dictated, or action for anyone in town

[mors]

Aw, you aren't going to stay?

[There's a particularly flirty-sounding voice coming in on the journals today. A few people might even recognize it, though it sounds much more casual than it used to.]

We were just getting to know each other, though! Are you sure you won't stay for another coffee? My treat, of course.

[Whoever that guy is flirting with giggles shyly, saying something about how maybe one more drink couldn't hurt. You can practically hear the grin in the voice of the boy.]

Wonderful! One caramel latte, coming right up. You'll like it almost as much as I like you.

[There's more giggling in response to the horrible flirting, and some cheerful humming in the background, just as the loud, obnoxious sound of a milk steamer starts up. There might even be a few hot drops of milk falling onto the journal pages and seeping through to the other side, though Ryoji hasn't noticed it at all yet. A few minutes go by and the noises die down, and Ryoji sets the cup down for the girl. She tries to give him money, but he waves her away with a grin.]

No no, I told you I'd treat you! What kind of gentleman would I be if I went back on my word?

[The girl thanks him, and takes the drink. She walks away after that, apparently, because Ryoji sighs wistfully.]

What a cute girl... I hope she has another one.

[There appears to be a new barista in the local coffee shop, and he's flirting with just about anyone that walks through the door. Feel free to run into him either on his way back home, or while he's on the clock; there'll probably be free coffee in it for you if you catch him at work, though.]

[And then, around midnight...]

[ Zelman ]
You need to come back from the Dead Zone right now! I can't find you anywhere and I could always find you before.

I don't like not being able to tell where you are, even if you need to be out there, so come back so I can see you and then you can leave again if you need to.
[/filter]

[An hour or so later.]

[ Zelman ]
Why aren't you answering me? I know you're out there...

[He has to be out there. Right?]

I'm sorry I've been gone as long as I have. I didn't want to leave...

Just come back and call for me. I'll be there right away.
[/filter]

[ Zelman Clock ]
Are the filters not working properly? Are they not going through?
[/filter]

[Ten minutes. His voice is growing more concerned with every message left, just a little bit more upset.]

[ Zelman ]
Is this because I left? Are you not replying to me because you're upset with me? If I had a say in the matter I never would have left without you--

Please speak with me.
[/filter]

[Five minutes. His voice is sharp now, though it shakes slightly; angry and afraid, rolled into the voice of a young man who's trying so hard not to sound like a little boy.]

[ Zelman ]
You can't do this. This is my jurisdiction and my place and I never said you could leave, so you need to come back this second. Do you understand, Zelman? You're mine.






Just because I left first doesn't mean you get to leave.
[/filter]