Disclaimer: Don't own any characters from Naruto, everyone else i do own!

Note: First attempt to write a story. I'm sorta making it up as i go along. though i do have most of it sorta planned out. Sorry if there's not so much NaruHina, but there will be small fluff here and there. It'll get better as i get to book two and three. (FYI this is book one ;p )

It's been a busy month. New art to draw, new art to see and new fanfics to read. Right now, I've just been watching the newest Naruto Shippuden episodes. ^w^ hopefully they can inspire me to write more. Wish me luck and comment if you want.

(wrote this a week ago) On a side note, I just read the latest chapter of Naruto and it seems the dead have come back to life. So I ask myself, "does that mean Hinata could have died but then come back to life?" if so then she was never in any danger. Whether she had died or not. That makes me wonder how differently Naruto would have reacted if she had died. Then how would he have reacted if he then saw that she came back to life. Hmm, I think it would have been interesting to see that scenario play out.

(Today) Just read the newest chapter and I couldn't help but cry! I cried so much. Even now I'm crying a little. But they're tears of joy 3 The village has finally acknowledged Naruto! J I can't believe it finally happened! I'm so happy for him *sniffle* it's about time they acknowledged what a great guy he is *cries some more*

Sorry I'm the kind of person who cries very easily ^^; but , am I the only one who cried when they read the newest chapter? Yeah, I probably am XD

Oh well, on to the newest chapter!

Chapter 10

A change for the better!

The walk back to his apartment was as uncomfortable as it had been in the ramen shop. Naruto was unable to think about anything but getting back home as soon as possible. In turn, he failed to notice a crucial detail. 'Man, I can't believe that Ayame,' the blonde huffed, 'Why does she always have to pick on me like that? I mean, usually I don't mind when I'm there alone, but…' the boy paused in thought, trying to catch a quick glance at his friend. His young friend appeared to be looking at the ground, silent as always. 'Darn her, saying all that stuff about Hinata being my girlfriend. Seriously, who could even think that? That's got to be one of the craziest things someone could say. Me and Hinata. Hmph! Yeah right…' The blonde looked down sadly, 'The only reason Hinata is even here with me is because of the kid, otherwise….' Naruto knew that if it weren't for the kid, things would be different. Just like before he would be, all alone. Sure, he would still have his friends, and he was sure he'd see Hinata around but… things would not be like they were now. The boy shook away his thoughts, now was not the time to think of depressing things. "Umm… Hinata?"

"Uh, y-yes?"

"S-sorry about Ayame, she likes to joke around with me when I go eat there."

"I-it's ok Naruto."

"R-really?" The blonde stopped walking and turned to the girl, "You're not upset or anything?" The shy Hyuuga looked up at the boy and blushed, shaking her head. A huge smile overtook the blonde's face, "That's great; you know you're really different from Sakura. She would have probably caused a scene and stormed out. Heh, guess it's a good thing it wasn't her huh?" Naruto grinned, while the pink-haired girl was his friend she was known to be temperamental, especially when he was involved.

"W-well, I'm s-sure she's much b-better company than me. Y-you'd probably be happier if she was here instead of me," Hinata was happy to be spending time with the blonde, but she was well aware of the boy's feelings towards his teammate. Even if they did seem to argue a lot, it was clear to her that they were close friends. She on the other had hardly even said a word to him, always looking away and blushing. She was sure he was only putting up with her because of Inari.

"Who, Sakura?" the boy turned away and started walking once more, "Well we are good friends, and on the rare times we aren't fighting I do enjoy hanging out with her but…" Naruto sighed, thoughts going to past events.

"N-naruto?" Hinata became concerned, suddenly regretting she had said anything.

"Sorry but, could we change the subject?" the boy said despondently.

"O-of course, I'm sorry."

"Sorry Hinata, it's just-" the blonde stopped dead in his tracks. He had turned to assure his blue-haired friend that everything was okay when he noticed something he had not seen before. "…H-hinata, can I ask you something?"

"Hmm?"

The teen looked at the girl nervously, "Um… h-how long have w-we been walking like this?"

