deercountry | (closed) january catchall

[ We love a Chizuru that practices safety.

Robby's omen keeps outside once Chizuru goes in, standing in watch to wait for her (as if it needs to make sure she even steps through the threshold of the doors fine), and then turning so to sit on the outdoor steps to keep watch over the garden. As for Robby, he offers Chizuru a smile back when she makes an appearance, a small "Hi" returned too. He tucks in his leg on the side she sits, and now that she's there, her presence is welcoming, Robby finds; he feels an inkling to lean towards her, but he doesn't quite yet.

But it's there in how he inclines his head towards her, looks at her from the corners of his eyes. ]

It's nice. [ Like this, he doesn't say but implies to, and asks: ] How was your day?

[ Compared to his. ]

Oh.. More or less the usual. [ It's not said in a negative sort of way though. Especially when Chizuru clarifies with a very, very soft giggle: ] The good kind of usual.

[ Because that's the best they can sometimes get in Trench, right? A day where you don't have to deal with monsters or any other sort of danger. A day where things are as normal as they can be in a city like this.

The little bird on her shoulder is quiet. It even kind of seems like it might have fallen asleep by now..

Chizuru herself is very much awake though despite the hour - and despite being the sort of polite good girl who goes to bed early. But there's so much to focus on with Robby's circumstances that her mind doesn't feel sleepy in the slightest.

Instead she smiles at him, her hand moving to seek out his own until she's holding it. Her hand is a little cold from having traveled through the cold to get here, but it's starting to warm up already. ]

Did you have trouble sleeping because of everything..?

[ His hand is easy to find, warmer than her own. It makes the slight chill on them noticeable to Robby, that after he lets Chizuru take his, wrapping his own fingers around hers (a small warm smile, something soft in his chest), he tucks the back of her hand against him, to give it a little help. ]

I didn't try, [ he confesses, about him and sleeping. A small smile tugged at her, before he angles his head to look at the floor. ] It was just...I had this whole day planned out, and it turned into nothing. [ It turned into a big mess, but it left him feeling hollow, going between burning and burning out. ] My birthday's in a couple of days, and me and Tory had the dinner planned. [ That Chizuru was definitely invited to. ] And now...

I don't know, [ he says softly, but admits: ] I think I was feeling lonely.

[ Between this, and 2B going back to the sea--he wanted to reach out to someone, even if it was just through text.

And Chizuru was the name he scrolled to. ]

[ There's a sympathetic look in Chizuru's eyes as she looks at the other. She gets what it's like, really - when you have so many hopes and expectations, so many things to look forward to, and then it all suddenly collapses. It often was the nature of things back home, since war doesn't exactly wait until you've had the chance to get some fun things done.

But she also knows that this sort of thing is always hard to deal with. No matter the specific circumstances. ]

I can stay here for a while. [ It makes those words easy to say, despite the fact that it's only getting later. Chizuru will do her best to get home safely all the same, even if she stays here for long enough that she'd have to make her way back in the middle of the night.

It's truly something that can't bother her in the light of how much she wants to be here for Robby right now. ]

I know it won't give you back all the fun things you were looking forward to, but.. [ She smiles. A little sadly, but still a smile. ] I'm still here. Even if so much changed so suddenly. You're not alone.

I know.

[ He isn't alone. He doesn't feel alone right now, with Chizuru there and her kind words--words that finally make Robby give in and lean against her, head tipping to hers and his hand squeezing her own. It's impossible to be lonely when there's somebody right beside him, a person he trusts; with their promises made to keep one another standing.

Robby doesn't feel bad then, indulging in Chizuru's presence. Though how long she might stay does make him realise that she'll have to go back out there in the dark and cold, and he does feel he should offer, ] I'll walk you back when you go. ...You could always stay over.

[ He isn't sure if she would want to without a change of clothes or all those fussy things that don't matter, but would he give up his bed for her? Sure. He wants to throw the option out there anyway. ]

I can stay if you want.

[ Sure, there'd be a few logistics to take care of - but nothing that feels like it's impossible enough to do in the face of Robby's wellbeing right now. It's not even like there's just a small thing going on here, after all. They've shared talks about troubling relationships with fathers before, but.. Chizuru knows that you still worry about them, even when your relationship with them is hard. God knows she's imagined her dad having died somewhere so many times too when she went out to look for him - and it was terrifying each time.

But it actually happened to Robby.

So she shifts to accomodate his leaning, apparently not minding the physical contact at all. Especially since Chizuru continues to hold on to his hand as well while she speaks. ]

It's better than being alone, right..? And I want to be with you. [ There's no doubt about that in her mind. Robby has been there for her so often. This is one of her chances to do the same in return. ] I can let Scorpia know I'm staying here tonight.

