endgames | 032 -- [Voice || Action]

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032 -- [Voice || Action]

[A ninja walks into the bar.

Okay, that's getting ahead of the story. Let's backtrack then. Not too far. Everything he's been through in the past two weeks doesn't need to be said. At least, this isn't the place for it. What's important to mention is that on March 27, Nara Shikamaru left Luceti, gone back to home and to war. He returned on the same day and got thrown into another, and coming back to day-to-day life in this village after has felt almost unreal.

It's been nearly two weeks, but it wasn't until today that any of it definitively sunk in. All of the deaths. Everything they've lost - that he's lost. That the fighting is over, even if the war isn't.

You wouldn't think moving on with your life would be the scariest thing about that.]

[Voice]

Yo. [The greeting comes after he's gotten a grip on himself, so lackadaisical you wouldn't know the difference.] Some of you might've noticed that old pizza place was being remodeled. It's taking longer than I thought, but I've been working on turning it into a convenience store since November. It can probably open soon.

I'm gonna stock it with the basics. Milk, bread... staples like that for when no one wants to walk all the way to the grocery. So what snacks and drinks do you guys want? I'm not going to the trouble of getting things it turns out no one likes. That way, they'll just sit on the shelf to collect grease and dust. That's gross.

[He waves lazily, like he gave up on the motion halfway through, and reaches over to switch the feed.] Lemme know.

[Filtered to Trafalgar Law || Unhackable]

Hey. Got what you asked of me too.

[/end Voice]

[Several hours later... A ninja walks into a bar, and for the first time orders not Mountain Dew, but Genshu sake. A whole bottle.

Convincing himself to drink is more difficult than ordering it, however. Shikamaru sits at the bar for a while, spending more time staring into his cup than lifting it to his mouth. It's not like he's in a rush. He made a point not to tell anyone what he was up to, just that he would be back late and would get dinner on his own. Eventually though, he does get to drinking. It's a lot easier once he's started, and he loosens up. He won't be at the bar long after that, called away on an errand which leads him down toward House 22.

(ooc: threads with Law and Masaomi will be canonically last for this part)

The next day... he has a hangover. And it sucks. 8|

But he has people to talk to. Sakura and Asuma are both on his list, if they're home. Ino is last, and not without Chouji to go with him. Anyone else in the building is welcome to run into him on this day too, of course.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[She can only guess what her teammates want from her to actually schedule a meet-up like this. It's not like they don't see each other often here on their floor so they can talk so this is a little strange for her. What can this possibly be about?

An array of guesses go through her mind but nothing seems to fit. Or at least, nothing seems to make sense. Could this actually be about Shikamaru returning home and coming back again? -Since that seems like the only thing that's worth talking about lately. It's a good thing she's not busy today that she makes it to the kitchen just in time (even if she's still late, oops). Spotting her two teammates already in the kitchen, Ino tries for a sheepish smile.]

So, am I late for the mission briefing?

Not late. We were a couple minutes early, I think.

[Ino's smile hurts, and Chouji has trouble keeping his face smooth, his breath even. He knows this is the last time he'll see it for awhile. She has to know something's coming; an arranged meeting isn't their style. If she knew how bad it would be, though, Ino couldn't manage even that semblance of positivity.]

Come sit by me, alright?

[There's three seats on that side of the table. Shikamaru can take the seat on the end, and Ino can sit between them. He nods to Ino, to encourage that motion.

Any actual words die in his throat, though. He turns to catch the kitchen door, shutting it quietly. The kitchen doors don't have locks like the apartments, so he jams it for the time being with some tinkering.]

[Their gestures is beginning to really weird Ino out. Yes, the arranged meeting is never their style, that's one. But the way they're acting right now probably takes the cake. She doesn't want to think about anything bad because that's jumping into conclusions that she doesn't need at the moment.

Nodding at Chouji's words and Shikamaru's gesture, Ino goes to sit beside her teammate as she waits for Shikamaru to sit beside her on the other end.

