Friendship, Part I

Hizashi was more than a little anxious to go into the classroom. What if Chikara had lied to him? Why would he even want a branch member to sit with him? These questions swirled around Hizashi's mind, killing any self-confidence he had.

But I like quiet people like you.

Chikara's voice rang in his head. He liked people like him. Everything would be okay. Slowly, Hizashi inched his way into the classroom. Hiashi was already seated at his desk, Tsume fawning all over him and Kokoro making jokes. He caught sight of Fugaku and a dark haired girl conversing at another desk. And then he looked over near the window; sure enough there was Chikara sitting with a girl he assumed was Ikasu. He strode over to the desk and took a seat, mentally sighing in relief as the two looked over and smiled at him.

The girl stuck out her hand. "Ikasu Yorukobi. Nice to meet you. You have pretty eyes. There's like a small lavender tint to them." She was quite beautiful. She had long orange bangs that matched her eyes and the rest of her black hair was cut short. He shook her hand. "Hizashi Hyuga. And thank you. It's really the only distinction between me and Hiashi actually."

Ikasu giggled and Chikara smirked. Maybe this making friends thing wasn't as hard as he thought. The teacher entered the room and the class settled down, ready for lessons. Throughout the day, however, the three talked and learned more about each other. Well it mostly Hizashi learning about Ikasu and Chikara seeing as they had known each other for their entire lives. Hizashi noticed that his stutter, though still present, was less noticeable.

Class had just ended for the day and Hizashi was waiting patiently for Hiashi by the swing. It had been almost half an hour since Hiashi had requested "a few minutes" with Tsume. Knowing he could not return to the compound without his brother, Hizashi sat down on the swing and looked up at the sky. A few birds flew overhead; Hizashi had always liked birds.

"Um, Hizashi?" a familiar voice called.

He focused his attention on the girl in front of him. It was Ikasu. "Yes?"

"Um, are you going to the Fire Festival?" Ikasu kicked at a rock near her shoe.

"I haven't really thought about it."

"You should go! I mean, you can come with me and Chikara."

"Thanks. I'll ask my father."

Hizashi was surprised that his father had actually let him go out with others without Hiashi. He must have wanted to train Hiashi in some more secret main branch techniques and the Fire Festival was the perfect way of getting rid of the lowly side branch twin. Hizashi was a little disappointed that their father would never train him in all of the clan's secret techniques, but he knew his brother would share them with him later. So there he was, brushing his hair and dressing himself in a nice yukata. He was actually quite excited to be getting out of the house. Now he understood why Hiashi was always gone when he had the chance.

Chikara and Ikasu were waiting for him at the festival entrance. Chikara had on a simple yukata with the family's crest embroidered on it while Ikasu was clad in a yellow spring kimono. She grabbed his hand and led him into the festivities.

He was thoroughly surprised as to how much he enjoyed himself at the festival. He'd won several games with Chikara, munched on a variety of different snacks and treats, gotten a kiss on the cheek from Ikasu, and concluded the night watching the fireworks show. He'd had fun, spending time with people his age. He'd had fun with friends.

This night would be the first of many.