[Senju Kazuto]

Kazuto couldn't say that there wasn't some nervousness in him. It existed at the prospect of meeting a long lost friend that harked back to the days of the academy as much as Inoyami. The sentiment was however tame, existing only as a remembrance that he was too well susceptible to such notions of sentimentality as silly as they were. They had nothing to prove each other, just to share whatever stories they had over a meal as equals, leaving rank and station behind. Of course that would depend entirely if they were to come, he knew that the Yamanaka would be he wondered whether Shikajin would be so easy to convince. People often changed during a large period of time. The young man sat in a bench as he awaited for the two to arrive, hoping that the courier he had sent the message with had not lost his way throughout the village, allowing the message to reach to the compounds of the Nara and Yamanaka clan. Dressed in a rather casual fashion to not appear as a superior with the damnable robes he was forced to wear in clan meetings, he ignored the raising heat that the sun brought as he continued his wait and thus he didn't much beyond wait, a book at hand as his eyes darted between the lines and his mind began to process the information. The book itself, an old chronicle of one of his ancestors according to the family tree that he had found and as he did, he wondered whether half what he read was truth or fiction. As ever the history of the Senju seemed to be embellished to the point of gross exaggeration. But then again he had to believe that as such would be the stories that all the clans would polish until the acts of war were made into deeds of legend. He soon left his eyes from the lines of the tone and looked at the thing. It wasn't large, barely bigger than one of his hands and bound in green letter so faded that it had almost turned grey. The once proud gold writing in the cover had turned dull, losing its shine until it was hard to make the title of the chronicle and the name of the legendary hero. The pages had turned from wait to yellow, but they still remained intact enough to be handled. Putting the book in his pocket he leaned against the chair and looked at the steady stream of pedestrians that populated the streets as they continued their own paths to whatever they were doing or heading. Kazuto found that monotonous as well and relaxed, his shoulders sagged slightly and he closed his eyes at the passing of the warm breeze, as he awaited for them to come.

-tag- @inoyami -words- 481 -notes- --- -music- ---

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Deleted]

[attr="class","reasonyino"]

[attr="class","reasonbgyino"]

[attr="class","reasonbigyino"]Your Calling
What Is It

[attr="class","reasonsmallyino"]Do you seek it proudly? Do you perform it happily? Does it beckon you forward when you feel you can't continue on?

[attr="class","reasonbodyino"]
The past three days had been so busy that Inoyami had nearly forgotten about her meeting. Another one. There was a demonstration happening this morning, a training session really, for a few techniques utilized by the Inquisition and interrogation units. Given that these were taught in secrecy, Ino was among the attendees, along with one or two younger clan members who had done well in recent months to prove their worth so as to better themselves with the knowledge. The session lasted more than an hour, but once she'd finally been set free, her thoughts abuzz with new information and entries on her to-do list, she rushed home, throwing off her jacket and collapsing onto the couch. "I'm sooooo tired," she complained, her voice more of a cry than a statement.

Was there time for a nap? Maybe? What else did she have planned today? The blonde's mind eased, her blue eyes cemented on the ceiling...only to be interrupted by her roommate. "You have a message," he told her.

Inoyami sprung up, taking the sealed letter from her brother's grasp and looking it over. Relief settled into her chest when she read that, rather than the summons she was expecting, it was a confirmation for the time she was to meet for lunch. "Ahh, perfect!!" she exclaimed happily.

"You finally get yourself a date?" Inoyori joked, shooting her a sly smile before taking a bite of a pear he'd grabbed from the kitchen. One of the few left that his sister hadn't gotten to first.

"Hardly. It's just lunch with two friends," she explained, rising from the couch.

"The Senju and the Nara?" he confirmed, watching her.

"How did you--"

"You left a reminder note on your desk upstairs. Nice stationery, by the way. The tiny cartoon squirrels running the edges of your notebook? That's so you."

"Oh my god." She moved for the stairs, wanting not only to hide her embarrassment but also hurry and shower before she'd be considered late. And she was never late. Not unless there was some emergency. Though maintaining her pride might count? "You're ridiculous!" she called behind her.

"Love you too!" came his humored reply.

The blonde showered and changed at record speed, with only her hair and makeup taking slightly longer. Having picked out a simple sky blue tunic and black capris, she matched them with a set of blue sandals and descended the stairs. The blonde had taken the time, even, to curl her hair, something she only did occasionally. It was just lunch, and while she knew her friends wouldn't care what her hair looked like, appearance was essential to her. A lunch attended by multiple clans was, to her, important enough to look her best should any passersby recognize any of them or their standing or potentially form implications from the gathering. It was unlikely. But Inoyami enjoyed the peace of mind of knowing that, at least on the outside, she was always a proper representation of pride and effort--wearing modern fashions, keeping her appearance prim and perfect, and in general being all-around pleasant.

