W00T RP Log!
Characters: Lee and Chouji
Setting: The Blue Butterfly
Rating: G
Warnings: Excessive amounts of curry?
Summary: Lee and co enjoy a wonderful breakfast at The Blue Butterfly, and Lee tries to encourage Chouji in his own clueless way ^^
He flipped the skillet expertly, catching the pancake as it spun through the air. Flourishes like that were entirely unnecessary when preparing food, but Chouji craved excitement in his life. Well, maybe not excitement, per se. What he truly craved, when it came right down to it, was safety and security and for all his friends to be out of harm's way until the end of all their days. But he wasn't getting that, and anyway, the morning shift was boring when there weren't any customers or guests. So, he wanted neither boredom nor excitement, but the medium inbetween, he decided. The medium where everyone was okay, no one would get hurt fighting a government that in a perfect world shouldn't need to be stopped in the first place. The medium where Chouji didn't wait out in the middle of nowhere like a lump. A lump of batter, he thought, flicking scraps off the skillet. A medium where he didn't feel so big and useless, and where-
The door pushed open.
"Ah, hello!" Chouji said, smiling cheerfully and wiping his hands on his apron. He recognized a few of them. One, two, three- all rebellion members. There were ways you could tell, Chouji had discovered, a certain something he'd learned to look for. He'd first noticed it in Shikamaru, but he was seeing it more and more in others these days. His smile widened into a genuine grin as he hurried to help them inside and find out how he could assist them.
If this is all I can do... I'm going to do a damn good job of it.
A slight curve of his lips was the only indication Rock Lee gave of his amusement as he entered the Akimichi’s fine establishment behind the three rebels - despite what Neji said, Lee could be inconspicuous when he wanted to be; he couldn’t lead the BEST BAND OF THIEVES TO EVER ROAM KONOHA without exercising a little discretion now and then.
While he knew that the Akimichis were friendly to the rebels (having eaten an uncountable number of mouth-watering meals there), Lee also knew that spies and enemies could be anywhere, and it was wise to remain unnoticed until the situation called for him to reveal himself (such as when backhanding blackguards who would dare attempt to dishonor any lady within Lee’s line of vision). Hence his temporary change in wardrobe - a beaten old traveler’s cloak and shawl over his leaf-green suit, and black pants and knee-high boots to hide the weights. It was a little uncomfortable, but Lee could move like lightning whether he was wearing a woman’s dress (don’t ask) or a full suit of armor; a little modification like this didn’t faze him in the slightest. (Though he would be glad to be back in camp, where he could toss off all of these clothes that restricted movement, unlike his beloved tights.)
Lee nodded to Chouji, letting the door slam behind him, pretty sure he wouldn’t mind. He was also pretty sure that Chouji would recognize him, but wasn’t nervous about being given away or betrayed; there were a few people he could trust, and Lee knew Chouji had a heart of gold.
Chouji did indeed recognize the other man. Even in disguise, Lee was still distinctively... well, Lee. There was only a brief raise of Chouji's eyebrows before the big man returned Lee's nod with a brisk wag of his head, his tattooed cheeks dimpling into a smile of greeting.
"Hullo Le- er, travelers." Chouji said, stuttering to a pause at Lee's name, not sure whether he should address him directly or not. Was he in disguise? In trouble? Were guardsmen looking for him? There was no one else in the common room, but you couldn't be too careful during days like these.
Still, after inquiring if the "travelers" had any steeds that needed stabling or grooming, Chou nodded them towards a secluded table in the corner where they could retain their privacy if anyone else stopped in. He mentally took tally of possible foodstuffs they might ask for, hoping Lee wouldn't ask for that bizarre curry stuff he liked so much. That stuff, even Chouji's Akimichi stomach had trouble putting down.
Settled into the private booth with his fellows, Lee flashed Chouji a bright smile; he didn’t particularly mind the slip up - it didn’t seem like there were any enemies near tonight, but it was always better to be anonymous. That being said, Lee was hungry.
“Thanks, Mr. Akimichi,” he said, despite Chouji being one year younger than he was; Lee was always very polite. “Do you have any curry today?” Lee was a sucker for curry; the spicier the better. “Oh, and orange juice?” None of the thieves ever made fun of his refusal to drink alcohol, having witnessed him the few times he was drunk (accidentally).
