004th saving smile [voice/action for CH 1]

[selfdoubt]

[The sound of something boiling can be heard in the background followed by the chopping of vegetables. Looks like someone's preparing a hearty meal. For a moment, that's all everyone listening to their journals will be able to pick up until the time Hinata's quiet voice can be heard.]

I... suppose I should have bought more lettuce...

[It seems like she's talking more to herself than to the journals. The quick rustling indicating busy movement can be heard next followed by more chopping of vegetables.

Chop. Chop. Chop.

Until Hinata yelps in surprise.]

Ah-!

[A steel object came falling down the ground and one can only guess it's the knife she's using.]

I should have been more--

[And the voice feed cuts.]

Comments

[Action] but of course :3

[selfdoubt]

[His words immediately sends her blushing in embarrassment. She's too old to be having these kind of accidents. Nursing her injured finger, she immediately looks up at him.]

I- I'm sorry. I suppose I was just a little distracted and... [The reason why she was actually distracted in the first place sends her cheeks burning even brighter.]

[Action] Oh Hinata, why so moe?

[screw_fate]

[A part of him - the old Neji (or some might say "the asshole Neji," also accurate) - wants to ask how a chuunin ninja can be distracted enough to cut herself chopping, but he holds back on the harsh words. She doesn't deserve that.]

Distracted? Hmm. By what, if I may ask?

[Action] she was born this way ;w;

[selfdoubt]

By, um-

[What's a perfect excuse? Then again, Hinata's not good at lying nor has she considered doing it before so at his question, she smiles, her cheeks still red.

Her eyes stealing nervous furtive glances at the huge toad plushie sitting on a stool nearby.]

Well, um... I was just thinking about washing that plush toy after. [Part truth, part lie.]

[Action] *w*

[screw_fate]

[The plush? Neji's gaze turns to it and his eyebrows lift. A toad plush, hm? Three guesses as to what that's all about.

He approves.]

I see. It is important to make sure your things are well cared for. But perhaps in the future not while you are working with sharp implements.

Do you need help with a bandage?

[Action] *3*

[selfdoubt]

[WHAT IS THAT EXPRESSION FOR COUSIN AKJSEDL]

I guess that's true.

[Well, she just thought of hitting two birds with one stone - while letting the stew boil, she'll quickly wash the plush toy. Multi-tasking gets the job done faster, after all. But it turns out, it caused more harm than good.]

Um, I think I- I might need help, though it's not very serious...

[Action]

[screw_fate]

I would be pleased to assist you.

[That expression is him being pleased, cousin. Enjoy your happy romance.]

[Action]

[selfdoubt]

Thank you.

[She looks around the kitchen.]

I... think the medical kit is inside that cabinet. [And she gestures for the cabinet nearby.]

[Action]

[screw_fate]

All right. Please keep pressure on the cut for the moment.

[And he'll go digging for that med kit. Hopefully it's still well stocked...]

[Action]

[selfdoubt]

[Hinata obeys his order, placing a wet cloth on the cut. It stings a little bit but not as painful as the injuries they usually gain during battle. If anything, this shouldn't bother her as much. She doesn't show any signs of hurting, though, and instead follows Neji with her gaze.]

[Action]

[screw_fate]

[Yeah, but you get way fewer endorphins from chopping veggies than you do from fighting for your life. It's a thing.

He quickly finds the kit and moves to clean the cut carefully.]

This may sting... [Because these things always do. Just a fact of life.]

[Action]

[selfdoubt]

It's alright...

[Which is another fact of Hinata's life. Things may go awry, but things will always be alright. Offering her hand out to her cousin, she watches him clean it. She will visibly wince, though, because it really does sting.]

[Action]

[screw_fate]

[He's being as gentle as he can, but unfortunately, there's no way to stop it from stinging as he cleans the cut and then carefully bandages it.]

There. That should hold you. Just be careful with it, hm?

[Action]

[selfdoubt]

[She nods at his advice and offers a small smile of gratitude.]

I will. Thank you, Neji-niisan.

[Action]

[screw_fate]

You are welcome, Hinata-sama. If you prefer, I can leave you to your cooking...

[Action]

[selfdoubt]

Oh, um, don't you want to- well- [How does she even put this into words?] -help me with my cooking?

[Action]

[screw_fate]

[He pauses and looks to her, one eyebrow rising. That was not an invitation he'd expected!]

I would be honored.