Starting in a new school...in a town and a new state was never exactly relaxing. Quite the contrary. It was nerve wracking. But the blonde didn't have any choice. His parents had recently passed away in an accident, and he had acquired their life savings. He would have stayed behind, in his home town, if he wasn't still a minor. So, here he was, in a completely foreign place, and now he was living with his uncle. The guy wasn't that bad, but Naruto was still grieving for his parents.

He sighed heavily; hefting a heavy backpack onto his shoulders as he left his room; his footsteps thudding down a large staircase. His family had never been rich; but they were all very successful. His uncle, more so than his parents.

He pulled himself from his thought; doubts and fears about living in an alien place, omewhere where he was the new student, and lived alone with his uncle as he rushed out the door. He didn't stop for breakfast; despite his growling stomach. He may have been new here; but he had an online friend that lived in the same town. That he was going with to school. He had never been so happy his uncle lived in the same area.

He rushed to his friends house quickly; knocking on the front door; blinking as he was greeted by a bright, toothy grin.

"Hello. Can I help you?"

Naruto shifted to his other foot; repositioning his backpack. "Is Lee home?"

The mans grin seemed to widen; and although Naruto wouldn't admit it, it was vaguely creepy. He had never seen someone so cheerful; but he gave a tentative smile in response.

"So you're Lee's online friend! He's been so excited to meet you in person! I have to admit, I was a bit wary about him meeting someone over the internet; but he was just so eager, I couldn't break his poor heart."

Naruto's eyes widened as arms wrapped around him tightly; and he felt a whisper in his ear. "But if you do something to make my little protégé unhappy, you will be sorry."

Naruto swallowed thickly and nodded; glancing behind Gai as he heard footsteps padding toward the door. Gai released him and turned to the other presence in the room. "Lee! You're runing late. That's not like you, my adorable friend." He stepped aside, pushing Naruto forward. "And your friend is here to walk to school with you."

Lee's expression brightened as he ran a hand through his messy hair. He had yet to brush it; but he rushed forward; hugging Naruto as well. "It's so good to see you Naruto-kun!"

Naruto relaxed slightly; his own mouth melting into a grin as he hugged Lee back just as fiercely. "You too. I'm glad there's someone I know going to the same school as me!"

They both stumbled as Gai pushed at Lee. "You're going to be late!"

Lee nodded; straightening himself out and grabbing his leather jacket from a hook on the wall as he rushed him and Naruto out.

"O-Oi!" Naruto was being pulled on roughly as Lee led him to the school impatiently. "Come on, Naruto-kun! We can't be late! There's a new principal and teacher as well. And I don't know how they'll react to tardiness. They just started this morning." Lee's face seemed to glow with excitement. "I wonder what they're like!"

Naruto bit on his lower lip nervously. "What if noone likes me?"

"Don't worry, Naruto. I'm sure everyone will love you!"

Naruto remained quiet; silently uncertain about that statement. But he just shook his head and sighed.

I hope so...