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[dereban]

I have a few guesses. Even so... that doesn't matter.

[spacialeyes]

[Well, he's pushing his answer anyway!]

When Ryoko asks you to take it easy, what she's really saying is probably more like... "I want to be with you for a long time, so I don't want you to get sick."

She isn't going to leave you. I think it's the opposite. She sees you working so hard and she's scared for you. Though! [He fully sets the notes down now,] I'm pretty bad at taking her advice myself... So maybe I don't have the right to talk.

[dereban]

. . . Yuuto.

I'm already sick.

[spacialeyes]

Then isn't that a reason why someone would want for you to take it easy?

[dereban]

I can rest while I'm sick, sure, but... after that... I have to go back to working. I'm useless otherwise.

[spacialeyes]

Please excuse me, as your relationship with Ryoko is not mine to police. [With that disclaimer out of the way!]

But perhaps working together might help? Then she can see that you’re pacing yourself. [And Yuuto narrows his eyes slightly,] Because you’re going to pace yourself, right?

[dereban]

[ She doesn't say anything.

In fact, she just goes and chugs her soup. ]

[spacialeyes]

... The soup isn't that good.

[Yuuto sighs.]

I won't get in your way. I know how you feel, but. Just... Hm.

Compromise! Will you listen?

[dereban]

I can do that.

[spacialeyes]

If you don't mind-

[And now that he's asking, Yuuto is beginning to get shy and nervous.]

Since you're going to work so hard... Maybe we can plan one day a week when I come over and uh. Try... um. To help you relax..?

[dereban]

. . . what do you mean?

[spacialeyes]

Uhhh. Well! I could... Make dinner or. Or help with chores, or... or be... together. And listen to what's on your mind! Anything you want!

[dereban]

You know, I don't know what kind of answer I was expecting, really.

[spacialeyes]

... I-I mean. If it became a 'date,' then I wouldn't complain. If that's relaxing to you?

[dereban]

I--

[ ... ]

You know what. Never mind. Forget it. Pretend I didn't say anything.

[spacialeyes]

... 'No,' then?

[He sighs.]

That's fine too. Sorry for asking.

[dereban]

... It isn't a no. It's just- I thought of embarrassing things.

[spacialeyes]

[Ah.

Yuuto's tail begins to tap on the bed as he sits with her. Now he's thinking embarrassing things too.]

... If you find it relaxing, then I'll do it. You'll just need to ask.

I want to support you. [...] Himeko.

[dereban]

It's... a distraction, at least. From work.

[spacialeyes]

I-I would like to distract you more…

But! I can’t do that when you’re sick, so..! I’ll have to come over every week. And you’ll have to try to tell me what you need, so I can keep you relaxed and healthy.

Deal?

[dereban]

If... you're really fine with that.

[spacialeyes]

I'm more than fine with it. I want to do this.

[He speaks a lot more boldly than he's used to hearing himself.

After a second, Yuuto holds out his hand.]

Uhhh so! I'll take your bowl and uh... We can go over your notes... and maybe study the news..?

[dereban]

Really? I mean, I don't want to force you... we're not going too fast with this sort of thing, are we?

[ She'll hand him the bowl, though. ]

[spacialeyes]

[If he wasn't taking the bowl, then Yuuto would be twirling his long hair shyly around his finger. In the place of this nervous gesture, his tail is going to twitch faster.]

We can see how we feel on... on date night..? [She has a point. Even thinking about having a designated night for relaxing together makes his ears turn red.]

But if it's me you're worried about, uh. I'll say 'no' if I feel 'no.' I trust you.

[dereban]

...okay.

But, uh- Let's not make it a promise.