Sakura rolled her eyes for the third time in under fifteen minutes. "Yes, mother." She muttered as she grabbed the proffered bag. She swung the woven grocery bag over one shoulder as she headed out the door. A trip to the store was a poor excuse to escape, though it didn't help when her mother suddenly decided she needed some things too.

"And don't forget to bring back the right kind of rice this time." Haruno Tanshi called out from the kitchen. "The last time the rice wasn't sticky enough and my dessert was ruined. Sweet rice isn't hard to make, but only if you have the right ingredients! Embarrassed me no end to my company, Uhiya never lets a moment pass when she doesn't say something snide about it!"

"Yes mother." Sakura grumbled as she opened the door. Though inner-Sakura was yelling and wondering why her mother hadn't noticed the rice was the wrong kind BEFORE she started cooking her dessert. And why her mother was friends with Uhiya anyway, if she didn't like her in the first place.

Her mother wasn't through yet, though. Tanshi stuck her head out of the kitchen into the hallway, her perfectly coiffed pink hair in stark contrast to her daughter's more casual style. "I do wish you'd take more of an interest in cooking." She said with a sharp frown, having had this argument many times before with her stubborn daughter. "It's such a womanly art. Not like those knives you throw around. No man wants a girl who isn't womanly. Can't you be more feminine?"

"Kunai." Sakura corrected automatically, but without heat. She knew better than to argue the point. In fact, she was fairly certain her mother always seemed to 'forget' the proper word for the staple weapon of ninja just out of spite. "Kiba likes me just fine the way I am." She muttered as she slid out the door.

Tanshi though, would not let her daughter have the last word. She raced to the door, her voice freezing cold to match the weather outside. "That boy is NOT a proper suitor. He has fangs of all things! And what is with those markings on his cheeks? That clan is a menace I tell you! Do you know they bring their dogs with them everywhere they go? It's just not clean! You'll come down with fleas, I promise you!"

Embarrassed, Sakura ignored the few people passing by as she turned to give her mother a hard stare. At least the sun had already set and she couldn't see their faces. "At least I can get a boyfriend, or are you just afraid I'll get married and you'll be left here all alone?"

Tanshi drew up stiffly, drawing in a shocked breath. Sakura didn't usually talk back like this.

Sakura though wasn't done. She grinned widely and winked at her mother with a jaunty air that belied her inner temper. "And I LIKE the fangs, mother. They make kissing Kiba soooo much more exciting!" The pink-haired kunoichi announced to her mother, and the world in general. Though only Tanshi really seemed to be paying any attention.

"We'll talk about this later, young lady!" Tanshi bit the words off harshly as she glared at her only child and closed the door of the house with a hearty and unfeminine slam.

Sakura winced, knowing that she'd pay for her impertinence later. She sighed and let her shoulders slump a bit. It wasn't that she didn't love her mother, she really did. It's just …Tanshi's snide remarks about Kiba were really starting to rankle. She hadn't always been like this, Sakura wondered just when her mother's attitude had started to sour.

"Bad day?" The sympathetic voice startled Sakura, who spun quickly.

"Yeah." The pink-haired kunoichi nodded, relaxing as Ino walked over to join her. She shivered as she pulled her heavy cloak more closely around her. "It's too cold for March, even for nighttime."

Ino shrugged. "This is Konoha remember? Besides, I love snow. I hope it gives us one more good snowfall before winter ends."

"It'll be warmer in Suna, a lot warmer. Probably no snow at all in the desert." Sakura grinned at her blonde friend. "Think you'll be able to handle it?"

Ino grinned and shrugged as she led the way down the street. "Our original three months will be over soon. Gaara said he'd come back, and Tsunade was just making sure that I have real feelings for him. So …My guess is that I'll be heading out to Suna soon and I'll find out pretty darn quickly if I like it there."

"At least you'll have TenTen with you." Sakura nodded as the two girls entered a small café by mutual consent.

Ino pursed her lips as the two girls hung up their heavy woolen cloaks and made their way to an empty table. She waited until they'd ordered some hot tea before continuing. "You think TenTen will stay in Suna?"

Sakura shrugged. "I don't know. Her original contract with them will run out, let's see …mid May? Do you think she likes it there enough to stay longer?"

Ino smiled softly and shook her head. "Wrong question. Do you think she loves Kankuro enough to stay in Suna even if she hates it there?"

