Luckily for Brain paying went off without a hitch, Pinky had his hands full with the presents until they were bagged and was thus unable to create any mayhem. The taller mouse dragged the bag behind him as he followed out of the store back onto the street. "Where does the tour start, Brain?"

Brain, carrying only the flower, looked about. Mentally, he was perusing his map. "Mm. This way, Pinky. It's the next street over."

"'Kay!" With his free hand, Pinky was petting his lei. But then he decided Brain's hand looked lonely, the one without a flower, so held onto it as they skillfully avoided getting trampled by tourists. Though having the shopping bag helped some, it brought people's attention to their presence in any case.

The added attention tempted Brain to break the contact as people were now undeniably looking at them, but the thought of Pinky wandering off kept him from pulling away. The last thing he needed was to have to search Maui for his husband. They made their way towards a building with several jeeps parked at either side of it. He gave Pinky's hand an absent squeeze, tugging him along as they crossed the street with a crowd. It was only when they were in the air-conditioned little building that Brain realized they'd forgotten to get a water bottle. Hm. He didn't think Pinky would've been able to carry it anyway, so deemed it as an acceptable slip.

Pinky sighed happily at the cool air blowing around them, promptly sitting down beside Brain. He pulled both bags onto his lap and looked over at his husband. "Will the tour come get us now?"

"No, Pinky. We still have to get into the car." Brain stroked the messy fur atop his head, looking around. "I'll inform the person at the desk that we've arrived." He dug the credit card out of their bag since he'd needed to input the information to reserve this tour. "Wait here," he instructed. As an afterthought, he placed the flower atop the bags for safe-keeping before going off.

Nodding and rocking where he sat, Pinky waved goodbye. He glanced around the inside of the building, observing the few other people who were standing around. Clearly they all preferred the air conditioning too. And the water fountain. Pinky's eyes darted back to where he'd previously just glossed over. Egad! A water fountain! They were so much fun to play in after drinking! Pushing the bags off his lap, though wary of Brain's flower, he tugged them along after him so they wouldn't get lost. After a quick inspection, he was happy to see it was the kind where you pushed the button right next to where the water came out from. It made it much easier for mice to drink. He'd have to let Brain know so he could get some water too! Leaving the bags right below it, Pinky climbed up to the basin and settled himself near the button.

Running behind, Brain thought distastefully, carrying the card back towards where he'd left Pinky. Did everything on this island run behind? Fool driver would probably run them right off the cliffs. More than likely they'd both end up - where was Pinky? Looking skyward as if it would help, Brain grumbled to himself and began scanning the area. Did "wait here" mean nothing?

Luckily, Brain was able to find the waving imbecile in short order. He'd been around his husband far too long not to be able to know at least some of his preferences. He marched up to the water fountain and shoved the credit card in their bag. "Pinky, what are you doing? I told you to wait over there."

"Oh, hi, Brain! Look, I found the water fountain," Pinky announced, pausing in his drinking to gesture to his metal perch. "I was just going to tell you about it. Troz." He pushed down on the button again and leaned forward to lap at the stream of water.

"Well, don't swim in this one. I don't want you to be all wet for the tour." Brain climbed up the side, scowling. "They're running behind."

"Behind what?" Pinky stepped away from the water, holding the button down for Brain to have a turn.

"No, Pinky, I mean the previous tours are late in returning. We have to wait a little while." He leaned forward, lapping at the water. Water fountains were so undignified, but he really had no choice in how he drank from it unless he stood directly under the spray. But he didn't want to risk getting wet either.

Pinky smiled, muffling his giggles as he watched Brain's little pink tongue. "Well, that's okay, Brain. We're in no rush. Zort."

Brow furrowing, Brain straightened and turned his gaze on his husband. They weren't in a rush, were they? He was so used to needing exact timing for his plans - not that he ever got that anyway. But now they had nothing to do after this but return to their hotel. "No, I suppose we're not." What was he supposed to complain about now?

Releasing the button, Pinky leaned against water fountain and observed Brain casually. "Why the scowly-scowl then, Brain?"

"Because... Because it's poor management, Pinky." He crossed his arms. "Others may be in a rush." Even though most of the people in this building seemed more intent on lounging about in the air conditioning, more than happy to wait. His scowl deepened only because they weren't cooperating.

