V O I C E

Chapter One- Safe and Sound

Summary:

Finding your voice isn't always easy. For Hyuuga Hinata could barely speak a sentence without stuttering. She was always a shy, quiet, and humble person. She never wanted to stand out or be noticed. But despite her low self esteem and constant nervousness, underneath her fragile exterior lies a musical and instrumental prodigy. On the day she enters her new school she's told to display her talents in front of her music class. Will she have the courage to let her true self shine or will she back down?

A/N: First off: This is a song fan fiction. There will be links of specific songs that got to each chapter and they will be linked beforehand or the song title will be written in the author note beforehand. I hope that everyone who loves Hinata as much as I do will come to enjoy this story. To me Hinata is a little bit than a fictional character. I see my younger self in her and I feel that she is one of the most underappreciated characters of the series aside from Lee and Tenten who will be playing significant roles in this story as well. So to those who come to read I bare my heart and soul through every word I write and every song that will be here. For this first chapter the song that Hinata will be singing and playing "Safe and Sound by Taylor Swift (cover by Julia Sheer)" I recommend listening to Julia Sheer's cover because that's what I envisioned Hinata to sing like on her first performance. Anyway on with the fan fiction.

Standing up for what you believe in isn't always easy and neither is being yourself. But when the day comes where you must stand your ground, can you? When it's time to speak up, will you? Can you find your voice and shine through? No one said it was going to be easy to find your true self, but that doesn't mean you have to go down without a fight. So fight for yourself and your beliefs. Find your voice and let it ring. Let your true self shine through.

The sun above was shining brilliantly above the house of Hyuuga much more than usual. There wasn't a cloud in the sky that could block its rays from reaching the prim and trimmed grass and flowers that were waking and opening their petals as if they were are arms want to embracing lovers. It was beautiful none the less. As the sun continued to shine its rays woke up a peacefully sleeping Hyuuga Hinata. The warmth opened her pearly lavender eyes and she slowly arose from her lying position. She yawned and stretched her arms into the air before fully opening her blinded windows. When she did she greeted the sun with a smile then slowly made her way out of bed.

She quickly made her way to the bathroom to shower and freshen up in order to get ready for the long day ahead of her. Today was no ordinary day for her; today she starts her first day at the prestigious Konohagakure Academy. This academy was a not just a private one but those who enter are people of wealth, connections, and talent. None the less the thought of entering a school where she didn't know anyone but her cousin, Neji, was a bit nerve racking. She had always been shy and timid and the first to get picked on by others. Her voice always stuttered when talking to strangers, teachers, and students alike and she was always quick to quit and become a door mat.

As she continued her thoughts to herself she finished showering and started to blow dry her hair straight and shiny. When she finished she tapped moisturizer on her face and looked at herself in the mirror. A little ping of loneliness shot through her heart and she sighed to herself. But she nudged and proceeded to brush her teeth and make her way down the stairs to greet her family at the breakfast table.

It was already seven in the morning when she finally finished getting ready and putting on her new uniform. She made her way rapidly down the stairs and made a sharp left into the kitchen and dining room where her younger sister and father were sitting at the table and her mother was making a westernized breakfast. Her father, Hiashi, was already dressed in his business suit and reading the newspaper while Hanabi had her earphone on listening to her iphone. Hinata greeted her mother, Hikari, with a morning hug which was returned before she sat down at the table. Hiashi put down his paper for the moment to speak to his daughter.

"Hinata, are you ready for your debut today?" he asked her as he started to eye his empty coffee mug that had '#1 Dad' printed on it.

"F-father its n-not like I'm debuting an album, so I-I wish you would stop calling it t-that." She stuttered to respond. "It's making me n-nervous."

"You need to stop stuttering when you speak to people Hinata." Hiashi continued as he got up to retrieve another cup of coffee from the kitchen. "You are the eldest daughter of the Hyuuga family and a world class lady so you must cease the stuttering when you enter school today."

"Y-yes f-father." She whispered as quiet as a mouse and averting her eyes to avoid his.

"Dear, please don't say such things!" Hikari said her voice hinting at the little frustration towards her husband who was peaking to their daughter as if she was an employee of his. "Hinata will do fine at school today I just know it." She then placed the hot plate of breakfast in front of her husband and two daughters and then sat down at the remaining empty chair that was in between Hanabi and Hiashi. Taking Hinata's right hand and placed it in hers to assure her and chase away the nervousness. "Don't listen to your father Hinata, just remember to be yourself."

