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[ryuwrighthistory]

Use this for any IC one-on-one contact, messenger birds and finishing any loose ends at empatheias

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[exchangeable]

[ While Naruhodou has been preparing all of that, Asougi slowly lowers himself down to lay back on the bed, accepting Shiro's warm bird nuzzles as he reaches over to pet at her head slowly. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[He may notice Shiro suddenly start to glow faintly. She may still be just a hatchling, but she was still trying to cast her healing magic. It doesn't work, but at least the light was warm, comforting.

Naruhodou looks momentarily surprised by that, but then shakes his head, pulling up a chair to sit down at his bedside.] Can you sit up for a bit?

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I thought you wanted me to lay down.

[ But he does sit up slowly at that. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

Well--yes, after you drink this. [Don't be smart with him. He offers him a cup of tea. It's pretty strong and tastes heavily of ginger.]

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[ He takes it from him and sips, making a face briefly before taking a few more sips, drinking it quietly. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[He watches him, making sure he downs that tea. Maybe a little too hard.]

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[ Asougi glances up at him over the cup, then murmurs. ]

You don't have to stare like that.

[ryuwrighthistory]

[He blinks. Was he staring? He looks down at Shiro instead, who has settled on Asougi's lap.] ...I'll have something prepared for you after some rest. You'll need to eat something too.

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Mm. [ He pauses, taking another sip. ] . . . I'll be fine, Naruhodou.

[ryuwrighthistory]

[His eyes narrow at that.] I know... [He answers quietly. He tells himself this, but the worry that something terrible might happen still linger with him. It's been three months now, but some things just don't go away. ]

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[ He glances over at him quietly, looking at him for a long moment before reaching over carefully for his hand. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[His fingers twitch when they felt Asougi touch them. He slowly moves to interlock their hands.] . . .Told you that you don't have to worry about me getting sick. [He lifts his head, a small smile on his face as he tries to lighten the mood.]

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I wouldn't be nearly as concerned as you are.

[ He gives his hand a light squeeze. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[He scoffs.] Of course not. [He says with a slight wave of his other hand. For a second he leaned forward, wanting to make contact with Asougi, but stops himself.]

Did you finish the tea?

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I finished it.

[ He set the empty cup down next to him, not commenting on it beyond that. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[He looks to the cup. Once he made sure it was empty, he nods.] All right, go ahead and lay back down. [He picks up a damp washcloth with his other hand. He's going to keep holding onto his hand.]

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[ He sighs, slowly laying back again, but keeps holding onto his hand. ]

I told you, it's fine . . .

[ryuwrighthistory]

[He says nothing to that, going ahead and putting the washcloth on his forehead.] Just get some sleep. [He...still hasn't let go of his hand. In fact it doesn't look like he had any intention of leaving his spot.]

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[ He notices that, glancing over at him quietly for a long moment. ]

. . . Naruhodou.

[ryuwrighthistory]

. . . [He squeezes his hand, lowering his head.] Sorry. [He knows what he's doing, what he should be doing rather than sit here, but he couldn't bring himself to leave his side.]

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You have a good reason to worry, given what's happened in the past. But . . .

[ But it breaks his heart to see him in that state. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

. . . [He takes a deep breath, slowly loosening his grip until he removes his hand entirely.] I should let you rest. [He gives him a firm response, to reassure his friend and maybe to himself. He moves to stand, his expression blank of emotion. It was just easier to cope, if he just empty his mind of nothing.]

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[ For some reason, that hurts even more. He should just let him go, get on with things while he rests, but— ]

. . . Naruhodou.

[ryuwrighthistory]

[He stops, his heart aching when he calls out to him like that. He clutches his chest. Why did he have to call out again? He was set on his way, but now-]

H-Hey, you really need to rest. [He turns back around, putting on his best smile.] I'm fine, and I'm only a call away if you need me.

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[ He's so tired, he should let him go and get some sleep himself, he shouldn't be selfish, and yet—

And yet, he can't help but reach out for him with a shaking hand. ]