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[spacialeyes]

I've met monsters, Inaba-san. You're nothing like that...

[But he understands where she gets the idea and can't refute it.]

And... And if you hate it, then please... Even if you don't want to talk about it, please don't spend it alone.

[dereban]

But I am one! My soul shows it! You can see it!

[ Her voice shakes. ]

And who am I supposed to spend it with?! I don't have anybody to turn to! I already said that! I'm utterly alone...! The only solace that I fucking get is that at least I'll be alive!

[spacialeyes]

And you've seen mine, but you never once acted like made me anything less!

[Though, he has a creeping suspicion that everyone is lying to him about that too... so files the thought away. He's more worried about her anyway, and how she seems so convinced of her loneliness.]

You're not alone! Y, you... [Up until now, this is where he would be name dropping Ryoko. She's kind, dependable, and someone Inaba seemed to like. Whereas he wasn't sure what to make of his place with her anymore, so stayed out of it.

But that can't work anymore. If Ryoko said something that triggered Inaba to collapse, then neither of them are okay. He can't ask Ryoko to look after Inaba anymore.]

You... Y-You have me! I-I... I want to help you..!

[dereban]

... why?

[ Her tone is even but her expression is on the verge of tears. ]

Don't you have other people to deal with?

[spacialeyes]

[If Yuuto was still subscribed to the idea of tears, then he would tear up on her behalf. Instead he bows his head to hide his miserable expression.]

Because I care about you. I haven't stopped... and watching you hurt like this, i-it's.

It feels like it's killing me! I can't watch you hurt anymore. If there's anything I could do, I would... I want you. I need you in my life, Inaba-san..! You're my friend!

[dereban]

That's...

[ No, she can't. ]

I can't just rely on you solely again, Yuuto.

[spacialeyes]

I-I know that...

[Yuuto clears his head of his own thoughts-- That he's probably going to die,-- and straightens again.]

I'm not very reliable, but... but being alone isn't good either. And I can learn to help you. I can cook or clean o-or... nn... [He knows what she means.]

[dereban]

Who are you, my housewife?

[spacialeyes]

I can make bombs and knives and control the temperature of your home to reduce the A/C bill as well.

[wait.

he meant to distract her, but now he's getting distracted to.]

[dereban]

We're not making bombs in here, you dumbass!

[spacialeyes]

But knives are fine..?

[His tail flicks with mischief; A sign that he isn't just putting a silly mask, but is invested in the conversation.]

[dereban]

I want new kitchen knives anyway.

[spacialeyes]

[Yuuto laughs lightly.]

Mm. If that's what you wanted, Inaba-san. If I could be by your side a little while longer...

I'd make you a whole set. If you'd accept my company..?

[dereban]

Fine, but on one condition.

[spacialeyes]

oh..?

[dereban]

Drop the honorific. It's been bothering me... for a while now.

[spacialeyes]

Au?

[isn't this what they agreed to???

Yuuto's tail wraps around one leg nervously.]

'Inaba..?' But, um? [That does not line up with his self hatred.] Okay.

[dereban]

. . . better, I guess.

[ She sighs, uncurling herself and trying to wipe her tears with a sleeve. ]

Since I'm awake, I might as well grab something to eat before I get back to work.

[spacialeyes]

"You guess?!"

[Some of his sass slips out and his dumb tail clicks against the floor.]

Iiiinaba then. [Huff!] Mm, let's go. Can you stand?

[dereban]

I can at least do that much.

[ She'll put her palm on the ground and try to raise herself onto her feet, although it's definitely a bit wobbly. ]

[spacialeyes]

[He waits until she's standing, ready to help if she seems to need it... but also, aware that she'll get her balance faster by standing on her legs for a bit. Yuuto offers his hand out of habit for only a second, then hides it behind his back again.]

Good. What are you in the mood for? We're... W-We're walking... if we may.

[Yuuto won't teleport! He's being 'human' for now.]

[dereban]

I have a few options in the freezer... probably go with heating up the salisbury steak.

[ She is in fact referring one of the many frozen dinners she has. ]

[spacialeyes]

... I'm sorry, but this housewife has to have a word with you.

[He might not be able to drag her out, but he's not letting her eat a frozen dinner either! Yuuto sighs and moves towards the kitchen.]

Hang on. Let me see what we're working with...

[dereban]

Hey-- the steak is perfectly fine and edible! Don't waste food!

[ Don't judge her taste in food, wtf.....

In any case, the kitchen seems to be primarily stocked with canned goods and junk food. Things that can last a long time and don't have to be thrown out after a couple of days. ]

[spacialeyes]

[Good news: He's got a lot of things to judge about her! He also finds this a weird kind of cute, but-

It occurs to him that she's been eating this way for a while.

And it's probably not healthy.

Or very good for her mental state!]

I'm not going to waste it. Give me a second to see what you have... [He does take the dinner that she suggested, checks the ingredients on the box, then looks for some spices.] I'm making stew. You wanna fight about it or naw?