[ At any given time, on any given day in Somnius, Maruki's mind is comprised of 70% cognitive psience therapy psychobabble and 30% missing Tokyo so much that it's almost a physical ache. He has a better relationship to sentimentality than Akechi does, but still: Nostalgia can dig long fingers into his throat sometimes. He never thought he'd yearn for a place so badly. He never left long enough to let it happen.

So these little comforts are paramount. Cobbling together familiar meals, even with ingredients that aren't quite right. Reminiscing with Akechi or comparing notes with those who have resided in other Tokyo realities. And against all reason, a bath house, not exactly the same as any he'd go to at home, but similar enough to scratch an itch.

There is, of course, the suspicion that this is yet another cognitive manipulation meant to pacify. But that's not a thought for the moment; it's one for him to scribble down in the gifted notebook as he tries to fight sleep to avoid another night of his subconscious running him ragged in that liminal counseling office.

Maruki is doing great, by the way.

So anyway! This is a nice respite. He is shutting his brain off. The doctor is, for once, Out. ]

Like the lava in the–? Actually, no, I think I'd rather find out for myself. Or avoid finding out entirely.

[ He has absolutely none of Vash's hesitation and is in that water as quickly as possible, sinking all the way down to his chin at once. He draws in a deep breath and lets out a long, low sigh.

Then he cracks an eye open to look at Vash, details blurry without his glasses but general shape easily readable. ]

We can look away if that would make you more comfortable?

[ Surely this is about cultural differences. He has sensitivity training! ]