2615/Seaside Picnic

Seaside Picnic
Date of Scene:	15 June 2025
Location:	Sarek
Synopsis:	Laisa decides to surprise Veronica with a romantic picnic on the island of Sarek! Lots of cute romance and cuddliness follows, and then Veronica takes Laisa out exploring on the seemingly endless sea.
Cast of Characters:	Laisa Samuiko, Veronica Perenna

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Laisa Samuiko has posed:
    Laisa was struck with a certain romantic mood this morning and immediately set to act upon it. It felt a little strange to her still, like she was getting far more than she deserved with Veronica, but she wasn't going to complain about it. Veronica was irresistibly cute, and Laisa longed for the next chance to spend time with her.

    Of course, Sarek was a perfect romantic getaway. So that's where Laisa began to set up her plans. The snow angel, in her dorm, looked over the two paintings she now carried with her, and admired for a moment the work that her beloved had put into them. The care, the attention to detail, the small touches... One might think Laisa arrogant or conceited to look so lovingly at a picture of herself, but it's not her own image she's admiring. It's Veronica's ability, talent, and sweet kindness.

    Laisa really had something good here.

    She knocked on one painting, then the other, then the first, following the code as she remembered it. 3-2-3-1-2. The portal opens, and she passes through, carrying a picnic basket and a blanket. Since the portal places her at the beach, she figures that this is where she'd set up. Looking out across the waters, she considers for a moment what it'd be like to swim out there. Something to ask her kitten about later, because you never really know about magic stuff.

    There might be sea monsters or something! Best not to think about that, actually...

    She finds a spot on the beach close to the portal and spreads out the blanket, setting the basket on top.

    Then she leaves, closes the portal, and makes her way to Veronica's dorm.

    Once Veronica opens her front door, she'll find the silver portal, and her snowsweet beckoning her from the other side.

Veronica Perenna has posed:
It was just about any normal day for Veronica, though it being the weekend, she is certainly taking it more easily than she otherwise would. Though, even then, she has things she wants to get to, and a good chunk of those involve setting up sweet things to do with the angel that has graced her life out of nowhere, and has taken a place of honor in it after taking away Veronica's own heart.

That's something Laisa has beaten her to the punch this time around, and when she sees her girlfriend waiting in Sarek with the portal as the only exit to her dorm room, she can't help but laugh.

"What's this, stealing my heart wasn't good enough? Now you are stealing me too?", she laughs, eagerly stepping through the portal, and bringing her arms around Laisa's waist.

The brunette lifts her up joyfully in a pirouette, and before setting her down, she kisses her on the lips. "So, what's the surprise?", she asks with gleaming eyes.

Laisa Samuiko has posed:
    Laisa watches Veronica approach with giddy anticipation, reaching up to throw her arms around her darling's shoulders as she's lifted up. By the time she's set down, the snow angel has a pretty warm blush on her cheeks. She adjusts her embrace so that she's holding her girlfriend around the waist instead of hanging off of her shoulders, and rests her head against her darling to enjoy her warmth for a moment.

    After giggling, Laisa says, "Well, assuming you're still hungry, I thought we might have breakfast! Here, on the beach." She pulls away and tilts her head towards the set out blanket and picnic basket. "Together," she lilts, before giving Veronica a kiss.

    She winks as she pulls away, letting her fingertips trace along her kitten's back before releasing her. With a loving and mischievous smile, she walks backwards for a step or two and then turns around, walking over to the picnic setup.

    "Just give me a moment to set it out," she says, sitting down on the blanket and opening the basket. She takes out two bentos, one for herself and one for her darling. Then she produces a thermos and a couple of cups, then flips the now empty basket upside down to use as a flat table that she places the cups on.

    Laisa smiles up at Veronica, folding her hands together and watching her. "I hope this isn't too sudden, but... I thought it'd be fun to surprise you."

    The bento, if Veronica opens hers, is full of things like sushi, egg rolls, onigiri and karage. The thermos has green tea. All of it is still warm, as if Laisa had been preparing it this morning.

Veronica Perenna has posed:
Veronica smiles at Laisa resting her head against her, and she keeps hugging her close, up until it's the purple-haired girl that speaks up again.

"You prepared a whole picnic?", she raises an eyebrow, smiling widely to Laisa. That must have taken a lot of work, and even if she had already had breakfast, she would have found the space for something her girlfriend put so much time into.

Veronica doesn't waste any time following her to the picnic setup, replying along the way. "That sounds like a really lovely idea, my snowsweet" Next Laisa starts setting up the picnic, and Veronica mostly watches from the sidelines, however after remarking that she could help if Laisa wants her to.

"It's sudden in the best way", Veronica smiles happily, and takes one of the cups for the green tea. "I can't wait to see what you have prepared", she says opening her bento.

"You made this bento too? It's really well-made", she heads for the sushi, then she lifts a piece of salmon, but instead of eating it herself, she gives it to Laisa with a wink. "Say ahhhh", she explains to her.

Laisa Samuiko has posed:
    Laisa has a bit of a nervous energy about her, and she's not really hiding it. She wants to make sure to have a good time with her girlfriend, but she kindof put this together at the last minute and is hoping she didn't forget any details. As she looks down at her own bento she has... not so much 'second thoughts' so much as ideas on how she might be able to do things better next time.

