Dinner for Schmucks

Sebaata eats slowly as he watches everyone enjoy their food. He had way to much time to his own thoughts. The loss to Asami still weighed heavy in his heart. Both for losing and for almost for killing someone he held dear. He focused on the moment. He watched as everyone eyed up the food. As Akio stared off into the distance, obviously thinking about how much he was going to enjoy his meal. As Ray continued to make a fool out of himself. Oddly, Sebaata loved the genuine attempts to impress the fairer sex. And the ladies. Sebaata still felt bad for coming off as rude or insensitive. Sebaata was in the wrong. And who is he to talk about strength... He lost and by his own volition. Sebaata could feel his thoughts sending him into a spiral. He inhaled deeply and re-centered himself. He had no right to feel self pity. Those around him suffered as well. The concept of suffering was a harsh reality of our mortal coil. It is part of the ride. no matter how different people were, everyone shared the inalienable understanding of pain. Pain ties us all together and we must help eachother shoulder the weight of suffering, even those who do so in silence. Sebaata glanced at Akio, seeing him exit his own thoughts. He used one of his stone hands and playfully tapped him on the shoulder "looks like your friend really likes her... Huh?... He will do anything to impress her... Heh heh... "

Mayumi couldn't help but smile at the gesture. "Ray, you don't need to work so hard." She said taking the offered seat, "I do appreciate the effort though. "Relax though, you don't need to be so formal and subsequently making more of a fool of yourself." She grabbed her bowl and began to take small portions of each bit of food offered to her. She was always trained to be polite, but she never overate. She hated feeling like she couldn't move after a meal. She glance around as everyone ate, smiled, and shared conversation. When was the last time I experienced a Fridley and peaceful gathering like this? Her smile faded into a straight face of concentration as she continued to eat. I mustn't forget that my bonds can be used as my weakness. What's fun today is for today.

Draw a picture, it’ll last longer… Tsushi noticed Akio’s absent staring at her while they ate. She didn’t want to say anything to disrupt his tights, though. Who knew what was going on in his head. Could be just about the food, but there was this nagging feeling in Tsushi’s gut that said otherwise.

Turning her attention to Mayumi and Ray, she noticed a slight solemn look pass over her friend’s face. Swallowing the food in her mouth, she leaned over and whispered nonchalantly , “Don’t worry, you’re not alone. I never got to do this much either growing up. It helps to focus on one thing at a time.”

Kaito and Kojii made their way from the Hokage's office and into the Uchiha District on the oposite side of the village. A few of the clan members roaming the streets gave Kojii irritated looks, indicating that under normal circumstances he would not be quite welcome to the neighborhood, but once they saw that the man was with Kaito, they turned their attention elsewhere. Before long the pair was standing outside of Ayame's home, where they would get themselves some dinner and much needed sleep in preparation for their upcoming mission. From the sounds of it there was a lot of joyful hustle and bustle going on inside.

"I'm home!" Kaito called as he entered in through the door. His voice, however, was merely drowned out by all of the talking that was already going on. He turned his attention over to Kojii. "Come on in and make yourself at home. Gram won't mind it one bit." Once Kojii was ready to move forward they would make their way into the kitchen, where a large group of the genin from the exams were enjoying themselves around the table. With Ray's back turned to Kaito, he let out a light chuckle. He would wait to strike, and the opportunity came just as his younger cousin addressed the table as a group of rag tags.

"The only rag tag one here is you, little cousin." Kaito retorted as he wrapped his arm around Ray's neck and gave him a noogie. "I saw that you made it to the final round, so good job."

"Only made it to the last round cause he's a butthole" Tsushi muttered as she shoved food in her mouth, still sour from the snake debacle.