A/N: Does KibaSaku mean victory for SasuIno?

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or anyone/thing in this story

Chapter: 2

A week and a half after Sabaku no Kankuro bought a bouquet of Heartsease from the Yamanaka Flower Shop, Ino found herself staring at the same bouquet as it dried upside down in Sakura's room. The two kunoichi had gone shopping for Tenten's upcoming birthday, and had gone back to Sakura's house to wrap their gifts.

"Sakura-chan," she smirked, "when did you come into the shop for flowers? I don't remember you buying any Heartsease."

Sakura glanced at the flowers and a light pink stained her cheeks.

"As a matter of fact," Ino continued studying her friend's face, "the only one whose bought a bouquet like that lately is Kankuro-san."

Ino noted that Sakura's eyes had widened at the name. The blonde sorted through the various gift wrap and bows, watching Sakura out of the corner of her eye. Forehead had made no comment regarding anything she'd said. That in itself was strange. Usually, having her name mentioned with anyone other than Sasuke caused Sakura's right eye to twitch. This time, there was no twitching.

"You know," Ino tried again, "Kankuro-san said he was buying them for a friend. I guess after someone saves your life you could consider them a friend." She leaned closer staring into her rival's green eyes. "A very, very, good friend."

"Maa na." Sakura shrugged as she wrapped a set of kunai with dragons engraved in the blades.

"I mean, when you come in looking for flowers that say 'You're in my thoughts', it would have to be a good friend, ne?" Ino shrugged moving in for the kill. "I bet Kankuro-san is pretty handsome without the makeup and the hood. You've seen him, do you think he's handsome enough to make a girl forget about Sasuke-kun?"

Sakura narrowed her eyes and took in the blonde's smirking face.

"I don't know Ino, he's not really my type." She spoke very slowly and very softly. "But I bet if you asked him nicely he'd be willing to show you his face and you can decide for yourself."

Ino's jaw dropped.

"Look Forehead, I know Kankuro-san bought those flowers for you. The least you could do is acknowledge his kindness, it's not like anyone else has ever bought you flowers!"

"You're wrong as usual Ino-Pig!" Sakura countered, "Kankuro-san may have bought them, but he didn't give them to me, Kiba-kun did!"

Realizing what she'd just said, a wide-eyed Sakura slapped a hand over her mouth.

"Kiba-kun?" Ino breathed. As realization hit her, her own wide-eyed surprise morphed into a narrow-eyed smirk.

"I never knew you were interested in dogs Sakura-chan," she taunted.

Sakura, who had buried her face in her hands just mumbled "Hmrphrmuphm grmrphrum..."

"Nani?" Ino laughed, "what did you say?"

Sighing, Sakura met the eyes of her tormentor.

"He asked me out, I said yes. We had a great time. I trained with him and his squad before they left, he walked me home and kissed me. I'm seeing him again this evening after he's given his mission report to Tsunade-sama." Sakura straightened her posture. "As far as dogs, Akamaru is very well-behaved and the bond between the two of them is phenomenal. You see dogs, unlike some pigs I know are incredibly loyal."

Ino laughed again.

"Oh, I'm loyal alright, loyal to Sasuke-kun. You have fun playing fetch and roll over with your pup, Forehead, because when Sasuke-kun comes back he'll realize which one of us truly loves him."

"Che," Sakura rolled her eyes. "Don't you mean IF he comes back? And, I'm sorry, but what about Sai-kun?"

"See, you have no faith in Sasuke-kun at all!" Ino raised herself onto her heels. "Some teammate you are! Of course he'll come back! As for Sai-kun..." Ino shrugged, "he's a nice distraction. But at least with him, if you squint you can make him look like Sasuke-kun. Can't say the same for your mongrel."

"Mou ii!" Sakura stood red-faced and breathing hard. "First Naruto-kun, now you? Hai! Hai! I'm dating Kiba-kun, hai, I've given up any hopes for a future with Sasuke-kun! Is that what you want to hear? He's yours, you win!" She raised her fists into the air, "Banzai!"

Ino was backing down the hall, away from the enraged kunoichi.

"At least with Kiba-kun there might be some kind of future. Can you honestly say the same for Sasuke-kun?"

By this time, Ino was out in the street, Sakura having slammed the door in her face. Fuming, Ino started walking home. Looking for someone to lash out at, she came across Rock Lee who was on his way to meet up with his squad at Ichiraku Ramen.

"Oi, Lee!" The blonde called, "looks like it's about time you give up on Sakura-chan." When Lee looked confused, she continued. "Didn't you hear? She's in love with Inuzuka Kiba. Hai, they'll probably get married and have a litter of puppies!"

Lee's smile faded from his face, but the confusion stayed in his eyes until he turned away from her and continued down the street at a slightly quicker pace. Instantly, Ino felt horrible. Lee had never done anything to her that would deserve what she'd just done.

"Onore Forehead, look what you made me do!" She grumbled to herself, "just wait 'til Sasuke comes back, he'll be mine and you'll be miserable." She grinned wickedly, "you and your little Dog-Boy too!"