A/N: Hey guys! I'm back with Chapter 5 please enjoy

Chapter Five

Ino turned her open sign off. She had a really busy day. She could only assume that it had to be someone's birthday. She recalled seven customers coming in requesting bouquets for the same person. It was sweet and very obvious this person loved flowers.

She opened the shop door to bring in the display she sat out earlier that morning. "I should have hired help along time ago," Ino mumbled as she started brining things in. It was definitely going to make things easier now that Naruto agreed to help her out around the shop. She was sure she would have to replace him eventually, with him wanting to be Hokage and all. There was no way he would have time to work a flower shop.

"Last one," she said bring the large potted plant inside. Ino turned to locked the door only to jump when she saw someone standing there.

"Ah, I didn't mean to scare you."

Ino placed her hand over her chest. "It's fine, come in. I'm just about to lock up."

Naruto entered the shop and stood to the side and watched as Ino locked the door. He really didn't mean to frighten her when he approached the shop. He thought maybe she saw him coming.

Ino turned around and smiled. "What brings you by?"

Naruto smiled back at her and handed her a small box. "I thought you might be hungry," Naruto answered.

Ino slowly took the box from Naruto and noticed it was still warm. 'Did he just buy this for me?' Ino asked herself. Not that she minded, she just thought it was strange since Naruto has never done anything like this before.

"Thank you. I actually haven't had dinner yet," Ino said with a smile. She wouldn't question Naruto, because it was just nice to know someone was thinking enough of her to bring her. Food. She was sure it was no secret she wasn't the best cook.

"It was no problem, I uh was thinking," Naruto started looking down at his feet. "You know maybe we could eat together?" he finished pulling out another box.

Ino couldn't hide the shock on her face. "You want to eat with me?" Ino asked. "Why?" She immediately felt stupid for asking him why. It wasn't like she wasn't flattered because she was, but she also thought maybe she was thinking too much into it.

"Well, I thought we could talk. You know since we'll be spending more time together," Naruto answered. And his answer was partly true. They were going to be working together since he took the part-time job with Ino, so he could have a reason to spend time with her.

Ino was a bit disappointed, but not completely surprised. Naruto was like that with everyone. He would always want to know more about the people he was around and she was no different. "Ok, let's go upstairs….unless you want to eat here?" Ino asked looking around the shop.

Naruto looked around the shop. It was beautifully decorated and dimly lit. The way the moon light shown through the window made it seem a little romantic in his eyes. "Here is perfect."

Ino smiled and motioned for Naruto to sit behind the counter where she usually sits. "There are two stools back here."

Naruto smiled and sat next to her at the counter. He noticed Ino seemed to be a bit awkward at the moment. He wasn't sure if he made her uncomfortable or she was just trying to be nice when she actually didn't want to spend time with him. He sometimes found it hard to read people.

Ino noticed Naruto openly staring at her and blushed. Could she be more awkward right now?

"So, how was your day?" Naruto asked trying to break the ice.

"Really busy. I'm actually glad to be getting some help soon," she replied with a smile.

Naruto laughed. "I won't let you down boss!"

Ino couldn't help but laugh as well. "So, what about you? Anything exciting happen?" Ino asked as she finally opened her box. She looked inside and found there to be creamy pasta inside.

"Exciting….nah not really. I just pretty much got lectured by Shikamaru and helped some grannies today with their shopping," Naruto answered taking a bite of his food. He learned from Shikamaru today that Ino enjoyed pastas.

Ino smiled. "That sounds like him. He's not nearly as lazy as he used to be."

"I'll say and he's really weird when Hinata's around. She came to drop food off for everyone today and I couldhave sworn he was going to explode," Naruto said thinking back. "It's like he was excited in his own way or something….."

Ino laughed. It was clear Naruto would eventually catch on to their relationship because both Shikamaru and Hinata were different when they were together. "Interesting."

"I think he likes her….I wouldn't be too surprised if he did you know. He is always watching her when he thinks no one's looking," Naruto said. When he thought about it, he was always watching Ino, so he really wasn't much different from Shikamaru.

Ino titled her head to the side when Naruto stopped eating. It was clear something was on his mind, other than the current relationship of their friends. "Got something on your mind?" Ino asked.

Naruto looked up to see concern in those baby blue eyes. "I uh, was just thinking of how we could celebrate your dad this year," he replied quickly. It was lie, but he wasn't ready to put himself out there just yet. He needed to know that Ino was at least interested before he pursued her.

"Ah, yeah we should plan something. Did you have any idea?" Ino asked. She couldn't help but think it was sweet that Naruto was so serious about celebrating her father.

"I uh was thinking we could go to his favorite spot. You know the place he would go to relax, some place special to him," Naruto replied.

Ino thought for a moment. She and her mother would often visit various places her father frequent, but she never thought about a place that was special. Then a thought came to mind. "Why don't we go to the southern meadows? It's about an hour train ride from here? My father took me and my mother there once a year." Ino smiled remembering her family trips. "He would say it was to find new flowers, but when I think about it we never brought anything new back."

