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keroRiBBIT: everyone needs a little ShikaTen in their lives LOL

Nothing defines humans better than their willingness to do irrational things in the pursuit of phenomenally unlikely payoffs. This is the principle behind lotteries, dating, and religion

. - Scott Adams

Sleepless Night VI

Tenten rummaged through her closet. She was trying to pick out something to wear for her date tonight. Nothing incredibly fancy, she thought. But not too casual either. She really should've asked Ino to come over to help her out. A groan escaped the bunhead's lips as she pushed hangers on the closet bar. A dress? Surely that'd be alright. Tenten owned maybe like five dresses that she never really wore out unless she was invited to one of Neji's family dinner parties. Shaking her head, she went over to her dresser. Maybe a pair of skinny jeans and a cute top? That was her typical party outfit and was more comfortable. Glancing at the clock, she hummed. She had until eight...and it was six at the moment. Tenten had time, she even showered once she got home from cheer practice. There was a sudden knock on her door.

"Tenten?"

"Yeah?" She replied nonchalantly.

Shin-Ten walked into her room in a pair of sweats and a T-shirt. He had two mugs in his hands as he stepped into her room. Placing one of the mugs on her desk, he sat himself in her desk chair and asked what she was up to.

"I've got a date tonight," Tenten explained still pulling things from her dresser. "I'm having trouble picking out what to wear."

"Oh? Since when did you go out on dates?" Shin-Ten cocked an eyebrow as he sipped from his mug.

Tenten shrugged at her older brother. Shikamaru had approached her at the beginning of the week about a date. He met her in front of her Stats class and just asked her out. At this, Shin-Ten blinked. Shikamaru Nara...That's who she going out with? Another shrug came from the younger Hua. Ino said that it would be s good idea for her to at least go on a date with someone once in a while to spice up her life. Tenten guessed that the blonde had talked to Shikamaru since she knew him and didn't want to go on some blind date with a stranger. She hadn't considered it at first, but the Yamanaka's constant pestering made her give in. Tenten paused and walked to her desk. The mug her brother had brought was filled with Oolong tea.

"I could tell that Shikamaru was doing Ino a favor in asking me out… so saying yes to him just to get her off my back was my only option."

"I guess that makes sense…" Shin-ten mused.

"I know it's…weird-don't give me that look, Shin-Shikamaru is a nice guy. We get along and hang out a lot anyway. It won't be so bad." Tenten murmured.

The older brunette leaned back in the desk chair and crossed his arms over his chest. His baby sister is going on a date with someone who her friend bothered to ask? It didn't seem like a major thing and he didn't understand why she'd just say no and be as she was; not worrying about Ino's pestering. Perhaps his sister actually wanted to go on an actual date and not just hang out with someone. She hasn't done much romantically (to his knowledge) with anyone and for a while he was beginning to wonder if she even had interest in men. But he'd seen the way that she acted around Hyuga Neji, and his suspicions of the two of them dating were almost confirmed if it wasn't for that fact that his sister was so damn oblivious of other flirting with her.

"Wear that high waisted skirt that Auntie got you for your birthday," Shin sighed. "And that red crop top with the long sleeves."

Tenten hummed as she pulled out those items. It was a white knitted skirt that went down to her just below her knees. It was comfortable and long enough where she didn't need to wear shorts under like she'd usually do for her dresses. The red crop top had a keyhole in the front, showing a tiny bit of collarbone. Sure, this will do. Her brother turned his head as she began to strip down of her tank top and shorts.

"Mmmm," Tenten hummed as she looked down at herself. "I like it. Not bad, Shin."

"Wear the black heels with the red bottoms too. I spent a fortune on those for you. You're gonna damn well wear them." The older Hua groaned.

Tenten grinned brightly and kissed her brother's cheek. Yes, he bought her expensive red bottom stilettos for her birthday and she would keep them in the box until she was ready to wear them. Those shoes have only seen the light of day three times since she had obtained them; and that was because they were too perfect to mess up. She did wear them around the house to break them in, but they rarely went past the front door. Yes, her older brother spoils the ever living hell out of her and she is forever grateful of him.

"I'm surprised Neji didn't ask you out." Shin said after a moment of Tenten looking at herself in the mirror.

"Hm? Why would he?" The bun head asked curiously as she smoothed out her skirt.

Shin-Ten pursed his lips together. Oh yes, oblivious indeed.

