bakerstreet | ( stargazing )

It felt like ages since she'd been in a place where you could see the stars well. Really well. Her job generally took her from city to city and even if one could actually see the stars in those places, she'd be too busy to take the time to observe them anyway. Which was exactly what brought her to this little village outside of London. Or one of the reasons. The main one being her last job went terribly bad. So bad that not only did they fail to retrieve what they were supposed to from the Mark, but they almost lost their lives in the process.

She had to disappear for a while. She also had to do some evaluating. Was it worth it? She'd backpacked across three countries already and she still didn't know the answer.

Looking up at the stars, waiting for the mentor shower they'd said would be coming, she hoped for a sign that would point her in the right direction.

Sherlock likes it here in Sussex. It's quiet, different than London. He never thought he'd like the quiet, but. It's nice. There's supposed to be a meteor shower tonight, something else he can observe and take notice of. He thinks there is no one out here besides himself, so he's laying on his back, sketching what he sees even though the shower hasn't started yet.

He might be considered mad by those that might have known him before. He's just... Different now that's all. He prefers the quiet, he's easily spooked, and other than the injuries he'd came with after being dropped on someone's doorstep, he didn't seem willing to tell them what happened.

She's also laying on her back on top of a blanket looking up, unaware of another person in the vicinity. After a while of no sign of meteors, she pulls out her cell phone to check the time, lifting her arms above her to look at the glowing screen. Not as much time has passed as she expected. It's one of those moments where she finds herself questioning reality just a little. Is she really laying in a field by herself looking up at the stars?

He sees a light in the corner of his vision, one that isn't fireflies. It's not that far in the distance. Someone's light. Who? He doesn't want to intrude. Intruding made people unhappy. He is still bad at judging emotions.

Edited (Sorry this is so late) 2014-02-12 03:33 (UTC)

The clock on her phone tells her there's still 30 minutes until the expected time of the shower. She turns off her screen again but sits up. She's brought some beverages with her to enjoy and pops the cap on a local beer she'd discovered in her travels before taking a long sip.

It's then that her phone rings, the number blocked as most of her calls were nowadays. Only her family and her team have this number anyway, and her family doesn't have blocked numbers.

She answers and proceeds to have a conversation with the person in French that's fluent but obviously not native. It would be clear to anyone listening who knew French that it's someone checking in on her and her trying to get details of something in the vaguest way possible. Even though she thinks she's entirely alone in a dark field, the job has made her ultra paranoid and extra careful.

At one time, the man could speak portions of ten languages, but he learned French nearly out of play school. He understands more than he speaks now. He catches bits and pieces of the conversation. He thinks he might say hello, she clearly doesn't know she's trespassing.

She hangs up the call and sighs. It wasn't terrible news, but it wasn't the best either. There was still heat on them and it was still going to be a while before things were ironed out. Luckily they all had a lot of money to buy their way out of some situations, but it was going to take time to settle things on both sides. She was going to have to continue to lay low.

He finally will stand up, walking up and saying a rather quiet "Lovely night, eh?" The data comes rushing at him, that she might be freelance or an agent of Mycroft's, but he's been trying to face his fears. "Sorry to disturb you." He's watching the stars, reminding himself he's fine outside and they're very pretty.

She's on his land, and he doesn't care as long as she doesn't mean him or his bees any harm.

She hears someone rustling in the grass behind her and she's immediately up and on her guard. Her first thought is that the Mark's people have found her. Or maybe their client's people. The silhouetted outline of the person is tall and slightly imposing, at least to her.

"It's...okay," she says, sounding distracted and nervous, her eyes darting around a bit to try to spot any backup. Or maybe this is just a random citizen, someone who doesn't mean her harm.

"I've disturbed you," he says quietly. "You can. Er. Stay. If you want. As long as you don't disturb the apiary." My bees. Get them disturbed. He doesn't like admitting he's more concerned about his bees than her.

"The apiary?" she says, looking confused. Her brain is still in paranoia mode and it takes her a moment to realize he's talking about bees. The house in the distance, it must be his. And this soft-spoken man certainly didn't seem like a contract killer. "Crap, am I on your property? I didn't realize...I'm really sorry. It just looked like an empty field and they said about the meteor shower....I just...thought it would be a good place to see it. I can definitely find another place..."

She's rambling and feeling foolish for being so freaked out at first. But also relieved that this man is some kind of bee farmer and not an assassin.

"You're afraid of someone," he rubs his arms, not really looking at her.

"Hmm? Oh...no....I'm fine," she says, trying to appear like nothing's wrong. "I just...didn't expect anyone to be out here."

He's a bit of an odd one she thinks, but perceptive.

"I'm Ari by the way."

She holds out her hand to shake his, figuring since she's trespassing on his land, she might as well introduce herself. She gives him her real (nick)name even. Not the fake one she's used on jobs since Arthur had created the alias for her after the Fischer job.

He frowns, and it takes him a minute to tentatively take her fingers and shake her hand. He's a lot better than he was but still not very socially adept. "Ari. I'm. Sherlock." It's his name, yes, but it still feels foreign. He knows she's lying, so he repeats what he's been told.

"Nobody's going to hurt you out here." He still doesn't always believe it. He blinks and will look up as the sky flickers a little. Here's just as good a spot as where he was to watch it.

She starts to feel awkward with her hand hanging out there, when he finally shakes it.

"Sherlock," she says in the way she's always done when she meets someone new because otherwise she'll forget their name two seconds later. Although, his name is one that's both hard to forget because of its uniqueness but also sounds familiar. She can't place it though.

"I...um...why would you say that to me?"

She looks up as she sees him do, her question hanging in the air as she sees a blip shoot across it.

He doesn't answer the question, even though he does think about it throughout the meteor shower. He doesn't know what to stay, and it's better to just watch the stars. He wishes for a lot of things, even though wishing on shooting stars and comets are pointless fairy tales.

Mostly he wants to go home even if noise unnerves him.

She gets lost in the shower of light, also making wishes in spite of her own general practicality. She's seen some impossible things that past few years and she can't discount anything at this point. Her hand, without her even realizing, has slipped into her pocket and has a death grip on her totem. Amazing things like falling stars and perfect night skies and gorgeous sunsets always have a tinge of unreality to them and it gives her a little bit of mental vertigo that only the cold metal of her chess piece against the sweaty palm of her hand can calm.

Her wishes mostly involve her getting to go home too. And figuring out what to do with her life next.

He wants to go back home to the bustling city, even if when he's there it gives him a headache. The meteor shower ends and he might get up to leave, looking a little stiff. Broken bones had healed, but - he'd rather not talk about it. He thinks maybe he'd like to invite her in, but... He's not easily about to trust strangers. He'll squint at her again, trying to be logical even in the very dim light.

She watches the sky for just a moment or two more even after the last light has fallen and then gets to her feet when she realizes he is already up on his.

"That was beautiful," she says as she brushes off her jeans, more something to do than actually removing dirt. He's sizing her up she thinks but she's not sure why. And she wishes the light were brighter because she can't get much of a handle on him at all. "Um...thanks for letting me stay to watch."

"Are they bad people?" He asks, ignoring her statement, and clearing his throat a little. "The ones who are chasing you." She's running from something, but he can't quite tell what she's trying to get away from.

He supposes he's maybe a bit mad, it feels like not all the pieces are there some of the time.

She sighs because he's clearly got a handle on her and isn't going to let it go. And because yes, they're bad people.

"They are," she says with a nod, looking suddenly a bit tired. It's tiring all this moving around. She always imagined a backpacking trip through Europe as a fun adventure with friends. This one has been trying and lonely, even though she has been doing her best to make the best of it and see some wonderful things along the way.

He blinks for awhile. "You could erm. Sleep, on...sofa if you want." He gestures to the cottage. "I'm not bad," he states, a bit earnest. He likes helping after all, and it's rare he feels comfortable around someone he doesn't know. Usually strangers make him nervous and shy.

The offer is somewhat surprising and it probably shows on her face. The one thing she still needed to work on in the business was her poker face. The kindness of strangers here is still surprising to her. She thinks she's spent too much time in big cities and with bad people.

"You don't seem bad," she assures him. And she thinks about the hostel she was going to walk back to and the prospect of drunken Irish teenagers waking her up in the middle of the night. The feeling of being even more lonely around more people. Her mother's voice in her head is warning her of the dangers of going back to a strange man's house alone, but her mother's voice forgets that she's done a lot worse and risky things lately.

"I...that would be...I mean...if you wouldn't mind. I can give you some money."

Something she's in no lack of even if she looks like a raggedy, poor uni student.

He shrugs. He doesn't really care about money a lot. His honey sells and he has enough for winter.

He just turns to lead the way. The cottage is small, white crates in the backyard and the hum of what is obviously bees, though it's quieter now because it's so late.

He's wary still, the cottage is a bit...disorganized, but there's books and science magazines on the sofa and he seems to scuffle to clean it up. There's a cane in the corner, but he doesn't use it that often. Only on 'bad days'.

She gathers up her things - blanket and her bag and the barely touched can of cider - and follows him to the cottage. He wasn't joking about the bees part, she thinks as they walk by the crates.

The inside of the cottage is cluttered but cozy feeling. A home. It makes her ache for her own. Her father was a bit of a clutter bug himself. An intellectual with no time to deal with things like organization and cleaning. Too many things to read about and research and discover.

She takes off her shoes at the door because it's what she's been taught (by her much more neat and organized mother) and watches as he tidies up a bit, just looking at the things around her, trying to figure him out at least a little.

He seems to have a rhythm - or perhaps a ritual - way of doing things. Clear off the sofa, set off a few blankets, clear the teacup on the coffee table, take it to the sink, then the dishwasher. He might seem to have an odd way of walking, sometimes limping, other strides fine.

He just seems to go about his tasks without noticing her much, then shifting to the kettle to warm some milk. Warm milk helps him sleep.

Soldier, she thinks. Maybe. The slight limp, the movements that look practiced or at least done the same way over and over. And the way he just leads her in and lets her be without indicating she should sit on the couch or tell her where the bathroom is. Those things actually remind her more of her father's university friends. Smartest people you could know, but a clear lack of social skills.

Soldier turned professor turned bee keeper?

She takes it upon herself to set her things down near the coffee table and take a seat on the couch. The table in front of her is piled with books and magazines of all kinds. Topics that don't seem to go together at all. He's certainly an interesting man whoever he is.