Naruto smiled as Ino talked. It was the first time he could remember seeing her so genuinely happy. He would take her eleven hours away if it meant she could be as happy as she was right then talking about their trip.

"There was always a festival going on there and we would stay in these odd little hut styles homes," Ino laughed again. "It was so cramped in there too. My dad and I would share a hut and my mom would share with my aunt."

"Let's do it," Naruto said catching Ino's attention. He wanted to take her on this trip. He would put in leave immediately so he was able to take her there. He felt like she deserved this little happiness and possibly be able to create new happy memories there.

Ino blushed. "Are you sure? It's kind of late notice since his birthday is next week. We'll have to get train tickets, reserve a hut, and –"

Naruto reached over and took Ino's hand in his. "I'll take care of everything. Just tell your mom and the three of us will go."

Ino felt her eyes water a little. Her father would have really liked Naruto. He really would have liked the man he's grown into and the man he's becoming. "Ok, I'll talk to mom."

Naruto smiled. "Good, now let's eat before the food gets cold."

Kiba frowned at Naruto. He wasn't sure what was going on with him, but he was happier than usual. He wasn't that hyper jokester happy, but that I'm in love happy. He could only wonder what they hell happened to create such a change.

"Hey, why don't you pay attention this time. I'm knida getting sick of Nara's voice," Kiba said folding his arms.

"I have to agree, you do seem a bit distracted. Are you ill?" Shino asked. It wasn't often Kiba was right, but he was definitely right about this one. Shikamaru had to repeat information several times before Naruto caught on. Naruto had his moments, but he took their work seriously.

"Isn't it obvious?" Tenten asked.

"Isn't what obvious?" Naruto asked.

"We're trying to figure why you're acting so damn wired," Kiba added.

"I am not!" Naruto defended.

"Uh yeah the hell you are," Kiba shot back.

"Don't be jealous Kiba. It's not everyday people fall in love," Tenten said staring dreamingly into space. "It's sweet when you think about it."

"It's actually gross if you ask me," Kiba said with a snort.

"Oh, fuck you Kiba, I'm not gross," Naruto shot back. "I'm just in a good mood is all, no special reason."

"Well whatever poor girls got you floating around like a fairy has to be lacking something in the brains department," Kiba joked.

Naruto couldn't help but laugh with Kiba. They had grown closer over the years, so he knew the other man didn't really mean anything by what he said. "Ah, I have to put in leave," Naruto said out loud. He had almost forgot.

"Leave for what? You going somewhere?" Kiba asked.

"Uh, yeah I am actually," Naruto replied standing up.

"So no invite for your besties?" Kiba asked.

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Next time," was all Naruto said before walking towards the front of the room. He would just give his request to Shikamaru since he was like the Hokage's secretary's secretary, or something along those lines…?

"Finally decided to stop interrupting this meeting," Shikamaru asked in a bored tone. "Wouldn't want my voice to make anyone sick," he added shooting a look in Kiba's direction.

"I actually want to put in leave for three or four days next week. So, could you put in my request?" Naruto asked handing Shikamaru the paper.

Shikamaru took the paper and quickly read over it. It would be no problem to give him the off time since there hasn't been a real need for someone of Naruto's caliber recently. "I'm sure you'll get it," Shikamaru told him. Shikamaru only wondered why Naruto needed leave. He's never even taken a day off let alone three.

"Ok, thanks….and one more thing. Do you know where I can buy train tickets?"

Hinata and Sakura walked the busy roads of the shopping district. It wasn't often they were able to get alone time together with all the work they have going on in their personal lives.

"It's good to have day to just do nothing but eat good food and shop," Sakura said as she took a big bite out of her pretzel. She had asked Hinata out since its been a while since the two of them did anything together.

"Yes, this is nice," Hinata replied softly.

"So, Naruto's been looking pretty good lately, eh?" Sakura asked winking at Hinata. Since she missed the lunch date and hadn't spoken to Ino, she didn't know how things went. She hoped they'd hit it off.

"I suppose he does," Hinata said softly. She would have rolled her eyes at Sakura, but she was much too polite to do such a thing.

"He's been really working out a lot and it shows...right?" Sakura said playfully elbowing Hinata.

"Yes I have to agree, but you should see the way he looks at Ino," Hinata said stopping to look at earrings at a nearby stand. She thought it would be nice if Sakura played match maker to set up her two best friends instead of trying to force her on him.

"The way Naruto looks at Ino? Are you kidding me? Naruto doesn't look at anyone, but me...Which is why I'm trying to help you two get together." There was no way Naruto looked at Ino as anything more than friend...Right?

Hinata sighed loudly and turned to face her friend. She really did appreciate her and Ino both for trying encourage things between her and Naruto, but there isn't anything to encourage. She was tired of everyone always trying to help her because she wasn't exactly helpless. She had already found someone who wants her, who loves her, who appreciates the woman she is, and she was totally and completely in love.

"Sakura I don't need your help with Naruto," Hinata said firmly.

