ryuwrighthistory | Empatheias IC inbox

[Inbetween his sniffling he may have just laughed a little under his breath.] Sorry. [He manages to lift his head, trying to put on his best smile despite the tears streaming down his face.]

I guess, I haven't really gotten better at this.

You've always worn your heart on your sleeve. [ He lifts a hand to wipe away a few more of those tears. ] I wouldn't expect this to be any different.

[He lets him wipe his tears for a bit before taking his hand.] I wish it wouldn't be such an inconvenience sometimes. [He rests his cheek against his partner's hand.]

Then you wouldn't be you.

[ He rubs his thumb against Naruhodou's cheek lightly. ]

[He closes his eyes to the touch.] Mm. Even this part of me? Who would want to see this? [He so much stronger than this, yet so easy to break. He hates it, how vulnerable he can be at times.]

It's a part of who you are. For better or for worse, it makes you human.

[ He presses his hand against his cheek gently, then. ]

. . .You always know what to say. [He takes a deep breath, his crying now subsided.] All right. [He takes his hand as he moves to sit up in bed.]

It's a new day and we shouldn't stay in bed. [???]

Mm. You'll feel better when you're moving about, anyway.

[ He's not going to question the logic behind that any further, slowly sitting up himself. ]

[He immediately leans into Asougi once he's sitting up.] A walk in this weather does sound nice. After breakfast?

Fine with me. It's been nice out for the past few days, hasn't it?

Mm. It's getting warmer too. Maybe we could have a picnic in the park sometime.

. . . That could be nice. I haven't been on one in . . .

[ His voice trails off. How long had it been? He couldn't remember, but that was probably just time speaking. ]

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

Will that make you feel better?

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

[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. . .

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.

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.

Hmm? Are you ready for that, then?

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

[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.

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. ]

[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.]

[ 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?

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.

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

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

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

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