selfdoubt | 002nd saving smile [voice]

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002nd saving smile [voice]

[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.]

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Ah, yes, I did. [She gives him a soft smile.] My apartment is also in tact when I found it.

Hope you didn't have trouble getting everything up the stairs.

Oh, I didn't. Kiba-kun helped me, too, so it was not much of a hassle. Thank you for the concern, though.

Good on him. [And Shikamaru stretches, lacing his fingers behind the back of his head.] I'm surprised Naruto didn't lend you a hand too.

[At the mention of Naruto, Hinata instantly blushes.]

[But she looks away, suddenly finding the floor she's standing on a lot more interesting than before. A poignant glimmer manifests in her eyes which is contradictory to the smile she gives.]

I did not ask him to. [This smile widens.] He doesn't have any obligation to help me, after all.

Guess not. I was just banking on him stopping in for a chat.

Ah- well, I'm sure he has... [Hinata slowly twiddles her fingers.] ... better things to do.

[Shikamaru frowns at that, gaze scrutinizing. This conversation wouldn't be all that unusual in another time, with any person when the subject of Naruto comes up.

But he knows Hinata left right after that crazy love experiment, and he knows that for a little while, her affections weren't just a one-sided crush. Without a word, he puts one hand on her shoulder.]

[That hand on her shoulder surprised her that she looks up at him, disbelief in her pearl eyes.]

Shikamaru-kun?

It'll work out.

[At his words, she looks down again as she puts one hand on her chest.]

I... I really hope so. [One can tell just how much her relationship with Naruto means to her.]

You know him. You're important to him too, after all. Have faith in him, and yourself.

[She's good at that. When the situation applies to her, it shouldn't be any different.]

[She had already resolved that she wouldn't have any more doubts so she mentally scolds herself for doubting. Both herself and the person most precious to her. Shikamaru's words pull out a nod and a smile of assurance from the Hyuuga heiress as her heart fills with more hope.]

You're right. I- I should. [A pause. A beat of her heart.] I must. Naruto-kun's smile saved me so I should always smile for him in return.

I should have faith that we will pull through. [Because love can do anything, right?]

[He wouldn't know about that. But he is glad to see her turning those thoughts around. He gives her shoulder a quick squeeze before dropping his hand.]

There you go. That's more like it.

[Aw, poor Shikamaru doesn't know anything about love~ In any case, Hinata's cheeks color as she gives an embarrassed smile.]

Thank you for- for the reassurance, Shikamaru-kun.

You'd have gotten there yourself. I just pushed things along.

[He glances around, then gestures down the hall to her door.] Let's talk inside.

Still... [The smile on her face remains, though it's not of embarrassment any longer. At his suggestion, she nods.]

Alright. I think that will be better.

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002nd saving smile [voice]

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