When Jermaine had mentioned holiday in the now opened to the public Atlantis, he'd been mainly curious about the hippocampuses - the man steadfastly remaining a big fan of all things horse adjacent. But the whole... underwater world that had yet to be explored was a very interesting idea too, and he had been very curious about what a few nights away in Atlantis with his wife would be like.

But what he had NOT foreseen, was the way the travel would have affected him. Apparently it was not just heights that made him a little dizzy, underwater with nothing but a magical bubble for protection was also not the most comforting modes of transport. He'd tried to ignore it as best as he could by looking over a copy of a mechanics magazine he had brought with him, but he probably wasn't fooling anyone considering when he'd stowed it away he'd realized it had been upside down the entire time.

Oops.

So once they'd safely arrived, he'd asked his wife if she wanted to take a swim around the coral gardens first, thinking maybe stretching of his own limbs would help him feel a little more settled faster.

It was only normal that Qetsiyah had been training for yet another competition when Jer had suggested they take a holiday. A very much needed break from their young but sometimes already hectic lives to enjoy a bit of rest and relaxation. Now they had done this before but what came as a surprise was the location of where her wonderful husband wanted them to go.

Atlantis. This was completely new to the both of them. A place that not only appealed to each of their interests but also but them both a bit out of their element at the same time. For while Qets loved everything about the water, being under it in the Merpeople's home was something else entirely.

And lets not even talk about how they arrived there. As wicked as that was, she could tell Jer was NOT fond of it at all. She only wondered how long he thought he could get away with 'reading' that magazine upside. Not a word was said about it but there was a soft smile on her lips as she kept a gentle eye on him.

If a swim around the coral gardens was what he wanted to do first, she was all for it. As long as he didn't stray to far from her, all would be well.

The previous year's tension between the merfolk and wizarding community was still fresh in his mind, so he certainly would not be wandering from his wife's sight. Because that also meant SHE would be out of HIS. He met have been interested enough to come, and also wanting to be part of the change by visiting to show the wizarding world DID trust their new found allies but... they didn't mean he 100% did genuinely trust them. At least, not when family was concerned.

But that wasn't particularly against the merkind only. To be honest, Jer probably wouldn't trust anyone when it came to what mattered most to him.

Thankful for the bubble charm around his head, and it giving him the ability to talk to his Qets, he swam a bit at her side. Close enough to grab her if there was a rouge grindylow, but not so close as to mess with her own swim width. "This really is different isn't it?" Not in a bad way. Just... in a different way.

See, this didn't bother Qets in the slightest. In fact she loved it. The closer he was to her, the more relaxed she felt. It wasn't that she wasn't needy or clingy, she was simply being protective, much like he was. The only difference being, she was like this a lot. Being here in Atlantis may have heightened her need to keep a closer eye on things but she couldn't help it when they were in an unfamiliar place.

If it weren't for the bubble charm, Qets didn't think she would be able to handle it. She was one of those people that needed to express how she felt and most of the time that was with words. It is but I rather like it so far. You have to admit it's nice here." For an underwater city, it was gorgeous. There was no way around that fact.

It was hard to miss how impressive Atlantis was as a whole as they had approached. And the colors within this garden... He'd tried Scuba Diving before, in California in fact, and he'd noticed how everything was clearer - brighter underwater. But even that hour or so couldn't compare to the impressiveness of being fully surrounded now by such beautiful flora. "It's beautiful, to be sure. The being fully submerged is.. unnerving, but I imagine we'll get used to it pretty quickly." And if they didn't, at least the area they were sleeping was a full bubble to give some semblance of normalcy.

"Do you recognize any of the plants or wildlife?" He'd seen a couple of grindylow so far, and he believed the muggle sea creature Sea Horse. There were also plenty of fish but.. a marine biologist he was not, nor was he related to one. Er... previously, he supposed. He couldn't tell the difference between a clownfish and a puffer.

