Aria
It was their last full day in the outpost, and they had gathered all the stuff back up, to store for now. She was sitting in the living room, snuggled against him, but lost in thought about the week, when finally her brain noticed the time. "Babe, I'm gonna go start dinner." It was a bit early but what she had planned for tonight would take extra time. "You don't need to come in til it's done, though... Stay here, relax where it's warm."
She might have been a little over solicitous of his health and well being since his injuries, but in this case, she wanted to get this made and ready as a surprise. She had no idea if he liked it but... Well she'd see.
She pressed a kiss to his cheek, then slipped off the couch and to the kitchen, where she began to hunt out cream, a lot of cheese, noodles, bread crumbs and spicing. She got two pots out, and filled one with water to boil, and the other with the cream, before adding in the noodles to the water. When the cream was ready, she added the cheese and the spices, and stirred it slowly.
Then she drained the pasta, and tossed the noodles and the creamy cheese sauce together, filled a casserole dish, and covered it with the crumbs, before setting it in the oven to bake. While it cooked, she worked on sauteed veggies, and managed to make up a chocolate mousse, which she set in the fridge to set. Their last night here... It had made their lives better, she wanted to have a farewell to the place meal.
Pao
Rhys had been pretty lost in thought as well when she finally spoke up, spending the very comfortable silence with her in his arms just thinking about everything that happened while they were here. It kind of felt like their spot, in a sense, just...because this was Deus it wasn't like they could just randomly show up here and spend another week for their anniversary in the future or something. Still, the thoughts were happy and surprised and just...of being completely in love. So when she did speak up his uptake was a little slow.
"Dinner?" he asked, squinting at the clock just across from them. "It's early--" but before he could say much else she gave him a kiss on the cheek and disappeared into her element. His lips were pulled up into a soft smile as he watched her go, though, and when she was gone he happily stretched out along the length of the couch and proceeded to nap. She'd been extra watchful for him ever since he got injured, and while he protested a lot of the time it was hard to say no to a warm couch.
It was a while before he woke up to the delicious aroma of food wafting into the room. Groggily he sat up, already smiling because it smelled amazing, and after yawning and running a hand through his hair to "comb" it he got up, stretched, and made his way to the kitchen. Of course he knocked first, since she said he didn't need to be there until it was done.
"Safe to come in yet, babe?"
Aria
She was pulling out the baked macaroni and cheese when she heard him speak. "Yeah, sure, love. It's just about ready. If you could, maybe, get some plates and all..." She called back, her hands a little busy with the casserole dish, and not wanting to drop it. She sighed, taking a deep breath and enjoying the scent... It smelled just as good as she remembered this recipe smelling, when she'd been taught to make it back... then.
And this dish had no negative connections for her. She'd learned to make it at the cafe she'd waited tables at. Technically she hadn't been one of the cooks, but one of them had taken her under their wing, and taught her some of the stuff she'd made this week, like the pork, and how to grill steaks. This, though, had been something special, and Seren hadn't made it in a long time. She was looking forwards to having it again, and she hoped he would like it to.
She set it on the trivet she had waiting, and turned to beam at once he was in the room.
Pao
When she gave him the green light he opened the door and just stood by it as he watched her set a casserole dish down. He couldn't quite tell what was inside yet, but his eyes were entirely on her, anyway, so when she beamed at him he gave her that bright smile that he always only gave her and walked over finally, arms open and ready to pull her into a hug. Which he did, but only briefly, because he missed her but she'd given him a task to do. The usual task, and since it was all he could really do in the kitchen while she worked he took it rather seriously.
"Smells amazing as usual, love," he said before pulling away and moving to the cabinet where all the plates were. "What'd you make?"
Once he had the plates in hand he moved about the kitchen easily (since he'd been doing this three times a week for seven days), peering around at the stove and the casserole dish just so he could look ever more forward to eating whatever she'd made.
"Ooh, mac and cheese?" he grinned, looking over at her this time. "********' love that stuff, too. Is it a special recipe or somethin'? Is that why I couldn't be in here or...?"
Aria
She mmm'd softly into the hug, her chin resting very gently on his shoulder for a moment, then sighing as he stepped away, but glad he was able to help. She went over to the fridge and got out a pitcher of water, making sure her body was between his view and the mousse, to make sure there would be one last surprise.
"Glad it smells good... And go look, I think you'll work it out." She set the pitcher on the counter, so he could take it to the table while she served, and grabbed the spatula. She split the sauteed veggies evenly between the plates, for once, before grinning at his questions.
"Yes indeed, home baked Mac n Cheese." She leaned over, kissed his cheek, and got back to work on serving, working on the mac now. "And kind of? It's a recipe one of my coworkers taught me... One of the three jobs I was working was at a small diner-cafe place." She paused, and looked thoughtful. "Somehow, all of my jobs were food related. Burger King, the donut shop, and the cafe... Anyways!" She shook her head, and shrugged.
