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[ A collision with Dash sounded nicer than it probably should have but Sungmin liked the mysterious man who almost literally just dropped into his life. He wanted to uncover every single layer and see what really made him tick. It would take time but well worth the effort. ]

Yes, exactly. If you're excited, others will want to see what the deal is. If you can pull people in, other things click into place.

[ Again, he had plenty of other thoughts but everything drifted with hands back in his hair. Dash really wanted to zing tingles up and down his spine, didn't he? Mouth parting just a little, he gave a nod of his head. ]

Thanks. For de-frosting me.

[ Moving around the counter, he went to set a timer for the first pan of cookies. ]

You might say that now but - in the sea I didn't. I was - more the image most on land have about sirens. Luring those with sweet songs to their - well, you probably know how it goes.

[ He frowned deeply. ] I have a lot to repent for and to make up towards. I'm trying. I barely ever use anything and I haven't been to the - [ He shook his head. ]

Not really the happiest of talk. You can do some of the cookies if you want or go back on your cupcake mission.

[ Yes, somehow a collision sounds a lot more appealing than a collision typically ought. Dash isn't thinking of it consciously now, but if he were, he probably wouldn't find the idea to be a terrible one. If it means they get to share a little more time together, he'd be all for it. ]

Good advertising is a tough thing to really nail. It's basically about wanting people to want what you want them to have, right? Or, well, to buy, [ Dash says, tapping his chin. It looks like he's torn between brainstorming and the obvious enjoyment he's getting from this conversation, which hints at his more serious side.

He's not all silliness, this one. ] Oh! No need to thank me! [ He gives a sort of dismissive, 'no harm done' gesture. ] I was happy to help! Though your hair does look nice with a shot of that color in it. [ Though he was grinning a secretive grin when he said as much, he sobers as Sungmin speaks again, squaring his shoulders a little. ]

It's okay. [ He says as much with a certain firmness. ] It's all right to talk about it, if you want. It doesn't have to be happy. I mean, you don't have to stop talking about it for my sake!

[ He fidgets with the end of the towel. ] It sounds to me like you're working hard. Everyone deserves the chance to use what they're given for good, I think. [ There's a bit of a shrug here, not to dismiss Sungmin, but to hint he's trying to gather his thoughts. ]

I'm sorry if I said too much there! It just seems like you're working so hard and that's worth valuing!

[ The fondness of his smile only deepened the more Dash talked and settled himself into the bakery. Nearly as if he belonged there amongst all the ovens, countertops and baking equipment. A thought that warmed him more than it probably should have but Dash seemed to be a very easy person to drift closer to. ]

It can be difficult to have people want what you want. The trick is to make it seem like their idea. Then they won't even know your hoodwinked them. [ He explained easily, moving over towards the oven to check the first pan of cookies when the timer dinged. The cookies looked perfect and he happily slid them off onto a cooling rack, the pan placed into a sink. ]

[ He turned back to Dash. ] Are you saying I should dye my hair pink? Or red? [ Colors he never dreamed of in the sea but the ground offered a lot more opportunities for all kinds of things. ] I'll confess it took me awhile to get the hang of clothed at all. So many things and rules on the ground.

I - thank you, Dash and don't say sorry. Please, speak your mind freely. I like all your thoughts and I'm not very easy to offend, don't worry.

[ The warmth spread to his eyes. ] I actually have color coded binders that might help you with starting up a business.

[ It's ironic that Dash is having the same thought about Sungmin. Maybe it has something to do with the inviting atmosphere of the bakery, but he feels very, very comfortable here. Talking to Sungmin is also easy, easier than he might've expected. He dodged the subject of some of Sungmin's questions from habit, but he can see himself shedding more light on those topics in the future, perhaps. ]

Do you have trouble getting people to think that eating a bunch of cupcakes is a good idea? [ Dash is smiling when he says as much, though there is a light in his eye that says he actually does understand the difficulty. ] I always thought it was strange to have a bad relationship with food. It keeps you alive, right? There's no reason you can't enjoy it!

