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[dereban]

Inaban

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[dereban]

Yes.

But what it's most known for is that around Christmas time, if two people stand under the mistletoe, they have to kiss.

[spacialeyes]

[Yuuto files this away as Fact and nods.]

I see… That sounds very troublesome when encountering a stranger, for sure. Thank goodness you’ve informed me before I made a fool of myself.

[Or got arrested for not kissing someone, he thinks.]

[dereban]

Well, it's not something that's enforced, but given that this world has magic... you never know what might happen. Which is why I am staying at home when I'm not working.

[spacialeyes]

Oh. [...] Where do you work, then? I'll come visit you!

[dereban]

I'm kind of... freelancing at the moment, actually.

[spacialeyes]

Oh, me as well. I've been doing quests and assisting my sister with her atelier. I collect potion ingredients!

[dereban]

Potions, huh. That sort of thing is pretty common in this world, isn't it.

[spacialeyes]

Yes! And they can be used to help anyone, regardless of any abilities that person possesses. There are a number of interesting ingredients that I must forge for.

[dereban]

"Help anyone", huh.

[ Inaba isn't sure about that. Then again, she's so very much anti-potions. Or well, anti-supernatural in general, and potions kind of fit in that category, even if some of it can go in the 'science' category. ]

[spacialeyes]

It's really amazing too! There have been potions that do all sorts of things.

[He beams with pride as he continues,] My dear friend is a doctor and I like to think that we are helping him to help others. Though, I can hardly compare my efforts to his. All I can do is gather ingredients for others to use...

[dereban]

Right.

[ Her answer is rather dismissive, as if she's just saying it automatically. ]

Well, not everyone will like using potions.

[ It's probably just her, though. ]

[spacialeyes]

Do you think so..? Hmm... I wonder what I can do instead to help them?

[They're arriving at the cafe now, with Yuuto slowing his walk and pointing towards the door,] Here it is. What do you think?

[dereban]

Isn't that something you should communicate with them about? But honestly, don't push yourself into helping others all the time...

[ If he hears any worry in her voice, it's just a figment of his imagination, clearly. ]

This isn't too bad. I mean, I'm not really all that picky as long as it's not like dangerous or run down.

[spacialeyes]

Surely, of course. But in the meantime, I can expand my skillset to be of more use to people... No one has much use for me as it is. Tau could hire anyone else to replace me, really...

[He signals to the server that they want a table for two and puzzles over his skills until they sit. Maybe a bit longer too.]

What about you? If you didn't want potions or a medicine, what kind of help would you accept?

[dereban]

Well, learning new things is never a bad thing. Plus, it might become a new hobby. But if she's your sister, if she did end up hiring other people, I doubt it'd be to replace you. Potion ingredients are something that are needed en masse, and you're just one person. You can't just be in every segment all at once, you know?

[ ... ]

Me? I don't need any help, generally speaking.

[spacialeyes]

Is that how it works..? I do agree that we can’t get everything. Some of the recently discovered ingredients are ones that I need to purchase from someone else…

And I suppose… that is a good thing, right? You stay safe, then?

cw............nsfw connotations lmao

[dereban]

You're talking about the sex vials, aren't you.

[ INABA???????? do you have to be so blatant about it?? ]

I don't take on too many dangerous missions unless it's absolutely necessary.

[ She does look at her hand for a moment, though, thoughtful. ]

sighs

[spacialeyes]

[Yuuto is surprised. So much so that the decorations on the cafe table wiggle around due to his power. He keeps his voice very hushed and leans forward as he whispers in reply;]

Yes, those! The asking price is absurd, so I'm going to need to take on a lot of extra quests if I'm to afford even one..!

[There is another way to resolve that, but.

He notices her looking at her hand, which serves as a good distraction.]

Sorry, did I hurt you somehow? Is your hand okay?

[dereban]

What, is your partner averse or something?

[ Inaba......... ]

No, I'm fine. I was just thinking about a few things.

[spacialeyes]

[And the floating decorations lift up for a round two.]

I only said that I liked them a month ago, I-I… I don’t know… um..: [He’s not sure how to navigate any relationship, let alone a romantic one.

Maybe it’s time to change the subject.]

Is it something I can help with? Not to pry, but I am here to serve.

[dereban]

Uwaaa, what a reaction. Well, that's just something you're going to have to discuss with them about. Since it's different for every couple.

[ She is her own source. ]

You don't need to serve anything--you're not my butler, you know. I was mostly just thinking about how stupid the whole touch mechanic of this world is sometimes.

[spacialeyes]

Y-You’re right, I just think… auuuu… Actually, I should stop thinking about it.

[He regards her hand curiously now.]

It is strange, isn’t it? The first few weeks here, I kept forgetting. Have you not touched anyone recently, Inaba-san?

[dereban]

Not recently. I can do the bare minimum later, though.

[spacialeyes]

[He thinks for a moment,

Then reaches across the table with one hand.]

Here. If you’ll have me, Inaba-san. Would this be enough for now?

[dereban]

Huh-- ah, you really don't need to offer.