sounds like hallelujah

ALISTAIR Alistair settled in the water, keeping his fingers loosely clashing her hips as Rexanna leaned back and weaved her tale of who she was. The mention of a child, or lack there of pinged a certain area of his heart. Deep down Alistair always wanted children of his own. It had been long in his plans, though fate saw it differently. As she went on he listened intently, not bothering to interrupt, he simply watched, his thumbs running along her sides. At her mention of the brand and what it symbolized, he again leaned down and kissed against it before looking at Rex. "Calm...carefree...candid...capable...charming." The latter spoken through a smirk as he began step further back into the water. It was clear what he was doing. He was twisting the meaning of the mark, to provide an alternative as to what it represents to her now. "Captivating...that suits best I think." Alistair continued as his voice softened. He'd bring her close so her arms curled around his neck and her chin would rest against her shoulder as he swam around slowly, keeping his upright position. "42...that was the first name I ever had. When I was found, there were so many children, unclaimed. So they gave us numbers. ...42..." Alistair chuckled softly as one arm held around her waist. "Imagine that...growing up as a number being your only identity. Most of the other children stayed within the confines of the orphanage, but I held a zest for exploration. I drowned my nose in books, adventures I only dreamt of. So when the opportunity arose, I seized it. I would run as far as my legs took me, favoring the rooftops. It just offered a different view of the world you know? Ishmal found me, starved and withered in the rain. He didn't think twice, he took me up and provided me with a home. He gave me a name, gave me a life. He gave me everything. He insisted I learn as much as my mind allowed. Took up reading, writing, fencing, basic skills in hospitality. Formal dancing, music...He never pressured me. He was gracious. To take me in like that." He would lean back slightly to look over Rexanna. "I'm often asked why am I so kind to others? I tell them, because I've seen the ugly side of this world...and I could never bring myself to give that to another. The world is dark enough...People don't need to be reassured of it any more than they are now." He shrugged as if to say, what else could he do. Leaning he'd gently wrap his lips against hers. It had meant to be a peck, though his eyes held hers and lingered with intent and mischief before pressing a deeper kiss. Hands clasped Rex's cheeks as his kisses held firmer, hungrier before a sudden move would...bind them once again. His breath startled only slightly, before he tightened his hold of her, kissing along the side of her neck. Rexanna was an awakening. In her own way she reminded him he was alive, passionate, inspired. Never had he felt so free, so alive. Their path was uncertain, and he was quite fine with that. If he looked too far ahead he would miss out on a rather...invigorating present. Alistair stumbled more toward the shallower end, laughing against her shoulder as he worked to get better leverage. Swimming over toward a large stone at the rim of the shore on the slightly less deeper end, he pressed Rex's back against the cool stone, locking his hands at the helm of the stone above her and taking advantage of their current position.