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Aria
She grabbed her clothes, and a robe, which she put on, a slight wince crossing her face as she moved, but she was turned partly away from him, so she hoped he didn't see.

It wasn't something he could be blamed for, after all. It'd just been a long time, and muscles were used in a way they hadn't, and well... it was normal enough, from what she knew.

She sighed, and then gave him a loving smile over her shoulder. "I'm off to the showers. Don't be too long."

Pao
"Kinda," he chuckled, watching her and waiting patiently until finally she did. He shivered a bit at the sudden loss of warmth, and since he didn't quite want to move yet he just carefully cleaned up what he could from where he sat before setting his sights on her.

He did notice the wince and again concern crossed his features, so he finally got up and grabbed a towel to wrap around himself before he moved up behind her, a hand moving to her waist. "Okay, I won't...you okay though?"

Aria
She blinked as he put his hand there, and sighed a little, realizing he had seen the wince, but she leaned into the touch, and him. "I'm ok, babe. Just... using muscles in a way they haven't been used in a long time, and well... it had been a while." She was a little red faced. "It is, from what I've been told..." And read, because she ended up reading some info in the library (it sort of surprised her and yet didn't that books about how things work, in a technical sense at least, were there) when she'd been doing her research. "Normal that after some time, it's almost like..."

She paused, blushed a little more, then said "Like being a virgin again."

Pao
When she leaned into him he pulled her into a loose hug, relieved to hear that she was alright. Her explanation for it, though, got him to smirk, and he leaned down to kiss her cheek. "Gotcha," he replied simply. "It gonna be like that all the time? That kinda sucks..."

Though in the midst of his concern he found himself wondering exactly how long it'd been. She'd been podded for most of the dry spell was his guess...but he had to ask to be sure.

Aria
She smiled at the hug, and leaned into the kiss too. His question had her laugh softly and she shook her head. "No, that should not be something you need to worry about. Over time, my body will adjust and I'll be fine. Just the first few times... And even so, it's totally worth it... Like a good workout, you get an after burn, but it was worth it, right?"

She kissed his cheek softly, and gently pulled out of his arms, heading for the door, a smile on her face. She turned to look to see if he was going to walk with her.

Pao
"Good to know." Her laugh got more of a smile out of him, and he had to nod at her question. "More than worth it, babe," he said, giving her a squeeze before she pulled away from him finally. He grabbed his clothes and followed after her, soon taking her hand as they headed for the showers together. Even now he didn't want to be too far from her for too long.

"Y'know, you said it earlier but that was a pretty good workout, afterburn and all." He twined their fingers together, expression thoughtful as they went.

Aria
She found herself wishing, for a moment, that there were some co-ed showers in this building. She'd love a chance to wash him, and let him wash her, after an afternoon as lovely as that. But that was daydreaming, and it wouldn't change anything, so she just smiled at his words. "I certainly find that it was worth every bit of the fairly minor ache, and that will fade soon enough."

She tilted her head, looking at him curiously, amused. She hadn't meant it as a literal suggestion that it was a work out but it DID work her muscles, so...

Pao
"Wouldn't work for, y'know, a workout, but it definitely gets your heart going. Good thing for those days where an afternoon run seems like too much of a chore." He glanced over at her, a suggestive look carrying through his smile.

Aria
She could not help it, she began to laugh, a sound of love filling it but she was definitely amused by the idea. "Well it certainly would be a more fun afternoon activity, as much as I enjoy my runs." She had an interesting glint in her eyes, though, and she added, in what might seem to be a non-sequitur, "We should go stargazing sometime soon here on the island, now that the cliffs are Water Golem free again."

Pao
He chuckled at her reaction, gently bumping into her as they went. "Definitely more fun," he echoed before considering her idea with a slight tilt of his head. It was a random jump in topic, but he could get behind it. It was something he knew she loved to do, after all.

"Oh, yeah. Love to, baby. Just pick a clear night when we're both free."

Aria
Her question wasn't as random as he might think, but she wasn't going to spoil the surprise of that fact by telling him. She simply nodded, then stopped as they got to the door of the girls' bathroom. "I'll take a look at the schedule. We should make sure to have some spare blankets, and I think I'll scout out the cliffs in advance, so that I can see about finding the best spot."

She was plotting a few things, actually, in her mind, under her expression of apparently innocent enthusiasm.

Pao
"Alright, lemme know." Once they made it to the showers, or at least to the girls' showers, he gave her a quick kiss, amused at her enthusiasm. It was a beautiful thing to him, to see her looking forward to doing something she loved. "See you in a bit."

With that he went off and quickly took that shower, soon re-emerging in their room to finish toweling off and get dressed. While he waited for her he cleaned up the blankets and pillows they borrowed from the lounge, figuring they could drop the stuff off on the way to dinner.

