14 years ago-They were 12 years old.

"I got to pee… bad." Sakura whispered to Hinata Snowflakes settled on her bunny hat and framed her cute face like a Halo.

"Y-You went before we left school. " Hinata knew Sakura was stalling. She didn't want to face her parents. They just got their report cards and Sakuras grades weren't the best this term. She didn't fail but her parents expected the best and Cs and Bs are not going to cut it. Hinata pulled at ther purple hat trying to keep warm. She received all As this term.

They've been thrown together since Kindergarten. They were placed next to each by alphabetical order. Sakura Haruno and Hinata Hyuuga. They were as different as night and Day. Sakura was more boisterous and loud and very confident whereas Hinata was shy, timid and quiet and occasionally stuttered especially when she got nervous.

Hinata stayed with her god mother Anko Her mother passed away when she was 6 and her father couldn't be bothered well at least that's what Anko told her. She doesn't really remember him and after her mother passed away she was brought to Anko. He does how send money every month for whatever expenses she needs. Hinata didn't want to be a bother to Anko so she always tried to be good. Doing chores around the house and always bring home good grades. Anko did rather Hinata stay quiet especially after her late nights that she worked the Konah Bar and Grill.

Hinata was short in stature, almond shaped cute face with short midnight blue hair cut in a short bob with bangs in the front. Violet colored eyes, Pale skin. She would also blush when she was nervous and stutter occasionally. Anko had her see a speech therapist weekly for that. Classmates called her the grudge girl because to some she could appear that way. Or they would call her weirdo because she generally kept to herself. Not because she wanted to but because she was shy. The more they called her names and made her upset the more determined she was to work harder in school. It paid off because she always received straight As. She impressed her teachers but not the student except for Sakura.

Dainty and cream colored with long pink hair. Most would compare it to the color of cotton candy. Also with bright green eyes. Sakura was the answer to Kizashi and Mebuki's prayers. They tired for a while to have a child and when all hope was given up here comes Sakura. So they spoiled her treated her like the princess they felt she was. So kindergarten was a rude awaking. She was unhappy to find herself surrounded by dozens of children all trying to get their teachers attention. Sakuras Long pink hair worn loose and her nice clothes and standoffishness marked her as one that thought she was too cute. Therefore she was isolated.

On the day that they had to have partners to go tp the park. Sakura was determined not to be left alone. She chose Hinata, the other girl nobody ever picked, and that's how their friendship began.

Now in fifth grade the unlikely duo were inseparable. The very same children who disliked Sakura because she was so pretty were eventually drawn to her for the same reason. Hinata had all but lost her stutter and only came out whenever she was extremely nervous or trying to lie in which she couldn't. Brains didn't make you popular so she was still quiet and a little too bookish. She could be funny sometimes, she always had the right answers to math homework and her closeness with Sakura sealed her acceptance. They were the occasional bully who would try and call her names but Sakura always put them in their place if they tried. Sakura's ego got bigger because she so popular in the end no one would cross her.

The girls' walk home was a ritual. By 3:45 they would reach Hinata's Street. She had orders from Anko not to let "Any little bastards in my house." Anko called most days at 4:00 just to make sure. Hinata was home alone so rain or shine. The girls would talk outside until 3:55. They would discuss school work. Sing songs from the radio, or sometimes say things that they didn't want anyone else to hear like how Hinata wanted to be a doctor or lawyer, someone important so she would never have to work nights like Anko. Sakura couldn't wait to be old enough to wear makeup. Date and eventually get married probably to a prince. Because her father always had dirt in his nails and her mother's hands were so ruff and calloused. They worked all the time and didn't seem like they had fun. Hinata said "where is there a prince around here?" and Sakura said "that doesn't mean there isn't one and I'll find you one too and we can have a double wedding." Sakura would then stroll home daydreaming about her prince and gowns and weddings, which she would draw until her mother made her do her homework.

The snow was falling harder now and Sakura stomped the caked snow off her boots. "Just went doesn't help when I have to go now, Hinata!" Hinata giggled at her cause now Sakura was doing a little dance to express how much she couldn't hold it. Sakura tried not to laugh while holding her stomach.

