Chapter 4
Chocho munched happily on her chips as the four of them made their way down the stairs, to the main floor, grumbling as they pushed the door to the stairwell and she ran out of her snack. As they exited, Inojin cast a wary eye on Sumire.
Her eyes were wide, downcast, head low, harsh breathing, arms crossed over her abdomen. Stepping onto the velvety carpet decorating the floor, he thought to ask her if she was okay, but didn't want to sound like he was making an accusation, or embarass her should she be dealing with that womanly issue.
Finally, he got over his indecision and opened his mouth to take in a breath. "I CAN'T HANDLE THIS!"
Inojin felt a hard push to his sternum as Sumire, eyes wild and brimming with tears rushed past him, racing down the hallway and around a corner, footsteps muffled by the overly plush carpet.
He looked up at his remaining companions to see the same shock written on their faces. "Think she'll be okay once we get outside?" Shikadai had his eyes on Chocho, even as his hand extended down to help him up from the floor. Inojin shook himself alert as the Akimichi answered. "She'll be fine, don't worry."
They smiled in companionable silence. Until the silence was again shredded apart by an ear splitting scream echoing down the hall Sumire had just left them in.