Aria
She showered, and it didn't take too long, as she didn't do a hair wash, and then got dressed again. She looked at herself for a long moment in the mirror, remembering his words earlier that she showed own the beauty he saw in her. She hunted, silently, for a long while, trying to see what he saw, but finally gave up, just smiling at her reflection because... Whatever it was he saw, even if she didn't, it was enough for him and that was what mattered.

She left the bathroom and went to their room, putting her robe in the closet, then turned to smile at him. "Ready to... Oh you got the stuff picked up, awesome." She went over and grabbed the Jenga box. "So ready to go?"

Pao
Rhys was lounging when she got back, a bit surprised that she didn't take as long as he expected her to but happy to see her again all the same. "Yep," he said as he got up and picked the blankets and pillows up off the floor.

"Thought it'd be good to get this stuff outta here since we're heading out anyway."

Aria
"Sounds good, and the lounge is on the way out, so that works." She walked over, leaned up and kissed him, then went and opened their door, and stepped out to wait, since his hands were full. "Let's go get some food, baby." She smiled up at him, eyes bright and loving.

Pao
Rhys followed her out, expression bright as he waited for her to lock up behind them. "Yeah, kinda hungry." He was, of course, downplaying that; he noticed how hungry he actually was while he waited for her, so he was pretty relieved that she insisted they have a full meal.

"Think we could do dessert, too?" he asked as they started for the lounge.

Aria
"If you weren't hungry, I'd be worried you were sick." She said, in an honest, not teasing tone. "You have a healthy appetite, unlike mine, and should be hungry by now." She locked up and when they got there, opened the door to the lounge for him, so he could get the stuff he carried back in, then took the box of Jenga in.

"Sure, though I'd prefer something on the simple side. What did you have in mind?" She just didn't want to spend hours in the kitchen, because she wanted to get home and cuddle.

Pao
He snorted at that, amused despite noting it was an honest remark from his very loving girlfriend. "I guess. I think I would've noticed sooner if I didn't get distracted." He shot her a grin before tossing the blankets on one of the free couches.

Rhys took her hand and waited for her to set the Jenga box down before starting to head out and to the kitchen. "Mm...what's a simple dessert for you? I'm good with anything, just want something sweet is all."

Aria
She smiles a little and pulls him close once he put the stuff down, to give him a kiss full of love and happiness, before she pulled herself back. "Well as distractions from food go, that one isn't the worst I can think of, baby." She sighs softly and then sets down the box.

She follows him out and down the path towards the kitchen, and hmmm'd softly. "Honestly, I don't know. Instant pudding? Because honestly, if I didn't want to force myself to be good for the sake of fighting my issues, I'd be tempted to just skip it and go back to our room and... well yes."

Pao
He considered her words and her for a moment, then leaned down and gave her a peck on the cheek. "Let's pass on dessert then. There's always next time, right?" He wanted to see her continue to fight and win against this issue, and she had been winning over it as far as he could tell, and if it helped in some little way that they kept their meals on the shorter side then he was okay with that.

He opened the door to the kitchen once they got to it for her, a little smirk on his face at a passing thought that he thought to hold back for now.

Aria
She smiled at the kiss and said "Maybe we could run by the vending machine, see if they have something tasty and sweet in there, and share it back at our room? Obviously not as good as something homemade, but still." She was grateful for everything he did for her, and his support on this issue. She moved in when he held the door, and arched a brow at him.

"Should I ask what you're thinking, my love, that you're smirking?" She said, her tone amused, as she went to gather up the ingredients. "Now we never actually settled who's frying, we both offered to do it though..."

Pao
The vending machine idea only had him full on smile, amused at her phrasing. And her question got him to chuckle as he followed her inside, moving to grab the cooking utensils and "mm"-ing at her question.

"Just thought I'd get to have dessert back in our room one way or the other," he finally replied, flashing her a grin. "And we can switch off, if you want?"

Aria
She blinked, and then blushed at his words, blushed red as he'd ever made her blush, but nodded a little. She washed the green onions and began to chop them, the knife flashing with each chop in a silver blur. "Mmm note to self, the knives we get for our kitchen need to be good knives. No cheap ones..."

She paused, as she moved the chopped onions so far to a plate. "Yeah, switching off works."

Pao
His cheeks turned their fair share of pink at the sight of her blush, still a bit in disbelief of the fact that they'd actually gotten that far given his issues. But he went about his bit of work before moving to lean on the counter beside her, watching her and the way she worked the knife.

"Good knives, of course," he smiling. "Y'know if you wanted to focus on the kitchen first to deck it out I wouldn't say 'no', love."