Chouji inwardly groaned at the mention of curry, but kept up his congenial facade. Even the smell of the stuff could make his eyes water. "Uhm... yeah, sure. I'll put some on the stove for you." he told him. "And orange juice, huh?" (yes, Chouji did not need to help repair broken tables and chairs like LAST time) "Coming right up!"
He exited into the kitchen after receiving the other member's wants for food. Rebelling against the government apparently built up an appetite. He made all the necessary preparations, making sure the curry was good and hot, the way Lee liked it, and came back after several minutes with a full bowl of the stuff, along with the other requests.
"Here you go." Chouji said cheerfully, setting the meals in front of them. "Anything else I can get you?"
“No’mgood” Lee managed to get out before he dove into his food like an animal (he and his mentor were called “Beasts” for more than one reason), somehow simultaneously managing to compliment the food, drink his orange juice, and not stain his clothes. His face was steaming from the curry, but he’d already finished it and held his bowl out for more.
About one minute had elapsed.
“No one around makes curry like you - that was incredible - could I try some other spices, if you have any?” Lee asked through watery eyes. The other members of the rebellion, used to their friend’s eating habits, chatted and shoveled down the food.
Chouji gaped only a little as he watched Lee get to work on the food. Lee was one of the few guys who might give even an Akimichi a run for his coin in the art of eating. When it came to curry anyway. Was this guy for real? He wondered vaguely how Lee managed to keep his trim build going at it like that.
"Er... thanks." Chouji replied to the compliment, taking the bowl back with only a trace of reluctance. "How hot do you want it? I can make it really scorching if you want." he said, a hint of a smile working it's way back into his face. "I've got some stuff from Suna I've been wanting to try out on somebody."
“Suna!” Lee cried, eyes aflame. He remembered Suna - He, Gai-sensei, and the rest of the team had ambushed corrupt nobles and merchants there before (making off with huge amounts of riches to distribute) - it was a bit dry, a bit desolate, a bit… sandy, but it had a wild, untamable beauty all its own. He wanted to visit again soon - definitely when the Akatsuki were defeated.
“Absolutely! I’ve never tried Suna spices before,” he said, somewhat regretfully. “Make it as scorching as you can!” Lee could really pack it in when the occasion called for it - a high metabolism and hours of grueling training every day made it possible for him to eat as much as he wanted. And curry - oh, curry - the hotter the better.
Lee leaned back in his seat, stretching his arms behind his head and laughing somewhat uncomfortably to a raunchy joke one of his comrades, buzzed on alcohol, slurred out. Ah, if only every morning could be as peaceful…
Chouji chuckled at Lee's enthusiasm. It was the same every time he stopped by. Didn't Lee ever stop to give himself a rest? To breathe? So different from someone like Shikamaru, lazy and sleeping the days away. Chouji couldn't imagine living like Lee- high energy all the time, but he guessed that was the difference between them.
"Alright, you asked for it." Chouji grinned. "These spices are supposed to be able to wither the skin right off your tongue if you're not careful. I'll give it my best shot!"
When next he emerged from the kitchen, Chouji was carrying another bowl of the stuff. Only, this time, he held it in front of him as far as he was able. The fumes were making his eyes water. He set it down in front of Lee carefully, like he was afraid it might combust right there in the common room.
"Awesome," Lee breathed, running his eyes over the plate of curry. What a bright, beautiful color - he wanted to try all of those suspicious lumps sticking out of the sauce as soon as possible!
Oblivious to his friends dropping to the floor, choking on the fumes, Lee picked up a spoonful, inhaled the wonderful, nostril-burning scent, and took a bite.
A second passed as those who could still breathe peered at him through tearing eyes.
"IT'S GREAT!" Lee screeched, although he had to squint against the steam. Without hesitation, he dove into the food, praising the curry between bites. He didn't care if he wouldn't be able to taste for a week - this was SO worth it.