"You two always go out for dinner anyway. Aren't those dates too?" Her brother pushed.

"Not really. We're just friends and he didn't say they were dates." She mused reaching for her makeup bag.

At this, her older brother rolled his light golden eyes and shook his head. He liked the Hyuga kid. He was very respectful to Tenten and knew how to hold his ground. Shin and their father were very fond of Neji when Tenten brought him and Lee home for the first time. Now, the Hyuga is able to stay and go as he pleases; especially with him living alone (their mother wasn't a fan of the idea leaving a young adult alone to fend for himself, but then again, at the time she didn't know Neji was wealthy and wasn't much of a party animal). Shin watched as Tenten applied a simple winged liner and mascara combo. She drew in her eyebrows and looked at herself for a moment. Simple, she thought. The bun head smiled at her brother as she reached for her mug and took a sip of her still warm tea.

They were already downstairs when there was a soft knock on the door. Shin-Ten moved to open it and was met by Shikamaru Nara. The genius kid wore a grey button down and a sweater, good dark blue jeans and cleaned sneakers. His hair was down from his usual ponytail and tucked behind his pierced ears. In his hands were a bundle of flowers.

"Wow, you clean up nicely, Nara." Shin-Ten hummed.

"Thanks. Is she ready?" Shikamaru asked.

Shin-Ten nodded and moved aside to let him in. Shikamaru inhaled sharply as Tenten walked over to him in a curve-hugging white skirt and stilettos. His cheeks warmed up a bit as she smiled at him. Make up… he had never seen her dressed up before; was this what the Hyuga saw whenever he'd take her to dinners? Probably not. He greeted her with an awkward side hug and handed her the flowers (courtesy of Ino's family flower shop). Tenten smiled, her ruby colored lips were fuller than he ever realized and her eyes were more of a golden hue than a chocolate brown color. Shin asked him what the plan was for the night.

"Go down by the pier and walk around a bit. There's usually some things to do over there now that they put in the new mall and arcades. And we're gonna catch some dinner...probably head to a bar or something, Nothing major." The Nara shrugged.

A simple date, Shin side glanced at Shikamaru. Tenten grabbed her purse and jacket before saying goodbye to her brother and walking out toward Shikamaru's car. Shin-Ten watched as they drove away. Closing the door, the older Hua sat himself on the couch and wrapped himself in the comforter that they kept there. He flipped on the tv and sighed. They'll be fine, he thought as she leaned back against the cushions. His sister was twenty-one now, she could handle herself. He just hoped that she wouldn't get bored of the date.

Tenten hummed as she clicked in her seat belt. Glancing over at the younger man next to her, she let out a small breath through her nose. Shikamaru wasn't one she every considered to take time to dress up (or let his hair down for that matter). He looked handsome, for sure and he didn't have a cigarette perched behind his ear like he usually did. He didn't shave, although he never had much facial hair anyway. Tenten wasn't opposed to it, it made Shikamaru look a bit older than he was.

"I know this is a bit… odd." The Nara spoke after a moment.

"Hm?" The bun head tilted her head to the side.

"But I though since Ino had complained to me nonstop about your nonexistent dating life, I'd take you out on your first date myself."

Tenten grinned. Yes, Ino had definitely pushed her into this, but she was happy that it was Shikamaru and not some stranger. They drove for another half hour, talking about school and their friends; whatever drama that had transpired within the past week or so. She laughed at his sarcasm to which he let loose a small smile. He and Tenten had more in common than he initially thought. It was strange seeing her dressed up like this. She was definitely more of a casual, sporty person. She didn't fit into the stereotype of the "ideal cheerleader". She had a colorful vocabulary and high confidence (however not arrogant like her Hyuga counterpart). She challenged everything he said and could hold up a great argument. Overall, Shikamaru wasn't too sure why Tenten hadn't dated at all. He remembered that Lee would try to introduce her to different people however she would show no interest. Neji was no help either, he always gave whoever approached his best friend a dirty look, scaring them away. Shikamaru pursed his lips together. If Neji found out about this, he'd be banished to the shadow realm.

"I hope you're comfortable walking in those shoes." He stayed as he whipped his car into a parking spot.

"Yeah I'll be fine. I brought flip flops just in case too." Tenten replied.

"Ah, alright...cool."

