[ She is grateful for the way he tends to her, although Bela does look away when the dressing is removed because she still can't look at the word nor the mark, disgusted by it. Over time and when it eventually becomes a scar, she will probably make her peace with, but for now, she has to handle it in the way that's best for her.
Bela's gaze falls on him when he crouches down in front of her, briefly touching his hands with her own before pulling them back to allow James to work. The words aren't unwelcome, maybe he was fine with someone who was messy and complicated, yet always strived to be perfect and untouchable. ]
[ To his credit, it does draw a soft smile from Bela. That discussion had been part of a lovely day for the both of them so it was nice to hear it being said again, even with the current circumstances. ]
That's our thing. Demons can't touch it. [ She reaches for his hands. ] I really enjoyed that date.
[ James lowers onto his knees and idly rubs a thumb over her hand, nerves kicking in and visible by way of how heavily he swallows. Though her topless state is more obvious at this level, he does a damn fine job keeping his gaze locked on hers, because it's important Bela realizes the sincerity with which he speaks. That it's not just physical attraction keeping him around, drawing him in. ]
I did too. I enjoy every date, I look forward to every time we're going to hang out. I don't want to get you a Christmas gift as a friend, Bela. But it doesn't have to be from a boyfriend, either, I know we haven't- that we- I mean, I know- fuck. [ he's stammering, his laugh as nervous as the swallow, and now his gaze wanders aimlessly above them because he thinks he's fucking it up already. ]
[ The soft smile widens as she watches him, liking the feel of his thumb brushing along her hand. Bela doesn't quite understand at first why James appears nervous, but there's obviously a reason for it. She keeps her eyes on him, giving his other hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze. ]
Oh. [ Is all Bela can say at first to those words, not expecting them. But she can't just leave it at that, cupping his face gently between her hands to let James know that it was okay and she was here. ]
You should tell me whatever else you need to say and then we'll take it from there. I'm absolutely getting you a Christmas present as well, I just haven't decided what it is.
[ She chuckles, running her thumbs over his cheekbones, her expression open. ]
[ When Bela brings him back and acts as an anchor, he's grateful, and it shows in his eyes, the way his smile reaches them. His nod is a result of a few things (agreement, acknowledging his silly self, etc), and James briefly places his hands over hers, gives a slight lean into them, before resting them back on her knee. He wants no semblance of feeling trapped. ]
I friend hard. I know that. And I end up loving fairly easily because of it, but the level of that caring depends on the relationship. I didn't want to hide that I've developed feelings for you, from you.
[ By the time his hands have settled on her knee, Bela has placed her own against the bed, needing to set them somewhere. Her body language and expression are still open, inwardly preparing herself for what he was about to say. When those words are spoken to her, Bela doesn't immediately reply because of the weight they carry. She's already told James about her lack of romantic entanglements - serious ones, that is. ]
I'm glad that you decided not to hide it. Like I said last month, I've enjoyed every second we've spent together, and I - [ Bela pauses then, taking a moment. ] - I feel something for you too, James. Which is completely new for me and honestly, a little scary because I don't want to screw things up.
[ His gaze sharpens as his eyes do this not-quite squint, his cheeks have risen; everything is just smaller and cuter due to the balm of Bela's words and he gives her knees a gentle (and careful, remembering her ticklishness) squeeze. ]
I'm not exactly a poster-child for this kind of thing either.
[ Because before Naomi, James hadn't been in long-term relationships. ]
But I think it's sort of like grieving; everyone does it their own way. So, we can learn how to navigate this together.
[ She takes in his face for a moment, finding it utterly endearing. Bela also feels a giddiness inside and it helps her to temporarily forget about the suffering she endured. There will be a time where she'll need to revisit it later. But not now. She doesn't want anything to spoil this. ]
Together sounds nice. I'd say to take it slow, but we kind of skipped past that part. [ Like leaps and bounds ahead. ] Not that I'm complaining of course.
[ There's a soft laugh, before she places her hands on top of his. ]
We should probably talk about what to call this, and where we go from here.
[ Bela makes up for the anguish that has consumed him in the time she couldn't be located, erases the hell that Hell brings, and James wants nothing more than to smother her in the affection, love, and adoration she deserves. ]
Yeah. Yes. Please. Only, maybe with your shirt on? Not that I'm complaining, it's just you're gorgeous and topless and on your bed.
I lifted it from the kitchen a few months ago. [ Yes, the cat burglar had taken to swiping instant coffee instead of occult objects. ] There was plenty of it in the cupboard and well, I know you like coffee, so...
[ Bela shoots him a grin as she gets up, switching the kettle on to boil the water. It takes under a minute and she waits a few moments before pouring hot water into the mugs, allowing her tea to steep. Lifting a spoon, she stirs the coffee and then puts it aside before bringing the mug over to James. ]
Here. I'd love to be able to bring you to a really fancy coffee place. But alas, instant coffee it is.