"Huh?" the shy girl looked at what the boy was referring to, "Oh umm, I-I'm n-not sure." The girl lied, she knew.

Both teens looked down at their hands and then at each other. A very faint blush was on Naruto while Hinata sported a darker shade. It seemed that since their departure from Ichiraku's, where Naruto had dragged Hinata away, the blonde had failed to let go of the girl's hand. All the while Hinata had been quite aware of it, finding herself in a world of bliss. She was sure she would remember this day for the rest of her life. His hand, his warm hand. The Hyuuga was surprised she had not fainted after the first minute. Even now, she basked in the feeling of his hand entwined with hers.

Naruto looked at the two joined hands. It was hard to believe he had not noticed it sooner. He supposed that he had been too upset about the scene with Ayame to notice he hadn't let go of her hand. Part of him wondered why Hinata had not noticed sooner. 'Maybe she had but didn't say anything. Nah, if she had she would have pulled her hand away. Still, you'd think she's noticed someone pulling her down the street,' the blonde chuckled. 'Guess that's Hinata for you!'

"N-naruto?" the blue-haired teen looked at the blonde boy, confused by his laughter.

"Huh? Oh sorry, we better get going before the ramen gets cold." Naruto turned and began walking towards his apartment, only to stop a few steps later. The boy turned to the kunoichi and looked at their hands once more. His eyes widened when he noticed they were still joined. Naruto looked up at Hinata, who seemed to be in a world of her own. "H-hinata."

"Hmm?"

"I'm uh…" the boy coughed, "I'm s-still holding your hand."

"Oh um…" Hinata looked up at their hands with a small smile, "I-it would appear so."

"Y-you um..." the boy coughed once more, "you didn't notice?"

"Umm, w-well…" Hinata trailed off, not wanting to lie to the boy again. As a Hyuuga, she was often told never to lie and always speak the truth. Hinata was never one to lie, but whenever she was with the blonde boy, she often found herself unable to tell the truth. Fear of rejection and fear of him thinking badly of her always left her unable to say much.

"Well I guess I forgot as well," the boy nervously laughed. Still holding the girl's hand the boy found himself unable to let go. While he had been holding her hand for a while now he hadn't actually been aware of it. Now fully aware, the boy found himself feeling a bit strange. The blonde enjoyed the feeling. Part of him, a small part, almost didn't want to let go of the girl's hand. Once again, he was doing something he never thought he'd do with a girl, and once again, it was with Hinata. Her hand was so soft and warm; Naruto found himself grinning, wondering if all girls' hands felt this pleasant. Noticing Hinata staring at him the boy blushed slightly and pulled his hand away from hers. "S-sorry, I-I didn't mean to hold your hand all this time."

"I-I know, I-it's ok Naruto." the shy heiress smiled slightly at the boy, a part of her sad that his hand was no longer holding hers. When the blonde turned and began walking again, the young girl lifted her hand to her chest and smiled. The warmth from his hand was still present on hers.

Naruto sighed quietly to himself, already missing the warm contact. 'Ugh, that's probably the only time I'll ever hold a girl's hand' the boy hung his head in disappointment. Yet again something he had to blame the Kyuubi for. If it wasn't for the demon that was sealed inside him, the boy would probably have more friends rather than be hated by most of the village. Then maybe he'd be able to find a girl to like him.

The rest of the walk was in complete silence, both teens off in their own thoughts. They arrived at the apartment and were surprised when they entered the blonde's home to find complete silence.

"H-hello?' Hinata spoke quietly, "I-is anyone here?" The young Hyuuga turned to the blonde, a look of confusion present. With a shrug the boy walked towards the kitchen, Hinata followed behind him.

"Alright, ramen time!" After putting most of the ramen in the kitchen, Naruto heads towards the living room with a bowl of ramen in his hand. "What th-?" the boy stops and looks at the scene before him. Chuckling a bit, the boy kneels before the tiny figure. "Well it seems the kid won't be eating any ramen after all. Guess we'll be the only ones eating tonight Hinata."

"Think again, dummy."

