For the most part. There are some differences and some things have to do with magic, but humans almost match us in terms of technology. [ His hand dips into his pocket again and he pulls out something different this time -- what almost looks like a tiny, metal stick. It remains in his hand as he takes in what Shiro says and the comforting hand on his shoulder. ]
I'm glad. I want to spend more time with you, too. [ After a moment, he lifts a hand and rests it over Shiro's on his shoulder, giving it a small squeeze. ] I'll be with you whenever you want me. But you should know that staying the night means I'm going to sleep next to you.
[ A smile follows as he pulls Shiro's hand down and presses the small, almost lollipop stick-like piece of metal into his palm. ]
My phone opens from this. [ And while he could just leave Shiro to try to get it open himself, he knows it's easier to just show him. While it's in his palm, Mananan slides his thumb down along it. There's no sound as a glowing blue screen materializes from it, the device able to float in front of them or be held. But once the screen is open, Mananan leaves it in Shiro's possession to let him play around with it, the home screen looking like a fairly normal interface, though it's pretty bare. ]
That’s… incredible. We had nothing against some of the more advanced alien species out there. Some are still way more advanced than us. [Mixing magic and technology definitely has its advantages and probably would put Heaven and Hell closer to Galra and other higher species. But… Now that peace is here and technology is being shared between species, who knows. Shiro’s attention falls to the new piece of technology presented to him. A metal stick… like a needle.]
Glad to hear it. [Shiro likes being in agreement with the people he’s deciding with. Team member mentality. And this is a very close team right here. He can’t help a small smile when Mananan touches his shoulder as well to return the gesture, the squeeze earning one of the same in answer. Though a slight brow arch and faint heat on his face come from the “warning” his angel gives him.
Whoa. Forward? Accommodating? Friendly? Awkward. Maybe a little of both. But instead of asking “why” to that comment, Shiro just--] That’s okay. [And he’s… pretty much fine with that. He’s slept alone and with others in the past. Most of the time for good or out of necessity. Captivity had introduced some for bad and by force, but he tries not to let that leak into his new relationship with his angel.
Their hands descent and Shito can put the awkward behind him in exchange for the needle-looking stick in his palm. ] Your phone? [Before he’s got the words out of his mouth, the angel’s moving his thumb and a hologram like panel appears. Shiro gazes at it in momentary surprise and awe before interest appears on his face. He lifts the device, inspects the screen, waves a finger through it.]
This is incredible. It reminds me of the holopanels the Alteans and Galra use, but this one is portable rather than attached to a ship or facility. [There were plenty of handheld devices out there, but the tiny scale of this contrasting with the floating screen is amazing!] I take it Heaven and Hell aren’t letting humans access to this kind of technology? For now?
Some are way more advanced than us, too, I'm sure. I'm just a normal angel, so I don't know half of what the archangels and other higher ups know. If they keep track of alien species, we never hear about it. But that might make it easier for us to keep our focus on humans and their creations instead. [ Mananan can't really say if that's really the case. His speculation is as good as Shiro's when it comes to things like this.
He's a little surprised by the acceptance of his news that they'll be sleeping together, but he decides not to press it. It's just sleep. There isn't much reason for Shiro to be too concerned anyway. And he obviously isn't too concerned, given the way he moves on to the tech so easily.
Mananan never thinks about the things he uses, so it's fun to show them to someone who isn't used to them. He smiles as he nods, letting Shiro do what he wants while he watches, leaning back on his hands. ]
We use them for everything in Heaven. Television, computers, tablets, phones. Some are fixed in locations, some are portable. That screen can get a little bigger, if you want. [ He lets out a soft hum as he thinks about that question, shrugging in the end. ] Humans tend to develop on their own, but God sends down inspiration. I guess when they're close enough, inspiration for this kind of thing will end up sent down, too.
[Mentioning hierarchy levels earns a small concentrated look from the Paladin. The rest of it kind of settles like a border around his understanding.] That… seems a little more in line with what I was imagining. [At least it kind of puts things in perspective. Ultimately, there’s no way he can fathom what goes on up there and trying to get his mind around it won’t do much to help. So he lets the topic go with that and focuses on the here and now. What he can grasp rather than speculate.
Shiro notices Mananan’s slight surprise at his acceptance to sleeping together, but doesn’t comment on it. It’s fine for them to sleep together. He’d give his bed to Mananan before he let the man sleep on the couch or something. Which would probably get them trying to out-polite each other. Amusingly enough. Sleeping arrangements settled, back to the new technology.]
Really? [Shiro glances up to the angel again, then back down to the holoscreen.] So they’re everywhere in Heaven… That must look interesting. Some of the alien technology I’ve seen uses them for screens, but even some of those are still fixed on certain physical mediums. [Mostly glass.] This is more advanced. [Mentioning the screen’s abilities, Shiro lifts the device to look “under” the screen, then starts to fiddle with the ‘stick’ to see if he can figure out how to increase the screen’s size. Also touches the screen itself to see if it’ll respond that way. Aka: playing with a new toy.]
Inspiration comes from above. I suppose that’s just as acceptable as it coming from within. [He understands inspiration showing up, but not having the tools or intelligence to make it reality.] Dreams and imagination. A long time ago, it’d be unthinkable outside of fantasy to fly in the sky. Now look at us.
Really. [ Mananan easily lets the conversation settle into the technology side of things, knowing it's probably the most interesting side anyway. And he's admittedly more entertained by watching Shiro play around with the device than he is by talking about the hierarchy in Heaven. ]
You should see the ones in the main meeting area of the building we were in. [ He watches Shiro learn to work the screen, which expands when he tries to touch it, the stick not doing much for him. Smiling, Mananan reaches over and pulls his hand back again, showing him that simply swiping the air in front of the screen will bring him to other things, a bit like apps. Email, texting, an internet browser, and other things can be found in the icons. ]
It technically comes from both. Above and within. I don't think just gifting humans with inspiration alone is enough to get things accomplished. I mean, most of you don't need us anymore. Humans have come a long way on their own inspiration.
[ It's not like God wanted to inspire angels right out of their lives, he's sure. But things are good as they are now. And he has more important things to consider. ] I'm going to take you on a tour when we go back. I just have to figure out how to make you look less obviously human.
[Shiro nods in response. He’s sure there are more intricacies behind the scenes that, while humanly-curious about, militaristically knows it’d be best not to go diving into them. Heaven and Hell have their own things, just like Earth and… the human realm? Is that what to call it? He’s not sure, but it sounds good enough in his head. Enough that he’s content to fiddle with the device in his hands.]
Oh yeah? [The same interest once again piques his voice as he looks at the angel.] They’re bigger, more powerful, both? [Or potentially even smaller and more portable, being easier that way. Back to the screen. The expansion when he touches it intrigues him and he pokes around at the screen a few more times before Mananan reaches over to give him a hands-on demonstration. Soon enough, he’s following suit, swiping the air—the screen—and grinning like a kid when the displays change.] It’s just like the Castle of Lions’ control bridge display. Only portable!
[He’s jumping through the apps easily, looking at the email (but not accessing it since that’s private), and then going to the net and other tools just as a cursory glance at the technology. The icons look amusingly-familiar to their Earthian counterparts. He can find his way around without a translator.]
Both? That’s… pretty fitting. People can’t just have inspiration. They need the passion to do what could be done and the knowledge to know what shouldn’t. [Shiro nods again at the mention of humanity’s progress.] We’ve had help in that area lately. The war’s caused a lot of worlds throughout the galaxy to unite. Technology and knowledge’s shared. Humans adapt quickly; that’s for sure.
