001 | time here all but means nothing, just shadows that move across the wall.

[encourage]

You know, I have better things to do than daydream. Do I daydream?

[ Sakura has to stop and consider this, since she doesn't think she does so much anymore. Hadn't she been going to the store? The weird one, one of the first rebuilt after the attack, that'd made no sense when she'd stopped in to see how things were doing. Who had she even met at the time? Why had she come in again? ]

Not that it matters. Come on, wake up, stop staring into... oblivion? What kind of place is this to dream about?

[ Dreams are what make sense, if this is more of a nightmare after current events. No floor, endless stars? Points of light in darkness and buildings that feel more like child's building blocks strewn about an area, held up by nothing she could actively grasp as being there and concrete left her unsteady. What had -- been mentioned before? She pinches herself, flinches, and frowns. ]

Ouch! I knew that trick wouldn't work.

[ Things could stand to be a little more familiar. Sakura runs a hand through her hair, schooling herself into meditative breathing. Look. Observe. React accordingly. ]

All right, the stress has finally gotten to me. I'm standing in the middle of space, and there's an information booth. I wonder if it has any tips for how to locate your sanity when it's gone missing.

[ She makes herself stop again, largely because she's talking out loud to herself, and this isn't as helpful as she wishes it was. Time to pretend an audience! ]

Hey, if anyone can hear me, a little guidance would be appreciated! You've got a really nice place here, but there's a few dozen appointments I have to keep and a Hokage I need to check in on, along with most of a hospital to help run, and a war to prepare for, so as much as I'd love to stay, I need to get going.

[ Another pause, and she looks upward toward the sky that isn't the proper sky, and sighs. ]

Or I can use the information booth and file a complaint with whoever's in charge. [ Adjusting the gloves on her hands, she smiles. ] In a manner of speaking.

Comments

[explains]

[She is so far from fine it really reminds him... Of all his other friends. Why does he pick up the ones who smile when they hurt? Never mind that he does this himself to an extreme degree, to the point of mastering the lie. The important thing is that Sakura is clearly not okay, and Guy is naturally inclined to do all he can to help her out.]

I don't make it a policy to punch girls. [Another gentle smile.] Especially not pretty ones. And I doubt you need yelling at.

I didn't say you were weak. But everyone gets tired and needs a break now and then. I know we're practically strangers, but that just means you can relax. I'm not among those counting on you, so you don't need to keep up the pretense for me. Think of me as furniture, if you want, and don't mind my presence.

[He stands. He'd offer her his hand, but you know how that goes. Instead he points behind him with his thumb.]

Come on, I'll make you that tea and you can talk it out.

[encourage]

[ Sakura listens. Her lips curl up a little. ]

Defeats the purpose of sparring if you hold back.

[ She looks away at the pretty comment, because she's not at her best, mentally, to deal with it past a level of feeling her face turn red. Compliments aren't something that come along those lines often, even if she pegs it as part of the whole 'be distracted' feeling she has going on.

... Did this mean she just called herself pretty? Guess she had some ego after all.

Sakura snorts, laughing briefly as she stands. ]

Don't say that. I actually use my furniture. What's the point in having something around if it doesn't serve a purpose? And I doubt you want me sitting, sleeping, or eating off you.

[ 'cause she sure as hell wasn't going to figure a way to do that to part of her mind. ]

[explains]

I try to keep my sparring and motivational speeches separate, most days.

[Guy grins--smiling, he does it a lot. but it's nice to hear Sakura laugh, even if it's dry.]

Haha... [He laughs himself, his usual slightly awkward chuckle.] Probably best we don't try any of that. It'd be a bit indecent.

[Off to the kitchen they trek! And along the way, Guy glances down at Sakura as they walk.]

It sounds like something major happened to your home before you got here. Do you want to talk about it?

[encourage]

[ Something in the way she glances at him when he laughs like that makes it seem like she's questioning the sound. Still internalizing it -- yeah, she feels a little awkward, that's what going crazy does to you when you recognize it, right? She can compartmentalize. Let the real awkward out when she's alone and away from the people depending on her. ]

No. Not really.

[ If this is herself trying to get her to examine what happened, it could bugger off. Sakura feels her face settling into -- not quite a frown. Troubled, passing for neutral.

Okay, so cope with what happened. Enough to focus on what still had to happen. Then jump right back in and start dealing, like she'd been trained. This is stupid. I can't afford to let them down. ]

There's only so much mental revisiting I can take before I end up wanting to straddle my rooftop and scream until the images stop. What's past is past. Leave it to nightmares while you plan for the future.

[explains]

[He nods, crossing his arms as they walk. Repress? He's been there, done that. Still doing it, honestly. But there's a point past which is leaves lasting, festering wounds, that only remembering and facing can begin to let heal and scar over. But he won't push. They've only just met.]

I understand. Then don't think about it for now. You can use being here as a chance to catch a moment's rest.

[Ahh the kitchen.] He goes to set the kettle on.]

Did you have any questions about this place?

[encourage]

Yes. No. Maybe.

[ She half smiles. ]

Does it have decent vacationing spots?