"Huh," the blonde looked down at his now empty hands before looking up at the ramen thief. "Hey I thought you were asleep!"

"I was, but you woke me up with your yelling." Inari said with a grin, "Thanks for the ramen." the small girl held up the bowl of ramen she took from the blonde.

"Why you no good-" the blonde was ready to unleash his fury on the child when a bowl was placed in front of his face. He looked up to see Hinata handing him a bowl of ramen.

"H-here you go N-naruto," the shy kunoichi said with a smile.

"Oh, thanks Hinata." the blonde replied with a grin, "If only certain brats could learn to be as nice as you." the boy angrily stared at the child beside him. Inari stuck out her tongue in reply. "Alright then, let's all dig in!"

The three of them sat on the couch and ate their fill. In the end, only one bowl was left. The blonde finished his bowl and reached out for the remaining one. A small pair of hands reached out at the same time. Without hesitation, the boy swiped the bowl away and held it above his head, a grin plastered on his face.

"Hey no fair!" Inari huffed, reaching her small arms out and jumping up in an effort to reach the bowl.

"He he, you're too slow kid. Looks like I get the last bowl."

"No way!" the little girl turned to her pup, "Miyuki!"

With an angry bark, the small pup leaped up from the couch and bit the blonde boy in his lower back. Naruto yelled out in pain, but still kept a firm grip on the ramen bowl. "Nice try brat, but you aren't getting this bowl."

"Meanie! How am I suppose to grow big and strong if you won't let me eat!"

"Then go eat something else, cause you aren't going to get this bowl!"

"Whatever, I guess you need that bowl more than I do," Inari grumbled, "seeing as you're so short!"

"WHAT DID YOU SAY!"

"You heard me!" Inari grinned, "Look at you, you're shorter than she is," the child pointed over to Hinata. The young kunoichi had just finished cleaning up after them and was making her way back into the living room. She looked up at the two in confusion, wondering why they were pointing and staring at her.

Naruto walked over and stood next to the blue-haired girl, trying to compare their heights. It was true that he was a little on the short side, but he was still growing wasn't he? It's not like he was going to be short all his life, right? He noticed Hinata was staring at him and started to panic. Was she also noticing how short he was? Was she really taller than he was? In an effort to differ their attention from him, the blonde quickly turned their attention to someone else. "Well I wouldn't be talking about short people, seeing as you are almost the same height as Miyuki."

"N-no I'm not!" Inari exclaimed, "Besides, I'm just a little kid. I'm supposed to be short!"

"Guess you're right there shrimp." Naruto grinned, ruffling Inari's hair.

"SHRIMP!"

"Yeah, that's your name isn't it?"

"T-that…" the small girl was speechless.

Hinata looked from Naruto to Inari in confusion. It took her a minute to realize what the blonde had meant.

"Ha! Can't say anything now can ya!" the blonde laughed.

"Yeah well, what about you fishcakes!" Inari pointed angrily at the teen boy.

"Err, it doesn't matter! In the end I'm the one with the bowl!" Naruto proudly held up the ramen.

The little girl clenched her hands in anger, she wasn't about to give up so quickly. With a sly grin, she closed her eyes and concentrated on the ramen bowl. Inari wasn't sure her plan would work but she couldn't think of anything else to try. The blonde boy was stronger, taller, and faster than she was, there was no way she could just snatch it from him. Unless of course, she had a trick up her sleeve.

Naruto looked down at the small girl in confusion. It seemed she had just given up and he had won, at least, that's how it appeared. The blonde wasn't about to be fooled so easily, he knew she was planning something. Before he could even guess what it was, the ramen bowl began to glow. Startled, the blonde jumped back in surprise. His eyes grew wide. To his side the young Hyuuga lifted her hands to her mouth in shock.

