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?
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. ]
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?
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?
[ 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.
[ 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.
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. ]
[ 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.
[ 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. ]
[ 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.
[ 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?
[ 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.
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. ]
[ The kisses draw a soft look from her, appreciating them. She leans into his hand and smiles. ]
Alright, that sounds good. I will follow the doctor's orders. [ Bela teases. ] I'd like you to stay.
[ In case her thoughts drift back to what happened to her and she needs reassurance from him. Bela knows she will probably dream about it, like with other things she has experienced in this place. Aside from that, she still feels quite tired. ]
[ He clears the side table and is returning from dumping the mug's contents when James catches the question. His smile is soft, his response apparent. ] Yeah, of course. Do you have oils or even lotion?
[ James grabs the lotion but then turns, s l o w l y, to regard her with faux frustration, and in a falsely strained, near whisper repeats --- ] It has to come off again??!Tck, I don't think I can handle such an absurd requirement, Bela Talbot. (shakes his head) Mm mm mm.
thanks for letting me bring a dorky side to her out :3
[ Oh. He's cute. Which is why she decides to play along with him because it's fun and she thinks he will appreciate it.]
The great James Holden can't handle it? That's too bad. [ There's a mock sigh as Bela slowly peels off the aforementioned shirt, tossing it to one side. ] Oh no. Now it's too far away for me to put it back on again. Whatever shall we do?
[ Feigning a swoon before she falls back against the bed for dramatic effect, closing her eyes. ]
Ugghh, and I have to roll her over? Not at all what I signed up for...
[ This all delivered 'under his breath' as James talks to himself, sighing as he sets down the lotion, sighing as he delicately slides his hands beneath her to then move at a snail's pace to get Bela on her frontside, sighing as he climbs onto the bed and hovers above her. ]
[ Yes, she says this as her eyes remain closed. A smile tugs at Bela's lips as he oh so gently moves her until she's in a better position to get a massage. While they were having fun, it does mean a lot to her that he was being so careful. ]
I'm comfortable, James. Will let you know if that changes, okay?
[ James hums and sits himself on her lower half, though not all of his weight. He gathers Bela's hair to one side, presses a kiss to the bottom of her neck, and loosely braids the strands to keep them out of the way before beginning his attentive, affectionate ministrations. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[ 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. ]
no subject
[ 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?
no subject
[ 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 subject
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?
no subject
[ 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?
no subject
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.
Headcanon
Koibito is sometimes used amongst Belters to replace boyfriend/girlfriend, you know, lover. It's for intimate relationships.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
[ 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. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
Mmm, we make a day out of it; a special meal, special sex. You want to include a special gift?
no subject
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.
no subject
[ 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. ]
no subject
Alright, that sounds good. I will follow the doctor's orders. [ Bela teases. ] I'd like you to stay.
[ In case her thoughts drift back to what happened to her and she needs reassurance from him. Bela knows she will probably dream about it, like with other things she has experienced in this place. Aside from that, she still feels quite tired. ]
no subject
[ He's at least comforted by the fact that she'll be well off without him, thanks to attentive suitemates.
James rises carefully, mindful of her wound. ]
I'll clean up, unless you want me to leave the tea?
no subject
[ There's plenty more where it came from and she feels like she has had enough for the time being. Maybe her appetite will come back in a while. ]
Is a massage still on the table by the way? Even just my back and shoulders.
no subject
[ He can make it work without, as well. ]
no subject
[She ponders for a moment.]
Lying on my front on the bed should be fine for me. Oh, and the shirt will have to come off. Again.
no subject
thanks for letting me bring a dorky side to her out :3
The great James Holden can't handle it? That's too bad. [ There's a mock sigh as Bela slowly peels off the aforementioned shirt, tossing it to one side. ] Oh no. Now it's too far away for me to put it back on again. Whatever shall we do?
[ Feigning a swoon before she falls back against the bed for dramatic effect, closing her eyes. ]
& thank YOU. I love this about them.
[ This all delivered 'under his breath' as James talks to himself, sighing as he sets down the lotion, sighing as he delicately slides his hands beneath her to then move at a snail's pace to get Bela on her frontside, sighing as he climbs onto the bed and hovers above her. ]
Okay, but more seriously, are you comfortable?
you're welcome! i think it's delightful
[ Yes, she says this as her eyes remain closed. A smile tugs at Bela's lips as he oh so gently moves her until she's in a better position to get a massage. While they were having fun, it does mean a lot to her that he was being so careful. ]
I'm comfortable, James. Will let you know if that changes, okay?
<3 Fade out?
Fade out is perfect <3