[Hopping onto the couch with a little trouble, he gets comfy. Gretchen bought a new soft blanket for the couch, so he's wrapping himself in that. The blanket has enough length and width to give Kuki some if she wants it.] [Slow blink.]

. . . I'll watch whatever you want, I just need to lay down somewhere more comfy than the floor. [He smiles, holding the picture close to him. He seems a little less "there" than usual, but you assume that's because he's tired and worn out.]

[Not mad! He's tired, and in pain from her beating his ass. He looks at the picture, and his heart tugs in its spot against whatever holds the heart there.] Thank you, Kuki, I'll treasure it! :)

It's fine. Don't worry about me. You think a nosebleed's gonna stop me? You'd be surprised about how often I get these from trainin'. . . [Because the punching bag flies back and hits him in the nose.]

It's alright, I deserved it. [He's a little hesitant to take her by the hand. . . What if she yeets him out the window? But eventually, he grabs her hand, wiping his eyes, sniffle.]

. . . Yeah, of course. . . And punch me again if I refuse t'hand it over. [He laughs at his own agony, a groan coming from him as he wipes his nose on his sleeve.] I know. I'm sorry. . .

I-I can't bake... [He breathes as if he has an inch of life left of him. His nose bleeding.] I'm so sorry for eating your cupcake, Numbuh 3. . .I really mean it. I regret eating it. . .

[SCREAMING AND IMMEDIATELY SHIELDING HIS FACE. He is crying and fighting for his fucking life right now. Apologizing over and over as if the only god who'll hear him (Kuki) would listen.]

[He DEFINITELY can see those flames, and he feels like he's about to be devoured like a cupcake.] I COULDN'T HELP IT. NUMBUH 89'S BAKING IS AMAZING. I HAD MINE AND THEN.... I LOOKED AT YOURS... IT WAS A BAD JUDGEMENT CALL!

. . . Oh. That was. . . for you? I thought Numbuh 89--gave me two because she knows I'm gonna be big 'n tough and cupcakes are good for growing....boys? [Suddenly hyperaware of the danger he's in.]

Hey, what giv-- Oh. [The vibe is bad. . .] What's... up, Kuki? [There is still blue icing on his face.]

. . . I'm definitely in danger, but I dunno what for. . . [Long, eerie silence, as he shrugs and goes back to reading manga.]

Oi. Why do I feel like I'm in danger alluvasudden.

[He walks over to the door, opens it, peeks his head out, getting his first good look at the recruit, and whistles to get her attention.] In here!

Really? Huh. Didn't know our sector took in rookies. . . [Scratching the back of his head.] Yeah, she's on the deck. . . should we let her in?

Uh, guys? There's a weird girl on the deck of the Treehouse.

[Alright, alright. . . fine. I'll lay off. Have fun?]

[Oh, puh-lease-- Wait a sec. Didn't we already have this conversation?]

[PSH. As if!]

[Don't think we don't see you getting all bright eyed and excited when she enters a room, Numbuh 2!]

[Oh, those are just platonic stuff! It doesn't count towards romantic stuff.]

[What, baked goods SHE made for YOU? 🤨]

[Aren't you late for a cupcake date with Numbuh 89?]

[He'll believe that when pigs fly!]

[HAHAHAH! Gottem! Snort.]

[Face palm.]

[Good luck finding it, it's behind 500 kajillion layers of emotional walls!]

[NUMBUH 3 YOU WILL FIND HIS VAULT OF LOVEY DOVEY THOUGHTS, PLEASE LEAVE THROUGH THE DOOR ON THE LEFT.]

[. . . No wonder he likes her so much. She's a gamer girl. . .That's Numbuh 2's type, it seems.]

[NUMBUH 3?!?? HOW ARE YOU IN HIS HEAD?! Ugh. Fine. Gretchen can be good at video games even though she's a girl. Fine. Please exit the brain via the door to the left.]

[It can't be THAT hard, right? I mean, she's a GIRL.]

[Playing video games. He's trying to beat Gretchen's high score. . .]

[Reading some manga that Numbuh 89 lent him. It's confusing that they read right to left, but he's starting to get used to it.]

[Her Numbuh 4. Ough. His chest feels tight and fuzzy. What's the fluttering in his guts? Ugh. Is that what the stomach butterflies feel like? Wouldn't be the first time he's felt them around her, but it's the first time they've felt so strong.] Thanks, Kuki. . . [A little sigh.]

WE ALL HAVE IT BECAUSE WE'D BE PLAYING IT ON THE SAME SYSTEM, YOU DOOFUS!

/NUMBUH 2./

. . . NUMBUH 2. EVERYONE HAS BRAWLER ARENA 5. IT CAME FREE WITH OUR FREAKIN' Z-BOX! [Pointing incessantly at their game console, sat snugly in its spot in front of the TV.]

What. What do you mean, you DON'T have Brawler Arena 5. It's free.

[Eyes advert from direct eye contact. Gulp.] You-- You're the best, Kuki. Really. I just-- don't want people t' look down on me. [Of course people look down at him. He's the shortest!]

Oi, @numbuh-2.bsky.social, wanna play Brawler Arena 5 with me?

[He looks to the colorless floor, knowing she'd be at least a little saddened, considering how much she loves stuff like colors and pretty things. . .but her idea makes him jolt up and look back to her.] Y'really would? [Cheeks warm up, and he's trying to find a place to lock his vision on.]

WHY IS THE MISSION ALARM GOING OFF ON A /SATURDAY/!???!?

Did any of you see some giant plants crashing through the Delightful's mansion windows? Wonder what's goin' on. . .?

[Got too silly, and is passed out on the couch.]

[A nod.] It's amazing! Apparently it's an Am-err-ee-kan-ized version of something from where Kuki's family is from! [He means "Americanized".]

[. . . Here goes nothin'.] I can't see most colors. My eyes are all messed up and junk. It kinda stinks. [He sighs, his hair still pushed out of his face, so you can see his eyes shift to the side, awkward.]

Hmm. . . [Plucking the dessert off her palm and popping it into his mouth. Chew chew... Mm. That is good. Thumbs up!] . . . Can I tell you a secret, Numbuh 3?

[Reddened cheeks. He appreciates that, Numbuh 3. It. . . means a lot to him.]

Yeah yeah, don't sweat it, Numbuh 2. [He'd say, still covered in stickers. Pops a mochi into his mouth. Ube...mmm.] Are we even now?

[AYO!?]