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[dereban]

That's true. But breaking an old habit isn't easy.

[spacialeyes]

I know. But that doesn’t make it a bad thing, huh?

[Like his habit of trying to do everything alone. He’s sure that Inaba formed hers for a similar reason. Circumstances dictated that he could rely on anyone. She has good reason for her diet too.

If she’s trying, then he will too:]

Could you be there..? [… Context might help. He shouldn’t expect that she read the exchange with Ushio and Noe.]

[dereban]

Not necessarily. It depends.

[...]

Well, I already needed some blood checked. Kill two birds with one stone.

[spacialeyes]

[Yuuto can be heard sighing again with relief.]

Thank you.

I don’t know what we’ll find out, but… I trust you to make good use of it. And to prioritize getting everyone home. You’re good about being kind and level-headed.

[dereban]

Of course. Well - those who want to go home, anyway. Anything that we can learn is useful.

[spacialeyes]

Right, of course.

[Though he has plenty more thought on the topic, Yuuto buries it. He doesn’t want to ruin her dinner or her dessert… and to be fair, he doesn’t want to think any more about it either. The events of the day have already been a lot of stress and he’s put a lot of work into seeming ‘okay.’]

What blood are you getting tested? Or… maybe this is a rude topic to pursue when you’re cooking, huh?

[dereban]

There was some Rumor blood on the camera by the Wishing Well.

[ She doesn't seem to be bothered by it at all, just shrugging it off. ]

[spacialeyes]

I see… I wonder if it belongs to the the New Years Rumor? I didn’t get to meet her, but I recognized her from the other realm.

[His voice gets quiet. Yuuto is trying not to mourn at Inaba’s dining room table.]

When I trapped the Wishmaker, they didn’t leave their blood carelessly.

[dereban]

I think that's possible.

[ ... ]

To be honest, a part of me wants to ask for another time travel trip, but... I know I probably shouldn't.

[spacialeyes]

[Yuuto laughs softly;]

I wish that I could help. But it’s probably not safe for me to do those things anymore. I might end up hurting you.

And Dimitri is too young to get caught up in all of this.

[dereban]

... Yeah, I know.

[ Her voice quiets for a moment before she stops speaking. The only sounds being of her cooking. ]

[spacialeyes]

[Yuuto doesn’t disturb the silence at first. There’s a lot to think about and he lets some thoughts work through his head. In a strange way, it’s nice to be here and listen to Inaba doing something as mundane as cooking. He can pretend things are normal, until he gets brave enough to address how they aren’t;]

I will keep that promise. The one that we made this morning. [In their dream.] So things will have to turn out okay here. I’ll be sure of it. That’s part of the promise.

cw: vague meta talk

[dereban]

...I'm sure they don't want a sad ending, either.

[ She says those words quietly before she starts moving the food onto plates and goes into the dining area and starts to set the table. ]

cw: vague meta talk

[spacialeyes]

Inaba…

[He moves to help with the table, since he’s not sure how to help with his words.]

Mm. But it’s your happiness that I care about most. [sometimes you hear yourself speak and you realize that wow

You should shut up.

Or you might be Yumeno Yuuto.]

We don’t have to talk about it now. But I won’t forget it either. I’ll be here.

[dereban]

You should be caring about about the other people in your life.

[ Just saying! ]

I don't mind talking about it. But there really isn't anything that can be done about it right now. And we should be focusing on other things. That's... not important right now.

[spacialeyes]

Which includes you.

[Though his counter his soft. He knows what she means. He’s trying not to think about it either. If he thinks anymore, then he’s going to start getting upset and not being able to control it.]

I just wanted for you to know that I haven’t forgotten you. I won’t forget you or anyone else.

[He shakes his head,] But you’re right. One step at a time. It sounds like this might help us get you all home.

[dereban]

...yeah.

[ She's a little quieter now as she takes her seat and starts to eat, speaking only in between bites. ]

I don't plan on forgetting anyone. As long as I'm allowed to, in any case.

[spacialeyes]

[Yuuto sits across from her, showing gratitude to the spirits before beginning to eat. He nods to agree.]

Me neither. I’m going to hold onto these memories and feelings for as long as I live. I’m really glad that I got to meet everyone.

[…]

This is really good, by the way! Salmon and miso are the best!

[dereban]

Same here. Oh, that's good. I mean, it's not like I did anything special or remotely unique.

[spacialeyes]

It doesn't have to be unique to be super good? [Yuuto hums thoughtfully as he lifts his soup bowl,] Ah, that's right. I saw on the forums... But did you find someone to guard you during the upcoming fight yet?

[dereban]

I haven't yet, but I was planning on asking around... why?

[spacialeyes]

I was going to offer... If that helps? I could stay outside and keep guard.

[He lowers the bowl again.]

Tap-san suggested that I use my power to keep tabs on the entire city, since I can sense most things that exist here. As much as I'd like to be at the frontlines helping, I wonder if I would be more useful helping keep track of movement in the city..? [In which case, it would make sense to stay near Inaba and the information hub.]

[dereban]

...

[ She deliberates on this. ]

Only if you have someone to protect you.

[spacialeyes]

[Yuuto lights up.

And his dumbass tail starts to wag.]

Yes, of course! I can ask Ryoko... and, I mean, you have cameras on your door. If I'm standing there, then everyone can keep an eye on me and no one has to worry!

[dereban]

She'll most likely say yes, based on our last conversation... and if anything does go wrong, people will be aware of it, too.