Love's Recipe ~Choji~

Chapter 22

I set down three books in front of Reira. My Mom had gotten me game books for Christmas a few years back. Sudoku, cross word, and word search. First, I opened the Sudoku and handed her a pen. She finished fast. Like... scary fast. So fast I was actually kind of paralyzed in a stunned state. But I opened the cross word and watched. That one she had too much trouble with, couldn't get past the first puzzle. SO we moved that one over and opened the word search. Just like with the Sudoku, she whipped right through it. She looked bummed when she got through the book.

We all had no idea what to say for a moment. But then I thought back to what Shikamaru had told me about her. My hands clapped together as an idea formed in my head. "That's it! Reira was injured in the communication part of her brain and is no longer quick to remember what certain things mean or how to respond, ergo the pauses in her speaking. That also causes her to be slow in remembering other things past learned, ergo the trouble with the crosswords. Now, this hasn't been proven," Everyone leaned forward as the rest of my idea came to light. "But it may be possible to quicken that area of the brain in her again through communication."

Everyone seemed to go into deep thought. Reira was looking back and forth between us before Ino spoke up. "But then how does that explain the logic skill?"

"Simple. She must have learned it though something, either before or after the accident, and since her communication is out of sorts she doesn't second guess herself and sees solutions a lot more clearly." Shikamaru answered. He kept his eyes trained on Reira. "What do you see when you look at these puzzles?"

Her eyes narrowed on an indiscriminate spot on the table. It was clear she was working out what to say. What was she seeing? "I see lines... and... I see spots... like if... I'm working a... Sudoku... the box will... light up. But if... I'm on a... word search... line appear on the... paper." We were stunned into a strange growing silence. "It's like... the answers are just... there."

It doesn't make much sense, but I know to her, it's the only way she knew how to describe it. "Are you beginning to understand faster?" Shikamaru asked.

"Yes. Because of... you and... Sakura."

"And since you've noticed this, do you believe you can get better by visiting with these guys too?"

Without pause, and smile on her face, Reira answered. "Yes."

"Then it's settled! We'll all get together once a week and help you get better." Reira beamed up at me, her cheeks pink from joy. After a long and warm group hug, that we forced Shikamaru into, Reira, Shikamaru, and Ino began to leave. Choji stayed behind a little while longer.

He pulled me in close once everyone was gone. "I think you made a new friend today." He said, playing with my hair. "It's weird for Shikamaru to be so interested in someone."

"It was bound to happen at some point." I answered, laying my head on his shoulder. "Are you open tomorrow?"

"As long as I don't get any missions." His hug tightened, causing me to giggle. "How about... we go see a movie tomorrow."

"Ooh, that's sounds fun. I haven't been to a movie in forever."

Choji gently kissed my forehead. "Then it's settled." He slowly let go, obviously not wanting to leave yet. But he walked with his head turned almost the entire time. My chest was warm, tight, and I didn't want to leave the doorway even after he was out of sight. My goodness... I'm in love.