Blessed by Rain

2. Haku

Her neighbor was an odd person.

Konan had visited only once, just to help her get the final things sorted and inform her that she would be joining the Academy tomorrow.

Hinata gulped, but she bowed her head and thanked the woman before she could see the fear evident on Hinata's face.

It's just...she was scared. Hinata hadn't left her apartment since she first came, and although she had made a personal promise to become strong and such, facing the obstacles in her path were far harder than she'd like to admit.

Hinata awoke bright and early, at least she thought it was, and changed into her clothes that she kept on the bedside table as she didn't trust herself to manage going through the closet just yet.

(Hinata snorted at the idea of showing up to the Academy in a bloodied hospital gown. Now that would make an impression.)

The apartment held the bare necessities; basic furniture, utilities, electricity, and nothing more. Hinata was currently living off of the katsudon her neighbor Haku had given her, though she knew she had to go out and buy groceries soon enough.

Gently opening her door, Hinata slowly shuffled into the open.

Almost at the exact same time, the door beside her opened. Hinata couldn't help but jump in surprise, earning a well-meaning chuckle.

"Hi there, Hinata-san!" Haku chirped.

"Hello, H-Haku." Hinata shuffled her feet, almost nervously. "Do you think..you could, um, walk me to the Academy?"

"Of course! I'd love to have some company. Do you think we could be friends?" Haku babbled as they continued walking, linking his arm with Hinata's.

"I'd l-like that." Inwardly, Hinata cursed her habit of stuttering. Stuttering was weakness, and she already had enough of that.

"So, how'd you come to Amegakure, Hinata-san?"

They exited out into the open rain, and Hinata felt Haku slip on a hood. Hinata decided to follow his example, though she found the feeling of rain falling down on her body comforting.

"I-I...um..."

"It's okay! You don't have to tell me. Well, for me, my parents died." Haku's voice saddened a bit. "And, well, then...I sorta just wandered around until I found Ame. They let me stay, and join the Academy so I can control my kekkei genkai!"

Hinata mused over his words silently. Idly wondering what kekkei genkai he had, as well as what she should say in reply. Before she could conjure up her condolences, Haku piped up.

"Here we are!" Haku chirped.

Hinata gulped. She allowed Haku to slip his hand in hers to tug her through the halls and into the classroom.

"This is the new student, Hinata!" Haku happily announced. Hinata withheld a cringe.

"...Right." Presumably the teacher drawled. "Well, take your seats. We don't have time for dawdling."

Haku nodded and pulled Hinata with him, up to his seat. Hinata stumbled only a bit, though her eyes began to well with painful tears when she heard some students begin whispering and murmuring about her.

"Haku." The teacher called. "You'll be charged with the responsibility of making sure our newest students doesn't fall behind." His voice was rather patronizing.

With that, the teacher began his lesson. It was odd how he just swept her aside, ushered her to a seat and began ignoring Hinata. Maybe it was a good thing.