Thought I'd dish out the next chapter quickly so it'd be more obvious to see where I'm going with this. It's much longer than the first chapter, like I promised. I hope you enjoy it! ^^

Disclaimer: *sigh* I don't own Naruto (but it'd be cool if I did)

Ino mumbled in her sleep, feeling the right side of her face begin to go numb from being squished into the pillow. It had taken her a while to finally fall asleep, and she wasn't completely unconscious yet if she could still feel her face hurting. With a huff she turned to her left side and gave her right room to breathe. It had been a long day, and she was going to work even harder tomorrow. She needed all the sleep she could get. And yet…sleep would not come easily to her. She had too much on her mind. Training, the shop, living up to the Yamanaka name, and not to mention looking good. And what nonsense was this about Shikamaru? Just bringing up his name made her heart heavy and head swim. Choji says one thing and it's like she can't think straight about him anymore. He was her teammate, a comrade, her friend, even. How could there be anything more?

"Ugh!" The blonde groaned and hit her bed, flopping onto her back to stare at the ceiling. She felt so restless. "Stupid boys," She growled. Now that her brain just hadto bring him up, she wasn't going to get any sleep anytime soon. He thinks I'm just another one of those troublesome women he claims to be around all the time! And I think he's just a lazy-bones kid who only likes to complain! What could there possibly be that we see in each other? That I would see in a slacker like him? It just doesn't make any sense. She remembered Choji's comment as clear as her blue eyes.

-flashback-

Shikamaru walked away grouchily, with his hands stuffed into his pockets. They were in the Green Leaf restaurant for lunch—Asuma was treating them for a job well done on a mission they did the day before. Something was said, some irritating comment from Shikamaru, and Ino let out a bratty remark. The two quarreled about it for about two minutes when Shikamaru slapped his hands on the table angrily and his brows pulled together in frustration.

He stood up, looking Ino straight in the eye. "Just forget it ok? I'll catch you guys later." And with that he walked off, leaving Asuma and Choji to pass eye rolls and Ino to wallow in her leftover fumes.

"Can you believe that boy, sensei?" She asked the man on her left.

"You guys fight like an old married couple." Choji replied after Asuma just shook his head and smiled. Ino's jaw dropped and in a flash grabbed the boy's shirt in her fists, yanking him up from his seat.

"Ah! Ino! Lay off!" Choji put his hands up in a "calm down" gesture.

"Don't ever say that!" She yelled. "We'll never get married and that boy is lucky enough if he ever does find a wife willing enough to deal with his impossible attitude!"

"Ok, ok, just put me down, will ya?" The chubby boy exclaimed.

Asuma crossed his arms as he watched the two and sighed. "I can't take you guys anywhere."

-end flashback-

The scene kept repeating itself in Ino's head. Especially the marriage ordeal. What would her life be like if she ever did marry him? If the Fates had some cruel joke to play and the two had to be wed to each other? How bad would that be? At least, Shikamaru wasn't always a boy who would sleep and drag himself around, he had a bright side to him too. He could be helpful. He was smart and brave and once in that mode of his, was always willing to put himself before others. He was there through the good and bad times; Ino could recount with ease all the times he'd saved their team from a pickle. And not just their team, but others as well, friends and strangers alike. He was…a miraculous boy.

Sleep was so heavy on her lids and mind that she could no longer control her thoughts. They scattered like broken glass and melted together to make a blurred image of her shadow-wielding friend. Her breathing slowed and in a few heartbeats she was asleep.

"You're finished already?" Hiashi asked in disbelief.

"Yes, Father." His daughter replied.

The head of the Hyuga household nodded. "Right. Then you may take the rest of the day off."

"H-hai," Hinata bowed before exiting her father's presence. She rushed out of the room and down the many hallways of the complex until she came to the one that would lead her outside into the village. No one questioned where she was going, not that she ran into many people anyways. I never asked Sakura what time we should meet. I wonder if she thought the same time, or earlier? All we said was "tomorrow," and that could mean anything. Oh, well I don't want her to wait—it was my request after all! It's already 10:30, better I get there before she does. Even if I do have to wait.

