Enchantment Passing Through, Part One: The Beach

[Oversoul]

Sesha had been the one to pick up Mark that morning in the little car he used when Domerin was busy and couldn't take him on the bike. He had rather come to like riding it with Domerin, though he would never admit it, but was almost as glad to get some time to talk to this Mark boy on the way out of town. It was actually good too, as he knew the area far better so there was no chance of getting lost. They had stopped to pick up some things for lunch, Sesha taking up most of the lead in that, though Mark had told him some of Selene's favorite foods so they were added in right along with things that Domerin would like and they could all enjoy. Knowing Sesha, of course, it was good food, most certainly no pizza or overly fatty things. The pair of them had made good time, a bit faster than had been expected and so there would be a little wait before the others arrived. Good use was made though as they talked about things and got a better idea of each other.

The arrival of Domerin and Selene at the beach parkinglot where they were slated to meet was announced by the loud roar of a motorcycle engine. It was apparent right away as the bike came speeding through the empty portion of the lot that the people they were waiting for were on it. Domerin, as usual, was not wearing a helmet, and the cross shaped scar on his face was very hard to mistake. His hair had been tightly braided and pulled into his jacket so that it would not blow into the face of his passenger, who's face was hidden by a helmet, but who's bikini and skirt clad body clearly marked her as a woman. Slowing the bike, Domerin came to a stop right beside the car, flashing a grin at it's occupants as he cut the engine and pulled the keys free. He helped his passenger dismount before he swung his leg over the seat and stepped away from the motorcycle himself. Selene handed his helmet back to him, revealing her face and a rather wide grin. "That was amazing! Can I ride home with you too?"

Sesha knew the sound of the bike before it had pulled up, watching as it drew parallel with the car they were in. Though he was always pestering Domerin about buying a second helmet the man refused to listen though he did have to admit he was always dashing sitting on that thing. Mark more stared, recalling being on that bike and rather wanting to go gather Selene up. He was out of the car first, smiling and heading over, though he focus was on Selene and not Domerin. He still wasn't all to keen on that man.

Domerin refused to wear a helmet when he was riding his motorcycle. His argument was always that he faced down bullets on a daily basis, if that didn't kill him, a motorcycle was going to have a hard time at it. Besides, he'd proven himself a more than safe driver on many occasions. For all intents and purposes, Domerin could have been ignoring Mark; he didn't even cast him a glance when he gathered Selene into his arms. He made straight for Sesha, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and flashing him a second grin. "Why hello there, beautiful. Will you be my beach escort for the day?"

Selene's attention shifted quickly. She let out a happy squeal as she caught sight of Mark and allowed herself to be swept into his arms, returning his embrace and giving him a tight squeeze. This time at least, it seemed things would not go so quickly down hill. Her father had even approved of their trip. "How are you, Mark?" she asked almost breathlessly. "I've missed you."

Mark hugged her tightly, but not enough to hurt, and didn't quite let her go just yet either. Normally he wouldn't have kept her there, but he remembered what they had said to each other before her father had ruined everything. "I've missed you too, Sel. Been alright, but lonely without you." It was hard to not be able to see her whenever he wanted to anymore, not when she was holed up with her father. Sesha smiled up at Domerin, slipping his own arm around the mans waist. He watched the to young people though his attention was on Domerin still. "Of course."

"I've been so busy," Selene admitted. "I have so much to catch up on at school, and I'm working again... It's... alot after... well you know." She didn't want the subject of her terrible ordeal creeping up to ruin their beautiful day. She laid her head against Mark's chest, stealing a moment for herself. "You haven't... changed your mind.. about what we talked about before, that is?"

Domerin leaned down and lightly brushed Sesha's cheek with his lips. Then he straightened and followed the man's line of vision for half a second before he leaned down again. His tone was stern but the half grin on his face showed he was partially teasing as well. "Now now, love, don't spend all your time focusing on those two. We aren't matchmakers, and we aren't chaperones, and I intend for you to have some enjoyment for yourself today."

Mark knew she must be busy, but she had been busy before too but he'd been able to drop by anytime. That wasn't an option now and he wondered at times if he would ever be a real part of her life again. "Never." He whispered, smoothing a hand over her hair for just a moment. Sesha's mouth curved up into a grin of its own. "I don't intend to, my darling but that is a nice boy." And he was rarely wrong about people, at least in his opinion. "And you don't have to worry. You're here, so I'll enjoy myself regardless."

Selene allowed herself a sigh of some relief. She had been worried after the way things had ended last time that he had been angry with her, that he had changed his mind, but then she reminded herself that he was not the kind of person who lied about something that important. She gave him another tight squeeze before she finally pulled away and siezed his hand. "Well what are we waiting for then? We have a whole day with nothing to worry about, where should we go first?"

"Damn straight!" Domerin decliared, reaching into his jacket pocket and pulling out his sunglasses. He settled them on his face before he glanced out over the beach. "Where's the boardwalk, eh? There's gotta be a surf shop around here somewhere..."

Mark let her go, albeit a bit reluctantly, but kept her hand when it was given. This was all he really wanted just this simple little thing, away from boring eyes and glares. "I've been to this beach before. There’s one just a little down the way, hidden by the dunes."

Sesha drew on a pair of his glasses too, slimmer than Domerin's and slightly stylish. He took the mans hand too, rather mimicking the younger pair.

Selene gave Mark's hand a squeeze and fell into step beside him. She too enjoyed just being close to him. With the fresh salty breeze and the ocean so close she felt more alive than she had in a long time. If she hadn't been so plagued by nightmares of late, she would have been completely certain she was dreaming. She did, however, blink over in Domerin's direction as they started walking. "You surf?"

Domerin glanced back in their direction but his eyes were hidden by his dark sunglasses. He turned back quickly, locating the dunes that Mark was apparently talking about and starting off in that direction. "I do, but not very often. Whaddya say, Love?" He added, turning his attention back on Sesha and grinning again. "Want to ride a few waves today?"

Mark half lead the way, knowing were it was without them getting lost, though it was rather hard without any tall buildings to block their path. He arched a brow at the pair of men. Neither of them looked like they could stay on a board.

Sesha smiled and winked up at Domerin. "Sounds like a plan." He hardly looked like he could handle getting crashed by waves, but they had their own little secret

"What about you, Mark?" Selene asked, leaning into him as they walked and smiling up at him. "Do you surf too?" She had to admit she didn't know everything about the man she loved, but their last attempt at a beach vacation hadn't turned out very well.

Domerin only grinned wider down at Sesha. Daredevil when he could be, and he loved the feeling of riding the waves almost as much as he loved feeling the wind in his face when he was riding his motorcycle, he just didn't get to do it as often. There was only one thing that made Domerin nervous about this day at all.. the beach was awfully crowded, someone other than Sesha was bound to start staring at him when he took his shirt off.

Mark actually blushed very lightly when the question came. "A little, yes. We used to go to the beach every summer back home and my brothers like to do it to impress girls. I know a little, but it was never my big thing." Truth be told, it had been awhile.

Sesha knew what troubled Domerin and he was quite certain not to leave the mans side during the day if he could manage it. While he didn't so much mind others looking, as there was very little he could do about it, he got a bit cross when people hit on Domerin, possessive as he was of the man.

