[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.
[As much as Yuuto wants for Nen to branch out with their food, he also wants for them to be healthy. If they’re having trouble with solids, then nutrients are important…
So he nods in agreement.]
I don’t know much about nutrient powders, but we can find some! Do you know a lot about those things, Nen?
I know the optimal balance for someone my size... And what would be best for me an as Essenceborn. My nutritional requirements are very similar, but I need to account for the higher viscosity of my blood. I need to keep my blood pressure within a certain threshold and diet helps with that.
[ When you have nothing to do but read for decades on end while stuck in a time loop and there's an abundance of medical reports on you...well. You pick up a thing or two. ]
My body is not made up of 60-55% water like most humans. Instead, it is closer to 52%.
[All of this makes sense to Yuuto… Except that he doesn’t know what ‘essenceborn’ means. He assumes that it may be the reason that Nen lived in a tower to begin with.
He doesn’t notice himself reaching for their hand. Every time that he remembers that, Yuuto feels intensely lonely for Nen. There probably isn’t enough time, or enough handholding, to make up for what he imagines they went through. But he can start showing love now.]
I see. I’ll admit, I don’t know much about keeping a body healthy. I figured that when I died, it’d be from being stupid.
[… hm.] Can you um… teach me? If it’s not miserable.
I don’t really know how to take care of my sister here.
[ The second his hand reaches theirs, Nen takes hold of it. They don;t even need to think of it. With Yuuto it just feels...well, normal. Nen would accept the hand of anyone who reached for them like that, but they'd still be aware of it. Wonder about it.
With Yuuto, it's more like a familiar habit. Something pleasant--and not just because of the brief pleasantness that shoots through them at the contact a la Ellipsa. ]
[The shared contact feels nice, though Yuuto does briefly surprise himself with how easily he took Nen’s hand. Connecting with them is grounding.
It isn’t until Nen repeats the request that Yuuto worries he is overstepping. Tau is his sister. He should be able to protect her himself. Is he a failure if he needs help?
… Slowly, timidly, he nods.]
Ahhh if it’s too much then I can do it myself, of course, um… just. Tau is still young. I want to make sure she grows into a healthy and happy young lady.
[if nen is tau’s mom then are they also yuuto’s mom???]
[ yes. Yuuto is adopted son and best husband question not the implication in those words. Nen is KEEPING HIM.
And also giving his hand a light squeeze. They've never had any siblings, but the desire to look after someone is one they understand quite well. Nen doesn't even have to ponder his request; they just nod. ]
I don't mind. I will help you raise Tau. I like her. We will keep her "hale and hearty."
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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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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So he nods in agreement.]
I don’t know much about nutrient powders, but we can find some! Do you know a lot about those things, Nen?
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[ When you have nothing to do but read for decades on end while stuck in a time loop and there's an abundance of medical reports on you...well. You pick up a thing or two. ]
My body is not made up of 60-55% water like most humans. Instead, it is closer to 52%.
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He doesn’t notice himself reaching for their hand. Every time that he remembers that, Yuuto feels intensely lonely for Nen. There probably isn’t enough time, or enough handholding, to make up for what he imagines they went through. But he can start showing love now.]
I see. I’ll admit, I don’t know much about keeping a body healthy. I figured that when I died, it’d be from being stupid.
[… hm.] Can you um… teach me? If it’s not miserable.
I don’t really know how to take care of my sister here.
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With Yuuto, it's more like a familiar habit. Something pleasant--and not just because of the brief pleasantness that shoots through them at the contact a la Ellipsa. ]
You want my help with Tau...?
[ DOES THIS MAKE NEN A MOM-- ]
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It isn’t until Nen repeats the request that Yuuto worries he is overstepping. Tau is his sister. He should be able to protect her himself. Is he a failure if he needs help?
… Slowly, timidly, he nods.]
Ahhh if it’s too much then I can do it myself, of course, um… just. Tau is still young. I want to make sure she grows into a healthy and happy young lady.
[if nen is tau’s mom then are they also yuuto’s mom???]
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And also giving his hand a light squeeze. They've never had any siblings, but the desire to look after someone is one they understand quite well. Nen doesn't even have to ponder his request; they just nod. ]
I don't mind. I will help you raise Tau. I like her. We will keep her "hale and hearty."
I read that in a book.
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