Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters.

Summary: AU: Ino Yamanaka is considered many things, a scheming matchmaker happens to be one of them. Add in her completely oblivious rosette friend to the mix, and you've got 20 Perfect Dates. MultiSaku

20 Perfect Dates -New Version-

Chapter 1

The Idea

"Hmm, I wonder how the date went." The blond mused, flicking through random TV channels. The dim glow of the television casted its artificial light around the living room, creating different shadows for every different station.

She received her answer the moment the front door abruptly opened and closed with a loud slam. Oh now that can't be good…

"Sakura? How was the date, sweetheart?" She called out. Her gaze was momentarily locked on the unusually silent girl, who, instead of answering, (which was quite rude in Ino's opinion) shuffled towards the kitchen. No doubt she was heading straight for the half empty ice cream container located on the bottom shelf in the freezer.

The blond sighed in disappointment, this could only be a sign that the date hadn't gone well at all. She reluctantly stood up from her position off the comfortable couch, and wandered through the living room and into the darkened hallway towards the closed kitchen door.

The light from the kitchen stretched out across the carpet through the gap between the door and the floor and muffled sobs were detected as Ino's worry increased. Her azure blue orbs narrowed in fury.

Whoever this guy was, he was definitely going to pay for upsetting Sakura. She forced open the door. Her anger-consumed thoughts were quickly washed away once she noticed her friend drowning her sorrows in mouthfuls of cookie dough ice cream.

"Sakura-chan, did that guy do something? Because I have connections…" The blonde began, an unholy grin on her face at the different scenarios running through her head.

"No no, Ino-chan, I'm just exhausted." Sakura said unconvincingly, sniffling quietly. One hand came up to wipe stray tears from her face as the other scooped up a generous portion of ice cream from the tub.

Ino rolled her eyes in exasperation as she stepped over to Sakura to ruffle her hair, earning an annoyed whine from the self-depreciating woman.

"Then, please, share with me the reason you're stuffing your pretty little face with the I'm-obviously-sad-about-a-guy ice cream." Sakura dropped her eyes down to her lap, her spoon left forgotten in the melting pile of cookie dough ice cream.

"I-it's not re-really anything i-important Ino-chan…" Try as she might, however, Ino was not one to be swayed so easily. The blonde in question slammed her hand onto the table. Sakura's face was blank but inwardly, she winced at the hard sound.

"Bullshit, Sakura! You rarely ever come home like this! I'm usually the one pigging out on the I'm-obviously-sad-about-a-guy ice cream. So spill." Ino stated sternly, surprising Sakura by being quite serious. There wasn't any trace of her usual carefree tone detected as Sakura lifted her head back upwards, emerald eyes clashing with those of her best friend's. A few moments passed and Sakura didn't have the heart to continue looking into the blonde's intense stare. She was starting to feel really uncomfortable with this, rarely seen, side of Ino.

"Ino, have you ever wondered if guys actually like you for yourself or for your looks?" Sakura inquired quietly, fidgeting with the hem of her black dress with a sudden new-found interest.

The blonde blinked owlishly, startled by the unexpected question. Her expression softened as she slid into the seat opposite the rosette, and reached out for her friend's hand.

"Of course I do," She nodded, placing her index finger on her chin. "But if he happens to be filthy rich and is a complete hottie, then it's all good with me." She joked, a small giggle escaping her lips. Sakura merely shook her head in disbelief at her friend, before joining in the laughter.

"I guess you'll never change, Ino." Sakura managed to choke out, as she was still in the midst of her fit of giggles.

"You're so mean!" She retorted, a pout curling on her face, then she attacked the oblivious rosette. "But I know you still love me, right Sakura-chan?" Ino cooed, as she tickled her friend mercilessly.

"Yeah, of course I do Ino-pig." Sakura teased, a grin plastered across her face. She pried the blonde's hands away from her as a long, draining yawn escaped her mouth.

She left one eye closed as she glanced upwards to check the time. It was only 11 o'clock; it was getting late, and she had to get up extra early in the morning for work. The thought nearly made her sigh.

"I'm gonna call it a night." Sakura stretched, standing up as she took a moment to straighten her ruffled clothing. "I've had enough of stupid, inconsiderate men for one day." She sighed dejectedly, turning on her heel and stepped over to the door of her bedroom.

Unfortunately for her, she missed the mischievous look that was plastered across Ino's face before feigning an uncharacteristic innocent expression.

"Oh but Sakuraaa-chan! It's still early, let's watch a movie!" She whined childishly, crossing her arms over her chest in protest. The rosette cast a lazy glance over her shoulder, to see Ino giving her the patented You-Totally-Don't-Have-A-Choice look.

Sakura sighed, knowing resistance was futile. "Fine. I'll go change then." She made her way towards her room again before shooting her own, sorrow-filled, look over her shoulder. "Nothing romantic though please, Ino."

"Ohkie dokie then sweetheart, horror movie marathon it is! I'll get the popcorn ready." Ino happily chimed, skipping over to one of the wooden cupboards to grab a few packets of microwavable popcorn, and tossing it into the microwave. She grinned in anticipation as she whipped her pink phone from her pocket, her fingers working expertly on the small device.

'This is definitely going to keep Sakura busy for the next couple of weeks.' She thought to herself, almost feeling guilty for attempting to set her best friend up with the guys she had in mind. Just almost.

It's definitely for her own good. She reassured herself; she figured Sakura just needed a push in the right direction. She'll be fine.

How bad could things get, anyway?

A/N: There weren't many significant changes to this chapter, just lightly edited with the help of my always helpful beta: dinosaurs wear sunglasses.

I'll probably be able to post the Sasori date relatively soon, so keep an eye out for that!

Review my lovely readers! Any thoughts or constructive criticism is always welcomed!

Thanks for reading,

Saku-Chan