"Poit." Pinky tapped a finger to his chin. "But Brain, aren't most of the people who go on tours on vacation? And isn't the point of a vacation to relax and umm... not be rushed?"

"Yes, but most humans are so used to their scheduled routines that they don't know how to live another way." Never mind that he was having that exact issue. "What does one do with unscheduled time?"

In a grand gesture, Pinky spread his arms out wide and hopped from foot to foot. "Oh, oh! I know this one! D! All of the above! Narf!" He twirled on the tips of his toes, spinning right off the water fountain to land in a heap on the floor. His laughter was enough of an indication that the fall hadn't hurt. "Oh, fun-fun silly-willy! That's the kind of things you do with free time, Brain."

Brain made his way to the edge, peering down at his husband. "Falling from high places isn't something I would recommend for most," he grumbled and climbed down to pick up his flower. He hadn't smelled it in a while. "Come, Pinky, we'll wait on a nearby bench."

"It doesn't have to be just falling down, Brain." Pinky remedied, brushing himself off and straightening his lei. "I just mean you can do whatever you want! That's what I always do." He grabbed onto the bags and began dragging them over to the bench.

"I'm well-aware of your penchant for impulsive behavior, my dear." Rolling his eyes, Brain climbed up the side of the bench, still holding onto his flower.

Pinky paused at the bottom of the bench to soak up the pet name. Oh, Brain was calling him that lots now! It was wonderful! Placing his hand over his heart a moment, he sighed happily. One bag was then tossed up, and then another, with Pinky following up the side to sit next to Brain. "Is your pendant for taking over the world, Brain?"

"Penchant, Pinky. A pendant is something one suspends on a necklace. But yes. I do have a penchant for world domination." Brain twirled his flower idly, wondering if he and Pinky were sitting too close and writing it off as him making sure the impulsive creature didn't run off again.

Being who he was, Pinky of course thought they weren't sitting close enough for husbands. He leaned over to rest his head atop Brain's, careful to make sure his hat didn't fall off. "Can you have them for more than one thing?"

"Of course, Pinky." One ear ducked automatically to make it easier for Pinky to lean against him. "A penchant is a strong inclination towards or a liking for something. You also have a penchant for dancing." And being inane and a million other things that Brain could rattle off with ease.

"Oh, good! So I can have a pennant for you too?" He beamed, reaching to take one of Brain's hands in his own.

Brain was surprised enough - he wouldn't have thought to put that on the list - to allow the hand-holding, tilting his head back. "Well... You can. Yes."

"Naaaaaarf." Pinky gave their hands a squeeze and rubbed his cheek against Brain's head. He had a really big penpant for Brain, even before they were husbands. All the other pens came second or eighth to this one.

Brain hesitated a moment before leaning back enough to rub his nose against Pinky's cheek. "I... I have a penchant for you, as well."

Giggling, Pinky nuzzled back. Oh, they must not have been in public anymore! Brain was being all cuddly again. "We have matching penguins!"

"Penchants," he corrected, reaching up his free hand to toy with the lei around Pinky's neck. "Penguins are aquatic birds."

"Oh, right. Poit." Pinky watched Brain fiddle with the flowers, warmth spreading through his chest. He was having the best time, and they still had the whole week! Just the two of them! He felt bad for a moment, but it passed quickly. Husbands were supposed to spend special time together, so it wasn't selfish to want all Brain's attention just for this week. Then everything could go back to normal, like being parents and taking over the world.

His attention was effectively stolen by several of the other waiting people walking out of the building. Poking Brain in the side, he gestured over to them. "Is it time now?"

Brain blinked, looking over. "Yes. I suppose so." Color filled his cheeks and he pulled away from Pinky to get to his feet. "Your ability to make me forget our location is baffling, Pinky."

Slinging the bags over his shoulders, Pinky grinned at his husband, taking it as a compliment. "You're welcome!" With that he hopped off the bench to head over to the door, waiting for Brain at the bottom.

Brain scowled down at him before following. "Come along then, Pinky. We're riding in one of those jeeps, so it doesn't necessarily matter where we sit. But I certainly don't want to be trapped between two gargantuans."

