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+---- Thread: deep blue, but you painted me golden (/showthread.php?tid=12653)
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Sohalia - 03-22-2026
In truth, Soh had no expectations for this evening except to hopefully clear the air - but that required her to be up front with her feelings, which she was not particularly adept at doing. Instead, she avoided the topic that she so desperately wanted to broach, clinging to the lighthearted and playful in place of something that could bring down the mood. I'll ask when there's a good moment, she told herself - never mind that such a moment might never come, as far as she was concerned.
At Zavien's sheepish smile, Soh wrinkled her nose playfully. [say]"I'm certain that you won't,[/say] she told him warmly. If anyone was going to disappoint tonight, she was positive that it was going to be her.
Though thankfully, it wouldn't be with her cooking. She laughed at Zavien's teasing, shaking her head ruefully. [say]"I am so excited to try the food - steak is not among the things I am confident in my ability to cook without burning, so..."[/say] Glancing down at the menu as though just now realizing it was there, Soh caught a glimpse of their waitress hovering in the background. Biting back a laugh, she leaned forward, her quiet murmur pitched just for Zavien's ears. [say]"Speaking of which, we should probably order and put our poor waitress out of her misery."[/say]
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Zavien - 03-23-2026
Happy for the distraction of food, Zavien grinned. [say]"One of the only steaks I've cooked was for this guy."[/say] He glanced down to where Sol peeked open a single eye at him, obviously pleased to be included in the conversation. Chuckling, Zavien let the dragon resume his light snore as he looked back to Soh. [say]"I'm lucky the charred remains didn't scare him off."[/say]
All it took was the glint in her eyes for him to lean forward, caught hopelessly in her gravity. He didn't have to see the poor waitress to know she'd had the unfortunately role of waiting for them to finish flirting, and although he didn't plan on stopping anytime soon, it might be time to relieve her of this uncomfortable task. So Zavien gave a low huff of laughter, nodding his head to confirm the plan. [say]"Agreed."[/say]
Intent on following through, he leaned back enough to give the menu a cursory glance. [say]"Do you want to share? Maybe an appetizer and an entree? Or two entrees?"[/say] It was hard for him to read it, but he thought he saw something about a ramphire steak with a moonshroom topping, and maybe a steak mac and cheese? Although he'd ultimately leave it up to Soh to decide if they were sharing.
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Sohalia - 03-23-2026
Giggling softly, Soh glanced briefly under the table to see Sol open a sleepy eye. Then it was time to look at the menu. Reluctant to let go of Zavien's hand, Soh nonetheless gave a gentle squeeze before retreating to pick up the menu. Everything on it looked divine. [say]"Sharing sounds great,"[/say] she said, smiling over at her date. [say]"We'll just have to toss a coin for which cut of meat to choose."[/say] With a wink, she went back to perusing the menu.
In the end, she had narrowed her preferences down to a few options. [say]"How do you feel about stuffed moonshrooms for an appetizer?"[/say] she asked, glancing over at Zavien. She certainly didn't want to choose something he wouldn't like, and she hoped he would tell her if that was the case. Even if she loved stuffed mushrooms (and how different could moonshrooms be, really?), she would happily choose something else if it meant Zavien would enjoy it, too.
Once their appetizer was decided, Soh glanced back over the entrees. [say]"The steak mac and cheese is tempting,"[/say] she commented. [say]"But there's also a steak and biscuit meal that looks good. Although, it all looks amazing - so I'm totally open for other suggestions."[/say]
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Zavien - 03-23-2026
For just a wink and a smile, Soh could have convinced him of anything, but he pretended that for now it was a tough decision. He tapped the menu, pursing his lips against the smile peeking through the sides. [say]"Why don't we do a filet this time and the ribeye next time?"[/say] A compromise as well as a subtle promise wrapped in a playful bow.
[say]"Stuffed moonshrooms sound amazing,"[/say] he agreed. He only recalled having the mushrooms a few times, but they were delicious each and every time. His mouth was watering just thinking of them, and talking about the entrees didn't help any more. Zavien let out a light groan, nodding his head emphatically when he said, [say]"Let's go with the steak and biscuits. That way the steak can really shine."[/say] That's what this place was known for, after all. He didn't want the flavors getting buried within the rest of the dish - no matter how amazing it was.
Once food was decided, he gave the waitress a smile to signal they were ready, placing their order with a few approving comments by the server. She commented that their moonshrooms would be out soon, then left them to talk more - about whatever they wanted.
