First Grade Drama

Summary: Naruto is a 22-year-old father, with a seven-year-old child named Nao. Nao just recently started first grade. There Naruto meets the lovely Hinata-sensei, Nao's teacher, and the two quickly fall for each other, much to Nao's excitement. But can anything be but a happy ending? Read along as Naruto deals with falling in love, taking care of his daughter, and a woman that wants to ruin everything. And what painful secret can Hinata possibly keep away from Naruto? Read and find out!

Chapter One: Nao-chan

It was a busy day in the Uzumaki household. Some birds gazed into the window and watched as a young man hovered over the stove, stirring something in front of him. His crystal blue eyes sparkled at the noodles that boiled before him. A soft small graced his fever, and his nose slightly wiggled, causing him to sneeze. He quickly turned his head to the side, and the birds cocked their heads to the side.

"Ne, Papa. I hope you didn't sneeze over the food," A young girl poked her head from the bedroom and glared at her father.

"Not this time," He let out a hearty laugh. "Hurry up,"

The youngster rushed back to the bathroom and continued to play in her head. The man poured the ramen into a small green bowl and placed it on the countertop. "Nao!" The man called out. "It's almost time leave," The pot made a crackling sound when he placed it in the sink.

His heartfelt like something swallowed when he heard his daughter screaming for him. "Papa!" Without a second thought, he rushed into the bedroom and barged into the bathroom. "Nene, what's the matter?" He grabbed her by her shoulders and examined her to make sure she wasn't hurt.

The little blonde hair girl sniffled while rubbing her eyes until they turned red. Her small arms wrapped as far as they could go around his waist, and she cried. "Papa! My hair's a mess and I- I- I can't fix it," She wailed.

A soft sigh escaped his mouth as his heart was still racing. This was his only child who he loved dearly. Nao was his only daughter, and the two could nearly pass for twins. She'd resembled her father in many ways. They both had blond hair, sun kiss skin that glistened in the sun, and big crystal blue eyes. Nobody told him being a father would be difficult… especially with having a daughter.

Her eyes widened. "I want to wear my ponytail with this ribbon." She said, grabbing the white bow from the top of the sink. "I have to set a good example."

"That's right, Nene." Naruto smiled warmly at her. "Let's see what papa can do!" He picked her up and placed it on top of the wooden stool. "Are you excited about first grade?"

"I am! I can't wait!" She beamed with joy. "I heard I have the prettiest teacher ever!" she clasped her hands together as she looked at the final look of her new hairdo. "Papa, I love it." she smiled as she turned around to embrace him.

Nao wrapped her arms around her father's neck, and he carried her to the table. ""Eat quickly. We don't want you to be late," Naruto said as he placed her down on the chair.

"Yes, sir!" She said as she dug into the bowl of ramen.

"Nene, slow down," Naruto said, scolding her. She placed the bowl down and smiled at him, some of the ramen juice ran down her chin to the table. He couldn't help but smile. "Go put on your clothes." He said as he took the empty bowl to the sink.

"Papa, don't forget you have to eat too." Nao reminded him. "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day." She frowned.

"Hai, hai. I will." Naruto said, rinsing the bowl in the skink. "I'm sure you don't want to be late." He reminded her.

"Hai!" She said, rushing into the bedroom.

"Papa!" Nao said as she tried to get her father's attention.

Naruto kept his eyes on the road. "What is it, Nene?"

"Do I have to live with Mama?" Naruto's eyes squinted as he stopped at the red light. "Mama said she was going to take me away, but I don't want to live with her," Nene said as she played with her hair. "I want to stay with you."

Naruto turned to face her. "Don't worry." He reassured her. "You and I will always be together, okay?"

Nao smiled. "Is that a promise?" She said, holding up her pinky.

"Promise." He said, pinky swearing with her.

"I'm sorry that I am late. Papa took the wrong turn- again." Nao said, pointing at her father. "I told him to turn right, but he turned left!" She glared at him.

The young woman giggled at the smaller child. "And where is your Papa?" She asked. The black hair woman looked throughout the office, but only saw a young man, that resembled the girl, standing there.

"He's right here!" Nao said, pointing to her Papa. "Blame him!" She said, puffing out her cheeks.

