Two Brave Kids

"Namikaze Naruto, is back and has never felt better."

Complete and utter shock hit anyone who heard like a giant wave. And Hinata had to admit, seeing Ino's jaw drop and her eyes grow as huge as Frisbee plates was pretty satisfying.

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Silence fell over the classroom and it spread out into the halls. No one spoke, no one moved , just stood or sat there. It was as if someone hit the pause button. All was shocked and...awkward? Yes, most certainly awkward, especially for those who called Namikaze Naruto 'ugly'. Now he was standing there in front of them all, looking beyond amazing.

The only people who were not frozen or surprised was Naruto himself, and Hinata. She looked around the classroom feeling strangely good about the whole thing. These people were finally getting what they had coming. They must feel like complete idiots at the moment, especially Ino.

But as the seconds passed by, with all eyes on the shining blonde, she could end that he was starting to feel awkward, fidgeting behind the teachers desk. As his guardian angel no- friend, she took it upon herself to get things going again. So, she tuned in her seat to look at Naruto's main tormentor and thought for moment to think of something good to say.

"Namikaze sure cleans up nice, doesn't he?" She said , slyly, and loud enough for anyone in their vicinity to her. and, she couldn't hold back the smile on her face.

In response were a bunch of incoherent stutters and sputters from Ino. She couldn't even form a proper sentence, and it was hilarious. But what was most noticeable was her flushed, embarrassed face. Well, at least she had the decency to feel shameful.

"I'll say." Sakura instead answer, sounding as dazed as everyone else, and she there was also hidden envy. Though, Hinata didn't know why.

That set it off. Everyone started adding their own comments, most expressing their surprise, embarrassment, some in denial. During it all, Hinata kept her eyes on Naruto, he was blushing a little, rubbing the back of his next. It wasn't hard to tell he was a shy from all this attention, and unused to it being positive. It made her so happy for him. This would be his turning point. Now that they saw this side to him, the would try getting to know him and would see how fun and great of a person he was and slowly, ut surely his dream would come true!

"How do we know if it's real?"

Hinata paused her thoughts along with the rest of the room did when Ino spoke. All was quiet so she could continue. What did she mean by "if it's real"? Ino, wore a smug smile as she stood from her seat.

"He's been gone for quite a while." Ino said as she folded her arms, looking at random students."How do we know it's not... plastic surgery?" She whispered as if it were forbidden words.

P-plastic surgery!? Hinata couldn't believe the ridiculousness of it all. How could Ino even say such a thing? And did these people really believe her? Apparently they were considering the possibility, the crowd had started back up again at Ino's theory. Of course they would, this was coming from the girl who was able t spread rumors like wild fire and have others believe her.

It was infuriating! That was it! If there was a time to say something to In, it was now! There was no way that girl was going to attack Naruto, he was already sensitive about his looks. She quickly to from her seat and opened her mouth to say something , but someone else beat her to it.

"Not everyone has to undergo surgery like you to look good." The voice sounded annoyed, and tired even."Why don't you just shut up."

Ino scoffed, and everyone else was silence. Though no one knew who had said, but by the light Hinata saw in Naruto's eyes, he certainly did. But he didn't give it away by looking at the person And it seemed like whatever confidence he had lost from her comment was restored.

"Don't be jealous because I'm hot." He said, brushing off his shoulders to exempt his confidence ans then sent a smile Hinata's way. She hold back and smiled back, so proud to him this way. Being himself, protecting himself, having confidence in himself.

Ino,again, was at a loss for words, but quickly recovered."I'm not jealous." Even to her it sounder jealous. She took a breath and continued."Fine, he's good-looking. But that doesn't change anything. He's still strange and dangerous, remember all those other facts about him." She was talking about those other rumors. But she said facts instead.

Everyone was so unsure and confused how to feel about it all. Seeing this, Ino continued continued.

"And those whiskers..." She chuckled, gesturing to her own cheeks."Do I even have to continue."

Hinata couldn't read Naruto's face, it was stoic. She couldn't tell what he was thinking, she knew how sensitive he was about his birthmarks. She knew she had to think of something to say, she couldn't stand back and watch Naruto, her one and only true friend be tormented like this. But she couldn't think f anything, nothing at all. She was too consumed by her own emotions.

"No matter what he does, he's still a freak." Ino sighed as if it was disappointing. Sakura nodded her head as if convinced by her words."It's-"

SLAP!

It was sharp, stinging, clean and perfect. The sound echoed in her own ears, though, it took her a moment to comprehend what she had just done. Hyuga Hinata slapped Yamanaka Ino across the face. And the shock only silent this time, but horrifying. It was the moist shocking thing ever, more shocking than Naruto's face reveal. In fact, even Naruto was gawking along with the rest.

