acknowledges | ic contact

[ His expression goes from curious to surprised when the curtain is pulled away, falling into the hug, arms still crossed as they had been before Naruto had ended the shower. Naruto is warm underneath the cooling water, and damp, skin sticking to Bolin's, who's wearing his training clothes, and there's a pull on that skin when Naruto draws back.

Bolin remains still, for the most, shifting back onto his heels to keep his balance, curious look returning with a small smile. ]

It's okay. [ He hadn't really expected an apology. ] I didn't say any of that because I was worried or mad that you made me worry—I mean. I was. Worried.

[ His posture shifts, gaze moving up toward the ceiling as he scratches his chin, trying to articulate exactly what he'd meant. ]

What I'm trying to say is: what got me wasn't the fact that you got cut in half, but the way you think about it. It doesn't seem right.

...

[ After a moment of dumbfounded silence, Bolin just cracks a grin. ]

Not exactly. I've gone on dates.

I take it back you're just nosy.

[There's another towel just in arm's reach and Naruto swipes it off the hook to pull it over his head like a shroud. They've both been quick to move on, and it's a pace that Naruto's comfortable with- a rhythm natural to his own. Through the extra layer he scrubs at his hair, a lazy attempt to dry it while he mulls the words over.]

Ano... You probably don't wanna hear it, but I guess it really doesn't seem so big to me. I've had lots of things happen to me back home where I should'a hurt real bad, [One hand lowers unconsciously, palm flat over his stomach.] but because I had the kyuubi in me, I was always able to recover fast. Actually, the only reason I died back home is cause he got pulled outta me.

Hey! It's not being nosy when you're friends.

Dear Naruto,
This month is letter writing month, and I thought it was a good opportunity to write to friends and express my gratitude for their support.

Our first meeting was… well, it was actually pretty catastrophic, to say the least. I’m sure it won’t be difficult for you to agree. But even though everything that could have gone wrong that night did, I really admired how well you took everything! You never got angry with me (not truly angry, at least), and I admire your patience and easygoing nature.

I should apologize for that, and also for the misunderstanding that happened via carrier shortly after, too. I don’t know why I misunderstood what you said SO TERRIBLY, but wow, that one truly was my fault, wasn’t it?

But even then, I was able to see that… I think you have a good heart, Naruto. Even at the slightest notion that Sakura might have been harmed, you reacted quickly. Sakura is lucky to have a friend like you, who takes care of her and respects her. I have no doubt that she would have done the same for you, or anyone, really. Thank you for treating her with such kindness.

If you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I will gladly have your back, either on the battlefield, or in another trying battle in a banquet hall.

Sincerely yours,

[ attached is also a box of milk-based candies ]

[ With Naruto's attention wandering toward the second towel, Bolin fixes him with a critical stare, trying to puzzle out the severity of any scars he might have.

He doesn't really know what to say to Naruto's casual declaration about his death. Just like he hadn't known what to say to Sasuke back in the hot springs. It's so unusual to him, to say something like that as if it some grave admittance or strange outlying occurrence. It's not as though his life had never been in danger; Unalaq at least had wanted to destroy the entire world, and the Red Lotus was certainly ready to kill them but.

It had never happened. It's hard for him to grasp the reality of the threat, even having experienced it. ]

Okay... [ His eyebrows draw together. ] Well, it is a big deal though. Even if it's inevitable.

I understand what you're saying, and if it was one of my friends, I think it'd eat me up. That they'd think they don't matter, to me or anybody else.

[It's part and parcel of having a powerful, mythical, nine-tailed fox sealed inside him- as much physical damage as Naruto's endured and everything it's meant to live life as a shinobi, he has absolutely no scars to show for it.

He catches Bolin looking, gaze flicking up to his face, but he knows he's missing something- some thought, some piece of conversation, that he hasn't figured out yet. Something tightens in his shoulders, and Naruto turns his face away.]

But it isn't like that. I know that I matter.

But I can't slow down, Bolin. There are too many things I have to do.
There's too many people depending on me.

[ He’s not that surprised by Naruto’s words. Even if he doesn’t know the extent of the situation back in Naruto’s home, he’s been able to feel the weight and significance of it whenever the other boy mentions it. Bolin’s not exactly sure why Naruto himself feels so centrally responsible—maybe because of the fox spirit?—but it’s obviously there.

It’s not a bad thing, and Bolin’s always been pretty easily dazzled by heroics and big ambitions like that.

So he just grins, a little crooked to one side, and reaches out to grab one of Naruto’s shoulders, shaking him just slightly, connecting and trying to say that he thinks he understands. ]

Yeah, I know. You’re a good guy, and you’ve got a lot to do. [ Then his hand drops, flipping up into the air carelessly instead. ] But how about next time you try something like, “hey Bolin, I got cut in half, and it really sucked, so let’s go get some ice cream”?

[The punch is affectionate, the press of his knuckles against Bolin's shoulder enough to push him backwards- meant to force his weight to shift. When Naruto looks away this time there's something almost shy in his expression.]

'Cause that's treating it like it's a big deal?

[He's not trying to be difficult, it's the concept that's hard for him to make peace with. All their lives it's been taught to Konoha's children that a shinobi is one who endures. Naruto has learned, consciously or otherwise, that they aren't supposed to bring those things out into the open- they aren't supposed to talk about their hurts or vulnerabilities because it meant victory to an opponent and fear to a friend. It's one thing to get hurt. It's another to admit aloud that that's what it is- hurt.]

