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Amos is similar. We'd make port, he'd take off. Not judging, since I sort of earned a reputation once upon a time, just not something I wanted to keep doing.
[ That Bela is so open and still here, hasn't kicked him out or shut him down, leaves James thankful and humbled. How is he this lucky?
He gives a light squeeze to the knee nearest him. ]
I think so. ( snorts, jokes ) Want a schedule like Baphomet has?
[ No, not really. But James clearly want Bela to take the lead, to start a foundation of comfort and boundaries. ]
[ That Bela is so open and still here, hasn't kicked him out or shut him down, leaves James thankful and humbled. How is he this lucky?
He gives a light squeeze to the knee nearest him. ]
I think so. ( snorts, jokes ) Want a schedule like Baphomet has?
[ No, not really. But James clearly want Bela to take the lead, to start a foundation of comfort and boundaries. ]
"No, I haven't met her. But yeah, you should thank him. God knows I did. Probably too much- I was just glad for the spell to be finally broken." Bela is fine with lingering by the doorway and remaining like this. Hands touching, barely any space between them, and just taking each other in after being apart for so long.
"Diana is someone I have spoken to, back during the whole fog incident. I will thank her." At some point, Bela decides, feeling like she has to say something to Diana for freeing an important person she doesn't think she can do without.
"Well, you haven't lost me, James." She replies softly, voice wavering with emotion that was difficult for Bela to hide. "Are you trying to make me cry? Because I think you might succeed if you keep saying things like that."
Happy tears of course. Forgive her for still getting used to having people think about her in that way.
"Diana is someone I have spoken to, back during the whole fog incident. I will thank her." At some point, Bela decides, feeling like she has to say something to Diana for freeing an important person she doesn't think she can do without.
"Well, you haven't lost me, James." She replies softly, voice wavering with emotion that was difficult for Bela to hide. "Are you trying to make me cry? Because I think you might succeed if you keep saying things like that."
Happy tears of course. Forgive her for still getting used to having people think about her in that way.
[ At the mention of Baphomet, she laughs. ]
Hm, nothing like getting me in the mood with a strict, rigid schedule for sex. [ Bela laughs again, clearly joking and bumps her shoulder against him. ] Okay, okay. I promise to be serious now.
One rule I think we should have is honesty. We should be able to tell each other how we feel about things and this relationship. I think trust is also important if we're going to do this.
Another rule I am proposing is whomever else we're casually sleeping with, we don't need to give any details. I won't ask you and you won't ask me. However, since you already gave me a name, I'll ask if you want to know the name of the person that I've been with. I don't want that to become an issue, if I want us to be honest.
As for a label? Should we have one? I know you mentioned the term 'boyfriend' earlier, but does that fit?
Hm, nothing like getting me in the mood with a strict, rigid schedule for sex. [ Bela laughs again, clearly joking and bumps her shoulder against him. ] Okay, okay. I promise to be serious now.
One rule I think we should have is honesty. We should be able to tell each other how we feel about things and this relationship. I think trust is also important if we're going to do this.
Another rule I am proposing is whomever else we're casually sleeping with, we don't need to give any details. I won't ask you and you won't ask me. However, since you already gave me a name, I'll ask if you want to know the name of the person that I've been with. I don't want that to become an issue, if I want us to be honest.
As for a label? Should we have one? I know you mentioned the term 'boyfriend' earlier, but does that fit?
He's having an inner battle that's being swayed by the adrenaline, by James's ever-present emotions. It's swayed by Bela's words and scent, their contact, how utterly beautiful she is in all ways. The relief that could choke him. It's a matter of confessing how strongly he feels in this moment or forcing it to wait, though his chocolate gaze is likely giving everything away.
The Earther smiles, though it wavers as he makes himself wait, and he shakes his head apologetically. "Not actively trying, no. Sorry." James slides their hands down to Bela's neck, using a thumb to caress bone. "I'm just so fucking happy you're out of there. Whatever's going on, we can't leave the others in there like that."
He has at least one person in mind that needs saving; Kavinsky. James has to get the kid out.
