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Hmph.

[The sound was almost half amused, a light huff of air rather than a scoff. One corner of his lips twitched slightly upwards.]

Good. Long as it works. Without side affects.

[Rude carefully pried the feather from Reno's grasp and held it in his own hand, twirled the feather once in either direction, then stuck it in his breast pocket. The action caused him to remember the dampness from the light rain.

He looked up and pointed a finger at Reno.] Stop doing that.

[And then just as abruptly he left the room to go change into dry clothes.]

[ That's where he... where he feels scolded?? Ah, rude, how Rude. ]

Right, right... there's too much to get rid of them anyway. [ Reno blows a half-amused huff himself, quiet enough that Rude probably can't hear him from another room. He takes his partner's cue in getting into something dry, and preferably warm.

Wait, did Rude just—

Did he took that feather and hid it? ~~Almost as if it was something precious~~ ]

[He not only tucked it away somewhere safe to begin with but hid it away in his room once he started to undress. It wasn't the first feather Rude had hidden away but it was the first he'd taken directly from Reno. He didn't need his partner knowing that just yet though. So the small collection stayed hidden for now.

A few minutes later he reemerged from his room. It was late night, he should have been tired, but after the excursion outside to fetch his ~~dumb bird~~ blind partner he wasn't feeling very restful at the moment. He needed a distraction for a bit. It was a pity there weren't televisions in this world.

He was careless though, only half dressed from the waist down, not used to hiding his physique from anyone much less his partner. He probably should have been conscious of that right now though considering their awkward relationship currently. It wasn't a big deal though, right? They were getting on just fine. (And if a certain redhead wanted to enjoy the view, why would Rude object to that?)

He headed straight for the kitchen. There was nothing better to do but make a midnight snack in a dumb place like this. It was either that or work out, and he may still do that later yet. One or both may help him sleep eventually.]

Right. They're not that bad looking anyway. And, bird's can't regrow their feathers forever. They're not like hair, all right? Remember that.

[He picked up the conversation right where it left off when he next caught sight of Reno again.]

[ Reno probably should be more mindful about staring and admiring, at least until something definite happens— but ah, it wouldn't be the first time where he did that. It's no different than observing Rude in a gym. Only now the impressive physique also includes— well, changes. Rude is still Rude though. ]

So you got a very good hearing too, got that. [ Since Rude heard his grouching despite them being in different rooms.

Technically, Reno is also shirtless, but one couldn't notice that with how wrapped in blanket he currently is. It was originally Rude's blanket even, but at this point, Reno just claims any he comes across as his own. Because yes, he did follow his partner to the kitchen ]

Hey, you'd fancy a game of cards? [ It's the middle of the night and neither of them seems to be particularly tired. ]

[He glanced at Reno. He hadn't realized Reno had said the words quieter than his usual stage whisper when he complained like an adorable delinquent. He had heard the words but not the amused huff, too. He shrugged.]

I just don't want you to become a bald harpy. [He said with a small smirk. The image may have been vaguely amusing but he didn't want it to become real.

Rude noted the blanket from his own stock but didn't comment on it. Rude had noticed the redhead constantly picking up Rude's things and just casually taking them to his room, making a pile on his bed or left around where Reno liked to frequently make himself comfortable. Rude wondered if Reno even noticed he was doing it. Some of the more subtle monster instincts could easily sneak up on a person who already had a similar nature themselves. He wouldn't be surprised to learn this one sneaked up on Reno without notice.

Rude started to gather ingredients for an extremely late or really early breakfast depending on which way one looked at it. After a few seconds he nodded.] Sure. Why not.

[As much as admitting he wasn't sleepy either.]

[ Rude is absolutely right on the fact that Reno is not yet aware of his new habit. The fact that the blanket is technically not his, doesn't register. Nor that he will most likely get it back to his own room and sleep nested in it (and several others). ]

I was always a bald harpy and you never complained, partner. [ Ah, he knows it's how Rude expresses concern, but he can't help but add some lighter tone to his reply.

Some frustrated rookies gave him various nicknames once when they figured it out it was okay to be casual with him— he can't say for sure that "harpy" was one of the creative epithets, as he wasn't keeping score, but who knows. That was his schtick, his way of being a Turk. Not prim and proper, but easy-going and relaxed— and yet, still reliable and at his best.

It all feels like so long ago, but at least this— setting up the table, quick deal of cards, in the middle of the night, feels familiar and good. ]

Let's add some stakes— whoever loses washes the dishes.

[ Since there is no reports to write ]

[Rude snorted at the poor joke. He could see where Reno was going with it. It was...only partially amusing though.]

As if you ever wash the dishes...

[Actually, it was more like 'when did Rude never not wash the dishes' or do any of the other chores without waiting. He liked things neat and tidy. And wasn't as much into procrastinating as Reno. Usually.

While Reno set up the table with the cards, Rude kept up in the kitchen. He absolutely was not going to play on an empty stomach. Reno was going to have to wait for him to finish making a snack.

Plus side was that Rude set a plate down for Reno, too, when he was finished and headed over. It was less a snack and more a small meal. A perfect breakfast.]

[ Well, busted.

Reno surely would get to the dishes. Eventually. Who-knows-when, it's a mystery! Unfortunately for Rude, his partner has a much larger mess-tolerance threshold. It takes much longer to inspire him to start cleaning. ]

If you win tonight, you're gonna change that! Live your best life. [ He reacts with enthusiasm to Rude's return. With playful taunt and eyes following the food his partner brought. This whole... "getting lost in the darkness" took so much of his energy and attention he didn't realize how hungry he got. So he grabs the first bite, with fingers, like a barbarian ] Mm— good— I'll go easy on you as thanks.

Sure you will.

[He sounded amused though. The gratitude wasn't lost in the banter. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Though he didn't say it, Rude was happy Reno took interest in the food enough to say anything at all. It showed in the small gestures and demeanor of Rude rather than anything large or overly noticeable. It was nice to have a partner that just knew these subtle signs.]

If you lose, you're going to regret those words.

[Not an idle threat though it wasn't really a nasty one, either. Just a friendly reminder that Rude would hold Reno to his word. Even if it meant parking in the kitchen himself and watching Reno do it like a parent supervising a child at their chores.

He sat at the table with his own food, finally ready.]

Deal.

Easy enough, I just have to not lose.

[ Reno quickly deals out the cards without even trying any of his tricks. It's just a friendly game with his partner, and he feels like he owes him more than just getting out in the middle of the night (and the downpour) to grab the lost bird. For the first time in years, he really does play fair.

But hey, the threat actual work is on the table, so while no tricks are employed, his brows quickly furrow as he starts to realize he really should consider his moves carefully. ]

Tsk. How many rounds are we going for— Three is customary, yes?

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