it made his palms clammy and heart thrum like a rabbit.

"Absolutely." And that was that. Gaara had a plan in mind.

***

"The Kazekage, huh? Damn, figures I wouldn't have a chance against someone like him for someone like you. What a drag." After I told why I was really put on this mission, Shikamaru barely even looked at me as we jumped through the trees.

"It's not because you are any lesser than him, it's just...different. You're one of my best friends, Shika, I want it to stay that way even if you need time." Wow, this sucks.

"Yeah yeah, I got it woman." He finally gave me a lazy quirk of his lips and I knew all would be well.

"Besides, now you can ask Temari out on that date she was hinting at." I bumped my shoulder into his and he flushed, ever so slightly. Checkmate. I stopped right before the gates of Suna, Shikamaru pausing and coming back to my side.

"What's the hold up? I'm tired of traveling and ready to sleep." He was right, I was exhausted too. It was nearing sunset and we have been traveling almost nonstop for three days. My nerves however outweigh my exhaustion, entering the village means seeing Gaara again. Now that my feelings are out, I don't know how I can face him if he doesn't like me.

"I- uh its nothing. Lets go." Shikamaru gave me a knowing look and I pointedly looked the other direction. We got out entry and followed the guide to the Kazekage's office; each step I felt like shitting myself. Outside the building, Kankuro and Temari were waiting for us. Temari and I hugged, before she went and grabbed Shika's arm and dragged him away before his 'lazy ass could skip out on eating so he could sleep."

"Hinata it's so good to see you not covered in blood. Let's go find the Kazekage and let him know you're here, shall we?" The puppeteer gave me a grin that made me nervous, the gleam in his eyes was downright evil.

"Yeahhh." He had something planned, last time he was this sneaky I ended up trapped in a puppet and tickled until I peed...its a long story. We walked up to Gaara's office and Kankuro shot me a smirk before he surprisingly knocked on the door before opening it.

It's super cheesy but it was as if time stopped. Everything else drowned out, all I could see was Gaara and his stupid red hair and his stupidly perfect face and his stupidly beautiful eyes. The stupidly beautiful eyes that were looking at only me.

"Hi Panda-kun." Each stride Gaara took brought us closer together and when I expected him to stop, he didn't. Instead his sand pushed me into him and his lips met mine. It was awkward and our teeth smacked together but it couldn't have been more perfect. It took my breath away and swept me off of my feet. I could feel myself blush worse than I had ever done in my entire life. All fear and doubt I had dissipated by the quick chaste kiss Gaara gave me (how he decided that was our greeting I wasn't sure but it probably had to do with the stupid laughing idiot to my left. "So, does this mean I don't have to confess first? Because I really, really like you and I know this might all be new to you but its pretty new to me and I'd really like to take you out on a real date."

"I... really like you too. Would you like to go eat dinner with me, together, alone?" The last bit was pointedly directed towards his brother who was still watching us like he had nothing better to do. However, he still received a nod in thanks, without his (stupid yet somehow it worked) advice we wouldn't be here...yet.

"Let's go! We have so much to catch up on!" I pressed a kiss to his cheek and grabbed his hand, dragging him out to take me to dinner. I couldn't keep down my giddy smile if I tried.

After dinner, we took a stroll through Gaara's succulent garden. My hand was in his, holding tight as he showed me his favorite plants and how to care for each of them.

"Hinata. I really liked kissing you. Can we try it again sometime?" It was so sudden, and so innocent. He was too damn cute.
"Absolutely."I pressed a chaste kiss to his lips, making him stiffen in surprise. I pulled away with a cheeky grin. His lips were still pursed, and I just wanted to kiss him again and again. "And I can show you how to make it even better."

"Well...how about you show me now?" Yeah, its certain Gaara is going to kill me.

"Ok, take it slow and follow my lead." I placed his hands on my hips and gently caressed his cheek, before pulling him down, gently kissing him. Before he could pull away I moved my lips, opening them slightly and deepening the kiss. He practically turned to jell-o, relaxing into the kiss and following my movements tentatively.

My hands were tangled in the hair that met the nape of his neck, his around my waist, holding me to him. I pulled away for a breath, awed at the sight of him, panting and blushing, his eyes lidded and looking at me with such a pure adoration it filled me whole. Those eyes, the perfect seafoam green that shone with nothing but kindness, are going to be the death of me. "God, you're so hot." I whispered.

"Would you like me to cool down?" He questioned sweetly, concerned I was overheating. I giggled, pressing my forehead to his with a wide smile.

