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Moving around isn't really helping you, though. Need some company?

[ He hasn't really been energetic enough for a good sparring session... ]

...

As long as it's not in my room. [HE'S GOING TO GET SICK OF IT AT THIS RATE... But he reaches forward, until he can touch their fingers together, then slide his through hers.]

[ Yang tilts her head, offering him a less foreboding smile as her fingers bend over his. She gives his hand a tug, stepping backwards. ]

How about a nice comfy couch?

I'll take it-- I don't think you're planning on letting me slip out today, right?

[He walks after her, following her retreating steps easily. And no treading on her toes!]

Mm, nope. You're still pretty drained.

[ She pauses, to nudge his short bangs up with her free hand. She's gloveless today, which works out, so she can press her palm to his forehead. ] You're not feeling sick, are you?

Yang...

[Now his lips curve into an amused smile. He does snuggle his forehead into her palm, though, just 'cause he can.] I'm pretty sure it's not possible for me to get sick.

Is that a demon thing? You're free of gross, snotty sniffles for life?

[ Her lips twitch, even with her solemn tone, and she gently brushes her fingers over his temple. ]

Yep. I should usually be free of feeling exhausted like this, too...

[But. Naoki closes his eyes and frowns, his head lightly turning and following the touch of her fingers.]

I'd say maybe I was contagious, but I've been feeling okay.

[ ... He's so cute, but he should be resting, so Yang draws back reluctantly and draws him over to the couch. Here, sit. ]

It's this place, I guess. Causing things to happen that shouldn't.

[The constant state of tiredness is new, though. He follows after her, sitting, catching her hand and pushing his lips to her fingers in a gentle kiss.]

That'd explain a lot. Someone I know was about your level of exhausted during the flood, too, but he's gotten over it.

[ Yang ducks her head, though, leaning in to steal a kiss as he starts to straighten up. Just as gentle. ]

You'll be okay, too.

I hope so. Sooner rather than later.

[Naoki sighs lightly, though his eyes are softer because he's gotten kissed like that. Yang always helps.]

I don't like being just... useless.

You're not useless. [ She says this firmly, fondly. ] You keep me grounded, Naoki. And spending all this time making sure you rest means more time with you.

[Naoki blinks at her, caught off guard by the words, though after a moment a sheepish and shy smile rises up on his face.] You're good at coming out and saying the good part of it...

Someone's got to see the bright spot, right? [ Yang's smile warms, and she moves closer to bring their foreheads together. ] Besides, you'll never be useless to me.

...I really can't feel bad about myself at all when you're with me. [Naoki's voice is a little amazed, but his chin tips and his forehead rubs softly to hers. No-one's ever made him feel like that before. Even when he might not be able to do anything at all, Yang takes away those darker feelings.

His hands move to encircle her waist loosely.]

Any complaints there, demon lord?

[ She doubts it, but she'll teasingly provide the option there. And lean against him a little more, because she'd like a firmer hold. Cuddling sounds good. ]

Hmm-- yeah, how dare you not let me feel bad about myself.

[He mock-grumbles at her as he tightens his hands around her waist. Cuddling, then. He pulls her closer, unceremoniously burying his face in her shoulder and breathing out slowly in content.]

[ ... Pffft. She's just going to snort into his neck, legs curling to make herself more comfortable against him. ]

I just kind of do my own thing, after all.

[Naoki reaches down to catch his hand underneath her legs, help bring her up closer into him.]

I've noticed.

You know you'd be the same about me, if I was ever feeling down. [ Yang feels the need to point this out, even as she ends up half in his lap. Hi. ]

Ahh, well... yeah.

[HE ADMITS IT as he leans in close, pressing a kiss to her cheek.] I get it. I won't be hard on myself. This is confusing, though...

[That is, his tiredness.]

Yeah... even if it's this place's fault, there's gotta be a reason for it. And why it's not everyone being tired.

[ But she can smooth back his hair like this and kiss his forehead so if he's fretting, he'll be fretting with comforting gestures. ]

Why it's only certain people, too.

[His eyes close at her kiss and he mumbles a low sound of approval.] This is the kind of tiredness I'd only feel after... I dunno, after I used all of my energy up.

... And I made sure not to seduce you this whole time, too, so that can't be it.

[ SHE'S BEEN CONSIDERATE. ]

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