"Are those related to the orangutan?" Pinky asked as they walked out to stand near to curb like all the other tourists who would be joining them on their tour.

Since he'd been speaking of humans and humans had an evolutionary link to primates, he supposed, in a way, yes. "The theory of evolution would suggest as much," he mused, lips twitching slightly at his own mild joke. He took Pinky's hand so they wouldn't be separated and looked about, ears twitching as he watched humans unloading from vehicles.

Oh fun! Not only would they see a lovely, romantic sunset on the coast, but they'd also see monkeys! Pinky waved at the people getting out of the cars. "I want a window seat!" he announced, trying to get closer to one of the jeeps but was stopped by Brain's hand.

"We'll get one, Pinky. Just wait a moment." But he did make his way to the front of the crowd, studying the vehicles. It had doors, but no discernible back. There were seats, but no canopy or anything. They'd fly right out. "We'll need to sit in the front."

"Does the front have windows?" he asked, scratching a finger in his ear. He looked up at the big jeep, eyes drawn towards the back, naturally.

"It should, yes." It had doors, after all. They would probably be manual, though. Brain huffed and started tugging Pinky towards a newly emptied vehicle. The receipt he'd gotten from the person at the desk was retrieved from the bag and handed to the driver and Brain demanded they be placed in a window.

They were placed on the dashboard. Brain scowled, crossing his arms, the flower settled across his lap. As long as no sudden stops were made, the two of them should be safe enough, but it still seemed ridiculous to him.

Pinky, on the other hand, gasped in awe. "Oh, Brain! We get the biggest window ever!" He pressed his face and palms against the glass. "You can see everything from here! Well, poit, except the things you can't see. Like whatever's on the other side of that tree."

"More trees?" the grumpy megalomaniac suggested, ignoring the other tourists as they piled into the car. Since he and Pinky counted as two occupants, their jeep was certainly the roomiest compared to the rest of them. And no one was in the front except for them and the tour guide, but he was still clinging to his irritation.

Peeling himself off the window, Pinky slipped off the bags from around his shoulders to get more comfortable. He slid over to his husband, hands clasped beside his head as he leaned into him. "We'll get the best view of the sunset, Brain!"

Well... That is what he'd wanted. Brain tapped his fingertips together, pondering their situation, and gave a small nod. "Yes, we shall." And since the tour guide would need to have his attention on the road and the other tourists would be too busy swiveling their heads about, the pair of them had some semblance of privacy. With a small hum, Brain allowed himself to lean into Pinky in return.

Pinky folded his arms around Brain, tail wagging with gusto as he pressed him close. His ears twitched and he glanced up for a moment, spotting their tour guide flashing them a quick smile. Pinky beamed right back. "Hi! We're on our honeymoon!"

"So you are," the guide chuckled. "Well, congratulations."

"Thanks! Narf!" He nuzzled Brain, giggling with delight. Oh, it was so much fun to tell people! Then everyone knew they belonged to each other and that he had the best husband.

Mortified by his affectionate display, Brain buried his red face in his hands. "Pinky, your blatancy is as uncalled for as it is genuine."

"Umm... sorry, Brain. Went right over my head." Pinky bent over, trying to see Brain's reddy-red-red face despite his hands. "Do you not want people to know we're on our honeymoon?" He looked over behind them to see that the other passengers seemed to be couples as well. Boy and girl couples, but still, that didn't really matter.

"No, Pinky, I don't mind if people are aware." He would just prefer if such intimate information wasn't announced for all the world to hear. His relationship with Pinky was private business.

Pinky rubbed the back of Brain's neck. "Then why are you all red-faced and hiding?"

Eyes rolling, Brain dropped his hands and looked up. "Because it's private. However, I realize that you aren't necessarily discerning to what is and isn't displayed in public, and announcing the status of our... relationship is the least objectionable of the things you do."

Bumping their noses together, Pinky tried very hard not to go cross-eyed as he mulled this over. "Does that mean it's okay?"

"Yes, Pinky, it means it's okay." He reached out, holding onto Pinky as the car started moving to keep himself from sliding along the dashboard.

The taller mouse maneuvered so that he sat behind Brain, wrapping his arms around his middle and settling his chin on his head. "I'll be your seat belt! Narf!" It was nice how perfectly he fit in his arms, and his chubby-round head made for a great pillow!

