Scarlet Justice: Full Blossom - ep. 82
"Catching Up"

"Okay, now you gotta try it with the new sauce."

I use my chopsticks to take one of the cooked pieces of pork off the small grill in the middle of the table, and dip part of it into the sauce that Choji has provided me with.

"Oh! A delightful treat, indeed~."

"I knew you'd like it!" he says with a laugh.

"Some sweetness, a bit of spice, and a nice light profile that doesn't overpower the meat. It's very nice." I dip the other side of the pork slice into the sauce and then munch away at it.

Today is our long awaited lunch date with Team Ten, now formally known as Team Asuma as he leads them as full fledged shinobi. Shikamaru is his lazy self, lying on his side nearby. Ino is taking the opportunity to chat up Kurenai and Hina, as her usual peppy self. Choji and I are exploring the intricacies of our food, while Asuma enjoys his beer and Shino has himself a garden salad. It's the first time in a while that we've been able to get together like this, and the first time after my recent mission that I've been able to get some proper rest.

"Never thought you and Choji would be partners in crime," Shikamaru says. "Then again, I should have considered it. You send the Akimichi those nice steaks every few months."

"Well, the clan did help us on an important mission."

"Yeah, and that was over three years ago. A little more than being nice on your end, isn't it?"

"Might be." I shrug and put a few pieces of meat on the grill. "I heard there was an annoyance of some sort the other day."

"I forgot what it was already. Asuma, what was the owner going on about?"

"Some kid came in here a few weeks ago and got sick, because they under cooked the meat at their table all night. It was really dumb. So the parents and a bunch of others came around to, ah, gently suggest that the joint precook all of the meat before delivering it to the table."

"And I guess the owner told them to get bent," Shikamaru says.

"Yep."

"That's a real drag. You should probably go somewhere else if you're that worried about how well things are cooked, and can't do it yourself. Restaurants all over town, you know. The appeal of places like Yakiniku Q is the whole self-serve grilling thing."

"Agreed," I say. "No need to ruin the experience for the rest of us. If you can't cook, go somewhere else or stay home. Honestly. It's one thing to worry about accessibility, but nonsense like that is another. Shikamaru, did you want something now?"

"Yeah, if you can spare the time."

I put the meat onto a small plate with the tongs. "Oh, hush. I always have time for my hubby, hmhm."

"Of course you do. Also, please stop saying that," he says as I hand the plate to him.

"I refuse."

"Yeah." He sighs and shakes his head. "A total drag."

"Don't be mean, Shika," Ino says. "That's your second wife, and she's devoted to you. Almost as much as she is to me."

"You meant that to be reassuring, but I don't think I caught the wave," he quips.

"Getting hard to keep track of how many of us are married now," Asuma says. "I might be too old to get a handle on all of the newfangled relationships you kids have. Work husbands and spirit wives and soul sisters."

"You're so annoying," Kurenai says, hitting him lightly on the arm. "If you're too old to keep up, what does that make me?"

He flashes a smile towards his definitely-not-wife. "Timeless."

"You dork." She smiles back, blushing.

"So cute," Ino says dreamily. "Never gets old watching two people in love..."

"Speaking of love, how goes your boy search?" I ask.

"Got some good candidates, but I'm waiting to see how things play out. In the meantime...our search will expand beyond the village walls. There might be a diamond in the rough somewhere."

"You remember Gaara is off limits."

"For now."

"You mean forever," Shikamaru says. "Temari will kill me first and then come after you."

"So you're admitting that you're a thing?"

"No. I'm admitting that I'm the man in this village she's most familiar with, so I'll be strangled first. I'd like to live a few more years at least, so don't do anything too rash."

"Few more years, huh."

He shrugs. "I made a promise to your own second wife, as you call her. Trying to keep it is one of my life's goals."

"Ooh. A secret pact."

"And between us for the foreseeable future," I say with a wink. Ino smiles and nods in acknowledgement.

"Thank you, Lili. You were right, it seems having this collar on does come with a few benefits."

"Shikamaru, you always go on too much," Hina says.

"Hey. It's a woman's world. I'm just living in it."

"A surprising thing to hear from you," Shino says. "Why? Because most would think that you had resigned yourself to travelling the grand trail of misogyny for the rest of your days."

"I almost appreciate being reminded of how much of a prick I used to be, but I'd rather eat."

