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]

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!

[cadmiums]

A boy can dream, can't he? [ He chuckles, but then his next words are airy and light with no hint of teasing.]

But if I could have a dream come true right now...I'd want to hold your hand.

[transmittable]

[ ... ]

I think I'd like that a lot right now.

[cadmiums]

...I'm glad.

[ He's quiet for a moment, not really knowing what to say. Somehow those words meant more to him than anything she's said so far, but he can't place why. It makes him happy yes, but it also feels like-- ah, he can't remember.]

I'm really glad I'm here, despite everything.

[transmittable]

...I'm sorry. I'm sorry it had to be- like this, you know? Like... That there has to be a "despite" and that I can't...stop it.

[cadmiums]

It's OK. [ He wants to say more, but all the thoughts are getting jumbled up inside his head. It's clear that he means it, though.]

Let's just look forward to our next date instead.

[transmittable]

Okay. ...Alright, I will. I already am.

[cadmiums]

Good, me too.

Until our next date, Mita-chan. [ He realizes in this moment that he can't very well send her a heart through voice, but if she's still looking he'll blow her a quick kiss with a smile. Close enough, maybe.]

[transmittable]

[ Well. Before he hangs up he'll be able to hear a small gasp and stammer on the other end of the phone. She definitely saw it. ]

Until next time, uh- ...Amiable.

[ Almost. There's always the third date. ]