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All credit belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. Credit for this written piece belongs to yours truly.
010: Unwind
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Alcohol is a very troublesome beverage. Any concept within its line is also troublesome. Thus, Shikamaru agrees full on with his conflicting thoughts, and he disagrees with Ino's very chipper offer to stride into one of the local bars. Why she's even considering this idea, he doesn't know. However, he can't help but think that the outcome won't be anything acknowledgeable the next day. After all, he knows that when a person is under the influence, that their memory suddenly becomes a blur with the headache they awake under.
As he pulls back, opposing Ino's very persistent drag towards the entrance under a flickering bulletin, he scowls and makes sure to strengthen the disapproval in his voice.
"Ino," he starts, "I'm not going in there, and neither are you."
"Shikamaru, don't be such a prude!" The blonde grins at him, pausing. "No one says you've got to drink or anything—hell, they don't even have a smoking policy! That's perfect for you! C'mon, just join me and have some fun! There's music playing down in the basement!"
"I don't dance."
"Shika~maru! Just come with me! Be my date and make sure I stay safe!"
His frown deepens, as well as his comfort level. Oh, and not to mention the newly arising tint brushing across his cheeks.
"Listen, Ino, just because we're chunin doesn't give us the privilege to go into a bar—."
"Shut up! Yes it does! Now seriously, shut up and come with me!"
Before he can pull away again, the lighting quickly turns from the bright sunset to a dimmed shade under the conditions of chatter, laughter, and clanking glass.
Many bundles of villagers are scattered around every corner of the crowded bar, as well as many inebriated shinobi. Shikamaru glances over at his very excited teammate, whose face glows with a restless smile as the two stumble down a flight of stairs.
Just before Shikamaru thinks the lighting can't get any dimmer, his vision then adjusts to a shadowy cranny with pulsing bodies, as well as a bar set off into the corner.
Ino slams him onto one of the stools beside the counter, her hands flying over the pockets of his vest. He gasps out in clear astonishment, watching her pull out a half empty packet of cigarettes, as well as Asuma's lighter. From the box comes a roll, which she takes no hesitation in shoving into his mouth. Her thumb flicks the lighter, and with a flare of orange, the scent and taste of nicotine flow vividly into his system.
Shikamaru pulls the cigarette from his mouth, blowing out a string of smoke angrily.
"What the hell are you doing—?" he booms over the music reverberating around them.
She blinks at him, smiling sweetly as she hands him both of his possessions. She leans in towards his ear, pulling him to her from his wrist.
"Have some fun, will ya? Now c'mon, let's dance!"
Cigarette still in hand, Shikamaru is sprung off the stool and into the crowd of persons. Ino swirls with a lively spirit, grabbing onto him from his waist as she synchronizes with the music.
As unhappy and confused as he is, Shikamaru finally sighs in defeat, replacing the cigarette into his mouth. He pulls her against him, one hand on her waist as well, and together they blend into the atmosphere.
Maybe this wasn't so bad, after all.
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