reveilation | IC INBOX

[ Kido slides under the kotatsu and takes the cat so she can hold it. The jellyfish is going to make her want to cry every time she sees it from now on. ]

The kangaroo is cute... Are you collecting them too?

[ Once she permanently moves into Terry's room, she is also moving in with a dozen stuffed animals of her own that she got from various people. They're all going on the bed. ]

Toki gave it to me.

[ It's like a fond memory, even though they just talked about Toki and death. ]

He said that a friend gave it to him when he was going through a hard time. He gave it to me so that I could be happier. It was... really moving.

[ Is it okay to regift something like that? She supposes it's not her place to say one way or another. She looks from the toy to Terry. ]

Are you happier?

[ It doesn't have to be happy. Just happier. She moves so she can put her arms around him, not a clingy desperate hug like before, but loose and warm. ]

I wish I could do that for you. Make things happier when you're going through hard times.

I... wanted to make this work. All those years of living and I still feel like I don't have the basics down on what I should do to be on good terms with everyone. But... even with everything thrown my way, I'm a little happier.

[ It's like starting from rock bottom when he wanted to die, so things can only get better from there on out. Even so... ]

You say that as if you can't.

[ He hugs her back. ]

[ She wishes she could help by doing something more concrete— she wishes she could be like one of those heroes they used to pretend to be when they were little, fighting all the injustice in the world so everybody could find happiness. But she'll take even little things now, she'll take being a little happier, hugging Terry a little tighter, hoping this little bit will help. ]

Everybody's different. It's almost impossible to be universally liked since everybody is different. I still stand by what I said months ago: just be yourself, and there'll be people who like you. It's impossible not to.

[ Terry smiles. ]

You think so? I know at least one...

[ Though they started out great. Now it's... eh. ]

That's that, I guess, since it's impossible to be universally liked. But that's fine. I'm trying to come to terms with that too. I don't ever regret choosing you either.

[ There are different levels of "like," in Kido's opinion. She likes Kano and at the same time, she would smash his face into the ground with zero hesitation. ]

...I'm glad. I thought you would have moved on after all this time, but you still came back to me. Thanks for not leaving me alone.

Mn...

[ Being left behind sure sucks. He closes his eyes, making himself comfortable in the hug and leans in so that they both fall and lie down on the floor. ]

Maybe I'm just obstinate, but at least it was good for something.

[ Kido lets out a small grunt when she's pulled to the ground, reaching up on top of the kotasu for another apple slice before tucking herself against Terry's chest. She's here for the apples. ]

You sure are obstinate all the time.

Aren't you the same?

[ It's a lighthearted tone, almost teasing, and Terry kisses her forehead. ]

No.

[ She says, obstinately, talking through a mouthful of apple. Maybe she would have kissed his jaw or wherever she could reach, but again, apple. ]

[ Terry laughs a little and hugs her closer. ]

It kept me loving you all throughout those years. I think... that's good enough.

[ He buries his face into the crook of her neck. ]

[ Like that, he can probably hear the pulse in her neck picking up and feel her swallow-- the apple, but also out of nervousness. ]

Lucky you're so stubborn...

[ She really is. Some people think absence makes the heart grow fonder, but it's more trying than not. Terry couldn't even go missing for a full week without her worrying and crying.

She turns to kiss Terry's forehead now, to finally return the one from before. ]

I love you.

I love you too.

[ He gives her a small kiss on the neck and continues to hold her there because it sure is cuddle season. ]

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