Shikamaru toyed with the idea of having Ino already on his arm and how he would act accordingly as her boyfriend. Perhaps if he could envision already having won Ino over, he would feel more relaxed. Sakura noted that he was already letting his mind wander to the possibilities. Her eyes moved to where his hand was, still holding onto hers, testing the feel of it and the warmth, likely pretending, if not wishing she was in fact Ino Yamanaka. Shikamaru leaned back in his seat, concluding that Ino would probably not expect a lot from either them since she was aware of their inexperience and innocence. 

[b][color=darksalmon]"Yeah, we do have that advantage."[/color][/b] Sakura considered. She moved her hands back in front of her as the boy questioned her motives for assisting him. [b][color=darksalmon]"I think one reason would be that I want Ino to be happy...you're a good guy and I think you would be a good match for her."[/color][/b] She considered as she stared up, thinking further. [b][color=darksalmon]"Another reason is, well it's a little silly but I guess I wanted the company even if it's under this guise. Without Team Seven together, I'm aimless, just working in the hospital with Ino or at home reading, Lady Tsunade won't consider sending me out until I've reached Chunin level so I'm working towards that but even then I doubt she'd give me a solo mission so...I guess I wanted something new to do."[/color][/b]

[b][color=darksalmon]"Someone new to hang out with."[/color][/b] She considered. [b][color=darksalmon]"It really was a spur of the moment decision though."[/color][/b] She admitted, not wanting Shikamaru to think too highly of her impulse decision. Their food was then delivered to them and Sakura sat up a little as she smelled the soup and sizzling meat in front of them. It was mouth watering. The medic nin grabbed her black polished wooden chopsticks and stirred the bowl of noodles, vegetables and meat. Sakura glanced to Shikamaru before she stopped to take a sip of the cooled tea beside her, before she finally dug into the meal.

After a few mouthfuls she sat back, licking the corners of her mouth. [b][color=darksalmon]"This is a place I'm sure Ino would love."[/color][/b] She commented. Sakura had to wonder how long it might take for her friend to view Shikamaru as boyfriend material. Though whenever that would be, she and Shikamaru would part ways, still she had wonder how long this arrangement between her and Shikamaru would last. Ino was unpredictable to say the least but it did Sakura no good to speculate the longevity of her fake relationship. She knew she just had to focus on making sure Shikamaru looked appealing in the eyes of Ino. [b][color=darksalmon]"I can go over to her house tomorrow on my day off and pick her brain a bit more."[/color][/b] She mentioned as she went back to eating.

Outside, Kiba and Akamaru were on their way home after an afternoon of training together. The rowdy boy passed along the window and it was Sakura's striking hair that caught his eye. Kiba slowed and peered inside, spotting Sakura with Shikamaru. Kiba grinned wide and made for the door, wanting to know about this sudden budding romance. [color=fff79a][b]"Hey guys!"[/b][/color] Kiba waved as he jogged over to their table. [color=fff79a][b]"You two on a date?"[/b][/color] He got right to the point.

Sakura looked from Shikamaru to Kiba and his dog. She knew it was only a matter of time that this news would spread around town but she was still getting used to answering personal questions with unflinching certainty. [b][color=darksalmon]"Yes, uh we are."[/color][/b] She replied, giving Kiba a small smile. Before she could hint for Kiba to leave them alone, he let out an understanding hum.

[color=fff79a][b]"Huh. I guess that makes sense. You two are the smartest in our class, save for Sasuke...but anyway I'm happy for you guys. I bet after you guys study together you like to have some fun, am I right?"[/b][/color] Kiba teased them. Sakura blushed and shook her head slightly at where his mind had seemed to have wandered. [b]"Enjoy your night, don't let me spoil your fun."[/b] Kiba laughed and headed back out. Sakura watched him go as she rubbed her forehead, not sure why Kiba had to insinuate such things. Sakura glanced back to Shikamaru.

[b][color=darksalmon]"The only fun he has is with himself."[/color][/b] She pouted slightly as she tried to return to her meal. She did wonder now though, what sort of assumptions would different friends make about them and what assumptions would she and Shikamaru have to correct. Though since she and Shikamaru were a new couple, she had to figure some rumors would be tough to combat, as most people loved to tell stories. [b][color=darksalmon]"I guess we should get used that and figure out how to handle dispelling...certain rumors."[/color][/b]