Sakura let out a relieved sigh as she got into the shower. She was supposed to meet Ino for lunch in half an hour, so she had to be quick. After spending a minute reveling in the feeling of the hot water on her skin she quickly washed away the dirt from her spar with kiba and cleaned the grease and sweat from her hair.

After putting on her casual clothes she took the rooftop path to her and Ino's favorite café near the yamanaka flower shop. Ino was already there when she arrived, as she always was.

"There you are, forehead! What took you so long?"

"It's still 5 minutes before the time we're supposed to meet, pig," Sakura playfully bit back, while taking her seat. Ino smiled at her best friend.

"I already ordered your favorite sweet anko dumplings and tea." Sakura smiled back. They chatted lightheartedly until their food came, when it finally did, ino got a more serious look on her face. "Sakura… how has training been? We haven't talked since naruto and Sasuke-kun came back from their mission, and I know you took them leaving really hard. Are you doing okay?"

Sakura sighed. "I'm fine Ino. They haven't changed since we were all genin." Sakura let out a laugh that sounded the slightest bit forced. "It's like the two and a half years they were gone never happened." Ino frowned at her friends response.

"But sakura, it did happen. I know you're not okay with things "being just like they were before," you've changed so much since then." Ino reached across the table to put her hand on Sakura's. "You're a chunin now. You're amazing, and strong, and smart, and not to mention beautiful, and you deserve to be treated in away that acknowledges all those qualities."

Sakura looked into her eyes. "Ino… I think these kind of gestures are the reason there are always rrumors going around that we're dating," Sakura deadpanned, completely deflecting from the topic.

"Goddamnit, Sakura! I try to give you some emotional support and you just have to ruin the moment," Ino yelled. Sakura laughed, causing Ino to puff out her cheeks. She opened her mouth to continue, but before she could, Sakura interrupted.

"Kiba asked me out today."

"WHAT!"

…

After explaining how, after sparring, kiba asked her out, Sakura waited patiently for her best friend to respond.

"And you said yes," Ino clarified. Sakura nodded her head, yes. "That's… good."

"Good?" Sakura asked

"Yes, good," Ino said. "You were torn up over Sasuke for a long time when he left, and you haven't liked anyone since. It'll be good for you to date someone." Ino paused. "But, really, Kiba?"

"Hey, he's not that bad." Sakura defended the boy. "He's kind of cute, and nice, and fun…"

"Oh, Sakura," Ino said. "I just never would of expected you to do such a complete 180. I thought you were with me on the dark and brooding boat." Sakura rolled her eyes.

"Well, dark and brooding describes most of the ninja population, so it really doesn't narrow it down, Ino. Besides, I've told you before, I don't have a type." Ino pouted again.

"Fine, but since this is your first date, you're coming over for a sleepover to tell me all the juicy details after."

"It's just lunch, there wont be any juicy-"

"Ah, ah, ah," The blond cut her off. "My house, fluffiest pajamas, every detail." She demanded, sternly.

Sakura sighed, but had a small smile on her face. "Okay, Ino."

…

Sakura decided to change the route of her daily morning run for the day. Her afternoon shift at the hospital the day before somehow turned into a night shift. This lead to her being at the hospital from 3pm to 1am, instead of 3pm to 8pm. As a result she got half her usual amount of sleep, as she still woke with the sun. To adjust for her lack of energy she decided to run from her home to the main gates. then, instead of following the outskirts of the village past the uchiha compound, to run around it and back home instead. She was in front of the uchiha compound, about to go home, when her name was called.

"Sakura!" she stopped and turned towards the voice.

"Hey, shisui," she smiled at him and waved. Then, noticing the younger uchiha next to him, bowed, "Hello, Uchiha-san."

Itachi inclined his head towards her. "Good morning, Haruno."

"So," shisui walked over to her and put his arm on her shoulders. "What are you doing here so early? Come to visit your favorite Uchiha," he winked at her.

Sakura faked a surprised expression. "Oh, is Sasuke-kun home, I though he usually left to train before dawn?" Shisui pouted, and if Sakura didn't know better, she'd of sworn she heard his cousin snort.

Recovering quickly, Shisui changed the subject. "So, Sakura, you free to train with us today?"

"Oh, I…" Sakura blushed. "I have plans today." She glanced at Shisui only to see an evil grin on his face.

He unwound his arm from her shoulder and leaned close to her face. "Does the little cherry blossom have a date?" Sakura spluttered. "She does." Shisui's grin got even wider. "So… Who is it?"

Sakura tried to force down her blush. "That's none of your business."

"Oh, come on, Sakura." He drawled, "I'll find out anyway."

Sakura thought for a second and sighed. "Inuzuka Kiba."

"An inuzuka, really, I didn't think that would be your type." Sakura opened her mouth to speak, but was cut off. "Although, now that I think about it, I can see how you two would be cute together." Shisui grinned at her. "Well, have fun, but not too much fun." He winked at her. Sakura's blush came back full force. Then shisui leaned in close to speak in her ear. "Or, at least, if you do… make sure to use protection."

Sakura's eyes widened and her face turned red, this time from anger. "SHISUI!" She yelled as she turned and punched him in the chest, sending him flying several feet backwards.

Shisui let out a pained laugh as he sat up and looked to the still red Sakura. "Christ, cherry blossom, you pack a punch." Sakura didn't respond, still fuming. Shisui went to speak again but was cut off by his cousin.

"Shisui, that's enough." He leveled his cousin with a no-nonsense glare. "Leave miss Haruno to her day and stop antagonizing her."

Shisui sheepishly runs his hand over the back of his head as he stands, flinching slightly. "Yeah, I guess I overdid it." He turned to Sakura. "Sorry, Sakura. And really, I hope you and that Inuzuka kid have a good time." He shot her a sincere smile and Sakura couldn't help but smile back.

"It's okay, shisui. I gotta go, but I'll see you soon." She waved to him and bowed to Itachi before taking off back to her home.

...

A/N

This chapter was actually edited for once.

A note, I call bs on people portraying kiba as a sexist asshole. His sister and mother are badasses and would not let him think that way. Although I understand him being an ass in general because of how impulsive he is and not always thinking about his words.

Also, reread the scene with shisui teasing Sakura while thinking of Itachi in the background like, "Shisui, stop flirting, shes too young for you." "Shisui leave her alone and stop teasing her." "Shisui, what the FUCK-"

…..