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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 - 03-23-2026
It certainly wasn’t a question of whether or not Soh was ready to invest herself in their relationship; that she was here had already solidified that in her mind. But she needed him to hear that, too, to be reassured that, no matter what he might find out about her later (hopefully from her and not from passing gossip), that she was his. And she hoped very much to hear that he felt the same way about her. As ironic as it was, given that she’d tried to date two people a very long time ago, she didn’t like the thought of sharing Zavien with anyone.
She peeked up at him from beneath her lashes, hardly daring to hope that what she was hearing was correct - that he not only understood and agreed, but that they wanted the same things long-term, too. A slow, radiant smile spread across her face. [say]”It’s not too much,”[/say] she said softly. [say]”That’s what I want, too. I want to build a life together. I want to give you everything, and then some.”[/say] While she hadn’t necessarily thought as far ahead as marriage and a family, it was the end goal, and what was the point of dating at all if not with that in mind?
[say]”If I seem unsure,”[/say] she ventured after a moment. [say]”It’s not about you, or about us. It’s… I’ve made a lot of mistakes in the past. I’ve hurt people I cared about, and I can’t stand the thought of hurting you, even on accident. Just… be patient with me?”[/say] she asked, shy and vulnerable in the admission. [say]”I want you. I want our future. I don’t want to mess it up because I’m… I don’t know.”[/say] She waved a hand dismissively. [say]”Me, I guess.”[/say]
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Zavien - 03-23-2026
The smile on her face was brighter than any light in the restaurant, brighter than the miniature sun burning in his chest. She didn't even need to say anything before he knew, before the flicker of doubt fell away to a blinding excitement. Something he hadn't even considered questioning clicked easily, solidifying like a puzzle piece fusing seamlessly into its rightful place, revealing more of the picture of what 'their relationship' looked like.
He held her hand, his thumb tracing her knuckles as he listened to her talk. Whatever past she carried was rooted deep, tangled into her confidence in a way he wouldn't have expected, phrased to cast blame on herself and no one else. It didn't show in the easy way they interacted or her open honesty, and Zavien wondered if it was something she'd share with him some day, if he was patient. [say]"Of course,"[/say] he reassured. Encouragement and compassion colored his smile, the expression warm enough to push aside any hints of chilly insecurities. [say]"I wouldn't want to do this if you were being anything but yourself. It'd mess things up if you weren't you - and even then, I wouldn't let you go that easily."[/say] A teasing note returned, chiming through the conversation with an easy confidence that he pressed into their joined hands.
Tilting his head, he quirked a playful smile. [say]"Was that one or two questions?"[/say]
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Sohalia - 03-23-2026
Soh would tell him anything. One day, she was sure, she would tell him everything, would reveal all of the past hurts and insecurities that had shaped her into the person she was now. She wondered if he knew how much it cost her to share even these vague notions with him - or how he managed to embolden her every time she took a chance. This was what she hadn’t been eloquent enough to put into words: the easy way he cast aside her doubts, pulling her into his easy charm and quiet support, offering her a safe haven where she had previously had none.
If she hadn’t been falling already, she would be now. Was it obvious in her eyes when she smiled, in the sound of the soft laugh at his teasing, in the tender way she squeezed his hand? [say]”Good,”[/say] she said simply. She’d do everything in her power to make their relationship everything that they both wanted and needed - so that hopefully he would never have to let her go.
Turning her attention to her next question, she wrinkled her nose. [say]”Mm, one. The only other thing I wanted to ask… well, it’s definitely not a complaint on my end, but we did do things a little backwards,”[/say] she said, smiling sheepishly. She would have anticipated going on at least one date before sleeping together, after all. [say]”And it doesn’t bother me at all, but I guess I just wanted to know where that leaves us - physically, I mean.”[/say] A faint blush crept into her cheeks. [say]”Are we just… going with the flow, or do you want to slow things down, or…? I just want to make sure you’re comfortable,”[/say] she added. [say]”Because I’m not going anywhere either way.”[/say]
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Zavien - 03-23-2026
It was hard to tell if they were his or Soh's emotions he saw reflected in her silver eyes, wondering if everything was supposed to be this easy. He knew there would be struggles and more to talk about, and yet it all seemed so weak and insignificant right now. They were flying on the high of an exciting new relationship, gliding their way into the part clearly labeled: 'honeymoon phase.' But the shift in topic reminded him of one very big part of the honeymoon phase that they'd yet to discuss: sex.