"Y-yes mother." She replied back just a bit louder but in a much happier tone. Hikari smiled at her daughter and Hinata got to eating her breakfast as did her father and sister. This was the usual family morning for the Hyuuga but Neji was missing from the bunch. Normally he would be sitting next to Hiashi and having a conversation about the latest happenings in the newspaper. After Hinata finished her breakfast she quietly excused herself from the table and headed back into her bathroom to brush her teeth and put on her socks and shoes.

"I'm really worried about her." Hiashi told his wife as he placed his newspaper down and clasped his hands in front of him. His brows were furrowed and his tone a bit gentler then what he was used to speak with. He looked at his wife who just sighed at him and place her hands over his.

"I know and I am as well dear." She replied letting go of his hands and taking away the dirty dishes. "I'm just afraid 'that' will happen again. You and I both fear that. We can only hope for the best."

Hinata finished brushing her teeth and putting on her white over-the-knee socks, she stood in front of her tall mirror in her room. Her white button-down shirt was tucked in neatly into her dark navy blue school skirt. She then put on her matching dark navy blue sweater with the academy's label and straightened it out. Then she took out a brush to finally make her hair that was out of place stay put. With all that done she was ready and put on her light lavender hipster-style glasses, got her school bag from her bed and grabbed her cell phone. She made her way down the stairs where the family's chauffeur was waiting and holding the front door open. Hiashi and Hikari made their way to the door, giving Hinata her bento lunch and a warm hug.

"Make us proud Hinata. Remember you are the daughter of the Hyuuga family, you represent us so do not disappoint me." Hiashi said sternly as he let go of his hug on her.

"Y-yes father." She stuttered nervously at his request and watched her mother elbow him in the stomach slightly.

"What your father means is that do your best Hinata, just remember to be yourself." Hikari added and embraced her daughter once more. Hinata gladly embraced back and her mother started to cry silently. "Hinata please be strong for me."

"I will mother. I promise." Replied Hinata as she slowly left her mother's embrace and walked towards the car. The chauffeur closed the door once she was inside and drove off until they couldn't see the car anymore. Hikari couldn't stop crying though. She knew how hard Hinata's childhood had been and she was worried to death. Would her daughter ever find the strength to be herself?

Hinata was looking out the window of the car watching people and buildings go by. The feeling of loneliness and uneasiness was flowing through her body and mind. How will people treat her on the first day? Will she be alone all over again? Her mind was racing nonstop and he gingerly unzipped her school bag and took a very small hand-stitched rabbit plushy and held it close to her heart. She felt the loneliness and uneasiness go away and she sighed deeply before putting the toy back in her bag.

"Madam we've reached the school." the chauffeur called out to Hinata who seem a bit surprised that they arrived so fast. He got out of his side of the car and opened Hinata's door and held out his white gloved hand to help her up and out of the car. As she took her first steps away and approached the school she was mesmerized by its grandeur. She went past the grand thick wooden gates and made her way through its cheery blossomed lined entrance. The building itself was breathe taking and looked like a beautiful shrine with connecting houses to it. It felt as if she was in the wrong place let alone the right school. She made her way through the entrance and found the principal's room down a hallway that was lined with painted paper and wooden sliding doors. Oddly enough as she approached the door that had the Japanese words for "Principal" written on it she was told to enter.

"You must be Hyuuga Hinata?" Tsunade asked as she motioned the shy teenage to come and have a seat. Hinata nodded and approached the desk and sat down in the chair. Tsunade smiled sweetly and began to pour tea into two cups that were on her desk. "Don't be so nervous child, have some tea. It will calm you."

"T-thank you Miss. Principal" Hinata stuttered as she took the cup her hands shaking slightly.

"Call me Mistress Tsunade and are you ok dear you're shaking?" she inquired as she look at Hinata.

"F-forgive me I-I'm just n-nervous." Hinata continued and began to drink the tea and started to calm down. Tsunade watched the entirety of it and now she finally knew what Hikari and Hiashi were talking about. Hinata's shyness and nervousness was going to be a big problem in her class. Tsunade knew the peers at her school would eat any ounce of Hinata's confidence if they had a chance to. She knew she had to protect her someway.

"Hinata before I give you your class schedule I would like to know more about you. And don't be shy I promise I won't tell anyone." Tsunade smiled and leaned forward a bit to give Hinata her full attention.

Hinata was taken by surprise a bit at her principal's actions. No one but her family knew about her interest and no one ever asked about it. She gulped, lowered her head slightly and started twiddling her fingers before speaking, "I-I really love music, p-playing instruments, and s-singing." She blushed a bit and looked around the room nervously waiting for a response.