    Smiling after hearing her darling's approval, Laisa says, "Oh, well, if you really like it, maybe we can share meals like this more often. I mean... I love going out with you, but eating together in more casual settings is always nice, too." They may have shared a few meals in Crystal Tokyo, but even that wasn't exactly casual. More like... emergency conditions.

    Opening her own bento and getting her chopsticks, she starts picking at her food, but her red eyes are actually going to Veronica. Will her girlfriend like what she's made? ... oh! Laisa blushes when she sees what her kitten's plan is.

    "Oh, Veronica... you really are so good to me."

    With her mouth wide open, she says, "Ahh~" in a sweet, almost melodic way. Closing her mouth around the salmon, she pulls it away with her teeth and then slowly chews. Her heart flutters as she considers the sweet gesture, and decides to return it. She picks up a sushi roll with her own chopsticks, and offers it to her beloved. "Now, your turn~."

    Letting her bento stay in her lap, Laisa places her free hand on her own cheek, silently admiring and adoring her beloved.

Veronica Perenna has posed:
"Ahhhh", Veronica opens wide, letting Laisa feed her her the sushi roll, and she starts cleary savouring it as soon as it's in her mouth. "It's so delicious, Laisa. Thank you", Veronica whispers happily.

And of course, Veronica is already thinking about how to make a habit of this, with all sorts of different menu, days that she can cover herself, and where to obtain the freshest and most delicious ingredients.

But instead of offering her another bite, Veronica leans closer to kiss Laisa lovingly, her blue eyes watching her affectionately during the entire time. "We can definitely share meals with these. I want to set up things already to give you. We can even cook each other's bentos for school", she doesn't waste anytime bringing up.

"Me? You are the most wondrous, beautiful, and sweet, Laisa", Veronica looks at her in the eyes. "That's why I love you so deeply."

And she kisses Laisa again, holding her sweetly, because really, her heart has started bursting with the affection that normally hangs around quietly like a volcano at rest, and the brunette wants Laisa to really feel how much her heart sings for her presence, her kindness, her sweetness.

Laisa Samuiko has posed:
    Laisa watches Veronica eat and gets a lighthearted mood, and she smiles as her meal prep is complimented. "I'm glad you like it," she softly whispers back. Truly, pleasing and being praised by someone you love is one of the best feelings.

    As Veronica leans in for a kiss, Laisa moves to meet her halfway, smiling and looking deeply into her beloved's eyes. She sighs happily and then giggles after the kiss breaks. The thought of doing stuff like this regularly with Veronica feels really nice, actually. "I'd like that, actually. Making food for you, and eating something you made for me... that'd be really sweet."

    Another kiss comes in, and this time Laisa sets aside her bento and chopsticks so that she can lean against Veronica and hold her closely. It's nice, getting comfy and close like this. A lot of the sculptor's nervousness goes away as she feels her beloved's embrace, finally relaxing as she gets the love and affection she needs.

    She scoots a little closer to her kitten, so that she can hold her a bit more tightly and enjoy a bit more of her kindness and warmth. A hand reaches up to scritch the back of Veronica's neck as Laisa holds the kiss for an extra moment or two, watching her beloved with sparkling red eyes.

    "Oh? Wonderous, beautiful and sweet? Are you sure you aren't talking about yourself there?"

    The kiss breaks, but Laisa stays close as she whispers to her darling painter, "I love you so much."

Veronica Perenna has posed:
Veronica laughs and nods, "I am pretty sure I don't usually compliment myself." She nuzzles her cheek against Laisa's and says, "Thank you, my snowsweet." Because of course she understood what Laisa was getting at, and Veronica isn't going to miss a chance to thank her, not when she makes her feel so loved.

She is perfectly content to just enjoy the moment they have created, and her eyes gleam softly when she is called kind. "Thank you, love. I am certainly enjoying myself, and it's all thanks to you."

Veronica warmly returns the kiss, keeping her lips softly pressed against hers for a few lovely second, and then she lets that beautiful moment fill her, looking at Laisa with love and affection.

Laisa Samuiko has posed:
    "Oh you don't?" teases Laisa, after nuzzling back against her girlfriend. She knows that Veronica doesn't, because that's not her style, but the sculptor is being playful. "Well, then I'll have to do the complimenting for you~, because you really are wonderful. You're my favorite person."

    Laisa gazes into Veronica's eyes for a while, with a soft smile settling on her lips. She's not entirely sure how much time is passing with them cuddling and sharing a meal, and she's not sure she cares at this point. She snuggles a little closer to her beloved and holds her a little tighter.

    When told that Veronica is enjoying herself, she says, "Me, too. I'm so grateful for the time we share."

    It's a very peaceful moment. She listens to the waves crash against the beach, the wind blowing through the willow and ash trees behind them, and watches the course of the clouds through the sky. Everything feels right in this magical hidden world.

Veronica Perenna has posed:
"That sounds like a very important thing", Veronica nods in a faux-serious tone. "You know, I would say we are of the same mind there, because there is nobody I adore more than you", she replies, then breaking the seriousness to hug her girlfriend happily.

