Munchy's Treat Time

WoA: Nebulous (Platonic Nari +Tozen)

Nari

As cold as my demeanor can be, I like to think I'm pretty good at figuring out what people need, and how best to improve their days. Like nebulosus clouds, I don't really have one solid form of caring that I employ more often than any other. I kind of just test the waters a bit and choose accordingly. Flexible. Shapeless. But present nonetheless.

And I've very quickly realized that, with Tozen, it is ALL about compliments. The guy seems to LIVE for them. He gets a little flustered, but his eyes light up, and he tends to spend more of the day with a slight smile on his face.

Another thing about Tozen? The dude never gives himself a break. I don't even know if this guy has hobbies. Currently, he's vacuuming just about every room we've got. And it's NOISY. Like home, I guess. "Tozen." He can't hear me over the ruckus. "TOZEN!"

"Oh! Hello there! Sorry, I don't mean to be rude. What's up?"

"Wanna go on a hike?" I yell.

"Me?"

"Yes, you! Who else would I be talking to?"

"That's not what I mean. It's just... you wanna hike with me, of all people? I'm kind of surprised."

"Well, I can't exactly ask Ren, now can I? Night hikes are significantly more dangerous, and I don't want him hurting himself."

"I— Um, I suppose that's true."

"What's the hang-up? You obviously like exercising, or at the very least, you integrate it into your daily routine."

"You noticed?"

"Just c'mon. I'll force someone to finish the chores."

"Wait, now?! How long is this hike?! How steep?! Don't just spring it on me out of nowhere!" he frets.

"It's not extremely difficult or anything. Roughly five miles. Some fun terrain, so it's not all a boring, straight incline, but you won't be in danger."

There's a hesitant pause. "...Can I make snacks first?"

I snicker a bit. This guy. "Yes, of course you can make snacks first. I will love you forever if you make me good hiking snacks." He gives a brief laugh of pride and then rushes off to the kitchen. "Make sure to actually prepare, though! We don't want you realizing you forgot a water bottle or wore bad shoes halfway though!"

...

The crackling of roots and dirt beneath our feet ring our rhythmically. The cool, clean air fills my lungs, and I can't help but get the sense of rightness. I'm a small little insignificant speck in the universe, connecting myself with the small slice of world at my fingertips, radiating connection.

"You're doing really well," I encourage the boy behind me. His breaths are a little uneasy, but he gives a hint of a bashful laugh.

"Th-Thanks. I'm kind of tired, but the feeling is good."

"Right? The slight burn and the firmness of your steps? You can't get this in a gym." I can hear his footsteps perking up a bit, getting quicker and bouncier.

"Smells a whole lot better, too. I really like being out here! Makes me feel grounded, like all of the things I'm worrying about aren't so earth-shattering after all." A brief shot of thrill rushes into my heart from his take.

"Hey! You get it! Honestly, I wouldn't have expected you to understand, given how domestic you are, but it makes me genuinely excited that you're enjoying yourself like this!" I enthuse, turning my head a bit to smile at him. "You're way more fun than I gave you credit for."

He does that thing he does where he covers his face with his hand to hide his demure pleasure at being complimented. "Thank you, Nari. You're being remarkably kind to me."

"You know... you're doing a great job."

"You already said that, but thank you."

"No, I don't mean about the hike this time. I mean, you're doing a great job taking care of everyone. I don't want you to feel like you NEED to— I want everyone to be exactly who they wanna be— but if it's honestly what you like doing, you do fantastic. You remind me of my oldest brother, except without all of the overly dramatic theater kid shit."

He nearly slips on a patch of slippery rock, and I snag his wrist as he gasps frantically. My heartbeat pounds in my ears at his desperate expression. "You're fine. It's fine. I've got you," I reassure him as I yank him to safety. He sighs with relief.

"It's a good thing I'm not very heavy. I owe you one."

"Hooooo! Okaaaaay, that's my daily adrenaline rush. Watch your footing, alright, my dude?" I advise, shaking out my limbs.

"Hey, um... you've been saying a lot of really sweet things... and I really appreciate it... but it kind of surprised me. You don't act the same around some of our friends."

"Are you happy, Tozen?" I respond simply.

He gives me a look of quiet fondness. "I get it now. You're a good friend, Nari."

"Pfft. Don't mention it. Look! That's the end of the trail, just in sight! The view's worth it every time!"

We make our way over, staring at the gorgeous sky ahead of us, streaked with radiant crimsons and warm oranges from the light catching on the clouds. "Altocumulous. They look like marshmallows, right? Or at least, they would if they were white."

He laughs at my description. "Speaking of that... here. Blueberry apple pie trail mix balls."

"You're my new favorite person," I comment flatly, snagging the treat out of his hand. He cracks up even harder.

"I'm glad you took me here."

"You're such a softie, Tozen."

"I know. Thanks for bearing with me."

"It's not something I have to deal with. It's just one of those things that makes you yourself. No need to be ashamed of it."

He sighs once again, arms crossed, as though there are thousands of words unspoken bubbling in his head. But it's okay. As much positive stuff as we say, we don't need to say everything. We stare at the view for a while, and then head back down, not wanting to get cloaked by the black night.