Nayoko gobbled down the last of his evening meal with gusto. He was sitting at his kitchen table with his sister and father who were marveling at how quickly Nayoko was putting his food away. “Whoa big brother, you don’t have to eat like the world is ending!” his younger sister Kioko exclaimed. She slowly lifted a piece of salmon sashimi with her chopsticks to her mouth dramatically, as if to show Nayoko how to eat slowly. But Nayoko was having none of it. He grabbed six more rolls off of the plate in the middle of the table and almost immediately began scarfing them down again. Hisaki, Nayoko’s father, just chuckled before he began to speak as well. “Nayoko, what sort of a day did you have to warrant this much eating?” It was a good natured question, but Nayoko’s answer would not be what his father wanted to hear.

Nayoko had spent the most of the morning training with his new friend, Daiko. What had started as a simple training session turned into a fairly impressive display of power from the two genin. They went pretty all out, and it had exhausted Nayoko, but after a brief rest in the hospital, the “strong-willed” twenty-two year old Hattori decided that doing a mission would be the best thing for him. He then escorted a young ninja back to his own village, but the escort had not been as simple as everyone thought it would be. Nayoko was attacked by three missing-nin outside of the village, and they were fighting to kill. Quite frankly, it was terrifying. Nayoko had never been in a life or death fight like that before, and although he made it out in good shape, he was still feeling the effects of such a fight on his psyche. So here is was, scarfing down his food like a man possessed. “Oh, you know dad, just some hard training and travel for a mission. Nothing special, just tiring.” Nayoko’s father’s eyes narrowed. He knows I’m lying...Damn, I've got a get out of here, Nayoko finished his food and then stood up abruptly with his plate in hand. “Actually I’ve made some plans with my new friend from Kiri! I’m going to go meet him at the Pub tonight. I’ll be home late so don’t wait up for me.” He ran to the kitchen, drooped off his dishes, and was at the door putting on his jacket in a heartbeat. “I love you guys! See you tomorrow!” He said as he opened the door. He could here them replying in kind as we walked away into the evening air.

Before too long he was sitting in a booth at the Shushaya Pub, sipping on some sake and trying to lay low. There were so many people in this place that he didn’t know, so many faces that rushed past him without a second thought. Where some people would enjoy the anonymity, Nayoko was developing a growing distaste for it. All through his academy years he had mostly stayed away from people, making a few acquaintances but nothing lasting. He had been so broken, so torn apart by the death of his mother that he had tried to not form too many attachments, that he would not be hurt again. But now that he had met some more shinobi, and he had grown to call one of the people he had met a friend, he did not want to live in anonymity anymore. He wanted friends. He wanted those connections. He wanted people to know his name and what he could do, and above all else, he wanted people that would fight with him when time came, because as a ninja he was sure it would. And so as he sat alone in his booth, sipping his drink with the rest of the bottle on the table, he decided he would meet someone new tonight. The next person that walked through the door would get a drink on him.

I really hope it isn’t some nasty old man…

WC: 715

It was another quiet evening; another day gone by. Evening accents, setting sunlight and rising moon of milky white, streamed through the open sliding door to the back of the veranda, connecting the quaint room that hosted nothing but a low seated table to the outside world. But Shimada did not care for the glorious illuminations of a village plunging into night. Her attention focused elsewhere, specifically the bowl of rice clutched within one hand. The young woman's head was bent low, ruby eyes flashing anywhere but the empty spots across the table that used to hold family. Now silent, cold, lifeless. Her thin lips pulled into a scowl as she plucked more rice out with a pair of chopsticks, intent on simply finishing her meal and heading upstairs for a well needed rest.

The day's activities had been somewhat of a strenuous cocktail of cemetery visiting and entertaining a strange man - someone she was thinking she could start to call friend - for a good few hours. And, hopefully, he was off to a good start within the village; being a new face with lack of relational contact. Concern welled up in her chest at the thought, but she quashed it back down with a tired sigh. It had been too much of an emotional toll, the long day.

"I can't do this anymore..." The Hattori woman muttered, frustration pulling at her eyebrows, spurring her on to finish the bowl of rice faster. In the house, the silence was finally getting to her; reminding her of happier times and childhood memories where things had not been so still. So alone. Tugging somewhere deep in her heart. She almost screamed in anger at the world for handing her such a fate, but clenched her jaw to hold the ugly sound back. It had been her fault, and despite reassuring confidently in her mind, Shimada still could not completely blame herself. The world was a cruel and bitter place, filled with even crueler people that would stop at nothing to gain what they desired. Her aunt and uncle had only been martyrs in her eyes. Casualties to the life of a shinobi. Nothing more, nothing less.

At least, that's what she always told herself to stop the pain.

When the ache in her chest became too much, the young woman shoved her bowl away and stood. Knees popping in protest at the sudden strain. She clipped the sliding door shut, grabbed for the coat she had discarded on the floor, and left for the front door. Slipping on her sandals, and immediately stepping out into the tepid evening air. Shimada was tired, exhausted by the day's events and wanting nothing more than to sleep away her problems, but she could not stand being in the house at the moment. Locking it behind her, she spun on a heel and strolled off down the road towards no destination in mind. Bloody red hair lighting up in the rising moonlight, pale skin almost anemic in the pallid glow.

The Hattori kept to herself, nodding to the occasional adult or child who passed by, but refusing to let slip a single word of acknowledgment. She did not feel like conversation. As she approached a more crowded section of the village, her eyes, wrung by many a restless night, focused on one building in particular. The Shushaya Pub. Simple enough, she could probably slip in without drawing too much attention to herself, wait out a few hours to calm her thoughts, and head back home. A bit of a smoke on her return walk back would not do bad for her mental health, either. "Alright, let's just get this over with..." Whispering under her breath, she pushed her way in. Enveloped into the warm atmosphere of the pub, and the scent of potent sake.

'Perhaps I can turn this night around...' Contemplating, her eyes darted from face to face, straining for something she could be comfortable with, '...make it into a moment I will feel worth having come here for.'

And perhaps, despite her initial grimness, drive away the lingering thoughts of distress that plagued her.

Nayoko had been sitting and watching the door for about five minutes straight, but to no avail. It seemed that everyone who was going to arrive to the pub tonight already had. Nayoko sighed and glanced down at his glass. Unfortunately, all that he saw was a distorted reflection of his face in the bottom of the now empty glass. Using it as a pathetic excuse for a mirror, he fixed his hair and set the cup back down into the table top. Perhaps tonight is not the night for me to make some friends. Maybe tonight I just need to get happily drunk. Nayoko reached for the bottle of sake that sat at his table and slowly poured himself another glass full. As he set the bottle back down and reached for the glass, carefully bringing it to his lips for another sip, he glanced back at the door just in time to see it open up. Nayoko immediately straightened as a reaction, bracing himself for the person that he would try to introduce himself to this evening. Please don’t be some old guy, please don’t be some old guy, Nayoko thought desperately to himself.

It definitely was not “some old guy.” In fact, it was not an old person, nor a man who stepped out of the evening ether and into the warmth of the Shushaya Pub. It was a young woman, a beautiful young woman. Nayoko’s inhaled quickly and held is breath. Oh great…I, the most socially awkward genin, have to get this girl to talk to me without coming off as some creep who is just hitting on her, but rather as a guy who wants to be her friend…like she’ll believe that. He continued to stare at the young woman who had entered. She was shorter than Nayoko by a significant margin, and was probably a little younger than him as well, but she carried herself well. She was slender, and showed features that Nayoko could not deny he found attractive. The warm light of the room danced playfully off of her crimson hair that reminded Nayoko of the color of blood. That color was repeated in her eyes, though they shone like rubies in the dimly lit pub. The deep color of her hair and eyes were a stark contrast to her skin, which was extremely pale. She was beautiful, and Nayoko knew that he could sometimes become a blabbering mess around beautiful women. Not this time.

