[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?
[It... it’s definitely strange. Shiro has a love/hate relationship with the arm. Grateful that it functions so well and gives him his limb back (in a sense), but rueful because it feels like the strongest part of him is now something cruelly forced on him by his captors. Along with all the memories it brings with it, including the assistance it lent to his friends and the betrayal it caused him to commit. And he gets to see that each time he looks in the mirror or uses it. Along with the occasional phantom pains and lingering sensations that are no longer there outside the weight and movement.
But Mananan’s curiosity about it he takes in stride. Not the first time someone’s asked about it.] So far, it’s only ever been the bad way. No one’s ever tried anything gentle with it.
[He’ll admit, it did feel kind of nice to use the arm to break into the Galra’s system. And Pidge had always been careful when hooking his arm up to her computer or other such things. But most of the time, fighting with the thing and using it as an impromptu power source… are not comfortable. It’s somewhat obvious, since gentle touches wouldn’t trigger that pressure sensation, so he doubts he’d feel it. Physically. Gentle energy? He’s never had such a thing happen. But Mananan’s right; it does depend on the person’s intentions.
Shiro’s grateful they don’t linger on the arm too long. They can come back to it later if the angel wants. He’s acutely aware of softer touches on his skin, fingers sliding over his flesh. Nerves pick up the warmth and smoothness of Mananan’s fingertips, but the feelings momentarily dim or fade each time the angel crosses his scars, depending on their size. Eyes on his skin… It’s not the same as the lecherous, fearful, and murderous gazes he’s felt during his captivity. Not even the adoring gazes he’s received as a pilot and Paladin. It’s different. Curious. Nice. His skin’s light, smooth to touch despite the scars and molding to the hard bulges and curves of Shiro’s defined muscles. The angel’s eyes and his touch make him feel rather naked despite the boxer briefs on his lower half, but it’s not uncomfortable much. Unfortunately, some of the scars touched do pull back memories of how he got them, and he’s grateful for when Mananan leans over and kisses his shoulder. It pulls him out of his thoughts and back to reality. Before he can really think about it, Shiro leans over as well and brushes his mouth against the top of his angel’s head, resting his nose and lips among the raven-black strands. Good… it feels good. He feels good.
The Paladin shivers a bit as lips brush against his flesh, words melting on his skin.] A few times. I learned as a kid and it was required for the Garrison soldier. I haven’t done it recently though. Have you?
[ Hearing that no one's tried to be gentle with it makes Mananan want to try, but he decides to save it for the next time he takes Shiro home with him. He wants to be careful with him no matter what, but he feels like he'll have a better chance at being gentle with power if he's home. And Shiro seems fine with moving on from the subject anyway, so Mananan doesn't try to stick to it, easily moving on to touching for the sake of it as he makes himself comfortable leaning into his human a little more than before.
Feeling the way Shiro seems to nuzzle his hair leaves Mananan smiling to himself, comfortable like this. He wonders if the Paladin knows that he gives that kind of feeling, a sort of comfort even though it's not something the angel is seeking.
He lets out a soft hum against his skin. ] No. We have running water in Heaven, but we don't have bodies of water. Pools might exist, but my family has never had one.
[ His fingers trail across Shiro's chest, pressing over his heart for a few moments, just feeling it beat before his hand slides lower and comes to rest near his navel. He lifts his head, looking down at Shiro now that he's leaning into him like this. ]
Can I take you on a vacation one day? It can be short if you want it to be. We can go wherever you want. [ It's an open offer, one without any motive behind it aside from wanting to give Shiro a little bit of a break from life. Mananan knows things are calm now, but he still thinks Shiro - and the rest of the Paladins, for that matter - could use a genuine vacation. ]
[It’s a weapon of war; you’re not really “gentle” with something like that outside of taking care of it and such. Shiro’s never really had to do maintenance on it either, though he’s poked around at it a few times and let Pidge do the same occasionally. Does he think Mananan can be gentle with his arm? Yes. Does he think there could be energy involved? … He’s… not sure. But wouldn’t count it out. Shiro’s pretty sure his angel will at least talk about wanting to do something with his arm first if he does. Right now, the gentle touches to his body is more distracting and enjoyable.
His eyes close as he rests his face against the black hair. Silky, smooth, breathing in the scent of water and shampoo and something uniquely Mananan’s. Having someone touch him gently like this, being able to return it, are treasures he’d gone without for what felt like eternity. Maybe it broke him inside, left scars, a longing for contact… touch starved. The soft hum shivers through his nerves and he finds his flesh hand wandering fingers over Mananan’s side, following the curve at the top of his pelvis and then moving up.] That’s too bad. Swimming is fun, and it’s good exercise too.
[Shiro’s powerful chest flexes as fingers traipse over the curves and his heart picks up a few paces when Mananan rests over his beating organ. There are scars there too, suggesting it’s been attacked before. Another shiver ripples down his spine, following his angel’s descending fingers. From his chest over the washboard contours of the Paladin’s sculpted abdominal muscles. Smooth skin, no body hair, just the scars, and Shiro lifts his head and leans back when Mananan looks at him. Down at him, thanks to the lean over him.
