Singing? To my tools? I have to imagine that would be fairly difficult to do unless they were granted sentience and thus accessible minds… and at that point, wouldn’t that become unpaid labor…?
[ In classic Nicole fashion, she takes a statement and completely goes off on a vaguely related tangent. Luckily for the both of them, she is at least capable enough to realize that she is effectively going off the beaten path of the conversation. ]
…No, no, that’s not what I do. I don’t even necessarily use tools. There’s little need for them when you can simply chip away excess material with magic, after all.
[ His comment about good spirits has her feeling cheeky. When he kisses her chin, she shifts to nudge his leg with her knee. A beatific smile curls up her lips. ]
Oh, truly? What a relief. I was beginning to think I might have to get… creative, coming up with methods to ensure your morale remained high! One of my budding ideas did involve a bed and two carefully posed bottles of wine to cover anything sensitive, but it appears that won’t be necessary!
[He sighs, abandoning the attempt to dissuade her rather quickly. Unfortunately, Nicole is rather adorable like this, and he's defanged enough by his persistent drowsiness to not feel the need to actually quiet her. That doesn't keep him from exhaling a rather amused breath though.]
Not sure I get it, honestly. You still plant things, right? That's all part of gardening, isn't it?
[Of course, his sleepy demeanor promptly fades as he sits up almost immediately. He twists at the waist, studying her with wide eyes.]
No, no. Tell me more. It might keep me motivated! You never know.
[ Unfortunately for Varka, Nicole is rarely dissuaded on most accounts, especially when it came to getting to the root of a misunderstanding. Had she taken it too literally…? Was Varka joking, and she had taken what he said as an actual question? It had happened before, after all… the consternation is likely obvious on her face as she stares at him. ]
Well, yes, but I rarely do so directly by hand. Often, I wouldn't even wait the appropriate amount of time for them to grow. Why wait, after all, when you could simply hasten the entire process along? I'm not certain gardening enthusiasts would label it the same…
[ She's nearly startled by how quickly Varka straightens up, but only just. She makes a show of blinking, wide-eyed and confused. ]
Hm? I don't see the point. You already stated you'd be kept in good spirits by my presence alone.
[He waves his hand loosely. Despite any voiced "complaints," he doesn't seem particuarly bothered by the turn. And really, some part of him did expect that answer. Alice was always doing things strangely, after all, and Nicole had proven to be just as (if not more) eccentric than her.]
So no getting your hands dirty planting things and all that? Doesn't seem like it'd be quite as fun?
[Because of course Varka thought rolling around in the dirt was "fun." Still, he isn't about to say that what Nicole has been doing isn't Gardening. He's not qualified enough for that sort of judgement, for starters.]
I-I mean, sure. But I could always be better, right?
Fun…? I suppose not, if the fun is in the… gardening. [ Why is she saying this like she's struggling to conceptualize gardening being fun, and also like it is her first day being alive. ]
Truthfully, my specific motivation behind having a garden was always in simply having it. It was something that always felt right for a mage to have in her home, especially one that was flourishing. Given I am uncertain about how adept my "green thumb" is, as it were, I never bothered to attempt to garden by hand.
[ Truly, talk about eccentricity. To most, the involvement and the success behind the garden would be the drive. To Nicole, the presence of a well-grown garden was more than enough for her. Now that she thinks about it, though, she would likely be unable to perform the same feats here in the Grove…
It's a little difficult not to be distracted by the shift in Varka's behavior, though. Her blinking grows innocent, even if it's probably a little obviously put-upon. ]
I suppose! Does that mean you would find the idea motivating?
[Varka tilts his head, a small furrow forming between his brows in thought. Nicole's outlook isn't necessarily a bad one, but it is curious. He can't help but wonder if she'd ever tried it the "normal" way, and if it might brook any level of enjoyment.]
Maybe we should give it a shot, once the new place is in order. You might find something worth spending your time on — when we have some to spare, that is.