After grabbing one of her bags to match the dress, Ino made for the front door, opening it all of a few inches before it was forced closed from behind her. She turned around only to find her roommate staring her down. "Forgetting something?" he asked.

The blonde looked around. "Uh... I wasn't going to bring Kiyo with me today--"

"Your wallet," he corrected, holding it up. "You organized it last night and left it on the table. Remember?"

She sighed in defeat. How awful. Here she prided herself on memory and detail and she'd nearly forgotten how she was going to pay for lunch. She took it. "Thanks."

"You need more sleep," Inoyori pointed out sternly. "Don't overdo it."

She gave a nod and made her exit. "I'll be back later." It was only once she was out of sight of the house that she let herself run, hoping to arrive on time despite her delays. As she neared the meeting place, she took note of some of the nearby shops and businesses, her eyes then catching on Kazuto at the bench. Her light-speed shower had paid off! She wasn't late at all.

"Hey!!" she called, forcing a bright smile and giving a wave once she was close enough. She was exhausted but today was not the time to dwell on it. Today would be fun. Awesome, really.

"Guess I'm right on time, huh? Shikajin should be here shortly..." She wondered if he'd received his letter around the same time she had, or if the messenger had taken longer to deliver his. A few extra minutes wouldn't hurt anything, either way.

[attr="class","reasontagyino"]Nara Shikajin Senju Kazuto | HEX:6b993e | Yay!!!

[attr="class","credyino"]MADE BY VEL OF WW + GS

[googlefont=Fjalla One]
[newclass=.reasonyino]width:380px;background-color:#254434;padding:25px;border:6px #c6881b solid;[/newclass]
[newclass=.reasonbgyino]background-color:#416b00;padding:10px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.reasonbigyino]margin:-16px 0px 0px 115px;padding:0px 0px 0px 15px;font-size:30px;font-family:Fjalla One;text-align:justify;color:#eee;text-transform:uppercase;[/newclass]
[newclass=.reasonsmallyino]font-family:verdana;font-size:10px;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:12px;color:#bcbcbc;text-align:justify;[/newclass]
[newclass=.reasonbodyino]background-color:#0c0b0b;padding:12px;padding-top:-40px;border-top:3px #c6881b solid;border-bottom:3px #c6881b solid;font-family:verdana;font-size:10px;line-height:11px;text-align:justify;color:#c1c1c1;[/newclass]
[newclass=.reasontagyino]background-color:#324f00;padding:15px;font-family:verdana;font-size:9px;line-height:12px;text-align:center;color:#aaaaaa;letter-spacing:0px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.credyino]text-align:center;font-size:5pt;color:#c4c4c4;letter-spacing:0px;font-family:verdana;margin-top:3px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.credino a]color:#c4c4c4;font-size:5pt;letter-spacing:0px;font-family:verdana;[/newclass]

[Nara Shikajin]

the worst case scenario is you

A day filled with whatever had decided to plague the chunin's schedule: errands, training, etc. He was thankful to not have been sent out of the village on a mission though the change of scenery might have been nice. Come to think of it, quite a bit of time had passed since his last venture outside of the gates of Konoha; he'd have to change that soon, an ample opportunity to experience life outside of a shinobi village for at least a little bit, and the night sky void of all the artificial light drowning out the stars would be a grand sight.

A knock at his door would break the Nara from his planning, followed by a thin envelope being slid under his door. A summons? No, this was too informal for anything of that caliber. A brow would raise slightly at the contents though more so at the author: Kazuto. It was a name he hadn't thought about in years and even though his skills were propelling him through the ranks his occupation kept such hype to a bare minimum. He was requesting Shikajin's presence for a meet up, but why now all of a sudden? The chances of random sentiments coming from the Senju were slim so there had to be a catalyst for all this.

Inoyami.

Plastered on the letter was his teammates name as well, and she had probably run into the man and volunteered the Nara's presence in all her giddy delight. They would have words later. Alas, not showing up would only make things awkward going forward --as opposed to immediately-- and the last thing the chunin wanted was to anger someone who had the power to take over one's body.

The man would set off not long after all the while wondering just how much Kazuto had changed since their last encounter. He honestly couldn't put a concrete number on just how long it had been and while it wasn't necessarily anyone's fault there was a small sense of trepidation. Perhaps leaving the status quo as is was for the best? Meh, they were all adults and could handle a few hours together. The streets held their usual hustle and bustle, it was a nice day out after all, and dark hues would lock on to his teammate and the... other. He had aged. "Looks like I'm the last one here... apologies." He'd state while making his approach. A simple nod to Inoyami --he was still mad at her--, and to Kazuto... "It's been a while."

