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 Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 3:07 pm
Anita laughed and shrugged her shoulders. "It was a good thing time didn't allow for it right then. Fate made me wait a couple years and we were all better off for it." She recoiled at the thought of the raevans being actual toddlers; Anita covered her face with both hands to stifle her giggling. "That'd be so bad."
"Of course I do!" Anita smiled at Lillian, then glanced up at the awning hanging above their table. "I've met a good amount, I think, yeah. Definitely not everyone but a nice handful. Cruz needs to get out more, but hey -- that's why we're here."
Tyson's abrupt decision to separate took Cruz and Anita both off guard but they responded in kind; both offered the boy a smile and wave as Lillian ushered him off with money to spend. Anita noted that she was definitely a fan of goodies and was eager to see what kinds Tyson would bring back. The topic of food for the humans brought the croc's hunger to mind and he wondered briefly if he should ask Anita for a few pecks to tide him over. On the other hand, Iorek lead right back in to conversation and Cruz smiled attentively at the gargoyle.
"Yes," Cruz nodded, "More Christmas better." He hummed, hovering just a little closer to the older frei. Their eyes were similar, Cruz noted, and he found it difficult to look away from them. "Nita, Tango, Cruz, Nerva," he listed off, though he paused for a moment to find context for Minerva's place in their arrangement, "Nita mom."
Without warning, Cruz leaned in closer to Reks and brought a hand under the other raevan's chin. He stroked experimentally with his thumb, testing Iorek's skin for a similarly rocky texture as his arms and was pleasantly surprised to find it felt the same. Cruz tilted his head curiously as he took in the rest of Iorek's features more closely -- his horns, wings, hair, the long point of his ears -- and he smiled appreciatively.
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Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 3:11 pm
Lil giggled, “Well I’m so glad we finally get to meet. We’ve met a few but lately we’ve been too busy to really get together with a lot of them.” She looked over and watched Tyson waiting in line just to be sure he hadn’t wandered off, “They’re all really beautiful, aren’t they? The raevans you know? Each one is so different.”
“And I’m sure she is a great mom.” Iorek chuckled and pondered, “I don’t really know if I have a mom…I guess Lil? But she says we’re more like siblings I guess? She once said if I called her mom she’d feel really old.”
As he spoke he noticed Cruz getting closer and closer until, as he finished his final train of thought, his chin was in the croc’s hand. “U-Um…” The gargoyle was turning a pretty shade of pink as Cruz only got that much closer to him. This was the first time he could recall being so close to another raevan. It was very intimate. He could see the brilliant shades of green in Cruz’s eyes and feel his breath puff against his skin.
His brain was chugging a mile a minute now as it tried to sort out what the other was up to. Was he just admiring him? Did he have something in his teeth? Was there something wrong with his face he never noticed before?
As he was so closely inspected, Reks could only hope they he looked okay. Thank goodness he brushed his teeth this morning and ran a comb through his hair. At least with that he was somewhat presentable.
“L-Like my look?” Reks asked as a shuddered trickled down his spine. Cruz was admiring him and he could almost feel the other’s appreciation for his form.
And as they floated closer to each other, with Cruz holding onto him and looking at him with such pretty eyes, Iorek’s brain remembered something. This was how a romance movie usually set up their scenes…right before something happened…right?
Oh, for pete sake, who was he kidding? That would never happen to him.
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Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 3:13 pm
"God, they really are," Anita sighed fondly with her chin propped with both hands, "The first one I ever met was Zul. Who do you guys know so far?"
Cruz rumbled his agreement. Minerva was a very good mom, as far as his limited understanding of moms went. He never really called her that, though, except for when he had to explain her purpose. It was the same for he and Anita, he supposed, more like siblings than anything, but they never specifically referred to each other as such. Anita was Anita and Cruz was Cruz. Tango was the only identified brother in their situation.
All the same, this information meant little to Cruz at the moment and he didn't bother imparting it onto Iorek. No, the croc was far too enamored with the gargoyle at current and when Iorek managed to ask his timid question, Cruz's eyes were pressed against his growing smile.
"Yes," the croc admitted shamelessly, "Look good. Very nice." Iorek's earthiness certainly made Cruz curious. It wasn't often he was able to eat with the help of other raevans, mainly getting his nourishment from Minerva or occasionally in less filling kisses from Anita away from his lips.
Each raevan not only looked unique but also carried with them a signature flavor upon their lips, one that belonged only to them. This presented Cruz with a particular excitement whenever he had the pleasure of meeting someone new. It didn't help that the humans eating around them was reminding Cruz of his own hunger.
He leaned in, just a bit more, and lowered his voice. "Want to kiss." His excitement allowed the request to turn into a firm statement, whispered with more intimacy than two strangers were usually afforded.