"It seems we have all reaped the benefits of your character growth. Well done," Hina says.

He sighs. "It takes a village to raise a child. And to break a man's balls, apparently."

"Cheer up, Shikamaru. Your dad still has his, doesn't he?" Choji says.

"I haven't had the opportunity to check, but I'd bet against it. You know how much I love my mom otherwise."

"Sure do!"

"Boss, I've been hearing through the normal channels that you made some incredible progress."

I nod and take a few more pieces of meat away from the grill. "I've plucked out the eye in the sky."

Asuma lets out a low whistle.

"With our international man of mystery at your side," Ino says.

"Mm-hm. A flawless bit of execution, with the help of sage arts. Couldn't have gone better."

"So that means things are really gonna open up. Well, maybe after the whole summit thing," Kurenai says. "Assuming there is an after, and not, like...World War 4."

"That would suck," Asuma says.

"Saying it would suck is one way to put it. Calling it an epic pain in the ass is another," Shikamaru replies. "Leaf's already got hands hovering over the various buttons and knobs we need to twist, but everyone and their mother is hoping that it won't come to that. Last goddamn thing we need with those Akatsuki turbo-freaks running around."

"The Tsuchikage is desperate, then," Hina says.

"Very much so," Shino replies to her. "The country is surrounded by rivals with no real way out, and their closest allies of convenience are at least two countries away. I'm sure that with enough concessions, they could drag the Leaf into a war on a minimum of two fronts, which we would win..."

"Naturally," everyone says in unison.

"...but would also cause untold devastation across the continent. I fear that we might not be able to properly recover from the fourth world war in less than a century. It's a feeling for now, but evidence will come to light to support it."

"So...what," Ino says. "All we can do from here is pray or something?"

"In essence, yes."

She sighs and takes a piece of meat off the grill. "Yeah, awesome."

"Nothing we can do anything about, so it's best to relax for now. We'll get through it, like we have before," Asuma says. He takes a slice of pork off Kurenai's plate.

"It's nice to be confident, but this is the entire world on the line right now. It's not one country against another, as bad as that is in itself. If those Akatsuki guys keep being a major threat, we might be worse off than with Cloud in charge or something," Ino says. "These are the same psychos hunting down tailed beasts and recruiting the most dangerous people in the world, somehow."

"Their desires go beyond wealth and familiar comforts," Hina says. "But I have to wonder...how do those things come together in their master plan? It would surely be a miracle for all of their paths to align so neatly, that they would risk their lives against beings who could surpass the Five Kage in an instant of rage, and would risk the wrath of so many powerful nations all at once."

"You're thinking we could drive a wedge between them that way?" Kurenai asks.

"It's possible. Lili, what do you think?"

I finish my chewing and shake my head. "Each have or had their own agenda, but were singularly devoted to the organization and its function. If you remember, Sasori took it very personally when Orochimaru abandoned the inner group, and likely would have the same reaction to others doing the same. Whether it was the promise of freedom in these lands, or something else...each member of Akatsuki is dedicated to the cause, even up to the last moments of their lives."

"So that angle is closed to us, then."

"It seems so. Even those murderous youths tether themselves to the rules and mission of Akatsuki, as much as they can. I don't think there will be any negotiating with them. It's not impossible, but..."

"Unlikely," Hina finishes. "I understand. Not that I would want to forgive them, what with their sinister plans for Naruto..."

"I feel the same."

"Between you two, Naruto's got the best security in the Five Shinobi Powers," Asuma jokes. He gets a gentle slap on the wrist before he can sneak away another piece of Kurenai's food.

"He's got a way of drawing people to him," Shikamaru says. "Dunno what it is, but you just want to see him succeed at whatever he does, weird pranks aside. Eh. Maybe not aside, I guess. Those were pretty funny."

"Even the one where Lili got chalk all over her from the eraser?" Choji points out.

Shikamaru looks at me, and I give him a look back.

"There's probably a wrong answer to that question."

"Probably," I say.

"I think Hina and Shino were the only ones here who didn't laugh," Ino says, wincing. "We really were a bunch of pricks back then. I feel awful thinking about it."

"All is forgiven," I say confidently. "That you all recognize my power and pay me tribute in this hour is enough. I might require more advanced compensation at later dates, but we'll see to those when the time comes."

"That's nice of you, Lili. I'll do my part, just ask!" Choji says enthusiastically.

