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Confessions

"So... You enjoying yourself out there?" Cassandra asked curiously.

Varian shook his head firmly. "Not one bit. Out here, I'm still the kid who blew up one too many chemistry labs."

Cass laughed a little, causing Varian to smile. He loved hearing the sound of her laughter; it was enough to brighten any day, in his opinion. He loved everything about her, in fact. He loved the way that her eyes lit up whenever something interested her-- often something sports-related, or having to do with intense action-- and the way that her hair curled and frizzed. He loved her pale skin, her narrow eyes, her tall and imposing stature... There was even something to be said about the more firm, bossy, rude side of her, too, the side that always had a quick remark and was constantly resting its hands on its hips.

He loved every little bit of her, and he definitely enjoyed getting to talk with her. He was glad that she was his girlfriend... And, of course, that she was also his friend in general. He didn't have a ton of those.

"How about you?" he asked her, "how's it going back in Corona City?"

She shrugged a little. "It's okay, I guess."

"Just okay?" he said, his voice teasing, "what, is the big city that different and boring without me?"

"Ha ha," Cass retorted, completely deadpan, "y'know, if you were actually here in person, I'd probably have chucked my pillow at you for that."

"Then thank heavens I'm not actually there in person."

She rolled her eyes. "Perhaps I'll have to mark it as an 'I.O.U.' for when you get back, then."

"Looking forward to it."

Just then, Varian's bedroom door opened and Quirin poked his head inside. "Varian, it's about time for lights-out."

"Got it, Dad."

Cassandra waved at Quirin, who waved in return before looking at his son and giving a firm nod. When Varian nodded in return, Quirin left the room, closing the door tight behind him.

"Well... I guess that means it's time to say 'good night,'" Varian said, not sounding terribly happy about the fact, "he'll know if I stay up chatting for the rest of the night."

"Alright, then," Cass said, "but you'll have to promise to call tomorrow."

"Tomorrow night, same time?"

"Sure."

He smiled. "Okay, then."

"Okay," she agreed, "I'll talk to you tomorrow."

Varian hardly even thought; the words just slipped out of his mouth. "Hey, Cassie? I-- I love you."

She paused, her breath catching in her throat and the corners of her mouth slightly twitching up. "Really?"

When he nodded, she smiled.

"I love you, too, Varian."

He studied her one last time, determined to somehow memorize every detail before he went to bed, afraid that perhaps sleep would take his memories of her away.

"Good night, Cassie."

"Good night, Varian."

With that, he logged off and shut his laptop down.

And that night, he fell asleep with a wide, goofy smile on his face.