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[ He slowly leans back, settling in and listening in rapt attention as Naruhodou speaks. It had been an overwhelming day and sleep would probably be the best for him. But there was something comforting about being able to sit here with him, listening to him go on and on about something while occasionally needling him or giving him a small, satisfied nod. It was . . . normal, and normal had been in short supply these past few months.

Some of the details fly over his head, like the magic, "Dunamis," and everything, but the core still seems to be the same — Naruhodou believed in his client and did his due diligence. Asougi nods with satisfaction when he finishes. ]

It sounds like quite the case. [ Which he knows is an understatement, but he's tired. ] But if I'm understanding correctly, you took the rules of this world into account and then utilized that in your investigation?

[ What he really wants to ask is, was there actually a trial and who ran the prosecution, but that's also a can of worms he's not willing to open just yet here. ]

Mm. Investigation and trial procedures aren't that different from home, you just have to think a little more outside the box. Emotions are viable evidence here for example, since this whole world is basically run by our emotions. [He crosses his arms, humming to himself as he tries to recall any other details.] They also didn't have a seat of jurors like the British Court does, at least not in the one I handled. Because I'm not native, I'm currently only allowed to handle cases involving Otherworlders, people like us who were suddenly brought here from other worlds.

[He glances over to the door, looking out to the office area.] If you wanted to look into Veren's law system some more, I do have a few books here you can check out later. [Some he's read, most he has been slacking off on.]

[ His eyelids begin to slowly droop, the day finally catching up to him now that he's settled on a bed. Asougi shakes his head, trying to brush off some of the weariness, and leans forward to glance out into the office area as well. ]

I'll have to take a look at them. It sounds intriguing.

[ A puzzle for the future — figuring out investigations, law enforcement, proceedings, and the like. There was a sort of familiarity there, at least. ]

. . . [That tired dozing is hard to miss, so he, a bit reluctantly gets off the bed.] You should rest. We can talk more later. [He's wondering if Asougi just let him talk to give him some form of comfort. He still still wasn't ready to part with him. He rather stay here with him, make sure he won't just....disappear. He's trying his best not to show it, but one cannot simply hide their emotions here. Now there's a subtle chill in the air, picking up on his uneasiness. Distractions, distractions--]

I'll cook your favorite tonight, so you'll have something to look forward to when you wake up.

. . . Fine. But don't let me sleep for too long.

[ Truth be told, if he could, he'd probably sleep for days at this point — if his headache allowed it, anyway. Asougi reaches down to pull off his boots, then gingerly lays back. He could change and get cleaned up later and— whatever, when he wasn't quite as exhausted as he was right now. ]

I mean that.

[He nods.] I understand.

[After a moment, he'll leave the room so Asougi could rest in piece, though he remain out in the main area of the attic, pacing about, sitting on the couch, reading, just trying to keep himself busy. Eventually, he'll manage to convince himself to stop lingering around and actually go out and get the ingredients to even make dinner tonight.

A few hours will have passed by the time Naruhodou returns with the ingredients and supplies he had originally intended to go out and buy. Once he's home too, he goes around opening the windows, cause he definitely could feel the dampness now with all the indoor rain they've been having. Once he's in the attic and gets the windows open there, he stares over at the door where Asougi was sleeping on the other side.

....At least, he hopes he's still there. He suppose to make sure Asougi wakes up at some point, so he'll slowly open the door and poke his head in.]

[ He's still there.

In fact, Asougi seems to have pretty much passed out the moment that Naruhodou closed the door, though not before being mildly sensible and at least discarding his gloves and cravat off to one side, with his sword still in its fancy sheath, leaning against the wall nearby. The one thing he didn't do was sleep with his back to the door; otherwise, he's been dead to the world for several hours. — Figuratively, this time.

When the door opens though, Asougi stirs just a bit. ]

[...You know, that outfit looks good on him, now that Naruhodou's not a mess and actually gets a good look at Asougi change in attire. Guess it was inevitable he'd have a change of clothes, being in Britain. Appearance aside, Naruhodou will close the door behind him and settle himself in front of the bed.]

Asougi...? Um, there's still a few more hours before dinner, so...if you want to sleep a little more, you can.

