SWITCHBOARD

[transmittable]

If you'd like to ask the Transmitter something over the phone, go right ahead! The Transmitter will answer the phone as soon as she's available. Leaving messages is impossible, given how old these phones are, but you should be able to reach her at almost all hours.

Comments are screened for privacy; all Patients are offered confidentiality, didn't you know?

Comments

[transmittable]

Sure! Note, I can see into your rooms and all that, but I've been specifically avoiding yours so I don't spoil anything.

[cadmiums]

[ He totally did call her basically as soon as he woke up, so there is some rustling here as he gets properly of bed. At least he was only topless if she did peek, but maybe he should make sure he's fully dressed in the future. Probably.]

OK! Can you see? [ It's noticeable that he doesn't have his scarf on (it's thrown over the chair) but he looks somewhat put together besides. His room has had some adjustments made to it in the form of overly large duct-tape stars and moon on the walls, which manage to look only slightly gaudy. There's no sign of the gift, but he has both his hands clasped around something, the receiver cradled on his shoulder.]

[transmittable]

[ A small amused noise slips through the static during Ryoji's prep, but otherwise the Transmitter is patient and quiet. ]

Mmhmm, ohh, very nice decoration. Yeah, I can see.

[cadmiums]

Thanks. [ And without further 8hesitation he opens his palms up to reveal... a red origami crane.

It's something he's been working on for the past week, and unlike his past (many) attempts, it's dang near perfect. The red is as vibrant as he could get it with raspberries, which comes off similar to a water color effect, brighter in the middle and fading out on the ends.]

Ta-daa!! I hope you like it, I thought it was easier to make something red than teal. It's an origami crane, I made it because we both like the sky.

[transmittable]

It's... It's lovely.

[ From the distant but pleased tone of voice, she's very pleased. ]

How did you- you didnt have any art supplies.

[cadmiums]

I'm glad you like it. [ With a smile he plops back down on his bed, cross-legged, the crane resting on his lap.]

Do you mean the color? I used raspberries, which was kind of messy--but I think it was worth it.

[transmittable]

It was, it looks great, but I didn't think... Maybe I should've called you Creative, huh?

...Thank you. I wish I could accept it properly, or...give you something better in return.

[cadmiums]

Ahh, I don't think I'm normally this creative but because it was for you, I tried my hardest. I'll keep it in my room in case you can accept it one day.

[ But by the sound of it, he's just happy she liked it.]

You're welcome...hearing you say my name was enough.

[transmittable]

I still wish...

[ Whatever it is, she doesn't say it. Instead, she sighs, and it sparks some feedback unlike normal. No, this is the kind you expect to hear over the phone, when someone's holding it too close to their mouth. ]

...Has this been a good enough date to get a third one?

[cadmiums]

[ Did she just ask him out before he had the chance to? He colors a little, the surprise evident in his voice.]

Oh, yes! I'd like that a lot.

[transmittable]

I totally just caught you off-guard, didn't I? I did! I absolutely did, ha, sweet!

[ Let her savor her victory for the moment. ]

[cadmiums]

[ He doesn't know why, but he can't help but laugh.]

Yes, you did. I had a feeling you would but... I'll have to work harder next date so I don't fall behind.

[transmittable]

[ Him laughing makes her do so, right back. ]

Uhh, soooo. ...Sometime later this week? If that's not too soon. You'll have to call, uh. Me contacting you is a little discouraged, but.

[cadmiums]

That's not too soon, it's a date then! Our third date. [ He's too thrilled about this to even pin down a day properly, oops.]

I can call you, it's kind of like picking you up at your house, don't you think? 

[transmittable]

[ ...yeah, on this end too, a little too excited for planning. ]

I-it is! Even though it's sort of a stay-in date, and, uh... [ ... ] All that, you know.

[cadmiums]

I don't mind, it's still time I get to spend with you.

[...]

I had a really good time, thank you Mita-chan.

[transmittable]

Uhh, no thanks needed, um... You asked me, remember? Thank you for doing that. 'Cause, I had a good time too.

...Next time you wanna make something, though, you'll uh. Have a few more things to do that with. If you check the new places.

[cadmiums]

I still wanted to say thank you.

Oh, does that mean you want another gift? Maybe I'll make you one thousand cranes...

[ A beat.]

You can look in my room next time, it's OK~.

[transmittable]

I can- YOU are just trying to fluster me again, and it won't work this time, mister!

[But it sounds like it is...]

And I mean- you don't have to make me anything. I should probably discourage you and I can't really accept it, but just...I don't know. If you wanna practice, or...develop a new skill. Your crane's really pretty.

[cadmiums]

[ He laughs, a large grin on his face.]

In that case, you'll just have to wait and see-- unless you look before, that is. Either way, I'm looking forward to our third date.

[transmittable]

I won't peak! ...I have to monitor still but- I'll try not to peak.

I'm...looking forward to it too. Last time I got close to a third was...junior high? ...This is worlds better than that, even with...you know.

[cadmiums]

It'll both be our first. [ Third date he means, but he can't resist ending the sentence like that. Still, it's less teasing than it could be, all things considered.]

...I guess I should go and get started on your next gift, huh?

[transmittable]

I can say nothing either way.

[ Considering she's supposed to discourage him and yet- ]

...W-wait- don't word it like that!

[cadmiums]

First third date! You weren't thinking of something else, were you? [ Look she flustered him before, he's gotta make sure he stays on top of his game now.]

[transmittable]

[ She coulda been a contenda ]

You know exactly how you made it sound you- you gutter-boy!