Sakura leaned back and drummed the table with her fingertips a moment. "Are we still talking about TenTen? Or you?"

"Guilty." The blonde kunoichi smiled sheepishly. "I do love Konoha, and yet …I love Gaara too. I really, really do. But we've only really been dating a very short time. If we're together a lot, will it stay the same? Will I start to get on his nerves? Once the newness of our relationship wears off, of course."

Surprised, Sakura felt her eyes widening. "What if he gets on your nerves instead? Why assume that he'll be the restless one?"

Ino blushed slightly as she let the waiter set out their order for them, then sighed happily as she took her first sip of tea. "Do they have the same tea brands in Suna?"

"Don't change the subject." The other girl scolded. "What's wrong?"

"Technically?" Ino sighed, "Nothing. Everything is going right. But …Sakura, what if Gaara doesn't like me after I go to Suna for a while?"

"I thought you said he loved you?" Sakura asked breathlessly, appalled at the insecurity in her friend's eyes.

Ino gave a harsh laugh. "He does. Like and love are different. I'm sure he loves me, and I'm doubly sure I love him. But …what if I start to …annoy him? What if I drive him away? Like Sasuke or Shikamaru?"

"First of all, you did not drive Sasuke away. He left for his own reasons." Sakura hissed, annoyed because she'd thought the same thing of herself for a long time.

Ino shook her head. "No, before that. He never really looked at me. I drove him away from me, not from Konoha."

"Oh." Sakura took a deep breath and shrugged. "I still say we blame that on him. I mean, he had two gorgeous kunoichi ready and willing to love him and he turned away for his own reasons. I'm not sure he was capable of loving at all. So, no …you can't count that one."

"Tsk, fine." Ino brushed off the argument with a wave of one graceful hand as she frowned. "There's always Shikamaru."

"Nope. You still lose." Sakura smiled sadly. "You chased him, but you didn't chase him away. You caught him! You just didn't know that Temari had caught him already. In fact, if Temari hadn't been in the picture you two might be betrothed by now. Just like Hinata and Chouji."

"Bite your tongue." Ino gave a shudder. "I love Shikamaru, but my feelings for Gaara show me that I'm not IN love with Nara, nor ever really was. He's my friend. Too bad I didn't know the difference until now."

Sakura pulled a face. "You'll be fine in Suna. But I'll miss you around here. Who else understands like you do when I vent about my mother?"

Ino frowned and sighed in sympathy. "I caught the tail end of that. Sorry." Then the blonde leaned in to whisper. "So, tell the truth. How is it kissing a guy with fangs?"

o.o.o.o.o

Hinata hurried through the streets, peering in café windows. Sakura's mother had been very sweet when she explained that her daughter wasn't home. She said she'd seen her meet up with Ino through the window and had guessed the two had gone out for tea.

Looking through one restaurant window assured her that the duo wasn't there, when Hinata suddenly paused. "No." She smiled, turning back to look again. Sure enough, she'd seen what she'd thought she'd seen. "Oh!"

Blushing, she moved onto the next café.

o.o.o.o.o

Shikamaru sank lower in his seat. He'd known this would be troublesome, but he'd had no idea just it would be this bad. Vainly, Shikamaru looked to his father for support, but the older Nara wouldn't meet his eyes.

"Leeks are very healthy for growing children." Yoshino said, still looking upset that her son hadn't come home today with the right things from her list. And she looked none too pleased with what, or who, her son HAD come home with.

Yugao gave a tight-lipped smile. "Potato and olive pie with leeks is not something most children appreciate."

Shikamaru's mother smiled and dished up a second helping onto Yugao's plate, though the kunoichi hadn't finished what she'd already been served. "Children," Yoshino stressed, "don't always know what's best for them." She said pointedly, shooting the blue-haired woman a sharp stare.

"Oh?" Yugao asked brightly.

"Yes." Yoshino smiled smugly as she shook out her napkin and took her seat. "Children often bring home strays …" She paused meaningfully, "Oh, I meant to say, strange ideas for eating habits. They'd eat nothing but junk if given a chance. A good parent curbs these impulses and offers more healthy fare."

Shikamaru groaned and wondered vaguely if there was any chance of escape.

o.o.o.o.o

Hinata didn't bother with greetings as she finally found Sakura and Ino. Shyness didn't even raise its ugly head in her desperation. "Help me." The purple-haired kunoichi begged as she slid into a chair at their table.

