I had thought at first such sizes were a dream exaggeration, but indeed not. Though I suppose if people take some home for a second meal, it makes more sense to me. Either way it isn’t what has baffled me most about humanity.
[At the light tickling of her fingers against his hand, he turned it over, palms upwards, to twine fingers together with hers.]
A fair reminder. I suppose it is as easy for me to focus on what might be improved than on what is done well. Particularly when the stakes are as high as the ones in which we both deal. Thank you though, for the compliment.
Oh? [She raises an eyebrow at him.] What has baffled you most about humanity then? Wait, let me guess....our obsession with cat videos on the internet?
[His fingers are so elegant and when they twine through hers she smiles.]
That might be a close second. Or third, behind the large portions.
[He takes his time to consider the answer, because it is more layered than a casual offhand might imply.]
No, in seriousness the human connection with animal companions doesn't baffle me. Nor does the desire to read into animal behavior, ascribing to them human characteristics in joking form that barely mask a wanting for greater understanding.
I suppose what does sometimes perplex me... and it is not a characteristic ascribed solely to humanity... is self-sabotage. Maybe due to it not being limited to humanity. It is a complex concept, and perhaps worth a measure of mystery as that leaves it open to individual scrutiny rather than sweeping judgement.
[She makes a small noise when he mentions self-sabotage, nodding a little to herself.]
It's a very complex concept and there's a disturbing number of ways that someone can do it to themselves, mentally and physically. And I would be hard pressed to explain the reasons why people do it because there can be so many factors that go into it.
Indeed. There is no easy answer to understand or amend it. It is one I have puzzled over for a very long time. And have seen only too often. [And perhaps he isn't immune to it either, at times.]
Apologies. I didn't mean to add a heaviness to the evening.
I am also very perplexed by the socks that have individual toes on them.
[Given he knew he was the cause of the heaviness in conversation, there is a measure of satisfaction that he's able to redirect it. Hearing her laugh is a welcome sound that draws out a small smile of his own.]
They don't look especially comfortable, or appealing. I fail to see what regular socks lack that they provide. It is a human invention that does indeed baffle me.
The shoes are real? I thought them a subconscious manifestation...
[He's being entirely serious that time. His light tracing of the creases in the pillow cease on one hand, as his other hand begins to gently do the same. This time instead it's his index finger gently trailing over her knuckles and fingers as he loosens it from their hold, the small movement exploratory yet soothing to him.]
All right, I suppose it's your turn. What about the Endless baffles you? Or the topic can be broadened to bafflement in general, not merely my kind.
They are real and they are just as confusing as you think they are.
[The feeling of his index finger traveling over her knuckles and the fingers sends a tingle through her entire body and she's so focused on the feeling that at first she doesn't seem to realize he's asked her a question.]
Hrm? Oh! [Her cheeks go a light pink.] I don't know if I'd say that there's anything that baffles me about the Endless, especially since I'm still learning about all of you, but there's certainly a lot of things that intrigue me and make me curious.
[He might look a little pleased at having been able to distract her, a small smile curled on his face as he notes the reddened cheeks. Slowly he reaches out to brush her hair back from her face.]
A very diplomatic response. Me, I find my family constantly baffling, but I suppose that is common enough. I will accept that at least I am not dull to you.
[She says, a statement that is made even more true by the pulse of excitement that goes through her again when he reaches out to brush back her hair. His fingers grazing her cheekbones for just a moment, but even that's enough for her heart to start beating faster and her body to become hyper aware of his.]
[He doesn't technically have a heart that beats. When he draws breath and speaks, it is because this is a form that humanity understands and has reflected back at him. His body is solid but never born, existing because of the dreamers he serves. He is connected to them, to their hearts. He's felt his break, even though one has never resided within him. Metaphor made real.
Right now though there is no ache of loss in his chest, but rather a growing want. His hand lingered, sliding from her face to rest upon her back. Slow and measured, prepared to pull back if she seems discomfited. To see if he feels discomfort. There are so many snares on both ends that might snag. The simple touch doesn't make him forget that, but he craves it nonetheless. The connection.]
I suppose we find in others better company than we see in ourselves.
[His words slip over her as easily as his hand does and her whole body feels alive at the feeling of his fingers moving from her face to rest on her back. It feels like a small electric pulse is passing over every single nerve and hair along the way and she unconsciously leans a little more towards him.]