The pair walked along the pier. The lights from the many restaurants and shops illuminated the water below them. They peeked into the many bars and hang out spots, trying to decide which place they would park themselves for a bit to grab a drink and some food. As they walked, Shikamaru noticed the attention of some people passing by shifting to them. Well, not "them" but "her". Tenten was attracting the eyes of many as they trekked about. It was rather troublesome, he thought. He wasn't sure he appreciated the attention she was getting especially since the bun head hadn't noticed it herself. He understood now why Neji was always close to her side. Tenten wasn't insanely gorgeous like Ino or have that timid cuteness like Hinata. She had an exotic feel to her thanks to her large brown eyes and naturally tan skin. Without makeup, the bunhead radiated with natural beauty, the sun intensified the gold in her eyes and smile. Makeup on her, to the Nara, was unnecessary. However, Tenten did partake in the occasional winged liner and mascara which just intensified her puppy dog eyes whenever she pouted. It was just, odd. He guessed all she put on was eyeshadow and lipstick based on the fact that he could still see her freckles. In a way, she was his type. Shikamaru liked that about her as well as her personality. Tenten also had a great sense of style, it was comfort street fashion. But tonight she went chic with her high waisted skirt and crop top. Her legs were muscular and long and her hips were wide. Even with her wide hips she had a tiny waist. Seeing her in such an outfit had definitely caught him off guard. Sure, he's seen her in her cheer uniform, however that was a whole different matter. They were actually alone on a date that they chose to go on together. She could've easily went against Ino's persuasion (or nagging on his part) and flat out rejected him. But she didn't and she rolled up looking like something straight out of a Japanese Vogue. He was seeing her in a totally different light and he was pretty sure he found this side of her to be attractive; not that he hadn't already before this (Shikamaru was digging himself into a whole in his mind for thinking of his good friend in this way). Wait, he pursed his lips together. Everything he's seeing now… this is what Neji sees times ten. The Hyuga embraced every aspect of her and fell for all of it.

"See anything you'd like to eat, Shikamaru?"

The Nara blinked. Inhaling his eyebrows went south; she had caught him staring at her. Shrugging his shoulders, he told her to pick whatever interest her and not to worry about the price. He'd fit the bill. Tenten stopped in her tracks and looked back. There was a hot pot bar they had past that she wanted to check out.

"Hot pot? Are you sure?" Shikamaru asked, his eyebrow raised.

"Sure, it's all you can eat and we can get a private booth." Tenten suggested.

Shikamaru eyed her for a moment. There were plenty if nicer restraints on the pier she could've chose from. She was a woman of simple and practical taste, he concluded. She didn't seem to care about how expensive something was-only what she can get out of it. Turning back they walked to the hot pot bar. It was busy, however they only had to wait ten minutes before being seated. Tenten flipped open the menu and hummed. She wasn't picky about meats, but she wanted to get a few veggies to balance it out. Shikamaru couldn't help but smile a bit as she looked at the specialty cocktails. That was something they had in common; drinking. Tenten was a hardy drinker and held her liquor insanely well. At every party they were the last ones to be trashed even if they started drinking at the same time as everyone else. She wasn't a fan of beer, in fact the only beer she liked was Sapporo. And she didn't like Vodka unless it was mixed with something else. Shikamaru caught himself and returned his smile to a stoic expression. Not too soon after, a waiter came about and asked them their orders.

"I'll have the Curry soup base and a Midori Sour please." Tenten smiled up at the waiter.

Shikamaru's mouth twitched as he watched the waiter return the bright smile and swallow. And just like that, the guy was charmed by her...a smile and manners. The Nara himself ordered a Chinese Herbal soup base and some hot sake. They didn't wait long before the soup bases and drinks were brought and the ordered their meats, noodles and veggies. Tenten started to sip at her cocktail as she watched the soup base simmer. Shikamaru wasn't too sure what to say. How troublesome, he thought. Every other time he was able to strike up a conversation with her about anything and everything. But now, with them alone, sitting and on and actual date, no words came to his genius mind. And yet, she seemed comfortable with the silence. He figured after years of being around Hyuga Neji, silence was a good thing. Sometimes he'd see them just sitting next to each other in complete silence. It was not tense or awkward. They truly enjoyed each other's company without verbally communicating with each other. He supposed he liked that as well. However, he needed to have his focus on something...like the clouds. It's where he did his best thinking or he'd just do it to clear his ever so busy calculating mind.