It's not until she spots the volume on Essential Forensic Biology that she puts his name into context, her head lifting up to watch him puttering in the kitchen.

No. It couldn't be. She'd read some of the stories of his detecting skills of the cases he'd solved. He was brilliant and famous. World famous even. But this couldn't be the same man.

He shifts,after the milk is warm, stirring in some honey into the cocoa and warm milk and handing her the one cup. He's used to making just one, for him. Brother never wants any. He then turns to make the other, tapping his foot a little.

He doesn't seem to care about her looking through his books, almost acting as though he hasn't noticed.

"Thank you," she says as she takes the cup from him and breathes in the smell of the cocoa, blowing on it a bit before taking a sip, still watching him. Maybe a little bit closer now. She was curious before but now she's intrigued. It's like when that one actor's name who played in that thing that time escapes your mind and you can't let it go until you come up with it. That's how Ari is when a piece of knowledge is just right out of her reach. It's a compulsion to know the thing for sure.

"This is very good. How long have you been keeping bees?"

"Year and a half," he stirs the honey, not clinking the spoon against the cup. Carefully. Doesn't like the sound of metal and ceramic.

He puts the spoon on the counter and sits in the chair, sipping hiss cup.

"Oh, so not too long," she says before taking another sip. "Some kind of life-long dream?"

It seems a little odd for someone his age to be starting something like bee keeping, but the whole having your own garden and living off your own land was becoming popular lately, so maybe not so odd in that context.

He shrugs. "I suppose so." Not really, though. He just wants things quiet now. Or maybe his brother wants that life for him.

"You don't say much, do you?" she said. It wasn't a judgment, just an observation.

He shakes his head."No I suppose I haven't got much to say. Who um... Are they, the people chasing you?" Clearly wants to change the subject. "They aren't very nice."

"What if I'm the one who isn't very nice?" she asked him, raising an eyebrow. It's a fair point since he doesn't know anything about her, and she is a criminal after all. She is also avoiding his question.

He frowns a little and picks up his cup, rubbing his arm, from his elbow to his shoulder. Clearly a nervous habit. "You're not," he says, shivering a little, wishing he didn't doubt himself so badly.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable," she says. "You're right I'm not."

He was nice enough to invite her in as a stranger. She doesn't want upset him or make him change his mind. And she isn't really a bad person. Not like some of the people in her line of work. Not like the people after her.

He nods, taking the cup if she's done with it and going to wash it in the sink. Trying to get his mind of that.

She has upset him she thinks.

Maybe she's forgotten what it's like to be around non-criminals who aren't always insulting each other for fun and sport. Some people are more sensitive.

If he was upset, truly, he'd be having a bit more of a panic. He finishes the dishes and sets a few blankets on the end of the sofa for her if she wants them. "Bathroom is down the hall," he explains.

She stands up as he comes in. His height combined with her shortness and sitting on the couch, makes it sort of uncomfortable for her to look up at him.

"Thank you again," she says. "I really appreciate you asking me in. This is...a lot nicer than my hostel."

He nods a bit. She might be safer here, than the hostel, though he's not very good at fighting anymore.

"Do you know if ... They know where you are." Just so he's prepared.

"I don't think so," she says. "If they did, I think I'd already know."

In other words, they would have already taken her, or worse, she'd be dead.

"It's been a month since I basically went off the grid and I haven't seen anyone suspicious."

A month out there by herself just wandering around Europe.

Edited 2014-02-21 18:12 (UTC)

"Doesn't mean they're not there," he knows he sounds paranoid, but.., it's true.

"If they knew where I was, I wouldn't be here right now," she says. "But...if you're worried, I can leave."

She doesn't want to put anyone else in danger and she would understand if he wasn't comfortable with her staying there.

"No you," he shifts his feet. "It's fine. You don't have to leave." He's just awkward, that's all. "Please, um. Help yourself. Goodnight, Miss." He turns to shuffle to his rooms, favoring his left leg a little, but. It's an old injury, can't really be fixed.

She nods her thanks.

"Goodnight," she says and watches him walk off before she goes to find the bathroom.

There's silence in the house and his light finally turns out. He does mumble though, and he'll have nightmares, thankfully not screaming ones.

After using the bathroom she pads quietly back to the living room and makes herself comfortable on the couch, which actually is more comfortable than her bed at the hostel, and thinks about the weird day this has been.

[...how does this crap relate to being a future badass sage?]

Arthur had heard there'd be a meteor shower that night, which was why he'd gone (with his usual accompaniment of fairies) out to the country, spreading out a blanket up on a hill to watch. It was then that he heard a familiar sound. One he'd heard only once before, a very, very long time before.

Sitting up, he peered through the darkness. "Hello?"

The Doctor wasn't the type to pass up a good light show. Not a chance. So he parked the TARDIS and strolled his way out. Ah. It really was a perfect night for it. Earth had a remarkably lovely view of the stars from time to time.

Hands in the pockets of his coat, he strolled his way up the hill, thoroughly surprised to hear a voice. Ha! So he wasn't the only one who'd thought this spot a good one. "Hello yourself," he called back as he came within sight, lifting a hand to offer a friendly little wave.

The nation stared at him for a moment before a barked laugh slipped out. There was no mistaking that face.

"You haven't aged a day," he said, waving him over. There was room to share on the blanket after all. Even in the dim light of the stars, those eyebrows were rather visible. "Hello again, Doctor."

The Doctor found himself blinking, quite curious now. Someone he knew? That was interesting. Give him a second, and he'd place the face, certainly. Hopefully. Faces could be hard, though he could usually pull it out eventually.

"Yes, well. I moisturize. Wear sunscreen." A still somewhat puzzled grin settling on his features, he added. "Though, does that mean you have? Aged, I mean. A day or more."

"Quite a bit, I would say," Arthur said with a chuckle. "It's been what, nearly a thousand years? I was just a little boy then. Gained and lost an empire in the between."

There it was. Memory wasn't the problem entirely; his memory expected a child, but time had done its usual. A grin nearly burst across his face now. "But still respectable. England!" He chirped out with a laugh himself. "How about that. All grown up. ...still keeping company with the fair folk though." Just the faintest flicker caught his eye, but he hadn't missed them entirely.

"Grown up, and sometimes I think growing old compared to some of the others. And of course," Arthur said cheerfully. "They've always been there for me, no matter how alliances shift. Come, sit with me. I assume you're here for the view?"

((ooc. before I start, any objections to going with a hypothetical 'quiet before the storm' setting after Smaug gets defeated but before the Battle of the Five Armies?
oh, and hello! super excited to find you here. and hope you don't mind a Kíli in any case.))

(( ooc: works for me! go wild bb u3u ))

((ooc. awyeee. wild is my style!))

[Battles fought and won, the feeling was ever bittersweet. For with each victory came some degree of destruction, and even though the company had all survived he had seen the dragon coming down on Lake Town with a vengeance the likes he had never seen before. Hearing tales and legends was one thing, but sometimes, in the centre of the action, Kíli felt that stories could never quite live up to the reality.

Still, the city stood. Houses had been burnt to a crisp, people injured and possibly killed, but they were there, and the dragon was no more. Kíli's wound too didn't hurt as before, although he still felt very dizzy with each brusque movement. He found that out the hard way too, when he tried to climb onto a boat to meet the company at Erebor, only not falling into the water thanks to Fíli, who caught him and dragged him back to dry land.

Leaving him to rest with Bard and his family, Fíli, Bofur and Óin went on to help others. They had told him, or he had seen - he was having difficulty telling those apart - that Tauriel was there too, but she had left the house before he was fully awake, and sadly he was yet to see her. He wondered if she had gone back, or moved on, or if he would even get to see her again.

Stubbornly so, Kíli sat still for no longer than half a minute before he got up and walked outside, found a big empty open area and laid down on the wooden ground of the floating town, a sigh escaping him as he welcomed the cold air in his face, watching the river of stars up in the sky above him.]

Edited 2014-02-02 02:49 (UTC)

[After she had done her best to heal Kíli, Tauriel knew there wasn't a lot for her to do inside the house. Despite how much she wanted to, she knew she couldn't stay to watch over him; the human children would do as good a job as she would, and she had a duty to try and protect the town from the orcs as well as to ensure that an escape route was available, should the worst happen and the dragon go on a rampage.

She would much rather stay in Bard's home, safe and warm, watching Kíli's chest rise and fall as he recuperates.

Instead she had been forced to try and protect a town made of wood and fabric from a giant fire-breathing beast. To be honest, she can barely remember what she did, all she remembers is watching with suppressed panic as Smaug filled the sky overhead—

—then the dragon was gone, falling into the black water beside the town, a huge geyser of steam billowing up, a tidal wave sweeping over the lower levels of nearly every building and walkway in the town as he sank down to the bottom of the lake. Some that were not incinerated in the dragon's first pass through the town were swept away into the lake, and Tauriel had done her best to save as many of them as she could, but she is only one elf, and, good swimmer or no, there were only so many she could retrieve.

Soaking wet and shivering, she makes her way carefully across charred and slippery wood to try and find Bard's house again. There might be some clothes there for her to change into, at the very least, and her patient should (should) be resting inside. She wishes to see him, to reassure herself that he's alright, that she could at least save him when she couldn't save so many others. She's so wrapped up in her thoughts of a dry blanket and maybe a cup of ale that she nearly trips over a stocky shadow lying on the wood in front of her.]

Oh! [Practically skidding to a halt, she kneels down to check that she hasn't tripped over a dead body or perhaps someone injured, but then she realizes that the figure she nearly trod on is in fact her patient of before.] Kíli. What are you doing out here?

[Kíli himself was quite distracted counting stars - not that he had enough focus on him to go past the twenty - when someone nearly trips over him. He gasps, halfway to sitting up while taking hold of a small dagger sheathed on his belt, unaware of who it was and thinking it could be an orc or goblin left behind. That is, until he hears her voice.

The distress dissolves into a smile as he lets the sheathed dagger rest on his waist again, his heart beating a little faster now for entirely different reasons.]

Fresh air. [He offers with a nonchalant shrug once he sits up.] I heard it's good when one is recovering.

[Then he looks up at her, slowly though not immediately realizing she's dripping wet.] ... I thought you were gone.

[She's cold, and wet, uncomfortable indeed, but all that slips from her mind when it clicks that Kíli is no longer pale and drawn, seemingly near death. She kneels down beside him, pushing her dripping hair over her shoulders.]