[Hopefully humanity would never outgrow the need or believe in angels and demons, as far as Shiro’s concerned. Even now, though he’s given little thought to it before, learning he has his own angel is a very surprising, but welcome revelation. Shiro glances to Mananan again.] A tour? That sounds fun. [The quirks a brow in confusion.] You look just like a human, minus the wings. Why would I need to look any different? [Asides from obviously having a mechanical, alien-tech prosthetic right arm…]
Definitely bigger, but they might be more powerful, too. I don’t use them, so I’m not sure. They’re usually used by… I guess you could call them managers. The higher ups in some departments. [ He grins to himself as he watches Shiro play with the screen, liking that he’s enjoying it as much as he is. Part of him would like to keep showing him things to continue earning that reaction, but he knows that’ll have to wait until they can manage the mentioned tour.
For now, he settles on watching and nodding at Shiro’s point about the displays being similar. ] It is. With technology being shared now, you’ll probably have one of your own sooner than you think.
[ He tilts his head at the question, glancing at Shiro’s prosthetic arm first. That seems obvious enough, but he follows it by lifting a hand and cupping his cheek for a second, thumb briefly brushing against the scar below his eyes. ]
If you died today and ended up in Heaven as an angel, you’d have your arm back and you wouldn’t have any scars. So, right now, anyone who saw you would immediately be able to pick you out as human. [ Mananan pulls his hand back and smiles. ] I think you’d draw a lot of attention. Some angels and demons would be just as curious about you as you are about us.
That makes sense. The screens on the bridge of a ship are usually bigger than the displays at the personal stations. [It’s a mixture of hierarchy and unity in regards to communicating information. At least that’s how he sees it. Another sweep and he gets a new application open: a calculator. Mostly because he wants something simple to go exploring the actual poking through the air. Entering numbers, doing equations, eventually grinning again because it’s so amazing to just move his finger through the air and have the data follow as if he hit a physical key. Even though he’s dealt with such before, the handheld aspect still gets him.
Shiro hums at the prediction.] You’re probably right. The Coalition brought more aid than he originally thought. Technology is going to increase very quickly.
[As for the question about his appearance… and the answer, the Paladin frowns a little. Obvious answer is obvious. But a second later, there’s a hand on his face, cupping his cheek, and his gray eyes widen in slight surprise as Mananan rubs his thumb across his scar. That’s… no one’s ever touched him like that before. It feels strange… He can’t tell if he likes it or not. But the real answer is a logical brick to the head and he mentally facepalms for even asking such a thing.]
Of course. [Just ignore that momentary embarrassment, please. He tries not to think about such a thing. To have his arm back, his scars erased, probably his hair back to being completely black… all the pains and struggles his body’s endured through the years… gone. Tsk, now he’s thinking about it. Shiro pushes the thoughts away. There are still things he has to do, things he needs to be alive for.] They’d be curious about me? Don’t you all know all about us? Even if you’re not as involved anymore, you still… um… have data from the past…
[And trailing off because, as Mananan’s said, Heaven and Hell have largely left humanity alone for decades. They’d definitely be curious to see how humanity has gotten along. Especially since there isn’t as much contact anymore.] Never mind. You’re right. [He offers his angel a small, sheepish smile.] I take it you wouldn’t want a bunch of your colleagues swarming your human.
[ It's still cute, watching Shiro grin over something as simple as typing into the calculator. It makes Mananan glad that he got to show something like this to him before human technology has reached the same point. It's why he's looking forward to figuring out a way to bring Shiro home with him and really show him around, too. He's eager to see the kind of reactions he has to things like the weather station and the housing districts and the inner workings of the Roman Company itself, where they house humanity's creations and care for them.
But that's when he figures out a way to help him pass as an angel for a few hours.
Right now, he focuses on his human and lets out a soft laugh at the assumption that they wouldn't be curious about a living human suddenly wandering around Heaven. ]
I definitely wouldn't want that. You might find another angel you prefer over me. [ He definitely would, is what Mananan thinks. There are a lot of angels who are just... better than he is. And if Shiro was given a choice, he doesn't see himself ranking very high compared to some others.
But he keeps that to himself, smiling and letting the comment he makes roll along as if he might just be teasing. ] You know, you never put pants on.
[Some of the alien species had handheld displays, but those required interactive bases, similar to the Paladin armor’s gauntlet computers. Still, that was Voltron technology, the Altean intelligence. Humanity was still improving on their skills and incorporating other alien knowledge into their own. It probably wouldn’t be long before they reached higher planes of tech. And these kinds of personalized hard-light constructs were in everyone’s pockets. But if this is a simple device for Heaven, Shiro’s excited to see the main realm and what it holds. Even the glimpse out the window had piqued his interest.
Ignoring the aspect of having to pass as an angel. Hologram-based disguises only work so well and he’s not sure he wants to deal with a lot of makeup or prosthetic coverings… Not to mention the wings. Which he obviously lacks. Thanks for the laugh, Mananan. It was supposed to be a serious question until he realized the stupidity of it.]
You’ll find I’m pretty loyal. [Shiro already doesn’t like the idea of finding another angel over “his” angel. If Mananan’s been his angel since he was born, there’s no way he’ll replace him. Sometimes life requires moving on, but in a case like this, nope. He bonded with his Lion and he hopes that with more time, he’ll bond with his angel as well.] I won’t abandon someone who’s been with me for so long.
[Shiro’s tone is light-hearted, but his eyes are firm and serious. Making a promise as far as anyone’s concerned. At least until Mananan points out something very obvious and Shiro blinks before looking down. He tenses up and quickly smacks himself on the side of the head.] Dammit! Sorry. I just… got distracted. [By everything. He offers the device back to his angel.] You didn’t seem to mind.
[ Admittedly, the wings aren't really an issue since angels and demons typically have them hidden. It's more the arm and the visible scarring that would cause a problem. Even the hair isn't likely to draw a question since one of his own higher ups has black and white hair and it's not as if they can't change their appearances a bit if they really want to. Prosthetic arms and scars, though, are a little outside of the realm of dying hair.
It's something he'll need to put some thought into, possibly look into magic he could potentially access in order to wander around with Shiro in tow. But that's for another time since it's not like he plans to leave just for the sake of looking into it. Right now, he's quieted by the look in Shiro's eyes when he says he won't abandon him and Mananan briefly thinks that maybe he should leave because he really shouldn't get more attached to his human.
Luckily, his comment changes the direction of the conversation well enough and Mananan smiles after a moment, accepting the device and slipping it back into his pocket, glancing down at mostly-bare legs as he shrugs a shoulder. ]
That's because I don't, but you seemed to mind it earlier. I just thought it might be better to say something in case you leave the room.
[True, but Shiro is worried that if someone does see him and thinks he’s an angel or a demon, he’s going to get asked to show his wings or there’ll be some kind of wing-based greeting. It’s a slight concern, but still there when it comes to disguises. Not really Shiro’s forte, compared to someone like Allura. As for the scarring and arm, well… yeah. He’d be interested in knowing about the hair though. Typical stereotypes are angels with blonde or brown hair. Mananan’s black hair (and black clothing) are both interestingly-clashing and attractive. After all, Shiro himself is fond of black.
