This is the second time i've uploaded this story. I deleted it before because of personal matters and was unable to continue but i'm back now and plan to start again. I'm sorry if you were a reader before but i hope you'll come back and continue where we left off. I will edit and rewriting the story as i go so it has the same plot but a more thought out plot than before. Again, sorry about before, i had to delete the story for personal matters.

- Thanks for starting my story. All reviews/comments and suggestions for future chapters are welcome. I will also answer any questions about the story you might have.

- Thoughts are italicized. Used also as a way to emphasize.

- Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any associated related to the story.

- 1 -

Naruto Uzumaki, a 16 years old, near the end of his sophomore year at Konoha High School. Naruto's mother died during the act of childbirth, she suffered substantial blood loss and passed away. His father had set out to raise Naruto by himself as a single father. He worked as a teacher for the high school Naruto attended. He died in a drunk driving accident not too long after Naruto turned 8 years old. Naruto was raised by his perverted godfather Jiraiya. Unfortunately Jiraiya was a traveling writer and only returned home every few months for about a week or so. Naruto stayed in an apartment that Jiraiya and he share. Though, Naruto didn't mind, he was raised in this life and had grown accustomed to it.

The only thing Naruto really desired in life were friends. Everyone his age only seemed to care about gossip and fashion and the opposite sex. The school was dictated by what was popular and "in" right now. Naruto seemed to be isolated, the only one who could care less about popularity or love or even sex. He came to the conclusion that, though popularity gave people attention, it didn't give them real friends. Just followers who soon abandoned them after they lost that same popularity. He'd rather have no friends than fake ones any day. He sat silently and watched other kids his own age go about living carefree lives, however he refused to be jealous of them. Naruto had developed a great skill because of his isolation, observation. He watched and listened to those around him and created his own opinions from them, never judging before he knew the situation or person.

Naruto sat alone at his lunch table as any other day. He wears his signature orange jacket with the sleeves rolled up and unzipped to reveal a solid black t-shirt. He wore dark blue jeans that fit comfortably and draped down to a pair of bright orange sneakers. He sits studying for his biology test, which was just a few days away, the last test before school is let out for Spring Break. He twirling his green crystal necklace between his thumb and index finger, this necklace he's has since he was a child, given to him by his now deceased parents.

"The main function of a human blood cell is to carry oxygen and other nutrients to every part of the human body." Naruto recited to himself aloud, brushing his blonde hair from his eyes.. He had read the biology book already but his memory sometimes faded when time took over. He found that out the hard way, when he didn't study at all in middle school, he would fail test after test and even got to the point he would be held back. He had to study, his only options were either study and pass, or just wing it and fail. He did admire those who didn't even have to try to make the grades they did. Individuals like Sasuke Uchiha who never was seen studying.

Sasuke Uchiha was the acclaimed Crown Prince of Konoha High. He was the star Quarterback of the football team, dating one of the schools cheerleaders named Sakura Haruno and valedictorian of their class. He was a typical teenaged guy, very loud and quick to show of how amazing he was. Always eager to impress everyone, especially his friends. Behind him in class ranking was the infinitely lazy Shikamaru Nara. Shikamaru had the intelligence of a genius but refused to put forth any effort. He often times slept in class and would stay awake just long enough to ace every test he takes without effort. The only thing that stops him from becoming valedictorian is his blatant refusal to do any work outside of school.

Naruto sat quietly at his table, munching away at his chips he still had for lunch, oblivious to the conversation to the table next to him. A conversation between Sakura Haruno, Sasuke's incredibly popular and cheerleader girlfriend. Hinata Hyuga, considered one of the hottest girls in school with her inordinately pale eyes and naturally violet hair. However, unlike other popular girls, Hinata refused to date any boys and is reserved when it comes to personal matters. She acts shyly in front of people and timid, unlike the highly social cheerleaders and popular girls she associates with. Many claim she is only popular because of her looks, but regardless of why, she is extremely popular. Ino Yamanaka, another cheerleader and girlfriend to Choji Akimichi, another athlete from the football team. At first glance he looks over weight but in reality he is built well for a Lineman. Finally, the last girl at the table is named Tenten. Her last name is unknown but she is fairly popular, especially among the guys. Her boyfriend, Neji Hyuga, also known as Hinata's cousin, a full time student and captain of the swim team.