@inoyami Senju Kazuto @three | ### | whoop whoop

KRATOS

[Senju Kazuto]

His eyes were opened as words struck him in a melodious tone. Even as he could discern the ache of exertion behind them, it did little to diminish the bright presence that the young Yamanaka brought. A hint of a smile perched upon his lips as he straightened to meet her. Rising to his feet and towering over her he would finally meet her, glad that the courier had after all done well and left the messages for the intended recipients. Although he had never put into doubt that Inoyami would skip a chance to continue catching up, specially after their first successful meeting. "I certainly hope he doesn't miss this either." Of course he meant everything of that statement. Even with the obvious benefits of having a better relationship with members of clans of such renown and nobility as the Nara and the Yamanaka were, for him rekindling the friendships that harked back to the days of the academy felt more paramount. If anything these two goals aligned and even as he could see the clan elders giving him a disapproving look at him for placing a personal goal above the one for the clan, they would reluctantly accept the results for what they were if the lunch went well. If it went well. He reminded himself. Their doubts were soon dispel as he heard a third voice, conjured from thin air as if the combined words of the Senju and Yamanaka had acted as stanza for an invocation. Of course they had all aged, Kazuto saw it on himself as gradually he had begun to resemble more and more like his father as time had passed and Inoyami had blossomed into a beauty in her own right. But what he saw in Shikajin almost shock him to the core. A mask of stoicism was kept over his features, containing any reaction of surprise that might have come spontaneously for everyone else. It took him for a few seconds to adapt but his mind began to wonder. Where he saw optimism and vitality in Inoyami, he saw the entire opposite on the Nara. His pale skin would have made a fresh sheet of paper look tan in comparison, his eyes looked sunken and defeated, as if something lurked beneath the surface that he presented to the world. If he hadn't know better, he would have said there and then, that a reanimated corpse walked among the living. What malaise have you endured to have such appearance, Shikajin? He thought silently before he rose his hand in an offer to Shikajin. "It has indeed, Shikajin." Kazuto said, a hint of a smile appearing again upon his lips, genuine emotion that they have encountered each other after so much time and tribulation. Sincerely hoping that their friendship could be reestablished after all the time they had not seen each other.

-tag- @inoyami Nara Shikajin -words- 493 -notes- --- -music- ---

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Deleted]

[attr="class","reasonyino"]

[attr="class","reasonbgyino"]

[attr="class","reasonbigyino"]Your Calling
What Is It

[attr="class","reasonsmallyino"]Do you seek it proudly? Do you perform it happily? Does it beckon you forward when you feel you can't continue on?

[attr="class","reasonbodyino"]
Inoyami was hopeful that Shikajin would show up. More hopeful that he'd show up in a good mood. But she should have known better. He arrived with much less than enthusiasm--something more akin to indifference. She was quick to note his greeting--all he gave her was a nod, which was less than what he'd given Kazuto despite this being their first face-to-face meeting after years. He wasn't happy. And, if she knew him as well as she believed she did, he'd probably rested that disdain on her shoulders. Yet another thing she would be answering for later...

Inoyami observed the two men's exchanges, her blue eyes taking careful, methodical notes on their tones and behavior, choice of words. This outing would very much be an exercise of her training the same as it'd be a pleasure trip. She wondered if she would have to tone down her own bright and cheery act just so she wouldn't be leaving Shikajin in her shadow, so to speak. Surely Kazuto had noticed her teammate's demeanor, the way he seemed weighed down by something, struggling in some way. No one was that stone-faced at a reunion like this one. Not unless something was wrong. Not unless they were hurt, exhausted, guilty, plagued with worry...or all of the above.

The blonde clapped her hands together briefly and smiled. "I'm so glad you decided to join us!" she chimed happily, her blue eyes catching on her teammate. She hoped he would hear the sincerity in her voice. She hadn't meant to upset him or interrupt his day at all. This would be fun! And good for them both. But mostly him. Inoyami, at least, had the training to pretend to be strong (or happy!) when she felt otherwise. Shikajin, though, dealt with things a little differently...

Turning to Kazuto, the woman folded her hands in front of her. "Did you happen to set your sights on somewhere particular on your way here? Your choice last time was perfect!" Realizing she hadn't given that detail to Shikajin when she'd last spoken to him, she turned briefly to him and added, "Remember when I said I had grabbed lunch with an old friend? That was Kazuto." Had she mentioned his name? No, no, she was certain she'd forgotten. In her musings about the day--and the amazing story 'Yori had told her upon her arrival back home after the Yakisoba--Inoyami had mentioned to Shikajin pretty much everything BUT the Senju's name. Oh well. This was a happy occasion, and she prayed Shikajin would view it as such. Not all surprises were bad!

[attr="class","reasontagyino"]Nara Shikajin Senju Kazuto | HEX:6b993e | Yay!!!