Aria
She was just so happy tonight, and working on their dinner, despite not really wanting to eat, felt so good. But her world felt really amazing tonight, and she wanted to keep the good feelings going, and making sure they both had a delicious and healthy meal would help that. She finished chopping the onions, and turned to him as she set the knife down.

"I would rather we make sure to deck out things in an even pace. A decent pan set, a good knife set, and then everything else. If we're going to pick a room to focus on first, though, our bedroom is where to start."

Pao
He was in the best of moods as well, being in the same room as his love doing so much to keep him there. Future planning also contributed to it, and when she finished he couldn't help but lean down and kiss her, soft but still full of all his love.

"Our bedroom first, then," he chuckled as he pulled away. "So...prep all done?"

Aria
She hummed happily into the kiss, and laughed after, just from pure joy. She'd never experienced this much happiness all in one day, and it was amazing. A future, a happy future, and a boyfriend who loved her, and friends who cared about her. All of these things were in her life and it was amazing.

"Other then getting the pan and oil hot, yes." She popped the pan on the stove and got it going, before measuring the oil into a little glass bowl, so it'd be ready when the pan was. "Other then our bed, do we need some extra sets of drawers? Are we allowed to keep the ones they issued us, do you think?"

Pao
She was his future, as far as he was concerned; he'd all but given up on the idea, and then she came in and completely changed his life in the best possible way.

He idly mixed the batter in its bowl as she kept working, eyes on her as he did that. "Mm...if you don't mind mix and match furniture we could always requisition new ones for the house. I think these stay in here, but we can always ask. Someone's probably got the right answer."

Aria
She tested the pan's heat every so often in the way she liked best, even if it wasn't his favorite, then finally grinned at it, and added the oil all at once, before dancing back to not get hit by it.

"Let's find out. I'd like to eventually have it at least look somewhat matching but at first, at least, I'd prefer to just have what we need. And if we could just take our drawers and such with us, we could save on buying new ones for some time." She shrugged and added "Or we could see how much they cost at Ikea, I don't know."

Pao
His smile did falter when he saw the way she was checking the pan, and he would have stepped in if he didn't know that the FEAR shield would keep her from getting hurt in case her hand got too close, but he didn't. He only sighed and let her do her kitchen thing, arms now crossed as he leaned against the counter, still watching her.

"Drawers aren't totally needed," he gave it some thought, "so I think we could get away with not having brand new ones provided we can make it kinda match." And then he frowned while adding, "Besides, if s**t hits the fan and our house gets messed up a little in the process, it's more money saved."

Aria
She gently took the batter from him once the oil was ready, and put some onions in, then poured the batter on. She reached over to him, and pulled him close to her, so she could lean against him while she watched the first pancake cooking, hoping he'd at least feel a little more relaxed now that she wasn't doing the heat tests.

"I... guess? I mean we need storage space for our clothing and similar stuff?" She was surprised. "I mean, unless we get a good size built in closet, then maybe we don't have to worry about it." She shrugged some and said "I guess you're right though."

Pao
He slipped his arms around her when she pulled him closer, sighing a little. It was an unvoiced concern stemming from his protective tendencies when it came to her, but now that it was done and she relaxed against him the added closeness helped him relax again.

"Oh, a dresser? I thought we were talkin' about nightstands..." He chuckled at the small misunderstanding, soon giving a shrug. "Well like you said, we can start with something hopefully from here and then replace it or get rid of it later down the line."

Aria
She gave a soft, happy sigh at the feeling of his arms around her, her own body relaxing a little just from having him close. When it was time, she reached out and flipped the pancake, smiling at the gorgeous golden brown color that was visible after.

She chuckled when she realized what had been happening, and she nodded. "Yeah, I meant a dresser, not the nightstands. As long as we have a small table for the side of the bed, so that I have somewhere to put my glasses, then we're ok on that level. I don't expect anyone will be going into our bedroom once we have a home, so I'm not as worried about having things hidden in the drawers."

Pao
His grip was loose so she could move a bit more freely (which she obviously needed because she was cooking), but otherwise he loved how close they got to be even here. His eyes were settled on the pancake once she flipped it, the aroma getting his stomach to grumble a little. He did his best to ignore it, of course, but it was possible that she heard it.

"Alright, works for me. Might also be better since we're getting a king, might not have room for more than just the one nightstand if the room isn't big enough."

Aria
She heard the grumble, and a small laugh escaped her lips at her hungry man, filled with love and amusement. She divided the next set of onions from the others on the plate, so they would be ready once this pancake was done. She took a deep breath, enjoying the delicious smell as well, though she did not have any stomach grumbles at this time.

"Yeah. I mean some of this can be better planned once we know what kind of space we have. But with a single bedside table, we should have room for one box of important supplies..." She said that a little teasingly. "My glasses, and our phones."

