There was a pause.
"How are you doing?" he asked.
I wiped tears from my eyes. "I'm fine, but none of that matters. I don't want to talk about anything else until you are back and I can hold you and see all of you and truly know you're safe."
My hands were shaking.
“Okay.” Then, he groaned in disgust and spoke, “I’m sorry. Hiro wants to talk to you too and he won’t fucking leave me alone about it."
“That’s okay. Let me talk to him.”
There was a shuffle on the other side, a few curses from Kenji, and then Hiro's voice came through. "Hey, sis."
I felt a small smile pull at my lips despite everything, but it never fully formed on my face. "Hey."
"Just wanted to let you know I'm okay."
"Yes." I sniffled. "I heard."
"Yeah. But I thought it was important that you hearmyvoice and I hearyourvoice."
Then, I finally smiled. “Well. . .that makes sense.”
"Your blood kept us safe.”
My throat tightened.
“I'm sorry about Hiroko. We did our best to keep her safe."
“I believe you.”
"But, you know, we'll say our goodbyes together."
"Okay," I whispered.
"So. . .due to the circumstances. . .”
I quirked my brows.
“No need for the Claws’ cocktail party tonight. We can do that tomorrow."
I let out a sad laugh. "Yeah, Hiro. Because that's what I was worried about."
"Just in case. I know you're excited about it just as much as we are, but tonight we must have respect for those that fell today. And the Claws need to heal."
"Yes."
"I love you, Nyomi."
"I love you too, Hiro."
There was another shuffle, and then Kenji was back on the line. “Tora?”
“Yes, baby.” I leaned against the wall. "Please be safe and get back here."
"I will, Tora. I love you."
"I love you," I whispered.
