Shikamaru woke up with a start when he felt something against his lips. Opening his eyes he noticed Alara was sitting next to him. "Hi Alara, did you just um.." He lightly blushed, "Did you just kiss me? I could've sworn I felt something on my lips." He mumbled the last part as he stretched and sat up. Staring at the girl for a moment he poked her nose, "If so, it's not nice to kiss someone unless they are away so they can reciprocate." He teased her. Sighing as he streched again he looked over and smiled. "So what was it you wanted to ask me yesterday?" He questioned as he straightened out his legs.


"What do you mean she's been acting weird? Is everything all right?" She asked worriedly. Patting Ino on the head, "Friends should find out whats wrong with their friends, even if the situation is annoying. You can't just leave her alone, she need some friends to confide in I bet." Smiling she ruffled Ino's hair like Kakashi would. "However, I would love to go Kimono shopping with the two of you. It would be amazing bonding time!" Smiling even bigger now she chuckled, "So let me see, Ino you must've asked Chouji and Hinata aked Naruto correct?" They both nodded their heads blushing. "All right lets go!" Inari started walking off to the Kimono store where she knew they would fallow. 'What's wrong with little Sakura? She's been acting so funny around us and everyone eelse. I wonder if her sensei will talk to her.' Inari frowned, 'I hope not, he isn't the best at girl problems.' she stifled a chuckle thinking about Kakashi attempting to understand a girl problem.

Alara shook her head quickly smiling "No, why? Maybe it was Lee" she joked just to see if that would freak him out "I mean he is one of the fastest people in the village" besides Gai sensei that is. She was in a surprisingly good mood right now and was happy he figured she was the one that kissed him. Then again she was the only one around and anyone else wasn't paying no attention if they were. "Oh yea" sitting on her knees "I wanted to know if you would want to go to the festival with me? I know it's probably troublesome, but I thought it might be fun" she was about to say 'to go as friends' but she stopped herself quickly. "You don't have to though, I can always ask someone else if you don't" Alara had no one else to ask, who would really go with someone else to the festival knowing the main idea of it.

~ ~ ~

Sakura wound up leaving by herself leaving Kakashi sitting with Anko who popped up about the time they were going to leave. If anyone found out who she liked it might not go out very well. Kakashi was being nice to Anko as she had started drinking and knew how she got when she would start during the daytime.

~ ~ ~

Ino smiled when they reached the shop "Ooh I want something with blue on it, Hinata would look beautiful in purple right Inari-sensei?" Ino asked Inari as they entered the shop without Sakura, Ino knew she should talk to Sakura, but lately Sakura wouldn't even look her way.

Shikamaru looked at her skeptical, "You know, it's not so troublesome if it was with you... So yes I will go with you." He smiled and opened up his arms to hug Alara then he pulled her into a hug, resting his chin on her head. "You are very troublesome, just not as much as the other women." He smirked at this, hoping she would understand what he meant. "I have to get dressed up though. Mother will fuss over how i look.. " He made a face at the thought of this but didn't make an attempt to move from his now comfortable spot. "Want to watch clouds?" He asked after a few more minutes.. as he started to lean back, letting go of her.


Inari would never get use to being called sensei, sure she was older than the girls but she wasn't really a ninja, well she wasn't classified as a ninja at least. Tsunade and Kakashi, over the years, taught her enough to be a formidable opponent. Smiling at the girls she nodded, "i think you're right Ino! While I'm here I might as well get one too. Kakashi and I are going together." She blushed glad the mask was coveering her face. "What would look good on me Ino?" She smiled and gently pushed the girls into the store with her behind them.


Meanwhile, on the border of fire nation, stood the one and only Itachi. "Wait so you're just going to kidnap a girl, whom your brother is attached to, just because you can?" The large fish looking man asked. "Hai, but because I also love her." At this the other man became wide eyed and a paler blue than normal. "Itachi, in love?! She must really be something special." He chuckled out. Itachi just made a 'tch' noise and started walking the way to Konoha.