There's just one question going through her head and she's not good at keeping it to herself.]

Okay, can anyone tell me what this is about?

[Chouji glances at Shikamaru only long enough to see what he's doing, nodding approval of the temporary door block. Then he watches Ino. The need for privacy will only set off more alarms for her. Once Shikamaru's in his chair on Ino's other side, Chouji doesn't keep her waiting.]

Ino, when I got here, there was something I didn't tell you about what happened in the war. There were a few things, really. [He pauses to put a hand on Ino's shoulder before continuing.] But one of them especially...

[Chouji breaks off, all the weeks of consideration leaving him no closer to figuring out how to tell her.]

[Which is well enough. Within that pause an opportunity comes to mind suddenly. Before they go on, he knows he has to jump on it.]

Chouji. [His chin lifts slightly, not looking at either of them as he thinks it over. It's not the same... but it's better than what they were thinking of, initially.] Let me start.

[He turns to look over at them both now.]

There were some things said that only Ino and I were privy to.

[She begins to listen and she can tell by the mood around them, before her teammates even started saying anything, that whatever they have to tell her is something of grave importance. Still, she doesn't jump into worse case scenarios not until she heard Chouji speak. There's an obvious thump in her chest, something that suddenly ached, that Ino visibly frowns and inwardly fights back fears that are starting to surface.

Chouji is never one to keep things from her and to hear that there's something he purposefully missed to tell her sent alarm bells ringing.]

Chouji, what do you mean? [Her voice is sharp, firm and laced with subtle worry.] What didn't you tell me? [Then, Shikamaru interrupts and his words are even more confusing.]

Shikamaru...? Things that only you and I are privy to? [She looks from one of her teammates to the other, anxiety showing past her confused facade.] You guys, what's going on? This is starting to scare me. [The ominous words added by her naturally curious attitude compounded by the fact that it's about the war she has yet to live.

The war. A deeper frown, this time, and only one question that summarizes everything she feels.]

What about the war that I need to know?

What? [Chouji leans forward to look past Ino at Shikamaru. Realization hits. He inhales sharply in something resembling relief. Inoichi and Shikaku were talking into everyone's minds. Of course they made sure they said goodbye to their children specifically.

He nods once.]

Would it be better to tell her, or to let Ino into your mind?

[A squeeze to Ino's shoulder is Chouji's apology for talking across her rather than answering her. He knows she hates that.

Her father's last words will mean more if she hears them from him than they ever could when relayed even by one of her teammates. Chouji doesn't need to know what they are to know just how proud Inoichi is of his daughter. And showing her would probably be easier for Shikamaru than getting the words out will be.]

["This is starting to scare me."

Shikamaru's eyes flicker to Ino as Chouji talks, watching her. Wanting to offer something, even if it would be cruel to offer a balm when you're going to be more scalding later.]

I'll show her. [Unblinking, he searches her eyes as if to ask a question. Unsure even though he's made up his mind. Is this okay? Will you let me?] You still want to know what's happening out there, don't you?

Of course.

[Her response was swift yet firm. The way they're acting now, she can't push her worst fears aside anymore that she momentarily hesitates on seeing what she's supposed to see.

Ino wants to know, but she's afraid that what she'll come to know will be her worst case scenarios come to life. There's a saying that ignorance is bliss and somehow she's starting to believe that whoever said that is right. But will it ever be a genuine bliss?

Inwardly taking a deep breath and letting it out in a long drawn-out exhale, Ino braces herself. She wants to know and if the price she has to pay is as steep as her worst fears indicate then she'll deal with it.]

[Even before they scared her, made her expect the worst, Chouji knew Ino wouldn't shy away from finding out. Now? Not knowing would torment her just as much. Her answer was never in doubt.

It's been a long time since Ino needed anyone to catch her or hold her upright when she performs her family jutsu, but Chouji wraps an arm around her anyway. Ino can brace herself physically and emotionally, he knows; he just refuses to let her do it alone today.

