It was weird, really, considering if he wanted one instead of if he needed it. Back in the Pale City, a giant ‘stuffed animal’, as Nida had described it, would have been a dangerous hindrance. Even if it had been really soft, and cozy, and easy to just fall face first into comfortably. “Really? I could get one here?” Yeah, maybe there was more hope in the kid’s voice at that. It was a genuinely childish desire, perhaps, but he really did wish he had gotten to take the bear with him back in his world. It helped that Nida continued to chime in and as himself. Made it seem less silly to the boy. “Then maybe we can both get one! They’re really comfy and funny looking.”

The delighted, clumsy little smile that slipped onto the child’s face as Ignis agreed that they could get some when they went shopping was obvious and really quite bright compared to his usual features. Less subdued and more genuinely happy. “I dunno what stores might have them, but I hope we can find some.” Mono took another few bites of eggs, still a bit fast to finish eating but definitely trying to not look like he was rushing.

What kid didn’t rush through the odd meal at the prospect of going out to do fun and exciting things, though?