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[undermoonlight]

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[undermoonlight]

Being someone who is safe for everyone to come back to is very helpful, Ritsuka-kun.

And not quite. It's an item that I got from a friend. I could loan it to you, if you'd like. I was looking for someone to keep it safe while I'm on patrol anyway.

[in_loveless_memory]

:o? Ah... you're... okay with trusting me with something a friend gave you?

[undermoonlight]

Yes. If they knew I was loaning it out, I think their only thought would be

"I wish I had thought to get an extra one to give Ritsuka."

But they would be happy to know it was helping more people.

[in_loveless_memory]

No one would think that.

Except you.

But um... what is it?

[undermoonlight]

Not at all. She's one of the kindest people you'd meet

and she's surrounded by more kind people. She attracts so many of them.

Oh and it's called a Kigurumi. I usually wear it over my clothes at night. It's also very cute.

[in_loveless_memory]

Is that why you're friends with her too?

I know what a kigurumi is, though I've never actually seen one or worn one in person. [As far as he knows?]

Won't YOU need it for sleeping?

[undermoonlight]

Ah, well.

Maybe. I'm learning from her, at least.

And don't worry about it. How about this? When I need it, I can come find you. Then you can keep it safe. It might get dirty at home, right?

[because the house is bleeding.]

[in_loveless_memory]

.... You're *sure* it's okay?

[undermoonlight]

Of course!

I like you too, Ritsuka-kun. I want you to be getting enough sleep.

Maybe Yuiko-chan can use it too, somehow.

[in_loveless_memory]

You like me?

[He wants to ask "but why?"]

I haven't done anything to be liked for.

[undermoonlight]

You're supposed to do something special?

I kinda figured I could just like who I wanted to?

[Usagi sure makes the case for liking everyone, with no strings attached. Maybe she's rubbing off on him too much? Though, he can't see how that would be a bad thing.]

[in_loveless_memory]

I... guess not, no.

I'm not that great... or even that good of a person to like, though.

[undermoonlight]

[It's kind of strange to see himself reflected in Ritsuka's messages. A few months ago, Atsushi might not have known how to respond to that... but he's been lightly scolded so many times now that he understands just a bit better. The image you have inside is hard to let go of, but that doesn't mean the images others have of you are incorrect.]

I think you're a great person to like.

I'll remind you again and again, too. Anytime you have doubts.

After all! You checked in on me. I appreciate that, Ritsuka-kun.

[in_loveless_memory]

[It's... A WHILE before Atsushi gets a response.]

I... like Atsushi-san too...

...... But please don't keep saying things like how great I am. It's weird. [And more than a little difficult for him to believe.]

[undermoonlight]

[A while spent worrying that he said something wrong,

and then getting a confirmation that he did.]

Sorry! I didn't mean to be weird.

I guess it is hard to hear, huh? Because

[His own hesitation. Not long in reality, but it feels long to Atsushi. He understands where Ritsuka is coming from. Having people compliment him used to make Atsushi's skin crawl, too. It was weird and it felt like a lie. But he isn't sure if being honest with a 12 year old is right...

... Well. Until he finds himself wishing someone had said these things to him.]

Just because someone else says it doesn't mean it feels true, huh?

It's frustrating not to believe your friends.

I'm sorry.

[in_loveless_memory]

[The problem with text, is that it's so hard to discern tone. So when he sees that, Ritsuka panics, thinking he upset Atsushi.]

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply you were a liar. I...[He wants to finish typing "I believe you" but he can't.

Because he doesn't.

And he doesn't want to lie... to his friend.]

I'm glad you're my friend. I'm sorry.

[undermoonlight]

It's okay. I'm not angry.

[Something Atsushi knows to clarify, because he's afraid that Ritsuka is angry. Maybe he should stick to being useful with his actions... Atsushi's words seem to be the wrong ones. Makes sense. He's often wrong.]

I'll bring you the kigurumi, okay? Do you want anything while I'm out?

[in_loveless_memory]

[Ritsuka stares at the message, relieved, hoping it's true.]

No, I'm okay, I don't want you to have to carry too much.

[undermoonlight]

Alright.

If you change your mind, then let me know. I'll be there soon!

Wrap!

[in_loveless_memory]

Stay safe.