Hi everyone

so some of this will be a bit of a recap from last chapter, but in Hikari's perspective.

I actually like this chapter, but if you guys find any mistakes, please let me know.

I don't own Naruto

Chapter 2

When we had started tour, I had latched onto his arm in an attempt to tease him, but he didn't shake me off, and took me to the location where the mail was. I wondered why he allowed me to cling onto him, until I saw the way the ninjas at the desk looked at him; it reminded me of Gaara. Not only did they look at him with such hatred, but they had also tried to encourage me to stay away from him. A sentence Gaara had said when I was in Suna had me reminisce:

"When they look at me, they don't really see me; they see the monster from the past. They hated me before I met them because I'm just a reminder of the fear and danger they once faced; a monster."

That's when I realized that it was the same here. They looked at him, but weren't really seeing him, although, from Naruto's reaction, he didn't seem to know why either.

'That's why he didn't shake me off' I thought, 'he doesn't notice how much he desires human contact'. After that, I made sure to remain clinging onto his arm as he took me around the village. While he chatted, I saw how everyone looked at him; the stares, cold eyes, some whispers, and even some had left the area, as if he was some disease. Naruto didn't seem to notice, or care, so I just kept holding onto his arm as I listened to his chatter. When we reached the Hokage Mountains, the view took my breath away. The entire village could be seen with such a green background.

Naruto had mentioned that it looked even more beautiful during sunset, so we waited for the sun to set.

"Say Hikari, who was that letter for?" Naruto asked. He seemed a bit hesitant.

I turned to him and smiled, "It was for a friend of mine that I met two years ago; he lives in Suna. Before, only I could send messages to him since I was always traveling with my parents, but now that I have residence here, I sent him my address so he can send letters back. I hope he sends soon, I miss him dearly; he was my first and only friend" I really did miss him. I missed how his eyes would brighten up when he saw me, how genuine his smile was when we hung out, and how soft and sweet his laugh sounded to my ears; it made my heart warm up thinking about him.

"Was? Well, how about now?" He asked.

My smile grew, "And now I have two friends; you're my second one Naruto. I hope someday you and I can visit Suna together, or he comes to visit us in Konoha; I think the two of you could get along really well" and I truly believed that. Naruto may be hyper and social, but I can tell that he would get along with him.

"What's his name?" Naruto looked really excited now.

"His name is Sabaku no Gaara of the sand village. He's the fourth Kazekage's youngest son" my eyes softened at that.

It got quiet afterwards, and my mind started to reminisce of my time in Suna; it was a dessert, lots of sand, always warm, and the houses looked like they were built from stones. I remember him sitting all alone on a swing, with a teddy bear in his hands. He was looking at the kids play ball with a sad face. I had felt more at ease with him since he was by himself, than with the kids playing.

"Naruto", I said, remembering the other part of my friends life there, "There's something I've got to ask you; why does everyone look at you like that?" It reminded me too much of how Gaara was looked at like that.

Naruto turned away at that, "…I don't know why, they've been looking at me like that since I noticed it years ago, maybe even longer."

I frowned at that, my hunch told me that he really didn't know, but I tried to think of a way to get him to bring it up, "Is it because of the pranks?"

"No!" Turning his head back to me, he continued, "I started those pranks so it could stop, but it doesn't stop, never does" Naruto suddenly looked as if realizing something, "Sorry I-I didn't mean t-to yell at you" he apologized quickly, turning his head away again.

Surprise was on my face; it was the first time I saw anger and a bit of hurt on his face. This confirmed that he really didn't know why they did it. I took one of his hands, squeezed it, and smiled, "Don't worry about yelling or anything at me Naruto, I don't mind. I actually prefer you do because then it tells me you're not afraid to state your true thoughts to me. Keep yelling if it helps" I felt a little bit guilty of having put that look on his face.

Naruto's back and face was turned away, but I could tell from his hand that he was shaking.

