the little things. [o]

[allie]

the library was quiet. more so than usual. on a good day, you could always here hushed whispers here and there, a photocopier going - even some of the noise from the activity outside would leak in. today, however, it was just.. quiet. it was a pleasant change for miyako, sitting at the front desk while she filed a few letters for overdue fees. she was the only librarian in today, her mischievous little intern having called in sick due to a sore stomach. miyako wanted to believe her, and hurry over with a care basket, but reality sets in even for the softest at heart and she knew undoubtedly that her suki was just hungover. being a sunday miyako could hardly expect anything less from an eighteen year old.

aside from herself, miyako had counted only five other people in the library, each doing their own things; messing up her shelves, studying for exams, lazing around on the couches. sundays were like this. no one liked libraries on a sunday. everyone was either at home, sleeping off alcohol poisoning, or out on a mission - hell, even having lunch with the family. it was 1pm and miyako still hadn't gotten a chance to sneak off and find something to eat. she was avoiding the hassle of having to badger everyone out of the building so she could lock up for half an hour. she pouted at the thought and sunk further into the high backed office chair, letters finished. that was the last on her to do list. nothing left now but to wait until closing. she didn't see herself lasting that long though.

"excuse me, miss," came a slick sounding voice to her right. startled, miyako looked up to find two shinobi grinning down at her. new arrivals, she thought with a dull expression.

"how can i help you?" she asked politely, giving a half sort of smile. her hair was up today, with a few short tendrils escaping the messy bun. she was wearing her reading glasses, and her white blouse was buttoned right to the top. she'd opted for a black pencil skirt and high heels to match today, not being able to find her usual slacks. for all the conservative clothing however, she had caught the eye of the two men who'd gone on to ask her about a book she knew they had no interest in at all. she bit her lip when she saw the quieter one obviously staring at her chest. determined to not cause a scene, she wrote down the section and number for the book and passed it to them, hoping they'd be on their way. but low and behold, the piece of paper got crinkled in his hand as he leaned on the counter, arms folded, cheesy smile still in place.

"so whats a pretty little thing like you doing hiding in the library all the time?" he asked. "i never see you out, you know. in the clubs. do you even go out? i'd love to see that." i'd love to see you in a skimpy dress, is what you mean, she thought. miyako had been working here for years. she'd heard these lines time and time again. her patience was wearing thin, especially since she was hungry. hunger always made her extra grumpy and extra snappy.

"that piece of paper will direct you to the book," she said, standing up. "you'd better hurry. i'll be closing up soon for lunch."

"how about i treat you out then? the both of us," the shinobi nudged his quiet friend who was still staring.

miyako clicked her tongue, quick to say, "no thank you."

"oh come on now, don't be like that..." he really didn't know when to give up, did he? miyako frowned, uneasy. still, the both of them stood there. she chewed her lip, wondering how she was going to get herself out of this one.



ooc: whew. haven't rped in a while :c idk what i'm doooing

[King]

History had always been a favorite subject of Ashura's. To him, it wasn't much different from time traveling. By simply flipping through a few pages, he could plant himself squarely in the center of infamous battles past (many of which his father had caused). Turning a few more, he was then at the heart of a revolution that was eventually fanned into the flames known as the First Great Shinobi War. There was no limit to how far back he could reach, and with each new book, he was submerged into ways and knowledge that -- had he never brushed the film of dust away, and peeled back the cover -- would have been lost to him. Cultures, practices, art; it was all there waiting for him.

Sundays were always the perfect day of the week for him to completely drown himself in literature. Unlike most children his age, Ashura found comfort and entertainment in the solace of silence and good literature. From open to close, he'd been present on either one of the sofas or hard-back chairs, surrounded by several books he intended to read before the sun had set. Unfortunately, the inevitable break was near, as the librarians generally took there lunch around that time.

I suppose I can just check it out, he mused while standing from his seat. Then, I'll just return it once she's back and keep reading here. Despite being an avid reader, Ashura wasn't fond of actually checking the books out. As a shinobi, the stability of his free-time was incredibly volatile. One minute he could be lounging in the park, sunbathing, and the next the village was at war and he was needed at the front lines. He'd never been subject to a late fee, but considering his occupation, he was fairly certain he would if he ever dared bring one of the books from outside the large establishment. But what harm could come from a small window of thirty minutes, maybe an hour?