"Shh!" Sakura said to Hinata as she glanced back and saw Naruto Uzumaki climbing to the top of an ic y gray mound , piled high by the snow plow. "Going to the bathroom is girl stuff I don't want him to hear." Last year Naruto moved around the corner from Sakura and appeared in their class and on their walk home. At first they ignored him. He was after all a boy, but when Sakura developed a crush on his older brother who was in the 8th grade, Yahiko, Naruto became the first male member of their exclusive club. Naruto, short stature, was around the same height as Sakura but taller than Hinata whom was the shortest. He had golden blond spikey hair. Sun Kissed tanned skin, bright blue eyes and whisker markings on his cheeks in which he claims are a birthmark. One of his friends, Kiba said it makes him look like a fox and started calling him fox boy. Of course he gets pissed whenever he calls him that. He turns around and calls Kiba dog breath, no explanation needed.

On his first day of class when he was introduced by the teacher, He stood in front of the blackboard. Arms crossed. Naruto boasted in his arrogant raspy voice that he can beat everyone up and that he was the strongest person in the school and if you want, you can challenge him. Everyone in the class looked at him with wide eyes, 'did he really say that' some said. Sakura rolled her eyes and Hinata just giggled. By lunch a few of the boys in the class actually challenged him. Kiba, being one of them. They all lost to Naruto. Word quickly spread throughout the school and Naruto had more challengers. It got so bad to the point that they would all be lined up just to fight him. And people were placing bets on who would win. In the end Naruto gained respect from everyone in the school. When he wasn't fighting he was pulling pranks. He gave the poor teachers a run for their money. He was always sent to the principal's office. He had way of talking himself out of a severe punishment every time.

Naruto leaped off the mound and grinned foxy like as he landed on his butt in the fresh snow. "Everybody Pees" He got up and ran past them while snatching Sakura's hat. Jogging backwards he added " I can pee and write my name in the snow at the same time" Yahiko taught him how to do that.

"That's nasty, and give me back my hat" Sakura squealed and ran after him. They arrived in front of Hinata's house. Sakura shifted her weight side to side she looked pitiful. She knew Hinata wasn't allowed to have anyone in the house but she didn't want to go home because of her parents seeing her grades. "Come on Hinata, I have to go ….. I can't hold any longer. "I can't walk another step." Sakura crossed her legs.

"You mean if I tickle you, you'll pee on yourself?" Naruto said, his fingers wiggling in anticipation.

"Naruto Uzumaki, I'll scream if you touch me and then if you cause me pee on myself, I'll be your next challenger and I will win cause you'll be dead." Sakura glared at him. Hinata stood there debating on what to do, all the while and well-aimed snow ball hit Naruto on the back of his head. He grabbed his head and spun around to face his attacker.

"Strike! Right in your head." shouted Yahiko, bounding up to the trio. At 13 Yahiko sun kissed length of budding muscle and energy, viewed tormenting Naruto as his brotherly right secure that he was big enough to call the shots. "Yahiko 'Fastball' Uzumaki wins the World Series!" Yahiko says that and starts laughing.

"Baseball is lame!" Naruto yelled then barreled into Yahiko, knocking him into the snowy pavement.

Ignoring them Hinata says to Sakura, "You only live four more blocks, you could make it if you stop talking and start walking.

"Please Hinata, Its too cold and I can't wait!" Sakura looked like she was near tears.

"Alright…. But you have hurry up. Hinata opened the gate and felt under her scarf for her keys, which were on a necklace around her neck so she wouldn't lose them. Sakura followed but a howl stopped them in their tracks before Hinata could unlock the door.

"Aw Baka, Yahiko, you busted my lip. Look I'm bleeding. "Naruto stuck his lip out to show the blood coming to surface and moving around his teeth. "Wait till I tell Dad, He told you to stop messing with me. " Yahiko smirked at him and said "All those people you beat that challenge you and you still can't beat me, stop being a drama queen, you're not even hurt." Naruto puffed out his cheeks at that statement and glared.

"Eww", Sakura said as Naruto spit out a mouthful of blood. Yahiko picked up his bag and dusted the snow off "Besides I got something in here I was going to show you but now I changed my mind." Yahiko said baiting his hook.

"You don't have anything I want to see but stupid car magazines." Naruto said "That's what you say, not what I know." Yahiko said. The two boys stared at each other not saying another word. "What's he got in there?" Sakura whispered to Hinata. Finally Naruto broke and said "fine I won't tell." And spit again.

