Adstringendum voice mail

[leashed]

If you require my services and have tried to contact me without a response, I may be unavailable.

Please leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as I am physically able.

Romulus Hart, 1st lieutenant

Comments

[leashed]

[He shifts a little against him with a slight murmur.]

I'm sorry I hit you.

[danseur]

[ --- and he bursts into soft laughter. ]

I think I'll survive.

[leashed]

Yes, but it was- unpleasant at the time, I'm sure.

[danseur]

Ninety-nine percent of my Adstring experience is unpleasant.

[leashed]

And- that one percent that isn't?

[danseur]

It's pretty okay. Considering, I guess.

[leashed]

...I don't think I mind it so much here.

[danseur]

... we're trapped in one place. That doesn't drive you nuts?

[leashed]

It's large enough to not affect my claustrophobia.

[danseur]

-- you ever travel? Back at home, I mean.

[leashed]

With the military on missions. Why?

[danseur]

Curiosity, I guess. I'd ask you to tell me more about the military shit, but I honestly think it'd just end up pissing me off.

[leashed]

Yes. You get angry when I talk about it.

[I WONDER WHY.]

[danseur]

[ -- he can't help it. He snorts at that. ]

Picked up on that, huh?

[leashed]

[Rome leans in to kiss him.]

I can be very perceptive.

[danseur]

Yeah? Since when?

[ He's grinning. ]

[leashed]

[Rome returns it with a little smile of his own.]

Don't make fun of me.

[danseur]

Kind of second nature by this point.

[ But, finally, almost reluctantly, he releases him. ]

The dogs are gonna eat that kill you brought in if you're not careful.

[leashed]

You're right. I should go tend to it.

[He nods.]

Will you be alright?

[danseur]

[ He smiles a little lopsidedly. ]

I'm better than alright, actually.

[leashed]

You are?

[That's- not entirely surprising, but he's pleased to hear it.]

[danseur]

[ He rolls his eyes, unable to keep the lopsided grin away. ]

Go before the dogs eat it.

[leashed]

Alright.

[He turns to run off, glancing behind him.]

I- I love you.

[danseur]

Try it without the stammer next time!

[ But he's grinning, even as he heads inside to flop down for a nap himself. ]