[Not that he has any experience in such matters but... he could learn, he thinks. Especially if it meant Nicole had a good time.
Ah, but for now, he squints at her, expression somewhere between exasperated and wounded. Similarly, it's all part of the ruse — a little game between the two of them.]
I would be, ah. Very motivated. By something like that.
I was just thinking about the fact that I'd unlikely be able to utilize the normal magic I would normally employ to speed everything along… that will have to be the way of things, I suppose! Perhaps I should get some different clothing tailored… this dress would be terrible for kneeling in the dirt all day.
[ Varka squints and Nicole smiles, only a hint too wide to be entirely, believably innocent. She taps her chin thoughtfully, theatrical about the way she considers it. This was, in truth, a significant part of the fun. She wondered how much she could reasonably convince Varka that she had very little idea of how evocative her suggestions could be.
Not likely, since he seemed to have caught on to this ruse relatively quickly. Perhaps changing the approach… ]
Hm, I see! I'll have to make a note of that. Do you have any other suggestions on how to maintain your morale?
Seems like they have a bit of basic clothing at the general store, if you're in the market. Or uh... The actual tailor, if you're really feeling fancy.
[He isn't sure what would strike Nicole's fancy, when it came to moving about in the dirt. She managed well enough in combat given her current attire, so he doubted it would be any less ornate. That thought only served to kindle his interest all the more, though.
Which... speaking of said interest.]
Ah, well. That would imply that I spent time thinking about you in... motivating situations. That'd be pretty untoward, wouldn't you say?
Having met the tailor at least in some capacity, my first instinct would be to commission him. I can’t imagine myself wearing basic clothing with none of my personal touch…
[ Nicole's eyebrow raise so emphatically that it more than makes up for her usual level tone. She leans back and away from Varka, examining his face with a reasonable amount of incredulity for such a baffling statement, in her mind. ]
Are you implying you haven’t? You sung a very different tune the other night.
Mm, and we certainly can't have you looking... impersonal.
[He reaches over, tugging at one of her sleeves with a little laugh.
One that naturally chokes at the edges, given Nicole's follow-up question. He huffs once, looking anywhere but at her. The tips of his ears warm faintly. He isn't the type of guy to feel ashamed under normal circumstances but... pressed by someone who may or may not be his significant other and, well...]
I wouldn't say that I haven't but... A knight's gotta be respectful, don't you think!
[ Such a ridiculous joke earns Varka a levelheaded stare and a twitch of a sympathetic smile. He is very endearing. Sometimes he makes comments that make her want to grab him by the chin and give him a firm shake.
Or he reacts in ways that urge her just the same. Looking away bashfully and flushing up to his ears when they’ve already spent time wrapped up in one another… Nicole heaves a dramatic sigh into their connection and rolls over, turning her back to him. ]
Oh, I see. Your sense of duty takes precedence over my beauty and attractiveness. I understand.
[Ordinarily, he'd consider picking her up and looking her in the eyes. He's too tired for all of that, so instead he twists at the waist and drapes over her, putting about half of his weight on her body. Any more than that and, preternatural strength or no, she'd be squashed like the bug that she is.]
Just feels like I'd be doing you a disservice, thinking about you in all those scandalous ways. And I can tell you I have never once considered how - [He clears his throat.] radiant you might look if you had the Grandmaster of the Knights of Favonius roped to a chair with your power. Definitely not with your foot between his legs, either.
[ The sudden introduction of a generous portion of Varka's body weight on top of her has both the intended effect and an unintended side effect: though she splutters in bewilderment initially, he is warm, and the weight of him is more pleasant than not.
And besides, given how he's talking, she thinks a hint of wriggling back into him won’t be entirely unwelcome. She does find the specific trajectory of his fantasy to be fascinating, though. He had mentioned how uniquely invigorating her power had felt before, but this was far more… intentional.
