"We could take charge of the cooking so they can sit and talk while we work... But no, it's not the same," he concedes. It could almost be considered a double date, but that would require the focus to be on spending time together, not examining a journal.

Benjiro passes the phone back to Sadie as she leans in close, and he stays steady to give her the support while separating their arms to slide it around her shoulders instead to bring her in nearer still, "No, you did the right thing keeping it to show me in person. You've been smart about all of it, but don't forget you have help available. Me included. That's all."

After relaying the information from the article to her, he frowns softly as he hears her express worries that have already lingered in his mind for some time, "I figured eventually we'd get attention from the government if and when the Echoes became too much to hide. Their presence and activity have increased sooner than I had anticipated, but for now, we focus on staying hidden and learn what we can at a safe distance as part of the crowd. I think that's our best course of action to keep everyone safe."

A pause follows as he sees the weight of the situation hanging on Sadie during what should be a holiday. Nothing they do tonight will change how events proceed, but he can do something here and now to restore her mood. With a quick glance around to ensure the coast is clear, his soft smile splits into a grin behind his mask as he reminds her, "For as much trouble as they have caused, I'm intend to use my Echoes to protect us!" He gives no warning before he loosens his arm to drop into a crouch beside her, and wraps his arm around her hips to sit her on his shoulder, and stands straight back up with more effort set to minding her balance than to the strength needed to lift her. There is no need to grip hard to keep her there with his arm locked to act like a bracing bar rather than a belt to avoid risking squeezing too tight as he shows off.