Neji Hyuga was glad to see the gates of Konoha. It had been an easy mission, but a long one. Team Guy had been assigned an escort mission to Iwagakure. They had finished their mission early because they hadn't encountered the enemy of their target. It was supposed that the Akatsuki were after this man so the ninja had been on high alert. Their absence made it seem like that Akatsuki had something more pressing to handle than a simple assassination; which was just fine with Team Guy. The team reported to Lady Tsunade and quickly dispersed to rest in the comfort of their own homes. Neji walked slowly to the Hyuga compound. He was tired and he just wanted to enjoy the weather.

When Granny Hikaru and Aiko saw that it was Shikamaru in their shop they were surprised. The looks they were giving him made him feel really awkward. *maybe this wasn't such a good idea* "Uh hi...I was just walking around and I thought Aiko might like a tour of the village..." *why am I doing this...women are so troublesome...but for whatever reason I can't help but be curious...ughh what a drag* He was quickly pulled from his thoughts as Aiko walked up to him and smiled. "I'd love a tour, that would be great." A blush found its way to Shikamaru's face as he turned to walk out the door. Aiko bid Granny farewell and followed him out, curious to see where he would take her. Shikamaru took her around the village showing her the shops and the major landmarks in Konoha. Aiko couldn't stop smiling. Shikamaru kept making really funny comments about areas in the village. She could tell that he found a lot of things annoying but she was glad that she didn't seem to be one of them. Shikamaru couldn't believe how sweet the girl walking with him was. He felt comfortable around her and every time he would make a comment she would just smile and say "oh, we'll I'm sure they don't mean to be troublesome." Shikamaru soon found himself smiling. He couldn't help it..that smile made him melt. When they walked by a ramen stand Aiko's stomach growled. She realized she hadn't eaten all day. She rubbed the back of her head and gave Shikamaru a look. He knew he had to get back to work, even though he didn't want to. It was then that he got very lucky. He saw his friend Neji walking towards them and he hoped he could leave her with him.

Neji saw Ichiraku Ramen up ahead and decided that he would stop for dinner before heading back home. He saw Shikamaru with a girl up ahead and went to greet them. They exchanged pleasantries and Neji let his eyes wander to the girl hiding behind Shikamaru. Aiko had crept behind the lazy shinobi when Neji was approaching. He made her nervous and she really hoped he would leave soon. Neji eyes quickly refocused when Shikamaru spoke. "Hey uh I have to go back to work. Could you maybe stay with her and take her home?" Neji looked shocked because Shikamaru had never asked for anything before and Neji planned on staying there anyway so he nodded and bid Shikamaru a good day. Shikamaru disappeared and rushed to his office which left Neji and Aiko alone.

Aiko scowled, being upset that Shikamaru left her with this guy. Neji didn't seem to notice her change in mood as he showed her inside the restaurant. Aiko took a seat and ordered some ramen, keeping her eyes on the counter in front of her.

Neji couldn't help but stare at her. There was something eerily beautiful about the girl next to him. He wanted to know more about her and the silence was getting awkward so he struck up a conversation. "So how long have you been here?" Aiko looked at him, surprised that he was talking to her. She was quickly met with the most beautiful set of white eyes that set her guard. She found herself staring at this boy until he lightly touched her arm to bring her back to reality. The Hyuga couldn't figure out why this girl was staring at him. Her eyes were striking though and they made him want to stare right back at her. He immediately snapped himself out of it and mentally scolded himself. Neji touched her arm lightly and she blinked, "I just got here yesterday" she replied. "And my name is Aiko in case you're curious" "Neji Hyuga...it's... It's nice to meet you" *wait..did I just stutter? I sound like Hinata...* the rest of the dinner passed with the two making small talk about the village. Aiko found herself actually liking the shy shinobi. When the time came to pay, Neji paid for the both of them. "Think of it as a welcome to Konoha" he said with a small smile. By the time they left the ramen shop it was dark. They walked slowly, looking at the stars. While they walked the two of them kept stealing glances as one another. Their hands brushed against each other and they both blushed. Neji decided to take a risk and he grabbed her hand. She looked at him and smiled, happy to be there with him. When they got close to the sewing shop they dropped their hands to their sides. Neji wished her a good night and finally made his way home. He had a feeling that someone was watching them but he shook it off, sensing the presence disappear.

Shikamaru had just finished his work for the day and thought he might check up on Aiko before going home. Granny Aiko had said that she wasn't home yet so he waited on the roof, keeping an eye out for her. He saw Neji and her walking in the distance. He was going to meet up with them but he noticed that their hands were intertwined. A pang of jealousy tore through him as they came closer. He waited until Aiko went into the house and then he disappeared; rushing back to his house feeling oddly upset.