I can't believe how many readers I have. Thanks so much. Also I would like to give thanks to all the reviewers of my story. I hope no one thinks Ami won't be back.

Using flowers as a projectile was not something that Kankuro would have ever suspected Ino would have done. Yet she did, and he had to admit he was highly impressed when he thought about how quickly she must have had to react when faced with the major problem of exact timing and lack of proper weapons that could have been used if they had been available. Basically Ino possessed a clever mind that could easily handle distractions and think on her feet when needed. But with cautious eyes, Kankuro watched both girls for any sign that made it absolutely clear that he would have to intervene.

"I want to see how well of a relationship you're having with your boyfriend," Ami responded bluntly, watching Ino for her reaction and preparing for a retaliation. Ami barely held on to her temper but she was steamed about what Ino had said.

"Kankuro is not my boyfriend!" Ino shouted, trying to see how people could believe that they were together. When she saw Kankuro wink, Ino blushed vividly and remembered what had occurred a few minutes before.

"So Ino, you're saying you wouldn't care if I took him for my own?" Ami asked easily with a slight cruel smirk. She twirled a finger around her silky black hair and watched Ino carefully.

Kankuro felt slightly ill, wondering how Ino would attack. With that thought in mind, he decided not to interfere unless Ami physically attempted a fight against Ino.

"Back off, Ami," Ino warned with a sort of growl deep in her throat as her eyes glinted with barely concealed rage. She attempted to calm herself down.

"So he is your boyfriend," Ami accused with a clever emotional trap intended to catch Ino as its victim. Her cruel smile widened for an instant until Ino came back with a retort.

"Ami, what is your point? It's not like you can do anything about it?," Ino smoothly retorted, her eyes glancing over at Kankuro to gauge his response. She turned her eyes back to Ami and added, "And since I don't see your friends by your side, I doubt they'll be able to help you."

"Ino!" Ami shouted with fury, enfolding her hands into a fist and tossing it at Ino's face. Even though she was a ninja, Ino never even thought that Ami would attempt a physical attack on someone tougher than herself. So Ino basically wouldn't have be able to dodge, if it hadn't been for Kankuro.

Kankuro caught Ami's fist in his grip and lowered his eyes to hers. He spoke in a low rough voice that almost sounded scary to Ino but she betted that it worked on Ami, "Don't ever try that again. I'm not going to even try to intimidate you since hopefully know what you did wrong. Now leave us alone."

"U-um, I-I'm just be leaving," Ami stuttered, true fear in her eyes as she registered that this guy was an actual ninja, even if she had at first thought he was a regular civilian. She raced off and Kankuro glanced at Ino.

"I don't know what to say. I mean- why would you do something like that," Ino asked with real confusion as she looked back at Kankuro. She stared at him and searched his face as if the answer would appear there.

" Ino, do you really think I would allow someone to hurt you? Besides I thought you were trying to defend your territory," Kankuro responded with a wry grin. Ino blushed for the thousandth time and walked off. Kankuro caught up with her and just grinned.

"Shut it,"

"Make me,"

Ino glared and Kankuro just laughed at her vivid expression, " So how 'bout it?"

"What?" Ino questioned looking at him for verification. Was he asking what I think he's asking?

"Do you want to go out? It's not at all a hard question to answer, after all it is me," Kankuro teased which allowed her to retaliate in kind.

" If I answered that smug expression with the word 'pervert', you'd just give back a smart-alec remark," Ino replied, not answering his question as she thought long and hard about what it would mean if they were actually together.

"Take's one to know one, would have been my answer. Now yes or no. Do you want to be my girlfriend?," Kankuro asked seriously turning her around to face him as his brown eyes met hers in a fight of wills that currently Ino was losing. His eyes were filled with concern and care, and she just wanted to give in to what he was asking.

And with a simple relaxing sigh, she knew she would do anything if it meant being with the one she loved. There she admitted it. She loved this annoying guy no matter how much he teased her or got on her nerves. There had only been one answer all along, no matter how long she had waited.

"Yes. I want that. It took me some time to think about it," Ino answered truthfully, "Even before you asked me."

"I didn't want to rush you, but I'm glad you said yes," Kankuro murmured heavily, as he lifted her into his arms as she smiled joyfully. He touched her lips with his and kissed her soundly as her long arms wrapped around his neck and pulled at his hair to get him even closer. She relaxed in his embrace as the kiss softened and he gently pulled away and lightly kissed her on her forehead. He looked deep into her eyes and asked softly, "Why don't we get something to eat? With the way we've been walking around, it won't be a surprise before both our stomachs growl."

Ino laughed and took his hand in hers as they walked off with small happy smiles on their faces. Thrilled Ino, couldn't wait before she told Sakura that she had met the love of her life. Sure she was concerned about Kankuro not saying a word about loving her back, but she was content for now. She didn't even notice that her body tensed up at that reminder.

Kankuro felt the tense pressure of Ino's hand and squeezed back, to comfort her the only way he could for now. His eyes met her own and she smiled back at him with a easy smile.