A/N- Just wanted to see how this would turn out since I am absolutely in love with ShikaHina now!! XD Had a SasuHina story to work on, but I lost all inspiration since I didn't like it anymore after reading a very good ShikaHina story(that isn't even finished yet by the way)….But don't worry, I will do everything in my power to not lose interest in this story!! Since it will be my first ShikaHina!! Please, if you can, review please. I accept constructive criticism only, I can take it…I like honesty even if it hurts! XD BUT if you will do nothing but flame my story with no particular reason behind it….you'll just be making a fool/ass of yourself….not me…..Thank you very much and enjoy…….

Edit: took out the schedule after reading it over...I thought it unnecessary...;P But I'll put it back if needed...who knows...also got rid of the poem.....thought it sucked later...I can't remember where I got it from... :?

Guardian's Beloved

Chapter 1: Hinata's Scheduled Life

A young girl that looked no older than eleven years of age and stood about four feet and nine inches in height, calmly walked down the long corridor of her, considerably large, home of a mansion. She was already dressed and ready for the first day of her eighth year in a well-known private school. The uniform she wore consisted of a white long-sleeved sailor top with a maroon-colored collar that was double lined with silver-grey stripes and rested neatly on her petite-like shoulders with matching cuffs. A silver-grey bow neatly popped in front of her well-endowed chest with a maroon button placed in the middle under the end of the collar to hold the bow in place. Luckily she was small for her age because if she wasn't, her top would have revealed some cleavage. Fitting her upper form tighter than it did now; thanks to her over-developing chest. Her thigh-length skirt matched the dark color of her collar as it hiked a little higher with every step that she took. Her white-stockings reached a little past her knees with her black three-inch heeled leather mary-jane shoes buckled evenly against her feet; Shoes she didn't believe she should be wearing at her age. The heels were her main problem.

Midnight-blue hair moved gently against her small heart-shaped face; hiding her petite un-pierced ears for her hair was cut evenly just an inch above her shoulders. A maroon-colored hair-band set on her head as her evenly cut bangs reached just above her pale-lilac eyes. She was heading straight toward the dining hall after one of her many servants informed her that her father was awaiting, not only her, but her cousin and sister's appearances to receive their schedules for the year.

A schedule.

She sighed at the thought.

A schedule was her life.

Her way of living.

A schedule was her very existence.

The ultimate way to control her every move by the one whom brought her to this world.

You would think that it was her mother, the one who actually birthed her. But of course, her father never saw it that way. He believed that she was to be another him. Apart of only his flesh and blood. As if she never even had a mother. She was always led to believe that her mother never existed since she had left her father after giving birth to her younger sister. And when she would always ask why her mother left, her father would simply reply….

"She never mattered."

And that would be all.

He had never spoken anything else of her except for those three words; as though she truly didn't matter. But she was able to see through her father's façade. Every time she did mention the subject of her mother and every time he would answer with the same words; his face would be like stone, but his eyes spoke volumes. She would always see an emotion that she would never see before out of him. An emotion that was very foreign to her; something she was very unfamiliar with. Especially considering that he had never, in all the memories that she has of him, never had he showed her or her sister in any way, shape, or form any love or affection whatsoever. Not a single emotional moment at all. He never smiled, he never laughed, he was never angry, he was never sad, he was never happy, he was always…….nothing. The same look was always plastered on his face.

Nothing.

Absolutely nothing.

His face was always blank.

Even when he was supposedly proud of her academic achievements; He would never show it.

Mainly because he expected her to do well; He would, of course, accept nothing less out of her. He would give her a specified advanced lesson, and she was to master it within a month. No matter what it was; whether it was in sports or in music, she was to master it within her given time. And he would always give her a month.

Nothing less.

She couldn't exactly remember when it was that he had first given her a schedule for her year, but from the looks of it. It must have been since the day she was born, probably even before. He wanted her to be the best that he was. The most achieved of her years. He was pampering her to be the best in all the country, the best above her time, and the best to take over the family business.

They were known as the Hyuugas; the strongest business family across the country.

They owned just about everything anyone has ever stepped foot in. From local supermarkets to private shopping malls; they owned it. Even the big guns like national banks and popular fairgrounds where most of the money was made; they owned it. From the largest business to the smallest business; it never mattered to them, as long as they owned it and made a lot of money for it. That's all it was about…money.

The young girl sighed as she was almost to her destination when realization hit her.

The money.

It was always about the money.

Another reason why she had a scheduled life.

Money.

They're family was so rich they could've bought more than three countries if they wanted to. If this wasn't enough, then perhaps half of the world; also why they only keep their business within the family. They had very few business partners that consisted of only two other families. These two other families were rich of course, but not as wealthy as they were and also not as powerful. They owned some businesses, top of the line. However, it would never compare to the business her family controls. In fact, no one would ever compare.