You should be resting inside. [She doesn't roll her eyes at him, but she does seem reluctantly amused, and more than a little relieved to see him appearing so hale and hearty, despite his wound.] Where nobody will step on you.

[Her smile turns gentle, and she hakes her head slightly.] Gone where? My patient insists on lying out on the ground where anyone can trod on him. I wonder if I should leave you alone at all.

Maybe you shouldn't. [The smile turns into a grin, as he leans towards her for an instant. He shuffles into a more comfortable sitting position, a hand immediately going to his wound for support.]

I was tired of being inside. [He confesses after a sigh, looking up and down at her and at last noticing her state now that she is closer to him.] You must be cold. Did you fall into the water?

[Her eyebrow lifts pointedly.] I see you are feeling better. [He's taking "transparent" to a brand new level. Clearly he'd be just fine if she did leave him alone, although she doesn't much want to.]

I jumped. [Her tunic is clinging to her skin, clammy and awkward, and all she wants to do is peel it off and crawl into a warm bed with soft, dry covers, and let herself slip into a deep sleep.] Many times.

But... [He frowns confusedly, mouth half-open for the second it takes for him to understand why she would even jump into the water in the first place. Then he nods in understanding.] Ooh. Alright, I understand.

[Then without much ceremony, he stands up, slow and with slight difficulty due to his injury, and takes off his own thick cloak, resting it over her shoulders. It's short and it smells a little, but it is very warm and protects most of her figure. Because while he can be blamed for being bold, transparent or even inappropriate on occasion, he makes up for it in caring for people at the very least.] Perhaps we should get you inside.

[She's almost ready to protest when he stands up, her hands lifting to hover awkwardly between them as if she wants to steady him, but once he is safely on his feet, she lets her hands drop back down to her lap.]

Kíli... [The cloak is warm and heavy, and it smells faintly of fish, but it's comfortable and she finds herself sinking gratefully into it.] You needn't have done that. [Still, despite her protests, she doesn't try to shrug out of it.] But thank you.

[He's already standing, so really it should not be that difficult for her to stand as well, and yet the whole idea seems insurmountable. Still, she struggles to her feet, her hand falling to settle on his shoulders; not to lean on him, but to reassure herself that he's actually alright.] Yes, perhaps we should.

[His own hands hover as she stands, even though he would not be able to offer much support should she have trouble finding her balance. But she wouldn't, of course, not a tall slender forest elf that ran faster on a thin tree branch than he ever could on solid ground.

He shakes his head as if what he did was of no importance, eyes darting to her hand on his shoulder for a moment.] I did so because I wanted to. And I am no colder than you are.

[Once they are both standing, he turns to where Bard's house is, looking up at the night sky while they slowly make their way back, him limping slightly despite his best efforts not to.]

You are more injured than I. [Because she has to point that out, since he seems determined to ignore that fact.

She's rather glad that he seems to know where to go, since she has been so turned around this entire night, not to mention that so many of the buildings are burned so badly that they are not even recognizable; she is sure that it would take her an embarrassingly long time to find the home of their previous host.

Noticing his limp, she chides herself quietly and links his arm through hers.] Lean on me. Your brother will never forgive me if I allowed you to come to harm, even from yourself.

[Not looking at her, he knits his eyebrows together and shakes his head.] I'm fine, I--

[His thoughts are cut short when she pulls his arm to her. He would say how his brother would not blame her if something were to happen to him, she had already saved his life to begin with, but the fact is he rather likes having his arm rest on hers. For support, of course.] Being injured does not mean I'm cold. But... thank you.

[After crossing a small bridge he looks on, taking a pause to study the crisp remnant of the paths before he turns left.] This way.

[She just hums at him, not having the energy to try and fight him when she knows full well the stubbornness of dwarves; Tauriel is stubborn too, but in this arena, she is clever enough to realize that she is outclassed, and does not bother starting a battle she will not win.

So instead she simply lets Kíli lean on her and follows where he leads.]

[Kíli briefly raises an eyebrow at her; but he does not mind the quiet, surprising as that may be. It would probably be a pointless exchange of words too, and he for one is thankful she doesn't press on the matter any further.

He stops at another turn, this time looking at the ground until he spots a fresh scratch on the wooden planks, marked even over the dust and ashes, and he nods that way.] There.

[She waits until the start to ascend the steps into Bard's house, miraculously standing as it is, before chiding the dwarf who led her home.] You really should not have left your sickbed. [The way she gently assists him up the stairs belies her harsh words, though.] You were poisoned. An excess of activity can force the poison through your body to your heart, and then where would you be?

[Dead, actually, and she doesn't really want to examine the pang in her chest at the thought.]

[He rolls his eyes, though from that angle she probably could not tell, letting out a small groan that could very well be interpreted as difficulty at climbing the stairs, rather than a complaint at her words.

But he is quick to dismiss it. He knows she is right, of course, but that does not mean he likes being scolded as if he were a child, regardless of how many hundreds of years may separate them. He smiles up at her once they reach the door, opening it for her.] In that case you should have to heal me again.

[His faith in her abilities is touching, albeit somewhat misplaced. She is a warrior, not a healer; her access to the healing magics is...tainted, almost, by the lives she has taken. She managed to heal him the first time because she was desperate and forged ahead unthinking, but she does not think she will be able to replicate what it is she did for him.]

I should not have to. [She might not have the strength. Elves have hardy constitutions, of course, but tonight has been long and difficult and is so tired.

She smiles at him in thanks and steps inside, her shoulders dropping as she sighs in relief that this place is still standing as it was when she left it.]

[It was but a thoughtless reply on his part. He truly doesn't think she will have to do it again, even if he understands her concern. By comparison he feels great now, he can't imagine he would have a relapse.]

The girl... I don't know her name. She should have some clothes she could lend you. [He takes a seat himself, sighing in relief as he no longer has to rest the weight of his body on his injured leg.]

Sigrid. [It's an absent response as she fumbles with the clasp of his cloak, her fingers feeling clumsy and numb on the intricate dwarvish metalwork. Finally, though, she manages to slip it off her shoulders, folding it carefully and setting it on the table where he lay not too long ago. She then starts to strip out of her clothes, unselfconscious about the fact that she has an audience, hanging the dripping fabric up as best she can so that it dries.

Once she is down to her shift, she turns and glances around the room, her cheeks pinkening a little.] I will find her. Try not to injure yourself while I am gone.

[Thoughtless as it may be for her to do that, it does get Kíli's attention regardless. He takes a few seconds to even catch on to what she is doing, but when he does he freezes in place, a hand over his injury, mouth slightly ajar as his eyes travel down... then back up, possibly halting once or twice.

She is talking, there is that too. He just has a hard time hearing her at first. Finally he shakes his head, as if trying to break a spell that had been put upon him.] Yes! Yes, alright, well... [He clears his throat.] I can't make any promises.

[She is a soldier, and has spent her life in the barracks and campsites of men and women alike; her body is a tool to her and as such, disrobing does not seem like such a big deal.

Until she remembers who it is who is in the room with her, and then her blush makes much more sense.

She nods and hurries away, feeling embarrassed and foolish, and is very glad to find the human children sleeping upstairs. It doesn't take long to rouse them, or for them to find her appropriate clothing she can slip into, and soon she is padding back downstairs on bare feet, a rough dress of warm wool covering her long limbs as she braids her hair over her shoulder.]

Let me look at your wound.

[Watching her go until she disappears completely as she goes up the stairs, Kíli then lets his head rest on the back of the chair, eyes closing. The chair is not so big but it was made for men to sit on it, not Dwarves, so his head is much closer to the top of the chair than it should be for anyone else.

The fumbling noises as she returns catches his attention, and he looks to where she is coming from. True, she may hold herself like a warrior, and think of herself as that and only that, but Kíli is yet to see a maiden that he finds as beautiful as she, her figure foreign to his eyes when in a dress but still no less graceful.

He quickly moves to try and undo the knot in the piece of fabric she had tied around his leg, but with little luck - either because her knot is too strong, or his hands are weak, or he lacks the patience to undo it properly. Instead he takes hold of his dagger, intent on cutting it off.]

[It's clear Kíli is attracted to her — Tauriel knew that in the dungeons when they sat and spoke about the stars and traded stories of their journeys — but she is not quite sure why he is. From what she understands, dwarven women resemble their men in stature and demeanor; Tauriel could not be further from the archetypal dwarrowdam if she tried. It makes her feel...young, almost, a little shy, prone to blushing in a way she has not felt since she was a child.

Her thoughts are derailed quickly when she sees the dagger in Kíli's hand. Rushing forward, she stills his hand, her brows drawing together.]

What are you doing? [She does not think he would have cut himself, no, but she could not help the instinctual alarm that flared in her chest.] Let me. [Being warm and dry has done wonders for her, and Tauriel feels much stronger now than she did before; her fingers make short work of the bandage she tied around his leg, carefully unwinding it so she can see how his wound is faring.]

[He was just about to slide the blade underneath the fabric when she stops him, and he draws the dagger away from his leg.]

I was cutting the bandage. [But he makes no motion to try again, instead just returns the blade to its sheathe as her hands, much thinner than his and even less calloused, masterfully undo the tight knot made with the linen. He stretches his leg out and turns it just enough so that the wound is more visible. It doesn't look as terrible as it did before, but there is still a darkened shade in the skin around it, and a thick paste of clogged blood that formed in the meantime, staining the bandage and his ripped pants alike. The blood he is sure is there because he had been walking around recently, but the shade of his skin he's not so sure he will ever get rid of.]

Then we would not have any more bandage.

[The thickness of the blood is a little alarming, but Tauriel wipes it gently away with a rag so that she can see the flesh beneath; it has a much healthier color, even though it is obviously nowhere close to being healed yet. Carefully, she washes the blood and dirt away from the wound, until the flesh is clean and the wound is oozing healthy-colored blood again, then she picks up the bowl with the kingsfoil paste she made earlier and smears another dollop of the leafy green paste into it before wrapping it back up, this time with a fresh bandage despite what she said earlier about there being no more.]

You are healing as well as can be expected. [She can probably take her hand off his knee, but it doesn't seem to have occurred to her yet.] And you will likely continue to do so...if you rest and do not exacerbate the wound.

[As she picks up a rag Kíli takes a deep breath. He's perfectly aware it will hurt, but he refuses to let himself show it. Thankfully she's quick in cleaning the wound, and he lets out a very quiet sigh as she starts wrapping his wound again.

