[ namu shakes himself out a few times before he starts scooping up water to splash himself with it. being dry is strange. his skin is itchy and hot but he's not going to move for anything, not yet. they won't miss him at home, anyway. he often wanders away for a while, after all. the panic only usually starts to set in after a second day.
he smiles a little as he finishes rehydrating his skin, hands settling under the water once more. ]
You're already giving me more than you know. This has probably been one of the most exciting days of my life.
Most exciting? ( iseul shakes his head. ) I suppose... after I disturbed your treasure hunting.
( maybe he's just being modest. legs must be so unusual to someone who flips his fins to get through the day. he purses his lips, tilting his head to the side after watching him splash water over his skin and scales. )
You - should you go back to the water? I wouldn't want you to try out because of me...
Oh! No, don't worry, I won't. We like to lounge around on beaches of abandoned shores whenever we get the chance, the skin just gets a little itchy, is all. So long as my tail stays wet I should be okay.
[ namu hums quietly and starts shifting himself around so that he's also kind of laying on his stomach, his arms in the water against the sand and keeping his head and shoulders propped up above the water while the rest of him goes under.
and now that they're laying really close like this, namu can't help but look. ]
( the suddenness of the comment almost throws iseul for a loop and he blinks owlishly, finding himself mere inches away from namu. )
Why, thank you. ( he hears that often enough, usually when it comes to his work and a director's casting choices, whether one thinks his strange elfin features were perfect or inappropriate. it is, of course, different to hear it from the other and he feels rightfully tickled by the whole thing. a merman thinks he's pretty. isn't that something.
he tucks a dark strand behind his ear. )
I am here for the season. It would be nice to see you again.
[ he doesn't really know why he said it, but it's been on the tip of his tongue for a while and he couldn't help himself. namu smiles, though, an interesting hit of giddiness working its way through his system. ]
I'd like that.
[ namu goes quiet for a moment, his lips pressed together before he reaches out to take one of the coins from the chest. his eyes close as he clutches the going to his chest before he starts muttering softly under his breath, the glow from earlier returning. when he opens his eyes they're glowing, too, but the light dims as he hands the coin over. ]
Here. If you bring this with you, as soon as you enter the water with it I'll know you're here.
Oh! ( he takes the coin readily, letting his touch linger against namu's palm before sliding it away. the coin looks no different than the others, though it feels different, maybe warmer - or maybe he just wants it to feel that way since he still isn't sure what just happened. )
That would be wonderful. Thank you for this gift. ( iseul rests the coin atop his small stack of treasures between his arms, patting the top of it as if to reassure them that he won't leave them behind. )
[ he really... really wants to reach out and take a hold of iseul's hand again and just kind of cradle it in his own, if the way his hand is still poised in the air as if waiting for something. ]
It's... attuned to me. If you enter any body of water that's connected to this one while carrying it, no matter how far away you are, I'll know.
[ does that sound a little clingy? he's not apologizing. ]
( iseul actually beams at him, touched by the gesture. he sits up, his arms growing a little tired from propping himself up, and folds his long legs pretzel-style, bringing himself even closer to the edge of the water. the coins remain safely nestled in the sand between his legs. )
Ah — even when I take a bath? ( he chuckles at the thought of namu perking up with interest the second he sinks into a post-show bath. ) I would only worry about disturbing you in those moments.
[ he tilts his head curiously at that and blinks a few times before he finally shakes his head. ]
Unless you're taking a... bath?... in an ocean connected to this one, I won't know.
[ namu smiles and rolls over as iseul sits up, floating gently on top of the water while his tail keeps him anchored down enough that he doesn't drift off. ]
A bath -- ( he shakes his head at himself. ) Apologies. Of course you have never had a bath. It is one of the ways we humans wash ourselves to get the dirt and grime off our bodies. It can be very soothing if done properly, hence my question about the bath.
We fill a tub full of warm water and often soak ourselves in it until the water turns cold.