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Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 3:15 pm
“Oh jeez…who was the first one for us? Uh…” Lillian squinted as she tried to recall. “We met them at a party. Maybe it was Rivener?” But she wasn’t too sure. It was hard to recall who was the exact first. “Lets see, Rivener, Eiry, LuLu, and…a few others? Iorek knows more of them than me. I’m usually just the chaperone.”
Iorek’s wings fluttered at the sweet words. He knew he was odd looking, even among the raevans, so whenever someone commented on him looking good and nice never failed to make him happy. Although this felt different than the usual kindness people gave him.
The gargoyle gasped as Cruz drew even closer. ‘Want to kiss…?’ For a second Iorek wasn’t sure he head Cruz correctly.
Kiss? Who? HIM?
Iorek blinked several times as he connected the dots. Cruz was complimenting him, extremely close, and flat out asked him for a kiss. This was romance! He was in a romantic situation! For the first time! What was he supposed to do?!
Reks wanted to shoot Lillian a look and ask but he was too nervous to do so. He didn’t want to ruin the mood. That was a big no-no in all the chick flicks he watched.
This was a special moment! A moment he thought of but didn’t think would happen to him. Obviously he was going to say, “Yes!”
He leaned even closer with a shining smile on his face. He wasn’t about to close their distance, that would be for Cruz to do. This whole situation though made his skin tingle.
It was so exciting! Amazing! Thrilling! Cause he, Iorek the gargoyle raevan, was going to get a kiss! This was a moment he was sure to cherish forever and ever.
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Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 3:18 pm
"I don't think we've met Rivener... I met LuLu but Cruz hasn't." Anita grimaced. "Definitely met Eiry." The two girls were rather involved with their conversation, too much so to notice the change in atmosphere and sudden closeness their raevan charges were exhibiting.
As soon as the stone frei offered a favorable response, Cruz's eyes lit up like Christmas lights. Iorek leaned in further but it was Cruz that gently pulled him the rest of the way with a finger tucked beneath his chin.
Warmth spread through Cruz's entire form once their lips made contact. Iorek's were surprisingly soft compared to the rest of his flesh but still coarse compared to many other kisses the croc had sampled. It was an interesting feeling and didn't seem to deter Cruz one bit. The gargoyle's flavor was difficult to place; it was earthy, for sure, but there was a hint of something else. Though he had never tasted such a thing before, it reminded Cruz of the scent a moss-covered tree might have. It was strong, fresh, and a little bitter -- he soaked it into his rune with each gentle peck.
It was not entirely like a kiss in romance movies but it was far from shy. Cruz's lips scarcely opened in their soft motions and he took things slow, savoring the feeling and the flavor like one might do when dining on gourmet food. He let out a rumble of enjoyment in his throat that reverberated through the kiss. By the time he was finished, both hands cupped Iorek's cheeks and the mistletoe frei leaned back with a satisfied smile.
"Thank you," he hummed, feeling much more at ease. His rune glowed bright and happy beneath his ribbon.
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Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 3:26 pm
Iorek’s whole body shook with excitement. His first kiss! At last! But then before Cruz laid his lips on his, Reks suddenly began to panic with the responsibility of a kiss. Like exactly what he was supposed to do. Press lips to lips was basic knowledge but then that? Did he have to lean in? Was there a specific way to kiss? Was he going to be any good at it? Did he have to open his mouth? What about—
But then all his worries washed away as Cruz gently guided him close and their gap ceased to exist. In the next moment, the handsome green frei placed the most electrifying kiss on his lips.
A pleased growl rumbled up Iorek’s throat as he tasted Cruz’s soft warm lips. Sugar, spice, and everything nice was exactly the phrase he would pick among many other good ones to describe the kiss. He didn’t need to overthink anything because it just happened. Like water running down a stream, the kiss was natural. They rolled together and fit as perfect as two pieces of a puzzle.
Rather than rush and push himself on Cruz like he’d seen in actors do in the romance flicks, Iorek was happy to just follow Cruz’s movements. He was not the lead in this kiss and it was just a moment to enjoy.
When it was over Iorek breathed a pleased sigh and licked his lips for any remnants of Cruz’s pleasant taste. With his face as red as a garnet and his hair puffed up like a cat’s, Iorek was the image of a truly smitten man.
“W-Wow…” He whispered. His voice was quiet and shaky, “T-Thank y-y-you, C-Cruz.” Iorek smiled wide and as much as he wanted to go in for more, he restrained his happy kissing self and just basked in the afterglow.
So that was a kiss…It was absolutely lovely. No wonder kissing was the focus of so many stories. It really packed a wallop!
“That was very….” Iorek chuckled and shyly took Cruz’s hand. Gently, he rubbed his fingers along the soft skin as he admired his first kisser. “…very very nice.”
