[He's still winded, trying to catch his breath and relax some, as his question is answered. He turns his attention back to Shiro and comments, his voice still a little quieter than normal.]
That's good. I just need to rest a minute, and then I should be okay. Guess I'm just not used to this direct heat. [It's not as if he'd spent a lot of time in Alabasta, anyhow. Deserts aren't really a climate he's used to.]
I haven't felt any effects from any food in this apartment. The food sold in the stores seems to be safe; it's usually the restaurants and cafes that pose a problem. [Some food has to be safe, otherwise work would never get done. Everyone would be too distracted.
He watches Shiro sit down and smiles again, hoping that he's more comfortable than he was prior to being invited to the apartment. Though -- the blond soon senses something off. Is Shiro's expression changing, slightly?]
Are you sure you're okay? You look -- a little off. I can get you some water.
[He jolts upright, sucking in a breath to steady himself, and then he starts to head to the kitchen.]
[Well, he expected Sabo’s concern and isn’t surprise the other man’s alert to the sudden change. That’s a good sign. He’ll know how to handle this.] I’m pretty sure… it’s taking effect. [Which is enough to get the other man up and off to the kitchen. Water definitely sounds nice right now…
Shiro nods, but just focuses on trying to rest right now as the heat washes over him like a sudden fever. He’s experienced drugs before. But aphrodisiacs… If he’s ever experienced this before, he doesn’t remember. The feeling’s uncomfortable. All at once, he’s needs a drink, wants a shower, and desires company. The rushing twist of those sensations really throws him for a loop. Not being in full control of his emotions, feelings, and body is frustrating and frightening. Focus… focus on the here and now and don’t think about what your mind is running on. Those aren’t… your thoughts. Focus…]
You said… You’ve been here a few months. [Shiro leans his head back against the chair, eyes closed and face slightly flushed, but it looks like he’s attempting to weather it calmly.] Was it this hot then? [This bland topic isn’t something his body wants to entertain, but it’s something he’s telling his brain to focus on. Boring. Right now, boring and informative is the best combination. Sabo’s answer about the food is instantly heartening and Shiro relaxes a little, his body sinking a bit in the chair.
But another rush of heat has him tensing up again, shoulders rounding and chest and stomach firming under his shirts.] Thanks. That’s… good to hear. [The Paladin is purposefully keeping his breathing measured.] They have to… have a functional society… at least some length… of time. [Part of him wants to ask how long this lasts, but he already predicts the answer is unknown or just depends. Obviously.]
[He quickly pours a tall glass of water from the tap, bringing it over to the other man in little time at all. He figures that, due to his own past experiences with aphrodisiacs, Shiro must be feeling very hot. Uncomfortably so, even in comparison to the heat outside.]
Here. I hope this helps some.
[He was worried about this, honestly. The aphrodisiacs are strong, so much so that they're very difficult to ignore; he's tried to do so the first day he'd arrived, and pretty much failed miserably. He doesn't fault Shiro for not being able to completely ignore them, either.
He sits back down where he was previously, watching Shiro to make sure he's alright. As alright as he can be.]
It was April, so it was pretty rainy out. Not very hot. [That breathing must be deliberate, right? Otherwise -- Shiro isn't doing well at all, and that would raise more concern.] Do you need anything else? Ice? [He knows exactly what the aphrodisiacs are telling Shiro, that he wants company, but -- he doesn't want to suggest that. He can't, as it'd be essentially the same as taking advantage of someone.
So, if Shiro says he's fine, Sabo will just sit and try to think of other things to talk about.]
[Shiro can feel the sound of the water filling the glass. It strums through his ears and veins. He’s well aware of the other man’s presence when he approaches him and the brush of fingers against his own when the glass trades hands makes him very glad he used his metal hand to accept it. Skin on skin contact right now probably isn’t the best idea.] Thanks. [And promptly drains the entire glass, throat dipping and flexing against the hold of his turtleneck. The cool water definitely helps and he drops his hand, resting the glass on the arm of the chair.]
It feels better. [He figures the relief won’t be long, but it’s enough to let him get a grip on himself again. Guess the stuff in that drink really had been the real deal. Just took a while to activate. That annoys him even more, thinking that future events are going to appear safe, but then spring their trap when he’s good and left. Delayed reaction… Ugh. Shiro rests his forehead on his hand, fingers rubbing at his temple, white bangs hanging over the back of his hand. The heat’s returning, making his clothing feel constricting and burning. Something he’s well aware is going to happen.
