"hot it is."[break][break]

the water setting's already correct so he doesn't have to reach in again to adjust it. instead, he watches as steam starts to rise, thin and translucent as it flows over the glass panels of the shower.[break][break]

her question catches him off guard. he looks back, unable to stop himself from quickly glancing down, then back up.[break][break]

"i was worried you didn't want to, i guess."[break][break]

he continues.[break][break]

"and maybe also because i didn't want to mess with what we have. i really like our friendship, nina."

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

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

by sheer coincidence, danny looks across the room to see a familiar face, and it's one that, despite all the time that has passed, makes him feel guilty. it's a different kind of guilt than what he feels with Greyson Connors.[break][break]

either way, danny downs whatever drink he's holding before reaching for two more. he crosses the room, approaching her in his grimmsnarl costume. he offers her the red cup.[break][break]

"what a surprise seeing you here! i love your costume."

[attr="class","ooc"]blythe rosewood[break]

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

"uhm, i'm good with my mouth."[break][break]

he doesn't realize the other meaning behind his words. maybe later, when he's slightly less tipsy.[break][break]

but then he goes ahead and suggests something that will only work against that.[break][break]

"let's order another round so i can try doing that."

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

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

actually, danny's just renting the place off airbnb as he needed a place to stay for the splashfest. but he finds slateport beach to be a really nice spot to live. her reaction has him thinking that maybe he'll be extending his stay after all.[break][break]

"oh! uh, yes, i think we should take one together."[break][break]

to save water, of course.[break][break]

"it's this way."[break][break]

his hand finds the small of her back as he leads them into the bathroom, walking briefly through the living room and the bedroom.[break][break]

inside, he strips his shirt off, tossing it into the laundry basket before reaching in to turn on the shower. the water slowly starts to heat up.[break][break]

"or do you prefer cold showers?"

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

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

"okay."[break][break]

he slips his hand into hers, nodding once before leading her out of the waters, towards the shore, then eventually to his place of residence. their bubble never pops; it holds through all of it.[break][break]

it's a short walk to his place. the door opens to reveal a small but cozy apartment by the beach. with the windows open, the smell of the sea wafts in without trouble.[break][break]

warm lights flick on as he steps further in.[break][break]

"i never knew surfing would be so tiring. i'm exhausted."

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

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

he's midsip when she asks him, so after quickly swallowing, his glass of beer lowers.[break][break]

"ready for?"[break][break]

oh.[break][break]

"what the..."[break][break]

he blinks, then breaks into a smile.[break][break]

"how did you do that! you gotta teach me."

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

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

"it was."[break][break]

with his forehead against hers, he presses closer, holding her in his embrace as though she's exactly what's been missing from his life.[break][break]

"nina..."[break][break]

finally, he pulls back slightly, opening his eyes to find her gaze.[break][break]

"do you want to stay the night with me?"

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

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

"i could've guessed any of those three."[break][break]

because he's seen glimpses of them already. the way she dances when singing, how her body moves and bends. so those come as no surprise.[break][break]

the last, however?[break][break]

"really?"[break][break]

chuckling, he continues.[break][break]

"prove it."

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

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

yes.[break][break]

with nothing else left to say, he returns the kiss, indulging in her taste and company.[break][break]

so, connected with one another, they find themselves in waters that push and pull, though never quite overpower. waves rise and fall and crash only for another one to do the same. and another. and another.[break][break]

by the end of it, he's catching his breath, forehead resting against hers while his hands cup the sides of her face. he holds her close, still.

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

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

"well, maybe not hidden, but..."[break][break]

he trails off, letting his mind wander only to return moments later. a shrug follows, accompanied by a genuine smile.[break][break]

"i dunno. i guess i'd be interested in all of them."

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

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

inhibitions have long faded under the cover of darkness and company. so when she pulls him towards deeper waters, he follows, tethered to her.[break][break]

water rises up to his chest, and soon, his hand slips out of hers only to run up her arm, exploring, while his other finds her waist.[break][break]

"is here okay?"

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

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

"i think i'm alright. pretty rusty at the start but i got there in the end."[break][break]

maybe the same could be said about something else.[break][break]

as the karaoke machine drones on in the background, danny focuses on her, curious in the way he asks:[break][break]

"what other hidden talents do you have?"

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

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

the way she pinches his cheeks surprises him. not from the act itself—it's actually rather cute—but because it teeters the boundaries they had once set. but he figures that line is blurred at the moment.[break][break]

his cheeks flush at her compliment. handsome, huh?[break][break]

"you kidding? that was awesome!"[break][break]

he reaches up to cup her hands.[break][break]

"do you wanna get a drink with me?"

[attr="class","ooc"]luka chêne[break]

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