Character Flaw
"Troublesome," said Shikamaru, glaring at Ino's retreating back - who had, once again, taken his lackadaisical mumbling for tacit acquiescence to her 'request'.
"Troublesome, troublesome, troublesome," he repeated.
"Seriously, is it too freaking troublesome to use a god-damned thesaurus?"
"I'm supposed to be a genius! But somehow, every other word out of my mouth is 'troublesome'."
"Siddhartha H. Buddha on a Popsicle stick, I ask you - if I have an IQ of over-200, what the hell do I need a catchphrase for?"
"I mean, it's okay for a character in a manga, who only appears in one or two panels; but actually trying to engage in a proper conversation with someone? Sweet kami on a cracker, it's not only preposterous, it's annoying as hell!"
xxxxxxx
He was still cursing when Naruto found him, twenty minutes later.
"Hey, Buddy," greeted Naruto, "Feel like getting some lunch? I hear that new place makes an awesome fish taco."
"Fuck off," said Shikamaru, though lacking any heat to his words.
"Aw, come on," Naruto wheedled. "It's a taco! With Fish! Mmmm, yummy," rubbing his tummy and smacking his lips to emphasize what a tasty treat was being proffered.
"I am not in the mood, Naruto."
"Okay, okay," said Naruto, trying to mollify his tetchy friend. "What happened, Ino yank your leash too hard?"
"Bitch, please!" A pause. "Well, yeah. Pretty much," Shikamaru admitted.
"Why don't you just stand up to her?" asked the naïve blond, demonstrating an appalling lack of self-awareness.
"Not. Gonna. Happen." rejoined Shikamaru, with what was, almost, a perceptible shiver.
"Well, do you want me to talk to her?" volunteered Naruto.
"Whatever," shrugged Shikamaru. "It's too big a pain in the ass to argue about." Finally caving, as he seemed preternaturally disposed to doing.
"You know," said Naruto, scratching his chin and staring thoughtfully at his listless friend. "There's something different about you, but I just can't put my finger on what it is."