Veronica just spends some seconds snuggling Laisa close, tenderly enjoying the relaxing sounds of their heartbeats mixing together, playing a synchronous dance with the two girls' relaxed breaths, and she just caresses her angel's cheek while gazing lovingly into her eyes.

She is really thankful for this magical world with the relaxing melodies of waves and wind, a shelter from the chaos of those who live with dark energy and an abode to many sweet moments like these. It's not as consolidated as Radiant Heart, but it's still the place dearest to her.

"I know of a perfectly good way you can give me more", Veronica winks, sitting up and reaching for a napkin, with which she picks up a onigiri. "Here, have this", she smiles, bringing the delicious food closer to Laisa's lips. Because apparently the answer to that is romantically feeding and pampering Laisa.

Laisa Samuiko has posed:
    Laisa giggles happily at Veronica's sweet words, before sharing a hug with her beloved. This really is the best, because the snow angel couldn't possibly imagine a happier time than right now, all cuddled up to her darling girlfriend and happily sharing sweet affections with her.

    It's nice to just relax like this for a bit, with their hearts and breaths so in tune with one another. She gazes back into the eyes of her kitten, with nothing but love and joy in her expression.

    "More, you say?" coos Laisa, before waiting to see what Veronica does. It doesn't take long for her to figure out what her girlfriend's intentions are, and she giggles for a moment before sitting up and opening her mouth wide. "Ahhh~..." she says, awaiting food, and when she's fed the onigiri she happily munches with a bright smile.

    Deciding to return the favor, she finds her chopsticks and takes a bit of karage from the bento before leaning closer to Veronica to spoil her darling. "Open wide~"

Veronica Perenna has posed:
The sky above Sarek shines in soft hues of rose and amber, casting a warm glow over the sandy terrain. With the sun low on the horizon, shadows start stretching across moss-covered rocks and low-lying shrubs, but the trees' branches are still tinted with gold, as if holding back the night so the two girlfriends could enjoy the sunset's tender gaze.

Veronica giggles joyfully at the bright smile with which her girlfriend is eating the onigiri, fondly admiring the cuteness with which the other girl is eating. Though it would be a very tall order for Veronica to find something Laisa does that isn't cute.

Veronica doesn't waste a single second in doing as her girlfriend says, her eyes twinkling happily when she sees Laisa do the same thing, playfully nibbling the karaage a bit, before actually taking it off of the angel's fingers.

"Thank you, I was actually feeling a bit famished", she replies earnestly, and then her eyes fall onto the egg rolls, the next serving for her beloved angel. "Good thing you are there to choose for me. It all looks so good I would be left starving otherwise", Veronica giggles, then bringing the food close to Laisa's lips.

The brunette can see her snowsweet really has put all of herself in this meal, and her cheeks retain the same rosy glow as the sunset, the appreciation and love she feels for Laisa beating fondly in her chest.

Laisa Samuiko has posed:
    Sarek really is a very pleasant place. Laisa takes the time to notice it once in a while, when she isn't busy admiring her adorable Veronica. The island wind plays with her twin braids, and the rosy sunset adds a lovely backdrop. It's idyllic, really, and the snow angel considers it a privilege that her beloved gave her the means to come here as she pleases.

    Laisa is all too happy to be cute for her girlfriend. Whatever brings Veronica joy, Laisa is more than willing to do. It's only natural, with how in love she is, and the fact that her feelings are returned means that she doesn't have to be too shy about expressing them.

    As Veronica's lips touch her fingers, Laisa blushes a bit. Then she thoughtfully places her own fingers against her lips and only realizes after the fact that technically this is an indirect kiss.

    Before she can think on that too long, Veronica starts feeding her an eggroll, and Laisa can't help but smile and giggle as she's spoiled further. After chewing and swallowing, Laisa giggles at her darling's compliment. "Well, it's my pleasure to make good food for you. Especially when you spend so much time spoiling me right back~."

    For a moment, Laisa's eyes shine as she gazes at her girlfriend and considers how almost overwhelmingly sweet their love is, and how much she cherishes her. Then she takes an eggroll, and leans closer to feed it to her darling. Once she's close enough, she plants a soft kiss on Veronica's forehead.

Veronica Perenna has posed:
If Laisa expressed her feelings about Sarek, Veronica would be more than proud of the enjoyment the purple-haired girl derives from the island. After all, this is a place that has been made to house the Princess of Sarek and her friends, and Laisa is a lot more than that. Something would be amiss in Veronica's opinion if she didn't know how to get in.

Granted, the island also has become more mysterious lately, what with the confirmation of its fairy, and the fact it is nowhere to be found. But none of that matters for how special the place has been to her, and that feeling has only intensified now that Laisa is there to share it with Veronica.

"You actually make this place all the more special", she actually brings her feelings to the surface, gazing lovingly at her snowsweet. "I don't know what it would be like if you weren't here with me. Before it was just beautiful, but you have filled it with joy and laughter."

When Laisa passes her fingers over Veronica's lips, the thief gently holds Laisa's hand there, and gives her fingers a light smooch before letting go of it with a delicate brush, the two girls' fingers briefly intertwined.

The soft kiss makes Veronica smile happily, and she reaches over to squeeze Laisa's hand, actually taking the time to hold it now. Even if she would have trouble letting go of it, if nothing else in the world mattered.