"I've never been surfing." Selene said with a slight shrug. "It looks so complicated. It's probably too late for me to learn." After all, people learned better when they were younger, it was just proven scientific fact.

"Learning to surf just takes practice." Domerin said with a wave of his hand, as though it were easy. "And it requires you be unafraid of falling into the water repeatedly." As the surf shop Mark had spoken of came into view, Domerin slowed slightly. "Do you want to pick the surfboard, or the sunning spot?" he asked Sesha, glancing at the other man over the rim of his glasses for a moment or two, guessing which answer he was going to get.

Sesha grinned up at Domerin. He knew the man would know which he'd prefer though he couldn't quite help leaning up and pressing a little kiss to his cheek. "I'll take finding us a spot. You can choose the board, dear."

Domerin chuckled. "Best hurry, before all the good ones are taken." But he knew that Sesha had a knack for spying out private places for them to spend their time. He left the beach towels and supplies with Sesha and spun towards the shop, hesitating almost as an afterthought to glance back in Mark's direction. "You coming?" He jerked his thumb in the direction of the shop. He'd better at least be civil or Sesha'd give him a swift kick to the shins.

[Oversoul]

Sesha would indeed. He took the beach things as Domerin went, looking over at Selene. "Will you come with me? You've probably got just as good an eye as I do."

Mark hesitated, wondering how many forms the man was going to make him sign this time. He figured Domerin was still probably spying on them for Selene's father. The jerk. "Sure." And he went to follow.

"Of course!" Selene bubbled happily. She lifted herself on her tip toes and put a quick kiss on Mark's cheek before she let go of his hand and bounded off in Sesha's direction, insisting on helping to carry the supplies so that he wouldn't have to do all the work. Her eyes scanned the area, passing over plenty of patches of open sand. "We don't want to go too far down the beach," she said as they began their search. "We won't want to have to retreat when the tide comes in..."

In fact Domerin had absolutely no papers for Mark to sign on this particular day, and had no interest in keeping tabs on him and his date for the day. He had agreed to bring the teenagers with them, he'd even agreed to keep the occasional eye on Selene, but he anticipated little danger waiting for them here, and he wasn't willing to chaperone the Major's daughter; if that's what the old man really wanted he'd have to do it himself. Domerin passed into the shop and held the door open for Mark, waiting until he'd entered before he went to the task of choosing the board he wanted. He knew exactly what he needed for their little trick to work, a slightly wider board, so that they could both keep balance on it, not too light weight to support his considerable bulk, not too flashy, as he detested the more gaudily painted boards. He wanted to be able to look at it without having the overwhelming urge to break it over his knee.

Sesha let her help carry, but only because he knew he wouldn't be able to handle it all by himself and try to find a place as they navigated the people strewn beach. "Very true." The girl had a sharp mind on her. His eyes slipped over the place, sharp as a hawks until he finally found a spot he thought might work. "What about that one?"

Mark muttered a thanks before stepping inside the shop. It had been awhile since he'd been in one of these places but he knew what to look for. He just wanted a basic board, nothing to fancy that made him look like he actually knew what he was doing out there.

Selene's gaze followed Sesha's and she immediately grinned. He had good eyes. "That looks perfect! It's even a bit secluded, I bet no one else will bother us there." Happily she began picking her way across the sands, weaving around all the sunbathers, clearly intent on claiming the spot before anyone else could steal it away from them.

Domerin had keen eyes and it wasn't long before he settled on the board he wanted. It was red and black and sported a slight design, but he'd picked it mostly for it's dimensions. After talking to the manager he even gave it another firm check, lifting it and testing it in his hands before he handed over the money to rent the board for the day. When he'd finished he took himself off to one side to wait for Mark.

Sesha let her do the hurrying, knowing he wouldn't be much help across the shifting sands. No one else looked to be coming and so it was easy enough to make the spot theirs. He joined her after a few moments, setting their things down in the sand, smiling to her. "Perfect."

Mark took just a little longer, but managed to find a simple white board with strips running down the middle. It was smaller than the one Domerin had chosen, but then it was only for himself. He paid for his own too before joining Domerin again. Once they were outside he looked over the beach. "Think we'll be able to find them?"

Domerin's eyes, hidden behind his sunglasses were scanning the beach. "Chances are they'll..."

But before he could finish Selene's voice cut through the crowd. "Over here you two!" She was standing in the middle of their claimed spot, waving her hands in their direction. Once she was certain that they'd spotted her, she turned back to help Sesha arrange their towels and shade umbrellas on the sands.

Domerin waved once to let her know they'd heard her. "..Find us." He finished with half a smile. He hefted up his board and made his way in the direction of their two companions.

Sesha let Selene catch the twos attention while he started to set things up, grinning over at her once that was done. "We'll need the big strong men to get this big umbrella down into the sand."

Mark smile himself, but he was just doing so because of Selene. He watched her all the time they made their way over to the spot they'd picked.

Selene almost pointed out that Sesha too was a man but decided against it. It wasn't that she thought it was weird, the two men's relationship, in fact it seemed rather genuine and sweet to her, but she didn't want to inadvertently offend. Instead she nodded and arranged the last of the towels so that they would all be able to receive some shade from the large umbrella. Then she ran to greet Mark, offering him another embrace as he came to a stop.

Domerin made his way around the edge of the area they had set up and propped up his chosen board before he moved over retrieve the umbrella. "Just tell me where you want it," he said with a lopsided grin without having to be asked to perform the task.

Sesha had more meant the big strong part. He could manage, but he wasn't anywhere near as strong as Domerin and he tended to break a bit to easily for those sorts of things. He kept close to Domerin, letting him get the umbrella in the sand before he claimed him once again. "Right here, I think..."

Mark returned the embrace, one armed because of the board he carried stealing a little kiss on the cheek for his own. "Nice spot."

Domerin nodded and affixed the umbrella in the proper spot, then promptly swept the other man into his arms, giving him a light squeeze. "Good work, as usual." He grinned. "Now we've gotta go get wet so we have a reason to bask in the sun." But he hesitated ever so slightly after he'd removed his jacket and laid it on one of the towels that were large enough to be blankets. But he couldn't exactly go swimming in his shirt, now could he. Finally he reached up and pulled his shirt off, exposing his strong, muscular chest and several small battle scars.

"Sesha gets most of the credit." Selene said with a grin. "He actually spotted it." She eyed the surfboard he had chosen. "Are you going to show me how it's done?" She asked with a grin, she had to admit the prospect of seeing him out there surfing the waves was rather exciting.

Sesha returned the hug, hardly willing to let him go, but allowing it for the chance to watch Domerin take his shirt off. He was horrible, he knew. Though he would be sure to ward off any interlopers before they got any ideas. He drew off his own shirt, but had an undershirt on under it he would swim in.

Mark grinned. "I'll certainly try. But you can't laugh to much when I wipe out okay?" He set the board down so he could flip his shoes off and remove his shirt as well.

"I would never laugh at you." Selene said firmly. She removed the light, flowing skirt she had placed over the lower half of her bikini. She tried to be respectful, but she just couldn't help it, her eyes strayed in Domerin's direction and she couldn't help but admire his fine toned muscles, though she noted the small scars that dotted his chest, back and arms. There was a small part of her that, despite the fact that she knew Domerin's preferences, and despite the fact that she was in love with someone else, was completely thrilled to realize she was glimpsing the famous and rather attractive chest of the dreamy Oversoul. It was a good thing her father wasn't around to point out her staring again. She quickly tore her eyes away and turned her focus back to Mark.