Yeah, his brain’s going “take them off” all over, and he’s doing his best to tell that part of his brain to shut the hell up. Sabo doesn’t need that kind of crap right now. It makes the Paladin very grateful that he’s here in the privacy of someone’s lodging rather than making a fool of himself out in a public restaurant.] I see. [Rain in April sounds like Earth. He tries to focus on the conversation again, Sabo’s questions.] No. This… this is fine. [His mind’s jumping at the idea of ice, body thinking how nice it would feel, and another part of him suggesting it’d be better if Sabo kept hold of that ice while moving it on hi—
Shiro pushes himself up.] Do you mind if I get a cold shower? [For several guessable reasons.]
[Considering the aphrodisiacs in Shiro's system, Sabo isn't surprised at all by how quickly he downs that glass. He'd do the same if he were in his situation, after all.
He does smile when he's told that the water helped, but the smile fades as he witnesses Shiro rest his forehead on his hand. The water only helped so much, which is what the blond was worried about. There's nothing else he can do to help, though, save for --
Well, what the aphrodisiac wants him to do.]
Not at all. I can show you where it is.
[That could cool the man down, hopefully for longer than drinking a glass of water.
He starts to head toward the bathroom, but intentionally stops after a few steps, looking back to make sure Shiro is actually able to follow.]
You alright? Want me to hold a hand? [Not for any reason but to help lead him to the bathroom, really. Before Shiro can answer, though, Sabo reaches for his human hand and holds it, gently tugging forward.]
[As soon as he gets permission, Shiro heads… well, he heads a direction and soon after realizes he has no idea where’s he’s going. Not that there’s a lot of options… It’s got to be down the hallway. Apparently Sabo already figures that out, offering to show him. Shiro nods and steps to the side, resting his shoulder against the wall and trying to keep everything inside. Heat’s racing over his skin, threatening to soak his clothes from the budding sweat rising on his flesh. Hmph, he chugs the water and now it’s all coming out of him. Sabo passes by and Shiro deliberately keeps his face averted, not wanting to show just how red and dazed he feels like he looks right now.]
Not… really. [He tries to offer a small laugh. Does Sabo think he’s alright? He’s drugged! But the question about holding his hand—Shiro tenses up.] That’s fi-- [Too late, and Sabo’s grabbed him by the hand. And not his metal one either. Dammit, Sabo! Didn’t you say you experienced this kind of thing already?! He’s too flummoxed to respond and only stumbles forward like the blonde just tugged on a proverbial leash around him. Rubbing his head with his metal hand again, Shiro follows him. He’s going over training drills in his head, keeping his eyes on the walls or the floor or Sabo’s shoulders. So long as he doesn’t just stare at the guy, he can keep himself in check.
But getting to the bathroom isn’t a long trip and Shiro’s quick to rest his forehead against the relatively cool wall while Sabo activates the water. He only takes enough time to toe off his boots, strip his belt, and unzip/shrug out of his black vest before walking barefoot and face first into the shower. As he expects… it’s cold. And god does that feel good. It washes over him, flooding the heat down towards the shower floor for the time being. Doesn’t care his turtleneck and pants are getting utterly soaked and clingy right now. The relief is worth it.]
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branchandroot
PSLs
no subject
Date: 2019-07-06 06:13 pm (UTC)That's good. I just need to rest a minute, and then I should be okay. Guess I'm just not used to this direct heat. [It's not as if he'd spent a lot of time in Alabasta, anyhow. Deserts aren't really a climate he's used to.]
I haven't felt any effects from any food in this apartment. The food sold in the stores seems to be safe; it's usually the restaurants and cafes that pose a problem. [Some food has to be safe, otherwise work would never get done. Everyone would be too distracted.
He watches Shiro sit down and smiles again, hoping that he's more comfortable than he was prior to being invited to the apartment. Though -- the blond soon senses something off. Is Shiro's expression changing, slightly?]
Are you sure you're okay? You look -- a little off. I can get you some water.
[He jolts upright, sucking in a breath to steady himself, and then he starts to head to the kitchen.]
no subject
Date: 2019-07-06 10:56 pm (UTC)Shiro nods, but just focuses on trying to rest right now as the heat washes over him like a sudden fever. He’s experienced drugs before. But aphrodisiacs… If he’s ever experienced this before, he doesn’t remember. The feeling’s uncomfortable. All at once, he’s needs a drink, wants a shower, and desires company. The rushing twist of those sensations really throws him for a loop. Not being in full control of his emotions, feelings, and body is frustrating and frightening. Focus… focus on the here and now and don’t think about what your mind is running on. Those aren’t… your thoughts. Focus…]
You said… You’ve been here a few months. [Shiro leans his head back against the chair, eyes closed and face slightly flushed, but it looks like he’s attempting to weather it calmly.] Was it this hot then? [This bland topic isn’t something his body wants to entertain, but it’s something he’s telling his brain to focus on. Boring. Right now, boring and informative is the best combination. Sabo’s answer about the food is instantly heartening and Shiro relaxes a little, his body sinking a bit in the chair.