"I...know this is a bit odd."

Shikamaru hummed. "What?"

Tenten's right hand lightly grasped onto her left bicep; it was a mannerism if hers that meant many things.

"This whole date thing," She elaborated. "I've never been on one officially. Getting dressed up like this and all."

"Well, that's why I'm here. To do you that favor of breaking you into it." Shikamaru stated nonchalantly.

"I'm honestly not sure how I'm supposed to act." Tenten admitted sheepishly.

Shikamaru rested his cheek in his palm as he leaned his elbow on the table.

"Don't change a thing. Be just as you are, Tenten." He murmured. "It's the most attractive thing you can do."

At this the bun head gave him a sweet smile with a hint of a blush on her cheeks. Had he crossed the line a bit with flirting with her? Well, not really. It was a date anyway, why wouldn't he flirt with her?

"It's funny actually," she said. "Neji told me something similar a long time ago."

Ah yes, here was his window of opportunity to bring the Hyuga into the conversation.

"Well, you know he cares for you immensely, right?"

The bun head nodded. "Of course, we're best friends."

Shikamaru sighed and leaned back. He could throw his friend under the bus and just straight out tell her that her best friend had been in love with her since high school, but he didn't feel like having to answer any questions as to how he knew and why would the Hyuga ever like her more than a friend. That's a conversation that Shikamaru did not want to be involved in. However, that doesn't mean he wouldn't hint at it.

"Tenten, let me ask you something," The Nara brought his saucer to his lips. "Have you ever thought of Neji as anything other than a friend?"

Tenten blinked. As she thought, her bottom lip was captured by her teeth. He treated her like a princess without being overbearing. He gave her space and kept her company at the same time. Neji was always there whoever she needed him and vise versa; They've been glued together since their teenage years. And for all she knew, he had always been a bit nicer to her than everyone else.

"Have you noticed," Shikamaru met her eye. "That he only smiles when he's around you."

"I...what?"

Has he only smiled around her? She never paid attention to that. Smirking didn't count, he smirked at everyone. A genuine smile or grin though… she can't say she's noticed it. Shikamaru let out his own smirk. Yes, this was working, he thought. The Nara held out his hand to her. Tenten slowly laid her palm on his.

"When his skin touches yours, does your face get hot?"

Shikamaru's fingers tangled with hers as he kept eye contact with her.

"Whenever he looks you in the eye, does your chest begin to pound harder and louder in your ears?"

He lifted her hand to his lips and pecked her knuckles. Tenten's face was completely red at the action, but made no move to pull his hand away. It was ballsy of Shikamaru, but if he could prime her for future encounters with the Hyuga, she'd be able to recognize signs he sends her. But for the moment, until that time came around, the Nara decided to woo her in anyway he can.

"Shika-"

"Your face is red. Are you alright?" He asked releasing her hand.

Of course he knew why she was blushing. But it was socially polite to ask. Tenten nodded as she pulled her hand back. Within a few more seconds, the assortment of various foods they ordered arrived. Shikamaru watched as his date shamelessly stuffed her face to her heart's content, not getting any sauce or soup on her outfit. He was impressed actually. On most dates he's been on, they'd be very careful and chose to eat foods that weren't messy. And yet here they were, at a hot pot joint. After they ate their fill, they both leaned back in their seats and slipped on their drinks.

"Ah," Tenten sighed happily. "Haven't don't that in a while…"

Shikamaru chuckled. "Indeed. Good call on hot pot."

Tenten beamed. Shikamaru's eyes fixated on a crimson smudge on the side of her mouth. Her lipstick was practically gone, but there was still remains of it. Picking up a clean napkin, he reached over and told her to hold still. His other hand gentle cupped her cheek as he wiped away the smudge. When he pulled away, Tenten reached for her purse and pulled out a small compact mirror and a lipstick tube. After paying, Tenten opted for grabbing a few pastries and finding a bench to sit at. As they left, Shikamaru offered her his sweater to which she accepted and draped around her shoulders. They walked a bit toward the dessert cafes, peaking in and seeing if anything was acceptable for an after hotpot treat.

"Tenten."