These two other families were trustworthy in her father's point of view. They have been partners for generations on end, and they expected this to last for however long that it would. Therefore, for their strong bond to continue, they've placed their older children together of the same age group to spend as much time with each other as possible. Everything that was on the schedules her father would prepare for her, her sister, and her cousin had always required them to spend time with their partner's families. To do this, they were all placed in the same academic private school for the intelligent and the wealthy.

The Uchiha family and the Uzumaki family.

Within her cousin's age group…there was no one but since he and the eldest of the Uchiha family's son were on the same level…..they had them together almost at all times during the school hours.

Within her age group, there was one from both families. The only son of the Uzumaki family and the second born of the Uchiha family; they too were scheduled to be with her at all times before, during, and sometime after school. Why this was so? She was the next to take over her family business when she became of age. They too, were in preparation. They're families thought it best for them to get to know each other at a young age, so when they were older, they would trust each other as completely as their parents did.

The only fortunate one, in her point of view, was her younger sister whom did not have to put up with business-family company. But there was someone who her father had pressed upon her because they were very wealthy and her sister interacted with him well. A Sarutobi was the family. And they were only wealthy due to past royalties. This impressed her father and he believed that his youngest daughter needed someone of such history. However, she believed he was referring to their family history. The Sarutobi was only someone who could make her father wealthier; simply an addition to the family's power.

At least both her and her cousin enjoyed their given company, Uchiha Itachi and Sarutobi Konohamaru; resulting in a very strong friendship. Whereas she, was literally saddened by her said company.

Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke.

Why?

First off, Uchiha Sasuke was an ice prince of his own world. The aura emitting from around him would always and forever give off 'I look better then you so therefore I am better then you'. He was a conceded jerk with nothing but one-worded answers to blow-off all questions. He believed that there was no one in this world that could show him up or even cross his line. He was the best as far as he was concerned and no one could tell him otherwise. Every time she would even show a tinge of kindness or try to start a friendly conversation, he would either ignore her or glare icily at her for even attempting such an interaction. Sometimes, he would even threaten her for simply glancing his way. She couldn't say that she was afraid of him or that she disliked him, because in truth, she didn't. She just wasn't all that fond of him, the way he would treat her only made her feel sorry for herself, all because she had no choice but to put up with it. If he were anyone else, she would have long ago abandoned him unless he wanted to speak with her and become her friend; not that it was likely. She would never ignore him; she wasn't that kind of person. Though you would think that her father acted this way since he was in fact, similar. But believe it or not, the Uchiha had emotions….they were just negative emotions. Not unresponsive or simply nothing like her father. Just, negative.

Then, there was Uzumaki Naruto. He used to be very kind to her in their younger days; very kind to her indeed. He would buy her simple things like teddy bears and candy. They were kids after all. He would always call her sweet and give her bone-crushing hugs. He was always very excited to see her and played with her all the time. Everything they did, he would always put her first, just like a gentleman would even if so young. He would always give her those toothy-bright grins that lit up a room. A grin that would always haunt her happy dreams. He would always give her a call to wish her a happy morning and later a goodnight to wish her sweet dreams. He was so loveable and likable. He was the complete opposite of Uchiha Sasuke. He would never say an unkind word to her, and he would defend her every time Sasuke would……all of these gestures and interactions resulting in her liking him to the point that it developed into something more. A feeling she, because of her father, didn't quite understand. Until just a year ago, when his godfather died, he became exactly what she knew all too well.

Emotionless.

Just like her father.

His smiles had stopped, his gift-giving had stopped, he never played with her anymore, and he stopped calling her altogether. He wouldn't even speak with her anymore, let alone glance her way. When she would try to talk to him, he would simply stare at her. No expression on his face at all. Just stare. She had better luck getting a response from Sasuke then she did Naruto. He had been another version of her father. That is, until a couple of months ago when she tried to give him something as a gift at a get together party between the families, he was angry beyond comprehension. She couldn't understand it but as she gave him his gift, he snatched it out of her hand and threw into the wall, shattering the present she worked hard to put together. Attracting the attention from everyone in the room, luckily their parents weren't present at the time; it probably would have been the end of their partnership because of what Naruto had done. He said the utmost hateful things she has never heard in her entire life, all in one setting. He called her out of her name with plenty of unpleasant and disrespectful words all because he was annoyed by her very appearance. He said he was tired of her in his face all the time, he was tired of her smiling-the fakest-smile he's ever seen, he was tired of her being around as though nothing had happened to his godfather. He was basically blaming her for things that had nothing to do with her. He was tired of her apologizing and telling him she understood when she didn't. No one had died that was important to her. He told her that she will never know how he felt. He told her……he hated her. It was as if he needed someone to take out his pain upon.

Why did it have to be her?

Their friendship was never the same again, and after that night. It was the first time, she cried. She cried so hard she couldn't remember when she fell to sleep. And the next day, they didn't even acknowledge each other. They hadn't for some time. Later, she had quickly gotten over the incident. She never held a grudge. And just the other day when she finally worked up the courage to say hello since he was talking with Sasuke. She had thought he was feeling better but he turned her way and glared at her, colder than Sasuke. And called her a couple of words he didn't even use that night. Of all the names he did call her, he didn't say this.