With the choice of food finished and the initial jokes of the date having passed, Zavien could feel the inevitable shift coming, the pressure of the conversation pushing on the thinning excuse. He wanted to hide from it a little longer, knowing it could very well spoil their food along with the rest of the date, but it was technically good news and he'd kind of already told her and he figured any discomfort could pass before their appetizer even got to their table and -
Taking a deep breath, Zavien let the reasons pile up until he finally broke the silence with a cautious tone. [say]"So... I talked with Koa,"[/say] he said, letting a soft smile spread across his lips as he added, [say]"And it went well."[/say] He paused, waiting to see her reaction, wondering how much he should say or how much she wanted to know beyond the outcome.
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Sohalia - 03-23-2026
Talk of a 'next time' had Soh smiling - not that she'd really stopped since seeing Zavien come through the door. There was just something about him, about how natural this felt. Despite her own turbulent emotions, she was having a wonderful time, and thoughts of a next time felt as sure as the sunrise. [say]"Deal,"[/say] she said warmly.
Their waitress came and went; their order placed, it seemed that it was time for the conversation to shift. While Soh debated with herself about the right way to ask Zavien what she needed to ask, it seemed that he was considering his own news. Before she could figure out what to say, he cautiously broke the silence. As far as Soh was concerned, the caution was unwarranted. Had she spent far too much time in love with Koa? Yes, absolutely. But that was over and done with, and her former lover, if he could even be called that, had no business interfering with her love life now.
Which was why she had been so glad to receive Zavien's letter. Whatever he'd told Koa, whatever Koa had said back - it seemed insignificant in light of the fact that it had gone well. Still, she knew that the prospect of ruining a friendship had weighed heavily on Zavien, and she understood why. [say]"I'm glad,"[/say] she said easily. [say]"I... wasn't really sure what to expect, to be honest, so when I got your letter, I was relieved."[/say] She paused. [say]"Was it terribly uncomfortable? I hope it wasn't too awkward for you."[/say]
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Zavien - 03-23-2026
Pursing his lips, Zavien shook his head, his hand subconsciously finding its place on the table again, seeking her. [say]"No. It was... hard."[/say] 'Uncomfortable' wasn't quite the right word when the emotions were too complicated to simplify like that. He'd been scared and guilt-ridden and anxious, worried about how everything would pan out. 'Uncomfortable' didn't even begin to cover it.
But rather than tell Soh all the painful, complicated details of his unwarranted fears, Zavien looked to her and said, [say]"I wasn't sure how to tell him, especially since it wasn't something we'd talked about before."[/say] Koa and his feelings for Soh had been the topic of many guys outings, but Zavien had never dared to consider letting those kinds of thoughts develop. At first, it was out of loyalty for Koa. Then Lena. Then Koa again. It had never felt right for him to have or confess to those kinds of thoughts - to possibly break apart friendships or unnecessarily complicate relationships by revealing things he'd never dare act on.
At least not until recently.
Zavien shrugged his shoulders and continued, [say]"But once I explained everything, I think he understood."[/say] There had obviously been emotions and feelings, but their friendship had persevered in the end, and Zavien felt confident as he said, [say]"Things might be awkward for a bit, but it sounds like everything's going to work out."[/say] Another small smile formed, reassuring her as much as himself for the eventual settling of it all.
For now, they could both rest easy knowing that one obstacle had been smoothed from their path.
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Sohalia - 03-23-2026
Wincing, because of course it had been horrible, Soh resisted the urge to apologize. Instead, she listened, twisting her wine glass back and forth anxiously. It might not have been her friendship with Koa on the line, but this was partially her fault. She may not have been the one to make the first move, but she certainly hadn't fought it once Zavien had kissed her.
[say]"I can only imagine what that must have been like,"[/say] she said. Once upon a time, she'd had a very similar conversation with Flora about Koa - but she hadn't already slept with her best friend's ex when that conversation had happened. Would the outcome have been different, or would Flora have been just as dedicated to Soh's happiness as she had always been? [say]"Thank you for talking to him,"[/say] she said finally, stilling the fingers that fidgeted with the wine glass. [say]"It means a lot to me."[/say] It said a lot about how Zavien felt about her - about what he might hope their future could look like.
Which made her questions feel so much more abrasive. If Zavien was willing to talk to Koa, to risk his best friend on a potential relationship with her... what business did she have wondering what had started it all? What did it matter, in the end, when everything had worked out so well?
Except it would forever haunt her if she didn't know - and she couldn't stand the thought of something like that coming between she and Zavien. No, she owed it to him to be honest and forthright, even if it made her uncomfortable.
