Chapter 3

It was Tuesday afternoon and the bell for the last class has already rung. Just like what happened the day before, Naruto accompanied Hinata to her locker while he too stored his academic materials that didn't need to be brought home. Once they were done, they walked towards the exit of the school building as they talked about what phase of the project they were going to do for the rest of the afternoon.

"So, for today we're just gonna buy the stuff for the project right?" Naruto asked.

"Ye-yes. I've already asked permission from my father and he agreed as long as Kō will be there to drive us to the store." Hinata informed. The name Kō rung a bell to Naruto, remembering that it was the same person who Hinata's cousin Neji mentioned to them yesterday.

"Drive us? But it's just 2 blocks away."

"I know but my father is really protective of me. That's why he always has Kō bring me to and take me home from school. And when I need to go somewhere, he's always there to watch over me."

"So he's like a bodyguard?"

"Sort of."

"Okay then, just as long as he doesn't follow us around while we buy the stuff. That's just too uncomfortable for me." Naruto said with a shiver. He never thought rich people really had bodyguards for their children. He thought that it was all just stuff they do in the movies.

"Don't worry. He'll stay in the parking area." Hinata assured him with a light chuckle.

"Is your cousin going to join us?"

"Oh Neji? No, he's not. He also has other school stuff to attend to this afternoon."

"Phew, that's a relief. I seriously don't want him breathing around my neck, no offense."

"None taken."

The two continued to walk towards the school's parking where Kō was already waiting for them. Kō opened the door of the black expensive looking car for them and they went in. Once seeing that his two passengers were all buckled up, he immediately drove for the hardware store.

The ride was fairly silent as Hinata was overwhelmed with shyness at how she was sitting close next to her crush. Naruto on the other hand was busy rechecking the list of materials to buy that he has kept in his phone and he texted Kiba that they were already heading for the store onboard Hinata's ride.

Hinata heard Naruto chuckle, noticing that it was from a text he read. She didn't know that it was Kiba who replied to Naruto about how jealous he was right now. And of course, she didn't have the courage to ask 'cause it wasn't like she was close friends with Naruto. In the back of her mind, there's a lot of part that believes Naruto was being nice and friendly towards her just because it was in his nature and also because of the project. She didn't want to appear intrusive.

When they reached the store, the two of them went straight in. Like Hinata promised, Kō didn't follow them in and it was a relief to Naruto. If Kō followed him around, he would feel like Kō was sent by Hinata's father to look out for her, to protect her from a possible bad influence guy who wants to try to get a date with her. And it wasn't like Naruto had any interest in Hinata in the firsf place. That was Kiba of course.

Remembering Kiba, he gave out a sigh. His other task was to find out things that Hinata likes and here he was with her again with the opportunities to ask her and yet he didn't have a clue how to start. They were supposed to be buying materials so how would he bring up things irrelevant to their project anyway?

What snacks does she like?

What music does she listen too?

What things does she do during her free time?

And the more direct ones that Kiba really wants to know.

Does she like someone?

What's the real reason why she wouldn't want to go on a date with Kiba?

The brunet wanted Naruto to find out about this because like what Naruto has being trying with Sakura, the brunet has also tried to ask Hinata out many times but she always said that she can't and that she wasn't interested in dating during high school. Kiba didn't want to believe that was the only reason. Hinata never really told Kiba that she didn't like him or that she was already interested in someone and that was why he wasn't losing any hope. So right now it was somehow Naruto's job now to find out why without making it sound too direct and rude.

But how was Naruto going to ask her about that? He couldn't just ask her, 'Hey Hinata, why aren't you dating anyone?', or 'Is there a boy you like?'. Hah, Hinata might even think it was Naruto who was interested in her and he definitely didn't want to give that impression. Hinata was cute but Sakura was his dream girl. Not to mention Kiba already has the dibs on her.

"Naruto-kun? Naruto-kun?"

"Oh, huh?" Naruto turned to look at Hinata, confused.

"You look like you were busy thinking about something. I'm sorry if I..." Hinata started to apologize in panic but was cut-off by Naruto.

"No, no. Don't be. I was just thinking about... uhm..." Thinking about how to ask you all those things Kiba wants to know. Yeah, like he'd ever tell her that. "...thinking about the stuff we need to buy. Hehe. Come on. Let's pick the light bulbs we've talked about."

