| Strawberry Jam [closed to Hayate and Hoshi] | [Feb. 15th, 2009|01:54 pm] |
[Takes place three days after Wake Up in the Breakdown, March 21]
The thin early spring sunshine was at the perfect angle to beam down on the market stall and be nice and toasty warm. Hayate slouched a little more in his chair, half-dozing in the sunshine. Beside him, Hachiko chuckled. She was minding the wares of honey and strawberries. Supposedly, Hayate was minding the cash-box. He was currently using it as a footrest.
As it was a small market-square, Tsurusen Square was not terribly busy. The crowd here was mostly of familiar faces; several acquaintances had stopped by to wish Hayate well. He was not often seen these days. ANBU was keeping him busier than he'd been in a long while. The many glad regards and worried comments had made him feel a little guilty, even if he couldn't help being gone away so much.
Staring blindly at the sunshine glittering off the jars in front of him, Hayate felt the warmth seep into his tired muscles. Haven't been this low on chakra in a while, he mused drowsily. Now I remember why I try not to be. Ouch. The dark amber shadows of the sunlight through the honey-jars suddenly reminded him of Genma, and the mission. Wincing, he shook his head to clear the memory away.
It was day now, and he was home. The bustle and cheer of the market crowd chased away the recollection of darkness and fright. His aunt glanced at him with her bittersweet smile, and patted him gently on the knee. Shifting in his seat--his behind kept trying to go numb--Hayate crooked a tired smile at her.
Sudden loud shouts caught his attention--he stopped shifting and straightened. It sounded like there was some sort of commotion starting. Exchanging bemused glances with Hachiko, he tried to see amongst the crowd, curiosity sparking. |
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