"Thank you, love."

"Yeah, looking forward to even more torture," Shikamaru says.

"Heh. I assumed you'd think that being Lili's work husband was torture enough," Ino quips.

"You said it, not me."

"I'll be all too happy to make you squeal for me. Perhaps not in any of the ways you'll like, but such is life." I pop a ball of meat into my mouth and chew. "I'll have to get your measurements at some point. My trophy husband absolutely must look good when we go out, as you would guess."

"Everyone knows that a trophy is best left on its shelf at home, for many people to look at," Shikamaru says.

"An impressive riposte," Hina says smugly.

"Oh, well said. In that case, we'll have you dressed nicely for the many lovely dinner parties that we'll be hosting together," I say with a smile. "Being at home is no excuse to look less than our best, true?"

"For such a smart guy, you sure have a lot of trouble learning your lesson," Kurenai says.

Shikamaru rolls his eyes before chuckling.

"Hm~. That should do well for us today."

I hum to myself while shopping at the local market, picking up a fresh cut of meat from the butcher and some fresh vegetables, a few fruit and some other essentials. Not for myself, of course. There's a stop that I've been looking forward to making for a while.

"Here you are, ma'am. Enjoy," the young clerk says to me.

"Thank you kindly. Have a wonderful day."

I leave and then start across the rooftops with my bags in hand, floating above the village. I had almost forgotten how much cooler it was these days, and going about with the wind in my hair is a good reminder. My feet find the railings on the outside of the apartment complex and I bounce upwards towards my destination. The key is in its usual place under the mat. I reach into the mailbox and pull out the small container, then unlock it to get at the small flat tool.

"There we are."

I close everything up and put things back into their places, swing out to the nearest window, and use my free hand to dislodge the small latch with the tool in my hand. The window easily opens, and I slip inside before locking things up again.

"Ah. He's been keeping things tidy. Good boy."

I set my bags down and check on the plants, supplying some of them with water from the nearby can. After checking the time, I put on an apron and get to work. The lightly marked counter doesn't make me think twice about looking for a cutting board, and I chop up the vegetables I need neatly. The fresh meat goes into a hot pan and is touched up with oil as I go.

By the time I finish cooking everything and put my finished creation onto a plate, the expected twisting of the lock reaches my ears.

"Is that who I think it is?"

"It surely is, my love," I call back.

"I could smell that cooking of yours from a mile away!"

I can hear his bag being dropped in the living area as I turn and set his plate on the table.

"Welcome home, Naruto."

"Thanks so much, Lili. I missed you!"

"And I missed you, as always."

He smiles and hugs me tightly, as he always does. I can't help being taken away by his warmth, something that seems to grow as the days go by and we discover new things together. Going down that road of memories again...he was the one that set up that prank all that time ago in the first place, and made me feel like I was a world away from everyone else.

Remarkable doesn't even begin to describe it, really. To come from that to where we are now.

I kiss him on the cheek.

"I hope you've got yourself a healthy appetite today."

"For sure! Not much beats your home cooking, Lili. Where's your part?"

"Didn't bother with it. I'm still full from lunch with everyone earlier."

"Lunch? You went out with your team today?" he asks as he sits down. I get him a cold glass of grape juice and a few napkins just in case.

"It was us and Ino's team today. We ate at Yakiniku Q and had a fun time chatting about everything."

"Oh, okay. I almost forgot you all were pretty tight."

"One of the things that came up was my first day of class," I say as I pour myself a glass of juice. I sit next to Naruto at the table and relax a bit.

"Right. When I...got you real good with the eraser on the door. Or bad. Bad sounds about right."

"Like I was telling them, I'm over it by now. It's just an interesting memory, considering where we are."

"Heh, yeah. You went from wanting to beat my face in all the way to letting yourself into my place so you could cook for me. And before that, saving my best friend from the dumbest decision he'd make in his life."

"Things you don't do for just anyone."

"Definitely not." He sticks his fork into his food and chews with satisfaction. "Hell yeah. This is awesome. Pervy Sage had us eating junk out on the road again...I don't know how the hell he made it to his age eating like he does."

"I'm sure he had more restraint when it comes to his eating habits at an earlier age. Hm. Not that I would normally compare the two, but...he and Midori-nee have some similarities on that end. She's absolutely ravenous when it comes to sweet things."

"No kidding."