It is quite a feat for a nearly 80 year-old dwarf to look so much like a child, and yet somehow he manages it, an expression to that last remark that looks almost like a pout. But finally he gives in and nods at her request.] Alright, I promise I won't go for any more fresh air.

[He doesn't mind her hand on his knee at all. In fact he is very glad for it, because his hand rests very close to hers and all he has to do is shift it sideways ever so slightly and their fingers are touching.]

Are you staying? [Which, in his tone of voice, sounds a lot more like a request than a question. Please stay.]

[She lifts her eyes up to him and gives him a wry little smirk.] Thank you.

[The way he shifts his hand to brush against hers has her dropping them back down to his knee, though, watching the way his thick, callused fingers touch hers with a gentleness their size belies. She doesn't move her hand away, is in fact trying to work up the courage to shift hers as well until they can hold hands properly when he speaks up and she has to drag her attention back to the matter at hand.]

I...yes. I will stay. [She needs to rest, and all her clothing and weapons are here. As is her patient.]

[Kíli beams gleefully at her, much less hesitant himself to reach over and rest his hand fully over hers, his breathing calm and quiet in contrast with his quickening heart.] I'm glad.

[His eyes meet hers for a moment, then he lowers his head, not at all in shyness but rather in slight self-reproach.]

I am sorry, truly. You've saved my life. [He looks up then, honesty in his expression just as well as his words.] It wasn't my intention to undo what you did for me, or to make you worry.

[His hand is very warm.

That's all she can focus on at the moment, the heat of his palm against her hand, and she knows it takes her a moment to focus, which is terribly embarrassing.

Their eyes meet.] ...You mother was right. You are reckless.

[She sounds almost fond, though, and her fingers shift a little beneath his so that they slot together comfortably.]

[He lets out a soft chuckle. That she would even remember that is surprising to him, though a pleasant kind of surprise.]

Yes, I guess... I guess I am. [Her hand is much colder by contrast, possibly because she had been in the water for so long, but he can feel it warming underneath his. He lowers his eyes, his thumb softly stroking her skin.]

[She should step away, she knows that. There are a myriad of reasons why she shouldn't be kneeling here on the floor and letting him hold her hand, but they're hard to remember right now. The brush of his thumb is gentle against her skin and his voice is soft and almost intimate, and it's all too easy to just...let herself stay where she is.]

Perhaps it's not such a bad thing, though. [If he was less reckless, he might not have come on this journey and then they never would have met.]

[Kíli doesn't think there are any real reasons as to why they shouldn't be like this, honestly. Not good ones, in any case. And if there were he wouldn't really care much for them either.]

It could have gone worse, that much is true. [He most certainly wouldn't have taken the risk of jumping onto the bridge to lower the lever, and would have never gotten pierced by that arrow. Which, to some, could be seen as a good thing, but Kíli was starting to think of that arrow as a blessing, for without it she might not have come to him.

It's clear he doesn't want to move from there, he doesn't even want to shift an inch, but Tauriel is kneeling on the ground and he can't imagine that being very comfortable. He tugs on her hand slightly, to get her attention.] We should move somewhere else.

[They seem pretty good from where she's ~~kneeling~~ standing. Their nations are not quite at war, but they are definitely not allies. He is a prince of Durin, in line for the throne. She will outlive him by centuries if not millennia. All very valid reasons, ones which she is ignoring right now. They seem very far away from this singed little house on the lake.

It's true that one of the main reasons she defied her king and went after the dwarves was because of her concern for his injury. The brief time they spend talking through the bars of his cell made her care enough about him that the thought of him dying slowly of a Morgul poison was abhorrent to her. Not when she knew how to heal him, even if she wasn't quite sure if she could. Still. It is a little drastic to obtain a mortal injury just for the sake of getting someone's attention.]

Oh. Yes, of course. [She levers herself up to her feet, only refraining from swaying by holding on to the edge of the table. She is far more tired than she wants to admit to, but Kíli is injured and he requires tending to first.] You need to rest, to heal.

[Kíli waits for her to be standing, his hand still holding onto hers and gripping a little tighter when she seems about to lose her balance. He gets up then, slowly and without putting much weight on his leg.]

And so do you, it seems. [There aren't a lot of comfortable places for them to rest on, granted, but Kíli spots a few blankets in a corner, falling out of a half-open closet. He figures the floor is as comfortable as a place to sit, even more so if they make use of the blankets.

He walks over to the pile, picking them up one by one and laying them out on the ground by the wall.]

I will be alright.

[She's a little confused when she sees him start to lay blankets down on the floor, especially since the blankets he puts down are quite a bit larger than he would need, with how he's spread them out. It takes her a moment to realize that he perhaps expects her to lie down with him, and that has her eyebrows shooting up to her hairline.

As she reaches out to stop him, something stills her hand. She is tired, and the blankets do look comfortable enough, and if she is nearby perhaps he won't try to do himself yet more harm. She stills her tongue and simply watches him putter until he is satisfied.]

[Of course he expects her to lie down next to him - not with him exactly, that's something else entirely. The blankets are few and proximity always offers a degree of warmth, not to mention that yes, Kíli would very much like for the Elf to be next to him.

He crawls onto the blankets, sitting down with a soft groan, the wooden floor creaking softly underneath him.] Well... it's not a proper bed. But it is at least better than resting on just wood. [He offers tentatively, seeing no harm or reason for her to mind sharing that resting space with him.]

[She hesitates for a little while, indecision writ plainly across her face, but in the end it isn't much of a decision. Either she can lay down and get comfortable beside him, or she can suffer stoically and perhaps hinder her performance later, should something terrible happen like yet more orcs descending upon the ruin of the town.

With a quiet little huff of a sigh, she steps closer and kneels down, arranging herself so that she is between him and the doorway. This way she will know if he tries to get up to any mischief even if she is asleep, since he will have to crawl over her to get anywhere.]

I am sure I will manage. [It's not very comfortable, but she's slept in worse conditions, and the blankets are rather nice.] ...Are you comfortable?

[Kíli hardly notices the hesitance, being distracted with finding a comfortable position for him - or at least trying to avoid the area of the ground beneath him where a wooden plank is uneven. He finally lies down on his back just as she joins him on top of the blankets.]

Yes... [The frown in his face tells another story, and he shifts about for a while before he settles down. Then he looks over at her with a smile.] This is actually not so bad, I've had worse. How about you, are you comfortable?

[The dress she is wearing is itchy and coarse; Tauriel would much rather be wearing her own clothes that are made just for her and fit comfortably so that she does not have to constantly fight the urge to squirm and scratch uselessly at her shoulders.

Listening to him talk is as good a distraction as any, and so she latches on to his question so that she doesn't have to think about the itch between her shoulder blades.]

Yes, it really isn't so bad. Definitely no worse than the boughs of a tree.

[Kíli hums in thoughtful agreement, a sigh of his turning into a big yawn.] Or the cold damp floor of a cave.

[He feels a lot more exhausted than he thought he was, now he is lying down, his leg blissfully painless and his body thankful for the rest after the strain imposed by the injury.] Or underneath the rain...

[He looks as if he is seconds away from sleep; she doesn't know how old he is, guessing the ages of other races has always been nearly impossible for her, but there is something very endearing about the sleepy expression on his face that makes him look young and vulnerable.

She allows herself to reach out and brush a lock of hair off of his face, smiling gently at him.]

There is something peaceful about the rain, though. [It is soothing and quiet, just like the way she pitches her voice.] When it does not fall on your head.

[With his eyes closed for just a moment, the motion startles him slightly, but he does not make to move away, merely looking at her as she brushes the strand away from his eyes.]

I agree. It is indeed when it falls on our heads when we want to sleep that it becomes a hindrance. If I'm indoors, I don't mind it at all.

[He ponders for a moment.] Frankly if I am indoors I don't mind much of anything. I will sleep through laughter, singing and any loud celebration.

[Her little smile widens and she chuckles quietly.]

Somehow that does not surprise me.

[She's quiet for a little while, just watching him silently, before she feels like perhaps she should offer up something as well, since they're lying here like children sharing secrets in the dark.] ...I am the opposite. Unless I am well and truly tired, of course. Then I could sleep through the end of the world.

[He returns the chuckle with one of his own, muttering a 'yes' in response. Of course it wouldn't surprise her - even to someone who isn't accustomed to Dwarves, the fact that they're loud and somewhat disorderly should be easy to tell by anyone. Growing up surrounded by noise, one learns to sleep with just about anything roaring around them.]

The forest must be a kind place for you to live in, then. [Or it would be, normally. He is not so sure the place is so kind and welcoming to anyone anymore, as it seems to have been taken over by darkness.] But I think at this moment we could all sleep through the end of the world.

It has been, yes. [Once upon a time, it was an almost idyllic paradise; tall green trees rustling quietly in the wind that made its way through the forest, the quiet chirping of birds and insects, snippets of harp music floating in from the royal halls. Nowadays there is not much of that left.]

Yes, it does feel that way, doesn't it. [She stifles a yawn, gritting her teeth and squeezing her eyes shut for a moment.] Let us hope it does not come to that.

I should not think so. [He shifts again, stretching his limbs before resting his hands over his stomach, fingers twined.] I believe the world shall be safe at least for tonight.

[He spares a glance at her, smiling tiredly.] Sleep well, Tauriel... [He sighs and repeats, a little more softly.] Tauriel.

And you, Kíli.

[Abruptly, she remembers his ramblings of before when she first found him, lying pale and injured on the kitchen table. Do you think she could have loved me? rings in her ears, and she can feel her cheeks flushing.

Tentatively, she shifts a little closer and curls her fingers in the fabric of his sleeve, just gently holding on.] And you.

[ there's no better time for star-gazing than cool summer nights when there's a nice breeze to rustle through the grass. and there's no better place to stargaze than up on a hill on the outskirts of town. ]

Those ones kind of look like a rabbit. [ she's pointing at a cluster of stars above them and to the left. ] You know, if you squint.

[and there was no better person to be with

Ino tilts her head instead of squinting, wiggling her crossed feet]

... You don't have an eye at all for this, you know.

[she's smiling, on the verge of laughter]

But thanks for coming anyway. That's Ursa Minor, not a rabbit.

Edited 2014-02-01 07:11 (UTC)

Small bear, rabbit. It's close, right?