[attr="class","credyino"]MADE BY VEL OF WW + GS

[googlefont=Fjalla One]
[newclass=.reasonyino]width:380px;background-color:#254434;padding:25px;border:6px #c6881b solid;[/newclass]
[newclass=.reasonbgyino]background-color:#416b00;padding:10px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.reasonbigyino]margin:-16px 0px 0px 115px;padding:0px 0px 0px 15px;font-size:30px;font-family:Fjalla One;text-align:justify;color:#eee;text-transform:uppercase;[/newclass]
[newclass=.reasonsmallyino]font-family:verdana;font-size:10px;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:12px;color:#bcbcbc;text-align:justify;[/newclass]
[newclass=.reasonbodyino]background-color:#0c0b0b;padding:12px;padding-top:-40px;border-top:3px #c6881b solid;border-bottom:3px #c6881b solid;font-family:verdana;font-size:10px;line-height:11px;text-align:justify;color:#c1c1c1;[/newclass]
[newclass=.reasontagyino]background-color:#324f00;padding:15px;font-family:verdana;font-size:9px;line-height:12px;text-align:center;color:#aaaaaa;letter-spacing:0px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.credyino]text-align:center;font-size:5pt;color:#c4c4c4;letter-spacing:0px;font-family:verdana;margin-top:3px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.credino a]color:#c4c4c4;font-size:5pt;letter-spacing:0px;font-family:verdana;[/newclass]

[Nara Shikajin]

the worst case scenario is you

Was this awkward? No, even if there hadn't been many words exchanged so far. Was he mad at Inoyami? Only time would tell. There were any number of reasons for the distance that had grown between these three, or rather, two and one, while all time apart wasn't necessarily the product of ill will sometimes things were better left as is. But if they were able to reconnect it would probably be for the betterment of all. At the end of the day the Nara had agreed to come out and would at least try and enjoy himself. Simply showing up should have put his teammate to ease as the man was rarely one to hold his tongue in situations that weren't to his liking, and he had no intentions of being weird about things, even if his usual face said otherwise.

Just when he wondered if the three of them were going to have a pow wow in the middle of the village Inoyami inquired if Kazuto had decided on a place to eat. Ah, a feast. Breaking bread would help break the tension --assuming the Yamanaka's bright personality didn't melt away the ice first-- and if things did get a little weird then at least there would be food to focus on. It seemed the two in front of him and done quite a bit in their happenstance meeting. What did a man of Kazuto's... existence, like to eat? This would indeed be interesting. "Ah, well that explains a lot. I could go for some food." He'd add, hopefully not increasing the pressure of picking somewhere that all three of them would enjoy. Well, two of them, as Inoyami's cheerful attitude would be enough to mask her displeasure concerning just about anything.

The Nara pondered what he had a taste for today. Perhaps something healthy? Maybe a cheat meal to treat himself for making it another day? Then again, the menu would be dictated by wherever they ended up going so there was a chance his meal options would be slimmer than he hoped, but if Kazuto could take the time to rub a couple brain cells together he probably wouldn't disappoint... probably.

Senju Kazuto @inoyami @three | ### | whoop whoop

KRATOS

[Senju Kazuto]

There was a strangeness in the air, a strangeness that grew between the trio of young shinobi as they met. I had grown from nothing with the arrival of Shikajin as if his own demeanor had become a disease. Kazuto was stoic and stern, often detached of what others would consider a normal behavior, but the few words that the Nara had spoken stirred a sensation all too different than his. There was no hostility, no anger, nothing but a sliver of dejection as he stood expectantly for a command or direction to follow. Inoyami's words becoming a clue to what may transpire in the mind of his friend. He simply hadn't known that they would eat today. The message given by the courier had been the only source of knowledge for this meeting. That gave him pause, wondering whether it was wise to continue or not the idea that the three would share a meal together, speaking more freely about their past without the scrutiny of clan and rank. Perhaps it would be better to leave it for another day, but then again what chances would he have to speak with Shikajin as peers and not as rank dictated? He made his choice quickly and with a firm resolution before he turned to the blonde in their presence. "I have thought of a place." He replied as he turned to the Nara. "Yakiniku sounds like a good idea." Or at the very least it sounded promising to him as he considered it. Kazuto led them as they avoided the clusters of people in their way to the restaurant. Upon arrival he noticed that luckily it wasn't packed with customers, with a few tables left for the group. Kazuto had not made a reservation, feeling that anyone would make up space for him, deciding it better to eat like normal people would. Soon they were ushered into a booth with a wide window that gave them a look of the people as they passed by and a charcoal broiler built as its center, the charcoal beginning to glow white and hot as the faint scent of ash and sooth invaded their nostrils. Kazuto sat opposite to Shikajin and Inoyami as the waitress left them with menus to make a selection of their meal. He began to flick through the pages before he directed his gaze as his long lost friends. "Anything catching your eyes?" He asked.

-tag- @inoyami Nara Shikajin -words- 418 -notes- --- -music- ---

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Deleted]

[attr="class","reasonyino"]

[attr="class","reasonbgyino"]

[attr="class","reasonbigyino"]Your Calling
What Is It

[attr="class","reasonsmallyino"]Do you seek it proudly? Do you perform it happily? Does it beckon you forward when you feel you can't continue on?

