#adds.

“Have I upset you?”

Deckerd paused, pulling his hand up in front of him to observe the dirt caked on his servos. He’d have to get it washed before he left today – he couldn’t touch Yuuta with dirty hands like these. The boy complained when he couldn’t get stains out of his shirts.

“I’m sorry. I did not mean to – whatever it is, please tell me? I’ll fix it – Yuuta.”

A particularly stiff breeze blew some of the uprooted grass away, mixing them with the dirt Deckerd had separated out. Blinking, Deckerd moved to carefully separate the two again.

“Yuuta.”

“Deckerd.”

Deckerd blinked and looked behind him. It was only Shadowmaru. Frowning, Dekcerd turned back to his work and ignored the ninja ‘bot.

Heavy footsteps approached him (he knew it was for his benefit – Shadowmaru could have approached him as silently as he had done before. No, this was a warning), only stopping when the taller officer’s shadow eclipsed Deckerd fully, the other just a step or two behind him.

“Deckerd.” Shadowmaru said again.

“Leave,” Deckerd demanded. He didn’t want to listen to Shadowmaru right now. He wanted to hear Yuuta. “You’re a distraction.”

“No.”

Deckerd stood up and whirled around, fist already clenched around a clump of grass. He moved to punch the other before he realized himself and stopped, barely a few centimeters from Shadowmaru’s face. Dirt from Deckerd’s servo splattered the ninja, but he did not move – only stared impassively at Deckerd.

“Leave me,” Deckerd demanded again. Shadowmaru did not move.

“No. This must stop, Deckerd. Don’t you see? He’s not – “

“DON’T!”

Deckerd vented harshly, fists clenching and unclenching by his sides. “Don’t.” He repeated, uncertain what else to say.

Shadowmaru’s frown deepened. “There’s only so much you can deny before you must face the truth, Deckerd. He is – “

“NO!” Deckerd turned away, leaning down to scoop Yuuta into his arms – they were leaving. “It’s alright, Yuuta, Shadowmaru is just being ridiculous – I’m not mad – “

“That’s not Miniboss, Deckerd.”

Deckerd froze. He held Yuuta closer to his chest, almost enough to hurt but not quite (he knew what pressures worked and what did not – he’d become adept after so many years with the boy after all), and continued walking. He didn’t deem the ninja a reply.

“Deckerd!”