3 Jutsu: [Action]

[teachingpeace]

[Action: Incredibly early in the morning.]

[It was still dark outside and Nagato already knew he wouldn't be able to go back to sleep. That dream had been... He'd woken up like this more than once since his memories had been interfered with, it's true, but he hadn't remembered why.

He hadn't remembered the dreams. Now, he was somewhat mortified, very confused, and extremely concerned if this was some kind of revenge from his Sensei from beyond the grave. Given the man's later works and his philosophies where women were concerned he wouldn't exactly be surprised but...

But that still didn't make it any less strange, or embarrassing, or confusing, given that he'd never had dreams like this in his life.

Though, to be fair, he hadn't exactly been healthy enough for that to be the case. Not that he realized that this, more than a determined ghost of Jiraiya, was the cause of his disturbance.

No, instead he just dressed, and went hunting outside for somewhere to train to try to get his mind off of it, and to try to... calm his nerves.]

[Action: Later that morning, before noon.]

[Getting his mind off it hadn't worked. No, instead, if anything, he'd picked at his thoughts mercilessly because he'd given himself time to think about it instead of keeping himself occupied with something intellectual.

Not the wisest plan he'd ever had. In the end though, he didn't know what else to do, but he needed to know if this was... incredibly abnormal, and the medics he'd worked with were still back in Ame so...

Clinic.

He'd just... go in there... and apparently stand incredibly awkwardly just inside the doorway trying to decide if he should ask to see someone about... this.

He had no idea why he thought this was a good one.]

Comments

[Action, clinic]

[twinlionfists]

[Hinata had chosen that day to spend the morning at the clinic, but she'd gotten so into her duties that it was well after three in the afternoon and she was still there, and hadn't eaten yet either. After being pushed out of the door by one of the other people who sporadically helped at the clinic to go get lunch, she had nearly made it to the door when she froze in her tracks.

Red hair the color of blood...the same shade as Uzumaki Kushina-san's. Except he was male and looking decidedly uncomfortable.

She understood that all too well, so with a bit of courage, she stepped forward to address him.]

E-excuse me, is there something that you need assistance with?

[Action, clinic]

[teachingpeace]

[He turned in place to look at her... then his eyes widened and he ducked his head. Oh no. Of all people to run into, it had to be her.

He couldn't think of someone who would probably be less happy to see him that he had yet to meet here. So... now he had multiple things he had to say, as he doubted it would take long at all for the Rinnegan to register, even if he looked nothing likethe path that had fought her otherwise.]

Ah...

....

...

[Taking a deep breath, he tried to quell the confused sense of horror, embarrassment, worry, and the niggling question that said she was in fact a relative. That last was a false memory and was not helping him being tongue tied at all.]

I- I was coming to ah... see if there was something wrong with me.

[Action, clinic]

[twinlionfists]

[She nodded a little, trying to give what she hoped was an encouraging smile.]

That is generally why people come to the clinic, yes? Would you be more comfortable in an exam room?

[Action forever~]

[teachingpeace]

[He was torn, and oh so very tempted to spin on his heel and go right back out the door, but that was neither brave, nor in any other way productive. No, he was here for a reason, and he could hardly flee the girl just because she might recognize him.

Finally, he gave her an awkward smile.]

That... would be best I believe.

[Action forever~]

[twinlionfists]

[What he didn't know is that she'd begun to slowly put the pieces together. The Rinnegan, the Ame hitai-ate, the red hair.

She waited until they were in the exam room and the door was shut before she spoke.]

Nagato-san, I believe you and I were never properly introduced the only time we had the opportunity to meet. My name is Hyuuga Hinata. [There was no reason to beat around the bush after all.]

[teachingpeace]

[Well, at least she wasn't throwing around the name Pain, so there was still some hope of salvaging this situation. Usually people only seemed to do that if they weren't willing to be civil with him.]

Hyuuga-san. [He bobbed his head slightly.] I see you have my name already, but it's a pleasure to meet you properly. [If rather awkward.]

[twinlionfists]

[He obviously didn't know much about Hinata if he was questioning her civility levels. No, she could remain as civil as she needed to be in a given situation, even with the person who was responsible for a beating that had nearly killed her. Not that saving Naruto-kun hadn't been worth it, because it had been, in her mind.]

Please be seated on the table. We can talk before we get to the reason for your visit, if you would like.

[teachingpeace]

[Maybe friendly was a better word? In any case, that she seemed to be willing to call truce in spite of whatever she might be thinking was... a great relief, though it didn't dampen the embarrassment he'd been suffering all morning. Padding over, he did settle himself though.

After all, he'd come to her.]

I... have no idea what to say I'm afraid.

