stardustly | open scenes post

[ What Kai's saying causes a lot of thoughts to rise in Dash's mind. Where he had been momentarily watching with a certain, growing happiness at Kai's reaction to him wearing the ring, then Kai putting his own ring on his finger, he now feels like his brain's filling with thoughts faster than he can keep up. They're going to start pouring out of his head any moment. ]

You can ask! Of course you can ask. [ He offers a reassuring smile. ] I'm just realizing though... I mean, I didn't know who I was until recently. So I may not be able to answer all your questions. You might know more about who I am than I do.

My mother's a goddess. She used to rule over the godly realm. [ He shrugs helplessly, like he's saying 'no biggie.' He really doesn't know how else to handle delivering that piece of info, to be honest. ]

Are you- is this going to be hard on you? I'll do anything I can to help. [ He scoots a little closer to Kai, perhaps without even realizing he's done so. ] Oh, and can you tell me more about this bond? [ The words don't sound uneasy, but they don't have the same note of curiosity as before. Dash is treating this seriously. He holds out his hand for Kai to take, if he'd like. ] What does it involve?

When you say we can't be apart... [ Dash thinks he understands, even without feeling what it is Kai says he'll soon feel. He thinks he understands. But it would be good to have that confirmation, he thinks. Just to be sure they're both on the same page.

It sounds like they'll need to be there as much as possible, as long as possible. The way Kai talks, their chance encounter may've been even more significant than Dash could've realized. ] I'm sorry for all the questions. I want to do the right thing though, I really do.

[ The multitude of questions were expected, especially with all the newness of the situation. Not many knew of bonds and what they actually entailed but luckily Kai paid attention with all the lessons. Poseidon would be pleased at least someone heeded the warnings and knew of the signs to look for.

Listening carefully to his new husband, his eyes widened for a bit at the revelation. Oh wow. The godly realm existed above even Zeus! But just below the cosmic guardians. A kind of check and balance to all the supernatural and magic existences. So, yes, he did know of it. ]

The godly realm is .... really powerful and not too often one from there ....is here. [ On the ground he meant in their current realm of existence. The godly realm tended to just oversee and watch to keep everything in check. ] You - must have abilities? Uh - immortality too. Have you wondered why you've never gotten sick? [ Sicknesses never influenced him either except for sea based ones but they were very rare.

Reaching back to clasp Dash's hand, he kept a smile on his face. ]

We'll work this out, never fear. The guardians are cosmic and exist above even your realm. They command all things. The other - they hunt and eliminate. Destined pairs are rare like I said and we'll have a tether nothing can break.

[ He gave a squeeze of Dash's hand as if to reassure him. ]

With the bonding, we'll be able to feel what one another feels and can inspire emotions too. We can communicate telepathically and can share each other's dreams. Uh - we can share abilities and stabilize what we have for one another.

[ Probably a lot to take in and he wished he could reveal it all slower and more gentle but they needed to figure it all out. ]

You'll start by smelling the ocean, feel the sea in your bones. You'll want to be closer. As close as possible to me and as things are clicking in and forming, we won't want to be apart.

[ Dash puffs out his cheeks a little as he concentrates on what Kai is saying, nodding here and there to show he's still following along. Though...

It's a lot. He's done well to keep up as long as he has, but there's definitely a lot to take in. Not so much that he's feeling like he needs to run away or so overpowering that he's upset, but it's still quite a bit to process. It feels better when Kai takes his hand and squeezes it. Actually, it feels a lot better. So much so that he exhales heavily and subconsciously tugs Kai's hand a little closer.

He already finds it a little comforting to have Kai's presence here. No doubt he'll become more conscious of this soon. ] This... this probably sounds selfish, but it sounds nice to have that kind of bond with someone.

It's a little intimidating though. Not bad! I just hope I'll be a good match for you. [ Here, his brow furrows and he frowns a little, as if in thought. ] You know a lot about the world, or worlds, we come from and I don't. I don't want to drag you down or anything.

I know I have some abilities, but I don't really understand them yet. And I know I'm immortal. Um, we may learn some of it together! About what I am. [ This causes him to laugh a little, nervously. ] It's okay, it's okay, [ he says right away, to reassure. ]

We'll take it one step at a time? [ A pause, while he looks as though he's thinking again. This goes on for just a bit while he mentally reviews a few things. ] Uh, so what is the first step? I guess if I feel... if I feel those things you said, that's a sign, but a sign of what?

