025 -- [Action || Voice]

[endgames]

[When Shikamaru heads down to Asuma's apartment Monday morning, he finds it empty of everything but Kurenai's things and a silver lighter standing on the table. It's wrong, but he doesn't give in to the false hope.

Of course it would stay. Even though Shikamaru gave it back to him, the lighter stopped being Asuma's the moment he picked it off his dying body.

Kurenai must've stepped out before it happened. She's a ninja, and not so senseless to have left the door wide open and run off in her grief. And so he waits for her, and tries to find his words.

After he leaves Kurenai, he has to tell Ino. Team 8 he'll find in person too - he has a request for them on top of this. It's been too long since they've heard a stir from their enemies.]

[It's well past midnight before an announcement comes, after he's made this post and spent a few hours going over the discussions there. When people are either busy with the information he gave them, or asleep.

He smokes a cigarette on his way back to his apartment in the night air, putting it out before he steps into the building, his posture falsely relaxed until he steps into his own room.]

Sarutobi Asuma is gone. [There's a pause and- no, he doesn't think it was mentioned.] Also, Haruno Sakura returned to her world a few weeks ago, for anyone who knew her.

Funnily enough, I haven't seen that masked Akatsuki guy in a while either...

[Too many people to filter that too. It's vague enough, but anyone who needs to know should get what he means. It would have been better news if he'd known before.

He'll answer journal comments in the morning.]

Comments

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[endgames]

If it were wide known, I'd have to do it all the time.

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[floralogy]

And that'd be troublesome.

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And that would mean it'd no longer count where it matters.

[action] 1/2

[floralogy]

I'm feeling very special right now if it helps.

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[floralogy]

[But that smile fades when she pauses. The question she's about to ask might be a little hard to inquire.]

Have you told Kurenai-sensei yet?

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[endgames]

[Mission accomplished then. A smile quirks, just momentarily.]

Yeah. Before coming here.

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[floralogy]

I'm sure it's harder for her than on any of us.

[To be robbed of your child and then now your dead lover, she can only imagine her grief.]

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You remember how hard it was before...

[This time, he doesn't think it's much better.]

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[floralogy]

I know. But you also know how this is much worse for her.

[She doesn't have any one of them here, her family.]

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[He sighs. Yes, he remembers Ino. That was him agreeing with you.

But mostly he's sighing because his heart really does go out to her. He's not sure how to help her; this time it's not the same, it's worse.]

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[floralogy]

[She sees it that she sighs too.]

I wish I can do something, but as it is, I don't know where to start.

[She can try making flower arrangements for her, but she knows that'll just make her remember their sensei more.]

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[It's not bad, to remember.]

Bit of time. I think small things are the best way to go about it now, and being available. We're not the same, I know, but we care about her too.

[action] last before I go!

[floralogy]

[Maybe in time, but not while the wound is fresh.]

Yeah, you're right. [And she smiles softly at that.] Our presence should count for a lot. [Because that also means that they care.]

[action] o/

[endgames]

Kiba and Hinata too. They know her best, after all. I'll take some pointers from them.

[action] \o

[floralogy]

I think that's a good idea. I can probably ask them what their sensei's favorite hobby is. [She'll ask Hinata because there's no way she'll go to Kiba for this.]

[action] 1/2

[endgames]

["Evening drinks", if he remembers right. It makes him think of the days his dad came home drunk, but he smiles anyways.

I finally get why he drank so much, back then...

Maybe Kurenai has a second favorite hobby.]

It's a start.

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[endgames]

But speaking of those two... I need to track them down now, and also let them know.

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[floralogy]

[It's funny to hear him track down the team who are experts on the said field, but she shoves this aside. Looking over to her side, Ino wonders where these two are right now.]

I have a feeling they already know in a way. [They do specialize on keeping an eye on people.] But I'm not gonna stop you.

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Better to be sure.

[...on both tasks.]

I'll have something to take care of after that as well, but I'll see you tomorrow. All right?

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[floralogy]

Alright. [A nod and then a poke on his shoulder.] But before you leave, promise me one thing.

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What is it?

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[floralogy]

[This is where her lips form a wide, innocent smile. Usually, she only wields this when asking for a favor. But even if this time isn't any different, at least it's one hundred percent genuine.]

Talk to me. Don't let everything be kept bottled inside here. [And she pokes him again, this time on his chest.] Or else you won't hear the end of it from me. [She brushes the spot where she soaked with tears as if that'll help any.]

Like I said, you're not alone. It hurts less when you have shoulders to cry on. [A sheepish chuckle.] And speaking of which, don't worry, I'll replace this shirt.

Deal?

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Aa... I don't really mind, about the shirt...

[Feelings, what feelings. He's sad, but he thinks he has this.

But don't worry, Ino. Come the ninth, he'll have plenty to talk about.]

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[floralogy]

Oh please, it's okay. It's on me. I'll replace it with something more fashionable.

[Something that shall expose your inner hotness so you can finally get a girl.

Come the ninth, Ino will listen and have high respect for Katara. She'll also probably gonna thwack him after and drag him by the ear for not opening up like this to her first. Lol sorry, teammate.]

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[endgames]

[It's not like he knew his own feelings at the time, okay. Sob. @_@]

Oi, oi, I like my things just fine.

[WHAT IS NOT COOL ABOUT BLACK TURTLENECKS. But he brushes her off and turns his head awkwardly.] I don't think there's anything that needs to be said, about the rest. But I'll let you know.