Strategy is Mightier than a Man

Nara Shikamaru was sitting alone at the training grounds staring into space and thinking of nothing in particular. He closed his eyes, ready to fall asleep. He had so few days like this now that he was a chunin that he had simply wanted to enjoy it sitting outside. Too bad someone else had other plans for him.

"You're dead."

Shikamaru cracked open an eye, and groaned.

Sitting next to him was Tataharu Hanasaki with a kunai to his neck. They were always trying to catch each other off guard, but Shikamaru had found it too troublesome to continue. Hana however, insisted on 'killing' him every time she saw him.

"What do you want?" he sighed, a little annoyed by the interruption.

Hana threw her kunai and watched it hot the target dead on before continuing. "Well, I had been on my way to get some food, but then I was you lying here unaware, and well, I couldn't resist!" she laughed and flopped down beside him.

"Well, you got me." He said, waiting for her to get up. Instead, she closed her eyes. "Hey, aren't you gonna get something to eat?" he asked, a bit peeved now.

"Nope. I was gonna get it for dinner tonight. I had lunch recently." She replied.

"Oh."

The two laid there for a while, just staring up at the sky, watching clouds float on the breeze, and birds hurry by. Finally, Shikamaru turned over on his side and looked at Hana.

"Hey, do you mind if…well, I…um…., if I… if I come over tonight?" he inquired. He was blushing and pouting and looking away. It made Hana smile.

She rolled over and faced him too.

"Sure. But now I have to go shopping sooner! And I'll need a lot more food!" She smiled at him. The she leaned over and gave him a quick peck on the lips before she jumped to her feet.

Shikamaru laid there stunned. His face was so red it looked like he was about to explode.

"Come on! I need your help picking out the food!" She said as she began walking away, her face almost as red as his.

Quickly he jumped to his feet and followed her towards town.

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"I should have known!" Shikamaru grumbled as he lugged the groceries along the street.

"Well, yes. You should have." Hana laughed as she placed a newly purchased bundle of apples on top of the already towering amount of bags in Shikamaru's arms. "Really, you make it too easy!" she smiled. "Come on, lets get them home so we can start making dinner!"

Shikamaru groaned as they headed for her house. 'How troublesome!' he thought as he readjusted the bags and walked forward.

'How troublesome.' Hana thought. 'I really shouldn't have to use THAT strategy every time I want him to help me with my shopping!'