IC Voicemail, Driftfleet:

[tothefly]

[There is no recording, just a few clicks and a beep.]

[Leave any IC voice messages or texts for Natasha here.]

Comments

[redactions]

Depends on the tongue.

[ A wicked little smile. ]

[tothefly]

[The comment or the smile--one of them startles a laugh from her, one of those honest little ones that almost no one ever hears. Impulsively, she leans up and kisses him once more. Just once, briefly, for luck.]

I'll keep it in mind, I ever get tired of the one I have.

[redactions]

[ He thinks about deepening it — doesn't, just smiles wistfully as she pulls away. ]

I should come up with a few backup suggestions, then.

[tothefly]

[There's so much potential between them. More than a few maybes and definitely-in-another-worlds. Hasn't it happened for him before? But then, maybe this time around they both need something different. She's never been very good at making friends, but maybe...]

I'm always ready to hear what you have to say.

Be good practice for your accent, anyway. You still sound like you're fresh from Brighton Beach.

[redactions]

Maybe I need a little extra time with my teacher.

[ He grins. ]

But I say that to all the girls.

[tothefly]

Trying to make me jealous, Captain?

I don't know, your teacher's a busy woman. You know, all this sitting around to do, piloting a ship I can't actually take anywhere meaningful.

[Only a little sarcasm there.]

[redactions]

[ He leans in, to whisper, conspiratorially, ]

Is it working?

[tothefly]

[Only a little. At least, if the look she gives him is any indication, a smile and accusatory eyes. She doesn't get jealous, but it is, occasionally, nice to have some individual attention.]

As if your ego needs that boost. Nice try, soldier.

[redactions]

[ He grins, and takes her hand with his metal one (it's just a hand, now) and kisses the back of it, lightly. ]

One day I'll have you in my sights. Then we'll see.

[ Careful to keep it gentle, playful. Spiders don't like another's web. ]

[tothefly]

Guess you'll have to keep practicing until then, won't you?

[She's been mistaken with him before. For now, it's just a game. Almost familiar, despite how long it's been since she's played it. Actually feels kinda nice.]

[She tugs at his lapel with her free hand, offers him another of those smiles, and dances away. Enough for now, but then, there always seems to be a later, with him.]