'Ugly Bitch.'

At that moment, her heart stopped. Tears had sprung up in her eyes but she had refused to let them flow. She simply frowned before turning on her heel and walking away. She wanted to ask herself why? Why couldn't she have her own friends? She wouldn't have to put up with this if she had her own friends. Why? She could understand some of her father's meaning, but it's not like if she made friends that they would suddenly take over her family business by just being her friend. That would be impossible. She didn't understand. But she knew her questions would never be answered. She may never know, and truth be told….

Only time will tell.

She suddenly came to a halt in front of her destination. The large dining hall shined brightly from the sun's undying rays, gleaming through the beautifully designed windows as it's deep royal-blue curtains were neatly placed apart on either sides of each window, held together by lovely white bows that were finely thinned. The walls were a dark color, something she was never able to make out due to the fact that they were covered with several different types of paintings. Paintings of all sizes. The biggest painting however was extremely noticeable because it was above the fireplace in the center of the large hall and was directly across from the main doors where she stood. The painting went from the edge of the wall near to the ceiling, to the significantly tall fireplace. Not your average small fireplace, no, but a large one that was rarely lit due to its size. She never saw a reason for it to be so big, but this was her father….he loved the best.

The painting was a picture of her, her father, her sister, her uncle, and her cousin. The two fathers stood respectively in the back behind the children of course. Both had their hands at their sides standing stiffly in traditional black kimonos. They may have been identical twins but the entire family knew the difference. Whereas one smiled the other didn't. It was also how she knew the difference.

In the front of the two men stood the children; she in the middle, her cousin on her left, and her sister on her right. She was of age eight, her cousin age nine, and her sister age three. Her cousin had worn the same kimono as their fathers whereas both she and her sister wore cute little lavender yukatas. All three children were smiling brightly with their hands entwined. This had always been one of her favorite pictures because of the warm feeling it would admit into their hall, even if her father wasn't smiling. It was still a happy painting. Whether she understood the emotion or not.

The young girl sighed as she remembered the first day the photo was taken but before her mind could get into the memory; a hand was placed gently on her shoulder. She would have jumped in surprise if it weren't for being used to someone touching her out of her thoughts within her home and she had figured that it was one of the servants anyway. She turned her head toward the figure that was now standing next to her. She then smiled gently when she saw who it was.

"Ohayou, Neji-nii-san." Said the young girl softly as the older male returned the smile with a nod.

"Ohayou, Hinata-sama." Said the male, now known as Neji as he removed his hand from her shoulder. His long hair was the color of chocolate-brown that went to his waist with a small maroon-colored rubber-band that set low to keep his hair from going astray. He was wearing the school uniform that consisted of a white short-sleeved shirt with a silver-grey tie that matched his wrist watch. His pants were the same color as her skirt with a matching jacket that he had not buttoned up. His shoes were a shiny black and very distinguished. His eyes were the same color as hers only a bit paler.

He...was flat out gorgeous and over protective at that. He was very popular with the female population across the country. In fact, most of the Hyuugas were very popular with both female and male populations. The young girl, Hinata, too was very popular among both parties; As well as her sister with the younger generation. They never truly understood why looks were everything to some people, but they figured that it was simply just what people preferred sometimes. Physical attraction was always a given, but for both Neji and Hinata….looks never mattered. They were not raised to see things this way. A person's personality and intellect was the most important within their family. Looks meant nothing. However, decency was always taken into accord.

"Hinata-sama? Do you know if Otou-san has returned from his trip to the Americas?" politely asked Neji as he glanced around the room. Hinata, too, looked around in search of her father before answering.

"Iie. I believe he was not to return until later this evening?" replied Hinata as Neji then nodded, a strange look was suddenly upon his face.

"I must say, where is Hiashi-sama? He is usually here before us. I was informed that he was already waiting." Said Neji as he stepped further into the dining hall. The large table that set on the left was vacant and the couch in front of the fireplace was empty.

"Hai. As was I…….demo….Hanabi's not here either." Said Hinata as she again, looked around the large hall with her cousin.

"I am here." Came a small voice from a distance on the other side of the dining hall on the right that held a considerable sized business desk with a few chairs in front of it. Startled, they both quickly turned to the voice, forgetting to take a look on the other side due to the fact that he would always stand in front of either the fireplace or the table. However so, when they did take in the area, Hiashi was still absent, leaving only Hanabi seated in one of the four chairs. She was looking over the chair at them, with a small smile. She was wearing the same uniform as Hinata, only difference was that her mary-janes were heelless of course. Her chocolate-colored hair was pulled back from the hair-band that she wore and her eyes were the same pale-lilac.

"Ohayou, Hanabi-nee-chan. Has Otou-sama been here at all?" asked Hinata as she walked over toward the chairs, Neji in tow, and took a seat next to her sister while Neji seated himself on her other side with Hanabi in the middle.