"Don't spit anymore in front of my house" Hinata yelled, knowing somehow she'll be blamed for it.

"What am I supposed to do?" Naruto tried not to swallow. "You can come in to wash your mouth out and Yahiko can come too….So you act right." Sakura said.

"Sakura" Hinata shot her friend a scalding glare which was answered by Sakura's "Oh come on just this once "smile. Hinata sighed and reluctantly opened the door. "But you have to have to be out of here by 4" Hinata said as she looked at all of them before letting them in. As they hurried inside Hinata pushed Sakura towards the bathroom.

"Hurry up Sakura." The boys remained in the living room.

"What do you have to show me?" Naruto said to Yahiko. Hinata walked back into the living room as Yahiko dug into his bag. "OK you can't tell anyone I have this " Yahiko stated firmly looking at both Naruto and Hinata. They both were even more curious to see what he had after that statement. Yahiko proceeded to pull out a huge Kunai blade. It was a silver blade with black handle. Narutos eyes widened with excitement. "Where did you get that?" He asked. "I got it from this weapons shop. The guy didn't want to sell it to me but I offered to pay extra. " Yahiko and Naruto were always fascinated with being Ninjas and even were black belts. But a Kunai blade is very dangerous, it's a weapon. Hinata started getting nervous she said "You have to go now". "Is that real? Let me see." Naruto reached out his hand. Yahiko said "no, this isn't a toy you can get hurt." Naruto puffed out his cheeks," I'm not a little kid, now give it here "and he proceeded to reach for the Kunai. They tussled back and forth and fought over the Kunai. Hinata wanted to be back outside waving good bye to Sakura. But she couldn't alter the past. "No man its dangerous" Yahiko pulled it back to tuck it away.

"I bet you never saw lips like this" Sakura came out the bathroom wearing Anko's plum colored lipstick. She stopped cold when she saw them fighting.

"Come on… Let me hold it" Naruto reached around Yahiko, grabbing at the Kunai. "Stop Naruto!" But he couldn't amd the boys locked struggling over the weapon. " I don't see what the big deal is, its just a Kunai" Naruto said struggling to get the blade from Yahiko. He was able to grip the handle and pulled it towards him and Yahiko pulled it back. "Naruto , cut it….." Yahiko stopped in his tracks . Naruto looked at him with wide eyes and let go of the Kunai quickly. He looked a Yahiko chest where the Kunai had been plunged. It was so sharp it went through his jacket. Naruto saw blood coming to surface thru his jacket. Yahiko looked Naruto in the eye , shed a single tear and fell backward on ground. Sakura screamed. Hinata stared, Yahiko wasn't moving. His body was perfectly still. "Get up," Naruto commanded standing over his brother. "Quite playing. That was a fake kunai" he took a hold of Yahiko;s shoulder and tried to move him to get up. Still wasn't moving. Yahiko's mouth opened and closed continuously, but no words came out. Naruto pleaded "Please get up, I know you're tricking me." but then blood trickled down the side of his mouth. Hinata knelt down and look closely and saw the blade was really in his chest. Stumbling clear and with a lump in her throat, Hinata found the phone and called for help.

Time blurred and focused. In a matter of moments Hinata said just tell the truth, you didn't do it on purpose, but Sakura ranted that they would all go to jail. "Yahiko tripped over his books. It was an accident" she insisted. Naruto paced, not uttering a sound, like something wild that was cornered. Sirens blared. Paramedics worked feverishly on Yaniko while the cops ushered the children outside past the crowd that gathered and put them in a patrol car. A cop in a brown coat knelt down to the open window and asked what happened. Immediately Naruto told them how Yahiko bought the Kunai and was twirling it on his finger, stumbled over his books and fell on the kunai. Hinata and Sakura nodded their heads in agreement. After a few more question the brown coat left. It stopped snowing. "But what happens when Yahiko wakes up? He'll tell the truth" Hinata asked. Sakura and Naruto looked startled by this thought but before they could answer a cop came in the front seat and started the engine.

"Yahiko is ok right?" Sakura asked the cop. The cop sighed, took off his hat, ran his hand thru his hair and said "Im sorry kids." Then they knew Yahiko was dead. Sakura wailed like a banshee. Hinata tried to comfort her. Naruto clutched his arms around himself like a straightjacket and stared out the window. Clenching and releasing his jaw the salty taste of blood in his mouth.