Soh's question was politely worded and gently phrased, but Zavien's ears still turned a bright shade of red when he thought about sleeping with her again, the color drifting towards his cheeks and neck as he stumbled into a start. [say]"Oh. Well - Um. I'm comfortable."[/say] Contrary to the way he shifted in his chair.
He gave a nervous smile. [say]"I had a good time, and I want to be with you again, but..."[/say] he paused, mentally kicking himself to know it was the worst place to hesitate, but wanting to get the words right as he said, [say]"I want to make sure it's not the focus of our relationship."[/say]
He winced, realizing he might have still managed to butcher his explanation after considering it so carefully. Raising his free hand, he corrected, [say]"I'm not saying it would be - or is - or - "[/say] Frazzled, he couldn't seem to find what he wanted to say. How was he supposed to explain that he thought too much about their time together, but that it worried him just how much he thought about it?
Sighing, Zavien rubbed his hand against the stubble of his chin, trying to gather his thoughts as he said, [say]"Sorry. It's just - I watched a lot of couples growing up where their relationship was only built on sex and physical connections,"[/say] he shook his head, adding resolutely, [say]"and I don't want that."[/say] To be so consumed by the physical that they overlooked everything else. Because the physical would change and shift and be wholly unreliable, but the love and affection would have to be strong enough to weather any obstacles.
Finally calming himself enough to put it into better words, Zavien looked to Soh, hoping she would understand what he meant as he said, [say]"As long as the emotional bond is there and going strong on its own, I think we should just let things progress naturally. We don't need to rush."[/say] The truth was that he didn't want to rush this, but he also wouldn't stop things if he felt secure in the relationship.
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Sohalia - 03-23-2026
She’d tried to word her question as gently as she knew how, but she’d still managed to fluster Zavien - a novelty, really, given how entirely unflustered he’d been when they’d slept together. It was like seeing a completely new side of him - an endearing side, one where he seemed to be just as unsure as she was. She lifted her wine glass to her lips to hide her smile. How did even this reaction manage to make her heart stutter so in her chest?
His ‘but’ gave her pause, but only for a moment; he was quick to try and explain himself, and Soh gave him the courtesy, as he’d so often given her, of waiting for him to find a way to do so that seemed to work. She was nodding along as he spoke, satisfied by the answer he gave. While she certainly wouldn’t complain about sleeping with him again - in fact, she rather hoped that they might have the chance sooner rather than later - she didn’t want that to be the basis of their relationship. They already knew they had chemistry, both in and out of the bedroom. Now it only remained to see where that took them next. [say]”That makes sense,”[/say] she assured him. [say]”And I think we’re on the same page. I just didn’t want there to be any pressure either way, you know?”[/say]
Skimming her thumb across his knuckles, Soh smiled. [say]”Now it’s your turn,”[/say] she announced. [say]”Any burning questions you want to get off your chest?”[/say] She rather thought they’d covered all their bases, but perhaps Zavien felt differently. He’d given her the space to voice her questions, so now she would do the same for him.
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Zavien - 03-23-2026
When he'd finished and Soh didn't appear overly offended by anything he'd said, Zavien took that as a success. He let out a quiet breath, giving another sheepish smile as he nodded his head. His voice was calmer, at ease now that everything was out in the open. [say]"Agreed. No pressure."[/say] But an equal amount of openness to whatever may transpire.
His heart skipped a beat when she looked at him like that, her smile tucking somewhere beneath his ribs along with all the other moments he was beginning to collect. There weren't any doubts or questions left in his mind beyond the cautious awareness of his own traumas and how that might influence them going forward, but he was willing to grasp at what was forming between them and wanted to see where it might take them next.