"Hai, he said he will return with our full schedules in a moment. He wanted to add a few things. I believe we are receiving different studies this year." Replied Hanabi before sighing lightly; both her and Neji too, wished they were able to choose exactly what they wanted to do for a change. But of course, it wasn't going to happen anytime soon.

"I wonder what musical instrument we will be playing this year? I've been looking forward to the piano." Said Hinata with a small smile as both Hanabi and Neji nodded, smiling as well. They were always what you'd call smiley people, at least Hinata was, but it would never reach their eyes. When they were younger, it was different for them because they were innocent and slightly small-minded. However, now they knew many things, Hanabi of course still had a lot to learn but she was no fool. She understood all that she could. Both Neji and Hinata understood more, but there were very few emotions on their lists. They knew kindness, they knew concern, they knew sadness, and they knew control. However, they did not know pain, they didn't know hate or anger, they didn't know friendship, and they didn't know love. At least, all of these pertained to Hinata. Hanabi and Neji understood some form of friendship but never have they understood any form of sadness, all thanks to their daily company. Whereas with her, she would, sadly; probably never look forward to her company again.

"Hai. I too have been looking forward to a different instrument this year. I've been more interested in learning the flute." Said Hanabi as she straightened her posture in the chair; folding her hands together in her lap.

"I don't blame you; I heard it has a very interesting tune. What about you Neji-nii-san? Is there a specified instrument you would like to play this year?" asked Hinata curiously as she too straightened her posture before her father came in. She crossed her legs and placed her hands together, as well, in her lap. This was always how their conversations were approached; with intellect and respectfulness. These were the kind of conversations that people under their level would find boring. These were the kind of conversations that people on or above their level would find interesting. Even one so simple; it was still interesting.

"I do. I wish to play the piano as well or perhaps the violin. Itachi-san has given the violin a chance and has stated that he very much enjoyed it. I wouldn't mind the experience." Replied Neji, also straightening his posture with his back up right and both arms resting on the chair. Within that moment, the door on the far end of the desk had opened from another room; revealing the person they've been waiting for. They immediately turned their attention to him as he calmly walked over to take a seat behind his desk.

"Ohayou, I am glad to see all of you are ready this morning for your next year in school. I hope you will experience a considerable amount of knowledge from the classes that I have assigned to you this year. I found them to be acceptable and I hope you will enjoy them. Please rise and I will hand them to you." Said Hiashi with a certain power and authority within his voice, his expression was the same blank look that it always held, never once did he smile. The three young ones stood and stepped forward toward the desk. Three sheets of paper was placed in front of them as they then reached to pick them up.

"Please look them over and offer me your thoughts."

They then began reading everything that was on their schedules for the year. Their school hours were the same and the number of classes never changed. They had a total of eight classes. Four for each day, two-hours a class, one hour of lunch, and nine total hours of school; From seven in the morning to three in the afternoon. And after school was out, they had another schedule to follow. All of this was upon the same paper they held; even a small biography of what her father set up for them. For what reasons-they did not know.

Hinata looked over her schedule again and frowned slightly but not noticeably. The instrument she wanted to play this year was, of course, not on her schedule. Instead, it was actually the instrument that Neji had taken an interest in. She then wondered what instruments they had assigned to them; probably something they didn't want as well. However, they knew better then to complain or question the reasoning as to why they were assigned. It's not like they let him know their interest, he would always choose what was best for them.

Hiashi waited patiently for them to understand and register accordingly what was given to them. He believed the subjects he chose and the given times he scheduled was a well balance for their daily lives. Especially for Hinata since she was the next to take over the family company after him. He was preparing her to his liking.

"I am sorry to disturb you Hiashi-sama..demo…Uchiha Itachi, Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, and Sarutobi Konohamaru have arrived."

The three then looked up from their schedules and turned to the voice a few feet behind them as Hiashi looked past them as well. Standing in the middle of the room before the entrance was one of the many servants with short brown hair, obsidian eyes, and pale skin in her maid uniform. She was holding up three-dark brown brief bags, holding them before her—patiently to be received by the three when they took their leave.

"Understood, Saya." Hiashi then turned his attention toward the three in front him as they brought their attention back to him as well. "We will discuss your schedules after dinner tonight during our family meeting. I would like to know how your day went and exactly what was new to your knowledge, arigatou. You are dismissed."

"Hai!"

They all respectfully bowed before him and turned on their heel to walk toward Saya to receive their own brief-bags. Saya then bowed in their presence as both Neji and Hanabi took their leave without thanking her.

"Arigatou, Saya-chan." Whispered Hinata; so her family wouldn't hear her; she slightly bowed to the maid before following her sister and cousin as she walked out of the room. Hinata was the only one in her family to show the servants any kind of respect by thanking them for their services and sometimes-unnoticeably-helping them with their services. They loved Hinata a great deal, even if she never understood their feelings toward her and her feelings toward them. She simply thought it was the polite thing to do since she was—of course—raised in that manner, but her father failed to explain to her the ranking in how someone should be treated. Even if there were plenty of people out there under their level, he had still taught her respect but he didn't teach her that if someone was under you, you treated them that way and if there was someone on the same level as you, you respect them in that way; the same would go if there was someone above you. It was as though both Neji and Hanabi knew of these circumstances without needing to be told but Hinata did not know. Regardless, she would probably still treat them the same as she did everyone else; with respect.