Picking up an octopus ball, she splits it in half and puts one of them in Laisa's hand, while the other is brought to the angel's lips once more. "A part for you, and one part for me", she winks at her beloved.

Laisa Samuiko has posed:
    "This place is more than beautiful..." Laisa speaks softly, and then winks at her darling. "... especially as a romantic getaway. The perfect idyllic locale to spend quality time with my darling." After a moment of smiling at Veronica, she glances out over the ocean and the sunset beyond. "Everything about it is so mysterious and pretty." Remembering something she thought of before, she says, "I have to ask, have you gone swimming out there before?"

    Laisa watches with a slight smile as Veronica holds and then kisses her hand. As fingers intertwine, she gives her beloved's hand a squeeze before leaning forward to give her a soft peck on the lips. After all, there's no reason not to take the time to enjoy each other's affections right now. They have all the time in the world.

    Veronica is free to hold Laisa's hand as often and as much as she wants, as far as her snowsweet is concerned. Red eyes glance at her kitten for a moment before Laisa squeezes and then gently holds her girlfriend's hand. As her other hand is given one half of an octopus ball, it doesn't take long to figure out what the plan is. "Ah~. A lovely idea."

    For a moment Laisa imagines doing something similar with cake.

    She opens her mouth to accept Veronica's offering, and at the same time holds her half in front of Veronica's lips so that they can feed each other at the same time. Another synchronicity between them, though this time it's more intentional than the natural rhythm of their heartbeats.

Veronica Perenna has posed:
Veronica's heart beats rapidly when Laisa takes the part of the ball she has been given and offers it to her in that simultaneous moment of simple offerings, and she takes her time to savour the moment letting it stretch for as long as the octopus ball lasts, and the more of it she eats the more of this moment Veronica is imprinting in her mind, to remember for a long time.

The same goes for that kiss, and she reaches out slowly, feeling the softness of Laisa's lips and their warmth in conjunction with the love they declare. It's really a miracle that Laisa is here with Veronica, to share it with her and her alone. Could she be any more fortunate?

The joyful feelings blooming within her certainly make Veronica indulge in the touch of Laisa's hand more than she originally intended, when she just thought they were going to continue feeding each other. But for now, yes, she would like to hold onto it more, for as long as Laisa will allow.

"I have been there a few times, yes", she confirms softly, turning to look at that beautiful rosy sky that is crowning this moment. "Some of it was just to enjoy myself, but I did try to see how far it could go, if there was land on some other side, or a barrier, or anything that showed an end. If there is, I couldn't reach it, and I did it as a mermaid, so I was really fast. It was just endless water."

Laisa Samuiko has posed:
    Laisa's heartrate also increases a bit at the shared, mutual feeding. Laisa tries not to let her train of thought run too wildly off track, but she can't help but be teased a bit by the sweet gesture. Seeing Veronica savor the moment, Laisa decides to do the same. She can't help but have a little bit of rosiness in her cheeks, since the moment is so romantic.

    She really does love Veronica, she realizes for possibly the hundredth time, and each time she comes to that conclusion it still feels so profound.

    The warmth and touch of Veronica's hand is nice, so Laisa also decides that hand holding is what she wants to do right now. It's such a sweet yet understated way of being together, really.

    "You swam out there as a mermaid?" Laisa considers as she looks over the ocean. "So there's no practically reachable end, and neither of us can really fly. I mean, I could probably freeze a trail of water and go skating out there, but I don't think I'd get any further than you did."

    Mysterious, but on the bright side it means they have all the room that they need, and also all of the water.

    "Huh... for some reason I thought being a mermaid would be beyond the limits of your magic. I guess I assumed too much."

Veronica Perenna has posed:
If there was any feeling Veronica deemed precious enough to be retained over all of eternity, this feeling would be it as far as as she is concerned. And she can't think of a deeper and richer feeling than that one.

Veronica hums at Laisa's strategy to try and get out there. It's true that freezing her water would let her get much farther than normal, but she'd be using her powers nonstop to make more ice, on top of being physically on the move for all that time. "Are you sure you would be able to make your way back without trouble?" She wouldn't want her beloved to be stuck wading in the middle of the sea.

A mischievous smile appears on Veronica's face. "But you know, if you want to swim out there, why don't you let me give you a ride? Just climb on my back, hold onto my shoulder, and I will do the rest", she confidently gives her hand a bright squeeze.

Laisa Samuiko has posed:
    Laisa considers Veronica's offer for a moment, looking at her beloved while holding her hand, and then gazing out over the open sea. Her mouth twists a few different ways as she considers the offer, and then eventually closes her eyes.

    "Honestly? I would want to freeze a glacier under myself and try to take a break, rather than get stranded out there. Or if I'm trying to be efficient, bringing a sail boat and using my wind to power it would be a safer method, in case I get tired. Assuming I could figure out a way to get a whole boat through the portal..." Or maybe make one on the island. Either way it feels like a tall order.

    Leaning against Veronica, still looking out over the waves, she says, "I think it'd be nice to go swimming like that with you, if only for the sake of our own curiosity, but..." she glances down at her own clothes. "... I think if we did something like that, I'd want to bring a swim suit. I wonder if my old one still fits..."