The bunhead looked over at her date. Shikamaru was holding his hand out to her once more. Curious, she laid her hand to his. His fingers curled around her hand and he led her down the pier. Holding hands, he mused. It was a simple gesture-one he wasn't sure she'd accept. However she did not pull away nor comment on it. Her fingers were long and slim. Tenten had what most considered to be "piano hands". Her palm was bigger than most women on average and her fingers would have ranged from a ring size four to five. His own hands were average sized for a man, a bit bigger than hers. His fingers were wider though, and his skin was a bit rough. Hers was soft and warm to the touch with with occasional callous which came with being a cheerleader. They had found a doughnut place. Tenten ordered half a dozen glazed for them to share with some coffee. Searching for a bench was pretty easy. The pier branched outward towards the bay which held many benches with couples and the occasional fisherman. Sitting themselves down, they munched on their after dinner snack and looked out into the water. Shikamaru was looking down into the water, the waves crashing against the piers pillars gently. The sound of the rustling waves were soothing. After a moment, he glanced over at her. Tenten's eyes were directed at the night sky. The lights from the shops weren't bright enough to wash out the stars. Her expression showed pure contentment as her eyes grazed along the millions of lights in the dark sky.

"What do you like most, Shikamaru?" She didn't look at him. "The sky or the water?"

The Nara hummed. It depended on the time of day, he explained. During the day he'd find himself staring up into the clouds as they floated by. Even on an overcast day he'd still find a spot and just stare until rain or snow fell from them. The clouds were free, they just floated along without any worries. At night, he's find himself looking towards the water, it's sound and eternal rippling put his mind at ease.

"I'm guessing you prefer the sky?" The Nara shot back at her.

"Yes. The stars are what attract my attention." She murmured.

Tenten went on to explain that she had been fascinated by the night sky and space every since she was a child. This printed her to study astronomy which then lead to astrology. The study of stars and planets made her feel small at first; humans usually don't realize that they are nothing but tiny particles compared to what was out their; out of their immediate line of site. In a way it made her feel insignificant to the fact that there were more interesting things out there that have yet to be discovered by mankind. As for astrology, she already had a hand of many versions of fortune telling, so it was only right for her to learn to read the stars.

"Do you actually believe in any of that stuff?" Shikamaru asked.

"In a way yes, but one must account for individual variation." Tenten offered a small smiled. "They're not strict guidelines, just general similarities of people born in a certain time frame together."

"Enlighten me." Shikamaru crossed his arms over his chest casually.

Tenten bit her lip.

"Your birthday is September 22nd. You were born one the very last day under the sign Virgo. You tend to come off as cold and insensitive but…" she grinned at him. "You're a giant sweetie on the inside to those you're close to."

Shikamaru smirked a bit.

"You think logically and practically in all aspects of life which means you have a high chance of being successful. Although you tend to be a bit uptight and need to go out once in a while to splurge on yourself." She continued.

The Nara hummed. He supposed he fit into that general description. But it was as Tenten said before; it was only general and there was the factor of individual variatiation.

"Compatibility wise to me… we're…" She looked up at the sky. "Let's see. You're an earth sign and I'm a water sign…"

Shikamaru cocked an eyebrow as she brought her thoughts together.

"Ah," she chuckled. "We'd be the best example of opposites attract."

"Would we? What's your general definition?"

Tenten grinned. Her birthday was March 9th which put her under the sign of Pisces. She was able to adapt emotionally to any environment however she supposedly excelled at keeping her emotions under control. But at the same time, she was impulsive when it came to relationships, romantic or platonic. Her sign was deemed to be very creative and was easily bored depending on the situation.

"I see." Shikamaru mused.

"Of course there's more to it… but I don't think I fall into most of the description of my sign." She stated.

"Understandable. And Hyuga?"

Tenten hummed as she racked through her brain.

"Let's see… Neji's birthday is July 3rd which makes him a Cancer (A/N: thanks 8ouji-Rui for catching that! Ever Since they added the new sign everything has been a bit out of wack so I went with the new calendar. I have changed it back to the original...well more familiar calendar!) ; also a water sign. They're intellectually gifted and are very well informed- as they try to gather intel as much as possible to adapt to any situation. Apparently they're not the most emotionally stable and can be very moody. They are fast thinkers and can be very ambitious-within reason." She crossed her legs. "Relationship wise, there's a lot of mixed signals that are unclear and need to be straightened out. But, overall they are the most caring and loving people. They are also overachievers and then to be great at business."

Shikamaru let a chuckle. Yes, that sounded like Neji.

"And what would be your compatibility with him?"

