crowspace | call me out v. 11.0

[There's a knock on Heigo's door.

Shuji had warned Heigo that he would be coming - well, more gone 'hey do you mind if I drop by later?' and gotten an affirmation that Heigo would actually be there. He had not mentioned that he'd be carrying a tray full of home-cooked food, dinner for two including dessert.]

Nice to see you. Where can I put this down?

[Heigo actually had to clean his apartment in preparation for a visitor, something he's never had to do because he normally keeps it so spotless from day to day. His state of mind has plunged dangerously low in the past while, urged on by an endless stream of memories that render every bond he has either strained or much more complicated than before, so all manner of upkeep has slid along with it.

His own grooming is up to standard, at least, and he doesn't seem too frayed when he lets Shuji in - but his eyes widen at the sight of the food.]

Likew - sorry, is that an entire meal? The kitchen, as soon as you explain why you've got it in the first place.

I made us dinner!

[That's explanation enough for why he's carrying the food - at least, it is in Shuji's mind - so he goes to set the food down in the kitchen.]

I don't know when you usually have your meals, but this reheats easily if you want to save it for later.

Not to sound ungrateful, but... why?

[No, that does sound ungrateful. To soften his callous words, Heigo grabs a bottle of wine and two glasses, then starts to pull out dishes - he will be accepting the meal regardless of why Shuji's done this, because it smells incredible and he's certainly not used to being shown such care.

The latter reason is why he needs clarification, and he presses a bit further while he gets everything ready.]

Pardon my trust issues. This is just irregular enough of an event in my day to day life that I can't help wondering what might be behind it, and I would no matter who did it.

[It does sound ungrateful, but at the same time, Shuji understands why it'd be suspicious for him to just waltz in with a meal.]

We're friends, Heigo. It doesn't need to be an occasion for me to want to do nice things for you. ...And you've seemed really stressed lately, so I wanted to spoil you a little. See if I can help you relax, at least for an hour or so.

[Maybe that's all he can manage and it won't help much in the long run, but it's still worth doing.]

[Shuji's choice of words is absolutely inspired. If he'd said that he was worried about Heigo, that he wasn't sure Heigo could care for himself anymore, that he wanted to step in and ensure his continued well-being, it would have stung Heigo's pride so badly that he might have turned down the meal. As it stands, having someone want to spoil him in the hopes of improving his mood...

... that does sound nice, and like something he's earned since being plunged face-first into Retrospec, quite frankly. Shuji hasn't had it much better, but Heigo trusts him not to overextend himself, and this is just a pleasant evening together.]

Well, in that case - [He hands Shuji the first full wine glass, then pours one for himself and holds it up for a toast.] - here's to friendship, and to home-cooked food that smells better than anything I've put into my system in years.

[Shuji hates to be treated like he can't take care of himself, even when he can't. Heigo is infinitely more competent than Shuji will ever be, so insinuating that he's unable to look after himself is even more insulting.]

To good food and even better company.

[Shuji clinks his glass with Heigo's before taking a drink.]

[Shuji really must have a nurturing side Heigo didn't know about, because he looks delighted that Heigo's accepted his gesture. Sometimes Heigo still can't believe all the kind, generous people who make their way into his life, but he's already sworn to himself that this is a bond he won't destroy with his own stupidity, so he's not thinking about it too hard.

Once he's had his own first sip of wine, he serves up two plates full of food and hands Shuji's to him with cutlery resting on the edge.]

I've never exactly had need of a kitchen table, so we'll have to do this in the living room. I hope that doesn't ruin the effect at all. [Grinning wryly, he picks up his own plate and leads the way.] Not that this requires any sort of atmosphere to begin with, or I'd at least light a candle or two.

If I was aiming for a romantic evening, I would have invited you out to dinner and a movie.

[It's a lighthearted comment as Shuji follows behind, and promptly settles on Heigo's couch with his food.]

Well, I guess we could see what's on.

[Of course they're just joking. Heigo would never imagine Shuji to be doing anything else. He just shoots an even more wry look at Shuji as they sit down side by side.]

I can't think of a worse way to help me relax than asking me on a date. Even - no, especially if an old friend did so.

It'll be as undatelike as possible, then. We can talk about sports and beer.

[Shuji has nothing to say about sports and beer, he just wants to see if he can make Heigo laugh.]

[Oh yeah, that definitely gets a good laugh by Heigo standards, so much that he has to cover his mouth with his hand to make sure none of the food escapes.]

That would just take the evening from nerve-wracking to deeply awkward. Your best bet is to stick with the original plan of spoiling me.

[A gesture toward his plate with the fork:]

Which you really are, by the way. I didn't know you were a good cook.

[That laugh means Shuji was successful. That's all Shuji could possibly ask for.]

I picked it up when I spent about a month inside to avoid the monsters in the city. There's only so much you can do while you're stuck indoors, and I wanted to help people out even though I couldn't fight yet.

[Heigo's expression softens, taking on a gently admiring look.]

And here I am, not even thinking past the part where I hide out and avoid things. I really do need help with this process, don't I?

[Shuji gently nudges Heigo in the shoulder. Stop that.]

Not more than everyone else does. And you adjusted a lot quicker than I did, so don't feel too down on yourself.

call me out v. 11.0

Heigo!

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