Zavien tilted his head, his own smile pressing into a smirk as he hummed. [say]"Hmm. Just one."[/say] Looking directly into her eyes, he enunciated every word. [say]"Sohalia, will you be my girlfriend?"[/say]
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Sohalia - 03-23-2026
This, Soh thought, was something she could get used to. Sitting here at dinner with her date, talking about anything and everything that came to mind, thoroughly engrossed in conversation and no longer worrying incessantly about things she had no control over. Now that they’d talked, she felt much more confident in their future - a future that she imagined she could see, if only she closed her eyes.
But just now her gaze was fixed on Zavien’s, and as he revealed his one question, her heart did a little stutter-step. There was no hesitation in her demeanor as she replied, [say]”Yes! Of course I will.”[/say] Beaming at her boyfriend, Soh felt as though she might take flight simply from how incredibly happy she felt. Her heart sang and raced, giddy and so excited to see where this journey took them. There was no path they could take, she felt sure, that they could not traverse together.
[say]”Are we sure we aren’t dreaming?”[/say] she asked happily. If she was, she hoped very much to never wake up.
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Zavien - 03-23-2026
Zavien lowered his head, trying not to blind people with the brightness of his dizzying smile. A chuckle formed through the expression, basking in the enthusiastic answer she gave. It was sweet, lacking all hesitancy or doubt, filling the crevices of his heart like a splash of yellow sunlight against a blank canvas, painting the beginning in something vibrant and lively. He squeezed her hand as he looked up again, swearing his face might break in two. Joy felt like a palpable thing, so strong that he might have thought it joined them for dinner. The feeling was surreal enough to understand why Soh might think this was all a dream, but he laughed, shrugging his shoulders in playful dismissal of the concern. [say]"If we are, then let's enjoy it while it lasts."[/say]
And like she'd been waiting for this moment (she probably had), their waitress arrived with their entree, throwing them both a smile that quietly appreciated whatever might have them both glowing so bright. She didn't need to say anything, familiar enough with the energy not to break the spell as she stepped away with their empty plates.
Casting out a distracted [say]"Thank you,"[/say] Zavien kept his eyes trained on his date - on his girlfriend. He pointed to the steak and biscuits steaming on the table, playfully shifting attention to their meal again, if only to remind them it was real. [say]"I'm not sure a dream can smell this good."[/say]
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Sohalia - 03-23-2026
Let’s make it last forever, she might have countered, for wasn’t that essentially what they’d promised in not so may words? But then their entree was arriving, and Soh’s distracted, [say]”Thank you,”[/say] joined Zavien’s, chasing their waitress away as though she didn’t wish to interrupt the golden glow that had settled over their table. Shifting her attention to their meal, Soh felt her mouth start to water. [say]”Fair enough,”[/say] she said, allowing any lingering doubt that this was real to fade away. Their dinner was proof enough, as was the weight of Zavien’s hand in hers, and the warmth of his gaze on her face, and the bright bursts of happiness that threatened to overtake her.
The steak was beautifully seared, the biscuits fluffy and warm. It was almost a shame to destroy the plating, but that was a sacrifice Soh was willing to make. [say]”Okay,”[/say] she said playfully. [say]”You get to try this first. It’s only fair.”[/say] And if he argued, well, there was plenty of food. They could always take the first bite together.
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Zavien - 03-23-2026
There was a smokiness to the air, a beautiful sear giving the filet a ruby glaze that had his mouth watering. Seasoning textured the outside, juices pooling where it met the plate. It looked incredible, the undeniable star of the meal (for food anyways). The biscuits looked light and fluffy, a buttery sheen glistening off the top of the decadent bread. He barely glanced at the mashed potatoes or slim cuts of vegetables plated along the side. They didn't compare to the rest of their counterparts.
Swallowing, Zavien nearly took her offer, but the gentleman in him refused. Instead, he gave her a knowing smile. [say]"Together,"[/say] he countered.
Although reluctant, he released her hand to reach for his fork and knife, sliding through the meat like butter as he cut them each a bite. Only once Soh had a piece on her fork did Zavien indulge in the mouthful, watching her as much as enjoying the first bite. The moment it hit his tongue, it melted into a melody of smokey flavors. They danced and sang through his mouth, stealing his voice and leaving nothing but a low groan of delicious satisfaction that had his body going limp, surrendering to the food.
