Shock was evident on M-21′s features, he couldn’t really understand what the other meant by that. He doesn’t recall ever doing anything that would earn a ’thank you’, maybe a small thing but no thanks was really needed. They were allies and living under the same roof, there was no need to say thank you for everything, or not to him at least.
“Thank me for what? I don’t recall doing anything that deserves such gratitude. We’re friends right, a team, so it’s a given that we would all lend a hand to one another when needed, that’s what makes us strong.” This was really starting to weigh on M’s shoulders, not in a negative manner but he was curious to know about that sudden ‘thank you’ Takeo has given him. If anything, he should be thanking him and Tao for being his comrades and always watching his back.
He gives a little chuckle at his comrade’s response, his hand slipping off M-21′s shoulder to find it’s usual home in his pants’ pockets. ❛ Has he always been so humble? ❜ Takeo wonders. It’s strange, to see how far they’ve grown the past several weeks, but he could always see it strongest in his wolfish friend.
❝ A fair point, but it’s not for the reason you’re thinking. ❞ His expression becomes more serious then. His mouth falls into a frown, and his eyes furrow--the blues of his irises seeming melancholic as they often do when he’s worried or upset.
❝ I don’t mean to bring up what’s long gone, but... it’s about Her. ❞ He doesn’t say Aris's name anymore--not her persona’s name nor her real one--not unless he must. He’s accepted what’s happened, but it doesn’t mean it hurts any less.
❝ It’s been eating at me lately, knowing that I didn’t say thanks to you for saying what you said to me. It didn't occur to me... how much of an impact you had by reminding me of what mattered, not until recently. If you hadn’t... ❞ He goes quiet again, letting the implications speak for themselves in the short silence. ❝ Well, I wouldn’t have the home and friends I have now. So-- ❞