Nayoko realized far too late that he was staring at the young woman, who appeared to be searching the room for someone or something. Her eyes darted from table to table, person to person, as if looking for something specific that she was having a hard time finding. It was not too long before her eyes fell on Nayoko, who was still staring at her, trying to read her. The second they locked eyes, he knew how bad it probably looked. He blinked swiftly and turned away to look out a window, pretending that it was a coincidence. Nice going Nayoko. Now she'll think you're a creep for sure. He took another sip of his drink and looked back, to see her still standing there. Well it’s either now or never, he thought to himself as he grabbed the bottle on the table and slid it into view of the woman before he lifted his hand and waved to her from across the room. He did not want to yell, so he spoke out loud but exaggerated his speech to that if she could not hear him, perhaps she would be able to read his lips. “Hi! Sorry for staring. I’m a little out of it tonight. Let me make it up to you.” He then gestured to the bottle of sake, the empty glass he had been given, and the seat across from him.

It would seem that the moment of truth has come. Maybe I would have been better off with some old guy...

WC: 696+715=1411

The people she witnessed ranged from happy drunks, women giggling over a boy in the corner by himself, and a group of shinobi celebrating the success of a long mission. From what she garnered, no one of interest to her. A shuddering sigh escaped her lips, weary and tired, and she considered simply shoving herself away in a dark part of the room and remaining there for the night. Unnoticed, but alone. The one thing she was trying to escape from. Sandals shuffling awkwardly near the entryway, she swept her narrow eyes around one last time in half-hearted effort, and froze. There, sitting at a table with no other company, was a young man. And he had been staring.

Cemented by the fact he quickly averted his gaze, dark eyes making a break for the window beside him.

Her mask of apathy threatened to shatter, and whether it was from embarrassment or surprise, the feeling was unknown. Shimada could not help but feel a little flattered, given the Hattori woman had never considered herself attractive in the slightest. Fighting to keep the flush of red from creeping up the back of her neck, she observed him carefully. Noticing how the young man had recognized his error and seemed to be making up for his actions; the wave of his hand beckoning her over. The redhead could hear him clearly from where she stood, and let a faint smile tilt the corner of her lips upwards as she registered his meaning.

'He wants me to join him for a drink? Huh, that's sweet of him... I've never been asked before, but why not hear him out? He seems friendly enough.' She mused, taking a few steps towards the man. 'And besides, that's what I came for, right? To get away from my solitary life...' Squeezing between a trio of idle villagers, she approached the table and lowered herself in the seat across from him with slow movements. Studying his appearance as she relaxed; one leg crossed over the other, hands knitted together in front of her. Despite her laid back posture, Shimada remained guarded beneath the surface. It was always good to be a little prepared for any situation.

Ruby eyes scanning - probing for his nature - she took in the detail of his features. Light brown hair long in the front, almost unruly to her, but better maintained in the back; and his eyes. If anything, she liked the eyes of people best, and his were a deep brown. Dark, friendly orbs that reminded her of honey and crisp fall days when the weather just started to turn. The trees just beginning to shed summer coats for bare branches and skeletal figures. He was strong, a sturdy example of what a shinobi in health would look like.

Determination buried in his gaze, confidence she realized that she herself failed to possess. At least it put her mind at ease to see others generally positive.

Having left the young man to his thoughts for a moment, she accepted the bottle of sake that had been offered, and poured herself a glass. Taking a pause to gauge the alcohol's content. Shimada had gone drinking a couple times in the past, so the event was nothing new. Just the company. Leaning further back, she stared at the man who couldn't have been a few years older than her, glass in one hand, the other tapping quietly against the tabletop. She provided him a gentle grin. Tired, but visible. Hoping, in some way, she could defuse the awkwardness that had settled.

"I appreciate the gesture. It is not every night I get asked to have a drink with someone." She commented lightly, keeping her indifferent face on tight. "Personally, I'm flattered. No one's ever stared at me like that before." Shimada offered a faint laugh; keeping it low and deep within her chest. Taking a sip of the sake, she let it wash over the back of her throat, warming her insides and shooing away the tinge of doubt that writhed in her heart.

She hoped the young man would be a welcoming voice in her life; perhaps another companion to fill in the holes for the friends she never did have.

But first impressions were never her forte.

'Let's hope he doesn't find this in any awkward...'

The mere moments during which Nayoko waited for a reaction seemed like an eternity. He had put himself in an impossible situation, staring at a young woman from across the pub like some sort of creep, and then asking her for a drink. What was he thinking? Nayoko half expected her to turn and leave immediately, and half expected her to walk across the room and smack him across the face. Much to his surprise, neither of those things happened. He watched her, still smiling, waiting for a response, when he saw he faintest of smiles tug at the corner of her thin lips.  She then started to walk toward him. No way…I can’t believe it. She’s actually coming over! He watched her, still smiling as she maneuvered her way across the length of the pub, passing though a trio of villagers before arriving at the table. She moved with a determination that surprised Nayoko. She wanted to come and sit with him. This wasn’t some sort of weird game to her. She actually came over to talk to him and share a drink. Unbelievable.

She was looking at Nayoko intently as she slowly lowered herself into the seat across from him. There seemed to be a visible release of tension as she relaxed, crossed one leg over the other, and folded her hands together in front of her. She was seemed relaxed, but somewhat apathetic as she sat there looking over Nayoko, the rubies she had for eyes dancing across Nayoko’s face before they locked with his, the lights in the room playing off of her eyes in such a way to make them almost twinkle. Or perhaps Nayoko could hold less alcohol than he thought. As she studied him, he did the same, letting his smile drop slightly while they sat in silence. Getting a closer look at her now, he could see how her hair really was the color of blood, and it flowed over her face gently. She was attractive, no doubt about that. But she seemed tired. Something about those eyes, they reflected an exhaustion that could not be hidden.

Nayoko had never been good at reading people, and just as he was about to try and glean more about her, she reached for the bottle in front of her, and Nayoko realized that they had been sitting in a silence that probably seemed very awkward to anyone around them. She held the bottle a moment, looked it over, and then poured herself a glass. She then began tapping on the table with one hand while holding her glass before she broke the silence. "I appreciate the gesture. It is not every night I get asked to have a drink with someone," she said, seemingly indifferent to the awkwardness that had ensued. "Personally, I'm flattered. No one's ever stared at me like that before." Nayoko could not help but let his smile return to his face when she laughed and took a sip of her sake. There was a flush of blood creeping up his neck, and his face threatened to turn the vibrant color of this stranger’s hair if he didn’t say something soon. He took another sip of his own drink and then replied. “Well, I’m glad that you are only flattered. Many people would take that a much worse way than you! I’m sorry again. My mind has been wandering tonight and when you walked in, I guess I was just looking the wrong way at the wrong time. Or hey, maybe it was the right way.” He smirked, winked innocently, and took another sip of his drink. “But I guess I should introduce myself. I’m Nayoko Nozara. I’m glad you decided to come drink with me. It’s been a while since I’ve had the chance to chat with someone over drinks like this.” He looked her over again, taking in her apparel. She seemed built like a kunoichi despite being and thin and slender as she was. He suspected she probably had a lot more to her than met the eye. “So what brings you out to the pub all alone this beautiful evening?”

WC: 729+1411=2140

Shimada's gaze wandered around the lively pub, skipping over people's faces, and stopping to land, once more, on the young man's features; her attention immediately caught by the sound of his words. Lips twitching to hold back a smile, a freely thrown grin, at the red that threatened to don the skin of his cheeks. He was a bit easy to read, that much she knew, but only due to her observant personality. A lifetime of watching expressions, gauging reactions, to analyze correct conversations. Her mind forever thinking.

His words were of a friendly nature. "Well, I'm glad that you are only flattered. Many people would take that a much worse way than you! I'm sorry again. My mind has been wandering tonight and when you walked in, I guess I was just looking the wrong way at the wrong time. Or hey, maybe it was the right way." The Hattori woman desired nothing more than to tilt her head back and laugh at the smirk, the sly yet innocent wink he awarded her, but kept her response to nothing more than a chuckle. Conveying the emotion she was not completely available to provide. He sure had a way with his words, and in the entire evening, she finally felt amused. Entertained at the prospect of meeting the young man with the somewhat messy hair and pleasing grin.