[attr="class","reasonbodyino"]
Thankfully, Shikajin was optimistic about the food. At least, that's what she'd gleaned from his wording. He could've just offered a shrug or something more vague, but he didn't. The blonde's gaze lingered on him just long enough that he might've caught her observing him, though likely that wouldn't be the case. She was fairly good at masking subtleties with pleasantness. At the very least, he didn't seem outwardly bothered by her previous forgetfulness. Inoyami wasn't naturally prone to forgetting things, but stress... Stress did many things to the mind.

Kazuto spoke up to announce that he'd decided on yakiniku. Inoyami couldn't contain the smile on her face. Personally grilling a bunch of meat with all kinds of spices and sauces...oh gosh. He could NOT have chosen any better. She was thrilled. And hungry. But mostly thrilled. "Sounds good to me," she said, cheerful but modest.

Following Kazuto with a spring in her step, she would eventually settle into the booth they were led to at his chosen establishment. The crowd wasn't too bad, though she might have assumed a larger influx of customers during the latter half of the day when people were returning from work.

The blonde looked over the menu, glancing up when Kazuto asked if anything had caught their eyes. She was tempted to say "everything," but that wasn't really proper so she pretended to think about it. "Hmm maybe the fourth combo? You get beef AND thin cuts of pork for the same price as the number six, which doesn't come with any vegetables." Now that she was really eyeing the sides listed in the menu, she wasn't sure what she all wanted. It all sounded so good! If only she'd been gifted with two stomachs...

[attr="class","reasontagyino"]Nara Shikajin Senju Kazuto | HEX:6b993e | Fooooood

[attr="class","credyino"]MADE BY VEL OF WW + GS

[googlefont=Fjalla One]
[newclass=.reasonyino]width:380px;background-color:#254434;padding:25px;border:6px #c6881b solid;[/newclass]
[newclass=.reasonbgyino]background-color:#416b00;padding:10px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.reasonbigyino]margin:-16px 0px 0px 115px;padding:0px 0px 0px 15px;font-size:30px;font-family:Fjalla One;text-align:justify;color:#eee;text-transform:uppercase;[/newclass]
[newclass=.reasonsmallyino]font-family:verdana;font-size:10px;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:12px;color:#bcbcbc;text-align:justify;[/newclass]
[newclass=.reasonbodyino]background-color:#0c0b0b;padding:12px;padding-top:-40px;border-top:3px #c6881b solid;border-bottom:3px #c6881b solid;font-family:verdana;font-size:10px;line-height:11px;text-align:justify;color:#c1c1c1;[/newclass]
[newclass=.reasontagyino]background-color:#324f00;padding:15px;font-family:verdana;font-size:9px;line-height:12px;text-align:center;color:#aaaaaa;letter-spacing:0px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.credyino]text-align:center;font-size:5pt;color:#c4c4c4;letter-spacing:0px;font-family:verdana;margin-top:3px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.credino a]color:#c4c4c4;font-size:5pt;letter-spacing:0px;font-family:verdana;[/newclass]

[Nara Shikajin]

the worst case scenario is you

There was a pause, hesitation at the question. Had Kazuto not done his due diligence and picked out a place to eat? Or, shockingly, had getting a meal together not even been brought up prior to this moment? Inoyami had many responsibilities and stresses in her daily life so there a good chance that in her and the Senju's prior meeting she had thought they had agreed to get food when it could have very well been some other group. No matter, it wasn't a life or death situation for the time being and Shikajin would still try to enjoy the time together until the pangs of hunger forced his hand.

The Nara gave an audible thought-sound to the suggestion, there was plenty of variety at those type of places so finding something delicious wouldn't be a tough task. "Works for me." He'd reply before following behind the duo, he honestly preferred the rear guard. The restaurant was surprisingly chill given the time of day but part of the chunin was elated to see such conditions. Too much hustle and bustle made it difficult to think, let alone enjoy a meal peacefully. But that would not be the case today! The atmosphere seemed ripe for reconnecting with an old friend and building new memories.

Dark hues scanned over the menu, there were no shortage of options that was for sure, but would there be the right combination to make for a perfect meal? Grilled meats had not been a part of Shikajin's diet consistently for some time, due in part to the Nara's responsibilities protecting the forest and all that lived within it; a lot of which could be found on the menu in some form or fashion. But coming to a barbecue spot and ordering a plate full of vegetables seemed counter productive so an exception would have to be made.

"The duck and chicken platter sounds interesting. Comes with plenty of vegetables to offset all the meat." The Nara spoke as he settled on an option. Eating this much red meat consistently wasn't good for even an Akimichi's health so he was thankful that whoever owned this place had enough foresight to balance out their menu.

