(I don't own Naruto or any characters, etc etc)

Evening

"What do you think that one is?"

"Which one?"

"That one, there. The bumpy one."

"I don't know. Use your training."

Shizune sighed and sipped her drink. "I don't think shinobi training is helpful to determine a flavor of chocolate, just if it's poisoned or not.

"Well, if it's the wrong flavor it might as well be poison." Tsunade drained her glass and poured another as she chewed on a pork bun. "I mean, some strawberry ones are just plain terrible."

Shizune laughed and picked up the chocolate in question before nibbling it. "Marshmallow," she stated as she ate it. "This is a nice box though, I don't think any will be bad."

Tsunade smiled. "Only the best!"

(scene)

Gai waved at Raidou and Genma as he passed them on the street. "Joining us at the bar?"

"No," Genma shook his head, taking the senbon out of his mouth. "Not yet, at least. Dinner first, then we'll see." He and Raidou continued down the street, and Gai soon turned into an establishment decked out in red and pink lights, tinsel, and streamers, and greeted other shinobi.

"I'm so full," Ino said, resting her head on Shikamaru's shoulder.

"You shouldn't have eaten so much," he drawled.

"Look who's talking. You're practically asleep, you ate so much."

"He's always practically asleep," Choji said, laughing. "Get ready, we haven't even brought out dessert yet!"

His delight over the upcoming chocolate buffet was not disrupted by the groans coming from his teammates, who knew they were soon definitely overeating….again….

(scene)

Naruto bounded into Ichiraku's and grabbed three seats together.

"Hello, Naruto," Ayame greeted him. "Are you ready to order?" she asked, looking at the seats he was saving.

"I am, but I should probably wait for my friends," he said, smiling brightly. Not long after, Sakura joined him, wearing a pink dress a shade or two different from her hair, which she had adorned with red flowers.

"Wow, Sakura, you look great!"

She blushed and thanked him, taking in that he was in one of his many orange outfits, but at least it was clean. "So do you?!" She said, glad he didn't seem to catch on that she was a little unsure.

"Let's eat," Sasuke said as he sat down next to Naruto, figuring it was probably safer than sitting next to Sakura, who was already batting her eyelashes at him. Naruto was starting to plot how to get her attention focused back on him.

However, that was short-lived as they ordered and ate, and the three found they were actually having a good time together, all thoughts of competing or Valentine's Day, or even romance, gone, as they were just three teammates and friends enjoying relaxing time together.

(scene)

Asuma and Kurenai were spending private time at Asuma's place, thank you very much, and no they were definitely, most certainly not on a date. They were just friends, didn't they tell everyone that? Just friends and peers who decided to spend the night where others couldn't see, eating a nice meal, drinking wine, and exchanging small gifts. What friends do.

(scene)

Iruka had wrapped up his grading and lesson plans, and with no one having come to the missions room for some time, made a new pot of tea, put his feet on the desk, and began to eat the treats he had received earlier.

"Worse ways to spend the night," he thought. About thirty minutes later, when he sensed someone approaching, he wasn't sure if he was happy or sad about someone coming. He took his feet off the desk but didn't try to hide what he was doing, why bother? He had nothing to hide.

The door opened and a shinobi entered, peering around the room curiously as he advanced towards Iruka's desk.

"Here all by yourself?"

"I am, Kakashi-san. What can I do for you?"

"No one else is working?"

"Just me. Anything you need?"

"Where is everyone?"

Iruka sighed. Maybe being by himself was preferable to Kakashi's questioning. "It's been a light day for missions or reports, and just about everyone else who would be working had other things they wanted to do."

Kakashi looked at him curiously. "And you didn't?"

"Because it's Valentine's day, you mean?"

Kakashi shrugged.

"Yes. I mean no. No I didn't have anything to do, and if others did, I can be here in their place, I'm scheduled for tonight anyway, no matter what the day is. Now, what can I help you with?"

Kakashi continued to look at him while fishing around his vest and pulling out a crumpled report, thrusting it at Iruka.

Before he could say anything, Iruka jumped in. "Let me guess it's late?" No answer. "Fine, it's better than not getting one at all." He read it over and signed for it, placing it in a file.

"Well, thank you again, Kakashi-san. I'm sure you have somewhere to be, so I won't keep you."

Iruka was surprised when Kakashi shrugged. "I don't."

"You don't what?"

"Have anywhere to be."

"Oh…." Iruka felt a bit foolish. "Well…if you wanted to stay, you could. I made fresh tea, and help yourself," he gestured to the food on his desk. Kakashi accepted the invitation and made himself comfortable at another desk with some chocolate and tea, before pulling out his book, appreciating the quietness of the room.

They fell into a comfortable silence, each reading their own material. Some time later, Iruka stood and began to pack his things. Kakashi raised an eyebrow.

"Shift is over," Iruka said, nonchalantly. "We decided that if it was a light night, I would just close up and someone would be on-call. Plus, you know, there's always an ANBU hiding somewhere to help if anyone came needing it." After his area was tidy, Iruka looked at Kakashi.

"Are you staying?"

Kakashi stood. "Iruka-sensei, are you asking me out?"

Iruka rolled his eyes, but he felt a blush starting. "I don't think I'm your type," he said dryly.

"Oh, I don't know about that," Kakashi said as he exited the room and waited for Iruka to lock and seal it behind them. "A skilled shinobi who puts others ahead of himself, spends a night by himself to make sure the missions office is manned, plans ahead, trains regularly, and makes a mean cookie?"

Iruka was definitely blushing now. They were stood facing each other, before Iruka coughed and began to walk to the exit. He inhaled deeply once they were outside and turned to bid the other man goodnight.

"Join me for a nightcap?" Iruka was surprised by Kakashi's sudden invitation.

"What?"

"You shared your treats with me. My turn. Join me?"

Iruka nodded dumbly and followed Kakashi's lead.

(scene)

As the night continued, Valentine's Day in Konoha drew to a close. Restaurants cleaned up, merchants packed up their decorations and prepared to put items on sale in the morning, and couples and families wound down for the night. Or embraced the darkness. Or, both.