"What's wrong?" Ino looked around, but couldn't see anyone or anything that could cause this kind of reaction.

"There's going to be a parade." Hinata blushed hotly and dropped her head into her hands.

Sakura reached over and tugged on the Hyuuga girl's hair. "What?"

Ino's eyebrows rose as she whistled. "Like a betrothal parade, like the nobles do?"

Hinata nodded, though she didn't raise her head. Her wail of despair was lost in her hands.

The pink-haired girl grinned and shook her head. "They're not common with betrothals in ninja clans, but not unheard of either. Especially with your social standing, and Chouji is his clan's heir after all."

Hinata mumbled something unintelligible, making both the other girls sigh. Ino reached over and grabbed Hinata's hands, pulling them away from her burning red face. "What's so wrong?"

"I'm going to be on displlllaaaaay!" Hinata bit her lower lip to stop her wail from escalating in an embarrassing manner. "Everyone will be staring at me!"

"You're the bride, they're supposed to stare." Ino asked, totally at sea. Being the center of attention was like air to her, necessary for living. She didn't understand the Hyuuga girl's natural reticence. "Is there going to be a huge party after the parade?"

"Yeeesssss!" Moaned a despondent Hinata. "Father already laid out a huge sum for me to go shopping. It's going to be completely traditional, so I have to wear the full kimono and everything." A tear slipped down her soft cheek.

"Ahhh …." Sakura grabbed a napkin and handed it to her friend. "It won't be that bad."

Ino's mind was running at full speed. "Are we invited?"

Hinata nodded, not saying anything even as Sakura kicked the blonde under the table. Giving Ino a look that said 'you're not helping!'

Ino shrugged. "Well, I mean if we're invited, then perhaps we can be there with you. Hold your hand. Sort of like attendants."

Sakura settled back, giving her long-time friend an apologetic smile. "Actually, that's a good idea."

"Oh would you?" Hinata asked breathlessly, hope flaming alive in her chest. "Please?"

Ino deflated a bit. "I should be in Suna by then …", she patted Hinata's hand as the other girl caught her breath. "But I can request to be back for your engagement party, er … parade."

Sakura nodded. "The Hyuuga-Akimichi wedding will be the highlight of the year, trust me. Perhaps we can even get Gaara, Kankuro, and TenTen here too. And Temari should still be around."

Hinata let out her pent-up breath, nodding as she pushed back her long hair behind her ears. "Can you help me pick out the right ensemble?"

Ino's eyes sparked with interest. "Are you kidding?"

Hinata shook her head, a small smile playing around her lips. "Please?"

Sakura groaned as Ino grabbed some extra napkins and started making lists. "You just made Ino's day, trust me."

"Oh!" Hinata smiled shyly, then peered over at Ino. "I think I can do you one better, make your day twice over. Want some prime, juicy news?"

"You're pregnant?" Ino teased in an off-hand manner.

Hinata's hands flew to her belly in shock. "No!" She denied quickly.

Sakura laughed, shaking her head. "Don't do that to her, Ino! You know Hinata is playing by the rules, even if Kiba thinks you're not."

Ino's face flamed and she looked back down at her list intently.

Sakura caught her breath. "So, Kiba was right. You have been playing naughty." She turned to Hinata, nudging her with her shoulder. "I guess that just leaves me and you who haven't broken the 'no sex' rule."

Hinata's face flamed as she looked down at her hands, unable to form a denial especially as she'd be lying.

Sakura stilled, staring at her two friends. "Noooo …." She whispered.

"What?" Ino looked up and caught Sakura staring at Hinata. She took in the absolutely burning red visage of their Hyuuga friend and smiled wildly. "Way to go, Hinata!"

Hinata buried her head in her hands again.

"How could you?" Moaned Sakura. "Either of you!"

"Oh don't be such a prude. Hinata's engaged and I'm sure she waited until then at least." Ino smiled brightly as she defended the two of them. "And I'm in love. And he was leaving."

The purple-haired girl moaned but nodded even as she kept her face hidden from view.

"I'm not a prude." Hissed Sakura as she kicked Ino beneath the table again.

The blonde frowned, rubbing her aching shin. "Stop that. And why are you so upset? This isn't like you."

