OPEN THREAD

[majutsu_gm]

Characters: Civilians & anybody else inside Konoha
Setting: Konoha Town Square on December 31/January 01
Notes: Mostly anybody can attend... if you think your character could get away with showing up. Most likely, though, no Sound, Sand, or Rebels will be there just because it either doesn't make sense or it's too dangerous.

Summary: It is New Years

Comments

[lazy_rebellion]

As he approached his female friend, he couldn't help but wonder just why she was out here. She wasn't exactly an open rebel, publicly defying the Akatsuki's every decree, so it wasn't dangerous per se for her to be here. It was just... incredubly unexpected (almost as unexpected as it was for him to be at such a place). She was the only daughter of the Lord Yamanaka - if she wanted to celebrate the New Year, certainly there were more appropriate places for her to be than in the Town Square surrounded by drunks, vagabonds, and Akatsuki lackeys at every turn.

Working up a lazy smile (yes, even his smiles were somehow lazy), he bowed before the lady. They may have known each other, but they were of different social standings - and appearances were ever so important in these days.

"Lady Yamanaka, what brings you to this part of town? Certainly there are other places for you to celebrate the New Year. Do you require assistance of some sort?" He tried his hardest to ignore the millions of brain cells mumbling about how troublesome this evening was sure to become.

At least this night may not be a waste of time anymore.

[rebel_ino]

Ino blinks at the unusually formal way Shikamaru addresses her, before her mind catches up with the fact that they are in a public place. Akatsuki's eyes and ears are everywhere. Shikamaru might have been bold enough to approach her (despite the possibility of someone recognising him for his allegiance), but extra precaution has to be taken to avoid unwanted exposure regarding the nature of their relationship. Remembering her place, Ino straightens her back regally and holds her head high, shoulders squared underneath the thick embrace of her coat.

"Nara Shikamaru," she nods to return his greeting, eyeing his patented lazy smile with something akin to fondness. A close observer would’ve noticed that her cold voice doesn’t quite match the warmth radiating from her blue eyes. "Is it so unusual for a woman to enjoy this rare moment of tranquillity alone?"

Ino realises that she actually misses those smiles of his, the way his lips curl half-heartedly, like he finds even the simple notion of smiling to be troublesome. His tanned face still retains its permanent look of utter boredom, and Ino remembers the rare moments of that same face hardening with deep concentration in the past. It really has been quite some time since she last saw him.

She allows a small smile to grace her feature as she subtly moves closer to him. "Explain your presence, Shikamaru."