Hinata

As always she got up early, went jogging, trained a bit in the family dojo, took a shower and just then could she start her day. She would go to her little sister's room and wake her up to help her get ready for the day. As always their day would begin with a kiss on the cheek a warm hug accompanied by a sleepy murmuring from the side of six-year-old Hanabi. The sisters' morning would continue with a healthy breakfast, in the middle of which their cousin, Neji, would join. A couple of insults and a fight between the little Hyuuga and him and they would go to do their morning training session.

Did I mention that the Hyuugas were famous with their chi-blocking fighting style? Despite being the eldest, Hinata wasn't very good at it, so while her sister and cousin were training she was only observing, taking every detail of the memorizing every move. On the other side her little sister was a natural. Her cousin Neji was so good that he himself was developing a style on his own. Her father was too proud with the two and more than disappointed with her. On top of it all she was even weak, by the high standards of the Hyuugas, at just sparring . That's why she was like invisible in the mansion. Her father had long sense given up all hope on her. The last thing left for Hinata was being less of a burden for the family and best at school studies. All the other Hyuugas were being brought to the school house by car, but were refusing to take Hinata. She was to big of an embarrassment.

Already used to it, Hinata was happy enough to still be called a Hyuuga, be able to see and speak to her sister and, although he was treating her as the rest of the family, communicate with her cousin. The isolation from the rest of the members gave Hinata the possibility to be more independent. That would mean that she wasn't watched 24/7 by bodyguards or was told what to do. She was allowed to do anything she wanted as long it wouldn't calumniate the family name. Informing the never listening family members of her going, Hinata closed gently the door and made her way to school.

Short after one big shadow knocked her down... She was staring in beautiful cerulean blue eyes, which she knew she saw only one boy with. It took her only one hundredth to notice his warm lips on hers. Too quickly did they broke apart. "N-n-naruto-kun and I k-k-k...?!" Her heart couldn't take the great happiness she felt. In minimum time she was tomato-red cap-a-pie and fainted.

When Hinata woke up, she was in the school's infirmary. Right next to her was her childhood love deep in thought. Instantly she was red once again, but managed to keep her cool. Slowly she got up and looked at him. Finally noting her waking up, Naruto perked as far from her as possible. Hinata was barely holding her cool, but gather the courage to calm Naruto, that the earlier incident wasn't going to be reported to her family. She knew best, that not only she was going to suffer from it, but so would Naruto.

- Wow, you have grown unrecognizable. It's been so long, Hinata! - he flashed his sheepish grin. Yes, indeed it was too long sense they had spoken to each other. But Hinata had been watching him, at least until tree years ago. She was to study in Taki town. There she was introduced to the ways of tea serving, dancing and proper manners. Although her father had crossed her out on being the Hyuuga heir, she was suppose to be at least a proper lady of the high life.

She let out the air she had been holding. "Thank you, Naruto- kun, for not making it awkward."

- Y-yes, it s-sure has. H-ho-how have you been, N-naruto- kun? - she shuttered.

"Awkward as always" thought Naruto.

- I'm great. I'm working at a ramen shop down the street, you should stop by some times, it's name is "Ichiraku's" and trust me, they make amazing ramen. Been in Konoha high for 2 years now. Are you a transfer?

"No, I've been here since the start of this year, I know you work at "Ichiraku's" and I know the ramen is amazing, because every now and then i stop by, especially to watch you giving your all and working hard."But there was no way she could say that. Instead she smiled sadly.

- Y-yes, I transferred yesterday, but y-you were late for class, you must have m-missed the introduction. - Shizune watched Hinata look down and smile sadly, she knew the girl was lying. Naruto, you airheaded moron!

- Boy, do I have a lot to tell you, you remember Sakura-chan? Yeah, she's in my class, and we go to martial arts together and we talk and she helps me with some of the things I can't do and she tutors me some times and... well, we're not making any progress, but I'm doing my best. And that bastard Sasuke keeps beating my ass, and Sakura is still madly in love with him, he is still cold and arrogant and cool and fun to hang out with. I made some new friends, they're all nice people, funny, crazy, loyal. I'll introduce you when we get to class, you're gonna love them. And you, where have you been those 3 years - Hinata was listening him with a smile, nodding on some places, noting some details, but most just being glad for knowing Naruto is doing well and is happy. While listening she couldn't help but feel him driving apart from her. It pained her hearing about his still flaming love for Sakura. She started to remember the days they were kids.

On the playground was a bubbly Naruto running round a moody Neji, who after another circle got up and chased the little kid, on the swing was a calm Sasuke stalked by a group of girls hidden behind the slide, only two girls dared to approach the idol of all the girls. Ino Yamanaka accompanied by a clinching Sakura drew near him and started talking to him. He looked up and answered briefly and didn't show he was happy to be talked to. That day Ino and Sakura made a deal. If Sakura promised to be a loyal friend and give Ino some of her dolls some times, the latter would help her with her prince. And really after some talking, Ino excused herself and ran somewhere leaving a flushed Sakura and an unflappable Sasuke. They started talking and some times Sasuke would let a barely heard chuckle, on his lips could be seen a small smile. This all was watched by a mesmerized Naruto, who saw nothing but the silky pink hair, the cute ribbon, the beautiful eyes and the bright face of Sakura-chan. And that all wasn't left unnoticed, because little Hinata was observing her love from the top of the slide. That was the moment she knew she had lost to Sakura Haruto. Finally gathered the courage, Naruto with a brisk pace approached the two. Not for long did they become like best friends. Hinata sighted, she knew Naruto had forgotten to stay on the end of the slide to help her get off. With another sad sight she tried to slide down, but was too scared. She didn't want to ask for help, because the other kids would laugh at her and she would embarrass the family. One kid noticed her uneasy expression and knew exactly what was happening. Poking his friends the group made their way to the slide. They started shouting and taunting her, inciting her to glide. Hinata was starting to panic and feeling scared and embarrassed. If only she didn't go out. Now she had to slide no matter what, in order not to calumniate her family name. She sat down closed her eyes and flew down the tall slide. She heard a scream calling her name and the last thing she knew she was lying on the ground in a warm embrace. She snapped her eyes open only to come face to face with the sheepishly grin. "I'm sorry, Hinata, for forgetting! I'll make it up for you, let's go and get some ice cream." Of course he had forgotten the other day, but Hinata wasn't mad. He must have had a good reason. Little did she know, Naruto had finally managed to ask Sakura out on some ice cream, but the "date" ended with some of the frozen delight on his head and on his clothes. He came miserable at the Hyuugas and while the shy girl was helping him clean himself up, he had reported about the happening. She felt even worse, but clenched her teeth and offered herself as a listener. Whenever he needed someone to talk to, he could count on her. That night Naruto was feeling devastated, he remembered of his lost parents and had cried all night. Hinata had come at some time, comforted him and petted his head until he was sound asleep. Then and there did she vow to support him with all she could, she would forget her selfish feelings and wishes and be his protection and stronghold.

She smiled sadly and looking down started:

- I-I was studying in Taki town for three years the p-proper manners, traditional dancing a-and tea serving. I-it was fun and I made some friends.

- That's great, Hinata, can't wait to meet them.

- Y-yes, same here. - she was more than happy to just talk with him again.

The school bell tore them from their conversation and reminded them they still had school. The both bolted up, which caused Hinata to falter, but was quickly backed by Naruto, who picked her in his arms and ran to class.

A/N: I know it's a little boring, but it is still the introduction with the characters, so bare with me... Let me know if you like the story ^_^