Saya smiled gently as she watched Hinata leave. 'She looks so much like her mother. She acts like her too. I wonder……if she is ready."


Hinata's steps fell into pace between the two other males that walked beside her as they made their way to their first class. As usual, today's greeting before they left hadn't changed at all.

Hinata stepped in front of the two males that waited for her. Both Neji and Itachi along with Hanabi and Konohamaru had left in their respective limos assigned for them even though they all went to the same school. Their parents had agreed that it was good for bonding amongst them. Uchiha Sasuke had his back turned and his hands in his pockets, wearing the same uniform that Neji wore with a brief bag strapped steadily at his side. His hair was the color of a dark night and was spiked in the back with spiked bangs above his onyx-colored eyes in the front.

Uzumaki Naruto however looked to be his exact opposite. His hair was the color of a sunny day; brightest of all blondes with spikes that pointed everywhere. His eyes was the color of a beautiful sky-blue that Hinata…at one point….fell into a trance upon staring into the bright orbs. He too, wore the male's school uniform with his brief-bag strapped at his side. He stood next to Sasuke, also with his back turned and hands in his pocket, only difference was that his posture was slightly leaned whereas Sasuke's was perfectly straight. Hinata wasn't sure if she should say anything to them or not, especially after the other day. She actually didn't have a problem with trying to talk to Sasuke because she knew how he would react. But with Naruto, he was different now. Before he ignored her or simply said nothing to her. Recently he gave her the cold shoulder and blew her off with a couple of rude words. What would he do today? She didn't know how he was feeling, especially since he had his back turned away from her as Sasuke did. So she wasn't able to read him. However, since she was raised to respect others.

She simply had to be polite.

"Ohayou, Uchiha-san."

"Whatever."

Naturally he hadn't even turned to acknowledge her; typical Uchiha Sasuke. She then turned her attention to Naruto.

"Ohayou, Uzumaki-san."

"……."

Even though it was rude to not say anything to her, she was actually happy he didn't, she wasn't completely sure if she really wanted him to. But as she began to walk up to them and walk past them to get to the door; sadly, he replied.

"Heartless Bitch."

She paused in her steps but not long enough for them to take noticed as she continued on her way to the door with them following behind her.-Pretending as though she heard nothing at all.

As her memory of the event ceased, she still couldn't help but feel a bit down from the words he had called her that morning. First, she was an 'ugly bitch'. She couldn't exactly blame him for the word ugly since she didn't exactly know how to view herself based solely on her looks. Everyone had their own opinion on how they would view a person from, not only their attire, but the shape of a person's body, face, and hair. Everyone had a different intake on a person, so if he found her to be ugly. She didn't care. It had somewhat bothered her at first, due to her unknown feelings for him at the time, but after it sunk in and she thought about it clearly. It was his point of view and his opinion, there was nothing she could do to change it, and so she simply didn't care.

But bitch?

No.

Even though she believed in the personal opinion of others and that everyone had their own view of people from their experiences…she knew very well that she was no bitch. The definition of the word can mean three things—as far as she knew—a dog, a spiteful woman, or a complaint. All of these were obviously used differently and in her case; he was calling her spiteful. Spiteful? Since when? Never has she ever been in a situation where she was redeemed as spiteful. She was always as she respectful as she was raised. Not once in all of the years she has been living has she ever been spiteful. She wondered what made him view her in that way.

Secondly, he recently called her a 'heartless bitch.' What had she done for him to call her heartless? They had barely exchanged words in the past few months and he calls her heartless. Why? All she said was a simple good morning and she is deemed heartless?

She sighed quietly as they 'rounded a corner in front of the other two in the brightly lit hallway.

She may never understand.

"Watch out!"

Before Hinata could comprehend what was going on in the world around her, something extremely hard and metallic-like slammed into her face as her body lost its balance and flew back onto the hard-smooth floor.

"Watch where the hell you're going." Spat a rather feminine and rough voice before slamming the locker, the thing she walked into, shut before walking away down the hall. Hinata shook her head slightly to wear off the impact before looking up at the retreating back that didn't even bother with an apology. It was a girl from what she could tell; her uniform was the same as hers if not a bit—loose—but what caught Hinata's eye was the color of her hair. She had never seen such a color before; there were many different colors—yes—but never one that bright and odd. She was the kind of person you'd be able to pick out of a large crowd. Similar with her due to the color of her eyes; Only the Hyuuga family, held eyes so pale and yet so unique.

'How rude.' Thought Hinata as she picked herself up and brushed off the back of her skirt and legs. She then continued to stare at the retreading back as the girl went further and further down the hall.

"What are you waiting on baka? An apology? She's gone and we don't have all day. Next time look where going. Not everyone is going to be sweet to little miss Hyuuga."