What do we do when we feel like that? [ Kai said they won't want to be apart, but. ] Where do we go exactly?

[ The puffed out cheeks, how absolutely adorable and Kai nearly awed out loud but managed to swallow down the urge just in time. Who knew how Dash might react and they did have more important things to focus on at the moment. Later he could inform Dash how cute he found him and the sweetness he sensed from him.

Squeezing his hand again, he gave a nod of his head. ]

One perk of having an obsessive mother I guess as to why I know so much. [ The queen knew of the dangers, especially against the sea and how many wanted to destroy them. Arming Kai with as much information as possible helped at least give him a somewhat advantage. ]

I'm glad you think it's nice. Not many like the thought of being so bound to someone. Sometimes not knowing where one begins and the other ends.

It's okay you don't know everything and you won't bring me down. We can learn together. [ There were too many details to know everything, after all, and Kai enjoyed learning all he could. Not just for advantages either. ]

The first step. Well. We'll probably want to ...you know. [ His free hand swished between their bodies a few times as if it explained the rest of his words. Sex, he meant, the ultimate bonding and connecting between two people. ]

After that....learning about each other, seeing how our bond will work and you not getting overwhelmed by the sea inside of you. It can ....feel like drowning if you don't learn to control the urges and needs of it. I'll have to grasp yours. How we communicate. Just ...the entirety of the bond. It needs to be balanced for us to stand being apart.

[ A quick exhale from all of that explanation and a soft frown. ]

[ Kai's not the only one making a list of to-do items for later. There's so many things in his head that he couldn't possibly address them all in one conversation. Better to try and catalog as many as possible for a time when they, well, when they have more time. Some things can wait and some can't. He'll try to keep his focus on the things that are the most pressing and immediate for now.

Just for now.

He draws Kai's hand a little closer still, enveloping it in both of his own. ] I'd like to hear more about her, about your home... all of it. If it's okay. I mean, it doesn't have to be now! You know, whenever we're ready.

But I would like to... know you, you know? [ You just said "you know" multiple times there, Dash. ]

I feel like we'll do better together than apart. Maybe I already feel a little comfort from that? I don't know if that's a sign that we're bonding or if it's something else, maybe it's both. All I know is, I feel better now somehow. [ Dash chews on his lip for a second, mouth falling open at Kai's gesturing. ]

Oh, you mean...? [ He inclines his head in the direction of his open bedroom door. ] Well, I'll be honest, I wouldn't usually do that so soon, but...

But it doesn't feel too soon. Um, do you want to stay the night here? We could order food and- [ "You know." ] And talk after, right?

Figure things out. [ Saying it like that makes a thing that's almost certainly not simple sound awfully straightforward. Even if it's as easy as it can possibly be, getting to know someone that well is still a huge thing. There's a lot to take in and process. Dash doesn't know how intense it might be to experience the power Kai is talking about, but it definitely doesn't sound easy. ] What do you think?

Or, is there somewhere else...

[ While Kai might know plenty about species, beings and magic, there were so many missing spaces in his knowledge about bonding and destined pairs. No one in the courts deemed it too important for him to dwell on before because they never believed it would happen.

Did fate sure have other plans.

A slow smile filled his face and he gazed at his hand within Dash's for a moment. His husband. How long would it take for him to wrap his head around it? Hopefully the excitement would last awhile and the giddy status. ]

I'll tell you anything you want to know! I don't believe in secrets and the sea is fascinating. The kingdom is so vast and our deity is ....interesting. [ If you didn't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all. ] I'd love to hear about your family and life growing up.

[ Better together; what a beautiful thought and one he planned to hold onto for quite sometime. ] If you feel more at ease, it's the bond clicking in. It'll be warmth and like floating at first before it gets intense and ....

[ Yes, the 'you know'. Please, don't let him blush too hotly because how silly and he wanted to look like he knew of things! He might not intimately but still yet.

Food and talking sounded nice and he nodded his head. ]

I'd like that. We have so much to learn and bond in an emotional way! Maybe we can stay up all night talking and eating after the other things. [ A soft smile filled his face at all the possibilities. ] Thank you for accepting me.... I'm not used to it. I've never been a typical selkie and ..you're so nice and wonderful. I'm already lucky.

We might be able to order food now unless you're feeling warmer already?

[ Dash doesn't know what's going to happen. He's been in that state awhile, honestly. His life's gotten pretty topsy turvy and this is just the latest of many developments that have led him off the path he would've thought he'd be on for the rest of his life.

