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[ Being comfortable with someone really changed everything, invoking a warmth Sungmin wanted to hang onto for as long as possible. During his childhood, his mother used to talk about how others entered your life at the times you needed them most to bring something. It just took time to discover what they were bringing and why. Dash waltzed into his life and for Sungmin it seemed less about just existing day to day. A lot more about actually living.

Sitting down next to Dash on the couch, he needed to refrain from reaching out and touching him somehow. Already a reflex and he needed to not let it become one so easily. ]

When I first arrived on the ground and after dealing with the reaper status, nothing made any sense. The human world is really confusing when you haven't lived there.

[ He gave a slight shake of his head. ] I stumbled into cooking and it was the first thing to ever make sense. Like I should have been doing it all my life. Not even in the water did something feel that right.

[ His eyes gazed over at Dash. ] Is that how you feel with hats and fashion in general?

I do love this space but you're the cuter one.

[ Dash would happily agree. Comfort changes a lot of things, doesn't it? It's as though it opens a path to someone's heart. It makes it easier to be open in return. Though Dash does sort of give off the impression of being a kind of person who doesn't hold much back. He's honest to a fault and gives more than he knows.

In fact, he's having the same struggle as Sungmin. It's his instinct to reach out, as he's proven a few times already since they've met. He's happy to show his feelings through touch. ]

I can only imagine what that would be like. [ The expression on his face is sympathetic. ] It had to have been hard. [ Remember what we said moments ago about struggling not to reach out?

Dash fails to win that battle. Unthinking, he extends his hand and lays it over Sungmin's. If it were a bit later, this might have a quite electric effect, but this Dash has yet to travel to the godly realm for the first time. ]

I'm glad you found something that made sense to you here. It sounds like it was- is a comfort to you?

[ Withdrawing his hand, Dash considers this. ] Fashion is an outlet for me. It might've been something I did to keep out of trouble at one point.

[ Instead of saying anything right away about that last remark, Dash just nudges the top of Sungmin's hand with his forefinger and blushes a bit. Gosh, Sungmin. Finally: ] Charming flirt.

[ Giving a faint shrug, he tried to not dwell too much on the overwhelming feeling of loss and regret he always encountered anytime his mind drifted back towards the past and what happened with the cleansing of the sea. How could anyone decide to condemn a whole species just because of image? His family did not deserve what happened to them at all. ]

The ground has been good to me in some ways. [ He responded, giving a significant look at Dash as if to include him with the words. He meant it, though, Dash happened to be a very good thing crashing into his life and very unexpectedly. ]

Keeping you out of trouble? What kind of trouble were you getting into? [ He really couldn't picture Dash causing any kind of problems. The guy seemed too pure hearted for such a thing. Smiling at the touch on his hand, he used his free one to gesture towards the soup. ] It's better while it's hot.

Charming flirt huh? You have got to be cutie smiles. [ The most cute imaginable and with such a beautiful and heart stopping kind of smile. The one to take your breath away. ]

It's hard to find where you really fit in with the world, isn't it?

[ Sensing that the topic is a saddening one, Dash decides he'll devote his attention as much as possible to seeing Sungmin smile. He offers a reassuring one of his own, nodding once. ] It seems to me like we're lucky to have you.

[ Is he speaking on behalf of the entire human realm? Possibly.

Or he could be speaking about himself, primarily. It's just a feeling that he's getting, in spite of having known Sungmin only a short while.

Despite being sort of clueless in some respects, Dash can occasionally be rather wise and savvy. It's not something he can control, of course. That'd just be too much power for one person, and he's already a prince, after all. ]

Um, nothing serious! [ he says, carefully pulling the soup closer so he can try it, immediately making an appreciative sound and giving Sungmin a look of pure approval at the taste. ] This is so good!

[ What was he saying? Oh, right. ] I just don't sit still well, so I guess I can get myself into predicaments without realizing. [ Here, he shrugs a bit helplessly and shyly. ]

Cutie smiles? [ That elicits a laugh, one that's full of joy. ] I like it! And you, thank you.

[ He sighs, a not unhappy sound. ] It's rewarding when you do find that place. Or, I think so.