"Even though I was too young to be one of the cooks at this place... They had a strict 18+ rule, for insurance purposes... The owner let Annie, the 'not-head-cook-but-really-head-cook,' take me under her wing... She taught me a decent number of the things I've made this week, in fact. But this... She made this for me, once, when I was having a REALLY bad day, and then taught me to make it, because it was classic comfort food for her... And it became it for me too." She cut pieces out of it, a nice big one for him, and a larger then she usually would take one for herself. "It's one of the few food things that have entirely positive memories for me, actually."
Pao
He smiled from both the kiss as well as seeing her serve herself an even portion of the vegetables. If there was anything that he thought was a great place to start eating bigger portions, it was vegetables, so he was happy to see her make that progress. While setting out the plates he would glance over at her as she talked, nodding along. Even chuckling at her observation of her food-related history.
"One of the reasons you won me over?" he offered as he went to get the pitcher, going quiet again as she continued. He finished pouring their glasses by the time she finished, and all he could offer was a soft, very loving smile. "Again, really glad there were people that were nice to you. And this lady gets a special bonus in my book 'cause she taught you stuff about a thing that you love." Rhys walked over to her and leaned down, kissing her softly before taking their plates to bring to the table. "And like I said, I'll do my best to keep all our memories the good kind. Won't be perfect, but..."
He looked over and gave her a sheepish sort of smile. "Definitely gonna try for perfect."
Aria
She smiled a little, chuckling at his comment about winning him over. "I had a feeling the food had something to do with it." She teased softly, and then set the spatula to the side, so that if he wanted seconds, he could get it easily. She leaned against him for a moment in the kiss, just happy to have him there.
"Yeah... There were a few decent people in my life that helped me stay sane." She followed him to the table and settled down across from him, once again thinking it would be nice to sit next to each other, but accepting life for what it is. His words earned him a smile, and she reached over to brush his hand with hers, a small touch but full of love.
"I don't expect perfection, since we're human, but... I appreciate you trying. I'll do my best as well."
Pao
Once they were at the table he eyed their plates, a puff of pride blowing through him when he saw hers though again, he didn't comment. Just smiled. "Food was a little a little part," he replied to the teasing, "would never lie about that. But you...were everything else, so don't think you need food to keep me around."
He took her hand gently in his when she reached over. "It's all we can do, huh?"
Aria
His words had her ducking her head, a bright smile on her face, her cheeks pink in her happiness. "Didn't think that... You're not shallow, love, and that would be the epitome of shallow." She looked back up at him, eyes bright, and squeezed the hand holding hers. "I'm just glad you let me in."
She laughed, softly, and took a small bite of the mac n cheese, a blissful look crossing her face for a moment, before she said "Yeah. And neither of us are the kind to stop doing it, so we should be fine."
Pao
He could really only smile at all of what she said, gently squeezing her hand back before getting to work on his mac and cheese. And, of course, because it was amazing he was doing that groaning thing he did almost every time she cooked something for him. When he finally paused to get a drink of water, he looked up at her, just...beaming.
"This really is somethin' special, love," he said after taking a sip. "Please don't tell me you're saving it only for special occasions."
Aria
She sighed, softly, crossing her legs when the groaning started, but not saying a word, hoping he'd think the sigh was one of enjoyment. She was eating, though, lost in the wonderful deliciousness that was homemade mac n cheese A La Annie, as she thought of it, enjoying the creamy cheesy flavor. When she glanced up and saw him beaming, she smiled softly, really glad she'd decided to do this tonight.
Tomorrow, after breakfast, they might not have their own kitchen again for whoever knew how long, after all.
His words, though, had her squeezing his hand again as she swallowed the bite she'd taken. "Mmm I'll try to make it more often... It IS a fair amount of work..." She nodded at the pots and all needed "Both in prep and clean up... But it is worth it." She snagged a few of the veggies, and took a slow bite.
Pao
"Less work if I help?" he offered, switching over to his veggies for now as he studied her. The groaning had stopped, though that was more because it was a subconscious thing since the veggies didn't hit the spot the same way as the mac and cheese did. "You can teach me bits and pieces along the way, maybe?" He squeezed her hand again, smirking. "Unless it's one of those things you really wanna keep a secret."
Rhys went back to his mac and cheese, finishing it up before finally letting go of her so he could go and grab seconds. "And since you did all the prep, why don't I do the dishes and you go and get warm and relax this time?"
Aria
She smiled and laughed. "I definitely don't mind teaching you. I have no secrets from you, love." She meant it, too. If he wanted to know one of her recipes, she'd teach him. If he had questions, she'd answer them. "And yeah, it might be easier... I'm going to hope you know how to boil pasta already, though?"
She watched him go back for seconds, a warm smile on his face. "All right, but don't be in too big a rush." She said, with a slight smile, not willing to tell him until he finished eating. "In the meantime, I'm just glad you're enjoying it. I hope we can find a way to get the leftovers home, but if not... I'll pack it up and mark it." She shrugged. If others had some after, well... At least it wouldn't go to waste. That was the downside to this, it was not a small recipe.