[ He may worry that the theft will have a negative outcome in the end (what with her recent branding, but the sentiment behind it is touching and James's brows rise to reflect said touched feeling; that Bela thought of him. ]
Instant coffee that will taste better because it came from you. [ Too cheesy? ] The stuff Sam and I have been getting at Supernova is surprisingly decent. Better than the stuff in the lobby, at least.
[ Though not as wonderful as the beans he brought from home, which are nearly gone now. It's taken the utmost restraint for them to have lasted this long. ]
[ There were times when she made herself a cup for the caffeine boost, but the coffee had been taken with him in mind. For those moments when she just wanted to make them both something without needing to go to the shared kitchen in the suite. ]
Ohhhh, you're sweet. But I doubt I'll have much impact on the taste. [ Fetching her tea, she takes a seat beside him on the bed. ] I should probably see this Supernova place for myself. Cute name, by the way.
[ Bela adds with a smile, then falls quiet. She knows they are about to have A Talk, but she just wants a nice moment with him. ]
Mm, thanks. Sam was cool enough to incorporate my ideas into the place.
[ 'Great minds' since the two had the same idea at a similar time. James doesn't mind the co-ownership either, has since gotten over not acting on the thing sooner.
He smells the coffee before testing the temperature, not quite delaying but also not rushing into The Thing. He gently bumps against Bela's shoulder though it's more of a lean. ]
This thing. Us. What makes you most comfortable? Because I can be all in, but we both know how this shitty place works. And I know we have others we're, uh, sleeping with and that they also need to be part of the conversation.
[ It's interesting that James and Sam are getting along, considering her history with the Winchesters. But she keeps that thought to herself, not deeming it important at the moment. Her tea goes untouched as it's still a little too warm for her, but it's nice for her hands at least. Bela settles against him easily, feeling comfortable. ]
Ah, yes. The influence of aphro can certainly impact things - I experienced that first hand a couple of times. [ In the club. ] There is one other person that I've been sleeping with and we decided to keep it casual but I care about them too. We're friends.
[ It's better to be honest. ]
Do you want to continue seeing the other people you're involved with, James?
It's just - wait, do you even want to know their name?
[ James doesn't mind sharing and he knows he's already mentioned the other guy, but in case Bela forgot and doesn't want a face and a name, he'll respect that. ]
I think so long as I'm not calling him my boyfriend or something... [ James doesn't doubt her, and it's not as if footnotes can't be added later. He's not laying claim to Rodriguez by naming him as a sexual partner. ] Anyway, it's Gabriel.
To get back to your question and what I originally was going to say, the thing you and I have has more substance. With him, I don't think...heh, no, I know we're not on the same page. He sleeps with "everyone" ( and James uses finger quotes, rolls his eyes mostly in jest ) in his words. So, I mean, I guess it depends on how you feel and whether or not you want to have a semi-open relationship?
[ He laughs nervously, drinking some coffee to try and cover for it. ]
This is weird and new for me. I've had two serious relationships prior that was only with my partner at the time, you know, monogamous. But I've also done the casual thing, flings.
Everyone? That would be exhausting. But at least he was upfront about it? So you know where you both stand.
[ She falls silent after that, wanting to listen to the rest of what James had to say first before responding. ]
Well, you're the first person I've ever been on a date with so that is definitely more substance than I am used to. And I can't say that my one night stands were ever really flings as I never saw the person again. Plus, I was sometimes too busy to pursue anyone at all. [ A beat. ] In fact, before I came here, it had been a while since I kissed anyone, let alone have sex.
[ And now, those were regular occurrences.]
Semi-open is something I think we could do. Should we establish some ground rules?
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Bela's gaze falls on him when he crouches down in front of her, briefly touching his hands with her own before pulling them back to allow James to work. The words aren't unwelcome, maybe he was fine with someone who was messy and complicated, yet always strived to be perfect and untouchable. ]
Disappointed? How so?
[ Thinking she's missed out on a joke somehow. ]
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It doesn't say cat burglar.
[ And yeah, sneaking and thieving are different, but if it even makes Bela's mouth twitch in some positive manner, then James has succeeded. ]
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That's our thing. Demons can't touch it. [ She reaches for his hands. ] I really enjoyed that date.
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I did too. I enjoy every date, I look forward to every time we're going to hang out. I don't want to get you a Christmas gift as a friend, Bela. But it doesn't have to be from a boyfriend, either, I know we haven't- that we- I mean, I know- fuck. [ he's stammering, his laugh as nervous as the swallow, and now his gaze wanders aimlessly above them because he thinks he's fucking it up already. ]
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Oh. [ Is all Bela can say at first to those words, not expecting them. But she can't just leave it at that, cupping his face gently between her hands to let James know that it was okay and she was here. ]
You should tell me whatever else you need to say and then we'll take it from there. I'm absolutely getting you a Christmas present as well, I just haven't decided what it is.
[ She chuckles, running her thumbs over his cheekbones, her expression open. ]
I'm listening, James. Take your time.
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I friend hard. I know that. And I end up loving fairly easily because of it, but the level of that caring depends on the relationship. I didn't want to hide that I've developed feelings for you, from you.
