[For as much as he disagreed with her plan, hearing her backtrack and think out loud is almost worse. Guilt lingers and tears at his edges–a new and wholly unwelcome sensation. Back in the City they had been on equal ground, similarly lost in a new world. Here? Just how much of a burden was he being to her?

Maybe if it would make things easier for her...

He sighs.]

You could be my interpreter if we go with your first plan. It'd explain why I can't talk. You can tell your parents your school assigned you to me. They do stuff like that, right?

[The things he does for you, Mikoto.] I don't think people would buy it for long but we could probably use it until we think of a better plan.

[It would make going outside together easier. He can't believe he's agreeing to this. It's practically grumbled out and you can damn well bet he's not meeting her eyes:] That still leaves making me look convincing.

[not as hard as you think baroona but ok]