Pao
He took a seat again, a sort of confused look on his face as he wondered if he knew how to boil pasta. The right way, anyway. With seasoning and that kind of thing. In the end he frowned and lifted a forkful of mac to his lopsided lips, saying, "I...it's probably one of those better safe than sorry deals?" before taking a bite. Once he swallowed it he added, "Just gotta teach me so I'm sure? Don't wanna make it wrong and ruin this dish, y'know?"
The brunette nodded when she told him not to rush, thinking it was just her being watchful of him because of his injuries again so he didn't think much of it. "We just take a portal back to the island, we can probably pack it," he said probably a bit too quickly after she suggested they leave it. It was maybe a little selfish, but...he didn't really want to share.
Aria
She continued to eat her food, amused at his words. "Well for this dish, it's just boiling the noodles until they're soft, really... The hardest part is all in the sauce, really." She chuckled a little, and then adds "But I'll make sure, when we're working on them, that you know how. It's one of the simplest things out there. Hell, one of my favorite cheap dishes when I needed to save money was noodles, some butter, and either salt, or if I could afford a little splurge, parmesan tossed together... You just boil the noodles, strain, and then while hot, add the other ingredients."
She chuckled again at his lack of desire to leave it behind, and nodded. "I just was wondering what to carry it in, since we can't exactly be stealing the casserole dish." She was glad he liked it that much. "And also where to store it that no one would steal it from us out of the fridge."
Pao
He ate and listened, visibly relieved that it wasn't as complicated as some things he'd looked up on the internet. "Cheap stuff for me was a bag of salad and some jerky," he said after a break from his food, which was already three-quarters of the way done. "Protein and carbs, as cheap but healthy as I could manage. With the whole fitness thing I had to watch my fast food," but his smile went lopsided. "I burned it quick 'cause I was a kid, but when I had more change in my pocket I avoided it best I could."
The flashback to his early days of trying to not kill himself with processed food was unpleasant, but thankfully was disrupted by him going back to his mac and cheese. "We could probably steal some tupperware?" he said after another bite.
Aria
She smiled a little, and nodded, looking down some. "Yeah, no I know that feeling. Avoiding the processed crap is..." She shuddered a little. "Hard. I always tried to make sure I had lunch or dinner shifts at the cafe, pn the days I could work there, so I could get at least one meal on duty covered by my employer that wasn't Deep Fried Hell... As delicious as deep fried hell might be to the tastebuds." She pushed her food about for a moment, lost in thought. "Those noodles, though, would usually last me 2 or three meals, as filling as noodles can be."
She went back to eating, though, focusing on the enjoyment of the meal in front of her, instead of the meals of the past. "Mmm if there are any. We can check once we're done eating... Let me know when you've finished?" She gave another slight smile, as she managed to finish up the last few bites of her meal, the biggest meal she'd had in... she wasn't sure how long.
Pao
"It's another bonus of being here," he piled on about the processed food stuff. "Cafeteria s**t tastes like cardboard, but it isn't processed. And you cook most of my food now, which is even better." Rhys gave her a bright smile before finishing up his plate and washing it all down with what was left of his water.
"All done! And I can look for something before dishes, in case it needs rinsing or something." When he looked over at her his smile widened, pride very much shining through. "Clean plate, I'm impressed," he said, reaching over to take her hand again. "How ya feelin'?"
Aria
She laughed softly at his words, and nodded. "Well as much as I can, given duty, when at home anyways. Another nice thing about being out here." She sighed, and looked at the kitchen with wistful eyes, then refocused on him. "But whenever I can, I will." She finished her water, slowly, a smile on her face.
She looked up at the all done, and grinned. "That sounds good but don't go anywhere just yet, love." She was about to stand up when he captured her hand, and she settled back for a moment, smiling lovingly at him. "Good... I don't think I could eat like this everyday still, but... today certainly, and it felt good." She stood up, and walked over to him, then kissed his cheek, before gently pulling free.
She walked over to the fridge, popped it open, and turned with two bowls of chocolate mousse in her hands, before returning to his side, and setting his before him, then sitting down with her own.
Pao
He stayed put and gave a nod, understanding a bit more about her limits, and then let out a quiet "mmm" at the kiss. He smiled softly as he watched her go, all the love and happiness he could never have imagined he could ever experience for himself in his gaze. And when she turned around and came back witht he mousse he beamed at her again.
"Now you're spoiling me," he said, grinning. "You had time and the ingredients to make mousse?"
Aria
She chuckled a little and said "This place had some decent stock. Took me some hunting but I found what I needed for it here." She began to eat hers, smiling softly at the flavor. "And yeah... While the mac was baking, I did the mousse." She shrugged, though, and said "As for spoiling you... Well we're not gonna have this kind of time, and free rein of a kitchen for some time, and who knows how stocked the next one will be? So... For our last night here, it felt right."
Pao
"I feel bad leaving it less stocked than we came," he said before taking his first spoonful and getting distracted by how good it was. He got halfway before taking a swig of water and glancing at her. "But you're right, so this kinda does feel like a celebration type thing." Rhys gave her a bright smile before glancing over at the kitchen. In this particular one there were both sad and happy memories for them; all over this outpost, in fact.
