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[survivaltricks]

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[survivaltricks]

[. . . oh. . . .]

[for a moment, Akira looks?? a little touched??? before he hesitantly reaches out to take the dish from Minato, gaze flickering down]

[. . .]

[. . . the stupid little cat face-- which is very cute and very well done, he must admit-- draws the slightest curve of a smile from him]

. . . thanks.

You really didn't have to, you know.

[messianic]

... You say that a lot.

[That he didn't have to--that he doesn't have to.]

I want you to know that... I don't do anything that I don't want to do. Having to or not having to has nothing to do with it.

[survivaltricks]

I say it a lot because people are weird and I don't want htem to think they have to suck up to me.

[BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT IT IS, RIGHT?? PEOPLE SUCKING UP TO HIM?? he huffs a little, but doesn't argue any further as he guides Minato further into Echidna. which, btw, looks just like Cerberus, only with Echidna paintings instead of Cerberus ones and an extra door labeled STOCK ROOM]

Somehow, I can believe it isn't sucking up when it's you, though.

[messianic]

[...... Akira.......

Minato follows, of course, humming softly.]

That's good, because it's not. I don't care what "position" you may or may not have, or anything like that.

I just like spending time with you, and I worry that you're taking on too much.

[survivaltricks]

[. . . pauses a little at that, frozen in the midst of placing the bowl of food onto the nearby coffee table. but he recovers quickly and gives a little huff]

Some people have taken it upon themselves to clean up the common areas for me. Seriously-- it's not that bad.

[messianic]

That's a start, for sure.

[Minato just says that much placidly.]

There are enough of us here that it's the least we can do to help out a bit and pull our own weight.

[survivaltricks]

[presumably Minato brought some chopsticks with him, and once Akira takes a seat, he picks those chopsticks up to help himself to a nice, warm meal]

. . . you're all kind of a handful, you know?

[messianic]

Absolutely.

[Without shame or hesitation. And yes, he brought chopsticks! He'll take a seat as well, though he seems content to just wait and see if Akira enjoys it.]

That, too, is a sort of way to make the most of things, even in a place like this.

[survivaltricks]

And absolutely no shame about it all--

[he teases one last time before he takes a bite. . . and immediately brightens]

Oh. . . it's really good.

[HE ISN'T SURPRISED ABOUT IT, PER SE, BUT. . . well. he had no idea Minato was this skilled at cooking]

[messianic]

[...! Minato relaxes a little at that, looking relieved.]

Oh, good... I was hoping you'd enjoy it, but I'm not used to cooking without a recipe on hand.

[survivaltricks]

[another bite!]

Mmm-- couldn't tell. It's been a while since I've had omurice this good.

[messianic]

Now you're just flattering me--but I'm still glad to hear it.

There's a lot I can't make, but... I'm pretty good with traditional foods. So if you're ever missing any flavors from home... I'd be happy to make us dinner.

[survivaltricks]

[??!?!?!? make "us" dinner?!?!?!? that makes it sound like a date!!]

[but Akira just huffs the thought away as he takes another bite]

I don't think I've ever been this spoiled before in my life.

[messianic]

[Don't overthink it, Akira.]

Seriously...? [Just a headtilt at that.] I don't think any of what people are doing is even that much, really.

[survivaltricks]

[HE ISN'T OVERTHINKING IT ANYMORE]

Haaaaaving someone promise to make me dinner whenever I want it feels like a lot. . . I'm used to fending for myself.

[shrugs! that's life!]

[messianic]

[...... that just sounds sad, Akira--not that he doesn't get it.]

... It's not like I've got a lot of things eating up my time here... and I really enjoy your company.

So to me, it's kind of a win-win.

[survivaltricks]

[IT'S NOT SAD IT'S JUST!! LIFE!!!]

[but he stares at Minato for a moment, expression blank and glasses opaque, before he takes another bite of omurice]

. . .

I feel like I should be giving something back. . .

[messianic]

[Okay. Minato actually pouts a little at that, lips pursing.]

I just told you what I'm getting out of this... you don't have to give me anything in return.

Can you at least believe that much?

[survivaltricks]

[holds up a hand, thoroughly defeated. HE CAN'T FIGHT THAT POUT]

All right, all right. I'll stop fussing.

[messianic]

Good.

[Minato relaxes again pretty easily at that.]

This is part of friendship too, so... I'm really glad to hear that.

[survivaltricks]

[the more this happens, the more Akira comes to realize he's just going to have to get used to it!!]

You're a bit of a smooth talker, you know? [LIGHTLY but there's a bit of truth to it] I bet none of your Confidants stood a chance.

[messianic]

[He just...blinks blankly at that, clearly confused.]

Smooth talker...? Was that smooth talking...?

[????]

[survivaltricks]

[omg, Minato is so. . . clueless. . .]

Smooth as velvet. Or silk? Pick your favorite.

[wags a brow and takes another bite of omurice]

[messianic]

[He still just looks troubled.]

I wasn't trying to be... I was being sincere. I hope you know that I really meant it--

[survivaltricks]

[AW, SENPAI. . .]

Ah-- of course you really meant it.

That's what makes it so smooth.