[ Huh? Huh. ]

You're sure? [ He's had this semi-surprised look on his face since Chizuru opted for the second option--one he didn't think she would take, but probably because he realises that she doesn't know this place isn't packed with spare rooms. But that isn't a problem either, he comes to accept, where even as he asks her certainty, he's looking back (presumably in some direction of his room) and continues, ] --okay, I can let you borrow my bed. And some clothes. But Mister LaRusso's going to make you breakfast if you do.

[ There's a small smile at that, and he knows he'll have to, uh, explain that--but he'll be honest. He has some faith in the man that he won't get any funny ideas if he tells him the truth.

Even if he's never had someone stay with him before, just because--just for him. ]

[ The moment he's asking whether she's sure, Chizuru is already nodding. It's true that she doesn't realise that there aren't exactly rooms to spare here at the moment, but that doesn't feel important to her anyway. Nothing could be more important than being by her best friend's side when he needs her the most.

Everything else? Well, that can be figured out. ]

Not if I beat him to it. [ Look at that. Cheeky Chizuru. What a rare treat.

It might be though that she's doing it on purpose, pulling out a bit of attitude and a smile for Robby's sake. To make all of this feel a little lighter.

To let him know that they can still have this, even when there's so much heaviness weighing down on Robby's shoulders. ]

But.. you know, I'm not going to chase you out of your bed. I could always sleep on the couch, or on the floor somewhere.. [ It's surprising how low your standards for sleeping spots get when you're used to a compound with hunderds of men who all need spots to sleep every night. This girl could probably fall asleep absolutely anywhere at this point. Even while sitting up. ] But I definitely want you sleeping in a bed tonight!

[ Oh. It's a small cheeky comment, but from Chizuru it brings the edges of his mouth up against his cheeks, a small quiet laugh. Really, he doesn't doubt Chizuru would want to.....the girl loves cooking.

Both of the options she gives though for her own sleeping conditions are less than stellar, in Robby's mind. She shouldn't have to sleep on the couch, and she definitely won't be sleeping on the floor. Which leaves, if he has to be in his bed tonight: ]

Theen... how about you share the bed with me? [ A pulled mouth, raised brows, and can your modest sensibilities handle it, Chizuru? And he doesn't think he needs to say it, but he can't help himself: ] --Just as friends. [ ... ] But there's room.

[ And he'd rather she slept somewhere that isn't going to possibly give her a sore neck. ]

[ There's definitely a bit of modest sensibilities to it. After all, even with the little space they had back home at the headquarters, the Shinsengumi always made sure that she could sleep free from contact with anyone else - if not just to hide the fact that she actually was a girl from most of those people.

But.. on the other hand, Robby is making sure to add just as friends to that. And he wouldn't do anything strange, she knows that much.

So even though it's a little new, and.. a little weird..

She could at least try, right? It's better than leaving Robby all alone tonight. ]

O-Of course. [ A slight stammer, but the way she nods at him isn't really reluctant. ] If you think that won't be bad..? I've never tried it before.

[ A tiny pause, and then she adds as she slowly seems to realise: ]

Maybe it could be good for you.

[ To know there's someone that close to him, when he's dealing with so much. ]

[ Good for him? The idea catches Robby off-guard, considering it; glad Chizuru doesn't sound that bothered by the idea but-- ]

Maybe? [ --he's still thinking about that 'good for you' idea. A little curious, a little amused. ] I haven't had sleepovers since I was young. Most of the time you slept on the floor together, with your own blanket.

[ He looks at her from the corner of his eye, a pinched smile, playing with their held hands a little with a small bump. ]

Sleeping on a bed sounds way better.

Is.. a "sleepover" where you sleep together in the same place..?

[ Look at that. Even in situations like these, Chizuru is still slowly learning about modern things - though she's careful enough to ask Robby for confirmation, rather than wanting to assume.

Though she does add: ]

In that case.. I think I may have had many sleepovers...

[ That's not really how it works, Chizuru. But while she sounds kind of thoughtful as she says that, perhaps wanting to keep things on this subject a little to keep Robby from having to think about anything more painful, she adds with more enthusiasm: ]

But I think this sleepover with you might be my favourite one! [ Already. Apparently. ]

[ Wow, Chizuru. ]

...Your garrison arrangement was more of a shelter situation than a sleepover. [ Robby thinks? There's no judgment though, but Robby does sound amused. How can he not?? Comparing an army station to a sleepover... ] But that's high praise, considering we haven't done anything fun. Sleepover's need food and movies and fun, too. It's about what you do before you go to sleep, too.

[ Listen to Robby sounding so sure. What's a good sleepover without all the frills?

At least he seems distracted from everything that brought Chizuru over, for the time being. ]

[ Chizuru doesn't comment on Robby's correction about her situation - she believes he'd know this sort of thing far better than she would, anyway - and instead on what comes after. On the way she shows him a smile. Perhaps a little too bright for the circumstances, but..

