Shino and Kiba sat at the edge of the forest, recovering from their recent training. It had been a week since Shino's talk with his mother, and he was starting to feel a real bond between him and Kiba. Lately they had both been spending their days training together and doing small mission within Konoha. Shino had also been getting advice from him mother and she suggested that he and Kiba should go to dinner together. Having saved up enough money, Shino now felt he was ready to ask the question.
"Umm.. Kiba." He started anxiously. Kiba turned with his arm around Akamaru and looked at him tiredly.
"Yeah?" He asked, smiling. Shino's stomach fluttered, but he ignored the now familiar feeling.
"Do you wanna go out to dinner tonight?" He asked hopefully. Kiba smiled wider.
"Yeah sure! It'll be good to wind down after all this training hey! We're getting pretty good don't you reckon?" Shino nodded.
"Indeed. I'm quite proud of our achievements." Kiba nodded.
"So uh… Where do you wanna go? Anywhere in particular?" Kiba asked enthusiastically. Shino paused for a moment.
"How about the Whistling Hill restaurant?" Shino asked quietly. Kiba stared at him in confusion for a moment.
"Are you sure? Isn't that like where all the girls go for dates? It's like super fancy, with lace on all the table cloths and waiters that walk around with their noses in the air. You sure you wanna go there?" Shino paused for a moment and shrugged.
"I just heard the food was really good. That was all." He said glumly. Kiba laughed.
"I don't mind! I just wasn't sure you realized that it was so fancy!" Shino grimaced.
"Well, I just thought it would be fun to go to a fancy place. I'll pay for it all so don't worry!" He assured. Kiba nodded.
"Sounds great! I'll put in for drinks though. Can't have you spending all your money! So when do you wanna meet there?" Kiba asked with a grin.
"Would seven o'clock suit you?" Shino asked quietly. Kiba nodded.
"Yeah! Sure. That'll be awesome! Well, in that case I'd better go take Akamaru home and get ready. I'll see you at seven!" Kiba said standing. Shino nodded and smiled.
"Indeed. Seven it will be. I too shall go ready myself." He said, walking in the opposite direction to Kiba. Both waved one last time before disappearing into the distance.
***
Shino sat patiently in a secluded corner, awaiting Kiba's arrival. He had arrived early to ensure a good seat, but he had not needed to, as the restaurant was mostly empty.
He noticed Rock Lee was sitting by himself also, dressed neatly in a black suit and tie. His hair was unnaturally gelled with a part, and surprisingly, Shino thought, he looked rather handsome compared to his usual eye-cringing green and bowl cut hair.
From the entrance around the corner he heard apprehensive steps; a girls by the sound of it. Shino laughed jokingly, thinking that maybe Rock Lee was here on a date.
Lee, too, heard the footsteps, and turning, his eyes glincened. Surprisingly he stood up and smiled.
"Sakura- Chan! You are look amazing tonight!" He announced, holding out a chair. The steps grew closer and Shino turned to see Sakura cautiously moving in a long flowing dress and heels. She quickly sat down and hid her face.
"Are you sure no body we know is here!?" She asked murderously. Lee saluted and grinned.
"I can assure that we are unaccompanied in this, our first date!" He announced loudly. Sakura pulled him into the chair beside him.
"Shut it will you! Don't speak so loud! I don't want anyone knowing we're meeting up for a date!" Lee sat rigid in his chair, not sure what to say.
"It is okay Sakura my love. No body ever comes here, other than a few Konoha residents on the occasion. I should know! I have spent many a night in here with by beloved sensei, Gai!" He whispered proudly, holding his fist up with passion and tears escaping his eyes. Sakura cringed and grumbled under her breath.
"Good. Now what's on the menu?" She asked, and turned her attention onto the menu book in front of her. Shino stared in amazement, but soon returned his attention to the back wall.
A few minutes passed before Kiba silently approached the restaurant. He automatically walked to the secluded corner and smiled when he saw Shino sitting patiently.
"I thought you'd be sitting here." He said with a grin. Shino smiled, not that Kiba could see, and nodded.
"I do like my privacy." He said. Kiba grinned.
"Well it's better than where everyone can see you I suppose. Like those two over there. It's so obvious they're going on a date or something." Kiba said, before suddenly doing a double take. "Is that Sakura and Lee?!?" He yelled in surprise. Shino nodded, but Sakura had already heard. Her shoulders suddenly hunched and her head turned evilly to the side to glance at the two boys. Her eyes suddenly went opaque and the left twitched rapidly.
"I thought you said no one every came here! What the hell is Kiba and Shino doing here!?!?" She yelled suddenly. She stood up angrily as Lee attempted to hide himself behind his hands.
"I did not realize they were even here. I swear the chair was empty when I arrived." Lee tried to explain in a rush. Sakura's face had gone bright red by now and she pulled the sleeves of her dress up before sending Lee flying across the room. "I am sorry! Sakura my love!" He announced mid air. Sakura fumed more and now turned her attention to the two boys.
"And YOU TWO!" She screamed loudly. "YOU TWO SAW NOTHING!" She announced before walking stiffly toward them; fists raised. Shino and Kiba glanced at each other only once before nodding in agreement.
"We're outta here!" Kiba yelled, jumping over the Table behind Shino's rapidly disappearing figure. Sakura raced after them, following them out the door where she stopped in a fuming rage.
"Don't you dare tell anyone about this!" She yelled after the retreating figures. "Or you'll get it!" Kiba and Shino didn't stop to listen, nor did they care, as they ran endlessly through the streets. A few blocks away they slowed.
"Is she following us?" Kiba asked panting. Shino shook his head.
"It appears she is not." He announced. Kiba sighed in relief and laughed.
"That was close!" He said breathlessly. "But what now?" They both looked around and saw a shop open selling dango. Kiba's stomach rumbled. "How bout some dango? I don't wanna risk running into that monster again" He said with a grin. Shino nodded appreciatively.
"A hungry caterpillar desiring a distant leaf, is still satisfied with the foliage he sits on, if it ensures his survival." He murmured as the two walked underneath the curtain and found a seat within.