By the time Ashura made his way from the heart of the library to the front desk, two shinobi had already staked their claim on her attention. He couldn't hear them at first -- not that he truly had any interest in their conversation, but as he neared, the cluster of noises quickly settled into distinct voices. Of course they weren't interested in getting a book; they were just like half of the other men that came into the library. All they wanted to do was gawk and flirt, spewing cheesy lines that, even at his age, Ashura knew wouldn't work. Having spent more than a year on the road with Kirino, traveling from village to village, he'd learned a thing or two about what women found complimentary. . . and what they just found ignorant and rude.

"Excuse me," Ashura spoke up from behind the pair. "Could you please move? I'd like to check out this book while Miyako-sama goes to lunch, and I can't with you bothering her."

"Scram, kid," the noisier of the two shinobi barked. "Can't you see--"

"Hizashi," the quieter man almost yelped. "It's Ashura!"

"Wha?" Turning around, the man gazed down at the boy - his superior. "Man, who the fuck cares? We're off duty, and I never liked taking orders from a brat, anyway. Besides," he dribbled on, turning back to face Miyako. A hand reached out for hers, seeking to grab it and forcibly pull her to him. "Me and the lil' lady are goin' on a lunch date."

Despite Ashura not seeming to pay any attention to the verbal insult, the quieter of the two remained silent after that, knowing full well it was far better to bite his tongue. He'd seem entirely uncomfortable with the situation to begin with, despite his part in undressing her with his mind's eye. She was an attractive woman, so it was hard to blame him. But, Ashura simply couldn't understand why so many men seemed to instantly obsess over her? Unlike most women, she didn't wear that much make-up; she didn't dress like them, either. Was this the flirting he'd heard so much about from the older shinobi? It didn't look fun.

"Miyako-sama," Ashura spoke over the man's babbling. "If you could please check this book out for me before your date, I would greatly appreciate it."

[allie]

who would have thought her knight in shining armour would be a little kid? as miyako was struggling to find a polite (her boss had given her a snippy little warning about her temper the other week) way to decline the gentlemans offer, she'd failed to notice him walk up behind the other two. but as he spoke up she gave an audible sigh, and perked up, expecting the two shinobi to finally rack off. of course they had to put up a little bit of a fight though, right? typical males. she silently watched the little exchange. they took orders from that little boy? okay, he wasn't so little. but he was still a child, right? miyako could remember seeing him from time to time. she hadn't really talked to him - at all, from what she could remember - but she'd noticed him, definitely. what librarian wouldn't notice a kid in here on sundays? she'd wondered about him, but never thought to approach. he seemed like such a nice mannered lad, too. quietly reading. now here he was, putting at least one of these shinobi on edge.

suddenly snapping to it, the sleeze - hizashi, she'd picked up from before - surprised her from her thoughts. he'd reached out for her hand, grabbing her arm instead when she'd put up a bit of a fight. the lil' lady?! miyako could have growled. watch a letch! she wanted nothing more than to snatch her arm back, kick them all out and be on her merry way for some barbeque. but she was desperate to keep a lid on her temper, at least for today. she didn't know how this hizashi would react to her giving him a lecture about manners and proper ways to try and ask a lady out. so, after the boy - ashura, wasn't it? - asked her again to check the book out, she smiled a liquid gold smile to catch hizashi off guard. thinking he'd won her over, he relaxed his grip on her arm. as soon as he did, she snatched herself away.

"of course, sweetie," she chimed (rather out of character), pretending to know the boy. she took the book from him and ruffled his hair, walking back to her desk. "hizashi, was it? i'm going to have to decline again on your.. oh so charming offer." her words came out polite enough, but there was a bite to it that anyone could have picked up on. she stamped the inside of the book, made a little note and passed it back to ashura. "i was actually hoping to surprise ashura-kun here to some lunch," she lied through her teeth, hoping he'd play along.