He's still not entire sure he wants to cover himself up like that. He’s not exactly… proud of his scars? But he’s not really someone who goes out of his way to cover them if they do happen to get exposed. The one on his face is fairly obvious. It’ll be something they’ll have to discuss at another time. He does want to go explore Heaven though, so he might just have to grin and bear it if it’s really going to be a problem otherwise. Shiro doesn’t want to get his angel in trouble.]
Of course I minded. I’m not usually running around in just a shirt and boxer briefs in front of a total stranger. [He looks down at his legs, and then finally pushes himself up. Guess he should get something to pull on.] But I guess you’re not a total stranger to me. Technically. [Shiro adds that with a small smile that’s both amused and a little embarrassed.] You’ve probably seen me in less. [Saying that earns a small pink on his face, but he’s okay with it. Being in the military meant joint showers at times, so it’s not like he’s alien to the idea. (Plus being a Galra slave for a year… probably not good to dwell on that right now either.)]
You look good in just a shirt and boxer briefs. [ It's worth saying, if only so Shiro knows it. It's not like angels are immune to attraction and his human is pretty attractive. Another potential issue with bringing him around angels and demons, but that's something Mananan can handle. He has the possessive act down well enough and he's not planning to let Shiro out of his sight when he brings him home with him again.
He shakes his head slightly. ] I'm less of a stranger now, but I'm still a stranger to you. It's not like you've had the chance to get to know me before now. [ The assessment that he's seen Shiro in less earns a nod, but he clarifies it: ] I have, but I've never done it on purpose. I think I mentioned it earlier, but I don't follow you around constantly, so I'm not following you into the shower or watching you in bed or anything.
[ All that aside, Mananan's not the voyeuristic type. He prefers participation, so he's unlikely to just hover and watch anyone for the sake of it. It's just not his thing, though that might seem hard to believe with the way his gaze follows Shiro. But that's mainly because the two of them are still talking. ]
Thanks, Mananan. You look good in black. [Shiro gives the angel a dip of his head in indication despite the tiny pink on his cheeks. He’s good with compliments. Just, usually when he’s a bit more clothed. There have been plenty of people who have complimented him on his looks. Shiro’s too modest to really taut himself on such, but he also has some reservations about it due to his scars, amputation, and experiences in the past. It’s… a strange thing, but not entirely unwelcome. Considering an angel is telling him he looks nice. That’s pretty heartening.]
I’d like to get to know you. [Yes, it’s true Mananan still technically a stranger. One who knows his name and plenty of his history and whom Shiro now also knows name of. He’s glad his back’s to the angel when the black-haired man gives the affirmative answer. That’s kind of expected but still… little embarrassing. It’s amusing the angel makes to clarify it though; Shiro appreciates it, even though it’s technically not needed. He pulls open his closet to take a look around. It’s pretty standard and military in there. Mostly darks and whites.] I know. I just wanted to get an idea of what your… um… schedule? Is like. [Or perimeter or usual or he’s not sure. Basically if someone’s seen you naked, regularly, then is there reason to get embarrassed? … Well, kind of. But… anyways! He grabs a pair of pants from the hanger.]
I’m going to grab a shower first. [Speaking of.] I don’t remember much of last night, so I’d rather clean off. [Even if Mananan had ultimately fetched and saved him, Shiro feels strange about the “why” the angel had to come save him. So, time for a rinse off at least. He looks over his shoulder as his other hand flops a black t-shirt over his arm along with the pants and a new pair of boxer briefs.] Do you want to come with me?
Thanks. [ He sounds amused as he says it, the compliment a little odd if only because no one's ever said that to him before. But he knows Shiro seems to like darker colors and he appreciates it all the same, knowing that other humans might assume he's not what he says he is based on his choice of clothing and features he has little control over. ] You're welcome to get to know me. I won't hide anything from you.
[ Mananan tilts his head slightly at the mention of a schedule, though. ] Schedule? For seeing you, you mean? I don't really have one. But you have my number now, so I can visit whenever you want me to. [ As easily as he could just show up without a word, he knows that's not the best thing to do. Popping in to visit when he doesn't know what Shiro's doing, who he's with, or where he's at seems like a bad idea all around. Mainly for the sake of privacy, but also for the sake of not just appearing in front of other people who know nothing about him.
He nods at the mention of a shower, shifting in his spot on the bed to make himself more comfortable, assuming that he'll just wait where he's at while Shiro gets finished. His hand dips into his pocket, intending to check texts or email or something in the meantime, but he doesn't quite get to that before he hears the question. It brings his attention back to Shiro in full, meeting the look in his direction. ] Are you inviting me into the shower with you?
[Shiro pauses, only just now dawning on him the faux pass he made. Doesn’t help when Mananan just looks at him full on and he’s caught like the proverbial deer in the headlights. Showering with someone hasn’t ever bothered him, mostly due to communal showers during military training and such. But actively being in his own place and inviting someone to shower with him? He unfreezes and rubs at the side of his face, brows furrowing and face burning in embarrassment.]
Dammit, I’m sorry. That just slipped out that way. [And now stuck at a momentary crossroads. He’s got to make a decision quick like.] I meant if you wanted to come into the bathroom to keep talking. [Shutting the guy out conversation-wise was what he’d wanted to avoid. And ended up inviting his angel into the shower with him. Good going, Shiro. Way to word that.] You’re welcome to grab one as well, if you want. [He didn’t know what Mananan had went through to get to him, so… though the angel looks pristine to him.
Anyways, before he puts his foot in his mouth any further, Shiro heads for the bathroom, pausing long enough to swipe two towels (just in case) from the linen closet on the way. The light clicks on in the room and soon enough, the shower’s going, pouring water down behind the opaque glass door. Shiro rubs his forehead again, kicks himself for the flub, and then gets over it. Mistakes happen… and… maybe if he’s honest, he wouldn’t actually mind.] Now that I know you’re there, I’d like to see you sometime when I’m not in trouble.
[Just going to offer that out the door as he pulls his shirt over his head and shucks his boxer briefs.]
[ It's a general enough question that Mananan's first thought shouldn't be that he's being invited right into the shower itself, but he can't help thinking it first and wanting to clarify before he takes things the wrong way. But even before Shiro answers, he can see that that's not the case, that he doesn't mean hopping into the shower together. That's for the best. Mananan knows that stepping into that situation would be a poor choice on his part. ]
It's okay, I just wanted to make sure. [ The invitation that follows, to take a shower as well, has Mananan's gaze following him as he heads into the bathroom. He doesn't immediately move to push himself up, even after hearing Shiro speak out of the door at him. He gives it a little bit longer before he pushes himself up and heads to the doorway of the bathroom, leaning in it as he looks at Shiro's form through the glass shower doors. ]
I don't have anything to change into, so I'll shower when I get home tomorrow. [ It's a late response, but he doesn't miss the second towel that's an equal invitation to follow Shiro's shower with one of his own. Or to follow him inside, but that's out of the question, because of the clarification and Mananan's own questions about whether he might step out of line.
It's easier to settle into conversation through the sound of the water, his arms crossed and shoulder resting against the door frame. ] You can see me whenever you want, Shiro. Even if you just want somebody to watch a movie with or to sleep next to. I'll come to you whenever you want.
[Shiro can easily see how the question could be taken the other way. Hell, most people would’ve been strange if they hadn’t taken it the way Mananan had. While he’s glad the man gave him a chance to clarify it, the Paladin still feels awkward about the exchange. Do angels even have attractions towards humans? Or any other races for that matter? On the other hand, it wasn’t exactly crazy to invite the angel into the shower with him. Mananan’s his guardian angel and he’s at least admitted to seeing… Shiro rubs at his shoulder a few times, finding that way of thinking pretty perverted on his part.
