Hello, Somarium.

[Youji is out of frame, but the Dreamberry is very much focused on the doorway of the flowershop, Nectar.]

The very strangest thing--it being the season and all, I went to place a sprig of mistletoe in our shop doorway. But it seems there's one already there. Fitting for a flowershop, but I'm wondering who got the jump on me.

[Youji shifts around so that he's standing beneath the mistletoe now, smiling in a rather cocky fashion.]

As I said, though, 'tis the season! We've got poinsettias and Christmas roses looking to brighten up someone's window or place setting, and as a special bonus, I happen to need a Christmas date.

[He winks.]

What do you think, ladies? Hoping to see you soon!

[He's utterly exhausted, after Asuka nightmares, noctaere, warehouses and turning twenty-six. The strain shows around his eyes and in his voice. As a result, he's more caustic than not, and isn't thinking in terms of people's (mainly Sena's, in this case) feelings.]

If you're still alive, call me.

I've spoken to Iris, Ken, and Alice since that--ordeal began, but that's it. I'd like to know who needs funeral arrangements made up before the week is out.

[Beat. Youji forgot to turn the Dreamberry off.]

I'm too old for this, this is not how I was expecting to spend my twenty-six--oh hell, it's still--[CLICK.]