Domerin tried his best not to notice her looking, but he was rather relieved when she stopped casting those looks in his direction. He was sure no shortage of other young ladies were casting their eyes in his direction at this very moment. He felt very exposed, not something he enjoyed. The only thing covering his chest now were the small dog tags he always wore; they hardly covered an inch of him. He cleared his throat slightly. If he didn't know for sure that Sesha enjoyed eyeing him up as much as all those women he'd have hidden under his shirt all day. "Well then, dear, are you ready to go?"

Lucky for Selene, Mark was to busy looking at her to notice that she was looking at Domerin. It wasn't like he normally got to see her wearing something like that and to him, she was gorgeous. "I know, I know." He smiled and took up his board again, offering out his hand to her.

Sesha did enjoy eyeing Domerin up, though he could see the mans chest whenever he wanted to really. All he had to do was ask. But it was rare they got to be outside in the sunlight, which only made Domerin more attractive in his humble opinion. "I'm ready Domerin." He grinned. "I rather enjoy walking the beach with the most attractive man here."

Selene was rather stunning herself, though she didn't tend to think of herself as overly attractive. Her bikini was mostly green, depicting leaves and a few bright coloured flowers. The green accented the emerald of her eyes, which shone in contrast with her golden blonde hair, dancing about in the light breezes, occasionally brushing her face or shoulders. She didn't seem to notice Mark's eyes roaming over her at all as she fell into step with him to make their way down to the water's edge.

[Oversoul]

Domerin's dark skinned cheeks were touched with the slightest hint of red at Sesha's words. Despite the fact that his appearance tended to draw flocks of women, Domerin had never really thought of himself as attractive either, he tended to think that Sesha with his soft features was far more attractive than he. Flustered he cleared his throat again, his eyes darting in Mark's direction. The last thing he wanted was a comment out of him. "Not in front of the kids..." he mumbled slightly, embarrassed and then he grabbed Sesha's arm and hurried in the direction of the water, hoping neither Selene nor Mark would add to Sesha's comment; not that he minded a compliment from his Mate, he just didn't want anyone else overhearing.

Sesha laughed softly as Domerin drew him along. There were times he liked flustering Domerin merely because he was so cute when he blushed, weather he knew it or not. "As if anyone can't see its the truth." He said, though kept his voice low enough so only Domerin could hear.

If Mark heard he chose not to say anything about it. HIs own suit was red with some Hawaiian pattern on it. "Lets hope I can remember how to do this."

Domerin's blush deepened ever so slightly at Sesha's second comment but he was smiling, so clearly he wasn't upset by such compliments. By the time they reached the water's edge he'd mostly returned to his naturally dark colour. He waded into the water, taking the first few steps with caution, mostly because he was trying to gauge the water temperature. It was bound to be a shock the first time they fell from the board into the chill waters below. He liked to be able to brace himself.

Selene seemed unworried about Mark making a fool of himself; but then she wasn't the one going out on a surf board. "If it'll make you feel any better," she said with a slight grin, "I'll go make a fool of myself first, then you can't possibly be embarrassed."

Sesha let Domerin step into the water first before he followed him in, giving a little shiver as the cooler water moved around his feet. "It could be worse."

Mark grinned. "I don't think that’s quite possible Selene. I don't think anyone could manage to laugh at you." And he led her into the water, wanting her to come in at least a little bit before he follow the other two deeper out.

Domerin chuckled, because he could think of plenty of situations just off the top of his head that it could, indeed, be worse to be faced with the prospect of having to plunge into cold water. "That it could," he agreed as he made his way into the deeper waters. When the water reached up to about his waist he settled the surf board on it. After a few moments of maneuvering he managed to get himself sitting on it without it tipping over and then he did his best to hold it still so that Sesha could join him.

Selene didn't need much convincing to follow Mark. She wanted to be near him, and aside from that she liked the feeling of the cool ocean against her bare legs, the feeling of the wet sand between her toes. These were things she'd been convinced, for a time, she would never be able to feel again. At the moment she was more than happy to enjoy those simple feelings. "I'm sure they could if I did something silly enough." She said with a wave of her hand.

Sesha was slightly shorter than Domerin so it would seem a bit harder for him to get on the board, but there was nothing wrong with cheating a bit. Just a gentle steadying of the board while he climbed upon it and settled himself with Domerin. It was better than them both tipping over right off.

Mark stopped a little before Domerin and Sesha did, though he was leaving that pair to their own devies. He had more important things to focus on. "Maybe. But then I would have to distract them even more so they wouldn't."

Domerin would have liked to point out that Sesha could have saved him some trouble with a little bit of cheating too, but they couldn't exactly talk about that sort of thing in public, and they weren't actually supposed to do what they were about to do anyway. When they'd both situated themselves on the board Domerin pushed off. It took some muscle to propel the board into the deeper waters with both of them on it, but Domerin seemed up to the task. The board moved steadily into deeper waters.

Selene blinked, suddenly surprised by his words. It seemed unusual, him being so serious when she'd only been joking. "Why would you do that?" she asked, perplexed.

Sesha at least helped once they were both on, just a light balance to make it easier for Domerin to push the board out. He had no fear of deeper water, knowing that if anything did happen they would be able to manage it between the two of them.

Mark leaned lightly on the board that floated in the water between them like a countertop. "Because I love you Selene. I couldn't let anyone laugh at you."

Domerin continued in his efforts until they were approaching the larger waves. He could not help but grin as they drew close. It was always exciting to ride the waves, always got his blood pumping. He glanced back over his shoulder. "Are you ready?" He called, wanting to be certain before they plunged forward. Balance, after all, was critical to surfing, and the last thing he wanted was to dump them both in the water before they'd even had a chance to enjoy the ride.

Selene's expression was slightly amused though she didn't seem to be mocking him at all. "It's going to be awfully hard," she said quietly, leaning closer to him at the same time, "to keep everyone in the world from laughing at me for the rest of my life, Mark, I don't think even you are quite up to that task. I think I'll just have to live with a little disapproval."

Sesha nodded, though he was looking back at the oncoming waves. To bad he wasn't as good with water as he was with air. He could tell patterns well enough though. "Ready." He knew when to stand and when to support, they'd done this enough times before.

Mark shook his head. "Not if I can help it. How can you disapprove of perfect?"

Domerin only grinned in response and redoubled his efforts, throwing them into the waves as he turned them back in the direction of the beach, at the same time preparing for the right moment to get to his feet. Everything had to happen in just the right order, at just the right time, and he'd spent a long time perfecting his talent in this particular area.

Selene's smile remained though her tone was slightly more serious this time. "Be careful, Marcus Rutledge," she teased. "You're putting me on so high a pedestal I might be afraid of the fall underneath me." She may have been about to say more but it was at about that time that murmuring and pointing off in the direction of the deeper waters caught her eyes and ears and Selene couldn't help but glance out to see what might have caught so much attention. It only took her a moment or two to catch sight of it, and she seemed rather impressed. "Look at that!" she breathed and pointed herself in the direction of her adoptive uncles.

