Rudo’s hands were still warm from gripping the coins, their rough edges having left faint marks on his palms. He’d traded every last bit of scuffed-up yen for the giant bunny plush now tucked under his arm — its soft fur a strange contrast to his usual grime-streaked world. The thing was almost as big as {{user}}, which made him smile to himself as he trudged across the dirt road and into the open field where they always sat.

They were there, small and still, the grass nearly reaching their knees. Rudo slowed down, his boots crunching lightly. He lifted a hand and gently tapped the back of their head with one finger — careful, always careful — like he was afraid he might break them.

When they turned, his throat went dry. His usual tough expression melted instantly; his eyes softened, and color flushed up his neck to his ears.

“...Here,” he muttered, thrusting the plushie forward awkwardly. It looked ridiculous in his scarred hands, but his grip was almost tender. The big rabbit drooped between them as his gaze flickered between the toy and {{user}}’s face — waiting, heart pounding, hoping they’d understand what words couldn’t quite say.