When he looked back at her his smile was a little less bright, even a bit sad. "It's a sweet way to end our little non-vacation," he said, no pun intended. "Thanks, babe."
Aria
She blinked and said "Don't they send people to restock? It's not like they gave us money to go to the grocery store and stock up with." She had no idea, really, how these outposts got stocked, and it seemed silly not to have some kind of way for the requisition staff to handle it between staffing of the outpost... Preferably people who spoke the local language just in case. "And indeed... Celebrating finding our way back to each other, yeah?" She chose to look at the more important, positive aspect of this... That they had.
She looked sad when he seemed less bright, though, having only wanted this to be a happy thing. "We'll take a real vacation soon... somewhere with no bittersweet memories and make good ones, yeah?"
Pao
"Never thought about it before," he said with a bit of a shrug. "If they do then great, if not...sucks for the guys who get assigned here next." The brunette gave a smirk and went back to his mousse for a second. "Definitely," was his eventual reply to what they would be celebrating, and again he gently squeezed her hand. "Back to each other, and am definitely already looking forward to our first real vacation together. Just sweet, sweet memories for when that happens."
Maybe by then these sweet memories would include that, but since they were in this for what seemed like the long haul, the thought was very fleeting.
Aria
She snorts at his response, and said "Well I, for one, hope they do. I'd rather not be the 'sucks to be them' guys some time in the future, and karma has a way of biting asses." She calmly enjoyed the mousse, eyes closed in quite enjoyment. His comments on the rest of it had her lips quirking up into a smile of bright joy, looking forwards to being able to just take a few days off with him, and not having to worry about duty at all.
"Mmmm are we going to do day trips, initially?" She asked, thoughtfully, her thumb caressing his hand. "Cause if not, we should start thinking about places to stay, and all."
Pao
He smirked. "That's fair. Let's hope we don't accidentally piss off karma," he replied, giving her hand a gentle squeeze again. "And if we did we could always just go shopping? Or let someone know so we get a supply drop." That was how they usually got stuff in Mexico, versus spending out of their own pocket on outpost necessities.
At her question he paused and gave it some thought, enjoying the feel of her thumb brushing along his skin. He got lost in that feeling for a moment, and then replied a bit slowly, "We could? Depends on where we go I guess. City touring is more of an overnight trip, if that's what you wanna do?"
Aria
She laughs softly, and shrugs. "One more thing they could brief us on, but don't bother with. Gotta love how organized they are." She makes an amused face, and an eye roll at the various things they leave people wondering about over and over. "But good to know. We'll see what comes int he future then." The more missions they did together, the happier she'd be.
Seren watched his face as he thought about it, and nodded a little. "I figured we'd start with London... Fish n Chips, getting you a spare key as soon as possible since you're going to be needing it... If we wanted to explore the city some, then we should consider that."
Pao
Their future. It was still a phrase he was getting used to, but one he rather liked and was happy to keep using, moving forward. He finished up his mousse as he listened to her plan. "I think we could do that first, just a day trip to get those essentials? Figured since I still have my dorm we could just keep and use it as storage, so you'd need a key, too."
Rhys poured himself another glass of water and sipped at it, waiting for her to finish before getting up to do dishes. "What's in London, anyway?"
Aria
She nodded a bit. "Well that works... If necessary we can properly explore London another day." She worked on her mousse, and tilted her head at his words, thoughtfully. "Yeah that... actually makes sense. Gives us space to not worry about fitting two people's worth of stuff into one smallish bedroom." She leaned over and kissed his hand, then finished her own bowl up.
His question about London had her eyes wide. "Oh man there's so much! I mean, there's the Tower and the Bridge, and Buckingham Palace... The Marble Arch... Big Ben... Westminster..."
Pao
He was glad that she liked his idea, the kiss to his hand sending a tingle up his arm. And then he chuckled when his question suddenly made her more animated, excited for tue potential trip.
With a laugh he said, "So proper tour is definitely not a day trip, got it."
Aria
She laughed as well, and took her dishes to the sink, before moving back to him to kiss him on the cheek, and giving him a warm, loving hug. "All right, babe. I'm taking you up on your more then generous offer to go get warm. You're always so sweet to me. Love you..." She straightened back up, and slid to go the living room, where she could stay near a heat source.
She figured they'd have one last bath together, tonight, before they had to leave that tub behind.
Pao
"Okay, see you in a bit. Love you, too," he replied after her, watching her leave with a loving smile. Once she was gone he first found a tupperware for the extra mac and cheese, then got to work on the dishes, methodically working his way through them from smallest to largest and switching between washing and drying so there was always space. After that was done he went ahead and double checked that everything was in its place, mainly that the mac and cheese was in the fridge so it didn't spoil, before leaving.
"Babe, where you at?" he called, stretching a bit as he went.
Aria
She sat up and smiled at him from the couch she'd snuggled into... The one they had shared the most. "Over here, love. Come get warm?" She held her arms out for him, eyes tracing his movements, a bright expression on her face.
Pao
He gave her a warm smile as he walked over and took up her invitation, soon settling onto the couch and into her arms. He slipped his arms around her as well, a quiet and very content "mmm" escaping him as he got comfortable.