Sasuke then brushed passed her carelessly after speaking to her coldly as he continued on his way to class. Naruto had said nothing as he followed behind Sasuke. It was as if nothing happened to her at all. She would admit that it was her fault for not paying attention but the least they could have done was ask if she was okay or maybe help her up for a change. Then again…..

'This is Uchiha Sasuke and Uzumaki Naruto. Of course they didn't care. I obviously mean nothing.' Thought Hinata sadly as she followed behind the two boys obediently.

As soon as they made it to their first class—Chemistry—Hinata had decided it best to sit as far away from the two as possible. She truly wasn't fond of dealing with the two during class; they would probably be unresponsive about their work together anyway. At least if it was her.

She took a seat by the window, and since it was a science class, the desks were replaced as black tables. Enough room for two people at each table. She took off her brief-bag and dug inside for a pen and paper, since it was the first day it would usually consist of taking notes explaining what was to be expected for the term. There was few people already in the class but more were to be expected, and since this was a 9th year class; she expected to see very unfamiliar faces for she, Sasuke, and Naruto were all in their eighth year. They were advanced enough to be apart of advanced chemistry for the 9th year students.

'I wonder if I'll have any classes with Neji-nii-san this year. I usually do.'

As soon as she thought of her cousin, he stepped into the room. Hinata smiled a small smile when Neji's eyes scanned the room carefully before landing on her. He smiled back before making his way toward her as the rest of the students filed into the room and taking their seats before their sensei arrived.

"Hinata-sama, I am pleased to see we have the same class together. Although it's not a surprise since Hiashi-sama required us to take a few classes together. I hope there are others today." Said Neji as he took his seat next to her.

"Yes, I hope so as well."

The bell then sounded; indicating that everyone should already be seated within their classes and out of the halls. If they were not, then they would receive detention until their next class was to be held. At the same moment the teacher then walked in, sliding the door closed behind him as he cleared his throat and stood in front of the class. He waited until he had everyone's full attention.

"Ohayou, minna. I am Professor Shigure Matsumoto and I will be teaching you advanced Chemistry for the 9th year students of this term—including—a few students of the eighth year. Welcome to your first class, minna." He cleared his throat again before crossing his arms as he continued. "Before we get started and I explain exactly what's to be expected this term, I would like to introduce to you a new student who just moved here from a distant area of Japan. Please rise and introduce yourself to the class."

Everyone in the room turned their attention to a female student that stood from her seat and walked to the front of the class.

'Hey, that's the same girl from earlier. 'Thought Hinata as she looked the girl over. Her hair was the color of a beautiful Sakura-tree; a pink that Hinata had never thought could be a hair color. It was short and shoulder-length with spiked ends. Her bangs set on either side of her face, revealing a forehead that seemed bigger then average. Her eyes shined an emerald green as her skin was a light peach. Her uniform was like all the other female students, but as Hinata had concluded earlier, it seemed….'loose'. Her skirt looked shorter and hanged slightly off of her waist, making it look sloppy but attractive at the same time. A bit too…attractive, especially for her age. Her top was also shorter, slightly revealing her belly; if she was to stretch, then her belly-button would pop in all its glory. Her hands were on her hip with a frown upon her face as she tapped her foot in what looked to be aggravation.

'I wonder if something is bothering her.'

"My name is Sakura Haruno. A pleasure." Scowled the girl as though she was wasting her time introducing herself to the class and as soon as she said her name, the entire classroom erupted into a barrage of whispers.

"I heard about the Harunos. They are local whores."

"I mean look at how she wears her uniform."

"I find it disgusting."

"I find it inappropriate."

"The males here are intelligent; I hope she knows she can't sleep her way to the top."

"That could be how she got into this school."

"The front of the school says..and I quote..'For the intellectual and wealthy.'"

"I highly doubt she's either."

"And her hair, my goodness is it for Halloween?"

"She's probably late this year."

"Or perhaps she's too early."

Hinata slightly cringed at the extremely rude comments the new student was receiving. She was actually glad that she wasn't in her shoes right now, however she still felt down for the girl. No one, for whatever the reason it may be, should undergo such negative treatment involving negative and hurtful words. She wasn't sure if the girl heard what was being said, but Hinata heard them very clearly, it was beginning to unsettle her.

"Hinata-sama? Do you understand as to why everyone is speaking of her in that way?" quietly asked Neji, for he too could hear the commotion that was going on around them.

"Iie. It would seem that just about everyone here has heard of the Harunos. We on the other hand, have never heard of them." Replied Hinata with as much thought as she could muster. Neji nodded his head with understanding. Their gazes never left the front of the class as they waited for their teacher. The girl, Sakura, seemed to be even more aggravated then she was before as she shifted her stance to crossing her arms.

"Haruno-san? Are you going to tell the class where you are from and why you came here?" asked the teacher before Sakura sent him a glare.

"No."

"Now, please Haruno-san. It would be a pleasure to….."

"I said no." snapped Sakura interrupting the teacher sternly before rudely taking her seat. The class murmured some more about how the Haruno was acting.