[twinlionfists]

[Then she would have to get the unpleasantness out of the way. It was the only proper thing to do in this situation.]

Then I will begin by saying that I do not wish for any retaliation for what occurred during the Akatsuki's destruction of Konoha. It was an act of war and I stepped onto the battlefield that I had been repeatedly warned away from. I...I could not sit by idly as you and Naruto-kun fought.

Your...actions at the time were completely justified as an enemy.

[teachingpeace]

[It was both a relief and a disappointment that this was the case but... he inclined his head to her, lowering his gaze for a moment as he did. It wasn't quite closing his eyes as he had for Minato, but it was significant all the same.]

It's a relief to hear as myself and Konan have been attempting to get something of a treaty in place to settle the minds of those with concerns. Some forget that the attack wasn't wholly personal, though my revival of everyone was.

[twinlionfists]

I would be lying if I did not say that Naruto-kun's belief in you and Konan-san is the reason that I have allowed myself to reach out to the both of you. War is...war is never easy. That is a lesson that I have taken from the teachings of my elders.

[Despite her firm words, she is looking at the man kindly.]

Now that the formalities are out of the way, please tell me why you have come to the clinic today.

[teachingpeace]

[In his mind, Naruto's belief in anyone was an acceptable reason to do something, so he didn't even think to argue with her about that, instead feeling a flush touch his face again.]

...My body has been doing unfamiliar things.

[twinlionfists]

[Okay, that's not very specific...]

Such as?

Morning, before Nagato goes out

[origami_ninja]

[She'd talked to Crona about him meeting Nagato at some point. She still had to talk to Nagato about it, and this seemed like a good time. Nagato would probably be awake by now.

Presently, Konan has a bundle of freshly washed laundry in a basket. She stops by Nagato's door, knocking to see if he's available. They've known each other for so long that it doesn't even occur to her that some of those freshly washed garments might be a little embarrassing. They're just articles of clothing, after all. Even if they are skimpy.]

Nagato? It's me.

[teachingpeace]

[Reflex has him opening the door before his mind catches up and reminds him about what he'd just woken up from. In all, it led to a genuine smile, a bit of a flush, and him opening the door wider.]

Good morning Konan.

[origami_ninja]

Did I wake you, Nagato?

[His face looks a little flush and she wonders if he had to run to the door. His hair doesn't look wet and she doesn't see any steam that would indicate that he'd just recently showered.]

[teachingpeace]

Ah, no, not at all, I woke up on my own. Um. [He shifted in place and gave her a lopsided smile, glancing away, and hello lacy underthings. Looking back at her face now and the blush is a bit deeper.

Today was not fair.]

Come in then.

[origami_ninja]

Are you feeling well? Your face is flushed.

[It's something she worries about. His health may be better than it has been for some time, but that doesn't mean his health is perfect.

She carries the basket with her. She'll put them away in her own apartment shortly.]

[teachingpeace]

I... I'm fine truly just... woke up suddenly. [He ended the words on a lame note, but he had no idea what to tell her. He couldn't very well jump straight to the topic, and wasn't even sure he wanted to.]

[origami_ninja]

[And yet he'd just told her that she hadn't woken him. Something is going on. That flush is a stark contrast with his fair skin.

She reaches up to put her hand against his forehead, placing her other hand on her own forehead for comparison. Perhaps she's fussing a bit, but she doesn't want him to reassure her that he's fine when he's actually not well. She knows the extent that he'll push himself when not kept in check.]

Hmm...your temperature is fine, at least.

[teachingpeace]

[If anything, that made the flush worse, embarrassment taking a different source.] I'm nearly certain I'm not sick Konan.

[origami_ninja]

...sorry. I worry, even when it's not necessary.

[Especially now. She already lost Nagato once. She recognizes that he's highly capable, but she also knows he pushes himself and ignores his health if he feels something is more important.]

Do you have any plans for the day?

[teachingpeace]

[He opened his mouth, then closed it, shaking his head on a sheepish laugh.]

No, no plans, I was just going to practice, clear my mind.

[origami_ninja]

Shall I join you? I can program a scenario into the Battle Dome.

[She can keep an eye on him just in case, but if he really is flushed from just waking up... A thought occurs to her. Maybe he had some sort of embarrassing dream, like finding himself in only his underwear in a room full of people. Perhaps it's just some latent stresses or something of that nature.

In which case some time in the Battle Dome may do him some good.]

[teachingpeace]

I- Of course. I haven't actually used that as of yet.

[He shifted on his feet and lifted his hands in a bit of a flutter, like he couldn't decide what to do with himself. It's not something he'd done for a while.]

I should probably eat something as well.