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. ]
There are different gods that people believe in and communicate with them through prayer and ritual. ( iseul purses his lips before smiling wryly. ) There are too many disagreements amongst people over which god is right and so on.
The best option is to use any of them as your guiding light, I think. ( he has a loose belief system himself, not quite as direct as the communication between namu and the sea. )
I must go eat soon, ( he sighs, ) I wish I could take you with me so we can continue this conversation.
[ he's suddenly very glad for the simplicity of the sea.
he pouts a little at the mention of iseul leaving and his tail flops a little in the water. ]
It's a shame I can't just sprout legs. Not that I would know what to do with them if I--
[ namu cuts himself off, his brow furrowing together as that tingling sensation runs across his spine again. he (regrettably, and with visible disappointment) pushes himself up as he stres out at the water. ]
--or maybe...?
[ he turns a bit, twisting himself so he can look back at iseul again. ]
How many days do you think it will be until you return?
( oh, no, he seems upset. it would be sweet if the sight of him pouting didn't make iseul's heart clench. )
Only a few! I will be quite busy over the next three days with rehearsal, but I can return early evening on Sunday.
( making plans! that sounds promising. he isn't sure what namu is pondering, but the mer is full of surprises and iseul looks forward to uncovering more of them. he smiles and reaches for one of namu's hands, holding it tenderly between his slender fingers. )
May I show you one more bit of human affection before I go? It is something that I wish was done more often.
[ namu nods a little to himself, his gaze going to the sun in its descent in the sky. three more crests of the sun at its highest point, he can wait that long. it'll give him plenty of time to do a little research, anyway.
he looks back and down at the hand holding his own with a small smile before he looks up, maybe just a touch shy as he gazes through blonde strands of hair falling in his face. ]
( iseul turns his hand over so their palms touch and, with a smile, brushes some sand off the back of his hand before placing a gentlemanly kiss against his knuckles. it's bold, for certain, but he thinks that he is worth taking the leap for, if only to reaffirm that this is a real thing that is happening to him. the kiss is brief, but sweet.
then he lifts his head, looking up at him, hints of the leading man he can be peeking through in this moment. )
[ namu's mouth forms a little 'o' when iseul's lips touch the back of his hand and he has to actually fully stop himself from giggling out of sheer unknowing what else to do. his face takes on a healthy shade of pink and he lifts his free hand up to cover his lips briefly. ]
Three days, Iseul.
[ his tail flips a few times again and he smiles. ]
( reluctantly, he releases his hand and slowly gets to his feet, brushing the sand off his legs and rear. leaving the relative warmth of their little corner of the beach, he shivers upon realizing that the sun is, indeed, setting. his flipflops ( yes, even iseul owns a pair if only to preserve his heavier shoes for non-beach walking ) are nearby and he hooks his fingers through the plastic loops. )
I look forward to that as well! ( he backs away, not wanting him to leave his sight for as long as they can manage. regretfully, he eventually has to turn to climb out of the rocky area. )
[ namu watches iseul's retreating form until he can no longer see it before he reaches over to gather the chest and its few remaining things (he has plans to clean the pendant and wear it, thank you) so he can dive back into the water. there's an absolute wave of giddiness running through his system as he reaches out to the sea to ask Her what that little nudge at the end there was about.
three days later and namu is practically vibrating out of his skin in anticipation of feeling iseul step into the water again. maybe he told his mother about the encounter, in hushed whispers in the privacy of her chambers. maybe he actually received encouragement (accompanied by a melancholy smile on his mother's part that maybe has namu slightly concerned but not enough to not go back and see iseul).
so he's been hovering near the shipwreck of their initial meeting all morning, waiting for that tug that will let him know that the human has returned. ]
( though iseul is a consummate professional - laurie in little women is a fun role and people seem to enjoy it when he steps outside of his usual parts - he is admittedly a touch distracted during rehearsals, frequently opening his bag to see those two coins namu had gifted him through the sea. they are real and he was real.
at the very least, it helps him step into the shoes of a young man full of affection for a young woman who may or may not return his affections.
it's another breezy morning when he makes his way to the beach from their lodgings for the season, donning deep green plaid shirt unbuttoned with plain black swim shorts. with his flipflops buried in the sand to keep them from flying away, he smiles when he approaches the spot - their spot - and gently toes the water with a bare foot. the gold coin namu had seemingly blessed is in the pocket of his shirt. )
[ namu finds himself laying on the floor of the ocean, staring up at where he can see light bouncing off the surface while he waits. he doesn't know when iseul will show up, but he's absolutely certain that he will at some point. he just has to be patient!
he's absently toying with the pendant around his neck (a lovely emerald set on a silver backing that he's become immediately fond of) when there's a sensation pulling on him, tugging just behind his ribs. he immediately shoves up off the seabed and rockets toward the surface-- though he makes sure to take at least a little bit of caution, just peeking above the surface to scan the shoreline to make sure it's true.
it is.
namu lifts himself from the water until his shoulders are above it and he lifts his hand with a wave. ]
Iseul!