"That's wonderful Hinata!" Tsunade smile and motioned the girl to continue. "Tell me what instruments can you play?"

"I-I play the guitar, b-bass, flute, and violin." She continued and looked up at Tsunade who was still smiling at her and motioned her again to continue. "B-but my favorite instrument is the p-piano. E-every time I p-play it feels like I'm in a d-different world. A-and sometimes I-I sing and play at the same time."

Tsunade started to clap lightly and gave Hinata an even brighter smile. "That's amazing Hinata. Normally most music students can only play one or two instruments and three if they're talented. But you play six different instruments!"

"B-but Mistress T-Tsunade I-I only play five instruments." Hinata spoke softly to correct her and she lowered her head down again as if she were shamed.

"Hinata your singing is your sixth instrument." The principal added as she got up and walked to Hinata. She knelt down on one knee in front of the shy teenager and put her hands on her shoulders and spoke softly. "I'm sure you have a beautiful voice Hinata, don't let it go unheard. Trust me when I say this to you, be strong and have faith. You will shine through the clouds."

Hinata slowly lifted her head and her lavender eyes greeted gentle brown ones. It felt as if she was being comforted by her mother and she instantly relaxed and gave Tsunade a beautiful smile in return. Tsunade got back up and sat down at her desk again before handing Hinata her class schedule. Hinata kindly took the paper and began reading it. First period was History with Hatake Kakashi. Second period is Science with Shizune. Third period is Music and Voice with Yuhi Kurenai. Fourth Period is Physical Education with Maito Gai. Fifth period is English with Sarutobi Asuma. And finally Sixth period was Jiraiya with Math.

"Now before I escort to your first class just to let you know lunch will be between third and fourth period for forty-five minutes and you're allowed five minutes to get to each of your classes." Tsunade said as she got up once more and opened her door. Hinata quickly followed suit and soon they were both walking towards her first class. Tsunade noticed that she became quiet and shy again so she tried to reassure the girl to the best of her abilities. "Remember Hinata if you ever have a problem do not be afraid to come find me."

They finally arrived at the room marked "Leaf One" and opened the door while excusing their interruptions. The whole class stopped their chatting and everyone including Kakashi turned their attention to Tsunade and Hinata. Kakashi smiled underneath his allergy mask though the smile didn't show what-so-ever. He glanced at Tsunade first then at Hinata. He nodded giving the principal the signal to introduce the girl.

"Everyone this is Hyuuga Hinata, she's just got back from her studies in America and is new here to the Konohagakure Academy. Please treat her nicely." Tsunade said to the class with a stern voice and glaring look. The students knew that their principal wasn't joking and Kakashi was right to be scared if Tsunade was being serious. After she was done preaching Tsunade give Hinata a reassuring wink and headed off back to her office and closed the sliding door behind her.

Hinata stood there frozen in front of the class. She was nervous and already panicking in her mind. Kakashi took note of her situation and shyness and broke the ice. "I'm Hatake Kakashi. I'm your History teacher even though I don't like history per say. I have many likes and dislikes but I do like the Icha-Icha Paradise books." He said making the class laugh out loud.

"Master Kakashi you shouldn't say that to our new student she'll think you're a complete pervert!" a certain blue-eyed, spike blond hair delinquent looking teen shouted from the back of the class. Hinata noticed him right away and she tried to hide the blush that was beginning to creep on her face. This blond boy was the cutest guy she's ever seen and his voice and enthusiasm were bright and cheerful as his personality. She couldn't stop staring at his gorgeous blue eyes. They were like the Clear Ocean and sky on a summer day. In a split second their eyes met and locked. Though it was five seconds it felt like eternity for Hinata and she looked away as fast as she could. 'This girl is kinda a weirdo.' Naruto thought to himself when he noticed she broke eye contact with him.

"OK Naruto you don't want to get detention again right?" Kakashi threatened with a scary smile still unseen due to his mask. Naruto gulped and shook his head and leaned back on his seat and put his feet on his desk. "Now that I've quieted the delinquent, why don't you tell us about yourself Miss. Hyuuga Hinata?"

"A-ah y-yes Master Kakashi." She stammered at first but no one laughed at her so that was a good start. "M-my name is Hyuuga Hinata. My h-hobbies are pressing f-flowers and gardening. I-I like sweet bean jam a-and the homemade c-cinnamon rolls my mother makes. U-um please take care of me." She ended her statement with a gentle bow. No one said a word as she stood straight back up.