"I already have a vice of my own, thanks to her. Hina knows it, which is fair after I keep exploiting her cravings for cinnamon rolls."

"Haha. She loves those. I make sure to pass by the shop nearby whenever I...uh, want to smooth a thing or two over."

"I'm the last one who would scold you for that, hmhm."

"So we haven't seen each other in a while, and I really wanted to after I heard about what you did out on the water a few weeks ago! No wonder you were so confident about training me. You had that in your pocket the whole time?"

"Among other things," I say. "I wouldn't want it to come to that at all, but...it always helps to be prepared, you know?"

"It makes sense. But...hearing about it from all over the place is so crazy, you know? You beat up a tailed beast and saved a whole bunch of people...it's awesome. And it makes me pretty jealous, obviously. Maybe less jealous because we made a super cool jutsu together, but still."

"Does it bother you at all?" I ask before taking a sip from my glass.

"Nah, nothing like that. I get it, you know? Not just for me, but in case you had to fight the tailed beasts out there in the world, or one of those freaky Akatsuki guys. Seems like real useful stuff, you know?"

"Well, I have more things like that ready, though they could use some extra refinement."

"Sounds fair enough. All that said, I'm gonna deal with the grumpy fox inside of me. We've been talking lately, or at least I've been talking and he's been pretending not to listen. That's progress, I think. We're getting there."

"It's good to hear, truly."

"Yeah. I have a feeling I'll need your help at the end, Lili."

"Just let me know when."

"Sure will." He goes back to eating and finishes off his plate in short order.

"Seconds?" I ask while taking away the plate.

"I'd like that! Thanks so much, Lili."

"It's my pleasure, as always." I take the pan off the rack and use it to lightly warm the remaining food again. "So, what have you been up to lately? You said that you were out with Jiraiya again?"

"Yeah, short trips back and forth across the country. We've been looking into some extra stuff now that I've got a really good handle on the Rasengan and everything, so stuff like combos and taijutsu things, whatever comes to mind. Just flowing, you know?"

"Not sure I do."

"Oh, okay...hmm." He thinks as I put the plate back in front of him. I refill his glass while I'm there. "It's all vibes, really. You know?"

"Ah. I can understand it from that, then. It's a fair way of doing things. Not everyone is meant for structure and constant routine. We all have different ways of learning and interpreting the world," I say as I sit down again.

"Yeah, true. Pervy Sage and I talk about stuff going on in the shinobi world. And philosophy and junk. He doesn't spend all of his time on dirty books when he's writing, sometimes it's just notes for something else that I don't know about."

"He wants to find peace for this world. We've talked about it before...I don't think there's anything particularly wrong with his view of the future, but I don't agree with what he wants."

"Yeah, we kinda talked about that too. I'm hoping you'll see it our way when the time comes, 'cause unless I bust out something super mega awesome in the next few years, you're probably gonna get to wear the pointy hat."

I tap my fingers on the sides of the glass as he eats. "Has...he ever talked to you about taking on the mantle? In an emergency?"

Naruto pauses to swallow his food. "Always said he wouldn't even consider it. That's part of why he brought back Granny Tsunade. He said that if something did go bad and she was in the village, she'd pick up the hat just to make sure everything was steady. But she's not big on the whole thing either."

"I see." And I have to wonder how interested Orochimaru actually was when it came to being Hokage. He very well could have desired the power it would bring him, but only for the purposes of his base experiments and nefarious plots. Using his authority to create secretive cells, kidnapping and mutilating whoever he chose...no, even worse than that. He would be likely to hand off the actual power to Danzo, while remaining a figurehead who was able to focus on what he truly wanted in life. The darkness that Leaf would find itself in...perhaps that was part of what Hiruzen sensed before he chose Minato instead.

Three legendary heroes, all with their own excuses as to why they wouldn't succeed their teacher and mentor. Maybe it wasn't meant to be. Maybe...it was apprehension, a feeling of unworthiness on all of their parts. Whatever it is, it has left us in this situation. As I step in to fill the gap, something I hope to do in time, will I see the same things they saw? Or will I see a future beyond even their reckoning, and perhaps mine?

"Aside from your whole super hero thing, is there stuff you can tell me about your mission? Or is it another one of those top secret things?"

Naruto's voice brings me out of my thoughts. "It's classified for the most part, unfortunately. I'm sorry."