Robby is bright for her so often. This time she wants to be the one to be bright for him. ]

I'm having fun already though. Because I'm with you!

[ S-Sappy... How does this girl say these things without flincing? Who knows. It's probably that she believes them - and this month she only feels more compelled to make sure Robby knows how amazing he is. ]

Do you want us to head to your room then? Even if you can't sleep just yet, we could get comfortable and talk. It's got to be more comfortable than staying in here.

[ This is a level of sap Robby isn't expecting, even from the usually complimenting and kind Chizuru; it's a little baffling, but he just chuckles lightly from it, gives their hands one more bump against the side of his leg. ]

Alright. But you can't judge the decor--I didn't put it together.

[ Is Chizuru going to get a decoration joke? Regardless, he releases their hands and stands up, offering a hand to Chizuru if she hasn't yet stood herself. ]

Do you need anything? I'll grab some clothes from my room; I'll show you the bathroom on the way so you can change in there.

[ Since then she won't have to worry about telling Robby she's ready if she were to change in the guest bedroom. But if there's anything she might like before that, Robby figures he could always busy himself with that while she gets stuck with some sweatpants and a band t-shirt.

He knows he has plenty of those in his bag. ]

[ She allows him to help her up to her feet, nodding as soon as she's standing. ]

Yes.. Some clothes would be nice.

[ Since it's not like Chizuru can't sleep in her regular clothes if she has to - it's been a necessity often enough back home - but she's just a little too proper for it if she has the actual choice.

And while accepting things from other people can be hard for it, even when she's just borrowing something, it's a little more comfortable with Robby. With everything they promised.

Maybe it'll make him feel better too and distract him, as long as she lets him help her. ]

.. do you have something that'd fit me though?

[ That might be the one thing standing in their way here, she figures. Thankfully they don't have enough of a height difference for it to be a huge problem, but just comparing Robby's gun arms to Chizuru's little twigs is another thing entirely..

A-And what if there's buttons?! ]

Yeah, don't worry. They'll be baggy, but my pants have strings.

[ The shirts will be too, but they won't come with strings. The room is easy to reach regardless, and as warned, it's...a very simple room, actually. With a bed and whatever else Mister LaRusso found suitable for a guest room to have (drawers? Drawers, probably), Robby has a bag by one piece of furniture, and some books and writing paper next to each other by a lamp. It's not pristine, but it's neat enough--it almost feels empty, really, putting the guest in guest bedroom.

(But that's Robby's style. He doesn't try to impose, keeping his clothes folded and put away, and anything of interest by his place of sleep).

He goes to where he has his clothing, just grabs the first things that are plain enough. No buttons here, with a short-sleeved t-shirt taken out, a pair of sweatpants, and then a sweater, lastly. All folded, but sat on the bed as he has to rummage. ]

Here--there's a sweater if the shirt's too cold.

Thank you..

[ There's always something so revering about the way Chizuru says thanks, especially about all the little things. Like Robby sharing his clothes with Chizuru here is truly such a Big Thing, something that requires Proper Thanks.

It even comes with a nod of her head before she's already grabbing the clothes, carrying the small pile in her arms. ]

I'll change quickly, so.. um.. you won't have to wait here for too long by yourself, okay? [ Not that Robby seems really worried about that.

But Chizuru just feels determined to not leave him alone. Not tonight, when Robby seemed so sad when he first greeted her.

So she keeps her word. Chizuru disappears from the room, moving towards the bathroom he pointed out to her. Despite her lack of experience with these sorts of clothes, it doesn't take too long before she shows back up. Apparently she did figure out how to work the strings on the sweatpants - thankfully that's a feature the clothes from her time do often have - since they're not dropping. The shirts are a little baggy on her, but.. well, for sleepwear that's kind of comfortable. And Chizuru much prefers clothes that are a little baggy over things that are too tight in the first place, since it reminds her more of the kind of clothes she's used to.

It's just that the bagginess makes her look even tinier as she returns, despite the way she smiles at Robby. ]

I'm back. [ She softly says, like it's something to formally announce. Despite her closeness with her good friend, some politeness is just ingrained in the girl. ] I don't look too strange, do I?

[ Robby gives her thanks a smile, but it's what Chizuru next says that spurs his next to be more natural--or, a cousin to a laugh, really, but he manages to hold back on and answer instead with a warm, ] Alright, [ like he might be lonely if she's too long.

But her time away does make him think that this might seem a little awkward: dump your girlfriend, and sleep with your best friend on the same night. Platonically sleep, but even that seems weird as he looks at the bed, pushing down the blankets and leaving them half-over his legs as he gets into bed. His lunar orb sits on, and he's pretending to play with his omni when she comes in.