( iseul smiles at the thought. )
I do not suppose you have something similar to that.
[ he shakes his head and immediately pouts because he wants to experience something like that at least once in his life, he thinks. but doing that would mean having to be human, which would mean legs, which he is unfortunately very bereft of.
but maybe...
he'll have to do some research when he gets home. ]
Well... I mean, we groom ourselves. And each other. Usually just untangling our hair and freeing it from kelp, or tending to our scales.
I certainly wouldn't mind combing through your pretty hair, ( iseul offers without hesitation. and, maybe that sounds kind of strange, but then again, namu did also just offer him a magical signal so they probably and quickly have moved past the initial stages of friendship. )
That is an important part of grooming after the bath, anyhow. ( it is nice, making little plans. he had been enjoying his summer stay, but this will make it infinitely better. )
[ like. a lot a lot. it's an intimate thing, usually reserved for something between families first, your lovers second. iseul isn't family or a lover but namu wants him to groom him all the same. and he wants to return the favor if he could.
he drums a finger lightly against his stomach, humming faintly. ]
Is there anything special that humans do to... mm.
[ he looks away, eyes darting out toward the water as he ponders how to ask. ]
Yes! Oh, a great many things, in fact. Embracing, for one. ( he demonstrates by wrapping his arms around himself, just in case that isn't a thing merpeople do. )
Holding hands, ( iseul continues, ticking them off on his fingers. ) wrapping an arm around a shoulder, kissing anywhere but primarily cheeks and lips...
But then there are other love languages that aren't primarily physical.
( he lifts his head suddenly at the request. sure, he offered for a someday, but ... ) Yes. I would be delighted to.
( he moves right up to the edge, not caring if he gets wet all over again. it wouldn't do for namu to get dry and itchy on his account after all. iseul beckons him with a little pat to his legs. as skinny as they are, they can be quite comfortable, especially around the lap area. )
I've only my hands, but I think that would be suitable. Massages are also a way to show someone that you care about them, soothing aching muscles and all.
[ namu finishes wiggling around so that he can scoot in close enough to rest his head in iseul's lap. if his face looks red, no it doesn't. you saw nothing.
once he settles in he gazes upward with a tiny little smile on his face. ]
Is this okay?
[ he really... likes this. likes this closeness with this human he met literally within the hour. it's fine. ]
( iseul curves over him just so, blocking the sun from his eyes as his fingers gently trace namu's hairline. it is a great deal of intimacy for two people who have only just met, but iseul is all about nontraditional living. )
It is most certainly okay, ( he murmurs, carding his fingers through wet hair, gently detangling the strands from all that time spent beneath the waves. )
[ namu's eyes immediately fall shut as iseul's fingers start raking their way through his hair. it makes his scalp tingle in the best of ways, the sensation making its way all the way down his spine. he swears he can feel it in his fins. ]
It's very nice.
[ his voice is soft, like it's riding the sound of the water lapping against the shore. he could fall asleep like this if he's not careful. ]
I'm not doing anything terribly special, ( iseul chuckles. except, perhaps, stroking the hair of a merman. )
It is the strangest thing, ( he adds faintly, his voice having dropped into a murmur - almost a whisper. ) I feel as if I have known you for ages, and this is the most natural thing I could be doing. ( normally someone to go with the flow, he really has taken the supernatural creature thing in stride thus far. but even iseul has to pause to consider how quickly things have progressed. )
[ truer words were never spoken. namu finds himself tilting his head toward the hands working through his hair, his eyes still closed and smile still gentle on his face. this is what contentment feels like. ]
I told you, didn't I? That the sea seems to be happy today. I think She is glad for our meeting.
[ something tickles happily along his spine, a silent message only namu can understand, and he giggles quietly. yes, She's happy. ]
( his eyes have widened in wonder. if there was any worry about their meeting, it has all but disappeared with that reassurance. iseul might not know what goes on amongst folks below the surface, but it is easy to believe that. )
I am glad I have not offended anyone, in that case.
