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+---- Thread: The art of romance (/showthread.php?tid=11361)
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RE: The art of romance - Zavien - 05-26-2025
He is surprised to hear the words of caution, not having even considered doing it himself. His hands come up to ward away any suspicions that he might try choking Lena - or any possibilities that she might ask him to. [say]"Oh no no. Even if she is like that, I'm not sure it's something I'd be able to do."[/say] To use such force against her. To be aggressive when all he wants to do is love. Zavien isn't sure he has it in him.
Lowering his hands back to the table, he lets Thorn rustle through the pages of a book, his curiosity sparking. When the man directs his attention to the pictures of anatomy, Zavien leans forward to get a better view of the highlighted portions. He listens closely, frowning at the mention of possible pain and silently vowing to do what he can to prevent such an outcome. Still, a question comes to mind, and he shifts in his seat as he asks, [say]"How will I know? That is - how will I know if we're 'warmed up' enough?"[/say]
There's still a red hue to his cheeks, but he studies the images like one might a battle map, taking mental notes of the land and what the opponent's weak points are. Only a few surprise him, and he lifts his green gaze to Thorn, looking for clarification with a slight crinkle of his brows. [say]"Ears? Thighs?"[/say]
RE: The art of romance - Hawthorn - 05-28-2025
Hearing that Zavien had not planned on testing any of that relieves Thorn a touch - making his smile brighten as he nods. “[say]Just checkin’.[/say]” He admits with a soft little laugh before he’s reaching for the books, pointing out on the diagram for the anatomy lesson he’s about to give the dragoon.
The question that reaches him has him glancing up to Zavien as he peers at the book, the flush to his cheeks one that doesn’t reflect on Thorn’s own cheeks. It wasn’t embarrassing for him, nor did he think the dragoon should be embarrassed by it. He wanted to do a good job, wanted to make sure his partner had the best time, and Thorn is more than happy to help him get there with zero judgement.
“[say]You’ll know. If it feels dry down there, you’re gonna have to keep warmin’ up.[/say]” The explanation is easy, his long slender fingertips pointing to the diagram in question. “[say]For lack of better words, if she’s wet ’n it’s slick, you’re prolly okay. Just make sure y’all are talkin’.[/say]” He wants it clear to Zavien that he can ask questions at any point during the time he and Lena are fully indulging in each other, even if it doesn’t seem the most romantic or sexy. Communication was of utmost importance.
Grinning when Zavien mentions ears and thighs, he nods. “[say]Feels nice t’touch or kiss.[/say]” He starts to explain, sitting back in his seat a little. “[say]Some people like nibbling at ears and leavin’ marks on thighs. But for your sake, I’d stick with just kissin’.[/say]” Nodding to the book again as if to say he could continue to ask questions if he wanted, Thorn watches the Dragoon’s face for any other questions.
RE: The art of romance - Zavien - 05-28-2025
He feels like he's getting the core message of communication which is something he slowly takes to heart - even as he's unable to say more than one word through the brightening red of his cheeks. [say]"Okay."[/say] The word is a mumble more than anything, especially as another question comes to mind of the how - other than the obvious of asking. As much as he doesn't want to ask, Zavien knows that it's with the sole purpose of Lena in mind and he puts aside his pride with a blushing rub at his neck. [say]"And do I - do I just check with my - fingers? "[/say] He's vaguely familiar with the concept of 'fingering,' but it's not something he even pretends to understand, least of all in the process or etiquette.
Ears and thighs are a little less 'intimate' sounding, and Zavien nods his head to acknowledge the snippets of information. [say]"Stick to kissing. Got it."[/say] At least that's something he knows, although he'll have to see exactly how that looks in the moment, hopefully taking cues from Lena.
RE: The art of romance - Hawthorn - 05-29-2025
“[say]Yup.[/say]” Thorn answers with a brighter smile on his face, stunning in the sense that he seems to light up the more that Zavien is understanding it. “[say]A lot’ve it is just.. Testing. She’ll let ya know if she wants something else.[/say]” He makes sure to note – because once again, the whole of communication was the important part. And given how obviously not familiar with it Zavien was, the courtesan can’t imagine a situation in which the dragoon would go too hard too quickly.
So any kind of warning or suggestion for just how to go about it seems moot. “[say]See, now you’re gettin’ it.[/say]” He teases, fingers drumming against the book again before he flips it to the next couple of pages as if searching for something, before he pauses suddenly – like he’s been burnt, only to let his seafoam gaze peer up at him. “[say]You’re gonna wear protection, right?[/say]”
RE: The art of romance - Zavien - 05-30-2025
His head is starting to feel like a bouncing ball with how much he's nodding, information starting to push at his ears. It didn't leave as much room for embarrassment, but he still somehow finds room for the emotion as he gives a light laugh. [say]"It sounds a lot like I should just follow her lead."[/say] Communication being the biggest key to understanding what she wants and how.