Pao
When she laughed he could only assume that it was because of his vocal gut, so for his bit of revenge he gave her a little bit of a squeeze, leaning down to press a kiss to her neck.

And then he thought to stay there and keep doing that for a second, because he liked it. Though he did talk between kisses.

"More than one box," he said, chuckling, "just to be better prepared?"

Aria
She eeped at the initial kiss in surprise, and then sighed softly as he kept going. She flipped the pancake out onto the towel she had prepped, and let it drain while she got the next one set up in the pan, her head tilted just a bit to let him have all the access to her neck he might want. She was mildly amused, given he'd already marked her neck once, but then this was just kisses so far. If he started that up again... Well she'd simply point out that she couldn't be distracted while working on the food.

His question had her laughing again and she said "I meant one on the table, as long as there's multiple in it. The rest can be kept out of the way in a corner of one of the dressers."

Pao
It was always tempting to do more, but given where they were and what they were doing he reigned in the urge. He smiled when she gave him room to do what he wanted, and he did except he made sure to keep it tame.

"Oh, yeah that works, too." He smirked and pulled back for a second before moving to the other side of her neck, a sudden thought coming to mind just then. "I didn't ask earlier 'cause...yeah...but when did you even buy that box?"

Aria
She mmm'd happily at the kisses, enjoying the feeling of his attentions on her neck, but still keeping her focus on the pancake she was cooking. She had trouble not getting distracted, because she wanted to look at her gorgeous boyfriend as he was doing this, but she was able to stay in control for now.

When he moved, she just shifted her head in the opposite direction, a soft smile on her face. His question, and how he danced around why he didn't ask earlier, made her smile and she reached up to caress his cheek, her eyes gentle as she answered. "In London, babe. When I was getting my... necessities. I wanted to have them on hand for when we got this far, what with the concerns about... things... And so I tucked them under what I bought, because I didn't want you to feel pressured or anything."

Pao
He smiled at her touch but didn't quite stop with the kisses. What stopped him was her answer, and he pulled back finally, sort of curling around her so he could see her face, expression one of surprised amusement.

"You got ready for this that long ago?"

Aria
She blushed a bit as she flipped the pancake, his words and reaction the reason she had gone so pink. She wasn't sure why it mattered, but it clearly did matter to him that she had done that back then. "Yeah, babe. I figured since we were at a store, and they had the necessary there, it would be a good idea to get some to stock up. I know there's supposed to be supplies here on island..."

She'd totally hit the supplies up, too, for the future, at need. But in the meantime, they had a stock of a few boxes for them. "But I wanted some in our room, easy to access, for the day we got to a point they'd be needed... So we wouldn't have to stop and be disappointed by the lack of supplies."

Pao
The amusement never left his face, her blush even making him smile that much wider. He leaned in for a proper and loving kiss, not at all caring about the pancakes for the moment. "Glad I never found 'em then," he said as he pulled back, eyes on hers as he leaned back so she had room again to handle the pancakes. "I mean I might've gotten upset or whatever, but knowing you love me that much and had enough confidence in me...in us...that we would make it this far would've trumped that. It's kinda all I'm feeling right now..."

He kissed her again. "Just really, really...loved."

Aria
She kissed him back, glad to know that he was amused, at least. His words made her curious, and she tilted her head, listening. "I said it over and over, after all, that I had faith we could do this, beat this. I meant it. I admit I didn't expect us to find a solution quite like this one, where we conquered the biggest challenge before the others, but I knew we had the ability to get here." She paused, thinking about that horrible weird dream where she'd forgotten who she was, who HE was, even if for a short time and she'd never let him go there... But the name that she had thought was hers fit her so well...

But she was getting distracted. "I love you, and knew you're strong enough to defeat this. I know you're still strong enough that we can work out the rest together too. We're good on our own, but together? We're so much better."

Pao
He really didn't know what he could say to that, given that his doubts more often trumped his hopes of beating his issues. Now, after actually getting this far and seeing that there were solutions, that there was an actual end to his issues and it was practically in sight, he had so much more confidence. And again he owed that to Seren and all the love and support she always gave, and often had to reaffirm for him during moments like these.

"We are better together," he said softly, leaning in for yet another kiss. "And I love you, too. For so many things, but the way you believe in me is kinda somethin' so new to me and every time I'm reminded of it I just...it just makes me love you more."

Aria
She kissed him back, smiling to hear that he agreed on the better together part. When he broke the kiss, she got the pancake out, just in time. She got the next one set up and in, before she spoke again, not wanting to get burned by the oil.