The woman stared at the youngster and was surprised. The young blond man didn't look older than twenty. He was handsome and looked well groom, but his face still had some baby fat on it.

"I'm sorry. It won't happen again," Naruto apologized. "I'm not really good with directions," Naruto mumbled the last part.

"It happens," The older woman smiled gently. "My name is Shizune, and it's a pleasure to have Nao-chan attending school with us," She kneel towards the girl.

"My name is Uzumaki Nao, but papa calls me Nene." She said as she shook Shizune hand.

Shizune couldn't help but giggle at the adorable girl. She held Nao's hand and gave it a shake.

"Do you want to meet your teacher?" Shizune said as she held the door open.

Nao's eyes lit up with excitement. "Hai!" She marched out the door. "I hear she's gorgeous! Like a princess in a storybook," Nao glanced at Shizune.

Shizune placed her finger near her mouth and hummed. "She is beautiful," She cooed.

Nao clasped her hands together and turned to her Papa, who was walking rather slowly. She ran back to her father and held his hand. It startled him at first, as he was in deep thought. "Papa, are you okay?" She wore a worry expression on her face.

"Ah, don't worry about your papa," Naruto said, grinning. "I'm fine,"

The two followed behind Shizune, who led them to a brown door. On the door was a picture of a tree with each student's name on the leaves. "Look, Papa! My name. My name's there," The girl jumped up and down upon noticing her name.

"Ah, you're right," Naruto replied, rubbing her on the top of her head.

."If you need anything, you can always come and visit me." Shizune told her. "Ganbatte Nao-chan!" Shizune said as she bowed.

Naruto bowed. "Thank you, Shizune."

She waved at the two before disappearing around the corridor.

"Are you ready, Nene?" Naruto asked as he opened the door.

Nao stepped inside, and her eyes gazed around the room. Naruto groaned inwardly by the loud screeching sounds some of the children made. He looked around and saw some kids running after one another, pretending to slay the dragon, others were putting their belongings in their cubbies or holding onto their mother's neck, crying.

"Good morning," Naruto's ears wiggled slightly at the soft voice. Nao looked at the direction of the voice, and her eyes sparkled. A short woman approached the two, and Nao's eyes sparkled. Her teacher had long darkish hair that reached to her bottom and big white clear eyes. There was something about them that made Nao melt. "Papa!" Nao said, glancing up at Naruto, who seems to be in his own bubble. "She's pretty, huh?"

The young woman paused when the young schoolgirl complimented her. "Hello, my name is Hinata-sensei," She greeted.

"G… good morning," Nao said, bowing down. "My name is Uzumaki Nao, and this is my papa." She said, pointing towards her father.

Hinata, the said teacher, gazed at the blonde man, and a little blush crept upon her face. "G…good morning." She said, looking down at the floor.

"Good morning, Hinata-sensei," He said, rubbing the back of his head as his eyes lingered to some of the other parents in the corner of the room. He noticed the other parents giving him weird looks and whispering… rather loudly. It didn't bother him as he was used to people discussing his life. His eyes shifted back to Hinata, and he couldn't help but chuckle once noticing she was rather short.

"Ne, Papa. What's so funny?" Nao asked as she frowned. "I hope you're not laughing at Hinata-sensei."

Hinata raised her head as her face darkened. "Ah, I'll-

"She's just so short, how could she manage all these students by herself?" He said playfully.

Hinata cheeks darkened even more. "I may be short, but I know how to handle my students, mister." She said, scolding him.

Naruto arched his eyebrow and hummed. "Oh, really?" Nao punched him on his legs, which didn't affect him the way she wanted it to. "My name is Uzumaki Naruto, and this is my daughter Nao." He placed his hand on the top of her daughter's head.

"I just said that," Nao said, frowning as she tried to remove his hand.

"Hello, Uzumaki-san. My name is Hyuga Hinata, and I'm Nao's teacher." She said, giving the man a soft smile.

"Please call me, Naruto." He told her.

"Hai, hai." Hinata kneeled and shook Nao's hand. "And it's a pleasure to meet you, Nao-chan."

Nao smiled brightly as she hugged her teacher. Naruto smiled softly. She turned around and was surprised to see her father still standing there. "Papa!" She furrowed her eyebrows. "You have to get going," Nao said, trying to push him out the door. "And don't forget to eat breakfast."