The question leaves him blinking for a second. But… warmth quickly floods through his chest at the tenderness behind the simple request. Shiro just… looks at his angel. People have told him to take a break, go on vacation, lighten up, but he’s always had something to do (though he did have leisure fun a number of times with the other Paladins). But still… he’s calm, serious, military, a leader. He’s the one telling others to take a break and get some rest. To have it returned, from someone who’s made it a point he looks out for Shiro… it’s really touching. A soft smile, grateful and touched, appears on his face and the ex-Galra slave nods.] I’d like that, Mananan. Really. … Thanks.
[ Vacation is different from bringing him home again and Mananan knows he probably shouldn't be making an offer like this, leaving something so open to suggest that they spend a larger amount of time together. But he wants Shiro to relax and to have some time to himself, so he'll follow through with it regardless of whether it's a good idea or not. Given, time to himself implies that he'll be leaving the Paladin alone, but... well, that's up to Shiro. As much as he might want to spend more time with him, Mananan won't push his presence on him. He feels too protective of Shiro to be willing to go against his wishes.
Which is why he's still looking down at him, nodding slightly at the thanks he receives and considering the placement of his own hand. Mananan feels certain that Shiro would say something if his touches were too much, but he can't help wondering. There's still mild worry lingering in the back of his mind, knowing his own past actions with a former lover and how easily his own pushiness can come out. ]
Can I kiss you? [ His fingers trail back upward toward Shiro's chest again, palm gently flattening over his heart once more, curious about the reaction his question will get. Shiro looks so relaxed at the moment that he imagines it'd be hard to hide a sudden change in the way he feels. In the moment, Mananan wants to show him every tiny bit of affection he has for him, the attachment he feels, but he doesn't want to push that if it isn't wanted. ]
[Shiro understands the angel’s desire to be with him after what they’ve talked about. Being assigned (or chosen) to guard someone, but having to go through most of their current life without ability to interact with them must be a difficult burden. Especially if he’s grown attached… which he has. Shiro does want to return some of those feelings, he’s made it clear he wants to spend more time with Mananan as well, and he's agreed to go on the vacation mostly for those reasons alone. Of course, he’s still got his job, so that will factor into the time they get to spend together, as does Mananan, but it’s just part of adult life. Still… there’s the idea of perhaps living with the angel? Amusing, but he momentarily thinks of seeing the man out the door, one going to space, the other off to Heaven. How domestic.
It's really a tender suggestion, made even more touching by the angel’s hand on him. So warm and kind. For someone who’d lost a past love to the ravages of battle, then been scarred for a year under the lusts and rage that swelters in slavery, and finally to reemerge only to enter into war again… part of his heart is rapidly warning him about attempting to form anything beyond friendship and simple relationships for physical benefits. Shiro’s not really a “romantic” of a person, duty-bound, calm, and stoic despite his kindness and leadership qualities. But… he’d be lying if he said he didn’t want…
The question surprises him for a moment, his heart picking up a beat or so beneath the angel’s hand. It’s forward, but nothing he’s not encountered before—he’s had some encounters where they don’t even bother asking. Shiro doesn’t move from his resting on the bed, eyes lingering on Mananan despite knowing the angel can feel his heart. Affection… Shiro’s surprise softens into a gentle embarrassment, but he obviously looks touched by the notion. Resting his hand over Mananan’s again, the Paladin leans forward.] I should be asking, “can I?”
[And rests his forehead against the other man’s, bringing them in close enough to complete that action if the angel wants.]
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branchandroot
PSLs
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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…]
no subject
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?
no subject
Date: 2019-06-19 01:00 am (UTC)But Mananan’s curiosity about it he takes in stride. Not the first time someone’s asked about it.] So far, it’s only ever been the bad way. No one’s ever tried anything gentle with it.
[He’ll admit, it did feel kind of nice to use the arm to break into the Galra’s system. And Pidge had always been careful when hooking his arm up to her computer or other such things. But most of the time, fighting with the thing and using it as an impromptu power source… are not comfortable. It’s somewhat obvious, since gentle touches wouldn’t trigger that pressure sensation, so he doubts he’d feel it. Physically. Gentle energy? He’s never had such a thing happen. But Mananan’s right; it does depend on the person’s intentions.
Shiro’s grateful they don’t linger on the arm too long. They can come back to it later if the angel wants. He’s acutely aware of softer touches on his skin, fingers sliding over his flesh. Nerves pick up the warmth and smoothness of Mananan’s fingertips, but the feelings momentarily dim or fade each time the angel crosses his scars, depending on their size. Eyes on his skin… It’s not the same as the lecherous, fearful, and murderous gazes he’s felt during his captivity. Not even the adoring gazes he’s received as a pilot and Paladin. It’s different. Curious. Nice. His skin’s light, smooth to touch despite the scars and molding to the hard bulges and curves of Shiro’s defined muscles. The angel’s eyes and his touch make him feel rather naked despite the boxer briefs on his lower half, but it’s not uncomfortable much. Unfortunately, some of the scars touched do pull back memories of how he got them, and he’s grateful for when Mananan leans over and kisses his shoulder. It pulls him out of his thoughts and back to reality. Before he can really think about it, Shiro leans over as well and brushes his mouth against the top of his angel’s head, resting his nose and lips among the raven-black strands. Good… it feels good. He feels good.