"oh come on now.." hizashi sounded a bit nervous from his display before. whoever this boy was, he seemed to be higher ranked than these two idiots. pretending she was close with him had paid off. the creepy quiet guy was nudging his friend along. "next time blondie," was the last she heard of them before they were out the door. as soon as they were out of sight, she almost dropped into her chair.

"i really hope there's not a next time," she sighed, looking over to ashura and giving a sheepish kind of apologetic smile. one thing was for sure, she definitely owed this kid.

[King]

Ashura simply blinked at Miyako's act, completely oblivious to her ploy (at first). This can't be flirting, he thought to himself as he made his way closer to the opposite end of the desk where she'd stamped his book and primed it for leave. She doesn't seem to be enjoying herself, and if she was, I don't think she would have lied to that man there. . . I suppose I should help her out some. The bemused expression on the boy's face vanished, only to be replaced with bright eyes and a warm smile. "I had thought you forgot," he lied. "But, I wasn't going to keep you from a date. I'm glad we're still going."

The two shinobi had already resigned themselves to the idea of nothing going further, and with a final quip, made their way to the exit. Ashura watched them carefully, ensuring they left, before he returned his attention to Miyako more fully. Tilting his head as she all but fell into her chair, Ashura nodded. "There won't be," he said calmly, yet more assertive than most children his age seemed capable of. "I will discuss their poor behavior with the Hokage before I go home tonight. I promise you that they will be reprimanded, Miyako-sama. But, as their superior officer, I'm sorry that they were bothering you."

Having taken the book from the woman several moments earlier, he held it idly at his side. "I'm not sure why so men man try and waste your time," he added with a genuine curiosity. "Sure, you're pretty, but every time I'm here at the library it seems like some guy is throwing themselves at you - it's like they can't help themselves." Giving a light shrug, he made his way about the desk, he started toward the door. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say it was Genjutsu." A light joke -- a shinobi joke -- that he only expected himself to laugh at.

"Anyway, enjoy your lunch Miyako-sama." A smile split the boy's face from ear to ear as he glanced over his shoulder at the blond. "I'll see you when you get back."

[allie]

when ashura told her there wouldn't be a next time, she believed him right away. there was something about the boy, that calm sense of self. it wasn't arrogance, she was sure. he shouldn't be capable of coming off as so assertive. he couldn't be more than fourteen, but he seemed far older. it almost made her sad. to be the superior of two shinobi far older than him, he would have had to be fairly high in the ranking. even promising her that they'd be reprimanded, by the hokage? she was pulling all the pieces together, connecting gossip and rumors, pieces of chit chat she'd heard in the markets. ashura would certainly have to be that genius kid she'd heard about - vaguely, for she rarely listened to gossip about konoha nin. uchiha, wasn't he? something like that at least. miyako chewed her lip. she wasn't much of a fan for young shinobi being in high up places. it put them under more risk, opened them up to more horrors, took away (in her mind) their childhoods.

for all her musings she almost missed his comments about how guys throw themselves at her, and genjutsu. she did pick up on it, though, and had to chuckle. observant, wasn't he? miyako shook her head, then realised he was leaving. she couldn't just let him leave, that'd be rude. he'd helped her out, and besides that, she really did want to get to know more about him. he was like a book waiting for her to read.

"wait, wait," she called after him, picking up her purse and slinging it over her shoulder. a quick glance around the library showed that everyone had taken hizashi and his friends' cue and left. "i really am going to treat you to lunch kiddo. you saved me back there, so don't be running off so quick." she reached out to ruffle his hair again, like she did with her little sister, but pulled her hand back. miyako had a bad habit over being over familiar when people interested her enough to break through the reservedness. she wasn't too sure if this kid would appreciate the hair ruffling too much. he might have been much younger than her, but he probably had a hell of a lot more worldly experience.

"so, barbeque then? i'm starving."

she wasn't taking no for an answer.

[King]

Ashura paused, blinking again. "Lunch?" He really wasn't hungry, but he saw no reason to be rude. Clearly, she felt indebted to him for his intervention on her "date." Giving a smile as she ruffled his hair -- something seemed to do quite frequently. He was impartial to it, but again, not wanting to be rude, said nothing of it; it was a nice gesture --, Ashura gave a slight shrug at the idea of barbecue. "I'm really not hungry, Miyako-sama." He opened the door for her, letting her exit first before following; then he stepped aside so that she could lock it. "But, I wouldn't mind having some company. Besides, if I'm needed elsewhere, I'll be able to give you the book so you can return it."