"I don't know how it's possible for me to love you more than I already do, because I love you with all of me... And yet everyday, the ways you show your love and your support, the gentle kindnesses you display with me at all times... I fall more in love with you, and it amazes me that it's possible. You make my life so bright, baby."

Pao
"Yeah, it's weird right?" he chuckled, "I mean a good kinda weird 'cause fallin' in love with you's still the best thing to ever happen to me. Just can't figure out how you keep making me love you more and more everyday. And I love that you do that, baby..."

He leaned in for another kiss, smirking. "Insert one of those old time classic love songs...what was it? 'You Light Up My Life'? 'Cause you really do, and I always thought those songs were for sappy idiots who just lost their s**t over someone...now I'm one of 'em and I honestly couldn't gives any less ******** don't think I know that song, love, but it definitely fits how I feel about you, that title." She murmured, watching the pancake with focus, after the kiss. "Sometimes I feel like you're the sun I've been looking for my whole life, to dispel the darkness, and now that I've found you, I really don't know how I managed with your light."

She paused and then said "Good lords, we are sappy, aren't we?" She laughed, though, obviously more amused than anything else by the idea.

Pao
He listened to her and related to everything she said, though his thoughts weren't quite so poetic, but after what he assumed was more a rhetorical question he chuckled and shrugged slightly. "Maybe, does it matter much?" It really didn't to him, though if someone walked in he imagined they would either walk right back out or start throwing things at them to get them to shut up.

He cuddled into her then, deciding that maybe the sapfest could end there, and settled his eyes on the pancakes again, first on the one in the pan and then on the cooked ones. "Your level of focus on some things is also another thing I really love about you. How in the hell did these not burn while we were talkin'?"

Aria
"No it doesn't. Just amused me really, because I never thought I'd be the sort to be sappy." She flipped the pancake, and smiled. Just right again, she was pleased she hadn't gotten TOO distracted, tempting though he was.

His comment on the subject made her laugh. "You wanna take over after this one, since we were going to switch off?" She asked. "And they didn't burn because I refused to let myself get that distracted."

Pao
He could never not smile when he heard her laugh, and at her suggestion he wound up shaking his head. "Kinda too comfy now, babe," he admitted. Still, despite saying that he slipped one of his hands away to scoot the batter closer to him for easier access.

"Unless I can stay like this while I flip?"

Aria
Her brows rose and she mock pouted. "Aww you get to be all snuggled in me and comfy the whole time, no switch off?" Her tone was very clearly kidding. It wasn't like, with the height difference, she could wrap around him the way he did around her. Sometimes she envied him that. She loved how protected his cuddling made her feel, and she wanted to be able to do the same for him.

She blinked at his idea. "Not sure how that's going to go, really, babe. Could be workable, could be a pancake on the ceiling."

Pao
He smirked at the mock pout. "Yep. Unless you want me to let go of you?" He pulled on a mock hurt type expression, then moved to let her go but stopped about halfway to give her a chance to "stop" him. He, of course, didn't actually plan on letting her go unless she really asked him to.

"But seriously though, let's maybe not risk a pancake on the ceiling." Amusing as that might be to him. "Switch?

Aria
She snorted and gently swatted him, before pulling him back in close. "No, I do not want you to let go of me, you ridiculously silly man." She popped the pancake out and got the next one started, before he could have a chance to respond, too, leaning into him in a way that said he'd best not move, because she might fall over if he did.

"No, I'm fine really... I'll just focus and get them done. You can do the frying next time we make them." She followed up in her words, not doing anything but working in the pancakes until they were finished, then during them between two plates. "There we go!"

Pao
He laughed lightly when she pulled him back in, and he happily cuddled into her in a way that said he really wasn't going anywhere until she gave him the green light to do so. "Mm...good," he murmured, nuzzling into her neck again as she finished up the pancakes. "'Cause I didn't really wanna let go."

And he didn't until she finished plating. Smiling, he turned her so she was properly facing him when he kissed her. Slow and loving...still not quite ready to let her go.

Aria
She laughed as well, and smiled. "Mmm good. Didn't really want you to let go either, so that's good." His nuzzling tickled a little, in a very good way, and she sighed happily. What a perfect day this had been so far.

She blinked in surprise when he turned her around, and then kissed him back, getting lost in it for a long moment. Finally she broke the kiss and murmured "Should I have just made one plate for us to share?" In a lightly teasing voice, amused by how much he wanted to just hold on tonight.

Pao
He sighed when she broke the kiss, chuckling at her obvious amusement and at her question. "No," he started, "just can't help just wanting to be close to you." And then he kissed her just once more before finally peeling himself away from her and grabbing their plates.

"Wanna grab the water, babe?"