[ it's pretty clear by the way she grins that she's just joking. ]

Thanks for inviting me. This is fun.

[ mostly because poking at ino is one of her favorite pastimes, but also because she loves hanging with her bestie. ]

That one has got to be a turtle. [ she points at another constellation. it is not a turtle. ] It looks like one of Gai-sensei's summons.

[Ino grins back until she mentions that the most exuberant guy (other than Lee) has a summon like that] Seriously?

[probably the worst summon ever for a guy like that

or the best, to calm him down]

It hasn't slowed him down at all. That one...

[she draws a triangle in the air, tracing it, before letting her arm rest on her stomach again] Is supposed to be a triangle.

[laughs to herself, she's so funny]

[ sakura doesn't get it either. maybe it has something to do with how much gai resembles a tortoise? ]

A triangle? [ can you hear the disbelief, ino? ] I thought constellations were supposed to be animals or people with stories behind them. Not random shapes.

[ a triangle is a horribly disappointing constellation. ]

[his hair as the shell maybe?]

Yeah... but it's my favorite. It doesn't really have a story so I just made one up.

It reminds me of Ino-Shika-Chou. That constellation there has some of the brightest stars in the sky. [pauses before continuing on blithely]

I'd say Team 7 too, but only Naruto and Sasuke are the shiny ones.

[but Sakura should know Ino thinks the person beside her is the shiniest of them all]

Edited 2014-02-01 07:48 (UTC)

[ or his flak jacket. ]

Ha! If I'm not one of the shiny ones, then you definitely aren't.

[ except, you know, sakura loves ino best out of everyone.

after a small pause, she points at another constellation, this time on ino's side of the sky. ] What about that one?

I'm much more shiny than you!

[her hair is

Ino sort of likes this new rivalry they picked up, the teasing but not seriously viscious like they had been when it was about Sasuke. When Ino forced herself to forget everything she liked Sakura, every memory or laugh or smile Sakura gave her so she could only see her as someone getting in her way.

now they were lying together in the grass looking at stars. Ino couldn't forget Sakura as well as Naruto could forget about ramen or Chouji about food or Shikamaru about cloud watching or Asume-sensei about smoking or Sasuke about Itachi. It was just a part of them now.]

That one? Mmmn, I don't know. It sort of looks like a flower. There's the stem.

[ YEAH WELL... sakura can pull off short hair. so there. ]

Yeah, I can see it.

[ if someone had told twelve year old sakura that one day she'd be rivals with ino in a completely different way, she wouldn't have believed them. but she's glad that's what happened. she likes the teasing and the smart remarks between them. she likes having someone that's her rival and best friend, someone apart from her boys (who often get ridiculously wrapped up in each other) she can have all to herself.

she likes being able to think of flowers and not feel sad over a lost friendship. ]

It looks a little like a daisy.

[SHE COULD TOTALLY PULL OFF SHORT HAIR TOO

Ino mainly just likes having Sakura as a positive light in her life again. What had her father said? He was proud of her feelings for her friends?

Positive love]

The daisy, huh? Do you remember any of your hanakotoba? Besides daffodils.

Of course I do.

[ she takes too much pride in her brain and being able to memorize things to forget alksjdf ]

Daisies mean faith. [ she pauses, looking over at ino. ] What do you think it looks like?

[Ino smiles to herself, now proud of Sakura instead of being annoyed that she had gotten so good at a thing she specialized in. Now it was a thing they shared ~~and it wasn't ninjutsu or love so~~]

I think a daisy is perfect.

We just need to come up with a story now. How about... the sun once gave a daisy to a shy, lonely star. In hopes that she would find courage from the sun's faith that it turn into the shiniest star in the sky.

How's that? Pretty good, right? I have to admit, I'm much better with flower stories rather than stars though.

[ sakura practically beams at the story. it's not hard to figure out who the sun and the star are. ]

I think it's a great story. They should write it down with all the other constellation stories.

[it is QUITE obvious, and she made sure she made it seem as such]

They could. Or we could just keep it between you and me.

I don't know. Maybe other people should know what the sun did for the lonely star.

[ sometimes she thinks she wants to tell people just how special ino is to her. but she can never find a good way to say it. ]

It's a pretty big deal.

[Sakura didn't really need to say it. Ino knew.]

Sakura...

[She sits up and looks down, spotting the seal that looks like her own star on that wide forehead.]

Maybe to the star. [She prods the Yin seal playfully.] The sun just wanted to cheer the star up and show it could be as shiny as it wanted to be. It could even be the North Star, if it wanted.

[Leading them all.]

[Naruto often spent full moon night up on top of the Hokage mansion - bent over the railings that prevented anyone from accidentally falling over the edge. He'd jumped it several times, usually on nights like this, but sometimes because it was a quick escape from any ANBU watching over him. That child-like streak, he would never be able to rid himself of.

These nights left him feeling rather melancholy though. The losses they'd incurred during the last ~~and final~~ war were huge, and that huge moon in the sky reminded him every night of it. When it was at it's brightest though, he tended to find himself gravitating toward the rooftop, until it had become a habit. A time for self-reflection maybe, and a reminder of what he hoped to steer clear of for as long as he was able.

It reminded him of the mistake their descendants had made, and solidified his desire to keep pushing forward to a world without that kind of chaos and away from the circle of revenge. It was slow going, and he'd known that. Sort of. Sometimes, it just proved more out of reach than he'd thought.

A sigh escaped him, and he pressed his elbow to the railing, chin pressing into his palm as he stared up idly.]

[Ino's as surprised as anyone would be to find Naruto hanging round on top of the Hokage mansion, especially because this is where Ino went when she wanted to think. She's never seen him look so thoughtful, or quiet, or anywhere that wasn't Ichiraku by his own will.

She's a little disappointed she won't have the roof to herself but she walks over and taps him on the shoulder.]

Hey, Naruto. I never pegged you as star-gazer.

[Or moon-gazer.]

[He'd grown a lot more mature since the war-- but even then, he was still Naruto at the end of the day, and until now, his thoughtful nights were a secret. Except to the ANBU... but they knew every one of his movements, whether they said anything or not.

It was a surprise to feel a tap on the shoulder, and he glanced up calmly enough, breaking into something that could well resemble a smile. Rather than look back up, he turned his back on the moon, straightened up and leant against the railings.]

Heh-- just looks pretty, right?

[Ino decides to be the one to lean against the railing, not even bothered that her arm lightly brushes his as she looks up.]

Yeah, the moon sure does. Look at it, I haven't seen a full one in a long time. How about you?

[Naruto had actually hoped she wouldn't look up at the sky, but he knows he probably would have done too-- had the tables been turned.

His eyes stay on her for a few moments, just watching her whilst she looks up. It doesn't help that there's the brush of her arm against his, but finally he turns around too - fingers gripping the railings.]

Er, dunno. Probably ages ago.

Yeah, me too.

[For a while, they both just silently look up at the sky. The two loudest blondes in the whole village, quietly contemplating until Ino turns to Naruto with a curious look]

So what brings you up here anyway? I mean, the view is nice but there's plenty of other places to see the night sky.

[He just nods, mostly because he doesn't really want to get into the details about why he's really here.

Her question is at least one he doesn't mind answering, and he turns to her with a smile, shrugging his shoulders.]

Jus' finished work. Needed, er-- you know, to... stand here for a bit.

Stand? That's kinda...

[Weird. And boring. And probably not even true. She doesn't WANT to pry but he's making her really interested in the reason why Uzumaki Naruto is hanging around on the Hokage mansion roof.]

If you want to stand, you can come with me to a bar. There's lots of standing there since seats are usually taken.

[just kidding

mostly]

[He waits-- for the comment that doesn't come, but he knows what it was going to be anyway.]

A bar?

[That has him forgetting the moon almost completely, pushing off the rails altogether and twisting to face her as he takes a few steps back.]

You serious?

Well... yeah, I guess. If you want to go.

[What's his problem?

Maybe not to drink but Ino likes looking at the cute guys sometimes and a few times she had to go there to find Asuma sensei. Though they are old enough to drink, laws in Konoha were lenient with shinobi and Ino looked older for her age.

There's better things to do than just stand on a roof.]

Just to hang out.

You said you wanted to go.

[WHY ARE GIRLS SO BLOODY CONFUSING?

The words are accompanied by a perplexed expression, but even that doesn't last because apparently she really does want to go to a bar. He's not sure he can remember the last time he went to one of those places with anyone except Jiraiya. Spare time was so rare when you were training to be Hokage one day.]

Hang out... you an' me?

[It's loud and distracting and fun with it has a billiards table and darts and cards so yes, she does.

She sighs loudly.]

Yes, you and me.

You can say no, I'm not going to be crushed or anything. I thought I'd be nice since you want to stand so much.

[Maybe it'll be fun then? Wait - it had all that stuff? He thought it was just drinking and... well, this was going to be a treat, wasn't it?]

I ain't--

[Was he going to have to go back on his statement? Did it even matter. She said there were never any chairs but-- people seemed to want to do things for him these days that he'd never expected before. Or ever.]

Nah, I-- let's go, yeah?

[Even Ino wasn't a big fan of drinking. They had some nice lemonades though and the bubble tea was to die for.

Ino's face splits in a smile and she rocks off the railing. She had said she wouldn't be crushed, but she is glad she wasn't rejected. It would have hurt her pride.]

Great! Come on!

[She reaches for his wrist and tugs him along, jumping off the roof.

And the moon was visible from the bar roof too.]

[He'd probably have whatever she had... unless there was something he really liked the sounds of - then he'd probably have that. It wouldn't hurt to try whatever Ino got either.

He wasn't too worried at all, actually. Her smile lifted his own lips to curve, but that didn't last long. Being pulled around was generally the kind of treatment he lent to others, but he went willingly, catching his foot just in time to jump down over the edge of the roof with her.]

Whoa--!

[Just to let her know she'd taken him by surprise. A little bit.]

What's this place called anyway?

[He would probably like the red bean soup they served. But Ino goes for lemonade and the appetizer with the cherry tomatoes.

They're ninja so they can jump off roofs and land on the ground below easily, Ino doesn't even think of Naruto's natural clumsiness nor does she hear his shout of surprise as the wind rushes by. Then they begin walking.]

Kojuro's... I think. It's not too far from here. Asuma-sensei used to go there a lot and we'd catch him with Kurenai-sensei before she was pregnant.