Chouji doesn't bother speaking. Instead, he leans closer to Ino briefly, the arm around her allowing him reach out a hand and grip Shikamaru's shoulder for a second too. They're here for Ino right now, of course, but Chouji wants to give Shikamaru one last reminder that he's available to support both of his teammates.]

[He doesn't shift his body right away - message received, Chouji - but when he does it's to turn in his seat so he and Ino are facing each other instead of sitting side-by-side. The motion shifts his shoulder out of reach. It feels solitary, but it focuses him.

More important, Ino can do her thing. He nods to her, knowing Chouji has her back.

Let's begin.]

[It's a good thing she had already braced herself physically and emotionally before this that when she closes her eyes to activate her technique, her heart beat returns to normal.

There's a surge of images, mostly Shikamaru's memories. Academy days, the formation of their team.

"Why am I stuck with two losers?"

"It's troublesome. We should just give her what she wants."

Chuunin exams, missions here and there.

"It really doesn't matter to me if I ever become a chuunin or not, but I guess I shouldn't let myself be beaten by a female, so let's do it."

"I never really liked Sasuke, but all the same, he's a member of Konoha; he's a comrade and I'll put my life on the line to help him, that's the way of our village. I know I usually seem like a pretty lazy guy but not today, because now I'm responsible for your lives too."

"How many times do I have to tell you? The first move is always a feint. It's the most basic thing to land a hit with the second move."

Asuma's death. Akatsuki Invasion.

"See, you and I have different beliefs. I believe in the Will of Fire. That pathetic Lord Jashin or whatever isn't your God any more. I am. The only one bringing down vengeance is me."

"When you have that kid, I'll have to protect it."

Then more memories she doesn't remember possessing until the flashes of images halt on a particular scene. It's strange, as if watching a movie in another person's point of view.

The arid air smells of blood and warfare. It seems like the more the scorching wind blows, the more it stinks of impure blood. She can't be mistaken. She's in the middle of the war. There's so many of them; she can see a hundred ninjas deployed before what seems like a monster of sorts. And then, she hears a voice.

"Ino, you are the cosmos of the Yamanaka family. And we've raised you to be everything that flower stands for."

She turns her head to the side. That's her Dad's voice, she's certain of it. Why is he talking to her like that? His tone, it sounds solemn, the kind one usually uses when--

And that's when she saw herself beside her, crying like tomorrow's never coming. She instantly remembers that she's seeing this situation in Shikamaru's eyes and that even with the great urge to yell questions after questions, no one will hear them. It feels like a dream, but Ino immediately reminds herself that this is a memory.

"A blunt and candid love?" She hears herself speak, her voice broken in a sea of sobs. If she's allowed to shed tears in this memory, she would have already done so because it's starting to dawn on her that this is goodbye.

"It represents more than just that. As a father, what I take pride more than anything else is your feelings towards your friends."

No, she wants to scream, no, this can't be a goodbye. What are you saying? Why are you summarizing your pride as a father? You can't do that! You're not allowed to do that! You're not allowed to tell me these things when I'm not there to hear them personally.

But her voice dies down even before she can actually form the words that no one will hear anyway.

"You've bloomed into quite the flower in front of my eyes."

Such proud words uttered with undeniable pride. It's funny how a compliment like that makes her chest sting like a wound doused with salt rather than fill it with warmth. Even when this is another person's memory, it's Ino's memory now too.

A memory that quickly fades once she returns back to reality.]

Dad...?

[Her form quivering, she reaches for her cheek with one hand, realizing that it's wet with her tears. Just how long has she been crying?]

No...

[Maybe she cried even before it all began.]

[Ino doesn't cry alone. Tears are already streaming down Chouji's face when the jutsu starts. They're well away from the war now, and both of his teammates know. He's followed Shikamaru's orders this long, but now the need for them has passed. Chouji will grieve along with his friends.