Senju Kazuto @inoyami @three | ### | Apologies for the wait

KRATOS

[Senju Kazuto]

He listened to their suggestions, teal-green eyes looking at the combos and silently agreeing with their suggestion. There was honestly not much else that he could add, perhaps a different cut of beef to go along with the selection of pork and poultry. His eyes however stopped at one of the cuts that the store offered, something perhaps more exotic than what the other two had suggested boar and venison. In a way boar was a more fatty cut of pork but from it came a different layer of flavor. And venison was, well, taken from deer and in the few times that he had eaten it he had actually enjoyed it. "Well, let's order that and a platter of vegetables to go with the meat. Also a bowl of rice for each of us would be good, I think" Kazuto said at first as he folded the menu as he considered whether or not go with his suggestion. Specially with the connection that the Nara Clan had with deer. The Senju didn't wish to upset a man that seemed to be at the brink of either snapping or losing consciousness before plunging his face into the now warm grill. The only polite thing to do, in his mind was to ask and not to presume, he was certain that Inoyami would eat without a complaint as she seemed to be the sort to try out new things but Shikajin himself remained an enigma. The Senju leaned in, shoulder straight and eyes up front. "I thought we could perhaps try the venison?" The young man said, eyes flicking from the blonde and then to the raven-haired man, trying to gauge for a consensus. He took care that he made the suggestion, not an order so the two before him would come to agree with his point of view, at the very least on this topic of all. He leaned back against the padding of his seat. "Just a small suggestion." He said calmly as he awaited for them to speak.

-tag- @inoyami Nara Shikajin -words- 352 -notes- --- -music- ---

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Deleted]

[attr="class","reasonyino"]

[attr="class","reasonbgyino"]

[attr="class","reasonbigyino"]Your Calling
What Is It

[attr="class","reasonsmallyino"]Do you seek it proudly? Do you perform it happily? Does it beckon you forward when you feel you can't continue on?

[attr="class","reasonbodyino"]
Inoyami was happy that Shikajin was being open-minded about the menu. He wasn't ruling out meat altogether, even though she knew he had a preference to not eat large amounts of it. She respected that, though she also didn't let it interfere with her own tastes. She often ordered various meats when they went out places together, knowing he wouldn't take it to heart.

The blonde nodded along to Kazuto's suggestion, agreeing that a healthy portion of rice would be preferrable to filling up on just meat and vegetables. She closed her menu, now decided on what she would be getting. A brief silence fell over the group, only to be dashed when Kazuto leaned in as if to say something important. The intensity that he brought with the gesture dropped into the unknown when he then suggested to her Nara teammate that they try the venison.

Inoyami's mouth fell open. Her blue eyes immediately went to Shikajin's face, watching his response carefully. Her own expression was one of uncertain expectation. She was surprised that Kazuto had asked such a thing. Sure, venison could be really delicious when cooked the right way. But to ask anyone in the Nara clan to casually consume their animal partners--even garnished with amazing spices--she didn't know how Shikajin would react to it. To Inoyami, it would've been like suggesting she eat fried squirrel meat on a stick. All she'd be able to think about would be Kiyo. She and her teammate, though, weren't just dining out by themselves where Shikajin might have freely expressed his disdain for the question. They had a new friend with them, and she wasn't sure what kind of filter he'd be putting his words through in the Senju's presence--if he even did at all.

One of the servers approached them before long, though, at which point the blonde cleared her throat politely and moved her expectant gaze to Kazuto. He had chosen this place to dine so it was only right that he be the first to order. She hoped he forewent the deer, though.

[attr="class","reasontagyino"]Nara Shikajin Senju Kazuto | HEX:6b993e | Sorry for the wait!!

[attr="class","credyino"]MADE BY VEL OF WW + GS

[googlefont=Fjalla One]
[newclass=.reasonyino]width:380px;background-color:#254434;padding:25px;border:6px #c6881b solid;[/newclass]
[newclass=.reasonbgyino]background-color:#416b00;padding:10px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.reasonbigyino]margin:-16px 0px 0px 115px;padding:0px 0px 0px 15px;font-size:30px;font-family:Fjalla One;text-align:justify;color:#eee;text-transform:uppercase;[/newclass]
[newclass=.reasonsmallyino]font-family:verdana;font-size:10px;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:12px;color:#bcbcbc;text-align:justify;[/newclass]
[newclass=.reasonbodyino]background-color:#0c0b0b;padding:12px;padding-top:-40px;border-top:3px #c6881b solid;border-bottom:3px #c6881b solid;font-family:verdana;font-size:10px;line-height:11px;text-align:justify;color:#c1c1c1;[/newclass]
[newclass=.reasontagyino]background-color:#324f00;padding:15px;font-family:verdana;font-size:9px;line-height:12px;text-align:center;color:#aaaaaa;letter-spacing:0px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.credyino]text-align:center;font-size:5pt;color:#c4c4c4;letter-spacing:0px;font-family:verdana;margin-top:3px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.credino a]color:#c4c4c4;font-size:5pt;letter-spacing:0px;font-family:verdana;[/newclass]

[Nara Shikajin]

the worst case scenario is you

This establishment had definitely given the trio their moneys worth in term of options to choose from, hopefully it lived up to the hype. Restaurants that typically offered a wide variety of food struggled with quality to keep up with the quantity they had to put out, in Shikajin's opinion of course. Buffets were a prime example of his theory: luke warm fools gold. But so long as the meat was pre-seasoned they'd be able to take care of the rest. A diet completely devoid of meat was not a practice the Nara believed in, and while it was a little awkward seeing certain woodland creatures on the menu that was just a part of life, so at the very least it could at least taste good if they were going to eat it.

