A/N: Hey guys I have two words for you: FORGIVE ME! I know it has been longer than I originally planned for this chapter. I am extremely happy for the reviews and likes. So please enjoy!

Chapter Nine

Ino sat nervously on her couch waiting for Naruto to arrive. He told her that they would be traveling with a small convoy to the nearest train station. Ino couldn't help but notice her mother staring at her. She wouldn't dare ask the older woman why she was staring, because Ino was pretty sure she already knew the answer to that question. Even so, Ino was curious to what her mother would actually say.

"Spit it out," Ino said folding her arms.

"Hmm?" he mother said softly. "I'm not sure what you mean honey."

Ino rolled her eyes. "Come on mom. You've been staring at me for what seems like hours. Just say it already."

Ino watched as her mother placed her cup on the table between them. "Promise you won't get mad?"

Ino relaxed a little. She didn't really plan on getting upset no matter what her mother said. "I promise."

"I actually want you to promise me something." Ino raised her brow and waited for her mother to continue. "Promise me if Naruto reaches for your hand, you'll hold on tight."

"Mom, you want me to hold his hand?" Ino asked.

"You know exactly what I mean. I know just like you do that you have given yourself every excuse in the world not to like him." Ino's mom smiled at her. "I know you like him and I think you should at least explore it some."

Ino sighed to herself. She already knew what her mother was talking about, but it was going to be a little tough. Sure she like Naruto, but that didn't mean Naruto liked her that way as well. Naruto was kind to everyone he met so it could be easy to confuse his kindness for feelings that aren't actually there.

Ino sighed. "Mom, I'm not even sure he likes me like that."

"Ask him."

Ino gave her mother a confused look. So she was just supposed to ask Naruto if he liked more than a friend? Years ago this was something she would have done without question, but she wasn't that person anymore. She wasn't shy, but she wasn't as confident in herself as she once was. Ino really couldn't handle Naruto's answer to such a question, no matter what it was.

"I can't do that," Ino said softly.

"Of course you can. And if he talks about you as much as you talk about him, then I am willing to bet money he really likes you."

Naruto slowly made his way to Ino's front door. He was really excited about their trip. He barely slept last night and his conversation with Sakura didn't make sleeping any easier. Naruto often wondered when his personal life got so complicated. It wasn't as if he didn't already know what he wanted, he just didn't want anyone to get hurt. Now it seemed like, at least to him, that Sakura may have feelings for him.

For now he would focus his energy on Ino, because right now she was his priority. He smiled to himself as he threw his bag over his shoulder. He looked at the two train tickets in his hands. He had a good feeling about this little trip with Ino.

It wasn't long before Naruto was standing outside of Ino's front door. He took a deep breath and was about to knock before the door swung open. There stood an older woman he was sure was Ino's mother. He was never formally introduced to her, but he had seen her in the shop a few times and around the village.

"Please come in."

Naruto smiles and walked through the opened door. "Hey, I'm Naruto by the way," he said extending the woman his hand.

"Oh, I know exactly who you are Mr. Uzumaki," she replied. "Put that hand of yours away," she said playfully pushing Naruto's hand away. "I don't know if Ino told you, but I give hugs honey."

Naruto felt himself being pulled into a tight embrace. It was little odd for him. It wasn't that he didn't like being hugged, it was more so no one actually ever hugs him. He slowly brought his arms around her hugging her back. Mrs. Yamanaka leaned back and smiled up at Naruto giving his shoulders a gentle squeeze.

"Mom?"

Naruto the turned his attention to Ino, who was coming out of the kitchen.

"Oh, sweetie. Naruto is here to pick you up," her mother replied standing beside Naruto linking their arms.

Ino narrowed her eyes a little at her mother. 'What is she up to?' Ino thought to herself. She then turned her attention to Naruto who only smiled in return. Ino eyed him a little longer to see if his reaction would give her any indication that her mother said anything...weird while she wasn't around. "Hey," Ino said softly making her was towards the pair.

"Hey," Naruto said in return.

There was moment of silence.

"Well!" Mrs. Yamanaka said patting Naruto on his back. "I hope you two enjoy your trip and Naruto you must come by the compound sometime."

Naruto looked at Ino before he answered. "I mean sure, if it's ok with Ino."

"Sure it is! We were just talking about inviting you over for dinner."

Ino rolled her eyes. "Mom, please leave him alone."

"I can hold your bag," Naruto said taking Ino's things from her. "And it's no trouble really. I'd love to visit."

Mrs. Yamanaka smiled. "See, he'd love to!"

"Sure," Ino said quickly grabbing Naruto's arm a pulling him towards the door. She didn't know why but she was both embarrassed and grateful. Her mother had done something Ino herself couldn't bring herself to do, but at the same time she still wasn't sure what to make of Naruto's behavior. He was genuinely a nice person so that fear of confusing his kindness for something more was back.

"See ya, Mrs. Yamanaka!" Naruto yelled over his shoulder.

"Call me mom dear!"

Ino's face was red now. "Seriously!"

The walk to the station was quiet. It wasn't awkward and for that Ino was happy. Her mother was out of control. Ino would still glances at Naruto every so often and he seemed as happy as always. Maybe he paid her mother's behavior no mind. Either way she was happy he didn't question it.

Naruto smiled to himself when he saw Ino staring at him and trying to hide it. He knew she was embarrassed by what happened at her house so he knew not to bring it up. That was one thing he learned from Sakura. He could hear her voice in his head, 'Stop say unnecessary things. Learn to read the situation before you speak. Better yet don't speak at all!'

"Here we are!" Naruto announced as he and Ino approached the small building. the train was already sitting on the tracks. There were people already in line waiting to board the train.

"I haven't seen the new trains up this close. It's nice," Ino said looking at it. The new design was beautiful.

"I heard the ride is smoother than the old ones. Shikamaru said he was able to nap peacefully when he rode."

Ino couldn't help but laugh a little. Leave it Shikamaru to rate the train ride based on how well he was able to nap.

"NEXT!"

"That's us," Naruto said as he stood to the side so Ino could board first. He showed the man their tickets and followed Ino as she walked towards their seats. Naruto noticed an elderly couple sitting across from them. He hoped Ino wouldn't mind having seats facing the couple. Since the trip was little last minute, he bought the last of three seats left.

Ino sat down and smiled at the couple who sat in front of her.

"What a beautiful couple. Are you two honeymooning?" It was the lady who asked.

Naruto almost dropped his bag while putting it in the overhead space at hearing the woman's question.

Ino gave a nervous laugh. "Well...um you see.."

"Leave them alone dear," her husband said adjusting the paper he was reading in his hands.

Naruto sat down next to Ino and smiled at the woman who was still openly staring at them. "Hey there. I'm Naruto."

"Ah yes, you're the village hero," the woman commented.

This time Ino looked towards the woman. It wasn't too strange that someone recognized who Naruto was since he was pretty famous now. Everyone knew of him and would often stop and talk with him if they had the chance. She was sure when they made it to southern meadows he would have fans there too. Ino smiled a little. She felt Naruto deserved all the attention he got. He was a hard working, kind, and he was sure to be their next Hokage.

She sighed softly as the woman continued to talk Naruto's ears off as the train pulled away from the station.

A/N: I will try to update this story as soon as I can. As always please excuse any mistakes you may come across.

*I'm actually really looking forward to the next chapter. Until next time!

_SasuNejiUchiha_