Sakura groaned and rolled her suddenly tensed neck muscles. "Look, I'm not ready yet. I love him, and yes, I want him. Just …not yet. I don't know, I guess I'll just know when it's right."

"So? That's okay." Ino said, and Hinata lowered her hands to look everywhere but at the two of them even as she nodded in agreement.

"C….Chouji and I are engaged." Hinata finally whispered almost defensively.

Sakura's voice melted as she quickly hugged the purple-haired girl. "You're fine. It's just ….Kiba was a bit miffed about Gaara, Shino, and Kankuro having ...well, you know. And I …well, I was grateful to point out that Hinata was making Chouji wait too."

"How would Kiba know?" Ino huffed. "How did dog-boy know about me and Gaara?"

Hinata though, knew her teammate well. Her eyes widened comically. "He senses things. Heartbeats, smells, sweat. He's very intuitive."

"Yeah." Sakura moaned. "And I don't need him pressuring me right now. Dealing with my mother is bad enough. And Tsunade has me on surgical rotation this month. I … just do me a favor, Hinata? Avoid Kiba for a while? I don't need him getting upset that he's the odd man out on this 'no sex' thing."

"Kiba's not pushy." Hinata defended her friend, then blushed lightly. "Well, yes he is, but he won't pressure you. Well …" She bit her lip as even she realized that yes, Kiba would. "He doesn't mean badly."

Sakura grinned. "I know, and I wouldn't want him any other way. I like it when he puts his hands on me. But if he finds out that every one of our group has been intimate but him, then he's going to be unreasonable."

Hinata blushed again as Ino nodded. "I can't avoid him, he's my teammate." The Hyuuga sighed.

"I know, and I don't want you to lie. Just avoid the discussion. Try not to meet him and Shino after …well, you know." Sakura almost begged.

Hinata shrugged, highly uncomfortable with the discussion. "Look, can we change the subject? Please?"

"Sure." Sakura straightened up, then grinned. "So what were you going to tell us before we got sidetracked?"

The long-haired kunoichi first looked startled then smiled shyly. "Well, you'll never guess who I saw out eating dinner together. In a romantic setting. Gazing into each other's eyes."

"Who?" Ino asked, her interest pricked.

"Gai and Shizune." Hinata whispered, her eyes sparkling merrily.

Two fangirl squeals filled the small café as they hounded the long-haired kunoichi for further details.

o.o.o.o.o

Gai frowned as he perused the wine list. He looked over the menu at Shizune and smiled. "Thank you, lovely blossom, for allowing me more than ten words each hour."

"It's a trial thing." Shizune smiled at him. "And only for dinner. If all goes well, I might consider rescinding the challenge."

He put down the menu, puzzled. "But why? You are like a foreign bloom, full of youth and beauty and yet mysterious. Why would you feel the need to give me such a challenge? NOT, of course, that I would EVER back down from a challenge!" His voice started to rise alarmingly. "Explain this to me, for I am lost! Lost as a sailor upon the vast expanses of the ocean without the loveliest star in the universe to guide him!

Shizune stared at him, saying nothing. He waited, and when she didn't respond he settled back in his chair. "Shizune?"

"Oh, so now you know my name?" She said a bit snippily, looking around the restaurant. "Gai? I thought you gave lessons to Neji on dating?"

"I did!" Gai perked up. "I was very successful in guiding my young student, though not technically my student any longer. Except in the art of romance which …"

"Shut up." She said, not unkindly. "Or I'll put you back on word restrictions."

Gai stopped and looked at her. He grinned, not the least cowed by her words. "Even the loveliest blossoms on the tree of life often carry thorns. The harder to pluck the flower, the more satisfying the …"

"Finish that sentence and I leave." Shizune told him coolly, her eyes showing her temper. Finally she sighed. "Gai, look to your left. What do you see?"

Complying, the Mighty Green Beast of Konoha looked, and smiled brightly. "Neji and his date. The lovely Inuzuka lass." He paused, and eyed Shizune speculatively. "Why?"

"Do you see him standing up and spouting words at her at the top of his voice? Do you see him not letting her speak?"

Gai flushed slightly. "Is that the problem my blooming lotus? That I don't allow you a chance to speak?"

Shizune nodded, then shook her head. "No, look at them. Look at Neji and Hana, what are they doing?"

"Oh!" Gai slapped his forehead as he grabbed her hand. "I apologize! I did not realize that you wanted me to hold your hand like this. I wanted to give you space as you seemed almost skittish up until now!"

