[PM]
TO: Ens. Lyra, Wil
FROM: Ens. Ayfer, Kaan
i know you’ll get this whenever you wake up but i just wanna let you know that i love you to bits ok (and i know this bc i let you use my calves as feet warmers when we sleep bc dude your feet are fucking FREEZING) Like i dunno but recently you and lou seem really upset lately and neither of you should have to be ok so i’m gonna ramp up my game or whatever bc i i’m love with both of you and i hate seeing you both so upset bc you mean so so much to me
xxxxx
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Wil smiled and shook his head as he read the printout. He laughed--a short, choked laugh that turned into wracking silent sobs as he slid down the wall and clutched the paper against his forehead as it fell forward into his hands. He made no sound, but when he lifted his head after several long moments of stillness, the paper came away streaked with tears. He didn't know why this, of all things, had set him off, but somehow the overwhelming sweetness of the message was just more than he could take. The dam broke and all of the emotions Wil had been struggling to hide away over the past months came flooding forward. Now, in its aftermath, he felt...clean. Empty, but lighter than air. For the first time in weeks, there was a sincerity in his weary smile.
He had a lot to lose, yes, but---he had it. And it wasn't going anywhere. Looking at his antiquated solar wristwatch--a trinket from some Andorian marketplace--he got to his feet and strode determinedly to the comm panel on the wall.
"Computer, private message to Kaan Ayfer and Louise Robson. Dictation mode.
"Kaan, Lou--know I haven't been myself lately, but things are looking up. I'm going to make it up to you. I'd love to see you both tonight after you're off. Looking forward to it. Yours, Wil."