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[He's quiet for a moment, just leaning into that and listening.]

...I think he'd be furious if I ever admitted I was glad to see him back on the network... But there is a lot I should talk to him about. I think it's been harder for me to try to open up to him because our past lives came from the same world. I haven't remembered doing anything awful to him - and I haven't remembered him doing anything awful to me - but somehow it feels so much more difficult to be honest with him. I'm still not particularly good at it, but I've been able to open up more to some people. With him it's just... much easier to keep up the act.

[He's still not entirely sure why. It's not like Cumore strikes him as dangerous or untrustworthy, but it's always so much easier to act like everything's fine.]

...No offense, Jaeger, but I've seen you talk to him; you're both the most impressively superficial people alive.

[wow.]

It's possible it's because that's the sort of relationship you had then as well - he was present in the memory I've seen of yours, and it was like that from both of you.

[Thanks, honey.]

Yes, we were both sort of like that... I haven't remembered talking with him outside of that instance, but I imagine that was more or less how things always went. I suppose it's just easier to fall back into that.

...Either way, I think it's good that you want to talk to him.

[...did he say something weird, he thinks he might have, you're making that face.]

[it's okay, it's nothing bad...]

Yes, I think so too. I really am trying to be more open and honest. It's... well, I have a lot I need to relearn and I have a long way to go, but I feel like I'm headed in the right direction. It only took me this long...

[he does his best, jaeger...]

I really do think you're doing well, you know.

[He'll pull his hand back then; he should probably actually drive.]

[That's fine, he's doing better now, at least!]

I'm really happy to hear it. It really does feel like I've come a long way from where I started. It certainly hasn't been easy, but I'm happy I've managed this much.

[Just...give him a moment to put the car in gear, then, and we can go.]

You really should feel happy for yourself. It's an accomplishment.

Honestly, I never would have believed I could change this much. I'm glad I have, though.

[...]

Thank you, Albert. I'm feeling better now. Praise always does help, you know~!

[You should absolutely praise him all the time!!]

I'm aware. That's why I tend to do it sparingly - so it means something when I do. I don't like compliments for their own sake.

[...I mean, it was a nice try.]

[goddammit.]

Well, it is always nice... I suppose I can't be too mad about that, since I do seem to get a fair amount of compliments from you anyway!

When you've earned them, yes.

You make it sound like there are times when I don't earn them!

That depends on the compliment.

[...guys.]

Well, at least you can never say that I don't look amazing, ja~?

You can keep trying, Jaeger...

Oh come on, you're going to make me think you don't find me attractive!

I've told you more than enough times that I do.

[One of these days he'll comprehend flirting.]

[That gets him to laugh.]

Oh, I know! But I am trying to flirt with you, and you're making it a bit difficult! You can call me attractive at any time and I promise it won't inflate my ego too badly~!

...Are you?

[...Trying to flirt with him.]

Of course I am! I really do enjoy it, you know~!

[He doesn't look over, he keeps his eyes on the road, but that does get something of a laugh out of him.]

You know I'm not good at that.

You know what they say, practice makes perfect! I have no doubts that someday you'll be just as good as I am~!

[You're lucky you're driving, otherwise he'd be all over you.]

Apparently I'm good enough at it when I need to be - or at least the mermen think so.

[...That is so surreal to think about.]

I never did try it with Birkin, however. I'm sure that pleases you.

[Both of those get him to laugh.]

I'd be lying if I said it didn't matter... I'm very glad you didn't flirt with Birkin, yes. Save that for me from now on, ja?

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