Impressive wasn't even the word that she would use. It was absolutely gorgeous and being able to be here to experience it firsthand was beyond words. The more she was able to look at everything, the more in love with it all she fell. If it was possible to remain here, she might've. Only that wasn't at all logical and there was many things she wouldn't be able to accomplish living under water. Therefore, this was something to enjoy and never forget. "It's like anything else I'm sure, Jer. We just need to get used to it like anything else we try for the first time." Did he remember how it was learning to surf? All new things were unnerving at times.

The question about wildlife and the surrounding plants made her smile. "So so much. I could go all crazy on you and start naming everything but that might become even more overwhelming than being underwater," Qets teased playfully. All things ocean life ran in her family. Her parents and brothers made it their lives and growing up she had learned so much about plants, creatures and the ocean. She could talk for hours about everything if he really wanted her to.

He couldn't help the laugh that reverberated in his air bubble, making it ripple the slightest bit. "I hope it's not like anything else. Remember every disastrous attempt at trying to get me into the air?" He really thought with everything else daredevil like that they'd tried and conquered together, that getting over his fear of heights would have been easy and being a pilot could have been fun. But it was very quickly that his mind changed and while he stayed in the Aeronautics Academy, his specialization switched to mechanics. But this was a good fit for him, he found he enjoyed working with his hands a lot. And while it didn't use any er... very little and unknown magic, he'd learned a lot at school.

He smiled at that, a playfully eyeroll at her words as he reached out just to give her hand a quick squeeze. "Lucky for me I love the sound of your voice. But this is vacation, I won't make you recall everything you've ever been taught." But he did want to hear her talk more, so he did point out a random type of coral to her. "What's that one you think? I like the vibrant color."

Jermaine's laughter always brought a bright smile to her face and hearing it right now was no different. "Alright, alright. That was a very poor choice or words on my part but you have to admit that even though all those attempts didn't have the desired outcome you wanted... you took the steps to try. So that in itself is amazing." Qets was so beyond proud of him for how hard he had tried to overcome his fear
of heights. "Not to mention you also found something that you really love doing and you're making it into a career." Which was a huge win in her book.

She gently returned the squeeze to his fingers, ignoring the eye roll that she had gotten as well. "More like lucky for you that I won't ignore that reasoning and talk constantly anyhow." Qets playfully stuck her tongue out at him. Her gaze shifted onto the coral that Jer was suddenly pointing to. "That would be sun coral. Absolutely gorgeous is what it is and the fact that there's so many types of coral here that all are thriving with what appears to be nothing but utter ease... is purely magnificent." How long were they vacationing here again? Because it my not be for long enough.

He chuckled again at her, grinning at his wife as she once again did the amazing and turned what was one of his largest short comings and turned it into a positive. Naturally, Qets in her endless understanding and compassion did this often - something he appreciated about her. "It certainly didn't feel amazing, so I'll take your word for it love." Though.. he was glad that it had led to where he was currently. He was happy in his work, and that was all he could ask for truly. "You do have a point though. I'm happy where we are."

Another chuckle, and a fond shake of his head as his attention turned to the various corals around him. Part of him was curious if she really could name all of them, but the other part was more certain that if he challenged her they'd spend all evening out here. Swimming closer, he took another look at the sun coral, head tilting a bit as he observed it. "Isn't this one of the more demanding types?" He believed he remembered reading something about this particular type needing lots of food and nutrients - similar to himself.

Qets smiled even more as Jer continued to laugh. Every time she made him laugh or even smile it warmed her heart. His happiness and well-being was everything. "That's because you were the one experiencing it. From where I was it was amazing." And she was so proud of him. "I'm glad you agree, since I feel the same way. We're doing great and I can't be more happy with how things are going for us." As of right now, she thought their life together was perfect.

