vatheon | Thanks for loving me 'cause you're doing it perfectly

[That was strange...also he needed to talk to Sola about his spelling.

Still, as soon as he got it, he headed out to the forest to the area near the barrier.

The first thing he saw as he approached, was Christmas lights illuminating the area.]

Sola?

[What was going on?]

[~~Yes, please talk to Sola about his spelling~~.

The single string of Christmas lights marking the entrance to the small clearing is only the start. As Johnny steps under it, several more strings can be seen, all different bright colors twinkling from tree to tree in a haphazard way. A few ornaments hang from low branches and bushes as well, reflecting the lights and the ocean together.

Under the display rests a large blanket, in the center of which is a basket filled with different foods that don't require cooking. It looks as if Sola's cleaned out the entire supermarket deli; bread, slices of cheese and meats, little boxes of sushi, fruit, dolmas, macaroni salad, and a large box from Italy's bakery filled to the brim with tiny cakes and pastries. To drink there are two bottles of wine, one red and one white, chosen at random by someone who clearly doesn't know anything about wine. But it's the thought that counts, right?

At the edge of the blanket, opposite the entrance, there stands Sola. His cheeks are pink with the exertion of putting everything together and the worry as to if Johnny will be surprised or even like the entire endeavor. He fiddles with the hem of his tunic - red today, for a bit of color - and can't help but smile as his matesprit comes into view.]

Hi. Um... I just thought that, with everything going on, it would be nice to umm... y'know, have a date.

[He looks up at Johnny questioningly.]

Are you surprised?

Johnny looked around the clearing, eyes and smile bright with the sight. It wasn't glamorous or the high-end restaurants of New York City and L.A., it was better than those because Sola had gone to the trouble of putting it together.]

I am. I love it.

[He crossed the clearing, careful of the set up in the middle and pulled Sola in, leaving a soft, loving, kiss on the Hylian's lips.

It didn't matter that the food was from a store or that the wine wasn't exactly right for the meal, or that their source of light was re-purposed Christmas strands. In fact, that was why the vampire loved it.]

Thank you, it's perfect.

[The somewhat sudden kiss turns Sola fairly red but entirely pleased, proud that he was able to surprise his matesprit despite the somewhat awkward last curse. Well, actually that's partially why, really. He's had time to think about those feelings the curse drummed up and come to the conclusion that he was more scared because they were so overwhelming and some were so new, but the feelings in and of themselves? They're wonderful. He's found he wants to experience that again, that sense of not just want and longing - that he feels regardless - but of being longed for in return. It's heady and validating.]

I'm glad you like it. I wanted to do something special...

[Maybe, if he got the mood right...?]

I'd say it's special.

No one's ever done something like this for me.

[Chris certainly hadn't, and Berry's idea of romance was...less than romantic, and it was expected of the men to court the ladies, no woman of the court would have thought of something like this.

Certainly, there had been a few men and even women who'd tried to charm the elusive and mysterious 'Pigeon' but they were unimaginative and shallow...none of those, fancy or simple, were anything like this.

They didn't have heart.

Johnny turned back to Sola and, wordlessly, pulled him into another hug, tight for a moment before just holding Sola. He knew the point of a picnic was to sit and eat together...but a part of him was perfectly content to stay like that.]

[It's nice, here in Johnny's arms, knowing he's done something right for a change. He knows where he stands with Johnny, knows even if he messes up, the vampire will tell him patiently and probably still smile and kiss his forehead. Which he loves! But... he'd like to be kissed like he had been last week, too.

Sola slides his arms around Johnny's waist, looking up at his boyfriend with garnet eyes. He can't reach like this, more than half a foot shorter than Johnny. Even on his toes he'd only come eye level with the vampire's collarbone. Better if they're sitting, then he can reach everything.

To that end, the replica tugs Johnny down to sit on the blanket, depositing himself against his matesprit's side without much ceremony. He can't bring up what he has in mind, not yet, but he can pull the basket of food a bit closer into arm's reach and hit play on the CD player that was hidden behind it.

As the first stains of a Latin guitar piece wafts into the air, Sola looks to Johnny to see if this is really the sort of music that he likes. He'd chosen this particular CD over the others because it's an instrument he's familiar with, but he's not sure if he should have picked the more synthetic sounding one instead. He doesn't know much about Earth music, after all.]

Is this okay? I don't... umm... I don't know what kind of music you like, so...

[True, it wasn't necessarily, his favorite type of music, but oit also wasn't something he listened to often, so hearing it now was pleasant enough.

