[I hope there's a game where the kiss list gets posted icly and anonymously to sow chaos. Or a fake one to gaslight people.]

I am deadly certain. [He smiles himself, though it's not carrying his usual mischievous lilt.] I trust you'll use it wisely.

[Which she might not. For all that he's a hot head in the matters of the heart, she's a sucker for the heat of battle. She might make good enough use to wiggle herself out of the sticky situation she's made. Maybe stop the fire before it starts, maybe come out with less bandages and bruises. He hopes.

Because before she even says it, he knows that he'll never get an answer. His smile thins. Chagrined, sure, but knowing, matching the way he nods his head and turns his gaze downcast a moment.]

You mean you'll text as much as you usually do? No problem. I'll expect zero messages. [Or maybe a singular "k" for old time's sake. Though he doubts it.] What if you finish your vow and have extra spare time on your hands? You couldn't send us a victory pic, just for show?

[Still. It's stinging already. Richie puts a hand to her shoulder, looking into her eyes. Bright blue and shadowed. Surly, keen to cut. But soft, if you catch her in the right moment. It's rare. She makes sure of it.]

So do you. [He laughs a little, a soundless huff. Lets his thumb run over the fabric of her infinite layers.] In spite of everything.

I wish you the best, too, Mizu.