"You need a break."
That was what Haruto said when L-elf was deep into some work. Being the mastermind behind a revolution when all you had was a bunch of teenagers at your disposal wasn't easy. Even if some of them had powers and could pilot giant robots. L-elf simply didn't have the time for breaks. It was why his meals consisted of easy to eat and digest rations (except for when Haruto invited him out to eat).
It was why he was glad for the school setting that made it easy to wear a uniform every day and keep from standing out (except for some of the things Haruto got for him, like that watch). It was why he didn't engage in the romps of teenage expression and freedom the other students did (except for when Haruto made him join in).
L-elf was beginning to notice a pattern.
Haruto pulled him out of his seat and led him through the halls. It figured that the boy who changed his life always intruded on it like this. In his own naive way.
"Where are you taking me?"
"To get some ice cream", Haruto answered. "It's perfect for right now."
"How so?", L-elf asked as they left the building and started going towards the station to get into the city. What was the point of going so far for a treat that was probably in the cafeteria freezer? And if not, surely someone had some in the dorms.
Haruto shrugged. "Weather's warm and you need a break."
"Yes, you established that."
"I mean a change of scenery. How long have you been cooped up with all those computers?"
L-elf knew the answer to that. He also knew it wasn't an answer that Tokishima Haruto wanted to hear. Sensing that he'd been right on the mark, Haruto smiled triumphantly.
When they got to the city, Haruto took a hold of his hand (another new thing that only Haruto had done) and guided him through the streets. L-elf had studied the maps of this module and knew where the important locations where, such as government buildings and research labs. He knew the area Haruto was taking him to was the shopping center, but that was all.
Other students were out and about as well, taking advantage of the fact that they didn't have to pay for anything. They came to the ice cream parlor where some people were already inside. Haruto greeted the student working the counter who beamed at him brightly.
"What'll you two have?"
"What do you recommend, Airi?", Haruto asked.
She hummed in thought while looking at the couple, then their selection of ice cream. "I'd say a scoop of cold brew coffee ice cream with a scoop of caramel ice cream. How does that sound?"
Haruto looked like he'd just seen a rainbow and even L-elf had to raise a brow at the girl's observant eye. Or perhaps she was omniscient. Haruto nodded and she got to scooping their little sundae. When they received it, they sat at one of the little tables. L-elf wasn't a robot. He could see the appeal of ice cream and could even admit when it tasted good.
Likewise, he could admit to himself finally that he could see the appeal of Haruto outside his traits as a human shield and war machine. And he could admit that the relationship they had, whatever it was, was good.
A/N: yes, Airi is a reference to Andre the sweethearts ice cream man from Miraculous Ladybug