A/N: Hey guys! On to chapter 7! I really appreciate the love I'm getting from everyone. It makes me happy to know that you guys are enjoying my story so far.

sinedd66 I am not offended at all by your review. You are completely right about the manga and about the fact Naruto never cared for Hinata. I couldn't agree more with you that NaruHina was forced in "The Last" and like you I would have preferred NaruSaku, but we get what we get. I actually really appreciate you reviews and opinions otherwise I would have ignored you. So please keep telling what you think.

And for all those who were misinformed by this story, it is NaruIno. I didn't realize I didn't have them coupled off in the description of the story.

Chapter Seven

Naruto stood silently out on his balcony. He thought back to his meeting with Sakura and thought it was strange. It was weird her asking if he was seeing anyone. To be honest he didn't think she really cared about that sort of thing when it came to him. He didn't mean to come off as rude to her, but really wanted to get to the shop to spend more time with Ino. He was sure Sakura would understand.

Naruto smiled when he thought about the other blonde. They were becoming friends, he could tell. Ino would share things with him he was sure she would only tell a friend. Ino was smart he learned. Not that he didn't think she was smart at first, but she had really good insight when it came to a lot of things. He thought at first it would be odd and awkward working with her, but it's been the complete opposite.

Once the day went on, Ino opened up and talk freely with him, and for that he was really happy. He could remember when everyone said she was closed off from the rest of the world and he believed them. He continued to watch over Ino because of that very reason. She was slow to recover and it seemed like she went into deep depression at one while. She would never come to any dinners or outings with their group and that made Naruto concerned.

Then again he could relate to Ino in a way. Everyone he ever really cared about was gone now. It was hard sometimes opening up when you're hurting. Naruto was just better at pretending than Ino. He was used to being alone and not feeling wanted. He was used to being rejected and turned away. So when he did eventually get friends he worked so hard at being happy, he didn't let others know when he was happy.

Ino was a little different from him. She completely shut down and closed everyone out. He could tell she held some insecurities about herself and he planned to help her overcome them. And just maybe in the process he could find a way to overcome his own. Naruto couldn't help but laugh. "How can I help someone when I'm so screwed up myself?" Naruto said softly. But that's what he did. He fixed everyone else, while he was still broken. He made sure to make them smile when he was crying on the inside, but no more.

He was going to open himself to Ino if she let him. Maybe that's what attracted him to Ino in the first place. She needed someone and he desperately wanted to be needed. Naruto shook his head., either way he was committed to pursuing Ino. He never did anything half heartily.

Ino was clearly interested in him, that much he figured out by just spending the entire day with her. Naruto blushed when he thought about the hug Ino gave him at the end of the work day. There was no way she would be as nice or touch him as often as she did if she didn't like him right? Naruto smiled, he would find out soon enough because he was going to give subtle hints that he too was very much interested in her.

The next morning...

Ino smiled as she entered the shop. The back door was unlocked and that only meant that Naruto was already there. She was actually really glad he was the one she hired for the job. Although he would only work a few days a week, she was happy with the time they spent. Naruto was special in a way she couldn't explain. She found herself wanting to be near him, even if it were just him sitting at the counter with her.

She hoped she didn't seem too clingy when she would often suggest he work with her the entire time. She came to accept the fact that she did indeed like Naruto a lot, but that didn't mean anything would come of it. She was too broken and no one, especially Naruto, deserved someone who couldn't be all in. She did feel the most comfortable around Naruto at the moment. He was easy to talk to and she didn't feel as if he would judge her. She found herself sharing details of her life with him, and that in itself is a huge step for her. She told him things she hadn't even told Sakura.

"Morning Ino!"

Ino smiled when she saw Naruto trying his best to wrap a bouquet in plastic. She remembered telling him that they would need to add more to the outside display since they sold practically everything yesterday. She thought it was sweet that he came in early to try to do it himself. Then again it shouldn't have surprised her since Naruto was actually a really sweet guy.

"Hey you," Ino replied standing next to him observing his work. "Not bad. Just make sure you use a small piece of tape and attach a tag."

Naruto nodded. "I forgot about the tags," he said softly and he concentrated on making the plastic wrap neat as possible.

"Well I'll add the tags and you can just keep wrapping the bouquets," Ino said taking the bouquet Naruto just finished wrapping.

They worked together silently and Ino begin to hear her hearty beat out of her chest. She couldn't help but look at him out the corner of her eye and wonder if he could hear her heartbeat as well. Even though she was comfortable around Naruto he made her extremely aware of him and that made her nervous. Their arms brushed lightly against each others as they worked.

"I already have the stand set up and the potted plants on display."

"You'll be ready to run this place in no time," Ino said as they both laughed a little.