"No!" Shizune sighed, pulled on her hand but when he didn't let her go she didn't resist. "Gai? They're talking. She talks, then he talks, then back again. It's called a conversation."

Gai frowned and rubbed his thumb absently over her knuckles in a soft caress. Shizune caught her breath at the sensual feel of it and sighed.

Finally, he looked over the table at her. "I only want to impress you." He said simply.

Her heart skipped a beat as she looked at him. She squeezed his hand and smiled softly. "Gai? Why do you want to see me? Is it merely to beat Kakashi at yet another challenge?"

"No, for even I have noticed the copy ninja does not chase after you." Gai sighed dramatically, though his voice didn't rise this time. "I do not understand why though, for you are a prize beyond measure."

A blush tinted her cheeks as she reminded herself at how important this date was, for if this one failed then she could not afford to risk her heart on another. "And why do you seek to marry me? You don't know me very well at all. And I heard that I was not first on the choice of this challenge anyway."

Gai sighed and looked away, though he did not let go of her hand. He eyed Neji and Hana and shook his head. "Perhaps I should have sought lessons from my own students before beginning this courtship. Perhaps I have allowed my pride to carry me away." Gai stood, pulling her up with him. "If you want me to leave I will! If you want me to climb a mountain for you to show the depths of my regards for you, I will do that too!"

Shizune stopped breathing as he dropped to his knees before her.

"I have hurt you and that was not my intent! Please, please allow me to show you that I value you and your friendship higher than my own pride." Gai begged her as Shizune turned nearly as red as Hinata could.

"Get up!" She hissed, tugging on her hand.

"What would you have of me?" Gai continued unabated. "It is true that at the beginning of the challenge I was focused more on beating my eternal rival. But as I pursued you, I came to realize that you were a gem! A jewel whose beauty rivals that of the sun above us!"

"Get up! Please, get up!" Shizune begged desperately as every eye in the restaurant was now focused on them. "Gai, please! You're embarrassing me!"

Gai stood, but instead of stopping he stared directly into her eyes and captured both of her hands in his. His dark gaze boring deep into her marrow as he spoke. "You have no reason to be embarrassed. You are beauty, strength, and brilliance personified. Until this challenge I never realized just how much you do for this village. Just how much you hold the highest office we have to a standard of excellence. Until I began watching you, I had no idea just how much beauty you hold away from the world, hiding behind papers and schedules."

Shizune started to feel faint.

"I began courting you out of the wrong reasons, yes I will admit to my mistakes as any true man should. A strong man can face his own shortcomings, and then overcome them." Gai stared directly into her eyes, his words writing themselves on her rapidly beating heart. "But I continued this courtship for my own selfish reasons. If I can not have you, then I will have no other. For you have captured the Mighty Green Beast of Konoha and hold him in the palm of your strong, yet delicate hand."

Many oohs and ahhhs filled the restaurant. From their table, Neji watched with wide eyes as Hana wiped a tear from hers. A woman across from them slapped her husband's arm and loudly demanded why he didn't treat her like that!

Shizune? She gasped for a breath, felt her head spin and fell against Gai. He gallantly swept her into his arms and carried her from the restaurant as several patrons stood and clapped, cheering.

Neji groaned and turned back to his own date. Hana grinned at him. "So? Think you can sweep me off my feet, Hyuuga?"

Neji shook his head at her, his lips thin.

She grinned and looked at him coyly. "You do, and we can move on to advanced kissing."

o.o.o.o.o

Yugao looked pointedly around the table, then frowned deliberately.

"Is something the matter?" Yoshino asked, her nose in the air.

"No, no ...of course not." Yugao answered with a small smile. "It's just ...never mind."

Shikamaru was so tense he thought he might break into two pieces. He almost prayed the village would be invaded so that he'd have a good reason to leave the table. Again he looked to his father, and again Shikaku looked away, offering no support. "Coward." Shikamaru muttered.

"What was that, son?" Yoshino asked, her eyes snapping to her only child.

"Nothing." Came the bored response, although the boredom was actually an act at this point. All Shikamaru wanted to do was to leave. Troublesome women. They could have each other.

"Do you have wet cloths? Or a cleansing bowl?" Yugao asked, then clapped her hand over her mouth like she'd made a huge social gaffe. "Oh, I'm sorry. It's just ...I'm used to eating at nice establishments who follow proper etiquette."