"We gonna sleep here tonight?" His tone was joking, but he honestly had no preference where they slept provided they were snuggled up just like this.
Aria
She smiled, and snuggled in, glad he was back in her arms. Her chin rested against his shoulder, and she made a soft, contented sound that was almost purr-like.
His question earned a chuckle and she tilted her head to kiss his cheek. "Comfortable as the couch is, the bed is more so, and besides... I figured we'd want one last bath tonight, yeah?"
Pao
The idea of a bath sounded good, and he had to nod."Bath sounds good, then bed...and then breakfast in the morning before we head back to the island." His smile faltered the further he got down that list, and he heaved a sigh.
"Let's just enjoy tonight. Bath first?" He asked but didn't wait for an answer, instead maneuvering her so he could easily pick her up when he moved to get off the couch. "Gonna miss that thing, damn..."
Aria
"Mmm yes, to the island and you moving in, a thought I am fond of..." She reached up to caress his cheek. "And to the sun. I'll miss much here, but... Home is with you. I'll be happy wherever we are together, yeah?" She had no idea if she sounded sappy or not but she meant every word of it.
She chuckled and nodded, blinking a little when he moved her around. He sometimes managed to make her feel like a tiny doll... And it didn't bother her, because she felt safe with him, always. "Me too... But we'll manage. It's what we're best at."
Pao
His smile softened and he nodded. "Home is with you," he repeated, even if it did sound a little sappy. It was a relatively new truth in his life, but one he would readily and happily embrace. "Me tooo, babe."
And with that he stood up, a bit of a challenge given he was lifting her up with him but he managed, so when she said that "managing was what they were best at" he gave a light laugh as he walked them to the bathroom. "It is, huh? ******** that's kinda a good thing given what we do for a living."
Aria
Her arm looped around his shoulders, as she hung in his arms. She was amazed at how nice it felt, honestly, to be carried around like this. She'd never ask for it, but when he did it, she simply gave in to the pleasure of feeling, for a short time, like she could be small and pretend to be helpless, rather then the reality of their lives. His constant care of and for her was amazing and wonderful.
"Indeed. It means we're more likely to keep in going." When they got to the bathroom, she used her free hand to pop the door open for him... So he didn't have to try to juggle her and the door.
Pao
"Yep," was his simple response before he set her down on her feet right near the tub. He moved in for a kiss first, lingering for a moment before pulling away to get the water started. He sat on the edge of the tub as the water started running--still freezing cold so he looked over and watched her for a moment, gaze filled with love as he wondered about when he'd fallen for her exactly.
"Hey babe," he mused after a moment, smile small. It didn't really seem to matter when, now that he thought about it. What mattered was that he did, and the words that followed just echoed that thought. "I love you..."
Aria
She chuckled and then kissed him back, sighing softly when he pulled away. She moved to gather towels closer for easier access, and then turned to watch him, her eyes soft with the happiness she felt around him.
His words made her smile brighten into the one she only ever showed him, full of love and joy. "I love you, too, babe." She walked back over to him and leaned to plant a soft kiss into his hair.
Pao
He leaned up at the kiss, smile a bit wider as he gave a chuckle. "If we weren't about to get naked to get into this tub just know that I'd be getting up to kiss you for real," he very casually said before checking on the water. "Ooh, that feels pretty good." He set the plug and let the tub start filling before standing and pulling his shirt off.
Aria
She laughed at his words, a delighted tone, and stepped back to start removing her own layers. "Mmmm well yes. In the meantime, I envy you, and all men. Bras are evil." She said, and sighed, getting the damn thing off, and glowering at the red marks and dimples it left in her shoulders. "So much envy." She put it down with her clothes, then finished getting undressed, before moving to the tub.
Pao
Rhys pulled on a thoughtful expression, saying, "Bras seem like they'd be something guys both love and hate. Love when out and other people are around, hate in the bedroom for obvious reasons." He took off the rest of his clothes and tested the water first before slipping fully into the tub, eyeing her in a rather adoring manner.
"If it weren't so cold out I'd ask you to just stand there a little longer," he said through a smile before gesturing for her to join him.
Aria
"They're important, I guess, but they're also practically instruments of torture at times. Especially if you can't afford good ones." She sighed, but gave him a fond look at his comments. "They're not that complicated to remove. Promise." She smiled at his expression, feeling so good about it because it reminded her some one... The most important some one... Thought she was beautiful.
His comment had her laughing, her head back, as she walked over to him. "We should make sure wherever we stay in Hawaii has a tub, then. It's plenty warm there." She slipped into the water, and snuggled into him.
Pao
He let her snuggle in close before wrapping his arms around her, the smile from earlier lingering. "Somethin' to remember when we get around to going to Hawaii," he replied with a little chuckle before pressing a kiss to her forehead. "As for this whole bra thing, I figure I'll learn once we get around to it." His kisses moved down to her cheek, and then to her shoulder for a time. When he eventually just rested his chin there and cuddled into her, he smirked.