Zavien leans forward again as Thorn flips through pages, wondering what he might recommend next. The sudden question startles him as if the same burn had transferred to his face, bright red when he sits up. He sputters through a cough, holding his hand to his mouth as he catches a quick breath and meets Thorn's eyes a little sheepishly. [say]"I hadn't really thought about it, but yes, absolutely."[/say] Under his breath, he mutters, [say]"We don't need to add a baby to our list of worries."[/say] His face looks very serious at the thought. They hadn't discussed kids or anything beyond dating, and he didn't think the heat of the moment was the best place to have that conversation - or that either of them felt like bringing a kid into such an unstable environment.
RE: The art of romance - Hawthorn - 05-31-2025
“[say]Never hurts to, ‘specially if it’s your first time.[/say]” Thorn says softly, encouragingly. “[say]I didn’t know a lot ’til I started doin’ it. Didn’t really know what I liked, either, ’til I started experimenting.[/say]” Luckily for him, he saw a variety of people that had different kinks that made it easier to test and either find he liked it or didn’t so much. And in those times, when he was unfamiliar, he certainly followed the lead of his partner at the time.
But then he’s flipping through the pages and asking about protection, as if it’s just suddenly occurred to him. “[say]Yeah, good, good. I just wanted t’check.[/say]” He says with a soft little laugh, the courtesan’s smile bright and relieved as he watches his friend for a few moments longer. “[say]You’re real excited for this, aren’t ya?[/say]” He asks, not trying to be nosy and certainly not judgmental. If anything, Thorn can share the excitement.
After all, there’s nothing like your first time, right?
RE: The art of romance - Zavien - 05-31-2025
[say]"Well, I guess I'll just have to see how things go."[/say] Chuckling, Zavien smiles at Thorn with a more relaxed posture than he'd had when they started. [say]"I'll either be thanking you or drinking very heavily in your bar, but I think you'll know the signs."[/say] Hopefully, everything will go smoothly with the focus on communication, and he'll only have good news for the courtesan; his beaming smile will probably give him away before any of his words.
With the matter of no children out of the way, Thorn's question surprises him. He can't help the grin that surfaces, bright and eager as he nods his head. Shrugging his shoulders, he adds, [say]"I mean, I feel a little late to the party. I'm almost thirty and never had sex."[/say] Zavien knows it's an anomaly amongst men, especially the Dragoons who all poke fun at him, and he easily laughs at himself. [say]"Even though I'm such a physical person, the moment's just never felt... right."[/say] And as more and more time passed, it felt important that he not give it up for the wrong reason - just to benefit him or his curiosity. It wasn't like woman hadn't made advances on him, yet it didn't feel like the right time.
[say]"Part of it was because I spent so much time training, but I also wanted it to be with someone special. Then I met Lena, and it's hard not to think of her that way, but we were also friends first, and I never wanted her to feel like sex was the only reason I liked her..."[/say] He'd never wanted her to think it was a fling or physical attraction that had drawn him to her.
He hangs his head as he looks to his hands. [say]"But it's been a year now, and I think it's hitting the point where she thinks I'm not attracted to her that way because I've waited so long. I just look like an idiot who doesn't want to have sex with a gorgeous woman."[/say] Zavien groans, rubbing a hand over his forehead like he could remove the label he's placed on himself. It just makes the pressure that much worse, like he has something to prove.
RE: The art of romance - Hawthorn - 06-01-2025
“[say]Well… I’m gonna hope I don’t see ya despite how much I do like seein’ ya.[/say]” Thorn teases softly, his smile brighter as he notes Zavien’s relaxation. But he sees the eager and bright smile that crosses his friend’s face and the following words, understanding lingering in him as he nods. “[say]That’s totally fair.[/say]” His voice is softer, like he’s trying to soothe a spooked animal. No judgement there when it comes to Zavien’s experience – or lack there of.
“[say]Nah, you’re not an idiot. There’re some people that just aren’t interested in it ‘n that’s okay.[/say]” He pauses, because clearly Zavien isn’t one of those people, just selective with how that intimate connection would come about. And he thinks that’s completely valid, too. “[say]I think it’s real sweet y’didn’t want it to be a main part of your relationship. An’ if you tell her that, she might think it’s sweet too.[/say]” After all, he was essentially in the business of one night stands. There weren’t any more attachments than the rush of the moment before either he or the client left to go about their lives again. Not that he’s complaining, of course. Love was something that Thorn didn’t have experience with anymore, and he was fine with it.