Strangely, it doesn't make him anxious. Even before meeting Kai, that is. He's not upset or flustered the way he might've expected to be. If this is what's supposed to happen, then he's okay with that. He already likes Kai and he feels like there's something welling up inside him that's going to help them get even closer.

Taking a breath, he nods and lays Kai's hand on his knee, idly patting and stroking it as he talks. ] Well, let's see- I think we should try and wait to talk. It might be easier when we have our heads a little more clear? [ Dash hasn't been around magic much, but he can sort of sense that warm blanket of its presence descending on himself and Kai. ]

But we should try to eat if we can, even something little. I have some stuff here! And we could order food later? We might need energy, right? [ Somehow he guesses as much, anyway. And there's something in him that badly wants to take care of Kai. Leaning over, he uses one hand to very lightly touch the other's cheek. It causes a spike of something hot and electric to go through him, but he tries to swallow that back. Just a bit longer. He wants to focus. ]

Oh! And, Kai... you don't have to thank me for anything.

I think I'm the lucky one. [ Already, he has that sense. Canting his head to the side, Dash smiles a shy sort of smile. It's a kind expression. ]

Let's go at our pace. [ His thumb trails very softly over Kai's cheekbone before he withdraws his hand, not wanting to make that prolonged contact more intense than it needs to be. He hopes they can focus long enough to eat.

This feeling inside him is sort of like sitting on a ledge, slowly tilting forward. He's going to fall before too long, but he doesn't want that to happen any sooner than it must. Not because he's scared of what happens when it does, but...

He wants Kai to be comfortable. If they're going to fall, they can fall together, supporting one another. Dash doesn't know much, but he does know that doing that, being with Kai, that feels right. ]

[ Yes, it might be easier to talk when they are able to actually focus on words and not whatever the bond kept snapping into place. He knew some of the impacts of what might happen but not everything because each tether tended to be unique. Some were more intense than others and he had a feeling theirs would be very intense. Something akin to plunging in a deep pool of water but in a pleasant way. In a perfect content way.

They needed to try and eat, though, and he nodded to agree with Dash. ]

We should try and eat now. Talking can happen - later on.

[ Only a faint blush stained his cheeks at the insinuation and he tried really hard to not giggle about it. A kind of giddy rush to mingle with all the anticipation. ]

How about we say we're both lucky and I can't wait to start a life with you. [ Leaning into each touch, he lifted his hand to brush over Dash's jawline, a slight hitch in his breathing from the action. Okay, no, not yet. ] Food. We should - [ He dropped his hand and tried to get up. Breathe in and out. ]

What are you in the mood for? [ Did he ever know what he was in the mood for. ]

[ When Kai reacts like that, it's all Dash can do not to hug him. Kai is so cute to him. And he somehow seems to represent a warmth that Dash's life has been sorely lacking. He's eager to get closer, but a little scared to rush too quickly. Tumbling headlong into this bond of theirs sounds like it could be dangerous.

If only because he's already feeling so many things. Adding more suddenly would be like dunking your head in ice water. It might be pleasantly bracing, but it could also be a big shock.

So, caution. For now. ]

We'll start our life together right now. With a meal! [ Dash lays his hand over Kai's. That's not too overwhelming a touch, right? He hopes. Dash is still able to focus, but he keeps an eye on Kai just in case it's proving too distracting for him. ] That's a good way to begin any relationship, I think. Food is a great way to bond!

I like almost anything. Um... do you like pizza? [ He glances over his shoulder for a second, looking in the direction of the kitchen. On one counter, there's a neat stack of papers.

Takeout menus, to be precise.

Yes, Kai. Your future spouse is one of those. ] I'd say we could make something, but my fridge is sort of... bare. [ Oopsie. ] I usually get too wrapped up in work to cook things when I get home.

Edited (html struggles) 2018-07-03 03:52 (UTC)

[ The finding one another adorable status went both ways and Kai kept feeling his heart clenching in his chest while a fluttering of butterflies erupted in his stomach. Something he never thought happened outside of films and romantic novels! No one ever literally swooned in real life or so he believed until Dash smiled and touched him. Pure swooning ability right there and he might blush for the first two weeks of their bond in a near constant kind of way. ]

Starting our life together with a meal sounds perfect. [ See? Absolutely adorable. Clutching onto Dash's hand, he tried to bring them both over to the neat stack of menus. Yes, he caught where you were looking, husband. ]

I do love pizza! Just about any kind except I don't eat anything tied to the sea. [ Actually, he didn't really eat meat in general because of his whole talking to animals ability. Most never knew he did substitutes when he cooked. ]

What's your favorite kind? I can cook, by the way. We can go shopping ....if you want and I can make some things! Food prep is very important.