'She wasn't even dismissed. That was rude.' thought Hinata as she watched the girl sit down in the far back. Hinata watched as the girl bit down on her thumb-nail with a saddened look that appeared slightly upon her features. Hinata wasn't completely sure since she was looking down in the process. Her gaze must have lingered too long because when Sakura had looked up; their eyes locked. Hinata wanted to smile and wave politely but the girl scowled as she gave her the finger before turning away. Hinata frowned and turned her attention back to the front of the class.

'Rude indeed.'

"Now that that's over, I have another thing that I would like to get through before we officially start."

Everyone watched and waited silently, the Haruno girl forgotten, as the teacher reached for a chart that was on his desk.

"I'm sorry to inform you, but there will be assigned seats this year."

Everyone silently groaned.

"Also, there are a few empty seats; I've decided that instead of two students a table, there will be four students a table for the entire term."

This time, everyone openly groaned—all except Hinata and Neji.

'I just hope I don't get stuck with Uchiha-san and Uzumaki-san. Onegai, Kami…not this class.'

After a few moments of rearranging the room and students. The tables were now together with two of each, making a bigger table. Four students sat together, each facing each other.

Hinata was obviously down in her luck as she glanced at each person that was seated with her. She should have been relieved that she didn't get both Naruto and Sasuke. However, she was better off if she had only gotten Sasuke.

Instead, she had gotten Naruto, who was seated across from her but on the other side. In front of her sat Sakura Haruno—looking very displeased with the arrangement—she had been sitting alone before, but now she had company. It was obvious that she didn't like it.

Next to Hinata, sat someone who she has seen before but never got around talking to. He was deemed to be the smartest boy in school and at the same time…the laziest. His elbow rested on the black surface with his palm underneath his chin as he stared blankly at the front of the class. He wore the school uniform, only he had his jacket off and wrapped around his waist. His raven-colored hair was held tightly together in a ponytail with spiked ends. His eyes were a light-brown color and his skin was pale peach. His expression seemed….rather…bored as he continued to look in front of the class.

Hinata looked him over again as she remembered seeing him several times in her classes before for many years. He was a very lazy person; he never did much of anything in their classes. She had always questioned why he had always passed all of his classes with a straight A. She had never heard him speak before, but from what she heard from others, he tended to use the term...'troublesome' frequently. He was a genius on many levels and regardless of his naps during class—which is rude by the way—he would always answer a question with thorough precision and knowledge. Regardless of the topic, he always knew the answer. He was very good in many fields, why is it that they have never communicated?

'I wonder why.'

Hinata continued to size the male up with an interest she didn't quite understand. She took in his expression and the profile of the side of his features.

'His ears are pierced. That's odd for a male. At least to me anyway.'

"Ugh, stop staring at him. He is a boy. Quit acting like you've never seen one before." Scoffed Sakura as Hinata quickly turned her head away from the male next to her; embarrassed. She didn't think she was staring, but she probably was.

"G-g-gomen-nasai…Please excuse my behavior I didn't mean to stare." Said Hinata lowly as she suddenly began to fidget with her fingers when a sudden rush of heat burned across her cheeks.

This is the first time that this as ever happened to her in a very long time, and Hinata didn't like it. It took everything in Hiashi's power to get her to stop stuttering, blushing, and feeling ashamed for whatever action she may have done. Her father had explained to her that it was called shyness, and it was not something the Hyuuga family portrayed. They were strong, independent, and well-controlled individuals. There was no room for such a pathetic attitude like shy. He had broken her out of these actions years ago. Why have they suddenly resurfaced?

"It's fine."

Surprised, Hinata turned her head toward the voice that came from beside her. The male was still in the same position, only his eyes were now looking at her. His features still seemed a bit bored, however, this time a smirk played upon his lips. A very lazy smirk she concluded. And as she thought about it, could she even call it a smirk?

"Hai." Replied Hinata kindly with a nod as Sakura rolled her eyes and the other male looked away.

"Alright class, now that we have everything in order, I will be passing out a packet containing everything that you will be learning this term. As well as a two-page quiz regarding everything you already know about Chemistry. If you know nothing, then simply leave it blank." Said Shigure as he walked about the classroom, passing around four packets a table.

"Although, that would be a shame because I'll begin to wonder how you made into my class in the first place." The teacher added jokingly. A few students chuckled as some looked around expectantly.

"Hmm, I wondered that too."

The voice was low and feminine but was clearly heard throughout the class as few heads turned their gazes toward the table where Hinata and the others sat, obviously looking at Sakura. Hinata looked her way as well; only because everyone else was, half-expecting to see her scowl at her. But her head was bent low with her side bangs slightly covering her eyes. Hinata frowned.

"Now, now class. Do not be ignorant. I am most positive that all of you worked your way to get here. I wasn't implying anything." Said the teacher as he came to a stop by the table Hinata and the others were seated. He placed their packets in the middle of the table while staring at the male seated beside her.