Inari had been concentrating as hard as she could on getting the ramen, 'This will teach him not to underestimate me!' The small girl began feeling warm inside, a clear indication that her teleporting ability was working. While she had only just started learning how to use it, and had no real knowledge of its capabilities, she pushed forward on her plan. 'I know I can teleport myself, and I have been able to teleport Miyuki with me in the past. So maybe I can teleport things on their own. If I concentrate hard enough, I'm sure that ramen bowl will teleport onto my hands.' The small girl's plans were soon interrupted when a warm substance came pouring down on her. Inari just stood there in shock; this was not at all how she planned to get the ramen.

Naruto and Hinata looked straight at the soaked child. Hinata ran to get some towels while Naruto and Inari stood there. "I-I-I didn't mean to do that, I was just surprised when I saw the bowl glow that I…I let go of it." The little girl stared up at him with a sad expression. Tears started to form off the corners of her eyes, causing the boy to feel even guiltier. "H-hey, don't cry," slowly the boy approached the child, lifting a hand and placing it on her shoulder. "Everything's ok."

"Wahhhhhhhhhhhh!" the small girl exploded in tears, causing Hinata to come running to them and causing the blonde to step back.

"W-what's wrong," Hinata rushed to the child's side and began wiping the ramen from her face.

"Maybe the ramen was still hot and it burned her?"

"WAHH! Inari cried even louder.

"Ah! What'd I say?" the blond stepped back even more.

"Ramen," the little girl sniffled, "I wanted the last bowl of ramen. I was so close to getting it." Inari wiped her tears away, "This is all your fault!" she pointed angrily at the blonde. "You owe me a bowl of ramen!"

"Eh! You're causing all this fuss over a bowl of RAMEN!" Naruto stared wide-eyed at the child. "ARE YOU KIDDING ME!" he sighed, "And here I thought you were hurt." Hinata let out a small laugh, looking from Naruto to Inari. "Eh, what's so funny?"

"Oh um…" the heiress blushed, embarrassed that he had heard her laugh, "S-sorry it's just…well… j-just a few days ago, Inari didn't even know about ramen, a-and now she seems to like it as m-much as y-you do."

"Heh, no way Hinata. No one can love ramen as much as I do!" the blonde proclaimed proudly.

"Yeah, he'd probably marry it if he could. I'm not ramen obsessed like him." Inari blatantly announced.

Naruto fumed, "You little-"

"Um," Hinata interrupted, trying to keep them from going into their hundredth argument, "I-inari, w-we need to get the ramen off you." Hinata grabbed the child's hand, "Let's go, it's bath time."

"Okay, come on Miyuki." The pup ran happily after her as they made their way into the bathroom, leaving the blonde boy alone in the living room.

"Alone again..." the boy looked around with somber eyes, "Man, I sure didn't miss this feeling." He made his way to the couch and thought back to the walk with Hinata. 'Y-you'd probably be happier if she was here instead of me.' "Yeah right," he laughed sarcastically, "You're way off there Hinata; I had to give up on Sakura a while back." Naruto clenched his hands and bit his lip; he did not want to recall those memories. Not after he worked so hard to get over that problem. "It wasn't easy but, I'm glad I was able to get over it." the blonde turned towards the hallway, "It's been even easier to deal with it since they appeared." He took a deep breath and got up from the couch, making his way to the kitchen. "Might as well clean up the ramen mess, can't have Hinata doing all the work." He made his way to the living room where the bowl had landed and began cleaning. When he was done, he smiled, looking around his newly cleaned apartment. It was hard to believe how quickly things had changed for him. "It's only been a few days, I wonder if we'll be able to do this for much longer." The boy didn't want to think about the fact that the village was searching for the little girl. "How long will two genin be able to keep a child hidden from a village full of ninja?"

"As long as you can."

Naruto turned towards the hall to find Inari there, next to her was Miyuki and on the other side was Hinata. "But…"

"Hey if you don't think you can handle this then just say so. I took care of myself before I met you two, I can do fine on my own." Inari trembled a little. She was scared to think she'd have to be on her own again, but she knew she wasn't ready to get a new family. Just the thought of a new mother and father made her shiver. Her parents were not going to be replaced so easily.

"Now way kid, I don't give up so easily and I never go back on my word! I promised to help you and that's just what I'll do. No matter what, you can count on me!" the blonde struck a pose and flashed his famous grin.

