Hm? Yes, of course. [Naoto says, scooting her chair closer to Ayano's bedside. She furrows her brow, studying the other girl's sudden dip.] Is everything all right?
[Straightens herself slightly, now realizing she's under Naoto's scrutiny.]
We've been chatting for a little while but I really should, um...
[Hesitantly, Ayano inches her weak body closer to the edge of the bed and reaches her bruised and bandaged arms out over Naoto's shoulders, pulling him into a very loose embrace.]
Naoto's immediate first reaction is to go tense, because she's not used to people hugging her. But then, slowly, she relaxes, and places one arm on the small of Ayano's back, the other between her shoulderblades, returning the embrace.] Of course. You're... welcome.
[Ayano doesn't respond to that last part at first, because she's pretty tired of hearing people feel bad about what happened to her, about how they wish they could've done more––but then, it's hard to focus on the negatives when Naoto is holding her like this. A sorely needed bit of comfort, and even without much to spare, her cheeks manage to flush slightly red.]
No, I wish I had been able to find you sooner.
I'm...glad you're in my life. Someone as smart as you, and as kind as you...
[It's a little uncomfortable, having someone depend on you like this. Naoto's not used to it. Living by herself has made her independent, but it's also meant she doesn't have many bonds. So to hear the relief and praise in Ayano's words... it's awkward. She doesn't know how to properly parse it.
This time, she doesn't correct Ayano on the assumption about her kindness.] I'm glad we've met, too.
[Naoto isn't sure how to end it, so she's glad when Ayano does.
She's not expecting the request.] About... myself?
[Her ears turn slightly pink.] Um, yes, I suppose I-- I wouldn't mind doing that, if you'd like. [Where to start?] I was, ah... raised by my grandparents in the suburbs, to start. As my legal guardians, they're technically the owners of my apartment until I turn 18.
I'm not embarrassed, per se. I just recognize that it's somewhat unusual.
...but yes, I live with Kanji, my dog, and that's it. I wanted to move into the city so that I could do a work-study at the precinct my father had worked at when he'd been on the force.
...it's nice to have another living thing in my apartment, I'll admit. I'm glad I have Kanji.
[She glances past Ayano, out the window.] I've never been that sociable a person, to be honest. I've always been content with my own thoughts, or an interesting book to read. [A slight pause. She doesn't always admit this.] But... maybe a little, sometimes?
remains completely oblivious to Ayano's blindingly obvious crush. She does look back at her, her eyes flicking once more back to the window before settling on her face.] I wouldn't... be entirely opposed to that. [In Naoto-speak: Sure.]
Though I have to warn you, Kanji is... affectionate to visitors.
[It's starts out as a single solitary giggle, but progresses into a full on bout of laughter. She has to grab her side after a moment, because it's causing her real, physical pain.]
[It really is nice to see Ayano laugh, even though she's been hurt and bruised. Naoto can't help but smile-- she gives a short chuckle, but it's reserved as always.] I... suppose I don't laugh often, to be honest. It doesn't go with the image I have of myself.
...it's not that. [She shrugs, slightly, glancing out the window.] I have a hard time... letting myself relax like that.
I, uh, don't really stop to have "fun" much of the time, admittedly. My goals haven't allowed me too much of that. [She's too fucking serious, in other words.]
[If Ayano were brave she'd touch Naoto's hand but she's absolutely not.]
How to stop to have fun...Even if you're dedicated to your goals, I think learning to let yourself go is part of a healthy balance. If you focus too hard, you can strain yourself, right?
[Taps her fingers against her knees, humming quietly.]
I may not be very strong, or smart, but...I think this is one way that I could actually provide something helpful...
[Naoto's expression turns slightly awkward, but it isn't at anything Ayano had said as much as it is an acknowledgment of her own shortcomings.] I would like that.
I'm just not sure it's possible. [She says with a soft, self-deprecating laugh.] I've been like this for so long, I don't know if there's another way for me to be.
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[Ayano leans forward a bit, nodding as she focuses her tired eyes on Naoto's shoulders for...whatever reason.]
I'll keep practicing, then.
[fidgets......her eyes start to dip from his shoulders to his chest, to his waist, to his hips, to his knees.]