There was a lot that she knew about coral and the ocean but.. it was a big big world down here and surely she didn't know everything. Not even close. That went for being able to name all of the different types of coral, she likely couldn't but given the chance she would certainly try. Even if it took them hours, at least it would be entertaining. "It is.. but it's thriving here. Everything here is thriving and so bright and colorful." She was in love with all of it.

It was a date. not a date but was a date, but a proper date. Well, David thought originally it would be super awesome to come here with Delilah as a vacation and not a date but then he had the brilliant idea to make it one. One thing leads to another and here we are. The travel here was not something he was expecting but did make the experience more memorable...he hoped. What if she got bored, what if she hated it here and a million other things.

All those worries and yet they were both here in one piece and now get to the fun part.

Atlantis in all its glory.

Well this garden and water in all its glory since he figured it would be pretty to look at and walk around with her. Swimming was probably out of the question but he didn't care about that.

"So what do you think?"

loaded question but was the only thing he could think to ask right now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by oh its Erik ok

It was a date. not a date but was a date, but a proper date. Well, David thought originally it would be super awesome to come here with Delilah as a vacation and not a date but then he had the brilliant idea to make it one. One thing leads to another and here we are. The travel here was not something he was expecting but did make the experience more memorable...he hoped. What if she got bored, what if she hated it here and a million other things.

All those worries and yet they were both here in one piece and now get to the fun part.

Atlantis in all its glory.

Well this garden and water in all its glory since he figured it would be pretty to look at and walk around with her. Swimming was probably out of the question but he didn't care about that.

"So what do you think?"

loaded question but was the only thing he could think to ask right now.

A date.

At first Delilah was sure she had misheard him despite all the obvious signs that had developed and, quite literally, happened between the two of them over the past half a year or so and even before. She had also been quite embarrassed when she, again, peppered his invitation with clarification questions before gleefully accepting. Her doubts and unnecessary clarification questions must be exhausting to David by now, which in turn made her more nervous and anxious that he was not just asking to be polite. It was a vicious little cycle she had found herself in but, hopefully, today could mark the start of her untwisting herself a bit.

Even if it had taken her a while getting ready today, which was a bit awkward considering the person who was 'picking her up' for this date was someone she lived with. Hopefully...she would make all his waiting in the living room of their shared flat worth it?

Dressed casually but not too casual, Delilah was enjoying allowing her curls to bounce freely - something that was rare these days as her dance instructors at WADA Paris always demanded their ballerinas to wear their hair in tight buns. So...it was freeing, in all the right ways, being here in Atlantis with her arm looped through and around David's.

"This is positively incredible, David," she chirped while giving his arm a squeeze. "I've never seen ... experienced ... anything like this before."

Well it was more his own fault for not being more direct in asking for what he wants. Which has lead to plenty of awkward situations for them. In his room in her room on the couch. you name it. But in this case her asking for clarification actually helped. Or maybe he was still bein too polite. Little bit of A and a little bit of B, who knows. David had told her he didn't mind the wait since there was no wait at all since they could just leave together since well they lived together anyway. Funny how things work out. It was always nice seeing her loosen up whether it be with her hair or anything out of her typical wada attire. David was in his own version of somewhat casual though maybe he would have been better off without the coat but he had not idea what he was getting into here.

"Incredible might be underselling it. You know i didn't even look into what this place looked like besides knowing it was fun and beautiful so i am positively shocked.....next time i might need to do more research instead of hoping and being lucky"

He replies before playfully nudging her.

"Imagine dancing here"

His imagination could even with looking at this place. As he leads her slowly to look at different things he had no idea the names too.

It was kind of a miracle they had come to the point that they had - and she still had all the letters he had written her during those years while he was at Hogwarts and her at Beauxbatons. Kept all of then neatly tied up with a blue satin ribbon in a box on the topmost shelf in her closet.

