Yay! Finally another story, I know! I've had this idea for quite a while now but wasn't sure if I'd actually go through with it. The first chapter's going to be a little shorter than the rest but I'm going to try to make it up with longer ones to follow. Please enjoy!

*Important: This story takes place before the Shippuden.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto…

"I-I need your help." Hinata never thought she would do this; she'd considered it but never fully planned the whole thing out. She felt like a cheater. She felt uncomfortable in this position, like she was leaving a safe sanctuary and about to give herself up. Didn't they always say never change who you are for a guy? That if it's not the real you then it's not real love and you end up miserable because you're something your not and you're stuck living in that fake world?

The rosette's bright green eyes were puzzled and her brows pulled together. "Hinata? Sure, what is it?" Sakura racked her brain for a reason why the shy Hyuga was approaching her now, right after training. She felt filthy; her fists hurt where splinters dug into the cracked skin, her hair was tangled and messy with leaves, and the end of her dress had grass and mud stains all over. On top of it all, she was sweating like a pig. Personally, she had nothing against the heiress, she thought she was a sweet girl, but she wanted nothing more than to run home and take a nice relaxing bath to soak her up, full of bubbles, really warm…

"Uh, Sakura-chan?"

Sakura hadn't even noticed that she'd closed her eyes and started drifting off to sleep. "Uh, sorry Hinata! What did you want to say?"

Hinata thought twice before answering. She seems so tired. Maybe I should give her a break and ask her later. Yes, that's what I'll do. "N-never mind, Sakura-chan. Sorry for bothering you." She dipped her head.

Sakura felt her body wash over with relief. She wanted to help the girl, she really did, but now she had a chance to relax first. "Thanks, Hinata. Sorry for zoning out like that. I'm just really tired. But can we meet here tomorrow?"

Hinata nodded, feeling slightly ashamed that she was still going to continue her plan. "See you tomorrow then!" I have to do this, she convinced herself. It's the only way!

"Ah…" Sakura breathed in deeply, letting the warm soapy water soak into her skin and cleanse her pores. She rested her head on the back of her towel folded up nicely at the end of the tub. "This is the life." She murmured aloud.

"Sakura!" Her mother called. "We could use your help any day now!"

Sakura ground her teeth together angrily while her temple vein started protruding out of her forehead. Calm down, Sakura. Just a few more minutes; they can wait that long, can't they? She let her body relax and slunk deeper into the bubble's soft refuge.

"Sakura!" Mrs. Haruno yelled, louder than before. "Hurry up! I need your help in the kitchen!"

"Just hold on a minute!" Sakura yelled back, grumbling to herself while pulling the plug, letting the soapy water recede into the plumbing system. "Geez, I swear I get no R and R around here!" She stepped out of the tub and wrapped a fuzzy white towel around herself. "I wonder what Hinata wanted." She wondered aloud, dipping her head so she could wrap her hair in a matching towel. The Hyuga was so quiet all the time, so why approach her now?

"Guess I'll find out tomorrow," Sakura murmured.

Hinata walked towards the Hyuga complex slowly, not relishing on the fact that she would have to see her father soon. She loved him, she really did. But piled on top of that feeling of love was his cold exterior—an exterior she'd gotten used to, but didn't like dealing with all the same. A cool gust of autumn wind blew back her short blue hair as she walked down an empty street covered with crunched up orange, brown, and dark red leaves. The only sound was the whistle of the wind and even crunch of her smooth gate. The sun was slinking in the distance as the sky turned darker and early stars ventured out. She loved dusk during the fall; it made a sense of calming take over her body, as if everything was slowing down and cooling off, getting ready for the next day.

Hinata sighed. "How will this work?" She asked herself for the fourth time. It seemed impossible. Forcing someone to like you. No, that's not it. It's getting help. That's not cheating is it? She swallowed down her uncertainty and persuaded herself. All I really need is for him to notice me more, and then I can be myself more. Besides, it's just working on my character. That doesn't necessarily mean I'm becoming someone else entirely…Her brain was racing, telling herself it would be alright when a wave of anxiety would break through and she'd doubt herself again. I bet Neji doesn't ever have these problems. She thought sourly before giggling at her cousin. "He's so cool all the time until it comes to Tenten." She laughed, thinking back to his awkward stutter when they were training and she pinned him against the ground with her staff, mocking him lightly. He'd blushed faintly and muttered crossly at her, causing both girls to laugh.

Tenten was a good friend of hers; they'd been able to get to know each other a lot more since she was on Neji's team, and the Hyuga often looked to her for advice. She'd advised her with Naruto on several occasions, and she always got the same response.

"You should just be yourself," She told her time and again whenever Hinata brought it up.

But she was tired of it never working, and so she decided to formulate this plan, taking more drastic measures. Tomorrow, She forced a smile. Tomorrow things start to change.

Hinata has a clever plan. Let's see how it goes in the next few chapters. I know I didn't reveal a whole lot of information in this one, but everything will be explained in the next chapter! Of course you don't have to, but I'd love it if you'd review and let me know what you think! Until next time~ Akiko