"Ah, Nara Shikamaru….I've heard many great things about you. As well as many unfortunate things about your habits during class and before you get too comfortable….I'll have you know, the moment you walk through my door, you better make sure you've taken an energy supplement of some sort because you will NOT be sleeping within my classroom. Save it for someone who will not care…. Are we understood?"

"Whatever." Replied the male, Nara Shikamaru as he shifted his position for the teacher had leaned closer within his face. Shigure then smirked with a nod before looking at Hinata with a gentle smile.

Suddenly……

…the room grew dark and everything around her fell silent. Her body felt as though it was being forced upon by something extremely strong to the point where her breath had caught in her throat, slowing down her breathing and stiffening her body.

Hinata looked confused as she stared at the man before her. His hair was just brown and his eyes were just green. Who was this man? His hair turned a color that looked exactly like blood that held a certain silkiness to it as it fell down to his mid-back. His eyes changed into a deep-blue that, a moment ago, held a certain brightness to them. Now, they looked as though they were…glowing? Thin slits began to form within them as his gentle smile turned dark. Her sudden confusion turned into a feeling that was extremely foreign to her. A feeling that she had never would have imagine washing over her so strongly.

Fear.

"Hyuuga Hinata. I am most pleased to see you finally here. I knew your mother couldn't keep you hidden from us for long. The shield she had up has long since dispersed from her lack of power. I've been watching you for quite some time now, waiting for the perfect moment to have you all to myself. You have something we want……and later……" he leaned in closer to her face as he cupped her chin. Hinata tried to pull away….but something kept her from doing so, she couldn't even budge an inch.

"I'll finally have what rightfully belongs to me....guardian."

'Guardian?'

With that, everything suddenly returned to normal as soon as the words left his mouth. Shigure walked away from the table and finished passing out the papers as though nothing happened at all. Hinata coughed hard from the sudden lack of oxygen and the overwhelming feeling of a sudden rush of being terrified. She didn't know what just happened or if she was day dreaming or not. She couldn't believe what she just went through. That was far beyond imagination to her. Never had she felt something flood through her body as quickly as she did now. She was frightened. Terrified. Confused. Shocked.

'What was that just now? Did that really just happen to me or am I dreaming?' thought Hinata as she sucked in her breath before steadily breathing it out. It was slightly ragged but it was close to normal. Her body was slightly shaking as she rested her hands within her lap, trying to regain her posture.

"Are you alright?"

Startled, Hinata jumped slightly at the voice and sharply turned her head with wide eyes. Shikamaru's eyebrow rose at her sudden action; he didn't know he scared her. He hadn't meant to, he simply heard her coughing deeply out of nowhere and had thought something was wrong.

Relieved that it was only the male next to her, Hinata sighed gratefully to calm herself before answering clearly. However, she found it difficult to place her words together without stammering.

"H-h-h-hai! G-g-gomen-nasai! I-i-I d-didn't m-mean to worry you." Hinata breathed in deeply again before releasing a calm breath. "I am fine."

Shikamaru watched her a moment as she tried to smile, but it came out more like a grimace. His eyebrows knitted themselves together slightly before turning away. "Troublesome odd girl."

Hinata didn't catch what he said because as soon as he turned away she tuned him and the entire classroom out as she thought about what happened. Why wasn't he acting the way she was? Why wasn't any of the class acting the way she was? Could it be because they didn't see anything and only she did? Was she the only one that saw what had happened? Was she the only one who heard what the man had said? Why was it that his hair and eyes changed color so quickly? Why couldn't she move when he touched her? Why was any of this happening?

'Wait…' That's when it dawned on her at what the man had told her. 'He was speaking of my mother…but why? I haven't seen her since I was a small child. What kind of power was he referring to? Also, he said that I had something that belonged to him…what could I possibly have? And then he mentioned……'

"…..Guardian."

'Guardian? What was a guardian?'

Hinata was completely deep in thought as the events of just a moment ago played over and over again in her mind. She had to be thoughtful about the situation that had occurred. If there was no one else in the room that witnessed what had just happened, then there was no point in her overreacting. She had to stay calm and act like everyone else and as soon as class was over, she would get as far away from this room as humanly possible.

Not paying attention to the pair of widened-eyes that stared at her in both surprise and fear from across the table.

Little, did she know…Hinata wasn't the only one that had seen exactly what happened.

A/N- I decided to stop there, I would have continued but it was suddenly getting a bit too long, I wasn't sure if anyone was bothered or not. I know readers can't stand a short chapter but I'm not entirely sure if the same went for a long chapter you know? And NO!!! I am not bashing Sakura in any way, her personality as of right now is for character development. The same would go for the others, as the story goes along they will develop into the characters we all know and love..Okay? No misunderstandings? In fact, if anyone will review, the next chapter may be up sooner then you believe!! XD IF…you review, I CRAVE THEM!!! ;P . lol I'm joking…but I would appreciated it nonetheless. XD And sorry if this chapter came off boring, as I said, it will take time before it becomes more interesting. Please work with me…..

Next chapter: Sakura's Hot-tempered Life

Until next time, review please!!!

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