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

[Voice]

[savedtheworld]

Hinata! Are you okay?!

[Action] if you like

[screw_fate]

Hinata-sama, please be more careful.

[There's Neji in the doorway, glancing in on his cousin; he was passing by when he heard the knife fall.]

[Voice]

[selfdoubt]

[Oh, well, what do you know. The last thing she wanted was for anyone to worry and here the journal had to be sneaky. Nervously picking it up with her able hand, she addresses it quickly.]

Oh, I'm fine, Aang-kun. It was just- I was just being careless. It was only a scratch.

[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.]

[Voice]

[savedtheworld]

Are you sure, Hinata? I can try to get someone to heal it for you.

[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?

[Voice]

[selfdoubt]

[She tries to make herself sound more convincing the moment she replies even when her cheeks are bright pink from embarrassment and her finger stings.]

Yes, I'm alright. I wouldn't want to bother anyone.

[Voice]

[savedtheworld]

No one would mind if they could help you feel better. But at least... did you say something about needing more lettuce?

[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.]

[Voice]

[selfdoubt]

Ah, yes, I did... I'm planning to make some stew for my friends. Would you like some?

[Voice]

[savedtheworld]

I'd be glad to! Thanks, Hinata. I've been trying to learn how to cook better. And we have lots of vegetables around the house, so I can bring over anything you might be short on!

[Voice]

[selfdoubt]

That'd be wonderful-! Thank you, Aang-kun. If you'd like, in exchange for the vegetables, I can help you cook better?

[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...

[Voice]

[savedtheworld]

You're welcome. And that'd be great! I try to learn as much as I can from watching Katara, but I try not to get in her way when she's cooking a lot. If you wanna give me some pointers, Hinata, I'd really be grateful!

[Voice]

[selfdoubt]

I honestly wouldn't mind.

[It's the least she can do to a friend, really.]

Is Katara-san your friend, then? [She heard she's a good friend of Shikamaru's.]

[Voice]

[savedtheworld]

Oh! Yeah, a f-friend! I forgot I must not've told you that before. We've known each other for a long time and live in the same house with our other friends and family from our world, and she's the one who always cooks! I just like to try to help out more.

[Voice] placeholder-ish!

[selfdoubt]

I see. [Is there something you're not telling her, Aang?] What does she usually cook for you all?

[Voice] hold your place!

[savedtheworld]

[There very well could be!] All kinds of dishes. I don't eat meat, but Sokka loves to eat meat, so she usually has to make two different kinds of meals. Some of the stuff she makes for me are like stir fried tofu and vegetables, or different kinds of soups and stews. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.

[Action]

[screw_fate]

I would be pleased to assist you.

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

voice;

[oftheyin]

Hinata? [WORRY!] What happened?

[Voice]

[redhotmama]

[Concerned mother-in-law to-be is concerned.]

Are you okay?

voice

[bravefighter]

Whoa, are you okay? You've gotta be careful with those!

[Voice]

[ivanyouidiot]

Are you alright, miss?

[Voice]

[keepitcanine]

Oi!

[Hinata. What are you doing?

It doesn't sound like she really hurt herself but—]

Hey! You okay?