Hinata stood up as she tried to stifle her giggles.

"Gomen," Naruto told her. He picked her up and hugged her tightly. "Are you going to be nice for Hinata-sensei?" He asked.

"Hai, hai Papa. You're embarrassing me." Nao cried.

"Oh, you're trying to get rid of me now." He sounded hurt.

"Papa, I'm a big girl now, so I have to do things on my own," She hugged him. "I love you,"

"I know. I know." Naruto said, taking in her warmth. "I love you too." He said. "Now give papa a kiss so he can have a nice day at work."

She kissed him on the forehead and ruffled his hair. "Now, you be a good boy today." She told him.

"Yes, ma'am." He said as he put her down.

"And make sure you stop and get some breakfast." She reminded him.

"Hai, hai," Naruto said as he patted her on top of her head. "Have a nice day, Nene," he looked down at her then at Hinata, "and you too, Miss Hi-na-ta." He smirked once, noticing her face turning red.

Nao watched as her father left the room and disappeared around the corridor. She placed her hands behind her back and faced Hinata. "Hinata-sensei, what do you have planned for us today?"

Hinata placed her hand on her chest and smiled down at the little girl.

"Don't touch!"

"But what is it?"

"I said- Ah, get down!"

"Weeee!"

"Ugh!."

"Tsunade-sama, maybe you shouldn't have given her that candy," Shizune commented as she watched Tsunade, the principal, trying to grab the little girl from climbing the bookshelf.

"I thought it would shut her up!" The blonde woman groaned as she held the little girl by her school collar. "Where is her father!" Tsunade screamed. "It's almost 4:30!"

"I'll go get her file," Shizune said.

"Just call the police," Tsunade said with an irritated tone. Nao was now swinging from her arms.

The door opened with force, and a young blonde man barged into the office. "I'm so sorry!"

Tsunade eyed the youngster and asked, "Where is your father a young man? I need to have a serious talk with him."

Shizune raised her finger to get Tsunade's attention. "Um, Tsunade..."

"Who does he think he is leaving his daughter here after hours? Does he know our hours of operations?" Tsunade raged. She held the little girl up, who was giggling.

"Tsunade-sama," Shizune spoke.

"I should call the police on him. He's irresponsible, and where is the mother?" Tsunade continued on.

Nao turned, and her eyes widened. "Papa!" She shouted once, noticing him standing by the door.

Tsunade stared dumbfounded. "Papa?"

"This is Nao's father," Shizune said as she stepped beside Tsunade.

Tsunade glanced at her. "But... he's-

"Gomen," Naruto said. "My boss wouldn't let me leave early, and I took the wrong exit. I'm sorry." Naruto said as he kept bowing down.

"Papa," Nao said as she gazed at him. He had a sad look on his face. She tugged on his pants as she tried to get his attention.

Tsunade groaned. "Just don't let it happen again." She told him.

"Hai. Hai. Gomen." Naruto said. He picked up Nao and took her school bag from Shizune's hand.

"Bye, Tsu-sama Shizune-nee!" Nao said as she waved at them.

Shizune smiled. "Take care, Nao-chan."

Tsunade crossed her arms as soon as Naruto left her office. "You could have told me he was the father."

Shizune sighed. "I did, but you kept going on." She said, throwing her hands in the air.

Tsunade shook her head. "How old is he?"

"At least 21."

Tsunade groaned. "He's so young to have a child."

Shizune turned off the lights to the office. "I was surprised myself."

Tsunade waited at the door for Shizune, as she locked up the office. She looked at the car that had exited the schoolyard.

"Papa! School was so fun today." Nao said as she played with the yellow rubber duck in the tub. "Hinata-sensei is so cool! And she didn't give us homework yet." She ranted on. "She's so nice and short." Nao giggled. "She taught me how to do a braid in my hair. See." She said as she decided to plait her hair. "Ta- Her eyes lingered to her father, who was sitting on top of the toilet. His head was down. "Papa," Nao said. She stood in the tub and poked her father. Naruto jumped. "Papa! You weren't listening."

"Gomen. Gomen." He said. "Are you all tidy up?" He asked her.

"Hai."

He grabbed the towel and wrapped it around her small body. He picked her up and walked into the bedroom.

