002nd saving smile [voice]

[selfdoubt]

[The journals will be graced by a familiar, soft voice that was quiet for a while.]

I... see that I am back in this place once more. [The voice sounds resigned yet concealed by an otherwise neutral tone. Hinata's really not too happy to be back.] I suppose that the others are still here, then?

[There's a pause as she begins recalling her memories. It takes some time since these memories are still a bit hazy.] Kiba-kun, Shikamaru-kun...? Tenten-san, Sakura-san...

[She trails off because the next name she's going to say is being held back by this lump in her throat.]

... Naruto-kun? Are all of you still here? [Before she waits for a response, Hinata is already on the move.] I- I will be heading back to my apartment. I will see you all, then. Please be well.

[And the voice transmission cuts.]

Comments

[keepitcanine]

Yeah.

Not that I think he has the balls to stir up shit right now, but just keep an eye out, all right?

[selfdoubt]

[She nods, still surveying the area around her.]

I will. Please don't worry. You take care too, Kiba-kun.

[keepitcanine]

Got Akamaru guarding my back and a couple of nuts on our floor. Pretty sure I'm set for any possible retard invasion.

[selfdoubt]

I'm very glad to hear that, then. I will be there shortly. [A certain, wide smile.] I have missed Akamaru-kun as well.

1/2

[keepitcanine]

[And Akamaru responds right on cue with a long, happy whine rumbling its way out of its throat.]

He says that he missed you, too.

[The rest pretty much goes unsaid.]

/3

[keepitcanine]

[He debates for a second, before responding again.]

And, look, I'm sorry you got dragged back here. I know this place and the experiments that they do here are a bunch of crap, but I—we'll—find a way out this time. And we'll all go home together or something and everything will be back to the way it's supposed to be, all right?

So don't let this place get you down too much. Ain't worth it.

/done

[keepitcanine]

[He pauses again as something else starts to dawn on him. This is his much delayed "a-ha" moment.]

And, hey, if I need to kick someone's ass for you because they're a genuine idiot, who happens to be dumber than stupid besides, you just have to ask, because I will.

1/3

[selfdoubt]

[A nod.] Mm. Thank you, Kiba-kun. [You're the awesomest teammate she can ever wish for.] I'm sure we will. Your- Your support gives me strength.

[Her loved ones do and she can't possibly ignore the fact that her teammates continue to believe in her.] I- If ever you need help, I will also be here for you. No matter what.

[selfdoubt]

[At his last point raised, though, Hinata blushes, knowing who he meant.]

[selfdoubt]

[But she shakes her head and gives him a smile. She's extremely flattered to know she has him to protect her no matter what happens.]

Oh- Um, it's alright, Kiba-kun. You- You don't need to... ah, kick someone. [Even if she knows this is your way of saying 'no one can hurt you while I'm around'.] It was an experiment that I'm sure he did not want. I was unharmed. [Physically.] He never did me anything wrong.

[keepitcanine]

Yeah, yeah, I know. I've been around that particular block before once. Doesn't excuse someone from being an idiot later, though.

Just thought I'd offer, since you're too nice to hand it to them yourself if they did happen to deserve it.

[selfdoubt]

I... really appreciate the offer. Thank you. [An understanding smile directed to her beloved teammate.] I'm very glad you are always here for me.