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[the_amazing]

Hey, you've reached Peter's phone. Leave me a message, or just text like a normal person.

[Beep!]

Comments

[the_amazing]

Got it. I didn't think so, but it was worth a shot.

I haven't messaged anyone. [He's been too busy wallowing in self-pity.] Usually when someone disappears, another person makes a post about it. So maybe no news is good news?

[He's having a difficult time coming up with other things to say. His mind is turning to more physical things, but it's not a good idea with his injury. Instead, he offers her a smile.]

Thanks again for coming over and talking to me. I feel a little more motivated now, which is a lot better than sitting around and moping like I have been.

[cleptes]

What kind of friend would I be if I didn't try to make you feel better, Peter? [Read: not a very good one.] You're welcome though, I'm glad you have some motivation.

[Although Bela doesn't blame him for feeling the way he did. She's had plenty of low points in this place and it took the company of a friend to lift her out of it.]

I have an idea for when you're back on your feet. Remember that delicious yet bad for us fried food we got a while ago? I think we should do that again.

[the_amazing]

[Talking about food was one way to get him excited. He sits up a little more at the mention of fried things and gives a grateful nod.]

That sounds amazing. As long as it's actual food and not a trap disguised as a deep-fried heart attack.

[cleptes]

[It makes her happy to see his mood lift at her suggestion. She doesn't know if there will be anything else but fried food, but Bela will try.]

Okay. I'll do my best to get some delicious and healthier food if possible. What's your opinion on pasta?

[the_amazing]

Pasta? Delicious but not remotely healthy if done right.

[He shifts his position again, moving his leg just a little bit to keep it from getting stiff. The soup has really revived him, and he feels like he has more energy already.]

I am up for whatever junk food shenanigans you want to get into. I mean, honestly, what I wouldn't give for a night of Chinese takeout and trashy reality shows on the couch right now.

[cleptes]

Then I'll have a look around in the kitchens and wherever serves food to put something together. The junkier, the better.

[She will make it happen somehow.]

Chinese takeout sounds amazing right now, but it all depends on the reality shows for me. Maybe I could find a movie or something to watch on the couch together?

[the_amazing]

My hero.

[Heroine? That word always sounded too much like the drug.]

Oh anything where people are screaming at each other over brunch is a winner in my mind. Movies work too, but I don't think Hell has that great of a collection.

[cleptes]

Don't worry, I'll be back to my villainous ways in no time.

[It's a tease of course.]

Rich people yelling at each other can be amusing. Suppose I'll have to hunt for a film that isn't too close to reality down here. I like a good classical horror film. [Her head rests against his shoulder as she continues to talk.] Maybe Hell has an equivalent of a reality show? 'Real Housewives of Hellburbia' or something like it.

[the_amazing]

Thank you for taking a break from being a devious villainess until I can recover.

[Since she's leaning against him now, that gives him an excuse to wrap an arm around her and keep her close.]

I would think that HellTV would show nothing but terrible reality shows. Or horribly unfunny sitcoms with obnoxious laugh tracks.

[cleptes]

[Bela settles against him easily after his arm slips around her.]

Ugh, I can't stand sitcoms like that. [Not that she watches much television.] Suppose they have to be on brand with the whole torture thing. If I can't find anything decent to watch, we can just exchange stories and eat snacks until we fall asleep.

How does that sound?

[the_amazing]

[This is cozy, and he feels more at ease, even a bit sleepy as her body heat blends with his own.]

Stories? What kind do you want to hear?

[cleptes]

[Her arm drapes loosely across his middle, tucking herself as close as possible. Bela feels a little sleepy too.]

Like how you saved the whole of New York or something.

[the_amazing]

[With his free hand, he plays with her hair a little, smiling softly as she snuggles against him. Despite her best efforts, she seemed to enjoy the more domestic things.]

Well, I usually team up with other heroes to save the whole city. But I guess I can embellish a little.

[He picks the first thing that comes to mind, an adventure from a few years ago involving the time six of his most tenacious enemies banded together to defeat him, and how he used his wits and skills to take them all down.

After a few minutes, he looks down, fairly certain he's put Bela right to sleep.]

[cleptes]

[Gradually, her resistance to acting so domesticated had weakened over time. Apart from that, Peter is warm and comfortable that it make it harder for Bela not to want that closeness.]

Mmm...

[Comes her soft reply as she listens, trying to follow along with his story and not really caring if Peter was embellishing it or not. It was just nice to hear his voice and have him in one piece, even if he still had some healing to do.

He's right about her falling asleep to his words. Not quite a deep sleep but it would take some prodding from him to stir Bela from it.]

Wrap Up?

[the_amazing]

[Her breathing was getting deeper, and her head was nestled right in the crook of his arm. She looked so comfortable, it made Peter a bit jealous.

He stopped talking to give her a kiss on the top of her head, affection obvious in his eyes. Peter leans back on the headboard, looking up at the ceiling with a sigh.]

Thanks, Bela.