"I don't know about. I still have a lot to learn about flowers," Naruto said finishing up.

"Well that's why we make a good team. What you lack in knowledge I make up for it," Ino said elbowing him lightly. She really couldn't help herself.

"Yeah and what you lack in height I make up for it. I mean you want even need a ladder in this place," Naruto said laughing bumping Ino with his hip.

Ino laughed and bumped him back. "Well let's get these out front, because it's time to open shop," Ino said picking up a few bouquets.

Naruto followed her lead picking up the remaining. She let Naruto place the flowers on the stand. She wouldn't interfere this time, because Naruto had proven himself capable his first day of work. Ino watched Naruto arrange things a couple of times before he stood beside her to look. Ino frowned. It had been a while since she sold so many pre-made bouquets, and then she looked at Naruto. Was he a customer magnet, or should she say girl magnet?

She was so caught up with just being with Naruto she didn't even take notice to her increase in daily sales on yesterday. It was really strange since Valentine's Day was only a two weeks away. Maybe Naruto was the reason for that. She did notice that women would stop and talk with him when he swept outside the shop. Ino begin to feel self-conscious again. Maybe she was being to optimistic when she thought there could be something between them.

Because honestly, why would he want her when he could have his pick of anyone in the village. He was the hero, and he had grown quiet a fanbase. Ino sighed. Maybe she was being too hard on herself, she really wasn't sure.

"Hey I just noticed were dressed alike,"Naruto said smiling.

Ino looked between them and blushed. she didn't even notice that. Maybe yellow was their color now. She wore it because it made her think of sunflowers and those flowers made her think of Naruto.

"I guess yellow is our color," Naruo said smiling.

Ino blushed because she just thought the exact same thing. "I was just thinking the same thing."

Naruto wrapped his arm around Ino's shoulder causing her to stiffen a little. She wasn't expecting him to touch her let alone wrap his arm around her. She felt him give her arm a gentle squeeze and she instantly relaxed. She then wrapped her arm around Naruto's waist and leaned more against him. She could hear his heart beating fast and that made her smile. So, she wasn't the only one...

Hinata walked quietly beside Shikamaru. It was their first outing in a while and she was very happy he asked to take her out to breakfast. Shikamaru wasn't the type of man to confess his love on daily basis, but he showed her constantly that he did in fact love her. He would do small things like the time he bought her a butterfly pillow. To most it would seem childish, but it meant the world to her. Or the time her a box of herbs from the Nara forest, or when he come home from a mission at sit with her hours before he got any rest.

Hinata felt his hand on her lower back and she moved closer to him. Those simple gesture were more than enough. Like right now, she was sure he had a ton of paperwork to complete at the Hokage's tower, and yet he made sure to set aside some time for her. Hinata hummed and leaned against Shikamaru. She was the happiest she could ever remember being, but most important of all...she felt loved.

"Is here good?"

Hinata looked to the small restaurant and nodded. "Here is perfect," she said and blushed when he smiled down at her. It was things like this that let her know he was the one. He wasn't one for flashy or over crowded places. He would always pick somewhere quiet so that they could enjoy each other, and he knew she didn't really care much for crowds.

"Some old gut told me about this place," Shikamaru said flatly.

Hinata couldn't help but laugh behind her hand. "You could have at least gotten his name."

"I would have asked if he didn't hold me up for so long."

Hinata playfully bumped him. She remembered him telling her he helped and elderly couple. "You're hopeless..."

Hinata felt him take her hand in his as he led her to a both towards the back of the restaurant. She had to admit that the place was really cute. It almost felt homely in a way, and she liked that. "Do you want to sit next to me?" Hinata asked softly.

She watched as Shikamaru raised his brow before moving to sit on the same side as her. She didn't want to come off as clingy, but she did miss him. It had been a few day since they really had any alone time together. She must have been frowning because she felt his finger between her brows.

"What's with the long face?" He asked.

Hinata looked down at her menu. "I...I uh...I just really missed you is all," she said softly. She didn't want him to feel guilty about working, but she needed him to know she missed him when he's away from her.

Hinata sighed when Shikamaru put his arm around her shoulder. She leaned into kissing his neck softly. Normally they weren't a couple who displayed a lot of public affection, but Hinata thought every once in a while it was ok. Shikamaru kissed the side of her head. Hinata smiled and pulled back just enough to receive the kiss he placed on her lips. 'Yeah just a little PDA every once in a while couldn't hurt' Hinata thought to herself.

"I missed you too."

Hinata smiled and looked back at the menu. She instantly blushed when she felt Shikamaru's hand on her thigh and his lips against her ear. "It won't be long before I'm tucking you in every night."

If Hinata's head could've exploded, it would have. "I can't wait," Hinata said softly earning a low chuckle from Shikamaru.