[ The comment about clothes makes him smile too, shy, but amused. ] I feel the same way about clothes. Like you pointed out, we have to wear them here, so why not enjoy what we wear? Whether that means being comfortable or stylish or aiming for both! [ This said, he considers the question about hair. ]

Hmm, I think you'd look nice with pink hair. You could pull off anything you wanted though! If you wanted.

[ He shakes his head. ] It's people who are really tolerant that I want to offend the least! If you say something and it upsets someone who is upset often, it doesn't really tell you that much about yourself. Or them.

But hurting someone who is kind enough to listen no matter what people say, that's bad.

[ There's some more perking up here. ] Color-coded?

[ Food just so happened to be a very touchy subject and almost taboo in some ways, which Sungmin never understood when everything tasted so good. Then again, he didn't need to worry about his figure and keeping to a certain image. Being a siren gave him enough grief with what people expected him to be and give to them. The reaper side only made things even more complicated but he tried to push most of it aside. All of that was complicated but food didn't need to be at all. ]

Actually, not as much! I have some lower calorie cupcakes and there are always muffins, bagels and English muffins too. The donuts at times can be a challenge but if you make something look really pretty, people want it. [ A very sad part of life. ]

[ A slight flush stained his cheeks yet again and he ducked his head as he grabbed for the icing tubes to decorate the cookies. ] I'll keep that in mind if I ever want to switch things up.

[ Looking up when Dash began to speak, fondness worked over his features. ] You have a really special heart. Try to never let anyone take that away from you.

But yes, color coded and cross referenced with footnotes and an index. [ Dash did not even know the half of it yet on Sungmin's organization techniques. ] If you really look around here you can see everything is labeled and has certain sections. It - keeps things balanced.

[ Dash would unquestionably agree with that assessment. Why be so judgmental about the idea of enjoying something that's tasty and that gives you energy? He's really confused on that point and it shows in his expression when he talks about this.

As for preconceptions, he's lucky enough that he's not too familiar with his own ancestry, so he's not had to fight off a lot of internal argument about what he is. He'd be a poor soul to try and relate to on that point, from the perspective of ignorance alone. Which isn't to say that being godly royalty gives one immunity from scrutiny. It's probably the opposite. He's just... oblivious to that fact as of yet. Hopefully he'll stay that way awhile. ]

It all does look really appealing. I don't count calories or anything like that, but I feel like... even if I did, I'd be tempted nonetheless! [ He looks a little sheepish and a little amused all at once. ]

Remember it! And if you ever want to switch things up with a hat, you can give me a ring, okay? [ He poses victoriously for a second. And then promptly looks sheepish again after Sungmin's compliment. He ducks his head a little, scratching his cheek. ]

I'll do my best. [ Perking up: ] You say really kind things!

And you are super organized. That's a real skill, I think. [ He moves his hands around a bit, one might say chaotically. ] I can never get totally organized. Maybe organized chaos is my modus operandi.

[ Picking up another pan, he placed more cookies onto it to place them in the oven to cook. The others were already cool enough and he started in on decorating them, making a special one for Dash to give to him on a napkin. He kept the theme pink and white to start with, deciding the second batch would include more reds of varying hues.

Placing the cookies in front of Dash when he finished he offered a bright smile. ]

I know who to call to taste test for me. I'm always trying new recipes. [ He paused for a moment to go over and taste a cookie of his own. ] Not all sweets, of course. I love to cook meals.

What kind of hats do you think would work best on me? [ He raised an eyebrow as he bit into the cookie. ] I only say truthful things but it's very cute how you blush over them.

[ Finishing off the cookie, he gave a low groan. So good. ] Organized chaos might be a little difficult with a business but I can help you learn to love filing and color coding. It's an art form.