The Earther smiles, though it wavers as he makes himself wait, and he shakes his head apologetically. "Not actively trying, no. Sorry." James slides their hands down to Bela's neck, using a thumb to caress bone. "I'm just so fucking happy you're out of there. Whatever's going on, we can't leave the others in there like that."
He has at least one person in mind that needs saving; Kavinsky. James has to get the kid out.
I can do honesty. [ It's easy to agree with Bela when that's what started all of this; James didn't need reciprocation (he wants it, of course he does), he needed Gabe and Bela to be aware of where he stood. To leave the next step in their hands. He echoes as much. ] 'S'what we're doing now, after all.
[ It says something that Bela is offering up a name when she doesn't have to. James like that about her, her awareness, her courtesy. ] I, uh. (that's a tough one, he knows he's capable of jealous, but) Yes. I would like to know who's going to be visiting when we get take over that house in the 'Burbs.
[ There is truth to tease. ]
I don't have anything against boyfriend, honestly. I usually just say "we're together" or we could adopt koibito or paramour?
[ It says something that Bela is offering up a name when she doesn't have to. James like that about her, her awareness, her courtesy. ] I, uh. (that's a tough one, he knows he's capable of jealous, but) Yes. I would like to know who's going to be visiting when we get take over that house in the 'Burbs.
[ There is truth to tease. ]
I don't have anything against boyfriend, honestly. I usually just say "we're together" or we could adopt koibito or paramour?
The gesture is soothing, and it grounds her, but the emotion she feels is still present in the way that she returns his look. "I'm fucking happy too." Bela admits with a smile, holding it for a moment before her expression sobers. "And you're right. We can't leave them in there. I'm worried about what will happen to them, the longer they remain in that place."
Kate is ever present on her mind. One of the first people to ever become a close friend. Someone that Bela actively gave a damn about, and she was still trapped under the influence of the spell. Bela didn't like what it was doing to her, the person that Kate (or Katherine) had become.
"Maybe you should come inside and we can talk some more."
There's no rush of course, she just wants him all to herself.
Kate is ever present on her mind. One of the first people to ever become a close friend. Someone that Bela actively gave a damn about, and she was still trapped under the influence of the spell. Bela didn't like what it was doing to her, the person that Kate (or Katherine) had become.
"Maybe you should come inside and we can talk some more."
There's no rush of course, she just wants him all to herself.
[ Giving the name is a way of Bela putting her trust in him and vice versa for her. She wants to do this right, to start them off in a good way and lay a foundation for a meaningful relationship. ]
Peter is his name. [ There. Now it out in the open. ] I also haven't forgotten about the house in the suburbs, and I'm still on board for that.
[ Her feelings on moving out of the hotel haven't changed since he first brought it up. ]
Paramour is a term I'm familiar with, but you'll need to pardon my ignorance on the definition of 'koibito.' It sounds like a lovely word, although I wouldn't want to adopt it if I don't understand the full meaning.
Peter is his name. [ There. Now it out in the open. ] I also haven't forgotten about the house in the suburbs, and I'm still on board for that.
[ Her feelings on moving out of the hotel haven't changed since he first brought it up. ]
Paramour is a term I'm familiar with, but you'll need to pardon my ignorance on the definition of 'koibito.' It sounds like a lovely word, although I wouldn't want to adopt it if I don't understand the full meaning.
He's been only distantly aware that they'd been standing in the door, awareness returning as adrenaline dampens, and James releases Bela to move fully into the suite at last, shutting it behind them. He doesn't remain detached from her for long, however, swiftly stepping forward to grasp at her hand. There's a desperation in it.
"That kid who works at the diner, Joseph Kavinsky? I have to try and get him out. Apparently I thought it was a great idea to befriend someone seventeen years my junior?" James and his heart. Sometimes. And it's the easiest thing to talk about at first; recusing over details. Details like her being with Peter.
"That kid who works at the diner, Joseph Kavinsky? I have to try and get him out. Apparently I thought it was a great idea to befriend someone seventeen years my junior?" James and his heart. Sometimes. And it's the easiest thing to talk about at first; recusing over details. Details like her being with Peter.