Aria
She smiled sweetly at him and kissed his nose. "Well and I was thinking if it was one plate, we could share a chair." Her tone was still teasing, in a loving way, then she sighed and slid free to go grab cups and water for them both. "But I suppose that might be distracting."

She walked over to the table, moving slowly, a smile on her face as she remembered the last time they'd used this table, on cake day.

Pao
He set the plates down and took a seat, chuckling at the idea of sharing a chair during a meal. "Would be distracting," he replied as she joined him. "Hard enough to keep my hands off of you when you're next to me."

Aria
She laughs and blushes some, then settles across from him. "Well then I'll just limit the temptation until after the food is eaten." She teased him lightly, her eyes glinting happily. She passed him his cup, and then picked up a fork and began to eat. She ate half the pancake and sighed. "I need to get some chopsticks, I don't want to risk forgetting how to use them..." She said, a kind of absent-minded tone in her voice. "Do you know how?" She added, curiously.

Pao
The teasing was cute to say the least and it really made him more tempted to just pull her close again, but he fought the urge down and instead picked up his fork. "Probably a good idea." He winked, smiling brightly at her before turning his attention to the food finally.

He got through a pancake and a half in no time, basically just inhaling the food because he had been that hungry and he didn't notice until he took that first bite. He was working on inhaling the last half of his second pancake when she spoke, and he finished it before taking a drink and answering her question.

"I can use chopsticks, yeah. We can pick up a set for us next time we go on leave?"

Aria
She chuckled softly and continued to eat, her expression showing she was happy just to be here with him and enjoying one of her favorite simple meals

"Sounds good. Staying in practice will help when we explore Asia." She said, a smile on her face at the idea. "We can maybe do the Manhattan day trip next, and grab them while there? Also we need to remember to look into that Costco idea."

Pao
He continued eating as well, happy to be in her company. He got through most of his food before washing it down with more water, thinking on those plans. "Manhattan works," he eventually nodded, "museum, right? And kinda touring around a little to see the city?"

Admittedly he was looking forward to seeing his old city, but because it was his old city he was a little worried about getting seen and recognized. "Might have to double check if I can go...and also on the Costco thing. That okay?"

Aria
She nodded at the first part, and then looked a little down at the idea that maybe he couldn't go. She wouldn't want to go without him. "If not, we can go to San Francisco or LA maybe." She said, trying to keep her mood light. She hoped that the fact that he was from Brooklyn rather than Manhattan was going to be enough.

She really wanted to see New York, but she wouldn't do it alone.

Pao
He reached over and took her hand, giving it a squeeze and shooting her a comforting smile. "Yeah, but still gonna hope for a green light. Chin up, love."

He held her hand even after going back to his food. "We can plan for that day 'til I get an answer. Cool?"

Aria
She squeezed his hand back, and looked up to meet his gaze, a warm smile on her face. "I'll keep hoping. It's one of the things I do best." She ran her thumb along the back of his hand, her love for him shining out of her gaze. "And hoping brought me here to you, in the end, so I know hope is worthwhile."

She happily kept her hand in his, eating her food slowly as she thought. "Yeah. I mean, I figured we'd go see the dinosaurs, then go have Chinese, since you said it's good, then get the chopsticks, and maybe some other stuff in the ChinaTown there?"

Pao
His smiled brightened some, and he nodded. Hoping was, at least in his mind, not one of his strong suits; he'd gotten to Deus through sheer resilience and willpower, more focused on not letting his past drag him down versus looking ahead to things he could hope for.

"Dinosaurs, yeah. We can get GiGa a triceratops buddy." He grinned, thinking fondly back to their time in London. "You just wanna tour through ChinaTown?"

Aria
She took a few more bites, then leaned back, leaving one pancake on her plate, giving it a frustrated look. "You want the last one, babe?" She asked, trying not to sound defeated, trying to keep up a good mood. Today was a good day, not being able to finish one pancake was not the end of the world. But it still made her wish she could find a small shortcut around her issues.

His comment on a buddy made her smile brightly. "I like that idea. A good plan." She gave his hand a squeeze and shrugged. "Sure? I mean, I was just thinking it might be a good place to get some of the stuff for our home, like maybe a wok and the like."

Pao
He blinked at her plate, then at her, then gave her hand a comforting squeeze before pulling her plate over and digging into the last pancake. She was doing good overall, so not finishing one meal once in awhile was for sure not the end of the world. He didn't even really see it as a loss since he wouldn't want her to get sick because she forced herself.

"Oh, okay, yeah. ChinaTown's a good place to tour either way, just wanted to make sure."

Aria
She gave him a grateful smile when he took the pancake, and just settled in her chair, her thumb running along the skin of the back of his hand. She was glad he didn't feel the need to talk about the pancake issue, and instead, she focused on their discussion about the China Town. "Is it a big place? I know San Francisco is supposed to have a hell of a China Town, but in my short time there, I didn't have time to go."