[ Dash turns his cookie this way and that, as if admiring it. He then gives Sungmin two thumbs up, grinning broadly to show his approval. ] I love it! [ He bites his lip. ] It's almost too pretty to eat...

[ He's clearly having an internal debate with himself on the subject. Before he comes to a conclusion, he returns his attention to what Sungmin's said. ]

So you're a chef and a baker? [ This has clearly piqued his interest. ]

It depends on what kind of hat you want to wear. A good designer will work hard so that your wishes are fulfilled, no matter what conventional styling says would be best! [ This is something he's clearly very passionate about. ] I think the idea that people aren't suited to this or that is silly, especially in fashion. If you want to wear it and you wear it confidently, then it suits you.

[ Warm laughter leaves his lips. ] I'm not used to being charmed so much!

[ Dash has to cover his mouth to hide his smile at that reaction to the cookie. That was really cute... ] Are you happy? About the cookie! But also being organized, I suppose. I'd like to steal a little of your passion!

[ Working steadily, he frosted up the rest of the cookies, motioning for Dash to eat whatever he wanted. With the second batch, he placed those in one of the counter displays after he finished decorating them. He tended to stay on the move, especially in the bakery when there were so many things to take care of. ] I've heard the same thing said about me.

[ Too sexual? Probably but usually people were overtly sexual with him first and he tried to beat them to the punch. ]

Yes. But I've always had a greater fondness for baking. I just really love desserts. We didn't really have any of that in the sea, of course.

[ He nodded his head about the hats, grin stretching further across his face. ] So, you're saying I could wear a huge cowboy hat and make it work?

Oh yes, organizing really gets to me. [ It actually did but no one needed to know such things. ] You're learning so much about me. What secrets will I have after this?

[ It might be better to let Dash eat than to hope he'll be able to focus on work. He's way too engrossed by his conversation with Sungmin to really be able to give his attention to decorating.

He gets sort of absorbed in the details of the work, which makes it hard to also focus on... well. Anything else. That comment makes Dash laugh, but not in a way that sounds like he's mocking Sungmin. It's more like he's both delighted and suddenly a bit shy. ] You're cute! [ He covers his mouth with his hand again, muffling more of those delighted giggles. ] I don't know about being too pretty to eat, but you sure are sweet! [ Dash absolutely is deeply endeared. ]

Can I ask how long you've been baking? [ He rests his chin in hand, leaning over on the counter and taking the cookie so he can give it a try. His reaction to the taste is similar to Sungmin's. Mm... ]

Cowboy hat? Oh, that's easy! Of course! [ He waves the hand holding the cookie, as if to say, 'pshaw! No problem!' ] I could show you, if you liked.

Hm, let's see. Should I share some secrets in return to even the playing field? [ He adopts a curious expression, head cocked slightly to the side. ]

Edited 2018-03-05 02:11 (UTC)

[ The way Dash reacted endured Sungmin even more because it held such a sweet innocence to it, something he hadn't encountered in so long and it only drifted him closer, physically and otherwise. There were not any parts to play or expectations a mile long to dole out in the hopes for companionship. Sirens were driven by the need for closeness and intimacy, while not always purely sexual tended to fall that way regardless. ]

You're cuter. [ He remarked, finishing up with all the cookies, moving on to finishing up the cupcakes. Practiced movements fluid and graceful as he worked his way around the area. ]

Since I landed on the ground - about ten years I think? [ A pause as he spread some frosting onto the cupcakes. ] What about you?

[ Head tilting up, a couldn't help but to laugh. ] I really don't think I'm going to look good in a cowboy hat but you can sure try.

The secrets, yes, I think you should share some. I want to know more about you.

[ Dash hums thoughtfully, like he's thinking over what Sungmin said and determining if he agrees. ] Then you're cutest, [ he says after a second, tone mildly triumphant.