Brain rested his hands on Pinky's arms with a quiet sigh. "Alright." It was better than trying to keep himself balanced and he secretly enjoyed leaning back against his lover.

Pinky placed a kiss right behind his ear, then settled to watch the big window. They were pulling off the main street and heading for the coast and rural roads of Maui. Everything looked so happy! From the greeny-green plants to the orangey-orange sky. And puffy white marshmallow fluff clouds! It made Pinky want to take up painting skies again. There were still some blue streaks left up there, along with some pinks and yellows. "The sky has the colors of our eyes in it, Brain," he told him with a quiet laugh.

"It does," Brain agreed, slowly relaxing enough to snuggle back. Drives were fairly pleasant when he wasn't behind the wheel, he realized, deciding then that he and Pinky would have one of those round-the-clock chauffeurs once he took over the world. Mm. Perhaps he could use tours like this as a scheme when they returned home, take groups through a vision of the world as run by him. Tourists were susceptible to such propaganda; they would tell their relatives and he'd amass a following in no time at all. Pleased with the idea, he tilted his head back and brushed a kiss to the underside of Pinky's chin.

He giggled shyly and ducked his head, touching their noses together instead. Oh, Brain's eyes were even prettier than the sky. Not that he'd tell the sky that, he wouldn't want to hurt its feelings. Pinky kissed him briefly, keeping it short in case Brain got all embarrassed again, even if it was cute.

Brain did blush a little bit, but his only complaint was a small utterance of his partner's name before he turned his gaze out the window again. They were virtually alone, after all, with only the tour guide's very obviously rehearsed speech in the mouse's ear to remind him otherwise. The oohs and aahs of the couples in back were ignored fairly easily as Brain did have very selective hearing when he wanted it. And snuggled warmly against Pinky with the day fading, he wanted it.

Tail thwapping against the dashboard, Pinky watched as the coastline came into view, with the cliffs and trees and sand way far down. It was so lovely, and cuddling with Brain made it even more lovely! Except, being Pinky, he couldn't keep his attention focused for very long so he tried to play "I Spy" with himself again. When that didn't work, he played a new game, "Try to Figure Out What Brain is Looking at Without Asking Him". That kept him entertained for a good amount of time, and he still got see all the lovely sights!

"You're frightfully quiet, Pinky." Brain gave the arms around him a pat, having to admit that the dashboard was giving them a much better vantage point than the passenger window would have. It was surprisingly beautiful, the way volcanoes and mountains rose into the multi-colored sky. "Dare I ask what you're pondering?"

"What you're pondering!" Pinky giggled, burying his face in the fur atop Brain's head before leaning over to look at him upside down. "Zort. I made a new game."

"What new game?" he wondered, vaguely certain he was going to regret asking. But he shifted forward a little to touch their noses together, unsure as to why he enjoyed that simple gesture so much.

Blue eyes gleamed playfully, wiggling a little simply because he couldn't help it, sitting still for so long. His leg rubbed against Brain's and his arms tightened only a bit to convey a hug. "I'm trying to guess what you're looking at without asking you! It's fun-fun silly-willy!"

"Ah." The megalomaniac lifted a brow, eyes on Pinky's. "What am I looking at now?"

"Oh, well, I don't know. You're not looking outside, you're- Narf! Oh! You're looking at me!" He rubbed their noses together as he laughed, cheeks dusted with pink.

Moron. Brain kept the barb to himself, fond though it was, and allowed himself a minute smile. "You win," he murmured, trying to keep the romantic notion of Pinky's eyes being lovelier than the sky tucked away.

However impossible it may have seemed, Pinky's smile grew brighter. "What do I win, Brain?"

The smaller of the two gave a slight shrug. "What would you like?"

"A hug." Pinky nodded decisively, tail swishing in agreement. "Please. Poit."

Brain rolled his eyes, bumping their noses. "You're already giving me a hug, technically."

"I know." Pinky shook his head slowly, keeping the contact. "But I want to get a hug." He gave lots of hugs, and that was fun and he loved doing it, but he didn't really get many.