She giggles as he leans onto her that little bit more. ]
That is incredibly specific, Sir Varka. What about such a scenario might, hypothetically, appeal to you?
[It is a bit of a roller coaster, what Varka is feeling at the moment. On the one hand, he's still incredibly drowsy. In fact, his intention had been to pretend to sleep upon her. While he does close his eyes and nestle in close, the overall effect is somewhat contradicted by the fact that the keeps speaking.
That, and the fact that his words have a rather... rousing effect, should he pay too much attention to them.]
Just think there'd be something to it — having someone as powerful as you getting to flex it. 'sides, who wouldn't want to be at the whims of a beautiful woman? [He angles his head to huff out a laugh behind her ear, before nuzzling in.] I'm a simple man, I think.
[ Nicole is rather comfortable either way. She would be perfectly content if Varka did fall asleep on top of her, even if she does balk at the idea of not being able to take off her shoes while in bed. On the other hand, the vibration of his voice almost seems to run through her, close as they are.
She breathes out a measured breath that… shakes, slightly, when he laughs so close to her ear. Through the gaps in her jewelry, perhaps a faint flush might be visible. Only just, though. ]
I suppose I can see the appeal. [ Intentionally vague, this one. ] That… could be arranged, if it is the Grand Master's desire.
[Her fault for once again wearing shoes into his room. She needs slippers for visiting him, seeing as how she keeps winding up in this position.
The faint flush would normally not be lost on Varka. However, seeing as how his eyes are presently closed again. Whether he's drowsing or simply lost in the fantasy is anyone's guess, though. He's still awake though, or at least it seems to be the case given the occasional idle kiss he presses there.]
Only if the great mage would enjoy herself too. I get the feeling that Grand Master guy wants her to be comfortable. Especially as she's still finding herself.
[ This won’t be nearly as much of a problem once they are staying within a private residence. She would feel mighty ridiculous shuffling through the inn with improper shoes on.
Varka's absentminded kisses are pleasant. Nicole isn’t entirely worked up, but she does get the sense that this could go either way with the right push.
Varka is clearly exhausted, even if he had gained a brief burst of energy from her teasing. Nicole allows herself to relax and hopes the motion is obvious enough with their proximity to send a wordless message. She was fine with this, even if he did fall asleep. ]
[As he feels Nicole relax, Varka follows suit. He barely stifles a yawn, and only does so for the sake of not blowing out poor Nicole's eardrums. He shifts around just a little, a little more weight easing onto her body, and his arm shifts until he finds her hand. Only once their fingers are twined together does he settle.]
We've got all the time in the world, y'know. There's no rush. [He gives her fingers a squeeze, gentle as can be.] 'm glad you seem to enjoy being around me so much.
[It's a soft touch to a rather scandalous conversation, but what can you do.]
Especially since - [An actual yawn this time. Sorry Nicole, he could only last so long.] - since we'll be livin' together
[ She doesn't entirely mind the shift in the conversation. For her, it is all worthwhile, and the transition feels almost as seamless as going from polite colleagues to… this, has been. It certainly helps that Varka makes such an apt weighted blanket, draped over her as he is.
Nicole's contented exhale is partially muffled by the matress, but it isn't such a terrible thing. The warmth in her voice will translate easily across their connection. ]
You do have to remember that I am, for all intents and purposes, making up for thousands of years of lost time. If I am overeager, there is a stacking list of reasons for it.
[ That does sound as though it's discrediting his personal involvement in her enthusiasm, though, and she would dislike if that came across as cold. She squeezes his fingers back. ] Curiosity is an innate part of my nature, and I am very curious about you. It would be difficult not to be, I think. It isn't as though I had never noticed humans before, but…
[ She eases into silence rather than finishing the sentence. She only slightly twitches when he yawns into her ear. ] That's true. And, there is plenty of time to have these conversations when you are not yawning into my ear. You should sleep.
