Date Night

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of its characters

Ah, another whole year gone by, with Valentine's day just around the corner, or slightly further than that, depending on where you are in the world. Sorry for never posting, but I really have no ideas left for a good story :)

Anyway, enjoy, and for those doing something for the day, Happy Valentine's. For the rest of us, maybe next year :P

As the sun began to set, and the day about to end, the stalls full of red and roses began to pack up, and close for the year.

After all, most people would have bought their Valentine a gift by the end of the day.

Fortunately for Shikamaru, one stall had kept around, just in case people like him were too lazy to get it any earlier.

Shikamaru dug through his pockets for loose change, the rest of the cash would be needed for the rest of the night.

"You were cheaper last year, old man," he said as he bought the last of the heart shaped boxes.

"You came around when I wasn't the only stall left open, kid," the man replied with a sly grin.

"Troublesome."

"Enjoy your evening, young man."

Shikamaru walked off, the box tucked under his arm, and flower's he bought at Ino's beforehand in his other hand.

Alright, now what?

He walked past the classier district of the city, observing what restaurants were available for the night, that fit into the budget.

Everywhere he looked, it was ether packed, or well over what he could afford

He watched the couples that were seated next to the window, enjoying the company and the candlelit dinner between them.

"You'd think a ninja would get paid better," he muttered to himself, before continuing on.

He looked for the time. Temari would have arrived, waiting at his place by now, and he knew his dad had something surprised for his mother too.

"So troublesome, where can I take her?"

He walked past the park, hoping to find somewhere secluded.

Unfortunately, there were a lot of couples with the same idea.

Had he a free harm, Shikamaru would have scratched his head in frustration. Instead, he just continued on, hoping to miss out on any scenes that would put him off.

The next stop were the rooftops, but from the sounds of Naruto's distinct voice and Hinata's barely audible whisper, it was obvious that even those areas had been taken for the night too.

"Seriously," he began aloud. "Since when did so many people have dates to Valentine's?"

"Taking all the places I can think of..."

And then he smiled to himself, as he ended his search and found his way home.

Temari had seen him coming back since he entered the neighbourhood, but making it obvious was not her style.

So she waited for the young ninja to arrive and knock on the door, despite being full handed because of her.

"You took your time," she greeted. "Your parents have already left, they said you'd be back sooner or later."

Shikamaru rolled his eyes but smiled. "Happy Valentine's Day to you too, woman."

She grinned her grin before receiving the flowers and chocolates. She put them on the nearest table before the two of them left the house.

"So, Crybaby, where are we going tonight? You better not have picked somewhere dull."

He made sure the door was locked, before walking back to her. "Of course not, woman," he began.

"Because it's your turn to choose."

End.