The water’s hot and the steam’s quick to rise, pluming in the shower. Between the frosted glass and the billows, it’s mostly just the general masculine outline in the shower walls, but the distinct run of flesh color from top to bottom makes it obvious he’s not wearing a thing. Duh. He’s in the shower. Shiro brings his flesh arm in front of him, the blur of metallic and black in the shower door outline signifying the Paladin’s prosthetic. Gray eyes flick to the side as the angel’s voice comes through the spray of water. Oh good, he’s here. That at least makes Shiro feel better.]
You could wear something of mine? We’re about the same height. [Mananan’s a little more lithe than Shiro is, but he doesn’t think that’ll be much a problem. Right, he did invite the angel to sleep over tonight. Which also meant sharing the bed, come to think of it. Shiro frowns a bit as he looks at his hand. Seriously, he’s still wrestling with the shower invitation. Another time and he’d be seriously disturbed at him. But the war’s over, his ex has been dead for over a year, and there had been some… dalliances with the other Paladins during their journey. Is it really so wrong to want to experience some physical bonding with someone? His own angel for that matter? There’s definitely some stupid sacrilegious daring of an excitement tempting on his shoulder… But he doesn’t want to get Mananan in trouble either.
*siiigh*
Shiro looks at the door and the blur of black-clad angel through it. A small smile appears when he’s told he can see him so freely. Including another small flush at the mention of sleeping together again.] I really appreciate that, Mananan. [If he’d had the chance to know so long ago, things… No. He pushes the thought aside. All of that happened for a reason. They survived because of their challenges. And no, Shiro doesn’t think the angel is a miracle genie either. Still… company would’ve been nice at certain intervals. Being lonely is really stressful at times…
The Paladin gives a small breath, a mix of amusement, sarcasm, and ‘can’t believe I’m doing this’ together.] Well then… [The shower door pops from its seal slightly, letting the steam seep through.] How about you come in?
[ Seeing Shiro through frosted glass doesn't really strike anything in Mananan. Nudity in general is fine with him as he's not particularly shy or prudish. He's shared showers at work, seen his fair share of his coworkers, and thought nothing of it because it's just a natural thing. He's also fine with respecting boundaries nowadays, his last relationship doing more than enough to teach him in that regard. He's a better person and a better angel because of it, though he still questions himself often.
The offer of clothes is something he doesn't think too much of, assuming it's for a shower following Shiro's. He figures he can ask for a change of clothes once he's out since it's not something his human can do much about in his current position. So he doesn't offer an answer to that, leaving it hanging as his gaze wanders the bathroom so he's not just staring at Shiro through the glass.
His eyes don't return to him until he hears his name, the sound of it making him smile slightly. And then the shower door pops open and he hears what follows and he's left staring for a couple of seconds. He shouldn't. He knows he shouldn't. He knows what it could easily lead to, that an invitation into a shower with someone isn't just for the sake of getting clean. Shiro's not some inexperienced, naive guy. ]
Are you sure? [ Mananan moves toward the door, fingers curling around the edge of it as he peers into the shower at Shiro, almost tempted to step inside without stripping anything off at all. ] I want to, but I don't want to go too far.
[Shiro’s bathroom is, probably as expected, military. Nothing distracting or unneeded. Almost everything’s behind the mirror, leaving the rest of the area clean and in order. A datapad sits in a charger on a shelf nearby, at least letting the Paladin do something while business is tended to. There’s a small window in there at least, though he keeps it shut save for on cool days. The rest is Spartan at best.
He knows what he just offered and it’s sitting there in his ears. Shiro starts slightly when Mananan actually catches the door and peers in. He… hadn’t thought he’d do that. The Paladin’s left standing towards the middle of the shower, facing Mananan, body twisted just slightly since his back’s to the spray. The steam actually does a fair job of hiding anything indecent for the time being. Go figure. But without his shirt, Shiro’s scars are completely visible. Crisscrossing his body, a host of slashes that look like they were made from blades and claws and other such tears. The year in captivity hadn’t done him too many favors.
Shiro blinks at him once before sighing and running a hand through his hair, pulling the white shock of bangs away from his forehead. Shower just splats them back down once he takes his hand away. He has to think for a bit because… honestly, he’s not sure. It’s heartening to hear Mananan wants to at least.] I don’t want you to get in trouble, but… I wouldn’t mind the company either. [He realizes what Mananan’s also concerned about. The “go to far” comment doesn’t fall over his head. Shiro’s not sure if it’ll turn into that or not… or they’ll just end up showering and that’ll be that.]
It's your call. Don’t endanger yourself for me, Mananan. Besides. [He offers the angel a smile.] We’ll still be together for the rest of the day and night.
[ Admittedly, Mananan kind of likes the straightforwardness of it all. His own apartment sort of lacks in decorative touches, housing necessities and remaining tidy for the lack of extra around him. So it's probably understandable that this style doesn't strike him as bare.
Looking into the shower is just for the sake of looking at Shiro as he talks to him. He's seen him naked before, so there's no staring at scars or anything else. The look is simple until he hears the the mention of him getting in trouble. Shiro's remarks, the thought that he's worried about Mananan getting in trouble for something like this, earn a soft laugh before Mananan steps away from the door. ]
It's not about getting in trouble. I'm here with you and I'm planning to bring you back to Heaven again. If I was worried about trouble, I would've tucked you into bed here last night. [ While he's speaking, Shiro will be able to see black clothing being stripped off on the other side of the glass. Clothes are folded over as they're removed and left together before Mananan moves into sight again, stepping into the open door this time to pull it closed behind him. ]
I didn't want you to regret anything. [ He steps closer to Shiro, into the steam and nearer to the spray of water, then reaches out to playfully push those bangs up again, grinning as they end up splatting down shortly after. ] Do you want me to wash your hair?
[It’s that knowledge that Mananan’s seen him in this kind of state before that makes it easier for Shiro to accept the peek into the shower. Considering he probably invited it anyways… He notices the other man’s lack of staring for the same reason. But a black brow quirks at the laugh despite that and he cocks his head to the side slightly as the angel slips away from the door.]
Oh. That… makes sense. [He wouldn’t have made himself known either, considering angels must have known that humans are naturally curious. If not also friendly, to a point. Shiro gets his answer via the dark blur outside the steamed shower door starts to move and lessen. Due to his angel’s dark clothing stripping away. He can see enough blurry outline to realize Mananan’s not just tossing the dressings off to the side and leaving them. That’s nice of him. And neat.
With a soft, smooth hiss, the shower door glides to the side and Shiro watches the angel step into the steam-filled area. The door shuts behind him and he steps back closer to the wall to invite Mananan into the shower spray proper. Mentioning regrets earns a small smile and a light wave of his metal arm.] I don’t think this is something I’m going to regret. [Would anyone regret something like this?
A few stray streams of the shower lance off Mananan’s reaching hand and Shiro blinks when the angel pushes his white bangs up over his forehead. Down they go again and the Paladin ducks his head a little before playfully nudging the other man with his knuckles.] Only if we’re going to trade the favor.