"Oh, okay." Hinata agreed but looked at Naruto curiously as for that instance, he somewhat looked nervous.

"This way. I've been around this store before so I know where we can find those things."

Naruto confidently led the way with Hinata following him. Once they reached the shelves containing the small light bulbs, they talked about what colors they were going to use. Hinata didn't indicate any color in her design and because of Naruto's more eccentric style, he suggested to pick out a few orange, blue and white bulbs. He told Hinata about an idea he just thought up upon seeing the different colors of bulbs available and after hearing it, Hinata agreed excitedly.

As for Naruto's idea? He wanted to make a ramen shop sign. Hinata's already explained to him the objectives of the project and he figured, why just stick to plain and boring design when they could make something fun? He thought that maybe he could even offer it to Teuchi, the owner of the Ichiraku ramen stand that Naruto loves to visit and maybe he can get free ramen for a month in exchange for the sign they will make.

After picking out the light bulbs, they searched for the electric wire to use. Naruto picked out a black coated one with only the necessary thickness and length for the bulbs they chose. The bulbs were barely even the size of a thumb so the wire didn't have to be as thick as those found in the home circuit. They also picked up the same number of sockets for the bulbs, small switches according to the number in Hinata's design and 8 AA batteries.

"We just need some kind of board to place the entire circuit." Hinata said after checking the items they've already gathered.

"Oh that. I think we don't need to buy that 'cause we have a lot of scrap wood in the shack on our backyard. Dad likes to do house renovation stuffs himself so we have extra materials." Naruto informed. "If you want we can do the project at my place so that we don't have to worry about bringing the board to school."

"Yo-your place?" Hinata repeated, stuttering once again after not doing so in front of Naruto the entire time they were picking up the materials. After all, it wasn't every day your crush asks you to come over his place.

"Yeah. Our house may not be as grand as the mansion you live in, at least that's what Kiba told me but I can say it's more than average house."

"I would love to but I..." Hinata's face then turned into a frown. "I don't think my father will let me. He's very strict and he wants me home very early after school."

"But it's a school project. It's not like you're going out to the mall to watch some movies or play arcade. If Kō drives you there and waits for you..." Naruto suggested.

"Well, maybe. I'm going to have to ask permission first. I have a feeling he might not let me. He'll probably ask that you be the one to come over."

"I suppose that's okay too. We do have to meet up to make this project. I know how to attach these things but I admit I don't get a thing about Mr. Sarutobi's lecture. You gotta tell me which wires go to which bulbs and switches."

"I'm sure we'll be able to work it out."

"Glad to hear your enthusiasm Hinata. Come, we should head to the counter to pay for these." Naruto said. Hinata nodded and they made their way back to the entrance where the cashier was located. Hinata was carrying the basket which held the light bulbs while Naruto carried the other one containing the other materials. They didn't want to accidentally break the bulbs so they separated them as precaution.

This effort however was proven in vain when Hinata unexpectedly slipped over something on the floor, making her yelp out in surprise and fall forward, losing her grip on the basket in reflex to hold out her hands forward to help break her incoming fall.

A shout of Hinata's name was heard, along with two thuds but neither was of Hinata. Naruto was luckily quick enough to react and was able to grab Hinata and prevent her from a painful fall.

"I got you." Naruto sighed out in relief after being able to catch Hinata just in time.

"Uh… huh... Na- naruto-kun..." He then heard Hinata whimper with a sound of fear which was mixed with embarrassment. Then he realized as he looked at Hinata that he was holding on to something very soft and squishy. Out of curiosity he gave them a light squeeze and that was when it hit him on what he was holding in his hands and why Hinata was calling out to him like that.

Faster than a lightning strike he withdrew his hands away with a shriek of surprise and a heavy blush on his face. He just freaking groped a girl in her boobs!

"Oh my god, Hinata I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it I swe-" Naruto tried to apologize in utter panic but was cut-off with a voice the two heard from across the aisle

"What's going on here?" The two turned around to see that it was an employee of the store and not just a regular employee at that. She was the manager.

