A/N: Ok...it has been forever since the last time updated this story. I am super duper sorry about the extra long wait. Without further ado, please enjoy chapter 4!

Chapter Four

Ino sat at her counter like she did every morning watching children play outside. She always enjoyed watching them. Their innocent faces, their curious eyes, and contagious laughter always made her days seem a little more bearable.

After Naruto walked her home last night she did a lot of thinking. Mostly about her father and the fact that Naruto wanted to help her celebrate him this year, that little bit made her happy. It would be the first time anyone other than her mother would be with her on his birthday. It actually felt good knowing he wanted to celebrate with her.

Ino wasn't really sure what she thought about Naruto. She used to see him as this annoying little pest of a boy, but that eventually changed. He had gained her respect in their teens because he was annoying persistent with everything he did. Now as a young adult...there was something else she felt for him, but it defiantly wasn't annoyance.

Last night when he wrapped his arm around her...she didn't want him to let go. She felt safe and wanted maybe? She wasn't exactly sure. She didn't want to confuse her loneliness and need for attention with her having feelings for the other blonde. Ino sighed in frustration. Love really was tricky when you're not sure how you or the other person feels.

The chime of the door opening brought Ino out of her musing. She wasn't too surprised to see her old teammate enter her shop. He did say he would stop by to talk to her, she was just shock at how early he came.

"You're here early," Ino said looking at the clock on the wall.

Shikamaru just shrugged and leaned against the counter Ino sat behind. He noted that she seemed happier than she normally does. It was huge improvement to the usual façade she tries to put on. He wondered what changed.

"I was in the area. How was your night?"

Ino blushed a little. What exactly was he trying imply? She narrowed her eyes at him. "Why don't you tell me about your little walk with Hinata?"

Shikamaru simply raised his brow at Ino. She was curious about him and Hinata it seemed. He figured as much since Ino was once the gossip queen. There wasn't a thing that got passed her, especially when it came to the love life of others.

"What do you want to know?" he asked her.

"You realize she likes you right?" Ino asked in a serious tone.

"I would hope so."

Ino had to stop her mouth from dropping open. Was this boy serious? He was engaged to one woman and now he was glad Hinata liked him. When did her lazy friend turn into such a player? She thought for sure one woman would be more than enough for him since he tended to do the bare minimum. Women were troublesome according to him.

"Aren't you and Temari like engaged?"

Ino frowned when Shikamaru laughed. What the hell was so funny. She was seriously confused. "Why are you laughing?"

"Who told you that I was engaged to Temari?" Shikamaru asked.

"It's the talk of the town. I've been hearing it for months now," Ino replied.

Shikamaru shook his head. "You can't always listen to rumors Ino. Temari and I are not engaged, never even dated," Shikamaru explained. He often got annoyed when people assumed there was more than there was between him and Temari. She was friend and that was all.

"Oh, so you guys aren't an item then?" Ino said more to herself than Shikamaru. Maybe she should stop listen to the gossip, but that same gossip was pretty much her social life since she didn't go out much anymore.

"So you and Hinata then?" Ino asked and Shikamaru nodded his head. Ino couldn't help but smile. Now that she thought about it, it only made since they would be drawn to one another. They shared a young god daughter and would often spend a lot of time together. They were perfect for each other.

"Yeah, she's actually the one I'm engaged to," Shikamaru explained. "We haven't made an official announcement or anything like that yet."

This was the best news Ino can honestly say she's gotten in years. Two of her friends were in love and were getting married. She couldn't be happier for them, but at the same time she envied them. Now that she looked at Shikamaru, there was this look in his eyes when he talked about his engagement to Hinata. She knew that look. She had seen it many times when couples would enter her shop to buy flowers.

Ino's shoulders slumped a little. She was going to have to put on a happy face and support her friends. "So how long have you guys been an item?"

"Officially..? Eight months last week."

Ino wasn't surprised since both Hinata and Shikamaru were private people. "I suppose congratulations are in order, and please apologize to Hinata for me. Sakura and I kind of set up a date between her and Naruto..." Ino said the second part lowly. She felt really bad about the whole thing now.

Shikamaru waved his hand dismissively. "We both figured that out on our walk home, though Hinata said Naruto seemed to be eyeing you in your dress yesterday."

Ino blushed. Shikamaru was such an idiot sometimes. "I highly doubt that when Sakura was there...and plus...I'm not exactly the fit shinobi I used to be."

"What's your point?" Shikamaru asked. He wasn't sure why Ino was so worried about being the skinniest, fittest, prettiest, or whatever her weird beauty standards were that made her feel she needed to be 'perfect'.

Ino folded her arms. "The point is I'm like 20 pounds heavier."

"I that a bad things?" Shikamaru asked seriously. To him she looked fine, she was still Ino as far as he was concerned.

"You wouldn't understand..."

"You're right I don't. I don't see why you cant accept the fact that Naruto finds you attractive."

