Chapter 8: The date

There's nothing like a good shopping spree to build up your confidence…even if you are shopping for male clothes for your alter ego. Girl clothes is just way more numerous and fashionable, but Hinata did do a good job at picking out something that's to my taste and I believe I look really good for my date with Sakura.

I've been keeping my mind off a lot of stuff, and trying not to analyze this date to much or the impact it might have on my life. After all I can't afford to let it have an impact on my life; I can't let it impact Sakura either. It's just a little indulgence and there's no need for anyone to get hurt. But I really shouldn't worry about it after all, it's just one date. A date I'm planning on enjoying, since I don't know if I'll ever have the chance again.

I stand out in front of the Konoha Theater, waiting for Sakura to arrive. I can't help but smile, I can't remember the last time me and Sakura just hung out; never mind the date. I really do miss the old relationship we use to have when we where little, maybe after this bet is over I can use Inazo's 'visit' to spark a conversation and maybe become more friendly with Sakura, like we used to be. It doesn't have to lead to anything else. It'd be nice just to have my old friend back.

I let out a sigh' a part of me thinking my train of thought is ridiculous, that it wouldn't work because I might let something slip and then I'd chase Sakura away. But when I spot a pink figure coming toward the theater all thinking on the subject stops and I pull myself into character.

Sakura hurries up to me, her pink ruffle skirt shaking from side to side with every step. She's wearing a white off the shoulder top with a matching pink flower sew onto the collar. It's refreshing to see her in something other than her usual outfit, I even notice the slight shimmer of lip gloss as she comes closer.

"Wow you look great!" She says laughing.

"I could say the same thing," I say with a hint of smugness in my fake deeper voice.

"I wasn't going to dress up but Naruto wouldn't' let me leave the house without putting on something a little more 'girly'. I'm glad that he did, I think I'd feel out of place seeing as you're all nicely dressed."

"You told him about the date?" I ask and we walk into the theater.

"Yeah I'm surprise he took it so well. He said that it was obvious you like girls and that one of us should at least be able to get into your pants." She laughs out loud, and I can't help but sputter a little. "But don't' worry I'm not that kind of girl."

"Good I don't think we're ready for what's in my pants…"I mutter out under my breath, but by the strange look Sakura's giving me she probably heard it. I cough and puff out my chest feeling like an absolute fool as I say, "Not to brag or anything."

Sakura's looks at me skeptically, but a small smile graces her lips. "Well let's go get our tickets."

The line is very short and we get our tickets easy enough; I pay for both of us like a gentleman should. Though Sakura insisted she could pay for herself, while puffing out her chest in indignation. As if letting me pay for her somehow belittles her. I try not to roll my eyes, thinking that would be too much of an Ino thing to do.

We walk into the theater which is already dimly lit and Sakura picks out a place for use to sit. The movie starts soon after, and Sakura is comfortably seated next to me, not at all nervous from what I can see. I can help but feel a little nervous myself. A part of me is afraid that she'll find out who I really am, another part of me what to stop acting like Inazo and just be myself; but the more logical part of me is just enjoying having this opportunity.

I steal glances while the movie is running, and I can't help but feel warm inside. Sakura seems so familiar yet mysterious at the same time. I want to get to know her, the girl she is now, and reconnect with the girl I knew.

I don't really know what's going on in the movie, but I hear Sakura laugh and her bright green eyes look at me, checking to see if I'm enjoying myself as well. I give her a smile and force out a small laugh, this satisfies her and she leans back in her seat, and giggle softly s another joke is told. I watch her for a while, her laughing face like a piece of art I can't keep my eyes off of.

Courage pumps through my veins and I reach out for her petite hand First I simply lay it over hers, she doesn't pull away, just gives me a quick glance before retuning her smiling face to the screen. I intertwine our hands and watch as her fingers react to mine. A bubbling feeling wells up in my stomach, and I feel like I've won a great battle. I feel pride, and Sakura slowly leans towards me letting out another laugh.

Now satisfied that I've made my move I turn my attention back to the move and try to figure out what's so funny about it. But even though I'm watching the screen and trying to pay attention Sakura warms finger distract me on a subconscious level.