Alara smiled even more of a real smile you would hardly see on her face "I'm glad I'm not too 'troublesome' she said for once not blushing this time. Hearing about how his mother having a fuss, he wondered if his father normally would say the same word about things, and that's where he picked it up from. When being hugged she felt at ease and nodded "I love looking at the sky" which was really true, she could stare at it all day if she truly wanted to. She laid down bringing him with her though her thoughts were on Shikamaru, not the clouds.

~ ~ ~

"Oh I was wondering when that was going to happen, I've seen the way he looks at you" Ino brightened thinking about the color "Hm...either the right shade of blue, pink...oh maybe a shade of red...Oh! I know, something with a bit of white and purple or silver and purple" or a mixture of all three, Ino was getting on a role with colors.

~ ~ ~

Sakura knew that tomorrow night was the festival and she needed to get something to wear. If Tsunade caught her at home alone and not at the festival, she would probably get scolded big time, and that's the last person that needed to find out about who she liked. Sakura walked throughout the village wondering about things and avoiding people. So she stayed behind the houses wondering if she should have sent out a message animal that couldn't speak like a bird that wouldn't think any less about who it was going to or why.

Shikamaru smiled as he was pulled down to lay with Alara. 'She's so gorgeous and awesome.' He thought to himself as he stared up at the clouds. "That one looks like a bunny. " He said while pointing up at the sky happily. Brushing his arm against hers he blushed, his hand right next to hers. 'I really want to hold her hand and i don't know why.' He thought to himself as he looked over at her.


Inari blushed at this, "I wasn't aware he looked at me any way." Looking through the racks of clothing she nodded.. "Maybe silver with a purple and white obi? Something simple?" Looking over at Hinata she pulled out a pale purple with a deeper purple obi, it has little white petals at the bottom that looked like they were windswept. "Try that on." She said smiling. Looking through the racks she found a purple kimono with an orange obi that matched her hair. The pattern on the kimono was faint silver threads that made the purple look like it was shining. "What do you think Ino, Yes or no?" There was so many to choose from.


Itachi was walking a bit faster than normal wondering if she was going to send him word or not. It was risky and he knew that but he couldn't help but want to hear from er, even if it was just a small note or a long letter. It was getting around lunch time so both Itachi and Kisame stopped to eat some food they packed then they headed on again. Trying to keep a slow pace so they wouldn't get there earlier than planned.

Alara smiled looking up at the sky "That one looks like a cupcake" she didn't know why it did, but for some reason it really did to her and she wasn't that hungry right now. She would be filled up for another hour or so. Feeling their skin brush, she did what was only natural in the reaction, and entwined her hand with his, linking fingers still looking up at the sky.

~ ~ ~

"Oh that would be so cute, I want to see it on you now" Ino exclaimed getting happy as they went through different ones, when Inari picked out one she saw it "Oh that is so perfect you have to get that one. It suits you so well and you look like you would turn heads" she beamed picking out a kimono that was a light blue color with medium and dark blue for the obi with flower petals on it in medium blue to match.

~ ~ ~

Sakura decided to send word her own way and sat down behind some houses not being seen yet "Whisper Jutsu" she whispered mumbling to herself as she whispered something on some paper and sent it to Itachi saying she wanted to see him and hoped he could, if he couldn't by tomorrow night, then she had something to ask him. 'Please go to the festival with me, I know it's difficult, but maybe you can hide behind a mask' she sent it as the last part of the note and it disappeared only to appear in front of him as a butterfly in white.

Shikamaru blushed slightly when her fingers intertwined with hers. Smiling he chuckled, "Are you hungry?" He was a little and could go for some dango so he looked at her and smiled, "We can go get dango if you're really hungry or I can take you to dinner." he coughed and looked back at the sky, "I mean it's not to troublesome and all." He wanted to slap a hand over his face.'For a genius I'm not that smooth or bright.'' He thought tto himself.


"You really think so?" She asked unsure about her self, "Do you think Kashi-kun would like it?" Ignoring the negative thoughts she changed and came back out doing a three sixty, "What do you thin? To much sparkle?" She asked wanting an honest opinion. She wanted to look amazing for Kakashi, for some odd reason. Though she did like him very much.


