sweethymns | Pictures in the Dark

[He arches a brow, looking at her like such a thing couldn't really be possible.] I think you'd have to try really, really hard to scare me away, Iona.

[He's curious about her, too, of course. He supposes he could make an educated guess at the answer, but since they're talking about it now, he decides to ask.] So, um, what about you?

... Yeah. I've been in one.

[There's no point trying to skirt around it. Iona sinks a little bit more into Michael. She's missed this kind of warmth.]

I was serious about it, but in the end we just drifted apart naturally.

...Ah. [That would have been his guess; most people around his age had dabbled in a relationship by now, serious or otherwise. Iona, who had such a magnetic personality, well, he figured that she would have little problems finding someone who would appreciate her as the person she was.

(Of course, that doesn't stop him from holding her just a little closer, without really thinking about it.)]

That's just... life, you know? I didn't really expect your answer to be the same as mine. And it doesn't bother me, either.

[All of the above is true. A part of him wants to ask for more details, but he decides against it. That wasn't the point of this conversation, he figures.]

[Iona grins cheekily.]

Well, in any case, that means, I'm your first! I feel lucky.

[And there she goes, saying whatever she wants!]

[Ah, she's making him flustered again, and he can't hide it as well when he's this close to her. He makes an attempt at a joke to try to hide it.]

Just remember not to be too rough on the newbie.

Ah, I'll try to remember, but I make no promises.

[iona what does that mean!?]

[What does that mean, indeed?! He doesn't know how to approach that, and his lips quirk into a grin.]

That's not very reassuring. Should I be scared?

We'll see! I'll start off easy with you though. This?

[She pats his arm around her.]

This is easy.

Hey, and I'm acing it.

[A beat.] What's considered difficult, then? [That's not a legitimate question. He's not being naive; he's been flirty, in his own little way.]

[Iona's quiet for a few seconds before she turns around to face Michael, and she puts her arms around his neck to caress his shoulders.]

I think this could be! Depending on how you feel of course?

[She says this oh so sweetly.]

[O-oh, he wasn't expecting that. She's really close now, facing him, and he once again finds himself in a position he's never had to deal with before. Her scent alone is enough to make his heart beat faster in his chest, as much as he tells it to calm down.

Not that he dislikes this at all. Quite the opposite. Her sweet tone is complimented to his, which is low and a little flustered.]

I like this. [His other free arm moves to embrace her fully, without him really commanding it to.] I think I can handle it, maybe more.

Feeling your cold go away yet?

[She's joking, but isn't breaking her gaze away from him. This is sweet, he's sweet, and his shoulders are just a little broader than hers. They feel supportive like he is and that's what Iona is treasuring at this very moment.]

Cold? What cold?

[He laughs lightly, but not pulling his gaze away from hers, either.] I'm actually feeling a little warm, now. Wonder why? [It's definitely not because he's sick.]

[She can keep flirting and prolonging this (and why not?) or she could... Ah, what the heck. Might as well take advantage of this position and it's been a long time in the works.

Iona has her lips meet his, warm and soft. It's just a surface level kiss, but it blooms on its own like that, replacing what words can't possibly replicate.]

[Her lips are warm and soft, and Michael isn't one to stop her from kissing him. He might not have been the first one to engage it, but he certainly doesn't pull away, despite his faint surprise.

He leans into it, arms drawing her close -- his kiss is soft and a little timid at first, but it doesn't take long for it to mirror hers in terms of quiet eagerness.

This is a moment in time he would gladly keep frozen if given the choice.]

[She doesn't press any more than she needs to although she does hug him a little closer. And when she pulls back, she's actually blushing somewhat and she uses one hand to brush back some of her hair.]

Ah... Feel better?

[Okay, so she could have said something a bit more romantic, but, she works with what she's got.]

[Michael notes her blush when she pulls back, but it's not like his cheeks aren't red, either. He's giving her a slightly dazed (from happiness) smile.

And hey, she did make him momentarily forget that he was even sick, so there's some romanticism to be had in that.]

Feeling pretty good, all things considered. How was it, for a first-timer? [The kiss, he means.]

Can't go anywhere, but up from that, Michael. [And she gives him a kiss on the cheek.]

Alright, I better let you finish up some of the tea and food now. I can't take away all of your attention now, can I?

I don't mind you taking my attention away from anything. [But of course, he'd barely get anything done if indulged in that way, so he adds:]

But you're right. I should eat for now. After I'm done, you need any help with anything? Cleaning up, or...?

[He's not exactly sure what went on while he was asleep, but he's glad to help in any way he can.]

No, you rest off that cold. And like I said, Oren's already cleaned up your place!

[She stands up so she can take out the chair.]

If you want me to hang around to kiss you more, I'd be happy to, but I'd be happier if your cold went away so you felt better.

[The way she talks, it's almost as if she's implying that Oren cleaned up everything -- which would be crazy, but he'll have to check it out whenever he's feeling at 100 percent.]

All right. That's motivation enough for me to get some rest. [~~the kissing can resume later~~. He settles back into his bed, offering a, "Thanks, Iona", before she can leave.]

Pictures in the Dark

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