"Did he say something?" Sakura asked. She instantly thought he'd said something rude to Hinata. He had a habit of doing that even though he never realizes he does.

"No, he's been nothing but kind to me. It's just that..." Hinata took a deep breath. They were planning to tell everyone soon anyway, so there was no need to keep a secret anymore. "I'm already engaged to someone."

"What? Is it like an arranged marriage or something?" Sakura asked. She was really concerned now.

"No, nothing like that. He asked me and I said yes," Hinata said with a small blush. It was good to finally tell someone she was engaged. It wasn't as if her or Shikamaru were ashamed of their relationship, they just wanted it to be about them. No distractions or input from anyone else. She was sure he told Ino when he visited her at the shop so it won't be a big deal telling Sakura.

"Who is he?"

Hinata smiled. "Shikamaru."

"Wait, you mean to tell me you and Shikamaru are getting married?! Why am I just hearing about this?" She felt really bad now for trying to push Hinata on Naruto. She would have never have done that is she knew Hinata's heart was elsewhere. "God, I'm sorry about the Naruto thing...really."

Hinata giggled. "It's completely fine. Shikamaru and I found it very amusing what you and Ino did."

"Oh, I feel so embarrassed now," Sakura scratching her cheek.

"Don't be. I know that Naruto's affection for you is hard to handle, but I don't think he likes you as more than a friend," Hinata explained. She had done a lot of thinking about the entire situation.

"No, I think he likes a bit more than a friend. He is always asking me on dates, or giving me flowers."

Hinata shook her head. "I believe he does that out of habit. Naruto isn't the most confident person despite the persona he tries to portray. I honestly believes he afraid to look beyond you."

Sakura just stood there for a moment. Was it really like Hinata just said? Was Naruto only sticking around her out of habit and not because he's actually in love with her? She wasn't sure how that truth made her feel. For so long Naruto's world revolved around her, and she never really thought about what she would do if he found someone else.

"I know as strange as it sounds, I believe it to be true. You remember when I said you should see they way he looks at Ino? You should really consider the possibility that you're not his most important person anymore."

Hinata hated to be the one to tell her, but she would want someone to tell her the truth. Hinata knew those longing stares and she knew Naruto spent more time around Ino's flower shop than necessary. He didn't live in the area and yet everything he did was close by. She would often see him and wonder why he would travel so far to shop, but when she saw the way he looked a Ino, she knew. And it was time that Sakura knew as well.

"That can't be right..." Sakura said softly.

Ino sat in her mother's living room. She decided to visit her and talk to her about the trip she and Naruto were taking. She thought it would be good for them both since it has been many years since their last visit. The southern meadows was special place to her family.

"I'm so glad you decided to pay me a visit dear," he mother said placing a tray on the small table. "How is the search for an assistant?"

"Great actually. I found someone yesterday," Ino replied before taking a sip of her tea.

"Well that's good news. Any plans for the big day?"

Ino knew she was talking about her father's birthday. "Yes, that's actually why I came to see you. I was thinking of taking a trip to the southern meadows."

"Really? I didn't expect that. I was sure you wouldn't want to go back...you know considering."

Ino knew exactly what her mother meant. She knew she was very difficult to deal with around her father's birthday, but it was different this time around. She was excited about going, excited about going with Naruto. Ino blushed a little to herself. It was Naruto who made it different this time around.

"Actually Mom, it was Naruto who suggested we go. I kind of told him about it and he suggested the three of us go in celebration of Dad," Ino said with a small smile.

Her mother smiled in return. "I think that's a wonderful idea sweetie."

"Great, I'll let him know.."

"Who will look after the shop?" her mother asked.

Ino didn't really think about that since her new hire is Naruto and he'll be traveling with them she didn't have anyone to watch the shop. There was no way she was going to tell Naruto he couldn't go. Maybe she could ask...Ino looked down. She literally had no one to ask. "I don't know."

"How about this sweetie. You and Naruto go to the southern meadows for a few days and I tend the shop?"

"Mom, I couldn't do that. This is supposed to be for you too."

"No! I won't have it. I'm fine staying behind Ino really. I can always go with your aunt. I want you to go with Naruto and enjoy yourself." She took Ino's hands in hers'. "I mean it sweetie, enjoy yourself...and Naruto too if you ask me," he said laughing.

"Mom!" Ino said with a blush standing up. "I have to go my lunch break is over. I'll call you later."

Ino's mother watched her daughter leave her home. She couldn't hold back a tear that feel from her eye. She was so happy. She hadn't been this happy in a long time. Ino seemed happy and that made her happy. A few weeks ago she would have never expected Ino to ask her to go anywhere outside of the village, but now. Here she was opening herself up to someone and allowing them into a very private and delicate part of her life. Ino was taking a step in the right direction. "I'm going to have to properly meet this Naruto."

A/N: I hoped everyone enjoyed this chapter. I actually really enjoyed writing it.

As always, I hope there weren't too many mistakes to the point where you couldn't enjoy the chapter. You guys know I try to catch everything, but you know how hard that can be. Until next time!

SasuNejiUchiha_