[Nicole makes a valid point, albeit one that makes Varka's chest ache faintly. It shouldn't surprise him that she's so eager to mark these things off her list. After a millennia of simply watching, there was undoubtedly a wide variety of things she was eager to get under way.
And really, it's an honor that he gets to be a part of it at all.]
Much as I tease you, I'm not actually complaining. 'm happy with you like this. [The assurance, though not necessary, is appreciated. He makes a faint humming noise in the back of his throat.] Anything you want to know, I'll tell you. Just.
[A faint, sleepy laugh.] Maybe later. After a good night's rest. [He rolls off of her, though his arm remains loosely draped over her waist.] Might want to take your shoes off, though.
[ A quiet huff resounds before she can quite bite it back. She is most disquieted by the removal of his weight from his person! And especially the fact that he points out that she is still wearing her shoes. She was aware, thank you very much.
With a faint breath through her nose, Nicole eases out from underneath Varka's arm and shifts to the edge of the bed. For a moment, she considers simply… doing as he is insisting she do. Removing her shoes and laying herself back down in his bed.
Instead, she reaches to twine a piece of his hair around her finger. ]
Is that your way of asking me to stay the night?
[ Better to ask, she thinks. Even if what he has said is basically confirmation, she wants to be assured in this. In most aspects of this budding relationship, if she is able. ]
[Varka... only stares at her. Maybe he's a little too drowsy, considering how long it takes him to actually put together a response. When he does, it's accompanied by a lazy, if affectionate, smile.]
'course I am. Thought it was obvious.
[He lifts a hand, beckoning her back to him, even as he settles back down on the bed. Did he miss the part where her shoes hadn't even come off yet? Probably?
[ This man. There was something about the expectation in that gesture that both rankles her and entices her. With another faint sigh, Nicole bends down to start undoing the complicated fastenings on her shoes. ]
It is always good to get confirmation, you know. I wouldn't want to assume if you would rather I not crowd the bed.
[ Once her shoes are removed, Nicole removes her hat and sets it aside as well. The dress… she examines herself for a moment longer than is likely necessary and, as such, likely betrays her thoughts. Removing the dress effectively meant curling back into him almost entirely nude, and something tells her that is not conducive to sleep.
[Some part of Varka's mind wonders why she doesn't properly disrobe. Her dress is going to get wrinkled like this. Another part of him is relieved — he would indeed find himself distracted if Nicole took off all of her clothes. And yet another part of him wonders if he should offer his shirt as something to wear.
All of those parts are drastically outweighed by an exhausted brain. That part of him sees fit to lay partially atop her once more. He pulls her close, not unlike a child with a small stuffed animal.]
Always welcome where I am, Nicole. Don't you worry about that. [He presses a kiss to her cheek to confirm this much.] Get some rest, alright?
[ Being reeled in and effectively tucked underneath Varka is proving to be a favored interaction. She tucks her arms between them and allows herself to bask both in the novel comfort of cuddling close without expectation and in the natural warmth of Varka's body. He radiates heat… which she finds oddly ironic, given their respective Elements.
She deigns to not respond to him verbally. Instead, she affirms his reassurance by tucking her face into his chest and sighing deeply enough to rid herself of any lingering tension. If she awoke with a wrinkled dress, so be it. She was going to take advantage of every new moment… and stumble through quite a few of them. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2026-03-22 06:21 am (UTC)[ In classic Nicole fashion, she takes a statement and completely goes off on a vaguely related tangent. Luckily for the both of them, she is at least capable enough to realize that she is effectively going off the beaten path of the conversation. ]
…No, no, that’s not what I do. I don’t even necessarily use tools. There’s little need for them when you can simply chip away excess material with magic, after all.
