voice ]

[blondejokes]

There had better be a good reason why I'm fighting- [ A grunt is followed by the sound of flesh being punctured. ]- against these blood-thirsty... things and why I'm not in Konoha.

[ Ino is not very happy. Or informed, actually, because she left as soon as she came to. ]

Comments

[inthejunk]

[That's not unexpected either. Yosuke's heard Shika confess enough times that he wasn't such a great soldier, it doesn't even get a blink. Just a nod.]

He's a pretty private guy, huh?

[blondejokes]

You'd know him better now than I would. Four years can change a person. [ Let's...just...butter him up and then get the information. ]

So... what's her name?

[inthejunk]

He didn't used to be?

[Now that's intriguing.]

Hmm, when is your birthday?

[blondejokes]

He is, but he doesn't have that many secrets he can keep from me. Or ... did. Four years ago, anyway.

The day after his. [ She's onto you boy. ] Why are you changing the subject?

[inthejunk]

Yeah, people do change.

[He's only diverting the subject. You'll see.]

Refresh my memory? It's early for me.

[blondejokes]

Once you tell me her name.

[inthejunk]

Hmm, I'm having trouble remembering that, too...

[blondejokes]

September 23rd.

Does that refresh your memory?

[inthejunk]

It's clearing the haze a little, I think. Something that starts with an い I think.

[blondejokes]

Well, let's try something easier then- is she cute?

[inthejunk]

[Finally, an easy one. Like anyone would ever find Uryuu cute. Eugh.]

Not even in your league.

[blondejokes]

Jeez, I didn't think Shikamaru was serious when he said he didn't want a girl that was too pretty.

What color is her hair?

[inthejunk]

Pretty doesn't seem to be his tastes. [Which smarts a bit to admit, but hey. Maybe it'll make her feel better.] It's black.

[blondejokes]

He says pretty girls are too troublesome to deal with.

Hm. And her eyes?

[inthejunk]

High maintenance doesn't seem like a problem for him now.

Dark. And always hidden under specs.

[blondejokes]

It better not be now that I'm here.

Oh?

[inthejunk]

They've been together for a while.

[Might as well not lead you on, after all.]

[blondejokes]

How long?

[inthejunk]

[Crap, a direct question.]

More than a year.

[You know, probably. Definitely since before last November, anyway.]

[blondejokes]

I'm surprised he lasted that long on his own! She must be a good complement to his personality.

What's her sign?

[inthejunk]

What? How should I know? But they're...compatible enough.

[A grimace, while he remembers a night spent on the sofa in the other room trying his best not to hear how well they were getting along.]

[blondejokes]

Friends should always remember their girlfriend's birthday.

And their names, too.

[inthejunk]

...I guess that second one is true, anyway. But I never asked the first thing. I guess I should, though. I kind of owe a return gift anyway.

[blondejokes]

I'll help you! Flowers are always perfect for gifts.

[inthejunk]

You don't mind? Actually, I need to get some flowers for a girl that I...um. For a misunderstanding.