I decided to do what I did with Gaara back in Suna; I wrapped my hands behind him, and pressed my cheek onto his back, "I'm sorry for asking if it's making you upset, I promise that I won't think like the way they do, even if you one day learn why they look at you like that. Right here, right now, you're Uzumaki Naruto, who will someday become the hokage, but most importantly, your my friend" I squeezed him closer that the front of my body was now pressing onto his back.

At this, I heard Naruto's breathing hitch, and was certain that his tears were falling from his eyes. I just remained where I was and let him get it out of his system.

I suddenly noticed that it was getting darker, and when I turned my head forward, my breath got caught in my voice.

"Naruto, look, the sunset" It was indeed beautiful, with the red turning orange, coloring the village with it, even if it was only for half an hour or so.

"It's beautiful Naruto, thank you for showing me this" I planted a kiss on his cheek; if he was anything like Gaara was, then I knew this would be a surprise. Naruto didn't disappoint; he started blushing and stuttering.

"Well, let's head back. My dad said to be home before it reached dark. Remember, he said you're joining us tonight for being my tour" I raised my hand to him.

He gave me one of those soft smiles, took my hand, and we headed towards our neighbourhood. I didn't let go of his hand.

"Mom, dad, I'm home" I said, bringing Naruto in with me. From the looks of things, everything had been set up nicely, and they were just sitting on the couch; dad seemed to be looking at some papers.

"Oh, there you are dear, how was your day" mom said to me.

"It was very informing. Naruto did a good job giving me the full tour" I responded back.

She turned her head towards him, giving him a confusing look.

"Naruto Uzumaki? I think the hokage said something about you being the only one living in this building. I'm Sora, Hikari's mother. It's a pleasure to meet you Naruto-kun" she smiled at him.

I looked towards Naruto and saw that he was smiling, scratching the back of his head, and looked embarrassed, "It was no problem. We had fun, and since we live next to each other, its best to get along."

"Indeed, you seem to be very wise" dad stopped looking at the papers and slowly got up from his seat, "and, as promised, we are going to go eat out at your own choice of place."

Naruto looked at me and I gave an encouraging nod, before turning back to my parents, "There's a place that makes the best ramen out there. May we eat there?" His voice sounded hopeful.

"Do you know if they serve anything besides ramen? I can't eat anything with too much sodium in it" mom suddenly said.

"Huh?" Naruto seemed confused.

"She means a lot of salt" my dad explained.

"Oh? Well I know they also serve green tea and dumplings, but I've never really looked at the non-ramen menu" Naruto said, scratching his cheek.

"Well I'm okay with seeing this ramen restaurant, lead the way Naruto-kun" my dad said as he took my mother's hand.

"Hai" he took my hand and pulled me along.

"Welcome to Ichiraku ramen. Hi Naruto-kun, and who have you brought along with you this evening" the old man at the ramen stand had said.

"Everyone, this is Ichiraku ramen, and this old man makes the best ramen ever. Old man, meet my new friend and her family. Her name is Hikari" Naruto said.

"Hello, my name is Sora Chami" my mom said.

"And my name is Kori Chami. We just moved to Konoha this morning" my dad said.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. Any friend of Naruto-kuns here is a friend of mine; what can I get you" the old man said.

"Miso ramen first please" Naruto said.

"I'll get some Miso ramen as well" I followed his example.

"Beef ramen for me" my father said.

"Is there anything else besides ramen? I'm trying to avoid high sodium food at the moment" my mother asked, leaving me confused.

"If you wish, I can prepare a very low sodium dish for you; you can decide if it fits your taste" the old man just smiled.

"I'd appreciate that" my mom smiled in return as he went back into the kitchen to prepare our meal.

"So Naruto-kun, how old is you?" Dad began to ask, the same way he did back in Suna to Gaara.

Naruto suddenly fidgeted, but answered, "8 years old sir"

"When's your birthday?"

"October 10th"

"Favourite food?"

