it is heartbreaking, but it's shadowed by the joy he feels at her words.[break][break]

"you're really good at making those sounds! it's like your hidden talent. one of many, of course."[break][break]

rough hands reach for the clasp at the back of her dress, helping her with relative ease.[break][break]

"but we should hang out more, you know?"

[attr="class","ooc"]luka chêne[break]

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

"not to you, sure, but i've done some pretty nasty shit."[break][break]

things that would warrant him a special place in hell, if such a place exists.[break][break]

"i like that about you, though. the fact that you get things that you want."[break][break]

it's one of the reasons why they're here now, isn't it?[break][break]

"dunno. i guess the thought of washing away my sins is pretty nice."

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

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

with basically nothing to do, niko watches her cook, losing himself in the moment before eventually being called out of it. he nods, reaching back for the sliced vegetables.[break][break]

"yes, ma'am."[break][break]

into the pot they go. plop-plop-plop![break][break]

"how long until it's done?"

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

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

"shit—how old am i?"[break][break]

the question, for no good reason, catches him off guard. his finger taps against the bar as he thinks, speaking again after a moment.[break][break]

"just turned twenty-seven not too long ago."[break][break]

as the bartender returns with their drinks, niko's attention remains on her.[break][break]

"and you're...twenty-five?"

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

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

"a what? amatotterro sour?"[break][break]

he shakes his head, but waves down the bartender regardless.[break][break]

"no, but i trust you. two amoterora sours!"

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

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

"d'you think there's ever a way to wash away our sins? like what they preach at the church and shit?"[break][break]

confess your sins and all shall be forgiven, or something along those lines. he's never quite believed it to be possible, but the thought is interesting enough to consider.[break][break]

"what sins would you rid?"

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

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

"gotcha."[break][break]

a drawer slides open and from it he pulls a knife, spinning it within his hand with trained ease. placing the veggies on the cutting board, he starts slicing, finishing in no time.[break][break]

"where do these go?"[break][break]

asked as though he's someone who's never cooked once in his life.

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

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

the smirk is easily returned.[break][break]

"hard to when you're here."[break][break]

but, perhaps lulled into it by the warmth that surrounds him, he shares with a shrug:[break][break]

"i got too much of it to ever wash away. not that i care much either way."

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

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

"you kiddin'? i love it."[break][break]

it feels more than warm and cozy, though he can't quite place what it is exactly. still, he appreciates it for what it is: a gift.[break][break]

stepping next to her, he nods.[break][break]

"sure. how do you want 'em? sliced? diced? cubed?"

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

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

"ha. ha."[break][break]

despite the rolling of his eyes, it's all feigned for the sake of being playful.[break][break]

he watches her swim over slowly; lips shaping into a smile.[break][break]

"is that why people come here?"[break][break]

his eyes wash over her, admiring.[break][break]

"don't think it's working for me."

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

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

the place would've looked pretty similar if only because niko's barely here. he's someone who'd much rather prefer being out and about than being home in something as spacious as this. though comfortable, it feels lonely.[break][break]

even before she pulls out the hat, his expression lights up in joy and excitement, much like a kid receiving their gift on christmas morning.[break][break]

"no fuckin' way."[break][break]

he takes the hat, slipping it over his head with ease.[break][break]

"it feels perfect. how do i look?"

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

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

sauna v2?[break][break]

"damn! it really is nice."[break][break]

it almost feels too luxurious for someone like him, but he finds himself still at ease. her presence helps.[break][break]

he discards his towel as well, quick to join her in the water after a bit of hesitation.[break][break]

"this shit's hot as fuck."[break][break]

this is his first time at a hot spring, after all.

[attr="class","ooc"]@jessica[break]

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