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A long red dress in her hands, and an excited smile on her face, Anna came to stand in front of Mikoto just as she had done time and time again. "What do you think about this one? It's got fur on the collar and sleeves, so it should be really warm." Gently tugging him in an attempt to rouse him from his nap, Anna gently said his name. "Mikoto?"

Doubtful that would be enough to wake him, you stealthily pinched his arm. Though that pinch had probably hurt, he didn't seemed bothered by it in the slightest. Though still groggy, Mikoto managed to answer Anna's question. "Yeah, it's nice."

"I'm glad.” Smiling even wider, a rosy blush dusted her cheeks. "I think so too." Turning on her heel, Anna rushed away, yet again in search of more clothes.

Once you were sure she was out of earshot, you turned your attention to Mikoto, who already seemed to be on the verge of falling back asleep. "That's like the fourth time you've fallen asleep, you know." Crossing your legs at the knee, you let out a loud sigh. "Did you not sleep last night, or are you really that bored?"

"Neither." Rubbing his eyes, as if still tired, Mikoto yawned. His whole body limp, he let his eyes meet yours. "How long has she been shopping?”

"Umm, I don't know." Glancing down at your watch, you tried to remember what time the three of you had arrived. It had felt like a long time, but that could have simply been because Mikoto wasn't exactly great conversation. Actually, he hadn't talked to you hardly at all since the two of you had sat down. He'd been too busy snoring. "Like an hour and a half, maybe a little more. We got here shortly after we ate dinner, right? It's a little bit after 8 o'clock now."

"Then I think we should get going. She must have looked through the whole store a dozen times by now." Half laying in one of the department store chairs, Mikoto forced himself to a seated position, then finally, rose to his feet. Though he had been sleeping nearly the entire time Anna had been shopping, the dark circles under his eyes suggested that he hadn't gotten nearly enough rest.

"Probably." Already on your feet, you stretched your hands over your head, causing a little squeal to escape your throat. "If we stay much longer she'll have picked out every outfit they have too." Only nodding in response, Mikoto started in the direction he'd seen Anna go last. It only took the two of you a couple of minutes to find her. She was standing next to a large display of hats, much like the one she owned.

Quickly noticing you and Mikoto approaching, Anna left the hats behind and joined you. "Is it time to go already?"

"Yeah.” Mikoto nodded. “It's getting late."

"Oh, okay." Arms filled with clothes, all in different shades of red, Anna somewhat reluctantly agreed.

Looking down at just how many different outfits she'd picked out for herself, Mikoto sighed. “All that, huh?” As if trying to decided whether or not she needed everything in her arms, Anna went silent for a moment. After a few seconds of staring at the clothes, she looked back up at Mikoto and smiled. Though she had said nothing, her answer couldn't have been anymore obvious. Sighing again, Mikoto took the clothes from her arms and lazily started towards the front of the store. “Alright, come on then.” Unable to tell Anna no, he didn't hesitate for even a second when it came time to actually purchase the items, not even when the price popped up on the screen in front of him.

While it was true that Anna needed new clothes, there was still something almost adorable about the way Mikoto treated her. Seeing them together never failed to put a smile on your face. Once out of the store, you couldn't help but tease him just a little bit. “It looks like someone's got you wrapped around her little finger.”

“Huh?” You weren't sure if he was too busy lighting his cigarette to hear you, or if he was just trying to play it off, but you weren't buying it. After taking a long, much needed drag, Mikoto mumbled out a halfhearted thanks for you accompanying him and Anna today. “Anyway, thanks for your help. I'll see you, whenever you're around next.”

Before he could take a single step, Anna grabbed onto the hem of his shirt and frowned. “We aren't even going to walk her home? It's dark out. It could be dangerous.”

“Don't worry about it.” With a wave of your hand, you tried to dismiss Anna's worries. You were used to walking through the city at night, so this wouldn't be anything new. This part of town wasn't dangerous either, so there really was no reason for you to be escorted. “You all have a lot to carry. Besides, I'm only a few blocks away.”

Despite your reassurance, Anna's frown only grew. Too lazy to argue with her, Mikoto simply turned around and started walking towards your home instead. “Fine.”

“You really don't have to do this you know. It's late, and cold, you two should really head home yourselves.” Your attempt to change Mikoto's mind failed miserably. While you didn't mind the company, your house was a complete mess. If they happened to step inside for one reason or another, there would be no way for you to hide it. Growing more worried with each step they took, you opened your mouth to speak again, but stopped when Anna grabbed your hand. With the excitement of shopping over, she too looked terribly sleepy. Figuring they probably wouldn't bother coming in if they were both tired, you decided to simply drop the subject. Since you only a couple more minutes from your home, there really was no reason to fight it anyway. Short as the walk was, the silence made it seem much, much longer. Once you were finally there, you unlocked the door and opened it slightly. “Well, here I am. Thanks for walking me home.”

“Um.” Still holding your hand, a bashful look fell over Anna's face. Lifting herself onto her tip toes, she waved you down and did her best to whisper in your ear.

