6th Punch

[medicalpunch]

[Video]

[Sakura opens the journal and contemplates it for several moments before she hits 'record.' She's been trying to decide whether to say anything at all, whether she really wants to mark this particular occasion. But it seems like -- well, why not? Maybe it will help whet her determination to return home. Maybe... maybe it'll mean something.

Finally, she keys for the video and clears her throat.]

It's been a year since I came here. A little more now, I guess. I've been thinking about it for a while -- it just feels really odd to think that I've spent a whole year of my life with everything on pause while I'm here. As much as it's nice not to be in the middle of a war zone...

Well. At least I've got friends here. It would be worse if I were alone.

Anyone want to go for some drinks tonight? I think I could use a little something.

[Taking after her mentor, maybe. But for tonight, Sakura can't fault Tsunade's usual escape. There's nothing she can do about being here, no way to forget about what's going on at home -- so she'll try to distract herself as best she can.]

[Action]

[True to words, Sakura heads down to Seventh Heaven as the sun sets, wrapped in a warm coat against the winter, which she sheds as soon as she gets there. Whether or not anyone's coming to join her, she's planning to drink herself into forgetfulness tonight.]

Comments

[Action]

[niceguypose]

A... a party? And I am invited? What is the occasion?

[medicalpunch]

Sure, everyone's invited!

[Her laugh is high and a little strained; she's definitely feeling very different from usual.]

The occasion is I've been here a year and I'm not happy about it, so we're going to have a party and try to forget about being stuck. You in?

[niceguypose]

It has been a year already? [He mouths his surprise first, blinking.] Ah, that is right... I apologize for not noticing.

[He raises a fist affirmatively.]</small. I would be honored to both join you and serve you!

[medicalpunch]

That's right! A whole year since they dumped me in a frozen river. [And then Lee in his underwear yeah that was a thing.]

Well, come on along, then! [She claps him on the shoulder; even though the party hasn't started yet, she's already acting decidedly uncharacteristic. Partially frustration, partially a cover for homesickness and worry, and partially... just trying to get away from herself for a while.]

[niceguypose]

[He glances around for a moment, ensuring that he's not really needed by other customers. Then he nods.]

Very well! [And he sits to join her.] What methods of celebration shall we employ?

[medicalpunch]

Well. [Some of her frazzled emotions are showing through,] I was planning to drink until I'm not angry at the Malnosso anymore. But with people around, we should have games and stuff.

[Pause. Lee and drinking. Lee and... ohh, that's a bad idea.]

How about energy drinks for you? You can join in on the fun.

[niceguypose]

[He smiles at the offer of energy drinks. And if this party can help Sakura to feel better, then it seems like a noble goal. He goes on oblivously.]

Energy drinks? I do enjoy energy drinks! But Sakura-san, what do you intend on drinking?

[medicalpunch]

[He has to ask?]

As many types, colors, and flavors of alcohol as someone can set in front of me, that's what.

[niceguypose]

Ah-alcohol?! [He says, somehow not seeing that coming.] But, Sakura-san, you are not of age!

[medicalpunch]

Right now, I really don't care.

[The look she shoots him is openly challenging.]

Are you gonna tell me not to?

[niceguypose]

[He almost flinches at the determination of her reply.]

Ah... Sakura-san, it would not be my place to refuse you. Not if that's what you truly want.

[medicalpunch]

Right now, it is.

[She's probably going to regret this come morning, but she's reached her limit on dealing with Luceti right now.]

C'mon, Lee. Maybe you can keep me out of trouble.

[niceguypose]

I suppose I can perform such a role... [He salutes.] You can count on me, Sakura-san!

If that is to be the case... What should I obtain for you?

[medicalpunch]

I know I can count on you, Lee. [She says it warmly, genuinely -- that's been one of those things that's never really been in doubt. Not since the Forest of Death, anyway, and that's pretty much as long as they've known each other.]

Hmm. Something that looks fruity. I feel adventurous.

[niceguypose]

[There's just a faint glow in his cheeks at that.

Sakura has faith in him.

He nods affirmatively.]

Very well! I shall check the kitchen and see what I can manage! I shall return shortly. [And he's dashing off to the back.]

[medicalpunch]

[The way he perks up whenever she offers even a friendly compliment can be a little worrying sometimes, but it also feels very good. Flattering. Like her opinion is really important. She doesn't get that a lot.]

Get yourself something good, too! [She calls after him, trusting him to have the good sense to avoid anything alcoholic.]

[niceguypose]

I'll make sure of it! [He calls off before he disappears.

And some minutes later, he returns. He manages to return with an energy drink for himself, and a pink drink that he serves to her.]

This mix reminded me of you... It is called a Wild Strawberry Punch!

[medicalpunch]

[Okay, that made her laugh.]

Good call! Thanks... [And she accepts it and takes a sip.]

Mm! That's pretty good.

[niceguypose]

I am glad that you enjoy! [He gives a thumbs up before he takes some big gulps of his own energy drink.

Who thought this was a good idea.]

Is the stage fully set for this party now?

[medicalpunch]

Oh, I think so!

[Maybe the same person who thought this whole party was a good idea. Oops.]

[niceguypose]

That's great! [He seems peppier already.] What sorts of activities are lined up? Now that we have our appropriate beverages!

[medicalpunch]

Wellll, I was thinking people might be up for some sort of game... [Truth or dare with a bunch of mostly-drinking ninja is a great idea, right?]

[niceguypose]

A game...? Ah, that sounds very youthful. Please tell me more!

[medicalpunch]

I guess you could call it that. You know how Truth or Dare, works, right?

[niceguypose]

Is that the game in which... one must ask between a truth and a daring feat?!