[ he takes off, his tail propelling him forward with haste until he's come up to the sandbar he had sat upon before. ]
( he doesn't notice him until he is called, gasping at the sight of namu peeking up over the waves. he waves back. )
I was able to come earlier. ( and he is very grateful for the change in his schedule, especially when he watches namu approach the sandbar just as eagerly as he had climbed over the rocks to get here. iseul slowly sinks into a seated position, folding his legs and sitting where the water can touch him. with the day being warmer and brighter than the last time they met, he has lathered on quite a bit of sunscreen to protect is ghostly complexion, plucking the sunglasses out of the pocket of his shirt so he can see him without squinting. )
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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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The best option is to use any of them as your guiding light, I think. ( he has a loose belief system himself, not quite as direct as the communication between namu and the sea. )
I must go eat soon, ( he sighs, ) I wish I could take you with me so we can continue this conversation.
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[ he's suddenly very glad for the simplicity of the sea.
he pouts a little at the mention of iseul leaving and his tail flops a little in the water. ]
It's a shame I can't just sprout legs. Not that I would know what to do with them if I--
[ namu cuts himself off, his brow furrowing together as that tingling sensation runs across his spine again. he (regrettably, and with visible disappointment) pushes himself up as he stres out at the water. ]
--or maybe...?
[ he turns a bit, twisting himself so he can look back at iseul again. ]
How many days do you think it will be until you return?
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Only a few! I will be quite busy over the next three days with rehearsal, but I can return early evening on Sunday.
( making plans! that sounds promising. he isn't sure what namu is pondering, but the mer is full of surprises and iseul looks forward to uncovering more of them. he smiles and reaches for one of namu's hands, holding it tenderly between his slender fingers. )
May I show you one more bit of human affection before I go? It is something that I wish was done more often.
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[ namu nods a little to himself, his gaze going to the sun in its descent in the sky. three more crests of the sun at its highest point, he can wait that long. it'll give him plenty of time to do a little research, anyway.
he looks back and down at the hand holding his own with a small smile before he looks up, maybe just a touch shy as he gazes through blonde strands of hair falling in his face. ]
Please.
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( iseul turns his hand over so their palms touch and, with a smile, brushes some sand off the back of his hand before placing a gentlemanly kiss against his knuckles. it's bold, for certain, but he thinks that he is worth taking the leap for, if only to reaffirm that this is a real thing that is happening to him. the kiss is brief, but sweet.
then he lifts his head, looking up at him, hints of the leading man he can be peeking through in this moment. )
I look forward to seeing you again very soon.
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Three days, Iseul.
[ his tail flips a few times again and he smiles. ]
I might have a surprise for you then.
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I look forward to that as well! ( he backs away, not wanting him to leave his sight for as long as they can manage. regretfully, he eventually has to turn to climb out of the rocky area. )
Until then...
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[ namu watches iseul's retreating form until he can no longer see it before he reaches over to gather the chest and its few remaining things (he has plans to clean the pendant and wear it, thank you) so he can dive back into the water. there's an absolute wave of giddiness running through his system as he reaches out to the sea to ask Her what that little nudge at the end there was about.
three days later and namu is practically vibrating out of his skin in anticipation of feeling iseul step into the water again. maybe he told his mother about the encounter, in hushed whispers in the privacy of her chambers. maybe he actually received encouragement (accompanied by a melancholy smile on his mother's part that maybe has namu slightly concerned but not enough to not go back and see iseul).
so he's been hovering near the shipwreck of their initial meeting all morning, waiting for that tug that will let him know that the human has returned. ]
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at the very least, it helps him step into the shoes of a young man full of affection for a young woman who may or may not return his affections.
it's another breezy morning when he makes his way to the beach from their lodgings for the season, donning deep green plaid shirt unbuttoned with plain black swim shorts. with his flipflops buried in the sand to keep them from flying away, he smiles when he approaches the spot - their spot - and gently toes the water with a bare foot. the gold coin namu had seemingly blessed is in the pocket of his shirt. )
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he's absently toying with the pendant around his neck (a lovely emerald set on a silver backing that he's become immediately fond of) when there's a sensation pulling on him, tugging just behind his ribs. he immediately shoves up off the seabed and rockets toward the surface-- though he makes sure to take at least a little bit of caution, just peeking above the surface to scan the shoreline to make sure it's true.
it is.
namu lifts himself from the water until his shoulders are above it and he lifts his hand with a wave. ]
Iseul!
[ he takes off, his tail propelling him forward with haste until he's come up to the sandbar he had sat upon before. ]
You came.
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I was able to come earlier. ( and he is very grateful for the change in his schedule, especially when he watches namu approach the sandbar just as eagerly as he had climbed over the rocks to get here. iseul slowly sinks into a seated position, folding his legs and sitting where the water can touch him. with the day being warmer and brighter than the last time they met, he has lathered on quite a bit of sunscreen to protect is ghostly complexion, plucking the sunglasses out of the pocket of his shirt so he can see him without squinting. )
I'm truly amazed at how your coin magic works.
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