RE: The art of romance - Zavien - 06-02-2025
Chuckling, Zavien bumped him playfully in the arm. [say]"Thanks, Thorn. I'll do my best."[/say] Gods knew he didn't want to end up drunk in some bar after making a fool of himself, but he appreciates the courtesan's calming, nonjudgemental presence. It's one of the many reasons he'd wanted to talk with him about everything, knowing that it just wouldn't be the same with some of his other friends. It's why he feels free to share and ask questions that others might tease him for.
Zavien lowers his hands to look across the table. His laughter bubbles at Thorn's comment about 'some people,' wanting to assure his friend that he's not one of those people, even if the man already knows that. [say]"Oh no. I'm definitely interested, but other things took priority before I found someone, and now I'm just so scared of screwing things up that I've gotten pretty good at concealing it."[/say] Like not focusing too long on the way Lena puts her hair up or the gentle brush of her hands, the smiles or achingly soft voice she uses for the animals, and definitely not the curve of her hips or the cute flush on her cheeks. The moment his mind starts drifting that way or he feels his blood starting to heat, Zavien redirects himself with humor or some menial task, determined not to make her uncomfortable with his gawking.
He'd be surprised if that could be considered 'sweet,' but he lets out another small laugh. [say]"I sure hope so, otherwise it's going to be a very awkward night."[/say] Full of him trying to explain things or prove something. Maybe that's why he shifts in his chair, the nerves reemerging at the thought of the approaching trip. He gives Thorn an uncertain smile, his shoulders coming up as he leans against the table. [say]"Any other last-minute tips or recommendations?"[/say]
RE: The art of romance - Hawthorn - 06-06-2025
“[say]You’re welcome![/say]” Thorn nearly chirps with a smile, face brightening in spite of Zavien’s own flushed face for having to ask these questions. There’s still zero judgement, just quiet understanding, and happiness that the Dragoon had come to him rather than someone else for these questions. Better to come to someone with experience, at least.
Nodding as Zavien explains that he is interested, the courtesan’s smile twists a bit more playfully. Crooked and amused, he nods, letting the soft laugh leave him in agreement. “[say]Yeah, that’s fair.[/say]” He snorts, settling back into his chair, leg bouncing as he folds his hands neatly into his lap, playing with the edge of his sheer undershirt.
“[say]Hmmm.[/say]” Thorn murmurs, head tilting as he considers any last minute advice. He smirks, then, before he flashes a vibrant grin at the Dragoon when he leans in. “[say]Don’t be scared. Girls can smell fear.[/say]” Waggling his brows with the sarcasm that blooms in his voice, his laugh after is that of water trickling in a fountain. “[say]I think you’ve got this.[/say]”
RE: The art of romance - Zavien - 06-06-2025
Thorn's last bit of advice elicits a slow groan of dramatized horror. [say]"Oh no. I must reek of it."[/say] He lifts a hand to run through his hair, chuckling at the sense that the words hold more than a little truth. Even if they can't actually smell it, there has to be some reason that women prefer the company of self-assured men.
Leaning back, Zavien feels some of his anxieties having been released through the conversation, a teasing smile on his face. [say]"At least one of us has some confidence in my abilities."[/say] Not that he knew how little it would matter in the end, what with falling towers and whatnot.
The Dragoon shifts in his chair with a light sigh, clasping his hands together. [say]"Well, I think I owe you after this. What can I offer? Food? A drink? Advice about something other than sex?"[/say] He laughs and looks to Thorn expectantly, not in obligatory exchange, but a grateful friend wanting to spend a little more time together after so long.
RE: The art of romance - Hawthorn - 06-11-2025
“[say]Lil bit.[/say]” Thorn snickers to Zavien’s playful horror, before he’s shaking his head and leaning back. His fingertips drum against the edge of his arm, soft and idle movement just to keep him moving as Zavien seems to relax. He nods, though, to the Dragoon’s comment over the confidence in his abilities. If anything, Thorn is sure that Zavien wouldn’t fuck it up as bad as he thinks he will.
Perking up at the mention of food, though, Thorn can’t hide the grin that sweeps across his face. “[say]Can we go to that noodle place again? I’ve been craaaavin’ it lately.[/say]” Even if the owner would yell at him for being so skinny, the food was absolutely worth it. Even if Zavien needed to roll him home after that.
And with the plans in place, Thorn is more than ready to follow Zavien to the noodle place of his dreams.
- FIN