Itachi let the butterfly land on his finger then he heard the message, smiling he did the same jutsu back to her, "I will be there, I will have a mask. I can't wait to see you again." With that the paper disappeared and reappeared in front of Sakura. Sighing Itachi looked over at Kisame, "Time to run." "FINALLy!" The large blue man said excitedly.

"Dango? Never had it before, wouldn't mind trying it though" Alara spoke thinking she would love some rice cakes right now too, maybe not sushi until later, though she did love taking it to go on a mission. "But in a bit" she scooted closer to him smiling and blushing all at once leaning her head against his shoulder, she didn't want this to end right now. She felt like she was really going to be 'troublesome' to him, but she didn't really care.

~ ~ ~

Ino look at it nodding approvingly "Yes, I like it, it really suits you, and puts a balance out with your hair color and not too light to make you look really pale or the opposite. Though maybe if you braid your hair tomorrow and wrap it up in a bun it will be easier to move about and look cuter too" Ino spoke.

~ ~ ~

Sakura got the letter and beamed going to find the store to find herself a kimono now that the one she wish to attend the festival could attend. She went to a different more cheaper store, she had it already on order, but didn't know if she was going or not. Buying it she took it home and instantly tried it on, she even had a mask to go with hers. She had a dark pink kimono with lighter pink cherry blossoms all around it and a matching light pink kimono mask to match with it, she couldn't wait to see him.

Shikamaru listened to what she said, then blushed as she leaned her head on his shoulder. "Alright." He mumbled as he leaned his head against hers. The sky above them was changing colors to a red, orange, and yellow. The clouds positioning made the sky look like it was on fire, just like Shikamaru was, for some reason he was all hot and his stomach had butterflies. 'This is weird, guys shouldn't feel like this' thinking to himself, 'The thing is... I kind of like this feeling.' Smiling he squeezed her hand softly. Words for him were not needed. Her actions spoke loudly to him. 'The night of the festival I'm going to ask her to be mine.' He thought happily.


Inari blushed as she was being complimented by the younger girl in front of her. "Alright, I'll do that." She nodded in agreement. Going back to change into her normal Kimono she smiled and walked over to buy her kimono, "Did you find something Ino-dear?" She walked over to her with the bagged kimono in tow, "Oh Hinata you look absolutely gorgeous!" She said as Hinata came out of the room.


Itachi picked up the pace, excited to meet his love again. It was kind of funny, Leader/pein had said that Sakura would make a perfect member and to bring her back to the Akatsuki. Itachi had no doubts his firey little woman would follow him happily. Which meant less fuss for everyone involved. He just hoped that Sakura would leave a note to Tsunade explaining everything, or even make up a lie saying she was going to spy on the Akatsuki. Itachi wanted Sakura to have a good life, not one worrying about being hunted.

Alara didn't really pass out, she was lost in her thoughts thinking about all the stuff that could happen, or all the things she would want to happen. Though she wasn't no princess that needed be saving, hell her guy could be off stuck in a tree needing help, and she would play the hero role. Alara was more of the silent thinker unless she was by herself. 'I'm glad I asked him to the festival' she smiled to herself and after about an hour she started to get hungry, looking up at him cutely (not trying to) "Can we get something to eat soon?" Alara asked.

~ ~ ~

"Ah that really suits you Hinata, so cute, Naruto is going to love it" Ino said making her friend blush madly "Ah h-hey don't do that, you don't want to pass out just yet do you?" Ino brought up the subject and hoped Hinata wouldn't. Then she turned around in her kimono finally deciding on one it was blue with a yellow and orange obi.

Shikamaru was lost in his own thoughts as he felt her shifting on him. Blushing at her adorableness he grunted,, trying to clear his throat when he finally replied, "Yea, anywhere specific you want to go? My treat." He said. 'So is this like a date?' he thought to himself as he stared into her eyes, "Your eyes are really beauitiful." He complimented her as he got into sitting position, holding her as he did so she would still be leaning on him


"That looks lovely on you! It really brings out your eyes!" Inari said happily, "If y'all girls are ready I would like to treat you to tea and dango, and y'all can fill me in on what's happening around Konoha." Smiling she thought to herself 'I wonder what Kakashi is doing right now.' Blushing she looked down at her feet. ''In love are we?' 'Shushh, not right now Nova, I need to seem normal aaround these girls.' Smiling she walked up to the girls, "How does that sound to you both?"

