spohkh | Appointments

[Lupin didn't bother to dodge the splash; he only grinned, and accepted the challenge.

A moment later he sent an even larger splash in Spock's direction, but he followed it immediately with a headlong tackle.

The only other person he had played like this with, a similarly dark haired man with just a subtle a sense of humor, returned home months ago. It was important for everyone, not just children, and oh god had Lupin missed it!]

[Spock was full out smiling as he leaned into the tackle and brought them both into the water.

Spock would usually have the upper hand... but he was unused to water. He broke the surface spluttering and wiping his eyes....but still smiling.... and leaving himself exposed to any other attack.]

[There was no other attack, only choked laughter. Lupin leaned heavily on Spock with his face turned away, shoulders shaking in his effort to stifle it.]

[Spock looks up at Lupin from his hunched position and gave him a quick jab to the side (mindful of the strength behind it) and gave him another small splash for emphasis.]

[Spock has never really....played before... it was quite amusing to say the least.]

[The poke dispersed the laughter, but a sly grin curled his lips.

Lupin pushed forward with his full body weight--enjoy being dunked, Spock.]

[Spock was caught off guard and made an impressive splash as he went forward into the water.

....but on the way down Spock grabbed Lupin's arm. If he was going down, he was taking Arsene with him...]

[He hadn't expected that.

The hot water was over Lupin's head before he realized what was happening and could make a move. He whirled around with another splash and tried to rip his arm away from Spock's steely grip and break the surface.

Breathing was important too.]

[Spock let go as soon as Lupin was submerged under water and made for the surface himself....

Spock was having fun....when did that happen?

Play was a rather alien concept to Spock and he seemed to also gain a rather warm feeling while witnessing Arsene enjoy himself as well...]

[Spock made to relax at the edge of the pool once more....]

[Though his head spinning from the heat and his chest was heaving with every breath from the wrestling, Lupin was more than glad to follow Spock's lead. The heavy mood was gone and, though it was liable to return, he just wanted to take a while to enjoy the light mood. He swam to the edge of the hot pool and settled close to Spock, no longer hesitant to just take comfort in the company.

Seeing Spock play like that was itself a surprising treat. He had never imagined that sort of interaction to even be possible...]

Well. [He huffed, amused.] That was sudden.

[Spock looked beside him at Lupin, the amusement still apparent in his face....]

Indeed. I have not indulged in such a manner in my entire life.

...Thank you Sa-kai.

...your culture must be strict if they don't let you play.

[Like his work, it was another activity that helped keep him sane. That was the ultimate point of all of his research and planning--to just have fun at the end of it.

He leaned back and offered Spock a lazy smile, feeling the gratitude as much as hearing it.]

I need to thank you too. [For more than just the chance to play like he had with Jigen.]

[Spock nods and his face flushes a bit green... the glint of amusement remains in his eyes.]

[Spock's usual reply would be to call 'thanks' illogical.... but he cannot do that now can he? So much has changed.....]

I have another inquiry for you Arsene...while we are at this Onsen, I would be honoured if you would join me for a meditation session? We could further explore the capabilities we have concerning the bond.

Meditation, huh...?

[He had a hard time with it. Even after his practice sessions with Luke and watching Goemon sit seiza for hours on end, traveling inward, Lupin still didn't have a full grasp of the fundamentals. The closest he came to a meditative mindset was when he was practicing in the Barracks. Physical activities helped him channel his focus.]

That would be, but...[He was tired, and he was starting to feel light headed because of the heat. The suggestion of using it to explore the extent of their bonding, however, was enough to keep him interested.]...we could give it a shot after get dressed, mmm...?

Of course.

[Spock looks over at his towel and blushes once again...it was so far away....]

...This form a meditation may be a different experience then that of what you have encountered before. I am not psy null, and we have a connection. The mind can be a rather stimulating place when you know how to navigate it.

[Spock keeps looking hesitantly at the towel and the water....]

[Lupin glanced over, curious about what Spock was offering.]

Huh. That could be interesting...

[He noticed that hesitation.]

You know, I'm not going to look if you want to go get your towel.

[Spock huffs in disbelief and closes his eyes in embarrassment...

Then he just gets up and walks out of the pool and wraps his towel around his waist, mumbling something under his breath about 'illogicality'...]

Yes, yes. I know. We're 'illogical...'

[He chuckled and pulled himself out of the pool, stumbling when his focus gave way to a rush of vertigo that smacked him because of the sudden change in temperature. He braced himself against a wall and laughed with embarrassment as he secured his towel.

Laughter, as always, was his answer to everything.]

[Spock gives him a lopsided grin in return but makes his way to the changing room...eager to put his clothes back on.]

Is there a room in this facility that we could utilize fire? Perhaps we could do this in our rooms...

[Lupin donned his glasses before he followed Spock, planning on forgoing the traditional yukata for his lounge pants.]

There should be a brazier around here, for people who want to make tea the old fashioned way. We could always take that back to our room if that helps.

[Spock nods in agreement as he finishes changing and gestures for Arsene to lead the way...]

I am looking forward to this experience... I have not had the opportunity to meditate with someone since....[Spock's voice trails off...]

Since...?

[The pants were simple enough to slip into, and he gladly stepped forward at Spock's silent suggestion to lead the way. The rest of the building was like that of a traditional Japanese hotel--a ryokan. The walls were thin, the doors slid, but it wasn't hard to navigate.]

[Spock clears his throat a bit...]

...Since the last time I visited Vulcan before its destruction. It was with my mother...she always seemed to enjoy getting from me what I was not telling her.

[Lupin huffed in amusement. Of course it was something so simple as that...

but the amusement faded when he remembered the timeline differences. It was so easy for him to forget that, even though he did have access to memories that he shouldn't and impulses that weren't his.

He nodded, soberly.]

Well, in that case, it's an honor.

[Spock gives Lupin a genuine smile as they gather their tea and make their way back to their room.]

Spock sets down the tray and starts to look for the candles.....]

Would you be amenable to getting the tea ready while I set up?

I can do that...

[And he began to look for the green or oolong teas that he knew were standard in these establishments. They would be no where near as robust as his lapsang souchong, but there was a required subtlety in meditation practices.

Though the actual act was hard and cooking wasn't his specialty, he could make tea well enough.]

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