Domerin had managed to do his job perfectly. He was balanced on the surf board, using the smallest movements of his body to direct it while maintaining his balance as the board slid along the waves. It wasn't nearly as easy as he made it look, but he was enjoying it. The water moved beneath them, behind them, all below them threatening to swallow them up and Domerin did his best to keep them up as long as he possibly could.

Mark was about to give an answer of his own in response to that when her attention was brought off him and further into the water. He actually didn't mind for once, watching as the other pair surfed. He was surprised, really, he hadn't thought either of them had it in them. "Looks like they've got me beat."

Sesha waited only long enough for Domerin to get his footing before he did his part to help in their little show. His power working so subtly no one would know it was there, keeping them steadier than normal and him on the board so Domerin didn't have to worry about trying to keep him stationary.

"It isn't a contest," Selene teased him gently, giving him the lightest of shoves while her eyes followed the two men riding the waves. "They do seem to be rather multi-talented," She added almost absently. Her mind was on all the things she knew both men could do. As she had with her father, she'd read both their official files. Domerin had extensive combat training, and Sesha seemed to be almost a doctor in his own right. Of course, she didn't dare say any of that out loud.

Domerin kept them up as long as he could. They'd have gotten nowhere if it hadn't been for Sesha's subtle tricks, of that he was well aware, still they'd long since agreed that the thrill would be completely gone if they'd relied totally on Sesha's abilities. And so their visually stunning trip did come to an abrupt end, in the same way all surfing trips did, though they did manage to put on a rather impressive show before the water finally claimed them. In the last moments before they plunged into the water, Domerin spun to catch his mate, always liking to be certain that he sustained no injuries once they were submerged in the water where he could not so easily protect himself with his abilities.

"I know, I know." Mark winked at her before taking the hint and climbing up on his board as well and paddling himself towards the two and out into the deeper parts where he could see just how much he had managed to forget about surfing.

Sesha was normally the more cautious of the two, but at least in this he never let his power take over to much of their trip over the water. He much preferred Domerin to be in control, as he was when they rode on his bike and he was just allowed to hang on and enjoy. He was glad for the catch though, knowing the bottom wasn't to far away and the last thing he wanted was to break something.

Selene watched Mark go, stepping back slightly in the water, wanting to make sure she would get a good view of his trip along the waves. Though he seemed certain he was going to make a fool of himself, she had confidence he would perform fairly well in his own right. After all, he wasn't highly combat trained so he was at a slight disadvantage when compared to Domerin.

[Oversoul]

Domerin made certain that Sesha got his head above water quickly and then bobbed up beside him, tossing his wet hair over his shoulders as he shook his head. It plastered itself to his back as he retrieved their board. He held it steady so that Sesha could get back on it and then paddled his way towards the shore. He'd managed to spot Selene and it wasn't long until he'd drawn up beside her. "Where's loverboy?" He asked, his eyes scanning the direction they'd just come from. "Did we miss him?"

Selene just shook her head, blushing ever so slightly and pointed, she hadn't lost sight of Mark since he'd started on his way to the deeper water.

Sesha was a fairly good swimmer but it was good to have Domerin's support as he couldn't keep it up for to long on his own. He climbed back on, rather pleased with their trip as they headed back into the shallower water to meet with Selene. "Oh don't tease the poor girl Domerin." Though he was smiling slightly himself.

Mark had gotten out to just about the spot where the other pair had begun their ride, though he was busy looking out at the coming waves to see which would be best. He counted off before laying down when he felt the right one come and took off with it. At least he didn't make a total fool of himself. There were a few times it looked like he might wipe out once he managed to stand, but he did an impressive run back towards the beach.

Domerin was grinning. "I'm her uncle, I'm supposed to tease her." He chose not to point out that at least he was teasing, as her father would probably say such things with deadly seriousness and not mean them nicely. He glanced in the direction she pointed and watched as Mark made his own surf attempt. Though he didn't seem overly impressed by the show he did say, "Not bad at all."

Selene, on the other hand, was rather impressed. And after he'd made all that fuss about falling over and making a fool of himself. She was worried for the briefest of moments when he disappeared under the water but breathed again when she saw his head bob back to the surface. She couldn't wait for him to reach her again so that she could congratulate him on his fine run.

Mark wasn't under for long, a surprisingly strong swimmer given everything. He got his board back and started the swim back to the shallower water, soon enough able to walk along the bottom to where they were waiting. "Did a bit better than I'd thought."

"You did wonderfully." Selene corrected him with a wide grin as he reached the place where they'd been waiting. She sighed somewhat wistfully. "You all make it look so fun. I wish I could go, just once."

Domerin, picking up on that wistful tone glanced in Sesha's direction. Without Sesha's cheating he wouldn't have been able to take the other man with him at all. But Selene was his adoptive niece... and he would like to do some nice things for her. After all, it was unlikely he'd ever have a child of his own to spoil. "She probably doesn't weigh much more than you..." He said, pretending to size her up and make some mental calculations. He switched languages, however, choosing Greek as it made sense for them to both speak it when one considered Sesha's background. "<What say you, Love, can you cheat from back here, just this once for the Major's girl?>"

Mark grinned at her, giving her a wink. "Thanks Sel."

That tone wasn't lost on Sesha either and he considered Selene as close as family too, and he took that very seriously as Domerin knew. He gave a small nod of his head, nothing to overt to let them know what they were talking about. <"I most certainly don't see why not.">

"<You're a gem.>" Domerin didn't allow himself a roguish grin, but it was a safe bet Sesha knew he wanted to flash him one. "<I definitely don't deserve you.>" As though the gift were for him and not Selene. Turning back to the youngsters Domerin motioned for Selene to hop up on his board. "Alright then, Kiddo, up you go, we'll see how it works out. But you have to be as still as possible, or we'll be swimming before you have a chance to enjoy yourself."

Selene cast an odd glance in Domerin and Sesha's direction when the babbling that was clearly not English began. She'd had quite enough of people having secret conversations behind her back that she couldn't understand, but in this case, knowing both men must speak several other languages, she could almost guess what they might have been talking about. Domerin's words to her, however, excited her enough that she let her annoyance slip away easily. "Really?" She practically bounced through the water to the other man's surfboard, casting a look over her shoulder back at Mark. "Wish us luck!"

Sesha knew that look and a little smile of his own curled his lips, the one he got when he was really, really happy about something that Domerin had done. If it were possible for Domerin to be a father, he knew for a fact the man would be wonderful at it, no matter what he might say to the contrary. <"You deserve every inch of me, my love."> He spoke after, watching as Selene went.

Mark was actually glad that Selene was going to get to go, though he had no idea of their little subterfuge. He would never have been able to take her himself and if her uncle could, then he was glad she'd be getting the chance. "Good luck!"

Domerin paused for a single moment before he began paddling the board out to the deep waters again to give Sesha a rather sheepish look. "<Every inch, huh? Just you remember that when we get home tonight.>" And without giving the man a chance to ask what he might mean, Domerin propelled the board as quickly into the deep waters as he could. When he'd gotten them into position he cast one last glance back in Sesha's direction, knowing the man would be watching for them. He needed to be certain Sesha was ready before he began.

Selene waved over her shoulders at Mark and Sesha as she was carried out into the deeper waters for her turn at surfing.

