perfectmatch | week two

[ He's looking a little... hm. Shoko slows down on her half-hearted strawberry-picking for a moment to check on him, though what he says next does surprise her a bit. ]

A grudge match? I didn't take you for someone who'd have grudges, Shindou.

Mm ... I don't think I am. Not normally. There's no point in holding grudges against ghosts and spirits, after all. Most cannot help being what they are.

[ Shoko's wise to keep an eye on him, because he's definitely starting to slump where he's crouched in front of the strawberry plants. Shoulders hunched, head ducked down to rest against his arm to try and blink away the dizziness. It muffles his voice a little when he speaks again. ]

But still. Some things wouldn't be right to let go of.

[ Damn... Must have been one hell of a grudge. Much as she'd want to inquire further and get a taste of the metaphorical ghost tea, there's something more urgent she must see to, first.

Shoko reaches over and places a steadying hand over Rom's shoulder. ]

Hey, you good? The heat's getting to you, isn't it? I can see if I can take care of that for you, if you want.

[ His shoulders jump a little at the touch, but other than angling his head to blearily glance at her past the (now sweat-damp) shaggy mess of his hair, Rom remains crouched in place. ]

Ah ... excuse me. [ Closing his eyes again as he tries to clear his thoughts. ] I do think the sun is getting to me a bit. But I just need a moment.

[ Take care of that? She said 'take care of that', right? How ... -- oh. His balance wobbles as he raises his head to look woozily to her. ]

If there's shade somewhere nearby, I don't need to trouble you. I can get there myself.

[ She draws her hand back after he startles at the touch, but hovers near in case she needs to steady him... ]

You're right that we need to get you somewhere more shaded, but... Don't push yourself when I'm offering to help, dummy. Here, take this and keep it on your neck, first.

[ She hands him her bottle of ice water and then gets up onto her feet, offering her hand to help him up. ]

[ Dummy ... it's been a while since he's been called that. It's oddly kind of sobering and earns Shoko a bit of cooperation; Rom does place the bottle at his neck as instructed, even if he has a little bit of complaint to make. ]

This is more embarrassing than I thought it would be ...

[ Still. He won't make himself too much more of a pain. Despite a moment's bleary hesitation, he does reach up to take the offered hand -- his hand's a little clammy with sweat, sorry, his skin calloused and scarred against hers. ]

[ Well, she'd be in the wrong line of work if a little sweat on someone's hands bothered her. With a firm grip, she helps to pull Rom back up to his feet, but doesn't let go. ]

Don't be. It's hot out, and we're inside of a greenhouse. It's not unthinkable for something like this to happen.

[ With that, she'll guide them towards a shaded little spot in the greenhouse, beneath an umbrella. ]

Still with me?

week two | dates

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