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Sohalia - 03-23-2026
[say]”Together,”[/say] Soh agreed with a smile. Reluctantly releasing Zavien’s hand, she picked up her fork and a sharp steak knife, slicing off a piece of the filet. Raising her fork, she met her boyfriend’s gaze, waiting to bring the fork to her mouth until he moved, too. Then she took a bite - only for her eyes to roll back as she savored the taste. It was delicate and tender and perfectly juicy, with the perfect amount of seasoning to accent the smoky flavor without overwhelming the palette.
She was pleased to see that Zavien seemed to have a similar reaction; it seemed that this place really was worth the reputation. The steak, the moonshrooms, the wine: it all combined with the atmosphere and, most importantly, the company to create a rather perfect dining experience that Soh knew she would replay in her mind over and over again.
For a few moments, Soh was content to eat in comfortable silence. Sneaking Anani a small bite (and Sol, unless Zavien beat her to it), she next tried the sides and the biscuit. They were all good, but the steak was definitely the star of the plate. [say]”We will definitely be back here,”[/say] she said decisively. Even her favorite steakhouse in Torchline had nothing on this place. Maybe it was the land where the meat was raised; King’s End was so much more fertile in terms of ranching than Torchline.
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Zavien - 03-23-2026
Glad to see that Soh equally enjoyed the steak, Zavien cut off a few more bites. He had already given his companion a piece, but of course the dragon was quick to snag the one Soh offered, pretending that he'd just woken when he'd been secretly eyeballing the plate since it came from the kitchen.
Zavien grinned around another bite, fairly certain it might just be the best food he'd ever eaten. Whether that was the food itself or the company, he shook his head as Soh made her declaration. [say]"No arguments here,"[/say] he said through a laugh. He had a sneaking suspicion that this would become a regular spot, and possibly a regular dish selection. There were plenty more on the menu, but he wasn't sure he could pick something else after having tried this.
After eating in more blissfully content silence, Zavien wondered aloud, [say]"Other than here, where else do you want to visit? Any favorite spots or bucket list items?"[/say]
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Sohalia - 03-23-2026
[say]”Actually, I’m so glad you asked,”[/say] Soh said with a smile. [say]”I don’t have a specific spot in mind, but I need to find somewhere to sit under the stars - if that’s even possible with all this rain.”[/say] Soh made a face. She’d always liked the rain, for short periods of time. This scream rain nonsense, however, was beginning to get on her nerves. Leaning forward, she explained with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. [say]”I have a quest from Safrin, and I have to journal something meaningful under the stars.”[/say] The ‘what’ seemed fairly straightforward, but as for the ‘where’… [say]”I’m hoping the rain clears up at least long enough for me to write something. It’s the last thing I have to do.”[/say]
She paused, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. [say]”I was hoping… you might come with me. I thought we could make a night out of it. Stargazing, maybe manage to catch the sunrise…?”[/say] Given that she hadn’t forgotten about the mural she was meant to paint on his wall, she was still very invested in catching a sunrise at some point. And if Zavien was with her? Well, that would just make it even better.
RE: deep blue, but you painted me golden - Zavien - 03-23-2026
Surprised that this was the first he was hearing about this quest, Zavien widened his eyes, pausing in his bite to take in the information. [say]"Really? What's the quest for?"[/say] Part of him wished he'd known sooner so he could help her with the other parts, but he supposed it didn't matter. She'd obviously figured it out. Although the rain certainly posed an issue.
He tilted his head, his eyes taking on a far-off look while he brainstormed solutions to the problem she'd presented. [say]"If the rain doesn't stop, we could always go someplace with a glass roof? I think Halo's greenhouse has one?"[/say] He tapped the back of his fork to his chin, concentration tightening his features. Without realizing it, he was already inserting himself into the task before she could mention him joining her.
Zavien realized his mistake when she finally asked, a soft redness forming on his cheeks as he let out a soft laugh. [say]"That sounds wonderful."[/say] Truthfully, she could have asked him to sleep in the rain and he still would have said yes, but he was glad to hear it should be a much more pleasant experience, ending with a beautiful sunrise. It sounded more romantic than this dinner.
[say]"When were you thinking?"[/say] he asked, already set on planning the trip.