034 -- [Video | Action]

[endgames]

[Video]

[The feed kicks on to a counter in the convenience store, height adjusting a split second after as if the person holding the journal realized he needs to hold it higher if anyone is going to see what's on the counter.

Correction made, the journal reveals a SLURPEE MACHINE, clean and ready to go with cups stacked to the side. The labels of the four flavors it offers are clearly displayed, from left to right: Mountain Dew, Blue Raspberry, Orange, and Dr. Pepper.

After holding it there for a good thirty seconds, Shikamaru turns his journal back to himself, straight-faced as he checks to make sure he got all the important bits shown. When it's confirmed, he focuses back on the feed itself with a grin.]

You're welcome.

[/end video]

[Shikamaru spends most of his day in the convenience store, prideful over the new working addition. Less so over what to do about the fresh-to-go items the store should be offering. At least he was able to get a Shift so the refrigerated items in the store self-replenish, and one for the slurpee machine too. The rest he'll have to figure out.

When evening comes along, Shikamaru goes into the tunnels to work more on the computer in there. After that, he detours for the bar instead of going home. Both of his roommates/two of his best friends are gone on a mission, so it's not like anyone will miss him. The least tidy out of the three of them, the apartment will be a mess when they get back so might as well take one day off from dirtying it up further. Besides, he has some items to drop off for Buffy anyways.

He'll just have a couple drinks after (no repeat of that other time) and go home.]

Comments

[endgames]

[He shrugs, and begins to tap his right foot absentmindedly on the floor. Yeah, that sums it up right.]

They're insane.

[herotypical]

But what do they want, really?

[endgames]

[The masked man had gone on about his plan enough that Shikamaru supposes he could quote it verbatim. As he drums his fingers on the counter, playing it back in his head just makes him sick to his stomach, he finds.]

I don't know about the one, but the other. The guy who's calling the shots? According to him, as long as humans exist the world will never know peace. He wants to wipe us out, shinobi and civilian alike, and start the world over from scratch.

[herotypical]

...The extra-twisted nihilist. I suppose I've known the type. [ usually demons aching to rid the world of everything but the purest evil, of course, but she doesn't bother putting that thought to words. this isn't her problem they're discussing. ]

How long has he been at this?

[endgames]

Before I was born. It'd have to be. He just didn't have the means to put it into effect before now...

[Thoughtful and serious, he trails off. Then like a whip crack the mood changes and he's laughing, perhaps too quickly.] Heh, you know? I didn't even mean to come down here to talk about this. I was gonna give you those [he nods to the pool cues] and see if I could maybe get a drink.

[herotypical]

...Not that you were born all that long ago.

[endgames]

Didn't stop you from offering before. [Though the one time she did that, he declined. It's funny, how he can't remember what it was anymore. He's good at remembering things.] I know I look no older than seventeen again, but between here and home I'm... I don't know. Gotta be closer to twenty now.

[Casual. His shoulders are forcibly relaxed, but his foot keeps tapping.]

[herotypical]

That's...so weird. Sorry -- but God, that's weird.

[endgames]

[He waves a hand, stopping with the drumming of his fingers. Seemingly he's in agreement with her about the weirdness.]

It is, isn't it? [He chuckles quietly to himself, scratching the back of his head.]

[herotypical]

It shouldn't be. I mean -- it's not like I haven't known people who are older than they look. But it's really weird for that to change over a matter of days.

[endgames]

Yeah? [Hm.] I didn't think about that until after the fact. It happened at the end of March, so there were other things going on.

[herotypical]

Kinda sounds like you haven't had the chance to properly process it yet.

[endgames]

It's not that important anyways. [Looking young like this, that is. He's not sure if there was a double meaning there.] If I asked nice, could I get that drink?

[herotypical]

Depends. What is it you'd like?

[endgames]

Sake.

[herotypical]

Ew. Really?

[ but she doesn't delay any longer in fetching a bottle, even if she doesn't agree with the taste. ]

[endgames]

Really really. You can talk me into trying something else another time.

[herotypical]

I can understand if you're currently too chicken to branch out.

[endgames]

Oi, oi. [Doing his best to look mock offended, he wags a finger.] Who're you calling a chicken?

[herotypical]

Sake is boring -- [ she answers his question in a roundabout way. ]

[endgames]

It's harder than any sissy beer! [INCREDULOUS. But he realizes how lame that sounds and tries to regain some dignity.] It's manly.

[herotypical]

Hey -- I also turn my nose up at beer. But let's be honest. Look at the humble sake cup. Does it truly look manly to you?

[endgames]

[He looks at his humble, empty cup. Or rather the not so humble stack of glasses Buffy arranged prior to his arrival.]

Yes. [Sulking.] It's all my pops or any of the men in my village would drink.

[herotypical]

Well -- [ she softens ] -- in that case, I figure I can probably give you a pass.

[endgames]

...Heh. [A quiet laugh. A little forced.] Thanks.