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I'm glad that you decided not to hide it. Like I said last month, I've enjoyed every second we've spent together, and I - [ Bela pauses then, taking a moment. ] - I feel something for you too, James. Which is completely new for me and honestly, a little scary because I don't want to screw things up.
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I'm not exactly a poster-child for this kind of thing either.
[ Because before Naomi, James hadn't been in long-term relationships. ]
But I think it's sort of like grieving; everyone does it their own way. So, we can learn how to navigate this together.
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Together sounds nice. I'd say to take it slow, but we kind of skipped past that part. [ Like leaps and bounds ahead. ] Not that I'm complaining of course.
[ There's a soft laugh, before she places her hands on top of his. ]
We should probably talk about what to call this, and where we go from here.
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Yeah. Yes. Please. Only, maybe with your shirt on? Not that I'm complaining, it's just you're gorgeous and topless and on your bed.
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[ Leaning in to press a kiss to his cheek, she looks around for her shirt, finding it at the end of the bed and slips it on carefully. ]
There. No more distractions. [ Patting the spot beside her. ] Should I make us some hot drinks first?
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James joins her, albeit temporarily so, as he nods to the previously offered coffee. ] If you're feeling up to it. How'd you get the coffee?
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[ Bela shoots him a grin as she gets up, switching the kettle on to boil the water. It takes under a minute and she waits a few moments before pouring hot water into the mugs, allowing her tea to steep. Lifting a spoon, she stirs the coffee and then puts it aside before bringing the mug over to James. ]
Here. I'd love to be able to bring you to a really fancy coffee place. But alas, instant coffee it is.
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[ He may worry that the theft will have a negative outcome in the end (what with her recent branding, but the sentiment behind it is touching and James's brows rise to reflect said touched feeling; that Bela thought of him. ]
Instant coffee that will taste better because it came from you. [ Too cheesy? ] The stuff Sam and I have been getting at Supernova is surprisingly decent. Better than the stuff in the lobby, at least.
[ Though not as wonderful as the beans he brought from home, which are nearly gone now. It's taken the utmost restraint for them to have lasted this long. ]
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[ There were times when she made herself a cup for the caffeine boost, but the coffee had been taken with him in mind. For those moments when she just wanted to make them both something without needing to go to the shared kitchen in the suite. ]
Ohhhh, you're sweet. But I doubt I'll have much impact on the taste. [ Fetching her tea, she takes a seat beside him on the bed. ] I should probably see this Supernova place for myself. Cute name, by the way.
[ Bela adds with a smile, then falls quiet. She knows they are about to have A Talk, but she just wants a nice moment with him. ]
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[ 'Great minds' since the two had the same idea at a similar time. James doesn't mind the co-ownership either, has since gotten over not acting on the thing sooner.
He smells the coffee before testing the temperature, not quite delaying but also not rushing into The Thing. He gently bumps against Bela's shoulder though it's more of a lean. ]
This thing. Us. What makes you most comfortable? Because I can be all in, but we both know how this shitty place works. And I know we have others we're, uh, sleeping with and that they also need to be part of the conversation.
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Ah, yes. The influence of aphro can certainly impact things - I experienced that first hand a couple of times. [ In the club. ] There is one other person that I've been sleeping with and we decided to keep it casual but I care about them too. We're friends.
[ It's better to be honest. ]
Do you want to continue seeing the other people you're involved with, James?
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[ James doesn't mind sharing and he knows he's already mentioned the other guy, but in case Bela forgot and doesn't want a face and a name, he'll respect that. ]
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[ Bela takes a sip from her tea as she waits, keeping her gaze on him. She doesn't know who it might be - maybe she has already met them. ]
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I honestly hadn't even considered that. I don't think he'd care? Considering how...huh. Well, now I'm not sure. I mean, he's not exactly shy, so...
[ So, it's probably? okay?? o_0 ]
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[ Bela doesn't consider herself a wallflower either, but she'll go with what James feels okay with. ]
Whatever you say will remain between us.
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[ Taking a sip from her tea, Bela smiles again. ]
That's all I'm going to ask. Whomever you're with and whatever you do, it's between you and them.
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[ He laughs nervously, drinking some coffee to try and cover for it. ]
This is weird and new for me. I've had two serious relationships prior that was only with my partner at the time, you know, monogamous. But I've also done the casual thing, flings.
[ Just never combined the two, sorta kinda. ]
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[ She falls silent after that, wanting to listen to the rest of what James had to say first before responding. ]
Well, you're the first person I've ever been on a date with so that is definitely more substance than I am used to. And I can't say that my one night stands were ever really flings as I never saw the person again. Plus, I was sometimes too busy to pursue anyone at all. [ A beat. ] In fact, before I came here, it had been a while since I kissed anyone, let alone have sex.
[ And now, those were regular occurrences.]
Semi-open is something I think we could do. Should we establish some ground rules?
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thanks for letting me bring a dorky side to her out :3
& thank YOU. I love this about them.
you're welcome! i think it's delightful
<3 Fade out?
Fade out is perfect <3