"Ahh, happy you like it...!" Chouji said from a safe distance of several feet or so. He was still eyeing the dish somewhat nervously. Chouji had the biggest appetite of anyone he knew, but even he wouldn't take a mouthful of that stuff. He'd be too afraid that fire would shoot out of his nostrils. He'd never used these ingredients before, and he hadn't been exactly sure what the correct proportions should be. ... Oh well, Lee had never minded being Chouji's guinea pig when it came to meals in the past.
And Chouji had never heard of any deaths occurring from... overuse of spice in his years training as a chef. So it should be fine... right?
Watching Lee eat though (nevermind that the curry was strong enough to make grown men faint), Chouji felt his heart warmed, if only for a moment. This was why he was here. To help people just like Lee. Feed them, give 'em a place to rest, to relax, if only for a moment. Before they rushed back out into the wilderness again, fighting their lone, solitary battle.
"Food's on me." Chouji said, once Lee had finished. "Put your coin away. This makes me feel like I'm helping."
“Oh no, please! One bite of your food is worth a thousand treasures,” Lee insisted, blowing smoke out with every word. “And, before I leave, I almost forgot - could I have three sticks of dango please? To go.”
Chouji allowed the compliment on his cooking with a small grin of accomplishment. It was nice to to be appreciated. Fishing some dango out of storage, he handed it over to Lee in a small basket. "To Miss Anko, with my regards."
“Of course, Mr. Akimichi.” Lee grinned as he took the basket from Chouji’s hands, steam pouring through the gaps in his teeth. It was always obvious when he was going to visit Anko - he often tried to get her the dango sticks she loved so much. The other rebels got out their coin pouches, but Lee waved them away and dropped a small bag on the table. “For me and the guys - it’s not too much, I’m afraid, I’m running a little low, but…” Lee leaned forward and winked. “I found it on one of my - er - expeditions. We have enough - I hope you like it.” So saying, he walked out with his companions, face still red and steaming from the curry.
The bag contained gold coins and a long, fine dagger in its sheath. The sheath and hilt were both wrapped in mud brown leather, and the guard was short and perpendicular to the blade; it was a dark, discrete weapon.
Lee was speaking the truth - his men had enough weapons at their disposal, and were skillful enough to obtain more if needed. But Lee had heard of Chouji’s attempts to join the rebellion, only to be shot down laughing, and the Junior Green Beast hated hearing about anyone who laughed at anyone else (having been the recipient of scorn and jeers for most of his childhood); afterwards, he’d tracked down the offenders and let them have an earful. Chouji was trustworthy, loyal, and pretty powerful in his own right - Lee could see that - even if he never or rarely fought. He could probably help them out one day.
Lee wasn’t about to sign Chouji up for the things he and his thieves did - ambushing greedy merchants and officials, spying, or sneaking into noble houses was pretty dangerous, especially for someone who had little to no experience and could easily be picked out of a lineup (Lee felt ashamed at thinking this, but it was true - if all of his men were disguised, and Chouji was one of them, his bulk would give him away) - but he thought that it would be nice for the guy to know that someone believed in him.
Lee knew for a fact that sometimes, all a person needed was to be acknowledged, to have the confidence to get back up again, and then... he could shine.
Besides, one never knew when a dagger could come in handy.
What would Chouji do with a dagger? Cut steak with it? He looked at the weapon with distaste, but it was too late to give it back. Lee was already out the door with his men. Chouji was outside of shouting distance, out of range, and likely out of mind.
Chouji looked at the rest of what was in the bag with a mixture of mild annoyance, frustration, exasperation and... thanks. Times were tough, and the inn could use all the help it could get to stay in business. Every time that tax-collector Kakuzu showed up at their door, Chouji knew they were that one step closer to being forced to shut down. Without "donations" from the rebels, The Blue Butterfly would probably have closed years ago. Still, Chouji had wanted to give them the meal, at least.
But then, Chouji wanted to do a lot of things.
Heaving a sigh, he set about clearing the table of plates and utensils, before giving it a thorough wipedown. The remains of the curry, he dumped in a snowbank outside. Looking out a minute later, Chouji saw that the snowbank had melted. Long rivulets of scalding, spicy water were flowing from the curry in a mad rush of escape, steaming in the morning sun. Chouji shook his head and guffawed.
