A Magical Dream

Chapter 5

Ino's POV:

"They look great! I'm so glad my mom had exactly what I wanted!" I exclaim while wiping the sweat off my forehead with the back of my hand. I look over to Kakashi to see what he thinks about the beautifully potted fantasy-swirled flowers and am startled to find him looking at me instead.

"You have some dirt on your cheek." he chuckles and I blush in embarrassment knowing that a grin is hiding behind his mask. His thumb brushes the dirt off my cheek without warning and I can feel my cheeks warming up further. It would be a great time to adopt Kakashi's style of using a mask.

"Um, thanks." I manage to mutter back and stare at the ground hoping he won't notice how red I am.

Kakashi's POV:

Now I've done it. I shove my hands in my pockets frustratedly. I don't blame her for being uncomfortable, after all, I'm over ten years older than her. Why was it so difficult to keep my hands to myself?

"The flowers look great." I comment, breaking the awkward tension and I watch as Ino's features relax and a smile is placed on her lips.

"I think so too," she agrees, "thank you for helping me."

"Anytime. I've got to get going. I'll see you later." I say. We exchange our goodbyes and then I'm out of the door.

Ino's POV:

Not long after Kakashi leaves, my phone begins to ring. I pick it up to see that it's none other than Sakura calling and immediately swipe to answer. "Hey, Ino-Pig. Sleepover tonight. You, me, Hinata, and Tenten. Got it? Alright, we'll come over later." Before I can reply, the phone call ends and I stand stunned.

I sigh, it's been a while since I hosted or even went to a sleepover with my best friends. I feel a pang of guilt realizing I've been neglecting them. I guess it was about time I caught up with them anyway. I tap my foot realizing I'll have to tell Kakashi he can't come over later. My stomach does a tumble as I think about him and I throw my phone onto my couch as if it will ward off the feeling.

It doesn't.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~

I throw my door open and am immediately enveloped in a hug by Tenten. "It's great seeing you." she greets with a cheerful smile. "I brought a gift." Her eyes glimmer with mischief as she holds up a bottle of tequila and I can't help but grin back. Seeing her makes me realize how much I've missed her and her sporadic personality.

Hinata and Sakura who had already came a few minutes earlier, exchange greetings with Tenten before we are all lounging on my couches. We begin to converse about numerous things happening in our lives including how Hinata has a feeling her boyfriend, Naruto might propose to her soon and how Kiba and Sakura have been talking to each other of late. Before long, the tequila is opened and my mind and body feels buzzed and relaxed.

"Speaking of talking to someone, I know I'm not the only one." Sakura smirks and everyone turns to me with curious expressions.

"What do you mean?" I ask, feigning innocence.

"Oh, c'mon, Ino. Everyone's gossiping about you and Kakashi. So, what? Are you guys dating?" Tenten pipes up with no hesitation and I begin to fidget with my fingers nervously.

"Guys, let's calm down. Ino is obviously shy about this topic." Hinata advises, giving me a warm smile which I return back. She's always so understanding and observant, the opposite of Naruto who is oblivious as a tree, but somehow, they both compliment and make up for each others weaknesses.

"Alright, alright, we are sorry, but seriously, what's up with you and Kakashi?" Sakura questions, an eyebrow quirking upwards.

"We are just friends." I reply, the words tasting oddly sour as they leave my lips.

"Actually?" Tenten exclaims with a doubtful expression, "I mean, no offense, Ino, but for just "friends", you and Kakashi are awfully close." she continues and now looking back, I bite my bottom lips realizing just how much time I spend with him. From going grocery shopping with him to letting him stay over the night, I feel a shiver run down my spine at the thought that he does seem like my boyfriend, or at least acts like it.

"Yeah, I'm sure Kakashi and I are only friends." I insist, running a hand through my hair and will the earlier thought to leave my mind.

"But, do you want to be more?" Everyone turns to Hinata who is staring intently at me and I'd be lying if I say she didn't catch me off guard. The question is so bizarre that my mind begins to fill with thoughts and endless possibilities.

Do I want my platonic relationship with Kakashi to be more? I've never really thought about it, I mean, I acknowledged the fact that I am attracted to him, but do I like him enough to want to be something more?

"I'm not sure." I respond, honestly, my expression a bit puzzled and confused. "I definitely feel something when I'm around him, but I've never thought about dating him." I look over to Sakura who has an unreadable expression and I can only wonder how she must feel knowing her best friend may like her former sensei.

We sit in silence for an uncomfortable few minutes before I finally can't take it any longer. "It's a little weird I guess. I mean he's older than me and well, he was Sakura's teacher. I'd be a liar if I didn't say I'm a bit afraid of people judging him and I." I admit, laughing nervously.

Another moment of awkward silence ensues before Sakura turns to me. "I don't think it's weird, I mean, a bit strange, but if you like him, there's no reason that you should be afraid of what anyone else thinks. Right?" she expresses and pulls me into a hug. "Ino-pig, you need to put yourself first before anyone else sometimes."

I hug her tighter, I've truly missed my best friends. What would I do without them?

~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Hello, Readers!

I present to you the FIFTH chapter! I apologize for taking so long to publish this, but I'll try to update this story more frequently.

I really appreciate all of your support and the fact that you take your time to read my story makes me smile! I can't believe that some of my stories are almost surpassing 200 views! Thank you!

As always, thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed this story! Don't forget to vote and leave a comment!

- Gracethebobaqueen