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[flaredo]

"Heeey, you've reached Yang! Well, actually, you didn't reach far enough, 'cause I'm not here right now! But don't yang up! Just leave a message on this baby, and I'll get back to you soon enough, okay?"

[ Please specify VOICEMAIL, TEXT or CALL. ]

Comments

[flaredo]

Only to you.

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

[masakados]

[That's Mr. Fusspot, okay?]

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

[flaredo]

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

[ Just take that in, Naoki. ]

[masakados]

......

[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...

[flaredo]

A beach? Without me??

[ Someone's sure aghast. ]

[masakados]

[Naoki nods, gloomily.]

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

[flaredo]

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

[ So unfair. ]

[masakados]

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.]

[flaredo]

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. ]

[masakados]

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.]

[flaredo]

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

[ She seems intrigued, at least. ]

[masakados]

I haven't looked into it that much yet...

[Hmmm. He snuggles her closer.] I'd like to go to a nice hotel or something with you. [But aren't many of them in the pleasure district...]

[flaredo]

... You know where most of those are, right?

[masakados]

I know...

[BIG SIGH.] That there's the problem.

[flaredo]

I don't mind, you know. I bet the beds are comfy.

[masakados]

I mind.

[Naoki's cheek puffs up slightly.] I wanna take you somewhere nice.

[flaredo]

[ Pokes his cheeks? Yep. ]

But I think anywhere'd be nice, if it was with you.

I mean, unless the hotel's falling apart, but...

[masakados]

[Naoki puckers his lips at her, making a fish face, but then chuckles and brings her closer.]

I'd never take you somewhere decrepit.

[flaredo]

I know you wouldn't. Private's a good start, though. We have a ton of stuff to catch up on.

[ And he's looking less drained, too... ]

[masakados]

This, for one.

[Lots and lots of cuddling. Naoki gazes at her thoughtfully.] And I wanna hear about what happened where you were.

[flaredo]

Now?

[ Yes, talking about suffocating in a volcano seems like perfect cuddle talk. ]

[masakados]

Later.

[But it's there on the list...] Right now, I want this. [He moves his hand to her cheek, thumbing along her cheekbone.]

[flaredo]

Look at you, telling me what you want without help... you've really gotten more confident.

[ And she's so proud, turning her head to kiss his palm. ]

[masakados]

[Naoki blushes, watching her kiss his palm and shifting his thumb to tap lightly against her lips.]

If I have, it's mostly 'cause of you.

[flaredo]

Mm... well, I'll take credit, I guess.

[ She's just happy she's been able to see him improve. ]