[ His comment about good spirits has her feeling cheeky. When he kisses her chin, she shifts to nudge his leg with her knee. A beatific smile curls up her lips. ]
Oh, truly? What a relief. I was beginning to think I might have to get… creative, coming up with methods to ensure your morale remained high! One of my budding ideas did involve a bed and two carefully posed bottles of wine to cover anything sensitive, but it appears that won’t be necessary!
no subject
Date: 2026-03-22 08:14 pm (UTC)[He sighs, abandoning the attempt to dissuade her rather quickly. Unfortunately, Nicole is rather adorable like this, and he's defanged enough by his persistent drowsiness to not feel the need to actually quiet her. That doesn't keep him from exhaling a rather amused breath though.]
Not sure I get it, honestly. You still plant things, right? That's all part of gardening, isn't it?
[Of course, his sleepy demeanor promptly fades as he sits up almost immediately. He twists at the waist, studying her with wide eyes.]
No, no. Tell me more. It might keep me motivated! You never know.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-23 12:30 am (UTC)[ Unfortunately for Varka, Nicole is rarely dissuaded on most accounts, especially when it came to getting to the root of a misunderstanding. Had she taken it too literally…? Was Varka joking, and she had taken what he said as an actual question? It had happened before, after all… the consternation is likely obvious on her face as she stares at him. ]
Well, yes, but I rarely do so directly by hand. Often, I wouldn't even wait the appropriate amount of time for them to grow. Why wait, after all, when you could simply hasten the entire process along? I'm not certain gardening enthusiasts would label it the same…
[ She's nearly startled by how quickly Varka straightens up, but only just. She makes a show of blinking, wide-eyed and confused. ]
Hm? I don't see the point. You already stated you'd be kept in good spirits by my presence alone.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-23 01:01 am (UTC)[He waves his hand loosely. Despite any voiced "complaints," he doesn't seem particuarly bothered by the turn. And really, some part of him did expect that answer. Alice was always doing things strangely, after all, and Nicole had proven to be just as (if not more) eccentric than her.]
So no getting your hands dirty planting things and all that? Doesn't seem like it'd be quite as fun?
[Because of course Varka thought rolling around in the dirt was "fun." Still, he isn't about to say that what Nicole has been doing isn't Gardening. He's not qualified enough for that sort of judgement, for starters.]
I-I mean, sure. But I could always be better, right?
no subject
Date: 2026-03-23 02:04 am (UTC)Truthfully, my specific motivation behind having a garden was always in simply having it. It was something that always felt right for a mage to have in her home, especially one that was flourishing. Given I am uncertain about how adept my "green thumb" is, as it were, I never bothered to attempt to garden by hand.
[ Truly, talk about eccentricity. To most, the involvement and the success behind the garden would be the drive. To Nicole, the presence of a well-grown garden was more than enough for her. Now that she thinks about it, though, she would likely be unable to perform the same feats here in the Grove…
It's a little difficult not to be distracted by the shift in Varka's behavior, though. Her blinking grows innocent, even if it's probably a little obviously put-upon. ]
I suppose! Does that mean you would find the idea motivating?
no subject
Date: 2026-03-23 03:30 am (UTC)Maybe we should give it a shot, once the new place is in order. You might find something worth spending your time on — when we have some to spare, that is.
[Not that he has any experience in such matters but... he could learn, he thinks. Especially if it meant Nicole had a good time.
Ah, but for now, he squints at her, expression somewhere between exasperated and wounded. Similarly, it's all part of the ruse — a little game between the two of them.]
I would be, ah. Very motivated. By something like that.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-23 03:57 am (UTC)[ Varka squints and Nicole smiles, only a hint too wide to be entirely, believably innocent. She taps her chin thoughtfully, theatrical about the way she considers it. This was, in truth, a significant part of the fun. She wondered how much she could reasonably convince Varka that she had very little idea of how evocative her suggestions could be.
Not likely, since he seemed to have caught on to this ruse relatively quickly. Perhaps changing the approach… ]
Hm, I see! I'll have to make a note of that. Do you have any other suggestions on how to maintain your morale?
no subject
Date: 2026-03-23 04:21 am (UTC)[He isn't sure what would strike Nicole's fancy, when it came to moving about in the dirt. She managed well enough in combat given her current attire, so he doubted it would be any less ornate. That thought only served to kindle his interest all the more, though.