Sakura's parents were the first to show up at the station. As soon a she saw them, she ran to her and started comforting her. The brown coat officer question Sakura in front of them in his office. Then they stepped out and waited in the waiting area with Hinata and Naruto.

Naruto's father Minato was the next to come. He came in his postal uniform. His mother Kushina was too upset to come so he had a neighbor stay with her. Both Minato's shoulders slumped the weight of his son's death is more than he could bear. Naruto sat silently in the corner on a wooden bench. He raised his eyes to meet his fathers but the pain he saw was blinding and he lowered them again. The cop in the brown coat asked him a few questions inside a room then afterwards told him he had to go to the morgue to identify the body. He brought Naruto in a he told his story. When they were done father took son lightly by the arm. Minato walked like his legs wouldn't carry im much farther, and when he reached the door they gave way, slumped against the frame and sobbed open and unashamed. "Oh Kami Sama , why did you take my son?" His face glistened with tears. Naruto, who never saw his father cry, wished with all his heart that he was dead too. After a minute, Minato collected himself wiped his face with a napkin he had in his pocket and took Naruto home to his mother.

Anko came in the door, long trench coat flapping , cursing the smell of alcohol on her breathe. "Where the hell is she?" Hinata sat staring at her knees jumped when she heard her. "God damn police dragging me down here because you decide you want to have a party while I work my ass off. I knew you were going to be nothing but trouble. Sakura started crying again. Hinata tried to explain while Anko just glared at her. Anko was so angry she raised her hand to Hinata in order to slap her across the face. Just as she was about to do it the brown coat officer intervened and grabbed her hand. He then lead them to his office. Hinata answered all the officers questions to the best of her ability. Anko had side comments in the background. The brown coat seemed nice and Hinata wanted to tell him she was a good girl and show him her report card to prove it , but she just told him what he needed to know and told it the way all three of them promised to tell it. When he was done questioning Hinata , he asked her to wait outside while he spoke with Anko. You could hear Anko's outburst outside the office. Sakura and Hinata hugged each other tight. Sakura's mother cringed and then looked at Kizashi. Hinata stiffened when she heard Anko stepped out the office. She posed in front of Hinata and she stood up automatically.

"Don't be too hard on the child" Kizashi said gathering his family to leave. Anko cut her eyes " maybe you should stop minding my business and ask your child what she and them boys were doing in my house. " she grabbed the shoulder of Hinatas coat and snapped "Come on" and headed out the door. Needless to say the night didn't turn out much better for three of them. With nothing but their thoughts reminding them of the events that took place that day.

Yahiko funeral was few days later. Sakura unable to look away from the flowers that almost seemed to be guarding the casket. She turned to Hinata and whispered " this really did happen? Yahiko 's dead?" Hinata just answered "yes". The Uzumaki family entered the service. Minato supporting Kushina who was sobbing uncontrollably. Naruto followed solemnly. He wore a baggy blue suit. He had a vacant look on his face. Holding back tears at the corners of Hinata's eyes when she saw him. As he passed the pew Sakura started to sob and Naruto paused long enough to give her a tissue. Sakura stared at the tissue and then looked up at him. 'He doesn't hate me ' she thought. She clutched the tissue as he continued up the aisle. The service was filled with so many people who came to pay their respects to the family. The service was heartfelt and many wonderful things were said about Yahiko by family and friends. The fact he was so talented in baseball was brought up. Naruto cringed when they spoke about his fast ball. He then closed his eyes and kept them like that from the remainder of the service. Almost like he was saying a silent pray. What Naruto was actually doing was saying a promise to Yahiko that he will take over work really hard to try to accomplish his dream of being a Major League Baseball player. When it was time to say farewell Kushina tried to climb in the coffin. She wailed saying " he's just resting". She had to be restrained until Naruto spoke "it's ok mom, it will be ok." In Kushina's mind it was Yahiko speaking and she calmed down. Saying "see I told you he's just resting."

Sakuras parents didn't go to the cemetery afraid the scene would be too much for the girls. After lunch, they dropped Hinata off and left her at the door as Anko instructed looking small and frightened despite her valiant front. She went inside waiting for Anko to return home. She wanted to make some tea to calm her nerves. She goes over to the stove to put a pot on. The stove flicked on and off . Hinata got aggravated with this old stove, Anko never thought to buy another one. She had better things to think about. Finally Hinata got the stove on and walked into the living area to relax on the sofa while waiting for her tea.

