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[ Dash lightly hits his own head in a kind of 'duh' motion when he has his sleeves pushed up. ] Thanks! I'd hate to ruin the visual or my clothes, honestly. [ He then gestures with the tool he's chosen. ]

You know, I don't think we got properly introduced, Charming Flirt. Or should I keep calling you that? [ He laughs a little here, seeming amused.

One gets the impression he'd happily keep on referencing his new companion that way.

Also, if baking implements and other eccentric items to collect are in his wheelhouse, he will probably love to hear what Dash collects.... He's of the opinion that everything can be put to use, so his collections are useful too. And he'll prove the point about putting things to use as he starts to decorate, because he will use everything he possibly can. If it can fit on a cupcake, it's going on there. And in very great detail too. ]

Do people wow you often?

[ Incredibly endearing, by the end of the night, he would have an aching face from smiling so often. A different take on his face aching but not any less welcomed. Intimate things were often a difficult subject for him as of late with how often others kept burning him.

He did it to himself when he fell into feelings too quickly and often. ]

Sungmin is the name. Make sure to wear it out. [ He gave a pleased wink, grabbing for a knife to fix some of the dkesting on the same before he put it into the glass case to pit out tomorrow. He also began to cut some rose petals off the stem for the counters. Valentines day did make him really happy. ]

Actually no. I'm not usually wowed. I feel like people don't make as much effort as they used to. How about you?

[ Unable to help himself he walked over to hand Dash one of the red roses. ] You never said what you thought about my outfit.

[ Nothing wrong with giving those muscles a workout! It looks like Dash does so pretty often, given the frequency with which he's smiled since appearing at Sungmin's door. He actually gives a little laugh at the introduction, seeming delighted. ]

Well, it's really nice to meet you, Sungmin! Sungmin, Sungmin, Sungmin, [ he says in an increasingly singsong tone. ] Is that what you meant? [ His grin's not even a little bit cheeky, but rather totally sincere.

He frees one hand and puts it to his chest. ] I'm Dash. It's a nickname, but literally no one calls me by my real one. [ That might change in the future, but for now? He's hanging onto the nickname. ]

So, you're not often impressed? I can understand that. It seems like really putting your heart into something is becoming a rarity for some. [ Whether he means doing it or the impression of doing it, he doesn't say. ]

Oh, [ he gently interjects. ] And I think your outfit is nice, but you're nicer! How's that?

[ With such a nice smile, Sungmin really enjoyed seeing it with Dash and kept wanting to make it happen.

Again, how incredibly endearing and his heart would burst at any moment from the sheer amount of cute happening in front of him. How could someone so lovely not have someone loving him passionately? Completely? ]

That's exactly what I meant. You got it right off.

[ Dash. Of course, a cute nickname to fit the whole image there. ] What's your actual name unless you'd rather not say? I've gotten called Min and Minny before. [ His nose crinkled up a little bit because he preferred being called by pet names if someone wanted to be sweet. ]

I'm impressed when the time calls for it but thank you. [ He gave a wink, grabbing for a pan and some cookie cutters to make some Valentines cookies to go with the cupcakes. ]

Has anyone ever made you a romantic dinner before?

[ It so happens Sungmin's quite good at eliciting that smile! Dash seems to adopt the expression easily in his presence, seeming at ease in the conversation and with his current project. He will turn this cupcake into a work of art, just watch him. ]

Oh, good! [ Now he looks just a touch cheeky. ] I'm glad to have gotten that one right. It is a nice name though, so I wouldn't want to wear it out too much. [ Since Sungmin mentioned it and they were on the topic: ] Do you like nicknames?

[ He makes a sort of thoughtful sound, which could be directed at the cupcake or Sungmin or both. It's hard to tell. ] Oh, and I don't mind saying! It's Minsu! Dash came about when I was at school. Now, even my parents use it. I don't know why, but it really stuck... [ Dash considers that for a second, then shrugs, as if to say, 'well, what can you do!' ]

Oh no - I made that sound weird, didn't I? [ He makes another of those 'duh!' motions by hitting his forehead with his hand. ] Now that I think of it though, I'm guessing you're pretty meticulous! [ This is an impression he's getting. He'd elaborate more, but that last question has him sidetracked. ]

A romantic dinner? Like, with candles or something like that? [ Does that answer the question... ]

[ If given the option, Sungmin enjoyed giving smiles than anything else. It worked for him that Dash seemed like a naturally happy person. It would drift them closer together than further apart. ]

I'm not sure you could wear it out. [ Another patent wink. ] I do enjoy nicknames. More like what is referred to as pet names I think. Do you?

[ Minsu. He tilted his head as he considered the name eventually shaking his head a little because Dash fit better. ] How did Dash become a thing?

[ Grabbing the ingredients for the cookie dough he started pouring and mixing, adding a little red and pink food coloring to make them more romantic. ]

You didn't! I understood what you meant.

[ His eyes looked up, nearly sparkling. ] A princess bride lover who has never had a romantic dinner. Inconceivable! We'll have to fix this.

[ Judging by Dash's, well... everything... he likes getting close to people. He's gregarious like that. Though he's also the sort of person who knows lots of people and doesn't necessarily have a close, close relationship with most. Thus, no romantic dinners. ]

That just sounds like a challenge, Sungmin! [ Now he's going to say it whenever he gets a chance, of course. ] Pet names? Like 'dear' or 'darling,' things like that? I think I like the idea of being called something for affectionate reasons! Or calling someone else by a name like that.

[ Dash nods, smiling, as if he knows what Sungmin was thinking just now. Dash really does suit him more, he thinks. ] Oh, well, at school-- I'm a milliner. [ He points to his head. ] I make hats. Anyway, I guess it came from the fact that I collect certain hat-making materials, and in English it's called haberdashery.

Either that or because I run everywhere... it might be a little of both.

[ Talking about this causes his attention to stray from his cupcake, so he doesn't make progress in decorating it for a minute or so. ]

Maybe the right romance hasn't come along for me yet? I'm not sure. I thought I'd dated some romantic people before... I think I can be romantic! But maybe... [ He offers a helpless shrug. Maybe the stars just haven't aligned for him yet. ]

Maybe I just like my name in your voice. [ The charm always arrived naturally and easily for him because of what he happened to be. The sea inhabitants taught him from a very early age on how to allure others and make them want more. They also taught him how to easily read others to see how to make the other objectives happen. ]

[ Once he finished with the dough, he began to roll it out for the cookie cutters. He wanted to make cute shapes. ] Yes, like darling and other more tradition names like that I guess. Doll, Dear. I guess I have a thing for names starting with D. [ Patent wink here. ]

[ A hat maker? How adorable. ] With how much you love fashion, have you thought about making other things?

Romance takes many forms I've found. Not everything has to be traditional. Sometimes a nice conversation with someone interested can be romantic. It is different for everybody.

I'm almost done with this dough, if you want to help with making cookies too.

I'm not sure my voice is any more or less special than anyone else's, is it? [ The question is a bit measured, but it's not meant to be unkind or to brush off the charming way Sungmin talks to him. Dash finds it pretty sweet and he's not exactly shy of bantering back and forth a little.

He peers over at what the other is doing for a moment before returning to his work. The mention of names that start with D has him smiling a secretive sort of smile, looking like he's trying to be very intent on his work, thought it' pretty obvious he's distracted. ] D names, huh? That's an interesting trend!

And I actually do make other things. I'm trying to open a hat shop, but in the meantime, I do wardrobe. Sometimes for tv shows and things like that, but sometimes I'm like a fairy that comes by and makes magic happen in people's closets! [ He flourishes his decorating implement as if it's a wand. ]

You must know a lot about romance. It's closely tied to food, right? Or can be? [ He looks over at the cookie dough longingly, which might suffice as an answer to the suggestion about helping with the dough. "Yes, please," in other words. ]

When it gets a certain tone I think it is. [ More light teasing, nothing too outwardly serious but he tended to handle things with such an air. Serious and stern never worked too well for him after the 'incident'. The one he tried to never think on for very long even if it happened ten years ago.

The smile made him smile more as he spread out the cookie cutters and prepared the baking sheets. ]

Very interesting. Now you know one of my secrets.

[ A hat shop. More adorable. ] If you need any help starting up a small business I have experience there! [ Actually, he handled everything on his own. ] Do you meet any well known people doing that?

I would like to think it is very tied to food. It sets a mood and cooking for someone is very intimate. You're taking care of them in a way.

[ He gestured for Dash to come over to him. ] Hearts, flowers, cupid and other cutters! I have glitter and pearl like sprinkles.

[ It looks like Dash thinks about that for a second, then accepts it as fact. ] Okay, I'll have to pay attention for that tone, won't I? [ He'll noodle it over while thinking about a hundred new ways to decorate a cupcake. That's a much, much less stressful thing to be focusing on than some of the other stuff in his head.

Maybe that's why Sungmin likes this? He'll have to noodle that over later. ]

I learned something about you! Well, I guess I've technically learned quite a few things about you, haven't I? I know 100% more about you today than I did yesterday! [ He gives a little fist pump of victory, lowering his hand and giving Sungmin a little open-mouthed look. ]

Really? Would it bug you if I asked a bunch of questions about it? [ He's not lacking business savvy or anything, it's just that there is a distinct lack of experience. As for the other question: ] I've met a few celebrity types, yeah! Just a few.

I like that. Taking care of them... that's a really good feeling, right? Especially someone you love.

[ He's still musing on his last thought as he moves to Sungmin's side, peering at his work. ] Oh, I like the pearly ones. [ He definitely used quite a few on his little masterpiece. ]

Oh, you don't have to! I'm just teasing. I tend to do that a lot. [ He gave a little shrug of his shoulder, not wanting Dash to feel like he had to do something. Sometimes it made him feel panicky if someone wanted to do something for him because he worried he did a burst of allure without meaning to. It could be difficult knowing genuine reactions.

The fist pump- Dash you're going to make him a puddle of awwing. ]

I know more about you. It's a good thing.

[ He gave a shake of his head, stepping back to allow Dash to move closer to the dough. ] It wouldn't bug me at all. I would be happy to help.

It really is. Dressing someone can be romantic too. [ A pause. ] Undressing too.

[ His eyes moved over towards the cupcake. ] It's nearly too pretty to eat. Now you only have eleven more to decorate.

[ Dash gives a dismissive wave of his hand, smiling brightly again. ] It's okay! Teasing's fine, Mr. Charming Flirt. [ His smile gets a little softer. ] Really, it's nothing to worry about, right? [ Dash, it would appear, is one of those people who is worried about other people worrying.

He doesn't like to watch it go on without trying to fix things. He's a fixer. ] I'm still curious though, seriously!

[ Also, he seems pretty pleased about the thought of sharing things. Given he's had a lot of secrets to juggle lately, having things to talk about freely is nice. ] It is good, right?

I can tell you more about the shop... if you're interested. Maybe you could give me some pointers? [ There's a definite hopeful note to his voice.

He turns a little shy at the talking of dressing and undressing. ] I... I've maybe had a little experience there. [ He's blushing, so there's clearly a story there.

And... ] Too pretty to eat? That's a nice thing to say! Should the others look the same or can I do something different for each?

[ Could it be - Sungmin looked a little shy briefly since maybe the tease meant he had paid too close of attention already but he always kept a close eye on everything around him. He never wanted to be caught unaware again and have yo deal with more crippling loss. ] It's just -- your tone gets deeper sometimes. It's -- different. [ Different - alluring - basically, the same thing, right? ]

You know what they say about curiosity! [ More teasing but sometimes you couldn't just not know things you recently learned.

Practiced hands grabbed for a cutter to jiggle out a shape from the dough. ] I'd love to hear about your shop and help in any way I can. It is so rewarding to have your own business and to help people!

[ The blush only made him smirk but he didn't press it at all. If Dash wanted to explain, he would, otherwise he'd keep his innuendos to himself. ]

You can have them look however you want! [ He tended to not do anything uniform unless someone ordered things that way. ] You can help with the rest of the cookies after you finish. If you want to that is!