"Oh." The other occupants of the vehicle seemed rather loud suddenly as Brain's eyes darted side to side, anywhere but at Pinky. "I suppose you could win that." He finally turned his gaze back to Pinky's. "Now?"

He unwound his arms from Brain's waist and clasped his hands together up by his cheek. About to nod, his eyes took note of the nervous way his husband looked about. He wasn't comfortable, he could tell that much. Pinky played tug of war with himself, torn between now or later. Now or later? He lowered his arms, settling them back around Brain to be his seat belt. Shaking his head again, he smiled hopefully at him. "It can be later. As long as you don't forget."

Brain fidgeted slightly. It wouldn't really be a matter of him forgetting, but of Pinky. And it was far more likely that his husband would forget, making it entirely too easy for Brain to get away with never awarding him a simple hug. Besides, he could could see entirely too well just how much he wanted it, so he scowled and shook his head. "No, Pinky, you won. You deserve your reward now." Brain wriggled out of his grasp to get to his feet, brushing himself off and giving Pinky an unreadable look before pressing close, winding his arms tightly around his affectionate partner.

His heart started racing and he took a moment just to feel warm and fluttery before returning the embrace. Blue eyes slipped shut and he inhaled deeply, his tail wagging steadily behind him. "Brain..." he sighed into his shoulder. "Narf."

Brain removed his silly hat to better nuzzle the top of his head, pressing light kisses along the curve of one of his ears when they automatically perked, and dropped the hat in favor of stroking his back. He'd been planning on a quick squeeze and stepping away, but Pinky's reaction to a simple hug had effectively changed his mind.

Pinky giggled into Brain's neck, the fluttery butterfly feelings needing some kind of escape. He soaked up the attention, ear twitching at the touch, and rubbed his husband's back to return some of the affection. "I love you," he murmured.

His grip tightened briefly and he pressed closer. "You too," he whispered, too low to be heard had his lips not already been at Pinky's ear.

Oh, Brain's hugs were absolutely glorious. He could stay wrapped in one forever with those gentle whispers tickling his ear. Well, not forever, because he'd miss looking into Brain's face, but almost forever. Pinky kissed his neck before snuggling deeper.

Sighing quietly, Brain rested his cheek atop Pinky's head. He could be almost unbearably precious at times. He'd only wanted a hug. Soon enough, though, he pulled back and touched their noses together again, rubbing gently. "Was that a satisfactory award?" he murmured.

He nodded, practically glowing and rubbing back. "Oh, yes, Brain. The best ever!"

Color filled his cheeks, but he was glad nonetheless. "Being that it wasn't as exuberant as your normal hugs, I'm pleased."

"That's because my hugs are Pinky Hugs! Very much different from Brain Hugs," Pinky informed him, kissing one of his blushy cheeks.

The kiss just made the blush deepen and it was difficult not to move in for another hug to hide the color. "Yes. Very different," he agreed and picked up his hat to fit it back onto his head, smoothing his ears down first.

"But still very happy!" He threw his arms out wide as if to convey just how happy. "Thank you, Brain!"

"You're welcome, Pinky." Brain hesitated a moment before placing a kiss on the tip of his nose and sat down, snuggling up to him again. He let out a small, surprised gasp when he looked out the window again. They were facing the water now, the sun just dipping below the horizon. It was beautiful. Caught by it, Brain sought out Pinky's hands, lacing their fingers together.

"Naaaaaaaarf," Pinky exhaled, eyes widening as if it would help him take in more of the beautiful view. He gave Brain's hand a squeeze, while his other arm wound around his waist to become his seat belt again. The sun was taking a bath in the ocean before it went to bed, leaving behind a bunch of sparkly diamonds in the water.

One of Brain's uncomfortable grins broke across his face, so he quickly lifted Pinky's hand to his lips, brushing them against his knuckles. It was true, then. Maui had one of the loveliest sunsets. Brain leaned back against his husband, flicked his gaze up and tried very hard to keep the sheer rush of pleasure out of his eyes. "It's beautiful," he murmured.

"Just like you," Pinky replied softly, wonder filling his voice. Because he was. He could see the little signs of Brain's pleasure, of his happiness, and Pinky wished those eyes would sparkle like that so much more. He kissed his forehead, keeping his gaze on his husband for a moment longer before looking back at the sunset. "It feels like it's just for us, doesn't it, Brain?"

