[video]

[eastmontecarlo]

[ Hello, Fortuna! Recorded greetings from a very congenial personified special administrative region are here to greet you today. Macau is seated quite calmly in front of his communicator though if one looked closely they might notice just how perfectly centered he is in the shot and just how spotless his glasses and clothing are. He's put a lot of work into this! ]

Bom dia, Fortuna. [ Of course with the Portuguese; he can't help himself. ] I want to take the time to welcome all of our new residents and state that I can hardly await the pleasure of meeting each and every one of you in person. Please don't hesitate to ask if there's anything that you require to make your stay more comfortable.

... Thank you. [ Alright, so the end is a little flat; he should've planned that better. But it's the best he's got! And with that he'll give a slight bow before smiling and clicking off the camera. ]

Comments

[action]

[kowloon]

[ That causes him to roll over a little, bringing his pillow with him until his head lands against Macau's leg, the pant leg of which he grabs onto. Yes, this is better. Much more cozy now. ]

[action]

[eastmontecarlo]

[ Blink. Ah. Again his hand finds that child's, thumb brushing over tiny little bumps of knuckles. ]

Careful, now... Others might find that a little rude in the future. [ A pause. ] Though I don't mind, myself.

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[kowloon]

[ He doesn't know what you mean, big bro! He's not being rude, he's just being resourceful. This is clearly the best spot for taking a nap. It's nice and warm and soft here.

Though it's true that it would be considerably less acceptable if he were older... but he's not! He's quite tiny and quiet and innocent-looking. Like a little caterpillar that's going to someday turn into a beautiful butterfly....

Okay, perhaps not the best analogy. Maybe it would help if he stirred a little, kicking his feet against the cushions while trying to stretch out. ]

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[eastmontecarlo]

Oh...! Don't fall. [ Immediately an arm lowers to rest protectively over that small figure, cradling him close. The fingers of his other hand brush against that messy dark hair, so unruly even for someone so small. ]

Now I'm wondering if maybe you were up to some kind of mischief...

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[kowloon]

[ In response to that, a tiny hand reaches up to cover Macau's, tugging on one of his fingers. ] 'm not gonna fall. [ He sounds groggy from sleep and it takes awhile before he lifts his head, propping his chin up on Macau's leg. ]

Wasn't gettin' in trouble. [ His voice is even less clear now. ]

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[eastmontecarlo]

[ Oh, but he understands! Apparently he also speaks 'adorable sleepy child'. ]

Now, are you entirely sure of that, Hong Kong?

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[kowloon]

I was just sleepin'. [ Blinking a little here. He's still not fully with it. ]

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[eastmontecarlo]

And before that you were...?

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[kowloon]

[ He throws his arms out over Macau's lap, kicking his legs a little. ] I was walkin'.

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[eastmontecarlo]

[ Still he brushes through that hair, attempting to tame it a little. ]

And? Did you find anything interesting on your walk?

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[kowloon]

[ He stops kicking his feet. ] Found you.

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[eastmontecarlo]

That's right, you did. I'm very glad for that.

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[kowloon]

I wasn't doin' anything bad, promise. [ And yet he squirms around, trying to stuff something further down the front of his shirt.

Here's a hint as to what it is: his older self was asking for this exact thing earlier. ]

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[eastmontecarlo]

I didn't accuse you of anything. [ . . . ]

A guilty mind seeks to deceive quickly.

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[kowloon]

[ And rolling onto his back now, so he can put his hands on his chest and peer up at Macau. ] Everyone always tells me I'm doin' bad stuff.

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[eastmontecarlo]

[ Right in the feels. Again Macau blinks before regaining his smile. ]

Which people tell you that, Hong Kong?

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[kowloon]

People who take care of me. [ England. China.

Basically.

He starts fiddling with one of the buttons on his shirt. ] It's true.

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[eastmontecarlo]

Do you mean people like England, then?

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[kowloon]

[ He just nods while trying to tug the button up to eye level, thus disappearing behind his shirt a bit. ]

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[eastmontecarlo]

[ His casino-y heart is melting. ]

Hong Kong... Are you aware of who I am?

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[kowloon]

[ Only Hong Kong's eyes move, looking up at Macau. ] My big brother. [ He says this with 100% certainty, although it's pretty muffled by his shirt. ]

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[eastmontecarlo]

Ah, ah, ah. Not your big brother. I'm your big "bro". Can you say that?

It's something you taught me. [ Even though he doesn't say it he can't help the happiness he feels that Hong Kong recognized him so quickly. ]

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[kowloon]

Big bro? [ He clearly finds this Unusual, but he's willing to roll with his. His shirt is becoming less of a place to hide now. ] Big bro.

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[eastmontecarlo]

Exactly like that. [ Another attempt to brush back that messy hair. ]

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[kowloon]

[ Hong Kong just stares up at him like, 'I know it's a mess, but you're not going to have any more luck with that than England or China.' ] Big bro. [ He nods. Yes, he likes the sound of it. ] Where are we, big bro?