After the two settled into the bed, Nao rested her head on her father's arm. "I like my new school, Papa." She told him as she looked into his blue eyes.

He turned to face her and smiled. "Oh, really." He said. "Do you like your teacher?"

Nao face lit up. "She's very nice." She said. "I even made new friends."

"Well, I'm glad you did." He said, wrapping his arms around her. He pulled her closer to him and put the blanket over them. "It's time to get some sleep. Okay?"

She yawned. "I love you, Papa! You're the best Papa in the world!" She said as she closed her eyes.

Naruto smiled as he kissed her on her forehead. "I love you too, Nao."

Nao whistled as she skipped towards her classroom, unknown to her that Naruto was following her. She turned around and blinked. "Papa?"

Naruto stopped in his tracks and stared down at her. "Hai?"

"What are you doing?" She asked.

Naruto tilted his head to the side. "I was making sure you made it safely into the classroom." He told her.

"Papa!" She said, puffing out of her cheeks. "I'm a big girl now!" She whined. "I can go to class all by myself." She reminded him. "I am seven years old." She said, holding up eight fingers.

Naruto chuckled and placed one of her fingers down. "Hai, hai." He said, rubbing the back of his head.

In confusion, she glanced at her fingers but shrugged it off. "That's right."

"I sometimes forget that you are a big girl." He bent down. "Are you going to be a good girl today?" He asked her.

Nao smiled. "I always am!" She beamed. Naruto chuckled. She went on her tiptoes and kissed Naruto on his nose. "Have a nice day at work, Papa," Nao said as she ran into the classroom. She peeped her head out of the door and grinned at him.

Naruto looked amused as he waved at her before he turned around to leave.

"Ohayo, Hinata-sensei," Nao said as she skipped towards the woman, who was tending to Mori. "Ohayo Mori-chan!" Nao said. She placed her bags into the cubby.

"Ohayo, Nao-chan," Hinata said. "How did you sleep last night?" S

She turned around. "Good, but Papa snores!" She frowned.

Hinata giggled. "Are you ready for today's lesson?" She asked.

Nao nodded in excitement.

"Sensei, look at what I can do," Nao said as she walked up to Hinata with a big book.

Hinata, who was sitting by her desk, stared at Nao. "And what is it that you can do?" She picked up Nao and rested her on the counter.

"I can read this," Nao said, pointing to the story.

"Oh, really!" Hinata said. "Can you read it for me?"

"Hai," Nao said with excitement in her voice. She pointed to the words as she read,

Look at the black cat.

He's on his mat.

H...he's h...happy, fat, and glad.

Hinata smiled at the young girl.

"Papa used to read to me all the time, but he stopped because he has worked," Nao said as she stared at Hinata. "Then he gets very sleepy." She started to swing her legs.

"I'm sure he hasn't forgotten. Sometimes an adult gets very tired." Hinata started off.

"I know, but Papa is the best papa in the world," Nao said. "I hope I can stay with him forever." Hinata tilted her head. "Mama wants me back, but I don't want to go with her." Nao frowned. "But, I'm going to see her Friday afternoon."

Hinata smiled weakly. She opened her drawer and took out a cookie. "Ne, Nao-chan. Can you keep a secret?" She asked as she held the cookie up.

Nao eyed it. She nodded her head. "I sure can!" She grinned.

"Sensei, you're not leaving?" Nao asked as she put her backpack on.

Hinata was sitting at her desk, staring at some papers. "No, I leave five from now on."

Nao walked up to Hinata. "Can I stay with you?"

Hinata giggled. "What about your Papa?"

"He's going to be late," Nao told her.

"And how do you know that?" Hinata asked she rested the paper on the table.

"He always is." Replied Nao.

"Hmmm... why don't you practice your Math problems while you wait for Papa?" She suggested.

Nao nodded her head as she went to the table. As time went by, Hinata was now helping Nao with her homework.

"Oh Hinata-chan, you're still here-

"What is she doing here? It's almost 4:00!" Tsunade said, pointing to the little rascal.

"Tsu-sama!" Nao shouted as she ran up to the woman.

Tsunade groaned. "Where is her fat- Then she remembered. She shook her head. "I'm going to have a serious talk with h-

"Gomen, I'm sorry I am late."

"Papa, did you take the wrong turn again? Nao asked.

