Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Naruto Shippuden or any of the characters named in this chapter.
She happily walked back inside with a smile. After all the twists and turns, she was finally going on a date with Sauske. Her joy had almost blinded her, singing old childhood songs and almost skipping, revealing what had just occurred. Without hesitation she twirled and stuck her arms out, she was still a klutz however and once again knocked over all the pens the assistants had just finished organizing once again.
They had all given her another death stare, to which Sakura sheepishly apologized. "I'm so sorry! I really am!" She quickly ran off to fine Ino, and further avoid their tantrum that was about to ensue.
"Ino, there you are? You couldn't wait for me to get my stuff back?" She asked once she entered into a medical office that they both shared along with other nurses. Noticing that she was oblivious to her question she peeked over and tried to see what she was up to. "What are you doing?"
"Ahh! You startled me."
"What is that? Are those medical records?"
"Shhhh! Not so loud billboard brow! Do you want everyone to know what we're doing?"
"We're?!"
"Well, I got a little bored waiting for you, and I presumed it was Sauske outside wanting to ask you on a date, so I just started looking through his medical records, you know, the juicy stuff."
"I'm not surprised, pig."
Ino playfully brushed off the name. "Let's see how well you know your future boyfriend, eh?"
"No. We shouldn't be doing this."
"How tall is he?"
Sakura answered robotically, she couldn't help it. "167 centimeters"
"Ouch, 168 actually."
"Give me another one!" She was a little upset that she had gotten it wrong, but she refused to show it.
"Weight?"
"52 kilograms." Her response was even quicker than before.
"Correct."
"I guess, one more couldn't hurt."
"You secretly like this."
"Shut up."
"Blood type?"
"Ummmmm….AB?"
"Congrats! You are a certified….Sauske stalker, but we already knew that."
"You were one also!"
"Yeah, but things change." She stuck her tongue out in victory.
"Quick! What's Shikamaru's favorite move while playing Shogi?"
"Duhhhh, obviously if it's against someone like me that doesn't know how to play he likes to use his lances, other times against more skilled opponents he always uses his rook to lead an attack." Ino said with normality.
"And you're a certified helicopter girlfriend!" She said laughing.
"No I'm not! Ughhh… you annoy me so much sometimes. Anyways.." She turned around and looked at her best friend. "Did he ask you?"
Sakura took a deep breath and revealed a smile.
"Ahhhhh! He did!"
"Technically I asked him. He was being all weird and jittery. I invited myself back to his place tonight after work and we'll see from there." Sakura's phone went off immediately after.
"Is it him?"
"No, my parents."
"Tell Auntie and Uncle I said "Hello!" Or give me the phone right after?"
Sakura answered it.
"Hey mom! How are you?"
Ino barely could make out the voices in the phone, something the "Gossip Queen of Konoha" has always done when bored.
Sakura continued to talk.
"That's good. I'm really glad you guys are going to start a new vegetable garden."
"…."
"Tonight?!"
"…"
"I mean I already made plans-"
"….!"
"I know family always comes first! But you guys just kinda decided on this at the last possible minute."
"!"
"Ok. Ok. OK MOM. I'll ask to see if they would like to have dinner with us. I got to go mom."
"?"
"Mom, I really got to go back to work. Oh, and Ino says "Hi!"
Ino stood right next to Sakura and blasted a "Hello!" next to her ear.
"…!"
"Ok. I'll be sure to relay the message to her as well. Love you, mom. Bye." Once clicking the phone she slumped over her chair and blew out a heavy breath of frustration.
"What happened?" Ino asked curiously.
"My parents want to have dinner tonight, at MY house." She huffed. "Can you believe that? Of all nights, tonight is the night they want to come over? What do I tell Sauske?" She rubbed one of her eyes in displeasure.
"Reschedule?"
"I don't want him to think I'm giving him the cold shoulder. I think I'm going to tell him to come over instead."
"Really? You don't think that'll scare him off?"
"Well…I mean I don't want to mess this up, and I'm sure he can handle it. By the way, my mother invited you and your mother over as well."
"Awesome! We'll be there. I'll walk with you after our shift is over and help you set up the table and what not."
"Sounds like a plan."
After their work day had ended, the girls had walked home to help prepare the meal and the house. Sakura had decided that she was going to make lamb chops, and proceeded to. Carefully she sliced the meat, placing it in the oven, while it marinated with the juices and spices of the other ingredients. Ino had cleaned up some of Sakura's house, adding some flowers to spruce up the appearance, while also vacuuming a bit.
"Sakura, I'm going to go back to my apartment, I forgot to bring my clothes, I'll be right back. The table is already set; do you want me to bring a bouquet for the table?"
"If it's not too much trouble."