"Nah, it's okay. I kind of figured since people weren't really going into details, at least from what I knew. But everyone knows, people were still talking about it when we went out the other day. They really think you're the coolest, Lili. Who can blame 'em, really..."

"Being famous isn't bad at all, but it can be a lot for someone who isn't ready."

"Good thing I was already born with the chops for it! When I get to the top, being a star is gonna be a breeze for someone as awesome as me. Just you watch." He points his fork at me. "If you're not careful, the village might turn around and beg for me to be Hokage instead of you."

"A popularity contest? Is that what you want this to be?" I ask.

"Only makes sense. The Hokage's not just strong, but they're the face of the village, you know?"

"You're part way there, at least." I swirl the juice around in my glass before taking a sip. "A Hokage should be acknowledged by the village, not just for their power, but for who they are as a person. The ability to command a military structure and govern a village where people live and work with each other doesn't come simply or easily. How you get to that point matters just as much as your next steps."

"Huh. You're saying that the Hokage could be someone who isn't the strongest in the village? I mean, Grandpa Third is there because he's been around a long time and it looks like he couldn't get anyone else to do it. But other than that..."

"The strongest might not be the most qualified, and the most qualified might not be the strongest. That's what the advisory panels are for."

"You think you'll have any trouble with that?"

I shrug. "Doubtful. Even before this recent status boost, I had enough influence and display of capability to put myself at the front of the line. Things can change, of course."

"Yeah, true. I hope they don't, you'd be pretty cool as Hokage. Almost as cool as me, but sometimes we've gotta settle for what we can get."

I laugh softly. "Well said. Maybe in a few years I'll retire so that I can sip fruity drinks and look at pretty girls on a beach somewhere. By that time, the masses will be suitably adjusted to your awesomeness and you can properly take over as leader."

"Really. And how long would that take, you think?" he asks before finishing off his plate.

"Could be five years," I say, pretending to think. "Ten, maybe. That would be a decent amount of time to learn everything needed for the job. Optimistically...twenty or thirty years. Realistically, fifty to a hundred."

"You're such a jerk."

"Aw. Your compliments always make my heart flutter."

He shakes his head. "So lucky this food is good, otherwise I'd flick a piece of carrot at you."

"You're welcome. Thirds?"

"I'm stuffed. Thanks, though."

"Everything is cooled off, so I can put it away for later."

"Awesome. So I guess you can't tell me much about your secret mission stuff, which isn't any different from the usual."

"I think I've done enough talking between us the last few meetings." I take away his plate and our glasses, then set them in the sink. Washing can come a bit later. "Let's go."

I take his hand and lead him to the couch, where we take a proper seat together. I rest my head on his shoulder and put his arm around me.

"I want you to tell me all about your adventures this time, Naruto. I've missed hearing your stories."

"Sure! Um...well, we all went on a mission as Team Kakashi again the other day, I think it was a day or two after you officially took off or something like that. I figured that because I couldn't get a hold of you and Fio said you were busy. We went to...River Country, yeah. That was it. Yeah, so because Sasuke was a total dork we didn't head out when we were supposed to at first..."

Naruto eventually drifts off while talking, and I wait a while before getting up. I put a blanket over him and give him a kiss before cleaning up and leaving through the window like I came in. The small tool goes back into its home, I make sure the front door is locked, and then I head back into the day.

The next stop should be...hm. I suppose checking in before heading home will be prudent. Nothing too intensive.

My work box has only a few messages, and they're easily dealt with on the go. I sign the necessary paperwork before handing it off, and then go over to the Jounin Commander's office to see what's happening with my little group of soldiers as they move about.

"Good afternoon, Lord Nara."

"Afternoon, Colonel. Hopefully you haven't been on your feet too much lately."

"Nothing like that, fortunately. I'll be off for the next while, just because our Hokage personally asked it of me. Today was spent gently encouraging your son over a delicious lunch."

Shikaku takes out the requisite folder and places it on his desk. "I'm sure he appreciated it."

"Of course. I'll be borrowing him for a date or two when the need arises."

"Well, just don't lean into things too much. You might give my poor wife the wrong impression."

"Along with everyone else," I say as I open the folder and leaf through the papers inside. "I've no idea when I'll uncork that little secret, but some have said that spontaneity wins the day."

"The worst you'll do is break a few dozen hearts, I hope."