"Romantically?" Tenten tilted her head to the side.

"Yeah. You've never thought about it?" Shikamaru raised an eyebrow.

"I mean, I have… but I never looked into it in depth." She murmured.

"We got all night." The Nara winked at her. "Besides, I like the fact that you show passion towards this stuff."

Tenten chuckled and thought about it. Water signs were greatly compatible across the board due to the similar element; They balanced each other out. But when it came to their specific signs, Pisces was more emotionally driven with relationships than a Cancer (they were more "realistic" and practical due to their high intellect). Although, if the Cancer can work on their communication and take into account the feelings of a Pisces, it could work out. It was just tapping into each other on an emotional level. Neji wasn't much of an emotional person. He did have that mean arrogant phase in high school when his parents decided to leave him behind as they fully weaved into his family's business. He was left alone and just overall angry at the world. Somehow, Tenten was able to reach him emotionally during that time. He wasn't mean to her and countered her impulsive motives with logic and practicality. They balanced each other out so perfectly it had completely flown over her head to actually do a compatibility measure like she was now. When drunk, he'd become more extroverted with her and apologize for being a wreck and tell her how much he appreciated her. And she, in return gave challenged him to communicate effectively and pushed him to make more impulsive choices based on pure emotion and intuition.

"Oh…" Tenten looked towards the water.

Shikamaru smirked as he saw a light bulb go off. Yes, he thought. She needed someone to help her see it.

"You know," he stretched his arm and draped it around her shoulders. "If we were together, we would grow tired of each other. Perhaps staying as friends is best for us. Besides, just based on what you said; you'd be a better match for Hyuga anyway. And I don't like competition."

Tenten's eyes went wide before she let out a laugh. They sat there at their bench for a few more moments before deciding to head back to the car. They walked back along the lines of shops. The pair was still holding hands as they walked in a comfortable silence. People still walked in and out of bars and restaurants, either holding hands or hanging off of their party mates. Halfway down the pier, Shikamaru pulled out his phone for the first time that night. It was almost two in the morning and he had multiple messages from group chats and Ino (which he ignored for the moment). The Nara hadn't realized they had been out all night. It had gone so quickly, he thought.

"Hey." He stopped walking. "Go stand over there."

Tenten was about to ask why but she paused when she noticed Shikamaru hold his phone at eye level for a picture. The bunhead stood, with his sweater still draped around her shoulders and offered his phone a bright smile. Shikamaru gave her a thumbs up and looked at the photo. It was a great shot, he thought. The bars and shops were lit up in the background and she was in crystal clear focus.

"Very nice. You're quite photogenic." He commented.

"I guess. I tend to make weird faces on purpose sometimes." Tenten chuckled.

The ride back was again silent between them, with the radio playing. Only party mixes were blasting from one station to the other, which wasn't too bad, however neither of them were in the mood for party music. When they reached her house, Shikamaru put his car in park and walked her to the door. Tenten turned and handed his sweater back to him. She thanked him for a great date and planted a soft kiss in his cheek. The Nara smiled softly as he reached for her hand and kissed her knuckles once more; he was just pleased that she agreed to go with him in the first place. He stalked back to his car and waited, making sure she found her keys and got past her front door before driving off with a small smile on his face.

Tenten took off her heels and wiggles her toes as her feet made contact with the floor. She inhaled then exhaled. The Chinese woman quietly dragged herself upstairs where she quickly removed her makeup and showered. She chose an oversized t-shirt and shorts as pajamas and geeked back downstairs to the living room, where she found her older brother asleep on the couch. Removing the PlayStation remote from his chest, she placed it on the coffee table and brought the blanket that was dangling off the couch to his chest. Deciding to make some tea, she headed up some water and brought the mug upstairs to her room. Settling self into bed. She looked at her phone for the first time that night. The screen showed an insane amount of messages from her friends asking about her date and what was going on. Neji had even messaged her, asking what she was up to; but that was over four hours ago. Tossing her phone into her desk, she sipped at her tea. She'd like to go on another date. The intimacy of a date was something she found to be very favorable, even though it was with Shikamaru (a friend she was already comfortable being around and talking to). Though, one thing stuck to her mind even after she finished off her tea and set the mug in her windowsill. Shikamaru had mentioned that Neji never smiled unless she was around. She'd have to pay more attention to that, Tenten thought. There had to be a reason why Shikamaru was telling her this.