So Hinata opened the double doors and headed for the training grounds.

Sakura gave her hair one last quick brush and tightened her forehead protector. "There, all set." She said contentedly. The sky was clear and blue, birds sang in the distance, and now she was ready to go meet Hinata. "We never specified what time, but just in case, I should get there semi-early, at the very least. She's a sweet girl, she doesn't deserve to wait." Sakura smiled at herself in the mirror before grabbing her weapon's pouch and heading downstairs.

"Bye Sakura!" Sakura's mom called after her daughter.

"Bye!" Sakura replied before closing the door and rushing off to the training grounds.

Hinata stood in solitude, holding her hand up to her chest shyly. Although no one was present at the moment, it was just a habit she was used to. Her eyes scanned over the area. Three posts in a grassy clearing were behind her and a dirt path wove its way along the edge, through the forest on either side. It was quiet, and Hinata enjoyed the stillness, the tranquility of everything. It helped calm her down for what was yet to come. That is, if Sakura agrees to help me. She thought. As if in answer to her silent reflection, there was a rustling noise and a flurry of pink hair came rushing out of the trees and up to the pale-eyed girl.

"Hi, Hinata!" Sakura smiled warmly. "What did you want to talk about?"

Hinata smiled back weakly and gulped, although her throat felt dry. "W-well, I-I wanted to ask if y-you could do me a favor." She blushed and glanced down.

Sakura cocked her head to the side. "Sure. What kind of favor?"

"I-I," Hinata felt her heart start beating even faster until it felt like it would explode. Sakura waited patiently in front of her, her face masked with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

Come on Hinata, out with it already! Sakura finally pushed her. "Yes?"

Hinata's face flushed more at the thought of what she was about to say. "W-well, I really l-like," Her heart stopped but she forced herself to continue. "N-n-naruto, b-but he never seems to notice me." Sakura's brow rose and she felt taken aback. Hinata lifted her head and met Sakura's surprised gaze. "I-I know he really likes you, though, s-so I," It's already out, just spill it! "I was wondering if you could help me…"

Ms. Haruno stood there slightly dumbfounded. She'd had a hunch that the Hyuga liked her obnoxious blonde-haired teammate, but never foresaw this happening. It wasn't that she didn't want to help, but wasn't expecting anything like this—matchmaking—of all things, to be what the timid girl would want her help with. She never thought Hinata the kind of girl to, well, do what she just did. Not that she blamed her. If I liked a guy that much, I would probably do the same. A sudden thought struck her. "You must really love Naruto, don't you?"

Hinata gasped unexpectedly at the question. A small smile lit up her pale face as she nodded. "Yes."

Her own lips curved upward. "I'd be happy to help you, Hinata."

Would I do that for Sasuke? I love him just as much as Hinata, but we were on the same team—there was no other girl he felt closer to. That I'm aware of, at least. So I guess, even if I wanted to, I couldn't do what Hinata did. Because I didn't have anyone to turn to. Naruto's a lucky guy. To have someone like that, and actually be able to be there for them. Sasuke…

Sakura lay in bed, staring at her picture of Team 7. It seemed like years had gone by, instead of only a few months. I couldn't stop him…I wasn't strong enough. She felt her eyes begin to burn around the edges. "Naruto," She forced a smile. "I think you're the strongest out of all of us. Hinata's a lucky girl." If I can get them together. She reminded herself. But how to do it? If he never notices her for her. Well, there's several ways to fix that, but we should start at the basics. And I have just the idea…

"Oh yes!" A fluffy white pillow was being squeezed by an ecstatic heiress in silk pajamas. I can't believe she agreed to help me! This is wonderful! At that moment, she didn't care what she had to do, because with Sakura helping her, she felt like she would finally get somewhere with her long-time crush.