"Ok. Be right back."
Ino had walked out, leaving Sakura alone for a bit. Reaching into her pocket, she had pulled out her phone and scrolled down the list of contacts until she found the man she was looking for.
"Hello?" He answered, he sounded dazed.
"Just finished taking a nap? I thought Shikamaru was the lazy one."
He chuckled a bit. "Sorry, my attention was preoccupied by something at the moment. What's up? Are we still down for tonight?"
"Yeah, but there has been a slight change of plans. Uhhh, do you think you can make it over to my house instead? My parents called and they wanted to have dinner with me, and I couldn't really say no to them."
"Wait, you want me to have dinner with your parents tonight?
"Well, not just my parents. Ino and her mom will be here too." She hoped he wasn't too freaked out.
Sauske silently cursed this situation he was presented. He looked forward to tonight until this was thrown at him. "Uhh, I'll see. No promises."
Sakura had a look of distaste on her face. "What do you mean, "No promises"? You either know or you don't. "
"I just don't feel that comfortable. I was hoping tonight would have been casual."
"But it is. It's just my parents." She said with hidden anger.
"What time is it going to be at?"
"Eight."
"Once again, I'll see." Sauske immediately clicked, he didn't want to hear pinkie's wrath.
Sakura had cursed the Uchiha's name once he clicked. She stared at the oven timer, and shrugged with disappointment. Moments later she heard Ino at the door.
"I'm back! I'll be upstairs changing if you need me. You should be getting changed soon as well. Oh, and I have someone delivering the bouquet to your house."
A few minutes later the Yamanaka came out and presented herself in the kitchen, wearing a blue and white floral dress that emphasized her curves.
"You look really pretty. I wasn't expecting a dress, I thought we we're going to go the casual route."
"Casual route!? You're having dinner with Sauske and you thought about dressing casually? You got to impress him! As for me, well I always have to keep up for appearances." She gave a devilish smile.
Sakura rolled her eyes and begrudgingly said, "I'm not so sure if Sauske is going to come. I told him about my parents and he freaked out." She sighed. "Whatever, it's not a big deal anyways." The Uchiha had always found a way to hurt her, even when he didn't mean to.
"You sure?" Ino asked, placing a hand on her hip. "Your face says otherwise."
It was true, for as long as she knew her best friend, she could always tell how she was feeling just by one glance, even during the years that Sakura broke off their friendship.
"I'll be ok. My parents didn't know who was coming to dinner anyways."
"Really? You never told your parents about Sauske?"
"Why would I? What was the point of telling them I had been in love with a guy who ignored me for most of my life? What about you?"
"My parents knew" She scoffed playfully. "They didn't say anything, thinking it was nothing more than a childhood crush, but my dad, being the control-freak that he was, always tried to nudge me to pick either between Shikamaru or Choji, the only boys he trusted."
"You didn't need much nudging did you?"
"I did need a bit, and Sai didn't help much either. As time went on, I guess I gradually developed feelings for Shika, maybe they were always there and I didn't realize it, who knows?" She said gleefully while washing her hands.
"Well I'm glad that you guys finally ended up together, between you and me I always had a thought that he was into you, like even when we were little. " Sakura replied, while taking out the lamb chops from the oven. She pulled out a knife and evenly began to slice them. "To be honest with you Ino, I don't even know why I'm doing this."
The doorbell rang.
The pink haired woman slammed down her fists in a rage. "Nope! Not going through with this. I'm not even dressed yet, nor am I in the mood to host it."
"Sakura! You can't just say that! C'mon! Go upstairs and get dressed. I'll take of the lamb."
The doorbell rang once more.
"Yup, I'm not going through with this."
"Yes you are! Mind-Transfer Jutsu!" Ino said before teleporting into Sakura. Her body fell to the floor.
"If you're not going to answer the door, I will." Exclaimed the blonde in her friend's body.
She ran open to open the door contemplating the guests were getting impatient. Her mouth dropped in surprise when it was revealed that it was merely a courier delivering the bouquet she had ordered.
"Here you go m—"The courier looked at her riddled with fear. He was silent and began to hyperventilate; his hands trembled as he needed a signature.
"Are- Are you okay?"
"Please! Please, don't hurt t me!"
"Hurt you? What the hell?" Ino thought to herself until she began to piece together all the hints. "OH! No! No! I'm not a murderer. "She laughed, which made her look deranged. "That girl that's unconscious on the floor is actually me! I'm in my friend's body." She continued to laugh at the circumstance, which didn't help her case. "This knife is bloody because I was just preparing dinner. Oh wait, well I was preparing lamb. I'm not a cannibal."
"LEAVE ME ALONE!" The man screamed and ran off, almost throwing the flowers at her in pure fear.