"Hey, who's that guys over there?" Sakura asked curiously, pointing at Naruto who sat at his table quietly studying. She ran her fingers through her hot pink locks that was cut to shoulder length. The exact hair color she has had since anyone can remember. She swore up and down that her hair was natural but almost everyone had their doubts. "He always sits there by himself and reads like a total loner or something."

"I think that's Naruto Uzu... Uzukami?" Ino said questionably.

"Uzumaki." Hinata corrected. "He's in my biology class. He's the same there too. He just sits by himself and does his school work. Never even saying a word unless called on by the teacher or when someone else talks to him directly." Hinata continued, gazing admiringly at the blonde. Hinata had had an interest in Naruto since the last day of middle school when Naruto stood up for Hinata when she was being bullied at school one day. Hinata was weak back then, small bodied and couldn't defend herself. Naruto stepped in and beat up the bullies that had been pestering her all school year. No one, not even her so called friends, did anything to help her. After wards Naruto was expelled from school, never pleading or begging for a second chance. He took his punishment and returned to school as if nothing had happened. Hinata never even got a chance to thank him. Every time she'd gather up the courage to go and talk to him, he was already walking out the door, headed to God knows where.

However, as fate would have it, the two were now from totally different worlds. She was popular and acted and dressed for it. He wasn't, he wore the same style of clothing and was alone almost all the time.

"What's his deal? Sakura asked, pointing towards him over her shoulder.

"He's not weird or anything. Just quiet and keeps to himself. I don't think he has very many friends." Hinata said.

"He's cute though. He kind of looks like a bad boy in a way." Tenten said, giggling with the other girls at the table.

"Why'd you ask about him Sakura?" Ino asked.

"I don't know, I was thinking we should invite him to our Spring Break Party. What do you guys think? The one we're having at Sasuke's house." Sakura asked looking at the surprised faces of her friends. They all, including Hinata, looked at her in total shock.

"Wow, hold on Sakura. You can't be serious. Yeah, Naruto's cute and that's great all but..." Tenten said only to be interrupted by Sakura.

"But what? You said it yourself, he's cute. He just needs a wardrobe change. Maybe if he gets a chance, he could become one of us." Sakura said.

"That's not a bad idea when you think about it." Hinata said. "It couldn't hurt to try. If he doesn't like it or he doesn't fit in he'll go right back to the way he is now."

"I guess so, but I don't think it'll work. Naruto seems like the kind of guy who would rather be alone than hang out with others." Tenten stated, voicing what everyone else was concerned about.

There was silence between the groups as they finished their lunches. Finally, Hinata asked the question they were all thinking. "How are we gonna ask him?"

"I vote Hinata does it!" Ino said.

"What? Why me?" Hinata asked frantically, waving her hands in front of her.

"You have biology with him. You can use that time to invite him!" Ino said.

"Sounds like a plan." Sakura said.

Hinata slumped back in her chair and pouted. It's not that she was forcibly volunteered that made her so upset. It was the fact that after over 2 years, she would finally talk to her crush for the first time. It seemed fate a sick sense of humor in a way. This could prove to be just what Hinata wanted. If Naruto finally became popular, he wouldn't be alone so much, and maybe even he'd have an interest in dating. Hinata blushed as thoughts rushed into her mind of Naruto's embrace and lips and body. She was brought back to reality by the sound of the school bell, signaling for students to go to their next class. Only a few short minutes until Hinata would ask Naruto to come to the party.

Naruto entered the biology lab and sat at his desk, readying his paper and pencils to take notes on today's lesson. It was just like his teacher, Dr. Kabuto Yakushi, to give last minute material for the upcoming tests. Dr. Kabuto was tall man, he had silver hair that hung to his ears and glass that he adjusted almost too much. He was a goodhearted man, but oddly passionate about his work as a teacher. He enjoyed testing students on every sense of the word, no matter the circumstance, seeing how far their minds could stretch and comprehend.

Suddenly, a few minutes before the tardy bell for class rang, a hand found its way to Naruto's shoulder, tapping gently to get his attention. "Naruto." A female voice called.