    After a pause, she says, "You know... since we're... getting closer, maybe I should just make a habit of leaving some things here? In the hideout I mean. Just in case I need them for some reason."

Veronica Perenna has posed:
So there are some workarounds, Veronica listens intently. That makes a lot of sense. Just like Veronica knows how to get the most out of her powers' limits, so does Laisa with hers. "You are really resourceful", she looks at her love with great admiration.

Veronica considers Laisa's words. Her clothes here are certainly not water suitable, so they should do something about it if they intend to go swimming. She can get around it using her magic just fine, but it would have been cool if she could just snap her fingers and make clothing appear so she could help her beloved.

She can make them the normal way, but it's of no use here of course, unless Laisa'd rather wait a few days here, which of course she doesn't.

Hugging Laisa when she leans back against her, Veronica looks towards the spot where they had come in this time. "Do you think you could go and take your swimsuit for now?" she suggests.

"But it's true that leaving clothes here is probably a good thing. If we go through another Crystal Tokyo, you have the change on hand then. But I don't know if I can sneak in solar powered appliances too." They could wash by hand, but still...

Veronica smiles and brushes Laisa's bangs, blushing a bit in the process. "This subject is kinda like we have gotten married", she considers.

Laisa Samuiko has posed:
    Laisa smiles at the praise from her darling. "I mean... so are you. You're quite handy with that power set of yours, and while I do think your default form is more than pretty enough, that power is also a part of you and I think a lot of your designs are really cute," she adds with a wink.

    While Laisa wouldn't mind spending a few days here, since that's basically how she got through Crystal Tokyo, there are certainly more efficient uses of their time. Especially when all they want to do is go swimming. At the suggestion, Laisa glances towards her discarded garments and says, "Yeah... maybe I should. In fact, maybe I'll also bring a change of clothes to leave here at the hideout, just in case. Would it be too much trouble if I set up in one of the rooms there?"

    Solar powered appliances... eheh, that might be too much. "Well, we'd probably want to treat it more like camping, really. I'm confident that I can purify the water to make it usable and drinkable."

    The mention of marriage instantly turns Laisa's cheeks bright red. She's silent for a moment. It's almost as if she feels called out, considering what she was thinking regarding cake earlier.

    "Eheh... I guess I'm not the only one with that on my mind, huh? It must be because of Moon and Mask's upcoming wedding. I admit, I've been tempted to ask whether or not one of your disguises includes a wedding dress."

    Her cheeks fade a little bit, going from bright red to slightly rosy. "N-not that I'm thinking about that happening anytime soon! It feels like we just barely started dating a couple months ago, but..."

    Nervously playing with one of her braids, she says, "... for what it's worth, I know you'll make someone very happy."

    She leaves through the silver portal and goes back to her dorm. When she returns, she's wearing a one piece purple swim suit underneath a translucent white jacket, and she's also wearing a pair of white flip flops.

    "I decided to just open the portal in my dorm," she explains.

Veronica Perenna has posed:
Veronica blushes happily at the compliment. "Thank you, that's really nice to hear, especially from you." And she has been approaching each form like she would a painting (some of those have been a painting, to get a visual confirmation before committing), so it's good to know Laisa regards her other forms as cute too.

That leaves her to wonder if she should bring out Sonata Cheer next time they are on a date. It probably doesn't matter too much to Laisa, but...

"Of course not", Veronica shakes her head with a smile. "The hideout has more than enough space to let you set your things here, my love", she lilts encouragingly. And she actually feels rather warm inside at the idea of Laisa having her own things here.

The brunette nods as Laisa delves deeper into the subject of marriage, smiling brightly at her. "Yeah, it's hard not to think about it with them bringing it up at every opportunity, and the atmosphere kinda feels infecting. I can't deny my mind has been going towards which wedding dress I like more lately." Even if she wouldn't have any use for the answer right now.

Serious consideration is given to what Laisa is saying. Even if the atmosphere has been incredibly romantic and her heart fully beats for Laisa, it's true that this is Veronica's first relationship and it's still rather young an experience.

"I know anyone who has your hand would be the luckiest person on Earth", Veronica compliments Laisa honestly and with no hesitation. "I do want to stick to our relationship seriously and find out where it will lead us, you know. And as for my disguises, I can always pick the one I would want", she grins.

But then Laisa is gone, and Veronica is left to her own devices while the purple-haired girl prepares, and she decides to make good use of this time and set things up on her own end.

A trip to the sea and two transformations later, she is hiding underwater for her beloved's return, and when she finally appears, Veronica kicks up water, leaping 20 meters into the air and waving at her before crashing back into the sea. Because of course she would want to give a form Laisa hasn't seen an impressive entrance.

What a terrible sea monster.

"You have always had a good eye, it suits you very much", Veronica comments once her beloved draws close. "What do you think?", Veronica asks Laisa's opinion on her mermaid form, while the setting sun shines through her transparent sleeves.

Laisa Samuiko has posed:
    Laisa would probably like a date with Sonata Cheer, actually. They're all the same person underneath, and there's no reason not to encourage Veronica to express herself. Yes, she likes who Veronica is, but the disguise magic is a part of that too, and Laisa would encourage her to embrace it since it seems to matter to her. Besides, magical girl outfits are cute. Especially Sonata Cheer's.