Only Lee.
Setting: The Blue Butterfly
Rating: G
Warnings: Excessive amounts of curry?
Summary: Lee and co enjoy a wonderful breakfast at The Blue Butterfly, and Lee tries to encourage Chouji in his own clueless way ^^
He flipped the skillet expertly, catching the pancake as it spun through the air. Flourishes like that were entirely unnecessary when preparing food, but Chouji craved excitement in his life. Well, maybe not excitement, per se. What he truly craved, when it came right down to it, was safety and security and for all his friends to be out of harm's way until the end of all their days. But he wasn't getting that, and anyway, the morning shift was boring when there weren't any customers or guests. So, he wanted neither boredom nor excitement, but the medium inbetween, he decided. The medium where everyone was okay, no one would get hurt fighting a government that in a perfect world shouldn't need to be stopped in the first place. The medium where Chouji didn't wait out in the middle of nowhere like a lump. A lump of batter, he thought, flicking scraps off the skillet. A medium where he didn't feel so big and useless, and where-
The door pushed open.
"Ah, hello!" Chouji said, smiling cheerfully and wiping his hands on his apron. He recognized a few of them. One, two, three- all rebellion members. There were ways you could tell, Chouji had discovered, a certain something he'd learned to look for. He'd first noticed it in Shikamaru, but he was seeing it more and more in others these days. His smile widened into a genuine grin as he hurried to help them inside and find out how he could assist them.
If this is all I can do... I'm going to do a damn good job of it.
A slight curve of his lips was the only indication Rock Lee gave of his amusement as he entered the Akimichi’s fine establishment behind the three rebels - despite what Neji said, Lee could be inconspicuous when he wanted to be; he couldn’t lead the BEST BAND OF THIEVES TO EVER ROAM KONOHA without exercising a little discretion now and then.
While he knew that the Akimichis were friendly to the rebels (having eaten an uncountable number of mouth-watering meals there), Lee also knew that spies and enemies could be anywhere, and it was wise to remain unnoticed until the situation called for him to reveal himself (such as when backhanding blackguards who would dare attempt to dishonor any lady within Lee’s line of vision). Hence his temporary change in wardrobe - a beaten old traveler’s cloak and shawl over his leaf-green suit, and black pants and knee-high boots to hide the weights. It was a little uncomfortable, but Lee could move like lightning whether he was wearing a woman’s dress (don’t ask) or a full suit of armor; a little modification like this didn’t faze him in the slightest. (Though he would be glad to be back in camp, where he could toss off all of these clothes that restricted movement, unlike his beloved tights.)
Lee nodded to Chouji, letting the door slam behind him, pretty sure he wouldn’t mind. He was also pretty sure that Chouji would recognize him, but wasn’t nervous about being given away or betrayed; there were a few people he could trust, and Lee knew Chouji had a heart of gold.
Chouji did indeed recognize the other man. Even in disguise, Lee was still distinctively... well, Lee. There was only a brief raise of Chouji's eyebrows before the big man returned Lee's nod with a brisk wag of his head, his tattooed cheeks dimpling into a smile of greeting.
"Hullo Le- er, travelers." Chouji said, stuttering to a pause at Lee's name, not sure whether he should address him directly or not. Was he in disguise? In trouble? Were guardsmen looking for him? There was no one else in the common room, but you couldn't be too careful during days like these.
Still, after inquiring if the "travelers" had any steeds that needed stabling or grooming, Chou nodded them towards a secluded table in the corner where they could retain their privacy if anyone else stopped in. He mentally took tally of possible foodstuffs they might ask for, hoping Lee wouldn't ask for that bizarre curry stuff he liked so much. That stuff, even Chouji's Akimichi stomach had trouble putting down.
Settled into the private booth with his fellows, Lee flashed Chouji a bright smile; he didn’t particularly mind the slip up - it didn’t seem like there were any enemies near tonight, but it was always better to be anonymous. That being said, Lee was hungry.
“Thanks, Mr. Akimichi,” he said, despite Chouji being one year younger than he was; Lee was always very polite. “Do you have any curry today?” Lee was a sucker for curry; the spicier the better. “Oh, and orange juice?” None of the thieves ever made fun of his refusal to drink alcohol, having witnessed him the few times he was drunk (accidentally).
