[ And from anyone else, those words – annoyed or fond or anything in between – would have Maruki springing up to his feet, apologizing, offering to help in whatever way he can, even if it's something he's as useless at as basic survival skills.

Here, though, he only rolls onto his stomach, props his chin up on his folded arms and watches with a smile. ]

Am I? I seem to recall you being very insistent that I take a break once the disease cleared up. Are you going back on that now?