[ He isn't familiar enough with any Peters. Nothing beyond vagueness or in passing. It's possibly better this way. Regardless, James accepts the information with -- ] Right. Noted. Uh, thanks, too. Since this is... [ Odd. He just huffs and hehs. ]
Koibito is sometimes used amongst Belters to replace boyfriend/girlfriend, you know, lover. It's for intimate relationships.
Koibito is sometimes used amongst Belters to replace boyfriend/girlfriend, you know, lover. It's for intimate relationships.
There is a gentle squeeze of his hand to reassure him as she leads them further into the suite, heading in the direction of her room for more privacy. The last time they were here, there had been an important discussion and then Hellburbia happened. Weeks without having a conversation as their real selves.
"I haven't met him before. Outside of the diner, I mean. At least he'll have someone to look out for him, right?" She squeezes his hand again. "I hope there will be another chance to get people out." Hope is all they had at the moment.
"Did you want something to a drink or a snack? My appetite hasn't been amazing since I returned."
"I haven't met him before. Outside of the diner, I mean. At least he'll have someone to look out for him, right?" She squeezes his hand again. "I hope there will be another chance to get people out." Hope is all they had at the moment.
"Did you want something to a drink or a snack? My appetite hasn't been amazing since I returned."
[ It makes sense when he explains the meaning. Bela is quiet for a moment as she thinks about how to respond. ]
Then, if you're fine with me using a word from your world, I will go with koibito. Just let me know if I have got the pronunciation correct.
[ With a smile, she places her tea aside so she can grasp his free hand and brush her thumb over his knuckles. Bela is wanting to bask a little. ]
Then, if you're fine with me using a word from your world, I will go with koibito. Just let me know if I have got the pronunciation correct.
[ With a smile, she places her tea aside so she can grasp his free hand and brush her thumb over his knuckles. Bela is wanting to bask a little. ]
"I wonder if that's partly what pushed that version of me to befriend him?" James explains, "I responded to a network post of his around the time he arrived. Told him to check out that guide the sinners put together."
It'd been a jarring post, at that, what with how flippant Kavinsky had been about his suicide. A little heartbreaking. James is sure that that also played a part in seeking the younger man out, that he could probably use a friend, even one technically old enough to be his dad.
The Earther looks around as if it may help determine hunger or thirst. In the end, he just shakes his head. "I'm not really feeling anything either. We can make ourselves eat something light in a few, though?"
It'd been a jarring post, at that, what with how flippant Kavinsky had been about his suicide. A little heartbreaking. James is sure that that also played a part in seeking the younger man out, that he could probably use a friend, even one technically old enough to be his dad.
The Earther looks around as if it may help determine hunger or thirst. In the end, he just shakes his head. "I'm not really feeling anything either. We can make ourselves eat something light in a few, though?"
I can't lay claim to it, you know; it is a Japanese word.
[ He playfully elbows Bela, and then repeats its pronunciation more slowly until she's comfortable with the word. ]
So. Honesty, a unique label, semi-open. [ Nods, feeling lighter now that things are more defined and James's heart and the like have been explained. He likes this, how (mostly) easy it's been. ] That just leaves Christmas gift list. [ Oh, and maybe -- ] Ah, do we want to mark an anniversary?
[ It isn't a tradition he'd practiced with Naomi, however, James wasn't against the sentiment if Bela felt inclined. ]
[ He playfully elbows Bela, and then repeats its pronunciation more slowly until she's comfortable with the word. ]
So. Honesty, a unique label, semi-open. [ Nods, feeling lighter now that things are more defined and James's heart and the like have been explained. He likes this, how (mostly) easy it's been. ] That just leaves Christmas gift list. [ Oh, and maybe -- ] Ah, do we want to mark an anniversary?
[ It isn't a tradition he'd practiced with Naomi, however, James wasn't against the sentiment if Bela felt inclined. ]
[ She's just going to nudge him back as she listens, committing the pronunciation to memory. ]
Yes, I think that works for us. [ There's still the feeling of giddiness present, but at least they've had a talk and got things out in the open. At his suggestion, Bela raises a brow.]
Mark an anniversary? Like six months or a year? And I suppose it depends if we count today as the official date or back in September when we first had sex. [ A smirk. ] Or does the library trip before that count as a date? You did escort me back to my room and kissed my cheek.