[say]"Can I ask you something?"[/say] she ventured. [say]"I know Koa's friendship is important to you, so... why risk it? That day that we - that you kissed me, what was different?"[/say]
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Zavien - 03-23-2026
Zavien tapped his fingers against the table between them, the small tilt of a smile softening his lips. [say]"It would have been hard to continue without it."[/say] He sighed a breath of relief, his smile strengthening when he said, [say]"But I feel better knowing we have his support."[/say] Not that they needed it, but that the friendship would remain, that any animosity was being put aside for the other's happiness, that Koa might be able to move on. There was so much uncertainty that had fallen away with their conversation, and although it would still be weird for them to talk about Soh as two guys who have or had feelings for her, it wouldn't be painful.
A quietness settled in the moment between, and despite not knowing all of Soh's mannerisms yet, he sensed that something was eating at her. Zavien stayed present but gave the space for her to voice whatever weighed on her mind, taking note of how she fidgeted and steeled herself to begin. He nodded his head, waiting patiently to hear the question behind her eyes, nerves stirring at the cautious approach. Was there more to the Koa situation that he didn't know? Was she about to change her mind? Had he made a misstep so quickly?
But her question hit deeper, prodding at something he'd been gingerly avoiding for lack of clarity. It was why he pursed his lips, shifting in his chair as he tried to piece together his own understanding of what had happened that day and why he'd acted. [say]"I'm honestly not sure,"[/say] he admitted. Zavien's brows furrowed, thinking aloud without bothering to hide the truths they revealed. He'd never hide things from her. [say]"I've always liked you, but I never let myself think on how much I liked you."[/say] At least not in that way. [say]"I convinced myself I was just happy to be friends and dismissed thoughts of anything more because it would hurt those I care about."[/say]
And yet... he'd kissed her anyways. Without worrying about anyone or anything else.
Lowering his eyes to the table, he continued to pick through how that day had felt. [say]"But... I don't know. That day, something felt different."[/say] His head tilted like it might turn his thoughts over in his mind, hoping to reveal a new understanding as he described the sensation. [say]"It was like consequences didn't weigh as much, like it only mattered what I wanted, so when I saw you laying there... "[/say] His voice faded, recalling how her hair had framed the flush of her cheeks, her mouth slightly open with a laugh, the thoughts and feelings that had swelled undeniably in his chest, his subsequent desire. [say]"All I wanted to do was kiss you - "[/say] he gave her a sheepish smile as he said simply, [say]"so I did."[/say]
Realizing again how selfish he'd been, he grimaced. Zavien shook his head, shame pinching his features at the thought of forcing Soh into that situation without confirming her feelings. He'd never been the kind to kiss before asking consent or kiss someone without first making it clear how he felt about them. Physical intimacy to him wasn't something to be taken lightly - or taken at all. To Zavien, it was the greatest display of affection someone could give, and he'd been so caught up in Soh and what he wanted that he wasn't as slow or considerate as he otherwise might have been. For that reason, he said, [say]"I'm sorry I didn't ask first. I shouldn't have forced that without making sure it was something you were comfortable with. That's not the kind of person I am."[/say] At least, not someone he wanted to be.
Zavien shook his head again, pulling them back to her question and the why of it all that he couldn't quite answer. [say]"I'm not sure what was different that day or why it only lasted until the morning, and I wish there'd been a chance to talk instead of act first, but..."[/say] He reached for her hand if he didn't already have it, squeezing gently as he said with the utmost certainty, [say]"I'm grateful it happened."[/say] A timid light entered his eyes, hoping she understood that nothing had gone the way he would have hoped for a budding relationship, and yet he wouldn't change it for anything. He would thank whatever god or spirit or current of emotion had led him to act, because it brought them here to this moment, together.
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Sohalia - 03-23-2026
Oh, how similar they were, each falling so quickly into self-doubt the moment the other braced for a challenging conversation. Soh herself had questioned Zavien’s feelings that morning when she’d awoken beside him, only to have him confirm them again and again in the time since - and now she would continue to do the same for him, hoping that he understood that her questions didn’t come from a place of regret, but rather from a place of confusion. However she tried to wrap her mind around his actions, she couldn’t quite get a feel for the why of it all, and it had bothered her far more than it should in recent days.
But it seemed that she was not the only confused one. Zavien’s explanation offered little clarity or insight into the matter, leaving Soh to wonder still. Regardless, though, it seemed that whatever had brought him to act that day had unlocked new territory for the both of them, and she couldn’t bring herself to regret even a moment. Maybe they weren’t meant to know why. Maybe the stars had simply aligned the right way, leaving them to figure out the rest for themselves. So she nodded slowly, thoughtfully, finally releasing her wine glass and moving that hand to stroke along Anani’s spine.