Suggesting venison, however, was big awkward. It took a moment or so for the words to register and when they finally did Shikajin was vaulted back to his days at the academy when his family's connection with deer was used as the subject of oh so many jokes. This didn't seem like a joke, no, Kazuto was genuine which made the situation all the more strange. While it had been quite some time since they been in each others presence the Nara didn't really remember the man to be... tone deaf? Yeah, that seemed an apt term. Perhaps a momentary lapse in judgment due to hunger, or maybe since the animal was already dead he figured it wouldn't really matter.

There were any number of reasons for his decision to suggest such a thing, but now all the pressure had been placed on him to respond. He could feel Inoyami's eyes boring into him, unsure of the response her teammate was going to let loose. Just about anything would have been justified at this point but it would have looked bad for all parties if they got kicked out because someone got shadow dragged across the restaurant. "A bit chewy for my tastes, but feel free to order it." Shikajin replied with the slightest hint of a smile appearing on his lips. That was the response he usually gave in the academy and it worked well to confuse and horrify his would be insulters, not that this was his plan today, just a bit of advice was all.

In time a server would approach and not a moment too soon lest they serve witness to what could have been a terribly awkward scene. Granted, they had no ways of knowing what families they came from but one could feel tension regardless if they were aware of the situation. He'd forgive the man this once but would never forget. Oh no no, he'd never forget.

Senju Kazuto @two @three | ### | whoop whoop

KRATOS

[Senju Kazuto]

Silence fell like a shroud after his words had been spoken. Tension rose between the three like, becoming a crescendo of awkward silence as if his suggestion had been a pebble that had struck the tranquil surface of a pond, creating small waves that reached out and disrupted the tranquility and nascent serenity that had existed before. When one of the server came silence was briefly disrupted, and Shikajin spoke lifting the veil as he rejected his suggestion. With that done he simply placed the orders that the two had suggested while he ignored the want for more exotic flesh to cook. Before the server left, glasses filled with cold water was left for them along with a selection of drinks ranging from green tea to even warm sake and cold spiced wine. He would take a look at them, unsure if there was anything that he fancied. He really didn't drink alcohol, finding the taste of the sake that he had forced himself to drink for ceremonies as outright foul and he could only speculate at what spiced wine could bring as a taste for him. Still holding the piece of paper he would center his attention unto his friends. Sure that Inoyami was relieved that a major setback had been avoided, he centered his gaze on Shikajin and tried to gauge how much his commend had offended the man. The Nara remained unreadable beyond the faint smile that he had seen that could not convey much emotion beyond simply ignoring the slight. He had meant it simply as a suggestion, not an order, rank and experience had nothing to do here in a table in which they were all equals. All scions of ancestral families and heirs of responsibilities that came with being part of a family or such renown. Perhaps he had insulted him at all and he nodded as he closed his eyes. "Forgive me the impertinence of the suggestion, Shikajin." Kazuto said solemnly. "It was out of place and unkind." He then turned towards Inoyami. "And to you as well. I can see you becoming more stiff than a dried tree at my suggestion. I didn't wish to cause you problems." His eyes returned to the part of the menu that contained the drinks. He was no expert in alcoholic beverages, if he was honest he could live without them, but he was aware of the power behind ceremony and symbols. He had been honest in his pledge for forgiveness, but words would mean more if they shared a drink together. "Perhaps we could drink to that? I'm a novice in the matters of drinks, perhaps you two could make a choice me?"

-tag- @inoyami Nara Shikajin -words- 460 -notes- --- -music- ---

MADE BY VEL OF GS

[Deleted]

[attr="class","reasonyino"]

[attr="class","reasonbgyino"]

[attr="class","reasonbigyino"]Your Calling
What Is It

[attr="class","reasonsmallyino"]Do you seek it proudly? Do you perform it happily? Does it beckon you forward when you feel you can't continue on?

[attr="class","reasonbodyino"]
The blonde was relieved that things hadn't escalated. Shikajin has responded rather gracefully to Kazuto's suggestion, and whether her teammate would know it or not, she was proud of him. It was easy to give in to anger and causing a scene would have been assured. But he'd chosen tact over spite. At least outwardly. It's what she would have done, as well, though it was also what she always did regardless. Image, and all that.