[ he's about to say 'the royal line' but, y'know, maybe he shouldn't go and drop that little nugget of information just yet. he's already turned iseul's entire world upside down as it is. ]
--Her children.
[ nice save. ]
It's not so clear cut as an actual conversation, or anything, but more just... sensations. Ideas of what Her intent is.
( with most of the tangles brushed out of namu's silky hair, iseul is reluctant to let him go. humming softly to acknowledge what the other is saying, he decides to anchor his fingers in his hair, rubbing his scalp in gentle, soothing little circles the way iseul enjoys being massaged. )
It must be comforting, to have someone so great looking out for you.
[ he hums softly, making a sound similar to a purr almost as the massage against his scalp starts. namu feels like he's going to melt into the sand and become one with it if this keeps up.
one eye cracks open so he can look up at iseul when he senses the movement. ]
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he smiles a little as he finishes rehydrating his skin, hands settling under the water once more. ]
You're already giving me more than you know. This has probably been one of the most exciting days of my life.
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( maybe he's just being modest. legs must be so unusual to someone who flips his fins to get through the day. he purses his lips, tilting his head to the side after watching him splash water over his skin and scales. )
You - should you go back to the water? I wouldn't want you to try out because of me...
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[ namu hums quietly and starts shifting himself around so that he's also kind of laying on his stomach, his arms in the water against the sand and keeping his head and shoulders propped up above the water while the rest of him goes under.
and now that they're laying really close like this, namu can't help but look. ]
You're pretty.
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Why, thank you. ( he hears that often enough, usually when it comes to his work and a director's casting choices, whether one thinks his strange elfin features were perfect or inappropriate. it is, of course, different to hear it from the other and he feels rightfully tickled by the whole thing. a merman thinks he's pretty. isn't that something.
he tucks a dark strand behind his ear. )
I am here for the season. It would be nice to see you again.
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I'd like that.
[ namu goes quiet for a moment, his lips pressed together before he reaches out to take one of the coins from the chest. his eyes close as he clutches the going to his chest before he starts muttering softly under his breath, the glow from earlier returning. when he opens his eyes they're glowing, too, but the light dims as he hands the coin over. ]
Here. If you bring this with you, as soon as you enter the water with it I'll know you're here.
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That would be wonderful. Thank you for this gift. ( iseul rests the coin atop his small stack of treasures between his arms, patting the top of it as if to reassure them that he won't leave them behind. )
You. Did you turn it into a signal of some sort?
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[ he really... really wants to reach out and take a hold of iseul's hand again and just kind of cradle it in his own, if the way his hand is still poised in the air as if waiting for something. ]
It's... attuned to me. If you enter any body of water that's connected to this one while carrying it, no matter how far away you are, I'll know.
[ does that sound a little clingy? he's not apologizing. ]
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( iseul actually beams at him, touched by the gesture. he sits up, his arms growing a little tired from propping himself up, and folds his long legs pretzel-style, bringing himself even closer to the edge of the water. the coins remain safely nestled in the sand between his legs. )
Ah — even when I take a bath? ( he chuckles at the thought of namu perking up with interest the second he sinks into a post-show bath. ) I would only worry about disturbing you in those moments.
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[ he tilts his head curiously at that and blinks a few times before he finally shakes his head. ]
Unless you're taking a... bath?... in an ocean connected to this one, I won't know.
[ namu smiles and rolls over as iseul sits up, floating gently on top of the water while his tail keeps him anchored down enough that he doesn't drift off. ]
What's a bath?
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We fill a tub full of warm water and often soak ourselves in it until the water turns cold.
( iseul smiles at the thought. )
I do not suppose you have something similar to that.
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but maybe...
he'll have to do some research when he gets home. ]
Well... I mean, we groom ourselves. And each other. Usually just untangling our hair and freeing it from kelp, or tending to our scales.
