IMPORTANT: This chapter takes place directly after the first chapter, so the 2nd chapter would actually come after this. Sorry for any confusion.

AN: This was originally going to be the follow up to Unexpected Places, but for whatever reason I decided I didn't like it and went with the current 2nd chapter instead (I think maybe I felt this was a bit too silly). But I have just recently rediscovered this file on my computer and my sister likes it enough that I though I would post it and see if anyone else enjoys it as well. Happy reading!

~begin story~

Ino smiled as Neji opened the door for her and the smells of some of her favorite foods assaulted her nose. This was by far her favorite restaurant. It wasn't the fanciest, or the most expensive, but it made a nice change from the barbeque restaurant she often found herself at with her team. She turned a wide appreciative smile on her date for the evening.

'Now I just have to make sure he realizes this is a date and not simply a placating gesture for having offended me.' she though, 'How hard can that be?'

Neji looked around the room with mild surprise as he asked for a table for two. Hinata had mentioned this place to him before. If he recalled properly, it was reported to have good food, at reasonable prices, and come in much larger portions than he would expect someone like Ino to appreciate. Although, now that he thought about it, she had looked to be a much healthier weight lately.

The hostess beckoned them to follow her and Neji felt a slightly sinking sensation when he realized that she was leading them to one of the secluded booths in the back. He hadn't intended to be sitting at a 'couples table' for this meal. Of course, the fact that Ino had yet to let go of his arm probably did nothing to help the assumption they weren't a couple.

Ino, for her part, was busy trying to come up with a plan.

'Okay,' her brain buzzed, 'can't try and tempt him by looking cute and flipping my hair, already know that won't work. I wonder if its because he has such pretty hair himself. It's so frustrating when a guy has prettier hair than me. Hmm, I'll have to find out what conditioner he uses. No no no, focus girl, focus! Alright, if looking cute won't work, I'm going to have to be intellectually stimulating. Better stick to subjects I know.'

"So Neji," she began once they had been seated, and she had finally relinquished his arm back into his custody, "I've heard a lot of buzz lately about new trade agreements between Fire and Snow. I think it's a good idea, but we're going to have to lower import taxes if anything is to come of it. How about you?"

Neji sat in shock for a moment. He had been expecting her to ask something about what hair products he used, this was a very unforeseen twist. And there was something inexplicably devious about a smile that sweet.

"I would agree with that conclusion, Ino-san." he stated, "But I also think its important to regulate what we're exporting and importing to not flood the market with products we can produce locally."

Ino nodded distractedly, have just noticed Kurenai and her team enter the restaurant behind Neji. This was going to complicate things a bit. Hinata may seem shy and sweet, but she had grown to become rather protective of her cousin over the years.

'Then again,' Ino thought, not quite remembering to control the smirk that found it's way to her lips, 'if other people think Neji and I are dating, I've won half the battle already.'

Neji, of course, had noticed the smirk curving his companions lips, and found himself turning around to see what was causing it. He paled a bit at the sight of his cousin and her team. It was no secret that the rookie nine were a tight knit group. What would they think of him being here with Ino?

Ino saw Neji starting to stand and decided to take fate into her own hands, even if it meant damaging her pride slightly. He was moving quick, probably to say hello to his cousin and correct any misconceptions the team may form, so it was only natural that he may put a tad to much force on the table. Ino knocked the table leg just as Neji's hand connected with it's top, causing the complimentary water to tip over and douse the front of her. She allowed herself a small shriek just as the cold water sunk through to her skin.

This caused Neji to turn quickly, as well as having caught the attention of Hinata and her team. Neji looked horrified and quickly grabbed a napkin to help dry Ino off, muttering apologies the whole time.

'Perfect!' Ino thought

Neji continued trying to dry Ino until he caught the sound of a barking laugh from behind him.

"Neji you dog!" Kiba grinned down at him, "How classic!"

It was at this point Neji realized where his hands were and quickly retracted them from Ino's thighs.

"This is not what it appears," he said, trying to contain the blush that wanted to claim his face.

"Of course its not." Kiba smirked infuriatingly back at him.

"It's ok nii-san" Hinata interjected, drawing everyone's attention to her. "You and Ino are actually a good pair."

Ino's jaw dropped, Neji momentarily looked like a fish as he tried to come up with something to say, and Kiba and Shino simply looked surprised that Hinata had given her blessing to the match. Kurenai stood in the back watching the proceedings with a smile. Ino knew a good opportunity when she saw one and quickly jumped up to take Neji's arm once again.

"Thank you Hinata," she said with a little bow, and then quickly maneuvered Neji towards the door.

Once they were back on the streets Neji found his voice.

"You do realize that they are all going to believe we're dating now, right?" He asked, looking down at Ino and wincing when he realized she was still sopping wet.

"Well," she responded, "What's so bad about that."

Neji opened his mouth to respond before closing it again to think.

'What is so bad about that?' his mind pondered as he looked at Ino's smiling face.

'Gotcha,' Ino sang in her head, allowing her smile to beam up at him, showing off the joy she truly felt at the moment.

"C'mon" she interrupted his thoughts, "I've got to get out of this out fit and into something dry. We can just grab take out on the way."

Neji nodded and allowed himself to be led around Konoha and then back to Ino's apartment. It hadn't been how he expected the evening to go, but maybe this way was better.