Standard disclaimer applies.

This chapter is a start to something different, a start of a new idea, a new beginning for Sakura. I am going to begin slowly opening her up to the possibility of a relationship with Kakashi.

It's probably high time, but, as all authors, I am not completely satisfied about how I am introducing the subject. Sakura is pretty dense regarding our darling Copy Ninja. Good thing her dear, ole' pal Ino has a knack for reading people.

As always,
Enjoy!

Slightly Inappropriate

An important conversation, that's what Ino said she wanted to have. Of course, hindsight was a hell of a thing.

Sakura should have realized that an important conversation for Ino was, in reality, not very important at all. Enlightening at times, humorous at others, her conversations were nevertheless irrelevant, wasteful activities.

"Sakura," the blond sang a little too nicely when she opened door. Sakura shivered stepping in and wondered if it was a bad omen. "It's been too long since we've last talked."

Wishing she had a watch so she could look down at it impatiently, Sakura sighed rubbing her eyes. "Pig, we saw each other yesterday. Remember you abandoned me with Kakashi and didn't pay your bill?"

"Oh, I'm sure you kids had a great time." Ino waved her off. There was an unholy gleam in her blue eyes. "How did it go?"

"What do you mean how did it go?" Sakura answered slowly trying to think of a good excuse to leave. She had a bad feeling about this conversation.

"You and Kakashi," Ino pushed passing Sakura a beer. "You two talk about anything interesting?"

"Why are you so interested?" Sakura said a little defensively. Ino's smile widened. It reminded Sakura of the time Ino found her mother's cosmetics box when they were kids.

"Can't I be interested in what my friends talk about?" The blond countered.

Sakura raised her brow. "Why are you interested now?"

"Can't you answer just one question without another question?" Ino's voice lost some of its placidity.

"Why are you asking so many questions?"

Ino seemed to suddenly switch tactics. "Do you like anyone right now, Sakura?"

"What the hell, Pig? First, you ask weird questions about Kakashi and now you want to know if I like anyone. If I didn't know any better I'd say that…" Sakura rolled her eyes. "You're crazy, Ino. That's not going to happen."

"You're avoiding the question." Ino accused.

"I'm avoiding pointless, thoughtless questions, yes." Sakura growled back. She didn't like the tight feeling in her chest whenever she thought of Kakashi, her ex-sensei, in that particular light.

The blond shrugged. "There is no such thing as a pointless question, my dear. I think you're hiding something."

"Really…" Sakura couldn't believe this conversation was happening. Ino's mind was an intricate labyrinth of ridiculousness.

"You don't even think he's attractive?" Ino began again.

Sakura rolled her eyes. "I'm not blind, Ino." Not that she was about to say that blindness was lifted only somewhat recently…because of special lighting. That sounded dumb.

"So you like him then."

"NO!"

Sakura bit her lip. At least, she hoped she didn't.

She hated Ino's important conversations. Nothing came from them except self-doubt, self hatred, and, more than likely, for some helpless person, STDs.