It wasn’t the answer she’d been looking for, exactly (though she’d have been hard pressed to define exactly what that was), but to hear him describe it… he’d been in his right mind. It hadn’t been some drunken escapade or fit of insanity. He’d liked her before, and just finally managed to act on it. She couldn’t be upset about that, not when it had brought them here, brought them together.
The apology took her by surprise, and she frowned slightly to see Zavien grimace, shame pinching his features. [say]”Hey -“[/say] she said, reaching out with her free hand for one of his. [say]”I’m grateful, too.”[/say] Smiling, she squeezed his fingers. [say]”I’m glad you made a move, even if we don’t know why. Honestly, I’m not even sure that it matters, when everything has worked out so well.”[/say] Tilting her head to one side, her gaze softened. [say]”But please don’t apologize for kissing me. It didn’t feel forced to me. It was a surprise, but the best kind - like something I’d been waiting for without even realizing it.”[/say]
Eyes twinkling, she leaned forward, suddenly feeling better than she had in days and all the more playful for the change. [say]”You can pretty much kiss me whenever you’d like,”[/say] she told him, teasing and buoyant. [say]”I certainly won’t complain.”[/say]
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Zavien - 03-23-2026
Like the sun finally peeking out from behind a cloud, Soh's acceptance filled him with warmth and a soft light that made everything seem easier. He loosened a breath as their hands connected again, a bridge over whatever uncertainties darkened the chasm below. The shadows echoed of doubts and regrets that they might never understand, but that darkness couldn't reach the path that they'd crossed towards something brighter, determined to enjoy the destination it had brought them to, and enjoy the journey they'd begun.
Zavien squeezed her hand again, allowing her reassurance to wash away the guilt he'd held. Although it didn't change his opinion that he should have asked first, there was the consolation that Soh hadn't been insulted or hurt by the sudden impulse, instead praising the kiss. It sent his heart fluttering again, wondering if she knew what she was doing to him, all the doors she was flinging open with that admission. [say]"I'm happy to hear that."[/say] He smiled, feeling an echo in his chest where so much room had formed, a breeze from the open windows and emptied negativity.
The permission to kiss her landed like a challenge and a dream made reality. He grinned, finding more and more that he wanted to plant his lips over that teasing smile, to embrace her as much as this new step, to prove that he'd take advantage of every opportunity. It wouldn't be hard. She was leaning forward. He was leaning forward. He didn't care that people were watching, he was going to -
The waitress cleared her throat, smiling politely with their food in hand. Zavien's smile turned pink and bashful at having been caught about to make out with his gorgeous date (could anyone blame him?). He made room at the table for the plates, but kept his grip on her hand, nodding to the waitress as she finished. [say]"Thank you."[/say]
Once she'd gone, Zavien turned to Soh, amusement bouncing in his eyes. His gaze lingered there for a moment - playful and promising to finish the thought later - before lowering to the food between them. The scents of moonshrooms, cheese, and more he couldn't identify wafted up, making his mouth immediately water. He moaned quietly, nodding his head with anticipation as he lifted his fork, only pausing to give Soh a smile and indicate that the first bite was hers.
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Sohalia - 03-23-2026
It was amazing, what happened when she felt free to ask questions, even when she was terrified of what answers might emerge. Everything felt brighter when it was brought into the light of day, far less terrifying than she’d built the conversation up to be in her mind. Indeed, she felt that there was little that could destroy her good mood now that everything seemed to be out in the open and behind them, like the topics of their conversation had been passed by and left in the past, where they could stay.
Her teasing enticed Zavien forward, and for a moment, she thought he might kiss her then and there - but then the waitress interrupted, and Soh fought the urge to scowl at her. After all, it wasn’t her fault that the pair of them had gotten so caught up in the moment, even if Soh had to lament the untimely interruption. Oh well, she thought. There would be plenty of time for them to continue that thought later. Soh grinned across the table at the thought, a silent promise flickering in her silver eyes.
But for now, there was food. The moonshrooms looked and smelled divine, and Soh eagerly picked up her fork. Picking up a piece to pop into her mouth, she gave a low groan. Maybe it was the lingering relief, but she was convinced she’d never tasted anything quite so delicious. [say]”Okay, these are divine,”[/say] she said. [say]”Such a good call to get them.”[/say]
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Zavien - 03-23-2026
Zavien laughed at her response. Not having missed the shared agreement that their earlier moment wasn't over, he slipped naturally into the flow of the meal, knowing there was plenty of time for more later. [say]"Good, because I'm pretty sure they were your pick,"[/say] he teased. It would have been sorely disappointing - and extremely ironic - if she didn't like them.