Inoyami received Kazuto's apology with a small smile. She gave a glance to her teammate, as if to say she'd only chosen her response based upon his, and offered gently, "All is well. Let's move on?" It wouldn't be right to judge the man harshly given he'd seen the error of his earlier suggestion. It was possible he wasn't accustomed to situations like this. And Inoyami hardly expected other people to be as careful as she was with their words.

The blonde gave consideration to drinks, taking a moment to drink from her own glass while pondering the likelihood they'd all be able to agree on something. "Well," she said, setting hers down upon the table with a soft clink, "I think we should all just choose what sounds good. That said, I'm more familiar with teas than liquor. Chilled raspberry tea goes with everything." She was quiet for a moment and then added, "But then, I really like raspberries so maybe I'm biased." She laughed sweetly. "Far be it from me to make suggestions given I don't know your tastes, Kazuto."

Sweet drinks usually paired well with spiced foods, but that was a broad rule. Everyone's tastes were different, and Inoyami was worried more that something specific she suggested might not accompany Kazuto's order very well, or that he simply wouldn't like it at all. She did, however, intend to order raspberry tea for herself. Now that she'd brought it up, her palette thirsted for it, and she was hardly one to deny her cravings.

[attr="class","reasontagyino"]Nara Shikajin Senju Kazuto | HEX:6b993e | No notes!

[attr="class","credyino"]MADE BY VEL OF WW + GS

[googlefont=Fjalla One]
[newclass=.reasonyino]width:380px;background-color:#254434;padding:25px;border:6px #c6881b solid;[/newclass]
[newclass=.reasonbgyino]background-color:#416b00;padding:10px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.reasonbigyino]margin:-16px 0px 0px 115px;padding:0px 0px 0px 15px;font-size:30px;font-family:Fjalla One;text-align:justify;color:#eee;text-transform:uppercase;[/newclass]
[newclass=.reasonsmallyino]font-family:verdana;font-size:10px;letter-spacing:0px;line-height:12px;color:#bcbcbc;text-align:justify;[/newclass]
[newclass=.reasonbodyino]background-color:#0c0b0b;padding:12px;padding-top:-40px;border-top:3px #c6881b solid;border-bottom:3px #c6881b solid;font-family:verdana;font-size:10px;line-height:11px;text-align:justify;color:#c1c1c1;[/newclass]
[newclass=.reasontagyino]background-color:#324f00;padding:15px;font-family:verdana;font-size:9px;line-height:12px;text-align:center;color:#aaaaaa;letter-spacing:0px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.credyino]text-align:center;font-size:5pt;color:#c4c4c4;letter-spacing:0px;font-family:verdana;margin-top:3px;[/newclass]
[newclass=.credino a]color:#c4c4c4;font-size:5pt;letter-spacing:0px;font-family:verdana;[/newclass]

[Nara Shikajin]

the worst case scenario is you

"Heard it once, heard it a thousand times, I think the saying goes." Shikajin would reply still holding onto his slight smile. He honestly didn't mind it, at least not anymore, but it was interesting to see Kazuto humble enough to apologize. But the chunin would never let that be known, no no, the Nara would take that to the grave. He hadn't been lying about the chewiness, though, venison had a very unique texture that wasn't for everyone and if the Senju wanted to see for himself then he was more than welcome to.

Inoyami seemed relieved that to not have to deescalate the situation, it was surely tough for her to figure out what exactly would come out of her teammates mouth when he was so... enigmatic. Shikajin knew that he needed to work on opening up more, especially to one who already knew so much about him, but there were a lot of thoughts and feelings that the Nara had bottled up since that fateful day and he knew that loosing all of them upon the Yamanaka would cause her more unnecessary stress. But there would be time for brooding later, he was amongst... friends... now.

The orders had been placed and now all that sat between the three were a couple menus with a variety of drinks ranging from water to alcohol. Kazuto inquired as to which adult beverage they would recommend for him, and to be honest neither Inoyami or Shikajin would be of much help. Aside from the ceremonial drinks taken at events with family the chunin didn't imbibe on a regular basis, or at all for that matter given that he was still under the age limit. From what he could recall, however, it all burned on the way down and none tasted good enough to try again. But! They were here to enjoy a meal together and enjoy one they would.

Tracing a finger down the list of liquors the Nara would scan the menu for one with a particularly intense bite. His eyes would settle on a sake aptly named 'Desert Thorn'. Yes, that would do nicely. "I've had this one a few times before, it's very memorable." Shikajin spoke as he shifted his gaze to the Senju. "I think it'll pair well with some of the meats we ordered." Perhaps he was lying --he was definitely lying-- but what was a little white lie between old friends that some strong alcohol couldn't fix? Besides, maybe a bit of inebriation would loosen the trio up a bit.

Senju Kazuto @inoyami @three | ### | whoop whoop

KRATOS