#manumaru

Their dynamic was SO fun in the last episodes of season 1.

I was really hoping to see them progress as a duo. Maybe Resasuke could come out of his shell a little more and learn how to engage with people and the world a little better. Maybe Manumaru could learn not to be so pushy and overbearing. Maybe they could have helped each other? 

I have TWO simple requests

Art from chaps 38 - 47

Canon: Between the finale of season 1 and the Christmas special.

The pallas cat took another deep breath. He was reaching to loose up his tie, then realized he was not wearing one. Wow, when was the last time he had seen his friend outside of the office?

Either way he repeated: "She dumped you."

Retasuke looked back at him with that stare that so many would probably think empty. Manumaru knew better, though. "She said she wanted to break up."

"And you're like whatever about it."

"I don't mean to dissapoint you."

...huh.

The other thing is... Manumaru knows that's not sarcasm. Or clueleness, not really... it's something sincere.

He looked around at the aparment, at the many, many plants so lovingly cared for.

It was a stereotype but what if--

Hell, he might as well say it: "Retasuke."

"What?"

"Do you... like girls or boys?"

"I don't know. I know I'm supposed to want to... date and stuff but..."

"But you don't really want to."

Never had he really seen Retasuke actually --sad.

"I'm sorry," he says.

Than that IS it.

Manumaru claps his surprised friend in the shoulder --draws him close.

And the suprise quickly gives way to that subtle happiness that, Manumaru finally understands, has always been in Retasuke when they actually hang out together.

"NO, man! Don't be sorry! I finally get it, I think --it's okay! I kept pushing you to date because I thought that would make you happy. From now on I'll pay more attention to what you actually want, I promise."

"She said that, too..." And --well, well, well. Who knew this red panda actually could smile? "So from now on I'll be mindful of what you want, too."

Based on my friends @littlefaeriebottles adorable doodle of these two! I love the idea of Manu picking up Fenneko and warming her up like that haha cough You should doodle more of them cough