Yoshino's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Are you saying that my hostess skills are less than exemplerary?"

"Oh, of course not." Yugao said in a tone of voice that clearly stated that that was exactly what she meant.

Forget invasion, Shikamaru started praying for an earthquake to swallow him whole. Just as long as it swallowed him alone and didn't trap him with these two troublesome women forever. Alone. He shuddered at the very thought.

o.o.o.o.o

Naruto finished his bowl of ramen as he waited for Ayame's shift to end. They were going to the movies tonight. He was fairly bouncing with impatience as he looked at the clock again. "They say that in the previews they'll be showing a first look at the new action blockbuster." He said for nearly the thousandth time.

Ayame giggled and wiped down the ramen counter, she snuck a look at her father and found his attention elsewhere. Grinning she blew Naruto a kiss, sort of a promise for more kisses to come later that evening.

"Ohayo!" Kiba called out as he slid onto one of the stools at the counter.

"Hey!" Naruto grinned at the dog-nin, then smiled down at the nin-dog. "Hey Akamaru!"

The huge white dog 'woofed' in greeting as he settled at Kiba's feet.

"We're going to go see that new movie, they say there's gonna be a killer preview too." Naruto said, grinning so wide his teeth gleamed white even in the darkness. "You and Sakura going too?"

"Not tonight." Kiba pulled a face. "I was supposed to head out with Shino for a mission, nothing special. But our target missed his boat and won't be at the port until next week."

"So why don't ya grab Sakura and come out with us, it'll be fun." Naruto grinned and looked over at Ayame.

The pretty girl smiled and nodded. "We'd enjoy it, really." She'd been wanting to get to know Naruto's friends better and not just as ramen customers. Ayame felt that this was a way to get to know her boyfriend better, knowing his friends and all. She'd known she'd had a crush on him, but now that they were dating she was starting to realize just how wonderful Naruto really was.

"Maybe next time." Kiba sighed, then sneezed.

"Oh! Someone's talking about you." Ayame teased him lightly.

"Probably Sakura." Kiba grinned. "When I found out I'd be free tonight, I went to find her. Her mother was …less than forthcoming, but I was able to track her down. She's hanging with Hinata and Ino right now. Girl stuff, I guess."

Naruto shook his head at Kiba. "Hey, it's not like Sakura knew you'd be able to get a free night. She probably still thinks you've left for your mission."

Kiba grinned. "I know, I left her a note so we can meet up tomorrow. I just didn't want to interrupt, you know? The girls all looked so cozy. They're probably plotting something."

Ayame clucked her tongue at them both. "Hinata and Ino, right? Naruto, didn't you tell me Hinata just got engaged? They're probably discussing wedding stuff."

Kiba pulled a funny face as he laughed. "All the more reason to avoid them tonight!"

Naruto nodded, earning a slight frown from his girlfriend, though she wasn't really upset with him. "Hey! I know!" The blonde snapped his fingers. "Come out with us anyway. It'll be fun."

Kiba nodded gratefully. "Cool."

"What are you two ruffians planning now?" Kakashi said from behind them, even managing to startle the excellent senses of both Kiba and Akamaru. Then placed two 'to go' orders for ramen.

"Just a movie." Naruto chuckled. "Want to come with us? It'll be fun."

Kiba laughed at them, shaking his head. "He can't come with us, he's got work to do."

"Oh?" Kakashi crinkled his visible eye. "And what would that be?"

"Beating Gai." Kiba grinned cheekily just as Ayame set his ramen order down in front of him. "On the way here, I saw him carrying Shizune out of a restaurant."

"Carrying her?" Naruto goggled. Even Kakashi blinked at that one.

Kiba paused as he broke apart his chopsticks. "Not only that, but while I watched them leave Neji came out of the same place, carrying my sister."

Naruto stared at him a moment, then groaned madly. "You're having me on. Damn Kiba, you had me going for a moment."

"Seriously." Kiba grinned and laughed. "I would have checked on Hana, but she was laughing and had her arms around the Hyuuga. Didn't look like she wanted me to interfere."

"Probably not." Kakashi said dryly, smiling beneath his mask. "Dare I say you'll use this information against her at a future time though?" He turned to look out across the street, as if casually.

"Oh, you bet!" Kiba laughed outright.