[ Being on the ground changed everything and for awhile left him bitter and questioning but at the moment he wondered why he ever longed to return to the sea. One person really could make a difference for a perspective. Nodding his head fondly, his cheeks dusted with a faint blush. Normally, he never heard such genuine compliments and from someone so endearing it meant more. ]

Thank you and I'm glad you like it. You're free to stop by any time for a meal. [ Cooking meant so much to him and he enjoyed the repetition of all of it. He knew when he mixed certain things together he landed onto particular results.

The other comments - well - ] I like you too, by the way.

You have so much energy. It makes sense. You need to work some of it out more. [ Sometimes he really couldn't help himself. ] I'll tell you I was really confused when I first got onto the ground. I didn't know any human things or customs. I probably looked really odd the first few months.

[ He looked off in the distance for a moment. ]

They probably would have come for me if I didn't make the deals I did by now.

[ Dash beams at the words, nodding energetically. ] I'll definitely come by again! Now that I know this place exists, it would be a crime not to return! My stomach would never, ever forgive me if I didn't. [ From some people, this kind of over-the-top praise might sound insincere, but Dash manages to sound very genuine.

Maybe it's because he doesn't stop himself from honestly enthusing about things. There's no censorship of his reactions, really. ]

Thanks, [ he says, almost shyly, in reply to being told Sungmin likes him as well. It's a sweet sentiment, after all. ]

Work some of it out? [ Dash seems a little lost about the implications of those words. Either that or he's wondering about what that would look like in his own life. He does sit up a bit straighter, pulling his attention from his food, when Sungmin continues to elaborate. ]

Were you in danger? [ he asks, seeming almost hesitant to do so. Like he's nervous of the answer.

Or scared on Sungmin's behalf. ]

[ A soft blush stained his cheeks from the sweetness and sincerity of the compliments. Dash did not seem the type to just say things for the sake of them, after all, and it meant a lot to Sungmin when he used to deal with a lot of lies and illusions. ]

You're welcome anytime. [ He added again, just in case. As for the other bit, well - ] Work some of your energy out I meant! It might help you to be able to sit still better.

[ The past always lingered no matter how much Sungmin tried to push it aside. His eyes drifting off to stare at something in the distance but he didn't really see anything. ] The seas were cleansed a few years ago and everyone died except for a friend of mine and - [ The deal he made with the reaper kept him alive in a sense. ]

I lost my entire family. I had a really big one. I'm - tied to the Underworld. That's how I'm here. I don't think anything can happen to me while I'm in the service of it.

[ Dash doesn't hide much. Actually, he hides very little. He's just not all that good at being secretive. It doesn't come naturally to him, and when he tries to engage in subterfuge, it's usually noticeable and awkward. So, it's just better to be honest.

Honesty right now means reaching for Sungmin's hand with his own. He covers the other's larger hand with his, the difference between the two perhaps seeming especially profound with Dash's hand atop Sungmin's. ]

I'm sorry, Sungmin. [ His brow furrows sadly. ] That's... it's nowhere near enough just to say that, but I am sorry. You don't have to say more. If you want to talk, I'll listen, but you don't owe me any answers. [ They've just met, after all. Even if they'd known one another for decades though, that still wouldn't mean Sungmin owed Dash a thing. ]

I do have... some questions. But I don't know if it's fair for me to ask. [ That's Dash for you. Honest to a fault, again. ] Maybe if we spent more time together? [ His nose wrinkles a bit. ] That came out more flirty than I meant! I just- I want to get to know you better. That's what I meant.

[ Talking about the sea always pained him and he longed for even just another minute with his loud and warm family. They were all so close before the cleansing and no matter what happened, he would never move past it. Ever. Forgiveness would never arrive either for those who made it happen. It never made any sense either because while sirens weren't saints, they weren't as evil as some.

Giving a nod of his head, he tried to push the memories away. ]

I - thank you, Dash. You can ask what occurred to you. [ Something about Dash made him want to share and give away some of the torment he kept locked away inside of him. ]

[ Lips twitching, he looked down at Dash's hand on his own. ] That did sound flirty but I liked it. I - would like to spend more time with you. A lot. Get to know you better.