    Actually moving stuff in will probably take some forethought and consideration, which means it's a problem for later. Right now she's going swimming and it turns out her outfit still fits just fine.

    The conversation on marriage is cute and kind of sweet, Laisa thinks. If nothing else, it shows they can potentially have meaningful conversations about the future, even if they both agree it's a long way off.

    When Laisa returns, she's not quite sure where Veronica is. Did she go back to the hideout? Maybe the snow angel came back sooner than expected? Her eyes go to the sand on the beach, searching for footprints that might give her a clue, which leads her eyes to the water and...

    She covers her mouth with both hands as she witnesses her beautiful darling as a mermaid, and wow is she a powerful swimmer. As Laisa approaches the shore, she gets a better look at Veronica's outfit and kind of blushes. "Honestly, my love? You look amazing. I really like those sleeves, actually. The side fins are nice, too."

    Yeah. A terrible sea monster. Terribly adorable.

    Laisa starts wading into the water to get closer to her kitten, and then swims out to her. Of course her ultimate goal is to give her darling a hug. "You're absolutely lovely. I wouldn't mind cuddling you like this, too. Though I suppose riding on your back would be pretty close to that."

Veronica Perenna has posed:
There is a lot of excitement as to what they are about to do, and one that forces Veronica to be patient, for no other reason that this form necessitates Laisa to come to her, unless Veronica were to consider crawling through the beach to get to her beloved, but that prospect doesn't sound all that nice to her.

It's also a good thing that it doesn't actually become a problem then, with Laisa approaching her first, and Veronica hugs her warmly then.

The brunette isn't hesitant at all to be more playful into this form, and she gently sprinkles Laisa with a flash of her tailfin. "I am glad you like it, I put a lot of work into it", she smiles, and Veronica considers her option right now.

Maybe they could just cuddle in the water, but that misses the point of the two of them wanting to explore the infinite horizon, and Veronica limits herself to a sweet hug before, filipping horizontally, her back fin shining through the droplets of water, gaining a rosy tint thanks to its transparency.

"I am ready when you are", she gives a melodious response to Laisa, staying completely still.

Laisa Samuiko has posed:
    Laisa wouldn't want to make mer-Veronica go through all the trouble of trying to crawl onto a beach, especially if it turned out to be a big issue. Either way, the point is to go out onto the sea, so Laisa would have to go to the water anyways.

    She giggles with surprise when splashed lightly with water, and instinctively she splashes back a little with her hands. Somehow she thinks that if this escalated into a splash war, Veronica would win in her current form with no contest.

    "I can tell. You put so much detail in," coos Laisa. She's an artist too, so she can respect the amount of work done.

    Cuddling can wait until later, and Laisa lets Veronica go after a brief hug. She floats in the water while her mer-kitten turns around, and then Laisa swims closer and slides onto her back. After considering how best to hold onto her, she decides to put her arms around Veronica's shoulders and asks, "Is this comfortable? I can adjust if needed."

    Of course, holding Veronica from behind like this does mean she gets to be snuggly if she wants.

Veronica Perenna has posed:
The magically formed mermaid doesn't want to escalate it into a splash war, very conscious of the unfair advantage her tail would give her, which is why she limited herself to that sprinkle, and she laughs candidly when it is returned.

The motion of fun she feels within her is quite strong admittedly, but she has to hold herself back, lest she capsizes her beloved.

When Laisa finds her place onto Veronica's back, the brunette feels rather happy at the presence of her love, and her heart beats softly when the purple-haired girl's hands find a grip on Veronica's shoulders.

As always, every Laisa does is a comforting weak point for the painter's love and affection. "It's very comfortable, that's what having you close does", she speaks with clear affection.

"Holding tight? Let's go then", Veronica smiles brightly, and with a kick of her tail cuts through the water, swimming rapidly, but not so much that it would feel unpleasant to Laisa.

The beach is quickly left behind, and soon, it's just them, the sea and the sky. "I hope the water feels pleasant, my snowsweet."

Laisa Samuiko has posed:
    Under different circumstances they probably could throw snow and water at each other if they wanted to engage in that kind of magical horseplay, but it's not what they planned on, and Laisa left the Rime Rosary on the beach.

    Which does kinda mean that she's putting her full trust into her girlfriend to take care of her while they are out at sea, but Laisa's fine with that. Veronica has been nothing but sweet and responsible with her, so she's earned that kind of trust.

    "Good," whispers the sculptor in return, her voice full of love. "I like being close to you, and also making you comfortable."

    "Yup!" she affirms, and then does make sure to hold on tight as they move through the water. It reminds Laisa a little bit of being on a jet ski, though in this situation it's her beloved who is the driver. She glances behind her as the beach vanishes.

    "It's nice," says Laisa. "The breeze is pleasant, too. You weren't kidding about it just being endless water, were you?"

Veronica Perenna has posed:
If Veronica knew about the Rime Rosary having been left on the beach, she would certainly approve. You never know when incidents might happen, and while she would never waste any time in looking for it, it's much better that they can avoid the issue completely.

