[Activities to surprise him, huh? Knowing Richard, the possibilities are bottomless, from something most people would consider normal to something totally goofy that absolutely no one could've seen coming. And that really does make it a surprise! He only wishes they could have taken this journey a long time ago. If their schedules weren't so hectic all the time, if events had played out a little differently... Is it bad to think that way?]

[Asbel smiles, even if his face is still a bit pink in the dark with his hand tucked against the base of his neck, and it's with total light-hearted confidence that he says:]

Me too. Besides, I know you can do it.

[Surprise him, that is. With Asbel, success is pretty much assured.]

[Uh, but about the contest...]

Actually? It was a fashion contest... They were judging to see who had the best swimsuit.

[Probably not what Richard expected to hear. Or anyone else for that matter.]