"No, I mean you're attractive, handsome, sexy...perfect."

"You really think so? Even when I look different from everyone else?"

"You and your missing eyebrows have people falling left and right, you're hot." He flushed and kissed me to hide. Soon, we were like high schoolers and would sneak away at every possible moment to make out. Chunin meetings, peace meetings, between each of them we were in the supply closet, lips together and about as subtle as an elephant.

As a proctor for this year's chunin exams, I got the best round. The final one-on-one battles. Tanaka, an Iwa jonin, was my partner who made sure I didn't "give the Konoha ninja an advantage." Just because Hanabi and Konohamaru were in it this year didn't mean I was biased. I didn't have to be, they were sweeping the floor with everyone else.

"I watched you fight in the war, that Hyuga down there, did you train her?" Tanaka asked, taking his seat beside me.

"She's my sister!" I boasted proudly. She really was a pretty little beast out there. With Kakuzu's training, the Hyuga training, her Sensei's training, and what I taught her, she was a force to be reckoned with.

"That explains it. She will grow up to be as beautiful and fierce as you then." He responded like I had given him the answers to the universe.

"She'll be even better, she's much sweeter than I am." That was not a lie, she is definitely too nice. Each opponent she heals after beating them down.

"From what I see" he gave me a slow intentional up and down "you are extremely sweet." He purred.

"Thats very flattering, but I have a boyfriend." Man, boyfriend. It has been a little over a month and the words still make me giddy to say.

"He's not here is he?" Tanaka slyly winked.

"Actually he is." Gaara's baritone voice cut in coldly. Sand pushed Tanaka away from me, and me into Gaara's arms. "So kindly leave her alone and do your job." Although Gaara is not the bloodthirsty boy he was as a child, his reputation as a former 'monster' precedes him.

"Yes, I apologize Kazekage-sama, Hinata-san." Tanaka scrambled to a different viewing area to judge.

"As much as I love my Panda in shining sand, you have a seat to take. Baki looks like he wants to kill us both." Baki was glaring the both of us down so I stuck my tongue out at him.

"You are more important than him." He insisted sincerely. God this man never failed to make me swoon.

"You really know how to sweet talk a girl." I kissed the side of his mouth with a smile, enjoying how he still flushed every time I gave him affection. "Now shoo mr. Kazekage, I have a job to do."

"Goodbye my sweet aloe." I was practically steaming as he oh so gracefully took his leave. He's never called me a pet name before, not that I'm complaining.

First I love you

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I stopped my rambling about a new technique I was working on, noticing Gaara was staring at me in a way he has never before.

"You're just so beautiful." He tucked my hair behind my ear, staring into the depths of my soul. "Hinata, I love you. I know I still have a lot to learn about my feelings, but I am more certain of my love for you than anything else in my life." He smiled so soft, so full of love, I could melt right then and there. I have never felt such overwhelming love, such pure honest love, how could I be so lucky.

I grabbed the hand cupping my cheek and Gaara stiffened, looking ready for rejection. "I love you so, so much Gaara. I thank the universe every day for bringing you to me." The tenseness in his posture dissipated and his eyes welled up with tears. The happiest smile Gaara has ever given bloomed so bright. I couldn't stop my tears from flowing either. We shared the most tender, wet with tears, kiss. Showing our love to one another with each movement of our lips.

***

"Please, allow me to honor our clan and our village by forming an alliance through marriage with the Kazekage, Gaara. I love him, yes. But, this marriage is greater than just my love, it will provide an unbreakable bond between our villages. I beg of you, please allow me to ask Gaara to marry me." I was on my knees, forehead pressed against the floor as I begged the clan elders and Neji-nii to approve my request to ask Gaara to marry me. My 19th is coming up very soon and if I am not engaged, I will be put in an arranged marriage. I would rather die than give up my relationship with Gaara. I love him more than I thought possible, and I know he loves me too.

We've talked the ins-and-outs of what would happen if a member of a noble clan and the kazekage were to wed. It would be the perfect opportunity to create peace between our nations that goes beyond trust and a treaty, it would be unbreakable. It's complicated, at least getting our clan and nation approval is, but it will be worth it. I can't imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else.

Moving from my home, my friends, my family is scary (and Sasuke was more than pissed when he first found out, I'm lucky Naruto was there to calm him down and asked him out) but I can't live without Gaara. I've always made decisions to benefit those I love, but this one is for me and I have to be selfish. I let myself love and I can never go back.

"Is this what you truly want?" Neji was the first to speak after I dropped the bomb of wanting to marry not only outside the clan but outside the village. His all seeing eyes were directed at me and me alone, assessing each and every movement to ensure this is all my decision.