Which... speaking of said interest.]
Ah, well. That would imply that I spent time thinking about you in... motivating situations. That'd be pretty untoward, wouldn't you say?
no subject
Date: 2026-03-23 04:41 am (UTC)[ Nicole's eyebrow raise so emphatically that it more than makes up for her usual level tone. She leans back and away from Varka, examining his face with a reasonable amount of incredulity for such a baffling statement, in her mind. ]
Are you implying you haven’t? You sung a very different tune the other night.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-23 05:16 am (UTC)[He reaches over, tugging at one of her sleeves with a little laugh.
One that naturally chokes at the edges, given Nicole's follow-up question. He huffs once, looking anywhere but at her. The tips of his ears warm faintly. He isn't the type of guy to feel ashamed under normal circumstances but... pressed by someone who may or may not be his significant other and, well...]
I wouldn't say that I haven't but... A knight's gotta be respectful, don't you think!
no subject
Date: 2026-03-23 05:27 am (UTC)Or he reacts in ways that urge her just the same. Looking away bashfully and flushing up to his ears when they’ve already spent time wrapped up in one another… Nicole heaves a dramatic sigh into their connection and rolls over, turning her back to him. ]
Oh, I see. Your sense of duty takes precedence over my beauty and attractiveness. I understand.
sighs and puts a nsfw warning on this just in case.
Date: 2026-03-23 05:37 am (UTC)[Ordinarily, he'd consider picking her up and looking her in the eyes. He's too tired for all of that, so instead he twists at the waist and drapes over her, putting about half of his weight on her body. Any more than that and, preternatural strength or no, she'd be squashed like the bug that she is.]
Just feels like I'd be doing you a disservice, thinking about you in all those scandalous ways. And I can tell you I have never once considered how - [He clears his throat.] radiant you might look if you had the Grandmaster of the Knights of Favonius roped to a chair with your power. Definitely not with your foot between his legs, either.
[A little more weight on her. Just because.]
They're kind of like rabbits.
Date: 2026-03-23 05:56 am (UTC)And besides, given how he's talking, she thinks a hint of wriggling back into him won’t be entirely unwelcome. She does find the specific trajectory of his fantasy to be fascinating, though. He had mentioned how uniquely invigorating her power had felt before, but this was far more… intentional.
She giggles as he leans onto her that little bit more. ]
That is incredibly specific, Sir Varka. What about such a scenario might, hypothetically, appeal to you?
wow aspen and lina have horny characters? color us surprised.
Date: 2026-03-23 06:04 am (UTC)That, and the fact that his words have a rather... rousing effect, should he pay too much attention to them.]
Just think there'd be something to it — having someone as powerful as you getting to flex it. 'sides, who wouldn't want to be at the whims of a beautiful woman? [He angles his head to huff out a laugh behind her ear, before nuzzling in.] I'm a simple man, I think.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-23 06:16 am (UTC)She breathes out a measured breath that… shakes, slightly, when he laughs so close to her ear. Through the gaps in her jewelry, perhaps a faint flush might be visible. Only just, though. ]
I suppose I can see the appeal. [ Intentionally vague, this one. ] That… could be arranged, if it is the Grand Master's desire.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-23 06:22 am (UTC)The faint flush would normally not be lost on Varka. However, seeing as how his eyes are presently closed again. Whether he's drowsing or simply lost in the fantasy is anyone's guess, though. He's still awake though, or at least it seems to be the case given the occasional idle kiss he presses there.]
Only if the great mage would enjoy herself too. I get the feeling that Grand Master guy wants her to be comfortable. Especially as she's still finding herself.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-23 06:33 am (UTC)Varka's absentminded kisses are pleasant. Nicole isn’t entirely worked up, but she does get the sense that this could go either way with the right push.