Kakashi silently sighed to himself and looked at his class who seemed really uninterested in who Hinata was. He looked at her and he could see the awkwardness in her standing and the shyness she was permitting. "Don't worry Hinata you'll get into the swing of things." He assured her and continued, "You can take the empty seat behind the pink haired girl named Haruno Sakura."

Hinata nodded and walked to her seat. She felt the whole class was staring at her the entire time. The more she felt their stares the more afraid she became. The thing is she wasn't used to this kind of neutral attention. For Sakura she wasn't too happy. She immediately noticed that the 'new girl' glanced at Naruto's way. Everyone knew Naruto and Sakura were dating and she was going to make sure that Hinata knew it.

"Well since we have a new student in class why don't we celebrate by not having homework for this week?" Kakashi asked his class as he started to erase the chalk board. The whole class cheered for a split second and just about everyone turned and started talking to Hinata who turned a tomato red at the attention. Sakura told the lot to calm down and return to their cliques and turn her attention to the 'new girl'.

"I'm Haruno Sakura. I'm the number one smartest student here and the class president. My hobbies are taking quizzes and memorizing things. My favorite food is syrup-covered anko dumplings and umeboshi. And I'm currently dating the blond hair delinquent-looking Namikaze Naruto." Sakura introduced herself in a somewhat conceded way which Hinata didn't seem to mind. "It's very rare for us to get new student in the middle of the year so you being here is pretty much a big deal. So what brings you back from America so suddenly hmm?"

"O-oh a-ah it's a b-bit personal." Hinata stammered trying to collect herself and finding out that boy she locked eyes with was already dating who seems to be the most popular girl in the entire school. "S-Sorry S-Sakura I d-don't want to make a f-fuss."

"Oh pish-posh darling don't worry about making a big deal here. The only big deal is that silly Sakura showing off her student rank and her popularity here at the academy and that stupid boyfriend of hers. Besides fore-head girl there has such boring hobbies." A pretty platinum blond girl chimed in as she sat herself on top of Sakura's desk. "My name is Yamanaka Ino; my hobbies are gossip and shopping; my favorite food is cherry tomatoes and pudding just not together of course."

"And you say I have such boring hobbies Ino-pig at least I'm studying and thus I'm still the number one ranking student." Sakura sneered and taunted Ino who retaliated and started pulling each other's hair. Hinata giggled at the sight seeing that the two were obviously good friends despite their fighting. She was the approached by pretty brown hair and brown eyed girl with two 'buns' in her hair.

"Hello Hinata and welcome to our humble school and not so humble class." The girl smiled and shook Hinata's hand lightly. "My name is Tenten and my hobbies are fortune telling and weaponry. My favorite food is the sesame balls that my mother makes." Hinata could feel her shyness slipping away from her. She felt comfortable and calm which was rare for her. If anything she was glad to have the positive attention on her person.

"Say Hinata if you show me your class schedule I can help you get around the campus easier." Tenten continued and Hinata nodded and handed her the paper. "Wow you have all the same classes as me except for the last class. If you'd like we can also have lunch together."

Hinata blushed and shot up in surprise at Tenten's offer and smiled at her. "I would love that Tenten." She added and giving her a slight bow as a sign of respect. Tenten giggled and Ino and Sakura stopped their bickering in order for Ino to join in on escorting Hinata to her classes. Sakura pouted slightly, got up, and walked to Naruto who was grinning like an idiot and motioning for her to sit down on his lap. Hinata couldn't help but notice the action and felt a bit saddened by it.

After the bell rang Tenten and Ino escorted Hinata to her next class where they all sat together and chatted the entire time. Shizune wasn't too pleased about the chatting and wished for the girls to stop but with what Tsunade told her about Hinata and her being new she could let it slide for one day. The class continued without a hitch and the hour passed by at the speed of light. Next was music class and girls noticed Hinata became quiet.

"Hinata are you ok?" Ino asked she walked beside her. Hinata was looking down at her feet and was shaking slightly. Ino was a bit worried and looked at Tenten who was equally as confused. So she tried to reassure Hinata, "Don't worry Hinata, Master Kurenai is very nice so don't worry so much. I'm sure she won't let you play an instrument for the first time in front of everyone!"

"I-I'm s-sorry I-I just g-get r-really n-nervous around p-people a-and p-performing i-in front of o-others." She managed to say through her shaking nervousness. Both girls then put a comforting hand on Hinata's shoulder and smiled at her.

