Voice Mail

[ladywithnovoice]

This is Red.

Leave a message, and I'll get back to you.

Comments

[me_first]

I know. But I don't do well with... things like this. Being outside. Travel. Not working on my usual kinds of projects. Being around people.

[ladywithnovoice]

You're with one person.

Maybe we should just get you sleeping medicine when we're back in town.

[me_first]

That might be the better option.

[ladywithnovoice]

[She finally stops pushing at him.]

At least try to get back to sleep. Okay?

[me_first]

... Okay. Do you... want me to help you fall asleep?

[It's hard to see in the darkness, but Royce's ears turn faintly pink.]

[ladywithnovoice]

[There's a brief pause.]

What would you do?

[me_first]

... Sing?

[ladywithnovoice]

[WELP]

You sing?

[me_first]

Not as well as you, obviously. But I've... been known to sing, yes. Music is just math.

... Well. Not 'just' math, but large parts are math. Beats and vibrations and... algorithms designed to evoke certain things.

[ladywithnovoice]

[Yeah, she was about to say, Royce.]

[But there's a moment of thoughtful pause before clicking keys fill the silence again.]

It couldn't hurt.

[me_first]

[He nods, and guides her back to her sleeping area, sitting her down. He's quiet for a few long moments and then starts rocking side to side a little. His voice is soft but clear, without his usual stuttering and stammering.]

I'm drowning, drowning in the sea
Thought you'd turn and you'd see me
Thought you'd stayed, thought I'd go
You never want to see me anymore

Skies are clear and skies are blue
I said I'd come to see it through
Then you changed, and sent me to drown
And my life turned upside down

Why'd you stay? Why'd I go?
I don't think I will ever know
When the sun meets the sea, it's there you'll find
Yeah you'll find me

Summer days, lying in the sun
All those days, they now are done
Winter skies, winter blues
You'd do the same if you were in my shoes...

[It goes on for a bit, but finally he finishes, ears turning bright red from nerves and embarrassment.]

I don't... I don't usually... yes.

[ladywithnovoice]

[Red stays curled up against her Arcanine, listening carefully- critiquing quietly in her head just out of habit of doing it to herself so many times before.]

[There's a lot of clicking that happens, which is almost strange considering the end message is so short.]

It was nice.

[me_first]

... Thank you.

[He reaches out to give the Arcanine pets, too. Good girl.]

[ladywithnovoice]

Go get some rest yourself, alright?

[me_first]

I'll try.

[He wanders over to his area. Sleep time.]