"Actually, any place that has a good heater would work," he said, going back to the previous topic. "Just the heaters in this place are all in the main area outside, so the rest of the place we gotta stay bundled up."
Aria
She laughed and closed her eyes, enjoying the kisses with a soft, gentle sigh. His kisses never failed to make her feel good, and her smile just came naturally every time. "Mmm yeah, no need to rush. Just sayin' that it's easier then people make out to be. I mean, is ladies do it every day, backwards." She said, in a half joking tone. She honestly did not understand why guys found them confusing, really... Just hooks and eyes.
She laughed and said "Fine but I'm saying no snow for awhile, unless it's an assignment. I have had enough of that this week."
Pao
Her laugh was still like music to his ears, and it never failed to make him smile and wonder what he could maybe do or say to make her laugh more often. "I'd like to think I'll get a lot of practice in the future," was his reply, smile wide before he nuzzled into her neck a little bit. "And definitely no snow for a while. At least until next year, if we can avoid it..."
Because he was sick of snow, too, though expected as soon as he was plopped in an outpost or sent on a mission where it was the opposite extreme--dry desert heat or extreme humidity on some tropical island that wasn't Deus--his thoughts would change pretty quick.
"But since London's first I think our first real vacation's gonna be a rainy one." And at that, he had ot make a face. "Rain. Again. But...the fish n chips..." He was obviously conflicted.
Aria
The nuzzling had her head dropping to the side, because it felt so good, so relaxing, and she just gave a soft rrrr sound for a moment, content and comfortable. "Mmm as much practice as you want, I'm sure..." She responded in a soft, slightly distant from the relaxation voice. "And I agree, though next year's not that far off. Can you believe it?" Only a few more months in the year. It was impossible to believe.
She vaguely wondered if they could work through his issues by Christmas, because that would be the best present... A day of them, finally. But that was for later, and if not, she was fine. As long as she had him, she was fine, and happy.
She made a thoughtful sound, and said "We should get some umbrellas, then, and non-official rain coats." She was willing to have the rain for their vacation. But if he wanted to switch things up, too, she wouldn't be totally opposed.
Pao
When she tilted her neck he nuzzled for just a moment longer before he started pressing soft kisses to her neck instead, his answer sort of coming out choppy as a result. "It's...kinda crazy...but I kinda...like the idea of...the new year..." It was, to him, always the time of year where a "fresh start" made the most sense, though his own resolutions never got that far.
"And...I can deal with...the rain. As long as you're there..."
But his words eventually fell off as he focused on her again for a bit, his lips finding a spot just arond where her neck and shoulder met and gently starting to mark her again. It'd been a while since that first time he gave her a hickie, and given that they'd worked through their issues here it felt like a good time to give her another one.
Aria
She had to chuckle, just a little, at the way his words sounded broken up like that, but she smiled some too, at the meaning. "I do too... It's just amazing to think that much time has passed." It really was. And at the same time, it seemed like so much had happened in the past few months that, surely, it was more like several years must have gone by already. Still.. a new year... a year that would start with him in it. She could definitely get behind that thought.
"Good... I like the idea of it. And it'll give plenty of excuses to find little hidden spots to hide away under, and snuggle."
Her eyebrows rose as she realized what he was up to, and her hands slipped to grip the edge of the tub. This was a lot more intense then when he'd done it while they were clothed. She took some slow, steadying breaths, because she didn't mind the marks he left on her... Love bites, hickey... Whatever name, it felt good having a mark there that said he'd been there. So to speak. She almost teased him by saying there were easier ways to mark her off limits, but she chose, for now, to leave it alone.
Pao
He quickly and very easily got lost in what he was doing, not thinking too much farther ahead than the task at hand and what the effect might have been on her. Or him, for that matter. His breathing had become a bit uneven and his hands had taken to wandering. One stayed, tracing lines along her stomach while the other reached up to her shoulder, gently massaging. And he didn't quite relent until he was done, breathing softly against the now likely sensitive skin.
Aria
She was breathing fairly heavily by the time he was done, and her knuckles werre a little white on the edge of the tub, because she was having a bit of a battle with her urge to turn around and press in close to him, after all of that. Her body was on fire where he'd been touching... good fire, but fire nonetheless, and it was hard to focus. Finally, after a long minute, she took some slow breaths, and bit her lip, wanting to lean back against him more, but slightly concerned it might be too much in this moment.
Pao
When his breathing had evened and he'd calmed down a bit he pulled her just a bit closer, his arm around her tightening just a bit because he wanted the distance between them to be as close to non-existent as possible. He was confident enough that it wouldn't bother him so much that he'd jump out and run, though like the first time he tensed a bit at first before relaxing. When she was close enough he closed his eyes and sighed as he rested his chin on her shoulder.
"Sorry..." he said quietly, having sensed something a bit different about her and the atmosphere that had suddenly settled over them. "Too much again?"
Aria
She sighed softly when he pulled her close, her head tilting to rest against him, feeling good once they were as close as possible to each other. Her breathing slowly calmed down, and with the control she'd been working on this week, so did her... other reactions. His question made her smile a little, wistfully.
