[video]

[hotheadwarmheart]

 [Lea seems to be sitting at the table in his apartment, a small pile of cards in front of him.]

Man, I haven't seen Valentine cards this cheesy since I was in grade school. I mean, take a look at this one...

[He holds the card up so that the drone's camera can focus in on it. for a few moments.]

Who else thinks the miasma needs to find another card shop to swipe from?

Comments

[Video]

[thankyou4myheart]

[For Deckard, most of the cards are so tiny, they're like trying to pick up and read bits of confetti, so he's just not really bothered. Also? His English still isn't /that/ great - he doesn't get the joke, so the card is basically nonsense to him.]

What are Valentine cards?

Re: [Video]

[hotheadwarmheart]

[Lea's still examining the card, trying to find a brand name or something, and doesn't look up at first.]

They're for a holiday called Valentine's Day, like the news guy said. Basically it's supposed to be a day to celebrate love, especially romantic love. Often times people get those they love gifts; candy, flowers, and greeting cards are popular, but it can really be anything. I was actually making something for Elsa, when...

[He looks up from the card, finally, and is struck for a moment by what he sees. It's Deckard, he knows the bot from the police force back in old Haven. He'd liked the bot well enough, though they'd never been exactly close.

Now, though? He can't take his eyes of the mech. How is he never noticed how handsome the mech was? What a lovely shade of blue he was?

...And why did someone of a totally incompatible species suddenly seem so appealing? Something weird was going on here. But knowing that there was something off about his sudden infatuation didn't make it go away. Nor did it stop his voice from becoming a bit warmer when next he spoke.]

...Ah, yeah. Well, like I said, I was making something for Elsa and decided to take a little break. And I'm... kinda glad I did.

[Video]

[thankyou4myheart]

[He sees the sudden change and isn't sure what to make of it.]

Lea, are you feeling all right?

Re: [Video]

[hotheadwarmheart]

Yes. And no? I dunno...

[Lea rubbed the back of his head, looking rather sheepish.]

Look, I... this is probly gonna sound really stupid, so promise you won't laugh, OK?

[Video]

[thankyou4myheart]

Of course. I promise, Lea.

[He's never been one to tease or laugh at friends. Lea feeling the need to specifically request that just makes him more concerned.]

Re: [Video]

[hotheadwarmheart]

[Lea takes a deep breath.]

OK. Well, I think... I'm in love with you.

[He blushes a little and ducks his head.]

And before you say, yeah, I know it's not normal; cause I wasn't up until just now. Something weird's going on. But... that doesn't change how I feel, you know?

[thankyou4myheart]

[Laugh? No. Gape in speechless shock for a moment? …sorry, yeah. He'll, uh, recover quickly, though.]

I…I see. An effect of the cards, perhaps? They're from the Miasma, aren't they?

[hotheadwarmheart]

[Lea nods.]

That's my guess, yeah. Just wish I knew what to do about it...

Not that I've got anything against inter-species relationships or anything, it's just that... I kinda already have a girlfriend so this is really awkward.

[thankyou4myheart]

[Deckard offers a sympathetic grin.]

I won’t tell her if you don’t.

[He’s joking but…also serious. He’d not take matters of the heart lightly, not by /any/ means.]

It’s probably like any of the weird stuff we’ve been through in the past, though. Give it some time, a week or so maybe, and it should dissipate on its own.

[hotheadwarmheart]

[Lea smirks a little... and also looks a bit sheepish.]

I appreciate it.

[And he really does, because he doesn't take them lightly either. Not after living without one for over a decade.]

Man, I hope so. Relationships are complicated enough without magical greeting cards getting involved.