He wrapped an arm around Sola, content with keeping him close.]

It's just fine. I like music, I have my favorites, but there isn't any I dislike.

No, how about we break into this basket, hmm~?

Sure!

[Putting up all the decorations had been hard work and Sola had worked up quite an appetite. He pulls out some ingredients and immediately starts making some kind of weird potato salad sandwich. He's nearly halfway through its construction before he remembers his manners and turns to his matesprit sheepishly.]

What would you like?

[Johnny couldn't help the laugh that escaped him, but he did manage to muffle it with the back of his hand.

He leaned forward and kissed Sola's cheek as he reached past him for the wine.]

You're cute. I don't think I've said that recently enough.

Don't worry, I'll get it.

[Damnit Johnny! Cute totally isn't what he's going for here! Romantic is! Sola screws his face into a mild pout and finishes his sandwich making defiantly, though he can't quite escape the blush that creeps across his cheeks.]

M'not trying to be cute. It's supposed to be romantic.

[Really, it's only cuter when he blushes, but Johnny decides not to say it, focusing on pouring his wine instead.]

Don't worry, it is. But that doesn't mean you can't be cute too~

W-well, um...

[Sola peers up at Johnny from under his bangs, trying to gauge whether he should ask.]

Can you be, um, sexy at the same time too?

[No not going to blush just going to look at Johnny and answer his own question because damn Johnny is all those things rolled into one and suddenly the Hylian's mind is full of that day on the couch and lips and tongue and...

Okay yes maybe he's blushing.]

[Johnny was a little surprised by the question, but he shrugged in response, not thinking too much of it.]

Sure. Some people are, anyway.

[Wait...he sees that blush.]

...why?

Well, because... I mean, I just though that we could...

[Just say it! It's what you want, isn't it?

It is, it sorely is, but it's still new and he isn't sure how to go about it. The direct approach doesn't seem right, but maybe...

He leans into Johnny's side, peering up at his face.]

Do you think I am? 'cause... I mean, I think that about you.

[Suddenly the hem of his tunic is very interesting.]

[Johnny looked down at Sola with a bit of confusion. He had a suspicion that he knew what was trying to be said here and he wasn't entirely certain what to think about it. But he also didn't want to assume.]

Where are these questions coming from?

I was just thinking a lot since the last curse, since... you'd never kissed me like that before a-and... well...

[He looks genuinely pleased, if embarrassed.]

I liked it, a lot. I thought you did too. And... well, I ran away but... but I don't want to go hide this time, I want to-

[He swallows, mouth suddenly dry. Not in fear, he tells himself, but more anticipation. He rests a tentative hand on Johnny's.]

I want to keep going. I like that feeling.

[Johnny stayed silent a moment as he moved his hand to curl around Sola's. Well...now he was sure, at least..it didn't make the issue any easier.]

I did like it, I enjoyed it a lot, actually. I certainly wouldn't mind kissing you like that again...but anything more, I just don't think you're ready for that yet.

[Lord knew he wished Sola was, he'd confirmed that much thanks to that curse...but he knew it wasn't time yet.]

Why not?

[His stomach drops and eyebrows furrow, confused and mildly angry. He'd been afraid of this, afraid of Johnny's refusal, and it made him feel all kinds of uncomfortable things.]

If you liked it, then why not? Don't you want me? A-am I not good enough?!

[He wants, he wants to feel Johnny's lips on his again, feel his tongue against his teeth, hands in hair, on skin. He wants those things, he knows he wants them, and so badly it's hard for him to notice the small coil of relief that he's not yet expected to go further. There's that tiny voice, lost in all the confusion and need and unbridled hormones brought on by having a very attractive boyfriend all to himself, that knows said boyfriend is right.

He just can't hear it.]

Edited 2013-01-30 18:50 (UTC)

[He shifted, reaching out to take Sola's face gently in his hands.]

Of course I want you, Sola! I love you, and that's exactly why I'm saying no.

It's a big step and I don't want to make it if you're not ready; I won't do that to you.

[To be honest, he was feeling a hundred things at once with this, himself. He almost never wanted to touch Sola again just for fear of hurting him or tainting that light Johnny loved so much. He wanted to run and protect the hylian from anything Johnny could do to hurt him.

...but there was another part of him that also wanted to give in. He wanted to be intimate with Sola and show him it wasn't something to be scared of, if done right.

But if he messed up...if he did something wrong...that, more than anything, is what stopped him. He never wanted to hurt Sola like Berry had hurt him.]

...can't we just go back to our picnic?