Varka is clearly exhausted, even if he had gained a brief burst of energy from her teasing. Nicole allows herself to relax and hopes the motion is obvious enough with their proximity to send a wordless message. She was fine with this, even if he did fall asleep. ]
I would like to try it all with you.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-24 01:54 am (UTC)We've got all the time in the world, y'know. There's no rush. [He gives her fingers a squeeze, gentle as can be.] 'm glad you seem to enjoy being around me so much.
[It's a soft touch to a rather scandalous conversation, but what can you do.]
Especially since - [An actual yawn this time. Sorry Nicole, he could only last so long.] - since we'll be livin' together
no subject
Date: 2026-03-24 03:37 pm (UTC)Nicole's contented exhale is partially muffled by the matress, but it isn't such a terrible thing. The warmth in her voice will translate easily across their connection. ]
You do have to remember that I am, for all intents and purposes, making up for thousands of years of lost time. If I am overeager, there is a stacking list of reasons for it.
[ That does sound as though it's discrediting his personal involvement in her enthusiasm, though, and she would dislike if that came across as cold. She squeezes his fingers back. ] Curiosity is an innate part of my nature, and I am very curious about you. It would be difficult not to be, I think. It isn't as though I had never noticed humans before, but…
[ She eases into silence rather than finishing the sentence. She only slightly twitches when he yawns into her ear. ] That's true. And, there is plenty of time to have these conversations when you are not yawning into my ear. You should sleep.
no subject
Date: 2026-03-24 07:25 pm (UTC)And really, it's an honor that he gets to be a part of it at all.]
Much as I tease you, I'm not actually complaining. 'm happy with you like this. [The assurance, though not necessary, is appreciated. He makes a faint humming noise in the back of his throat.] Anything you want to know, I'll tell you. Just.
[A faint, sleepy laugh.] Maybe later. After a good night's rest. [He rolls off of her, though his arm remains loosely draped over her waist.] Might want to take your shoes off, though.
[He noticed.]
no subject
Date: 2026-03-27 05:48 pm (UTC)With a faint breath through her nose, Nicole eases out from underneath Varka's arm and shifts to the edge of the bed. For a moment, she considers simply… doing as he is insisting she do. Removing her shoes and laying herself back down in his bed.
Instead, she reaches to twine a piece of his hair around her finger. ]
Is that your way of asking me to stay the night?
[ Better to ask, she thinks. Even if what he has said is basically confirmation, she wants to be assured in this. In most aspects of this budding relationship, if she is able. ]
no subject
Date: 2026-03-27 09:58 pm (UTC)'course I am. Thought it was obvious.
[He lifts a hand, beckoning her back to him, even as he settles back down on the bed. Did he miss the part where her shoes hadn't even come off yet? Probably?
no subject
Date: 2026-03-27 10:28 pm (UTC)It is always good to get confirmation, you know. I wouldn't want to assume if you would rather I not crowd the bed.
[ Once her shoes are removed, Nicole removes her hat and sets it aside as well. The dress… she examines herself for a moment longer than is likely necessary and, as such, likely betrays her thoughts. Removing the dress effectively meant curling back into him almost entirely nude, and something tells her that is not conducive to sleep.
So she lays back down in the dress. ]
no subject
Date: 2026-03-27 10:37 pm (UTC)All of those parts are drastically outweighed by an exhausted brain. That part of him sees fit to lay partially atop her once more. He pulls her close, not unlike a child with a small stuffed animal.]
Always welcome where I am, Nicole. Don't you worry about that. [He presses a kiss to her cheek to confirm this much.] Get some rest, alright?
no subject
Date: 2026-03-27 10:45 pm (UTC)She deigns to not respond to him verbally. Instead, she affirms his reassurance by tucking her face into his chest and sighing deeply enough to rid herself of any lingering tension. If she awoke with a wrinkled dress, so be it. She was going to take advantage of every new moment… and stumble through quite a few of them. ]
(no subject)
From: