Okay, I know I said it would probably be awhile before I posted the third chapter but... well just like the second chapter, once I started writing, I just couldn't stop. And it was Dekuton's second review that put me into gear, and thank you for the review by the way! (: Also thank you to the ones who have favorited, and followed this story, you all are awesome! (: Since the posting of this chapter didn't go as planned I cannot exactly say when the fourth one will be out, but hopefully, i'll get it done soon (: Anyways, here is the 3rd chapter, I hope you like it! (:

-Updated chapter! Please let me know if you feel I should change it again, and please tell me why. Even if you're a new reader.

The night before I started at the academy was the worst. I couldn't sleep at all. Again I started overthinking everything. So when it was time for me to get up and get ready, I looked horrible.

It didnt help that Lee was a morning person. He had so much energy in the mornings it should have honestly been illegal.

"Are you excited for your first day at the academy Hotaru?" Lee yelled excitedly.

I flinched at the loudness, and then glared at him. Hoping my death stare could protect me from anymore of his shrill screams at this ungodly hour. Lee just shook it off though and kept going.

When it was time to leave the house and walk to the academy I let Lee practically drag me. At that point I was too tired to care.

Lee stayed with me through the introductions, and while the classes were being sorted. I knew he had class as well, but he probably asked to be here with me.

When my class started to leave, I ran back to Lee and hugged him.

"Have a good day my little firefly!"

I smiled. "You too!"

I quickly ran after the others. Once inside and seated, Iruka sensei had everyone introduce themselves one by one. When it came to me though I started to panic. I looked around to find Lee, but then remembered he wasn't here and I was alone. Which made me panic even more. It also didn't help that by now everyone was staring at me waiting for me to speak. I sucked in a deep breath, trying to calm down.

"Hotaru Lee" I said as loud as I could, which honestly wasn't really loud.

Iruka sensei just smiled kindly, and called on the next person. I could hear a few snickers, and my face heated up.

Kids suck.

The day dragged on forever, until it was lunch time. Which we were all allowed to go to the courtyard. Everyone practically ran out, while I took my time. Everyone had already migrated into groups, except for one. Naruto. I heasitated for a moment before I started walking towards him.

Some of the other kids stopped what they were doing and watched me. They all looked shocked. one even tried to stop me.

"Hey, wait! My parents say to stay away from him. Didn't your parents tell you about him?" The boy asked looking a bit concered about me going up to 'the monster'

I grimanced. "No. I don't have parents, and either way I can do as I please."

At this point everyone, including Naruto was looking at me. His eyes wide.

I shrugged the boys hand off my shoulder and continued my way towards Naruto, who looked a bit scared and wary. My heart twisted painfully.

I noticed he didn't have a lunch either. I just plopped down next to him, and dug through my bag. I honestly wasn't very hungry, so I grabbed my bento box. I opened it up and divided everything in half. I then put it between us. He kept looking between me, and the lunch. Like he wasn't sure what to do.

"My brother packed my lunch and gave me too much. I hope you like it." I smiled.

It seemed like me smiling is what shook him out of his shock. He laughed and accepted the other half of my lunch

"I like it."

I nodded.

"I'm Hotaru by the way. Hotaru Lee."

"I'm Naruto Uzumaki."

After that Naruto and I ate lunch together everyday. Me always bringing extra for him. I think Lee noticed that I was packing extra, but he never said anything about it, which I was kinda glad for.

About a week later I was signed up to take kunoichi classes with the other girls in my class. Which I was not looking forward to. Mostly because I wouldn't have Lee or Naruto to hide behind.

On our first day of kunoichi class, I migrated towards Sakura. I concluded that we were the 'shy ones'. I noticed quickly that Hinata hadn't been there. She probably had her own classes at home, which didn't really surprise me. It hadn't taken long before some of the other girls started making fun of Sakura because of her big forehead, which resulted in her running away crying, and me tackling, who I thought to be the head bully and rubbing her face into the dirt.

Let's just say our instuctor was less than amused, and thankfully only resulted in me getting a warning.

It didn't take long before I found Sakura with Ino. I approaced them slowly.

"Are you okay Sakura?"

She sniffled and rubbed her eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine. You didn't get in trouble, did you?"

"Huh?" Was my intelligent response.

"For tackling Miyuki. You didn't get in trouble did you?"

I didn't even know she saw that.

I laughed sheepishly. "Ah no, just got a warning."

"That wasn't very lady like though." Ino pointed out.

I just shrugged my shoulders, which made her sigh and shake her head.

"Meet me here tomorrow. Both of you." I raised my eyebrow. She left before I could say anything. So I just sighed.

I held my hand out to Sakura, who grabbed it greatfully.

After class we waved goodbye to each other as her mother came to pick her up. and Lee was waiting on me. I immediately jumped onto Lee's back, making him give me a piggyback ride, which he just laughed at.

"So, how was it" Lee asked, looking back at me.

"Boring."

"I'm sure it wasn't that bad." He said, laughing a little.

I sighed dramatically. "It was absolutely awful!"

He just shook his head and smiled.

"Are you up for training when we get home?" He asked, looking a little hopeful.

"Well I'm going to have to check my busy schedule, but I'm sure I can make some time." I said, trying to be serious, and not laugh. Lee snorted.

Once back at the house, I went straight to my room to get my spear and meet Lee outside, but he wasn't there, but I knew he wasn't in the house either. So was it a sneak attack? I stepped up my guard, and carefully surveryed my surroundings. I almost didn't have time to dodge, when Lee threw two kunai at me.