Finally outside, Ashura took a deep breath. As much as he enjoyed spending his Sundays cooped up in the library, being outside was just so refreshing - especially on such a bright, beautiful day. The sun was high above, and there wasn't a cloud in sight to dampen its golden rays; it washed down on them like a river of liquid gold, enriching the boy's sun-kissed complexion and dark, raven colored hair. Turning to face Miyako after she'd finished locking up, Ashura extended a hand in her direction.

"We haven't been properly introduced," he said coolly. "Ashura Uchiha, Jounin of our Hidden Leaf Village." The name and title that'd come along with the boy's meek appearance were in stark contrast. How could hands so small and soft carry the weight of a Jounin shinobi -- all of those burdens? How could the countless battles and perpetual chaos of it all be etched forever into the mind held behind his young, immature face? How could a killer - for that is what all shinobi were, at their core - lurk behind such an innocent, adorable smile? "It's a pleasure to meet you."

[allie]

how could he not be hungry? it was way past lunch time, miyako decided. and he was an active, growing boy. she would at least make him eat something, no matter what. who could deny barbeque, anyways? she smiled at how he called her 'miyako-sama', shaking her head as she realised she'd never been given that honorific before. she wasn't too sure it'd be sticking around much longer, either. it made her feel old. how polite was this kid though? it unnerved her. she was so used to tiresome little brats with bad attitudes and superiority complexes. he was even worried about books getting returned! why couldn't they all be like him? either way, she nodded her head as he spoke though, silently thinking away to herself. stepping outside she took a moment to enjoy the lovely weather. working in the library was nice and all, but nothing beat a sunny day outside. while ashura seemed to all but bask in the sun, miyako turned to lock up and put up the "be back soon" sign. she doubted she'd bother coming back too quickly though. when she turned back around, ashura was introducing himself, hand extended. caught by surprise at his manners yet again, she gently shook his small hand.

"j-jounin, huh?" she stuttered, at a loss. she leaned over to inspect him, still gripping his hand. "i don't know whether to be in awe or.. worried. you're such a young little thing." she frowned. it just didn't seem right for a boy so young to have such a high rank, and with that rank so much responsibility. how much carnage and death had this boy had to go through? had to cause? shaking her head, miyako snapped herself out of it. she was being rude. "i'm sorry," she chimed. "i'm miyako hamasaki. it's lovely to meet you too." she let go of his hand, stepped back and looked down the street. it wasn't too busy today, but she could already see her favourite place for barbeque, just at the end.

"shall we?" she smiled and started on her way down the street.

[King]

She had soft hands -- softer than his, actually. The sensations sent a wave of memories flooding through his mind, and for a minute, Miyako changed. Her beautiful long, blond hair shrank and darkened into a rich chocolate color; her plush lips became fare and somewhat thinner, with her eyes remaining blue and bright. Her outfit didn't change too much, and in a matter of seconds, Ashura was staring Kirino in the face. Oh, how much he missed that woman; how much he longed to hug her once more. Blinking back to reality, Ashura released Miyako's hand and started after her.

"Do you like history, Miyako-sama?" It was an idle conversation starter, to say the least. Regardless of her answer, he continued. "I do - it's probably my favorite subject. I feel like it's the best way to learn about things; concrete evidence turned into literature. Undeniable proof, you know?" Removing the book from his side, he flipped open to a page he'd been glancing at before checking the book. There was a shinobi at the center of the image, a Great Fan in his possession, and fire-like chakra all about his person. Below, there was a but a single name in the description:

Uchiha, Kouketsu at the Battle of Konohagakure

Handing her the book so that she could look at the image, he continued to speak. "That's my father," he explained. "I've only met him once, though, so the only way I can learn about him is through history." He wasn't entirely sure how much she knew, as a civilian, of the Shinobi. But considering she was a resident in Konoha, he was positive she understood the weight of that man's name. "I've lived my entire live with my step-father, Ryuusuke, the former Hokage." Despite the content of the discussion, Ashura's voice was light and cheerful. "So, history is kind of like the world's way of explaining to me what happened."

