A/N: Ok, time for update, this time on time. Hope you like the next one.

Easier said than done

Discouraged she sat down on her bed. "It will be very hard to convince father. He is always grumpy in a bad mood and never agrees with anything I say. If I wanted to get on his good side, I suppose I will have to bake him something sweet. Father is always on a good mood after some cake and, yes, tea too, I am going to serve it wearing his favorite kimono. Oh, and the hairpin". Hinata was going around the room excitedly, almost about to fly from impatience the morning to come. There wasn't going to have any sleep, that was for sure. Still Hinata decided to lay down waiting for the dawn and get on with her plan. Not long after the alarm clock of the Hyuuga elder was heard going off, soft steps could be picked up, nearing his room. After a mild knock, the door was softly opened, letting the pleasant smell of the backed delicacy fill the room.

- Good morning father, did you sleep well? - Hiashi faced his daughter with her hair down, her bangs clipped with the hairpin he had gotten her from one of his countless journeys. He was staring at her, forgotten about her beauty. Hinata smiled at him sweetly and poured tea. Then passed him a cake slice and observed as her father sipped from the hot liquid. "Something is fishy" thought Hiashi and looked at his daughter, who was carefully watching him with a curious smile. She quickly looked away, which made the situation seem more suspicious. The Hyuuga elder sighted, left the cup on the tray and faced his daughter.

- What is it, Hinata? - she looked at him constrainedly and opened her mouth only to close it again, looked away and started to play with a strand of her hair. Then she looked at him again in the eyes and sighted.

- Nothing, father, just thought, that it had been so long since I made you tea and cake. Now I will excuse myself, I have to get ready for school. - she got up and left the room with quick small steps. Her father looked after her with a sad look. It may have been him, who had broken all contact with her, but it still wouldn't have been bad for her to speak with him every now and then. Tell him how school went, did she have friends, was she doing alright? Is she happy? He sighted, but hurried to hide behind the comfort of his cold mask. It always protected him from the painful thoughts and same went for Hinata and her accessory. The glasses had became for her a shield against the world. She was holding them and saw them over. It would be good if she could take them away. Face the reality head on, without their comfort. She squeezed her eyes. No, not yet. She wasn't ready yet. Putting them on, she made her way towards the door. As she was walking she remembered her meeting with Naruto. She blushed and touched her lips. "Will we meet today? Will he make fun of me?"

As she was thinking a loud howl interrupted her time alone and made her turn around, only to be demolished to the ground by something.

- Ahahaha... sorry it was slippery and I was running too fast. - his sheepish smiling face was close. Too close. Hinata flushed and looked Naruto in disbelieve. Was he really on top of her and this close?

- Hm, Hinata, are you ok? - "I'm feeling dizzy" was her last thought before she fainted.

- Oh, shit, Hinata, Hinata?! "Why does this have to happen to me?" thought Naruto as he picked her up and moved her to one tree.

It would be better to wait for her to wake up, he didn't want any more misunderstandings, if they could lead to "that thing" happening again. Naruto never wanted for Hinata to be hurt because of him ever again. She was a dear friend and he had sworn to never let a friend be hurt. After the incident, Naruto hated himself for what had happened and tried to look for the perpetrators, only to find out their families were no longer living in the city. "Uncle Hiashi" had thought Naruto with a shiver, but with a feeling of retribution.

Not long did Hinata start to move and open her eyes, only to be met with Naruto's cheeky smile and again those beautiful eyes. She blushed a dark red and smiled a little.

- Um... N-na-ruto-kun, w-will you, um, m-move over. - after realizing how close he was standing, Naruto moved away quickly with a small blush on his face.

- Hehe, sorry, Hinata. - he scratched the pin of his nose but froze... school!

- Hinata, come on, we will be late! - he grabbed her by the hand pulled her up and started running. Despite the fatigue, Hinata wouldn't wish for anything more. Naruto was holding her hand and they were running together. She was too caught up in her daydream and didn't notice when they had reached school. Panting, Naruto let go of her hand and gave her a thumbs up, to which she answered with a small shy smile. They both made their way towards the classroom door. Naruto stopped before they could get in and turned to Hinata.

- You go in, I'll follow later. We don't want any more suspicion, do we? - he smiled cheerfully and ran towards the exit.

Hinata just stared after him, she was about to stop him from going. She wanted to tell him she didn't mind being seen with him or getting misunderstood, but she couldn't bring herself to tell him that. She didn't even have the courage to just talk with him, more over did she talk without shuttering. She sighted sadly, but the school bell made her rush in the room. As always she wasn't awarded with attention from her classmates, just sat quietly on her seat. She was amazed just how fast they forget. As soon as she touched the chair, Sakura jumped at her desk, shouting a large amount of words, from which none were understandable. Hinata was laying fallen on the ground, looking with a small smile at her friend. She hoped this didn't get a habit of the pink hair girl, tough she didn't mind it that much.