"Um I want to try Dango" she smiled, she really hadn't tried it before, and was glad she was leaning against him so he wouldn't have seen her face turn extremely red when he said that "N-no they're not, they just weird from everyone else's" she was being a bit nervous right now, he complimented her on her strange eyes that most didn't have. Usually hazel had brown in them, not blue and green mixed together which is what they were right now.

~ ~ ~

Kakashi might not have been with Sakura, but after dropping Anko off at her apartment making sure she got in bed, Kakashi went back out going for a walk somewhere. He might as well do something rather than stay at home, even though he was reading his book while he walked along the way, soon he jumped to the rooftop looking down putting it away, his mind was filled with thoughts of Inari and their last two days lately. Spotting her he smiled watching her from the somewhat of a shadow of the tree he was near.

Shikamaru chuckled and nudged her, "Well then lets get up, we can walk to my favorite shop." He said waiting for her to move slightly so he could get up. Once he did he held out his hand and smiled at her, "Mind holding my hand?" He asked with a blush on his face. Noticing the stars started coming through he waited, the tea shop he was going to was open later than the others in town. This one was only a few blocks away a anyway, which made it a plus.


Inari walked with both girls on either arm as she walked to the tea shop, it was getting late but this one Shikamaru showed her stayed open later in the day than the others. "So any dirt on Kakashi you want to tell me Ino?" Smiling she held in a giggle and looked up at the sky, she was joking, and she felt Kakashi's presence near by. Nudging the girls into the shop, "We're being watched by an annoying sensei, why don't you both go in and order for us." They nodded and she let out a breath as thy walked into the store, "Kashi-kun, come out, come out, where ever you are!" Grinning big she waited.

Nodding Alara stood up taking his hand within hers and walking whichever way he had chosen to lead her. Her thoughts were blank as she felt her heart beating and hoped with as loud as it was that he wouldn't hear it. Alara wasn't sure if this would last, but she didn't care right now. It wasn't as if this was her first guy she had been with before, 'Is this a date?' she thought to herself hoping it would go good.

~ ~ ~

Ino shrugged "I don't even know what's under his mask, you should ask Sakura that or Alara" Ino stuck out her tongue knowing more about Shikamaru than Kakashi. Kakashi chuckled at how loud she was being appearing behind her wrapping his arms around her waist "You let your guard down, you should know better" he teased smiling near her ear.

Shikamaru walked with her hand in hand, his heart beating fast. 'How does one girl make me so crazy by doing the littlest of things.' He thought to himself. "So, can we call this a date?" He asked shyly, looking up at the stars above them. "Because it's okay if not, it's just less troublesome if it were." Using his free hand he rubbed the back of his neck. He was making thiis more complicated than it needed to be. Shikamaru never liked a girl like this before, and it made him all flustereed. Reaching the tea shop he noticed Inari standing outside, and was that Kakashi behind her? He stopped and whispered in Alara's ear "Lets see what happens."


Inari laughed, of course she knew what was under his mask, just like he knew hers. They did grow up together. All of a sudden Kakashi appeared behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. Smiling she moved her head to kiss his cheek through both their masks. "Would you like to join us for tea? You can walk me home after. " She whispered to him as she wrapped her arms over his. Her heart was beating fast and loud and it was super hot where his arms and body were touching her. All of a sudden butterflies burst in her stomach, flapping away. "It would be nice Kashi-kun." She giggled.


Shikamaru watched the couple blushing, wishiing he could do that to Alara. Turning bright red now he cleared his throat, 'Lets go before they start making out."

Alara smiled "Then it's a date" she beamed quietly "Though you have no idea how troublesome I can really be" she joked purposely making it sound like a joke so he would understand it and not read it differently. Once she saw Kakashi and Inari she stayed closer to Shikamaru, as if that would make them less visible to the eyes.