[She smiles a little sadly as she mentions it.]

He'd be outside taking a smoking break. So if you smoke, you have to go outside.

[totally teasing now]

[It took a while to decide what he wanted, if only because there was so much choice, but he goes for the red bean soup in the end ~~because of reasons~~, getting a coke for himself too.

ALSO ROOVES ARE TRICKY WHEN YOU'RE NOT EXPECTING TO BE YANKED OFF THE TOP OF THEM!!!

Talking of Asuma makes him a little sad, and curious to see how Kurenai and the baby are doing now, or-- child.

His eyes flick right back to her though, just to check that she's okay.]

Yeah well, I ain't smokin'. You ever tried that stuff? It's gross.

[A nudge of the back of his palm against her arm, and he walks in slightly ahead of her.]

You come here a lot?

[She's smiling, though it's wistful.]

Didn't need to. Asuma-sensei put me off of it from day one on his team. The smoke made my eyes burn and water.

[The nudge she notices, but doesn't mind. She's pretty physical herself and sort of appreciates and understands the need.]

Mmm, once in a while. People here know some pretty great stories about sensei. It's fun to listen what he was like when he was around our age.

Have you heard any good stories about Kakashi-sensei?

[He wants more than anything to make her stop thinking about Asuma. It's painful, losing team mates, and although he doesn't know it the same way as she does, there are plenty of things in his life to make comparisons to. So maybe he'll just try and distract her instead.]

Oh right--

[Naruto's still looking around, mostly to try and get an idea of the people here. It's not Kakashi he's thinking about though - it's his Father, but the question is welcome. In fact, he manages to grin... and completely changes the topic.]

Hey, you ever got drunk before?

[She's waiting for a funny story about Kakashi or something but he changes the subject. It throws her for a loop.]

Huh?

[Where did that come from?]

No... we're not old enough to drink. The bartender doesn't really care though. I bet if I ordered something, he would give it to me.

Why?

[Nothing is going to come any time soon, especially not when he's in this frame of mind.

Whatever confusion is on her face during the interlude goes unnoticed, not because he's not looking. He's just that distracted. Any other night... things might be a bit different.

When Ino starts to explain the reasons why she hasn't drunk before now though, he nods - reaching out for her hand this time to tug her off toward the bar.]

C'mon-- let's... drink sake.

[She looks down with wide eyes. Mainly because Naruto is grabbing her hand but also because usually she was the one dragging people along and taking them places. She had been the one to drag Naruto to the bar after all.]

What!

[WHAT.]

Really? Have you even had it before?

[He'd made the mistake? of looking back at her, and then right down at what she was looking at, their hands. He wasn't sure why he hadn't just grabbed her by the wrist, because really that was probably more appropriate, but he didn't care.]

Nope! [Well, that was a lie, but he'd drunk one tiny cup and almost passed out. She didn't need to know about that.]

It'll be fun, right?

[Oh geez he hasn't even had it he's going to be SUCH A LIGHTWEIGHT.

But lbr so is she.]

Don't blame me if I'm carrying you home at the end of the night.

[And now SHE'S tugging him to the bar to order ALCOHOL.]

Alright, now be quiet. Let me do all the talking. You're going to get us caught if you say anything.

[This is probably going to be one to tell the grandkids.

If they live to tell the tale.]

Yeah, whatever, I'll be carryin' you.

[He lets her tug, but it's his turn to stare at their hands, and feel heat in his cheeks. Oops.]

Quiet? I don't need to be quiet! Everyone knows me now.

[It's not meant to come out quite as big headed as it sounds... but since the war, recognition follows him everywhere.

Still, he presses against her side, finally letting go of her hand.]

[He probably will. AND THAT'S HOW THE GRANDPARENTS GOT TOGETHER.

She hisses at him.]

You definitely need to be quiet then!

[She still doesn't mind his touch, finally leaning against the counter and smiling sweetly at the bartender.]

Hi! I'd like a order bottle of sake. Two cups for me and my friend here. We're celebrating.

[Ino is using the full effect of her ~charm~ so for ONCE everyone's attention isn't on Naruto. Because if they knew him, they'd know they are NOT 20 years old and therefore could only have tea. Or lemonade.

She brushes bangs out of her face and places her chin on the back of her hand. Awyea she is working this to their advantage.]

Edited 2014-02-11 18:56 (UTC)

[PROBABLY. WAIT ARE YOU SAYING THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL????]

I am being quiet.

[It's hissed right back, lips almost against her shoulder, not that he's aware of how close he is, not yet at least.

Ino seems pretty good at this though, and when the bartender's gaze flicks to him he just smiles and looks away glancing around the bar.

Apparently it works though. Whether the bartender had decided to throw caution to the wind for Konoha's Number one Hero and future Hokage~~~~, or he just didn't recognise him - they'd never know.

But he was gone seconds later, and Naruto's hand rose automatically to prod at her arm.]

You did it!

[WHAT ELSE??

Ino only feels a flicker of unease as Naruto is looked at. THankfully, he decides to let it go and she releases a sigh before grinning widely at her drinking buddy.]

Of course! What did you expect? I don't leave my friends hanging. If you want to drink sake, we'll get you sake.

[PRODS HIM BACK right in the side.]

[WHAT ELSE INDEED? IDK, MAYBE THEY'LL BOTH PASS OUT IN THE BAR??

He can hear her sigh, and for a moment he worries that he's blown it, but the look on her face, that grin makes him feel-- well, a whole bunch of things. Most of which he can't quite put his finger on.]

He might have served me anyway...

[There's a hiss thanks to the prod, and he jumps before hissing back at her, hand rubbing at his side.]

Ow! He's comin' back--

[ON toP OF EACH OTHER PREFERABLY :3

Ino looks back to the bartender, putting the charm back on as he slides the bottle towards them.]

Thank you very much!

[Pay for it will you Naruto? She's already spinning around and looking for a place to hang out. There really are NO places to sit. At all.]

[.... Who'd be on top though?]

Yeah, thanks-

[Wait a minute. His head flicks over to Ino, who is walking away and then... crap. Here, have some money.

The bartender just rolls his eyes, but that's fine because Naruto's already chasing after Ino and-- whoa, she didn't get very far. Totally grabbing her waist. HE HAD TO GRAB SOMETHING.]

[GOOD QUESTION...]

[She jolts in surprise, spilling a bit of sake on the ground. She can't push his arm away though her hands are full. Just going to look at him weirdly.]

Naruto, this isn't a date we're just hanging out.

[BUT NO it's really crowded in here and not in the good way so she starts shoving her way through bodies to a side door. If Naruto still has his arm around her, he can just follow her trail.

Eventually she bumps the door open with her hip and they're outside again, right under the moon.]

It's really busy tonight. You don't mind standing outside, do you?

[Very good question indeed!]

[His hand moves away pretty much instantly, and there's the line that he must not cross. It's very clear to him... which is fine. Of course it is.]

Er-- yeah, I know I thought you were gonna fall.

[With a sigh he follows after her, lips pressing together when she finally stops. The moon is right there again... it shouldn't bother him as much as it does.]

Yeah yeah.

[A grin, and he reaches to take a cup.]

[She hands it over and then pours each of them enough to hit the rim. The bottle is set aside on a flat surface and then Ino holds up her cup.

Who should they drink to? Ah, got it.]

To you, Naruto. Without you, I think we'd be in an even darker place.

[Hm, too sentimental. She adds on;]

And it's going to be funny to see you drunk for the first time. Thanks for the opportunity!

Edited 2014-02-15 21:22 (UTC)

[His eyes are on the cup in his hand until she has to go and say something like that.

For a moment, it feels like too much. Ino had already said that this wasn't a date... and now she was praising him like he'd done something that changed the world. He had done - of course but... he'd had plenty of help.

Whether her second comment is a distraction, or just what she wanted to say, it has him smiling - and very gently he lets their cups touch.]

To everyone, huh?

Who said it'd be funny?

To everyone.

[Kampai.

She doesn't drink it right away, first watching Naruto and his face when he takes his first sip.]

Go on. Try it.

Yeah.

[Everyone.

It brings a smile to him. She's right. His Father might have died because of him, but he'd died protecting the future. Not just Naruto.

The thought keeps that smile there whilst he takes a sip of the sake...

and almost spills the rest of it.]

THAT STUFF IS GROSS.

[She dodges the spill before snorting a bit in amusement at his reaction, covering her mouth.]

Wow, you have no tolerance at all!

[Ino you haven't even tried yours yet]

Heeey!

... Euch.

[He's still trying to get rid of the taste, and then looking at her!]

You drink yours!

Okay, okay!!

[HUFF. Fine, she will! AND SHE WON'T SPIT IT OUT.

First, she's going to sniff it delicately though. Doesn't smell bad. Doesn't smell like much of anything. Then she carefully lifts it to her lips, watching Naruto.

She just take a baby sip and quickly pulls it away, making a face. BUT NOT SPITTING IT OUT.]

[HE DIDN'T SPIT IT OUT.

It fell out of his mouth.

Not that he has anything say, he wants to keep watching her... and when she pulls away like that, he bursts into laughter too.]

Go on, swallow it!

[MAKES A VERY SUFFERING FACE AT HIM WITH CHEEKS PUFFED OUT. LOOK AT HER SUFFERING

well it's still SITTING ON HER TONGUE ITS NOT GETTING ANY BETTER SO WITH A WINCE

she swallows]

[His lips press together, mostly because he's struggling not to burst out into laughter - that will only make this worse, right?

Only, then she swallows and well-- he can't help his guttermind, so he ducks his head. There's his drink. He can totally do this.

and there goes the entire cup, right down his throat and--]

Crap, it burns!

[Ino isn't quite as considerate not to laugh at Naruto. Even though it's gross, she giggles a bit and then looks at her cup. If Naruto can do it so can she.

DOWN THE HATCH. It's not even a shot it's just sake they're wimps.

It doesn't burn so much as taste bad for her and she sets the cup aside next the the nearly full bottle they hadn't even put a dent in.]

Remind me why we wanted sake again? [SHE WAS FINE WITH LEMONADE]

[He follows her lead and sets the cup down on the other side of bottle of sake, lips pressing into a pout.

Another sigh and he reaches up to rub at his neck.]

T'get drunk I guess.

[Lemonade would be good right now though to be honest.]

[Ino doesn't say anything for a moment but she looks confused, blinking at him a few times.]