~ 0 ~
[OOC: Yo! Got a small hiatus coming up due to family things. I really love the thread and their interactions, so I’d love to continue this once I get back in a week, if you’re game for waiting that long. Sorry for the delay; it’s a bit of a bugger for me too. I might be able to nab something during the week, but don’t count on it. Still, I’m having fun with this so hope we can continue! And for future reference, I’ve no problem if this segues into something sexual~]
[ The shower is calm, without much need for worry after all, though it is with a little bit of resistance on Mananan's part. There's an underlying desire to let his hands wander and he keeps it to himself, sticking to washing Shiro's hair and being nothing more than playful before and afterward.
It's after they get out, once they're dried and Mananan has slipped his own underwear back on, that they end up near the bed again. He knows he's already mentioned sleeping with Shiro, sharing a bed, but he can't help wondering if that's a bad idea. But he recognizes that his human seems to like the bits of intimacy they've shared thus far and that he invited him to stay in the first place.
So he decides against backing out and leaving Shiro on his own, wanting to be a companion as much as he's his angel.
That's how he ends up in bed with Shiro, reaching out to gently slide his fingers along his prosthetic arm, propping his elbow on the mattress so he can rest his head against his free hand as he gives him a curious look. ]
[Shiro’s glad the shower went well. He’d been worried it would be awkward, for a number of reasons. Small and probably light-hearted for the most part. But instead, he’d enjoyed it. Washing off with someone else in a private little area was so different than the other times in his life. The communal showers in the military, the cells in the Galra camps, the personal refresher units in the Castle of Lions. Mananan’s playful teases relaxed the Paladin and he was quick to mess around with his angel back. Washing and rinsing.
Drying off had been much the same, though Shiro got himself a clean pair of boxer briefs since who knows what with his original pair. Perhaps they really should have gone out and spent some more of the fading day together, but if Shiro’s honest, he was perfectly happy just collapsing in the bed and spending the rest of the night under the sheets. Though it took another reminder and even a small, playful push to get Mananan to agree to get in said bed with him. Shiro sleeps military anyways, so it’s not like the angel has to worry about him clinging to him during the night… Even though Siro instantly feels a mixture of apprehension of sharing his bed with another man and intense relief at doing the same. The want far outweighs the caution. Mostly because he knows this is his own angel with him.
If Mananan had ultimately backed out and departed, Shiro wouldn’t have blamed him. But, he’s glad he stayed.
The Paladin glances down as fingers run over his metal arm. He’s currently lying on his back, resting beside Mananan, sheets draped at an angle just at his hips. He curls his metal fingers, the sound of the alien tech nigh-silent and motions smooth. He’s not surprised at the angel’s curiosity.] No. It’s only sensitive to electric stimulations. [Blunt force and tactile stimulation do as much for it as flicking someone’s numb arm. He recognizes the pressure, as in something’s touching or moving his arm, but no warmth or cool, no smooth or rough. Just… there. Electrical or energy-based interactions, however…]
[ He can't help being curious now that he has the chance to talk to Shiro. Mananan realizes it must be strange, having an arm that functions so well, but lacks the same kind of feeling. It's an odd thing to think about from his end, where he can't even completely imagine the way it feels. The mention of electric stimulation draws his gaze to Shiro's arm before he looks back to him. ]
Sensitive in a good way or a bad way?
[ He doubts he can produce electrical energy, but something more magical... maybe. He can't help wondering if everything Shiro feels in relation to that arm is bad or if it all depends on the intentions of the person doing something to it.
But he doesn't stick on it for too long, his fingers soon sliding against bare skin, gently tracing over scars as Mananan looks Shiro over without the steam and water and soap to get in his way. He's seen him before, more than enough times, but he's never had the opportunity to touch. So he does, careful like the scars might still bring some amount of pain. He doesn't intend to touch on the past that's led to so many of the marks on Shiro's body, but he does lean in after a bit longer so he can press a kiss to his bare shoulder, almost a silent apology for being unable to do more for his human in the past.
And then, with his lips still against skin: ] Have you ever gone swimming?
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branchandroot
PSLs
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Date: 2019-05-09 03:13 am (UTC)I'm glad. I want to spend more time with you, too. [ After a moment, he lifts a hand and rests it over Shiro's on his shoulder, giving it a small squeeze. ] I'll be with you whenever you want me. But you should know that staying the night means I'm going to sleep next to you.
[ A smile follows as he pulls Shiro's hand down and presses the small, almost lollipop stick-like piece of metal into his palm. ]
My phone opens from this. [ And while he could just leave Shiro to try to get it open himself, he knows it's easier to just show him. While it's in his palm, Mananan slides his thumb down along it. There's no sound as a glowing blue screen materializes from it, the device able to float in front of them or be held. But once the screen is open, Mananan leaves it in Shiro's possession to let him play around with it, the home screen looking like a fairly normal interface, though it's pretty bare. ]
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Date: 2019-05-09 04:43 am (UTC)Glad to hear it. [Shiro likes being in agreement with the people he’s deciding with. Team member mentality. And this is a very close team right here. He can’t help a small smile when Mananan touches his shoulder as well to return the gesture, the squeeze earning one of the same in answer. Though a slight brow arch and faint heat on his face come from the “warning” his angel gives him.
Whoa. Forward? Accommodating? Friendly? Awkward. Maybe a little of both. But instead of asking “why” to that comment, Shiro just--] That’s okay. [And he’s… pretty much fine with that. He’s slept alone and with others in the past. Most of the time for good or out of necessity. Captivity had introduced some for bad and by force, but he tries not to let that leak into his new relationship with his angel.
Their hands descent and Shito can put the awkward behind him in exchange for the needle-looking stick in his palm. ] Your phone? [Before he’s got the words out of his mouth, the angel’s moving his thumb and a hologram like panel appears. Shiro gazes at it in momentary surprise and awe before interest appears on his face. He lifts the device, inspects the screen, waves a finger through it.]
This is incredible. It reminds me of the holopanels the Alteans and Galra use, but this one is portable rather than attached to a ship or facility. [There were plenty of handheld devices out there, but the tiny scale of this contrasting with the floating screen is amazing!] I take it Heaven and Hell aren’t letting humans access to this kind of technology? For now?
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Date: 2019-05-09 05:18 am (UTC)He's a little surprised by the acceptance of his news that they'll be sleeping together, but he decides not to press it. It's just sleep. There isn't much reason for Shiro to be too concerned anyway. And he obviously isn't too concerned, given the way he moves on to the tech so easily.
Mananan never thinks about the things he uses, so it's fun to show them to someone who isn't used to them. He smiles as he nods, letting Shiro do what he wants while he watches, leaning back on his hands. ]
We use them for everything in Heaven. Television, computers, tablets, phones. Some are fixed in locations, some are portable. That screen can get a little bigger, if you want. [ He lets out a soft hum as he thinks about that question, shrugging in the end. ] Humans tend to develop on their own, but God sends down inspiration. I guess when they're close enough, inspiration for this kind of thing will end up sent down, too.
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Date: 2019-05-10 02:36 am (UTC)Shiro notices Mananan’s slight surprise at his acceptance to sleeping together, but doesn’t comment on it. It’s fine for them to sleep together. He’d give his bed to Mananan before he let the man sleep on the couch or something. Which would probably get them trying to out-polite each other. Amusingly enough. Sleeping arrangements settled, back to the new technology.]
Really? [Shiro glances up to the angel again, then back down to the holoscreen.] So they’re everywhere in Heaven… That must look interesting. Some of the alien technology I’ve seen uses them for screens, but even some of those are still fixed on certain physical mediums. [Mostly glass.] This is more advanced. [Mentioning the screen’s abilities, Shiro lifts the device to look “under” the screen, then starts to fiddle with the ‘stick’ to see if he can figure out how to increase the screen’s size. Also touches the screen itself to see if it’ll respond that way. Aka: playing with a new toy.]
