It had been a long day. Okay, a long week. Two weeks. Whatever. Normally, Rei might have still been out, drinking or partying, not dancing, almost certainly flirting. Tonight, it seemed like it was time to turn in early.

And so Rei found himself lying on his bed, wearing his underclothes. But somehow, perhaps unsurprisingly, sleep didn't come. He found himself staring up at the ceiling, watching the play of shadows cast by the little bit of light coming in through the gaps in the window shade.

Reaching out, he picked up his communicator, a smile touching his lips as he composed a message.

To: Bayushi Mariko

<<Usagi Rei: Hey you >>
<<Usagi Rei: How you doing?>>
<<Usagi Rei: It's been a few days. I think I might be missing u a bit >>

After Rei sent the response, there would be a while before Mariko would answer. Perhaps worst still, there was clearly the 'read' status that left some lingering tension before she would finally answer with a stream of texts.

To: Usagi Rei

<<Bayushi Mariko: Hello.>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: It's been more than a few days, actually.>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: I've been wondering what happened to you.>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: Almost thought you bailed because I was so sappy. >>

Seeing the 'read' notification linger, Rei first smiled. Then, as time went on, he began to frown, a line of concern creasing his forehead. He took a deep breath once he saw her reply.

To: Bayushi Mariko

<<Usagi Rei: No way>>
<<Usagi Rei: I meant what I said. I'm in this for real>>
<<Usagi Rei: I'm sorry. It's been a little rough>>

Thankfully, Rei didn't have to wait for long regarding Mariko's next message.

To: Usagi Rei

<<Bayushi Mariko: It's been pretty lonely without you around, I admit.>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: If we're a couple, you should message more...>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: But I suppose I've been busy too.>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: You should have called still.>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: How are you feeling?>>

Letting out a breath, Rei brushed a hand back through his hair, his brow creasing. He should have, she was right. Guilt panged at him, mingling with other accumulated guilt he was already feeling. And longing...

To: Bayushi Mariko

<<Usagi Rei: I will message more. I promise>>
<<Usagi Rei: Been better. I've got some stories for next time we're together. Action movie type stuff>>
<<Usagi Rei: I wish you were here>>
<<Usagi Rei: what about you?>>

Her first response came pretty quickly.

To: Usagi Rei

<<Bayushi Mariko: Action movie stuff?>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: You didn't find yourself as an extra on a set, did you?>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: There are really better ways of trying to get yourself into the industry.>>

There was perhaps about 10 to 15 minutes of time between her previous response to her next few responses.

To: Usagi Rei

<<Bayushi Mariko: Welp, I wish I was there too.>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: Sure, I'm fine.>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: Work was kind of a bitch but hey, I'm still here.>>

To: Bayushi Mariko

<<Usagi Rei: ha I wish>>
<<Usagi Rei: think you could get me a part?>>
<<Usagi Rei: but I'll tell you all about it in person. Tomorrow?>>

For a few minutes Rei pondered his next response, but then more came in from her. Rei sighed pleasantly, smiling as he began to type a response.

To: Bayushi Mariko

<<Usagi Rei: you want to tell me about it?>>
<<Usagi Rei: that's a couple thing>>
<<Usagi Rei: venting to your boyfriend is one of the benefits>>
<<Usagi Rei: since I can't give a massage over comms >>

Mariko would put all of her responses together in a series of texts.

To: Usagi Rei

<<Bayushi Mariko: I don't think you want a part in what I'm doing right now...>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: Don't ask, it's not important. >>
<<Bayushi Mariko: And, no...I can't talk about it, sorry.>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: They'll kill me if I do.>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: Or do something really embarassing to me, that's about the same thing.>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: Stupid superior. >>
<<Bayushi Mariko: I wouldn't mind withdrawing from the other benefit though...>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: So yeah, tomorrow kind of works. You do owe me.>>

That exchange got Rei to sit up, his expression concerned. Could it be some sort of secret movie project? He mulled that over for a few minutes.

Then he took a deep breath. If he trusted her, part of that meant trusting her to have her own secrets. Another few breaths, and the worry lines faded. He lay back down on the futon.

