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Finally, when all the laundry has been hung to dry, the two of them return inside. Furina's hands are red and raw from scrubbing; she rubs them absent-mindedly, suppressing a wince. When she looks up, Arlecchino's gaze is fixed on them, lips pursed.
"What?"
"We should get you some gloves," Arlecchino says. "Rubber, something to protect your skin... do you have any dishwashing gloves?"
"No, but that would be nice," Furina admits. "I'll buy some when I can—"
"No need." Arlecchino strides past her, stopping to wash her hands in the sink. "I have some spare pairs that should be about your size."
Furina stares at Arlecchino's back. "Oh—thank you. That's very kind of you."
Arlecchino hm's. "I'm flattered you think so."
"But! I can get them on my own, you know. It's not like I'm wanting for money."
"Of course."
Furina puts her hands on her hips, a wry smile finding its way onto her face. "Perhaps I should be expecting another mysterious package arriving... around tomorrow?"
Arlecchino doesn't do anything so cliche as freeze, but Furina likes to think she's caught the woman at least a little off-guard. "Whatever do you mean?"
"Arlecchino—" Furina stops as Arlecchino turns back to her, eyebrow raised, a sharp glint in her eye. Are you questioning me? Perhaps it would have worked on her a few months earlier, when Arlecchino's children bringing cake had only just turned to Arlecchino bringing the boxes herself, wishing Furina well before leaving. Perhaps she would find a stronger objection in a few more months, when she no longer flinches at Arlecchino's sudden movements (though Arlecchino tries to be careful, it can't be helped sometimes, especially when a shirt nearly slips and falls from the clothesline because Furina pinned it wrong. No, Furina's not still sulking about that.)
Now, though, she only sighs. "Just accompany me, then. I'm sure you're much more of an expert in this topic than I am. And allow me to treat you to something nice, too! None of that paying the bill behind my back that you pulled last time..."
"As you wish, Miss Furina." There's a hint of a smirk on her face, and Furina hmphs but lets it stand. Surely she's doing this at least partly because it amuses her. And it's not that Furina doesn't mind, but maybe it's just... nice. To have people who insist on caring.