Siren sounds were outside her window as she slowly started to wake up. " hey she's coming around," Hinata felt like she was floating thru space but when she tried to move she found herself strapped in place. Forcing her eyes to open more she saw there was a plastic bag of clear liquid suspended in the air and swinging. Fear gripped her , she tried to speak but found her mouth was covered. " That's right keep breathing... Hinata, that's your name right? We're pulling in right now, and you're going to be ok little one. " there was a blur of doctors, nurses , needles , questions. They thought it might be suicide. "She's so young" one person said. "Thank Kami for the neighbors" another said. Hinatas eyes were wide when she heard that. ' no I wouldn't try to kill myself' she wanted to say to them. Hinata heard her name. Then the sound of shoes click clacking towards her. "What the fuck did she do now" Anko said. " first she lets some boy get killed in my house ..." She pulled the curtain to Hinata's cubical. Anko was obviously drunk. She had a few words with the people there at the hospital. Then a woman from child services tried to speak with her which didn't end up well and a cop tried to calm Anko down and she end up hitting the cop. Hinata wanted to tell the cop Anko didn't mean it she just gets mad sometimes. But a swarm of guards pulled Anko away in a cloud of cursing.

Hinata was surprised when the same lady from child services showed up to help her get dressed. As she was dressing there were several questions about her home life which Hinata answered as best as she could. Yes she was alone sometimes but she didn't mind. Anko was nice enough to take her in and she promised not to be anymore trouble.

"Why to do you call your mother by her first name? "

Hinata looked puzzled, " my mother is dead," she wasn't sure if much right now but she was sure of that. The woman sat her down and explained to her that Anko was indeed her mother. After that the only words she heard were assault, drugs possession, jail, custody, foster parents. Then the woman grabbed Hinatas hand and asked if she understood. Hinata zoned out from there as the woman lead her out the hospital.

Sakura recalled her last conversation with Hint. " I don't have a home anymore" the words echoing in her head. " she's your mother Hinata , she has to get you. ". Sakuras logic had no space for gray , mother and fathers took care of their children period. Hinata knew better. " how can your mother not want you ?" Sakura brought her blanket snuggly around herself. The empty desk at school where Hinata sat seemed to blame Sakura for everything that had gone wrong and she couldn't concentrate in class. " if only I had just gone home with my stupid report card, none of this would've happened. "

After two weeks Naruto returned to school. She would wait for him at 3:00 and they would walk home together, but always as far apart as the sidewalk would allow, as if they were leaving room for Hinata or Yahiko. Sakura threw off the blanket and padded across the plus rose colored carpet. Whenever she tried to talk to Naruto about Yahiko or Hinata, he would turn into Spider-Man and dart off somewhere or change the subject talking about spring training. So she stopped trying. "He never even liked baseball before. How can Naruto act like nothing happened? Everything is different, everything is wrong. " she said to herself. She started to go downstairs for a glass of water but stopped when she heard her parents talking. The talked about how said Sakura looked and that she hardly smiles anymore. She misses Hinata so much. Sakuras mother said Kizashi that they have to do something. She can't keep staying with strangers. They talked about it further and brought Sakura into the conversation. They decided to take Hinata and raise her with Sakura. They contacted children's services then purchased a twin size bed and put in Sakura's room next to her bed , so they could sleep side by side. Hinata came after all the necessary documents were filled out. She was so happy to be with Sakura again and missed her so much. She was also happy she could continue to go to her same school. She was already use to the teacher and the rest of the students also. Hinata was grateful to Sakura's parents and said she will try not to be a bother to them.

They never mention it but Hinatas old street was avoided on the way to and from school and just like before , Naruto still pestered them. People quietly marveled at how well he'd adjusts after Yahiko's accident.