"My mother is meeting with your father tomorrow. She insist on having the engagement party at our place since the wedding will surely be held at the Hyuga's," Shikamaru said with a sigh.

Hinata smiled. "It'll be fine really. I already talked with my father about it and he agreed to let your family host the engagement party as long as Hyuga host the wedding," Hinata explained. She knew how important it was for his mother to be involved so she made sure to talk with her father about it.

"You're an angel, you know that?"

Hinata giggled. "I don't know about that, but thank you," Hinata said with a blush. "I have to go see Ino to put in the flower order for the engagement party and I also have to ask her about making out invitation."

She heard Shikamaru sigh. "I'm so glad you've got everything under control."

She smiled and put her hand in his. She knew Shikamaru wasn't one to plan out anything big, especially when it came to their clans, so she didn't mind taking it on. She was used to it so she didn't mind taking over. "Anything for you."

"Are you really that hungry?"

Hinata looked at Shikamaru confused. "Are you not hungry..or..?" Hinata stopped mid-sentence when she finally locked eyes with Shikamaru. She now knew exactly want he meant. She blushed and put her menu down slowly. She then tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Right now?" She asked, "But don't you have to report back soon?"

She saw him shrug. "I don't mind being late...but that's only if you want to."

Hinata felt her heart beating fast and hard in her chest. "That is if you...uh if you think...will you get in trouble?" Hinata asked. She didn't want him to get reprimanded because he decided to play hooky.

Hinata felt herself being pulled from the booth. She couldn't help but laugh when she felt herself being lifted off the ground. As embarrassed as she was at the small group of people staring at them, she couldn't help but be a little giddy too. It's been even longer since they've spent that kind of time together.

Naruto swept the around the shop as Ino water new flowers just placed on the stand outside. Their morning had been pretty busy and Ino told him that she thought he was the reason for that. He wasn't exactly sure what she meant, but she was sure they customers were there mostly because he was working there now. Naruto could admit that he did have a little fan-club now, and it was a bit odd for him. He wasn't use to having girls declare their love for him.

He already knew it was because he was proclaimed the 'hero' of the village, so there was really no surprise when women and a few guys started pursuing him. It kind of made him think about how sallow people could really be. He didn't think that they were necessarily bad people, because most of them weren't. It just seemed that people only acknowledge you once they've think you done something incredible. But isn't he the same person he was before? Sure he's changed a bit, and that's mostly due to simply maturing.

But he is still the same Naruto he he's always been, and that just made him think that they only wanted the village hero, and not him. Half the people who worshiped him now didn't even know him and they still don't. They've just fallen in love with the idea of him and that just isn't how he wanted to start a relationship of any kind off. He wanted someone to want him for being him.

Naruto looked up briefly to see Shikamaru running with Hinata in his arms. "Hey Ino," Naruto called out. They both stood and watched as the Shikamaru rounded the corner going in the opposite direction. "Where do you think they're going?"

Ino wondered for a minute herself and then she remembered what was in that direction. "Probably just looking for somewhere to have some alone time."

"Alone time?" Naruto asked out loud. He wasn't sure why they couldn't just sit in the park or stay at one of their houses if they just wanted to hang out. "They can spend time together anywhere..."

"I suppose you're right, but they wouldn't be alone...now would they?"

Naruto watched as Ino entered the shop. He would drop it for now and just ask Shikamaru about when he saw him later that day. He would only be staying half the day with Ino at the shop, but he was going to try to come back and help her close up everything. Maybe Shikamaru will let him leave early or something.

"Um excuse me?"

Naruto turned to see a petite red head standing behind him. "Do you work here now?" she asked.

"Uh, yeah...can I help you with anything? We have a sale on all pre-made bouquets and these larger potted plants are buy one get one half off," Naruto answered.

"Which do you like best?"

Naruto turned to look at the flowers on display. He wasn't really sure which were his favorite. To him they were all pretty nice, but he remembered Ino telling him 'that is was his job to lead to the customer, not pick for them.'

"What's the occasion?" Naruto asked.

He saw the girl blush. "Valentine's day actually. I wanted to put in a special order, but I want to buy some of these too," she answered.

"Oh well, what's your favorite color?" Naruto asked the girl. He figured he would go from there.

"Orange!" she answered excitedly.

"Cool choice! How about these then?" Naruto asked picking up a mix of white daisies and orange tulips. "Neat right?" He asked her with a smile. "But if you're feeling adventurous, why not try these babies here," Naruto said picking up a larger bouquet. "These are trumpets or something," he said not really sure.

"I'll take them both!" the girl beamed snatching both bouquets from Naruto. "How can I place an order for Valentine's day?"