Sesha was old enough to understand what was insinuated by that little bit of information and though neither of the young people would have understood what they said he was suddenly very flushed looking. But he didn't give a reply, instead watching them, knowing the timing of his part perfectly because of Domerin. He was ready.

Mark waved back at Selene though he was slightly worried for her. She'd never been on a board before and though he didn't doubt Domerin had some skill he hoped she wasn't hurt.

Domerin gave the slightest of nods to Sesha. He took a last moment to give some instruction to Selene, telling her how to position herself and how best to keep still so as not to disturb their balance. Then he pushed forward and brought them up into the waves. He had to be twice as careful this time. It was unlikely things would work exactly the same as with Sesha on board, even with Sesha cheating for them from the sidelines. He did, however, manage to get them up on the waves, and he did manage to give her a decent length ride before the water once again won out and took them both under. Domerin was as careful with Selene as he had been with Sesha, again spinning in the air to ensure her safety.

It was clear by the wide grin on Selene's face and her echoing laughter that Selene enjoyed every moment of her ride. She could see why the boys liked it so much, it certainly was exciting! She was an able swimmer, and though she appreciated Domerin's help, once they reached the surface she kicked away from him easily, swimming back to the place where Mark and Sesha waited with Domerin hot on her heels. "That was great!" She beamed. "I can see why you enjoy it so much!"

Sesha was ready when the time came, subtly using his skills to help hold Selene onto the board, though not putting enough pressure so that she wouldn't feel it. He knew Domerin would come back up after they'd fallen and so didn't worry about them at all, and was grinning when they returned.

Mark was watching closely, though Selene seemed to be having quite a bit of fun out there. He was surprised, but glad, she'd stayed on. If he noticed Sesha being awfully quite while they rode he gave no indication of it. "You did great Selene!"

Selene beamed. "Uncle Dom did all the real work though. If I went out alone I wouldn't last two seconds."

Domerin waved his hand as if to dismiss any effort on his part. "It was a pleasure." His eyes fell again on Sesha. "Would you like another, my dear?"

Mark grinned at her. "He just did the driving. You were the awsome passenger."

Sesha smiled, moving over to Domerin in the water and climbing back on the board again. "I would love another, Domerin."

Domerin took several more passes at the waves before they all tired of the surfing that morning. He managed to put on several more impressive shows with Sesha as his passenger, and at the very end took a few trips on his own. Domerin's skill proved to be fairly impressive even without Sesha's help, and without a passenger he was even able to do a few tricks, which earned him the admiration and jealousy of a great many watchers on the shore.

Selene spent the time they were surfing patiently watching from her place in the shallow water, allowing herself to enjoy the baby waves as they washed over her. If she minded sitting on the sidelines, she gave no indication of it at all.

[Oversoul]

Perhaps it was some indication that surfing had grown old, however, when Domerin set his board aside and started the splashing. He was a good swimmer, and recreational swimming was something he got to do far too little, but it was no fun if you didn't have someone to race.. or catch.

Mark did a few more runs of his own, though he was nowhere near as good at Domerin was at it. He put his own board aside a little sooner than the other man, going to sit with Selene in the shallows. He would rather be with her than just trying to show off.

Sesha enjoyed this time with Domerin immensely. It had been so long since they'd gotten to do this. He was going to have to remind Domerin that they needed to take more vacations. He stayed near the other man most of the time but he gave a little yell when he was splashed, despite being soaked already, not letting Domerin get away with that so very easly, splashing him right back.

Domerin only grinned, more than happy that his mate was going to participate in his game. But Sesha was not the only victim of his attacks, Selene and Mark, lounging together, received splashes as well. Domerin darted backwards in the wake of Sesha's attack, and as soon as his view was clear again he sent another wave in the man's direction, dancing back into the water again, as if daring them to come to war with him.

Sesha wasn't backing off from the battle himself following Domerin into the deeper water again, undaunted. He splashed right back as if defending the shoreline. Lucky for Domerin there were so many people around so he didn't get doused with an air current induced wave.

Mark actually tried to protect Selene from some of the splash attack, though most of it got through. He wasn't annoyed though, watching the pair of men with some incredulity. It wasn't often you said a pair of grown men chasing each other around int he ocean. But it was... nice to see they seemed to have a good relationship. Or... something. "Your uncles seem to be having fun."

Selene let out a small squeal as she was splashed with the cool water. It was a squeal of delighted surprise however, and she grinned. "They do seem to be enjoying themselves." She agreed. It was rather heart warming, or at least Selene thought it was. She had never had the opportunity to see two people who obviously loved each other so much simply be together. She hoped in a few years, Mark and her would be exactly the same way. "But what are we waiting for?" she giggled a moment later. "We certainly aren't going to take this abuse laying down are we?" And she got to her feet, propelling herself through the water towards the dark skinned man and adding to Sesha's splashing.

Domerin's tactics continued, though he was clearly getting just as wet as the objects of his splash attacks. When he got into deep enough water, however, his tactics changed. He slipped completely under the cool blue depths, disappearing in a shower of spray from his feet. Moments later he popped up behind Sesha, and announced his presence with more splashing.

Mark laughed and followed along behind her. He would have been just as content just sitting there with her, but if she was going to get into the action then so was he. He didn't move quite as fast, arriving a few moments after she did, and after Domerin had come up again so he got a rather clear shot at the man.

Sesha knew Domerin was good underwater and he never knew what the might do when he went under like that, though he trusted the man not to pull something rough that might be dangerous. But he only turned to get more water in his face. Sputtering he hit Domerin back with another wave of his own, getting him exactly as Mark and Selene did.

"Ack!" Domerin chuckled, as he was attacked by all three at the same time, though of course, he deserved it for having started the whole mess. Letting himself fall backwards he slipped back under the water. Several moments later he resurfaced right behind Sesha, and reached out to put an arm around the man's waist pulling him close, even lifting his feet just slightly off the bottom, though if

Sesha had really tried, Domerin would easily have let him slip from his grip. Thus using the other man as a shield, Domerin returned the splash attacks of his foes with his free hand, grinning all the while.

Sesha gave a yelp of his own as Domerin got hold of him, though he didn't at all seem like he was going to try and pull himself away from the man. He lifted his hands to shield himself from the attacks of the two young people. "Ahh! Mercy! Mercy!" He was laughing even as he said it though.

Selene gave Domerin a final splash, doing her best to deliver it from the side so that it would at least reach her intended target instead of hitting Sesha square in the face, but she was ginning and laughing right along with the rest of them.

When the splashes subsided, Domerin released Sesha with a triumphant grin. He'd enjoyed that more than he'd thought he would. Laughing like a child had its benefits. He didn't realize how much he'd missed leisure time until he hadn't had any any more.

No sooner had Domerin released Sesha, then Selene decided they needed to avenge their abducted comrade. She leapt up on Domerin's back clearly attempting to push him back under the water. The attempt failed, however as Domerin, chuckling, planted his feet firmly in the sand beneath him and resisted her pushing.

Sesha stepped back to where Mark was waiting, the young man looking more than a little amused by all of this himself. Sesha didn't bother to try and hide his mirth now. "Get him Selene. Show him who is the boss."

Selene boldly scaled Domerin's back until her head had risen above his and her legs were wrapped firmly around his chest, but still she couldn't manage to knock him off balance. He stood still, an amused look on his face as well. It seemed that Selene's weight alone was simply not enough. "Mark help!" she finally laughed.

