hot pants with the fur

[nightchild]

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[nightchild]

[there's a low thrum of concern in Itsuki's emotions, and it only grows when he looks at her.

still, his expression remains calm, and he comes on over to sit next to her.]

How long have you been sitting here?

[his tone is just a little chiding,]

[fleshedout]

...I don't know.

[She doesn't sound like she cares, though the simmering emotions underneath says otherwise.]

I lost track of time.

[nightchild]

[the vibes are worried...]

You know that I'm here for you, Hot Pants. ...No matter what.

[fleshedout]

I know you are.

[She closes her eyes.]

I care for you a lot, you know.

[nightchild]

I do too. You've helped me, and you still do now... But rather than feeling like I owe you something... I just want to be here for you.

[it's a quick reply, but it's honest. his emotions are full of worry yes, but there's genuine affection there. he waits a little, to hear what hot pants wants to say, if any]

[fleshedout]

[She leans against him.]

[And she's...starting to cry. Not sobbing, but she's tearing up.]

I'm tired, Itsuki.

[nightchild]

[he immediately puts his arm around her, pulling her close]

...Yeah.

[of course she would be. hot pants is the strongest person he knows. she's carrying more than any one person, at any given time.

his heart is thumping hard, it hurts to see her like this.]

You don't have to say anything you don't want. I'll be here.

[fleshedout]

[She's grateful for that. But the sorrow weighs so heavy, and she shudders, shifting closer, resting her head against his shoulder.]

You always are. I just don't want people to keep being there for me.

[It feels too selfish.]

[nightchild]

[he shifts to accommodate her, quiet for a moment]

What do you want then?

[gently]

[fleshedout]

...

[A sigh.]

In that adventure this week...there was another world. It was inside this being called "God". And it was...peaceful. Fields of grass and a blue sky.

[...]

I guess I want...something like that.

[nightchild]

[he 'hms' softly]

Peace is nice. I want that too, for both of us.

Would be nice if we could feel that, instead of grief or guilt or pain.

[fleshedout]

Yes. It was a nice place. I didn't need to worry about anything.

[Like a moment to breathe, and enjoy life for what it is.]

I want that for you too, Itsuki.

[nightchild]

[he squeezes her shoulder]

...It sounds really great. But if I had to choose... then I'd rather be here with you, even it's hard.

[fleshedout]

[...That makes her smile, touched.]

You're very kind, Itsuki. I can see why Buzen fell in love with you.

[nightchild]

[he coughs a little, because even after all this time he's (a bottom) embarrassed at being seen.

...it's not a bad feeling though.]

That's kindness you and Buzen both have, you know. I'm glad I'm lucky enough to have felt it.

[fleshedout]

Ah, well. I hope to be as kind as Buzen.

[He's shining like a star. She can't help but admire that.]