After the movie, our hands are still wrapped together, even thought we are completely quiet. I slowly walk Sakura home, she looks all around her and the night streets seem busy with ninja's trying to squeeze in some fun before their next mission.

"You know…" Sakura starts but stop just as soon. I look at her and run my thumb over her hand to encourage her to continue. She looks at the sky for a moment lost in thought.

"I'm glad I gave you chance…you may be a little overconfident…but you're a lot like Ino."

This intrigues me, but scares me at the same time. I don't think she's caught onto anything, she would say something if she did. "Really?"

"We use to be really good friends," Sakura lets go of my hands and looks straight ahead.

"You're not anymore?" I question.

"Well, I don't know it's weird. We kinda let a boy get between us, hasn't she said anything to you?"

"Not really, we don't' talk a lot, she told me a little bit about this place, but she didn't go into great detail."

We come to Sakura's house and she stops just before the gate. "Well maybe…you can put in a good word for me when you see her again?"

"I'll do that." I say somewhat astonished that Sakura wants to reach out to me.

"Thanks." Sakura leans up and gives me a small peck on the cheek. With no other words or promises of another date she leaves me standing by the front gate of her home.

I slowly walk away, and only glance back once. I'll see if she's not up for another date, forget the bet…I just want at least one more date with Sakura, and maybe a proper goodnight kiss.

I know it's deceiving but this is the only way I'll be able to kiss her, I just want one kiss, after that I won't care if she finds out I'm really Ino, and wants nothing to do with me. It's almost masochistic to think this way, but I just can't bring myself to care. I know Hinata thinks that his is detrimental, but I'm still going to tell her about how the date went, and I know she'll eagerly listen. Even if afterward she's going to give me a lecture.

Hinata came into the shop bright and early the next morning, with Neji in toe.

"Hey, Hinata…Neji." I force a smile onto my face, and Hinata gives me a giggle.

"How was your date with Sakura, Inazo?" Hinata leans over the counter and Neji does as well, gesturing with two fingers to his eyes in warning that he's watching me.

"It went real well, nothing like the other dates I've been on. I'm thinking about asking her out again."

"Really?" Hinata seems a little worried. "Don't you think you would just be leading her on if you do, I mean you'll be leavening soon."

I give Hinata a pleading look knowing very well the meaning behind her words. 'I enjoyed her company and I would like to go out with her again, I've gone out with other girls more than once. They know that I won't always be here."

"I don't know it just seem very…risky might do more harm than good."

"Coming to villages breaking young girl's hearts, is that you're gameInazo?" Neji hisses out.

"No it's not like th—" I glare at Neji stopping myself. "I'm not even talking to you, I'm having a conversation with Hinata not you."

Neji glares at intensely and moves forward slightly, however Hinata stops him. "Can you give us some privacy, please?"

"All I know is that out of no were this play boy shows up…and I'm getting suspicious about that girl Sheiko…" Neji mutters.

"Didn't you go out with her?"

"Yes, and she went out with a lot of others afterwards…."

"Maybe she wasn't impressed by you." Neji grumbles and steps away giving me and Hinata some privacy.

"Sounds like you guys might want to wrap this bet up." Hinata whispers.

"I'll tell Choji right away." I nod in agreement.

"So you are really going to ask Sakura out again?"

I nod. "Yes, the first date went well. She even talked about me?"

"You, Ino? Or you, Inazo?"

"Me, Ino. I think she wants to restore our friendship, maybe I have a chance?"

"Friendship is difference from relationship, Ino. I think this whole thing is getting a little diluted. Don't lie to yourself."

"I'll be fine with just a friendship; I just want her back in my life. Maybe I'll be able to get over my crush if we were friend again." I shrug.

"Not if she finds out about you really being Inazo."

"Stop worrying." I shrug off. Hinata lets out a soft sigh, she turns around.

"By, Inazo, good luck with Sakura." Neji comes to here sigh and give me one last menacing look.

I'm not surprised at Hinata's words, thought I hope that Neji's suspicions about the two 'players' that have entered the town recently, are not anything to fear. I'll talk to Choji and Shikamaru and see if we can't come up with some sort of time line to end this bet…but not after I get that kiss from Sakura.