"M-me too." Hinata added in.

Inari looked up with wide eyes and smiled, thankful to know she was not alone.

"Alright then, we won't give up without a fight! Right?"

"Right!" Hinata and Inari cheerfully yelled. Miyuki barked in agreement.

The blonde yawned, "Okay, I think it's time to go to bed."

"What! No way, I want to stay up more." Inari pouted

"Sorry kid but you're still young and you need your sleep. Right Hinata?"

"Y-yes, I-it's getting late."

"Well alright," the little girl sighed, "Goodnight," she waved to the blonde while Hinata lead her to her bed.

"Night shrimp," Naruto whispered when the child left the room.

Hinata returned to the living room moments later. "W-well, I better get home before it gets late."

"Alright, you be careful and thanks again for the futon."

"Y-you're w-welcome." the blue-haired heiress blushed and made her way to the door. With a smile and a wave, the two teens said their goodbyes.

Naruto sighed and prepared for bed, thoughts going over all the problems they were facing and would face in the future. The road ahead would test their abilities to a new level. With a sigh, the boy tried to sway his thought to less stressful subjects. Unknowingly his thoughts went to his blue-haired friend. He was grateful to know that he was not alone in this. The blonde knew that alone this would be much more stressful, but with the shy Hyuuga beside him things were much easier. He let out a soft laugh; it was funny how he had unknowingly volunteered to help them out. Who knew his small act of kindness would lead him to this? However, regardless of the problems and stress, he had enjoyed the past few days. Naruto grinned and thought to himself, 'The brat may be annoying at times but she's got her good points. With some training I'm sure her ability can become quite handy.' he yawned and smiled, 'Then there's Hinata, I always thought she was too quite and a bit weird. Now that I've know her for a while I see that she's not what I thought. It's nice to see this side of her,' he grinned, 'I wonder how many other people see her like that.' the blonde looked up at his ceiling, wondering what else awaited him in the future. 'I guess change was the best thing that could happen after all I've been through at the beginning of the year.' With the last of his energy, the boy shifted to a comfortable position and drifted to sleep.

The lights shone through the Konoha streets. Shops were closing and people were heading home. Hinata made her way home with a smile on her face as she remembered the day's events. It made her blush to think how close she had been with her crush. 'I-I can still remember how warm his hand was.' with her mind on cloud nine the young Hyuuga bumped into the door of her room. After rubbing her sore head, Hinata reached for her doorknob.

"Did you have a good day Hinata?"

With a small 'eep', Hinata quickly turned and came face to face with her cousin. "Oh, N-neji, I…" Hinata bit her lip, "Y-yes, I had a good day, and you?"

"My day was not so fortunate; it seems your team came looking for you."

"Oh um… well, you see…" Hinata fumbled to find the right words.

"Correct me if I'm wrong but did you not say that you were going to be training with them today?"

"Y-yes, but-"

"Hinata," the male Hyuuga said in a stern voice, "we need to talk."

All right, new chapter. This one had a nice fluffy moment. Hope you're enjoying this ^w^

Seems these chapters are just getting harder and harder to write. Especially since, I've been busy with a contest on my Deviant account.

Plus I'm working on a NaruHina comic as well. If you want to see it then just go to my profile page.

BTW, does anyone know how to get the link working on your profile page? Cause my links aren't showing up right. And I wanted to post some links of a few sketches of Naruto, Hinata and Inari. Please help me if you know how to make it work.

Also for those that don't know. The part where Naruto calls Inari shrimp is because Inari means shrimp. Looked it up online and that's what it said. Inari, girl's name, means shrimp. Then of course Naruto means fishcakes, know that from the anime.

Comment if you want. I'd like to know if this story is still okay or if it's getting boring. Plus sometimes your comments end up giving me ideas for future chapters. Even a small, 'I like this character' can help inspire me ^^

I'm thinking of putting in more characters. Some for brief appearances and others for bigger roles. Not sure about their teacher's though. Might just leave them out. (don't think I'd be able to really portray them accurately) oh well, we'll see what happens.