Mark looked rather unsure. Crawling all over Selene's uncle (nondisclosure agreement uncle) didn't exactly sound like such a good idea to him. But Sesha gave him a little nod, letting him know it was alright. So he went over too, grabbing onto Domerin's shoulders to try and pull him down.

Domerin didn't seem bothered at all by their game. If he had anything against Mark he wasn't showing it. Domerin was not going to make it easy on them, however, and though he seemed considerably more off balance between Selene's rocking and pushing and Mark's pulling him towards the water, he did not yet fall, though he found himself hunched over a bit more. He grinned at Sesha. "Got others doing your dirty work for you now, Love?"

Sesha stood a bit to the side, grinning slightly as he watched the pair of them trying to tug Domerin down into the water properly. "I could help them Domerin, but I doubt you really want to go under." It was unclear what the frail man could actually do to help, but Domerin would know well enough.

Selene was even tugging at Domerin's wet hair now in her efforts to force him under the water. "We aren't giving up until you go down!" she declared, though in reality it could have taken them all day to force the man down at this rate.

Domerin shook himself slightly, trying to get his hair back from Selene's grip , though this did serve her purpose, as it knocked him slightly more off balance. "You heard the lady. One of us is going to have to suffer the sting of defeat." It was, however, only water, and Domerin would only be highly amused to find himself forced under it.

Sesha laughed softly, calling to the man in Greek once more. <"Oh just fall down Domerin.">

Domerin's smile did not falter though he arched an eyebrow in response. He wasn’t usually the type to give in in this sort of situation. It would have taken a good long time for him to get truly sick of the two of them climbing on him too. Still... "<Oh very well. But I'm only doing this for you. And you owe me.>" And then Domerin made a great show of the two of them finally winning out over his balance, slipping into the water several moments later.

Selene let out a triumphant yell as they finally succeeded and floated off of Domerin's back and into Mark's arms while they waited for him to resurface.

Mark moved quickly to the side to avoid getting fallen upon by Domerin as he was finally taken down. He figured his partner might have had something to do with it, but he didn't care. He put his arms around Selene, drawing her close. "I think we nailed it."

Sesha only smiled. <"I'll make it up to you, darling."> Was all he said before Domerin went down.

Selene chuckled. "He let us win." she murmured to Mark, hopefully softly enough that Sesha wouldn't overhear. She didn't want them to know, after all, that she was in on this particular one of their little secrets. It wasn't too hard to tell, after all, Domerin was rock solid and highly combat trained; she'd read his file. She doubted they would have won against him if he hadn't given in. She didn't seem bothered by the small conspiracy, however, instead she was happy that they'd played along.

Domerin floated back to the surface several moments later and brushed his midnight hair out of his eyes. It plastered itself against his cheeks, his neck, his back and shoulders. Getting back to his feet he glanced up at the sky. It had to have been past noon by now. "Food." He declared with a wolfish grin. "I think lunch is in order, especially because none of you want to ruin your dinner." And his grin only widened. Though he'd told them all he was taking care of dinner, not a single one of them had been told what, exactly, it was they were doing for Dinner. Selene was guessing McDonalds after the breakfast he'd shown up with the day before.

[Oversoul]

Mark only smiled. He had figured as much, but he wasn't bothered by it at all. At least Domerin hadn't groused at him for hanging all over him.

Sesha smiled when Domerin returned to the surface, moving over to his side almost instantly. "Then we'd better get back and we can do so." He knew something was up. He'd been around Domerin long enough to know when the man had something up his sleeve, but he let him keep his secrets for now.

Domerin put one arm around Sesha as they made their way back up the beach. He took one small detour on their way back to their sunning spot to return his surf board to the surf shop as he doubted they were going to be using it again.

Selene followed her uncle's example and slid herself under Mark's arm, pressing herself right up against his side as they walked back to their towels and umbrellas. She liked the feeling of being close to him, even if they were both soaked with salt water. She could see why Sesha so enjoyed being under Domerin's arm now that she was under Mark's.

Sesha did indeed love being close to Domerin. Not only that but it warned off any potential women, and men, flinging themselves at his man. He didn't tend to take to kindly to that. He let Domerin go back to the shop, heading back so he could gte the things set up so the food would be mostly open when Domerin met them again.

And Mark couldn't exactly say he minded either. He knew what he felt for Selene and it was about time they were able to show it. He gave her a little squeeze once they got back on the sand. "I'm going to take my board back too. I'll meet you at the blankets." And he leaned over and pressed a quick kiss to her cheek before following Domerin.

Selene helped Sesha to arrange the food, feeling once more that she couldn't let him do all the work. She took special care to make certain the sand would not find its way into their food before they had a chance to enjoy it. When they'd finished she retrieved herself a soda can and settled down, eagerly awaiting Mark's return.

Sesha was getting no small amount of jealous looks while he praded around the beach under Domerin's arm. Most of them were from young women and most of said young women made no attempt to hide their appreciation of Domerin's figure, though as of yet, none of them had been bold enough to actually come up to the two men. Domerin returned fairly quickly and settled himself beside Sesha, snatching up a beer can from the cooler and opening it before he could be told no.

Sesha let Selene help, mostly because they could get things done more quickly that way. She really was a nice girl, and he was coming to like her more every day. He already considered her family which went very deep with him. Sesha was good today and didn't even give Domerin a look as he picked up the beer. This was a vacation, after all, so the man deserved to get to relax too. He stuck to bottled water himself, though.

Mark returned just after Domerin did, fishing out a soda for himself too. He sat down next to Selene, drawing her into another quick little hug. He wasn't quite sure why but he just felt it was good to have her so close to him.

Selene made certain that at least her knee was brushing against Mark's for the whole meal. She too was enjoying getting to feel close to him, and even just a small bit of contact was preferable to space between them. She tried to eat a little bit of everything Sesha had brought, complimenting both he and Mark on their spectacular lunch choices.

Domerin probably ate enough for three people, and he ate it fairly quickly too. In fact his beer lasted longer than the rest of his lunch.

Sesha knew how to shop, at least, knowing how much Domerin could eat but buying things that would do him good rather than ill but fill him up too. He let Selene know that Mark had done his share too, and he had, providing some things that he knew she would like to eat. As Mark stayed close to Selene, Sesha stayed close to Domerin. Despite his usually quiet nature, he liked being seen with Domerin.

Domerin didn't seem to mind being close to Sesha at all. In fact if Selene still had any qualms about whether or not Domerin minded his particular persuasion being wide out in the open, they would have to have been squelched by now. When he'd finished his lunch his free arm went around Sesha's shoulders, and he even laid a light kiss on his cheek.

When lunch was finished Selene took care of as much of the clean up as she could, though there was not much left to clean up. Between the four of them, they'd managed to eat most of what had been brought. In fact Selene was rather impressed that Sesha's guess as to how much they would need had been so accurate.

Sesha, for once, actually let Selene help with the clean up. That was mostly because Mark seemed determined to help her and he thought it was rather cute. It was perfectly clear what they felt for each other, at least to him, and he did hope they would get as much out of this day as he and Domerin were. He leaned against the bigger man, relaxing.