Ino frowned. Why would he find her attractive? Her figure was fuller than all her friends now. She knew she wasn't exactly fat...but she still felt a little self conscious since she was used to being the thinnest of them all. Ino ran her hands down her sides to her hips. "Whatever Shikamaru.." Ino mumbled walking to the back of the shop.

She left the Nara man standing there. Shikamaru didn't really mind Ino storming off. He needed to let her know men still found her attractive. Hell he knew plenty right now that would kill for a date with her. He didn't like this insecure Ino who thought so little of herself. He would let it go for today, mostly because he had a meeting to attend.

He knew death affected people differently. They had all lost someone in the war, Ino was the only one who hadn't recovered though. He would never judge her on how she grieved, but how long was she going to mourn her father? At some point she was going to have to move on with her life and live it the best way she knew how. His father wasn't coming home anymore either and wouldn't let hos sacrifice be for nothing.

That was one of the reason he pursued Hinata as soon as he figured out she saw him as more than a friend. Life in this world was much too short not to live it the best way you knew how. He hoped Ino figured things out soon. He didn't like seeing her like this.

Naruto sat atop a large tree. He decided he wouldn't train today. He watched a family of four sit on the bench in front of the tree he was currently in, each holding an ice cream cone. He noticed the woman's large belly and smiled. He often wondered what it would be like to have a family of his own. They seemed happy. "What does that happiness feel like," Naruto asked himself leaning against the tree.

His eyes landed on the flower shop across the street. He watched Ino hang a sign on the window. He watched as she arranged a few bouquets on stand located directly in front of the shop. She was wearing a pale pink short sleeved shirt, blue fitted skinny pants, and the orange apron she wore everyday. Naruto found himself near the shop or thinking about Ino more often than he would like to admit.

He quickly figured out yesterday that Sakura wasn't actually asking him on a date, but clearly enlisted Ino's help to set him up with Hinata. He wasn't really as disappointed as he thought he would be once he figure it out, and he soon figured out it was because Ino was there. It wasn't like he dislike Hinata or anything...but there was something about the woman he was currently watching.

He didn't know when he started to shift his affection from Sakura to Ino. It took him a long time to even acknowledge the fact that it was even possible for him to be interested in anyone that wasn't Sakura. Naruto watched Ino's hips sway and how her round bottom jiggled just a little as she entered the shop again. He blushed and quickly looked away. He felt like a perverted stalker. This wasn't the first time he watched Ino.

He wouldn't mind approaching Ino with the idea of them getting to know each other on a more personal level, but he knew he had to be careful. He feared rejection more then people knew. He never let on that he was actually hurt once upon a time when Sakura violently rejected him. He would just laugh it off and try again. It had become habit for him to pursue Sakura. He finally realized that he was using Sakura to see and talk to Ino.

He would sometimes visit Ino's shop twice a week to buy flowers he told her he was buying for Sakura. Flowers Sakura hardly ever received. If anyone were to actually visit his apartment right now, they would think he had a thing for roses. It was silly now that he thinks about it. Maybe just talking to Ino would have been enough. He figured Ino didn't completely dislike him since she allowed him to touch her. To hold her close as the walked together last night. Maybe he wasn't the only one desiring that type of comfort from someone.

Naruto jumped down from his hiding spot. He would at least say hi before he went on about his day. Naruto slowly crossed the busy road filled with people, making his was towards Ino's shop. As he neared her he saw her place a large potted plant outside. Their eyes met as he closed the distanced between them. He saw her smile and offer him a wave.

"Hey," Ino said as Naruto came to stand beside her. It was good to see him even thought she had to fight down a blush. Shikamaru's words about him checking her out instantly came to mind.

"Hey," Naruto echoed as he scratched the back of his head giving Ino a bright smile.

"I don't suppose your here for the job?" Ino asked pointing behind her with her thumb at the help wanted sign.

Naruto looked around Ino to read the sign: Help Wanted. Apply Inside.

"Oh, uh I didn't know about that..."

Ino laughed and Naruto decided he liked the way she laughed. "I was only joking. I know you don't have time for this type of work."

"I mean...if you want I could help out," Naruto replied a little nervous. He hoped Ino wouldn't think he was odd for wanting the job.

She raised her brow and folded her arms. "You want the job? Seriously?"

"Only if you think I'm qualified."

Ino shifted so that one of her hands was placed on her hip. "I mean, if you have the time. I don't want you to fill obligated because you know...it's me..."

Naruto thought for a second. Would he really have the time to work at Ino's shop everyday? Maybe he could work into his schedule because he did have a lot of free time some days. "I don't see why not."

Ino smiled and offered Naruto her hand. "Well I looked forward to working with you," Ino said as Naruto took her small her hand in his giving it a firm, but gentle shake.

"Yeah, me too," he replied with a smile.

A/N: Hey, Hey! I hoped everyone was pleased with this chapter. I will be working on the next one soon, but I don't have an exact release date for the next chapter. I can tell you guys that it wont take as long as this update did.

Please excuse any and all mistakes. I hope everything was easy to read and understand. Until next time!

_SasuNejiUchiha_