"It was on accident I swear!" Naruto defended himself in response, afraid of the possibility that the manager just saw him holding Hinata in that way.

"Your stuff are scattered on the ground. What happened?" the manager asked with more worry than the accusation Naruto expected.

"Hinata slipped and I tried to catch her. I swear that was my only intention." Naruto once again reasoned out in defense. "She slipped over there."

Upon pointing at the approximate area where Hinata lost her balance, he saw a puddle of water with the mark of Hinata's feet sliding over it towards their direction.

"Oh my, we're so sorry. Are any of you two hurt?" the manager asked in alarm as she saw the wet part of the floor and quickly went to them.

"Are you okay Hinata?" Naruto this time asked.

"I guess so. You did ca-... catch me after all." she answered with a great blush, remembering midsentence on exactly how Naruto, her crush caught her.

"Oh ye-yeah. I'm glad you're okay." Naruto sighed in relief.

"I'm afraid the same does not go with the light bulbs." Hinata said and the three of them looked at the mess on the floor caused by the two baskets falling. After all, Naruto had to let go of his own basket to be able to catch Hinata.

"Oh please don't worry about this mess. We're truly sorry miss that you almost fell on the floor because of my negligence." the manager apologized with utter sincerity.

"It's okay. I wasn't hurt so I suppose it's good."

"Again I do apologize. Please, let our staff take care of this mess and we'll assist you in getting replacements for the things you've picked out."

"Oh, well then, I suppose that's okay." Naruto agreed. It probably was for the best to just go along with what the manager has suggested. It would let his mind off the fact that he had just accidentally, yes 'accidentally' placed his hands over Hinata's boobs. And boy was he surprised about how big they were. So that was what she has been hiding all along in her baggy clothes?

'Ah, Naruto you gotta stop thinking about her boobs!' the blond screamed to himself.

He took in a deep breathe to reset his thoughts and soon he and Hinata followed a male employee to help them pick up the things they need again.

Once they were done picking up the materials they need, they went straight for the cashier. The manager was there to meet them and offered them a 50% discount for all the stuff they will buy in order to make up for the accident. As it turned out, there was apparently a malfunctioning air conditioner above that area which was the cause of the puddle in the aisle. It was the first time it malfunctioned that was why the store wasn't aware of water dripping from it.

The two then went out of the store where they found Kō standing next to the car. Naruto was carrying the box containing the materials and the two quickly took the backseat. It was already past 4:30 and Hinata had to go home soon because of her father's strict curfew hour for her daughter.

"Naruto-kun, Kō asks for your home address so he can drop you off." Hinata asked.

"Oh, right. It's just on #30 Arashi Street." Naruto answered which Kō heard and they drove off without wasting any more time.

"We haven't decided yet where we're gonna build the project." Hinata reminded them as she looked at Naruto. The blond however due to the earlier 'incident' could on barely look Hinata directly, in his mind thoughts of what a perv he must have been to Hinata.

"I'm okay with any of our own places. You said you're gonna ask your father right? Let's just wait for that."

"I will. But who will bring these materials home?"

"I'll keep it for us. I don't want to trouble you for carrying such heavy and fragile stuff around." Naruto replied. "I'll just bring it to school in case we decide to do it at your place, okay?"

"But won't it be a trouble for you if you have to carry it to school. I heard you usually just walk to school with Kiba." Hinata asked with concern.

"No big deal. My dad can give me a ride in that case."

"Oh. Okay then. Thank you."

After a few minutes the ride was over as they reached Naruto's place. The blond got off the car carrying the box and bid a goodbye to Hinata, the girl doing the same. As soon as the car was out of sight, Naruto walked up the porch and rang the doorbell. In a few seconds it was opened for him by her cousin Karin. She was technically her cousin but Karin has been adopted by Naruto's parents after her parents have been killed in a car accident almost 10 years ago. This in paper made Karin as Naruto's sister.

"You're quite late going home today. Played at the arcade with Kiba again?" the redheaded Uzumaki asked.

"Not really. I went to the hardware store with Hinata." Naruto said as he went inside. "Here are the materials we bought."

Karin looked at the box Naruto was carrying. "I'm surprised. Usually you don't do your projects till the last day. At least this time you won't be begging me for help when you're out of time."