He feels pretty at ease with this back-and-forth. There is something intimate about it, whether it's a serious conversation or simple teasing. It doesn't feel like there are a lot of barriers between them, at least not to Dash. And he finds that sort of interaction comforting, because it's his instinct to be unguarded with people. It can be painful if that inclination ends with misplaced faith in someone who doesn't mind hurting him. ]

Ten years! [ He blinks a few times. ] Is that long, for you? [ Dash has no way of knowing off the top of his head, to be honest, how long a siren might live or what have you. ]

I haven't picked up any new hobbies in a long time, [ he offers, by way of answering Sungmin's question. It's not a direct answer, but it covers... several subjects. Baking is presumably among them, given that's what they were discussing seconds ago. ] And as for the cowboy hat, I consider that a challenge! I'll have to razzle dazzle you with my skills!

[ A beat. ] Okay, a secret. I said I had a title, right? [ He makes a little crown with his hands and puts it on his head. ] It's that kind of title. [ Meaning a royal one. ]

[ Laughing delightfully, his bright eyes looked over at Dash. How sweet and again with a fragile innocence, making him wonder if he ever had it for his own. Innocence and sirens never really went together and his childhood had not been a typical one. Very happy, yes, but not at all normal in terms of those on the ground. ] I'll let you win just this once. [ He gave a more pointed look. ]

It felt - feels like a long time. Sirens age much, much slower. I'm a lot older than I look. [ He gave a shrug, grabbing for a cupcake to eat, undoubtedly getting frosting all over his cheeks and nose. While he had organization down to an art form, he could be a very messy eater.

He just really loved food, okay. ]

If you can make me look good like that I'll be so impressed. [ As he finished the cupcake, he licked his fingers clean, a practiced movement that naturally had a sexual tilt to it on instict. ]

A title. [ He repeated, eyes widening just a little. ] Oh! You're a prince. [ One he teased relentlessly up to that point. ] Do - you know your kingdom? It's a little fuzzy there - not that you have to tell me more!

[ Laughing softly, Dash gives a demonstrative little fist pump of celebration. ] Victory! [ For now, that is. He'll take it. It's more about the exchange that's happening than "winning" anything in particular, after all. In his mind, he's "won" because he got to meet and talk with Sungmin.

Oh, and eat his delicious baked goods... ]

I know it's not polite to ask a person their age, so I won't. [ He scrunches up his nose a little, like he's thinking. ] I guess I don't really know what that's like. [ He'll know before too long, because though he's not totally aware of it yet, he's actually stopped aging altogether. He's just not old enough to have realized it.

Speaking of noses, he's going to reach across and sample some of that frosting on Sungmin's nose, giving him a cheeky little smile for it. ] That's tasty!

[ Framing Sungmin's face with his fingers and thumbs touching as Sungmin finishes off that icing, Dash gives a flustered little laugh. He recovers quickly though. ] Then get ready to be impressed!

[ He drops his hands to his sides when Sungmin makes that remark. There it is. The p-word. ] Mm, I do. I mean, I haven't been there since I was a baby, but it's uh-- [ He makes a vague circle above their heads. ] The godly realm?

So cute. [ He remarked with another soft laugh, finding something very endearing about Dash and it really made him wonder more about his life. How had someone managed to push away jaded feelings or any kind of bitterness? Then again, maybe Dash hid his own negative feelings the same way he did. He seemed upbeat and unaffected by the harsh realities just the same because it worked much easier in the long run.

The soft touches of Dash's hands on his cheeks following the frosting licking had his breath hitching just a little bit. The intimacy of the warmth very appealing and he leaned into it with his eyes closed for a moment.

He missed the touch very much when Dash moved. There had been something almost electric about it, oddly enough. ]

I was born in the 20s. [ He offered with a shrug, smile playing along his lips because he knew he looked to be IN his twenties. ]

I look forward to you surprising and wowing me.