And she would always take good care of Laisa, with or without Rosary, and while she cuts through the sea, she does her best to counter the waves' motion, avoiding any curve that would cause unpleasant swaying.

"I really wasn't", Veronica confirms, looking at the path ahead of them. "It's really eerie in a way. You see the island and see nothing weird about it, and then that reminds you that you are in a place completely separate from the planet, with the portal as the only way out."

For a while, she just lets the waves and wind speak for them, letting their pleasant whispers carry a tune all around the two girls, but eventually she talks again. "You know," she says with a soft voice, "that kinda makes it funny. I've used Sarek as inspiration for my paintings a hundred times, trying to capture the feeling of freedom this place gives. A single way in and out is ironic."

She hums pleasantly, and there is a warm confidence in her heart. "Having you here with me is making this cruise so much better. Sharing the rhythm of the waves and this beautiful sunset with you, I kinda want to put it on canvas later."

Laisa Samuiko has posed:
    As they pass over the waters, with Laisa resting comfortably and securely on the back of her girlfriend, the snow angel can't help but admire the beauty of Sarek's sea and sky. Even if it is, as Veronica says, a bit eerie.

    "Yeah, it's a bit spooky. Like... does it really just go on forever? Is there a point at which it stops? Is there some unreachable threshold in some unfathomable distance where reality starts glitching out, or is it like a planet where if you keep going in a straight line you eventually get back to the island?" Weird things to think about, but Laisa suspects that they wont be able to find an answer anytime soon. At least not today. She's not expecting answers, just musing out loud.

    Hearing her darling's thoughts on Sarek and its feeling of freedom, Laisa smiles softly and adds in her own two cents. "It is ironic, yet I still feel pretty free here. We're free from judgement, and free to do as we please. Maybe that comes with other restrictions, such as only having one portal to enter or leave from, but those are restrictions that we choose to accept."

    With a giggle, she adds, "You should! I would love to see the results of that, in whatever form it takes. I love seeing your paintings. Especially in the way that they remind me of you, beloved."

Veronica Perenna has posed:
If she were to guess, Veronica would imagine that eventually they would be back at the island, but she can't really point to an answer herself. Every possibility Laisa has laid out is equally valid. "We have a lot more sea ahead of us", she tells her girlfriend. "When I tried last time, I kept going for hours. Maybe at a point, we would be sent back to the island, but I imagine we will have to turn around before then."

Even if it's in her thoughts, she isn't giving too much weight to the eeriness of it all. After all her predecessor had this place for decades and she knows for a fact that she Faded instead of succumbing to any other fate.

Laisa voicing her thoughts about the island's freedom makes Veronica smile fondly, even if the brunette's beloved can't really see it on her back. "I think you are right. And to be honest, the restrictions it offers, they are pretty light. It has given us nothing to be wary of."

Delight feels Veronica at the supportive enthusiasm Laisa offers. Could she be any happier in this moment? "I will do it then, and I will put it in a special place, here in Sarek. It will be one of the centerpieces we have, with the two of us."

Laisa Samuiko has posed:
    Laisa nods, but then realizes that Veronica probably can't see such a gesture, so she hums instead. "I imagine so. I admit I doubted we'd find anything new out here, but I appreciate the chance to ride the waves on my girlfriend's back regardless."

    After all, just being out here is a bit of an adventure. Going this far, trying to find the limits of this secret world, and just taking in the atmosphere of it all. "Does the bottom of the sea get any deeper, the further you get out? Not that I'd be able to follow you down there without magic, but it'd be interesting to know if there was some kind of continental shelf or something."

    She agrees with her darling on the freedom of the island, and the fact that it gives them very little to worry about. "If nothing else, I do feel safe here. Especially with you."

    When she hears that Veronica will put the painting in a special place, she awws. She snuggles a little bit closer to Veronica, pressing her cheek against the back of her darling's head. "I'd really like that. I love the idea of being one of the subjects that inspire your art."

Veronica Perenna has posed:
"I appreciate sharing this moment with you too, and this sunset... It's kinda on theme, do you think so?" Even if by now the part of the sun above the horizon is close to be just a line of light.

Veronica falls silent when Laisa brings up the formation of the sea below them. It has actually never occurred to her to check, and for a few seconds, she submerges her head, in search of any signs that might give Laisa an answer.

"I don't see anything remarkable", she reemerges saying. "I might have to go deep diving later and tell you how it goes."

When Laisa tells her she feels safe here, Veronica places a hand on the purple-haired haired girl's arms, gently brushing against it. "I feel the same. With you, I always at ease."

There is a moment when the sudden show of affection translate in a kick of Veronica's tail that makes them rush ahead a bit more. Such is the power of Laisa's snuggling. An embarassed chuckle comes from Veronica. "Sorry, I was just... feeling happy", she awkwardly explains.

Laisa Samuiko has posed:
    As Laisa looks out over the waters, it occurs to her that, aside from whatever time she's spent making breakfast, she's basically spent the whole day with Veronica. Perfect day, really. The thought of that does make Laisa's heart skip a beat.

    "You don't?" asks Laisa, after her beloved's head comes up. Nothing remarkable? Well, that in of itself isn't too surprising. Laisa isn't sure what she expected. "Well, I look forward to hearing the results. If you find any pretty coral formations, anything else neat, let me know?" She is a little curious, and since there's very little chance of getting a submarine here they are fully reliant on the Princess of Sarek to find that out.