[ Apart from the letter, this is attached! ]

Naruto Uzumaki,

It has been a while, has it not? Back during that particular broadcast, I was glad to see you well. For that time, I have to apologize for being unable to ask how you have been, but it was not the appropriate moment. It became rather chaotic shortly after... However, now while we have this chance, I wish to properly extend my greetings.

I hope you continue to be well. On the topic of that broadcast... I am sorry for my awkward behavior from that time, too. I am doing what I can to be more careful. Thank you for your understanding from then. Ever since we have met in Lasker, you have been nothing but supportive. You have proven yourself a dependable comrade throughout our short meetings. For all of them, I thank you.

If it has not been made clear yet, I am also here. Please, do not hesitate to ask me for assistance at any time. If you will allow me the honor, I will definitely do what I can.

Setsuna F. Seiei.

[ Bolin's still smiling, reaching out and winding an arm around Naruto's shoulders like a loose headlock as he drags him out into the bedroom, the chill of the moisture in the air starting to get to him. ]

It's treating it like it's something at least, instead of nothing.

[ That's all. There's no way that he expects Naruto to stop putting himself in dangerous situations, or thinking of pain and sacrifice as necessary to achieve his goals. Maybe there is someway or some person that could get him to abandon those habits, but it's not going to be Bolin. It's like trying to pick a fight with the sun.

But even if there's no stopping the inevitable, maybe there's at least some way to frame it differently. Acknowledge pain for what it really is. ]

Man Lux, you're really sneaky.

You must really care about her a lot, huh Jae-ha?

Hey Setsu.

Eheh, your letter really surprised me! I'm not really good at that sort of thing- actually I'm not a very good talker either- Anyway!

I know we don't see each other too much, but I want you to know that I think we're pretty good friends even with all that. You're strong, so it's easy to rely on you if I ever need help, so don't worry about feeling like you gotta make things even or something. I don't think it really works like that anyway... but I guess I do that too...

Oh yeah and thanks for the bracelet!

Do not put yourself down. You are very expressive and honest... You are capable of saying how you really feel. Because of that, I am certain you are capable of inspiring others with your words.

[ What Setsuna wants to say... He means that Naruto is completely fine, talented even. Because compared to others like him, he actually does struggle to express himself. It's easier to write his thoughts down, but it's a different story if he were to speak to someone.

Misunderstandings often occur with Setsuna, which usually lands him in trouble or people getting the wrong idea in general. Sometimes, he feels like not talking at all is better... But he knows that it's necessary to be vocal time to time.

Being called a friend, though... That has him quieting down for a couple of seconds, because he's not really used to having them. But it's warm. It's a warm feeling for sure. It's even better to know that Naruto likes the bracelet. ]

... I truly am grateful.

What, me? What makes you say that?

[ Does she sound smug? She sounds smug. ]

It’s difficult not to, don’t you think?

Eheheheh

[The laugh is maybe equal parts shy and self-conscious. Naruto isn't often caught out because it's so easy for him to roll with the punches. He tends to embarrass himself more than anyone one else could ever manage- it's the things inbetween that make him flustered. Like this. It's natural to think of Setsuna as a friend. They're allies, and Setsuna has looked out for him when he needed help.

Is this a friendship bracelet? Are they at the friendship bracelet stage? Is there a stage?]

I don't really know what you've got to feel grateful for'attebayo. You're the one giving me presents and letters and stuff. I just wanted to say thanks.

When'd you even put that outside the door? I didn't see you or hear you at all!

[ He has a point. She knows he does. But still— ]

I-It's hard to imagine them e-ever being scared... you too.

[ She says it with a small, almost wry smile. Naruto, scared? Even though she knows he's probably right, that everybody feels afraid at times, she thinks that only serves to make them even stronger. But in her case... what she doesn't realize is that it makes her stronger too. ]

I just... I just want to be a good princess of Hoshido. I want everyone to be proud to call me their princess.

I think you will be.

[He isn't afraid of the wry smile on her face, or the almost-sadness in her voice. Naruto remembers what it was like to have so much depending on him and to feel like he just couldn't be enough- that he would never be as strong as he had to be. There isn't anyone that can make it easier in the end, and there isn't anyone who will be able to prove Hime's strength to her except herself. Everything she does she'll have done with her own two hands.]

It's really easy to give up. But you have so many reasons to keep going and so many people depending on you. Maybe that makes it scary, but doesn't that also mean it's more important to you than anything?

[ I think you will be.

He thinks so highly of her. Maybe a little too highly of her. But she's the type of person who believes far more in her friends than she does in herself, at least for now. And for now... maybe that's what she needs to hear, at least until she finds her own self-confidence. ]

Y-You're right. I won't give up. [ That was never an option...

This is more uncertain: ] Do you really think... I'll be a good princess?

Honestly Hime-chan, I can't say I've met many princesses- and I'm a pretty normal guy so I don't know much about what a princess is supposed to be like either.

[He wants to cheer her up, but he Naruto isn't the kind of guy to lie to a person to do it. If he tells her something, he wants it to be something true.]

But I already think you're a really good person. It probably doesn't seem like enough to you, but to mean that means a whole lot.

[ It's his honest that sells it, though. She can rest assured that he isn't telling her this just to say it—that everything he says is coming from his heart.

She's quiet for a moment, letting his words resonate within her. To Naruto, she's good enough just as she is. In fact, she's... she's doing him a bit of a disservice, isn't she? Along with everyone else who believes in her.

She's... so silly. ]

I... I'm sorry. [ She wants to explain, but she can feel herself getting choked up, and so she just adds quietly: ] Th-Thank you. Th-That means a lot to me too.

ic contact

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audio: lux

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pretend i didn't die

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