"Honestly, your words are enough to almost even make me blush." She announced in mirth, hoping, in her amusement, she was not displaying too much. "Don't worry about it, by the way. Minds wander, whether for the best or not, and I haven't had a very clear night myself. Seems it was just fate that led us to meet this way." Shimada hadn't been in this good of a mood for a while, and liked the way it felt. Carefree, purposefully letting another piece of her guard slip. When had she last just let go?

Taking a pause, she listened to him introduce himself as she took a sip from her glass, balancing it in the palm of a hand. 'Nozara Nayoko, huh? Hmm... alright, guess I'll have to introduce myself as well.' Straightening up, voice kept polite, she nodded her head in a mock bow.

"Hattori Shimada, and a pleasure to make your acquaintance. If anything, I would say that I, too, am grateful for the opportunity. It's been far too long since I've been out like this, and I certainly do not mind the company." Stating coolly, she noticed his gaze wander. Not in the scrutinizing way, but the kind that was meant for thoughtful consideration; her apparel, the state of her form. It was true she did not appear like much of an opponent, but it was all part of the show. Kunoichi could manipulate, fool the unwary eye with their bodies, and leave looking no worse for wear. Shimada, in some case, could do the same to a naive adversary.

Who would assume, despite her somewhat sturdy build, that she possessed lethal skill underneath? That, however, went for anyone. A strong shinobi could be even a child, and no one would assume they were capable of devastating feats. If the body was trained hard enough, even the weakest kunoichi could turn into something of a threat. And the redhead guessed, in some cases, she perhaps could be overlooked; not realized a potential opponent until far too late.

Only to those she considered enemies, of course.

Flexing a slender index finger, dragging a strand of crimson hair from a half-lidded eye, she glanced at the man - Nozara-san. Taking in, as well, the stability of his clothes. He surely dressed like a shinobi, and all the better for him. Surely, just as he assumed was true of her, power laid behind a friendly countenance and warm smile. Past dark eyes that no doubt have seen a world of strength and weakness. In her own thoughts, Shimada let slip a gentle smirk. Formulating an answer to his question at the same time.

"Just had to get away from home for a little while. The silence sometimes..." she paused, smile disappearing from her thin lips, "...becomes too much for me." Addressing his inquiry, she poured herself another glass of sake, taking in the scent and potent flavor. To justify her sudden mood change, however, she graced him with a soft question of her own. "And what about you, Nozara-kun?" She stressed, pleased at the prospect of adding further expression into his face; wanting to see his reaction to the honorific she had teased him with. "What brings you out here to this little pub on such a beautiful evening?" Quoting him playfully, mirthfully, she leaned back once more.

Ruby eyes flickering with concealed emotion; smirk threatening to crease her lips despite the ominous answer she had provided to his former statement. It was simply a little known fact about her that she enjoyed teasing male companions.

Especially ones with good-looking appearances.

Nayoko was easing into the conversation nicely at this point. This young woman, whom he had never encountered before, had pushed past the twenty-two year old’s awkwardness and was engaging in a nice conversation with him. She was a blessing if she was anything else. She chuckled at his wink after his quick quip about being in the right place at the right time, and with that chuckle, Nayoko found himself settling down. She was not confrontational or condescending or crude; she was just like him, out for a night on the town to relax. There was something endearing about that. "Honestly, your words are enough to almost even make me blush," she said playfully. Hm, she’s an observant one, noticing that I’m on the verge of becoming a tomato already. She then continued with words that made Nayoko more at ease than anything else that had happened yet. "Don't worry about it, by the way. Minds wander, whether for the best or not, and I haven't had a very clear night myself. Seems it was just fate that led us to meet this way." Nayoko smiled at that comment, fate, huh? And here I thought I was just the luckiest guy in all of Konoha right now. As he introduced himself, she gracefully balanced her cup in the palm of her hand and as he finished, she suddenly straightened and performed a rather hilarious mock bow, to which Nayoko had to stifle a full laugh, before introducing herself in turn. "Hattori Shimada, and a pleasure to make your acquaintance. If anything, I would say that I, too, am grateful for the opportunity. It's been far too long since I've been out like this, and I certainly do not mind the company."

Hattori? Oh boy, that changes a lot. Nayoko did his best not to show on his face the surprise that registered in his mind. Nayoko, though he did not advertise it, was also a member of the Hattori clan. His family name was Nozara due to the time that his family had spent away from the clan proper, and since the Hattori were so scattered as it was, most of the time it did not make a difference whether one was part of the clan or not. But right now, now it made a difference. He was just looking for a friend, but he was having such a good time with the young woman that his subconscious may have been heading toward some small flirting. Or perhaps this sake is getting to me, he thought to himself as he poured another glass. After pouring, he turned to look up at her just in time to see her flex her index finger and pull a strand of her blood red hair from her face. She was looking him over once again, judging what she saw. He did the same, but in a different light.

Was she family? Was she closely related? His family had travelled here from the Land of Water some time ago, so it was possible that they were related though name only, and that the blood relation ran so thin that it would be unperceivable. Perhaps she was adopted into the clan, hell maybe even Nayoko’s family was adopted into the clan. Hattori was such a wide spread name. It was such a common name that to Nayoko, it did not really mean anything that this point. And besides, he was having too much fun to let a name that he did not hold very dear come between him and this woman, this Shimada.

Nayoko’s thoughts were interrupted by a gentle smirk that he saw form on the woman’s face. Ah, and so the façade of apathy cracks. I wonder what is going on in that head of hers. The voice that followed her smirk was different however. It seemed to retreat inside of her ever so slightly as she told him "Just had to get away from home for a little while. The silence sometimes..." she paused, smile disappearing from her thin lips, "...becomes too much for me." Just as quickly has her demeanor had changed, it returned to the original, relaxed one in a heartbeat while she refilled her own glass of sake. "And what about you, Nozara-kun? What brings you out here to this little pub on such a beautiful evening?" Nayoko smiled and leaned back in is seat just as she did following her response. Nozara-kun is it? Well, two can play at that game. Nayoko nursed his drink before continuing, letting her words hang in the air for a moment, just to see if she would regret them in the slightest. She did not. Nayoko set his glass down on the table, leaning forward with his elbows on the table, he intertwined his fingers and held her gaze. “Well Hattori-chan,” he said, mimicking her emphasis, “It seems fate led out two wandering minds together for the opposite reasons. Today was a very busy day for me, training this morning and then a mission this afternoon. My mission involved an escort to a nearby village and well,” he stifled a genuine shudder that flowed though him, his confident air cracking just a little bit, “it was fairly eventful.” Nayoko composed himself one again and continued, “My father does not approve of such recklessness on my part and I did not feel like hearing a lecture about danger for the thousandth time. So here I am, taking a break and, so it would seem, making new friends.” He raised his glass ever so slightly as he leaned back and took another sip.

He watched he intensely, and could tell that she was just barely holding back a smile of her own. He shook his head ever so slightly. What a mystery this woman is. Hattori Shimada, who are you really? Maybe it’s time to end my charade. Maybe I should tell her, just to see how she reacts. He found himself wanting to tell her all about himself, about his family, about his mother, but maybe his clan would suffice for now. He straightened. “Hattori-chan I have something to confess. You see, I am also a Hattori myself, though my family has not identified with the clan for some time. My family name is in fact Nozara, and I have lived by that name all of my life. But my part of the Hattori clan stems from the Land of Water some generations ago. I figured I should let you know, in case that would change how you see me on this….fateful meeting night.” He smiled a genuine smile and leaned back, hoping to convey that he was being honest, and that he was enjoying himself and not put off by this new information at all. He also hoped that this revelation wouldn’t put her off of what was happening, whatever that was. He sipped his sake and waited for a response.

WC: 1233+2140=3373

She caught it. The flicker in his dark eyes, the glimmer in the pits of brown that gave away something indistinguishable. Barely noticeable, but captured. A twinge of surprise and untranslatable emotion. Had she uttered a strange word? A peculiar notion? The Hattori woman did not understand, and simply contented herself with gauging his reactions. His expression recovered, seeming unfazed pouring himself another glass of alcohol.

