45 - voice;

[stilldontgotit]

[...okay, so when was the last time he did this? Three years ago? ...ha. Right. It's really been three years since he came to Luceti.

Well, after a few moments of just staring into the journal, Riku clears his throat and decides to speak up.]

You know, it's been three years since I came here, but it feels like I'm just going through the motions. Everything's just so routine. Maybe I'm just not making enough effort to shake things up. Hard to say, but...

[Heh.]

Okay, you know what? I think I should just get to the point. So... yeah, name's Riku, and I'd say I'm in need of some friends. Yes, Kairi, I'm actually doing this by choice this time.

[Because last time was just awkward.]

And for anyone else who's been here a while, got any pointers for keeping busy long term? I know at least some of you keep pretty busy. Heck, if any newcomers have pointers, I'll take just about anything right now.

[OOC: WARNING. Thread with Ino veers slightly into nsfw territory.]

Comments

[voice]

[endgames]

Dating my teammate is 'going through the motions', is it.

[voice]

[stilldontgotit]

...Not exactly what I meant.

[But he'll keep it cool.]

Ino's a pretty huge exception to that. It's just more of a general thing.

[voice]

[endgames]

Good answer.

[But no, he was trolling from the start anyways. He knows Ino's pretty happy with him.]

But I get you. This place gets tiring sometimes.

[Voice]

[lostinmyway]

[PING!]

I'll be your friend!

[stilldontgotit]

[...Wow, that was fast. Riku can't help but laugh, but it's not malicious or anything.]

Man, that sure didn't take much.

[lostinmyway]

Oh, of course not. Anyone should be able to have a friend if they want to.

[...Oh, yes!] My name is Grune! It's very nice to meet you.

[voice]

[floralogy]

[This is where one will prove Ino and Shikamaru are teammates.]

So, being in a relationship with me is getting pretty boring, huh? [Not a hint of anger there. She actually chuckles a bit after.]

[voice]

[stilldontgotit]

[Clearly, the best way to answer this is with flattering snark.]

Nah. You're the one thing that's keeping me from going crazy.

[Along with Kairi and his other close friends, but Ino's still a big part of it.]

[voice] 1/2

[floralogy]

[And that actually gets to her. A pause as she blushes. Why do you do this to her?]

[voice]

[floralogy]

[But she keeps her cool when she responds. Not gonna let you wiiin.]

That's good. And here I thought I'd have to set aside some fun plans if you answered otherwise.

voice;

[bloodypocket]

... Is it common to make such requests? [He's been here several months now, but people haven't been this blunt about it.]

voice;

[stilldontgotit]

Not since about... three years ago, when I was forced into it by a friend. It started a whole trend.

voice;

[bloodypocket]

I hope that won't be the case this time, then. [Not that he knows anyone who would force him into that situation... So he thinks.]

[Voice]

[kingofwaste]

In need of more pals, huh? Sure, you can be one of mine!

[Voice]

[stilldontgotit]

Wow, that sure didn't take much.

[Oh, Oswald. Never change.]

But one of your pals? That sounds like a pretty big deal.

[not here / action?]

[fourteen]

[ She was going to reply to this. To say something. Something supportive, even! They're friends, right? She wants to be there for him.

That is, until she hears Shikamaru.

And Ino.

Her heart stops, for just an instant, and she immediately hates herself for it. Because she has no business caring, and she knows it. Swear to god she does. But there is a rush of emotion she can't name, and she has to clap a hand over her mouth to keep from saying something, and then just slams the journal shut.

If he's home, he might hear the sudden commotion from her room: the gun shot crack of glass breaking, and her surprised gasp. But if he goes to investigate, all he'll see is an empty room and a partially shattered window, with shards of glass scattered on the grass outside. Oddly, her windowsill seems to be scorched. But that's all the evidence she's left behind. ]

[action!]

[stilldontgotit]

[He heard it all right, and he saw the shattered window for good measure. So, naturally, given that there's obviously something wrong, Riku immediately heads out to try and find her.

He'll probably wind up searching the whole village if he has to, eventually making his way into the forest. He might look a little agitated, but hey, that was kinda unexpected.]

[Voice]

[geniustheveil]

[Ami's voice is sympathetic, and she replies quickly.]

It's difficult here, isn't it? With everyone coming and going, it's hard to really get to know each other and become friends.

[And she can't help being disappointed each time one is lost, no matter how many times she tells herself returning to happier lives is better for them.]

[Voice]

[stilldontgotit]

That's definitely a part of it, anyway.

[He sighs. It's not even limited to the people he's met in Luceti. Plenty of folks from his world have come and gone.]

[voice]

[generalflirt]

That's some rebound, Riku-kun. For a man like that, I might consider "friendship."

[voice]

[stilldontgotit]

Well, what can I say? You spend too much time on your own, and it gets a little old.

voice;

[weaponry]

I'd offer my friendship, but I already consider you as a friend.

[ She gave him a fortune reading after all! And he's sort of dating her roommate so friendship is what she'll consider it forever! ]

As for long term projects, have you ever considered taking up learning more weapons? [ ...yep. she's trying to hook someone else onto her hobby. Tenten you are so shameless. ]

voice;

[stilldontgotit]

Hey, nothing wrong with a little confirmation, though.

[It's cool. And he still does appreciate that fortune reading, anyway.]

But learning more weapons, huh? I guess that's a possibility. I just don't know where I'd start.

[Voice]

[knightofratatosk]

I don't know if it's the kind of thing you're looking for, but I keep myself busy by helping out at the Welcome Center and Sheena's tea house.

[Voice]

[stilldontgotit]

A job probably would help. I'm just not sure if welcoming people's my strong point.