She had to go back to medical training today, but there'd still be some time for a little reconnaissance afterwards. No doubt Naruto would want to grab a bite to eat after his own training, right? He's always got the stomach for ramen. Sakura wondered how badly he treated Hinata; even though he's got a thick head, he can't blow her off completely, can he? Sakura needed to inspect this from all aspects. After all, she was smart: she had already began formulating several plans, but first needed to get some background information!

"Sakura!" She heard her mom call from downstairs. "You've got a visitor!"

Sakura quickly jumped off her bed and went downstairs. Her blue-haired friend was standing outside on the front porch looking nervous. "Hey Hinata!" She waved. "Listen, I was thinking you should come by after training today. Meet us at the Ichiraku Ramen shop for dinner, ok?"

"Ok," Hinata nodded. "U-um," She stuttered. "Is there anything I should do?"

Sakura shook her head. "No, just act like yourself." She noticed Hinata's face fall ever so slightly. Interesting… "This is just a scope for me; I need to understand how he treats you" Compared to me.

"Ok," Hinata nodded again. Sakura knows what she's doing, and I just have to trust her. "Thank you, Sakura. This really means a lot."

"Sure thing," Sakura smiled at her. "Just act natural and let me go from there. We'll figure it out."

"Oh wow! Are you serious? Sakura-chan, you'll really go on a date with me?"

The pink haired kunoichi's brow twitched in annoyance. "It's not a date, Naruto! We're just going out for dinner, as friends!"

"Yeah, okay." He rolled his eyes and the lines on his cheeks rose as he grinned foxily. "That's just what you'd like me to think, hm?"

That was it, too much. Sakura socked him hard on the head and the blonde crumpled to the ground grasping his head in pain.

"Ow…oiy, Sakura-chan that hurt."

"Naruto, you're so dumb you know that?" She crossed her arms. "Just meet me after you're done training, ok?"

He'd raised himself to sitting cross-legged, rubbing his head gingerly but nodded. "Alright! It's—" Sakura gave him a steely death glare. "Not a date!" He quickly finished.

"Sakura?" Naruto's brow furled in confusion at the girl in front of him. It was about 7 o'clock in the evening, a clear night with a few stars here and there. He'd come to her house just like she'd asked, even taking the time to take a quick shower after training to be ready to go on their friend date. But she wasn't even ready. In fact, she was in a fluffy pink robe and slippers, and her hair was damp. "Hey, are you okay?"

She shook her head. "Oh, Naruto I'm sorry. Just about an hour ago I got a major migraine that's been absolutely killing me ever since. I don't think I can make it tonight."

Naruto's face fell but he knew there'd be no point in arguing. If she felt sick then he didn't want to make her any worse. "Aw, I'm sorry Sakura. I hope you feel better!"

"Thanks. But hey, you should still go to Ichiraku's! Don't let me get in the way of your ramen night!" She smiled jokingly.

"Oh, don't worry I will! I don't think you could ever get in the way of that!"

"Hey thanks!" Her smiled turned into a slight frown.

"Oh, oh wait I didn't' mean it like—!" He waved his hands in front of him sheepishly. "I meant—"

"Yeah, yeah just get outta here already." Sakura shooed him before slamming the door in his face.

"Girls!" Naruto shook his head in disbelief.

"Gee, it's like everything I do always angers somebody!" Naruto grumbled to himself as he shuffled his feet towards the booth of Ichiraku's. He glanced up, squinting at the bright lights of the shop in the darkness of the night. It wasn't too busy; only one other person sat at the bar. He pushed the lengthy curtains aside as he ducked under and took a seat.

"Bye golly, well if isn't Naruto!" The chef crossed his arms and grinned at the boy. "I had a feeling I'd see you tonight!"

"Hey, Mr. Chef!" Naruto saluted. "I had a pretty tough day of training and I'm starved!"

"Alright Naruto tell you what? I'll give you one on the house!"

"Really? Thanks!" The chef turned away and Naruto decided to take a peek at the other person eating there.

Dark blue hair and a fuzzy vanilla jacket topped a slim frame a few seats to his left. Naruto's eyes widened in pleasure at the sight of her. "Oh, hey there Hinata!"