- Calm down, Sakura-chan, if it is about what had happened yesterday, I have already informed you, that I am not mad or angry with you. It is alright, calm down. - smiled Hinata and patted her friend's knee, because, Sakura had already squatted near her. The rosette smiled sweetly and reached her hand just as the teacher came in.

As Hinata had assumed, Naruto didn't show up for the first or second class.

Third was P.E.

This time, he came, changed himself and stood in line with the rest of the class. Hinata smiled a little, when Naruto pushed the one in front and the one back playfully, which made some frown, others chuckle and join in. The teacher smiled and too stared playing with them, soon almost all of the boys were laughing and poking and jumping... well, slobbering. The girls were looking them with disgust, so did Sasuke and the rest of the "serious" boys. Soon Sakura's nerves could not be held and she screamed at the "children". They all looked at her shocked and stopped with the play and lined again. Sakura took Naruto by the ear and lectured him, which was followed by a hit on the head. Sasuke narrowed his eyes and Hinata felt a pinch in her heart, to which she had already almost gotten used to.

The P.E teacher, whose name was Gai-sensei, blew his whistle, which by the way was one of the loudest things on the planet. The students were pretty sure the people around the world could hear it too.

- Ok, youngsters, time for some warming up by pairs, and, I will choose them, then we will have a nice race with tied feet, getting to your partner blindfolded, running only on your hands to your partner...

- Sensei, this is pretty insane, why don't we have instead a race with a foot tied to the partner's, a piggyback race and relay? - Shikamaru came forth causing the class to murmur in agreement and nod. Gai-sensei thought for a moment and screeched.

- Yes, perfect! OK, LET'S GOOOO...

- Um, sensei... the teams. - Ino whispered.

- … right after I had announced the teams of course. - the girl puffed and shook her head.

- Ok, my little ones, here goes: Chouji, you're with Ino (a scream was heard), Neji, you and Tenten are together (a happy sight escaped both of them), Shikamaru, you and Rock Lee (a face palm voiced the gym), Shino and Kiba (overexcited high five and a cool nod), Naruto and (Hinata holding her breath)... Sakura ( a cheerful screech and a horrified moan) and Hinata and Sasuke. - after he finished with the distribution of the pairs he smiled. - Ok, everyone get to your positions and start warming up.

- Sensei can't I sit on the side as always – said Shikamaru and his eyes flickered- and YOU'll race with Lee-san. - Gai's eyes sparkled and he rushed to Lee, who was bouncing and hugged his teacher. They cried from joy and hugged some more.

Hinata and Sasuke were standing in the middle of the gym, still shocked from the turning of events. "I can't believe that dobe is with Sakura", thought with anger Sasuke, "Just look at his smug smile, all so eager to start "warming up" with her". The students went out on the vast field and got in positions.

- Come, Hyuuga, let's start with the warm up. - he grabbed her hand and moved next to Naruto and Sakura. Of course this gesture of his was not left unseen by the two, nor was it ignored by the "Sasuke fan club". Murmuring darkly the fan girls were glaring at the black haired girl.

Naruto and Sakura were doing nothing, but fight and quarrel. The blonde didn't do something right, so he got hit, he touched somewhere he shouldn't, so he got hit, he tried to complain only to get another punch. Sasuke was smiling jauntily, he liked the thing he was seeing. He and Hinata on the other hand were doing more than perfect. They were a great team, they understood without words and did everything as expected and disciplined. Soon they had already warmed up and stood next to each other with strait faces. After awhile all the others too were ready. Hinata looked at Naruto secretly and saw him smiling cheerfully next to Sakura-chan. After a strong whistle, the teams were lined next to each other and Gai-sensei passed through each to tie their feet together. All the teams were making last preparations as Hinata stole another glace at her love, only to see him wrapping a hand over her shoulder. That was met with a hit. The Hyuuga looked away and saw that Sasuke was observing them. He looked at her and said:

- Sorry 'bout this, Hyuuga, but we'll have to hold like this. - he enveloped her with his hand, which made the girl blush, but quickly forget her embarrassment, when she saw Sakura herself hugging, so to say, Naruto. Once again Hinata sighted and looked away, focusing on the race. She wasn't going to lose this. They got ready as Shikamaru made a signal, then whistled and they all bolted. Sasuke and Hinata were running in perfect synchrony, followed by Naruto and Sakura, who were, as always fighting. Naruto ate another punch and just shut up. The Hyuuga-Uchiha team was outrun by a blur, in which Hinata thought she could make out Shino and Kiba. Neji and Tenten were running next to them, but were rudely pushed to the side by a green frenzy. That were definitely team Gai. They even outrun Shino and Kiba and now were taking the lead. After a couple of meters they too fell, Hinata assuming her cousin had cursed them. Taking a quick glance, yep, he was glaring. The Hyuuga-Uchiha team were taking the lead once again, but then they felt a large amount of killing intent. Looking back they saw Sakura sprinting their way, while Naruto was tossing lifeless on the back only his foot left on the ground. She was quickly approaching and passed them too fast. From the wind the both fell. From their position they could see a finishing Sakura and a now green Naruto barely supporting himself on her shoulder. For some reason that made Hinata and Sasuke smile and they both laughed. Everyone stared in amusement as the cool Uchiha was laughing like a little kid. The fan girls were terrified.

