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[dereban]

Inaban

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[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.

[spacialeyes]

I know that I don’t. But I want to anyway.

I promise to let go once you’ve had enough.

[dereban]

Ten seconds. No longer than that.

[spacialeyes]

Alright. Just ten. [He first tests her reaction by brushing her hand with his finger, then offers to fold their hands together. He almost wonders why she’d only want 10, but then remembers-] You can be afraid. But I promise not to hurt you, Inaba-san. Let go when you’re ready.

[dereban]

I'm not afraid.

[ Which is a lie, of course, but they're in public. ]

[spacialeyes]

I am. [He admits,] I don’t want to accidentally lose you.

[dereban]

. . . why do you care so much?

[spacialeyes]

I already told you. I like you. I want to learn to like you even more.

[He brushes his thumb over the top of her fingers, drawing her attention back to their hands.] You need to be safe for that. Is this enough? How do you feel?

[dereban]

Like I said before, you can't... say things like that...

[ Her face is definitely reddening in embarrassment and she has to actively look away to hide her expression. ]

[spacialeyes]

O-oh… [If he notices her blushing, then he doesn’t say it. But he is beginning to match.] Sorry… I’m still terrible at having friends. I’m learning the rules as quickly as I can.

[dereban]

Well, rule number one is to not say things that can be misconstrued... those kinds of lines are a bit... especially since you already have a partner. Geez.