Sakura never in a million years expected Shino of all people to be interested in her. So when the young adult asked her for a date, she was surprised. But as she had matured over the years, seen war, and her friends not-so-subtle hints to move on from Sasuke. The pink-haired medic realized she needed to be more opened mind and more accepting.

In the past year or so, she apologized to all those she had treated badly, and some of the broken relationships began to mend.

One of the said relationships was her friendship with Ino, and so the Yamanaka was the first person she told about her date. Ino was obviously surprised too, but she was more than happy to help.

"How about this dress and these flats?" Sakura paused her actions to look over at the blonde.

In one hand was a light blue summer dress she had bought on a whim about a year ago. With a pair of white civilian sandals in the other.

The medic gasped at the conservative choices the blonde had made. "Are you feeling okay? Cause you gave me a decent outfit. That doesn't show my butt cheeks and cleavage."

Ino puffed out her cheeks "I give you decent outfits!"

Sakura paused again glancing back at her with a finely shaped pink brow arched and a sassy glare.

The Yamanaka chuckled a little before explaining her choice "the Aburame's are a more prudish clan, and Shino's a nice guy. So I don't want your clothes to be the reason he runs away. Especially since that can be traced back to me."

Sakura nodded at the beginning actually agreeing with the blonde. But when she continued to talked the medic then stuck her tongue out at her. Ino retaliated by doing the same causing the two of them to burst into laughter.

Time Skip

Sakura nervously waited 30 minutes before the scheduled time. Even though her time with Ino had helped calm her nerves, the waiting had caused it to return ten-fold.

"Sakura-san, good afternoon. I hope your not to nervous, why? Because this is a date to get to know one another."

The medic swirled to her right to see her date standing there. He, looked really good. His usual gray coat was exchanged for a shorter collared light gray coat, that still covered his mouth and chin.

His hooded overcoat was missing leaving his head open, the black glasses framed his face and fully covered his eyes. And where his forehead protector was left bare.

What made Sakura the most surprised is his hair.

His spiky dark brown hair that seemed untamable was gelled back enough to appear nicely styled.

His tan pants were the civilian styles imitation of shinobi pants and his shoes were shinobi standard sandles in black.

Seriously though, he looked really good.

"Shino-san, you look very handsome. I can't wait to see what we're doing."

Because of the shorter collar Sakura could see the evident blush spreading across his nose. Something she was pleasantly pleased to see.

Shino turned his head and coughed into his hand "Thank you Sakura-san, and you look very pretty as well. As for our date, we just need to pick up the food. Why? Because then the food will still be hot when we reach our destination."

The medic nodded and flushed a little as the male offered her his arm to hold onto. Along the way, Shino explained that the location they're walking to is a Aburame training site for those who can't handle the Kikaichu.

He refused to go into depths about their final spot but she was honestly just enjoying walking with him and getting to know him.

As they picked up their food, she continued to learn about this often overlooked man.

Sakura enjoyed learning about the small things like his favorite food, color, and so on. She was also in favor of the attention he was giving her as well.

But their talk came to an end when they approached the Aburame compound. Two men stood guarding the gate, allowing them passage when Shino nodded towards them.

Sakura glanced around in amazement, most of the flora was flowers of all sorts. The male next to her watched with a pounding heart as she awed over the reclusive clan.

Soon they came upon a large greenhouse area, where Shino detached the woman from his side to open the door for her.

As the medic walked in she couldn't help but gasp. Butterfly's of every color and shape, and even some she had never seen before, flew around the building.

In the middle of the room was a benched table surrounded by colorful flowers and beautifully scented fauna.

Shino led her to the table and began to spread out the food. All while Sakura was still speechless.

"The food is served." The males smooth voice redirected her attention down onto the food, which somehow included some of her favorite foods.

"Shino-san this place is gorgeous!" Sakura complimented, Shino's posture became straighter and more proud, cause her to inwardly restrain her giggle.

"Thank you, Sakura-san. This place is a training lab, why? Because some Aburame are not compatible with the Kikaichu, so we have many insect training labs. Such as this one." Shino explained as the woman began plating her food.

Sakura swallowed her food "fascinating! The Aburame are a very diverse clan."

Shino nodded with a small grin on his face.

"But Shino-san, why the sudden interest in me?" The medic tilted her head, curious to see what his answer is.

The Aburame coughed as a blush colored his face. "I admire you, why? Because you change from the girl I knew in the Academy to this strong independent woman. You took on any challenges that came your way, and didn't allow them to slow you down."

Sakura's whole face became red as she gaped at the male.

Time Skip

Sakura stood in front of her house, facing towards her date.

"Thank you for the amazing date, Shino-san. I had a really good time." With a gentle smile she utilized all her shinobi training to give the male a kiss on the cheek, before nearly teleporting inside.

Shino stood there stunned with a small goofy grin.

"Goodnight Sakura-san, I look forward to our next date."