Cutting out a bite for himself, Zavien enjoyed his first taste of the moonshroom. It didn't quite melt in his mouth as it did explode in a blast of flavor. It burst through every tastebud and thought with such savory force that his fork froze midair, his face falling like he was being devastated by deliciousness of it all. [say]"Gods, these are so good. We should have ordered more."[/say] Forget the entree, he'd eat these for dinner.
After a few more dramatic bites and a continued enthusiastic bobbing of his head, Zavien paused long enough for the comfort to embolden him to ask, [say]"So, any other burning questions we need to work through?"[/say] He'd feel better enjoying all this amazing food - and whatever came after - if he knew they'd already addressed each other's concerns for the evening, so he looked to Soh, hoping to confirm there wasn't anything else lurking beneath their dinner table as he took another bite of moonshroom.
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Sohalia - 03-23-2026
[say]”The night is young,”[/say] Soh pointed out with a grin. [say]”We can always order more - although if this is so good, I can’t wait to try the steak. You may have to roll me out of here,”[/say] she added with a laugh. For a moment, they shared the appetizer, both seemingly enamored by the vibrant flavors of the moonshrooms. It was easy to feel as though their uncomfortable conversations had been a figment of the imagination, or that they were so far in the past as to be rendered inconsequential. The short silence as they ate helped; they simply enjoyed being in one another’s company, eating good food, and that was enough.
Zavien beat her to the next question, and Soh paused, her fork halfway to her mouth as she thought. Most of her fears had stemmed from the strange way their relationship had started, and just now they had been assuaged. Zavien was here, on a date with her, clearly still interested - so what difference did it make that their initial tryst had been so very unexplained?
Soh tilted her head, popping the bite of moonshroom into her mouth. The only other thing she could think of wasn’t terribly scary, but should probably be addressed anyway. [say]”Well,”[/say] she started. [say]”I guess I do have one question - well, actually, make that two, just to make sure we’re on the same page.”[/say] Smiling over at Zavien and giving his hand a squeeze meant to reassure him that it wasn’t anything bad, she went on. [say]”We didn’t really talk about what our relationship -“[/say] A little thrill went through her to acknowledge it aloud. [say]”- looks like. And maybe it’s kind of soon to say this, but I just want to be really clear that, for me… there’s only you. I’m not interested in seeing anyone else so long as we’re together.”[/say]
Swallowing hard and shifting a little in her seat, Soh’s cheeks were pink as she peered over at her date. Unused to being quite so forward, and certainly not accustomed to sharing her feelings so openly, she wasn’t sure what to expect from Zavien. Would he recoil from the thought of being so committed so early on? Would he see her as clingy, or needy, or some other such thing that would give him pause?
But she couldn’t not say something. She wasn’t sure what all Zavien and Koa had talked about, but given her history, she wanted it to be abundantly clear that she wasn’t going to make the same mistakes she’d made in her past again.
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Zavien - 03-23-2026
[say]"We might have to roll out together,"[/say] he laughed, certain that the amount of food he wanted to eat could put him in a coma. They'd probably have to lean on each other just to get out the door.
Although he'd been hoping the heavy questions were over and done with, Zavien was glad he'd asked it, even if his heartrate spiked to consider what might come next.
'Our relationship.'
He blinked, giddy at the label but surprised by the need to ask such a question. It went without saying that he liked Soh, and he thought it was pretty clear by this date that he'd chosen to date her and her alone, but perhaps there was a history he didn't know about, some personal insecurity that required affirmation before she could fully invest in this.
Zavien didn't think much on it or balk at the topic - although he tried not to find her nervous blush too cute. He squeezed her hand back, the tightness lingering as he leaned forward with gentle insistence. [say]"Soh, you're the only one I've even thought about dating in a long time. I don't want anyone else."[/say]
He paused, offering a reassuring smile that slowly shifted into something more serious as he added the caveat of what it meant to 'date' him. [say]"But I don't like casual dating or 'friends with benefits' or anything like that."[/say] Angling his head so that she could see the sincerity in his eyes, he hoped his intensity didn't immediately scare her away. [say]"This would be real dating - the kind that should lead to marriage and building a loving life together. It'd be a commitment."[/say] Zavien let the word hang along with all the tangled implications of it; the devotion and dedication she'd have, the future he'd wish to give her, the love he'd hope would grow.
Knowing it was a lot and recognizing that talks of marriage weren't really 'first date' topics - even if they'd established it wasn't their first date - Zavien willed himself to be supportive of whatever reaction she had. His smile was soft, tender with equal parts hope and cautious understanding as he said, [say]"If that's too much..."[/say]