Inspiration comes from above. I suppose that’s just as acceptable as it coming from within. [He understands inspiration showing up, but not having the tools or intelligence to make it reality.] Dreams and imagination. A long time ago, it’d be unthinkable outside of fantasy to fly in the sky. Now look at us.
sorry for the delay!
Date: 2019-05-15 06:14 am (UTC)You should see the ones in the main meeting area of the building we were in. [ He watches Shiro learn to work the screen, which expands when he tries to touch it, the stick not doing much for him. Smiling, Mananan reaches over and pulls his hand back again, showing him that simply swiping the air in front of the screen will bring him to other things, a bit like apps. Email, texting, an internet browser, and other things can be found in the icons. ]
It technically comes from both. Above and within. I don't think just gifting humans with inspiration alone is enough to get things accomplished. I mean, most of you don't need us anymore. Humans have come a long way on their own inspiration.
[ It's not like God wanted to inspire angels right out of their lives, he's sure. But things are good as they are now. And he has more important things to consider. ] I'm going to take you on a tour when we go back. I just have to figure out how to make you look less obviously human.
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Date: 2019-05-16 02:57 pm (UTC)Oh yeah? [The same interest once again piques his voice as he looks at the angel.] They’re bigger, more powerful, both? [Or potentially even smaller and more portable, being easier that way. Back to the screen. The expansion when he touches it intrigues him and he pokes around at the screen a few more times before Mananan reaches over to give him a hands-on demonstration. Soon enough, he’s following suit, swiping the air—the screen—and grinning like a kid when the displays change.] It’s just like the Castle of Lions’ control bridge display. Only portable!
[He’s jumping through the apps easily, looking at the email (but not accessing it since that’s private), and then going to the net and other tools just as a cursory glance at the technology. The icons look amusingly-familiar to their Earthian counterparts. He can find his way around without a translator.]
Both? That’s… pretty fitting. People can’t just have inspiration. They need the passion to do what could be done and the knowledge to know what shouldn’t. [Shiro nods again at the mention of humanity’s progress.] We’ve had help in that area lately. The war’s caused a lot of worlds throughout the galaxy to unite. Technology and knowledge’s shared. Humans adapt quickly; that’s for sure.
[Hopefully humanity would never outgrow the need or believe in angels and demons, as far as Shiro’s concerned. Even now, though he’s given little thought to it before, learning he has his own angel is a very surprising, but welcome revelation. Shiro glances to Mananan again.] A tour? That sounds fun. [The quirks a brow in confusion.] You look just like a human, minus the wings. Why would I need to look any different? [Asides from obviously having a mechanical, alien-tech prosthetic right arm…]
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Date: 2019-05-26 04:31 am (UTC)For now, he settles on watching and nodding at Shiro’s point about the displays being similar. ] It is. With technology being shared now, you’ll probably have one of your own sooner than you think.
[ He tilts his head at the question, glancing at Shiro’s prosthetic arm first. That seems obvious enough, but he follows it by lifting a hand and cupping his cheek for a second, thumb briefly brushing against the scar below his eyes. ]
If you died today and ended up in Heaven as an angel, you’d have your arm back and you wouldn’t have any scars. So, right now, anyone who saw you would immediately be able to pick you out as human. [ Mananan pulls his hand back and smiles. ] I think you’d draw a lot of attention. Some angels and demons would be just as curious about you as you are about us.
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Date: 2019-05-27 01:45 am (UTC)Shiro hums at the prediction.] You’re probably right. The Coalition brought more aid than he originally thought. Technology is going to increase very quickly.
[As for the question about his appearance… and the answer, the Paladin frowns a little. Obvious answer is obvious. But a second later, there’s a hand on his face, cupping his cheek, and his gray eyes widen in slight surprise as Mananan rubs his thumb across his scar. That’s… no one’s ever touched him like that before. It feels strange… He can’t tell if he likes it or not. But the real answer is a logical brick to the head and he mentally facepalms for even asking such a thing.]
Of course. [Just ignore that momentary embarrassment, please. He tries not to think about such a thing. To have his arm back, his scars erased, probably his hair back to being completely black… all the pains and struggles his body’s endured through the years… gone. Tsk, now he’s thinking about it. Shiro pushes the thoughts away. There are still things he has to do, things he needs to be alive for.] They’d be curious about me? Don’t you all know all about us? Even if you’re not as involved anymore, you still… um… have data from the past…
[And trailing off because, as Mananan’s said, Heaven and Hell have largely left humanity alone for decades. They’d definitely be curious to see how humanity has gotten along. Especially since there isn’t as much contact anymore.] Never mind. You’re right. [He offers his angel a small, sheepish smile.] I take it you wouldn’t want a bunch of your colleagues swarming your human.
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Date: 2019-05-29 08:28 am (UTC)But that's when he figures out a way to help him pass as an angel for a few hours.
Right now, he focuses on his human and lets out a soft laugh at the assumption that they wouldn't be curious about a living human suddenly wandering around Heaven. ]
I definitely wouldn't want that. You might find another angel you prefer over me. [ He definitely would, is what Mananan thinks. There are a lot of angels who are just... better than he is. And if Shiro was given a choice, he doesn't see himself ranking very high compared to some others.
But he keeps that to himself, smiling and letting the comment he makes roll along as if he might just be teasing. ] You know, you never put pants on.
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Date: 2019-05-30 03:45 am (UTC)Ignoring the aspect of having to pass as an angel. Hologram-based disguises only work so well and he’s not sure he wants to deal with a lot of makeup or prosthetic coverings… Not to mention the wings. Which he obviously lacks. Thanks for the laugh, Mananan. It was supposed to be a serious question until he realized the stupidity of it.]
You’ll find I’m pretty loyal. [Shiro already doesn’t like the idea of finding another angel over “his” angel. If Mananan’s been his angel since he was born, there’s no way he’ll replace him. Sometimes life requires moving on, but in a case like this, nope. He bonded with his Lion and he hopes that with more time, he’ll bond with his angel as well.] I won’t abandon someone who’s been with me for so long.
[Shiro’s tone is light-hearted, but his eyes are firm and serious. Making a promise as far as anyone’s concerned. At least until Mananan points out something very obvious and Shiro blinks before looking down. He tenses up and quickly smacks himself on the side of the head.] Dammit! Sorry. I just… got distracted. [By everything. He offers the device back to his angel.] You didn’t seem to mind.
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Date: 2019-05-30 07:29 am (UTC)It's something he'll need to put some thought into, possibly look into magic he could potentially access in order to wander around with Shiro in tow. But that's for another time since it's not like he plans to leave just for the sake of looking into it. Right now, he's quieted by the look in Shiro's eyes when he says he won't abandon him and Mananan briefly thinks that maybe he should leave because he really shouldn't get more attached to his human.
Luckily, his comment changes the direction of the conversation well enough and Mananan smiles after a moment, accepting the device and slipping it back into his pocket, glancing down at mostly-bare legs as he shrugs a shoulder. ]
That's because I don't, but you seemed to mind it earlier. I just thought it might be better to say something in case you leave the room.