She supposed he did have a point, though what words could possible encapsulate the wonder of this place? She had not exactly kept up with wizarding politics recently, so she only had a vague understanding of the situation that had occurred here and even then it was mostly from gossip on campus, but it all felt like a prime example of things happening for a reason. The miscommunication enabling a fortification of the relationship between the merpeople and wizardingkind. "You know," she hummed as her palm softly rubbed against his arm encouragingly because, yes, he had done a good job and 'gotten lucky' so to speak. "You made...quite the splash the first time we ever met...it's quite charming that our first outing be beneath the water as well."

Somehow uttering the word 'date' aloud felt like she was going to jinx something.

And then he said the magic word, dance. Was the way her eyes lit up and she positively beamed while looking up at him enough of an indication of just how absolutely enchanted she was by the idea? Did they really just have to imagine? "It would be beyond breathtaking," she sighed wistfully. "Brings a whole new meaning to the term water ballet."

"I think that's just your positive outlook on life as a whole, love." He responded with amusement. Or perhaps it was just that bias that she always seemed to have had when it came to him. Even when they had just been friends, before he'd told her how he felt, it had seemed that she still had faith he could do things he was very much uncertain if he actually would have been able to. Like skateboarding, and surfing. "Good. I'm glad to hear that." It had not been explicitly said, but he'd been wondering where she had stood on expanding their own family unit - something he had felt they could wait on for the time being, given their age and how new they were to their professions. Her words felt like an echo of that, and he was perhaps a tad relieved to hear them said - even if not in so many words. "Plenty of time for changes down the road if we want."

Was he the cheesiest person? Entirely, because as she said that and her face continued to look so excited, an arm slipped around her waist and he gave her a small squeeze. "You look similarly to the coral, Belle. I suppose I should consider moving you here." He was teasing on that of course, as he doubted it would be allowed nor would it be anywhere near feasible. But still... he liked seeing how happy being in Atlantis made her. "Any creatures you're specifically hoping we'll run into?"

Now that is just pure sappiness. He would have to think long and hard about where he put those letters from her. Probably in one of his drawers in his room. WAS NOT SOMETHING HE THREW OUT OK. The messy college student can't compete with the blue satin ribbons though. He should take some time to re-read them someday just to see how big a loser he was only a couple of years ago. David was in the camp of agreeing that ignorance is bliss was fitting for him right now. Since it's hard enough to keep track of local politics. So with Atlantis, he had no idea why it was open or that it even existed but hey it was a nice surprise for someone with some free time and no full-time job.

WAS THAT A PUN??

"I think it was you who made the splash if my memory is correct. I was the one who could not stop apologizing and looking to be honest. We are just drawn to water it seems. Maybe this time you will see me in it and not the other way around like the first time"

Magic words that didn't need a wand were a favorite of his. And it was pretty easy to tell that dance was one of them at this stage in the weird relationship. And just look at her bright up at the thought. That was his intention but still, it was cute.

"The water would be taking much of your breath I imagine if they wanted you dancing in water"

He had to giggle at his own play on words there.

The disbelief that would be written all over her face if she knew he still had all her letters! Despite David being such a steadfast friend for years now, she still had a hard time believing in herself and that there was truly more to all this. Perhaps it was the way Delaney had her still wrapped around his finger in many ways. Perhaps she was still recoiling from New Years with Olivier. Maybe it was the doubts from Pascal never making the big gesture despite feeling like he would time and time again. There were many life experiences that had her in her head in all the ways...but right now it was easier to relax and be more in the moment.

A state that was, unironically, also influenced by Delaney.

David did continue to make everything easy though and his habits with words was certainly rubbing off on her - so, yes, that was a pun. Laughing at the memory of their first meeting, the shirt he had bought her that day still a staple in drawer and something she often wore to sleep in the summer, she looked ahead at the protective bubble around them and reached out to touch it. "Maybe," she mused. "Did you bring a change of clothes?"

It took her a moment to catch what play on words he was using this time, so there was a bit of a delay to her own giggle until she caught on. "Still," she sighed again, her arm not looped around his lifting airily upwards and slowly moved like sur surface of the sea. "It would be something...I wonder if the Ministry or someone will host a public gala here." And...if they could afford tickets to attend. "Just imagine all those sea creatures swimming by with their bioluminescence...amazing."