When Ino speaks again, Chouji pulls her closer, arm still around her shoulders and hand resting on her head.]

I'm so sorry, Ino. [The discovery that he wasn't wrong, that there really are no right words, isn't a surprise, but it stings anyway.

Over her head, he spares a look for Shikamaru, blinking away enough of the tears that he can see his friend's face clearly. Chouji feels the loss of two men he's always admired. His teammates lost so much more, and Chouji is well aware of it. He's crying just as much for their pain as for what he feels himself.]

[Last night hadn't been solely about his dad. It was mostly so; a night of alcohol to call on Nara Shikaku's ghost and watch it go. His father's death wasn't the only thing to impact him in this war, however. Tens of thousands of men lost their lives - people from the Division he lead... maybe even the Kage. Tsunade and Gaara... if they're alive now, he doesn't know.

Neji.

Inoichi-san.

He doesn't have as many tears to shed as his teammates do. He spent many of his own yesterday, and the alcohol left him dehydrated. Make no mistake, however. His eyes are wet.]

Be proud of him, Ino. [So many of their victories are in part thanks to everything Inoichi did, when no one else would try.] But it's okay to cry for him now too.

[Her teammates words barely have time to register in her mind as all she can hear right now are her uncontrollable sobs. She can tell they're comforting her - she practically leans into Chouji's half-embrace - but she really doesn't know how to respond.

How does one respond to this kind of thing, anyway?

There are just too many things, too many emotions, flooding within her. She wants to be angry for being stuck here and not back home where she can do something like spend his remaining days with her. But then, she's reminded of the fact that she will never remember her time here so going back to savor her time with her father will be futile.

She wants to scream and yell at the world for being so unfair because she has a whole life ahead of her that she wants her father to be a part of. But most of all, she just wants to see him.

Funny how the last words she told him before arriving here in Luceti was to rest.

Although, even with so many things she desires, the only thing Ino wants to do right now is cry until her tears stop flowing on their own accord.]

Why did he have to...

Edited 2013-04-12 16:23 (UTC)

[Chouji hooks an ankle around the leg of his chair and scoots it closer to Ino's. He wraps both arms around her, resting his head on hers.]

He saved so many lives, Ino. Shikaku-san too. [With his nearer arm, Chouji reaches for Shikamaru again. He had to let go so that his teammates could face each other, but he won't stay that way. Not when he can see Shikamaru crying too.] He loved the village and he loved you.

[Finally, Chouji lets himself think about the numbers. They had faces, lives, families, and even if he didn't know most of their stories, the sheer amount of people who died is horrifying. Chouji's seen most of his close friends (Neji), some of his family, but everyone else? He doesn't know they're safe. Now that he's started to cry, the dam has broken completely.]

[He'll save the Hallmark brand of uplifting words for when the heart can hear them as well as the ears. That might not be anytime soon, but...

Let her be. Women aren't always a puzzle needing solving, kid. Sometimes all they need is a shoulder to cry on.

Even if Chouji's doing most of the crying.

He tries to smile but it comes out watery.

He can't blame him. They all went through something horrible... even Ino has a taste of it now. And he can't be like he was when Asuma died, and leave them to deal with that grief on their own while he wallowed selfishly. They're a team.

So this once, too, he'll join in. He drags a sleeve across his eyes first against the mention of his father's name and scoots closer. Within Chouji's reach, he takes one of Ino's hands and gives it a squeeze.]

[If anything, she's grateful that her teammates are with her right now like this. When all of this is over, she'll definitely thank them for telling her, for not leaving her, for everything.

But for now, she drowns herself with her own tears as they slowly wash away all the anguish. She doesn't know if time will eventually heal the pain, but she knows it will numb it.

Although, perhaps what will make the pain heal completely is the presence of her friends. The way they're now enveloping her with their comfort should attest to that as she gives Shikamaru's hand a gentle squeeze in return and leans in more into Chouji's arms.