"Be careful! These are very delicate, you know! They're asters!" She slammed the door and paused for a brief second and began to laugh once more at the situation.
After a few more brief moments, she had returned back to her own body.
"Well that was interesting."
Sakura gave her a glare. "Let's just hope the cops don't show up. I'll be upstairs changing, I guess."
"Wear something pretty!" She said to her as she left the room.
Eventually she returned back to the kitchen in a red halted dress.
"So what do you think?"
Ino had been lazily flipping through a magazine until she was asked. "Woah! You took my advice."
"Well I figured I couldn't be showed up in my own home. Is everything set already?"
'Yup. Lamb chops were finished, and I arranged the bouquet on the table."
"You think he shows up? They'll be here any minute."
"He'll be an idiot if he doesn't." She smirked.
The two girls sat continued to hang around the kitchen, awaiting their tea that they had just begun to brew. Once finished they clinked glasses.
"Let's hope tonight goes well." Said Sakura.
Sakura's parent's soon entered the house with her father's boisterous nature, long hugs, and bad jokes, his presence had already been quickly established, along with her mother who often had to calm down her husand. Ino's mother had also made her way over, and began to talk with them as well.
"So who do I give my thanks to for this dinner that looks like a winner!" Sakura's dad began to laugh at his own joke.
"Hang in there, Sakura. Hang in the." She thought to herself, unsure of how much more she could take from her father's poor humor.
"Oh, shut it, Kizashi. Ine doesn't want to hear your jokes."
"No, it's quite fine Mebuki, really. One is blessed to hear humor every day."
"You see? Ine enjoys my jokes."
Ine had cleared her throat to speak. "Sakura, this lamb is delicious. Thank you for having me and Ino over."
"Thank you, Auntie. It wouldn't be dinner without you guys." She replied while giving a proper bow at the table.
"I must ask though, why is there an empty chair?"
"That's because Sakura had invited one of her friends over as well, but it appears something had come up at the last minute." Said Mebuki.
"I really like the bouquet you picked out for tonight, well chosen." Ine said to Ino.
"Thank you, mother."
A knock came from the door. Both girls turned their heads at each other.
"Do you think that's him?" Sakura mouthed in silence.
Ino replied with a shrug.
"I'll…get it." Sakura announced.
She had made her way through the door and checked through the peek hole. It was him. She quickly opened the door and hugged him and led him to the table.
"Everybody, this is my friend Sauske. He's a good friend of mine."
"Come, sit down. You must be hungry." Said Mebuke.
"I would but I also brought a bouquet. Give me just a second."
Sauske had rushed out and brought in a giant vase with bright flowers. It was so big, well…no one could actually see across the table.
"It's uh…beautiful. Thank you." Sakura said as she tried to figure out where Sauske was sitting.
"You're welcome." He said. Sakura still didn't know where he was and she felt like she was talking to a bush.
"So Sauske, where have I heard you name before?" Asked Kizashi.
"Well…I'm assuming that whoever is talking is Sakura's father."
"Yes."
"Well I'm an Uchiha."
A collective "Oh" was heard all across the table/bush/garden.
"That's interesting. Ino, how are things with the boys?"
"You mean Choji and Shikamaru, uncle?
"I meant your dating situation."
Ino froze at that question. It's not that she wasn't involved with Shikamaru, she just hadn't told her mom about it yet. Truth be told she wasn't quite sure of her opinion on the Nara. He was the guy that didn't say goodbye to her daughter and left, her mother knew that. Deep down inside though, she knew he was going through a lot at, and she still loved him like a son. She gulped and spoke.
"Well actually, I am dating Shikamaru." She hoped she made the right choice of words.
Ine raised an eyebrow and Ino felt the weight of her stare. Mebuki also caught sight of this and made an excuse to talk to her friend.
"Ine, would you accompany to powder my nose?" Her nonverbal cues made it clear that she wanted to talk.
"Of course, shall we?"
They stood up proceeded to head towards the bathroom
"What happened over there? Were you surprised that Ino's dating? She's eighteen."
"It's not that, it's who she's dating."
"Shikamaru? What's wrong with him? I know Inoichi would approve of it. He's a good kid, smart, strong background, responsible. I wish Sakura would have ended up finding a guy like him. This guy Sauske? I get this sense, that there is something he's trying to hide or something is off with him."
"I can't really help you on that one, but I sense something too."
"Glad I'm not the only one. Anyways, what's wrong with Shikamaru?"
"He's an outstanding kid. He's very bright, well-mannered around me, caring, strong, brave. Do you remember what happened to Yoshino?"
