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Didja miss me?

[ So cheeky, so cheeky... except that even as she says that lightly, her arms are going tightly around him in return, as though she's prepared to keep him upright if his legs give out on him. He's here... he's safe.

Who knew, being away from someone for a good few days could make you worry so much? ]

[His face buries against her shoulder-- no, his legs aren't going to give out. Despite the sudden, relief-related weakness in them. Don't underestimate him!]

More than anything.

[Naoki's voice is low and almost fierce as his fingers press tight into her back, arms completely unyielding around her. Not letting go.]

... I missed you, too.

[ She can't even tease, not when she can feel his fingers press worried points into her back, and his face is hot against her shoulder. Truthfully, she doesn't want him to let go, presses her palms flat to his back. ]

[The warmth of her hands is seeping through, and Naoki exhales a sigh that shudders on its way out, a sigh like he's letting out all of the worries that have been boiling ever since they were separated. His fingers relax slightly against her, though there's no sign he's going to let go.

His fingers sweep along her back, though, up, tracing gently, like he's forgotten and he needs to remember.]

I'm so glad you're okay, Yang.

I had a feeling you'd worry yourself sick if you could get sick... [ Not that she had been any better, but it had been less worry about his health and more worry about his general well-being. And, selfishly, she'd just wanted him with her.

She shifts slightly in his arms, breath just as shaky. ]

But I'm fine. And you are too.

... But keep touching me anyway.

[ One doesn't get much privacy in the jungle. ]

[Naoki doesn't say anything to that one-- he probably would've worried himself sick if he could. She doesn't need to know he didn't sleep at all since they were separated. He's not particularly tired either way, so it's fine.

He buries his face more against her shoulder, and muffles his very small laugh.]

I'm not going to stop. I've missed touching you, too.

Then can we sit, maybe? I mean, there's only so close I can get while we're both standing.

[ And do you know how many days it's been since she's gotten to cuddle with him, TOO DAMN LONG-- ]

[There's a small grunt at that... ah, seems like he's not quite willing to move yet. But he shifts, stepping, walking her back toward the bed.]

Okay, we can sit.

Thanks for your cooperation, demon lord. [ Just don't let her miss the bed, because she's letting him guide her here. ]

You're welcome, charisma queen.

[The nickname makes his heart feel like it's swelling, a heat behind his eyes for a second before he edges one foot forward and his knee touches the edge of the bed. He twists them, falling with his back onto the bed, pulling her down with him.

See? All safe. No tumbling onto the floor.]

[ Thanks for that. Yang's laughing as she settles, curling her feet around his as she lifts her head to look down at him. ]

I missed that too, actually.

Getting to fall over with me?

[Naoki smiles at her, his hand raising, touching her face now that they're looking at each other. His heart aches and he's so glad that he's here now and she's here-- even more than that, that she's okay, that she's not hurt.

So he's heard, at least. He sweeps his fingers across her cheek again, gently.]

That too, but actually, I meant the nickname-- believe it or not.

[ She's got a few faint burn marks on her arms and legs, but it's nothing major, and Yang hardly considers them worth worrying over. Not when she can lean into the warmth of his hand, lifting one of her own to cover his fingers. ]

So you're finally admitting you're a charisma queen.

[Watch out, he's going to notice those burn marks and his eyebrows are going to furrow lightly. And he's going to do exactly what she would've expected out of him-- that is to say, heal them, however faint they may be.]

Only to you.

[ And of course he'd notice and act, this fusspot-- ] I might not have been all that charismatic where I was.

[That's Mr. Fusspot, okay?]

Where did they take you? [Naoki frowns up at her, concern surfacing all over again.]

I'm... pretty sure it was inside a volcano?

[ Just take that in, Naoki. ]

......

[Exhale. And Naoki's head falls back against the bed, his mouth twisting.] I wish I could've switched with you. Well, we were caught up in a river at first, but we ended up on a beach...

A beach? Without me??

[ Someone's sure aghast. ]

[Naoki nods, gloomily.]

Without you. I mean, there was some kraken thing, but we took that out pretty quick...

... I'm kinda-- no, I'm really jealous! We didn't have any major monsters, but... a beach...

[ So unfair. ]

Well... I couldn't enjoy it without you there.

[He was busy sitting under a tree and brooding. Naoki's finger twists a strand of her hair, around and around.]

We'll have to get a romantic break soon, I think... I mean, there's a ton we learned from this, but I think we can multitask.

[ Seriously. Their private time has been lacking lately. ]

I'd like to take you away somewhere for a night. Just the two of us.

[He's been thinking it lately, ever since he moved in. Shh.]

... Yeah? Anywhere you've got in mind?

[ She seems intrigued, at least. ]

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