It takes some time before Ino finds her voice that's still raspy from all the sobbing.]

I know. And I love him, too. [So so much.] I just wish I'm... [She fights back more sobbing, the struggle apparent when she pauses.] I'm back home to tell him.

Edited 2013-04-13 16:38 (UTC)

[Chouji isn't about to interrupt Ino's grief with words either. He holds Ino silently and takes Shikamaru by one shoulder again with a look of pride and gratitude. Ino has grown up well and supported her team in war. Shikamaru, who was always the one they looked to in a fight, is here for his teammates today in ways that don't come nearly as easily to him. Chouji may never praise Shikamaru out loud the way he did Ino, but he notices, a half-smile on his face in spite of the tears.

Chouji has been crying as hard as Ino is. A part of him is still alert and waiting for any cues from his teammates, though. When Ino speaks again, he's ready. Chouji allows a few seconds before he answers softly.]

He knows, the same way you do. It doesn't mean any less when you say it, even if you're here.

Chouji's right. [Quietly.] You take him with you, wherever you go. He'll hear it.

[Despite the pain, despite the tears and despite memories that both warm her up and tear her apart, Ino manages a small smile. She tries to wipe her cheeks with her free hand, but she still can't help her tears from falling.

They're right. She and her father aren't only connected by blood but by their hearts. There's a saying that people die twice; first when they exhale their last breath and second, when someone says their name for the last time. So as long as she remembers, her father will live on.

She will never be able to bring back a part of her that she knows died along with him, or at least will die along with him, but she can always rebuild herself again. Her father passes away, but she has to live on.]

Mm... [A soft nod, willing tears away with her smile.] I love him, then. I love my Dad and I'll say it over and over again. [Both with words and with actions. She glances at both her teammates with affection, a silent gratitude in her watery eyes, but when her gaze lands on Shikamaru, more tears begin to fall even when she's still holding that smile.]

You should do the same for Shikaku-san too, Shikamaru. [And at that, she gives the hand holding hers a soft squeeze. She's here for you, too.]

[He instinctively tightens his arm around Ino at her words, not realizing he's moved until after the fact. Chouji smiles at her as he blinks away the last of his own tears. He returns Ino's caring glance with a jumbled up mix of heartache, pride, and equal affection easily readable on his own face.] Yes, just like that.

[Chouji's gaze flicks back to Shikamaru immediately when Ino's attention shifts. His teammates have never grieved the same way, and he isn't sure this piece of advice will go over well. Shikamaru's actions have always spoken louder than words, and his words are more sparing than Ino's. Chouji is pretty sure Shikamaru already got what he needed most, though. He said goodbye to his father last night.]

[He's quiet for a long moment. Or perhaps it stretches on in head only for him.]

Pops was never much for words. You know how Nara men are. We like to sleep. [A corner of his mouth does turn up now, a smile that almost reaches his eyes.] Think I'll let him.

[He already knows. Shikamaru made sure of it. Besides, this isn't about him now anyways. He pats Ino's hand - he's fine, promise.]

[Once she felt that pat on her head, Ino already knows what he's telling her. Chouji's right - Shikamaru's never one to let his words speak louder than his actions and time and again, she's thankful of that. Because there are words better said with actions.

So she's going to do the same because while she had always been a woman of words, right now they're failing her and right now she wants her teammates to feel her words instead of just hearing them. With the soft smile she had retained through her pained tears, Ino pulls away from Chouji's half embrace and lets go of Shikamaru's hand.

This way, she can easily throw her arms around both of their shoulders to pull them closer, gently. It's an act so simple yet so important to her.

Thanks, you guys. I can never be thankful enough. You two are the best teammates and friends a girl and ninja could ever have.

A reassuring squeeze.

We'll get through this, like we always do.

Shikamaru and Chouji might not be able to read minds like she does, but she knows at this time, they don't need to.]

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