~ ~ ~

"Then I'll join you tonight, but I'm only going for you" Kakashi was being sweet right now and he wasn't really sure why he was, normally he was more blunt than this or even more quiet. Heck he even gave up reading his book for the time being just to fill his head with Inari. "Shall we go inside?" he asked taking her by the hand to lead her inside where the others were figuring they already heard.

~ ~ ~

Alara looked at Shikamaru "Come on, looks like they are here, let's join them, besides" she hesitate leaning up on her toes "I will have a surprise for you tomorrow" she whispered in his ear and then smile taking his hand and running closer to the tea shop to walk inside figuring this was one of the few places still open so late. She couldn't wait to try dango either and man did she want Shikamaru to try Flan. She loved the sweet custard baked dessert.

"Aww, how sweet." Inari said in a sickly sweet voice, curious as to why Kakashi was being sweeter than normal. Smiling she turned around in his embrace and kissed his cheek. Giggling she opened the door to the cafe and entered it. "Hey kakashi-sensei it's n-nice of y-you to join us." Hinata said as they waved the couple over to them. Inari intertwined her fingers into Kakashi's and went to go sit down. "What did you order me girls?" Ino spoke up then, "Dango and some peach tea!" She smiled at this, "You know me to well." she said hapily as they sat down.

Shikamaru squeezed Alara's hand as she got closer to him, making him blush. Alll of a sudden Alara whispered into his ear, making him turn red. He chuckled as she pulled him along, "What no hints as to what it is?" He questioned as they were at the doors of the tea house. Once they entered Inari waved them over, "The more the better.' She giggled as they set down. "You're probably making a distraction so you can eat Dango." He said lazily as he nodded his head at Kakashi.

"What fun would that be if I gave hints?" she whispered again in his ear after they sat down, she loved leaving people guessing that was the fun part. Alara ordered dango because Shikamaru mentioned it as well as rice cakes for herself. "Don't worry, you'll like it" she whispered quietly in his ear while sitting with the group not mentioning the part in which she would have said she hoped he would.

Kakashi sat down ordering himself some green tea and dango as well, everyone else was, might as well do the same thing. Waiting for it to arrive he kept his hand intwined in Inari's "So Ino did you ask out Asuma yet?" course now he was teasing her knowing about the crush she used to have on her sensei watching her face turn beet red. He was not trying to be mean or nothing, just a light hearted discussion.

Shikamaru smiled and tilted his head towards Alara, "You're such a tease, troublesome woman." Chuckling he grabbed Alara's hand and intertwined his fingers with hers, brushing his thumb on the back of her palm, in a soothing manner. he wanted her to know he was only joking. As soon as he heard Kakashi comment about Asuma he nearly choked on his tea. "I asked Chouji out." Ino said in her most confident voice she could pull off. "Well that's great Ino." Inari said trying to get the blond to calm down. Shikamaru leaned closer to Alara, "Tonight seems interesting. Only slightly troublesome." He whispered to her.

Inari shot Kakashi a look from the corner of her eyes and squeezed his hand gently. While everyone was talking to eachother she slipped her mask down and ate the Dango as fast as humanly possible. Pulling up her mask just in time as focus was back on her. "So Kakashi-Sensei, are you and Inari an item now?" Ino asked hoping to fluster the man before her. Inari looked away blushing, curious as to what Kakashi would say.. Her heart started beating faster and she felt like she was going to throw up. 'Don't be nervous little one. Whatever is his answer it is fate, so be strong.' Inari calmed down slightly as her demon pep talked her.

Alara knew he was joking, the one thing she understood was the way Shikamaru normally spoke with words, actions weren't very clear to her unless put out there in the open obvious wise. She leaned her head on his shoulder waiting for her chamomile tea and lemon to arrive, she liked alot of lemon in hers. Hopefully they added enough. "Want me to make it worse?" she whispered back quietly chuckling almost sounding like a giggle, but not high pitched.