As Sakura saw that, she felt awful, but saw Naruto smiling at her with arms wide open. A plan made its way on her head. Why not make Sasuke jealous and show him she was interested in someone else? She smiled too at Naruto and hugged him. He was in heaven. But not the Hyuuga and Uchiha duo. They were shocked. "What the hell is that idiot doing? Is he becoming my love rival? Does Sakura like him?" Hinata was observing the two with a heavy heart. Her eyes were starting to tear, and as soon as Sasuke saw that, he patted her head.

- Fear not, we'll win the next race. We'll just have to work hard. - he was looking as cool as ever, and his promise made her cheer up and believe him, although that wasn't the thing worrying her. They got up and made their way to the staring line for the next race- piggyback ride. Shikamaru was looking at them with a playful smile. This was going to be fun. He observed as Kiba was grunting under the weight of his friend, who was standing calmly on his back. Gai-sensei was standing proudly on Lee's back while the latter was struggling to make himself look strong and as if the teacher didn't weight a ton. Neji and Tenten were smiling slyly, this race was theirs. Ino climbed on Choji's back, who announced that she was too heavy to be carried on his tender back, winning himself a solid beating. Ino refused to take part in this, so they were disqualified. Naruto smiled sheepishly at Sakura, who got on his back. He grunted, she was heavy, but no way in hell will he risk their relationship so far by telling her that. Hinata at first tried to reason Sasuke to not get on his back, because she was heavy, but soon she was blushing on his back still protesting a bit. After all couples were ready, Gai-sensei handed in his signal gun to Shikamaru.

- Ok, ready, - the holders crouched- set- the "piggies" gulped nervously, Shikamaru grinned and pulled the trigger- GO!

The teams sped away, and after some meters Lee tumbled. His sensei got off of his back, knelt by his side and started his over dramatic speech on youth. While Lee was sniffing and nodding, Hinata and Sasuke, sweat dropping, passed them. Not long after were team Gai followed by the Naruto team. The blond boy was puffing on the ground and after some hits he got up and continued. Shikamaru was impressed by Naruto's stubbornness and clapped his hands. The blue eyed teen looked at him and flashed a smile then picked up his pace. No way was he losing to that bastard Sasuke. He passed Kiba and Shino, who obviously had lost their motivation and Kiba was just moving, so that they weren't last. After that Naruto could see his target not too far ahead. He grinned and soon was lining with the Uchiha- Hyuuga duo. Hinata looked at him and blushed then smiled softly at Sakura, who wasn't enjoying the ride and was clinching to the blonde. Her smile faded and she once again for the millionth time, sighted. Sasuke and Naruto were too busy snarling at each other to notice anything else. Not even the already finishing Neji and Tenten. Aaand, the two teams finished with a tie. They were still glaring at each other, panting heavily.

- You're... so... slow, dobe! - Sasuke grinned.

- Me? You... you are... the one who... is third.

- What?! You're third asshole!

- Yeah right! Just the almighty Sasuke Uchiha doesn't admit defeat.

- Stop it, both of you. - Sakura said irritated.

- You stay out of this. - hissed Sasuke, but soon after regretted, seeing her painted expression. Her eyes started to moist and she ran to somewhere shouting a "Sasuke, you idiot". Sasuke's feet moved, but stopped too quickly after seeing Naruto ran after her. The raven haired boy clenched his fists and looked down angrily.

Hinata looked up at him.

"If he only knew Sakura-chan returned his feelings. But it is not right to interfere, nor will it be a good idea. Maybe I can talk with him?"

- Um, Uchiha-san,- she cleared her throat and leaned in, which made him too, to lean- I know you like Sakura-chan and... - the raven haired boy perked up and startled her, then made a sign for her to be quiet and pulled her towards the boys changing rooms.

- Ok, how did you know? - he asked coolly, with a hint of embarrassment. Hinata looked up and saw the really red blush on his face. She smiled gently and said:

- It is alright, your secret is save with me. As of how I know, well, um... y-you see... - she started shuttering and playing with her braid - … um, that is... I just know. - she finally let out with a sight. Sasuke was stugying and shot out:

- It's Naruto, isn't it. - the girl squealed and covered his mouth with hands repeating "shush". He smiled and lowered her hands.