[ Dash's fingertips fidget a little over Sungmin's, as if he's looking for some way to give the other a little more comfort. Even a little would be something. He doesn't know how to make what he's feeling clear, or perhaps just doesn't know yet.

Maybe soon. ] I'll ask you next time, [ he says, nodding slowly. ] Maybe you can tell me a little more about yourself then?

And I can tell you about me too. [ Here, he offers a little smile. ] There's no pressure that way, right? [ They can go at their own pace and reveal things as they're ready to share. ]

It's... just what we want to say and that's all. [ This is also his way of saying that whatever Sungmin wants to say, it's enough. They've only just met, so there's no reason they have to try and answer every question. And now they're expressing their interest in seeing one another again, too... ]

[ The feel of Dash's hand kept him from floating off into the violent memories and nightmares, something grateful bloomed within him because of it. Who knew such a chance encounter could become something so monumental but his mom used to say the best connections always were the unexpected.

She used to tell him time and time again he couldn't plan everything. Now, he understood.

Swallowing, he gave a slight nod. ] You're right, we can slowly get to know each other and not make it feel like it's an interview or something. [ Slyly, he attempted to squeeze Dash's hand back. He really, really liked it. ]

Do you have to get going home or do you maybe want to take a walk with me?

[ If Sungmin needed a tether to keep him from drifting into the places where those thoughts and memories might haunt him, Dash would happily offer his hand whenever he could. Whenever Sungmin wanted. He'd gladly be that sort of anchor.

They may've just met, but there's already a feeling of old familiarity between them. Something like pieces slotting together in ways they never had before.

Dash beams. ] I'm glad. That sounds like the best way. [ His hand closes more firmly around Sungmin's. ]

I'd love to take a walk with you if you want. Just point us in the direction you'd like to go! [ Here, a chuckle works its way into his words. He's tickled and a little amused and a lot happy. Sungmin put that laughter in his voice and that smile on his face. ]

[ The happiness he enjoyed and really wanted more of. Actually, he wanted to invoke all kinds of pleasant and nice emotions in Dash and not just because of the siren. But the siren generally focused on sexual type of emotions and making certain things happen.

Smiling in return, he held out a hand for Dash to take. ]

When I first arrived on the ground and after ....work things at the time, I used to walk around and just find places to go. I never really had a destination in mind and you'll see soon enough that's really unlike me.

[ He led them out onto the street. ] But I think I have a destination in mind this time if that is okay with you. [ If Dash agreed, he'll bring them towards a garden he found not long after he settled onto the ground. ]

[ Dash holds onto Sungmin's hand, unabashed. It feels nice. There's a kind of energy to it, but he can't quite put his finger on it.

Not quite. Later, he'll know what it means. For now, it's just a pleasant little tingle of something warm. ] That's perfectly okay with me! [ He smiles as a reassuring gesture.

But also because he's happy. Sungmin is good at drawing that out of him.

It fades, but only to be replaced by a look of curiosity. ] Were you exploring? [ he asks, falling into step with the other. ] Wandering around is actually a good way to feel settled, isn't it? You wouldn't think it just from saying that, but it seems like it helps.

[ A beat, then he adds this next bit, looking a little thoughtful and a little sheepish at the same time, like he's pretty sure he believes what he's saying, but he's not sure how to say it. ] You seem... sturdy. I mean- steady. Grounded?

Edited 2018-07-04 04:35 (UTC)

[ After the go ahead, Sungmin led them into a tucked away garden, which many would probably overlook if they didn't know of its location in the first place. He happened to stumble upon it on accident one day and from there kept going back frequently. The outdoors meant a lot to him and helped him with refueling in a way.

He gave a nod of his head. ]

Yes. I was exploring and trying to understand the ground. The way all of the mortals interacted and how. Our customs are very different where I am from.

[ A sort of far away look entered his eyes for a moment. ] Am I? I guess after all this time I have gotten there. But it makes sense when I'm more of the ground than the sea. I haven't .....been to the sea in a really, really long time.