Her introductions were not that strange, were they?

Shimada failed to answer her own question as her attention was immediately brought back to Nozara-kun's face. Shock registering in the slightest, but quickly vanishing into a strong grin. His leaning back into his seat a mimicry of her own previous actions. 'Trickster, the man seems to be. He's onto my little game... I can see it in his eyes.' Pursing her lips, twirling a strand of red around a finger, she smirked at his response. Taking amusement at the silence that followed, and then the young man's reply. Hattori-chan. Oh, now that was something that deserved her full focus. 'He really is something else.' But the smirk that threatened to break free faltered for a moment.

His tone had changed, just as hers had done in her speech of reason for visiting the lively pub, and she could sense underlying tension. "My father does not approve of such recklessness on my part and I did not feel like hearing a lecture about danger for the thousandth time. So here I am, taking a break, and, so it would seem, making new friends." A distaste for scolding, and then a mock toast towards their new companionship. What had Nozara-kun's words meant? The stifled shudder of some ill-memorized event, connecting to being an escort for a nearby village. Perhaps he had run into danger... The life of a shinobi was never simple, was it?

But, in the transformation back into his relaxed pose, she dropped her guard. Realizing the moment of recalling had passed, and all that was left was now. The present time and conversation. Ruby eyes flashing towards his face, she watched him straighten out. Posture more business-like, and she wondered if she had released her mask of indifference too early. Shimada could only guess what he had to say upon hearing the phrase, "I have something to confess." Again, the young woman smirked at his adding Hattori-chan at the beginning. The teasing game still in full swing.

All that came to an abrupt stop, however, when she listened to him utter relations to the Hattori clan - her clan - and the grin disappeared from her thin lips. Shock replacing mirth, and awe tearing through her once apathetic features. Eyebrows furrowing, knitting together in a cocktail of emotions, she, in that whole night, did not immediately know how to respond. Shimada could never have predicted this, the blood ties he had, and made it known through sound. A tired sigh sounding like a chuckle devoid of humor.

The smile he gave her was honest, genuine, proving the truth she barely could believe. She almost doubted it, if it were not for the possibility. The Hattori clan had always been elusive, a string of loose families some barely related, and, therefore, scattered around the lands. The origins of her own had never been given, but his apparently had been from the Land of Water. Judging, based on the given facts, it was slim they were even closely tied together by blood; the affinities of their styles towards different elemental natures conveying some diverging past that had occurred perhaps a very long time ago. And for that, was she grateful? Confused? Intrigued by the prospect of meeting a fellow Hattori after going so long without a kin of clan in her life?

Cautiously, not providing the true face of her mixed emotions, she took a mouthful of sake. Narrow eyes fixed on his, barely moving as she chewed on the words languidly within her mind. 'Another Hattori, after all these years? I don't even know what to say...' Taking in a deep breath, forcing the sudden shock she had received to evaporate in a wave from her pounding heart, she fixed him with a confident stare. Wondering if it was the sake spurring her on to act so carefree in front of a man she barely knew, let alone found out partially related to by title.

"Well, if that's all you had to admit, consider yourself alright in my book. I mean," she gestured with a pale hand to nothing in particular, simply making a motion to express her point, "I had expected something far worse. If anything, I actually appreciate your consideration in informing me." Shimada crossed her arms behind her head, titling it back ever so slightly to allow a beam of light to illuminate the contours of her face; hoping he could witness the sincerity in her statement as well. "But if you think anything's changed, you've guessed wrong." The Hattori woman leaned forward, forcing a spark of amusement to enter back into her ruby orbs in an attempt to drive away any possible uncomfortable confrontations. "Why would I bother changing my views of someone just based on blood? I already have a pretty good basic prototype of who you are that it would be just a hassle to comprise an entirely new one." Adding thoughtfully, she loosely shrugged a single shoulder. Sweeping back a clump of glistening hair with the motion.

Through her tired eyes, she observed him carefully. Wanting a positive reaction as she polished off another glass of sake. Not completely sure if she was growing tipsy or just plain empowered by falsely instilled confidence.

How many did that make, again?

The initial reaction that Nayoko saw on the young woman’s face was exactly what he had hoped to avoid. The grin that had been working so hard to stay hidden no longer threatened to be released onto her pale face. The tension dropped, and it was replaced by a look that could only be described as shock. Her shroud of apathy had fizzled into the void for just this moment as she realized what Nayoko actually was. Her eyebrows furrowed, as if calculating something based on this new information. She looked like she was about to open her mouth to speak, but did not. And I’ve gone and ruined a perfectly good night…nice one Nayoko. Instead of words, a sigh was released from her thin lips that sounded like it was exhausted with everything around her. Nayoko sighed quietly to himself as well, and there goes the evening…

Nayoko waited for her response on baited breath. If she was now uncomfortable with the was this conversation had gone, then Nayoko would just have to change that! Sure, she probably would not be as enthusiastic about it, but Nayoko had come here tonight looking to make a friend, and what better friends are there than distantly, possibly not even related, clan members? He would turn this around, and if Nayoko had anything to say about it, he would leave with a friend at the very least. He watched her take another mouthful of sake before taking a deep breath. Here it comes, here comes the part where she says we can’t tease anymore, we have to be family. Here comes the end of the fun and the beginning of the serious. She then looked up and locked eyes with Nayoko confidently. "Well, if that's all you had to admit, consider yourself alright in my book. I mean," she gestured with a pale hand to nothing in particular, simply making a motion to express her point, "I had expected something far worse. If anything, I actually appreciate your consideration in informing me." She once again leaned back in her seat confidently, and crossed her arms behind her head as the little bit of light from outside of the window mingled with the warm light from the inside of the Shushaya Pub. The light rolled over the contours of her face which radiated only one thing: sincerity. She doesn’t care…that’s unexpected but welcome. Nayoko could not help but let the grin grow across his face again.

The Hattori woman leaned forward onto the table top, her crimson hair falling over her shoulders as the amusement that she spoke with before returned to her voice. "But if you think anything's changed, you've guessed wrong. Why would I bother changing my views of someone just based on blood? I already have a pretty good basic prototype of who you are that it would be just a hassle to comprise an entirely new one." Her eye’s seemed to twinkle again, but Nayoko was seriously starting to wonder if the sake was doing all of the reading of her face. She shrugged, throwing the hair that had fallen over her shoulder back behind her, followed by her throwing back another glass of the liquid courage sitting on the table. Nayoko leaned forward as well, so that their faces were fairly close together. He could smell the sake on her breath, and he could see that he apathetic armor was starting to reform around her. Though it was not as strong as it was before. Was it comfort that he was sensing?

“Oh! So you have a prototype of who I am then? How observant of you!” Nayoko sipped more of his sake, finishing another glass. He reached over to the bottle and realized it was getting low. No wonder I’m so confident. “Well then Hattori-chan, why don’t you tell me who I am? Who is this strange shinobi that has asked you to share a drink this evening?” He leaned back to a normal sitting position, gesturing eloquently in a show of mock regality. “Am I not mysterious enough for a woman like you, who seems to veil her emotions behind the guise of apathy? Or am I just what you were looking for, a simple to understand, handsome young man, who just wants someone to talk to tonight? Which is it? Satisfactory or no?”

He smiled, hoping she would take the question in the good nature that it was intended, but he also hoped to learn about the kunoichi that sat in front if him. Why was she so guarded? What did she have to hide? He tried to probe her ruby eyes for any hint of emotion, any tell that she was letting the sake get to her too. It was tough, but he thought he saw something giving way.

Or perhaps it was just alcohol induced wishful thinking.

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For a moment, Shimada considered best having kept her lips sealed. The way the young man's expression faltered, as if affected by her initial surprise, took her aback. But it was to be expected, wasn't it? The kunoichi's own fluctuation of emotion, how she had provided a somewhat original negative response. His sigh in response was a bit disheartening. And it made her feel... uncomfortable? Perhaps he now considered them too related to continue the evening's conversation? And though the possibilities of such real blood ties were so thin, the redhead could not help the dejection welling up within her. Surely, it must have been the sake getting to her head as she never would have been this expressive - this lively - in real sobriety.

