A/N: Hi everyone here's another chapter. I hope you guys enjoy!

Also for the reviewer who was really nasty, not that I mind anyway. This is called fanfiction for a reason. So when you say Naruto loves Sakura...technically he obviously loved Hinata in the series. I respect that you are a NaruSaku fan, so am I.

I happen to like all different pairings. I don't particularly hate or dislike any characters in the series. Instead of asking why, why not ask, why not? There is room for all pairings. In my opinion the stranger the better. I find it more interesting when people write stories about how unlikely pairs find their way to one another...but that's just me.

Now, rant is over. Please enjoy chater 6!

Chapter Six

It was finally the weekend and it was going to be Naruto's first day working at the shop with Ino. She was a bit excited he was coming. She hadn't spoke to him since she told him her mother wouldn't be joining them on their trip the following week. He seemed ok with it and for that she was happy. Ino had everything in the shop ready to open in the 30 minutes.

She smiled when she saw Naruto waving at her through the door. She noticed he wore a plain white t-shirt and black pants.

"Good morning, Naruto," Ino said letting him in.

"Morning Ino. I hope I'm not late."

Ino smiled and handed him an orange apron like the one she wore everyday. "Nope, you're right on time actually. Just put that on and I'll show you how we'll open shop everyday."

Naruto followed Ino as she walked to the back of the store. For some reason he was nervous. He didn't want to ruin anything and he would hate to get fired on his first day.

"Ok, so back here is where I store the flowers we're going to put out front on display," Ino said pointing to some flowers on a shelf. "This is the stand I setup and all these potted plants go out front as well."

"So what do you need me to do?" Naruto asked giving Ino a big smile.

"Just bring all the flowers on this bottom shelf and the potted plants out front. I'll set the stand up while you're doing that." Ino reached for the stand only to have Naruto pick it up for her. She smiled and let him lead them to the front of the shop.

"I'll leave this here with you and I'll bring the rest out," Naruto said heading back inside.

Ino smiled and begin putting the stand together. It would seem that Naruto was more than willing to do all the heavy lifting and Ino didn't mind one bit. She had her fair share of hauling everything out herself and it normally took her two trips just to get the stand out front. Ino begin to assemble to stand. "I should really consider getting a new one," Ino mumbled while putting it together. It was old, and it belonged to her father.

"Do you need any help?" Naruto asked looking down at Ino's crouched form.

Ino looked up at him and smiled. She didn't even notice he was done bring the flowers out front since she was busy putting together the old stand. "It's pretty old, so it's a little hard to assemble." Ino stood and put her hands on her hips. "But it's done."

"Was this your dad's?" Naruto asked referring to the stand. He could only assume that since Ino had completely redone everything else in the shop.

"Yeah, it was. I just decided to keep it...sentimental value you know?"

Naruto just nodded his head. He could understand that. It was actually a pretty nice stand. A little old looking, but he guessed that gave it its charm in a way. He actually kind of liked it.

"Well let's put all those bouquets in the top three slots. And those small potted ones go on the bottom shelf," Ino explained as Naruto started putting flowers on the stand. They worked quietly until everything was on the stand the way she liked it. "You think you can handle doing this on your own on the days you work?"

"Leave to me!" Naruto said winking at Ino. He was sure he would be able to fix everything just like Ino wanted it.

"Other than this, you may have to sweep a bit around the outside of the shop to make sure it looks neat, and possibly assist me with arrangements," Ino said as they both walked back into the shop. "You can also take orders," Ino added.

Naruto just nodded his head. He was sure he wouldn't do anything to mess up. What she needed him to do was simple enough. "I think I can handle that."

"I have no doubt you'll be the best partner," Ino said touching Naruto's back. "I'm glad to have you on board."

Naruto blushed a little and smiled. It was the first time Ino touched him. "Me too."

Ino noticed her hand was still on Naruto's back and quickly snatched it down. "Well let's turn that open sign on," she said turning away from him. She didn't want him to see her red face. It was embarrassing really. She was getting worked up from touching his back? 'Really Ino?' she said to herself as she turned on the sign. Today was going to be a long day.

