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[ryuwrighthistory]

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[ryuwrighthistory]

. . . [He squeezes his hand gently.] Then we'll definitely do it! Today even, if you want.

[exchangeable]

Will that make you feel better?

[ He's definitely interested though and gives him a grin in turn. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[He leans forward, nuzzling his nose.] As long as you want it, then yes. [He scratches his chin with his free hand.] This is a good opportunity to think of what to cook for a picnic actually. . .

[exchangeable]

I wouldn't say no to anything that gets us outside.

[ He tilts his head to one side, considering. ] . . . Well. I'll leave that to you, Naruhodou.

[ryuwrighthistory]

Mm, I'll do my best. [He's already listing off things with his fingers what to grab at the market.]

Ah, speaking of having been a while, maybe. . .we could find someplace to practice some archery too, while we're out.

[exchangeable]

Hmm? Are you ready for that, then?

[ It's a genuine question, and he gives him a small, encouraging smile at that. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[Is he ready? No.] I have to be ready sooner or later. Might as well start now that the weather's cooperating. [He smiles reassuringly, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. The reason why he has to do it in the first place is what's making him feel uneasy. Rubbing at his eyes, he moves himself off the bed, hand still holding onto Asougi's.]

Let's go check on Shiro and then head down for breakfast for now.

[exchangeable]

Alright, alright.

[ If it seems like he's being a little too agreeable too quickly, he is. Asougi's watching him carefully instead, making sure nothing is left lingering from that nightmare. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[The obvious indications that something might still be off is how he refuses to let go of his partner. If he didn't have that, he was constantly making sure Asougi remain within his sights at all times that morning until it was time to go out on their picnic, archery gear and bentos in tow.]

I think I know a place we could practice in the park without troubling anyone. [He's still holding onto his hand as they walk, which is usually normal between them, but there seems to be more weight behind it.]

[exchangeable]

[ He laces their fingers together, giving Naruhodou's hand a gentle squeeze, as if to reassure him that yes, he's right here. ]

Oh? And where might that be?

[ryuwrighthistory]

There's an area with a lot of trees and a big one at the center. [He squeezes his hand back. If he's worried, he's doing a convincing job keeping it out of their conversation.]

It'll be perfect to use them as targets.

[exchangeable]

Hmm . . . that sounds familiar. We can go there, then.

[ He'll keep holding his hand as they walk, in any case. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[He nods, leaning into him slightly.] This time for sure, the bow won't get the best of me.

[exchangeable]

We'll see about that.

[ There's a sort of teasing edge to his voice and he gives him a slight smirk at that. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[He gives him a look in return.] Hey, that's not a very encouraging thing to say to your friend. [He gives him a nudge.] Worried I may actually beat you?

[exchangeable]

Hardly. [ He nudges him back in turn, but that smirk turns into a smile. ] But give it your all, Naruhodou.

[ryuwrighthistory]

I will! [He's pump now. Though he doubts he'll make real progress on the first day, maybe someday he'll succeed at this without making a fool of himself, no he definitely has to.

He'll take him to the spot he mentioned once they were in the park. It was quiet and secluded, the lake still visible through the trees.] It's a little out of the way, but that means not many people come through here. [Why though is the question.]

[exchangeable]

[ He cranes his neck, taking in their surroundings for a moment before nodding slowly. ]

A quiet picnic, huh?

[ryuwrighthistory]

I figured that's what you'd prefer. [He smiles, finally letting go of his hand so he could put down his things.]

I remember we used to sit under that one tree near the music department at the university, when the weather was nice like this. We could always hear the students performing since they'd have their windows open.

[exchangeable]

[ He smiles at that, closing his eyes and breathing in, as if he's back there all over again. ]

. . . mm. I remember that. We'd stay there for entirely too long just listening.

[ryuwrighthistory]

Hehe, somehow we still made it to class in time. It was really nice, especially when the cherry blossoms were in bloom. Although, we end up with petals all over our stuff.

[exchangeable]

I'd find them in my bag later on in the day, you know. Honestly . . .

[ryuwrighthistory]

Well, that's better than finding something unpleasant has crawled into your bag. [He shudders at the one time a spider had crawled into his bag and he let out a scream in the middle of class. Embarrassing.

He takes this time to examine his bow. They were basic in design, something he just grabbed from a shop. It's just for practice after all, so they didn't really need anything fancy. ]

[exchangeable]

[ He glances over at Naruhodou's bow, then up at him. ]

Nervous?

[ryuwrighthistory]

No. [He probably answered that too quickly. He raises the bow in his hand, aiming it toward one of the trees.] It's just been a while since I held a bow, that's all.