To say I was surprised was an understatement. I didn't have time to think about it though, because he kept coming at me. All I could do was run, deflect, and dodge. I could already tell he was getting better, faster. I really needed to step up my game. Maybe I should have taken Taijutsu training more seriously. Was Lee testing me? More than likely.

I gasped as Lee's foot connected with my stomach.

"You need to focus more. You're being sloppy."

I glared at him. I got back up, but winced as a sharp pain went through my stomache. No doubt I would have a giant bruise later on. I pushed my long hair out of my face, as I ran at Lee. I didn't even bother to pick my spear up. I wasn't very good with it yet, so it would do nothing to help me.

Lee and I continued to fight each other for two hours. I would get a hit in here and there, but he totally kicked my ass. By the time we stopped I was literally on the ground wheezing, while Lee was just panting. Boy did I regret not taking training seriously.

"You have improved." Lee said thoughtfully.

"You just kicked my ass." I pointed out.

"Yes, but you fought very well, even when you were distracted at first. I am very proud of you."

I couldn't help but smile. "Thank you."

Lee and I prepared dinner together after training, and sat at our small table when it was done. At first Lee and I ate in silence. Until he caught me off guard, with a question I wasn't expecting.

"How is your chakra?"

He never asked me after my first day at the academy, but he probably already knew the answer when I didn't come home crying. I already knew I could use chakra, so it never crossed my mind to act differently when I came home that day.

I stiffened. I was silent for a moment.

"It's fine." I finally whispered.

Lee sighed, like he was relieved.

"I am so glad."

My head snapped up, and my eyes widened. He was glad? I couldn't help the rage that came upon me.

"Why?" I yelled, slamming my hands onto the table and standing up, making my chair fall to the floor. I was mad. I was mad because it wasn't fair that I could use chakra, and he couldn't. I was mad because he was glad I could use chakra, and wasn't angry at me. I wanted him to be mad at me, because I hid it from him, and he knew it. I knew he knew it. That's why he used that sneak attack, and didn't go easy on me. He knew that if I didn't have chakra I would solely be focused on taijutsu, and would be better at it. But I had chakra, and I was mostly focused on that, so in the end my taijutsu sucked.

At that point I couldn't help the tears that escaped.

"Hotaru. Please do not cry. I am happy for you. I am happy that you have chakra. The day I found out that I couldn't use chakra like everyone else, I became so scared that you would have the same fate as me, and I did not want that. I hoped so badly that you wouldn't be like me. And now that I know that you're not, I no longer have to worry. Do I think you need to work more with your taijutsu? A little, yes. But I think that you could be great with taijutsu, and chakra both. So that is why I want to kick up our training. So when the time comes I believe you can take on any opponent!" Lee finished, throwing his fist into the air and grinning.

I was shocked. I didn't know what to say. He believed in me that much? I finally sighed.

"I am sorry I yelled at you." I said, hanging my head in shame.

Lee just grinned. "That's alright. I am not upset. I just want you to do your best!"

All I could do was smile.

I picked my chair back up, and we continued eating, and talking. As soon as we were finished we cleaned up, and bid each other goodnight. Though I decided to take a shower first, because I was sweaty, and gross. But once I was done, and as soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out like a light. Today had been a very long day.

The next morning Lee walked me to my kunoichi class. We didn't have to go to the academy today. We said our goodbyes, and I soon found Ino and Sakura at the same place we were yesterday.

"Hey." I said a little shyly.

They both smiled at me. "Hey."

I sat down next to them and Ino clapped her hands together. "I have something for both of you!" She said, getting excited. She grabbed her bag, and pulled out a dark red ribbon, and a bronze butterfly hair clip. Ino got up and tied the ribbon around Sakura's head, moving her bangs out of her face, and exposing her forehead. "Hey see, what an improvment! Isn't it Hotaru?"

I knew what she was doing. She was giving Sakura confidence. "I think it looks great!"

Sakura started to smile. "You really think so?"

"Absolutely!" Ino said, nodding her head. "Now Hotaru, turn around."

I just looked at her. "Uh, why?"

"Just do it. don't worry, you'll be fine."

I hesitantly did as she said, and turned around. I could feel her picking up random pieces of my hair.

"You have such long and pretty hair. It's a shame you never do anything with it, so as long as we're friends your hair will be styled. No ands, ifs, or buts." I heard Sakura giggle, while I pouted. It didn't take Ino long to style my hair. "There. Now you look so much prettier." I tried not to take much offense to her comment. I knew she meant well.

"Wow it looks so pretty!" Sakura said in awe.

"Take a look Hotaru." Ino said, taking a mirror out from her bag.

I did as she said and looked at my hair. My eyes widened. It really did look pretty. Ino took some of the top part of my hair and tied a bun in the lower part of my head right above my neck, and took 2 smaller pieces of hair, one on each side of the bun, and braided them into half circles, tucking them into my bun, and put the butterfly clip on the left side of it.

"I love it! Thank you Ino!" I said a little loudly, but I didn't care, I was happy.

After that, our class started, and we had to gather a bouquet of flowers, which Ino happily helped me and Sakura with. By the time it was time to go home, Ino had talked me and Sakura into hanging out with her after school let out tomorrow. We both agreed

Ino and Sakura's mothers were there to pick them up. I felt a jealous pang in my chest. There wasn't a day that went by that I didn't think about my parents. Seeing Ino and Sakura with their mothers made me wish mine were still here.

"Hotaru, lets go, we gotta train!" Lee was yelling, and waving his arms in my direction. I couldn't help but smile, as I temporarily forgot about the pain of not having parents, because it was replaced with the love I had for my brother. I quickly ran to him, poking at him to race me, which of course he did, and of course I lost. But it didn't matter to me. I was just having fun. Being a kid for once.