Every Saturday morning Sakuras mother would make her homemade cinnamon buns which Hinata loved . The smell would just fill the house. She eventually taught the girls how to make them as well . One of the many things the three of them would do together . For Hinata the Haruno home was comforting especially Kizashi. They grew a close bond because he was the father she didn't have and needed. Sometimes Sakura and her mother would go shopping and Hinata would rather stay behind and keep Kizashi company. They would watch TV together usually sports . Kizashi was happy there was someone else in the house that didn't mind watching sports preferably baseball. They would sit in front of the TV wearing matching baseball caps and cheer on their favorite team. She'd smile when he tell her she looked pretty in her purple dress she wore at Christmas even thought Sakura's mother fussed she was putting on weight. And she was always a little embarrassed, but very proud when he'd carry on over her good grades. Sakura loved to tell people her Hinata were sisters. Hinata went along even though it made her a little uneasy. She loved Sakura like a sister, but no matter how great things were at the Haruno house Hinata never once forgot that they were not her parents.

By middle school Sakura with decided for a change by cutting her long pink hair into a cute bob that was hit along with her clear skin nice and her nice lean made look like a model. She was one of the most popular girls in the school. She made it her business to to look cute every day so she'd be noticed by the boys and envied by the girls.

Hinata , intent on being no trouble camouflage herself. She wore her clothes big and it hid her shape which she didn't care because she felt she needed to loose weight anyway. She did grow out her hair to up to her shoulders and had her bangs. She kept to herself except for Sakura and Naruto. She did her homework, her chores and sometimes Sakura's , just to keep the peace, but a voice in her head whispered " this can't last" so she'd shit the voice up by stuffing her face.

Art was one of Sakura's best classes aside from Science in particular biology. Hinata told her she should think about becoming a nurse or a doctor. She said she'll think about it. She did love art particularly drawing. In 8th grade she won a citywide poster contest, got a certificate from the Mayor and her winning entry was displayed on subways and buses for a month.

Hinata was in a special program in school for kids who were considered above average in school. Other kids considered them kiss ass freaks but because Of Sakura , Hinata was invited to parties also. For some reason Sakura always felt bolder when Hinata was around. Hinata mostly felt out of place and unwanted but she'd go because Sakura wanted her to. Plus Sakura's parents felt better when they would got out together.

Naruto was always there. Hyperactive and short attention span, always trying to keep up with himself. Some part of his body was always stitched , bandaged or encased in plaster because he never went half speed and he never back down. His grade were decent , girls thought he was cute. People were starting to say he and Sakura looked cute whenever they were together. Naruto played football and basketball with his boys but when he had a bat in his hand he was all business. Sakura would accuse him of sleeping with his mit which he didn't exactly deny but they were always arguing. He got a kick out of getting her riled up at least until she knocked him on the head. Hinata tended to be the peace keeper between them, but once in a while her and Naruto would get into little arguments. He would smirk whenever her face turned red. One time their argument got really heated when she refused to do his book report and he failed English and had to go to summer school. He missed summer league baseball, but she helped study and pass the make up exam.

High School

High school brought changes for them. One of Hinatas teachers recommend an exclusive girls boarding school called The Konah Academy for girls. She told Hinata to apply for the scholarship. So she did and now she had an interview coming up on Saturday and she had yet to tell Sakura and her parents. She was sitting on her bed doing her work eating a cinnamon bun while Sakura was on her bed talking on the phone. Their room started getting a bit crowded. There wasn't much space anymore. So this opportunity is coming at a good time. She wanted a life of her and not a borrowed one. "Are you deaf? I asked you which top I should wear with my skirt for Matsuri's party on Saturday "Sakura said. " Oh Umm" Hinata responded and kept looking at her book. "Oh Umm, what kind of answer to my question is that?" Sakura said "what's going on with you ?" Hinata sighed "sorry Sakura I can't go to the party on Saturday". "How come ? Didn't you make up with Naruto? " Naruto called her tomato face last time her face was red and other kids over heard and started calling her that as well. She was so upset with him for giving those kids something else to make fun of her about that she told him she wasn't speaking to him. He felt bad of course after the fact once he finished laughing. "It's not that ..." Then Hinata started telling Sakura about the school and the scholarship. Sakura was not happy. "But we said we were going to Konah high together and plus your going to be away". " I won't be that far and plus I could come home on the weekends sometimes. Hinata stated. "Sometimes" Sakura glared. "Well yea I may not be able to every weekend because I'll have to study. Would it kill you to be happy about something you didn't plan? Hinata said to Sakura " Sakura replied " would it kill you to stop eating everything in the fridge." Hinata just glared at her while Sakura scowled. "What the hell is going on in here?" Kizashi said walking into the room. Hinata than began to explain the school and Scholarship. With every detail Kizashi admiration swelled and Sakura's scowl deepened. "This is great , Sakura you need to learn a thing or two from Hinata" Kizashi said . "Well my teacher said I could get into art and design high school , I still can put together a portfolio. " "No Sakura I'm talking about education not something to play with" Kizashi said . "But Dad!" Sakura whined . " no , Sakura , well change of subject it's settled were going to take Hinata to her interview in Saturday." "But dad I'm going to Matsuri's party" Sakura Said. " they'll be other parties you'll live right now we have to be there for Hinata and support her" Kizashi said. Sakura pouted and crossed her arms across her chest , she was not happy at all. She was really looking forward to going to the party. Hinata saw her face and said Kizashi, "can you let Sakura go to the party it's ok. "And Sakura looked towards her father for his reaction. Kizashi said well if you're ok with it Hinata then I don't mind. Sakura jumped up and down " thank you , thank you so much" then she hugged her father and then Hinata.