Hinata jumped a little in her seat, startled at the sound of her name coming from her crush. She'd seen him come in but had tried really hard not to stare, making it seem like she was busy studying the menu. She turned her head to look at him, a small smile lighting her face. "O-oh, hi N-naruto…I didn't see you come in…"

Naruto smiled sheepishly. "Well I only come here practically every day I'm in the village so you should always assume I'm here!" He laughed. "Hey, Hinata." His face turned suddenly serious as he stared straight into her eyes; the Hyuga's heartbeat quickened automatically; she wondered frantically what on earth he had to say that would make him turn so serious so suddenly. She swore the few seconds of silence that passed were one of the longest moments of her life. "You should sit by me."

A dark pink blush spread across her face no matter how hard she tried to push it back down. "A-are you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure!" Naruto exclaimed. "You have to sit here! You know why?"

Hinata shook her head but got out of her own seat, carrying her menu nervously, and sat down on the seat beside Naruto.

"Because you can smell the ramen's fumes more strongly in this area. Because the wind's blowing this way. Seriously! It's the best! All of the spices and herbs like waft this way—it makes me want to drool!" He squealed like a little boy who'd just gotten exactly what he asked for on Christmas.

Hinata sweat-dropped but Naruto didn't seem to notice her disappointment; he was too busy breathing in the luscious odor of food.

Sakura nearly fell off of the water tower she was standing on, she couldn't believe the scene taking place before her. "Naruto, you're such an idiot!" She muttered as she watched Naruto blabber on about ramen while Hinata gazed at him lovingly; it was so obvious that she had feelings for him except Naruto was too dumb to see it. Yet not only didn't he notice these feelings, but he didn't even try to act like a gentleman in front of her. It was like she was his sister…not good. Never a good sign. Sakura frowned. "I've got a lot of work to do."

"S-so, what did you think? Were you able to gather any useful information?" Hinata clasped her hands together, her stomach felt anxious and eager as she waited for Sakura's prognosis. They were in Sakura's room; Hinata sat on Haruno's pink bed as her friend paced in front of her.

Sakura stopped in front of the Hyuga, took a deep breath, and met Hinata's eye. "It's bad." Hinata's face fell. "But, with any luck, it's nothing that can't be fixed." Hinata's face lit up and Sakura continued. "It's so obvious that you like him Hinata; anyone could tell that except for the dimwit himself."

"If it's that obvious, then what should I do?" Hinata asked softly.

Sakura smirked and placed her hands on her hips. "Well that's easy; make it even more obvious."

Hinata started. "Wh-what do you mean? How do I do that?" Her heart began racing; did she mean actually tell Naruto how I feel? I'd probably end up fainting…

Sakura laughed. "Well you need to flirt with him, of course!"

Hinata froze in a mix of shame and horror. Sakura's brows furrowed together in confusion. "Hinata, what's wrong?"

"I don't know how to flirt…" Her eyes fell to the ground.

Sakura forced a laugh, though she inwardly groaned. "Well then I guess I'll have to teach you, won't I?" Hinata forced a small, bashful smile. "Actually…" Sakura gazed off into the distance, her mind at work. "I think I know the perfect person who can help."

"Are you serious?" The blonde's eyes widened. "You like him of all people?" She couldn't even fathom anyone liking him; he was too obnoxious, thick-headed, and rambunctious for his own good. And yet, here were two girls in front of her who'd said just that. Well, one of them had explained it to her, while the other had been staring at the ground, poking her fingers together. Ino's mouth turned into a thin line. Hinata likes that dork? She could do so much better!

"Yes, she does Ino, so do you think you can help?" Sakura pressed quickly. They were in the Yamanaka flower shop and she really didn't want any of the customers to overhear what they were talking about.

Ino paused in her counting of money to flash Hinata a reassuring smile. "Sure."

Sakura nodded. "Good."

"Thank you." Hinata murmured, smiling with relief.

"So you say you need help with flirting, am I correct?" Ino glanced at Hinata from the corner of her eye as she put away the cash and locked the register.