- How does it feel knowing your secret, huh. - he smirked and after seconds of awkward staring they both started laughing.

- Ok, Hyuuga, here's the deal- I help you, you help me. Agreed? - he reached out his hand.

- Agreed. - Hinata took it and shook it. They smiled once again and finally decided to go back. Sasuke suggested going separately as to not bring on any confusions. Hinata was rounding from the back side of the school to get to the sports ground as she saw Sakura pressed tightly in Naruto's hands sobbing softly. The Hyuuga stood there watching paralyzed for couple of minutes waiting for them to let go of each other. They were also kind of blocking her way. But as Naruto started fondling the pink haired girl's head, Hinata's eyes started to pool with tears, which she wasn't sure she could stop any more. Was her first love already taken? Was it hopeless to hope for a miracle, because for her that was needed. To start behaving more courageous, to look more beautiful, to tell Naruto how she had felt all along and to beat the most beautiful girl in the school for her love. "Oh, no, how could I have thought something like that. I do not want to fight my friend." Well, she just had to believe in Sasuke and ask, no, convince her father to let her change her outward. This time no going back.

The Hyuuga bit her lip and walked fast past them, begging for neither to see her, but as she passed Naruto saw her.

- Hinata? What are you doing here? - Hinata's lip started to tremble, but she smiled sadly.

- The teacher sent me and Uchiha-san to get you back to class, so when you've calmed Sakura-chan and you feel ready, please do come back. I'll say to the teacher you went to the nurse. - even she was amazed how fluently she had said that. No shuttering no nothing. Was it her crumbled heart that guided her to the words or was it that she felt so dull that she no longer felt embarrassment. For her horror she snuffled and then one traitorous tear rolled followed by the downpour. She smiled, bowed and ran, hoping he didn't saw it, or she didn't hear it. Either way, Naruto wouldn't follow her when his love was in his arms. There was just no way that he could let go for someone like her. She was walking fast towards the emergency stairs and sat under them as to calm herself. Breathing heavily she wiped her eyes with her hand and looked up. Calm down, calm down. She took a shuddering breath and looked up once again, this time meeting Ino's turquoise eyes.

- Hey, Hi-na-ta-chan... What is wrong, are you ok?

- I-Ino- chan... yes, yes quite alright, just...

- Did Sasuke turn you down?

- What? - Hinata looked questioningly her friend.

- Should I assume you didn't go to confess to him nor did he turn you down? - Yamazaka turned her attention at one tree and was quiet for a while. -So, you wanna tell me what happened or are we playing the guess game.

Hinata stood quiet just for 5 seconds, before deciding to tell the girl everything troubling her, even if that meant burdening her with melodramatic stories. Twenty minutes later the Hyuuga girl was sobbing softly in the arms of her newly found friend and saying the words, that would have led to her live changing.

- I-I-I want t-to change, Ino-c-chan. I want i-i-t so badly. I am sick and t-t-ired of all this h-h-urt.

- I understand. - Ino looked at her friend seriously, an expression the Hyuuga eldest didn't know her listener could make. - It's ok now. Because today your suffering stops. I'll help with everything I can, be your... your fairy godmother. - she smiled and jumped.

- Starting with a total makeover. - Hinata smiled, but then her face fell. Everything was up to her father. No, he wasn't going to stop her. With or without his permission she was doing this. It was something she should have done a long time ago- think about herself and her happiness.

- Ugh, we probably should head back, I too was send to look for you.

- Too? - the Hyuuga looked up questioningly.

- Yeah, the whole class were organized by Thick-brow-sensei to go on a "search and find" mission. Can you imagine this guy. Such a freeko. - Hinata couldn't help but laugh once again. Ino gave her a hand, which the girl thankfully took and got up. Then she hugged the Yamazaka.

- Thank you, Ino-chan. Thank you so much.

The latter smiled and hugged back squeezing the air from her.

- Don't worry, we'll kick that Sakura's ass. - she giggled maniacal.

- What, no, no she is my friend, we can not do that, I... I really like her.

- Ok, ok, she'll live. - she chuckled and lead Hinata to the school field, where the others were already waiting for them.

All had sympathetic looks on their faces. Sakura, Naruto and Sasuke were there too. The first ran to her and hugged her.

- Are you ok, I heard what happened. -The Hyuuga looked at her puzzled, but replied "Yes, I am fine". Then Gai-sensei moved to the girl and patted her head.

- Neji already went to the hospital, maybe you should hurry too. - to this Hinata looked shocked at her teacher. Hospital? Who?!

A/N: I always hated cliffhangers, but... Couldn't help myself. If you liked it, didn't like it, heated it loved it, want some changes- let me know!