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[flamekthunder]

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[starshower]

[Her head drops down again, and she nuzzles closer.]

... You're not tired?

[flamekthunder]

You should know the answer to that.

[starshower]

I was just checking.

[But yes, she knows the answer to that, and she just gives a pleased little hum near his neck, the breath tickling his throat.]

It's nice having everyone around... all the dogs, and Lyria, but I gotta admit... sometimes the quiet's kinda nice, too. Getting away from home for a while...

[She voices her thoughts slowly, her voice quiet.]

Away from all that.

[flamekthunder]

[There's a soft, quiet hum as he belatedly realizes what she means by "that," giving her shoulder a little squeeze as he nuzzles while his other hand gently strokes her back.]

Mm... It is. Think we both needed this, too.

[starshower]

We did.

[Which is not something she admits to often. Always the workaholic, she needs a constant reminder still to take breaks.

As much as she loves and adores their home... sometimes, in times like this, being there only worries her more. Stresses her out more. Sure, it can easily come to get them here, but it's easier to forget and leave it all behind when they're far away.]

How... have you been feeling lately?

[flamekthunder]

Fine.

[The answer is automatic—but he knows he should say more than that because it's automatic.]

I haven't felt anything since that week, nor have I had any concerning dreams. The additional blooms from 76 have helped.

[starshower]

[She just chuckles at his answer. She wasn't asking for much, but that he even offers it to her... she won't turn that away.]

Yeah. That lemonade and tea should help, too. I packed some just in case, but if we don't need them, then even better.

[Her hand moves from his chest to stroke his cheek.]

But other than that...?

[flamekthunder]

[A light smile.]

No, I'll drink it anyway. Better to make sure than not.

[Plus, she made it for him?? Of course he'll drink it????]

But other than that...nothing else.

[starshower]

[Another soft breath against his neck, and if she could move any closer, be held any tighter, she would.]

... I admit, I've been feeling a little...tired lately. Moreso than usual.

[But before she can worry him with that, she quickly goes on.]

I just meant... we've been working ourselves to the bone lately, what with everything that's been going on, and the café.

That's why I asked.

[flamekthunder]

[....Ah.

There's a quiet hum at that as he reflects back on everything.]

It may be due to me used to working such long, constant hours.

[A wry laugh at that.]

Or perhaps I didn't really notice it... Maybe I am more tired that I think.

[starshower]

[She shifts again, rising slightly so that she can prop herself up on him, her chin resting on his chest now as she peers up at him with a smile.]

I mean, I am too, but...

[A smile that grows warmer than it had been, if such a thing were possible.]

I think I've also just grown used to... this. [She chuckles quietly.] I guess what I mean is that I find myself wishing for more time like this. Wanting to just relax with you for a while. Maybe that's why I've been feeling it a bit more lately.

[flamekthunder]

[He can't help but smile as he brushes his fingertips against her face, brushing back some of her hair.]

I can't say I don't like it, either. Being able to relax... It's not something I was able to do much until I came here.

[And then a fonder smaller...]

Until I met you.

[...that's broken by a small laugh.]

Though not at first.

[starshower]

Hm?

[She tilts her head, and leans into his touch.]

Well, it did take some convincing at first, didn't it? A lot of things did.

[flamekthunder]

[He just shakes his head and looks at her before booping her cheek.]

I meant you. Rather than helping me relax, I was always caught up in something troublesome because of you...

[starshower]

Me?

[She scrunches her nose at him at the poke, but her eyes only spark bright with affection.]

Name one time!

[flamekthunder]

That giant drink in Camelot.

[starshower]

[ ... ]

Okay, well you got me there.

[She dips her face away a moment, burying it against his chest and pressing a kiss there before she's moving back into place again.]

Except you still agreed to a date with me in the end.

[flamekthunder]

I should also mention the strippers.

[starshower]

[Her laughter rings through the whole room at that, and she slides both hands up now to caress his cheeks.]

You know, I think that might have been one of the times I realized I was... um... [Oh boy, her cheeks go red, and there's a few red bubbles that drift through the air above her.]...attracted. Physically.

[flamekthunder]

[Just a high arch of the brow.]

How?

[starshower]

[He will no doubt feel her whole body start to heat, especially her face as it presses into his chest.]

What do you mean, how? How else, silly...

[This really shouldn't be so embarrassing to talk about, given their current placement and all the things that led up to this, but...]

Gotta admit... you made a pretty good "Ice King."

[flamekthunder]

[He just stares at her for a moment before there is a low hum.]

Is that how it is... So you were already into that type.

[starshower]

Could be... Or maybe that's when I realized I was.

[She draws a shy circle over his chest, not quite meeting his gaze.]

... Maybe you should do it again sometime. Only just for me, though.

[flamekthunder]

Including the whip?

[starshower]

[She didn't think it was possible to flush any further, and she clears her throat gently.]

I-I'm sure we could improvise, maybe...?

[Is that a yes or no? Up for interpretation.]