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Date: 2019-05-31 04:35 am (UTC)He's still not entire sure he wants to cover himself up like that. He’s not exactly… proud of his scars? But he’s not really someone who goes out of his way to cover them if they do happen to get exposed. The one on his face is fairly obvious. It’ll be something they’ll have to discuss at another time. He does want to go explore Heaven though, so he might just have to grin and bear it if it’s really going to be a problem otherwise. Shiro doesn’t want to get his angel in trouble.]
Of course I minded. I’m not usually running around in just a shirt and boxer briefs in front of a total stranger. [He looks down at his legs, and then finally pushes himself up. Guess he should get something to pull on.] But I guess you’re not a total stranger to me. Technically. [Shiro adds that with a small smile that’s both amused and a little embarrassed.] You’ve probably seen me in less. [Saying that earns a small pink on his face, but he’s okay with it. Being in the military meant joint showers at times, so it’s not like he’s alien to the idea. (Plus being a Galra slave for a year… probably not good to dwell on that right now either.)]
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Date: 2019-05-31 07:17 am (UTC)He shakes his head slightly. ] I'm less of a stranger now, but I'm still a stranger to you. It's not like you've had the chance to get to know me before now. [ The assessment that he's seen Shiro in less earns a nod, but he clarifies it: ] I have, but I've never done it on purpose. I think I mentioned it earlier, but I don't follow you around constantly, so I'm not following you into the shower or watching you in bed or anything.
[ All that aside, Mananan's not the voyeuristic type. He prefers participation, so he's unlikely to just hover and watch anyone for the sake of it. It's just not his thing, though that might seem hard to believe with the way his gaze follows Shiro. But that's mainly because the two of them are still talking. ]
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Date: 2019-06-01 04:22 pm (UTC)I’d like to get to know you. [Yes, it’s true Mananan still technically a stranger. One who knows his name and plenty of his history and whom Shiro now also knows name of. He’s glad his back’s to the angel when the black-haired man gives the affirmative answer. That’s kind of expected but still… little embarrassing. It’s amusing the angel makes to clarify it though; Shiro appreciates it, even though it’s technically not needed. He pulls open his closet to take a look around. It’s pretty standard and military in there. Mostly darks and whites.] I know. I just wanted to get an idea of what your… um… schedule? Is like. [Or perimeter or usual or he’s not sure. Basically if someone’s seen you naked, regularly, then is there reason to get embarrassed? … Well, kind of. But… anyways! He grabs a pair of pants from the hanger.]
I’m going to grab a shower first. [Speaking of.] I don’t remember much of last night, so I’d rather clean off. [Even if Mananan had ultimately fetched and saved him, Shiro feels strange about the “why” the angel had to come save him. So, time for a rinse off at least. He looks over his shoulder as his other hand flops a black t-shirt over his arm along with the pants and a new pair of boxer briefs.] Do you want to come with me?
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Date: 2019-06-01 07:33 pm (UTC)[ Mananan tilts his head slightly at the mention of a schedule, though. ] Schedule? For seeing you, you mean? I don't really have one. But you have my number now, so I can visit whenever you want me to. [ As easily as he could just show up without a word, he knows that's not the best thing to do. Popping in to visit when he doesn't know what Shiro's doing, who he's with, or where he's at seems like a bad idea all around. Mainly for the sake of privacy, but also for the sake of not just appearing in front of other people who know nothing about him.
He nods at the mention of a shower, shifting in his spot on the bed to make himself more comfortable, assuming that he'll just wait where he's at while Shiro gets finished. His hand dips into his pocket, intending to check texts or email or something in the meantime, but he doesn't quite get to that before he hears the question. It brings his attention back to Shiro in full, meeting the look in his direction. ] Are you inviting me into the shower with you?
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Date: 2019-06-01 08:17 pm (UTC)Dammit, I’m sorry. That just slipped out that way. [And now stuck at a momentary crossroads. He’s got to make a decision quick like.] I meant if you wanted to come into the bathroom to keep talking. [Shutting the guy out conversation-wise was what he’d wanted to avoid. And ended up inviting his angel into the shower with him. Good going, Shiro. Way to word that.] You’re welcome to grab one as well, if you want. [He didn’t know what Mananan had went through to get to him, so… though the angel looks pristine to him.
Anyways, before he puts his foot in his mouth any further, Shiro heads for the bathroom, pausing long enough to swipe two towels (just in case) from the linen closet on the way. The light clicks on in the room and soon enough, the shower’s going, pouring water down behind the opaque glass door. Shiro rubs his forehead again, kicks himself for the flub, and then gets over it. Mistakes happen… and… maybe if he’s honest, he wouldn’t actually mind.] Now that I know you’re there, I’d like to see you sometime when I’m not in trouble.
[Just going to offer that out the door as he pulls his shirt over his head and shucks his boxer briefs.]
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Date: 2019-06-01 08:53 pm (UTC)It's okay, I just wanted to make sure. [ The invitation that follows, to take a shower as well, has Mananan's gaze following him as he heads into the bathroom. He doesn't immediately move to push himself up, even after hearing Shiro speak out of the door at him. He gives it a little bit longer before he pushes himself up and heads to the doorway of the bathroom, leaning in it as he looks at Shiro's form through the glass shower doors. ]
I don't have anything to change into, so I'll shower when I get home tomorrow. [ It's a late response, but he doesn't miss the second towel that's an equal invitation to follow Shiro's shower with one of his own. Or to follow him inside, but that's out of the question, because of the clarification and Mananan's own questions about whether he might step out of line.
It's easier to settle into conversation through the sound of the water, his arms crossed and shoulder resting against the door frame. ] You can see me whenever you want, Shiro. Even if you just want somebody to watch a movie with or to sleep next to. I'll come to you whenever you want.
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Date: 2019-06-01 10:07 pm (UTC)The water’s hot and the steam’s quick to rise, pluming in the shower. Between the frosted glass and the billows, it’s mostly just the general masculine outline in the shower walls, but the distinct run of flesh color from top to bottom makes it obvious he’s not wearing a thing. Duh. He’s in the shower. Shiro brings his flesh arm in front of him, the blur of metallic and black in the shower door outline signifying the Paladin’s prosthetic. Gray eyes flick to the side as the angel’s voice comes through the spray of water. Oh good, he’s here. That at least makes Shiro feel better.]
You could wear something of mine? We’re about the same height. [Mananan’s a little more lithe than Shiro is, but he doesn’t think that’ll be much a problem. Right, he did invite the angel to sleep over tonight. Which also meant sharing the bed, come to think of it. Shiro frowns a bit as he looks at his hand. Seriously, he’s still wrestling with the shower invitation. Another time and he’d be seriously disturbed at him. But the war’s over, his ex has been dead for over a year, and there had been some… dalliances with the other Paladins during their journey. Is it really so wrong to want to experience some physical bonding with someone? His own angel for that matter? There’s definitely some stupid sacrilegious daring of an excitement tempting on his shoulder… But he doesn’t want to get Mananan in trouble either.
*siiigh*
Shiro looks at the door and the blur of black-clad angel through it. A small smile appears when he’s told he can see him so freely. Including another small flush at the mention of sleeping together again.] I really appreciate that, Mananan. [If he’d had the chance to know so long ago, things… No. He pushes the thought aside. All of that happened for a reason. They survived because of their challenges. And no, Shiro doesn’t think the angel is a miracle genie either. Still… company would’ve been nice at certain intervals. Being lonely is really stressful at times…
The Paladin gives a small breath, a mix of amusement, sarcasm, and ‘can’t believe I’m doing this’ together.] Well then… [The shower door pops from its seal slightly, letting the steam seep through.] How about you come in?
