A/N: This chapter is based on the end of Shikamaru Hiden, with some dialogue taken directly from the novel. You don't need to have read it to understand what's happening here, so for those of you who prefer to skip the action and get straight to the romance, this chapter's for you!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

"Temari, wait up."

She turned and saw Shikamaru sauntering towards her, hands in his pockets as per usual.

"What is it, Nara?"

He took a deep breath. Just do it already, you crybaby.

"Anytime in the next year would be good," Temari huffed impatiently. "Everyone's waiting."

"Thank you, for today."

She snorted. "It's not everyday you get to save Konoha's number one genius."

He sighed. What was he getting himself into?

"Next time, how about eating a meal together?"

"Are you asking me on a date?"

"Well, yeah, I guess it's that sort of thing."

She was lost in thought for a moment. Shikamaru was seriously questioning himself now. Of course she plans on torturing me over this…

Now she was taking ages to respond, and he could feel his dignity slip away little by little with each passing second.

"A date, huh…"

"You don't want to?" he blurted out, then mentally kicked himself for being so forward. He was digging himself a hole that not many could help him out of.

She was amused just studying the anxiety forming in his face. Finally, she decided to put him out of his misery.

"How troublesome."

"Any questions, Shikamaru?"

Kakashi looked quizzically at the jonin, his chin resting on his folded hands.

"Just one: do I have to go?"

Kakashi was confused. "What do you mean?"

"Well, is it urgent? Is there a reason why I in particular have been assigned to this mission?"

"It's not urgent per se, but it is B-rank, and you're one of our most capable jonin," he explained. "What's come over you? I always knew you were lazy, Shikamaru, but in recent times you've really stepped up and taken responsibility."

"Not of my own accord," he muttered. "That's just being an adult and having to manage your own life."

He hasn't changed after all, Kakashi thought. He sighed. "Look, Shikamaru, I'm offering you this mission because you were available and I knew it wouldn't be a challenge for you to complete. It's not a command, you can take it or leave it. It's up to you."

Shikamaru thought for a moment, then said, "Thanks, Lord Hokage, but no thanks."

Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "If that's what you want. May I at least ask why?"

Shikamaru smirked, a mixture of amusement and embarrassment. "I've got my first date with Temari tomorrow."

Kakashi grinned under his mask. "Finally."

"Tch, what's that supposed to mean?"

"It means you certainly took your time, Shikamaru. The whole of Konoha has been waiting years for it to happen."

"Years?"

"Mm. Since you two organised the Chunin Exams together."

Shikamaru sighed. "I blame Naruto."

"Well, either way, good for you," Kakashi nodded his approval. "How are you feeling about tomorrow?"

The jonin shrugged. "It's troublesome, but as you've just pointed out, it had to happen sooner or later. Besides, I think she's extended her stay in Konoha just for this, which means I've gotta be good company."

Kakashi chuckled. "Don't hold back on the enthusiasm," he said sarcastically. "You kids have fun. But you'll be back on missions the next day, so no painting the village red, okay?"

Shikamaru smiled. "Of course, Lord Sixth."

"Good. Dismissed."