Naruto was panting. "Gomen."

Tsunade tapped her foot. "Step into my office, Mr. Uzumaki, so I can have a word with you." She told him. "Hinata-chan, can you watch Nao-chan?" Tsunade asked her.

"Hai," Hinata said. She looked at Naruto worriedly.

The two left to Tsunade's office.

Nao glanced at Hinata. "Papa is strong. Don't worry."

The woman stared at the young lad as if he was some hoodlum. He didn't feel uncomfortable but annoyed. The way she glared at him, upset him greatly. He continued to stare at her until she spoke up.

"Mr. Uzumaki," Tsunade said as she sat down.

"I know. I know. Three-thirty," He said lightly irritated. It wasn't his fault… this time.

Tsunade glared at him. "I don't appreciate you thinking you can pick up your daughter at any time, you need to learn responsibility," Tsunade spoke.

Naruto narrowed his eyes. "What are you trying to imply?"

"That clearly you're not a responsible parent." Tsunade bites back.

"And what is exactly a responsible parent?" Naruto questioned, balling his fist. "I may be young, but I am not foolish." He spat. "My daughter is my number one priority." He said, gritting his teeth. "Her mother was supposed to pick her up this afternoon because I knew I would be late." He concentrated his eyes on the beige carpet. "But of course the stupid-" he chewed his bottom lip. "She called me at the last minute and told me an emergency came up."

There was a brief moment of silence, and Tsunade couldn't help but sigh. Maybe she went too far without understanding the situation? "Hai. Hai." She ran her hands through her light blonde hair. "I know you're a single parent, and it can be rough." She murmured. She sighed once more. "What time do you usually get off?"

Naruto tilted his head to the side. "Um..."

"What time do you get off?" Tsunade asked once more.

"Four-thirty." He mumbled.

"Okay, I tell you what. One of my teachers wouldn't be leaving until 5:00 pm from now on."Tsunade got up. "She can watch her from now on until you get off, but-"

"But what?"

"You're going to have buy me a sake every Monday." She told him.

Naruto stared oddly at her. "But aren't you a principal?"

"Don't question me, boy." She frowned.

"I don't leave my daughter with everyone. Who is this teacher?" He crossed his arms.

"Hinata-chan," Tsunade responded. The look in his eyes calm down, and she hummed to herself.

Naruto let out a sigh of relief. Even though he barely knew Hinata, from the moment he met her, a peaceful atmosphere came over him. "Well...Nao-chan likes her... but what's in it for Hinata-chan?" He asked.

Tsunade smiled. "Don't worry. Just know your daughter is in good hands now."

"Bye, sensei!" Nao said, waving at Hinata. She ran to her dad.

"Um... I hope it's not of any inconvenience." Naruto said, rubbing the back of his head.

Hinata smiled. "I enjoy Nao's company every time."

"Hai. I know she can be troublesome at times." Naruto said. Nao was now trying to climb on him.

Hinata giggled. "Just a little."

"Hey!" Nao shouted.

Naruto smiled. "Um..." He picked up Nao and walked over to Hinata. "Maybe we can exchange numbers, just in case Nao gives you any trouble."

Hinata blushed. "Uh..Um.." Her heartfelt like it was about to explode.

"I mean if you don't wan-

"No!" She quickly covered her mouth. She dropped her hands and played with the bottom of her yellow shirt. "I mean, I'll take it." She said, never looking up.

"Right," Naruto said as he took out his cell phone. The two exchanged numbers. "I really hope it doesn't inconvenience you." He said. Hinata shook her head. Nao had run off to look at the fish tank insides Tsunade's office. "I'm not a bad father. Nao's mom was supposed to pick her up this evening."

"I understand Uzumaki-san."

"Naruto is much better." He reminded her.

Hinata avoided eye contact with him. "Y... yes, Naruto..."

The sun was setting, and the classroom was painted orange with tints of pink splattered on the desks. The shadows of the two mimic their host. "Can I take you home?" He asked her.

Hinata shook her head. "No... I don't want to cause any problems."

Naruto smiled. "Are you sure you can take care of all these children? You're so shy." He chuckled. Hinata folded her arms and wore a scold on her face. Naruto chuckled. "You take things too seriously, Hinata-chan."