[ Wait. WAIT. The godly realm? Did that realm have anything to do with the cleansing of monsters from the sea, which ended his entire family? His heart squeezed in his chest at just the possibility but Dash obviously wouldn't have known, right? Having not been there since he was a baby. Biting at his lip, he gave a nod of his head. ]

You must have - abilities if you're a - godly Prince. [ He let out a low whistle without meaning to. It wouldn't hurt Dash too much but if siren abilities affected him, it would just give a zing of brief pain. ]

[ Dash shrugs dramatically, as if to say, 'who, me? Nah!' Whether or not he thinks he's cute, he's charmed and endeared by the idea that Sungmin thinks as much. In his eyes, he's done nothing in particular to merit the comment, but he's not opposed to trying to elicit a positive reaction.

Sungmin is cute when he's happy, after all. And Dash always wants people to be happy. ]

Oh, [ he says, drawing out the sound and trailing off slightly. ] The twenties... [ And, unwittingly, he mirrors a shade of Sungmin's thoughts: ] I'm in my twenties. Barely. [ For nearly thirty, he does look a touch young.

But again, not so dramatically so that it's noticeable. He shifts his weight, ending a little closer to Sungmin than before. ] I can show you all sorts of things! [ The magic of hats, by Dash.

At the whistle, Dash reflexively rubs his neck, as if uncomfortable. But the expression barely shows on his face before he's smiling nervously, one kind of furrow in his brow written over by another. ]

Um, I don't know yet, actually. I guess it's because I haven't gone back there. [ He makes the same circle again to indicate the godly realm. ] I just found out who I am a little while ago. I guess my mother left me with some humans right after I was born - they're the only parents I ever knew - and then she left, poof, and no one's seen her since. I only know what I know because some people from the godly realm have found me and filled me in on a few things.

[ Another shrug, this one less for show and more to show he's a bit lost. ] That's sort of a gloomy topic, oops! I could've picked a juicier secret!

[ The closer shift had him following in kind, listening with careful focus as Dash talked. He just really enjoyed the closer proximity of their bodies, each touch from Dash a calming balm, similar to how he used to feel drifting back and forth in the water, the ebb and flow something he missed fiercely. Yet another thing he needed to not dwell on.

Gazing upwards for a moment, he nodded his head. ]

Have they not seen your mother in the realm either? [ What would make someone abandon their child, especially one with obvious enhancements and importance. A Prince. The Prince, undoubtedly. Did Dash have any siblings or would he not know such a thing? ]

Who told you about things? Are you sure it's - safe? They might - there might be some out for you because of what you are. Who you are.

[ He frowned at the consideration. ] I think - your touch might be something. When you touched me before - I've never felt that. It was -

[ Dash relaxes his shoulders, or maybe it'd be more accurate to say they slump a little. Sungmin's making a lot of good points and they're all things he should be considering.

A breath passes and then he straightens up a bit.

It's no good if he lets himself get mired up in wondering about some things, right? He turns his attention to answering Sungmin as best he can. ] As far as I can tell, she just vanished. Everyone I talked to thinks she just got tired of...

[ He gestures vaguely. ] Ruling, I guess?

I've talked to a few people now. They keep finding me. No one's said anything that contradicts anyone else, so I was... trusting them. [ It sounds kind of lame when he says it now.

Just trusting random people. But that's also sort of his way.

He does look pretty surprised about the last thing Sungmin says. ] Oh-- I'm sorry! Did I hurt you? [ His brow knits together. ]

[ Undoubtedly, Sungmin looked incredibly concerned, hand reaching out on instinct to place on Dash's arm. There were a lot if things to consider and he couldn't imagine how Dash had to feel about it.

Overwhelmed, probably. ]

It might have more to it. If she cared enough to get you somewhere safe, there was probably a lot more going on in the realm.

I doubt she just vanished or got tired.

[ His face scrunched up a little. ] Is that what they told you? If they keep finding you - that's kind of - [ He shook his head. ]

Dash, be careful.

[ Quick to shake his head, he moved a little closer. ] No, no. It was - good. It felt - feels - good.

[ Looking over at Sungmin, Dash appears a bit troubled. He's trying to suppress it as much as possible, but it's certain there's a lot on his mind now. ]

You're right. I'm sure there's more I don't know, or... maybe it just benefits everyone else if I don't know. It's kind of a lonely thought. [ He bites his lip. ]

I don't want to be suspicious of everyone.

[ It's pretty clear he's just not cut out for too much intrigue. He's here after only talking to Sungmin once, after all. ] I should be more careful, but I guess I'm not very good at it.

[ He's too open-hearted about everything.

Absolutely everything. It shows again in how he reacts to Sungmin's last comment. ] Oh. It's nice? [ He flexes his fingers, looking at his hand. ] What's it like? [ His expression takes on a curious tint. ]

[ They were opposites in the fact Sungmin tended to be weary of everyone and everything since landing on the ground. Not too surprising given how it happened and he tended to just play the role expected of him. Flirting and being playfully alluring, mostly as a need for companionship but lately he drifted further away. So tired of everything not being real. ]

I understand. I'll be suspicious of them for you. Everyone with that kind of power has some kind of motive.

[ He fell silent, trying to figure out how to put things into words. ] I don't know if it's just on my end but kind of -

[ Running a hand through his hair, he blushed a little. ]

Like how I felt in the sea. Calm, drifting in a good way but still strong. Powerful.

[ Dash would be saddened and mystified simultaneously by that outlook. He was raised thinking that it was okay to let people in close, even if it meant being hurt. His disconnect with the reality of others has happened mostly because he really didn't think he was getting hurt growing up. He tends to be very bad at acknowledging his own sad feelings.

Or negative ones. As seen now in the way he's basically stomping on his own uncertainty, trying to keep it from showing through. ]

Really? You think so? [ He considers that. ] What about me? Do you think I'll become that way if I start interacting with them more?

[ He's trying so hard to keep from seeming unsteady.

Talking about how Sungmin felt, earlier, is a welcome kind of distraction. ] That sounds wonderful... [ He pauses, then holds out his hand. ] Do you want to try again? And see how it feels?

[ Compared to Dash, Sungmin came across as much more of a realist and this from someone who still believed in true love and fairy tales. Who longed for some kind of happily ever after but such things were not really meant for his kind, sadly, and he had to work really hard to not accidentally allure someone.

Even his regular speaking voice tended to be compelling. It made him sadder than it should have for a siren. ]

No way, you're too pure hearted, Dash. You're too good to darken yourself like that.

[ He offered a smile, biting at his lip when Dash suggested trying again.

But after a second, he gave a slow nod of his head. ]

Maybe see if you feel anything.

[ There's a place for realism in fairy tales. Even happy endings have some logistical component. Otherwise there'd be no conflict to solve!

Dash is sort of coming to understand that as his life shifts and turns and takes all these unexpected detours he hadn't been anticipating. ]

You think so? [ He smiles a bit. ] I hope so. I don't want to lose sight of myself, you know?

[ He flexes his hand again, nodding in response. Then, cautiously, he extends his hand across the distance between them. When his fingertips brush across the top of Sungmin's hand this time, he tries to pay attention to what it feels like.

It certainly feels nice. ]

I think if you keep your mind focused on what you want to achieve it'll help. [ He paused for a moment, considering. ] Surreound yourself with those who know the actual you and they'll help you from losing yourself. Keeping you grounded.

Literally in your case. [ A really stupid remark to try and lighten the air a little bit and make Dash smile.

The touch this time around seemed stronger; maybe the extra focus on doing it and not by accident? It was even better than before and he let out a soft exhale, eyes fluttering closed. ]

What's it feel like to you? [ a slight pause and then - ] You must have a magic touch.

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