Inbox - Drift Fleet

[this_loser]

Leave a message, my dude.

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[this_loser]

[That .... that doesn't tell him anything!

He carefully takes the box and gives it a shake, more and more confused.]

Is it because I've been with the fleet for a year?

[Almost to the day. That's a weird thing to celebrate though, isn't it? Still, he opens the gift eagerly, and pulls out the album to admire it.]

Oh, wow. This is really nice! Thank you, so much! I ... still don't know why?

[axi]

I honestly had no idea about that. [She shakes her head, still smiling.] But it's good timing on my part.

[Kaname leans over to take the album, opening in front of them.]

Today is your half birthday. I know it's not the same thing, but since the last one sucked, and we've got no idea about future ones, I figured now's a good time to celebrate. [Her finger taps the empty photo pages.] Might be fun to fill up as much as we can today. What do you think?

[Gaze over to him, she smiles with a little uncertainty, wondering what he'd think.]

[this_loser]

[Honestly, he'd surprised if she did know his arrival-versary. He only remembered because it was the first thing he ever noted in his spacelog (okay, it's just a calendar, but spacelog is cooler, right?)]

Yeah, real good timing.

[There's a brief moment during her explanation where his lips draw together and his chin starts to wobble. But he hides that by throwing his arms around her.]

I think it's perfect.

[axi]

[(Right.)

The sudden display of affection catches her off guard, but she's quick to lean into it, chuckling.]

I'm glad. If you'd said no, I wasn't sure what I'd be doing with my day. [It's only partially a joke. After a moment, she does nudge him to refocus things.]

Breakfast first. I used some of the last real eggs my ship had from the last system. Don't let them get too cold. [In fact, she's reaching over and tearing off a piece of a waffle to pop into her own mouth. Swallowing, Kaname settles into her spot next to him more.]

Unless you don't like them.

[this_loser]

[He disengages with a small chuckle.] Right. Food.

[He would hate the waste the effort she put into this, and the limited supplies.] I love eggs. Even cold ones. [But he does scarf them down before they cool too much. He loved them warm more.]

Oh, wait! [He scrambled for the bedside table, where he'd left his camera the night before. He settles back and points it at the two of them.] First photo of the day!

[axi]

I guess I did ask for this. [She quickly reaches over to ruffle his hair even more, an almost smirk in place for both him and the camera. Whether he takes the picture when being messed with or when she falls against him, giggling, she doesn't know. Either way, she really is nothing but smiles.]

Hey, you'll have to let me take some today, too. They can't all be selfies.

[this_loser]

[He gets the photo, forgetting about the hair disturbance with her being so close. In the photo, he looks playfully scandalized and she's smiling, and his hair is everywhere. It's a perfect image to begin the album.]

Sure. I can show you how to work the camera.

[While auto settings made it an okay point and shoot, he was too particular.]

So, what's the plan after this?

[axi]

What, worried I'll break it if I try myself?

[Kaname leans over and grabs the empty tray, quickly kissing his cheek as she draws back and moves off the bed to stand.]

You should probably get ready for the day first of all. [She looks him over and grins teasingly.] As much as I like your choice of attire now. I'll be waiting in the kitchen.

[this_loser]

No. Of course not. [A little. That camera is his precious baby!]

Uh. [He glances down at his sleepwear, flushing red. T-shirt, fine. Boxers, not so much. At least the blanket was still mostly covering him, though he did tug that up a little with a weak laugh.]

Good idea. I'll be out in a bit.

[He waits until she's out the door before diving for his clothes, and then bolting to the bathroom to quickly shower and make sense of his hair. All things considered, he makes it out to the kitchen in record time.]

[axi]

[She can easily figure out a camera, thanks.

With a final eyebrow waggle, Kaname heads out, and when he's done, she's at the kitchen table simply waiting. Seeing him, she stands, smiling.]

Come on, we're going to the Iskaulit.

[this_loser]

[No doubt she can. But ... his precious.]

Okay, cool. [He likes the Iskaulit. Not as much as peaceful planets, but it's much better than staying cramped on the First Breath.] What are we up to?

[To the shuttle!]

[axi]

[One of his preciouses.]

You'll see soon. Things are a surprise today, but if you don't want to do any of them, just tell me, okay?

[And one short shuttle ride later, they're on the Iskaulit at... the ice skating rink!

Kaname turns to look at him with a questioning smile.]

So?

[this_loser]

[He can't think of anything that he wouldn't want to do with her.

So when they arrive at the ice skating rink, he's not disappointed. Though...] I feel I should warn you I'm not great on skates.

[axi]

Neither am I. Freyja taught me on the Selvin system. I was making progress, but I ended up falling into a snowbank when she distracted me. [She won't disclose the reason unless he asks. It's a touch embarrassing.]

The skates are this way. [With a grin, Kaname heads over to change into a pair.]

[this_loser]

[He's come by here a time or two, but it was a lot of flailing around. He can at least stay upright now, and figured out how to move forward. He will never make a career of it.

He gets his skates and switches them out with his boots.]

Well, I'll try not to distract you into falling. No snowbanks here.

[axi]

[Carefully standing, the singer makes her way to the edge of the rink and waits for him to join her before braving the ice.]

Yes, but there are walls for me to hold if it comes to that. Besides, my focus is on you anyway.

[Kaname winks at him and takes a step out into the rink.]

[this_loser]

O-oh.

[He wobbles on his skates, but makes it to the ice. And then onto the ice, where he immediately starts to drift away from the wall.]

Whoops. Let me, um... I'm coming back!

[Using some scooting action, he tries to goes backwards to rejoin Kaname.]

[axi]

Why? We're headed out there anyway.

[Soon, he'll feel her grabbing his hand as she slides up beside him, laughing as she tries to keep upright as well.]

Come on. [Moving forward, Kaname squeezes his hand.]

[this_loser]

[Now he has to reverse his scoot so he's going forward! He's not sure if holding her hand is helping with balance or making it more difficult. But he likes holding her hand, so it doesn't matter.

There's a second or two where he lurches and feels like he might fall. He tells himself to let go so he doesn't drag he down with him, but instinct does the opposite and he grips her hand a little harder.]

[axi]

Whoa--!

[When he's angling back, Kaname pulls him forward in reply, moving to grip his wrist with both her hands.]

Nuh-uh! Too soon for either of us to fall yet.

[this_loser]

Is there ever a right time to fall?

[He gets more of a slide than a shuffle going as they move, and he finds it's a little easier to stay upright with a bit more movement and speed.]

[axi]

It's not so bad if you're there to catch me.

[Even when saying that, Kaname stumbles slightly, but manages to correct her posture easily enough, though she has to release his hand to do so.]

Besides, I've heard it builds character.

[this_loser]

Of course I would!

[He's caught her twice already. And okay, the first time was more of a not-so-controlled tumble, but it's the thought that counts!]

Builds bruises, more like.

[axi]

That's sweet. [She makes her way to the opposite side of the rink to grab the wall. With a grin, she turns and holds her hand out for him to skate towards.]

Then let's avoid giving you more bruises. I'd feel bad if you got some today.

[this_loser]

[He scoots his way across the side to where she's waiting, latching onto her hand once he's close enough. Even so, he doesn't stop until his other hands grapples for the wall.]

Nah, I'm used to it. But it would be nice to avoid them for a change!