Naruto's laugh echoed in the bar causing Hinata to grin in reflex. Kiba and him had been arguing the finer points if who-won-against-who for the last hour, much to the amusement of everyone else at the table. Sakura had left a while to pick up a shift at the hospital; Ino had slid closer to Tenten and Hinata to girl gab while Shikamaru, Chouji, and Shino listened to both sides in various degrees of disinterest.
"Where's Neji? That bum too good to party with us?"
Ino's beauty was getting as sharp as her tongue, indigo eyes flashing under the lights and Hinata noticed that certain other male occupants of the bar were noticing. She smiled and shrugged while Tenten rolled her eyes.
"He said something about training."
This comment sent a round table of comments, insults, and jokes. Hinata let the conversations flow over her as she leaned against Shino and sighed happily. It'd been a while since they were all (mostly) together like this, just letting loose and having a good time that she just wanted to stay here and absorb all the affection.
Shino's shoulder vibrated silently against her cheek; the bugs were always moving.
"Happy to see them like this?"
Tilting her eyes up she nodded contently. Shino knew her best out of everyone in their little group; quickly bonding in the effort of surviving Kiba. To each other they were the siblings they always needed, but never got.
"Damn, even minus a few, you Rookies are sure loud. You should quiet down so us older and cooler guys can have a peaceful beer."
Looking up Hinata met a pair of curious but friendly eyes of the Hokage guard; including a frowning Genma that was followed up with Kotetsu and Izumo wearing twin grins and holding two beers each. Catching the dark look her older shinobi gave her, she quickly straightened from her leaning position, as he turned to walk away. Her stomached clenched until she saw him waving a bartender down.
"Alright kids, move it and make room for us so the real fun can start!"
Suddenly there was a flux of movement as people moved to add more seat for the five shinobi. Hinata found herself bustled around until she was seated in a corner chair with the seat next to her empty. Feeling a bit dazed she glanced around watched as Shino just reached for that chair when Raido's hand reached out to stop him.
"Sorry, I told Genma I'd save him a seat next to me."
Shino shrugged and gave Hinata's shoulder a gentle touch before he took a seat by Ino, who shot a surprised smile his way before turning back to resume her conversation with Tenten and Kiba. Hinata looked over to see Raido watching her quietly, and felt a flush burst on her cheeks.
Opening her mouth to say…something, Hinata's view was blocked as Genma sat down in the empty seat. Tight against her, the blush grew at the lack of distant between them in such a public place.
"You like this kind right?"
It was a light wine cooler, fruity and girly to the core, Hinata beamed at him.
"Oi Genma! No hitting on Hinata! You're way too old for her ya pervert!"
(539)