They weren't far from Miyako's desire restaurant. "What do you enjoy reading, Miyako-sama?"

[allie]

"history?" miyako thought for a moment. she didn't mind it so much, but it was nice to delve into something fictional. you could go so many places with books, she didn't really feel the need to read about the past. especially the horrors that marred konohas - rather, the shinobi worlds past. she listened to what ashura had to say, however, fascinated with his interest in it. when he opened the book that he'd just borrowed out and showed her the center image, she read the name and almost cringed. you don't grow up in konoha, survive even as a civilian, and not know the face and name that she was being shown. uchiha kouketsu, huh? she bit her lip, wondering at his interest in such a man. she certainly wasn't expecting his explanation. when he told her that kouketsu was his very own father, miyako faltered a step and almost tripped over. "silly shoes," she muttered, pretending the blame was on the high heels she was wearing.

she didn't know what to say. what could she say? 'i'm sorry your father tried to destroy the world'? did she even need to say anything? was this one of those situations when someone tells you they have a dead parent, and you apologise, give them a sorrowful look, and feed them petty bullshit that they don't really care about? miyako decided not to say anything. she just gave him a grim kind of smile, and ruffled his hair again. as he told her about having a step-father she was glad to hear that he'd at least grown up with a father figure. miyako had heard of ryuusuke, their former hokage, not too much of it had stuck but it was there in the back of her head.

ashura sounded so cheery that it conflicted with what he was telling her. not that miyako was complaining. she just found it sad - she found it all so very sad. a child, not much older than her own little sister, standing at the around the top of a hierarchy of trained killers, a dead step-father, spending his sundays reading history books about his monster of a father. he should be out playing, she thought. or at home, having lunch with his family and getting ready for exams. but she had to stop herself from thinking like that. she'd only just met ashura. sure, miyako was known for being secretly soft at heart, and getting close to people too quickly. but there were limits. pitying this little boy and wishing things were different for him wasn't going to change anything.

"you don't have to use that honorific, you know," she chuckled. "makes me feel like a granny. how about miyako-nee? or nee-san?" they were nearly at the restaurant. she could already smell meat cooking. "i like fiction, mostly," miyako answered his question. "don't laugh but i'm a sucker for a good romance."

[King]

Retrieving the book from Miyako's grasp, he lofted a questioning brow at the woman. "I apologize, but it's necessary." Nodding more so to himself, he recalled the words his step-father had lectured him about many, many times. "Ryuusuke-sama always said that to use a honorific shows your dedication and discipline to our ways. He also said that it an absolute must when addressing pretty or beautiful women." In hindsight, his father was quite the womanizer -- maybe not as sloppy as those two in the library, but a hound nonetheless.

At the mention of romance novels, Ashura sighed. But, he smiled quickly after. "There's nothing wrong, or funny, about enjoying romances." His eyes drifted to the sky above, piecing together Kirino's face from the varying shades of blue. "It's wonderful to be in love, or at least to hope to be, Miyako-sama." He had no idea what the librarian's situation was; all he knew was the pain in his heart, growing more profound with each moment he did not have Kirino at his side. He would wait every day of his life for her, until he was old enough.

"At least, that's what Kirino told me." His eyes fell back to Miyako like a gentle waterfall. "That's why I'm waiting for her -- until I'm old enough," he said with a hopeful, triumphant grin.

Now standing before the restaurant, which was nothing more than a modest stand with a bar and several seats, Ashura reached into his pocket and retrieved several folds of bills. "Ryuusuke-sama also said that allowing for a lady to pay for her meal and drink while present was not very gentleman like, and should be avoided at all costs." It was certainly more than enough money to cover the meal -- hell, he could have covered enough for thirty people to eat heartily. "Please, order whatever you like. It will be my gift to you for allowing me to be in your company. It's been a while since I've had someone to talk to, since Ryuusuke-sama. . . " he trailed off, blinking the truth back into repression.

Again, his smile-- his mask --returned. "So, please, eat as much as you'd like."