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Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 3:28 pm
The gargoyle's reception was certainly a welcomed one; Cruz's smile broadened and he let out a soft chuckle in response to Iorek's stammering. It was cute to the croc that he was thanked for the kiss in turn despite Iorek not feeding off it in the same manner.
"Very nice," Cruz repeated fondly. He smiled down at their hands, admiring the stone frei's large claws around his lean digits. In spite of the gargoyle raevan's size, each caress was careful and gentle. Was Iorek even capable of hurting anyone?
With a gentle touch of his own, Cruz brushed Iorek's cheek with the hand that remained on his face. He gave it a few small taps before moving it to rest upon Reks' own in a tangle of fingers. "Taste good," Cruz assured, though he didn't quite have the words to describe it. Maybe one day he would have something to compare it to.
Meanwhile, the girls were continuing their chat at the table and seemed none the wiser to the affectionate development. Anita told Lillian about the Lab fundraisers and events she had attended in the past and how she got involved with the project.
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Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 3:29 pm
Iorek smiled gently at the compliment. Well…he was pleased to know that his first kiss was pleasant for them both. Good! Very good.
He was positively relieved and smitten with the idea of being with Cruz.
That’s what they were now, right? Together? Or something along those lines? Hm…He wasn’t exactly sure.
In movies this was the moment when both sides declared they were together but perhaps it wasn’t the right time? A kiss may have sealed the deal but maybe it was best to wait to talk? He really had no idea…
“I-It was. I-I really like you, Cruz.” Iorek was still a lovely shade of red as he admitted his feelings for the other raevan. He had to say it! These emotions were real and as he looked between their hands and Cruz’s warm face something inside him skipped and fluttered. He leaned into Cruz’s kind hand and just settled for enjoying their closeness.
It was Tyson who nudged Lillian back to pay attention to their wards. As he walked back with a tray full of goodies and treats for their table, the lad saw the whole thing. Thankfully he didn’t make a scene and instead just stared wide eye and mouth agape.
How the heck did Reks get a first kiss before him!?
Was this normal? Was he the only one seeing this? It wasn’t until they broke apart that the lad came near the table again and set the tray on the table.
“Mm hmm…” He mumbled as his eyes darted from Lillian’s to the new couple, trying to show Lil where to look without saying anything.
When she did Lil could only say a little, “Oh.”
Well this was a first. Cute canoodling raevans.
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Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 3:32 pm
"Like you too, Yorek," Cruz rumbled affectionately, without a hint of shyness.
Though Cruz was just as warm, smiling, and pleased with the contact -- smitten, as well, to anyone looking on -- the croc was wholly oblivious to the inner workings of Iorek's mind. He moved as if he knew and responded as though he agreed but the mistletoe frei's understanding of such matters was less than ankle deep.
He floated closer, hands clasped with the gargoyle's stony claws. Yes, he was quite happy here, like this, with his new friend.
Tyson's return didn't even blip on the green frei's radar but his guardian shifted in her seat and started to wave when she noticed him. Both of the siblings were then staring at the raevans with a kind of curious scrutiny and, for a moment, Anita hesitated in looking.
All she managed to catch was them holding hands and smiling -- and Iorek's red face, of course.
"Oh," Anita mimicked Lillian. She leaned across the table and lowered her voice so as not to interrupt the two. "He's mistletoe. He kisses a lot."
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Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 3:33 pm
“You do? Really?” This was music to Iorek’s ears and they wiggled with delight! Cruz liked him back! He would have done a flip if there was a enough room but it was probably a good idea not to knock over his new love and their table. So instead he just bounced quietly in his seat.
Reks chuckled and leaned close so they rested against one another. This feeling, having someone like him back in such a way, was magical. It made him feel so vibrant! No wonder everyone wanted to be in love. “Thank you, Cruz.”
“Uh huh….” Lillian and Tyson nodded as if that was all they needed to understand their friend’s sudden lovey dovey-ness. They still were surprised by it but the two were happy so, guess that was that.
Tyson plopped down in an empty seat closer to the girls and nibbled on some fries. “Well Lil, if you ever need a kiss, you know who to go to.” He teased his sister as he handed Anita a soda and a large offering of tasty goodies.
“Maybe I will…seems way easier than having to go on dates just to get one.” Lil smirked and snagged a chicken nugget from her brother just as he reached for it. “So is that how he feeds, Anita? He eats kisses?”
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Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 3:36 pm
"Yes," the croc purred with an easy smile. Cruz met Iorek's lean in and gave the gargoyle's cheek a soft nuzzle. His rough skin didn't manage to scrape, though it did offer a nice tickle that made Cruz give a chuckle. "Thank you," he returned. It was very important and always polite to give appreciation for the kisses he was allowed, Cruz had learned.
