Oh... Yes please! But you bought the treat last time too. Should I pay for it today?
[ Since up to this point Yuuto has been Peak Sugar Daddy and as much as Nen is happy to receive anything and everything, they would also like to sugar his daddy at least once.
[And Yuuto’s brain seems to empty out. He may be staring at Nen with a stunned and empty sort of expression, but his brain is going haywire.
If his existence is going to be temporary,
If he is going to be a brief, unnecessary part of Nen’s life,
He can’t take anything from them.
No feelings, no space in their memory, and certainly not any of their money.
Giving is fine. Taking is not.
It takes him a moment to push through these spiraling thoughts and do the words. He’s doing his best to keep his voice even and devoid of his darker emotions. He has to be good or nothing. If he’s taking from Nen, then what’s the point of being here?]
Ah well… You’re using your money on your flowers, right? That makes me happy to know… and seeing you happy makes me happy. So uh. I want to buy you things so you can be happy..?
I don’t really deserve anything. [That’s why he didn’t buy himself a crepe before. He doesn’t plan to get himself a smoothie either.]
[ And this is where Yuuto loses Nen. That last sentence. It was all going well up until he mentions "deserving", leaving Nenonen well and truly baffled. Nen's met Tau by now and can't help but wonder if this is one of those "dumb things" she mentioned.
Only, Nenonen knows Yuuto is smart. Maybe he can just explain it. ]
But I didn't offer because I thought you deserved it. Should I?
[ is deserving something important? What sort of merit system would food and drink be based off of...? Nen's had experience with rewards given for good behaviour and test scores, but that was in the form of extra free time. Getting to choose an enrichment activity before the others. This doesn't feel like that. ]
[When Nen reverse Unos what he thought was a victory, Yuuto doesn’t find the game fun anymore. He nearly flinches, but manages to keep a physical reaction restricted to only a flick of his tail.]
N, no. I mean… Normal people don’t have to deserve it… E-extraordinary people like you don’t have to earn nice things either! It… It should be a given. Only bad people don’t deserve it… I-I’m… [If he admits to Nen that he’s awful, then they’ll leave. That’s fair.
But he doesn’t want it.
It’s moments like these that prove to Yuuto that he’s a terrible and selfish person. He can’t tell Nen the truth and free them. He just doubles down to keep them in his orbit.
Yuuto breaths out. And tells what he thinks is a lie.]
I! Uh! I’m okay so. We… We could split the cost! Is that permissible?
[ The way he's gone and phrased both that and the bit before outs him already. Nenonen may not know many things off the cuff, but their whole life has been about observation. Listening. Understanding so they can do what they're told. Trying to figure out solutions to an impossible problem that was never going to be solved in the first place.
Yuuto asks a question, but for the first time, Nen doesn't answer right away. They have a question of their own to ask. ]
Are you a bad person?
[ Rather, it's phrased to ask if Yuuto thinks he is. Because "bad people don't deserve it" and "I don't really deserve anything" seem to suggest that as a logical conclusion.
But that doesn't make any sense to Nenonen. Yuuto is nice. Weird. His face does funny things, and he taught Nen what a bath bomb was. Held their hand. Showed them how to not tongue their friends kiss a friend.
[Of course Nen would figure it out. Yuuto can replay his words and realize what he set himself up for.
So it’s probably over? He can’t lie anymore. He has to tell Nen and accept that they are going to leave him. His chest feels cold and heavy and he loosens his grip on their hand.]
… Mm. I am. I-I’m sorry.
I’m selfish… and useless. So much so that I don’t deserve a smoothie. [it takes some skill to trigger this kind of mood change over a smoothie tho so like. Good work to both of them.]
[Yuuto’s own perception can feel this conversation taking a dangerous turn. He can already hear doors being slammed and people yelling at him. If he keeps this up, then those sounds are going to exist outside of his head too.
He needs to disengage in a way that a curious person like Nen will drop the subject. Starting by putting a proper smile on his face. Any anxiety now only shows in his tail and how it wraps around his leg.]
I guess you’re right, huh? It’s silly to get so worked up over food… Ah, b-but! If we split the cost and both buy our own smoothie, you can try two flavors! Then you can pick a favorite from a sample pool..?
Let’s go! Smoothies await us! [Yuuto hesitates, then grips Nen’s hand again. To the distraction store! He hopes!]
[ If there's one thing Nen's used to, it's having the subject changed on them. Or for an explanation to be a segue instead of in-depth. It feels like a bit of both here, but Yuuto covers it up with just enough of his usual mask that Nen only pauses for a second.