[ Clearly on board for the anniversary marking. ]
Please stop me if I'm going on too much.
Yes, I think that works for us. [ There's still the feeling of giddiness present, but at least they've had a talk and got things out in the open. At his suggestion, Bela raises a brow.]
Mark an anniversary? Like six months or a year? And I suppose it depends if we count today as the official date or back in September when we first had sex. [ A smirk. ] Or does the library trip before that count as a date? You did escort me back to my room and kissed my cheek.
[ Clearly on board for the anniversary marking. ]
Please stop me if I'm going on too much.
"Could be. I know I had flashes of memories from my time in Hell, but I couldn't explain them. Maybe your subconscious was prompting you to look out for him because of your response to his post."
It's not a post that Bela had seen, but it must have been important enough for James to reply to and reach out to offer that kind of support. Then again, it doesn't surprise her that he'd do something like that.
"Alright. I think we can get a light meal in a bit." Bela smiles warmly at the suggestion; they were in no real rush after all. "I wouldn't mind a bit of cuddling though. On the couch or my bed, whatever you prefer. We don't even need to talk, I just want to be close to you, James."
It's not a post that Bela had seen, but it must have been important enough for James to reply to and reach out to offer that kind of support. Then again, it doesn't surprise her that he'd do something like that.
"Alright. I think we can get a light meal in a bit." Bela smiles warmly at the suggestion; they were in no real rush after all. "I wouldn't mind a bit of cuddling though. On the couch or my bed, whatever you prefer. We don't even need to talk, I just want to be close to you, James."
[ James laughs, an amused sound that's almost a bark, because she's giving it more thought than he had. And there's nothing wrong with it, because he likes it; it warms his heart in a way he didn't think it would. ]
Uh, I was thinking something around today's date.
[ Unless Bela wants to go full-on Leslie Knope. ]
All of that before was fun, but this, this is more ~serious~.
[ And though it very much is, James is being a goober by playing up said seriousness with a stern face and 'serious' tone. ]
Uh, I was thinking something around today's date.
[ Unless Bela wants to go full-on Leslie Knope. ]
All of that before was fun, but this, this is more ~serious~.
[ And though it very much is, James is being a goober by playing up said seriousness with a stern face and 'serious' tone. ]
It's interesting hearing that, because James didn't have the same experience. Closest thing was that certain people sort of felt familiar; like Diana had before he knew that he actually already knew her.
Nodding where she'd been leading them, he chimes, "Yeah, you're room is fine, since we're already headed in that direction. Bed's more comfortable anyway." More room, no worrying about someone walking in. The latter being a good enough reason on multiple fronts, especially now knowing the other guy Bela is with could be one said interrupter.
James glances down at himself and is reminded that he's still wearing the 1950s era clothing. Clucking his tongue, he asks, "I didn't leave any clothes behind, did I? Maybe I could borrow something?" Any larger sweaters or something she may own that could possibly fit him.
Nodding where she'd been leading them, he chimes, "Yeah, you're room is fine, since we're already headed in that direction. Bed's more comfortable anyway." More room, no worrying about someone walking in. The latter being a good enough reason on multiple fronts, especially now knowing the other guy Bela is with could be one said interrupter.
James glances down at himself and is reminded that he's still wearing the 1950s era clothing. Clucking his tongue, he asks, "I didn't leave any clothes behind, did I? Maybe I could borrow something?" Any larger sweaters or something she may own that could possibly fit him.
Today's date works.
[ She grins, happy to hear him laugh. It was in these moments that made the difficult things about this place a whole lot easier to bear. ]
Oooh, serious. Yes, it is. We are. [ Bela plays along with him, holding James' gaze for a few moments before giggling, bumping his shoulder again. Her tea is forgotten about in favour of doing more like this. ]
How does one mark an anniversary, then? I'm open to suggestions.
[ She grins, happy to hear him laugh. It was in these moments that made the difficult things about this place a whole lot easier to bear. ]
Oooh, serious. Yes, it is. We are. [ Bela plays along with him, holding James' gaze for a few moments before giggling, bumping his shoulder again. Her tea is forgotten about in favour of doing more like this. ]
How does one mark an anniversary, then? I'm open to suggestions.
