Notes and Encounters

[16autumnroad]

Appointment Post
Call, leave a message, slide a note under the door, or stop by to find Chouji.

Please use the subject line to mention method of contact and the date of the interaction.
(i.e. "Voice, 3/9")

Comments

[April 2, Action]

[endgames]

[There's no disguising the way Shikamaru's spine goes rigid, with them sitting back like this. There's nothing else to give him away other than that. Nothing but a void of tells and emotions in the quiet.

...]

I'm taking a pillow for the night, if you don't mind it.

[April 2, Action]

[16autumnroad]

Of course I don't mind. I already offered.

[Of course Shikamaru isn't ready to deal with the loss right away. How could he be?

Chouji leans away to get the pillow, turning around and lowering it in front of Shikamaru for him to take. But his other hand takes his teammate by the shoulder, squeezing lightly. It isn't much in the way of comfort, but a silent, "I'm here, you're not alone," is what he has to give.]

[April 2, Action]

[endgames]

Thanks. [Mutely, as he reaches up for the pillow without looking.

He sits there like that longer than he has to. "I know I'm not. I'm glad you're here. Really." Sixty seconds of a comfortable silence, as empty of thought as he can afford it, before he shifts away and up off the bed.]

I'm gonna turn in now. Night.

[April 2, Action]

[16autumnroad]

Anytime.

[Chouji is relieved that Shikamaru doesn't pull away immediately, and he stays there, unmoving, for as long as need be.]

Good night, Shikamaru. Sleep well.

[Maybe they'll both be exhausted enough after the draft to manage that tonight. Chouji can hope, anyway.]

[April 2, Action]

[endgames]

[He nods to that, leaving without another look or a word. Leaving while hoping for a very similar thing.

Chouji's pillow gripped tightly in hand, he spends the night wide awake, lying on a bare mattress in full uniform instead.]