Winter Mansion

Chapter 6

The night that followed was the most relaxing Echizen has had since the whole thing started. After chasing Ryoga around the house for at least half an hour, everyone sat down to eat. The conversation was pretty lively, or at least, more than it normally was. Echizen actually partook in the conversation. When a question was asked, he'd have an answer. When something was said, he'd either agree or disagree. Nanjiro was a little unnerved and suspicious about his actions.

"Oi seishounen, why are you so talkative?" he asked accusingly. "Did you do something illegal?"

"I'm not like you Oyaji. I'm shrewd." He even had witty come backs prepared.

"Maa, maa you two." Nanako said with a smile.

"Don't worry Tou-san. I'll make sure he doesn't get caught." Ryoga said with a joking smile.

Nanako let out a giggle. "By the way Ryoma-san, I've been meaning to ask, where'd you get that necklace? I think it's beautiful."

Echizen looked at her, reluctant to answer. Ryoga knew he didn't want to say anything so he took the initiative.

"That's part of a dare." He said with a mouthful of rice.

"A dare? What about?" She was curious.

"Well, at the beginning of this week, Momoshiro-kun dared Chibisuke to wear it all this week and next week because he needed more variety. If he takes it off at all, he'll have to drink Inui-kun's juice for a week straight."

"Oh my. That sounds fun." She smiled.

"Why a necklace? You can't even see it if he's wearing his uniforms. Why not something more visible?" Nanjiro complained.

"How should I know?" Echizen was playing along. "It was Momo-sempai's dare, not Inui-sempai's."

Everyone laughed. They don't remember the last time they had this much at the table. Maybe it was just because Ryoga was there or maybe it was the two of them going to the house tomorrow and they didn't know what was going to happen. For all they know, this could be their last meal together and they might as well enjoy it.

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After dinner, the four of them watched TV for a little while then when to bed. Nanako never seemed to make a room for Ryoga so he's had to stay with Echizen the whole time.

"Ne, Chibisuke." Ryoga asked.

"What?" Echizen answered as he got into bed.

"Are you alright?"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"Come on Chibisuke. You mean to tell me that you're not the least bit worried?"

Echizen sat in bed. "I never said that. It's just-"

"I know. I don't want to think about it either." Ryoga sat on the bed. "Whatever happens, we'll be there for you."

"No. I don't want to get everyone else involved. They don't need to know about it." he shook his head in disagreement.

"They're going to find out sooner or later. Wouldn't it be better to tell them straight off?"

"Would they believe me if I told them straight off? You didn't."

"But if something were to happen-"

"Then that will be proof."

Ryoga sighed and rubbed his head. Once Echizen set his mind on something, it can't be changed.