in other wor(l)ds

"You know," Mutsumi said, lounging back against the tree branch, "you're gonna have to actually take me to Keron someday. When your army isn't trying to kill all of us, I mean."

Kururu laughed. They were perched in the next branch over, a silent indication that they wanted to spend time with Mutsumi today. Being Kururu, however, their laptop was perched up there with them and their gaze never left the screen. "You know, our captain just about committed treason over that! Declared us all the Earth Defense Force all of a sudden."

Mutsumi glanced over at that, surprised -- as much from hearing Earth out of her friend's mouth instead of Pekopon -- then laughed a little under her breath herself. "Wow~ Really? He must have been serious."

"Well, if it wasn't for Fuyuki, that wouldn't have ended well for anyone." Kururu's brow was creased in amusement... and also a little bit of consternation, it looked like, as they raised a hand to cover their mouth for another laugh. "Kuuu ku ku ku! We'll see if we're welcome back on Keron any time soon ourselves."

"Ohh?" Mutsumi looked up, thoughtful. She could see the sky through the leaves, patches of blue that dappled little pieces of sunlight down on them in the shade. A thought occurred, and she smiled to herself. "Maybe I'll have to find another planet to take you to, instead."

"Hm?" She could feel Kururu's gaze shift to her, but it was her turn to not look over, this time. "And how do you plan on doing that?"

Mutsumi's smile grew into a grin, and she closed her eyes. "That's a se~cret~"