"It's a pair project. I don't wanna be the reason Hinata's grades go down. She's in the top 5 of the class and her cousin Neji would kill me." Naruto reasoned out, gulping at the end upon the thought of what Neji might do to him.

"I see. Well it's not only you who's already started with that project." Karin smirked and then all of a sudden looked excited. "Sasuke-kun is actually in the dining room and we're already preparing the board where we'll attach the circuit. He's already bought the materials during the weekend, can you believe that?"

"Sasuke's here?" Naruto asked shocked. Their top student who happened to be his rival for Sakura-chan. The guy that Sakura-chan's always talking about.

"Yes, so don't do anything stupid. I don't want to look bad in front of Sasuke-kun."

Naruto then got reminded that not only was Sakura in love with the emo duck-butt haired bastard, yes, that's what he's calling him, but his sister also has a huge crush on him. Naruro couldn't even count on his two hands the number of girls at school who's crushing at this guy.

"As if. And by the way, is mom, dad or Kurama-niisan home?"

"Not yet. The house was empty when I got here."

"Oh, so you're bringing a boy home while our parents are out. Just don't go having sex in this house or do anything funny." Naruto joked at her but otherwise it irked Karin.

"I am not gonna… ughh I can't believe you think I'm that kind of a person." the redhead said shaking her head.

"I was just kidding." Naruto chuckled at his sister's reaction. "But sis, just don't."

"Ugh. I don't wanna hear any more from you. I'm gonna back to Sasuke-kun." she said as she stormed away from Naruto's direction.

"Okay, I'll just go to my room and leave you two alone." announced the blond to his walking-off sister. He took off his shoes and headed for the stairs. After all he didn't want to be interacting with Sasuke.

However that thought changed when his stomach growled. He was hungry and the only place he could get some food was in the dining room. Sighing, he changed directions and went inside the dining room where he saw Sasuke and Karin drawing some complicated figures on a piece of plywood on top of the dining table.

He ignored Sasuke and went for the refrigerator where he took out a cheese spread and a box of orange juice. However he could see from his side vision that Sasuke was watching him with a smirk on his lips. He did his best again to ignore that as he pulled out bread from the cupboard and prepared himself 3 servings of sandwich. He placed them on a saucer and poured himself a glass of the orange juice. Without saying a word to the two he tried to leave the dining room but was stopped when Sasuke spoke.

"It would be nice if you prepare some snacks for your guest too, dobe." the raven said smugly.

"What did you say?" Naruto turned to look at Sasuke with an annoyed expression.

"Hn." Sasuke didn't reply and just chuckled at Naruto's reaction. The blond had always been easy to rile up and that was why he liked to pick on him.

"I just got home bastard. Karin can make you your damn sandwiches." Naruto retorted, the skin below his right eye scrunching up in irritation. He quickly walked away from the dining room and to his room upstairs. Karin on the other hand couldn't help but laugh softly at her brother's display. That was enough payback for what he said to her a few moments ago even though she wasn't the one to cause it.

"So uhm, Sasuke-kun. Do you want something to eat?" the redhead then asked. She mentally slapped herself for not thinking about preparing something to eat for Sasuke as soon as they arrived home for the project.

"If you don't mind." the raven answered.

A/N: Sorry. I had to cut it there. 4 weeks of no update, what a way to ruin my reputation to the readers. I got caught up in writing a KibaNaruHina full-way threesome and that was why I couldn't work on this story until I finished that. The one-shot's title is 'The Three of Us' and you can check it out on my profile if you want. I'll just warn that it contains both straight and yaoi lemon scenes.

Anyway, I wanna ask about that Naruto accidentally grabbing hold of Hinata's boobs. What do you think of it? And also about making Karin as Naruto's sister. Just tell me your thoughts in a review. They're highly appreciated and motivating (and I really need motivation, even inspiration to continue this story).

I also want to recommend this NaruHina story. It's a 3 chapter story with a lemon of Naruto and Hinata's first time of intimateness as a married couple. It's very descriptive and true to character. It's not rushed and takes into account what Hinata's true reactions could be into doing that with Naruto.

Author's Name: gen519

Story Title: Their First Night

I.D.: s/11988176/1/Their-First-Night