"A bit, love... Perhaps not something to do when undressed until we're... further along?" She didn't pull away or anything from him, because she was happy here, but she did know that it was best that they not push things. "It felt good... a little bit too good, perhaps."
Pao
He sighed in response, guilt sneaking into the fray of his emotions. As good as it felt, as much as he wanted to go further with her...that limit was there and he was always the one less conscious of it between the two of them. Maybe because he didn't worry that she would run away if he happened to touch her wrong...but that just made it all the more unfair.
"Makes sense," he sighed again, relieved that she hadn't pulled away from him. Still, he loosened his grip to give her the option if she really wanted to. "Guess then maybe it's a good thing there are no tubs we can use back on the island?"
Aria
She heard the sigh, and tilted her head to give him a soft, loving kiss on the cheek. She felt bad for how frustrating this must be for him. She knew she wanted to be able to go further with them, but for the sake of not hurting him, she didn't want to risk more. She honestly felt bad for him, and sometimes wondered if she was being unfair in letting things go as far as they did... But then it always occurred to her that he wouldn't get the chance to heal if he didn't get the chance to explore, and see what felt safe.
She wondered how to make this easier on them. She would definitely need to visit the library when they got home.
"Mmmm. I'll still miss this tub, even if sometimes the limits get pushed." She said, quietly, making absolutely no move to pull away from him. This was their last chance to be like this for awhile.
Pao
He felt pretty sorry for himself in this case, but he felt worse for her since she was the one who could go further and he was the one that had forced her to draw the line, even if it was only temporarily since that "temporary" was an indefinite one. And it wasn't like he wanted to push her limits the way that he often did, but...
The argument in his mind went in circles as they sat there in the water, and in the end he sighed again. "I will too, but better without it for now."
When he saw that she didn't move away his arms wrapped tighter around her again, that argument in his head still going. He didn't want to use it as an excuse to let her go by any means, but it was just...incredibly frustrating. With any luck they would get past it sooner rather than later, but if it really did last years he'd be at a total loss for what to do.
Aria
She leaned her head against him, and murmured "We'll get past this, babe. We just need to find ways to start... helping the memories from the past be disconnected to us. I plan to do some research once we get home, see if I can find some information on situations like this. We will do this."
She nuzzled his cheek, eyes filled with love and hope and her desire to help him, along with her desire for him. "Don't let the frustration get to you. We can do this. You can do this. You're stronger then this, and we're stronger together, too."
Pao
It sometimes surprised him how vulnerable he could be around her, and how much he really needed her support to tug him along in the right direction. And her support had thus far never failed him. It was maybe because with this particular issue he'd never properly dealth with it the way he had with other issues in his life, but having her there, knowing she was willing to help him, was a huge deal.
So he managed a small smile when she nuzzled him, feeling loved and wanted despite the troubles he had that kept them from being any more intimate than they currently were. "Yeah, I know...thanks, love. And seriously, if I get started again just...do something to make me stop? I'd hate to pile any kind of frustrations on you while I--we...deal with this."
Aria
He did so much for her with her issues... Whether it was reminding her she was not a bane on the lives of those around her, or encouraging her to eat... Or, most importantly, reminding her she wasn't deserving of the misery and damage her parents inflected on her... That she would willingly spend the rest of her life aiding him in this wasn't even a question.
She smiled back, her head gently resting against his, and one hand sliding up to hold his cheek in her hand. "I'll do my best, babe. I sometimes get caught in it, too, though, because you make me feel so good. Still, I will do my best not to let things get... to far."
Pao
He smiled at her touch, leaning into it slightly before nodding. "Glad I make you feel good, babe, but I'll try and do the same..."
After snuggling for a little while longer he eventually reached for the shampoo, realizing that they couldn't stay in the rapidly cooling water for too much longer. He waited for her to take it before grabbing the soap, then kissing her shoulder just once more before starting to properly get himself clean.
Aria
She smiled softly at him and then, when offered, took the shampoo and got to work on her hair. She sighed, wistful but happy, enjoying this last bath with him. Once clean, she got out, and dried herself off, carefully wrapping the towel around herself, smiling a little over her shoulder at her beautiful boyfriend. "Mmm don't freeze, love..."
Pao
It was hard to not appreciate his gorgeous girlfriend, body glistening under the lighting as she got out of the water. His eyes naturally followed her, smile soft but admiring as he watched to the point that she covered up, and then he smirked. "I won't," he said as he followed her out and grabbed a towel, loose but securely wrapping it around his waist. He grabbed another one to dry himself off with as he headed for the bedroom.
"Even if I did, though, you'd warm me right back up, right?"
Aria
She laughed, working on her hair. "Of course, but why let it get so far when we can just be warm and comfortable together?" She got it as dry as she could before she followed him to the bedroom, her towel wrapped around her just under her arms, and she walked to brush her hair, then braid it back, so it would be easier to deal with in the morning. "This way is better, in the long run."
She smiled at him over her shoulder as she tied her hair off, then slipped into clean underwear and her pjs, before slipping into bed.
