>"Were you followed?" Schizo whips her head around to look behind me.
>She's agitated. I know how to fix this. I step forward and pull her into a hug.
>"Hey hey what the..." she goes almost limp
>"...thanks." she chimes quietly
>"No problem. You okay?" I check in on whatever has got her set off today
>"I am now. Sorry. I just got here a bit too early and all these people walking around just... I don't wanna think about it." she's still not great in crowds
>"You're doing great. Now you ready to go eat?" I ask, ready to now walk to our little restaurant picked out a week in advance.
>"Uh sure just... just one thing."
>I watch as Schizo very slowly and gently removes her horned hat and puppets, tucking them into a little purse she's carrying.
>"Schizo?" she hushes me
>"I...I'll be okay without them for a bit just..." she reaches her hand out. I grab it and intertwine my fingers. She lets out a sigh of relief.
>"Shit, thanks." she says, much more relaxed.
>We walk on down to the place, getting seated quickly. It takes a bit of prodding but Schizo finally lets go of my hand as we take our seats. She looks at me, guilt in her eyes.
>"Schizo?" I gently start
>"Why... why do you tolerate me?"
>"Tolerate?" I'm surprised she thinks this.
>"Yeah. I know how I am. You don't seem to care though. I just... why?" she's racked with worry.
>"Do I need a reason?"
>"I'd think so, yeah" It hurts me to see her hate herself like this.
>"I don't tolerate you. I like being around you. It makes me happy to see you happy. That's it." she looks hurt at this.
>"All I do is ask stuff of you. I can't do anything back." she clenches her jaw
>"Schizo do you like me?" I lead
>"Of course." no delay whatsoever
>"Then that's enough. All I want." she sets her menu down now and looks at me. Really looks at me.
>"But there's so much more you deserve!" watching her get upset at how much she likes me gives me butterflies.
cont.