Is that your way of telling me that you find your own company boring?
[She teases, her lips lifting up into a soft, coy smile.]
[In the distant past there were dangers in the Endless dallying with mortals. Times have changed, but how much? No harm but a broken heart had come from his time with Thessaly, who is human and long-lived only through making continuous backdoor deals with lesser beings. That is not a technicality the old laws of nature would let slip by at the dawn of time, but even nature is malleable to an extent.
Which did not mean there weren't other risks, of course. For both of them.]
I find my own company… narrow.
[He takes it slow, and measured, leaning in a moment after she does. His lips touch hers, and while he knew the world would not end from it, he doesn't expect the spark of a new creation to hit as it does on the other end of the spectrum. It has been so long since he's had a connection of this nature. It's fragile and he fears breaking it. There’s a hunger to it, but one held in check, leaving the kiss gentle and lingering. He tastes her in ways beyond senses.]
[There have been many good kisses in Dawn's life but they are all dwarfed by Dream's the second his lips touch hers. His kiss is gentle and lingering, his lips soft and inviting like a human's but there is so much more, an energy that courses from him and directly through her. It's like kissing the stars, the sky, the moon, the sun, all wrapped into one. It's like kissing one of the Endless.
She utters a small sigh, her lips pulling away just enough to hover against his for a moment.]
Dream....
[It's barely a whisper and she throws aside any of her previous worries or concerns about the connection that has been building between them and presses her lips against his firmly, her one hand moving up to plunge itself into his dark hair, pulling him closer.]
[He hears his name as a soft sigh. Dream. It isn't one, though. He is always but the moment is not; it is merely what dreams are made of. Wants and fears, joys and longings. Hunger for understanding and that which is just beyond reach. A quest for connection in the single string of time as it flows. This is all of that. A moment, nothing more but never less. It is everything.
He can taste what came before. Barbecue and smoke from ashes of aches. The walls of that past lower to let in a fullness that is both bitter and bright. It is humanity in an individual form, one he has grown to long to embrace. If he is the heat and flame of blue stars in a black night, she feels like pure fire razing against his sky. Warm and hot, a life burning bright as long as the wick lasts. He is drawn to it, to her. He presses closer together, hands wrapping around her body to explore, his body shifting to feel hers against his better. He moves to kiss at her throat as well, feeling the pulse point there beating.]
[Her pulse is beating hard and fast and no doubt he can feel it galloping beneath his lips as he kisses her throat and neck, but even with him shifting closer it still feels like too far away for her liking. She wants to feel as much of him as she can and to help satisfy her craving she swings one of her long legs over his lap, shifting her weight to sit on top of him, straddling him.
The hand in his hair digs in deeper, gently pulling his face up from her neck so she can kiss him again. Her mouth opens to him, her tongue sliding across to taste him briefly, like a bee tasting nectar.]
[OOC: I first wrote “with a danger’s grace” rather than dancer and debated leaving it because both fit Dawn, LOL.]
[With a dancer’s grace Dawn settles flush against him, limbs folding against his. His hands slide from her hips to her back, one hand snaking beneath her sweater to feel her warm skin against his fingertips. They trail patterns and paths to learn her a new way.
At the tug to his hair, a pleasant pressure, he lifts his head to meet her lips once more. There's a hunger to it, an exploration of the depths that one can offer. For all that he has eons to share, it is always new and personal. He might taste of memories never yet experienced, remind of times that fill a future. It is not dreams made flesh but dreams meet flesh. A joining that lasts a moment to some but right now feels endless.]
[ooc: Oh man you're right, both totally work for her. <3 ]
[Already she knows that she has to be careful because the hunger, the desire, she feels towards him is almost overwhelming. The way his fingertips trail across her skin, she wants to feel that across every single inch of her body just as she wants to do the same to his. Touch, smell, taste. Right now he is flooding all of her senses and it takes a huge amount of will power to gently pull back a little, breathless from their kiss, she rests her forehead against his.]
Is this.... [She starts to say, her voice barely above a whisper.] Is this okay? I mean, is it allowed?
[She knows that there are rules, both in her world and his, and while she wants him she also doesn't want to hurt him or put him in danger.]