Ruby eyes flickering in contemplation, she would have been affected by the mood change if his grin had not returned. Fully drawn up, and lighting a face back into mirth. She preferred him better when he was smiling.

But I'm not going to tell him that.' Musing quietly, pushing back down a smirk struggling to rise, Shimada stared quietly. Tapping an index finger against an elbow, arms folded on the table. 'Leave him to his thoughts. He's had enough to consider, and my action towards his confession almost ruined the night. Hopefully... we can still salvage this.' And then he leaned in, closer than before, exposing the finer details of his face. The map of his jawline; the length of his eyelashes sweeping away from dark eyes like two pressed pieces of glittering stone. Close enough for the sake to be apparent on him. Shimada's ruby orbs widened at the proximity they shared, and she produced a shaky exhale of breath to prevent her total composure from snapping. It must have been the sake talking for her to be so comfortable with the closeness she found herself in.

Only at this time in a moment of growing intoxication.

"Oh! So you have a prototype of who I am then? How observant of you!" Her eyes tracked him, scanning his movements as he finished another glass, and proceeded to grab for the dangerously low sake bottle. How long had it taken them to almost drain it of its contents? And... the young man's words almost sounded like a compliment. Or maybe plain commentary. "Well then Hattori-chan, why don't you tell me who I am? Who is this strange shinobi that has asked you to share a drink this evening?" Her attention turned back to him as he continued, away from the bottle, and the minor source of problem. 'Why am I fretting over alcohol?' Shimada was more off in her soberness then she had figured, but, being a small woman, figured the alcohol would course through her blood stream much faster than his.

Hopefully, it would not become a problem in her sense of focus.

"You're quite a few things, Nozara-kun. For example," she paused, bringing out a pale hand to count off a list, "I see that you have determination in your eyes. That there is confidence there in what you do, and that you are a generally friendly individual. Easy to relate to, in the metaphorical and literal way as well." She could almost smirk at her quip; at the humorous reference to the unique situation they found themselves in. "I believe you are a rather interesting man, and work hard... Something in your history, no doubt, but let's not get into depressing or painful matters again tonight, shall we?" Shimada expressed a gentle look, face of tired indifference chipping away. And she felt almost hopeless to the force causing it to crack.

Nozara-kun. That, and the sake pumping through her veins.

She watched him lean away, and gesture his own form of mock etiquette. The Hattori's woman's lips twitching to contain a low, quiet chuckle. "Am I not mysterious enough for a woman like you, who seems to veil her emotions behind a guise? Or am I just what you were looking for, a simple to understand, handsome young man, who just wants someone to talk to tonight? Which is it? Satisfactory or no?"

"Handsome? Oh, you are trying to imply something, aren't you?" Though it may have sounded like a probing question, her eyes reflected back ease; amusement at the way he spoke with her. Or was it flirting? Shimada had never understood the boundary before, and certainly never had been flirted with in her eighteen years of life. It was... very interesting. "However, I do not believe I will give you a blunt answer to your question. Though I have a sharp and honest personality, tonight, I am feeling more at a teasing mood. So, adjusting as is, I will give you a vague one." This time, she did not fail in letting part of a smirk work its way to her thin lips. For once, Shimada finally felt as if it was appropriate to discard a portion of the indifferent mask she had worked so hard to compose. And oh was it the sake talking. "I agree with one of your statements. To which one specifically, you'll have to guess."

Leaning back in her chair, bloody red hair framing her features, she grinned faintly. Something between mischief and intoxication flickering in her narrow eyes.

The Hattori woman definitely enjoyed the teasing she had dealt him.

Nayoko crossed his arms, drinking in every aspect of her response to his question. Who are you Hattori Shimada? She brought up her hand as she began to answer his question. "You're quite a few things, Nozara-kun. For example," she began to count off on her fingers as if she was making a list, "I see that you have determination in your eyes. That there is confidence there in what you do, and that you are a generally friendly individual. Easy to relate to, in the metaphorical and literal way as well." It was all Nayoko could do to not began laughing in earnest at that simple but clever joke. Beautiful, funny, observant, and comfortable with me? Maybe it was fate that brought us together tonight. Nayoko watched her gentle face as she listed off a series of traits that were surprisingly accurate, and could not help but marvel at this woman’s observational skills. His own began to show, however, when he noticed her face visibly soften as she listed off her final thought, "I believe you are a rather interesting man, and work hard... Something in your history, no doubt, but let's not get into depressing or painful matters again tonight, shall we?" Nayoko could see that her guise of apathy was waning, and she would probably give it up entirely soon, if Nayoko was lucky. Just a few moments together and she can read so much about me. What an interesting woman.

After his humorous display and question asking, she immediately jumped on one word that Nayoko had let slip. Did I really just call myself handsome? I’m never this confident…I’m not sure whether I should be thanking or cursing the sake for this newfound courage. Nayoko’s mind briefly wandered to the last interaction he had with an attractive woman. She had been a villager’s daughter, and the evening had ended with her laughing at Nayoko’s awkwardness and leaving him, dejected and alone. Looking back on it, it was pretty pathetic. So seeing as Nayoko had found himself chatting with this stranger who was actually enjoying his company, he was as surprised as anyone could be. The crimson haired kunoichi before him continued in a clearly teasing manner, as the corner of her thin lips slipped into a sly smirk. "However, I do not believe I will give you a blunt answer to your question. Though I have a sharp and honest personality, tonight, I am feeling more at a teasing mood. So, adjusting as is, I will give you a vague one." Nayoko raised an eyebrow, retuning her smirk. Her indifference was finally gone, and Nayoko could finally see past the mask that she had been holding onto so carefully. She was enjoying this very much, and so was Nayoko.

"I agree with one of your statements. To which one specifically, you'll have to guess." She said as she leaned back and let her beautifully red hair frame her face in a picturesque fashion. So, she wanted to tease him then? Well, he didn’t mind at all. He brought his hand under his chin, holding it so to appear he was thinking very hard about his answer. He furrowed his brow in what was clearly mock calculation. “Well,” he began with slowly, “From what I have gathered from you, you like to hide how you’re truly feeling, and the only reason I know is because of the grin I see growing on your face now. You like to keep me guessing, which says to me that you like the same. I, being but a simple shinobi, am not very mysterious. In my twenty-two years of life I can honestly say I’ve never tried to be a mystery to anyone, except for you tonight. And I can see that I am failing at that.” He lifted his glass and downed it in one swig, feeling the warmth flow down his throat, he set his glass down, not bothering to refill it. “No, you are far too observant for that, but I think that tonight, you don’t mind. You were here to get away from silence right? Which means mysterious would be unwelcome.” Nayoko smiled at his reasoning, winking at her playfully before continuing. “So, by that deduction, I believe that you agree with my second statement, I am a simple young man, who has made your evening a little less silent.”

With his deduction complete he leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms. “So how did I do? And while you answer that, I have one more question for you.” He glanced at the near empty bottle. “It seems that our evening may come to an end soon, so I ask you Hattori-chan, when we leave tonight, will it be as distantly related family? Or friends?” He smiled and tilted his head slightly to the left, reaching up to fix the spikes at the front of his hair, hoping for the latter response but knowing that he had done all he could to influence her opinion.

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He found her amusing; funny. A choice of words she had never bothered to use until the fateful night. Shimada did not consider herself a humorous individual, more content with self contained wit then obvious laughter, but the shinobi's response proved she had done something right. Something to display a trait other than guarded indifference and laid back cruelty.

And she liked this new feeling. But, as with everything, it would have to end. She'd eventually return home, alcohol induced state worn off, and when the morning arrived, it would be like she never had spoken to the young man. Her natural face plastered back into familiar position, and her expression blank as ever. But, in her mind, it would be different. Behind the pain of loneliness, the concealed grief waltzing in the furthest recesses of her consciousness, there would be hope. Blocking out a piece of that mental ache.

