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...Ah.

[it's not like Kazuma lied in saying they had enough mushrooms, but it wasn't until Manabu opened a cupboard and found it was nothing but jars full that Manabu truly believed.

maybe he did go overboard in stockpiling...]

Well. I mean, this would be the first place I went to make sure was full, eheh... And, and I guess I can just take these to the Outpost. [guards and builders will never have enough out there, given how close to corruption and monsters they are.

so Manabu just kind of sighs haplessly at the big satchel he'd brought still sitting on Kazuma and Ryunosuke's kitchen table.]

Okay. You were right. [Kazuma is allowed to be right once.] I'll take them with me when I head out.

[ If Kazuma is anything, he's amused. And a little bit enamored. While the stockpile of mushrooms was frustrating on the day-to-day, it was rather sweet that cared to make sure they had more than enough to get by.]

I did try to warn you. [It's said with a small chuckle as he moves into Manabu's space--and if excuses were needed, well, the kitchen wasn't that big.] Maybe keep some around the Roost...just in case?

[Manabu has his back turned while his space is being encroached, so when he turns to grab the jar he had meant to stow away, he gets himself a face full of clavicle and chin.

blinkblink. huhwhatnow?]

Ouh, we-well, there's already some there. Just in case. Yeah. [he's just gonna...reach over Kazuma's shoulder to pick that jar up.] You guys weren't my first stop today, you know...

[can i help you?? sir?? you're making the hair fluff.]

[The fluff is certainly part of the goal--as it often is. But he does ease back, just enough to give Manabu some space to move.]

Mhhm. Doing your best to be prepared where you can? [He can appreciate that, even if it may seem excessive in some instances. Trench was hardly predictable--excessive was sometimes necessary.] I should thank you, for looking after us...

[Look, that earns a kiss--a simple peck, but a kiss all the same.]

[funny thing about being doted on: Manabu never really knows the best way to accept it, despite lowkey craving it. he's also been teased a helluva lot in the guise of praise, so pardon him for warily peering up at him while setting the jar next to his satchel, barely seeing what he's doing because of it.

he'd have something to say about not needing thanks, but the kiss halts him, makes him flush hot for a second before his blood chills it back down.

bashfully:] I-it's only natural, isn't it? [he seems to recover to speak with more certainty and lift his head up above the wave of bashfulness.] I promised to look after you. And if I gotta choke down these things, so do you.

Manabu...[He sighs softly, reaching out and placing a hand at his waist. Whether it was meant to keep Manabu where he was or pull him closer wasn't clear--though it serves as a tether either way.] You could just take the gratitude for what it is you know.

[He's teasing, yes, but all in good nature and with a touch of fondness.]

I promise we're seeing that we use them--we wouldn't shirk that off when you take it so seriously.

[Manabu freezes in place upon being touched, his chin starting to reflexively tuck in the face of admonishment - even teasing admonishment.

sheepishly:] I...I'm just being careful, okay. I don't want you to get sick with corruption, or...get caught up with someone who is, or...

[h a h a . . .]

Or any other manner of things that could go wrong in this place?

[Because that, unfortunately, is a rather long list.]

You do a lot to make sure we're all right, protected...But that often means you're own wellbeing is left out of the equation. [Don't think he hasn't noticed that little quirk now and again.]

[his mouth twitches on one side; he’s heard this song before…different singers, same verses.]

I’m getting better at it, okay? I showed up un-punched, see? [he lifts his chin.] And, and I’m not going off to get punched. I— [he hesitates, glancing aside.] I don’t even…have to go right away, either. Not, not immediately, not…quickly…

It wouldn't be so bad to be the one looked after now and then, you know. Even for little things... [ There's a soft sentiment there, a note of wanting to be someone that does that for Manabu.

At the mention of going anywhere, the tentative grip he has on him tightens ever so slightly.]

You could stay. No one is saying you have to go at all.

[...] Stay.

[there's another mouth twitch, even as the rest of him stills at the suggestion-turned-request now burning in his ears and buzzing a little at the back of his neck. it's in tandem with the signals coming from where that grip grew more secure.

a halfhearted attempt at levity:] To be the, the one being looked after? [more plainly:] I'm not the type who likes being coddled, you know. [lies. lying liar who lies because it sounds more manly.]

I'm not looking to coddle you. [Yes he is. In his own way.] But I...would like if you could--If you would--depend on me. For anything, big or small.

[He sighs, leaning forward and into Manabu's space again.] So just...lean on me, now and then. Support doesn't just go one way.

[that prickly, bristly feeling washes up again as Kazuma does the thing again. the "looming in while being tall and also extremely attractive" thing. it gets to him, y'know. sometimes? it's okay to be the short guy. it's not okay to ever admit that, though.

there's a beat of almost quiet - almost, save for the faint click-clack of dog nails on the floor because Magnet can read a room and is more interested in finding snacks than this.]

That sounds like partner talk. [like, officer partner stuff, not...ugh. that word's double-meaning is kind of annoying.] ...Guess that's okay. But-- [flashing half-a grin:] You're leaning right now.

[There's a confident air about Kazuma most of the time, and that had definitely been present at the start of this.

But Manabu's sass has a way of just sweeping that out from under him in rather unexpected ways. He's left blinking dumbly for a moment before trying to hold back a short burst of laughter (and failing).] Manabu... [He wants to sound admonishing, but it comes out in a tone far more amused and fond than annoyed. It isn't aided by the fact he definitely steals a kiss--or two...maybe three. A fee for the sass.]

I swear...

Ha-- [little chance to get rustled by Kazuma's laugh in the midst of a kiss-assault, but that's no real loss. he attempts to catch and return those kisses before Kazuma escapes to speak.]

What-- [he puts his hands on Kazuma's upper arms.] you are, I'm not wrong. [he leans up to kiss him before a clapback.]

Edited 2023-01-02 01:59 (UTC)

IC Contact | DeerCountry

hi i was told this is where i come to "get some" as the kids say

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