No one could believe, quiet, sweet, polite, angelic Hinata had slapped someone. Especially not her 'friend'' Ino. Ino was just as shocked everyone else. As was Hinata. She meant to say something to Ino, but instead her body reacted.

Ino blinked her eyes several times."Did you just...slap me?"

Yeah and I'd do it again. Just keep talking shit and see what happens. Now that would be the cool, confident and tough thing to say. But, being Hinata..."Y-yes?" She tilted her head, flustered and scared."B-b-b-but I didn't mean to. Well, I did, B-but not like that. I-I meant to,w-w-what I m-meant to do was s-say something-"

Ino cut her off."Why did you slap me?" She asked, anger taking over her shock.

"Be-because, y-you...N-Naruto..."

"Did you just call him by his first name?"

"Y-yes.." Oh, she was not good with words.

"Why?"

"Because we're friends!" She shouted. And pinched her lips, and her eyes wandered to Naruto who was surprised by her honest outburst.

Ino rolled her eyes,"Why would you be friends with that freak? We're friends."

"Stop calling him that. And no we're not. We're just acting, that's all we ever do." She frowned, clenching her fist. "You're mean." She muttered under her breath, her head lowered and eyes on the ground. That sounded immature, but to her it was just the honest truth.

"What did you say?" Ino raised her voice and glared, pushing Hinata by her shoulder, and making her take a step back a bit.

Shutting her eyes Hinata lifted her head yelled back."I said you're a bitch!" She instantly realized her mistake. She meant to say bully. Bully! Clearly saying 'bitch' had more effect and impact.

Gasping was all around them, Ino scoffed."How dare you." And before she knew it, Ino had grabbed her by the back of the head with one hand.

"Ahh!" She squeaked, holding back a scream from the stinging pain. She was afraid Ino might yank the hair from her head.

"Apologize!" Ino demanded.

Hinata whimpered, but resisted. There was no apologizing, she told herself she'd be brave, she'd be better. Naruto had done his part, now it was her. She had something to prove.

Ino yanked harder,"OWW! Stop it!" Hinata yelled."Naruto, help!"

"What?" Naruto said, sounding utterly confused. Some time during her "conversation" with Ino, he had made it to the front of the crowd where Hinata was.

Sakura, who was standing next to Ino, tried to stop them."Come on guys, stop it. Ino, you know she didn't mean it." But even she sounded skeptical."Let's just apologize and hug and-"

"Shut up!" Ino screeched, shutting her up automatically and making the pinkette hang back. And she yanked at Hinata's hair again, still holding on tightly.

Hinata cried out again, reaching for her head and receiving another yank for her actions."Stop it!" She whispered.

"Hinata, what are you doing!" Naruto called to her."Don't just stand there and take it! Attack back, protect yourself! Where's that martial-artist-super-strength when you need it!"

It was so simple and obvious! Yet, she didn't figure it out until he yelled it at her. Now, Hinata did not condone violence. Of course she had a nature to attack when a male toughed her and she slapped Ino. But that was a defense mechanism, the first to protect herself, the second to protect Naruto. And she needed to protect herself now didn't she? She had defend herself just as Temari always did, and Naruto wads doing too now.

Hinata reached up and nabbed by her hai with both hands and, hesitantly, pulled. "AH!" Ino screamed, her head being forced back. In reply she grabbed Hinata's hair with her other hand and yanked. The real fight began there.

The students watched in utter horror as two of Konoha's Beauties wrestled with one another, it was a blurry fight. They slammed one another into walls and eventually ended up on the floor. The fight stopped when the teacher walked in.

"Sorry, I'm late guys. I was got lost walking the path of life and then our hall was crowd with students and-what's going on here?" Mr. Hatake frowned, immediately seeing his class crowed in one corner. They immediately dispersed, and Hinata and stood, trying to look civilized. But their frizzy hair, scratched and bruised faces said otherwise.

Slowly, the students in the hall left and the classroom students slowly and awkwardly made it to their seats, leaving only Hinata and Ino standing.

Mr. Hatake stared at the two and then finally asked."What happened?" He crossed his arms, looking serious for once.

Ino was quick to answered as usual."Hinata attacked me!"

Technically it was true, she was the first to slap her and call her a, ahem, "bitch". So, she remained quiet, knowing the truth of it all. But she then realized why would she do that! Ino was just as guilty.

"She verbally assaulted Naruto! She'd been doing ever since he got here!" She countered, surprising Ino."In fact, she's been verbally assaulting A LOT of people! Temari and Naruto are just her main victims." She huffed.

"What did you say?' Ino growled.

"Y-you heard me loud and clear. " She replied to Ino and turned back to their teacher."Sometimes she even gets physical! She's a bully!"

"Hey!" Ino barked.

"Hey, yourself!" Hinata yelled back.