"Y-yeah…"

"Well you've come to the right person!" Ino exclaimed, jumping over the counter to stand in front of the two girls. "Watch, and learn." She winked before whisking away to greet another boy around their age shopping in the front, where all the bouquets were located. Hinata and Sakura stealthily hid in the aisle next to them, watching Ino at work while pretending to look interested in different flower pots.

"Oh I see you've taken an interest in the enchantment lilies, which make a very beautiful bouquet indeed. May I ask who they're for?" Ino asked the mysterious boy innocently, cocking her head to the side and batting her eyes like a natural.

The boy scratched the back of his head and laughed sheepishly. "They're actually for my mom…er, it's her birthday so I wanted to buy her flowers. I thought these were pretty—"

"They are!" Ino cut him off, flashing him a cute smile. "Enchantment lilies have a knack of catching everyone's eye because of their odd yet beautifully unique shape. The ends of the petals curve inward like an inviting finger," She flashed him such a brief seductive smile that the boy wondered if he'd imagined it and continued. "Which is partially why they're called 'enchantment' lilies. Their bright orange color draws immediate attention. Also," She paused, meeting the boy's eyes briefly before lightly blushing and holding out her hand. "May I?"

So transfixed by Ino was he that it took the boy a second to figure out that she wanted to hold the flowers and he hastily handed them to her. Their hands brushed and he couldn't help but stare at her.

Ino closed her eyes, inhaling the fresh and saintly smell of the lilies. "Enchantment lilies are also famous for their smell; of which a lot of perfumes are crafted. Here, smell them." She moved the flowers a mere two inches towards him. I've got you now. Ino smiled giddily.

"She is incredible." Sakura breathed, watching in amazement as Ino's helpless customer bent over to smell the flowers; his head was so close to Ino's that their foreheads were nearly touching. No doubt he's smelling Ino's perfume and not the flowers! Gahhh Ino why do you have to be such a show-off?

Wow…Hinata's mind was blown as she watched.

As he pulled his face away, Ino handed him back the flowers. "You know, orange compliments your blue eyes quite nicely." She stared deeply into his eyes.

He couldn't look away. "You know, your eyes are beautiful too…"

She laughed, a lighthearted bell-like sound that he liked. "Thanks. Now why don't I get this wrung up for you, because it seems to me like the enchantment lilies are perfect for you."

He found himself chuckling and absolutely captivated. "Sure."

Hinata and Sakura watched in awe as Ino and the boy walked away, finally turning to stare at each other. "I don't know how she does it." Sakura shrugged while Hinata was at a loss for words.

"How was that?" Ino glided back over to the girls after waving goodbye to her test subject.

"Incredible." Hinata and Sakura said simultaneously.

"Think you have it in you?" Ino asked.

"U-um…is there a level one I can start at?" Hinata gulped. "Or a level zero?"

Ino sighed. "I guess…let's see, what's the most important part of flirting?" She thought aloud to herself. The three waited in silence for a few seconds before Ino shouted, "Of course!" The other two jumped at her sudden outburst.

"Confidence."

Hinata just felt like a huge boulder had come crushing down on her soul. "In case you haven't noticed, I, uh, am not the most confident person in the world…" She frowned in despair. "Especially when it comes to Naruto."

Sakura grabbed Hinata's shoulders and shook her gently. "Hinata, you asked us to help you. You want Naruto to know how you feel about him, don't you? Or at least have him start to develop feelings for you? How badly do you want this?"

Ino and Sakura stared intently at Hinata until a fierce look of determination overtook her soft complexion. "More than anything."

"Okay then," Ino interjected. "No one said it would be easy. But if he's worth it…"

"He is!" Hinata exclaimed, much to her friends' surprise. Hinata quickly realized how loud her outburst was and toned her voice back down to its light whisper. "At least, he is to me."

"Good." Ino smiled. "Then we'll start at level zero."

There you have it folks, so what did you think? Any constructive criticism or praise would be much appreciated. I promise it's going to pick up a lot more in the next few chapters, so be prepared!