The Baker ~Shikamaru~

04

Shikamaru had somehow become a regular at the Hima Bakery. Over the last 2 months he had managed to come by at least once a week, depending on his mission. Today was no different.

"Shika, your back."

"Why are you always so surprised?" Shikamaru muttered, sitting at a table.

"Because silly, you never tell me when I'll see you next." Rei smiled. "Mochi missed you."

Shikamaru leaned down to pet the small cat rubbing against his leg.

"Just mochi?" he teased

"Rei missed you too Shikamaru. Don't let her fool you." Their conversation was interrupted by Rei's mother.

"Mom!" Rei blushed.

"Hi Mrs.Hima. How are you today?" Shikamaru asked.

"I'm doing well, thank you. How was your mission? You look tired." Mrs.Hima asked, fretting as any mother would.

"It was nothing big, don't worry," he assured her.

"Rei! How's it going?" came a deep voice from the entrance.

"Daiichi! Its been a while!" Rei leaned over the counter to hug the man.

"Yeah it has. I was just passing through Konaha and couldn't rest stopping by." Daiichi smiled.

"I'll be here for a couple days. Maybe you'd like to go out for lunch some time?" asked Daiichi, hopefully.

Rei gave him one of her dazzling smiles. "Sure. I'd love to catch up some."

Their conversation continued but Shikamaru was oblivious to it. To say he was shocked would be an understatement. This Daiichi guy was flirting! With his Rei!

"A word of advice from an old lady?" Shikamaru was broken out of his thoughts by the voice of Mrs.Hima.

"Ask her out," she continued.

"W-what?" he stammered.

"I see the way you look at her. You like her, and one day you might even love her. Its understandable, she's a pretty girl. But your not the only one who notices."

Mrs.Hima sighed as she looked her daughter's way.

"She's a sweet girl and a shameless flirt, but she's actually quite oblivious when it comes to romance. You see, Daiichi is a family friend and had been pinning for our Rei for two years. I think she felt something for him too once upon a time. Then you showed up."

Shikamaru was shocked at this new information. He looked at Rei, who was listening to her friend recount what had happened in his life since they last spoke, when she happened to glance his way.

And just like that, the world faded away. It was as if nothing else mattered. No missions, no nagging parents, no meddling friends. Just a guy and a girl. Rei smiled before turning back to Daiichi, laughing at something he said.

Shikamaru tensed and his fists clenched.

"Shikamaru, a shinobi's life is full of risks and very little rewards. You never know when a harmless mission could end in tragedy. Ask her out, before it's too late."
~~~~~~~~~
"Your mom was right. A shinobi's life is full of risks and little rewards. But your not a shinobi."