Mr. Hatake raised his hand, silencing them both with his words."Okay, okay, quiet now." He said, looking them both over. Though he shut them up, he couldn't stop the electrifying glare they were giving each other.

"You both stay after school for your punishments." The teacher told them after a moment of thought."You two have a date with detention."

"What?" They both said simultaneously. Hinata sounding sad, Ino said sounding angry, but the both had the face of surprise. how could trhis happen to them? They never had detention.

"I never had detention before." Hinata spoke in distraught. Her clean streak! And her father would demand to know how this happened. If he heard she got into a fight, oh the horror!

"I guess this will be your first then, eh?" Mr. Hatake smirked under his mask. Hinata choked and silently dropped into her seat.

"I can't go to detention! I have things to do after school!" Ino protested. "And she attacked me first anyway! I was only defending myself. Ask anyone here."

This was the cue when the others were supposed to speak up for her. But no one said anything. How could they speak out against their princess, and especially after she just spoke up for them. Ino forgot who the people loved, and it was a little surprising to Hinata as well. She hadn't realized how much of an impression she had on the others until now. She expected to speak up for Ino.

Mr. Hatake smiled underneath his mask."I find it extremely hard to believe that Hinata would just attack you. I'm sure you two had your reasons."

"But-"

"No buts. You both have detention. Now, why don't you both go to the nurse office?" Mr. Hatake raised an eyebrow. It wasn't a question, but a demand. Hinata stood and Ino sent her the deadliest glare possible before crossing her arms and stomping ahead.

Hinata stayed back, and glanced at Naruto, who was looking back at her. He offered an encouraging smile, which cheered her up a bit.

"Time to take attendance now." Mr. Hatake spoke up, no longer paying any heed to the situation that happened before."Oh, wait! I heard Namikaze Naruto was back." He looked back at the students, searching with his eyes.

"Here I am." Naruto stood from his seat, all smiles.

Mr. Hatake looked as if he had seen a ghost at that moment."N-Naruto?" It was strange to her that he called him by his first name. If she wasn't mistaken he had called him it before. But then again, maybe he was just so astonished to see Naruto looking this way just had they all wee.

"Yessir!" He nodded his head.

Mr. Hatake was quiet, taking in the sight before him. And as he replied, he sounded brighter than usual."You look great. I see you healed up alright."

"I feel great." Naruto replied, making Hinata smile. And then she felt the stinging on her scalp and a headache coming about. No more standing around, it was time to head to the nurses office. She looked back At Naruto one last time before leaving.

~.~

"Wakey, wakey, eggs and bakey."

Hinata's eyes slowed opened as she regained consciousness. She yawned into the palm of her hand and stared up at the white ceiling. her muddled brain, quickly became clear. She was sleeping in the nurses office. After the nurse cleaned and bandaged her up, she gave her some medicine for her headache and allowed her to rest for a while. So, how long had she been sleeping?

Sitting up and pulling the covers from her, she turned and found herself facing Naruto. He was sending a genuine smile her way."Just kidding." He said, and handed her boxed lunch."We don't have any eggs and bakey, I mean bacon. Just a bento box lunch, and me, ramen."

He picked up a cup of ramen that was sitting on the desk next her bed. He was acting so casual that it was a bit weird. Did he forget all the events that happened earlier today? "Okay." She held her bento lunch and opened it.

Lunch! She looked at the clock, just to confirm and she could of had a heart attack. She missed half of a school day! "I slept this long and missed this much school!" She couldn't belive it. And to top it off, she still had detention. She groaned.

"I know." Naruto nodded his head, ripping off the top to his ramen cup and watched as the steam rose from it."I'm jealous of you myself."

Hinata snorted at Naruto, finding his comment a bit funny."Haha." She sighed.

Naruto continued to smile at her."No use fretting about it now." He laughed."Come on, eat. You look horrible."

"What do you mean?" She asked, hesitantly. He had said this once before, when she had cried, and he was right. She didn't wait for him to answer and immediately looked at her reflection on her cellphones camera.

Her hair was a complete mess! It was frizzy and she struggled to smooth it down. He face was scratched up, but most of the scratches was covered by band aids. Still, she looked horrible, a mess!

"Oh god! I can't go home like this!" She whined. If she did her father would definitely know about her little hustle with Ino and her detention.

Naruto chuckled as he shoved a chopstick full of ramen into his mouth."It's not that bad!"

"You said yourself it looks horrible! And stop laughing." She buried her face into her hands. Her voice was shaking and wet, she was on the verge of tears. It wasn't just about detention and her father. It was all hard for her, she couldn't believe she fought Ino physically like that. And now she was sure she was a target of Ino's.

Hearing how serious she was Naruto stopped laughing and swallowed down his food."Did I say that? Hah, well you should have seen Ino. You looked much worse! You sure taught her lesson. I doubt she'll be messing with you again."

