An inward curse comes a heartbeat too late. Right before they'd launched themselves into space and right toward their last series of catastrophes, Tekkadan was rather thriving. Scuttling into hiding while waiting the mercy of Kudelia's well meaning philanthropy hasn't been on the map of their bleak destiny yet.

Shino wouldn't have know.

"I'm no Takaki, but I was pretty good at mopping floors!"

The mock indignation is soon followed by a hopeful smile. Their temporary jobs have never been a downgrade; just another step towards careful mobility. A careful lesson in humiliation and yet another path to survival.

Years of dogged work and eased reservations don't quite prepare him for hearing praise from Shino himself, long, long after his last words of encouragement. His hand reaches for the fall of hair that threatens to hide his bashful face, resisting the old habits that creeps back into his muscle memory, brushing his hair back in evident embarrassment. As if the sudden flush isn't telling enough.

"You're only saying that because you're you, always with a kind word for everyone."

He can't believe how he's missed this.