With the sake clouding a portion of her judgement, she vowed to that belief in stride as she watched her fellow companion analyze her expression; a gentleness spreading across her lips she did not know she possessed. Or had ever exhibited.

At her previous response, however, Shimada could practically witness the gears turning in his head. 'What could possibly be thinking?' Musing silently, she watched him in his sudden quietness. As if he has been whisked away to a past world in his thoughts - memories whirling and clicking to paint some imaginary scene. It left her to ponder the situation on her own time. 'What an interesting man.... He truly is. Pleasant, cordial in some ways, playful in another. I have to admit.' She halted her thoughts to consider the words carefully. 'I truly am enjoying his company. Makes me remember a time when I didn't have so many things to worry about.'

And then he placed a hand under his chin as if pondering her vague answer, and Shimada nearly broke pose. It was comical, almost too much, resulting in her choking out a fake cough to replace the laugh that almost broke free from her lips. A mock show of deep consideration that amused the young woman greatly. “Well,” he began slowly, “From what I have gathered from you, you like to hide how you’re truly feeling, and the only reason I know is because of the grin I see growing on your face now. You like to keep me guessing, which says to me that you like the same. I, being but a simple shinobi, am not very mysterious. In my twenty-two years of life I can honestly say I’ve never tried to be a mystery to anyone, except for you tonight. And I can see that I am failing at that.” She wanted nothing more than to glance at him in surprise, but held the expression back. Though he may not have been mysterious, it partially due to his being able to be read like a book. A life time observing faces enabled the more thoughtful and analytical side of her to be present. His mysteriousness failing to be displayed, but honesty in place. He was genuine in his explanation of her, breaking down the part of Shimada that desired conversation - not muddled conduct - and as she watched him polish his glass one last time, she smirked. Visible against the paleness of her features.

She earned another wink, a reasonable grin, and his observant words. Oh, wasn't he smart? Providing to her a logical answer of what seemed the best conclusion. And the young man was right.

'Clever...' Dragging crimson hair from her eyes, showing off two glittering orbs filled with unfeigned, undiluted excite, she bowed her head ever so slightly. Permitting him the faintest looks of defeat. "You did well." She whispered, drawing her hands up to slowly clap them together in congratulations; lenient gaze remaining fixed on the man as he leaned back, arms crossed over his sturdy chest. The least she could offer was acknowledgement to his success, and then silence to listen to his last inquiry.

'Leaving on a note of distantly related family or the option of friends? Well, I suppose I know which one is obvious.' Pushing her glass away, drawing herself up to her full height, she awarded him a small genuine smile. Faint, but clear. Creasing her eyes into ruby colored slits. "Friends sounds like the better option, don't you think? Cut yourself off too thin, and, well," in an attempt at a wink, she blinked one eye closed, "you loose options." And still, she could not understand if the words were from her own thoughts or if the sake still had a tight hold over her mind.

Tipping back the last of the alcohol she had left in her glass, the Hattori paused for just a moment to ponder the next idea that came to mind. Something that would have embarrassed her to ask if she had been perfectly sober. "Would you be a kind gentleman and walk a fair, partially drunk kunoichi to her home? I would do so myself, but I feel... not in the best of shape." It wasn't like she could not defend herself, far from it, but by the way the pub tipped gently at the edges, she knew she may not possess the best state of balance.

Tucking a strand of crimson hair back behind her ear, she paused for his input, and whether the male would offer a hand.

'Well, at least this night was not a complete loss as it had been before I came here...'

The young shinobi could not help but smile to himself when his drinking companion expressed that his deduction was more or less correct. The alcohol flowing through his brain causing him to think, Hey, maybe that means she thinks I’m handsome too! She seemed to have enjoyed his little display of thinking, and Nayoko was genuinely happy that he was finally seeing past her mask. She seemed amused. Not indifferent, not apathetic, but amused. She was enjoying herself, and her fake cough was easy enough for Nayoko to see right through. She had laughed at him; but not because he was being an awkward mess, but because he was being funny! He was letting her relax, and judging by the look on her face, it seemed to Nayoko that relaxing was exactly what Hattori Shimada had needed. She gave him a simple clap and bow in the face of his victory, to which he jokingly bowed in kind, more curious about her final response than whether he was actually right or not at this point.

She sat up straight, to her full height, which was not very much compared to Nayoko, but still, even in that single moment, Nayoko could tell that she was a strong woman; a kunoichi capable of holding her own. He issued a slight nod in approval, one that would be barely recognizable as anything more than a stretch or perhaps a twitch to the average observer. She then smiled a full, genuine smile that almost caused Nayoko to start. The smirks, the grins, the tension of holding back her smiles was gone. She actually smiled though faint as it may have been, and Nayoko returned the smile in kind. Her ruby red eyes narrowed into slits that reminded Nayoko of kunai, though ones made of precious stone. Finally, she answered his question. "Friends sounds like the better option, don't you think? Cut yourself off too thin, and, well," in an attempt at a wink, she blinked one eye closed, "you loose options." Nayoko watched her intently for a moment, gauging her response. I really hope this doesn’t bite me in the rear later. “I could not agree more,” he said, visibly relaxing after he decided that she was being sincere, in her own playful way. “Closing doors has never been the best option in my book, and I’d like to see what is through this one if that is alright with you.” He locked eyes with her just long enough to make sure she knew it had happened, and then broke the contact to glance out the window once more.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw her empty the last of her sake from the glass and pause just for a moment. As he turned back to her, she posed a question he could tell she was not used to asking, only for the slightest bit of red that was beginning to crawl up her neck. "Would you be a kind gentleman and walk a fair, partially drunk kunoichi to her home? I would do so myself, but I feel... not in the best of shape." Thoughts began to race through Nayoko’s mind. She wants me to walk her home? She could totally handle herself and she knows it, I mean there’s no way she is drunk enough to actually need help. That means that she just wants me with her, and to that I do not object at all! Without more than a moment of hesitation, Nayoko stood up from the table to his full height, bowed slightly and extended a hand to his new friend. “It would be my pleasure Hattori-chan. Let’s see if we can ward off the night’s silence together for just a little longer.”

Despite his slightly exaggerated display, he smiled at her softly, hoping that she understood this to be a genuine offer and now just some play. He was happy to be with her, and he wanted her to know that.

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When was the last time she had smiled so openly like that? Months ago? Years? It did not really matter to her, but in some strange way, deep down, the Hattori woman knew it had. And it felt like relief flowing through her veins instead of alcohol at the realization she had experienced something other than plain indifference. The mask she had worked so hard, cast aside in only hours? It seemed the world was full or surprises, or just plain enjoyed tossing her emotional state around. But what ever was the truth, Shimada ignored it for one time. Desiring nothing more than to focus on the company in front of her.

It's much better than dwelling on anything else.' Musing firmly, eyes trailing the young man's movements, the way his bow jokingly imitated hers, she allowed the faint smirk on her lips once more. Finding something she could be amused in. Noting the subtle jerk of his head, indicating a nod of what seemed to be approval in his expression; barely caught, but, to her, noticeable. His upbeat countenance testimony to her near fully laid back attitude.

The young woman took a few glimpses around the pub, still encountering the same warm atmosphere, but a few less of the friendlier drunken villagers. Permitting him a moment of silence to consider his response to her statement wisely. What he truly thought about the idea of open-ended options like branching paths no one knew the answers to. But, the what life was like, wasn't it? A journey of miraculous twists and destructive turns. Controllable by the individual, and the many shaping their lives. And Shimada, too, hoped he may have a hand in the alteration of her course. Someone to be considered a companion, and then permitted to the tides of fate to shape what would become of the future.

Of what their actions sculpted in the end.

His words were almost like a blessing. "I could not agree more,” he stated, and visibly relaxed with the words weighing between them.  “Closing doors has never been the best option in my book, and I’d like to see what is through this one if that is alright with you.” The woman had to prevent herself from starting in surprise when he peered into her eyes; strong dark brown mingling with vibrant red. An indescribable emotion buried beneath the reflective surface. Determination? Confidence at the fact he decided the routes displayed before them?