“Oh, sure.” Quickly nodding to her quiet question, you opened your front door and let her inside. “You know where it is.” Confused, and possibly a little annoyed, Mikoto arched his brow. “She needed to make a little pit stop.” Though you were still nervous about letting him inside, you knew it would have been rude to keep Mikoto standing on your front porch. “I guess you might as well come in and wait for her, huh?”

Yawning, he only mumbled out his answer as he stepped through the doorway. “Yeah.” Before you could even close the door behind you, Mikoto had dropped the bags to the ground and slumped onto the nearest couch. He didn't seem to notice the mess at all. You were glad for this, of course, but judging by the look on his face, he'd be asleep in a matter of seconds.

Needing him to stay awake, as you weren't sure that you'd be able to wake him again, you cleared your throat and spoke in a slightly louder than usual voice. “Do you want something warm to drink?” There was no answer. “I'll go get you something. How about some coco?”

“Hey.” Catching your hand in his, Mikoto pulled you back to him. His unexpected touch caused your breath to catch in your throat. His serious, unwavering stare made it nearly impossible for you to look away. You weren't sure why he'd stopped you, but he had every last it of your attention. Once he was sure of this, he spoke in a low grumble. “Anna likes you.”

“Huh?” His words caught you off guard yet again. You knew Anna enjoyed being around you, she'd said as much many times before. Did he think you hadn't noticed, or been paying attention? “I know, she's told me. I like her too.”

Just barely keeping his eyes open, his voice became more quiet, and more gruff. Even so, there was an undeniable hint of seriousness there. “You're like a big sister to her.” Losing the fight to stay conscious, his eyes closed, but his hold on your hand strengthened. “Look out for her for me, alright?”

You weren't sure what he meant by that, if he'd meant anything at all and not just been rambling in his half awake, half asleep state, but you didn't question him. Even if he had just been sleep talking, the sweetness of his request warmed your heart. “Okay, I will. I promise.”

Only possessing enough energy to open a single eye, Mikoto stared at you for several seconds before finally letting go of your hand. “Good. I'm holding you to that.” Seemingly appeased by your answer, he nodded, then let his head fall onto the back of your couch.

“I'm going to go get that drink now.” Hurrying into kitchen, you grabbed two mugs and quickly filled them to the top with a bit of instant coco mix and hot water. Moving as quickly as you could without spilling, you hurried back to Mikoto only to find him, and Anna asleep on your couch. Knowing there was no way you'd be able to bring yourself to wake them, you covered the duo up with a nearby blanket and turned off the light. Mess or no mess, they weren't going anywhere. Unable to keep from smiling at them, you picked up the mugs once more and shrugged as you started towards your room. “Oh well, more for me.”

Description
A long red dress in her hands, and an excited smile on her face, Anna came to stand in front of Mikoto just as she had done time and time again. "What do you think about this one? It's got fur on the collar and sleeves, so it should be really warm." Gently tugging him in an attempt to rouse him from his nap, Anna gently said his name. "Mikoto?"

Doubtful that would be enough to wake him, you stealthily pinched his arm. Though that pinch had probably hurt, he didn't seemed bothered by it in the slightest. Though still groggy, Mikoto managed to answer Anna's question. "Yeah, it's nice."

"I'm glad.” Smiling even wider, a rosy blush dusted her cheeks. "I think so too." Turning on her heel, Anna rushed away, yet again in search of more clothes.

Once you were sure she was out of earshot, you turned your attention to Mikoto, who already seemed to be on the verge of falling back asleep. "That's like the fourth time you've fallen asleep, you know." Crossing your legs at the knee, you let out a loud sigh. "Did you not sleep last night, or are you really that bored?"

"Neither." Rubbing his eyes, as if still tired, Mikoto yawned. His whole body limp, he let his eyes meet yours. "How long has she been shopping?”

"Umm, I don't know." Glancing down at your watch, you tried to remember what time the three of you had arrived. It had felt like a long time, but that could have simply been because Mikoto wasn't exactly great conversation. Actually, he hadn't talked to you hardly at all since the two of you had sat down. He'd been too busy snoring. "Like an hour and a half, maybe a little more. We got here shortly after we ate dinner, right? It's a little bit after 8 o'clock now."

"Then I think we should get going. She must have looked through the whole store a dozen times by now." Half laying in one of the department store chairs, Mikoto forced himself to a seated position, then finally, rose to his feet. Though he had been sleeping nearly the entire time Anna had been shopping, the dark circles under his eyes suggested that he hadn't gotten nearly enough rest.

"Probably." Already on your feet, you stretched your hands over your head, causing a little squeal to escape your throat. "If we stay much longer she'll have picked out every outfit they have too." Only nodding in response, Mikoto started in the direction he'd seen Anna go last. It only took the two of you a couple of minutes to find her. She was standing next to a large display of hats, much like the one she owned.

Quickly noticing you and Mikoto approaching, Anna left the hats behind and joined you. "Is it time to go already?"

"Yeah.” Mikoto nodded. “It's getting late."

"Oh, okay." Arms filled with clothes, all in different shades of red, Anna somewhat reluctantly agreed.