"Yes, I want nothing more than to marry the one I love."

"Will he treat you like you deserve?" He spoke as calm and regal as ever.

"Yes."

"Then I, the head of the Hyuga clan, approve your request to marry Gaara of the Sand."

"Neji-sama!" Harubi, an old bag, squealed in dismay, shocked he approved it so easily.

"Neji-nii!" I jumped over the table, tackling my elder brother in a hug so tight I could feel his ribs crack. He returned the hug with more tact, but equally as much affection. "Thank you thank you thank you. You're the best."

"Ino, we have a mission!" I stormed into her and Choji's apartment, bags packed, sealed, and ready to go.

"What for?" Ino was already up and beginning to pack her bag. That's my best friend.

"I need to find a rare succulent so I can propose to Gaara! Temari will meet up with us en-route."

"You're going to propose!?" She squealed, jumping up to glomp me. "That's my girl. I'm in of course." With a dramatic flip, she finished packing with a speed to rival Sasuke.

"Thank goodness you're proposing, its been over a year since you started dating. I was about ready to give Gaara some romance novels to get the hint across. Or else, god forbid, he'd end up asking Kankuro for more advice." Temari shivered at the thought of her brother trying to give more terrible relationship advice. There's a reason he's forever single.

"Hey, his advice sucks but it worked to get us together." I tried to defend my (hopefully) future brother's honor.

"Only because you're equally as dumb." Ino chimed in teasingly.

"Rudeee." We all burst into a fit of giggles.

"Is this it?" Tucked in between two caves was one of the worlds rarest succulents: the Vahondrandra. It had bright orange flowers that sat atop special aloe leaves. It took two weeks to find, in the raging heat, but in its large, colorful glory it would be the perfect addition to Gaara's garden. Using everything he had taught me, I carefully potted the plant for transport. I hope he loves it, he has spoken about wanting to find one a few times and I figured it was better than buying some kind of ring.

"Panda-kunnnn, I'm backkk." I threw open his office door, interrupting his paperwork by sending the stacks of paper flying about from the small gust of air. Uncaring, Gaara's sand picked it all up as he embraced me. His beachy, slightly metallic scent was comforting. I inhaled against his chest, drowning in the scent I love.

"I'm glad you are here safely, how was your mission in Konoha?" He pressed a kiss to the top of my head, bringing me to sit with him at his desk.

"It was awesome, my family says hello andddd I brought you a gift!" I bounced up and down in excitement, gentle yet firm hands stopped the movement and I flushed, realizing what I had been doing.

"A gift?" His gravelly voice sent a shiver through me.

"Yes, the greatest gift you'll hopefully ever receive." I stood up, pulling Gaara back to his feet. "Come on, come on, lets go see it." I forced him to close his eyes and dragged the unsuspecting loverboy with me. I positioned Gaara in the right place, being maybe a little more handsy than need be, but how can I resist a body like his. "Ok, open them."

"Is that-" He blinked once, twice, thrice eyes disbelieving. His dream plant was right there, in the flesh...literally. After examining the plant for a minute, gentle fingers caressing each leaf with such care, I had his attention. "You are so unbelievably amazing." He gave me that look, the one so lovey dovey it makes my heart soar. With a sigh of nerves, I took his hands and got down on one knee.

"Gaara, I think I fell in love with you the moment you trapped me in your sand. Each and every letter you wrote I fell deeper and deeper, every moment I've spent with you have been the best moments of my life. I love how kind, loving, protective, strong, sexy, and thirsty for knowledge you are. I know that traditionally the man is supposed to ask, but we are anything but. So, will you please do me the honor of accepting my gift and marrying me?"

"I-I thought when we discussed the logistics, that was us agreeing to be wed." Gaara blinked dumbly and I let out a snicker. God, I love my clueless panda.

"So is that a yes?"

"Yes. Of course, my aloe. I would love nothing more than to make you my wife." I jumped into his arms, peppering his face with kisses, sobbing.

"We're getting married. Holy shit! We're getting MARRIED! YES!" I fist pumped, still sobbing like a lunatic as it all officially set in. I wanted to shout it to the world, so I'll have to settle with telling it to both of our villages!