But Shimada had already figured the truth towards her inner bemusement. Anything was fair game in the future by the conjoining agreement of their equally expressed regards. And she did not seem to be bothered by the fact.

The look in his eyes, however, dispersed in a flash with the craning of his head towards the window. Had she imagined it? It did not seem quite possible as the Hattori woman never had been an imaginative child, but she shook off the feeling writhing within her conscious. It was definitely time she made the trek back home if she worried herself over hallucinations that may or may not have been real. Abruptly, her saving grace, the young man's offered hand and a gentle bow. 'Now I'm content. Perhaps this getting drunk thing was not that bad... Got to meet a polite shinobi, after all, and especially one who does not mind having me around for a little while longer.' Slipping a pale hand into his, she stood on shaky legs, finally realizing the imbalance of her form, and the startling height that loomed over her. 'Ah, that's just a drag. I'm worse than I thought, and this guy has quite a few inches over me. What is he, six feet?' Contemplating over the matter, she failed to realize what she had been doing for just a moment before snapping back to reality.

Tired ruby eyes gleaning off from him a soft smile, and a warm disposition. Exaggerated for comical effect, but genuine. "I wonder how I got so lucky tonight..." She mumbled quietly into the air, the words slipping out before she could understand she had spoken them aloud. If the aspect bothered her, she did not show it. "Ah, let's just get moving, shall we? I'll lead you over there, but just make sure you've got yourself on standby just in case I start tripping all over the place. I have enough conscious to admit I'm intoxicated, and though I prefer no aid, tonight, I'm making an exception." Whispering, keeping her voice down in case the sake emblazoned whatever courage she had left into a screaming match, she proceeded to stroll out of the pub. Haphazardly, but knowing which direction to take.

Glimpsing over her shoulder to see if he was following.

Her mind whirled with a barrage of incoherent thoughts, muddled at the fact it was late in the evening, and she had consumed a greater amount of alcohol then she ever had before. It stopped to land on one in particular.

'This is going to hurt in the morning.'

Nayoko felt her hand slip into his, the warmth of her skin mingling with his own. How in the world did this happen? He watched her stand slowly, and noticed her wobble just a little bit before turning and looking at Nayoko; her gaze lingered. It looks like it’s her turn to get caught staring tonight. Nayoko’s smile widened as she mumbled something barely coherent, but the words burned like fire in Nayoko’s ears. "I wonder how I got so lucky tonight..." Nayoko helped steady her before quietly responding so that even he wasn’t sure she would hear it, “I was just wondering the same thing myself.” Steadying herself she then continued, almost whispering to ensure she wasn’t talking too loud Nayoko suspected. "Ah, let's just get moving, shall we? I'll lead you over there, but just make sure you've got yourself on standby just in case I start tripping all over the place. I have enough conscious to admit I'm intoxicated, and though I prefer no aid, tonight, I'm making an exception." Nayoko let her hand slip from his as she strode, unsteady but upright, toward the exit of the pub. As he watched her walk from behind, he found himself hoping that he could hold her hand again, maybe someday soon.

He caught up to her at the door and began walking down the street, walking in stride with his new friend, following her directions and making sure she remained on her feet for the duration of the walk. As they turned down a street that was mostly residential, Nayoko realized that his time with Hattori Shimada was almost at an end, and he felt his heart drop just slightly. He looked up at the sky, starts beginning to peek out of the darkness of night to illuminate the sky, and stretched arms behind his head with a sigh before addressing his companion. “Well Hattori-chan, it has been quite a day for me. First, I trained with a new friend from Kiri, learning from him by getting my butt kicked pretty bad, then I went on a mission where I fought three, not one, not two, but three missing-nin who were trying to kill my charge. I fought them off but it was the first time I had been in a life or death fight.” He relaxed and smiled at her, “I’m happy I made it back in one piece for the evening I had.” He looked right into her ruby red eyes, framed by the crimson hair that was falling over her face, “Ya, tonight was the best night I’ve had in a long time.” He paused for a moment, thinking of what to say next before he continued pouring out his thoughts as they leapt, unbidden to his lips. “When I got to that pub I was hoping to meet a new friend. I told myself that the next person who walked through the door would have a drink on me. Lo and behold, you stepped through. Do you know what the first thought I had when you walked in? ‘Thank goodness she isn’t some crazy old man.’” Nayoko laughed out loud at that, throwing all caution to the wind and laughing at how ridiculous it had been. “In all honestly, now I’m so happy that it was you who walked in, because I don’t think there’s another person in this village I would have rather spent my time with.”

He realized that they had stopped walking and were standing in front of a home. Nayoko glanced around the street that stood fairly empty. “Well, here we are. We made it!” He chuckled again. Then his face softened and looked right at her, taking in every detail of her features, the light from the streetlamp illuminating her face. She was beautiful. He could feel his normal awkwardness returning with a vengeance as he started rambling, “Seriously though, I would love to see you again. Whether it be in the training fields, the markets, the docks, or hey, even the pub again! And it doesn’t have to be alone if you don’t want to, bring friends if you want! It really doesn’t matter to me, I just-“ he cut himself off. Come on Nayoko, don’t fall apart now. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before continuing. “I just had a really great time with you. I hope you did too.”

He stood there, putting his hands in his pockets and waiting for her to turn and go inside, because he certainly did not want to be the first one to go.

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She could have sworn she heard him say something, a hushed whisper like the wind, but thought otherwise. In her condition, it was likely she could have made it up despite the down-to-earth nature she so readily expressed; sharp, surgical precision that now seemed all over the place in a moment of drunken vulnerability. The young woman truly was grateful for his help, and strolled down the street beside him contentedly, not very graceful, but attempting to act as such.

The residential street came into view, illuminated by dim lights, and even dimmer stars. Stark contrast to the milky orb hanging low in the blackening sky, acting as a watcher to all who stepped into the pallid glow. Her house was so close, but for some reason, she did not feel pleased. Recalling, in the back of her mind, the silence that would definitely be there to greet her. It dropped like a heavy rock in her chest, writhing painfully. But things had to go back to normal routine, hadn't they?

As if the man beside her had shared the same sentiment, he sighed a heavy sound and folded his arms behind his head as if in contemplation. Most likely, he was. “Well Hattori-chan, it has been quite a day for me. First, I trained with a new friend from Kiri, learning from him by getting my butt kicked pretty bad, then I went on a mission where I fought three, not one, not two, but three missing-nin who were trying to kill my charge. I fought them off but it was the first time I had been in a life or death fight.” The shinobi spoke up, startling her out of her trance at watching the flickering sky. So he had been in a dangerous situation, just as he had implied earlier that night when their conversation was still young and introductions to be made. And when he continued, smiling and informing her he was pleased he survived as he would not have had the evening he did, she frowned. Ever so slight. A twitch of her lips that could have been seen as a mere muscle spasm.

That's correct. If he had not acted the way he had done, he could have ended up in the hospital, or worse. And she would never have met him; this meeting null and void if the situation had played out differently. The Hattori woman glanced up into his dark eyes, wondering, if his success had not been the case, where would she be now? Still lurking in her house, waiting for the next day to arrive? Would they have even met? Her mind clicked with a whirlwind of considerations, what-ifs and possibilities of a different night if she had not visited the pub, and instead focused on his voice. Low and rumbling in his chest as he continued.

He brought up an old man, his musings directed to the beginning of their meeting, and she could not help the little chuckle that crept up the back of her throat. Quiet, but audible. 'Thank goodness I was not an old man? Well, I could not agree more.' “In all honestly, now I’m so happy that it was you who walked in, because I don’t think there’s another person in this village I would have rather spent my time with.” Shimada's composure went south. Buried underneath a flustered expression the woman so desperately tried to keep to herself; a prickle of heat threatening to travel up the back of her neck.

