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T-That's easier said than done! [His voice shakes while being shaken.]

I rather try to evade them if I can than outright confront them!

[ He stops shaking him at that, considering. ]

. . . Well, that's fine, too. As long as you can outrun them.

Well, usually I do. [He rubs his shoulder after being jostled.]

I'm pretty good getting into tight spaces to get away from the big guys. [WONDER WHY.] And if it looks like I'm about to get caught, I make a distraction.

Are you? [ He seems surprised briefly before he shakes his head. Of course, makes sense. Naruhodou is extremely resourceful after all. ] . . . Well. As long as you can protect yourself one way or another.

You should know, you stuffed me in your trunk once. My back aches just thinking about it. [He shifts in his seat, as if he felt that phantom pain, but he'll settle himself back against Asougi once more.]

...At least I won't be entirely useless, n-not that I think you would need the extra help, but you know... [He just wants Asougi to be ok.]

[ . . . oh yeah, he did do that. He had Mikotoba buy a large trunk for him and everything for that express purpose. His free hand starts to stray towards the journal before he consciously stops himself. Later. ]

Don't say that. You're not useless. You never were. [ If anything, he was one of the most important presences in his life. How could that be worthless? ]

[He laughs though it was a hollow one.]

You were always the one getting me out of trouble. So I want to be able to do the same in return.

You've done it more than you could possibly know.

[ It's an uncharacteristically quiet statement coming from him. He curls his fingers around Naruhodou gently, as if he's trying to hold on to— something. ]

[He blinks, confused by what he meant by saying that. He felt Asougi's fingers grasping for something, so he puts his own hand over his.] Asougi...?

[He reaches for his shoulder with his other hand. You okay there?]

Mm?

[ When he feels Naruhodou's hand going around his back and up towards his shoulder, he leans forward just a bit so it's easier. He glances back over at him and gives him a small smile. ] What? Don't give me that look.

[He doesn't think much of the movement for the time being, even if it was a bit unexpected. The smile does nothing to ease Naruhodou as he frowns.]

...I've known you long enough to know when something is bothering you.

[ He looks surprised for only a brief moment before he shakes his head, chuckling softly. ]

Nothing gets past you, does it? [ His grip on Naruhodou's arm loosens slightly. ] . . . I don't trust many people these days, you know. But I trust you completely. Never forget that. [ He pauses, then widens his smile a bit. ] Don't take it so seriously! What I'm saying is, you're important to me. Don't discount that fact!

[To this day, it still surprises Naruhodou to hear Asougi's unshakable trust in him. He will not voice his opinions on the matter though, this is about Asougi. To be unable to trust anyone, he's already seen his share of people who share such sentiments and the sort of lives they lived. It is a lonely one, full of hardships, things he doesn't want Asougi to go through anymore than he already has.

He nods and then take his hand in both of his. He said not to take it so seriously, but he's going to anyway.] Then please, know that you can depend on me for anything. Don't....I don't want you to think you have to do everything yourself, because you don't want to be a burden to me. We are partners, right...?

[ He goes quiet, much like he did that one night back on the ship. It's a contemplative silence — what's the harm in telling Naruhodou things? Especially here, when he's asking? On the other hand, it's still . . . a lot. Too much for some, too much for him to throw on him right now. After a moment passes, he gives him a soft, reassuring smile. ]

Right. [ a beat. ] Give me time. And one day, definitely . . . [ His voice trails off, not finishing that sentence. He doesn't need to. ]

[One day...he quietly nods. He'll take it, better than him shrugging him off again. He leans against Asougi once more, one hand now squeezing his.]

I'll remember that.

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