When the cleanup was finished, Selene again followed Domerin and Sesha's example and curled up against Mark on the warm sands to bathe in the sun. If Domerin had been noticing anything about the two of them throughout the day, he wasn't giving any indication of it, he hadn't even made any smart assed comments after the 'loverboy' teasing.

The pairs would not have to spend much time trying to decide how they should spend the afternoon. Several minutes after they had settled back to sunbathe, a small group of young ladies finally got brave enough to approach them. They put on a good act at being shy, but it was clear by the bold way they strode into the group's space that they were not nearly as shy as they liked others to think. "Excuse us!" their spokes lady said, and then tried to half hide behind one of her friends before she was pushed to the front of the group again. "You see those boys over there?" She pointed down the beach a small way where a group of young men about the same age as the girls was watching them; more than one of them had turned eyes on Selene by now. "They challenged us to a game of beach volley ball, but they're bigger and stronger than all of us, see so they said we could have some strong men if we could find some that would play with us. Will you guys be on our team?" And it was clear that the plural was only added because they were not quite brave enough to request only Domerin, their main focus had been on him, however, and many seemed to be eyeing him from the cover of their friend's shoulders while their representative spoke.

Sesha nearly chuckled when the young ladies made their request. He knew if they were looking for strong men all they would really need was his man, no offence to Mark of course, but he simply wasn't Domerin. The idea did sound like some fun though he wondered what Domerin would think of it. He glanced up at the man. "What do you think, love?" He knew they were looking at Domerin and he wouldn't hesitate to remind them who he belonged to.

Mark looked over as well, already one of his arms draped over Selene's shoulder and just holding her loosely. He saw the way the others were looking at her across the space and his hold tighted somewhat. He would play, but he was going to make sure that if Selene did to that he was going to be on her team.

Domerin seemed somewhat amused by the whole spectacle in general. If the girls were looking to 'chase some tail', as in all likelihood they were, they had come to the wrong man. Domerin had absolutely no interest, nor was he impressed by the skimpy bikinis and shy smiles every one of the young ladies wore. The prospect of a game, however, was not so repulsive. He glanced down at Sesha and gave a light shrug. "If you want to play, then sure."

Selene, it seemed, had not yet noticed the entire purpose of the young ladies' request. She pulled herself to her feet and reached for Mark's arm, tugging him up after her. "Sounds like fun to me." she said with a grin. "We could use some exercise to work off that lunch."

The rest of the young ladies squealed with delight, but mostly because the most attractive man on the beach had just agreed to play volley ball with them.

Mark stood up as Selene drew him by the arm, instantly sweeping her into a hug once more, partly to make sure the guys across the way knew to keep their hands off. "You're a slave driver. This is supposed to be a vacation." He was only teasing though, which was clear enough.

Sesha shrugged as well. "I'm not averse." He stood as well, seeming the concensus was to join the game.

Domerin got to his feet last and streatched for a moment or two before he nodded for the young ladies to lead the way. He was alright with this idea as long as none of those girls got bold enough to get grabby. The instant a hand that wasn't Sesha's landed on his ass he was leaving... possibly only pausing long enough to break said hand.

The girls practically skipped off in their excitement, though as Domerin followed they all seemed to be trying to be the one to get to walk beside him.

When they'd reached the other team, Selene suggested they introduce themselves, and a small introduction session followed, most of the girls giggled and started whispering when Domerin told them his name.

Sesha merely smiled slightly at the maddness of young girls. If he'd thought there was any chance one of them could net Domerin he would have worried but as things stood... it was almost funny. Though somehow, though he certainly didn't skip or move quickly in the least, he was the one who managed to walk beside Domerin, though how he managed it wasn't sure.

[Oversoul]

Domerin simply didn't seem to be noticing the girls' antics at all, and ironically this only seemed to spur them further. Luckily Domerin had enough tact to keep from rolling his eyes flat out. He did wish, however, that he had his shirt.

The teams took up their positions on opposite sides of the net and one of the young men served the ball. It became quickly apparent that the girls who had asked them to become a part of their team might not have entirely been driven by Domerin's looks. They didn't seem to be very good at the game at all. When one of the girls not far away fumbled with the ball on her first attempt, Domerin was beside her in a flash, his speed and reflexes making him excellent at this game. He easily batted the ball back into the air, returning it to the men's side.

Mark was fair at volleyball. He'd played it enough but it had been awhile. He was fast though and so that certainly did give him something of an edge even if he wasn't super strong the way Domerin seemed to be.

Sesha, on the other hand, had to be careful. Those balls could hit hard and it could be dangerous if he fell. So he did make subtle use of his powers, if only to cushion his hands and wrists when the ball did come to him. It was just safer that way.

Selene seemed to be fairly good at the game herself, though she was by no means an expert. She didn't have the speed of Mark or the strength of Domerin, but she was clever, and she knew how to hit the ball just right to set it up for a good move from one of the others. Between the four of them, and some lucky shots from their fellow players, they seemed to be able to keep their team returning the ball to the other side.

Domerin, it seemed, knew how to be a team player. Though he could have run all about their side of the net, probably managing to return nine out of every ten hits all by himself, he did not do so. When the ball was nearer to him than any of the other capable players he made his move, when it made it's way towards Mark he allowed the younger man to take care of it, and so ball to the other side.

Domerin, it seemed, knew how to be a team player. Though he could have run all about their side of the net, probably managing to return nine out of every ten hits all by himself, he did not do so. When the ball was nearer to him than any of the other capable players he made his move, when it made it's way towards Mark he allowed the younger man to take care of it, and so on with the others. He seemed to be enjoying himself, though it did not escape his notice when one of the girls would fumble the ball and purposely stumble in his direction afterwards. More than once he had to catch a girl before she fell, and he seemed less than amused by it.

Mark did his part too, sending the ball back and often taking the help that Selene had to give. He stayed close to her and they worked very well with each other, which was a good sign. And he was enjoying himself too, mostly ignoring the other girls on their team and focusing on Selene and the ball.

Sesha did find it rather amusing. They way they tried and knowing it was futile. It wouldn't stay like that forever though, and he had lines that they had better not cross just as Domerin did.

Domerin was ever careful throughout the game. Although often times the girls tried to get between him and Sesha, keeping them apart, they failed utterly. And when the particularly hard and fast balls headed in the fragile man's direction he was there to help keep him from getting hurt, though he knew full well Sesha must have been utilizing his particular talents to keep his bones from being shattered.

Selene was mostly absorbed in the game. She was enjoying the challenge of keeping the ball in the air for the boys to hit over the net, and she even managed to get a few over herself, though she couldn't manage to pull of 'Power Moves', like the way Domerin slammed the ball over the net so that it bounced off the sand before any of the boys on the other side could dive for it. Despite that, she was rather proud of her cleaver hits and she was rather proud to see that Mark could return the ball about as well as her uncle could. As the game wore on, however, she did begin to notice the strange antics of the girls towards her adoptive uncle and the more she noticed, the more it bothered her. Every now and then she could be caught frowning in the direction of one errant girl or another.

Sesha was grateful for the help from Domerin, as there were times when he couldn't use his powers without them being to noticeable. But he knew that Domerin would always be able to tell those times and didn't worry about being hurt. He kept his eyes on the girls, though there was something that always kept he and Domerin together even as they tried their antics out. At one point when it looked as if one of them were going to fall right on the man and he wasn't able to do anything about it, a sudden little breeze sprang up and guided her fall into the sand instead of Domerin's side.