Suddenly, something caught Naruto's attention. He turned to stare at Kakashi, who in turn, stared back. "What?" The copy ninja asked.

Naruto shook his head, then looked across the street at where Kakashi had been looking. He didn't see …. Hmmmm?

"Here's your order, sir." Ayame said shyly, handing Kakashi his 'to-go' orders.

Naruto turned to watch Kakashi leave, his mind spinning. "Who is Kakashi eating with tonight?"

Kiba shrugged. "I don't know."

"He asked for TWO orders of ramen." Naruto frowned.

Ayame shook her head and shrugged. "You sometimes eat two bowls at dinner."

"That's when I've been training really, really hard or skipped a meal." Naruto mused. He turned to look at Kiba. "I thought he winked at someone across the street."

Kiba shook off the moment, concentrating on his food. Then he stopped, chopsticks in his mouth as his eyes widened. Slowly, he swallowed and turned to Nartuo. "You know, I can always tell who is seeing whom. I can smell it on them. But …with jounin like Kakashi, they can mask even those scents with chakra. I really don't know who he's seeing. I never really thought about it before."

"Wait here." Naruto said before racing across the street. He hadn't seen any hot looking women, but he wanted a closer look. Oh, if he could find out who Kakashi was interested in, oh the bragging rights he would win over Sakura, Sai and even Sasuke! He grinned, but that smile faded as he realized he had no clue.

He stood at the bookseller's right across from the ramen stand and sighed. He turned and saw Iruka browsing the new release section. "Oh! Iruka-sensai?"

"Yes, Naruto?" The man looked up with a smile. "How are you?"

"Oh, I'm good. But …did you see any hot looking women over here?"

Surprised, Iruka looked around and shrugged. "I'm afraid I wasn't paying attention. I thought you had a girlfriend though?"

Naruto blushed slightly. "Oh! Not for me, for someone else." He replied blithely. "I thought I saw Kakashi flirt with someone over here, but I must have been mistaken. Sorry to interrupt! Gotta go!"

Iruka was glad the blonde took off as quickly as he did, and missed the small stain of red on his cheeks as he turned back to the book section.

o.o.o.o.o

Haruno Tanshi stared at the note Kiba had left for her daughter. She was tempted to open it. She was tempted to destroy it. But those actions would be ...wrong.

Yet ...the thought of her daughter stuck with a ninja for the rest of her life made her want to throw up. Oh sure, she'd supported Sakura's decision back at the beginning, but she'd been naive then. Back then Tanshi had not known of all the dangers that went along with a kunoichi way of live.

Oh sure, she'd known that being a ninja wasn't easy. The shinobi and kunoichi were treated with reverence and respect within the village. She'd even wanted that for her daughter when Sakura had first approached her and her husband about the idea.

But then ...then had come that damned invasion from the Sand and Sound villages. Sakura had nearly died. Tanshi's unease with the kunoichi way of life had started then, as she realized how close she'd come to losing her baby. But then, a few years later the Haruno family had suffered a loss. Tanshi's husband had died from a sudden and massive heart attack. Even the best of medical care couldn't save him.

Life changed then. Tanshi sighed as she picked up Kiba's note. Oh how she wished Sakura would give up on being a ninja! She wished heartily that her daughter would become a civilian and marry a local merchant's boy. Then Tanshi could have her with her always, and there would be grandchildren! But ...but as a kunoichi, Sakura could die at any time. Every mission could be her last.

How could she bear it without her baby? It was bad enough to lose her husband, but ...without Sakura what would life be? Tasting the bitter ashes of her actions, Tanshi tore up Kiba's note as she silently apologized to them both. Still. She had a daughter to protect.

And the life of a ninja was no life at all. Tanshi closed her eyes and ignored her own tears. She knew tearing up one note wouldn't stop them from seeing each other. But what if Sakura did manage to live and have a family? With Kiba? Then he died on one of his missions? No, she didn't want her daughter to face the same pain of loss as she had.

Firming her chin, Tanshi stood. She needed to make Sakura see reason and quit this unnatural lifestyle.

But how?

o.o.o.o.o

Well? Hope you liked the chapter! It's a little longer than usual for me, but I'm getting ready for my move this week. Don't know when I'll have a chance to get back on-line. Hopefully by the end of the week, I'm crossing my fingers!

As always, I'm addicted to REVIEWS. Please support my addiction. LOL!