Delany sure had her wrapped around their finger, huh?

David was happy that at least was rubbing off on her because the puns did make things more fun. At first, he thought that shirt had been replaced in her wardrobe by something newer or more comfortable. so imagine his surprise in their flat when he saw she still had it. That protective bubble sure was cool. Oh, he got a maybe. that was more than he thought he would get. Interesting.

"Yeah I got one in my bag. just in case"

She was improving. If this was a couple of months ago. he doubted she even would have addressed his play on words there. He started to imagine a gala and every fancy person who would be there but mostly what kind of dress Delilah would wear. The most important thing to imagine of course.

"Oh that would sure be something. It would be an amazing show. Lots of dancing and lots of drinking. Sounds like heaven"

Look at all the pretty coral. He was still trying to see if he recognized anything here.

Qets considered his words for all of.. about a second before she shook her head. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Blue." This was said with the sweetest of smiles and a playful wink of her eye. She knew very well what he was talking about and it was all true. When it came to him, she had all the faith in the world. There had never been any doubt in her mind that he was going to be all that she needed in her life and that they had been a perfect match. It may have taken her a little while to deal with things before they had gotten together but he was one of those people that had always been there for her, no matter what mess she had gotten herself into. Even now, he was still her biggest supporter. They always seemed to be exactly on the same page without even saying so out loud. "Mm' as long as those changes are spoken about between us, we'll be just fine." All of the confidence she had in the two of them.

That squeeze around the waist made her smile more widely at him and slide her own arm about his waist. "Do I now? Well that's something I never thought I'd be compared to.. do go giving me a new nickname.. it might upset Coral." This was said with a soft laugh and a tinkle in her eye. Their cat which had been hers from her time in school happened to be named after all the gorgeous coral they were currently looking at. "Leave me here? Hmm, well only if you planning on joining me?" Now look who was being cheeky. There was no way he would ever agree to that and she knew it, even if it were possible. As for what creatures she wanted to see down here, well now that was an easy answer. "All of them."

Her words immediately got a snort from him as he rolled his eyes playfully at her, "Of course you don't, Belle." Even if her response had clearly been teasing as well and she did know. It was often very hard to get Qetsiyah to admit to any of her amazing qualities, which could probably be added to her list of amazing qualities honestly. Compassionate, empathetic, smart, beautiful AND humble. He'd won the lottery clearly, or saved an entire civilization or something in a past life for this woman to love him in this one. "I agree wholeheartedly." He was not a blind faith kind of guy, but when it came to them.. he certainly was becoming one.

He chuckled softly, giving a small shrug of his shoulders. "They do say animals resemble their owners. Perhaps it's actually in your name." He teased back, wishing that while the bubble was great at keeping him y'know... breathing, he could lean over and kiss his wife too. "Perhaps we'll just schedule more visits." He responded instantly, smiling cheekily back. When it came to the animals, he truly should have expected the response he got. A playful eyeroll was his initial response before he clarified. "I suppose I mean what do you want to see first."

Quote:

Originally Posted by oh its Erik ok

Delany sure had her wrapped around their finger, huh?

David was happy that at least was rubbing off on her because the puns did make things more fun. At first, he thought that shirt had been replaced in her wardrobe by something newer or more comfortable. so imagine his surprise in their flat when he saw she still had it. That protective bubble sure was cool. Oh, he got a maybe. that was more than he thought he would get. Interesting.

"Yeah I got one in my bag. just in case"

She was improving. If this was a couple of months ago. he doubted she even would have addressed his play on words there. He started to imagine a gala and every fancy person who would be there but mostly what kind of dress Delilah would wear. The most important thing to imagine of course.