Her head lowered in sadness and nodded,
"That night, he ran away and left Ino. They were dating before for a short period, and I don't know it's not something I can just forgive so easily, you know? I watched him grow up, and I love him, and I'll never be able to experience the trauma that he's gone through, but that's my daughter. I'm a mother first."
Mebuki reassured her. "Your daughter is no weakling. She's smart, gorgeous, and nice. She could have the pick of the litter, yet she chose him. There is a reason for that. He must have returned home and made things right with her. She's in good hands, trust me."
A smile grew on Ine's face, realizing that it must have been true, that he came back and made it up to her daughter. "You're right." She said and hugged her friend. "You think our daughters are going to grow up and be like us?"
"Pffft. They can only dream." They both laughed and returned to the dinner table.
The feast went on, bottles were popped, glances were shown, some were returned, some were not.
Ino and Ine said their goodbyes and shared their appreciation. The mother and daughter were walking back to the apartment they shared together. A silence had clouded the sound.
"Sakura made a wonderful meal, wouldn't you agree?"
"Yes, it was. I helped her put the finishing touches on the chops."
"You did?" Ine sensed that her daughter was very cautious and silent towards her. "That dress you're wearing is very nice, where did you buy it?"
"The marketplace, a few days to be exact."
Ino stopped walking and looked at her mother. She had the look of a fawn experiencing its first winter.
"Mom, I'm really sorry for not telling you about Shikamaru." She lowered her head, expecting to feel the disapproving stare of her.
Her mother walked towards her and grabbed her hands. "Ino,-"
"No!" A silent sob had come out. "It's ok. You can think I'm so blonde tramp, that doesn't know what love is or anything, or that I'm wasting my time on him, you can-"
Ine was angered at the fact that her own daughter would talk about herself that way, so she slapped her.
"I'm sorry."
"No! You shouldn't be. And you shouldn't be talking about yourself that way! I'm perfectly fine with your choice. Shikamaru is a great man. Honorable, reliable, and he will always protect you. I'm mad that you put yourself down right now because you love him. Has anyone called you that? A tramp? If so, le me know and I'll have Shika or Choji rough them up."
Like mother, like daughter.
"No." She sniffled. "I just assumed that you wouldn't approve, because-"
"The past is the past, Ino! Look, I'm your mother and I will always love you no matter what. You are my marveling, intelligent, polite, and you have a lovingness that makes you so unique. Take Sakura for instance. When everyone shut her out when you guys were toddlers, you were the one that looked past it all and loved her, you nurtured her, and introduced her to your friends. Same as Shikamaru. You're always there for people, and you never give up on them. That's what makes you Ino. Now let's continue to walk. I'll make us tea when we get home, and I don't want to hear another word from you that isn't positive." She put a hand on her daughter's face and lifted it, when they made eye contact, she smiled at her daughter.
Ino smiled back and resumed to walk with her mother.
"So how is Shikamaru by the way, what is he up to?"
The conversation had continued with each step, fading into the night. Ino was smiling.
Meanwhile
"Bye mom. Bye dad." Sakura said as she finished waving. She closed the door and looked at the dirty table.
"Do you want some help?"
She jumped a bit, not realizing Sauske was still in her home.
"It's fine." She had begun to pick up the plates around the surface.
"I would be a bad guest if I didn't." And he began to pick up all the utensils.
They made pleasant small talk while they washed the dishes together.
"Do you want something to drink? I got sake, wine, tea."
"I'll take a bottle of sake."
Reaching into her refrigerator she noticed he was smiling at her.
"Here you go."
"What are you going to drink?" He asked, before taking a sip.
"I have some tea that I brewed a few hours back." She went back into the refrigerator and poured herself a glass. Walking over to her patio, she gave her dream-boy a long, seductive look. "Care to join me outside?"
Sauske took another swig of it and joined her.
"You cook well. Future wife material, I'll tell you that much."
"Well, I actually like my men who aren't afraid to turn up the heat in the kitchen.
Sauske leaned her over the guardrail and lifted one of her legs. Tracing her thighs with his fingers. "Who said I didn't know anything about turning up the heat?" He whispered.
She hesitated for a brief second, and connected with his lips.
A/N: I promised you all some Sauske and Sakura, so hope you enjoyed it. There are some things I wanted to clarify. When it came to Sauske's height and weight I was too surprised at how little everyone on the show is. The numbers astonished me as I scrolled through narutopedia. Also just to avoid any confusion. No, Sakura and Ino aren't cousins. I just used the way Ino referred to Sakura's parents in episode 271, because I wanted to emphasize how close they really are to each other. As always feel free to review, that's always greatly appreciated. Stay tuned for next chapter as we see what happens with Shikamaru. Fun fact, Ine means rice in Japan apparently, lol.