"Such is life. Hm, nothing much happening here. I suppose Akatsuki has taken notice of our deployments and acted accordingly?"

"Seems like it," he says before pouring coffee from his flask. "It's been a good thing for us, and thanks to your heroics business is booming again."

"Doesn't take much, eh. Well, if you could have some of the chuunin here rotated through the occupied zone, I would appreciate that. As for the genin, the usual track should be fine. Any standouts that you see?"

"I have them marked here," he says while handing me a sheet of paper. I look it over and nod.

"Alright. I'll pull up their files and see what I can make of it. Anything for me?"

"Nothing. Aside from the usual praise for your efforts, of course."

"Yes, of course. Welcomed and appreciated, as always. News on the Akatsuki front?"

"Nothing back from Lord Jiraiya. Still not on the best terms, I'm guessing."

"No."

He nods and takes a sip of coffee. "Well, it's not a headache for me. So you two can dance as much as you feel like, I guess. It's just enough above my pay grade that I don't have to worry about it."

I raise a brow. "Is that all?"

"Yep."

"You really are a magnificent creature, Shikaku. I hope to make your days peaceful and stress free as soon as I am able."

"The magnificent part is new, and greatly appreciated," he says with a smile. "Take it easy for now, Colonel."

"Understood, Commander." I give him a salute and a wink before taking off.

The trip home passes without any sort of excitement. Well, at least until I reach the hotel lobby.

"Hey, there she is!"

A small, manageable group of people starts to approach for autographs and the like. I oblige them and sign things like small cards, ribbons, stuffed animals, and replica weapons. The people who haven't come with anything in hand get a few spare weapons that I feel I can part with.

The hotel room is empty as I enter. Fio's out, I suppose. No reason to call her, she should be back soon enough. I take a quick shower, get into some loose clothing and get to reading a few reports and personnel files from my recliner.

It's just as I finish my notes that the phone starts to ring.

"A call from Lady Nami Hyuuga for you, ma'am."

"Send it through, please."

"Yes, ma'am. A moment."

"Good evening," Nami says.

"Good evening, love. How are we today?"

"Splendid, now that I'm able to hear your voice again."

"You do go on sometimes, but I appreciate it. What did you need of me today?"

"Ah, just a simple update, if that's alright. And perhaps to arrange our next tea date at the estate? The girls have longed to see you for an age now."

"Surely. We will take care of that before we hang up. Now, recent events...we've done well on matters of outside surveillance recently. To start..."

We spend about two hours going over everything - as my underground network, Edelweiss should know as much as they can without being compromised. Some of the time is spent organizing future endeavours, arranging adoptions to ease pressure on the existing Leaf orphanage, fundraising for lower income families, and so on. The lists for Magnolia House are moving about as expected. We want to help people, but more than that, we would like for the amount of people that need to be helped to decrease.

That little problem can be solved permanently, once we deal with the bigger pieces.

"Tomorrow is perfectly fine. I'll come down around one or so, if that's alright," I say to Nami. Fio comes in and drops her bags before giving me a kiss.

"That's perfectly fine. I'll tell the ladies so they can clear their schedules. Thank you, Lili."

"You're welcome. I do make a point of looking after my darlings, especially since you're risking so much for my sake. Have a good rest, and I'll see you soon."

"Yes, ma'am. Good evening."

"Was that our girl Nami?" Fio calls from the bathroom.

"It was indeed. I have a date with her and the girls tomorrow afternoon."

"Awesome. And how was today?" Fio puts herself into my lap.

"Fun. I got to catch up with my good friends, then I took care of a few errands. I was with Naruto most of the time, and he's doing quite well for himself."

"That's good. When Yuno's free, we're gonna have ourselves some snacks while we game and junk. There's a hot new game that came out recently. It's called Hurricane Man!"

"Really, eh."

"Yeah. The main character reminds me a lot of Josh from that picture you showed me."

"Ah. I'm sure he'd find it amusing, easygoing as he is. You really should meet one day soon."

"We should." She smiles and looks up at me. "Cuddles tonight?"

"Any night you ask. I'm never too tired for my Fio."

"Good. No more paperwork for today, then."

"No more paperwork," I say in agreement. "Want to go out for dinner later?"

"Yeah. We can have...fish. I wanna have fish."

"Fish it is." I close my eyes, starting to relax again. A simple enough day, but no less meaningful than any other.