The grip distracts them, a compromise is struck, and Nen follows him without question. ]
I bet they do! You really do love peanut butter, don’t you, Nen?
[He wonders if it’s the familiar texture, the fact they can digest it without being sick, or the flavor that attracts Nen to it. Something to keep in mind as he tries to introduce Nen to more foods and flavors.]
I like it very much! I have two spoonfuls at breakfast each morning after I take my medicine. I'd like to eat more, but peanut butter alone is not a balanced meal. I like to mash up bananas and microwave apples too.
And if it's too solid I just add hot water.
[ Until it's...goop. Basically. But it works! Once Nen has the power of BlenderTM however, nothing will stop them. EVERYTHING WILL BLEND. ]
Sometimes I have it for a snack too--only a teaspoon though.
And you like that..? [Nope. He can’t judge! He does smile a bit more sincerely though.] A blender will be great for you! Let’s definitely get one when we buy your groceries.
[Aand here is what looks like a smoothie shop! Yuuto stops at the door and breaths in. Be normal, Yuuto. Splitting the cost of things with friends is normal.
… is he allowed to think of Nen as a friend, or is that too much??]
[ Someone love this boy, help??? Nen swings his hand a bit as he opens the door, stepping in first and pulling him along. ]
Okay. I am buying my groceries though. Because they are for me.
[ Nen is fond of Yuuto but Nen also knows that not everyone appreciates their 5-Star Michelin Originals like Peanut Butter SoupPorridgeTM and Raw FrogTM.
Meal planning for Nen is literally just reading the nutritional facts part of the label and portioning from there. Sometimes breakfast is just a scoop of peanut butter, a microwaved egg, 3 scoops of baby food and some mustard. Eaten separately. ]
Oh! I met Tau on the network the other day. She is very nice, and says you do dumb things sometimes.
[ Just gonna put that out there like it may or may not cause emotional damage. But also: Yuuto no?? Please give Tau normal food??? Cake for every meal is not good!!
But for smoothies: yes please. Nen will order whatever Yuuto recommends and request peanut butter. ]
Yuuto loves his sister too much to let any negative feelings take root.]
She’s… not wrong, I guess. I can be pretty stupid, huh? [He twirls the longer strip of hair around his finger. Did that hurt his feelings? He’s not sure. If he doesn’t think about it, then he can’t be hurt by it.
Instead, what if he led them into the shop! And after checking the menu with Nen, he could do something positive and helpful like ordering their drinks.]
[ Nenonen takes the crepe with a thank-you (while making sure to pay half, because it's what they agreed), but after a short sip whereupon they decide they do like smoothies, Nen says; ]
I don't think you're stupid. You're very smart. You think like I do.
[ ...when it comes to the lens of science, that is. Yuuto is a lot more self-depreciating than Nen. ]
[Yuuto’s instinct is to laugh softly; He’s very used to being told that he is an idiot, after all. He expects for Nen to agree. He’s only said it first so that no one feels guilty for having a negative opinion of him. This way, something that could be hurtful can be played for a laugh and a smile.
But then he processes what Nen said and nearly chokes on his own smoothie.]
Really?! You think I’m smart?!
[His mind is racing so fast for an explanation that he can’t filter his greed fast enough:]
[Oooh. Being complimented feels so nice. He's not used to this. Usually any compliments that he receives are more like bars being set: Things that other 'Yuuto' did well, so they become expectations he needs to meet quickly. But this... Nen has no other 'Yuuto' for reference.
This compliment is his and his alone.
His belt tail is starting to wag again, expressing a feeling that he has no words for. As his mind stops reeling quite so badly, Yuuto steps forward and meets Nen's eyes earnestly.]
I think that you're really smart too, Nen! And kind! You have a really good heart. I like you a lot!
[If compliments make him feel good, then he obviously needs to share them.]
will i never not be emotional over these tags? no. never.
[ OH YUUTO... Nenonen's not sure what they did to provoke such a response from him, but they're happy they did it. Yuuto's eyes meet theirs, and though Nen blinks...that same almost-smile forms on their face as they take a moment to enjoy how bright and vibrant Yuuto looks.
he should look like this more often. ]
I like you a lot too, Yuuto. You are one of the people I like the most.
[ And that's saying something from Nen. Almost everyone falls under the same "I like" category; being a step above that is a Big Deal for them. Preferences is still a thing they are learning and Yuuto has already made it. ]
[ Well heck, they make shakes with nutritional supplements?? Why has no one told Nen before now? They cannot nod fast enough to the offer, eager to take a sip. It's got that familiar chalk-like flavour that all protein powders have...but it tastes like peanut butter, too.
