"start by folding it in half over my tongue?"[break][break]

he repeats almost in disbelief. to his credit, he does try his best for about ten seconds before the stem pokes out between his lips.[break][break]

"this is mad. how'd you do it? really?"

[attr="class","ooc"]giada morgan[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-dedenne"]

steel. not wood. the stakes are higher as a simple hit could prove fatal if they aren't careful.[break][break]

jayden's attack is parried away easily enough, metal clashing and sliding as danny uses the momentum to carry his weight forward.[break][break]

his blade dips, then comes back up for an upwards strike.

[attr="class","ooc"]jayden cross[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-vikavolt"]

her words, no matter how little, feel like a lifeline. he's innocent enough to reach out for them.[break][break]

"yeah! it really is."[break][break]

a smile lifts as he reaches out to guide her out of the bathroom. the room's small enough that all it takes is a few steps to get to the dresser.[break][break]

he pulls it open, finding a shirt and shorts before offering them to her.[break][break]

"this should fit. it's from when i was a bit smaller."[break][break]

before rocket.

[attr="class","ooc"]nina larson[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-whiscash"]

"oh, uh..."[break][break]

had he said something wrong?[break][break]

had this been impulsive? yes, definitely, but there are parts of it that felt natural. right, even. but he chooses not to comment on it, worried that he might say the wrong thing.[break][break]

"yeah, no, it's okay. don't be sorry."[break][break]

the smile he offers is kind. sweet. but his gaze does falter this time.[break][break]

"you're right. it's pretty late, so let's sleep."

[attr="class","ooc"]nina larson[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-whiscash"]

they are incredibly polite. maybe that's why, at least for danny, this organization is not a great fit for him.[break][break]

after drying himself off, he turns to look at her, clearly surprised by what she tells him.[break][break]

"really?"[break][break]

even if he doesn't realize it at the time, he's glad to hear because that must mean he's...an exception? not quite special.[break][break]

"i don't either. but i wouldn't mind doing this more."[break][break]

he'd be thrilled, actually.[break][break]

"with you, i mean."

[attr="class","ooc"]nina larson[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-whiscash"]

"thank you."[break][break]

patiently, he waits until she's done rinsing off before offering her a smile as he steps into the water. he's careful not to brush against her, not wanting to get soap on her.[break][break]

after a quick rinse, he turns the shower off, then pushes the glass door open before reaching up for their towels. he offers one to her.[break][break]

"i enjoyed that a lot."

[attr="class","ooc"]nina larson[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-whiscash"]

"yeah, i'm not used to the polearm, if i'm being honest."[break][break]

but he appreciates the advice. he listens intently, nodding and taking it in, and when the opportunity comes for him to change weapons, he instantly accepts.[break][break]

"fuck the break. let's continue."[break][break]

he steps away to switch out the polearm for a shortsword. he twirls it, familiarizing himself with its weight.[break][break]

"alright. hit me."

[attr="class","ooc"]jayden cross[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-vikavolt"]

from this peculiar angle, he peers down, briefly finding her gaze. his cheeks immediately flush, and he quickly nods and obliges when she stands back up and asks him to turn.[break][break]

"yes, okay."[break][break]

the silence continues as he waits, not wanting to say anything to ruin the moment.

[attr="class","ooc"]nina larson[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-whiscash"]

this up close, it's hard not to notice the pink tinting her cheeks, though he's not sure whether it's from him or the heat. he thinks it's the latter, playing it safe.[break][break]

when the same is asked of him, he hesitates, suddenly feeling a lot shyer.[break][break]

"uhm, yeah, i would like that."

[attr="class","ooc"]nina larson[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-whiscash"]

it doesn't take long for danny to return with another round. this time, it's a cherry moscow mule, and he specifically ordered it just for the cherry.[break][break]

"right. let's see here."[break][break]

he takes a sip, then picks up the cherry to plop it into his mouth.[break][break]

"...how do i do this again?"

[attr="class","ooc"]giada morgan[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-dedenne"]

"that's true. my roleplay is immaculate."[break][break]

if there's one thing to be proud of in his life, it's that. his commitment to the arts is second to none.[break][break]

he scoops up the ball, shaking his head.[break][break]

"no. i was always too shy. but i like to think i'm less shy now."[break][break]

after a moment, he chucks the ball only to miss.

[attr="class","ooc"]CALLISTA MOON[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-vikavolt"]

after squeezing more liquid soap into his palms, he lathers, spreading it across her back then down along to the curves of her waist before, once again, lowering to a knee.[break][break]

a moment later, he's back on his feet.[break][break]

"okay. all good."

[attr="class","ooc"]nina larson[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-whiscash"]

maybe is enough of a branch for danny to reach out and accept.[break][break]

"i'd like to help."[break][break]

his nerves are well hidden behind his smile as he reaches out for her, soapy hands finding her shoulders. they trail, sliding down before he eventually bends to a knee to work on her legs.[break][break]

finally, he stands back up.[break][break]

"can you turn so i can get your back, please?"

[attr="class","ooc"]nina larson[break]

[attr="class","pkspr pkmn-whiscash"]