Chapter 2

It did not take long before Hinata had reached the Yamanka flower shop. She hoped that a certain blonde kuionichi was still there. Timidly, she opened the door and looked around. Sure enough she spotted Ino who seemed to be busy cleaning up shop.

"Sorry but we were just about to close for the afternoon. You will have to come bac-"she stopped when she saw who had entered.

"Hinata what are you-"Ino quickly assessed the poor girl. She was standing there looking at her feet with her fingers pressing against each other. This was not a strange pose for the girl to have, however the fact that she was standing in her family's flower shop was strange. Hinata had never really been close to Ino. True they had gone on a few missions together, but they had never made it past friendly conversation. Ino's mind was reeling trying to figure out why the timid girl was here. She seemed very nervous more so than normal.

"Ino I-"Hinata paused. She was trying to muster up the courage to say what it was she wanted.

Ino sensed the girls discomfort and decided she would try to lessen it. "Hinata would you like to sit down. I can make some tea. We have some in the kitchen in back."

Hinata nodded and followed Ino to the back of the store where there was a small kitchen. As she began to prepare the tea Ino decided it would be easier if she drew Hinata out instead of waiting for her to say it on her own.

"So Hinata is everything alright?"

"Hai." Was the quiet reply.

"Did you need something?" she asked.

"Actually I," Hinata took a deep breath and forced herself to say it "I need a favor." Ino looked surprised which made Hinata begin to doubt if she should have come here at all but she needed training and advice and Ino was the only kuionichi she could think of to help her at least in this department.

"Ok," Ino replied hesitantly. It seemed surreal that Hyuuga Hinata, heir to the famous Hyuuga clan, would need her to do a favor. "What is it?" she asked.

"I-"Hinata swallowed. She couldn't stop now. The cat was already out of the bag. "I have a mission…." her words trailed off, "…with Naruto-kun." This part was said so softly that Ino barely heard it, but as soon as those words reached her ears she felt herself begin to smirk.

"Who else is going?" she asked but she felt she knew the answer.

"Just him….and me."

Ino's smirk grew wider and a devilish glint came to her eyes. Hinata inwardly cursed. This was the reason she had been reluctant to approach the girl. She knew she had a flare for gossip. However, the only other kuionichi she felt comfortable approaching was Ten Ten and she was more of a tom-boy like herself.

"So you want me to help you get that knucklehead to finally notice you." Ino replied setting the tea on the table in front of them.

"Yes, in a way. I just don't know how to-"Hinata stopped trying to find the words.

"Speak?" Ino said.

Hinata sighed. The girl was blunt and somewhat brutal but then again she should not have expected any less. "Yes. "She answered "I need to know how to speak in front of Naruto-kun." There was a pause. Hinata stared at the tea in her cup, then after a while she asked "Will you help me?"

Ino stared at the quiet plain girl before her. It was the challenge of a century. Not to say she did not have any natural beauty. Ino was pretty sure that beneath those baggy clothes was a very nice figure that any guy would fall over himself for. She took in her lavender jacket and traditional shinobi wear. Her hair was straight and just lying around her shoulders. Yes, there was definitely a lot of work that needed to be done. Hinata shifted on the stool she was sitting on. Under Ino's intense gaze she felt even more subconscious.

"When do you leave?" she asked.

"T-tomorrow morning."

"Kami, then we need to get started. Alright first make a clone to go pack your things and then me and you are going shopping. We still have an hour before the stores in the shopping district close but we'll have to run!"

Before Hinata could allow herself time to think, Ino had pulled her to her feet and was ushering her towards the door. "Well come on then! We have a lot to do!" And so began the night of chaos.

AN: There you have it chapter 2. Let me know if I spelled any words incorrectly. I have a hard time with spellings, particularly the Japanese words. I hope you enjoyed Chapter 2. Please read and review!