A/N: I have been in a writing mood the past week, so here's the next chapter. I'm working on updating more frequently, guys, so bear with me.

Naruto POV

(Monday—11:53 AM. Where the last chapter ended.)

"I'm SO sorry, Hinata-chan!" I exclaim as I bend down to take the book off of her head. She is blushing like crazy and frantically starts to pick up the books surrounding her. Hinata mumbles, "It's all right, Na-Naruto-kun. I said that I am clumsy." Once she has gathered all of her books, I reach and take the stack from her so that she could stand up. She gives me a confused look, but lets me take the stack and then pushes herself back up. "Thank you."

"It was my fault, so don't go blaming yourself, Hinata-chan. Man, these are super heavy books!" I look down at the top one to read the cover. It read Developing Your Vocal Skills. "Huh. I didn't realize we had classes like this." She blushes yet again and shakes her head in an adorable way.

"Uhm…actually, I'm reading that on my own time. Although the school does have a choir, Naruto-kun." I open my eyes in surprise. "Are you in it, Hinata? They should give you a solo!"

She chuckles lightly. "I was thinking about joining it—" She doesn't finish because she is cut off by multiple students pushing past us and into class, which in turn separates us from one another. I stand there waiting for the never ending crowd, but then I see her dark blue hair head join the line. I follow after her into the room and notice the wall clock said we only had another minute until class starts. She walks over to her desk, so I follow her and set her books down on the desk. "Are you doing anything after this class? I wanna talk to you about something…" I start to feel nervous again, but try to keep it inside.

"The choir meeting is at 1:20, b-but I can talk for a few minutes." I give her a smile. "Okay." She sits down and I scramble to my seat in the back of the classroom.

Once the bell rings our instructor, Mr. Kakashi Hatake, starts lecturing about literature. This class and all its poetry makes me sleepy…I yawn and feel my eyes start to get heavy. I look back at the clock and flinch when I realize that it has only been three minutes. Maybe I should study with Hinata. She seems like she does well in her classes…Without thinking, my eyes start to search her side of the classroom until I find her long silky hair. Wait. Did I just think of her hair as silky? Tenten's dare is getting to me. Why did she have us do this in the first place anyway?

Then I start to think about what happened at lunch today. I'm surprised Neji didn't kill me after finding out at lunch! I cringe inwardly. What am I gonna do at the end of this dare anyway? Goodness, Tenten sure likes to make things difficult…

Suddenly a chalkboard eraser lands on my notebook. Eh? I look up in time to see Kakashi Hatake glaring at me. "Naruto, what is your answer? Or were you off fighting ninja again?" The class laughs at his comment while I nervously chuckle. "Ah…Beats me. Those ninja are tough, sir!" This causes more of an uproar and an amused smile to grow on Hinata's face. I make eye contact with her and give her a cheeky grin.

"Naruto, when will you pay attention to the real world?" Kakashi sighs while the rest of the students continue their fits of laughter.

(1:05 pm)

"Wh-what did you wanna talk about?" Hinata questions as she sits on a bench outside the school building. I sit down next to her and give another nervous chuckle. "Well…I had a great time Saturday night, Hinata-chan. And I was wondering if you were free this weekend, too?" I hold my breath and look down at my hands while waiting for her response.

There's a few seconds of silence, but they feel like forever. Finally I look up at her face to see that she was playing with the ends of her hair. Her face was as red as a tomato, which was exactly how I felt like mine looked. "I—I—Well…I'm not sure, but I think that there is a choir practice Saturday night. I'll let you know af-after the meeting is over."

"Oh…" I sigh in relief. "Well if you want we can do something earlier than the practice." I start to rub the back of my neck. "If, ya know, you want to. And—And it can be whatever you want to do!" I quickly state, hoping she doesn't get scared away.

Hinata gives me a genuine smile. "Sure, Naruto-kun. I'll…I'll text you." I smile back. "Awesome! Ya know, I was thinking in class…Are you any good in literature? I don't understand any of the poetry…" I give her a sheepish grin. "Do you think you can help me?"

I see a tinge of pink start to cover her cheeks, but she nods her head. "Of-of course! I do tutor people on the side. I've helped s-some of our other friends, too."

"Thanks, Hinata-chan!" She smiles and says a mumbled reply. Then she looks down at her watch and stands up to go. "I'll walk you, Hinata-chan." She nods in agreement and we walk back through the doors and down the hall to the music room. We walk in comfortable silence until I hear someone yell my name behind us. We both turn around and see Lee and Kiba.

"Hey, Naru…to." They both pause as they glance towards Hinata. "Hello, Hinata." Lee waves. She waves back. "Hello, Lee. How are you?"

"I'm splendid! We were just coming to find Naruto to take him to basketball practice—"

"IF you wanna get rid of him, that is." Kiba winks with a chuckle. "GUYS. I'll be there in a second. I'm just walking her to this thing and then I'll be there." I point to the door around the corner, then glance at Hinata who is frowning at Kiba. "All right, we get it. Hey, Hinata, you still coming over on Friday?"