But another rush of heat has him tensing up again, shoulders rounding and chest and stomach firming under his shirts.] Thanks. That’s… good to hear. [The Paladin is purposefully keeping his breathing measured.] They have to… have a functional society… at least some length… of time. [Part of him wants to ask how long this lasts, but he already predicts the answer is unknown or just depends. Obviously.]
no subject
Date: 2019-07-08 11:21 pm (UTC)Here. I hope this helps some.
[He was worried about this, honestly. The aphrodisiacs are strong, so much so that they're very difficult to ignore; he's tried to do so the first day he'd arrived, and pretty much failed miserably. He doesn't fault Shiro for not being able to completely ignore them, either.
He sits back down where he was previously, watching Shiro to make sure he's alright. As alright as he can be.]
It was April, so it was pretty rainy out. Not very hot. [That breathing must be deliberate, right? Otherwise -- Shiro isn't doing well at all, and that would raise more concern.] Do you need anything else? Ice? [He knows exactly what the aphrodisiacs are telling Shiro, that he wants company, but -- he doesn't want to suggest that. He can't, as it'd be essentially the same as taking advantage of someone.
So, if Shiro says he's fine, Sabo will just sit and try to think of other things to talk about.]
no subject
Date: 2019-07-11 03:44 am (UTC)It feels better. [He figures the relief won’t be long, but it’s enough to let him get a grip on himself again. Guess the stuff in that drink really had been the real deal. Just took a while to activate. That annoys him even more, thinking that future events are going to appear safe, but then spring their trap when he’s good and left. Delayed reaction… Ugh. Shiro rests his forehead on his hand, fingers rubbing at his temple, white bangs hanging over the back of his hand. The heat’s returning, making his clothing feel constricting and burning. Something he’s well aware is going to happen.
Yeah, his brain’s going “take them off” all over, and he’s doing his best to tell that part of his brain to shut the hell up. Sabo doesn’t need that kind of crap right now. It makes the Paladin very grateful that he’s here in the privacy of someone’s lodging rather than making a fool of himself out in a public restaurant.] I see. [Rain in April sounds like Earth. He tries to focus on the conversation again, Sabo’s questions.] No. This… this is fine. [His mind’s jumping at the idea of ice, body thinking how nice it would feel, and another part of him suggesting it’d be better if Sabo kept hold of that ice while moving it on hi—
Shiro pushes himself up.] Do you mind if I get a cold shower? [For several guessable reasons.]
no subject
Date: 2019-07-14 03:31 pm (UTC)He does smile when he's told that the water helped, but the smile fades as he witnesses Shiro rest his forehead on his hand. The water only helped so much, which is what the blond was worried about. There's nothing else he can do to help, though, save for --
Well, what the aphrodisiac wants him to do.]
Not at all. I can show you where it is.
[That could cool the man down, hopefully for longer than drinking a glass of water.
He starts to head toward the bathroom, but intentionally stops after a few steps, looking back to make sure Shiro is actually able to follow.]
You alright? Want me to hold a hand? [Not for any reason but to help lead him to the bathroom, really. Before Shiro can answer, though, Sabo reaches for his human hand and holds it, gently tugging forward.]
no subject
Date: 2019-07-16 11:20 pm (UTC)Not… really. [He tries to offer a small laugh. Does Sabo think he’s alright? He’s drugged! But the question about holding his hand—Shiro tenses up.] That’s fi-- [Too late, and Sabo’s grabbed him by the hand. And not his metal one either. Dammit, Sabo! Didn’t you say you experienced this kind of thing already?! He’s too flummoxed to respond and only stumbles forward like the blonde just tugged on a proverbial leash around him. Rubbing his head with his metal hand again, Shiro follows him. He’s going over training drills in his head, keeping his eyes on the walls or the floor or Sabo’s shoulders. So long as he doesn’t just stare at the guy, he can keep himself in check.
But getting to the bathroom isn’t a long trip and Shiro’s quick to rest his forehead against the relatively cool wall while Sabo activates the water. He only takes enough time to toe off his boots, strip his belt, and unzip/shrug out of his black vest before walking barefoot and face first into the shower. As he expects… it’s cold. And god does that feel good. It washes over him, flooding the heat down towards the shower floor for the time being. Doesn’t care his turtleneck and pants are getting utterly soaked and clingy right now. The relief is worth it.]
Thanks. Really, Sabo.