Chapter 5

Revised January 14, 2007

It is amazing what a couple days of clarity could bring. With Sasuke by her side Sakura could almost believe everything would be alright. As she sat at her kitchen table, drinking coffee; she giggled, who would have believed of all people, Sasuke would be helping through a personal crisis. As she stared at her little checklist, it dawned on her, the one task she needed to accomplish no matter what was number three. Getting together two clueless idiots, Naruto and Hinata.

"I can't do it alone, I'm definitely going to need help!" Quickly running through the names of would be accomplices, and only one name came to mind, KIBA! He was Hinata's closest friend and team mate. Kiba had always made fun of the fact Hinata would turn cherry red when he came around. Kiba knew Naruto was a good guy and wouldn't break Hinata's heart.

With her mind made up, she set out for "Operation Fools Love." Before leaving she scribbled a quick note for just in case her keeper come calling:

MEETING WITH KIBA, PROMISE TO BE A GOOD GIRL AND MAKE GOOD CHOICES! SAKURA

Looking out the window she noticed Kiba walking Akamaru, taking the chance to catch him off guard she yelled, "HEY KIBA GET YOUR ASS UP HERE NOW!" Kiba smiled and decided to hurry; Sakura was known for her loud mouth and not shutting up until she got what she wanted.

"So what's the story, no bars or clubs; are you giving up the party life?" asked Kiba, "You were the talk of the town. What is that infamous Sakura Haruno going to do next?" he continued mocking her. "The last incident would be hard to top; I mean you were knocked out my former sensei."

"Nothing much, I needed to take a break after that little blunder with Neji, I am still feeling the fallout, huh?" blushed Sakura.

"Correct my little lush, since news of your little scandal broke, people have been talking about it nonstop, I mean it is not everyday a prodigy gets drunk and tries to pick a fight with an elite jounin like Kakashi and almost has sex with the Hokage's apprentice. I have to admit your reputation has grown quite scandalous. There is even chat about what happen between us. Don't worry, I have taken some blame, but no worries. Speaking about the other night, you might want to stay clear of Tenten. She was quite pissed to find out second hand you almost bedded her crush. I heard that she was raving on about what she was going to do to you." Kiba added. "But no worries, team Gai is still out on the field."

"You're kidding; maybe she is the one to do me in!" Sakura joked. Kiba had a puzzled look, but shrugged off Sakura's comment. "Seriously Sakura, what is going on? You know you can talk to me?"

"I don't know, Kiba, I just going through a small crisis, and been examining my life so far?" spoke Sakura.

"And?"

"My life sucks, I spend too much time at work, keep waiting for a certain somebody to notice me, and because of this I have no repeat no love life!"

"Sakura, you have so many excellent qualities, you just need to live a little more, and the best part is we are young and allowed to make stupid mistakes, AKA trying to sleep with Neji. Furthermore, you have plenty of time to find yourself; you just need to figure out what makes you happy. I know you like working at the hospital and seeing a difference being made, but outside of that, what makes you happy."

Kiba's question hurt Sakura a lot more than she let on. She could not think of one thing that made her truly happy. Hanging out her friends, training, and working made her feel content, but she felt she was being left behind again. Her closest friends had someone to share the life experiences with. Ino had Shikamaru, and if her plan worked out Naruto and Hinata would be together. "Good question, Kiba, I'll have to get back to you that one!" she answered sadly.

"Well, you moping in this apartment won't help you out, come on happy hour is about to start, it will help to forget for awhile. Sometimes you find the answer when you stop looking."

"It is not even noon, and you want to drink, Kiba!" smiled Sakura. He knew this remark would be a rise in her. "Oh yea, that reminds me, remember that one time we talk about trying to get Hinata and Naruto together."

"Sort of, if I recall, both of them are so dense, it would be impossible task!"

"That is why I called up here, any ideas?" she said. "Well while you are thinking, let's get out of here! The walls are closing in on me!"

Before Kiba could answer, he noticed the note Sakura had written to Sasuke, he snickered, "Trying to avoid a person with the initials S.U.?"

"Not really, just not in the mood for his judgmental looks," responded Sakura, "Besides this has nothing to do with him."

"You sly girl, not to say I love gossip, but what happened between the two of you," grilled Kiba.

"Nothing, he been staying with me, the first night he watched over me, and made me breakfast the next morning, and I don't know, Kiba," she replied, "One moment he gives me his undivided attention, the next minute he is as cold as ice."

"I have a plan maybe we can kill two birds with one stone, all you have to do is trust me, okay?" said Kiba. "Come on, let's go to my house; I'll explain the details on the way. We take the long way, to avoid certain people."

"Lead the way, something tell me I am going to regret this anyway," muttered Sakura. "By the way Kiba, I am not sleeping with you just to get his attention!"

"Wouldn't dream on it, besides I have already told you, Sakura, you're not my type." replied Kiba, "No offense, but you're a walking disaster."

AN:

Sorry for the delay, it has be a crazy couple of months. My arm is better now. I have been working on all my stories, hopefully I can post them by this weekend.

Thanks to all your reviews, I know this was a short chapter, but the next chapter will be longer and posted tomorrow night. Let me you what you think, I know Kiba is a little OOC, and the rest of the gang will make an appearance soon!

Special Thanks to megamattxz for your ideas, I am working some of them into the story!

See Ya

Rae!