"Ramen"

"Least favourite?"

"Vegetables"

"Favourite color?"

"Orange"

And it went like this for about 10 minutes or so, until our meals came.

Naruto immediately snapped his sticks, and was about to dig into his noodles, until he paused and looked at us. I just giggled, snapped my own sticks, and brought the noodles to my mouth; it was delicious.

"This tastes great, now I know where to go for lunch" I smiled up at the old man.

"Glad to hear it" he smiled back.

After waiting to see our reactions, Naruto began to eat as if his life depended on it, then asked for another; pork this time.

"Whoa, does he always eat so fast?" I asked.

"Yup, he usually eats between 3 to 5 bowls." He responded.

Now I was even more surprised; was this really all he ate, I would have to talk to my parents about it later.

"Hikari, there's something me and your mother need to tell you" dad suddenly had a look of seriousness.

I heard Naruto fidget again, uncertain if he should be listening.

"It's okay Naruto-kun, you don't have to leave, it's not some deep secret; our news is that I'm pregnant" mom said.

My eyes widened at that; I'm going to be a big sister!

"Pregnant?" Naruto asked, sounding confused.

I couldn't help but giggle at his confused face, "It means that I'm going to be a big sister."

Realization appeared on his face, "Congratulations Sora-san, is it a boy or a girl?"

"I'm not sure myself, but I will wait for it as a surprise; I seemed to know when I had Hikari so I'm certain I'll be able to tell later on" mom said.

I noticed that Naruto's smile suddenly turned a little sad. I didn't know why, but since I didn't see any parents at his house, I assumed that he didn't have any. If that was the case, then I think I know a way to cheer him up.

"I guess that means you will have an additional person to protect Naruto."

Startled, he looked at me with confusion on his face, "Huh?"

"What? Don't tell me you forgot that you're going to be hokage?"

His eyes widened at that, "Of course I didn't, I'm going to be the best hokage ever!"

I smiled at that, "then, you know that my future brother or sister is going to be seeing you as a role model; that's one more person for you to protect"

His grin was so big that I thought his face was going to split in half, "Right, I'll be the best role model there ever lived so that he or she grows up smart and strong, believe it."

"I hope that they don't only eat ramen like you do though"

"Hey, ramen is the god of all foods"

"Sure, but if it's all you eat it, it will stump your growth"

"I'm not short dammit!"

"You said it, not me"

He was pouting, and at that point I couldn't help but laugh; he was really easy to tease.

"Alright you two, that's enough fun and games" dad said as he paid the bill.

Naruto looked like he was about to grab his wallet, but my dad stopped him, "don't worry about it Naruto-kun, this is a thank you for looking after Hikari while my wife and myself took care of business for the day."

Naruto looked unsure, but I just put my hand where his hand was grabbing the wallet, and just shook my head.

He looked back at my dad and bowed, "Thank you very much Kori-san"

"Please, no bowing is necessary, and it was my pleasure. Now let's all head home, it's going to be a busy day tomorrow" he got up, and we all followed.

We finally reached home, and it was time to go our separate ways; Naruto looked a little crestfallen.

"Hey Naruto-kun, I know I didn't ask about this earlier, but was it okay with your parents that you came with us" my dad suddenly asked.

Naruto looked at the ground at this point, "I'm an orphan" he mumbled.

'So I was right, he is by himself' that was one difference between him and Gaara.

"Oh dear, I'm sorry to hear that. Listen, don't ever be afraid to come over whenever you like to; you would be more than welcome" my mother smiled at him and ruffled his spiky yellow hair.

His head shot up at that, and gave that grin of his that I've noticed he hides with, "Don't worry, I will, have a good night" and with that he ran away back to his place.

That grin made me uneasy, but it probably had to do with no one ever treating him in such a way; he didn't know how to react to positive reaction.

Well, there's that. I hope you guys are enjoying the story, and once again, they are only going to be friends, nothing more.

Cheers