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Date: 2019-06-01 10:58 pm (UTC)The offer of clothes is something he doesn't think too much of, assuming it's for a shower following Shiro's. He figures he can ask for a change of clothes once he's out since it's not something his human can do much about in his current position. So he doesn't offer an answer to that, leaving it hanging as his gaze wanders the bathroom so he's not just staring at Shiro through the glass.
His eyes don't return to him until he hears his name, the sound of it making him smile slightly. And then the shower door pops open and he hears what follows and he's left staring for a couple of seconds. He shouldn't. He knows he shouldn't. He knows what it could easily lead to, that an invitation into a shower with someone isn't just for the sake of getting clean. Shiro's not some inexperienced, naive guy. ]
Are you sure? [ Mananan moves toward the door, fingers curling around the edge of it as he peers into the shower at Shiro, almost tempted to step inside without stripping anything off at all. ] I want to, but I don't want to go too far.
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Date: 2019-06-02 01:02 am (UTC)He knows what he just offered and it’s sitting there in his ears. Shiro starts slightly when Mananan actually catches the door and peers in. He… hadn’t thought he’d do that. The Paladin’s left standing towards the middle of the shower, facing Mananan, body twisted just slightly since his back’s to the spray. The steam actually does a fair job of hiding anything indecent for the time being. Go figure. But without his shirt, Shiro’s scars are completely visible. Crisscrossing his body, a host of slashes that look like they were made from blades and claws and other such tears. The year in captivity hadn’t done him too many favors.
Shiro blinks at him once before sighing and running a hand through his hair, pulling the white shock of bangs away from his forehead. Shower just splats them back down once he takes his hand away. He has to think for a bit because… honestly, he’s not sure. It’s heartening to hear Mananan wants to at least.] I don’t want you to get in trouble, but… I wouldn’t mind the company either. [He realizes what Mananan’s also concerned about. The “go to far” comment doesn’t fall over his head. Shiro’s not sure if it’ll turn into that or not… or they’ll just end up showering and that’ll be that.]
It's your call. Don’t endanger yourself for me, Mananan. Besides. [He offers the angel a smile.] We’ll still be together for the rest of the day and night.
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Date: 2019-06-05 05:35 am (UTC)Looking into the shower is just for the sake of looking at Shiro as he talks to him. He's seen him naked before, so there's no staring at scars or anything else. The look is simple until he hears the the mention of him getting in trouble. Shiro's remarks, the thought that he's worried about Mananan getting in trouble for something like this, earn a soft laugh before Mananan steps away from the door. ]
It's not about getting in trouble. I'm here with you and I'm planning to bring you back to Heaven again. If I was worried about trouble, I would've tucked you into bed here last night. [ While he's speaking, Shiro will be able to see black clothing being stripped off on the other side of the glass. Clothes are folded over as they're removed and left together before Mananan moves into sight again, stepping into the open door this time to pull it closed behind him. ]
I didn't want you to regret anything. [ He steps closer to Shiro, into the steam and nearer to the spray of water, then reaches out to playfully push those bangs up again, grinning as they end up splatting down shortly after. ] Do you want me to wash your hair?
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Date: 2019-06-05 11:20 pm (UTC)Oh. That… makes sense. [He wouldn’t have made himself known either, considering angels must have known that humans are naturally curious. If not also friendly, to a point. Shiro gets his answer via the dark blur outside the steamed shower door starts to move and lessen. Due to his angel’s dark clothing stripping away. He can see enough blurry outline to realize Mananan’s not just tossing the dressings off to the side and leaving them. That’s nice of him. And neat.
With a soft, smooth hiss, the shower door glides to the side and Shiro watches the angel step into the steam-filled area. The door shuts behind him and he steps back closer to the wall to invite Mananan into the shower spray proper. Mentioning regrets earns a small smile and a light wave of his metal arm.] I don’t think this is something I’m going to regret. [Would anyone regret something like this?
A few stray streams of the shower lance off Mananan’s reaching hand and Shiro blinks when the angel pushes his white bangs up over his forehead. Down they go again and the Paladin ducks his head a little before playfully nudging the other man with his knuckles.] Only if we’re going to trade the favor.
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[OOC: Yo! Got a small hiatus coming up due to family things. I really love the thread and their interactions, so I’d love to continue this once I get back in a week, if you’re game for waiting that long. Sorry for the delay; it’s a bit of a bugger for me too. I might be able to nab something during the week, but don’t count on it. Still, I’m having fun with this so hope we can continue! And for future reference, I’ve no problem if this segues into something sexual~]
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Date: 2019-06-09 06:16 am (UTC)It's after they get out, once they're dried and Mananan has slipped his own underwear back on, that they end up near the bed again. He knows he's already mentioned sleeping with Shiro, sharing a bed, but he can't help wondering if that's a bad idea. But he recognizes that his human seems to like the bits of intimacy they've shared thus far and that he invited him to stay in the first place.
So he decides against backing out and leaving Shiro on his own, wanting to be a companion as much as he's his angel.
That's how he ends up in bed with Shiro, reaching out to gently slide his fingers along his prosthetic arm, propping his elbow on the mattress so he can rest his head against his free hand as he gives him a curious look. ]
Can you feel that?
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Date: 2019-06-11 02:46 am (UTC)Drying off had been much the same, though Shiro got himself a clean pair of boxer briefs since who knows what with his original pair. Perhaps they really should have gone out and spent some more of the fading day together, but if Shiro’s honest, he was perfectly happy just collapsing in the bed and spending the rest of the night under the sheets. Though it took another reminder and even a small, playful push to get Mananan to agree to get in said bed with him. Shiro sleeps military anyways, so it’s not like the angel has to worry about him clinging to him during the night… Even though Siro instantly feels a mixture of apprehension of sharing his bed with another man and intense relief at doing the same. The want far outweighs the caution. Mostly because he knows this is his own angel with him.
If Mananan had ultimately backed out and departed, Shiro wouldn’t have blamed him. But, he’s glad he stayed.
The Paladin glances down as fingers run over his metal arm. He’s currently lying on his back, resting beside Mananan, sheets draped at an angle just at his hips. He curls his metal fingers, the sound of the alien tech nigh-silent and motions smooth. He’s not surprised at the angel’s curiosity.] No. It’s only sensitive to electric stimulations. [Blunt force and tactile stimulation do as much for it as flicking someone’s numb arm. He recognizes the pressure, as in something’s touching or moving his arm, but no warmth or cool, no smooth or rough. Just… there. Electrical or energy-based interactions, however…]
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Date: 2019-06-18 09:54 am (UTC)Sensitive in a good way or a bad way?
[ He doubts he can produce electrical energy, but something more magical... maybe. He can't help wondering if everything Shiro feels in relation to that arm is bad or if it all depends on the intentions of the person doing something to it.
But he doesn't stick on it for too long, his fingers soon sliding against bare skin, gently tracing over scars as Mananan looks Shiro over without the steam and water and soap to get in his way. He's seen him before, more than enough times, but he's never had the opportunity to touch. So he does, careful like the scars might still bring some amount of pain. He doesn't intend to touch on the past that's led to so many of the marks on Shiro's body, but he does lean in after a bit longer so he can press a kiss to his bare shoulder, almost a silent apology for being unable to do more for his human in the past.
And then, with his lips still against skin: ] Have you ever gone swimming?
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