He looked back at the sunset, chest tightening at the compliment if only because he knew Pinky meant it. Precious, he thought again and turned his head so he could rub his cheek against his husband's chest, keeping one eye skyward. "It does. It really does, my dear."

Pinky cuddled him close while they watched the sea and sky. The rest of the jeep seemed to be overcome by silence too, or the mice just couldn't hear them. In their own bubble on the dash. It was a little sad when the golden orb finally disappeared into the water, but it faded as the first of the stars winked among the swirls of purple, blue, and pink. "The sky is magic, Brain," Pinky decided, nuzzling his husband.

"As ridiculous as that notion is, Pinky, it feels very possible at this moment." Brain looked up, reaching a hand up to Pinky's neck to pull him down so their lips could meet.

He met him eagerly, pulling Brain up so he rested on his lap more so than the dashboard. Once he broke the kiss, Pinky touched their foreheads together and watched his lover's eyes darken in the fading light, their own stars coming out to light them up. A rush of pure unfiltered love coursed through him, starting from where their hands rested together. He was so happy that he could be wherever Brain was; he never wanted to be anywhere else.

"Pinky," he murmured, breaking the contact of their hands so he could cup his lover's cheeks. "There are times when you're gorgeous." And this was certainly one of those times. His eyes were such a deep, beautiful shade and they always had their own special sparkle in them. But even that seemed amplified just then. In an effort to get even closer in spite of their silly shirts, Brain lifted to his knees and straddled his lap. "Right now, you're gorgeous." In that foolish hat and ugly shirt.

The words in combination with the hands on his cheeks made his face warm and tingly, a bashful smile playing at his lips. He wanted to squirm with delight and embarrassment, just because it was so sweet, but he didn't want to dislodge Brain, craving the closeness. He batted his lashes at him instead, resting his hands on his hips. "You are too, Brain. You're brilliant." And he meant it in the way the stars were brilliant, lighting up and shining brightly. Brain was a star, a star that would make the world a better place with all its shininess. He knew it; he'd already made his world a better place. Pinky stroked up and down Brain's back, humming quiet nonsense.

Brain nuzzled him gently, giving him another hug and burying his face in the taller mouse's neck. "Thank you, Pinky," he whispered, the other words he wanted to say getting caught in his throat. But he felt them, so nuzzled again, pressing a warm kiss to his neck, and hoped Pinky would understand without the words.

Pinky did. He heard it in all of Brain's silences and felt it in all of his touches. Even the bops. And Brain was hugging him again! Without even being asked, oh, it was so lovely. "I love you, I love you," he rested his cheek right near Brain's ear, pressing his own kiss to it. He'd say it for both of them, because if he didn't say it then he'd surely burst from all the love inside. Suddenly, he couldn't wait to get back to the hotel so he could show him how much love was there.

"Oh, Pinky," Brain whispered, quivering. He understood. Only Pinky would understand. His heart swelled almost painfully and he began to rock, just needing to move with him in the comforting manner so he could contain himself. "How on earth do you make me feel so much?" he whispered. And why wasn't this car going faster so they could get back to the hotel? He wanted to be alone with his husband so he could release some of these overwhelming emotions.

"I don't know, love. I don't mean to. Poit." Pinky rubbed his back in soothing circles, wishing he could feel the fur beneath the shirt, even though it was a lovely shirt. He wanted to rock back too, but knew if he did he wouldn't be able to stop. So he hummed in Brain's ear and held a little tighter.

Brain made himself still, sighing quietly. He gave Pinky a last nuzzle before adjusting himself so he was sitting between his legs again, with his back snuggled against Pinky's front. "Just enjoy the remainder of the ride, my dear."

"'Kay." Pinky clasped his hands together across Brain's lap. He nestled his chin atop Brain's head and admired the view from their giant window. "When you take over the world and we live in our giant bouncy bubble boat castle, can we have a huuuuge window like this one to watch all the sunsets from?"

"Pinky, we can create an entire room just to watch sunsets." He rested his hands over Pinky's, smiling slightly. There were more stars here than what he could see at the lab.