Any particular reason you wanted to get drunk? I know I said we were celebrating to the bartender, but that was just a cover.

[He had been staring at the moon, hanging out along on the Hokage roof too. Ino's voice is a bit softer and she places a hand on his shoulder.]

... Do you want to talk about it?

[His gaze shifts up to hers slowly, listening to her and hoping that she didn't actually want to talk about it.

He wants to, that's the thing - but it always sounded stupid in his head the morning after he had these moments, and it will probably make her laugh.

Her hand on his shoulder feels warm though, and it's Ino. They've grown closer over time, and he's talked to her before. Just never about something like this.]

It's just--

You know, when something reminds you of something.

[Yep.]

[Ino doesn't laugh. She smiles in understanding. The good thing about being a Yamanaka (besides everything) is Ino picks upon feelings easier than others. Maybe it was because of her connection to the mind.]

Sure. It happens to me all the time.

So what reminds you of something?

[He'd expected at least a chuckle. Even he knew when he wasn't making much sense these days, and if it weren't such a sensitive subject for him, he might have laughed it off.

But Ino's not like that when it matters. Sometimes he wonders if she already knows what he's thinking.

Even so, his next words sound ridiculous to him.]

It's the moon, ain't it?

I mean-- you know, there's the whole... war thing and whatever. I wanna be strong enough. You know, so it doesn't happen again. Any of it.

[Actually, it's not that ridiculous at all. As he mentions it, she turns and looks up at the full moon.]

I'd say you're pretty strong, Naruto. I mean, you were the guy that defeated Pein all by yourself. Plus, you also beat that Kakuzu guy when we couldn't. Sakura's talked about all the other stuff you've done and I was there when you beat Neji and Kiba during the Chuunin exams.

But, you know, strength isn't really measured by how many cool jutsu you have. Though that's definitely a plus.

I think it depends on if you have the courage to keep smiling and being yourself.

Or, you know... [She pours herself another cup of sake.]

Whether or not you're man enough to have another cup of sake with me.

[His face felt hot.

The more Ino spoke, the more colour seemed to fill his cheeks and he was sure it would be obvious, especially when the moon gave off this much light.

He wants to argue. It wasn't just him who had defeated Pein, and if she knew the truth about how close he'd come to letting Kurama out back then, and just how much damage that would have cause and how many more lives they would have lost--

She's right about some things though, and despite the truth in her words, he can't help but frown. There's the briefest flicker of resentment, toward himself really. Letting his thoughts drag him down like this is so... out of character and even he knows it.

Sulking wouldn't change things, it would protect Konoha, wouldn't keep his friends alive, it wouldn't make him Hokage.]

I guess there's just-- somethin' about it.

[He means the moon, but it could relate to anything, and he knows that too.

The start of her suggestion is enough to whip his attention away from the sour thoughts, but what comes out only makes him chuckle.]

You really wanna drink more of this stuff?

'Course I'm man enough!

M'Uzumaki Naruto.

[But he didn't let Kurama out completely. And they were all saved. And he was a hero.]

Yeah... well, I won't deny that.

[There was something about the moon. It was full when her dad died too. But she doesn't think he would want her sulking about him all the time when she saw it.

It was too pretty to think of sad things. She would remember the full moon and how it would make the moon flowers bloom and the first time she saw them with her dad.

That's a much better thing to be reminded of. Naruto had to have a memory like that too, right?

Maybe now when he sees the full moon, he'll think of this night and the fun they had having their first bottle of sake.]

Well, yeah! I mean you bought it, not like we can let it go to waste. Maybe we'll get used to it if we drink it more or something.

[She shrugs and pours him his cup, handing it over.]

Alright, Manly Uzumaki Naruto. What should we toast to this time?

[It was close though...

He should be pleased his Father had thought so far ahead to be able to care for him after so long... It should be a good memory, so why did it always make him feel worse?]

Eh. Oh--

[The sake.

His eyes are fixed to the bottle whilst she pours, and the idea that he'll get used to it sort of takes a while to sink in. There are better things to think about, right?]

I dunno, it tastes gross.

[Even so, it's said with a smile - and he even takes the cup, thinking of something to say.]

To--

Friends.

Important ones.

[She grins.]

Sounds like something worthy to drink to.

[Couldn't think of a better toast, actually. Ino gives her glass one more uncertain look.]

To important friends. Bottoms up.

[AND DRINKS THE WHOLE THING, SWALLOWS QUICKLY

... Okay, that time it wasn't THAT bad.]

I think I'm getting the hang of this drinking.

[Did she have to mention bottoms?

It's weird-- but he shrugs, watches her begin to down her glass and groans before doing the same to his.

It's difficult to swallow it, and he's still frowning even after he looks back up at her again.]

... How much until we get drunk?

[BUTTS]

[She's already pouring more in his and then in hers.]

If we finish this bottle, I'm sure we'll find out.

[Oh crap. He's not going to be able to stand up straight after this, never mind anything else.]

I dunno - stuff's already kinda wobbly.

[If she has anything to say about it nope ;)]

... Wobbly?

Yeah like-- you know.

[Naruto lifts his hand, waving it in front of him.]

Wobbly.

[Her cup pauses at her mouth and she snorts into it a little before drinking it quickly and swallowing. Yeah, it's getting easier.

Also she's pretty sure they're drinking it wrong because she sees people sipping but they're lightweights and haven't had alcohol before THEY ARE TRYING.]

You're going to be wobbly I bet. And then I'm carrying you home, just like I thought I would.

[Her laughter has him pouting, and just before he can throw an accusatory finger her way, he's unbalancing himself in the very gesture, staggering forward and reaching out to grab the top of her hand.]

You ain't carryin' me anywhere!

Kurama'll help anyway, right?

[Naruto's friendship with the tailed beast sealed inside him was always sort of... strange but intriguing to Ino. As someone who was a master of the mind, she had to wonder what it was like to always have that voice with you. Another conscious.

Probably like Inner Sakura had been during the Chuunin exams.]

Why are you asking me?

Drink your sake. [NUDGE NUDGE get drunk with her]

I wasn't askin' you.

[A thumb against his stomach is all the direction she needs to be aware of just who he was talking to, but Kurama might just find some pleasure in making Naruto's symptoms worse this time around.

With difficulty, Naruto presses a hand to the table their sake is on, grabbing his cup and downing it in much the same fashion as Ino.]

Euch.

How much is left?

[SO WEIRD. Talking outloud to her when he's talking to Kurama. She just shrugs, uncaring, and focuses on the sake. It's affecting her by now, cheeks a little more red.

LIGHTWEIGHT.]

Hmmm, less than before!

[Pours both of them another cup.]

So how come you don't have a girlfriend yet or anything? You're a big hero, aren't you? And I guess you're kind of attractive...

[They're both pretty lightweight when it comes down to it. They're certainly getting a fair amount of attention. Why wouldn't they. The future Hokage, hero of the people is out drinking when he clearly shouldn't be - and with a girl no less. That girl whose parents own the flower shop? Yeah that's the one.]

Well, yeah.

[He watches her fill up his cup again, finding it hard not to grumble, but he picks up the cup - coming to stop as she continues, cheeks flushing from not only the alcohol... but the comment.]

Er. I-- It's not.. I... I dunno do I? Shut up. I'm busy!

Talk about rude! You're supposed to say 'thank you'! I just called you cute, didn't I?

[Basically. His blushing is pretty funny though and even cuter. And that's definitely the alcohol talking... in her brain. The answer to that is to drink more.

So she does.]

What about me? Am I cute? [the answer is yes]

Huh? What-- oh. I... You didn't say--

[She's drinking more though, and maybe that's something he ought to be doing too.

In fact, he's downing the next cup whilst she speaks, and as he brings it down his eyes fix on hers, swallowing is suddenly difficult, but he manages it - waving his cup around for a moment, unable to catch her eye suddenly.]

I-- well, you know you're...

really pretty.

[It's definitely something he ought to be doing. He's going to be out-alcohol'd by Ino. In fact, she waits for him while he drinks looking curious and grinning with anticipation. He probably won't say it though.

She asked if she was cute not really pretty. But this is more than she expected.

Enough that she blinks at him a few times, blushes, and averts her gaze too -- suddenly bashful.]

Um, thank you.

[doki doki]

[Oh crap.

Well, he'd gone and blown it hadn't he? That shyness is so unlike Ino, and he's known her a while now, seen her with boys and girls, and good friends alike. Really, if the alcohol wasn't putting a spanner in the works he might have been able to work out what was going on here, but without the alcohol it was very unlikely that they would be in this position.

Ino had always seemed like someone that was way out his league anyway... and well, he didn't need a girlfriend right?]

Ah-- I should er-- I mean, after this I... it's late. Sleep.

[NOT BASHFUL ANYMORE, even if her cheeks are still a little pink]

What? Really? We've only had one bottle, don't be a party pooper! That's really unlike you.

You're really going to leave me here all alone?

[Oh wow, Ino whiplash.]

I thought you were mad!

I-- 'course I ain't gonna leave ya!

[Which is when he leans in closer, eyes on the people around them.]

Ero-sennin always used to try an' talk to girls on their own.

[She blinks as he gets closer, getting closer herself, listening and then making a face.]

... What a lecher. [Why are you hanging out with a perv like that? You better stay here then, Naruto. Not that she couldn't beat up anybody that tried anything.]

But I'm not mad! You called me really pretty! Why would I be mad at that!

[BLUSHING AGAIN]

... Do girls usually get mad at you when you call them pretty? Is that why you don't have a girlfriend?

[She's right-- but, well. Jiraiya was an important person to him...

He learnt a lot from the guy! Er, but that's probably better kept to himself.]

I-- I dunno! You sounded annoyed or something?

[He knows he's not the child that was shunned by anyone any more, but it doesn't mean his ability to socialise freely, with girls especially has changed much. Well, it has... he's just not used to dishing out compliments just as much as he struggles to accept them.]

No! Can we talk about somethin' else? I ain't got any sake in my cup.

[Did he learns sex things this is important for later]

[She sounded annoyed? Really? Naruto didn't know a thing about girls. A part of her feels like... like its her duty as a friend to help him understand them. At least HER. They're friends. It's a good idea.

And he's cute, whatever.]

But I'm curious!

[Pours him more sake while she says this.]

Have you called Sakura pretty? I think she gets violent when shes embarrassed so that makes some sense. I'm not sure about Tenten. Hinata, definitely not. Did you tell a civilian girl she was pretty and she slapped you because you were coming on to her?