"Don't worry Hinata just smile that pretty smile you had earlier and whatever happens happens. Besides I'm sure you'll do fine it's not like you're a horrible singer or can't play an instrument like Sakura." Tenten chuckled as Sakura, who was walking not too far from them, fumed at the bun-haired girl. This took the edge off slightly for Hinata as the group kept walking towards their next class.

As soon as they arrived to the door, Ino slid it open and the girls walked in to take their seats except Hinata. She then passed a note to Kurenai who smiled and nodded and whispered to Hinata to sit with her new friends. It took around four minutes for the rest of the class to get there and take their seats. Amongst those entering the class was the 'Naruto' boy Hinata saw in her first period class. And once again she couldn't stop staring at him. After the rest of the class sat down Kurenai then walked to the front of the class and introduced Hinata as the newest student much like Tsunade did without Naruto interrupting.

"Normally I make exceptions on the first day of new students to not sing or use any instruments however I hear from Mistress Tsunade that you like music." Kurenai smile at Hinata as she leaned against the piano that was in the middle of the class. Hinata was blushing madly and asking herself why Mistress Tsunade would have her music teacher have her perform on her first day. There had to be a reason and then she remembered what Tsunade said to her. "I'm sure you have a beautiful voice Hinata, don't let it go unheard. Trust me when I say this to you, be strong and have faith. You will shine through the clouds." Her principal's voice rang in her head.

"A-alright." Hinata stuttered and sent the whole class in shock as she made her way towards the piano and her teacher. She than at down on the piano bench and rubbed her hands together to warm them up. Kurenai's smile grew bigger and turned her attention to the lavender-eyed teen. The look of surprise over took not only Ino, Sakura and Tenten but Naruto as well. 'What is this weirdo thinking?' he asked himself mentally.

"What are you playing for us Hinata?" Kurenai inquired as she lifted the case off the piano keys and pressed the pedals to check that they were working.

"I'll be singing 'Safe and Sound' by Taylor Swift." Hinata said no longer hesitating as she glanced at the beautifully polished ivory keys in front of her. She pretended that no one was there in the room but her mother, who would always sit quietly and watch Hinata play the piano and sing. "The song was originally from a book called "The Hunger Games" that I read when I was studying in America. Please enjoy." She then took a deep breath before lightly touching the first few keys, closed her eyes and began singing.

"I remember tears streaming down you face when I said "I'll never let you go"; when all the shadows almost killed you light… I remember you said "don't leave me here alone", but all that's dead and gone has past tonight... Just close your eyes, the sun is going down. You'll be alright; no one can hurt you now. Come morning light you and I'll be safe and…Sound…"

No one could believe it. Hinata's voice was like an angel's to their ears. Sakura felt the sting of jealousy as she continued to hear the melody and Ino and Tenten hummed the song to themselves and nodding their heads to the rhythm. Naruto on the other hand was speechless. How could a weird and shy girl have such an enchanting voice? It was like she was a whole different person that he saw this morning that avoided contact with him. Either way he continued to listen to her and a small memory from his childhood came forth of his mother singing him to sleep. He felt a ping of sadness come to him but held it in.

"Don't you dare look out your window; darling everything's on fire! The war outside our door keeps raging on…Hold on to this lullaby; even when the music's gone…gone… Just close your eyes, the sun is going down. You'll be alright; no one can hurt you now. Come morning light you and I'll be safe and…Sound…"

All that Hinata could think of was her mother and how she would sing her lullaby's when she was feeling sad or couldn't get to sleep. All of the memories of her past started to flow in. All the emptiness she ever felt she poured into her angelic voice and feather fingers. She felt at peace and kept playing the instrumental part of the song letting her fingers and the melody over take her body.

"Just close your eyes…you'll be alright…come morning light…You and I'll be safe…and…sound…"

When Hinata finished the song she let a single tear roll down her cheek and put go of the keys. She finally did it; she was able to overcome a fear that had over taken her since her childhood. In her mind all she could do was thank her Mother for her love, Tsunade for her encouragement and Kurenai for forcing her to play even if it was somewhat against her will. For Hinata this was one step closer to finding her true self.

End of Chapter One "Safe and Sound"

A/N: I hope you guys listened to song and used your imaginations. I also hope you enjoyed this chapter and chapter 2 will be out as soon as possible. Please comment if you like the story or want to give constructive criticism. If you want to troll remember that's what 4chan is for.

~Faebunneh