Pao
"Just a thought, in case it happens," was his answer, though he was laughing while he said it. Once he was as dry as he could be he slipped a shirt on, then underwear and his pajama bottoms before following her into bed. "And since this is Deus, we never really know." A serious thought, though he said it rather lightly. It was always nicer to doze off in her arms on a pleasant note than a more serious, possibly even morbid, one.
He slipped his arms around her again, snuggling in close. "You think you'll ever tired of hearing me say that I love you?" he asked rather quietly, curious despite having a good feeling about what her answer would be.
Aria
She laughed at him, amused. "Fair enough, love, fair enough." She slipped into the position she'd come to find was her favorite for sleep... snuggled with her head against his shoulder, her ear near his heart... The beat a comforting sound to hear close to her. "Better that we both be ready, I suppose, to warm the other should it be needed, then." She pressed a soft kiss to his chest, and closed her eyes, safe and where she belonged.
His question earned him another laugh, and her response was amused. "Never, babe. I will never grow tired of it." Her arms around him tightened, just a little, for a moment, and said "Could you grow tired of me saying it?", curious now.
Pao
"Better safe than sorry, yeah," he echoed, still smiling. He really loved having her so close every night, but when she kissed him, for just a few seconds he tensed. He knew she would sense it but his arms around her just tightened as soon as he was able to force the memory back down, swallowing the small lump that had formed in his throat.
It took him a moment to gather himself enough to answer her question, her laugh helping to ease him back into a more relaxed state again. "No, babe," he said quietly, eyes closed as he focused on just a single good memory with her to calm him down even more. "Could you say it right now? I kinda need to hear somethin' sweet..."
Aria
She froze when she realized she had accidentally caused him a moment of discomfort, and her eyes closed, angry at herself for not being sure before she did that. She bit her lip, hard, and waited to see what he'd do, or say. She couldn't believe she'd bee so stupid.
His words, though, made her heart lighter, because at least he wasn't furious at her. "I love you, Rhys Donovan. I love you with all I have..." She said, tilting her head up to look at his face, her eyes sad as she realized how badly she'd accidentally triggered him.
Pao
He was able to relax a bit more when she said it, even managed to smile and open his eyes again, and he saw the sadness in her eyes. Blinking, he lifted a hand to rest it on her cheek, thumb caressing her lovingly as he smiled a bit wider. It was again an apologetic one, but he didn't apologize or anything. This was just...part of what they would have to work through.
"I love you, too, Seren Yong..." came his whispered response. "And I'm fine so don't think about it too much. It just took me a second is all."
Aria
She smiled back, and leaned up to gently kiss him, before whispering "I won't, then. I just should have thought about it." Her expression filled with love, replacing the sadness. Her hand slid up to twine with his, her eyes gentle. "You have been the best thing to happen to me."
Pao
The kiss was some extra needed comfort, just enough that he was completely relaxed again. "Maybe, but some part of me thinks I need that kind of spontaneous thing, too," he replied, glad to see the shift in her expression. His own matched hers now, eyes just full love and gratefulness that she was with him and was determined not to leave despite the issues he brought to their table.
At her words he kissed her again, smiling and gently squeezing her hand just before he pulled away again. "And you to me, love. Probably why I have so much trouble controlling myself."
Aria
She smiled softly and nodded. "Alright... I'll try to be careful but if you feel that will help, too..." She bites her lip and sighs. "I just worry I'll accidentally do more harm then good at some point." She closes her eyes for a moment. "And that's the last thing I want to do to you."
The return kiss, though, earned him a smile and her eyes opening again to focus on him. "Mmm I like you touching me, not going to lie."
Pao
Rhys gave a little bit of a shrug, understanding and very much appreciating the concern. "I like you touching me too, believe it or not," he said on a sigh. "So it kinda goes in a stupid circle, like it does in my head. I like it, you like it, you try it, you can't, we're both kinda stuck...we try again..." He made a little circle with his index finger, then sighed again.
"So if we both worry too much I dunno if we'll ever get anywhere. Research, trial and error...if we go too far, too soon we just hit pause and recover...how's that sound?"
Aria
She nods, considering all of that. "Maybe we can start with massages... Start with what we know I can safely do for you... And work down over time? Maybe it'll be easier as you get used to it?" She sounded hesitant but thoughtful. "But yes... That sounds like a good plan."
Pao
He smirked and gave her a smooch. "I love massages, that's a good place to start," he said, then kissed her again, a bit slower this time before pulling away again. "So at least we've got a plan now, huh?"
Aria
She laughed and kissed him back, amused by his smirk. "Mmm massages are the best." She mmmm'd into the second kiss, then sighed when he pulled back. "Yeah. I think that's a good note for our last night here, don't you?"
Pao
He nodded, still smiling as he sighed, happy, content, now relaxed and suddenly sleepy. "Great way to end the night, yeah," he echoed before closing his eyes and very slowly drifting off.
Aria
She smiled softly and snuggled back in, eyes closing and soon joining him in sleep.
THIS IS HALLOWEEN: Deus Ex Machina
Welcome to Deus Ex Machina, a humble training facility located on a remote island.