She sighed a little, and added "Pity, really, too. I would have loved a chance to explore it. Supposedly there's a Japantown too."

Pao
"Big and crowded," he replied quickly, then took a swig of water before going through a number of other details he knew about the place. "I didn't visit often, but yeah." He shrugged and finished up the last of the pancake, and then another glass of water.

"No worries, love. We'll get around to visiting all the places you wanna visit." He smiled bright and gave her hand another comforting squeeze before nodding at the dishes, just wanting to get them done now so they could get back to their room. "You wash, I dry?"

Aria
"Sounds freaking amazing, and overwhelming. I'm glad you're going to be with me." She chose to assume it would happen, and addressed it as such, for now. "I look forwards to you showing me around it."

She beamed at him and finished her water, before getting up and chuckling at his words. It seemed to be the most common way they divided the dishes, not that she minded. "Sounds good. Then home." She got to work scrubbing with a vigor and determination, just wanting to be alone with him in their private space again.

Pao
"Same," his expression brightened quite a bit at how hopeful she was that he'd really be able to go. "With any luck we'll get to explore a little further out, too. Maybe hit Little Italy or somethin'."

The brunette dried as quickly as she finished off the dishes, and soon enough they were done with the dishes. He stretched out a little bit, a quiet groan escaping him before he turned to Seren, smile soft. "Home?"

Aria
"Chinese for lunch, Italian for dinner, then home?" She asked, in an amused and curious voice. She rinsed her hands off while he finished the drying.

When he stretched, she grinned and enjoyed watching him do so, and even enjoyed the groan, a small smile crossing her face. His question made her smile widen considerably. "Home, baby. Let's go." She snagged his hand and headed for the door.

Pao
"Let's go," he chuckled and followed after her, taking a single stride to catch up and get the door first. "And I like that plan. We'll be burning off the calories real quick anyway, with all the walking we'll be doing."

Once they were outside he let her hand go in favor of draping his arm over her shoulders and pulling her closer, leaning to give her a small kiss on the forehead. "You should maybe look up some other things we can do between the museum and ChinaTown, too?"

Aria
"Mmmm if we only get one day, to prevent risk of accidental exposure, can we do much more?" She asked, honestly, her head moving to rest on his shoulder as they walked. All she wanted was to get them home, now.

Pao
He rested his head against hers as they went, looking on at the dorms that were slowly but surely getting closer. He wanted to get home, too, but he kept his pace even since his stride was much longer than hers. "Just one more thing couldn't possibly hurt," he said, shrugging his free shoulder. "Maybe I can wear a scarf or cover like what October uses?"

Aria
"That's not a bad idea, a face mask or the scarf. Since it's winter, no one will question you wanting to bundle up, after all." She sounded pleased at the idea. "And alright, I'll look into other stuff to do that might interest me in Manhattan, though who knows how outdated any books on the subject we have are?"

Pao
He smiled at her tone, a little relieved that the idea maybe cheered her up a little more about the whole New York trip potentially being an issue for him. "Good," he replied before kissing her forehead again. "There's lots to do there, I'm sure you'll find something."

Aria
"I'm sure. Maybe we should just do a stock up day or two for our next leave days, while we get the information, and leave Manhattan for January or February. It should still be cold enough for the scarf trick, if needed." The kiss to her forehead made her smile brightly at him, as they made it to the door of the dorms. She silently waited, against him, for him to satisfy his gentlemanly need, something she had come to appreciate a great deal.

Pao
"I like that plan," he said rather flatly as he opened the door for them and gave her room to go through first. "City's too crazy during the holidays. Was never a fan."

Once inside he took her hand, mind still lingering on some lonely holiday memories of his as they went back to their room. "Mm...first time I get to spend the holidays with someone that cares about me," he said slowly, a little thoughtful. "Where didya wanna go?"

Aria
"I bet it can be fun, though, when you're just touring, not having to live there. I don't know, of course, never having been in a city during the holidays." She slipped in and pulled out her key to their room, silently thoughtful as her fingers twined into his.

His comment made her look up at him, quietly, and she said "Right here, in our room. I don't want to go anywhere. I just want a couple of quiet, peaceful days with the person I love, having an actual holiday. It's not like mine were ever much fun either." She squeezed his hand, gently, then unlocked their door, and opened it for them.

Pao
He considered it for a moment and shrugged. "Maybe," replied the brunette, "never thought about it."

Her reply to his question surprised him a little, and he followed her into their room quietly. Once the door was closed behind him he gently tugged her back into his arms, and he gave her a gentle, very loving kiss. "I like the sound of that...some quiet uninterrupted nights, just you and me?"