[ Dash follows Sungmin's lead happily. He's not worried about the destination, nor really about the journey. It's mostly the company that has his attention. Their meeting has already put Dash at ease and that feeling only grows from moment to moment. However it blossoms, there's something between them. He can feel that.

And he's happy to learn more about Sungmin, so he sticks close and hangs onto every single word. ]

I think I understand that. I have a new world of my own I need to explore. It's like your internal compass changes, isn't it? Having to learn and relearn so many things.

[ He shrugs, as if to say he's not sure he explained it well. He did try though. ]

Do you... [ Hm. Maybe he should hold off and not ask that question. Well, asking will either give Sungmin a chance to talk about it or a chance to say he's not ready and both would be helpful, right? ] Do you want to go back?

Yes, it's like all your directions change and you have to find your center again. You have to find a way to have everything make sense again. [ He responded as he led them into the corner garden and swept a hand out. The area had become one of his safe spots and where he retreated when he needed to center himself again. ]

Have you spent much time in your new world? Do you like it?

[ Soft footfall brought him over to a pond with a family of ducks swimming around in it. A different sort of magic. ] I guess I'm sort of ....I worry about going back. Silly, right? But I know it's dangerous for me not to.

[ Dash nods energetically. Yes, that explains it very well in his estimation. He doesn't know much, but he knows enough to call that feeling a relatable one. Once they're in the garden proper, he spends a second taking it in.

It doesn't seem like he's one to hurry for no reason. ]

This is lovely, [ he says, smiling in Sungmin's direction. ] Uh. [ He falls into step beside the other once again, lightly toeing the ground beneath their feet when they stop. ]

I've only been there once. I think I'll have to go back. But maybe we're both worrying about similar things, hm? [ He straightens up slightly. ] Dangerous how?

It is, isn't it? [ Sungmin agreed as he looked all around them, looking much more relaxed and at ease. ] I've always found it calming to be around plants and life. Maybe I should have been a fae of some kind instead.

[ Water being more of a challenge for him nowadays than before the cleansing happened. ]

Dangerous as in shifting and the abilities going haywire. I'm not sure all the downsides since we never had to worry before.

[ He gave a shrug. ] But your realm is nice? It must be a lot to take in.

[ Dash smiles behind his hand, a little charmed by Sungmin's perspective on things. ] A fae, huh? [ He looks around again. ] It'd be nice to live in this kind of place all the time, I think. Though I'm not exactly the best with plants.

[ Confession time. He gives a sheepish smile as punctuation to the statement. ]

So, being there makes it safer for you to change and to use abilities, things like that? [ Dash can hopefully be forgiven for coming to a slow understanding of these things. He really is trying to gain perspective and get a grip on what goes on in the worlds he never knew existed until recently. ]

Nice? Hm, I would say it is! I think it's sort of complicated. [ And he's not totally sure where to begin in explaining as much. ]

[ the words had a wider smile tugging at his lips, more charmed than he probably should have been with such a thing. but dash had a way of making him experience half a dozen emotions all at the same time. a remarkable feat, really. ]

Don't really have a green thumb huh? Maybe I'll show you my plants sometime. I've always wanted a greenhouse.

[ the earth element mattered more to him than the water one but his phobia regarding the latter probably had more to do with it than anything else. ]

Yes, not immersing myself in water is probably not - a good thing. [ sliding away from that topic - really quickly. ] What's your realm like?

[ Dash notices how Sungmin moves from topic to topic, but he isn't going to call it out or make any kind of deal about it. Whatever Sungmin's comfortable saying, Dash is happy to listen. For as long as he's comfortable saying it.

He looks around, expression turning shy at the words. ] No, I guess I don't, not really.

[ It doesn't seem to bother him, except insomuch as it does make him a tiny bit embarrassed. ]

I'd love to see your plants! Oh, I hope you do get your greenhouse someday.

[ And then that shift from one topic to another. Deciding to file the information away, Dash skips over any further mention of water. ] My realm? It's...

Not too different from this one. Except everyone's a god, one way or another. Some are more powerful than others, so I guess they influence how things behave or look. So sometimes it can be a little weird. The sky could be a weird color or someone might make gravity stop working normally.

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