[ Swooning for real is a definite risk here, yes. Dash feels it also, like a little jolt of electricity to his chest. Or that feeling you get when you move from a warm room into a blizzard, but much less uncomfortable. It's a breath that you take and then hold, only to let it out in a rush.

It's a lot of different feelings. All of them good, though some are still sort of confusing. He follows Kai hand-in-hand, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him once they arrive at Castle Takeout.

Sorry again to all food lovers out there.

When they touch, there's a moment where a little shudder runs through Dash and he almost forgets about food. Almost. ]

So no crab or anchovy? [ Dash makes a note. ] I guess my favorite is probably extra extra extra cheese. I really like cheese...

Oh, and- I might leave it to you then, because I'm seriously a disaster in the kitchen. [ He chuckles lightly, scratching at the back of his head with his free hand. ] I'll do all the other chores! I'll wash dishes! [ He hangs his head a little, though he's smiling at the same time. ] Promise I'll pull my own weight, really. Let's go shopping soon, okay?

I'll push the cart!

Edited 2018-07-17 16:17 (UTC)

[ With each touch being better than the last, Kai wanted to keep each bit of contact and keep adding more to it all. He wanted more overall but knew he needed to focus. Just a little difficult with the heat and the growing need to be close to Dash and protect him. A bond thing, maybe? He wondered if the water had taken over Dash yet or the heat. Something akin to sinking into a warm bath.

Blissful. Addicting.

The menus almost blurred together but he fought to pay attention and focus. Food. They needed to order food. The cheese comment made it through the haze and a smile spread quickly across his face. ] I like cheese! It hasn't been once alive in the ocean. [ So no, Dash, never any crab or anchovies. ]

You can be official dish washer. I don't mind helping with other chores. Maybe I can show you a few things in the kitchen. I help teach my cousins! [ He reached out to cup Dash's cheek for a moment. ] How about I order and you set up?

[ They might need a little room to breathe for a moment. ]

[ Even as Kai is talking, Dash feels himself leaning closer, wanting Kai to touch him or keep talking to him or-

He's not sure what. But more. More of Kai. That's what his brain is saying. It's starting to be a little cloudy. Fuzzy? Hazy. That's what it's like. Hazy like the steam rising off a nice, warm bath. So perhaps the sea is reaching for him. That warm feeling grows more prominent when Kai touches his cheek and he almost whimpers.

Almost. It's a tiny sound. Half a whimper. He laughs breathlessly and nervously, putting a hand over his mouth as he nods. ] Okay, I can do that, [ he says from behind his hand.

He lowers it and repeats the words. ]

So nothing that lived in the ocean, [ he muses as he moves toward the kitchen.

With some reluctance, that is. He's not thrilled about moving away from Kai. ] I'd love to be tutored by you! Maybe I can become a little more decent in the kitchen. [ He laughs a slightly self-deprecating laugh. ] Maybe thin out the takeout menu collection a tiny bit?

[ Ha. Haha. Ha.

Don't get between a man and his takeout menus.

Unless it's with home cooking, probably. Yeah. Dash does love to eat. He's going to try and think about that, instead of how his body seems to be heating up. ]

[ With being more in tune overall, Kai heard the whimper clear as day, sending shivers up and down his spine. Okay, bonding cautionary tales weren't a silly thing at all, were they? A bond could be a very intense thing and create an overwhelming need for the other person. Not something to take lightly at all but he needed to be the one to keep them both anchored. Dash not being of the sea altered things somewhat but he would need to see how.

They would both see how.

Lips pressing together, he grabbed for a pizza place menu and his phone. His fingers trembling a little made it difficult to dial but he managed. With the order, he placed it for three pizzas, some wings, salad and noodles. Dash remarked before he lacked food and who knew how long they might need to be close to each other. ]

How possessive of a person would you say you are? [ Casual conversation right there. ]

I can show you some things tomorrow maybe or after that.

[ Dash putters around in the kitchen while Kai is on the phone, accomplishing far less in the time he has available than he would've on a normal day. He's so distracted. By the thought of Kai close by, by the sound of his voice, by this feeling that he can't quite put a finger on, much less name.