His guardian thanked Tyson for the soda and snacks. Their reaction to the situation seemed, somehow, more and less concerned than she could have imagined all at once. She opened a bag of chips and took a small handful. Their jokes about getting Cruz to kiss Lil instead of going to the trouble of dating forced a slight pinkness to her cheeks.
Anita laughed sheepishly. "Yeah. It's been, uh, interesting." She took a moment to chew through a few crispy treats. "It doesn't have to be on the lips, thankfully, but he likes those best. What does Iorek eat?"
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Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 3:37 pm
Iorek almost seemed to make a purring sound, quite pleased with their proximity. Of course, now that he had Cruz in his arms, he wasn’t sure exactly what to do now. If they were a couple were things different? He knew he was allowed to get kisses but did they have to change anything? Would drama follow like in all the chick flicks he enjoyed watching with Lil.
Probably not…he and Cruz were getting along just fine! There was nothing to worry about.
Reks nuzzled him back and just enjoyed his fresh smell and soft skin,”So…what would you like to do now, Cruz?”
“Rocks” The two Maevins said in unison as they nibbled on their snacks.
“It’s not at all exciting or complicated. So…I guess that’s good? He can eat all kinds and it’s really interesting to watch him eat. Some he swallows and others he enjoys chewing on or just sucking on like a jaw breaker.” Lillian shrugged as she thought about it, “He really likes the salty kind at the beach but he’s not too picky.”
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Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 3:39 pm
Cruz perked up at the question, leaning back some to look Iorek over. He still had his shy smile and the purr seemed happy enough. The croc tilted his head and drummed his fingers once atop Iorek's hand.
"This no good?" he asked innocently, quite enjoying the contact. Cruz wasn't ready to let go just yet but if Iorek preferred they could do something else.
Anita blinked at them both while sipping her soda.
Rocks.
He did seem like quite the stony fellow, if his arms alone were anything to judge bye. She raised her brows curiously as they described the other frei's preferences and eating habits. It almost seemed a shame that Cruz couldn't just pluck his food from anywhere and had to ask permission, be allowed, when it was such a base necessity but people needed their space respected. The croc was already on the receiving end of a perceived assault once, Anita was intent not to let that happen again.
"Probably better for your peace of mind," she mentioned with a short laugh, "Dealing with Cruz is kind of stressful because of it... but he doesn't mean any harm."
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Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 3:41 pm
“Oh! No, no, this is wonderful. I just was wondering, ya know? We can stay like this. I’m happy to stay like this.” Iorek set his other hand over Cruz’s and gave him a little peck on the cheek.
“It’s just nice to be with you. You make me very happy.” And that was that. Reks was perfectly content to just sit and nuzzle close to Cruz. His first kiss and now first boyfriend. The happiness he felt at this exact moment was pure and he thrummed with excitement.
Tyson nodded in agreement as he popped another chicken nugget into his mouth.
“I guess it helps that Cruz is so adorable. Iorek is cute, but I think people are set back by his features when they first meet him so I can’t even imagine the problems we would have if he needed to kiss or hug someone to eat.” Lillian winced as she pictured the situation exactly how she thought it would go in her head.
“It’s especially tough when they’re younger and don’t understand that they shouldn’t put things into their mouths. Just like raising a toddler. Oh raevans…they’re so fascinating.”
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Posted: Mon May 25, 2015 3:42 pm
The mistletoe frei's eyes all but sparkled with delight when Iorek allowed their contact to continue. It was nice being together, just like Iorek said, and it was only under certain circumstances with very particular people that Cruz was allowed to do such. To be honest, the croc had been feeling a bit starved for affection since Anita often withheld.
With the peck to the cheek, warmth blossomed anew through Cruz's form. He closed his eyes to enjoy the feeling, returning the nuzzle without hesitation. "Me too," Cruz murmured happily.
It seemed the two would be at it for quite a while, cuddling and whispering sweet nothings.
"Oh, yeah," Anita stifled a laugh with the back of her hand. "But he's pretty gentle, huh? Can't judge a book by its cover."
It was a good lead in, Anita supposed, to discuss the foibles of raising a raevan, but she found herself holding back. It was important but it was also the only thing the group had talked about since they got here. Instead, she moved the topic away from the two cuddling freis and toward the other two young guardians. It would be nice to get to know them and meeting more folks around her own age was something she didn't get very often. She used the time they had left to discuss interests, tell them about her own, as well as her job (Tyson seemed like prime video game playing age, so the fact she sold them seemed worth mentioning).
All in all, the meeting went smashingly. The guardians got along well and the two raevans, most importantly, were reluctant to leave each other when the time came. Cruz assured Iorek they would meet again soon (with help from Anita to fill in his missing words). Hopefully their next meeting would be as pleasant.E N D
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