[January twenty-sixth]

//Spouse's Day// (and Chinese New Year!)

"Hey `Roshi," said Niou Masaharu one snowy and rather cold afternoon. The pair was hanging out in Yagyuu's living room, doing homework and just generally lazing around. "You know that I... appreciate everything you do, right?

"Cause, I know I'm kind of annoying and stuff and I don't always do things and I'm hard to deal with and I'm stubborn and all... and I try to pretend that nothing is a big deal... but I really do appreciate everything you do.

"Like... you're always there. Even if I don't always want you to be - or don't think I want you to be. And you let me copy your homework, which I think we both kind of assume is just a given-" Niou pointed to the sheet of equations in front of him, which Yagyuu had completed, and which he was copying down "- but you really don't have to and I know it seems like I take it for granted - and I guess I do - but I really, really appreciate it. That and well... everything else you do..." Niou stopped here, not really looking at Yagyuu, and slightly embarrassed simply because he didn't usually admit that type of stuff.

Yagyuu scooted closer to where Niou was sitting on the floor. "I know you care, Masaharu, I know. Though I do have to admit it's nice being told every once in a while. Although..." he trailed off for a moment, "what exactly brought this on?" Normally when Niou gave speeches and showed his appreciation for things like this it meant that something bad had happened, or something that might have made either one jealous had happened. Yagyuu tried to think of any events recently that had happened that fit hits description, but couldn't come up with any.

"Oh," Niou said, not seeming to be prepared for this question. "It's us... well... I mean, even though we're not... I just thought it would..." Niou seemed at a loss for words - something he normally wasn't. Finally, turning a slight shade of pink, he said, "It's Spouse's Day."