Chapter 28: A Comb

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If he was not so sure Ino would throw a well-aimed kunai at him, Yamato would laugh. Because it was truly amusing just how easily Ino's hair got stuck in gunk, branches and spider webs as they traveled through the Land of Swamps.

As they set up camp on a rare piece of dry land, Yamato saw how truly miserable she seemed about her hair as she stared at the dark, messy ends. Remembering what he had done when they were in the jungle, and how happy she had been afterwards, Yamato decided to do something similar to cheer her up. Pouring some clean water in a bowl, he went over to her.

"Give me your comb," he said as he sat behind her, not asking for permission this time.

"Thanks," Ino said earnestly, understanding his offer as she dug around in her pack. She found it soon enough and handed it behind her to him.

Slowly, Yamato combed out the mud, leaves, and other grey substances from her bright hair that had slowly gathered throughout their journey today. Soon the bowl of water was murky and Ino's hair began looking much better.

"This totally sucks," Ino grumbled as Yamato had an especially tricky time getting out a bit of sap.

"You're really going to enjoy the Land of Dust, and then the Land of Crocodiles after this then," he said jokingly.

"As long as you promise to do those braids and pin it up like before, I think I'll be able to manage."

"Why, are you asking for a personal favor, Ino?"

"It works. That's it," she voiced curtly.

"You're so cute when you try to hide just how grateful you are that I'm around."

Yamato's chuckle of victory was cut short when Ino elbowed him in the stomach.

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Theme: 047. Pewter
Word Count: 300
Posted: 10.22.2014