Memes to a Lazy Musebox?

[quixotic_dreamer]

So... looking through the tumblr OTP meme, I made a list of OTPs and prompts I want to RP out. Goal? Have a thread here for each one and then check it off! Now... the LIST.


Kouichi & Raimei
⌘ Discovering a crumpled up paper written by person B. The paper is a written confession about person B’s feelings.
⌘ Baking cookies together and then burning them.
⌘ (Older) Moving in together for the first time.
⌘ (Older) Out camping and trapped in their tent or a cave by a sudden rainstorm, and it doesn’t look like it will be letting up any time soon.
⌘ (Older) Being grounded teenagers, and having to sneak out to see each other. (LMAO, big brother disapproves anyone?)



Nezumi & Shion:
⌘ Carving pumpkins together for Halloween.
⌘ Spending an afternoon together in a secluded corner of a park.
⌘ Laying in bed tangled up in each other and the sheets, watching the rain hit the window while it’s storming outside.
⌘ Having to be quiet while making out in a bathroom stall.



Hisagi & Kira:
⌘ Getting into a tickle fight while tipsy and then realizing they’re being way too intimate.
⌘ Drunken giggly karaoke. (Bonus points if one mr guitarist has a guitar on hand!)
⌘ Having REALLY kinky sex and laying together on the bed being all embarrassed about what they just did.
⌘ Having to be quiet while making out in a bathroom stall.
⌘ On a Winter’s morning, sitting on a bench in a park while it’s frosty and foggy. Person A has their head on person B’s shoulder as they wait and watch the world wake up.
⌘ Watching a movie together on a chilly night and sharing a blanket.


Shusei & Hotsuma:
⌘ On a road trip singing along to “Highway to Hell” and arguing over directions.
⌘ (Previous incarnation) Finding out they’re pregnant again after having a miscarriage the first time.
⌘ Having REALLY kinky sex and laying together on the bed being all embarrassed about what they just did.
⌘ Taking a relaxing bubblebath together after a long day.
⌘ Laying in bed tangled up in each other and the sheets, watching the rain hit the window while it’s storming outside.
⌘ Having to be quiet while making out in a bathroom stall.
⌘ Answering the door for Trick-or-Treaters on Halloween.
⌘ Baking cookies together and then burning them.
⌘ Watching a movie together on a chilly night and sharing a blanket.



Kurogane & Fai:
⌘ After a long, satisfying round of lovemaking…so satisfying that it’s left them both starving. So they wrap themselves up in sheets or whatever’s handy, head into the kitchen to get some food, and bring it back to eat in bed.
⌘ Baking cookies together and then burning them. (Prolly because Fai distracted him)
⌘ Sitting across from each other masturbating together, watching each other pleasure themselves.
⌘ Getting really confused while trying to build IKEA furniture.
⌘ Laying in bed tangled up in each other and the sheets, watching the rain hit the window while it’s storming outside.
⌘ Having to be quiet while making out/vamp!Fai feeding in a bathroom stall.
⌘ Time rewind Kurogane and Fai, alone in their room on the second night.

Comments

Kurogane & Fai: Time Rewind

[souhi_no_arashi]

Kurogane’s eyes widened as that smile, that infuriatingly now genuine smile, spread over the magician’s face accompanying his scolding. Nevermind that it was a laughable reversal for the man to be lecturing him about keeping secrets, but he had a point.

He’d know better than anyone.

So it was all the ninja could do to grouse and grumble. He’d already been found out, hiding the state of the new prosthetic arm, there was no helping it now. Just as there was nothing to be done about the arm either. He was lucky enough to have the damn thing, it was good enough that it could move and function.

He’d been serious when he said he could deal with a little pain for it. It was part of the price he’d paid. He’d been ready to accept a lot worse after all.

“There’s nothing to be done about it, so there isn’t a need to worry the two of them more. If we had time, I’d take care of it, but we don’t. For now, it’s working and I can handle this much.”

[reflected_stasis]

Kurogane’s words were true enough, little that Fai liked them. He didn’t want Kurogane to have constant pain as a reminder of his sacrifice - he deserved better than that. Unfortunately, for now, there was little he could do about it and so he reached out, let uncovered fingertips trail with a gentle touch along the irritated edge until he could catch the dark material of the other man’s cloak and lift it from the tender arm with one hand, even as his other reached to unfasten it.

“If I could do something to heal it, I would. But even if I still had my magic... it’d be no use. I could never master the restorative arts, after all this time. So here,” and with that he lifts the cloak from Kurogane’s shoulders with a faint smile, his golden eye steady, sincere, as they met crimson. “At least take these off in here.”

His gaze shifted from the other man’s eyes, drifted back as if of its own accord to the red drops slowly welling up once again, adding with a low murmur, “It’s pointless to try to hide your pain from me right now, after all.”

[souhi_no_arashi]

The weight of his cloak lifted off his shoulder admittedly helped. More than he’d thought it would in fact. So he made no objection as Fai requested for him to at least leave the garment off when they were alone. Crimson eyes followed Fai’s gaze as it dropped away to the still new and raw wounds left with the attachment of the arm.

“Blood doesn’t always equal pain,” he murmured back, thinking to the times he’d had to force Fai to feed from him. The bleeding had been the least painful part of those encounters, no question. “But guess you’ve got a point.”

He fell quiet just a moment as his gaze lifts to Fai’s face once more. “Speaking of. We don’t know what’s coming tomorrow,” and he paused to snort briefly. “If we figure out what the hell is going on and we have a tomorrow. Regardless, you should while we have the chance.”

[reflected_stasis]

“And you don’t usually hide behind your faceplate so,” He shrugged at that, then frowned at the rest of what Kurogane was saying. Because while he could understand the reason the man was saying that, at the same time...

