#convo: theo2

[fairywilds]

Bael approached, DAMP curls clinging to his forehead and a sun-warmed FLUSH on his cheeks, the corners of his mouth already T U R N I N G upward at the sight of Theo so thoroughly out of his ELEMENT. He glanced casually down at the S H O E S, then back up with a slow, D E L I B E R A T E blink. ❝That,❞ he said, voice low and AMUSED, ❝is exactly the APPEAL.❞ He stepped beside Theo, arms folding LOOSELY across his chest as he L O O K E D out at the water. ❝You’re not meant to feel in CONTROL out there. That’s the P O I N T. You let go, let the C U R R E N T take you. It’s humbling. Quiet. You work in TANDEM with the water.❞ He glanced sideways at him, brow lifted just SLIGHTLY. ❝Though I’m guessing your idea of RELAXATION doesn’t usually involve potentially G E T T I N G a little wet,❞ Bael added with a subtle grin, ❝You C O U L D just roll up your pant L E G S, take the shoes off and put your feet in. B A B Y steps, you know?❞ He casually poked fun at him. ❝—The LAKE isn’t going to bite... PROBABLY.❞

Theo stood at the edge of the lake, arms crossed, dress shoes firmly planted on a patch of uneven ground that was absolutely not meant for dress shoes. His sleeves were rolled up, carefully, and his expression was that perfect blend of composed curiosity and silent disapproval. He watched as Bael guided a group of enthusiastic kayakers through warm-up stretches with all the grace of someone who believed gravity was optional. It was impressive, really. Infuriatingly casual. Effortlessly charismatic. Theo cleared his throat once Bael approached, lifting a brow as he gestured vaguely to the kayaks bobbing on the water. “Tell me,” he started dryly, “what exactly is the appeal of willingly sitting in a glorified leaf and pretending it’s not just a drowning hazard with good branding?” A beat. “I was told this would be relaxing.” @fairywilds