Oneiric Tryst

18. Date Ideas

Almost too naturally, Hongjoong and Seonghwa commenced their relationship. While wildly different from dating as they would in actual life, it felt no less sincere in Seonghwa's nightmares. Their shy smiles and shy hands that touched each other's arms and backs occasionally were all genuine.

They were three nights into their awkward little affection phase when Seonghwa asked Hongjoong whether they should try to have a real date. Perched on top of a pine tree that was gradually sinking into a river of metal needles threatening to swallow them up, Hongjoong had turned to look at him curiously.

"You could help me. I can bend this reality to be whatever you want us to do. And we'll keep Yeosang nearby to keep us busy," had been the police officer's suggestion. With a chuckle, Hongjoong had complied.

"Then you try your best in your dream preparations. And we will try how well it works." He glanced at the stone plateau that Seonghwa had built for them to step on once the pine had sunken far enough. Through the ocean of needles jumped Elmo of that one children's show in the distance. He was tonight's main villain.

"What do you want to do? The possibilities are endless."

"How about a walk through your favourite city for starters? We can still have Atlantis trips and go to the moon someday later."

With all his might, Hongjoong thrust his body off the pine and hauled himself at the rock. Once he had found his balance, he stretched his hand out for Seonghwa. Apprehension shone in the man's eyes, but he reacted promptly. His hand caught Hongjoong's when he leapt. They pressed closely together since the space on the rock was so narrow. As Hongjoong held Seonghwa tight, he noticed it get even smaller beneath their feet.

Seonghwa's heartbeat pulsed so hectically in his throat that the throbbing was visible through a vein on his neck. A comforting smile spread on Hongjoong's face as he held onto the man's small waist.

"You want to take me to the moon?"

"Anywhere you want to go," Hongjoong murmured. Their faces were close already and even though they were in a hurry to leave the hungry needle sea, they took the time to angle their heads towards each other.

Seonghwa's shy kisses were ever so dear to Hongjoong. The man was always careful not to overstep any boundaries even though Hongjoong couldn't care less. The chivalry flattered him, but sometimes he wished that Seonghwa and he would have the time and place to just make out properly and delve into each other.

When Seonghwa pulled back to establish some distance between them, a sheepish smile adorned his lips.

"You taste of strawberries."

When Hongjoong flicked his tongue out over his lips to taste them himself, Seonghwa's eyes got stuck on the red muscle. His lids hooded, but he kept his actions courteous and patient.

Hongjoong didn't have the heart to tell this gentleman that he would very much like him to put handcuffs on him again and kiss him senseless pressed against a tree in the middle of some desert.

"I may or may not have made use of the knowledge I gathered on your favourite chapstick taste," Hongjoong smirked. He had bought one both in real life and put it on for Seonghwa's dreams, too. By now the smell and sweet taste reminded him of Seonghwa and his kisses so much that on the rare days when Seonghwa slept peacefully and Hongjoong had to mope around boredly he could daydream by smelling the chapstick alone.

Seonghwa dipped down to kiss him again as if he had to approve the taste. He licked it off his lips satisfiedly once they parted.

"I appreciate it. It fits you."