If they did, they're weird. I know Sakura is anyway, but you're not supposed to get annoyed when a guy calls you pretty. Especially someone like you.

[Ah-- well, Jiraiya wasn't that explicit, but there might have been a few tips and-- HEY WAIT HOLD ON, GET OUT.]

[He keeps listening, one arm eventually wrapping around his waist as if he were trying to fold his arms... but that's difficult, so he just stares at her... eventually turning a slightly pink colour.]

I-- well, yeah I used t'call her pretty all the time and it was like she wanted to punch me in the face!

... I didn't... I guess I haven't really. Loads of them are pretty...

Wait--

What d'ya mean someone like me?

[HEUHEUHUE NO /SITS ON]

[Sakura really was a lost cause. She was so awkward. She had no idea how to handle a guy complimenting her when it wasn't Sasuke. Naruto, doubly so, for whatever reason. It was like his confessions made her react a hundred times worse.]

Geez, you really are a dummy. [Her knuckles rap gently against his forehead. She has a thing for foreheads.]

Someone who's cute! I said you were cute! Girls want to hear they're pretty from cute guys! Normal girls anyway. Not only that, but you're a hero. A hero who's cute is twice is good.

[She may be rambling a little and saying all these things because she's a bit tipsy, swaying in her spot a little as she lifts her cup to finish it off.]

[.... /shoves.]

[Naruto didn't really know what to do about Sakura, and although his feelings had waned over the years, especially those pre-dating the war, they were still very close friends.

That was all. Even now, when he told her he liked her dress, or that her hair looked nice she tended to flip out - but that was fine. It was just the way she was.

Ino however-- Well, she might have been a point of interest for some time. But she was also Ino. A challenger for 'Sakura's' Uchiha. Therefore, he could be no match. Nuh uh.

Knuckles on his forehead make him grumble, and eventually he reaches up to rub his head, pouting at her.]

Oi. I ain't dumb.

Guys ain't supposed to be cute! Heroes are strong, and-- you know. Cool. Why can't I be cool?

[His gaze drops to his cup - the last one apparently, but that's gone in seconds.]

[noooo /flies away]

[She looks amused.]

I guess you could be cool, too. It's pretty cool how you always show up in the nick of time to save everyone.

[Ino has been nursing hers a bit more. To have gone from utterly disgusted to saving every last drop is a large difference.]

Cool and cute, Uzumaki Naruto. Hmmm, it needs another word. How about kissed?

Oi, what do you mean, could be cool!?

[His lips press even deeper into a pout that looks ridiculous right now, especially with the flush his cheeks have thanks to the alcohol.

There's more protesting ready on his tongue, and he even opens his mouth to retaliate...

Then she has to go and say something like that.

As if his pupils had exploded, his eyes widen with them, and suddenly he can't stop looking between Ino's mouth and her eyes.]

What'dyoujustsay?

[Yeah. He's pretty cute. Especially with that pout on and his cheeks all red. Definitely kissable.

In fact...

She's going to lean forward (it's easy because she was already swaying that way) and plant her lips on his. It's definitely a drunk kiss but she hits her mark.

They're that way for a few seconds and then Ino finally pulls back with a grin.]

So now you're cool, cute, and kissed. It rhymes, see?

[Honestly, it pretty much happens in slow motion. Of course, the alcohol he's consumed probably doesn't help that sensation, but when those lips come to press against his it's almost as if he didn't have the faintest idea it was going to happen.

Whatever he does in response it minimal whilst her lips are against his, there's shock - and then the tumultuous reminder of all the things that Ino is to him. The time they've spent together, the strange relationship they had, the war, the aftermath, the fact that she's always there and it's Ino, Ino, Ino until she pulls away and says that.

Cool, cute and kissed? She kissed him. Ino kissed him.

The wide-eyed deer in the headlights look dies with the thought, and in one fluid motion he's pitching forward. It's not chakra that keeps him upright, just determination - and an arm slip around Ino's waist, pulling her flush against him. It makes him stagger slightly, and it's a miracle that they don't fall, but he's got her, and he's so close... but--]

So're you--

[It's not the smoothest, and despite the ferocity that he'd approached her, his kiss is surprisingly gentle, testing.]

[She doesn't know what she's thinking, kissing Naruto and deciding it's a good idea. He has that thing for Sakura, right? But she still tastes him and sake on her mouth as she finally pulls back,.

Him returning it in full is the real surprise. She makes a sound against his mouth, nearly falling backwards because he's a little too enthusiastic (and drunk) but his arm keeps her straight.

But his lips are soft and warm and she feels hers mold around his and their noses to press together. It's a first kiss for them with drunken context yet she finds herself enjoying it. Now, hopefully, the moon will have a different meaning to Naruto. A nice one to companion memories of a harsh war and make it less melancholy.

When she pulls back it's slow, eyes opening halfway and her breathing a little more heavy. The redness of her cheeks isn't all alcohol anymore. Still she smiles at him, happy.]

[There isn't too much thought that accompanies the moment for Naruto - being kissed, because someone wanted to kiss him was a new thing, or at least - it's the first time someone openly entertained the notion of sharing something like a kiss with him.

It's nice to feel wanted, and he does. Ino seems to enjoy his company, they talk together, laugh together, drink together--

It's the other things that start up in his mind that might just make him put the brakes on - but until she pulls away he thinks nothing of it, his own mouth curled up into a smile once his eyes open and refocus to find hers.]

... Was good.

(( ooc. I hope this is a good canon point for you, but if you'd like me to change anything let me know! ))

[It was almost as a dream, being back in Edoras after Helm's Deep. The battle had been long and painful, all the more so to her for she had remained hidden, no sword in hand, tending to worried wives and crying children. The hours seemed to have extended themselves into days there, hidden in that fortress, and at one point Éowyn was sure that that place was to become a tomb, a place from which none of them would walk away.

However, by some miracle or sheer will of men, they had won. Her brother and his men had returned just in time to add enough numbers to send the dark forces away from the city. They were gone then, but wives still wept, warriors still bled. How many had given their lives to save them she did not know, but it was sure to be a high number.

In Edoras now, they celebrate. She wonders if for those who laugh and drink, how many cry for the deaths of their brothers or sons, their loved ones, but she understands. It is a sacrifice for their city, their king and their kind, even if at a time like this, it is hard to see light in the future of men.

The halls of the house of Rohan are lit, the people loud, singing and dancing, and although she much enjoys being a part of it all, once again seeing such joy in a place not so long ago she thought to be nearly gone is all too overwhelming, and she steps outside into the night for a moment of quiet. It is rather cold but she doesn't seem to mind that, as she takes seat on the steps to the side of the door. Outside it is much quieter, even with the people on the streets, the voices being nothing but muffled sounds, and the air is clear, the night sky bright. The moon and stars seem to shine almost as fiercely as the mid-day sun, and it gives her hope, it makes her smile, even if part of her fears that these stars could be the last that men saw for a long time to come.]

[ Hey, man. Nothing odd going on here, just an off-colored raccoon sidling up, jauntily humming "Blue Moon." The animal stops at Dick's feet and sits back on its hind legs, looking up at the moon, snout twitching. After a pause, he speaks, upbeat as (almost) always. ]

You know, maybe it's just that I've been a city kid for too long, or the whole superhero gig has made me wary of basically everything, but... Is that, like, suspiciously big and glow-y to you? I mean, it's pretty and all, but whoa. Tone it down a little bit, you know?

[ Nobody likes a show-off, Moon. ]

[ ...There's a pause, but then he sits up partially, leaning back on his hands. ]

As a self-proclaimed expert on the moon, [ Look, one of Batman's duties is to sit in the dark on a high ledge (preferably a gargoyle) to stare broodingly at the moon. He puts a lot of hours into it. His moon-fu is high class. ] I'm pretty sure it's normal.

...You're right about glow-y, though. Nobody even needs night vision with this.

Yeah. I mean, I have pretty awesome night vision right now, and it's kinda wigging me out.

[ So, yeah. He'll just resume default mode. Gar Logan the Human Being morphs into being, sitting cross-legged and resting his chin in one hand. ] So how's it hanging, bird brain?

[ He's kind of taking a night off from hanging. ]

The usual. [ He grins. ] Full moon doesn't mean you're gonna wolf out unexpectedly or anything, does it?

[ He knows better, of course, but gently teasing his friends is always the first priority. ]

Nah. The werewolf shtick is so last year.

[ It's all vampires, these days, and he'd rather leave the Bat motif for a certain other group of people. ]

I'm all about progression, you know? I'm a sophisticated man-beastie.

[ He probably tried to make Bruce wear vampire fangs one Halloween when he was Robin... and it probably didn't get very far. ]

Right. Guess that means no howling at the moon for us tonight, then.

Nope. We gotta play it classy, so just... [ And he pauses, because hell if he knows what's a cool, classy line, here. He might have spent a good chunk of his life incredibly loaded, but he wasn't on the sophisticated side of that. ]

Eh, who am I kidding? I wouldn't know class if it came up and bit me.

You tried. [ Gold star. A B for effort. ] Sorta. Watch out, though — some classy people do bite. Hard.

[ He snorts at that, shrugging. ] That's people in general, man. Don't worry. I'm well-versed in figurative people-who-bite.

[ He knows, and he kind of wishes he didn't. Only kind of. ]

Can't argue there. About

either

of those. Anyway... not that I'm complaining, but I'm curious — what are you here for?

[ Apart from just wanting to hang out with someone super cool. ]

( stargazing )

Sherlock Holmes || Sherlock BBC || OTA

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No worries. :)

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thranduil ♦ tolkien legendarium

wanda maximoff | marvel (mcu or 616)

Racetrack Higgins | Newsies

Palom | Final Fantasy IV

quinn fabray ♔ glee

Legolas || Tolkien's Middle-Earth

Ymir | Attack on Titan

rose fenney | dogfight (modern au)

Medusa Gorgon || Soul Eater || OTA

Dejah Thoris || A Princess of Mars/John Carter || OTA

Scanty || Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt || OTA

Thorin Oakenshield || Middle Earth || OTA

Rider/Iskandar/Alexander the Great || Fate/Zero || OTA

THOR ODINSON ( mcu. )

The Doctor | Doctor Who | OTA

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tauriel ( the hobbit: desolation of smaug )

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my otppp v