[OOC: Small caveat, I’m bending comics canon a little here. In it one version of the story of what broke up Nada and Dream was that she was mortal and therefore the cosmos won’t let them be together (they strictly say though that this is just the story told among men, and the women have their own version). Later on he then has Thessaly as a lover, who while she’s lived for thousands of years is technically not immortal. She’s never been granted that gift, she keeps extending her life in exchange for favors from pretty much anyone including demons (I love her). For ease of exploring this line, I’m leaning towards it being that some will frown upon them being together/might want to cause them trouble, but it’s not an automatic “your city will be burned to the ground” situation that makes it entirely impossible. Lemme know if that works or doesn’t, because if you’re more comfortable with something else, I don’t mind going back and editing tags. … I am so sorry this got so long, I’ll stop now.]
[He pauses when she does, pulling back to study her intently. His eyes are inquisitive stars soaking in her words. He doesn’t take her concerns lightly as he brushes back her hair.]
You are not the first mortal I have been with. It can be… complicated. One relationship passed by with only a waning interest to break us apart. The other… [Well.] There were politics beyond her mortality that came into play, as she was ruler of her people, and it ended for the worse. Not all will approve of our union, and I have many enemies. As I know you do. I believe this, what we have done tonight, is safe between us. In a larger scope though… even being my friend brings danger. I apologize if that was not made clearer on my end sooner. It is not a danger I feel I cannot offer protection from, or I would never have spoken with you to start, but I would be lying if I said it did not exist.
[He gives her a small smile.]
Perhaps it would be best to take it slow and see how things fare on both ends. I know that is much to take in.
[ooc: I was always a little curious about that loop hole in the comics, because you're right, Thessaly wasn't technically immortal so how come poor Nada got in trouble for being with Dream and Thessaly didn't? I always kind of figured that it was partially because Nada was one of the first generations of people so things were still super fresh and strict and that by the time Dream met Thessaly the rules of the cosmos had relaxed a little. XD Either way though I'm totally cool with this bending comics canon and agree with it.]
[She appreciates that he doesn't take her concerns lightly but at the same time she has to smile at the fact that both of them come with associated danger.]
Complicated and a little bit dangerous, sounds like my usual type.
[She teases and lifts a hand to brush back a lock of his hair, her fingers already craving to be dug back into his nest of thick black hair. Her teasing smile drops away as she looks into his eyes and she nods.]
I agree that slow would be best. [There's a pause and she laughs softly, her cheeks going pink.] It might be hard for me to remember that at times but it would probably be best.
[OOC: Yeah, it’s something I usually head canon in a similar fashion but am always curious if they’ll ever address in actual canon, LOL. I just can’t imagine Dream ignoring protocols of that magnitude after Nada, but Thessaly’s whole thing is that she is a survivor which wouldn’t make as much sense if she was immortal. (And devourer of knowledge). TLDR glad what I rambled made sense and yeah, I love complications but not the promise of destruction. I leaned into the cosmos changing a bit over time so that works well with what we’re both thinking.]
Is that your type? I don’t know that I have one.
[He only had a few loves over his eons of existence. Each one was rather different. Perhaps it was more indicative that he preferred a sort depending on who and when he existed, as his time lingered longer than mortals.]
He leaned a little into her touch, but nodded in agreement.]
I trust you, to mind your time and bearing. As I trust myself. Difficult though it may be on both our ends. [Leaning in he kissed her lips, then reluctantly, pulled back to kiss her forehead.] It is nice merely being in your presence. It has… been awhile. Since I have touched another.
[ooc: Oh it totally made sense and I agree that some complication is cool but not if it's going to destroy everything, that wouldn't be fun. XD ]
I was mostly teasing, Dream. You're really unlike anyone I've ever met.
[Which makes him and whatever this is between them all the more special and something she wants to cherish and savor. Just like she savors the kiss he places on her lips, her hand sliding back into his hair where part of relishes the feeling. She loves his wild, fluffy hair and she's thrilled to finally be able to touch it.]
It's been a while for me too, as I'm sure you can tell.
[She says softly as she's pretty certain he can feel the eagerness in which her body wants to touch his, the fast beating of heart an even more obvious indication.]
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[She brushes the back of his hand with her fingers.]
No one is perfect Dream, not even the Endless. You do your job very well, and I think you're allowed to be a bit proud of that.
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[At the light tickling of her fingers against his hand, he turned it over, palms upwards, to twine fingers together with hers.]
A fair reminder. I suppose it is as easy for me to focus on what might be improved than on what is done well. Particularly when the stakes are as high as the ones in which we both deal. Thank you though, for the compliment.
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[His fingers are so elegant and when they twine through hers she smiles.]
You're very welcome.
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[He takes his time to consider the answer, because it is more layered than a casual offhand might imply.]
No, in seriousness the human connection with animal companions doesn't baffle me. Nor does the desire to read into animal behavior, ascribing to them human characteristics in joking form that barely mask a wanting for greater understanding.
I suppose what does sometimes perplex me... and it is not a characteristic ascribed solely to humanity... is self-sabotage. Maybe due to it not being limited to humanity. It is a complex concept, and perhaps worth a measure of mystery as that leaves it open to individual scrutiny rather than sweeping judgement.
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It's a very complex concept and there's a disturbing number of ways that someone can do it to themselves, mentally and physically. And I would be hard pressed to explain the reasons why people do it because there can be so many factors that go into it.
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Apologies. I didn't mean to add a heaviness to the evening.
I am also very perplexed by the socks that have individual toes on them.
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[She starts to say, her tone kind but then he mentions toe socks and she suddenly bursts out giggling. Lifting a hand up to cover her mouth.]
Sorry! What? Really?
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They don't look especially comfortable, or appealing. I fail to see what regular socks lack that they provide. It is a human invention that does indeed baffle me.
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If you think those are weird you must be extra baffled at the shoes that are like that as well.
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[He's being entirely serious that time. His light tracing of the creases in the pillow cease on one hand, as his other hand begins to gently do the same. This time instead it's his index finger gently trailing over her knuckles and fingers as he loosens it from their hold, the small movement exploratory yet soothing to him.]
All right, I suppose it's your turn. What about the Endless baffles you? Or the topic can be broadened to bafflement in general, not merely my kind.
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[The feeling of his index finger traveling over her knuckles and the fingers sends a tingle through her entire body and she's so focused on the feeling that at first she doesn't seem to realize he's asked her a question.]
Hrm? Oh! [Her cheeks go a light pink.] I don't know if I'd say that there's anything that baffles me about the Endless, especially since I'm still learning about all of you, but there's certainly a lot of things that intrigue me and make me curious.
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A very diplomatic response. Me, I find my family constantly baffling, but I suppose that is common enough. I will accept that at least I am not dull to you.
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[She says, a statement that is made even more true by the pulse of excitement that goes through her again when he reaches out to brush back her hair. His fingers grazing her cheekbones for just a moment, but even that's enough for her heart to start beating faster and her body to become hyper aware of his.]
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Right now though there is no ache of loss in his chest, but rather a growing want. His hand lingered, sliding from her face to rest upon her back. Slow and measured, prepared to pull back if she seems discomfited. To see if he feels discomfort. There are so many snares on both ends that might snag. The simple touch doesn't make him forget that, but he craves it nonetheless. The connection.]
I suppose we find in others better company than we see in ourselves.
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Is that your way of telling me that you find your own company boring?
[She teases, her lips lifting up into a soft, coy smile.]
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Which did not mean there weren't other risks, of course. For both of them.]
I find my own company… narrow.
[He takes it slow, and measured, leaning in a moment after she does. His lips touch hers, and while he knew the world would not end from it, he doesn't expect the spark of a new creation to hit as it does on the other end of the spectrum. It has been so long since he's had a connection of this nature. It's fragile and he fears breaking it. There’s a hunger to it, but one held in check, leaving the kiss gentle and lingering. He tastes her in ways beyond senses.]
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It's like kissing the stars, the sky, the moon, the sun, all wrapped into one.
It's like kissing one of the Endless.
She utters a small sigh, her lips pulling away just enough to hover against his for a moment.]
Dream....
[It's barely a whisper and she throws aside any of her previous worries or concerns about the connection that has been building between them and presses her lips against his firmly, her one hand moving up to plunge itself into his dark hair, pulling him closer.]