Chouji inwardly groaned at the mention of curry, but kept up his congenial facade. Even the smell of the stuff could make his eyes water. "Uhm... yeah, sure. I'll put some on the stove for you." he told him. "And orange juice, huh?" (yes, Chouji did not need to help repair broken tables and chairs like LAST time) "Coming right up!"
He exited into the kitchen after receiving the other member's wants for food. Rebelling against the government apparently built up an appetite. He made all the necessary preparations, making sure the curry was good and hot, the way Lee liked it, and came back after several minutes with a full bowl of the stuff, along with the other requests.
"Here you go." Chouji said cheerfully, setting the meals in front of them. "Anything else I can get you?"
“No’mgood” Lee managed to get out before he dove into his food like an animal (he and his mentor were called “Beasts” for more than one reason), somehow simultaneously managing to compliment the food, drink his orange juice, and not stain his clothes. His face was steaming from the curry, but he’d already finished it and held his bowl out for more.
About one minute had elapsed.
“No one around makes curry like you - that was incredible - could I try some other spices, if you have any?” Lee asked through watery eyes. The other members of the rebellion, used to their friend’s eating habits, chatted and shoveled down the food.
Chouji gaped only a little as he watched Lee get to work on the food. Lee was one of the few guys who might give even an Akimichi a run for his coin in the art of eating. When it came to curry anyway. Was this guy for real? He wondered vaguely how Lee managed to keep his trim build going at it like that.
"Er... thanks." Chouji replied to the compliment, taking the bowl back with only a trace of reluctance. "How hot do you want it? I can make it really scorching if you want." he said, a hint of a smile working it's way back into his face. "I've got some stuff from Suna I've been wanting to try out on somebody."
“Suna!” Lee cried, eyes aflame. He remembered Suna - He, Gai-sensei, and the rest of the team had ambushed corrupt nobles and merchants there before (making off with huge amounts of riches to distribute) - it was a bit dry, a bit desolate, a bit… sandy, but it had a wild, untamable beauty all its own. He wanted to visit again soon - definitely when the Akatsuki were defeated.
“Absolutely! I’ve never tried Suna spices before,” he said, somewhat regretfully. “Make it as scorching as you can!” Lee could really pack it in when the occasion called for it - a high metabolism and hours of grueling training every day made it possible for him to eat as much as he wanted. And curry - oh, curry - the hotter the better.
Lee leaned back in his seat, stretching his arms behind his head and laughing somewhat uncomfortably to a raunchy joke one of his comrades, buzzed on alcohol, slurred out. Ah, if only every morning could be as peaceful…
Chouji chuckled at Lee's enthusiasm. It was the same every time he stopped by. Didn't Lee ever stop to give himself a rest? To breathe? So different from someone like Shikamaru, lazy and sleeping the days away. Chouji couldn't imagine living like Lee- high energy all the time, but he guessed that was the difference between them.
"Alright, you asked for it." Chouji grinned. "These spices are supposed to be able to wither the skin right off your tongue if you're not careful. I'll give it my best shot!"
When next he emerged from the kitchen, Chouji was carrying another bowl of the stuff. Only, this time, he held it in front of him as far as he was able. The fumes were making his eyes water. He set it down in front of Lee carefully, like he was afraid it might combust right there in the common room.
"Awesome," Lee breathed, running his eyes over the plate of curry. What a bright, beautiful color - he wanted to try all of those suspicious lumps sticking out of the sauce as soon as possible!
Oblivious to his friends dropping to the floor, choking on the fumes, Lee picked up a spoonful, inhaled the wonderful, nostril-burning scent, and took a bite.
A second passed as those who could still breathe peered at him through tearing eyes.
"IT'S GREAT!" Lee screeched, although he had to squint against the steam. Without hesitation, he dove into the food, praising the curry between bites. He didn't care if he wouldn't be able to taste for a week - this was SO worth it.