"I do not!" She said, waving her arms in the air. "I know how to handle my children!"

Naruto smiled. "Ne, do you have any children?"

She looked down at the floor. "No."

"Oh, well, don't have any now." He laughed.

Hinata gazed at him. Her cheeks reddened. The way Naruto nose scrunched up when he laughed and the way his hair fell to the side was a breath of fresh air made her smile. He'd remind her so much of Nao.

Nao held Hinata's hand and pulled her towards the door. "C'mon, Hinata-sensei. Papa will take you home; although he may get lost, he's a good driver."

"Well, if it Nao-chan wants me to, then I'll let your Papa take me home," Hinata replied.

"Bye, Sensei!" Nao said, sticking her head out the car window.

Hinata turned around and gave her a soft smile. "I'll see you tomorrow, Nao-chan."

Nao grinned. "I can't wait!" She turned to her father. "Papa, tell sensei bye." She frowned.

Naruto waved at Hinata and smiled. "See you tomorrow, Hinata-sensei." He smirked.

Hinata yelped, and bowed before she rushed into the gates of her house.

"What are we eating tonight, Papa?"

"Food," Naruto said as he drove off.

"Papa!"

Friday Afternoon

"Nao-chan, did you get your things ready?" Naruto called from the kitchen.

"Almost!" Nao shouted. His heard turned towards the entrance of his door, and he put the water bottle he was drinking. "Papa, I think it's Mama!" Nao said as she peeped her head out of the door.

"Hai, hai! Just pack your stuff." He opened the door.

"Where is Nao-chan?" The woman asked.

Naruto stared at the woman with a blank stare. Comparing Nao to her mother, you would've never known she gave birth to the girl. Unlike Nao, she had pale skin, dark chestnut color eyes, and long straight brown hair. "She's packing her things," He mumbled.

She rolled her eyes. "Nao-chan needs to hurry up. I have important things to do today." She said while trying to make her way into the apartment.

A soft yelp escaped her lips when Naruto grabbed her by the arm, and out the apartment.

"Get your hands off of me!" She snapped.

"Don't you ever walk into my apartment like that again!" He said, pointing at her.

"Papa..." Nao said as she held on to the little white and yellow polka dot suitcase.

Naruto turned around and smiled. "Hai, can you give mama and me a moment, please?"

She smiled. "Hai." She left her suitcase on the carpet floor and walked into the bedroom.

He closed the door behind him and stared into her eyes. "Don't you ever, and I mean ever tell my child that you're going to her away,"

"She's my child too!" Kiyomi shouted.

"A child you didn't care about!" Naruto said, stepping towards her. "I swear if you ever take her away from me, I will-" he bit down on his lips, afraid of saying the wrong thing.

"You didn't care about her or us! You're just using her to hurt me." She said, balling her fist.

"I did. It's your fault!" Naruto retorted.

"Baka! Baka! Baka!" She cried. "I loved you, but you didn't love me," Kiyomi said, covering her face.

Naruto sighed. "I see you've become an even better actress." He rolled his eyes. "I'll pick her up Sunday morning." He told her, pushing the door open. "Nene, come on,"

Nao walked out of the apartment and turned to face her dad. "I love you." She told her. Naruto picked her up and hugged her tightly.

"I love you too, Nao-chan."

She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. He heard her sniffled, and it broke his heart to hear his daughter forcing herself not to cry.

"If you need me, just call me." He whispered into her ear.

She nodded. "I'll call you tonight, papa," She whispered into his ear.

He placed her onto the floor and rubbed her head. "Remember, you're a big girl." Naruto smiled. "I'll pick you up first thing Sunday morning, okay?"

"Hai...papa,"

Kiyomi took Nao's hand. "We're going to have so much fun, Nao-chan."

Nao nodded her head. "Mama, can we get some watermelon."

Kiyomi smiled. "Hai, hai, Nao-chan."

Naruto watched as the two left from his sight. It felt so lonely in his small one-bedroom apartment. There were no sounds of Nao laughter or ranting on. He sat on his bed but got up after he felt the sound of paper underneath him. He looked down and saw a note.

Papa! I love you!

So dont cries.

Love, Nene.

He looked at the drawing and smiled. It was a doodle of him and her holding hands. "Nene," He whispered.

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Thank you.