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He can taste what came before. Barbecue and smoke from ashes of aches. The walls of that past lower to let in a fullness that is both bitter and bright. It is humanity in an individual form, one he has grown to long to embrace. If he is the heat and flame of blue stars in a black night, she feels like pure fire razing against his sky. Warm and hot, a life burning bright as long as the wick lasts. He is drawn to it, to her. He presses closer together, hands wrapping around her body to explore, his body shifting to feel hers against his better. He moves to kiss at her throat as well, feeling the pulse point there beating.]
ooc: damn you're a good writer <3
The hand in his hair digs in deeper, gently pulling his face up from her neck so she can kiss him again. Her mouth opens to him, her tongue sliding across to taste him briefly, like a bee tasting nectar.]
You, too! <3 This is delightful.
[With a dancer’s grace Dawn settles flush against him, limbs folding against his. His hands slide from her hips to her back, one hand snaking beneath her sweater to feel her warm skin against his fingertips. They trail patterns and paths to learn her a new way.
At the tug to his hair, a pleasant pressure, he lifts his head to meet her lips once more. There's a hunger to it, an exploration of the depths that one can offer. For all that he has eons to share, it is always new and personal. He might taste of memories never yet experienced, remind of times that fill a future. It is not dreams made flesh but dreams meet flesh. A joining that lasts a moment to some but right now feels endless.]
aww shucks :)
[Already she knows that she has to be careful because the hunger, the desire, she feels towards him is almost overwhelming. The way his fingertips trail across her skin, she wants to feel that across every single inch of her body just as she wants to do the same to his.
Touch, smell, taste.
Right now he is flooding all of her senses and it takes a huge amount of will power to gently pull back a little, breathless from their kiss, she rests her forehead against his.]
Is this.... [She starts to say, her voice barely above a whisper.] Is this okay? I mean, is it allowed?
[She knows that there are rules, both in her world and his, and while she wants him she also doesn't want to hurt him or put him in danger.]
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[He pauses when she does, pulling back to study her intently. His eyes are inquisitive stars soaking in her words. He doesn’t take her concerns lightly as he brushes back her hair.]
You are not the first mortal I have been with. It can be… complicated. One relationship passed by with only a waning interest to break us apart. The other… [Well.] There were politics beyond her mortality that came into play, as she was ruler of her people, and it ended for the worse. Not all will approve of our union, and I have many enemies. As I know you do. I believe this, what we have done tonight, is safe between us. In a larger scope though… even being my friend brings danger. I apologize if that was not made clearer on my end sooner. It is not a danger I feel I cannot offer protection from, or I would never have spoken with you to start, but I would be lying if I said it did not exist.
[He gives her a small smile.]
Perhaps it would be best to take it slow and see how things fare on both ends. I know that is much to take in.
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Either way though I'm totally cool with this bending comics canon and agree with it.]
[She appreciates that he doesn't take her concerns lightly but at the same time she has to smile at the fact that both of them come with associated danger.]
Complicated and a little bit dangerous, sounds like my usual type.
[She teases and lifts a hand to brush back a lock of his hair, her fingers already craving to be dug back into his nest of thick black hair. Her teasing smile drops away as she looks into his eyes and she nods.]
I agree that slow would be best. [There's a pause and she laughs softly, her cheeks going pink.] It might be hard for me to remember that at times but it would probably be best.
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Is that your type? I don’t know that I have one.
[He only had a few loves over his eons of existence. Each one was rather different. Perhaps it was more indicative that he preferred a sort depending on who and when he existed, as his time lingered longer than mortals.]
He leaned a little into her touch, but nodded in agreement.]
I trust you, to mind your time and bearing. As I trust myself. Difficult though it may be on both our ends. [Leaning in he kissed her lips, then reluctantly, pulled back to kiss her forehead.] It is nice merely being in your presence. It has… been awhile. Since I have touched another.
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I was mostly teasing, Dream. You're really unlike anyone I've ever met.
[Which makes him and whatever this is between them all the more special and something she wants to cherish and savor. Just like she savors the kiss he places on her lips, her hand sliding back into his hair where part of relishes the feeling. She loves his wild, fluffy hair and she's thrilled to finally be able to touch it.]
It's been a while for me too, as I'm sure you can tell.
[She says softly as she's pretty certain he can feel the eagerness in which her body wants to touch his, the fast beating of heart an even more obvious indication.]
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OOC
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Re: ooc