Aria
She smiled up at him at his reaction, then wrapped her arms around him in the kiss, more then happy to return it. She didn't let go, kicking her shoes off as she replied. "Exactly. You, me, no one else. I mean, it might be rude not to at least pop by Joy's and say Merry Christmas, give her a gift or something, cause she's a damn good friend, like a sister to me... Maybe the same with Kim, for me at least... But other then that?"

She began to guide them back to their bed, her eyes on his. "Privacy, quiet, and no leaving for anything but meals and the restroom."

Pao
He chuckled at her thoughtfulness, also slipping out of his shoes as they went. "So visit some people if they're not off on holiday somewhere, then just hide away for the rest of the holiday?"

He kissed her again, smiling into it. "Privacy and quiet, no getting called out for assignments...what're we gonna be doin' the whole time?"

Aria
"Yes, that sounds about right. We can do trips to places on future holidays, maybe, but for now? Our first Christmas as a couple? I just want to spend it with you." She leaned up to kiss him and was amused to be met by his kiss, her eyes bright and happy.

"Mmm I believe the answer to that question is whatever we feel like, baby." She grinned, a little naughtily, and added "Maybe by that point we'll have gotten things to a point we can indulge in some more... interesting diversions." She paused, and said "We should order some ropes, though. Might be easier and more discreet to get online, and... Well, while I have to control where I touch, it's another way to mix things up, and make sure I can't."

Pao
He chuckled, lips hovering above hers as she spoke. The suggestive grin wasn't lost on him, and again her confidence in his progress astounded him, though he was just as hopeful for it, if not more. The mention of ropes had his brows go up a little; though he remembered the conversation he didn't think it'd come up so soon.

"Should I study up a little bit about that, or...?"

Aria
She leaned in and kissed him softly and lovingly before she answered his question. She had all the faith in him and his ability to progress, their ability to work this out together. They had managed to make today happen, the rest would happen too. Finally she broke the kiss, and took a slow breath.

"Might be good to get some information but for the basic stuff, which is all I was thinking about for now, I can show you what you need to know." A slightly strange smile crossed her face as the thought once again popped up in her mind that it was hard for her to believe she could trust any man this much, and the gratitude and joy she felt that she could

Pao
He leaned into the kiss, eyes closed and feeling as loved as she always made him feel whenever they were together, sharing tender moments like these. When she broke the kiss he sighed, slowly opening his eyes so he could look into hers.

"I'll look into some things then," he replied, smirking. "You got me lookin' forward to it, though, the way you say that." He held her gaze for a moment, noting the smile and leaning in for a quick little kiss before he asked.

"Somethin' up?"

Aria
She gently squeezed his hands, and settled back on the bed, gazing lovingly up at up. "Sounds like a plan. And good. I want you to enjoy it as much as I will. And I know I will, because it'll be with you."

She kissed him back, then sighed a little, wondering how to phrase it. Finally she simply said "It amazes me, at times, that I trust you this much. I never thought I'd ever trust a man enough to let them tie me up, let alone that fantasy I told you about... But with you, I do."

Pao
He chuckled and just looked down at her for a moment with a loving gaze."If it's with you, babe, I don't have any doubt that I'll enjoy it." Eventually he joined her on the bed though, and he took her hand and brought it to his lips, gently kissing the back of it.

"You and me, we have the same kinda thoughts about this sorta thing." And then he paused, smirked, and quickly clarified, "the trust thing, I mean, not the letting a man tie me up part. But it's totally new to me, too, and kinda insane 'cause I never thought I'd ever trust...well, anyone." He kissed her hand again. "Never mind trusting someone as much as I trust you."

Aria
She felt happy to be here, whether he stood over or was sitting besides her. Just having him close was enough for her. "I'm glad. No handcuffs, though. Too easy to lose that stupid key." She shivered at the feeling of his lips on her hand. She sighed happily and lay back, watching him with loving eyes.

She laughed at his clarification, her eyes gentle. "I would be a little surprised if you did have thoughts about that, love." The rest of it just made her smile softly and lovingly. Trust issues... They both had them and somehow, each had broken play the other's. It was amazing and wonderful. When he lowered her hand from the second kiss, she reached up and pulled him down into a proper kiss, her eyes closing.

Pao
He laughed lightly, nodding until she pulled him down for a kiss, which he happily went along with. He would happily go along with just about anything she asked him to, really; he loved and trusted her with everything that he had, and he hoped that he was able to make her feel that every single day.

It was a long moment before he broke the kiss, just hovering over her. "I would be, too," he said, going back to it, still rather amused. "As for handcuffs..." he smiled and kissed her again, short and sweet. "Could we, if I promise to be careful?"