Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

Pairings: HinataxShino InoxShikamaru SakuraxNaruto TentenxKiba

Slight: InoxGaara SakuraxSasuke HinataxGaara HinataxSasuke HinataxKiba

Pairings are kind of confusing. Sorry about that. This is a repost of my original that I deleted months back. I redid a lot becausemy memory of this story was not crystal clear. I hope you enjoy the first chapter.

Shino paid no attention to his teacher, Miss Kurenai as she explained the rules to the winter dance. Nobody would want to go with him anyway, he heard the voices that mocked him. He knew that he was a nobody. Looking at the little bugs crawling on the windowsill by his desk, he listened to the rain slowly hit the ground, drop by drop. The boy had a strange infatuation with the bugs, one could say it was a hobby to observe them. He felt like they were similar to him, misunderstood and unloved.

The school bell rang and most of the students cheered and rushed out of the room. Shino simply gathered his belongings, walking calmly out the door and into the halls. His feet carried him the exit. Pulling up his hood, he ran down the streets careful to avoid the steady flow of people. Most of them were probably tourists, Konoha was a very popular city in the Fire Country and even during winter when the cherry blossoms were sleeping, it was busy.

Laughter caught his ear, it hurt him and caused him to look at the source of the sound. Across the street at the Ichiraku Ramen Bar, there were people sitting at a table conversing with each other, happiness emanated from them. Shino recognizedthem aspartof thepopular group from his school.

The loudest of them all was Naruto Uzumaki, a blonde boy. He was always full of energy and very hyperactive. His shocking blue eyes charmed many a girl in the school. Even though his grades were low, he was one of the most sought after by seven eighths of the school's female population. Naruto's affections however belonged to one girl, Sakura Haruno.

Sakura had bubblegum-pink hair which was probably dyed, but beautiful none the less. Her emerald eyes made her stand out from the crowd. In school she was an angel, getting perfect grades, an outstanding student. Her rich family provided her with all she could possibly need, but she still worked. The girl volunteered as an assistant nurse at the hospital.

Sakura's best friend was Ino Yamanaka. Ino was the classic Barbie doll. Her golden hair and blue eyes label her as an automatic diva. Ino's clothing was always one of the most modern fashions and her voice was as charming as springtime. She always had the latest gossip and often was the first to start rumors. She flirted around with many, but finally picked Shikamaru Nara.

As far as grades were concerned Shikamaru was just as bad as Naruto. However, various tests that he was forced to take by his girlfriend revealed that he was a genius. His lazy behavior did no good for him during school. Yet, somehow he had managed to outwit Ino and force her into a date. One thing lead to another and their relationship grew.

The smiles on their faces hurt Shino and he wondered, looking up at the sky, 'Why not me?' The boy was alone all alone, nobody to talk to, nobody to listen to him. The rain began to soak his jacket as he continued to run through the streets reaching the downtown area. Downtown Konoha was a crime ridden place, it was filled with homeless. Many dirty things happened here and Shino was quite aware.

The boy looked at a door which he knew as the entrance to his home. It was a dirty, one floored place, but it would have to do. He was alone, even in the place where one if supposed to feel comfort, love. Shino went into his room and took of his high collared jacket, it belonged to his father. He took off his glasses, they hid his eyes from the rest of the world. When he took them off, some of the darkness lifted, but it was not enough. No person should have to feel that much. Shino gently set them by his bed, they belonged to his father. His eyes were a silvery color, like stars, but they were dull and did not shimmer as they should. His eyes belonged to his mother. 'Why did you have to leave?'

Shino lay down on his hard bed, and pulled up the blanket to his chin. Still, it was no protection against the cold, the boy could still see his breath. There was no money to spare for heat. There was barely enough for food. You could see the boy's ribs and it was frightening how many unhealed scars he had. Maybe that's why he always hid behind that jacket of his. 'Please let this night that I can sleep without fear.' His eyes shut tightly closed afraid of what he would see if he opened them before the dawn.

I'm sorry about the shortness, the next chapeter will make up for it, I promise. Remember to review. Until next time, Yuki-chan over and out.