"Oh that would sure be something. It would be an amazing show. Lots of dancing and lots of drinking. Sounds like heaven"

Look at all the pretty coral. He was still trying to see if he recognized anything here.

He did, knowing just the right things to say to an insecure and romantically desperate girl like herself. She would like to think she had gotten better about not being taken advantage of - surely she had learned something from the whole incident with her ballet troupe that still had her visiting professionals and bi-monthly meetings to discuss things. The positive influences in her life had certainly increased, David being among those naturally. How could he be anything else! He was so charming and silly!

"...you can't be serious," she laughed while hugging his arm just a bit more. Though as she looked up at him...she wasn't so sure that he was joking. She still hard a hard time reading sarcasm and playful teasing. "...are you serious?"

Maybe he was serious. Should she have brought a change of clothes too? It had taken her so long fretting over this one outfit that she felt stressed just thinking about needing to pick out a second.

He wasn't entirely reading between the lines with her words, though something else she had realized was that she really needed to be more upfront with her wants and needs...and not just wait for things to notice her. "We could...dance now...maybe..."

ooof, thats rough. David had thought in the past Delany deserves a good punch in the face and that thought had not changed even to this day. But he would never bring that up. Too nice for that kind of thing and rather not see her reaction to such a thought. Anyway moving onto more fun things like bathing suits. He still had a smile on his face and lightly leaning against her but nothing more.

"I thought being its a lot of water and atlantis.. i might be able to use it...if not than its just stays in the bag"

Look at him thinking ahead and it slightly working out. This former lion was on a roll. If there was one thing David Blackwood was awful at it was definitely reading between the lines. Whether that be picking up on what she wants to do or even what she would want for dinner. He seemed to always get it just not right. close but not close enough.

"Would you rather i was in my swimsuit first? I imagine you would like that more"

Now he was just joking. But if she said yes, he would change. He was up for dancing. Just would need to promise to not step on any toes. The most important thing on David's minds was look at her asking for things that would draw attention to them in a somewhat public place. Never thought he would see the day. He might cry.

"What did I say now?" Qets smiled brightly, her laughter soft. Like everything in their conversation, she knew what she said. The young women also knew what her husband thought of her and while she appreciated it all.. she felt it was very much the other way around. Jermaine had come into her life at exactly the perfect time, when she had needed him the most. He had been her flashlight through the darkness and now was her entire everything in life. Her perfect match in every way. "Then we have nothing at all to worry about." They would take things one step at a time.

There was the smallest moment of consideration upon his words before she laughed again. "Well Coral is a gorgeous cat." She winked at him. Vibrant orange and white and super soft and fluffy. Such a beautiful cat. "You know I wouldn't mind that at all but the real question is.. would you be able to handle coming here more?" As much as she would love it, she didn't want him being uncomfortable. The eyeroll she had gotten from him was met with a playfully cheeky grin. "I doubt we'll see any here but seahorses would be cool." And no, she didn't mean Hippocampus' she meant regular muggle seahorses.

"As if you don't know." He teased in response, giving her the smallest squeeze and playfully rolling his eyes at her. He didn't know why she thought him anything special. he could argue until he was blue in the face that even if he hadn't transferred to Hogwarts, met her - everything she'd been going through would have still turned out okay in the end given the support system she had built around her. People couldn't help but like Qets. But that didn't mean he wasn't grateful that he'd been able to help her, and be such a big portion of her years at Hogwarts and even further once they'd transferred and started dating. "Agreed."

He snorted again, softly. Sure, they're cat was pretty as far as cats went, but nothing compared to her owner. It was moment's like that in which he truly feared for when they did have kids - Qets' looks and him carrying veela gene. The headaches that would cause later if they had a daughter. Could he handle this? It was a fair question and Jer took a glance around before looking back to her. "Ask me after the hippocampuses." It might be a yes then. Hmmm... seahorses was it? He glanced around, before pointing out further into the garden. "Should we swim closer to the edge and see if maybe some are milling about?"