Nen takes two full slurps of it before they hand it back. ]
It is delicious. I want one.
[ Nen has a whole shake but they have their new month stipend!! They can splurge....it's fine. ]
[For Yuuto, picking things that are nutritionally balanced or otherwise ‘healthy’ is a safe bet. He never knows what the last Yuuto has declared to be his favorite flavor, but he can always claim to make a choice because it’s healthy.
But he is genuinely glad that Nen not only enjoyed the smoothie, but took the conversation bait.]
We can get you some smoothie ingredients like these at the grocery store, hm? Let’s go! [And he’ll happily lead the way!]
[ Yuuto is unfairly good at distracting Nen... He almost always knows the perfect segue to distract Nen into another topic of conversation. Yes, there are times they get stuck on something and won;t let it go...but the idea of being able to make their own nutritionally-supplemented shakes is too important a discovery to ignore.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ Since up to this point Yuuto has been Peak Sugar Daddy and as much as Nen is happy to receive anything and everything, they would also like to sugar his daddy at least once.
it's only fair ]
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If his existence is going to be temporary,
If he is going to be a brief, unnecessary part of Nen’s life,
He can’t take anything from them.
No feelings, no space in their memory, and certainly not any of their money.
Giving is fine. Taking is not.
It takes him a moment to push through these spiraling thoughts and do the words. He’s doing his best to keep his voice even and devoid of his darker emotions. He has to be good or nothing. If he’s taking from Nen, then what’s the point of being here?]
Ah well… You’re using your money on your flowers, right? That makes me happy to know… and seeing you happy makes me happy. So uh. I want to buy you things so you can be happy..?
I don’t really deserve anything. [That’s why he didn’t buy himself a crepe before. He doesn’t plan to get himself a smoothie either.]
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Only, Nenonen knows Yuuto is smart. Maybe he can just explain it. ]
But I didn't offer because I thought you deserved it. Should I?
[ is deserving something important? What sort of merit system would food and drink be based off of...? Nen's had experience with rewards given for good behaviour and test scores, but that was in the form of extra free time. Getting to choose an enrichment activity before the others. This doesn't feel like that. ]
I can test you first.
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N, no. I mean… Normal people don’t have to deserve it… E-extraordinary people like you don’t have to earn nice things either! It… It should be a given. Only bad people don’t deserve it… I-I’m… [If he admits to Nen that he’s awful, then they’ll leave. That’s fair.
But he doesn’t want it.
It’s moments like these that prove to Yuuto that he’s a terrible and selfish person. He can’t tell Nen the truth and free them. He just doubles down to keep them in his orbit.
Yuuto breaths out. And tells what he thinks is a lie.]
I! Uh! I’m okay so. We… We could split the cost! Is that permissible?
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Yuuto asks a question, but for the first time, Nen doesn't answer right away. They have a question of their own to ask. ]
Are you a bad person?
[ Rather, it's phrased to ask if Yuuto thinks he is. Because "bad people don't deserve it" and "I don't really deserve anything" seem to suggest that as a logical conclusion.
But that doesn't make any sense to Nenonen. Yuuto is nice. Weird. His face does funny things, and he taught Nen what a bath bomb was. Held their hand. Showed them how to
not tongue their friendskiss a friend.Yuuto feels like a good person.
A very, very good person. ]
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So it’s probably over? He can’t lie anymore. He has to tell Nen and accept that they are going to leave him. His chest feels cold and heavy and he loosens his grip on their hand.]
… Mm. I am. I-I’m sorry.
I’m selfish… and useless. So much so that I don’t deserve a smoothie. [it takes some skill to trigger this kind of mood change over a smoothie tho so like. Good work to both of them.]
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Yuuto's grip slips, but Nen's remains the same. Not firm or squeezing, but set. As if it's a constant not to be changed. ]
I don't understand selfish. Or why you are sorry. Food is food. I don't think you have to deserve it to have it.
Why are you bad? Why am I extraordinary?
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He needs to disengage in a way that a curious person like Nen will drop the subject. Starting by putting a proper smile on his face. Any anxiety now only shows in his tail and how it wraps around his leg.]
I guess you’re right, huh? It’s silly to get so worked up over food… Ah, b-but! If we split the cost and both buy our own smoothie, you can try two flavors! Then you can pick a favorite from a sample pool..?
Let’s go! Smoothies await us! [Yuuto hesitates, then grips Nen’s hand again. To the
distractionstore! He hopes!]no subject
[ If there's one thing Nen's used to, it's having the subject changed on them. Or for an explanation to be a segue instead of in-depth. It feels like a bit of both here, but Yuuto covers it up with just enough of his usual mask that Nen only pauses for a second.
