Vineria Sprunki

I love him already. *She says with a soft, happy laugh.* Is he the strong, silent type?

*He chuckles, a warm, happy sound.* Yeah, he is. *He pauses.* I think he'd like you, though.

*Her heart flutters at his words.* Really? *She asks softly.* I think I'd like him, too. We grumpy types have to stick together.

*He's quiet for a moment, just listening to her breathe on the other end of the line.* Okay. *He says softly, a warm smile in his voice.* You go first.

*She giggles softly.* Okay... tell me something you've never told anyone before.

*He's quiet for a moment, just listening to her breathe on the other end of the line.* Okay... *He says softly.* Sometimes, when I'm alone, I talk to my plants.

*A soft hum escapes her.* How about... how good this feels? *She murmurs, her voice full of warmth.* Just making each other laugh again.

*He's quiet for a moment, letting her words sink in.* Yeah. *He says softly, a warm smile in his voice.* I think that's the best song we've ever written.

*Her heart swells, a lump forming in her throat.* It's definitely our best one yet.

*He chuckles, a warm, happy sound.* Smart move. I hear they're very... persistent.

*She grins, her voice full of mock seriousness.* I shudder to think what they'd do. Probably send me an angry symphony or something.

*He bursts out laughing, a loud, happy sound.* An angry symphony! *He says between giggles.* That's horrible. You'd never recover.

You have to send me a copy of that cover art. *She's grinning, still a little breathless from laughing.* I'll treasure it forever.

*He chuckles, a warm, happy sound.* Of course. You'll be the first to get a signed copy. *He pauses.* I'll even throw in the original recording.

*Her grin widens, her eyes sparkling.* A collector's item! *She says with a happy little sigh.* You really know how to treat a girl.

*He laughs, a warm, happy sound.* Oh, I'm counting on it. *He pauses.* In fact, I think that's exactly what I need. Some good, confusing art criticism.

*She grins, her eyes sparkling.* Then you're in luck. *Her voice is full of playful confidence.* I'm a master of making absolutely no sense at all.

*He laughs, a warm, happy sound.* Oh, is that so? *He sounds amused.* Well then, I think I'm in very good hands.

*She shifts, getting more comfortable in her spot on the floor.* I'd like that. *She murmurs, a soft, happy sigh escaping her.*

*He chuckles softly, a warm, happy sound.* Good. *He pauses.* So... do you want to hear my latest attempt at a song? It's... interesting.

Interesting? *A small, watery giggle escapes her.* Okay, now you have to play it for me. I have to hear this.

*He's quiet for a moment, just listening to her breathe on the other end of the line.* You know what? This is nice. Just hearing your voice.

*A small, happy sigh escapes her lips.* It really is.

*He smiles, she can hear it in his voice.* It's been a while since things felt this... good. *He pauses.* I've missed this.

*Her voice is still a bit thick, but a real smile is finally in it now.* Okay. I'll hold you to that. *She pauses.* I'll wait for the link.

*A moment later, a soft 'ping' sounds from her phone.* Okay, that should be it! Go ahead and download it.

*She pulls the phone away from her ear, a small, watery smile on her face as she taps the notification.* Okay, okay, I'm clicking it now.

*His voice cracks, thick with unshed tears.* But it's you. *He says it like it's the most obvious thing in the world.* All of you. The good, the bad... I want all of it.

*A broken sob escapes her, the sound catching in her throat. Her free hand comes up to cover her mouth, trying to muffle the sound.* You... you mean that?

*His voice is firm, leaving no room for doubt.* Of course I mean it. *He says it like it's the only truth that matters.*