"Ahh, happy you like it...!" Chouji said from a safe distance of several feet or so. He was still eyeing the dish somewhat nervously. Chouji had the biggest appetite of anyone he knew, but even he wouldn't take a mouthful of that stuff. He'd be too afraid that fire would shoot out of his nostrils. He'd never used these ingredients before, and he hadn't been exactly sure what the correct proportions should be. ... Oh well, Lee had never minded being Chouji's guinea pig when it came to meals in the past.
And Chouji had never heard of any deaths occurring from... overuse of spice in his years training as a chef. So it should be fine... right?
Watching Lee eat though (nevermind that the curry was strong enough to make grown men faint), Chouji felt his heart warmed, if only for a moment. This was why he was here. To help people just like Lee. Feed them, give 'em a place to rest, to relax, if only for a moment. Before they rushed back out into the wilderness again, fighting their lone, solitary battle.
"Food's on me." Chouji said, once Lee had finished. "Put your coin away. This makes me feel like I'm helping."
“Oh no, please! One bite of your food is worth a thousand treasures,” Lee insisted, blowing smoke out with every word. “And, before I leave, I almost forgot - could I have three sticks of dango please? To go.”
Chouji allowed the compliment on his cooking with a small grin of accomplishment. It was nice to to be appreciated. Fishing some dango out of storage, he handed it over to Lee in a small basket. "To Miss Anko, with my regards."
“Of course, Mr. Akimichi.” Lee grinned as he took the basket from Chouji’s hands, steam pouring through the gaps in his teeth. It was always obvious when he was going to visit Anko - he often tried to get her the dango sticks she loved so much. The other rebels got out their coin pouches, but Lee waved them away and dropped a small bag on the table. “For me and the guys - it’s not too much, I’m afraid, I’m running a little low, but…” Lee leaned forward and winked. “I found it on one of my - er - expeditions. We have enough - I hope you like it.” So saying, he walked out with his companions, face still red and steaming from the curry.
The bag contained gold coins and a long, fine dagger in its sheath. The sheath and hilt were both wrapped in mud brown leather, and the guard was short and perpendicular to the blade; it was a dark, discrete weapon.
Lee was speaking the truth - his men had enough weapons at their disposal, and were skillful enough to obtain more if needed. But Lee had heard of Chouji’s attempts to join the rebellion, only to be shot down laughing, and the Junior Green Beast hated hearing about anyone who laughed at anyone else (having been the recipient of scorn and jeers for most of his childhood); afterwards, he’d tracked down the offenders and let them have an earful. Chouji was trustworthy, loyal, and pretty powerful in his own right - Lee could see that - even if he never or rarely fought. He could probably help them out one day.
Lee wasn’t about to sign Chouji up for the things he and his thieves did - ambushing greedy merchants and officials, spying, or sneaking into noble houses was pretty dangerous, especially for someone who had little to no experience and could easily be picked out of a lineup (Lee felt ashamed at thinking this, but it was true - if all of his men were disguised, and Chouji was one of them, his bulk would give him away) - but he thought that it would be nice for the guy to know that someone believed in him.
Lee knew for a fact that sometimes, all a person needed was to be acknowledged, to have the confidence to get back up again, and then... he could shine.
Besides, one never knew when a dagger could come in handy.
What would Chouji do with a dagger? Cut steak with it? He looked at the weapon with distaste, but it was too late to give it back. Lee was already out the door with his men. Chouji was outside of shouting distance, out of range, and likely out of mind.
Chouji looked at the rest of what was in the bag with a mixture of mild annoyance, frustration, exasperation and... thanks. Times were tough, and the inn could use all the help it could get to stay in business. Every time that tax-collector Kakuzu showed up at their door, Chouji knew they were that one step closer to being forced to shut down. Without "donations" from the rebels, The Blue Butterfly would probably have closed years ago. Still, Chouji had wanted to give them the meal, at least.
But then, Chouji wanted to do a lot of things.
Heaving a sigh, he set about clearing the table of plates and utensils, before giving it a thorough wipedown. The remains of the curry, he dumped in a snowbank outside. Looking out a minute later, Chouji saw that the snowbank had melted. Long rivulets of scalding, spicy water were flowing from the curry in a mad rush of escape, steaming in the morning sun. Chouji shook his head and guffawed.
Only Lee.