Oh and you can eat that cupcake if you want. [ He gave a soft smile, hand running through his hair but completely unaware he had frosting on his palm. Now he had streaks of pink through his hair. ]

[ Dash blinks, then puts a hand to his throat. ] Really? [ He sounds intrigued, curious even. ] Does that actually happen? I never noticed that! Wow. [ Apparently this is a revelation to him, or something like it. He's not always the most self-reflective of people, but this is possibly something only Sungmin would've noticed. ]

That it killed the cat? [ Dash raises a hand with a finger pointing outward, then tuts softly. ] Satisfaction brought it back though! So I just need to be satisfied.

[ Dash leans in, resting his elbows lightly on the table, chin in hand. He couldn't look more invested. ] That's exactly what I want. To have a place of my own, where I can help people. Maybe hats aren't everyone's cup of tea, but I like to think I could maybe put a smile or two on people's faces! Maybe.

[ Dash is a little endeared and charmed by Sungmin's expression and the fact that it's paired with discretion. That's the kind of thing that makes a person more likely to share, isn't it? He laughs softly, shaking his head. ] That's not a story I should share over baked goods, maybe. Maybe over a glass of wine!

[ He mimes drinking and then moves as though he's going to turn his attention to the aforementioned baked goods again, when he spots something that makes him giggle a little. Standing upright, he steps around the counter until he's standing beside Sungmin. ] Can I? [ he asks, pointing to Sungmin's head. ]

You've got-- [ He reaches forward, maybe not intending to touch just yet, but misjudging the distance. His fingers runs through Sungmin's hair and come away with a little pink on the tips. He holds them up demonstratively. ]

[ The giggle followed by the request confused Sungmin because what did Dash want to do to his head? Before he could nod, there were fingers in his hair and oh he wanted to lean into the touch. The reason turned out to be the complete opposite than he would have antctipated and he almost blushed. Get it together, Sungmin. ]

Hey, thanks. I guess I frosted myself huh? [ A pause. ] But I bet I taste better. [ A wink followed the words as Sungmin reached out to the side to grab for a dish towel to wipe off his hand. He really needed to pay more attention to things! ]

I think a lot more like hats than you might realise. [ Putting down the towel, he had to refrain from reaching out to Dash in some way. He could be too touchy feely when he became comfortable with someone. ]

I have wine, actually. Plenty cook and drink wine at the same time. Really enhances the experience.

[ He tried to nudge Dash to the cookie dough. ] You could do these if you wanted so I can get them in the oven for us. I hope you like love cookies.

[ Dash laughs again at the comment, not unkindly. It just seems like he's the sort of person whose happiness overflows into laughter a lot. Giggling, chuckling, laughing, it's all very quick to spill from his lips. By the time Sungmin reaches for the towel, Dash has rather unceremoniously popped one finger in his mouth.

Apparently to gauge how much better Sungmin tastes now? Not that he had a gauge before...

He looks only momentarily sheepish before withdrawing his finger. ] You taste pretty great! [ he says, not laughing aloud, but with amusement in his eyes. ] It's my fault - I was distracting you from your work! [ Apparently Sungmin's not the only touchy feely one, because it's Dash's inclination now to grab for the towel and hold it up. ]

Can I help? [ Since Sungmin can't see his head, or so Dash assumes. ] Do you really think that? About people and hats, I mean. [ He sounds intrigued. ]

Do a lot of people cook and make cute cupcakes at the same time? If so, I've been missing out for years! That sounds like a dream. [ He puts his free hand to his chest while letting himself be navigated toward the cookies. ]

Like love cookies? I love love cookies! [ Dash, you cheese. ]

[ Something about Dash just naturally pulled him in, which probably should have worried Sungmin with his usual ability to feel too deeply too fast but it didn't worry him. Dash seemed incapable of hurting anyone.

It didn't stop a blush staining his cheeks in a darker shade, though. Dash would end him, officially. Swallowing to quell any thoughts bouncing around in his head, he gave a slight nod.

If Dash ran fingers through his hair again, though, he might have a move active issue with being calm and collected.