"A-Ah, you're doing it again, I see. Trying to make me more disheveled than I already am? You're words are kind, almost too cruel, to paint me in such a picture." She answered truthfully, slightly embarrassed at the aspect he was so content in her presence. "You point me out to be more than I am actually worth, but as they say," her ruby eyes flickered with contained emotion, "flattery will get you no where." Stating this, she paused as the pair stopped in front of her house; a quaint two story building devoid of life and light. Reminding her of the loneliness, the ghosts of the past, dancing between the walls. She did not feel like waltzing in to disrupt the dust right away, and remained outside.

Lingering on the precipice of companionship and isolation.

Shimada, all ruby eyes and bloody red hair, gazed up at the man who now stood across from her. He stared, studying her as if wanting to commit all detail to memory, and she, too. Acting as if they were parting for a while. The strong curve of his jaw, lips dancing with a faint smirk. A laugh just buried below the surface; reserved for good intentions. The way he held himself with a strength she wished to posses in her own confidence. But even then he denoted a sliver of nervousness. Lingering anxiety.

It was in the way he rambled, awkward, as if afraid he may forever lose her presence. Something like a vulnerability he concealed deep down behind a warm countenance. The young man, tall and looming above her in the glow of the streetlight, had expressed a face she had never seen from him until then. And still, she was not ready to share her own. The pathetic, weak creature that resided within her heart, bitter and sad; carrying with it a depressed exhaustion. Regret of tragedies she was trying to repair.

"No, please..." She broke in quietly, trying, in all the world, to sound remotely intoxicated; having sobered up moments ago from her thoughts. "I actually had a fun time. Enough to get me through the night, and to have even found a companion in the midst of it all? Even better. Do not regret it." Murmuring, Shimada approached him under the light, soft shadows falling into her eyes. She could not believe she was committing the personal act, but it was better than leaving him awkwardly standing there wondering if she expressed similar regards.

Though her sandals did not provide much leverage, she stood on her toes, unstable, but held carefully. Splaying a pale hand on one of his shoulders, she pushed herself up higher, and, as gentle as could be, brushed her thin lips against his left cheek. It was the least she could do for all he had done. The woman, crimson hair silvery red in the illumination, pulled back and permitted a faint smile. One that did not match the tired pain in her eyes. Hoping, if anything, the mask of apathy she was slowly retreating back into would conceal it for her.

She was too exhausted tonight to bother with keeping up jovial appearances, and with the alcohol finally running thin in her blood, figured it best to let herself drift back into natural indifference. The smile still remaining, hoping the young man could see she was content with his being there. That parting ways had not changed the bond they slowly formed.

"Thanks for everything, really. I think meeting up again would be a great idea. I'm open to anything, but if you ever want to train, just drop on by. You know where I live." Twisting around, she slipped off towards the doorway of her house, pausing to stand on the front steps for just a moment to watch him. To see him safely leave for the direction of his own place of residence.

Or, perhaps, just to witness how he would react one last time. After all, their time together that night was almost over.

"No, please..." Her words caused him to start, worried about what could follow such a plea. Maybe she was regretting the night? Maybe she was worried about their shared clan all of the sudden. He mind raced with possibilities for the split second that she paused, before all of his fears were put to rest. "I actually had a fun time. Enough to get me through the night, and to have even found a companion in the midst of it all? Even better. Do not regret it." She was murmuring, sounding slightly intoxicated, but in a way, clear-headed. In reality, Nayoko could not have cared less. She had a good time. That was all that mattered to him in that moment, at least until she followed those words with her next actions.

She was stepping toward him, her hair was cascading over her shoulders and framing her face while the light danced across it, veiling her eyes in dark shadows that he yearned to see though, if only to see those ruby orbs once more before the night was over. And then she was close. Closer than she had been all night. He felt her lean forward, her hand pressing against his shoulder as her face rose towards his, as if in slow motion to Nayoko. She pushed herself up, past his view before he felt it. The lightest brush of her thin lips touching his left cheek. Time seemed to stop for Nayoko then, as she pulled back, she was the only thing he could see. He stopped his mouth from becoming agape, but he probably looked a little bit surprised, if not pleased, as well as bright red. He looked at her as she pulled away, looking down into her eyes for the brief moment that she stayed there, smiling leaning on him. Don’t read too much into this Nayoko, its just a kiss on the cheek. Nothing too special. Don’t screw this up. Her eyes seemed to tired. She could not hide that from him, try as she might. And as he looked at her smiling at him with those exhausted eyes, he knew that the mask that he had worked so hard to remove was coming back.

And then it was over, she stepped back from him, still smiling, seeming content, but weary of the world around her. Nayoko managed to compose himself, probably still blushing uncontrollably, but calmer than he had just been. She then spoke to him for seemed to be the last time that night. "Thanks for everything, really. I think meeting up again would be a great idea. I'm open to anything, but if you ever want to train, just drop on by. You know where I live." With that, she twisted around and walked toward her doorway, but she paused at the door, glancing back to look at him one last time. Nayoko, having finally reigned in his emotions, smiled softly to her and nodded. “Ya, I’ll definitely come by. And if you’re ever tired of the silence again, let me know and I’ll join you.” He turned and began walking away, but before he got too far, he looked over his shoulder and raised a hand to wave, “Goodnight Hattori-chan. Sleep well.”

With that, he walked off into the night toward his home. When he was sure he was out of eyesight of her and around a corner, He looked back up to the sky and stated out loud, so that anyone around could hear him, “I have never been luckier in my entire life!” He laughed happily, and began to jog home, invigorated by the evening he had just had, and the woman he had just met.

Ya, I’ll see her again for sure…

[Exit Thread]

WC: 656+6658=7314

Training:
All Stats from D-2 to D-3 (2250/2250)

D-Rank Jutsu: Water Release: Hidden Mist Technique (水遁・霧隠れの術  ~ Suiton: Kirigakure no Jutsu) (750/750)

D-Rank Jutsu: Water Release: Water Trumpet (水遁・水喇叭 ~ Suiton: Mizurappa) (750/750)

C-Rank Jutsu: Leaf Great Whirlwind (Konoha Daisenpū - 木ノ葉大旋風) (1000/1000)

Fuuton Element from C to B (2000/2000)

Unused WC: 564

OOC:

It was amusing, watching his expression alter from quiet composure to flustered surprise. Her actions had left a mark, that was for sure, and not just on him, but the woman as well. Why had she acted that way? The Hattori hardly understood the reasons to her strange behavior, and, yet, did not mind. She had a fun night, met an even nicer man, and backed it all up with a fleeting personal touch.

One in her own special teasing way.

Though his smile was soft, Shimada could tell there were traces of shock lingering; justifiable in the way she had moved so swiftly and without warning. But that was just her. Unpredictable on some occasions, stoic the next. It was interesting to have played the role she had done that night, and she glanced at him as he finally spoke up. Having recovered a bit of his stability. “Ya, I’ll definitely come by. And if you’re ever tired of the silence again, let me know and I’ll join you.” He was offering, and one day, she might just have to take it. Better than the emptiness of a broken household. 'And my own thoughts...' Whispering in her mind, ruby eyes studying him as he turned to walk away, she caught the wave he awarded her with. Bidding a 'goodnight' before strolling off down the illuminated street and into the gloom of night.

"Goodnight to you as well, Nozara-kun." Calling after the young man, she watched him round a corner, and, satisfied to see him safely off, headed into her house. As soon as the door was locked behind Shimada, her face immediately dropped its elated expression. Back to neutrality, letting a wave of exhaustion wash over her at the mere thought of the day's long events. The silence was still there, not as suffocating as before, and she made her way upstairs to her quaint bedroom. Intent on sleep she felt practically deprived of.

Still, her thoughts lingered on the man she had met. The conversation they had held. It had been... fun. An experience she had not had in a while. Mounting the stairs two-by-two, she permitted a last smirk to curl the corners of her lips upwards.

They definitely had to meet again.




Training

Trained Raiton Element C -> B [7599 - 2000 = 5599]
Learned Lightning Release: Lightning Rod (雷遁・避雷針 ~ Raiton: Hiraishin) [5599 -750 = 4849]
Remaining: 4849