The day of Hinatas interview she got ready early, Sakura was still sleeping and left with Kizashi. Hinata said to her self she could've seen me off at least wish me good luck. They got to the campus and Hinata was in awe. It was so huge like a college campus. They gave them a tour before the interview. Hinata was saying a sient prayer to herself, she really wanted to get in. Once She had the interview , they told her they would get back her in few weeks with an answer. After the interview her and Kizashi had a late lunch then they started to drive back home. Hinata felt good about her decision and also had a good feeling she would get in. The night before she left for the interview her and Sakura hadn't spoken . They just put on their pajamas, got in their beds then turn off the lights. Nothing but silence that night. Hinata stared into the darkness worried about the interview, and hot tears rolled onto Sakura's pillow. That Saturday morning Sakura purposely stayed I bed while Hinata got ready to leave. "She thinks she's so smart , how could she decide to move out just like that?" Her anger propelled her out of bed and into the kitchen. "If she can only think of herself , so can I." After a cup of coffee , feeling defiant , she painted her fingers and toes with the red nail polish she bought with her allowance that she was forbidden to wear. " I can not wait to be grown up and moved out this house". She proceeded to go thru her closet for something to wear for the party.

Sakura arrived at the party it was at Matsuri's basement. Music was blasting as she headed down the steps. There were a few boys she didn't know standing by the stair way. As she passed they gave her their approval. She just smirked as she passed. Yes she choose the right outfit, a jumper the hugged her body in the right way and sandals that showed off her red toes. She went over by the drinks table and looks around. She said to herself " I wouldn't be standing here looking stupid if Hinata was here." Then a older high school boy came up to her and asked if she wanted to dance, she accepted. They danced then a slow song came on so she started to back away. Then he grabbed her wrists and started pulling her close. She struggled against his strength. Naruto who was watching them from across the robin strode over.

"Can't you hear, she said she didn't want to dance anymore."

"Who are you? Her father?" The boy let go of her.

"No it ain't about that."

The tension of the moment coursed thru Sakura. She was surprised how much she liked the way it felt.

Naruto and the older boy glared cold-eyes at each other. Couples inched off the dance floor and the room held its breath. Sakura took a step back too, her eyes were locked on Naruto. He never flinched or blinked. Sakura thought he looked bigger every time he inhaled, slow and deep and that gave her a rush.

Finally the older boy rolled his shoulders back and clicked his teeth then mumbled " it ain't even worth it" and strode across the other side of the room.

Sakura trembled as Naruto guided her to the side. He filled a cup with punch and handed it to her. " I thought you wasn't going without Hinata."

"That's what you get for thinking" she peeked at him over the rim as she sipped.

"Then I guess I shouldn't say I think you look nice." He checked out her outfit including how it hugged her butt in the back and nodded appreciatively. He thought about how Yahiko predicted Sakura would grow...very nicely and he was right. He smirked to himself that Yahiko would approve.

Sakura felt flushed "Then I won't say Thank you." She ignored the strange tingle and walked off.

Sakura and Naruto traveled the room in different directions aware of the gravitational pull they had towards each other. Matsuri declared that Naruto was handsome and asked Sakura if she was going with him. "Practically" she answered looking at old stupid Naruto in a new way. He was tall with broad shoulders with a skin kiss almost caramel complexion and beautiful sapphire eyes. Plus he has blond spiky just wake up hair and it suited him and that devilish smile.