Hinata removed her hands from her face and looked him, her face lit up."R-really? She scratched me quite a bit, but i did bite her!"

"You bit her?"

"Th-that's a bad thing, isn't it?"

"Well, I mean, there was no real rules to the fight and she grabbed you hair first sooo. I say it was fair."

Hinata sighed."I do not condone fighting."

"But you had to admit, slapping Ino must have felt good." Naruto smirked at her knowingly.

"Naruto!"

her continued to smirk at her.

"Okay, it did feel pretty good." she admitted, bashfully smiling a little.

"I knew it!"

"Still, this is not something we should be proud of." She tried to say seriously, but found herself chuckling.

"Yeah, but you were totally awesome! A hero!"

Hinata rolled her eye good-naturedly."You don't have to lay it on thick."

"I'm serious, you were a like 'I said you're a bitch'!" He tried mimicking her voice like her, which was hilarious and embarrassing."You were so awesome."

It was really just her shouting and saying things that she didn't mean to say. She blushed, feeling embarrassed, she didn't think anyone would think her panic talk was cool.

"And when you said I was your friend." Naruto smiled quietly, looking embarrassed himself."I was really really really happy." His words were so sweet and sincere.

That was the one thing she meant to say."Yeah...well you are." She smiled."You were pretty awesome yourself. I couldn't believe you talked back to Ino like that. That was awesome."

"Yeah, well after you kissed me like that, I felt really really really good and charged! And confident." He laughed and she laughed along with him, to mask the embarrassment she felt. Goodness, she had never felt more embarrass ever than today."Everybody is going to think differently about you after this."

Hinata nodded her head, though she felt calm about it all. It was a bit surprisingly, she had always cared so much about her image, to the students and to everyone. But now, she didn't care that she looked pretty rough in front of Naruto twice, he didn't mind. Or that she just had a fight with Ino and called her a bitch. And here was why.

"I don't really care what they think about me..." She said slowly, her hands loosening around her bento box."I only care what you think of me."

Naruto didn't look surprised by her words, but touched and sensitive about. He chuckled goofily and replied after a whole minute of no words."Yeah, well, I think you're super cool."

Hinata gave him a full blast grin at the sincerity of his words, feeling elated. More elated than ever."I think you're pretty awesome too."

"It took you this long t figure that out, huh?" They sat their giving each other big goofy grins, feeling more victorious than ever! Though they knew they still had a long way to go, it was a good start.

Picking up her chopsticks, Hinata grabbed an octopus shaped sausage and set in his ramen cup."Have some." She said. It could't be healthy to eat ramen all the time. And [she felt like sharing. Maybe she should start making him bento boxes as well, if his mother did't make him some anyway.

"Thanks." Naruto accepted the sausage without question and thought offer her some of his own lunch. And that was how they ended up sharing their whole meals. It was nice and peaceful, very calming considering everything that happened today.

When they finished Naruto sat back, satisfied. "I did good today, right?"

"Of course you did." Hinata nodded her head, still sitting on the cot. She looked at the clock on the wall and knew they still had time before lunch ended. What should they do now? But she didn't have to think about it long, because Naruto was sitting up straight and looking at her seriously. "W-what is it?"

He licked his bottom lip nervously before asking."Aren't you going to tell me now." He paused,."You know, why you're afraid of boys."

Oh. That.

"You said you'd tell me, if I gave it my all."

She sighed, slumping her shoulders."I know."

"You don't have to if you don't want to." He quickly said.

Hinata shook her head."I do want to. I just haven't exactly told anyone about it." Sh sighed aain, this time rather heavily."But, I think I'd feel okay, relieved even if I tell you."

Naruto remained silent and waited for her to continue. And Hinata's finger played with the sheets on her cot. It was so difficult to speak. Her chest clenched when she even thought about it. It was getting hard for her to breath. Her brain was getting full of fuzz. But when she looked up into Naruto's clear blue and understanding eyes, it all cleared.

"Where should I start?" she sighed, looking straight back at him."It all started during kindergarten."

Dundundun! It has been so long since a updated! A matter of sixteen days I do believe! I'm so sorry guys, I've been busy, and a bit lazy, but mainly busy! No, I'm not going on hiatus or discontinuing this story. I plan to finish it to the very last chapter. So, i hope you guys stick with it.

To be honest I was supposed to update this last night, but got late, and I was tired. Again I apologize. But Like I said, this chapter was very eventful, was it not? I hoped you guys enjoyed it as much as I did.

The next chapter Hinata's past will be revealed along with other things. But do yuou guys want a flash back or just her explaining it? I don't know which one I'll be doing, but it'll be nice to hear what you guys want or something.

So please leave a review as usual wirh your thoughts and such and for those who are new to it, please follow and favorite and review as well! Thank you!

Little Miss Kairi out~!