Chapter 11

Over the next few days the two became inseparable. Wherever Naruto was seen Hinata was sure to be seen with him, walking to school, eating lunch, walking home together. They began spending less and less time with the others, and at first they were happy that Hinata was finally letting Naruto get closer as a sibling, but one of them began to worry what it might mean.

Ino looked across the roof to see Hinata and Naruto once again eating lunch together, out of the same bento box. She watched them leave when the bell rang and sighed.

"I guess there's no harm in asking right?"

Later that day when the bell rand to signal the closing of the school, Naruto was walking down the halls to head home. Today was the day he was the day Naruto was chosen to stay after and clean the classroom, but he enjoyed the time he had alone. It offered a rare chance to think.

"Naruto-kun?"

Naruto spun on his heels and saw Ino standing several feet from him. "Oh, hey Ino. What's up?"

Ino had her hands clasped in front, fidgeting nervously. "Uh, well… I uh, I think you might be getting a little too friendly with Hinata."

Naruto kept any panic from showing on his face. "I see. I guess you're right, but… Well, as a little girl she spent a lot of time in the hospital because she was so sick all the time. She was very lonely and scared, and whenever she gets sick it reminds her of those tough times, so I give her a little more attention to make her feel better."

Ino felt very guilty. "I'm so sorry Naruto-kun, I didn't mean to be so insensitive! It's just that people were starting to talk about you guys and then I remembered those books you were reading…"

Naruto chuckled nervously. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot about those. Well, I'm sorry to hear people are talking about us, but I'm not anyone has the right to talk about my family behind our backs. I'm glad you came to me Ino instead of joining in. See you tomorrow."

Naruto turned around and walked away, leaving Ino behind regretting ever saying anything.