Looking down at just how many different outfits she'd picked out for herself, Mikoto sighed. “All that, huh?” As if trying to decided whether or not she needed everything in her arms, Anna went silent for a moment. After a few seconds of staring at the clothes, she looked back up at Mikoto and smiled. Though she had said nothing, her answer couldn't have been anymore obvious. Sighing again, Mikoto took the clothes from her arms and lazily started towards the front of the store. “Alright, come on then.” Unable to tell Anna no, he didn't hesitate for even a second when it came time to actually purchase the items, not even when the price popped up on the screen in front of him.

While it was true that Anna needed new clothes, there was still something almost adorable about the way Mikoto treated her. Seeing them together never failed to put a smile on your face. Once out of the store, you couldn't help but tease him just a little bit. “It looks like someone's got you wrapped around her little finger.”

“Huh?” You weren't sure if he was too busy lighting his cigarette to hear you, or if he was just trying to play it off, but you weren't buying it. After taking a long, much needed drag, Mikoto mumbled out a halfhearted thanks for you accompanying him and Anna today. “Anyway, thanks for your help. I'll see you, whenever you're around next.”

Before he could take a single step, Anna grabbed onto the hem of his shirt and frowned. “We aren't even going to walk her home? It's dark out. It could be dangerous.”

“Don't worry about it.” With a wave of your hand, you tried to dismiss Anna's worries. You were used to walking through the city at night, so this wouldn't be anything new. This part of town wasn't dangerous either, so there really was no reason for you to be escorted. “You all have a lot to carry. Besides, I'm only a few blocks away.”

Despite your reassurance, Anna's frown only grew. Too lazy to argue with her, Mikoto simply turned around and started walking towards your home instead. “Fine.”

“You really don't have to do this you know. It's late, and cold, you two should really head home yourselves.” Your attempt to change Mikoto's mind failed miserably. While you didn't mind the company, your house was a complete mess. If they happened to step inside for one reason or another, there would be no way for you to hide it. Growing more worried with each step they took, you opened your mouth to speak again, but stopped when Anna grabbed your hand. With the excitement of shopping over, she too looked terribly sleepy. Figuring they probably wouldn't bother coming in if they were both tired, you decided to simply drop the subject. Since you only a couple more minutes from your home, there really was no reason to fight it anyway. Short as the walk was, the silence made it seem much, much longer. Once you were finally there, you unlocked the door and opened it slightly. “Well, here I am. Thanks for walking me home.”

“Um.” Still holding your hand, a bashful look fell over Anna's face. Lifting herself onto her tip toes, she waved you down and did her best to whisper in your ear.

“Oh, sure.” Quickly nodding to her quiet question, you opened your front door and let her inside. “You know where it is.” Confused, and possibly a little annoyed, Mikoto arched his brow. “She needed to make a little pit stop.” Though you were still nervous about letting him inside, you knew it would have been rude to keep Mikoto standing on your front porch. “I guess you might as well come in and wait for her, huh?”

Yawning, he only mumbled out his answer as he stepped through the doorway. “Yeah.” Before you could even close the door behind you, Mikoto had dropped the bags to the ground and slumped onto the nearest couch. He didn't seem to notice the mess at all. You were glad for this, of course, but judging by the look on his face, he'd be asleep in a matter of seconds.

Needing him to stay awake, as you weren't sure that you'd be able to wake him again, you cleared your throat and spoke in a slightly louder than usual voice. “Do you want something warm to drink?” There was no answer. “I'll go get you something. How about some coco?”

“Hey.” Catching your hand in his, Mikoto pulled you back to him. His unexpected touch caused your breath to catch in your throat. His serious, unwavering stare made it nearly impossible for you to look away. You weren't sure why he'd stopped you, but he had every last it of your attention. Once he was sure of this, he spoke in a low grumble. “Anna likes you.”

“Huh?” His words caught you off guard yet again. You knew Anna enjoyed being around you, she'd said as much many times before. Did he think you hadn't noticed, or been paying attention? “I know, she's told me. I like her too.”

Just barely keeping his eyes open, his voice became more quiet, and more gruff. Even so, there was an undeniable hint of seriousness there. “You're like a big sister to her.” Losing the fight to stay conscious, his eyes closed, but his hold on your hand strengthened. “Look out for her for me, alright?”

You weren't sure what he meant by that, if he'd meant anything at all and not just been rambling in his half awake, half asleep state, but you didn't question him. Even if he had just been sleep talking, the sweetness of his request warmed your heart. “Okay, I will. I promise.”

Only possessing enough energy to open a single eye, Mikoto stared at you for several seconds before finally letting go of your hand. “Good. I'm holding you to that.” Seemingly appeased by your answer, he nodded, then let his head fall onto the back of your couch.

“I'm going to go get that drink now.” Hurrying into kitchen, you grabbed two mugs and quickly filled them to the top with a bit of instant coco mix and hot water. Moving as quickly as you could without spilling, you hurried back to Mikoto only to find him, and Anna asleep on your couch. Knowing there was no way you'd be able to bring yourself to wake them, you covered the duo up with a nearby blanket and turned off the light. Mess or no mess, they weren't going anywhere. Unable to keep from smiling at them, you picked up the mugs once more and shrugged as you started towards your room. “Oh well, more for me.”