|voice| (dated morning of the 22nd)

[dangerouswind]

[It's just about the most inconsequential question she can ask, but that's not the point. As much as she just wants to ignore the journal -- or berate everyone for being too damned loud, she has obligations.] I've a few starter plants -- vegetables and flowers -- that need homes. Anyone want 'em?

[Loosely translates to hey I'm back and I can hear you to those who care.]

[Filtered 90% to Leaf allies]
Is Kankuro back?

Comments

[Action]

[endgames]

[He shrugs, something non-committal. In reality he's been here since pretty early this morning, since he wasn't sure when she'd be getting back.]

So...?

[Action]

[dangerouswind]

So... [She repeats it and then trails off with a shrug.] So I don't have to remind you to look at me anymore.

[Action]

[endgames]

[Well... That smile just spreads further across his face, without another word. He's so happy for her, in this instant, deeply joyful and relieved and proud.]

[Action]

[dangerouswind]

[She can't help it. Even as weary as she is, she returns the smile. It's nice, man. Nice to hear again.]

[Action]

[endgames]

We should do something to celebrate it. [He turns his shoulders, towards the restaurant.] I'll treat you to lunch.

[Action]

[dangerouswind]

[She falls into step.] Some place quiet.

[Action]

[endgames]

Restaurant's too busy yet.

[But if she doesn't like that, they could do something else.]

[Action]

[dangerouswind]

It works. [It's a place to sit down at least. Good enough for her.]

[Action]

[endgames]

[Very cool. So in they go to order. Might as well enjoy it while the food is still this good. Shikamaru will order for them both unless Temari gets annoyed and opts to change her order. He gets mackerel for himself, and kenchin soup for her.]

[Action]

[dangerouswind]

[Hey, no reason to argue if he orders something good -- and kenchin soup? That's good.

She's also just too tired to even think of arguing for the sake of arguing.

And not saying much of anything. She's listening. For the first time in months, she can hear and she's not about to take it for granted.]

[Action]

[endgames]

[He gets up to bring the food over to their tables himself, when it's ready. The restaurant is always short staffed. Even if they're not busy, he'll help him out with his own stuff, he figures. He slides the bowl over to her as he sits himself.]

Tired?

[Action]

[dangerouswind]

[Her chin is resting in her hand, but her gaze is fairly alert.] Nothing I can't handle.

[Action]

[endgames]

No other side effects, then.

[That's more thinking out loud then a question. He grins, cutting up his mackerel with a knife and fork.]

[Action]

[dangerouswind]

[Eugh, side effects. She was hoping for the best and expecting the worst on that one. Luckily, though, she pretty much got the best.]

Not unless something pops up in the next hour or so. [Now she's paranoid. She takes a bite of her soup, half-expecting it to taste nothing like soup.

... Still soup. Imagine that.]

[Action]

[endgames]

They wear off, if it happens.

[Or so he's told. Either way, he plans to stick around just in case.]

[Action]

[dangerouswind]

[She shrugs.] Well. I can hear at least.

[Action]

[endgames]

You'd never be able to tell, for all your enthusiasm.

[Action]

[dangerouswind]

I'll dance a jig later.

[Action]

[endgames]

[Halfway though chewing, he has to bite back to keep himself from choking on a laugh.]

I'd pay to see that.

[Action]

[dangerouswind]

Would you be willing to pay in dinner now and again? I'd actually go for it then.

[Action]

[endgames]

[He sits back a little, as if pleasantly surprised. He's cooked for her a couple times, assumed she didn't hate it from the lack of complaints. First time he's got a request though. Still, he can't help but joke.]

I could have Chouji do it.

[His cooking being better would equal two jigs, yes?]

[Action]

[dangerouswind]

He does make a damn good stew.

[Action]

[endgames]

He's Akimichi.

[Action]

[dangerouswind]

[She shrugs one shoulder.] I guess that explains it.

[Action]

[endgames]

[Totes. But she's probably never met any other Akimichi. She's not lived through the war to, at least.

He takes another bite of his fish, and considers something he said to Masaomi, that night he got drunk.]

Seriously, you should see it. [He speaks between bits this time now, at least.] The Akimichi are one of the four Noble Clans of Konoha, and they all love food. You can bet their kitchens are of their biggest luxuries.