[allie]

when he defended the use of the honorific miyako gave a heart warming laugh. this kid would grow up to be a charmer for sure, no doubt thanks to the guidance of his step-father. as amusing as it was, she hoped he would relax with it. she wanted to see him be a kid, as weird as that sounded. she was a complete stranger but she already felt the need to.. well she didn't know what she was trying to do. did she want to treat him as a little brother, or get to know him as a friend? there was something about him that made her actually want to get attached. maybe it was a maternal instinct. i just hope he doesn't think i'm some kind of creep, she thought with a moment of worry. as he responded to her answer about romance novels it seemed so out of place for ashura to be talking to her of love in a way that really struck her as beyond his years. miyako found herself yet again surprised by him. she figured that would be happening a lot over lunch.

kirino? how adorable - is what miyako would like to think, but there was something about "i'm waiting for her" that she had to wonder about. his triumphant grin as he spoke about her was however, absolutely adorable. she wanted to pinch his cheeks. miyako wanted to ask more about kirino but she held herself back. that could come later, she decided. for now they needed to eat - or at least, she needed to. barbeque pork and fried rice with lots of green vegetables was definitely on the menu. and damn if she wasn't craving some green tea! as they stood in front of the bar, miyako grinned at the old man serving and he gave her a cheery wave. she came here way too often.

as she turned back to ashura to ask what he'd like to have, she frowned at the bills he was holding. surely he didn't think that was going to swing with her? chivalry was certainly adorable on this little guy, and damn if ryuusuke didn't do a good job raising him (from what she'd seen so far), but there was no way she was having this. for now, however, she decided not to cause a fuss and just shook her head at him with a grin. taking a seat at the bar.

"well you have me to talk to now mister, whenever you want to. and you don't need to treat me for that. besides, i thought this was me treating you? my little knight in shining armour," she said with a wink. "now come over here and get some food. they make really nice green tea ice cream." she turned around to the server and ordered her usual.

[King]

Unfortunately, this too, simply wasn't an option. Ashura had been almost programmed to behave in this manner, especially around women. While it sounds a lot more horrible than it really is, he simply had a way about him; Ryuusuke had raised him quite well, and it was simply how things were done. As he followed Miyako to the bar, and took a seat, he instinctively handed the server three folded bills. "That should cover everything," he said cheerfully. The server was quite surprised a child had such money on him, but didn't argue. Simply nodding and placing it in his box, he began gathering Miyako's food.

Placing the book down on the counter, he opened it to the chapter he'd been reading. "I apologize for being so forward, Miyako-sama, but I cannot dishonor Ryuusuke-sama's teachings." Smiling at her, he nodded. "Enjoy your meal, please. I will let you take me out for lunch some other time. I'm here every Sunday," he said. "So, you'll have plenty of time."

[allie]

the kid was too quick for her, already passing the server his money. the cheeky little thing. she gave him a grumpy kind of look but didn't say anything. maybe it was something she couldn't help, like the whole 'miyako-sama' thing. either way, she'd find a way to get him back for that and at the same time repay him. maybe she could bake him something? he was completely different to the kids she was used to but surely he'd like cake. miyako watched as he opened his book up on the counter. there was that honorific again as he apologised. she'd really have to work on that. dishonor ryuusuke's teachings, though? she sighed. this kid was really a wonder.

"every sunday, huh?" she whistled, picking out a set of chopsticks from the container on the counter. "is that what you do in your.. down time? read in the library?" surely he did other stuff. did he even get much time off? jounin, from her experience with her mother and family, worked crazy amounts. "do you only get sundays off- ah," she stopped herself short, "i'm sorry. i'm trying not to be nosy but you're.. really curious. just let me know if i'm asking too many questions." she gave a silly little grin and snapped the utensils apart cleanly, ready in time for her meal to already be set in front of her. that's what she loved about this place so much - they were damn quick, especially when she was starving. it's like the old man just knew. the barbeque pork steamed pleasantly in front of her, served on rice with plenty of green vegetables and hot cup of green tea on the side. using her chopsticks she picked out a big enough mouthful and tucked in.