"Naaaaaaaarf." Egad, an entire room! "Oh, that would be lovely, Brain!" He was really looking forward to building and decorating their future home, it would be the most fun-fun silly-willy place ever! "It can go right next to the gummy bear hall. Or the libraries. Troz. I'm not sure yet."

"Pinky, it'll go in the optimal location for sunsets. What it's beside doesn't-" He blinked, looked up. "Libraries?" That was truly the most sensible suggestion he'd heard yet on their future castle.

Nodding, he looked down to meet his husband's gaze. "Oh, yes, Brain. One for all your big wordy-word books and one for my comic books! Zort."

He reached up and gave his cheek a pat. "Our sunset room can be in the middle of those two, then." And he'd have to make sure that they had a clear view. No buildings or any other thing in the way.

"Sounds wonderful!" Pinky approved, nuzzling the hand by his cheek. He knew Brain would take over the world someday, and he was excited for it, but in no rush. He loved their tomorrow nights, even if they all ended in failures. It was his special time with Brain and it was routine, it was what they always did together. He didn't mind that none of the plans ever worked because he still got to be with him; he only really wanted them to succeed one day because it would make Brain very happy. And that was what mattered most.

"It does sound wonderful, Pinky." Brain's chest puffed out confidently. "And it will be just as soon as we manage to take over the world!" Just that day he'd had plenty of ideas. The conqueror's block he'd been suffering thankfully seemed behind him.

"Hoorah! Narf!" Pinky hugged him tightly, rocking them side to side. "I believe in you, Brain!" The glimmer of lights in the windshield alerted him to their steady approach back to town. "More pretty sparklies!"

Brain knew very well that Pinky had faith in him. It was one of the reasons why they were married, really. Pinky had enough confidence in him to stay through every foiled scheme and keep him going. He turned with a quiet sigh, rubbing his cheek against his husband's chest, and turned his mind ahead. "We'll have them call for a cab at the front desk that'll take us back to our room."

"Right, Brain. Then we can call Cici and sister dear and have dinner on a bed and-" he paused to lower his voice, tail wagging in anticipation. "-love things?"

Brain's cheeks tinted, but his eyes darkened, deepened. He still wanted to get Pinky into that bikini and then, more importantly, out of it. His lips curved into a smirk. "Yes."

Pinky combined a shiver and wiggle into one, delighted with Brain's willingness to agree. Quietly cheering, he nipped Brain's ear playfully and giggled. The jeep pulled up beside the curb, coming to a rather abrupt halt that had the mice toppling forward, Pinky landing on top of Brain. "Oof. Zort."

With a scowl, Brain pushed Pinky off of him and got to his feet, brushing himself off and glaring at the driver. "With that unfortunate instance, I suppose we've arrived."

"Hooray!" Leaping up, Pinky dashed over to collect their bags, securing them around his shoulders once more. "Thank you!" he called out sincerely to the tour guide.

Brain looked from Pinky to the guide and sighed heavily. "Hold on, Pinky. We need to give him a tip," he grumbled and stood on his toes to unzip and dig through the bag for a couple of small bills. He handed them over with a small huff and retrieved his flower without waiting for an acknowledgement. "Come, Pinky."

"Right, Brain!" Waving goodbye to their driver, he followed the shorter mouse down out of the Jeep. Pinky skipped over to the door of the tour company and held it open for Brain, ready to get their cab and head back. It had been a very busy day, and he'd loved every minute of it! Well, except when they'd been fighting, but that was so quick, it hardly put a damper on his day. But a nice day at the beach sounded like a good reprieve from all the activity today.

Brain strolled inside, giving Pinky a brief pat in thanks for the door, and blew out a comforted breath as the air conditioning surrounded him. One thing he could very easily live without was all this heat. His flower was going to start wilting at this rate. He twirled it beneath his nose, pointing to the bench they'd waited on before. "Sit there, Pinky. And don't move this time."

"'Kay!" Obediently, Pinky walked over to the bench and climbed atop it to wait for his husband. Petting the lei, he watched Brain approach the front desk to speak with the person there.

B'aww :heart:

I've just loved these past few chapters

So romantic and grumpy and adorable

But I really think this one might be my favorite. Brain fawning over his flower; the adorable drive.

The sweet hug! And now the anticipation of more love things :D