[Closed] Turtles Ahoy!

[thebestuchiha]

Where: Hokage Office
When: Late on the evening of the 18th of May.
Who: Obito and a baby turtle. And Gai, eventually.
Notes: He was not running that late but Gai apparently noticed anyway.

Obito had noticed that it had gotten dark a while ago, and while there was the niggle that said he should probably leave and eat soon, he just hadn't managed to find an end to the paperwork in a way that said it was something he could do yet. He was sure he'd manage it in an hour or so. Completely sure, but he'd told himself that an hour before that too, and hadn't since checked the time to realize how much time had passed.

The last thing he expected, after leaning down to retrieve a fallen paper though, was to end up nose to nose with a turtle smaller than his palm when he came up a moment later. Suffice to say, it put a pause in his thoughts for a moment on the paperwork front.

And then made sure the button was jammed when it declared that it had been sent to remind Obito how late it was, and demanded a sweet for its trouble.

Comments

[morningpeacock]

The turtle waited with an open mouth after his declaration, staring back at him, completely undaunted by his bewilderment.

Of course a successful message delivery should be rewarded with a sweet. Obito's status was inconsequential to the tiny turtle. All that mattered was that his contract-holder Gai had asked for the message to be sent and he had! Hmph!

His small mouth finally closed and he seemed to frown at Obito. "Sweet, please!" He extended his neck as he opened his little mouth this time. This was very simple. Perhaps he had to repeat it. Maybe the Hokage did not have very good hearing.

[thebestuchiha]

He finally shook himself out of his shock, and rifled through his drawer, pulling out an apple toffee and unwrapping it to offer to the tiny turtle. "Right right. I don't think we've met before."

[morningpeacock]

"No." He admitted between very, very tiny bites and licks. Such a good sweet. Gai fed them well, especially fruits and vegetables, but hardly ever gave them candy. He would covet this and make it last. "We haven't." Couldn't Obito tell he was eating? He nibbled the toffee and dragged it in closer. "I am Chelan. You are Obito of the Uchiha clan, Hokage of Konoha."

[thebestuchiha]

He peered at the turtle child, and it could only be a child, and felt his lips twitching up into a smile. "I am. Nice to meet you Chelan. Am I your first message run?"

[morningpeacock]

Chelan gave a grumpy little wiggle of his shell and seemed to hunker down defensively. He ate another bite of the sweet. Yes, Gai had not employed him for messages before; he had not used Chelan for much of anything, actually. The man had said something about one enjoying their youth. "Indeed. I hope you are satisfied with the service."

[thebestuchiha]

He laughed and lifted his other hand, running his fingertip over the top of the tiny head before pulling it back. "I wouldn't have given you the sweet if you hadn't. Should I expect him to come crashing in here soon?"

[morningpeacock]

He leaned into the short petting and then drew back his neck to return to his treat. "He can be very impatient. He almost sent one of my larger brothers to carry you home."

[thebestuchiha]

"Instead of coming himself? I'm impressed he managed to hold off on that." He laughed and shook his head. "I've known him a long time myself."

[morningpeacock]

"It was a self challenge. I'm uncertain how much longer he insists he has to wait." The turtle took a large bite and took his time chewing it up. "Do you prefer him to come for you or was his message unclear?" Humans were so odd.

[thebestuchiha]

"Oh, I'm kind of tempted to wait and see how long it takes him for his control to break now that he's sent you. And you're welcome to visit me anytime."

[morningpeacock]

Chelan eyed him, deciding that Obito was definitely an odd one. "If you insist on waiting, I shall wait as well." It would save him the trip back. Riding in Gai's pocket would be much better. "And he will be happy to hear that. He told me I may have many messages such as these to deliver in the future."

[thebestuchiha]

"Did he really? Can't say I'm surprised." He shook his head, then started to straighten papers with his free hand, quickly sorting things into stacks by urgency and security clearances.

[morningpeacock]

There came a muffled crash, an apology, and then the door burst open to the office with Gai standing in the doorway, illuminated from behind by the bright hallway lights and two ANBU guards whose unchanging masks had somehow taken on a look of annoyance. A frazzled aide rushed to collect scattered papers behind them.

"Ah! Hokage-sama, I, uh, apologize for my disruption!" Gai pulled the door closed again, leaving the chaos in his wake. "But you were not home on time and since my message appears to have strayed, thought it best to come personally to offer you an escort home!"

Chelan gave a tiny sigh.

[thebestuchiha]

Obito continued straightening and sealing things down for the night, and then scooped up the tiny turtle from where a pile of papers hid him. "He's right here Gai."

[morningpeacock]

He crossed his arms over his chest. "Then why are you not home! I gave you both ample time!"

[thebestuchiha]

"Suuuuure you did." He set the turtle child down to scoop a pile of papers into a sealed drawer.

[morningpeacock]

"It was plenty of time!" He moved over to the desk, the hint of a pout developing into a challenging look. "I know you are fast enough!"

[thebestuchiha]

"I do things in my own time." He activated the last seal on another stack as he put it away, then got up, scooping up the baby turtle and presenting him to Gai. "I believe this little guy is yours."

[morningpeacock]

Chelan looked at the two of them, mouth full of toffee. As he pulled his head and legs into his shell, his little voice echoed out. "If you intend to be flirtatious, I would prefer to remain on the desk."

"Chelan!" Gai took the little turtle from Obito's hand, tucking the summons in a pocket. "I am sorry about him. He is young and should really not have so much sugar. But as for your own time," he added, taking Obito's hand. "Indeed, you should do things in your own time... Like resting. At home. Not doing office work!"

[thebestuchiha]

"He did seem pretty into the sweets. Scrimping?" He laced their fingers together, then headed for the door, tugging on him. "Hey, I just had a few more things I was going to work on before coming home, honest."

[morningpeacock]

"Scrimping?! I am not! I am moderating!" He gave a small huff and allowed himself to be led to the door, his gaze following Obito the whole way. "A few more would have turned into a few more after that--! You, my beloved friend, do not know moderation!"

[thebestuchiha]

"Gave the kid one Gai, give me a little credit." He tisked and shook his head at him.

[morningpeacock]

"To a tiny turtle one is a whole candy store!"

[thebestuchiha]

"And I'm sure he's happy to have gotten in." He snickered and grinned. "Settle down Gai."

[morningpeacock]

"I will, once we are home!" He gave Obito's hand a squeeze. "He is going to expect a sweet every time, now. You have spoiled him."