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[ryuwrighthistory]

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[exchangeable]

[ He lets himself be pulled up, letting out a tired sigh. ]

Alright, alright . . . you worry too much . . .

[ryuwrighthistory]

And you don't know when to take breaks. [He gives him a look. You're in no position to complain. He lifts one of Asougi's arms and puts it around his shoulders for better support. Wagahai hops off the couch and follows along after them.]

You can barely stand up on your own.

[exchangeable]

I'm fine . . . after a bit of rest, I would have been able to.

[ Debateable at best. He leans in against Naruhodou, at least. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

You're going to need more than just "a bit of rest". [Is he ready for mother hen Naruhodou? No? Too bad.] Careful with the steps. [They're making a steady climb up the stairs now.] What were you even doing today?

[exchangeable]

Deliveries around town, nothing taxing.

[ Except for when one is getting sick, apparently. He manages to make it up the stairs with Naruhodou's help. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

In this weather? [It wasn't raining right now, but definitely still cloudy and full of gloom. He directs him to his room and carefully helps Asougi onto the bed, at least seat him on it.] I'm going to go prepare a special tea and get a washcloth, all right?

[exchangeable]

It's not that bad outside . . .

[ But he nods, staying seated where he is. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[Shiro will hop off Naruhodou's head and settle herself down beside Asougi, nuzzling him. Naruhodou will leave them together, making sure Wagahai hadn't snuck in before closing the door.

He's soon back down on the first floor, setting aside dinner plans to get some ginger tea with honey prepared. He'll probably have to make a soup for him too, find some medicine-- has he taken a warm shower yet? He shakes his head, worry about them one at a time. He'll be back up in Asougi's room a few minutes later.]

[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?

[exchangeable]

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.]

[exchangeable]

[ 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.]

[exchangeable]

[ 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.

[exchangeable]

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. ]

[exchangeable]

[ 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.]

[exchangeable]

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?

[exchangeable]

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.]

[exchangeable]

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

I told you, it's fine . . .