Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters. They belong to Masashi Kishimoto. This story is purely a work of fanfiction.

Chapter 38

"Stop complaining, cry baby."

"Typical bossy woman. This is such a drag."

"Ouch!"

"If you put some effort into the task, we'd have it finished already."

"Sigh."

Shikamaru refocussed on the files in front of him, not wanting to be on the receiving end of another blow from Temari. It was a straight forward job for the pair of them but like most things he lacked the motivation to apply himself as most of the security considerations were common sense. Temari was like most of the kunoichi's he knew, relentless. Letting out another yawn, ended with him on the floor after Temari kicked his chair dismounting him.

"Heard anything from Kakashi and Nina?"

"Nothing since their arrival, oh and the request for Tenzo."
"From Anbu?"

"Yes. Lady Tsunade didn't explain why but other than that request there's been nothing."

"Ah well, I'm going with no news is good news."

"Genma, cut it out, I've got to work."

He was trailing a line of kisses down her neck while she was swatting him away.

"Come on Shizune, I've hardly seen you lately."

"You are sounding desperate and needy."

"Tch."

"I'm off at 6, I'll grab something on my way home, and I'll make it up to you tonight, okay?"

"Okay."

Genma grumbled, sulking out of treatment room 3.

"Gamatatsu, what brings you here? You're meant to be keeping an eye on Kakashi and Nina."

"I know Sir, but that's why I'm here."

"Report then?"

"Kakashi asked Nina on a date tonight and he's organising her kimono, whatever they are, for the festival."

He lips curved into a smile.

"Hmm."

Well, well, Kakashi Hatake, wonder what he has in store for Nina.

"Thanks, you can head back to Mount Myoboku, Gamatsu. I'll be sending Gamakichi."

"Hey Boss, what's up?"

"Gamakichi, Kakashi and Nina have a date tonight. I want you to keep an eye on them and report back to me."

"You got it, Boss."

A date was understandable as far as the mission requirements but organising a lady's kimono is a stretch, at best, Nina is more than capable of procuring her own. He also knew that Kakashi had a soft spot for… The copy-nin couldn't possibly be falling for her? Doubtful. It was only Tuesday, five days into their mission with another three before the festival. Yes, doubtful.

"Alright I need to go make preparations for tonight. Be ready by say 6."

"Sure, so you mean 7?"
"Usually, perhaps, but no, 6."

He squeezed her hand, curling a ringlet behind her ear.

"Remember…"

"Hair down. I will."

He just had to hope the weather played nice tonight, he really didn't have time to organise a backup plan.

The mirror was fogged up from the hotter than normal shower that she had enjoyed, so she used the hand towel to clear it of the condensation. She was about to go on a date, and with Kakashi Hatake, a man who never dated. The butterflies had returned.

After towelling off, she walked out to the bed where her outfit was laid out. It was an emerald coloured skirt that was free flowing and tied up at the back, and sat just above her knees, and a cream off-shoulder top, with a lace detailed band that ran along the neckline and around the arm cuffs that looped around her biceps. It had taken a few shops, but she had managed to find a pair of black strappy kitten heels, and in the same shop, a pair of large hoop earrings and a plain gold bangle.

Glancing at the clock 530, she should probably get dressed, he did tell her 6; twice. If he hadn't come back by now, she figured he had opted for one of the local bath houses instead to get ready. Buckling her shoe, she was second guessing her outfit choice. Was she overdressed? It was comfortable like he had specified.

"Tch."

She grabbed a handful of her hair and twisted it over her other shoulder to stop it from dropping into her view while she was bent over buckling her other shoe. It had been his other and more obscure request. It was dry, thanks to using a shower cap. The earlier shower, she had been caught in, had caused her hair to fall into numerous tight ringlets, especially on the ends and around the frame of her face.

5:55, she slipped the bangle onto her left hand and ran a quick coat of gloss over her lips, ensuring she inspected for any mishaps in the bathroom mirror.

There was a gentle rap on the door, it was 6 and he was right on time. For the mission.

If her footsteps hadn't given her away, her scent definitely did, he was once again being intoxicated. When she opened the door, it was even more potent, coupled with her outfit.

"You're staring, Kak..."

Halted by his fingers that twirled around a tightly coiled ringlet, along her jaw line and then his thumb ghosting along under her bottom lip.

Once his thumb had reached the other side of her lip, both of his arms stretched around the back of her head, pulling tight a band of material that now covered her eyes.

"Ready?"

His voice was a low, husky tone and her mouth instantly went dry, so she could only manage to nod her head. She allowed herself to be pulled forward before she heard the door click behind her.