Naruto shifted his body and looked behind him to see Hinata smiling at him. Naruto gave a agnostic gaze directed at her. Hinata never talks me, Naruto thought. I wonder what she could want.

Hinata spoke before Naruto could ask her what she wanted. "Do you have any plans for spring break?" Hinata asked, embarrassed by asking the awkward question. Naruto pondered the question for a few seconds. He had never really considered it until now.

"Nothing yet, I was probably just gonna take up extra hours at the library. Really just to relax and catch my breath before school starts up again." Naruto said, giving Hinata a bright grin. "How about yourself Hinata?" Naruto asked smiling.

Hinata's face turned red at her crushes bright smile. She truly could get lost in his goofy grin, a grin so wide that at first glance it seemed as though he hadn't a care in the world. "About that." Hinata started to explain. Naruto tilted his head in anticipation as he waited for Hinata to continue. "There's gonna be a party at Sasuke Uchiha's house on the Saturday before we go back to school. I wanted to ask if… If you'd be interested in going." Hinata confessed.

Naruto looked at the violet haired girl before him. He didn't really believe what he was hearing, the request was so out of the ordinary that it was dumbfounding. "You're inviting me? To the biggest party of the year at Sasuke Uchiha's house?" Naruto asked skeptically. "This is a joke right?"

Hinata looked at the blonde and started to frown, she sighed. She knew that Naruto would have a hard time believing her. "It isn't. My friends and I were talking and we decided to invite you. We think you would make a nice addition. It'll be fun, trust me." Hinata said. The words trust me felt sour in her mouth for she had no reason to say such things. If anything Naruto had every right to not trust her, they hadn't spoken in years and suddenly she invites him to a party. This also isn't just a regular party, it's THE party of the year. Anyone would be skeptical at this, especially Naruto who was a straight up loner most of the time.

"Why?" Naruto asked with a serious tone. "Why would you guys want me there? I'm not popular or anything."

"They um... They said." Hinata tried to continue but her face grew bright red, as if she had a sunburn. "They said you were... Cute." She rushed her sentence but nevertheless she had said it. She actually told her crush he... He was cute! What would he think? Hinata became worried he would think she was a flirt or easy or even a slut! How could she so freely say that about him?

Naruto burst out laughing, turning around in his desk. He continued this laughter until Dr. Kabuto came into the room to begin the lecture. Naruto had a hard time stopping himself from laughing but tried as the lecture continued. Naruto couldn't help but chuckle at how Hinata said he was cute. She didn't have to lie for him to attend the party but he was flattered and would tell her he would go. He took out a piece of paper and began to scribble a note to Hinata.

Hinata's mind swirled with questions after seeing Naruto laugh at her words. With her head resting on the table she pondered the thoughts rushing toward her. Why would he laugh? Is he mocking me? Does he not believe me? Why? I worked so hard to say that and he... He just laughed in my face. I feel like the biggest idiot alive right now. Hinata had remained so deep in thought that she had paid no attention to Dr. Kabuto who walked into the room and began the lecture on the cells in the human body. 30 minutes had passed and Hinata's head remained on the desk, looking as though she was asleep. The lecture was beginning to end as she started to attract attention from everyone in the room.

Dr. Kabuto saw this and immediately became irritated, he then proceeded to walk over the Hinata's unmoving form, her eyes fixed on the board it was obvious she was elsewhere. "Mrs. Hyuga!" Dr. Kabuto said, slamming his hand on Hinata's desk. Everyone chuckled to themselves, everyone except Naruto who couldn't help but feel concerned for her. Hinata was as fast as lightning in raising her head and moving back from her desk. She looked up to see her teacher looking down at her disapprovingly. "Is my lecture so dull that you felt the sudden urge to drift off in my class?"

"Nn-no sir, I was just deep in thought in all!" Hinata said, waving her hands frantically in front of her body defensively.

"Is that so?" Dr. Kabuto said, walking to the front of the room. Placing his hands on his podium he cleared his throat into his hand. "Then, Mrs. Hyuga, if you can answer this question, proving you weren't really spacing out during my lesson and that I was wrong. I will give everyone 20 extra points on the test."