Sakura sat in her office unable to forget about her and Hinata's conversation a few days ago. When she thought about it, she never really thought about what she would do or how she would feel if Naruto actually got a girlfriend. Was she really bothered by it? She wasn't really sure, but she knew one thing, it bothered her that Hinata said that Ino was his new love interest.

She was perfectly content with Naruto being with Hinata and she wasn't sure why. Was it strange that she didn't mind him and Hinata, but the thought of him with Ino made her feel jealous? It was strange to say the least. Her and Ino were always rivals when it came to love and she couldn't help but wonder if the same thing would happen with Naruto. Sakura shook her head, she didn't even like Naruto like that...did she?

It was really hard to put her feelings into words. Words that would help her understand why she didn't want Naruto and Ino together. It was childish when she thought about. For years Naruto chased after her and now she hadn't seen him since the lunch date. Why hadn't he been to see her by now. Right around this time he would have asked her at least a dozen times to have lunch with him.

Maybe Hinata was right. Maybe Naruto had moved on passed her, but why Ino? That was the big mystery to her, and how did Ino feel about Naruto? She couldn't remember Ino ever voicing her interest in Naruto. She would think Ino of all people would tell her if she had feelings for Naruto. Then again, Ino was different now. She didn't engage in gossip much nor did she seem to show any interest in anything for that matter anymore. Ino was much harder to read now.

Sakura sighed and closed her folder. There was no way she was getting any work done today. She couldn't focus on anything. Naruto consumed her thoughts. Maybe she should talk to him and see where his head is. It was hard not knowing. Sakura walked outside her office and went to the receptionists desk. "I'm leaving for today. Just contact me if there is an emergency."

"Of course ma'am. Enjoy the rest of your day.

Sakura found herself sitting across the road from Ino's shop. She stopped by the Hokage's tower to look for Naruto. Shikamaru informed her that he was at his part-time job. Just when the hell did Naruto get a part-time job? It was even more confusing when he told her where he was working. Sakura looked through the open double doors to see both Naruto and Ino sitting behind the counter.

Why was Naruto working at Ino's flower shop with her? What the hell did he know about flowers besides buying them? Sakura watched as a customer entered the shop. She saw that Ino was speaking, but she couldn't make out what she was saying. Sakura moved closer pretending to look at a stand next to the shop. She could hear everything clearly then.

"I'm looking for something that's going to cheer her up," the customer said.

"Well, what do you think Naruto?" Sakura heard Ino ask. Was she flirting with him?

"Well I kind of like sunflower," Naruto replied.

Sakura heard Ino giggle and it made her angry. "I have to agree with you. Sunflowers make people happy. I know I would be happy getting a large bouquet of sunflowers," Ino said.

"Yeah, they just make you want to smile," Naruto added looking at Ino.

Sakura saw Ino blush. So Naruto was flirting with her. "I guess some people are like sunflowers," Ino said walking away from behind the counter. Sakura noticed how Naruto's eye never left Ino. How had she missed this?!

"Ok, I think I want the sunflowers," the customer said.

"Naruto would you ring him up while I get the bouquet together?"

"Sure thing," Sakura heard Naruto reply a little too happy in her opinion.

So it was true. Naruto had in fact found someone else. That little bit of information made Sakura sad. It wasn't as if her and Naruto were ever together to begin with, if anything she should be happy for him. Maybe should just talk to Naruto first before drawing any conclusions. She was sure she was overthinking everything.

"Hey Sakura," Ino said leaning out the shop's door a little.

"Oh, hey Ino...What's up?" Sakura asked.

Ino raised her brow. Why was Sakura creeping around outside the shop instead of just coming in? "Hey, uh were you coming in?" Ino asked her slowly. It seemed like something was bothering Sakura.

"Uh, actually I was looking for Naruto," Sakura said following Ino into the shop. She saw Naruto sitting behind the counter. When their eyes met he gave her a wave. When she thought about it, there was something different about his eyes. They were still kind, but they didn't look at her the way he looked at Ino.

