A/N: Hey guys, I see there is some interests in this story and for that I am happy. I saw one reviewer wasn't sure as to where this story is going, but if I summarize it, it'll pretty much give away the entire story...Sorry. But here is chapter 2!

Just in case you guys didn't notice this story is pretty much about Ino, but there will be others involved who just as important.

Chapter Two

Sakura sat quietly in her office. She was finally on her break and waiting for Naruto to meet with her. She hoped what she and Ino planned would work. She loved her blond friend, but she wasn't in love with him. At one point she tried to see him differently, but she couldn't see him as anything other than a brother figure in her life. She knew more than anyone Naruto deserved to be happy and she was sure Hinata could make him happy.

Hinata was still terribly shy, but there was no doubt she cared for Naruto. So it was her duty to make sure her friends found happiness with each other. "If only my love life so simple."

Like Ino had told her earlier love really did suck. It was hard trying to find the right guy. Love was tricky and it often hit people unexpectedly. It wasn't like she didn't go on the occasional date here and there...she just didn't have anyone who caught her interest enough.

"Hey Sakura!"

She smiled when Naruto entered the room. "Hey Naruto, sit. I want to talk to you."

Naruto didn't hesitate to sit down in the chair across from Sakura. She could tell he was in a really good mood, and that would probably make this easier.

"You have anything planned for this Friday?" Sakura saw him perk at her question.

"Nah, not really. You want to go on a date or something?" He asked her with a smile. Naruto leaned back in his seat with his hands behind his back.

Sakura mentally rolled her eyes. "Not exactly. I was asking because I was wondering if you wanted to have brunch?"

Naruto raised his brow, "you want to have brunch? What exactly is brunch?" Naruto asked.

"Breakfast, Lunch..."

The room was silent as Naruto stared blankly at Sakura. "Ok, sounds fun. Let's do it!"

"We'll meet Lily's Café at noon. So make sure you dress nice...ok?"

Naruto smiled. "Of course. I won't be late."

Naruto looked down for a moment before he looked back up at Sakura. "Hey can I ask you something?"

Sakura nodded her head. "Shoot..."

Naruto was still quiet. Sakura was beginning to become worried. It wasn't often that Naruto would just sit so quietly. She sat there trying read his body language. It was hard to say the least since she was sitting perfectly still and not looking at her.

"You ok, Naruto?"

Naruto snapped his attention back to Sakura. "Yeah, yeah I'm fine." He stood up and smiled down at her. "I'm just looking forward to um brunch with you."

Sakura smiled. She could tell something was bothering him, but she didn't want to push the issue. She knew he would tell her whenever he was ready. That was the good thing about Naruto, he would always let her know eventually what was on his mind.

"See Ya!"

Sakura waved as she watched him run from her office.

Ino stood outside of the massive gate that led into the Hyuga compound. She closed her shop early so that she could speak with Hinata before it got too late. Sakura thought it would be if Ino talked to Hinata and she invited Naruto. In a way they were secretly setting them up on a date.

Ino sighed as entered the compound. "Hello, I'm here to see Hinata. I'm her friend Ino Yamanaka."

The guard gave Ino a once over before moving a side to let her enter. It was always like this whenever any of their friends would visit the Hyuga compound. Not that Ino mind. The Hyuga was a prestigious clan. "Thank you," Ino said softly walking towards the main house.

Ino really enjoyed the Hyuga compound, it was really a peaceful place.

...

"Ino, please come in..." Hinata said softly leading her to a small living space.

"Thanks for seeing me on such notice, I know you may be busy," Ino said sitting across from her. Ino couldn't help but smile at Hinata as she handed her a small cup of tea. "I can't really stay long since I had to close the shop to come see you. I wanted to invited you to brunch noon this Friday at Lily's Café."

Hinata smiled. "Of course Ino, I have been wanting to go there since it opened. It's looks so nice," Hinata beamed.

Ino couldn't help but smile. Hinata truly was a nice woman and she probably would be good for Naruto. "Yeah, so make sure you wear something nice. If you want you can come to my place and we get ready together..."

"Yes! I would love that," Hinata said covering her mouth with a blush.

Ino laughed a little at the blushing Hyuga. She found Hinata little outburst to be cute, and was glad she seemed to be happy about hanging out with her.

"Ino?"

"Yeah?"

Ino watched as Hinata tried to find her words. She looked almost concerned to Ino which was odd since the mood seemed to be a good one. What could Hinata possibly have to say to her to make her frown.

"Hinata, is everything alright?"

"Are you ok Ino?" Hinata asked softly.

Ino's eyes widened a little. What would make Hinata think something was bothering her? "I'm not sure what you mean..."

Hinata pushed some hair behind her ear. "It's just that, well, you seem sad."

Ino looked down at the tiny tea cup in her hand. She was not ready to have this conversation. She was sure no one noticed her change in behavior, but it was obvious that Hinata had picked up on her act. Ino didn't have to let her know that though.

"I'm fine, Hinata really. I'm just a little sleep deprived is all." Ino could tell Hinata wasn't buying her answer, but she knew Hinata was much too polite to question her further. "I have just been really busy at the shop."

"Try not to work yourself too hard," Hinata said reaching over to pat Ino on her leg. She really was concerned for her friend.

Ino gave Hinata a small smile. "I'll try. Maybe I should hire someone to help out around the shop."

"Will that help?" Hinata asked, knowing Ino would get her meaning.

This time Ino didn't smile. "Who knows," came Ino's soft reply. Ino locked eyes with Hinata and stood. She didn't want this conversation going any further than it already had. "I have to get back to the shop."

Hinata stood as well and pulled Ino into a tight hug. "I'll see you Friday." Hinata pulled back a little and smile at Ino

Ino sat quietly behind the counter at her shop. Her visit with Hinata went left, when it should have been right. She was in fact different from how she used to be. She was the only one of their friends who wasn't a ninja anymore. She decided after the war that that life wasn't for her. She never really recovered from the trauma of it all. She realized that she wanted a more simple life, one she could enjoy. But that was far from the truth. She felt lonely and she wasn't sure why.

It seemed everyone around her was so happy, but she couldn't find that same happiness. All her friends seemed to have so much going for themselves. Sakura was training to take over the entire medical department and Ino had no doubt Sakura would be the best there was. Tenten ran a successful dojo with her husband, Lee. Hinata had stepped down as hier was now a prominent member of the village council at her father's request.

Even her old team seemed to be doing better than ever. Shikamaru was probably going to be moving to Suna soon for good since the news of his engagement to Temari. Ino didn't have any proof, but she was sure Chouji was seeing someone as well and not mention his frequent mission request to lord knows where.

Ino sighed again as looked out her shop window. The sun was slowing disappearing behind the building across the street. Ino smiled as a few kids ran up and down the streets. They were so carefree. Sometimes she wished she could go back to those years. Back to when things were easier, back to a time when the people she held most dear to her were still around.

"I need to get this stuff in order," Ino mumbled as she began to look through her books. As she checked the dates a small smile graced her face.

"What I am going to do this year for you birthday.."

A/N: Second chapter done! Thanks for the reviews, follows, and favs on this story. I will try to update at least once a week since I have some time off from school. I know everyone is probably wondering about Ino, and I will go into more detail on what's going on with Ino very soon. Next chapter should be out soon since I will start working on it in the next day or so.

*Also this story will not contain Sasuke or Neji. Which is odd for me, but I have really been feeling Naruto lately and decided to write something about him.

_SasuNejiUchiha_