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That is an important part of grooming after the bath, anyhow. ( it is nice, making little plans. he had been enjoying his summer stay, but this will make it infinitely better. )
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[ like. a lot a lot. it's an intimate thing, usually reserved for something between families first, your lovers second. iseul isn't family or a lover but namu wants him to groom him all the same. and he wants to return the favor if he could.
he drums a finger lightly against his stomach, humming faintly. ]
Is there anything special that humans do to... mm.
[ he looks away, eyes darting out toward the water as he ponders how to ask. ]
Show... affection?
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Holding hands, ( iseul continues, ticking them off on his fingers. ) wrapping an arm around a shoulder, kissing anywhere but primarily cheeks and lips...
But then there are other love languages that aren't primarily physical.
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[ all of those sound really, really nice, and everything in him agrees with the thought if the thumping of his heart is any indication.
he smiles faintly as he tips his gaze back up again, the corners of his eyes crinkling. ]
I'd like to hear more.
[ he pauses briefly before he promptly starts shifting around, twisting his body so he can start scooting just a little bit closer. ]
...Maybe... while you comb my hair?
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( he moves right up to the edge, not caring if he gets wet all over again. it wouldn't do for namu to get dry and itchy on his account after all. iseul beckons him with a little pat to his legs. as skinny as they are, they can be quite comfortable, especially around the lap area. )
I've only my hands, but I think that would be suitable. Massages are also a way to show someone that you care about them, soothing aching muscles and all.
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[ namu finishes wiggling around so that he can scoot in close enough to rest his head in iseul's lap. if his face looks red, no it doesn't. you saw nothing.
once he settles in he gazes upward with a tiny little smile on his face. ]
Is this okay?
[ he really... likes this. likes this closeness with this human he met literally within the hour. it's fine. ]
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It is most certainly okay, ( he murmurs, carding his fingers through wet hair, gently detangling the strands from all that time spent beneath the waves. )
I hope it feels good.
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[ namu's eyes immediately fall shut as iseul's fingers start raking their way through his hair. it makes his scalp tingle in the best of ways, the sensation making its way all the way down his spine. he swears he can feel it in his fins. ]
It's very nice.
[ his voice is soft, like it's riding the sound of the water lapping against the shore. he could fall asleep like this if he's not careful. ]
You're good at this.
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It is the strangest thing, ( he adds faintly, his voice having dropped into a murmur - almost a whisper. ) I feel as if I have known you for ages, and this is the most natural thing I could be doing. ( normally someone to go with the flow, he really has taken the supernatural creature thing in stride thus far. but even iseul has to pause to consider how quickly things have progressed. )
I like you, Namu.
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[ truer words were never spoken. namu finds himself tilting his head toward the hands working through his hair, his eyes still closed and smile still gentle on his face. this is what contentment feels like. ]
I told you, didn't I? That the sea seems to be happy today. I think She is glad for our meeting.
[ something tickles happily along his spine, a silent message only namu can understand, and he giggles quietly. yes, She's happy. ]
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( his eyes have widened in wonder. if there was any worry about their meeting, it has all but disappeared with that reassurance. iseul might not know what goes on amongst folks below the surface, but it is easy to believe that. )
I am glad I have not offended anyone, in that case.
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[ he's about to say 'the royal line' but, y'know, maybe he shouldn't go and drop that little nugget of information just yet. he's already turned iseul's entire world upside down as it is. ]
--Her children.
[ nice save. ]
It's not so clear cut as an actual conversation, or anything, but more just... sensations. Ideas of what Her intent is.
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It must be comforting, to have someone so great looking out for you.
( he leans down to smile at him. )
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[ he hums softly, making a sound similar to a purr almost as the massage against his scalp starts. namu feels like he's going to melt into the sand and become one with it if this keeps up.
one eye cracks open so he can look up at iseul when he senses the movement. ]
Do humans... have anything like Her?
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