CP   So?

CP   You don’t hate it, right?

You hold up the sketch so close, you're basically huffing graphite. Truth be told, you already made your decision the first moment you saw it. But it's fun seeing him squirm, nervous about how you'll respond.

JU   Hm.

JU   Hmmmmmm.

JU   A lot to think about.

CP   Oh, come on.

CP   If I knew you were going to make it feel like an assignment, I would've -

Finally, you grin.

JU   No, loser.

JU   It’s perfect.

CP   ...what?

CP   Really? you're going with it?

He sounds genuinely surprised. You shrug, hoping to alleviate any misplaced emotion.

JU   It's not like I had any better ideas.

JU   What? You thought I was going to be an asshole and just say no?

JU   Get real.

CP   Alright.

As you shove the paper into your pocket, he's hovering close to you. A nervous laugh is laced in his voice.

CP   But, you are? actually?

CP   I mean, no, I don’t mind, but really?

CP   If you're actually unsure, I get it.

CP   I can try making some more drafts. i have other ideas, this one just -

You punch him, and a satisfying yelp erupts.

CP   Oww!

JU   Yeah, really. Idiot.

JU   I said so, didn’t I?

JU   And I wouldn't mess around with something like this.

JU   So I swear I'm not pulling some sick joke.

CP   ...

CP   Then, it's really settled?

CP   Wow.

CP   Now all that's left is to do it.

JU   Yup.

He matches your smile, then pouts and rubs his shoulder mournfully. It's not even bruised. Probably.

JU   Weakass.

CP   I’m not a fighter, you know.

JU   Then, what? You're a lover?

CP   Phah hah.

CP   Love and peace. that's what i always say.

CP   Besides. i'm not like you, or the soldier, or even the empress.

CP   I don’t recover from punches easily.

CP   I'm a big fan of diplomacy, actually.

You roll your eyes. You've seen him get into his fair share of fights, all while focusing on dodging attacks than landing any. The 'peacekeeper' shtick is his own kind of battle strategy. You don't know why he bothers; it's much more fun when people know what you're capable of.

CP   Well, get used to it.

JU   Because my fists are diplomats, too. And they do a lot of talking.

JU   And, y'know.

JU   That's what you signed up for.

You elbow him as he makes an exaggerated sigh of defeat.

CP   True, true.

CP   It's my fault that I'm a delicate soul in such a harsh world.

JU   Heh.

JU   Delicate my ass.

CP   Is it, now?

JU   Shut the fuck up. You know what I mean.

CP   Phah hah.

CP   Nevertheless, I'll get better.

CP   You wouldn't want a man with weak shoulders, right?

JU   Pfft. That's what I signed up for.

JU   I guess we're both getting our licks.

CP   Guess so.

You kick your feet, feeling the hard wall at your heels every time they swing back.

JU   Plus, if you think that’s bad, the needle will hurt way worse.

CP   Didn't think of it that way.

CP   We should make it nice and small, instead.

CP   Maybe the size of one of those temporary sticker ones.

JU   No way! I'm not a coward.

CP   Phah hah! good.

CP   Me neither.

JU   Yeah, I hope so.

JU   You're in this with me, and there's no backing out.

JU   A warrior's pact, or whatever.

Then, he makes that stupid smile at you, and you feel an even stupider fluttering in your chest.

CP   Wouldn't want it any other way.

The two of you sit there for a bit. All you can hear are is the autumn breeze, rustling the trees. Some kids playing a block over. If you close your eyes, it's like the world is at peace. Weird how he can do that, even when he's just sitting next to you.

CP   What're you thinking about?

JU   ...

JU   It actually is a big deal.

JU   You know that, right? I'm not just... saying it for show.

CP   'Course I know.

CP   That's why I wanted you to be sure.

CP   Phah. but it's hard to tell with you, sometimes.

CP   You're the toughest person I know.

JU   Oh yeah?

CP   Yeah. it feels like nothing would faze you.

CP   Even things that scare me. a lot.

JU   Heh.

JU   ...

JU   But, that is why I wanted to wait.

He looks at you, visible confusion on his face. You focus on digging the back of your shoe into the wall.

JU   You know. Prep myself mentally.

JU   I've heard about it hurting a lot.

JU   So, I get it.

JU   Being a little... you know.

You can almost hear gears turning in his head as the sides of his mouth perk upwards.

CP   Hey.

CP   If anything goes wrong, I'll protect you.

JU   Oh my god.

CP   Do you want to hold hands while it happens?

CP   We could move our tables right next to each other...

JU   You asshole!

JU   I try to say one sensitive thing, and you just...!

CP   I don't know. you sounded pretty scared just now.

JU   Like hell I’ll get scared!

CP   Are you sure? its a big needle.

CP   In the skin, over and over...

CP   It's like getting a shot, but a lot, for a good couple of hours...

JU   It's just ink, dumbass! Fuck off!

JU   You know what? Screw your drawing!

JU   I'm going with a viper, like I wanted! Team Jun strikes alone!

CP   But Jun, you said it was perfect ~

CP   And you promised ~ you had the sweetest smile when you promised ~

You would punch him again, but you're too busy laughing.