[action | written}

[dangerouswind]

[She knows she's late. Temari would forever blame the Malnosso for dropping her back in the forest somewhere and never her own reticence to walk back into town. (Like nothing had happened. Like nothing had ever happened.) She's only looking for one person when she comes back into the village, slipping in straight from the forest and making a beeline for community building one. She's making a concerted effort not to be seen, though that's a little harder once she's inside the building and walking quietly toward the door.

Not her door. Her next door neighbor's.

Temari hesitates only a moment before she knocks. (It's a light knock. Not that she can hear it.) Be home, Nara. She doesn't want to have to try this again.

It's some time later before she actually shows up on the journal. The message is written, short. She's doesn't filter it to anyone; she doesn't have the patience. She honestly doesn't want to say anything in the first place, but...

... well, that's unfair to a few people.]

I'm back.

Comments

[endgames]

[He moves his free hand, level again like a volume indicator.]

No, that's all on you. [He tugs gently on that wrist, to coax her to sit down again.]

[dangerouswind]

[Oh, right. Volume. Seems an idiot thing to be concerned about.

She gives in to the coaxing and sits on the edge of the couch with a soft sigh.] Seems like you should have some responsibility.

[endgames]

Aa-a. [His voice lilts with his agreement, and he lets go of her once she's seated.

She's right there of course (or really he's twisting the meaning). He can't - and doesn't - blame Temari for her death, and neither will he hold her solely accountable for working through the aftermath.

For her recovery, I'll take personal responsibility.]

I'm gonna get you something to eat. [She refused earlier, but she needs it. Something light.] Then we can go to the festival in town.

[dangerouswind]

[Wait, wait, wait. She did not see that right.]

Festival? [No. Never. No way in hell. Are you kidding her, Shikamaru? She had to have read that wrong.]

[endgames]

Festival. [Said firmly, before he continues writing.] It'll be easy to slip into the crowd, and you'll get practice watching the chatter.

[dangerouswind]

[She stares at him blankly.

How in the hell is she supposed to watch her own back in a crowd?] No.

[endgames]

[He leans forward, meeting her eyes unblinking. Want to tell him why?]

[dangerouswind]

[No. No, not really. She'll just... stare right back at him.]

[endgames]

[Fine.]

Name another way for you to get a lot of practice without drawing attention to yourself, and we'll do that instead.

[dangerouswind]

[Shut up. Quit having a point.] Fine.

[endgames]

[Eyebrow raised. Is that an agreement, or is she going to bullshit some other option?]

[dangerouswind]

[It's agreement, damn it all. She heaves a short sight.] When?

[endgames]

After you eat. You can clean up too first, if you want, but we should go before the crowds start thinning out.

[dangerouswind]

[Temari pinches the bridge of her nose, then nods. All right.

... On one condition.] Watch my back, would you?

1/2

[endgames]

[He blinks, baffled.]

[endgames]

Watch your back-- [His head jerks back a little then, a questioning smile in place as he chuckles once.]

What, did you think I was going to ditch you there?

[dangerouswind]

[Her answer is a snort and arms crossed tightly over her chest.

... It had occurred to her.]

[endgames]

[He shakes his head, and smiles faintly.

Oh ye of little faith.]