Hinata stood off to the side of the classroom, staring at Naruto. He looked so beaten down and sad. Many of their classmates were taking his proclamation of his father's identity poorly, and it was clearly getting to him. She wondered why he had said that. Was the fox really his father? It would explain why everyone hated him. However, she was uncertain how that could come about. Thanks to her Byakugan, she had learned how babies were made shortly after she had learned to activate her eyes. The ability to see through walls had some downsides.
Had the fox been able to transform into a human male long enough to impregnate a woman? No. She shook her head. It doesn't matter. Naruto is Naruto. She sighed as she stared at him, wondering if she would ever find the courage to speak to her inspiration and personal hero. Maybe… Maybe he would marry her someday. She flushed bright red as she imagined that. It would be heavenly.
If only she could give him some encouragement. Unfortunately, she was a shy, weak failure. Her family told her that often enough.
As she watched, a classmate smacked the back of his head and taunted him. "Hey, demon-boy! Who's your daddy?" The boy taunted.
Naruto glared at him. "I'm not a demon! I'll be Hokage someday and prove you wrong! Believe it!"
The boy snorted and looked ready to taunt him some more, but was stopped by his friend. "Come on. Iruka-sensei's going to notice if you keep it up," she hissed. The boy stopped and allowed himself to be dragged off by his friend.
Hinata glared fiercely after the boy. How dare he be so rude to Naruto-kun! She looked back at her young hero sadly. Don't worry, Naruto. Everything will be all right. I know you'll become Hokage.
Naruto slumped back in his seat, angry and muttering. She could hear something about the Hokage and ramen. She smiled. She could do it this time. He needed her help. She took a deep breath and walked over to his desk.
"N…N…Naruto-kun," she stuttered hesitantly.
The boy turned his brilliant blue eyes on her. "What? Um… Hinata, right?"
She poked her fingers together nervously. Speaking to her hero was so hard! Her heart felt like it was beating out of her chest. She glanced up at his face and flushed to the tips of her ears.
"Y-Yes." She was doing it! I can't believe I'm actually talking to Naruto! She began panting with extreme anxiety.
"What do you want?" he asked her hesitantly. She could hear and edge to his voice, but reminded herself that he was still mad at the idiots hurting him, not at her.
"Um…" her breath accelerated. I can do this! "Well…" she continued, staring at her fingers again. "I… I want-t-t-ed to ask…" The world seemed to be getting a bit blurry and she felt light headed. She looked up at Naruto as the world seemed to dim, his worried face the light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. "… ask…" The edges of the tunnel ate into his face and her legs went weak. Can I be your friend?
As her world turned black, she could swear she heard him calling her name.
Naruto stared in shock as the strange girl fell to the floor in a dead faint. He jumped out of his chair and grabbed her. "Hinata! Hinata!" He shook her, but she did just lolled limply in his arms. "Iruka-sensei!" He yelled at the top of his lungs. "Something's wrong with Hinata!" Again. Was she sick?
Iruka dashed over, took one look at the scene, and sighed. He plucked her out of Naruto's arms, and declared, "She's all right, Naruto. I'll just carry her to the nurse. She'll wake up in a little while." He turned to face the rest of the class. "All right! I'll be back in five minutes. If I find out that anyone cause trouble, you will be cleaning the toilets tonight."
Some of the children blanched at the threat. The class continued what they were doing before Hinata had fainted as Iruka carried her out of the room among a chorus of whispers. A few of the older girls shot the departing pair pitying glances. Hinata's crush was quite well known.
Naruto returned to his desk, shaking his head in amazement. Why did that girl keep approaching him when he scared her so badly that she collapsed all the time? It was weird. He had no idea what was wrong with her, but clearly stress was not good for her. Why do something that made you collapse all the time? Why approach someone you were scared of if you did not have to? After a moments consideration, Naruto came to same conclusion he did every time. Hinata is weird.