After turning down offers to dance because she hadn't found anyone worth the perspiration. She knew she wanted Naruto to ask. Finally he did.

Naruto pulled her onto the dance floor. The smell of his cologne filled Sakura's nostrils and made her feel dizzy in a good way. She leaned into his chest closed her eyes and felt his hands travel lightly from her shoulders, hesitate half a breath at the place where her bra hooked and come to rest on the small of her back. As the music played, Sakura tighter her hold around his neck. His thigh wedged between her legs and they surrendered to the dip swivel and rise and grind. Slow dancing with other boys usually turned her off so she didn't really like it but with Naruto it was different. Naruto lightly kissed her temple, grazed her cheek with the surprise of prickly whiskers from the satin smoothness of his face. And then she felt it... Hard and urgent nudging her. "That's his ... She thought. The realization shocked her but she never lost a beat.

When the music stopped Naruto whispered "Thanks" his voice husky with longing he struggled to control. He escorted her off the floor. "How you getting home?"

As they walked home, their hands brushed awkwardly against each other until Naruto took her hand in his. Her heart skipped a beat. It was perfect and at moment Sakura couldn't imagine feeling like this with anyone else but him ever. "This is how it's supposed to be." She thought Hinata got home and raced up to the room to tell Sakura about the interview. She saw clothes throw all over the bed " oh yea Matsuri's party." She put on her pajamas and headed downstairs to wait for her in the living room. She saw Sakura and Naruto over by the house next door. She wondered why they were standing so close. Sakura moved to walk towards the house when Naruto grabbed her arm and pulled her towards him. Hinata watched bug eyed as he kissed Sakura on the lips. The kiss lasted for a few seconds , Sakura couldn't believe it, her first kiss and with Naruto. His lips were so warm and soft. He tasted like the punch he drank at the party, sweet. He pulled away slowly and smirked at her. Sakura blinked at him then when she came back to reality she ran off and went in the house quietly.

Both girls ran up the stairs to the bedroom and closed the door. Hinata looked at Sakura for a moment. Sakura was still in a daze touching her lips almost like she couldn't believe she kissed Naruto. Hinata then decided to say something.

"Umm Sakura ? "

Sakura turned her head towards her with this dreamy look in her eyes and sighed followed by "yea?"

"You kissed , Naruto , Sakura . What's going on here ? Since when you liked Naruto? "

"I've always liked Naruto."

"No you haven't, well at least not that way. What changed?"

"Well , just look at him he's matured, is handsome and popular plus we already know each other very well so it just makes sense that we get together."

Hinata just looked at her.

"Hinata you should've seen him at the party. There was this idiot getting aggressive with me and won't let me go trying to dance with me and he came and defended me. He made the guy back down. Then we danced and omg he can dance, the moves he made..." Sakura sighed.

Hinata caught herself rolling her eyes. Then she said to herself 'where did that come from? I should be happy for both my friend.' Then she forced a smile and said to Sakura. " I'm happy for you and Naruto, Sakura!" Sakura looked at Hinata and said "really?" "Yea of course, you're my best friend why wouldn't I be happy for you." Then Sakura felt a huge amount of guilt wash over her. She knows she hasn't been a very good friend lately to Hinata. She should've went and supported her on the interview to school.

"Hinata, I'm sorry I didn't come with you on the interview. I should've supported you . I was being selfish. Also I'm sorry about the refrigerator comment." She said quietly.

"That's ok Sakura . I should've told you from the beginning about the school. And everything turned out fine. I know I got in the school, it's not official till they send out the letter but they told me I got in."

"Really?" Sakura looked at Hinata with wide eyes. "I'm so happy for you Hinata , I going to miss you so much." She reached over and hugged Hinata. Hinata hugged her back. They stood like that for a while. Sakura had tears in her eyes. She was starting to miss Hinata already. What was she going to do without her best friend by her side. They let go and smiled at each other. Hinata knew how Sakura felt cause she felt the same.

They then proceeded to talk more about Naruto and Hinata's new school.

Authors Note

Review please, let me know if I should continue.

Chapter 3 will take place 3 years later when they are all Seniors in High school.

I don't own anything, especially Naruto.

Rated M