But I am ready! Why do you say I'm not ready!? I'm learning words and other things and I'm trying really hard to be the age I look so why..?

[No! Damnit, he's tearing up and it just makes him angry to show how much it hurts that Johnny's rejecting him. Maybe not outright, but it's still rejection and it's not what he wants and now the whole date is ruined.

He doesn't wait to hear Johnny's answer to his question, shoving the vampire's hands away roughly and pushing himself to his feet.]

I don't want to anymore! Everything's ruined! I-I'm trying really hard and you still don't- W-why am I not-?!

[He's too frustrated, to angry at himself and Johnny, to disappointed to finish any of those thoughts out loud. He can feel his eyes brimming and he hates it. He doesn't want to cry, he doesn't want to show weakness.

Sola turns away and rubs his eyes furiously, that small voice he'd been overlooking quietly saying that maybe this is exactly why he's not ready.]

[Johnny looked away, not really sure what to say or do. He wasn't going to change his mind...but he didn't want to upset Sola either.

After a moment, Johnny stood and wrapped himself around the hylian.]

I'm sorry.

[Sorry for upsetting him and sorry that he wasn't happy with his situation.]

[He almost yells at Johnny not to touch him but he can't get any words out and he knows that's not what he wants anyway. He's lashing out in frustration and anger and the truth is...

...

The truth is he's the one that's ruined the whole evening.

Sola slumps in Johnny's arms, the fight going out of him. No wonder Johnny doesn't think he's ready. He gets angry and cries about everything. He still acts like a child. No one would want that.

His voice is quiet and watery when he finally speaks again.]

I'm so stupid...

[His hold tightens and he kisses Sola's cheek.]

No you're not...you're just learning..

[Maybe he should have been helping more. He hadn't really been doing anything to help at all.]

I want to be ready.

[He turns in Johnny's arms and rests his forehead against his matesprit's chest, trying valiantly to stop the tears that still threaten to roll down his face.]

I don't want you to get bored of me because I can't do all the things you can or because I don't know things.

I just wanted tonight to be perfect so you'd be happy...

[He held Sola a little tighter before pulling away so he could kneel down in front of him and took his hands.]

It was already perfect, Sola. You did something for me no one else has...and this isn't the first time you've done that, either. I really doubt I could ever 'get bored with you.'

[He let go of Sola's hand and reached up to cup his cheek.]

You have the potential to do and know anything and, someday, you will know and do whatever you want.

Then... then what do I do?

[He looks at Johnny helplessly, hand curling reactively around the vampire's fingers.]

I want to be better for you. I want to be a hero, like Jade said. I don't...

...

I don't want you to look at me like I'm a child...

[His gaze softened and he offered a smile.]

Sola, I'm older than most of the people here...in comparison, everyone's a child. The difference is, you're still growing.

[He squeezed Sola's hand and then brought it to his lips.]

And I'll tell you a secret: I know you don't know what it means, but you purify me...you save me...and that makes you my hero.

[His ears droop further at Johnny's admission of everyone being children in his eyes. It's not what he wants to hear, not at all, but the vampire's lips on his hand brings his attention back to the conversation and his eyes grow wide.]

Y-your hero?

[He brought his hand back down to take Sola's other hand and kissed it as well before looking back up at him.]

That's right...you're the knight, the hero, saving the princess this time. And only you could do it, you see, simply by being you.

[Sola's face turns a brilliant shade but he can't quite quell the smile it draws from him. He turns his face aside and puffs his cheeks to hide it.]

You're not a princess.

[Yet still a sense of pride wells up in Sola's chest and he shuffles his feet in shy pleasure.]

U-umm... do you still want to finish our picnic..?

[He smiled and stood, catching Sola's lips in a brief, soft, kiss on his way up.]

Absolutely.

[Tsunning harder than he has in a long time, Sola deposits himself back on the blanket as he attempts to remaster himself, not quite able to shake the fussy mixed expression of pleasure and embarrassment. He goes back to his sandwich pointedly, trying hard to not warrant any more teasing, yet still moving himself to sit right in Johnny's lap when the vampire chooses to sit down again.

He'd already almost messed this up once. He's not going to do it again.

Or... maybe he can't? He'd tried hard enough, though not on purpose, but Johnny's still here, still staying with him and smiling at him and kissing him.

So maybe it's okay for now that he's not exactly who he wants to be just yet, because Johnny's here just the same. He hasn't gone anywhere, despite everything.

Sola leans in just a bit closer, feeling better just for Johnny's presence.]

Thanks for loving me 'cause you're doing it perfectly

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