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[dereban]

Inaban

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[spacialeyes]

Huh..? Oh. [He shakes his head and steps closer to take her hand.] I already made plans to be with you today. So you’re stuck with me.

[dereban]

If you're really okay with it. You only have one birthday a year, after all.

[spacialeyes]

[And he knows that this might be his last. It's a miracle that he's spent a year in one place and he doesn't expect for it to happen again.

Because of that, he changes his grip on her hands and threads their fingers together.]

Mm. I want to be with you for as much time as I can.

[dereban]

Well, since it is your birthday, you're allowed to be as selfish as you want.

[spacialeyes]

Thank you. I’ll do my best! [And he kisses the side of her head to show just how happy he is.] Though actually… I don’t know if can swim.

[dereban]

...Hm? Ah, well, water parks don't just have swimming attractions. And if you need help, I can assist at least.

[spacialeyes]

Really? But it's a big swimming pool, right?

O-Oh and you don't have to. It's better for me to drown alone than take someone with me?

[dereban]

Only part of the area would be the swimming pool...

[...]

I'm not letting you drown, dumbass. I know how to swim pretty well, so I can at least steady you.

[spacialeyes]

Ehehe... My hero..! I-I'll try to be okay..? I really don't want to accidentally hurt you.

[Though he is less nervous about drowning now.]

Swimsuit, then? I wonder what kind I should get? I'll have to wear something to cover my scars too...

[dereban]

Hmmm... you could get a two-piece swim trunks and shirt combo?

[spacialeyes]

If it’s allowed? I don’t want to ruin anyone’s day with my body… I’ll follow your lead, I think… Maybe um… Matching…

[dereban]

Of course it's allowed--

[...]

If you want to match though, that shouldn't be too difficult.

[spacialeyes]

I’d like to do that… Then people will know that we’re together..?

[dereban]

Mm.

[ It's not her first time getting something matching, but the fact that it's going to be something that is more obvious definitely makes her heart race like crazy. ]

I'd like that, too. Um... I'll make sure to pick out something nice, then.

[spacialeyes]

[His tail does wag a bit with happiness. Yuuto is also happy to imagine matching, though in his case, he likes feeling like he belongs.]

I will be in your care. I know nothing about fashion. [He gestures to his outfit, smile becoming sheepish.] I don’t usually wear anything other than this.

[Because he needs to look like Yumeno Yuuto. He won’t belong anywhere if he doesn’t.]

[dereban]

Well, we'll have to change that, then. Although part of it is a bit selfish on my part...

[spacialeyes]

Really? How is it selfish?

[dereban]

Because I want to see you in other outfits.

[spacialeyes]

Au..? Is there something specific..? I hope my current outfit isn’t disappointing. I could have changed.

[dereban]

Aha... not really specific right now, but your current outfit isn't disappointing. But I think it'd be fun to see you in other things, you know?

[spacialeyes]

Um…. A little bit? But not entirely? Yet, anyway… [He feels strange to answer honestly. With anyone else, he might just agree and ignore his feelings.

It’s different with Inaba.]

When I think of myself in too different of an outfit, I get scared… What if I end up in another world and someone questions it? What if they realize I’m a fake? I might lose my home…

But I’m looking forward to getting braver with you..? Everyday, I’m imagining new things for the future… So even if it’s scary, mm. I want to wear something new for you. Or… for us.

[dereban]

...

[ For a good lengthy moment, Inaba remains silent. She doesn't want to brush Yuuto's feelings away, so she listens. That honesty of his... it's painful to hear.

Her gaze lifts to the ceiling, trying to think of what to say next. ]

Yeah, it's terrifying. I understand that feeling too well.

[ She remembers just how terrifying things were back home. Making one misstep and having someone realize something could be hazardous. ]

But, I think in your case, you just need the confidence to tell them the truth. You aren't a fake. You may not be the 'Yumeno Yuuto' that they're looking for, expecting, or even wanting, but who gives a damn? You're just as real as anybody else; you deserve to be cared for and loved just like anybody else, and to be your own person. Not... as the 'expectations' that people want from you.

[spacialeyes]

[He listens back. Gaze turned upward towards the sun, knowing he’s seen this world’s full rotation. Knowing that things here are different.

He smiles and nods.]

Yeah… Things could change. B-But for now! I’m happy having this world be different. I’m getting a better idea of who I am and want to become. F-For example! I think… I want to try wearing the cat hoodie you mentioned!

[dereban]

Well, if anybody is ever mean to you in this world or any other world... let me know. I'll kick their ass for you.

[ Inaba??? ]

Well, we can buy that while we're getting swimsuits, at least.

[spacialeyes]

Everyone in this world has been very nice to me, actually! I feel at home. Maybe that’s awful to say though?

[He shakes his head.]

Yes, please! But how would you match? Another animal for you?