    As the speed kicks up, Laisa actually holds on a little tighter for a moment, and then giggles when Veronica explains the reason. "Eheh. I'm glad that my love for you elicits such a cute reaction." With a bright smile on her face, she gives her mer-girlfriend a kiss on the back of the head, but leaves it at that. Best not to get too caught up in their affections so far away from shore.

    As Laisa watches the sunset, she thinks out loud, "Probably... we'll want to be back at the island before it's dark. It's not like we'll be able to see anything anyways." After a pause, she says, "I mean, unless you can give yourself night vision."

Veronica Perenna has posed:
A pensive look strikes Veronica's face. She doesn't have much experience when it comes to that. The only consideration she can give is the experience with the cursed painting, long ago by now. But she is not sure how much that was the painting world, or how much that was the transformation.

"Not night vision, exactly? A while back, there were a series of paintings that sucked people inside. One of those was an underwater world. It was probably quite deep, but it was a fake world, so I am not sure it was supposed to be that bright, or it was the sea forms it gave us that were able to see in the dark. Maybe we will find out soon."

It has been a while since she thought of that event, and thinking back to it now, it puts a smile on her face. "It was kinda funny to see what people turned into. I don't know if you have ever met Kuiper Belt, but he had turned into an octopus boy. Oh, and there was the first hint of Usagi being Princess Serenity, because she had turned into this pure white mermaid. She was really regal."

It probably is wiser not to get caught up. Laisa's affection means a lot to Veronica, but she would have to delay her response given only one of them is currently able to survive underwater. Her hand on Laisa's arm holds onto a bit more, joyfully welcoming of the girl's affection.

"Hold on a bit tighter, I am going to turn around", Veronica remarks. It is high time, and she doesn't want to risk the dark with Laisa on her back. Once the purple-haired girl has received the warning, Veronica steers and maneuvers herself in the opposite direction, only causing a bit of a wave.

Laisa Samuiko has posed:
    Laisa hums as Veronica recounts the event of the cursed painting. "Interesting. So there were cursed paintings like that. Come to think of it, I may have heard about it, but not a whole lot of details." As far as Laisa remembers, it might have been Veronica who told her.

    She listens intently as Veronica recounts some of the other forms that others turned into. "I met Kuiper Belt Cape once, though somehow an octopus doesn't surprise me. Usagi's mermaid form sounds really pretty, though." A part of Laisa wonders what kind of aquatic form she'd take. Well, there's no end to the magical misadventures she could get up to. Maybe she'll find out one day.

    As tempting as it is to tease her darling, Laisa decides that right now isn't the time. There's no reason to make anything harder on her dear sweet girlfriend who is taking her out all this way. Yet, when told to hold on more tightly, Laisa murmurs, "You won't have to tell me twice, love," before tightening her embrace.

    There's a little bit of admiration in Laisa's mind for the grace with which Veronica moves. Coming out all this way with her darling does make her a bit happy. Maybe anything like this could be considered romantic if done with her beloved, she thinks.

Veronica Perenna has posed:
"Yeah, they happened very early on, then they stopped just like that", Veronica muses. The whole sequence of events was weird. She never found out how her relics got bound to paintings, as much as it makes sense from a certain point of view, nor where the youmas that were supposed to guard them went.

"If some show up again, I will tell you", she promises Laisa. "They were actually not that hard to deal with, so I think you could even enjoy yourself", she adds cheerfully. The whole experience was unusually peaceful. Not at all what she would expect from her enemy.

Considering that aquatic worlds were somehow two of the four paintings that had been cursed, there was certainly some possibility that the curse was skewed towards them, so maybe Laisa will get the chance to find out eventually.

Even though they are by now close to the shore again and will probably head back home, Veronica is certainly happy. After all she spent some wonderful time with the holder of her heart, and she has that painting she is going to make to look forward to showing Laisa.

Once they are close enough, Veronica waits for her girlfriend to disengage, and then she turns back to normal all the way, swimming the rest of the way to solid ground. "I had so much fun with you today", she looks towards the sculptor lovingly.

Laisa Samuiko has posed:
    Laisa smiles as she listens to Veronica's recounting of events. "I'd like that. If nothing else, I'd jump at the chance to work with you on something like a cursed painting."

    This really is the life though, Laisa thinks to herself. Spending all this time with someone she loves, someone who has stolen her heart. Everything Veronica does brings Laisa joy, and all the time she spends with her is bliss. Her soft smile settles on her face as she stays comfortable on her darling's back, though by the time they return to shore she's beginning to realize that she's a bit tired.

    Once she disembarks from Veronica's back, she swims the rest of the way to shore until she can finally walk. After most of her emerges from the water, she adjusts her beach jacket and turns her head towards her beloved. "I did, too. I've had a wonderful time. Thank you for taking me on such a trip. It was wonderful, and a bit mysterious."

    She swings her arms back and forth a bit, trying to loosen them up. Holding on for that long was tiring. "Eheh. I think maybe I don't have as much strength out of henshin." With a smile towards her kitten, Laisa adds, "Though, my arms are never too tired to hold you, my dear."