(What's he meant to do? hey ezra wats up, broke up w tory and invited chizu over. how u and the bug eating friend doin

He's not really in the mood for extra socialising.) ]

Not any stranger than me, [ he offers; a light yet fun expression, and with a beat: ] How strange do I look?

[ Chizuru lingers where she's standing for a moment when he throws that question her way. It may be dark to see in this low lighting, but there's definitely a small smile on Chizuru's face as she stares at his form on the bed. ]

You always look great. [ God knows how one can make that sentence somehow sound so platonic, but Chizuru somehow manages. Maybe it's the exact angle to the fondness in her tone. Not too sappy, but instead painfully fond as she stands there. ] You just look like.. Robby.

[ Like himself. But that's a good thing.

Chizuru reaches out to gently take her little Omen off her shoulder. Apparently the bird truly has been falling asleep ever since Chizuru safely arrived here, since it seems fully asleep at this point, sitting like a little sleeping pebble of a bird as Chizuru puts it down on top of the drawers.

Then she moves over towards the bed, slowly climbing onto the empty spot next to Robby, and softly laughs as she adds: ]

Good thing this bed isn't super tiny, huh..?

[ Leave it to Chizuru to describe him as looking great in his pyjamas, all sincerity. And Robby-looking, huh? He isn't disappointed, but he might be human too--that he'd like something more...appreciative, in an ego-stroking way. The kind of thought that barely exists long enough to be considered one, and he just gives Chizuru a raised eyebrow for the description.

Like, couldn't he get an 'amazing' maybe? As silly as it would sound!!!

But it's okay, his heart can recover, and he slips himself more down the bed from his resting spot. His head meets the thin blanket folded over the two pillows sat side by side, to give them more to rest on, and Robby remarks on his way down: ]

Good thing I don't kick in my sleep. Better than the floor though, huh?

[ A sentiment they both know very well. He brings the covers up more around him, but holds the edge of the top of them, offering it for Chizuru to cover herself on her side. ]

Much better than the floor.

[ Granted, Chizuru isn't too picky. She's not the type of person to waste even a single word on a complaint about sleeping on the floor if it was necessary in any way - so it doesn't mean too much when she's saying this, since she's more just adapting herself to the lightness of the conversation, trying to keep his good and vaguely jokey mood with Robby going.

Especially now they're getting comfortable. As she moves to lie down as well, the girl grabs the covers on her side to pull them up too. Far up. Sure, her head is still obviously not covered, but she sure looks like she's getting real cozied up in this blanket.

And she is cozy.

But apparently maybe not so cozy that she could fall asleep at any moment, since she continues. ]

You know, lying here with you like this.. It just makes me want to talk, rather than actually sleep.

[ Ah. There we go.

Chizuru has discovered the Sleepover Mood, despite the fact that she's never been part of a sleepover before. Apparently it's just a natural thing, regardless of the time period or culture you come from..

And her fondness for Robby certainly doesn't help matters. ]

[ It's a little odd, the pair of them in bed like this. The bed isn't so small to make them squeeze to stay on, but their faces are only so far apart (especially when Robby turns his to face her better, along with the rest of his body), and with the blanket so close to Chizuru's chin...it's funny, in a cute way.

So a funny odd, added onto by what Chizuru says, lifting a tiny smile on Robby's face. ]

Yeah? [ His voice is a notch lower, seeing as he doesn't need to be particularly loud with them close like this. Pausing thoughtfully, and since Chizuru is feeling talkative: ] Tell me something you're looking forward to.

[ There. Some good news, a positive. Because Chizuru's expression would be ruined by a more depressing subject, and Robby doesn't want that right now. This is a good mood for talking. ]

[ The girl hums softly. She's thinking - mostly about her answer to that question in general, but also to make sure it's something that doesn't really have sad edges attached to it.

She doesn't want to drag Robby's mood down again when it seems like she might actually be able to let him feel a bit more comfortable. ]

.. spring.

[ Apparently that's what Chizuru softly settles on, her smile visible right above the blankets she's cuddling into. ]

It should be soon, right..? Maybe a month, or two months.. But it can't be too long anymore before spring arrives. There might even be more plants here now than last year. [ Since it seems that a lot of the people planting more of them have been people arriving here, rather than the locals. ] Last year there were even those pretty cherry blossoms.. They really reminded me of back home, so I liked them. But just seeing this place coming to life after winter-- it's nice.

[ He has to think about that for a second, the seasons never on his mind more than the months themselves, but a smile spreads across his lips as he concludes: ]

Spring suits you. All the tiny flowers coming out, and the blossoms too? [ Yeah, that's very Chizuru-looking. He has to wonder now, with that image in his mind: ] Ever thought about planting a flower garden?

[ Tory was tidying the garden into something. Chizuru, she might even know the uses for all the flowers she picks. The girl who read her father's medicine books just because.

But let's be real: she'd pick flowers just because they're pretty, too. ]

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