The lake was always a hotspot for those sunny days, and this one was no exception. Shikamaru had many a time been down there to just relax alone or with Choji.
On the way to the lake, Neji had decided that he was too mature for what was going on and had therefore gone to try and train in the blistering heat. The other three however met Sai along the way, and he followed them after reading that he should participate in more 'male bonding' sessions.
Just as Kiba had foretold, Hinata was found by the water. She was, however, fully clothed, much to Kiba's dismay.
"I'm sure you'll be seeing plenty of them if your date goes well, Shikamaru!" he laughed
"Ugh, what date?!" Shikamaru moaned, "I don't even know Hinata really, but I think I know her well enough to assume that she won't want anything to do with this!"
Kiba ignored him and ran forward.
"Hey Hinata!"
The Hyuga turned, surprised.
"Oh, Kiba." She said, "What are you doing here?"
"Heh. Shikamaru wants to go on a date with you!"
The Nara was appalled by Kiba's bluntness, but just turned and groaned. Hinata would probably actually be much better company than what he had now.
"Oh... well... I... um..." Hinata stuttered. Choji noticed her turning red
"I think she likes you, Shikamaru!" he whispered, "She's blushing!"
Shikamaru turned and looked at her.
"Well you'd be turning red too if you were wearing that huge jacket in this heat." He scowled, acknowledging Hinata's attire. Kiba growled.
"Ah, whatever. This isn't up for discussion!" he announced, "C'mon guys. Let's leave these two to get to know each other!"
And with that he bounded off into the trees, Sai (who had been taking notes of what was going on) following after.
"Good luck!" Choji called before running off.
There was silence.
Hinata fidgeted with her fingers while looking at the floor, Shikamaru scowling at it. A few minutes passed (although they felt like hours) before the silence was finally broken.
"Aren't you roasting under that coat?" Shikamaru asked bluntly
Hinata jumped at the sudden noise, then realised that she was actually very hot.
"I guess so." She said, smiling weakly
Another silence.
"Well... aren't you going to take it off?"
Without saying anything, the Hyuga unzipped her jacket and tied it round her waist. Kiba's voice immediately echoed in Shikamaru's mind: "Look at those breasts!". He shook his head vigorously.
"What an idiot..." he thought to himself
"Um... are you okay Shikamaru?" Hinata asked
"Huh? Oh. Yeah I'm fine." He replied, "C'mon. We might as well do something. You like Shogi?"
"My father has a marble Shogi set," Hinata explained, "But I've never played. You could teach me if you want?"
Shikamaru yawned.
"Nah. That'll be a drag in this heat. Let's go get something to eat."
Silently, Hinata followed Shikamaru through Konoha. He was desperate to break this awkward silence... He needed to say anything! Noticing the Yamanaka Flower Shop, he blurted out the first thing that came to his mind.
"So, you like flowers?"
In his mind, Shikamaru scowled at his 'great' way to break the silence. Hinata smiled.
"I like to press them." She began, "Hanabi usually picks them and I try and sort them out to decorate the house."
"Huh." Shikamaru nodded, "Guess you could give Ino a run for her money then?"
"I don't think so." Hinata sighed, "No one sorts flowers as well as Ino."
Shikamaru nodded once more. They soon arrived a dumplings stand. The Nara felt around in his pockets for some money.
"Damn it." He thought, "I forgot I spent all my money yesterday when Choji, Ino and I went for a barbeque..."
Turning to Hinata, he scratched his head with embarrassment. From what he knew of girls, he knew that he was the one who should be paying, and he remembered how Sakura acted once when Naruto told her that she had to.
"Listen, Hinata..."
She giggled.
"Oh, it's okay Shikamaru." She smiled, pulling out a pouch of money
The two were served and they sat on a bench to eat. Yet another silence ensued.
"This isn't actually so bad." Shikamaru thought, "Hinata's not too weird, and there's no risk of being yelled at like with most other girls round here."
Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw her drop some of her dumpling down her top. Shikamaru immediately turned away.
"There's no way I'm sinking as low as Kiba."
He turned back to her.
"So... been on any missions lately?" he asked
"Shino and I had to pose as a wealthy couple at a Feudal Lord's ball last week." Hinata replied, "It was nothing big. We just had to gather information on what he was doing after he was accused of trying to negotiate with the Akatsuki."
"Sounds pretty cool." Shikamaru sighed
Hinata giggled.
"Do you remember in the academy when you would sometimes copy my homework?"
Shikamaru grinned.
"Yeah I remember. It was either you or Sakura. I tried Ino and Shino but neither of them would ever let me."
"You're so clever though..."
The Nara grinned again.
"You're pretty intelligent too."
A few minutes passed, and the two were ready to go their separate ways.
"Thanks... Shikamaru." Hinata grinned, "I don't usually do much stuff like this."
"Yeah." He laughed, "It was pretty sweet."
Hinata shuffled.
"Maybe... maybe we could do this again sometime?"
"Sure, maybe."
The two stood facing each other.
"Well... see ya, I guess." Shikamaru said, planting a peck on Hinata's cheek, causing an instant blush.
"Hmm... bye!" she giggled, before turning and walking away.
"Well that wasn't so painful." Shikamaru thought
----
"So, how was it?" Kiba grinned
The Nara explained briefly and nonchalantly what had happened.
"What, no sexual content at all?" Kiba laughed
"Well, I think I saw him kiss her." Sai said
Shikamaru jolted. He didn't even notice Sai anywhere nearby at the time.
"Anyway," the Inuzuka began, "Who do you want next? Take your pick!"
"Sakura was talking about going out tomorrow." Sai explained
Choji grinned while eating some crisps.
"Looks like you've got a date then, Shika!" he laughed