The Paladin shivers a bit as lips brush against his flesh, words melting on his skin.] A few times. I learned as a kid and it was required for the Garrison soldier. I haven’t done it recently though. Have you?
no subject
Date: 2019-06-19 03:26 am (UTC)Feeling the way Shiro seems to nuzzle his hair leaves Mananan smiling to himself, comfortable like this. He wonders if the Paladin knows that he gives that kind of feeling, a sort of comfort even though it's not something the angel is seeking.
He lets out a soft hum against his skin. ] No. We have running water in Heaven, but we don't have bodies of water. Pools might exist, but my family has never had one.
[ His fingers trail across Shiro's chest, pressing over his heart for a few moments, just feeling it beat before his hand slides lower and comes to rest near his navel. He lifts his head, looking down at Shiro now that he's leaning into him like this. ]
Can I take you on a vacation one day? It can be short if you want it to be. We can go wherever you want. [ It's an open offer, one without any motive behind it aside from wanting to give Shiro a little bit of a break from life. Mananan knows things are calm now, but he still thinks Shiro - and the rest of the Paladins, for that matter - could use a genuine vacation. ]
no subject
Date: 2019-06-20 02:40 am (UTC)His eyes close as he rests his face against the black hair. Silky, smooth, breathing in the scent of water and shampoo and something uniquely Mananan’s. Having someone touch him gently like this, being able to return it, are treasures he’d gone without for what felt like eternity. Maybe it broke him inside, left scars, a longing for contact… touch starved. The soft hum shivers through his nerves and he finds his flesh hand wandering fingers over Mananan’s side, following the curve at the top of his pelvis and then moving up.] That’s too bad. Swimming is fun, and it’s good exercise too.
[Shiro’s powerful chest flexes as fingers traipse over the curves and his heart picks up a few paces when Mananan rests over his beating organ. There are scars there too, suggesting it’s been attacked before. Another shiver ripples down his spine, following his angel’s descending fingers. From his chest over the washboard contours of the Paladin’s sculpted abdominal muscles. Smooth skin, no body hair, just the scars, and Shiro lifts his head and leans back when Mananan looks at him. Down at him, thanks to the lean over him.
The question leaves him blinking for a second. But… warmth quickly floods through his chest at the tenderness behind the simple request. Shiro just… looks at his angel. People have told him to take a break, go on vacation, lighten up, but he’s always had something to do (though he did have leisure fun a number of times with the other Paladins). But still… he’s calm, serious, military, a leader. He’s the one telling others to take a break and get some rest. To have it returned, from someone who’s made it a point he looks out for Shiro… it’s really touching. A soft smile, grateful and touched, appears on his face and the ex-Galra slave nods.] I’d like that, Mananan. Really. … Thanks.
no subject
Date: 2019-06-22 04:13 am (UTC)Which is why he's still looking down at him, nodding slightly at the thanks he receives and considering the placement of his own hand. Mananan feels certain that Shiro would say something if his touches were too much, but he can't help wondering. There's still mild worry lingering in the back of his mind, knowing his own past actions with a former lover and how easily his own pushiness can come out. ]
Can I kiss you? [ His fingers trail back upward toward Shiro's chest again, palm gently flattening over his heart once more, curious about the reaction his question will get. Shiro looks so relaxed at the moment that he imagines it'd be hard to hide a sudden change in the way he feels. In the moment, Mananan wants to show him every tiny bit of affection he has for him, the attachment he feels, but he doesn't want to push that if it isn't wanted. ]
no subject
Date: 2019-06-22 01:45 pm (UTC)It's really a tender suggestion, made even more touching by the angel’s hand on him. So warm and kind. For someone who’d lost a past love to the ravages of battle, then been scarred for a year under the lusts and rage that swelters in slavery, and finally to reemerge only to enter into war again… part of his heart is rapidly warning him about attempting to form anything beyond friendship and simple relationships for physical benefits. Shiro’s not really a “romantic” of a person, duty-bound, calm, and stoic despite his kindness and leadership qualities. But… he’d be lying if he said he didn’t want…
The question surprises him for a moment, his heart picking up a beat or so beneath the angel’s hand. It’s forward, but nothing he’s not encountered before—he’s had some encounters where they don’t even bother asking. Shiro doesn’t move from his resting on the bed, eyes lingering on Mananan despite knowing the angel can feel his heart. Affection… Shiro’s surprise softens into a gentle embarrassment, but he obviously looks touched by the notion. Resting his hand over Mananan’s again, the Paladin leans forward.] I should be asking, “can I?”
[And rests his forehead against the other man’s, bringing them in close enough to complete that action if the angel wants.]