. . .
Can you come closer for a sec?
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[Straightens herself slightly, now realizing she's under Naoto's scrutiny.]
We've been chatting for a little while but I really should, um...
[Hesitantly, Ayano inches her weak body closer to the edge of the bed and reaches her bruised and bandaged arms out over Naoto's shoulders, pulling him into a very loose embrace.]
Thank you for everything...
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She's being hugged.
Naoto's immediate first reaction is to go tense, because she's not used to people hugging her. But then, slowly, she relaxes, and places one arm on the small of Ayano's back, the other between her shoulderblades, returning the embrace.] Of course. You're... welcome.
I wish I had been able to find you sooner.
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No, I wish I had been able to find you sooner.
I'm...glad you're in my life. Someone as smart as you, and as kind as you...
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This time, she doesn't correct Ayano on the assumption about her kindness.] I'm glad we've met, too.
Is there anything else I can do for you?
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It takes a few more moments, but eventually, she leave Naoto's arms.]
You should...tell me some stuff. About you.
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She's not expecting the request.] About... myself?
[Her ears turn slightly pink.] Um, yes, I suppose I-- I wouldn't mind doing that, if you'd like. [Where to start?] I was, ah... raised by my grandparents in the suburbs, to start. As my legal guardians, they're technically the owners of my apartment until I turn 18.
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You...Wait, do you mean you live alone? By yourself...?
There's no need to be embarassed about that! That's! Like...really, really cool...
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...but yes, I live with Kanji, my dog, and that's it. I wanted to move into the city so that I could do a work-study at the precinct my father had worked at when he'd been on the force.
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Does it get lonely living by yourself?
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i could come visit you and keep you company haha sweats]no subject
[She glances past Ayano, out the window.] I've never been that sociable a person, to be honest. I've always been content with my own thoughts, or an interesting book to read. [A slight pause. She doesn't always admit this.] But... maybe a little, sometimes?
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After I'm out of here, I could come over and keep you company sometimes, you know...
[HAHA SWEATS......
Ayano does smile sweetly, though, trying to recapture Naoto's gaze.]
Since we're friends now...
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remains completely oblivious to Ayano's blindingly obvious crush. She does look back at her, her eyes flicking once more back to the window before settling on her face.] I wouldn't... be entirely opposed to that. [In Naoto-speak: Sure.]
Though I have to warn you, Kanji is... affectionate to visitors.
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I-I've never had one so...I think it would be fun to get to pet one a bunch...
And––w-wait!
So you'd be a little opposed to it? [POUTS]
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--I tend to, ah, understate things for rhetorical effect, that's all!
[W2G Naoto] I would... enjoy your company.
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You "understate things for rhetorical effect".
[Ayano grins, playfully pushing Naoto's shoulder.]
Who are you? [And then covers her mouth for another bout of soft laughter. At least you're helping her spirits?]
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[She just looks surprised. And confused.
She's happy to see Ayano laugh though.]
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[A soft smile. Having Naoto at her bedside is really wonderful. The world feels a little less scary.]
Laughter is good though. So...thank you.
Take it from the girl in the hospital bed, you should try it sometime...
In fact, I've never heard you laugh, have I?
You have a really nice smile, so I'm sure you have a nice laugh, too...
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But thank you.
...I'm glad I could make you laugh.
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[Leans forward, pursing her lips.]
Are you sure your idea of yourself is more important than laughing?
I told you, it's good for you...
But, um...I guess we can't change the way we are, huh?
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I, uh, don't really stop to have "fun" much of the time, admittedly. My goals haven't allowed me too much of that. [She's too fucking serious, in other words.]
I believe you, though. That it's good for you.
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[If Ayano were brave she'd touch Naoto's hand but she's absolutely not.]
How to stop to have fun...Even if you're dedicated to your goals, I think learning to let yourself go is part of a healthy balance. If you focus too hard, you can strain yourself, right?
[Taps her fingers against her knees, humming quietly.]
I may not be very strong, or smart, but...I think this is one way that I could actually provide something helpful...
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I'm just not sure it's possible. [She says with a soft, self-deprecating laugh.] I've been like this for so long, I don't know if there's another way for me to be.