He had a thing, okay. ]

Of course, the right hat can change your entire outlook. [ Focusing on hats would be the better thing to do. Yes. And the cooking. ]

You have been missing out. You just hadn't met me yet is all. [ The flirting clicked things back into place and he felt steadier again. ]

How cute. Some of these can have spells if we want them to. Potions that can be poured into the batter to - do certain things. Like invoke love, contentment, help you see the one you should be with. I kind of have a thing there with that.

[ He gestured towards the cookie cutters. ]

[ Truthfully, Dash should be feeling the same. He's also a little quick to fall into feeling something affectionate for someone, but right now he's distracted by that someone. Ironic, right?

As for hurting anyone, well. That's honestly not too inaccurate. In terms of his character, Dash is pretty much harmless. No word yet on whether or not he's ever made someone blush to death though!

And, incidentally, that thing? About hair? He has the same thing. ]

I completely agree! It's nice to hear someone else say it. I mean, people can look at you awfully funny if you start getting too excited about hats. [ He shrugs, but he's smiling, so it gives the impression that he's not terribly ill-affected by people's lack of excitement.

It sort of seems like he has enough excitement of his own to go round. And a certain imperviousness, that too. Like how he's not quite put two and two together on a few things here. Reaching out with both hands, he tucks his fingers under a strand of Sungmin's hair and uses the towel to get a bit of the frosting out. While he works, he goes on talking. ] I think we should drink and bake sometime then. I'm all for new experiences and that sounds like a great one! [ He's sort of babbling now.

Another moment of self-conscious awareness seems to strike him and he look up at his hands in Sungmin's hair. Quickly, he drops them, like he's suddenly realized how close they are. He makes an apologetic face. Sorry for getting in your personal space, Sungmin!

Oh, but what he said was intriguing... ] Wait, really? You can do that? Make someone feel content? [ Dash doesn't seem like he's in need, but the idea nonetheless seems to fascinate him. ] And help them find love, too... that sounds so noble!

Edited (forgot my icon + it should say "drink and make cute cupcakes" in the last tag, not "cook and make..." oops!! ) 2018-02-21 22:42 (UTC)

[ Personal boundaries were never a strong suit for Sungmin and he tended to go from zero to twenty in no time at all. When he felt a honest pull to someone, of course, because otherwise he tended to drift on the outskirts like a tide seeping away. He wanted to try and keep a lid on his usual self, though, allowing Dash to have his space and secrets.

Plus, he kind of really wanted Dash to like him. ]

People get that way if you're really excited about anything. Not just hats!

[ He had more to say, honestly, but the fingers in his hair took all other focus away from, you know, rational thought. A small gasp just left his lips as Dash fingers down the same. Oh. ] No, it's okay - I - thank you. [ He did not need to say he liked it. ]

What kind of wine do you like? [ Focus yourself, Sungmin, don't get your usual heart eyes mess. ] Yes! Those types of things can be tricky with food chemistry but I've learned how to combine the necessary things to make it work.

[ He bit at his lip, putting one pan of cookies he finished into the oven. ] I can also make people feel things - with my siren side. Uh enhance things or heal. It depends on if I sing, whistle or hum.

[ They're in good company then, these two. They can run at one another full-speed and maybe there will be a collision, but perhaps it'll be a nice one. And maybe Dash won't feel he has to hold things so close to the chest, too.

Spoiler: he really does like Sungmin. ]

You're saying enthusiasm is contagious, right? [ Dash grins broadly, showing off a brilliant smile. ] I think that has to be part of what being a good salesperson is about, right? Showing people how happy they could be if they had this thing or that experience in their life?

[ He fidgets with the towel a little, looking up at Sungmin. ] I think I got it all. [ It would probably be a little much if he reach up to touch Sungmin's hair again just to be sure, right?

... Well, Dash is often a little much. He gently pats the spot, then runs his fingers through. ] Yeah, I think I got it.

[ What were they talking about? Oh right, wine. ] I like nearly any kind of wine. Champagne is nice too. [ Shocking that the bubbly personality should like a bubbly beverage, right?

Now that he's handled the frosting incident, he can turn his attention to the cookies again, looking over the trays and assorted tools with even more curiosity. ] That's amazing. You're amazing! You really... use what you do for good.

[ 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?

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