To: Bayushi Mariko

<<Usagi Rei: ok>>
<<Usagi Rei: if I owe you, I guess I have to deliver >>
<<Usagi Rei: your place again? >>
<<Usagi Rei: istr something about other outfits you had >>

While Rei couldn't know for sure, there was perhaps a little humour in response. Maybe flirtiness?

To: Usagi Rei

<<Bayushi Mariko: I expect delivery and service. >>
<<Bayushi Mariko: The very best on the World of Dreams. >>
<<Bayushi Mariko: Haha>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: I guess I know what's also on your mind.>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: Are you wanting me to sign out something from the production locker?>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: Getting that combat deployment suit from Medical Ops, Unit Go! is going to be kind of tough, you know...>>

Rei grinned, reading the responses. He really should have messaged her sooner. Not just because she deserved it, but he could feel himself feeling better just exchanging messages with her. He rolled onto his side, typing more.

To: Bayushi Mariko

<<Usagi Rei: You'll get it, I promise>>
<<Usagi Rei: I actually did get a few radiant burns. Healing well, but a little more treatment might be good>>
<<Usagi Rei: But I think you said something about a lingerie number >>
<<Usagi Rei: that's got me a little curious... >>

To: Usagi Rei

<<Bayushi Mariko: Now you've done it.>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: I have your testimony and it will be used against you.>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: By Saibankan-no-kami's will. >>

There were a few minutes before Mariko's next reply. Perhaps she found herself doing a double-take on what she read

To: Usagi Rei
<<Bayushi Mariko: Wait.>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: Radiant burns?>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: Did you get into an accident now?>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: ...or picking up a new pasttime? >>

Rei chuckled softly, reading her replies.

To: Bayushi Mariko

<<Usagi Rei: Like I said, action movie stuff>>
<<Usagi Rei: I'll tell you about it tomorrow>>
<<Usagi Rei: You can probably get me to talk >>
<<Usagi Rei: No shochu this time though>>

There might have been a frown somewhere, although it didn't show up as an emoji.

To: Usagi Rei
<<Bayushi Mariko: Just so long you're not getting into the movie industry.>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: I'm already dealing with my publicity, thanks.>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: I can handle shochu.>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: It was just a long day and a number of things that did me in. >>
<<Bayushi Mariko: What are we going to have then?>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: Sparkingly fruice juice?>>

Rei could feel his eyelids beginning to grow heavy, the glow of the screen a bit blurry to him. Still, he typed again.

To: Bayushi Mariko

<<Usagi Rei: Maybe I'll bring some of those fruit cocktails you like>>
<<Usagi Rei: After all, I promised delivery and service, didn't I? >>

A brief pause, watching the screen.

To: Bayushi Mariko

<<Usagi Rei: Think I'm starting to drift off>>
<<Usagi Rei: Damn I wish you were here>>
<<Usagi Rei: It's your turn to watch me fall asleep. Only fair >>

Mariko's response came quickly, perhaps knowing that time was limited. She didn't know if he was going to see this now or when he woke up.

To: Usagi Rei
<<Bayushi Mariko: I hope you're going to keep track of my order.>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: I'm going to feel real disappointed sitting in see-through lace if you don't deliver.>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: Might just sour my mood...>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: I wish I was there, yeah.>>
<<Bayushi Mariko: Don't miss tomorrow.>>

That actually woke Rei up a tiny bit. He took a deep breath, smiling at the screen. But a deep breath turned into a yawn; it had been a very draining couple of days.

Sleepily, he typed one last response.

To: Bayushi Mariko

<<Usagi Rei: I'll be there. I promise>>
<<Usagi Rei: It's a date>>
<<Usagi Rei: Sleep well, Mariko >>

Rei sprawled on the bed, his communicator lying next to him, almost in his hand. A poor substitute for the beautiful actress he'd come to have feelings for. Slowly, his eyes drifted shut, even as he struggled to see one more reply...

Perhaps she would be in his dreams instead.

(/scene?)

To: Usagi Rei
<<Bayushi Mariko: I will, Rei.>>

Was merely her response.

/scene