"Bed, it is then." She replies, agreeing with him. Maybe lying down with him would help Bela to settle, relieved that he would be here with her for some time. If he wanted to, James could stay overnight.
His attire hadn't escaped Bela's notice, but she was more focused on seeing how James was rather than his clothing. She can answer his question though. "Uh, yeah. I think you probably did leave a few things once. I'll go check in my dresser for you and leave them on my bed."
Letting go of his hand, she scoots ahead to her bedroom and searches the bottom drawer, pulling out a sweater, a plain t-shirt and some comfortable shorts that he had left. As promised, Bela places the items on her bed and then removes her top layer - a cardigan- hanging it up in her wardrobe.
His attire hadn't escaped Bela's notice, but she was more focused on seeing how James was rather than his clothing. She can answer his question though. "Uh, yeah. I think you probably did leave a few things once. I'll go check in my dresser for you and leave them on my bed."
Letting go of his hand, she scoots ahead to her bedroom and searches the bottom drawer, pulling out a sweater, a plain t-shirt and some comfortable shorts that he had left. As promised, Bela places the items on her bed and then removes her top layer - a cardigan- hanging it up in her wardrobe.
[ Right, they're both new at this part of relationships. His brows go up with the realization before they settle back into place, and James leans across Bela to set his mug down and then wraps her up into a sideways embrace. ]
Mmm, we make a day out of it; a special meal, special sex. You want to include a special gift?
Mmm, we make a day out of it; a special meal, special sex. You want to include a special gift?
He undresses without ceremony, long since comfortable in Bela's presence. "We should make this a habit," James comments while tossing the offensive clothing by the door to destroy later. Belated he realizes he didn't give voice to the full thought and explains, "Having an extra outfit handy, I mean. Nice to have a backup, you know?" Like the time the pool stole his clothes or when the club forces attire changes.
[ It's easy for Bela to settle against him after his arm slips around her, reaching for his other hand. She lets out a sigh of contentment before listening. ]
I'm on board for that. Gives me a whole year to plan. [ The only part she might be stuck on is the gift, but she has time. ] The gift idea is a nice touch, and maybe I'll learn to cook a proper meal by then.
I'm on board for that. Gives me a whole year to plan. [ The only part she might be stuck on is the gift, but she has time. ] The gift idea is a nice touch, and maybe I'll learn to cook a proper meal by then.
Some of the outfits that Bela had worn in the suburbs were to her liking, but she didn't keep any of them. The dress at the New Year's ball was gorgeous though. Even so, keeping any of them didn't seem right. "That's a good idea. Maybe include a few toiletries in case we forget to bring them along for an overnight stay? I can set aside some room for you in one of my drawers."
She decides to keep on the rest of her clothing for the time being. If Bela gets too warm, she'll remove them. Pulling back the covers of her bed, she climbs onto it and lies on her side.
She decides to keep on the rest of her clothing for the time being. If Bela gets too warm, she'll remove them. Pulling back the covers of her bed, she climbs onto it and lies on her side.
Only thing I semi-know how to cook is the kibble I made for us before. You could make me oatmeal and I'd appreciate it.
[ He presses a kiss to her temple, to her cheek, and James fits his hand against the cheek un-kissed. ]
You need to rest, though. I can stay and change your bandages again?
[ There's hurt and resurfaced anger in those brown eyes as James reflects on Bela's branding. The conversational detour was both necessary as well as nice, yet he doesn't want to overwhelm her. ]
[ He presses a kiss to her temple, to her cheek, and James fits his hand against the cheek un-kissed. ]
You need to rest, though. I can stay and change your bandages again?
[ There's hurt and resurfaced anger in those brown eyes as James reflects on Bela's branding. The conversational detour was both necessary as well as nice, yet he doesn't want to overwhelm her. ]
He points knowingly at her with a few nods. "Good idea," James echoes, coming over to his side once he's fully changed. "I'll figure out space for you too, maybe find a trunk or something in the basement."
Propped on his side, the Earther asks Bela, "Spoons or facing each other?" What would one call that? Monkeys? Otters?
Propped on his side, the Earther asks Bela, "Spoons or facing each other?" What would one call that? Monkeys? Otters?
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