[ It's new, that odd, wounded note in his voice. She hadn't ever heard it from him before they'd properly looked at each other but now it leaks out of him sometimes and she wonders if she's supposed to hear it. For a long moment, Ai doesn't say anything at all but then her voice unfurls into a fond sigh and she tips her head to rest it against the side of his neck. ]

It's a good thing, too. It's not like I could go back for a redo now that I'm like this. Aah, I'll never be able to wear a swimsuit again...

[ She's playing with him, but gently. If only to ease that unfamiliar waver to his voice. ]

I'm gonna have to stay home and laze around enjoying the air conditioning and eating ice cream. Maybe next summer I'll be able to wear something cute. So long as you behave.

[ She says it so casually but you really can't take the words next summer as anything but a tentative promise.

For all that she insists she can't keep them for him, she can't quite stop making promises. ]