"Here's the hardest working man in the village," Ino announced and Sakura noticed Naruto blush a little when he smiled.

Sakura almost gasp when Naruto looked at Ino. That was the look! He was giving it to Ino. She could remember years ago when that looked was directed towards her. Now that she thought about it, Naruto hadn't looked at her like that in a long time. When did things change?

"Hehe, I guess I got a good boss," Naruto added rubbing the back of his head.

"But if you need Naruto he take lunch now. It's only about 10 minutes before I close for the lunch hour anyway," Ino said walking behind the counter and grabbing a broom.

"There's no rush," Sakura protested. She didn't want to rush Naruto or anything. She could wait a few minutes. It would actually give her time to gather her thoughts.

"I still have to sweep up and Sakura doesn't mind waiting," Naruto said trying to take the broom from Ino only to have her put it behind her out of his reach.

"Naruto, it's fine really. Go ahead, but you make sure you're back here in one hour," Ino said pointing her finger at Naruto. "I'll clean up here."

Sakura watched as Ino and Naruto had some sort of silent battle? She wasn't sure because they looked at each for much longer than she thought was necessary. It was Ino who broke eye contact first. Sakura couldn't miss the faint blush that appeared on her cheeks as they looked at each other. Naruto voice caught her attention.

"Hey, you ready to go?" he asked her. She nodded and watched as he hung his apron on one of the three hooks beside the counter.

"Oh, before you go," Ino stated reaching in her apron pocket pulling out two keys on a flower keychain. "Just in case you're back before me."

Naruto smiled and pocketed the keys. "Thanks, come on Sakura."

Sakura followed behind Naruto in utter shock. What was going on? Ino never gave anyone access to her flower shop and she meant no one. Her own mother didn't even have keys to the shop. She would never let anyone inside of that shop without her being there. So, Sakura couldn't understand why she was giving Naruto a key.

"You wanted to talk?" Sakura heard Naruto asked. They had walked over towards the park and she hadn't even realized they made it so far. She was much too caught up her own thoughts.

"Uh, yeah," Sakura said looking around until she found an empty bench. Since there weren't many people around, it would be the perfect place to talk. "Let's go sit over there."

Once they were both seated, Naruto was the first to talk. "So, what's up? It's not often you come looking for me?" Naruto said with a laugh.

Sakura looked down at her hands. How should she approached this situation? Just be direct. "Naruto, are you seeing anyone?" she asked. It was the best way to ask without saying any names.

She saw him blush and scratch his cheek. "Uh, no not exactly?"

Sakura frowned. What kind of answer is that. "Not exactly? So there is someone you're at least interested in?" She needed to hear him say in order for her to believe it. Even then she didn't know if she would believe it.

Naruto didn't answer right away and that was all confirmation Sakura needed. It was like he was thinking about it or maybe he didn't want to tell her. Either way it hurt her. She should be happy Naruto moved on from her, but she wasn't. She wasn't happy at all for him. "I need to go," Sakura said taking out her pager. She had to get away from him. "I needed at the hospital."

"Oh, ok," Naruto said slowly standing up with Sakura. "Maybe we can talk another time then?" he asked with a small smile.

Sakura eyes went big. Did he actually believe her? He didn't even seem like he cared she was leaving. "Yeah, another time. See you later Naruto," Sakura said as they walked in different directions. She turned to see Naruto pull out the flower keychain. She noticed he put his hand in that pocket and never took it out. She watched a little longer and sure enough, Naruto was headed back to the shop. From where she stood she could see him running to catch up with Ino who was carrying a plastic bag.

She felt her eyes water. Had she already lost Naruto to Ino?

A/N: Hey guys. I decided to get more of Sakura's view on things and to give you guys a little insight on her feelings and what not. And for those who are wondering this is a NaruIno story, so don't expect there to be NaruSaku...sorry.

Please like always excuse all mistakes and I hoped you enjoyed this chapter!

_SasuNejiUchiha_