It's confusing, but not in a way that makes it also feel alarming. Dash is not exactly calm, but he does feel peaceful in a certain sense. He breathes out, carrying some dishware into the dining area. Glasses, plates, everything they'll need for the food Kai's ordered.

He turns away from the table when he hears Kai addressing him. The question sort of throws him off, though not so much that he can't think of an answer. ]

I don't think I'm... too possessive. [ He bites his lip. ] Probably the opposite, most of the time.

[ He's clingy in other ways. ] Why do you ask?

[ Bonds manifested in all kinds of different ways and while he couldn't predict what might happen exactly, he knew of things he read in the past and classes he took. The selkie and the sea dwellers in general where a lot to learn about and cope with. Each clan vastly different than the last, plus the whole criminal aspect could complicate things sometimes.

Turning to look more at Dash, he gave a nod of his head. Not being possessive naturally might be a good sign. Hopefully. ]

Okay because new bonds can like increase that if someone is naturally. I'm not sure how you'll react if you perceive someone as a threat.

[ He shook his head. ]

Older bonds don't deal with it! You just might want to be the one to answer the door is all. Just in case. You're not of the water at all.....I can't fully predict how our bond will work. But I know I have to help keep the water from overwhelming you.

[ Now watching Kai and giving him all his attention, Dash can see that there's a lot more to observe about the other. His entire aura draws Dash in, which might be the bond, or it might just be because Kai is really stunning.

His voice sort of lulls Dash a bit and there's something about his smile...

He actually has to sort of shake himself out of it. ] Oh, I see- I can't tell you how much of a problem that'll be. I'm really not the jealous type though! I'm monogamous, but I've never been that worried about whether my partner was?

[ That's something, right? ] Open relationships, things like that, I don't think they bug me a lot.

So that could be a good sign, right?

[ He doesn't know how to feel about the thought that whatever it is that's stirring inside him for Kai might manifest in an aggressive way.

Dash doesn't have an aggressive bone in his body, after all. ] I'll try to be careful no matter what though, I promise! But- will you be okay?

A very good sign. You might not feel that end of it then. Most people have some jealousy and it can heighten with a new bond. It dims as it strengthens.

[ kai shrugged a little, also taking the time to observe his new husband and finding him alluring and beautiful in every possible way. how lucky could one person be? he hit the jackpot in every way it seemed so far! dash had such an understanding aura and nothing too oppressive, which meant everything to kai. ]

Huh? [ give him a second, dash, he just spent so much time staring at you to fully listen. but the words sunk in, mostly. ] Oh, I'll be fine! Being bonded will - help settle my - selkie. You'll keep me grounded and together the water won't - harm us. Water is the bringer of life but can end it too.

I just don't know yet what I'll get from you in the bond.

Oh, [ Dash says, nodding. His head's spinning with new information, but he'll always do all he can to keep up. ] I hope that's true. It would feel strange to have that kind of feeling.

I don't think it'd feel like it belonged to me.

[ He's not sure how to explain it better than that. ] A feeling like that, it's not too good, huh? [ Everyone likes to be able to make sense of what they feel, positive or negative. Everything Dash is feeling now seems organic and easy and it doesn't make him feel off-balance.

The opposite, really. But he thinks jealousy would be a kind of poison to that. Maybe a little possessiveness or wanting of the other. But jealousy? That's not something that feels like Dash. ]

Settle your selkie? [ He tries those words on for size. ] That's good, right? We'll be safe. And we'll figure everything out, in time.

[ there were still so many things to figure out but kai believed they could work it out together. it settled some of the nerves pulsing within him, at least, and he hoped to find more information to assist with it all soon. paying attention beforehand would have really helped but nothing to do about that now!

nodding his head, he patted dash's arm. ]

You'll have new feelings soon and then we can go from there. I'll visit the kingdom once you feel like you can be apart from me.

[ just a faint blush added here as a knock sounded on the door. ] The food! Do you want to get it or me?

[ Dash hums thoughtfully, taking in that information and letting it marinate in his head a little. ]

Okay. One step at a time, right? [ he asks, thinking that sounds pretty doable. He can take one step forward now and one later and one after that. ]

Let me, [ he adds, regarding the food. He'll hurry off to the door, answering in a cheerful tone. It's a little more sedate than the way he's been interacting with Kai though. Possibly he's remember what they were just talking about.

He doesn't want there to be any feeling of jealousy. Not anywhere. ]

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