***

"Are you sure my hair looks ok? Fuck, It looks stupid doesn't it. I never should have cut it. It clashes with my kimono, I should have chosen a different color scheme. Why didn't I realize how bad it looks sooner. Gaara's gonna take one look and decide to call it all off."
"Hime." Shisui placed his hands on my shoulders, stopping my frantic pacing and allowing Hanabi to finally finish tying everything together. "Breathe. You look beautiful, so beautiful I could cry. Gaara is going to lose his mind when he sees you. My baby is all grown up, my heart!" Shisui wiped away fake tears, dramatic as always. But, he succeeded in calming me down.

"Thanks...stupid. Now shoo and go find Ino, she has my bouquet."

"On it boss lady."

"Hinata, my daughter, you look beautiful." Father smiled, pulling me into his arms so I couldn't see his expression.

"Thanks papa." I lay my head against his shoulder and wrapped my hands around his arm, so he could lead me down the aisle. The music began to play and I finally began my procession. When I finally was in position, my breath was stolen. There Gaara was, dressed in the alternate version of my kimono, eyes trained on me and me alone. They were filled with so much adoration it physically hurt. All my fears and nerves washed away at the sight of the man I love so completely.

Although my family and friends were there to support and cheer me on, the only thing I could see was Gaara. When I finally made it down the aisle, Father handed me off to Gaara with a nod of approval. "Take care of her."

"I will." He responded without looking away from me. We took our spots at the alter and knelt down. "You are so beautiful." He whispered, squeezing my hands.

"I love you." I whispered back with a dopey look on my face.

"Hinata, from the moment we met. I knew you were something special, someone to keep my eyes on. You saw past the monster in me and showed me what love, true unconditional love feels like. You gave me friends, restored my family, and saved my life in more ways than one. I am the luckiest man in the world to get to marry such an amazing woman. I promise to love and care for you with everything I have until my dying breath. I promise to always listen to what you have to say and to keep learning and growing so that I can be the best husband for you. With every grain of sand I have, I give myself to you, as your husband now and forever."

"Damn, you weren't supposed to make me cry. How am I supposed to top that? Gaara, my Panda, when we first met you tried to kill me and I was in love. But then in that same month, you protected me from a true monster and I fell even harder. You make me feel seen, heard, loved in a way nobody else can. With each letter we wrote, I became more and more invested in staying in your life forever. I promise, with every breath I take, to protect you the same as you've done for me. I promise to heal you from every scratch that manages to get past your sand. I promise to love you and answer every question you have with love and honesty. I promise to fight for you and for the village you swear to protect. Although Suna was not my home, it is now, because of you. You are my home Gaara, and I promise to come home until the day I die. I love you now and forever. I am so happy to become your wife."

"By the powers bestowed by the Hokage and Kazekage, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss." Kakashi, our officiant (I begged and begged only to have to bribe him with the unreleased newest makeout tactics) sneakily kicked me into Gaara, letting out a giggle. I wasted no time in grabbing the collar of his Kimono and pulling his soft lips to my own. Sealing our wedding with a kiss.

***

Gaara and Hinata go on to have three children in traditional Kazekage fashion. Two girls and one boy. The girls have Hinata's hair but Gaara's looks and the boy has Gaara's hair and Hinata's eyes/face. Gaara was nervous to become a father but he is so happy and loves his kids and is such a dad. Hinata takes missions that require her healing or fighting skills for Suna, but when she is not on missions like that she is an instructor in the hospital to teach healing! Team 7 meets up once a month to hang out, catch up, and sometimes go on missions. They are still besties. Gaara and Hinata grow old together and Hinata and Shukaku are best friends.

Sasori moves to Suna but decides after a year of being "human" with Hinata he'd rather be a puppet so she helps him fully become emotionless and he deserts once more somewhere off with Deidara to be rogue. Hidan goes rogue again too. Kakuzu stays in Konoha because he can't bear to leave his little student Hanabi.

The final tidbits of info:

Naruto and Sasuke (in the endings that they don't end up with Hinata) get married and naruto becomes Hokage ofc. Sasuke is heartbroken for a bit but realizes he loves naruto after the blonde kisses him (I mean they are so gay for one another its unbelievable)

Shika marries Temari ofc (except in his Hinata ending)

Shisui marries Fū

Kakashi is unmarried but forever in a bromance with Gai

Lee and Tenten get married

Ino and Choji

Kiba and Shino

A/N: GUYS THE FIRST ENDING IS HEREEEE! I asked which ending should be first and one of my fav readers Tasha asked for Gaara so here he is! TBH this was so hard to write because Gaara and Hinata, although cute as kids, is the hardest ship for me to write because in part 2 of this book they just have so little time together. But, I think it ended up really cute! More endings to come. Up next is either kakashi, hidan, naruto, or Sasuke lol...you choose