Mark did notice how the girls were acting and at one point when he noticed Selene frowning he whispered to her when things were slow. "Geez. They're all over him."

"Their behavior is appalling." Selene hissed back at him, just barely able to keep her voice at a level where the others wouldn't be able to hear it. "They can see that he's here with someone else, yet they persist! It makes me sick."

A light sheen of sweat had broken out on Domerin's chest and arms. The sun was fully above them, after all, pounding its rays down on each and every one of them, and he was doing quite alot of running, though he didn't seem to be out of breath at all. The tiny beads of moisture made the sun's light dance about his form, almost seeming to accent his muscular form.

Mark leaned in an whispered back. "They don't care. They're like wolves. I'm surprised Sesha hasn't smacked them yet though." But he didn't know how deep the connection ran between the two men and that Sesha wouldn't be worried about a few little girls.

But that was, of course, until one of those little girls couldn't quite tame herself. After all, Domerin was probably just a little misguided and he was way to good looking. Perhaps she stumbled for real that time, but she certainly used it to her advantage. Whatever it was, her hands ended up where they shouldn't have, on a way to toned backside.

Selene was just about ready to storm away from this game, dragging her adoptive uncles and Mark along with her when the incident happened, the only thing that had kept her from doing so to this point was the fact that she wasn't wholly certain Domerin would appreciate it, he seemed the kind of man who liked his independence, liked things done his own way, and if he wasn't stalking off perhaps she shouldn't either. This was the last straw, however, and Selene flat out let the ball bounce onto the sand beside her as that hand made contact.

Domerin stiffened as the contact came, every muscle in his body rigid, combat reflexes kicking in almost immediately. The look in his eyes was sharp, almost animal. Domerin Lorcasf was a fearsome creature when he was angry. The youngster wasn't going to get to enjoy her grab for very long. Domerin spun and seized her arm in the kind of movement usually only seen by trained gymnists. He pulled her arm back slightly, holding it in a firm grip. He knew just how much pressure he could apply to make her wince, and he did so, the look in his intense eyes as they bore into her warning that she had made a mistake, and that he would not be so kind the next time she dared make it. "That." He said firmly, though quietly enough that most of the rest of her friends would not hear it. "Is not yours."

Mark's eyes went a bit wide when he saw that. He didn't know Domerin well, but it was easy to see that the girl had pushed her luck a little to far that time. "Uh oh."

Sesha's eyes narrowed sharply and though he was sorely tempted to walk right over and smack the girl and proclaim she get her hands off his man he knew Domerin could take care of himself and wouldn't be happy with him if he started getting overtly offensive about things.

The girl gave a little squeak when her arm was grabbed, realizing in an instant that she shouldn't have done that. Te look in Domerin's eyes was more than enough to tell her that. "Sorry." She whispered, sounding scared.

Domerin was not a cruel man. When it was obvious that the girl had learned her lesson, his grip loosened. It was only his very strong sense of honour that kept him from doing her any kind of real damage, she was unlikely to even bruise; it probably wouldn't even take an hour for the pain to fade. He did not throw her hand away from him, feeling he'd served her enough humiliation for the time being; after all, she was about to become the girl who had chased away the object of all her friends' rabid affections, that was going to get her enough mean comments and nasty looks, he really needn't do any more. But just to hammer the last nail in her coffin, as he let her arm slide from his grip he flashed her an absolutely dazzling smile, the kind that could melt a girl's heart in an instant. "I think I've had quite enough of volley ball for the afternoon. If you're feeling so off on your feet, perhaps you'd best take a rest yourself." With that he turned and made a gesture, at the same time motioning his companions to follow him and waving good bye to the girls they'd been playing with. On his way off the game field he lightly tucked his arm around Sesha and pulled the other man close.

"That makes two of us." Selene said under her breath as she tucked herself back up under Mark's arm. She was more than happy to fall into Domerin's wake, rather feeling the girl had deserved all that she'd gotten.

True to Domerin's silent prediction, the looks that followed him from the game were of disappointment; not of anger at his actions, and more than one of the girls was already giving the grabber a dirty look.

[Oversoul]

Sesha slipped into Domerin's arm, that as much of a chastisement as he was going to give her, especially when his own arm slid around Domerin in return. She wasn't going to be very popular for awhile.

Mark drew Selene close as they walked away, not looking back. "Serves her right, I say." He said low, so only the pair of them would hear it.

Domerin fumed silently for only the first few steps before he let the whole incident go. He'd had enough of little girls with hungry eyes for the day, and when not a single one followed them he decided not to let one bad incident ruin the whole day. Though he'd been well aware of their antics, he'd still managed to enjoy most of the volley ball game. His eyes turned skyward on their way back to their towels, he was gauging the time of day by the sun, a trick he'd managed to learn during his time with 01. "Alright, gentlemen and lady, I think it's about time we pack up anyway. We don't want to be late for dinner. Reservation and all."

Sesha smiled softly, giving Domerin a bit of a squeeze. He was glad the man wasn't going to let it bother him. This was their day after all and they weren't likely to get another one for a long while. "You're making me very curious Mr Lorcasf." He said, having no idea of what Domerin had in mind.

"Good." Domerin said, flashing Sesha one of those heart melting grins. "We're all going to have to change before we leave, however, as I don't think swimsuits and sand are the usual attire at the place I have in mind."

"Where are we going?" Selene asked excitedly, although he had told them all to bring changes of clothing, she hadn't had a chance to ask what the dinner plans were. She only hoped she'd chosen the right dress.

"You'll see." Was all Domerin said as he reached their sunning spot and began to dismantle the large umbrella.

Sesha knew he would get no more out of Domerin about whatever surprise he had in store. Though he didn't show it outwardly, he was really excited. Somehow, Domerin always knew just what to do, even if to outsiders he seemed gruff and insincere. Even that smile still got him, after all this time. He helped to clean up the smaller things, letting Domerin do the rest.

Mark almost wished he knew so he could somehow manage to make this really special for Selene. He owed her, after that last meeting they'd had in her fathers apartment and he wanted so much to make things up to her. Still, he was glad the older men were mostly letting them do their own thing and not looming over them every second.

Selene helped to clean up their sunning area as well, and with so many hands they were packed up in short order. Domerin shouldered most of the burden of carrying things back to the car. He paused a moment when they had finished to shake most of the sand from himself before climbing into the driver's seat; his motorcycle was parked in a safe enough place that he could return for it when dinner was over. "Hop in everyone." He said as he slid the keys into the ignition.

Selene carefully laid out her towel before she sat down on the back seat, doing her best not to drag unwanted sand and moisture into the car.

Sesha got in the front, wanting to sit close to Domerin. He was a little tired after their day out under the sun but with a shower and a small rest he would be perfectly fine for dinner.

Mark got in the back too, slipping an arm around Selene again. He couldn't quite keep his hands off her, just wanting to be close as best he could manage.

Selene too seemed to be a bit worn out. She laid her head against Mark's shoulder and allowed herself to very lightly dose as Domerin drove. The song the man put on the CD player was very old, but far lighter rock than the type he usually listened to. The chorus declared that the singers had 'built this city on rock-and roll'. Domerin guided the car through traffic, once again proving himself to be an able and safe driver.