Kakashi knew he shouldn't have done that, hopefully he wouldn't get killed for that remark later, female ninjas of the leaf were almost as bad as fighting the akatsuki, probably worse when they're upset. Kakashi looked over at Inari then back to Ino "Yes, we are, do you want me to prove it?" he asked in a curious tone, though he didn't really want to show the kids in any way that they were a couple. "No, it's fine Kakashi-sensei" Alara spoke up quickly "You guys look rather stuck together, I think that is proof enough" Alara added.

Shikamaru chuckled, "Sure, make it worse." laying his head on top of hers happily. His thumb making absentmindedly circles on Alara's hand. 'This chick is amazing. I have to ask her out. It has to be perfect.' He thought to himself as he scooted the chair closer. As soon as he did the tea arrived and it smelt wonderful. "That smells delicious" He said to Alara.

Inari's face was completely red now as she leaned over to whisper in his ear, "And how exactly would you have proven that Kashi-kun? Im very curous." Instead of moving away she leaned her head against his shoulder and slipped down her mask to take a sip of tea and placed it back onto her face. "I just love peaches." She mumbled to no one in particular. Everything that could have a scent smelled like peaches in her home. It was like a signature smell.

Alara nodded a bit sleepy, she spent most of her day with Shikamaru after her morning training, and the day seemed to have gone by super quick. "Mhmm" she took a careful sip of hers not to burn her tongue, but it was still too hot then. Whispering something while putting her hand over her cup relaxing it on top, the drink cooled a bit and she smiled taking another sip able to drink it now. Closing her eyes when she would take a sip, she would feel how invigorating the tea was, sure she was being more quiet than usual, but she didn't think anyone minded.

Ino and Hinata were drinking their tea as well though soon after awhile of speaking, the two girls without dates had passed out quietly sleeping next to eachother leaning their heads to touch. "Wow, they must be tired" Alara laughed only to have eaten half of her dango giving the rest to Shikamaru and not touching her rice cakes which went to Hinata. Sometimes she didn't feel like eating even when she was hungry. She was going to start something, but now she had her tea and was fine with it. Kakashi whispered back to Inari "I was going to kiss you on the lips in front of them and see their reaction" at least he was honest.

Shikamaru watched entranced, Alara's actions were caculated, or so it seemed. He enjoyed the fact that she stopped to actually taste the tea. Grabbing his own he sipped on it. "Shouldn't we wake them up and send them home?" Shikamaru asked as his eyes started to close tiredly. "To troublesome." He mumbled as he took another drink of his tea. Kicking Ino gently to wake the girl up he smiled, "Time to go home now Ino, you're falling asleep" He said as he took another sip. Shikamaru wasn't really as nice to Ino as most would expect, he treated her like a sister. "Rude much!?!?" She asked as she jumped up, waking Hinata in the process. "Sorry Hinata but you guys should go home and sleep.." He yawned himself.

Inari watched the interaction between the youngsters and she smiled whispering to Kakashi, "Well I don't know how they would react, nor do I know how you would react. We must test this out when you walk me home.'' She winked playfully at the man. "Oh and I got a new Kimono, I think you might like it." She blushed as she realized she was rambling so instead she took a drink of her tea

Kakashi chuckled, "Drink your tea, Inari before it gets cold" he watched Hinata get up with Ino's help leaving the place to head home and wondered how long she could stay awake. Enjoying her tea which she knew would make her sleepy, she smiled "Sleepy yet Shika?" she asked casually. Kakashi looked at Inari in a whisper replying "When you're finished with your tea, I will just have to show you"

(getting sleepy)

Shikamaru nodded yawning, "I'm a bit tired." He said looking up at the ceiling. "We should go once we finished our tea." Sipping on his own tea again looking at the pair in front of them. "They make a cute couple." He whispered to Alara as he drank the last of his tea. Untangaling his hand with Alara he wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer.

Inari blushed deeply at Kakashi's words as she drank some more of her tea, she started feeling sleepy and yawned. Today was a long day. "Oh I got a new Kimono for the festival." She said not really thinking about it. "It's kind of sparkly." She then finished her tea sighing happily and leaning her head on Kakashi's shoulder waiting for him to be ready to leave.