The grip distracts them, a compromise is struck, and Nen follows him without question. ]
Do they have peanut butter?
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[He wonders if it’s the familiar texture, the fact they can digest it without being sick, or the flavor that attracts Nen to it. Something to keep in mind as he tries to introduce Nen to more foods and flavors.]
Just how much of it do you eat everyday?
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And if it's too solid I just add hot water.
[ Until it's...goop. Basically. But it works! Once Nen has the power of BlenderTM however, nothing will stop them. EVERYTHING WILL BLEND. ]
Sometimes I have it for a snack too--only a teaspoon though.
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[Aand here is what looks like a smoothie shop! Yuuto stops at the door and breaths in. Be normal, Yuuto. Splitting the cost of things with friends is normal.
… is he allowed to think of Nen as a friend, or is that too much??]
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Okay. I am buying my groceries though. Because they are for me.
[ Nen is fond of Yuuto but Nen also knows that not everyone appreciates their 5-Star Michelin Originals like Peanut Butter
SoupPorridgeTM and Raw FrogTM.Meal planning for Nen is literally just reading the nutritional facts part of the label and portioning from there. Sometimes breakfast is just a scoop of peanut butter, a microwaved egg, 3 scoops of baby food and some mustard. Eaten separately. ]
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[Yuuto is technically a great cook, but he’s also a pushover. If baby sister wants cake and ice cream three times a day, then that’s what he makes!!!]
Let’s get our drinks and then… Groceries next? And we can rest at the observatory later.
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[ Just gonna put that out there like it may or may not cause emotional damage. But also: Yuuto no?? Please give Tau normal food??? Cake for every meal is not good!!
But for smoothies: yes please. Nen will order whatever Yuuto recommends and request peanut butter. ]
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Yuuto loves his sister too much to let any negative feelings take root.]
She’s… not wrong, I guess. I can be pretty stupid, huh? [He twirls the longer strip of hair around his finger. Did that hurt his feelings? He’s not sure. If he doesn’t think about it, then he can’t be hurt by it.
Instead, what if he led them into the shop! And after checking the menu with Nen, he could do something positive and helpful like ordering their drinks.]
Here you are. With peanut butter, of course!
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I don't think you're stupid. You're very smart. You think like I do.
[ ...when it comes to the lens of science, that is. Yuuto is a lot more self-depreciating than Nen. ]
THIS WAS MY FAULT I DROPPED THIS BALL
But then he processes what Nen said and nearly chokes on his own smoothie.]
Really?! You think I’m smart?!
[His mind is racing so fast for an explanation that he can’t filter his greed fast enough:]
Say it again?!
YOU'RE ALL GOOD I WILL TAG FOREVER
...You are very smart, Yuuto.
[ Did he not hear them the first time? Was is strange of them to say that...? ]
You make things easy to understand.
[ You know, aside from this. ]
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This compliment is his and his alone.
His belt tail is starting to wag again, expressing a feeling that he has no words for. As his mind stops reeling quite so badly, Yuuto steps forward and meets Nen's eyes earnestly.]
I think that you're really smart too, Nen! And kind! You have a really good heart. I like you a lot!
[If compliments make him feel good, then he obviously needs to share them.]
will i never not be emotional over these tags? no. never.
he should look like this more often. ]
I like you a lot too, Yuuto. You are one of the people I like the most.
[ And that's saying something from Nen. Almost everyone falls under the same "I like" category; being a step above that is a Big Deal for them. Preferences is still a thing they are learning and Yuuto has already made it. ]
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Yuuto grins and nearly lets his mouth get ahead of him;]
You too! I can’t wait to be together for… [Ah.
He changes the topic.]
Here! Do you want some of my protein shake? It has peanut butter too, but there’s some protein powder mixed in too.
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[ Well heck, they make shakes with nutritional supplements?? Why has no one told Nen before now? They cannot nod fast enough to the offer, eager to take a sip. It's got that familiar chalk-like flavour that all protein powders have...but it tastes like peanut butter, too.
Nen takes two full slurps of it before they hand it back. ]
It is delicious. I want one.
[ Nen has a whole shake but they have their new month stipend!! They can splurge....it's fine. ]
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But he is genuinely glad that Nen not only enjoyed the smoothie, but took the conversation bait.]
We can get you some smoothie ingredients like these at the grocery store, hm? Let’s go! [And he’ll happily lead the way!]
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Nen follows him. ]
Yes! I want to buy all the nutrients.
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