[She doesn't answer as she stands up from her spot on the bed. Instead... Now that his hands are free, she's crossing the distance between them so she can give him a hug.]
Oh, hm - it's... actually been quite some time since he was last hugged by anyone so tenderly. Between his revival and the time before he was dragged onto this ship, he'd done a lot of clinging and joking. Here, he's had his share of embraces, too. But something comforting like this - it reminds him of his sister, who used to pat his head and hold his hand and tell him everything would be okay, back when she was still taller than him.
After a quiet second, he pushes past his initial startled reaction to reach up and pat her back - then returning the hug.]
...Seems like I can't really escape those words in the end, hah.
[Something about the hesitation or the words he says next, or maybe both coupled together, means she doesn’t let go right away. Her chin tucks into his shoulder, and at the same time:]
You will soon.
[That may not be a fair thing to promise, but it’s what she gives him.]
[There's a soft little huff of laughter. Maybe it doesn't show in his face or voice so readily, but there's something in the tense slope of his shoulders, the rigidity of his spine, that speaks to how unhappy and run down he really is about all of this.
Then again, aren't they all? He has no place being openly upset.]
Let's hope so! But some words you really can't escape from at all, haha. "Thank you" and "I'm sorry", for one.
[He reaches up with one hand, gently smoothing down her hair in a gesture he hopes is reassuring - maybe a little soothing.]
--Well. It'll be nice to get a break sooner rather than later, though.
[Just by coming back and bothering to give him a second chance at all, and everything he's now sure she's been doing behind the scenes - it's a lot, and he really should voice his gratitude more often.
He doesn't want to end up in a situation where it's too late to say anything, after all.]
And you give wonderful hugs, on top of everything else.
[Even before she came here, her usual strategy has been to seem happier, more hard working, more outgoing and kind than she's ever really felt like she is. It isn't fake it until you make it as much as fake it until others think you've made it. If there's anything she craves, it's validation and affection. But having it in a place like this, in the situation they're all in—
It terrifies her, but she smiles all the same. She still has to wonder what she's done to deserve it.]
Well, my arms are always open.
[And she reaches over to smooth down his hair, like he's done for her so many times.]
[His million little cowlicks and hair flippies just spring back up, but he seems to appreciate the gesture regardless. It's soothing - much like her presence in general.]
Now there's an offer that will spoil me! You're too kind, you know.
[BUT!! THAT'S ENOUGH WALLOWING!! For, y'know. Whatever definition of wallowing that could have possibly been... called.
Anyway he's just going to pick up their glasses again and hold one out.]
[She takes a drink after he says that, the smile remaining.]
You know, I won't say I like being here, because - I mean, who would? But... It's nice in some ways. I wouldn't have been able to meet people like you, Higekiri or Junpei if I hadn't come here.
We're of the same opinion in that case then, you and I! This place is certainly far from a nice vacation, but I don't think I've been around so many good people in a long time.
[Or been around so many people who didn't want to supermurder him, same diff.]
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He's smiling, at least, as he carries the cups over... Grim as it is, he really is glad that Hizamaru's demon was caught.]
There's nothing we can do about possession, so I'm at least glad that Hizamaru will be freed, soon.
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Can you set those down for a second?
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[She gets a curious look, but he will! He sets them on the counter, quirking an inquisitive brow.]
Is something the matter...?
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I'm sorry about your friend.
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Oh, hm - it's... actually been quite some time since he was last hugged by anyone so tenderly. Between his revival and the time before he was dragged onto this ship, he'd done a lot of clinging and joking. Here, he's had his share of embraces, too. But something comforting like this - it reminds him of his sister, who used to pat his head and hold his hand and tell him everything would be okay, back when she was still taller than him.
After a quiet second, he pushes past his initial startled reaction to reach up and pat her back - then returning the hug.]
...Seems like I can't really escape those words in the end, hah.
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You will soon.
[That may not be a fair thing to promise, but it’s what she gives him.]
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Then again, aren't they all? He has no place being openly upset.]
Let's hope so! But some words you really can't escape from at all, haha. "Thank you" and "I'm sorry", for one.
[He reaches up with one hand, gently smoothing down her hair in a gesture he hopes is reassuring - maybe a little soothing.]
--Well. It'll be nice to get a break sooner rather than later, though.
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[After he smoothes down her hair, she moves back slightly, putting her hands on his upper arms so she can give his shoulders a light squeeze.]
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[When she steps back, he'll give her a smile. Unlike the very slight stiffness of his posture, there's nothing out of place about it.]
—You know, I really don't think I tell you enough how grateful I am for you, speaking of.
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Same to you, of course. But - I didn’t do anything...
[The surprise in her expression carries over to her voice, even if it’s lighter.]
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You've done plenty, though!
[Just by coming back and bothering to give him a second chance at all, and everything he's now sure she's been doing behind the scenes - it's a lot, and he really should voice his gratitude more often.
He doesn't want to end up in a situation where it's too late to say anything, after all.]
And you give wonderful hugs, on top of everything else.
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It terrifies her, but she smiles all the same. She still has to wonder what she's done to deserve it.]
Well, my arms are always open.
[And she reaches over to smooth down his hair, like he's done for her so many times.]
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Now there's an offer that will spoil me! You're too kind, you know.
[BUT!! THAT'S ENOUGH WALLOWING!! For, y'know. Whatever definition of wallowing that could have possibly been... called.
Anyway he's just going to pick up their glasses again and hold one out.]
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[It's said with a warm, fond smile as she takes the glass. She holds it up towards him with that same smile.]
To friendship?
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But it's fine, it's fine, he'll just raise his own glass with a matching smile of his own.]
To friendship! Here's to our time of it so far, and its continuation well after we finally visit Costco together!
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You know, I won't say I like being here, because - I mean, who would? But... It's nice in some ways. I wouldn't have been able to meet people like you, Higekiri or Junpei if I hadn't come here.
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[Or been around so many people who didn't want to supermurder him, same diff.]
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[Maybe her taste in friends and partners won't be garbage and he won't be a social pariah! They can both dream.]
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Haha, well! If you say it, the only thing left to do is make it so, right?
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[After a moment:]
You’ll come visit me after this, right?
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[There is literally zero hesitation...]
Even if we can't figure out how to connect our worlds right away, I'll work on it, myself! You'll have to take me to your Costco when I get there.
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I'll take you to much cooler places than Costco.
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[The future is magic though and he has no doubt she could show him some batshit wild amazing things, even better than a Costco.]
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I can take you to Central Park.
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[Well
he tried.]
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