STARSAND ✦ ic inbox

[dereban]

contact post

text ✦ audio ✦ video ✦ action

CODE

Comments

[spacialeyes]

[Well, she did warn him that this code was layer. Yuuto is still scanning the binary for patterns as he speaks, but it's mostly to ground his thoughts. Otherwise he's going to get anxious for both of them.]

I see.

You're both alike in that way, aren't you? Pushing yourselves to the brink... Is it that you both don't know how to stop, I wonder, or that stopping is scary..? Sometimes it's harder to get moving after a break than it is to keep going, hm?

[dereban]

. . . For me it's-

[ She sure did! There does seem to be a pattern, like the letters are shifted slightly.

Nevertheless, Inaba takes a sip of the soup before continuing. ]

I'm afraid. If I don't do all of this, people won't-- I don't want to be alone.

[spacialeyes]

I see. [Yuuto lowers the code for a moment, putting all of his focus on Inaba. Anxiety be damned.]

Inaba, do you know why Ryoko asks you to take it easy?

[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..?