[King]

Ashura could only giggle at the woman. "There's no such thing as asking too much." He was still reading, casually turning from page to page every moment or so. He hadn't taken his eyes off the scriptures in front of him, though from time to time he would shift his gaze slightly, just to gain a better look at the woman in his peripherals. "Honestly, it's been a long time since I've had someone older to talk to about-- well, anything. Your company is very much appreciated, as is your curiosity. More often than not, people tend to not ask me too many things; they think that I'm going to end up like my father, and possibly bring harm to the village."

"So, as long as it isn't classified or village-intelligence related, I'm pretty much an open book." Yes, despite his youthful appearance, Ashura had the mind of an adult. His life's experience was more thoroughly fleshed out than some of the Chuunin and other Jounins, who were nearly ten full years his senior. But, that didn't seem to bother him -- and it shouldn't. Being born into the life of a shinobi, he knew very well that it was a honor to serve his nation at such a young age. He couldn't have asked for a better childhood, or a better set of family; what pieces of it he had left, that is.

"But no, I wouldn't call Sundays my day off." Nibbling on his lip, clearly in thought about a piece of information he read, he scrutinized a slab of the literature before thumbing the page over. "As a Jounin, I'm technically always on Jounin. When I'm not training some of the Genin, or assisting Chuunin with sparring, I'm usually on a mission. But, things have slowed down quite a bit since the Nibi incident outside Sunagakure. So, I'd had a lot more time on my hands. Sundays are usually slow, anyways, so it's been nice. I haven't been in the mood for missions, so I've been catching up on a lot of reading that I've missed."

Finally breaking his gaze from the book, he glanced up at the ceiling. "So, yeah, I suppose you could say reading is what I do for fun. But, I also like sunbathing on the rooftops, jogging, and just hanging out. I don't get to see my younger friends a lot, so when we do get together it's usually for the whole day." It was only for a second though, before he diligently began his reading once more, with his bottom lip pinched beneath his upper row of teeth.

"How is your lunch, Nee-san?" he asked absent-minded, turning another page. He was adaptive, and though it went against Ryuusuke's teachings, it also didn't. His step-father always said making a woman feel comfortable was your first priority, and if it was at her request he use a different name, then it was his duty as a gentleman to make sure it happened.

[allie]

miyako nearly choked on the mouthful of food she'd just bitten into when she heard ashura giggle. of all the things she had him pinned for (already) she hadn't expected him to be able to make that kind of sound. he seemed to serious. but then again, thinking back to their walk here, he had shown that cheery side. miyako chewed her food thoughtfully. she was making too many assumptions. still, she was sitting next to a what, thirteen year old jounin. it was hard not to make assumptions about what his psychological and mental state would or should be. it was turning out to be quite the headache.

not that miyako was complaining. this was like reading a book that you just can't put down. he was fascinating and she was happy to hear that he appreciated her company. she felt for him when he told her about how people think of him. certainly they had just enough reason to fear the boys father, but thinking that he would end up like that as well? that was a bit rough. it was only human nature, however, and while she could look past the sins of a father, a lot of people weren't willing to do the same. it wouldn't be that difficult to fear a child like him, either. he was already so well established now, what strength was he to gain in the future?

miyako listened to his answers to her questions carefully as she kept on eating. she liked listening. he even trained genin? assisted chuunin? she'd wager ashura was younger than most of them. she had to wonder how that played out. the more he talked, the more normal he started to sound. she was relieved when he mentioned having younger friends. she couldn't imagine living his kind of life, constantly on duty, and she appreciated that he and all the other konoha nin were here to protect the village. but she was still uneasy. it just couldn't sit right with her maternal instinct, for him to be so young and - what she thought - burdened. miyako was like that. she cared too easily once you slipped in past her defenses. break through those and you were stuck with her for life. in the span of the past hour, though, she seemed to have broken down her own defenses just to let this little boy in, crazily sudden as it sounded.

when he asked how her lunch was, miyako almost missed that ashura had switched to nee-san. but lord did it sound better. she chewed the rest of her mouthful and swallowed. "wonderful as always. they make the best lunches here." she smiled at him and added, "thank you." for the meal that was, but also for changing his mind on the whole miyako-sama thing.

"you should try some! ...or are you kept on some sort of ridiculous shinobi diet?" she was mostly joking, sort of serious.