[ He opens his eyes slowly, seeming mildly disoriented at first. Where was— what was— . . . right. Right. This wasn't London, these weren't the quarters Vortex had placed him in, and he wasn't some nameless, faceless figure lurking in the city any more. Asougi. He was Asougi. Is Asougi, for better or for worse.

It takes him a moment or two but once he's gathered his bearings enough, Asougi sits up slowly, running a hand over his face as if to wipe that moment of tired confusion away. ]

How long was I out?

[Watching him force himself up, he wonders if he should have given him those extra hours.]

For about three hours...did you want a little more time?

. . . No, I've slept long enough.

[ He would probably benefit from more sleep, but that would also require being less stubborn. Asougi rubs at his head once more, then lowers his hand. His head wasn't throbbing any more at least, though there was a dull ache lingering, mostly as a minor distraction. ]

[He really wants to ask if he's sure, but suspects he'll insist he's fine.]

I probably should have brought something up for you to drink. Anyway, before anything else... [He didn't get the chance to do this before Asougi went to sleep, so he'll do it now. They never really belonged to him afterall, it's only right that he returned them to their rightful owner. He removes Karma from his waist, and then his armband. He then presents them both, holding the katana the long way with both hands, armband resting on top.]

After what happened on the ship, Susato gave me your things for safe keeping...and to ensure that I saw your mission through to the end. Since you're here though, you should definitely take these back.

[ He perks up almost immediately upon seeing Karma. How long had it been now? At least it had been safe and in good hands. If there's anyone he'd trust with it in his absence, it's Naruhodou and Mikotoba. His eyes fall on the red headband tied around the hilt and he lets out a soft huff of appreciation. Right. That had been there, hadn't it. Asougi reaches over, running a hand down one end of the headband briefly. ]

I can't believe you kept this, too.

[ He shakes his head, a small smile crossing his face, and he quietly takes Karma from Naruhodou, making a point of sliding the armband off the top of the katana as he does so, so that it slides back into Naruhodou's hands. ]

Well you made such a big deal about it, how it was the "symbol of the hardship you overcame"! Of course I was going to hold onto it. It's what made you, you.

[When the armband slips back into his hand though, he looks to Asougi with confusion.]

[ "It's what made you, you." Asougi smiles softly at that remark, running a hand along the sheath before placing it back at his side. He glances up, catching that confused look, and nods at the armband. ]

It's yours now. You've earned it.

[He's earned it...the area seems to have suddenly gotten brighter, a warmth spreading throughout the room. It feels like he just received the highest honor he could ever get. He smiles, as he puts the armband back on. Eventhough this was his best friend, he finds himself bowing his head out of respect.]

Thank you. I'll make sure not to tarnish what it stands for and wear it proudly.

I know you will.

[ Tarnish what it stands for . . . that's right, as the "new" exchange student, Naruhodou could actually fulfill what the program should stand for, rather than what it actually did. Asougi frowns to himself at that thought, fingers curling into a fist briefly as the air around him cools considerably. He shivers at that, shaking his head. ]

You don't need to bow to me, you know.

Oh, no but... [He blushes.] I feel honored to be entrusted with something so important.

[Why did it feel cold all of the sudden? Maybe he shouldn't have opened every window.]

[ Asougi rubs his hands together, blowing on them. Where did this even come from . . . ? ]

Stop that. You're my best friend. Of course I'd trust you with something like this.

[ Or anything, provided it wasn't incredibly dangerous. ]

[Urk, did he make him mad?] Ah, right. Sorry.

[...] Are you cold? [It does feel like the coldness is in one particular spot.]

[ Of course he would trust him with anything. Asougi nods slowly, glancing back over at him. ]

Yes. It wasn't this cold a few moments ago, and then . . .

[He hasn't had these windows open for that long so then...]

Is there something troubling you?

[ Asougi raises an eyebrow. Why would he hone in on that? Unless— there was that bizarre indoor rain storm . . . ]

Is there something I should know about this place?

Well, do you remember when I said how this world is run by our emotions? [He glances off to the side.]

When I was upset before, I caused that rain in the living room.

. . . So I'm the one causing it to be cold, then.

[ No use in beating around the bush. ]

This always happens? With everything?

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