"Hehe you must really like flowers. You can order inside at the counter. Ino will fix you right up," Naruto instructed pointing behind him at the shop. He watched as they girl skipped happily in the shop. Women were strange sometimes. He looked inside and watched as Ino handed the girl a slip of paper. Naruto could tell she was happy to have another sale, so that made him happy. He was just glad he didn't mess it up.

"Come again!" Naruto heard Ino yell at the girl currently skipping down the road. Yeah she must really like flowers.

"Well you did it again Mr. Uzumaki. I am forever impressed," Ino said patting his back. "I'll be rich in no time if you stick around."

Naruto laughed. He knew Ino was joking, but he was happy she was proud of him. "I might just have too then."

Ino sighed. "If you need, you can leave early today. I can handle things. You've been a big help," Ino said folding her arms.

"No, I can stay until noon today. Shikamaru said it was on to come in around that time," Naruto answered. He didn't want to leave earlier than he needed to. He actually really like working with Ino. She was a bit bossy and very particular about how she liked things, but he liked that about her.

"Well if you say so," Ino replied heading back inside the shop. "Why don't you come in for a while out of the sun Mr. Popular."

Naruto laughed and followed Ino inside.

Naruto sat next to Kiba in another one of Shikamaru's lectures. To be honest he wasn't sure why it was always just him, Kiba, Shino, and Tenten at these things. Sure he needed to educate himself on the workings of the village, but what exactly were the other's jobs going to be?

He never really thought about it before now, and he did know Kiba was going to be apart of guard. He could remember him bragging about being the one to protect him, so what were Shino and Tenten going to do?

"Naruto are you paying attention?"

Naruto looked up to see Shikamaru and the others looking at him. "Yeah...of course I am."

Shikamaru rolled his eyes and continued again.

Two hours later...

"So how is it working with Ino?" Kiba asked. He knew just like everyone else that Ino was different, kind of like a shell of herself.

"I like it," Naruto replied staring up at the sky. The two of them were currently sitting on bench outside the Hokage's tower.

Kiba raised his brow. "That's cool I guess. What made you want to do part-time work anyway? I was actually surprised when I heard from Nara," Kiba said leaning back a little. He was seriously curious as to why.

Naruto shrugged his shoulders. He wasn't sure if he should tell Kiba or not about his feelings for Ino. He wasn't sure how he would react. Not that it mattered, but Kiba was a good friend and he would like to have his support. He took a deep breath. "I like her."

Kiba sat and looked at Naruto. Did he just say what he thought he said? "Wait a minute, you like Ino? Like, like Ino?" Kiba asked surprised.

"Yeah."

"When did this happen? I was sure you were going to like purpose to Sakura once you became Hokage or something," Kiba said sitting back against the bench. This was truly news to him.

Naruto laughed. "For a while now actually. I don't know when or how, but I feel like she could be the one."

Kiba laughed out loud. So Ino was the one that's been having Naruto all dreamy eyed. "Man, I was not expecting that! Don't get wrong Ino's hot, I just didn't think you had eyes for anyone that wasn't Sakura you know."

Naruto knew exactly what Kiba meant. Most people who probably be very surprised that wanted to be with someone other than Sakura. He actually thought it was for the best that he finally saw someone else's beauty other than Sakura's.

Sakura was great; she's kind, smart, and caring...but she just wasn't what Naruto wanted anymore. He loved Sakura, but only as a sister now. She was like family and when he thought about it, he couldn't see their relationship going any further than what was. They were friends and that was good enough for him.

"Ino's special...you just have to get to know her," Naruto said softly with a smile.

"Awe man, you got it bad. Have you told her?" Kiba asked. He knew Naruto wasn't shy about declaring his love, if his feelings for Sakura were any indication.

"Not yet."

"What the hell are you waiting for?" Kiba asked.

"The right time I guess..." Naruto replied. There were some things he just couldn't share with anyone yet. Not even Kiba.

"Well, I'm sure it'll work out," Kiba said giving Naruto a hard pat on the back. "You're a pretty good catch."

Naruto laughed. "Now who's being gross?"

"Yeah, well sue me for trying to support your new love," Kiba said folding his arms.

They both sat their silently for a while. Naruto appreciated Kiba, he really did. He really did need a little encouragement and someone in his corner. His fear of rejection was real and just like Kiba he does think Ino likes him too, but he couldn't be fore sure.

Only time would tell. Maybe he should takes Kiba advice and just tell her how he feels. The worse things she could so was say no and that's what he feared most. Rejection.

A/N: Hello I hope you all enjoyed this chapter because I actually enjoyed writing it. I decided to make this chapter a little longer than the other ones and I will try to make them longer when I can.

*If you guys have a paring you would like to see let me know and I will try to work them in occasionally.}=)

Like always, please excuse any and all mistakes.

_SasuNejiUchiha_