Everyone turned to look at Hinata, everyone but Naruto who sat with a piece of paper and pencil, not writing anything down. Anticipation filled their eyes

Dr. Kabuto cleared his throat one more time and then stared deeply into Hinata's eyes from across the room. Everyone turned and faced forward to wait for the question. "As you know, right now we're going over the human body right now. So, keeping that in mind, my question is. What is the largest organ in the human body?"

Hinata's eyes went wide. She had no idea. The large intestines maybe? The heart? The stomach? Which is it? "Umm uhh." Hinata said, scratching her head. She continued to make these sounds, looking around the room for any sort of clue until she noticed Naruto holding a sign to his back. Naruto was so nonchalant about the paper that no one but her even noticed. The paper had one word written on it, Skin.

Suddenly it click in Hinata's mind. The skin was the largest organ! This was a trick question because most thought organs were only inside you!

"Any day now Mrs. Hyuga. If you don't know just say so and I'll continue on with the lesson." Dr. Kabuto said with a smug grin. He always found pleasure in proving himself over others. "Go ahead and make a guess."

Hinata bottled up her resolve. Naruto's answer would probably be better than anything she could come up with. "Um, the skin?" She spoke questionably.

Dr. Kabuto's expression remained the same as he processed her answer and looked around the room. He smiled as he looked intensely at Hinata, who held her breath waiting for his response. "Well done! I didn't expect you to answer that correctly but it's reassuring you did! I'm nothing if not a man of my word, everyone in this class will gain bonus points on the test." Dr. Kabuto said happily. Suddenly, everyone started to smile and converse. Most got out of their seats to thank Hinata for earning them the much needed points on the test. Naruto remained seated and read over his notes, smiling to himself for the good he had done for his classmates. After the commotion settled, everyone returned to their desks to continue to take notes on Dr. Kabuto's lecture. He cleared his throat again as he always did. "Naruto." He spoke, directed at Naruto but loud enough to where everyone in the room focused their full attention. Naruto looked up from his notes and looked into the teachers eyes. "Next time, when I ask a student a question. Please. Don't give them the answer." He said, chuckling to himself lightly.

Everyone's eyes shifted towards Naruto. His face became red with blush and his face hung towards the floor. Like lightning the chatter began, rumors, teen drama. He could hear it now: "That kid gave Hinata the answer? He's a total loser, he never even says a word." One kid might say. "When did he do that? He didn't even move." Another could claim. "I thought that guy was mute or something." It truly was amazing how quickly the mindsets of others changes. Because of Hinata's popularity and status, everyone praised her and thanked her. After finding out Naruto had been the one to give Hinata the real answer, they quickly shifted into awkwardness and even disbelief. Popularity, after all, was the driving force of everyone in this school. Everyone, except Naruto that is. Once again, Naruto was reminded of his outcast status amongst his fellow classmates.

Hinata stared at Naruto's back as he hung his head. She felt responsible for Naruto's embarrassment. She had to make it up to him, one way or another. As class drew towards an end, Naruto packed his bag and got up from his seat. Almost on cue, the bell rang to signal everyone to move to their next class. Hinata would be going to Algebra, while Naruto would be going to English. She had to ask him to reconsider going to the party. She wanted him to be happy, but she knew of no other way to make him so.

Hinata quickly packed her bag in an attempt to catch up with Naruto, who make his advances towards the door. She shoved her things into her bag when she noticed a folded piece of paper on the edge of her desk. A note? She thought to herself. She unfounded the paper to reveal Naruto had slipped her a note before leaving out the door.

Naruto's Note:

I know you're probably more embarrassed than I am but still, I wanted to give you an answer to your invitation regarding the party at Sasuke's house. I'm not very good with words so I decided to write this instead. I would love to go. As long as you are there as well, I have a feeling everything will be fine. I'm not used to crowds like that, so I'm sure I'd be out of place, but I'm willing to try it out. I mean, if I don't like it I can always go back to normal. Thank you for inviting me.

Sincerely, Naruto.

- Hope you guys liked the first chapter. If you liked it and want to read more, don't forget to follow for more updates on the story.

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- Until next time, Oyasumi Nasai!