Hinata frowns even more at Kiba. "Y—yes, I am, Kiba. Remind Hana that she is bringing the snacks this time." She glances up at me with an embarrassed expression. "It's just right here, Naruto-kun. Go ahead and g-go to practice. I'll talk to you later." Before I can respond she dashes around the corner and to the door.

I look back towards the guys and receive a glare from Kiba. Lee gives me a thumbs up, though. "Good job, Naruto! Hinata is a wonderful girl!"

I start to feel the blood rise to my cheeks as I frantically try to explain the situation. "It's not what you think, Lee! REALLY. I—" Kiba smacks my shoulder a little too hard, causing me to stop speaking. Kiba growls. "Look, Naruto. If you are just going to break Hinata's heart, just stop now." What? Why would I…? He continues before I can make another defensive reply.

"Hinata is one of my best friends, so if you hurt her—" He gives me a scowl and another hard smack on the shoulder. He doesn't finish his thought, but instead walks away to the gym. Since when did Kiba become such a hate-filled guy? I look back at Lee and he is shaking his head. "Naruto, I know that you would never intentionally hurt Hinata. But be careful—Kiba is very protective of her…especially with you."

"ME? What did I ever do to deserve this treatment?!" I sharply reply. Lee pulls my arm. "It is not my place to say, Naruto. Maybe you will find out soon enough." Lee gives me a smile and drags me to the basketball courts for practice.

(7 pm)

"Mom! Dad! I'm home!" I walk into the small apartment that my family rents. My nostrils are instantly filled with a delicious scent, which could only mean one thing—DAIFUKU. Licking my lips as I think about eating the dessert, I quickly slide my shoes off by the door and walk past the couch and into the kitchen. I look around to see no one in the room, but I do see where the scent is coming from. On the counter next to the oven is a bowl filled to the top with the daifuku.

I slyly look around the corner to the hallway, and seeing no one there, I walk up to the desserts. Just as my finger touches one I feel my ear being pulled, so I involuntarily snap my head around. I look into dark blue eyes that are hiding behind flaming red hair. Oh no.

"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?" My mother, Kushina, screeches while letting go of my now aching ear. "Uhm, well…You know, I just wanted to—" I stop as I hear footsteps coming towards us. I look behind my mother to see spiky blond hair and tired blue eyes. Dad's home!

"Minato, control you son." My mother turns around to face him and pouts while crossing her arms. Dad gives her a gentle smile and then looks at me. "Naruto, were you trying to sneak dessert again?" I avert my eyes away from him, but I feel his eyes piercing my face. "Dad, they smell so good though!"

He chuckles in response. "That is true, honey. I'm tempted to take one myself." He puts his arm on her shoulder and gives her a quick kiss on the cheek. Her frown slowly turns into a smirk. She then pulls out the chair from the table and sits down with a sigh. "Both my men have been gone all day so I wanted a surprise tonight. Something special…"

"I'm sorry, mom. Take it as a compliment, though! I don't know anyone else who can make as good desserts as you!" I grin as I sit down in a chair myself. My dad copies me and sits down at the head of the table. Mom gives me a smile. "Thanks, Naruto. But don't think you'll be let off the hook so easily. Let's see…You can do the dishes tonight." She gives me a smug look.

I fly out of my chair and run over to the sink. It was full of dishes. "MOM." I groan as both my parents start to laugh. "Those can wait after we eat, though, Naruto." She states while walking over to the counter and grabbing our plates for dinner. Once she sits back down we all say "Itadakimasu" and fill our stomachs. Dad is the first one to start up a conversation.

"So, Naruto, how was basketball practice today?"

"It was great! I think our team will win the championships this year for sure!"

"That's wonderful. And what about your classes?"

I pause. "Ehm…Well, it just started so I can't say they have been that bad." Mom gives me a pointed look. I scratch the back of my neck. "B-but! I have a friend who is willing to help me in a class!" I blurt out.

Both of my parents give me a questioning look. "Which one, dear?" My mom presses on. My face starts to feel warmer than usual, and my parents seem to notice. My mom gives me a wry smile. "Don't tell me it's a girl?" She wiggles her eyebrows. I tug on the collar of my shirt and decide to change the topic.

"Wh-what about you, Dad? How was work?" The smile leaves his face as he slowly puts down his chopsticks, then sighs. "…It's been hard, to tell you the truth. I don't know how they think I can do all this work with so little pay…" His shoulders slump forward and his eyes glaze over in a way I rarely see happen. I put my hand out on top of his, which causes him to look up.

"Don't worry, Dad. I've been looking for a job and then I can help take care of you and mom!" I give him an encouraging smile. He reaches across the table and pats me on the head. "That's my boy."

A/N: Thanks for reading! I wanted to give a little tender moment with Naruto and his family. I hope it isn't too weird. :0 Naruto and Hinata's going to be the more lighthearted relationship, whereas Sasuke and Sakura's will be harder to get to. But Naruto's still got trouble, too. Anyway, please review and let me know what you guys think!