He glanced up, his bare thumb resting against the flesh of Kurogane’s shoulder and the hint of a frown still in place. “I don’t want to, if you’re not going to have enough time to recover between here and tomorrow. I don’t want to weaken you before... whatever might happen, Kuro-sama.”

The truth, pure and simple for once. Because Fai wasn’t going to hide anymore, especially when it was just the two of them, and more than anything he didn’t want to weaken this man before trying to reach their enemy. He knew the kind of person they were about to face.

[souhi_no_arashi]

Kurogane watched Fai a long moment before relenting, because in all honesty, the man had a point. Though, he’d only said something knowing how long it had been for Fai and they would need them both to be at their strongest. “... I’m trusting you that you don’t need it then, got it?”

And he would. He’ll trust Fai’s judgement and that he’ll consider his own safety for once as well. It was new territory, for both of them, really. Trust in general was, but between them? It was downright novel.

“And if you realize you do, changing your mind is allowed,” he’ll just leave that on the table regardless. “Even if it’s just a bit...”

He sighed at that and rolled his shoulders, unable to help the wince as both sides gave twinges of pain. Carrying himself as he had been was clearly causing a strain and putting tension on the rest of his body too. At least letting down his guard a bit, even for this short while, should help.

[reflected_stasis]

Fai hummed softly in response, and reached up to unbuckle the headdress from Kurogane’s head, his gaze flicking down and back at the wince. His touch was sure, his fingers nimble and quick as he stripped the cloak as well.

Both of these he turned and set on the table with his gloves, then tried to take a steadying breath - unfortunately, it also brought the cloying scent of Kurogane’s blood into sharp relief.

His breath caught as a sharp pang of hunger stabbed him, that teasing scent a siren’s song that had him turning as if transfixed. There was a slow blink and even slower steps that brought him back to stand before the taller man, shorter now with the way he was seated.

And this time, when he lifted his hand, it was to find his fingers trembling, sharp incisors pressing against his lip. “Maybe... just a little... but not your wrist I think. Not this time.”

[souhi_no_arashi]

Kurogane had just been lifting his other hand to try and rub out a knot from his neck when he caught sight of the way Fai had paused while facing away from him, body held tense. Red eyes met one gold and he knew that look lurking there.

He remained quite still as Fai crossed the way back toward him, never looking away, transfixed in his own way with the way Fai moved in this state, of that blatant need in his gaze.

He'd thought so. Validated, he was about to snort out an agreement when Fai continued on with a "but." Kurogane's brow lifted ever so slightly as he eyed Fai, heart rate increasing ever so slightly. Almost not noticeable at all if one wasn't inclined to very much notice such a thing. "What'd you have in mind, magician?"

[reflected_stasis]

"I don't want to weaken your wrist now so..." trailing off, he reached up to drag his thumb slowly across the edge of the metal shoulder and the wires embedded in skin, watched as his thumb was stained red once again.

This he lifted to absently lick the precious drops from the digit - even as his other hand settled lightly on Kurogane's thigh. "So the only other places are... here," sliding his fingertips around, he pressed the back of Kurogane's knee, then lifted it to press his fingertips to the side of the man's neck, golden eye intent as he finished softly, "Or here. Whichever you're more comfortable with."

[souhi_no_arashi]

Kurogane's leg tensed instinctively at the feeling of the slight weight atop his thigh, though his attention was divided between that and the way he found his eyes drawn to Fai's mouth. The casual, distracted way Fai's tongue swiped over his thumb.

And it was in that moment that Kurogane knew they were treading on thin ice. Far thinner than anytime before now.

As Fai's fingers slid under his leg to press just behind his knee, it only confirmed his suspicions as his breath threatened to catch in his throat as his mind very much provided fuel and arguments for both of the vampire's suggestions. Visuals included.

He met that golden gaze unflinchingly and let the moment hang in the air between them, palpable and with a tension that wasn't wholly unpleasant (for once). He then tipped his neck to the side obligingly. "This seems a bit easier to... reach."

For now, his mind couldn't help but add on, not ruling out anything apparently.

[reflected_stasis]

Fai knew they were playing a dangerous game, could feel it in the way Kurogane's thigh tensed beneath his touch, and yet... the awareness of that fact in that crimson gaze was such that for a moment, he quite forgot how to breathe.

And then that slow tilt of the ninja's head, and he remembered with a sharply drawn breath.

It was acceptance and hinted at challenge and in his current state, it was a challenge he was willing to meet. And maybe raise the stakes while he was at it.

Thus, he blinked, then dropped his hand back down to Kurogane's knee before gently shifting it further apart from the other so that he could step in between them, so that he could feel the heat of the man's body brushing low on his hips as he leaned in.

One last softly ragged breath before he pressed his fingertips to the other side of the man's jaw, leaned in, and brushed his lips across that enticing pulse. Even so, he hesitated, managed barely above a whisper despite the intoxicating scent of his prey there, teasing his senses, "...you sure?"

[souhi_no_arashi]

The hand to his knee had Kurogane tensing once more, but he allowed Fai to slide his legs apart without resistance, realizing after a moment what he intended. Of course Fai was going to move in closer in the most frustrating way possible.

It was in the man's damn nature, Kurogane was certain of it.

At least this kind of frustration was considerably more tolerable than those Fai usually inflicted on him. At least... in theory. As Fai's lips brushed over his pulse and his whisper blew warm over already sensitive skin, he wasn't so sure after all.

Kurogane couldn't help the thick swallow before he could manage to growl out the answer, "If I wasn't sure, I wouldn't have offered and you know it."

In other words, get on with it, you idiot. Don't leave me waiting...

[reflected_stasis]

Fai couldn't help it, at that gruff reassurance, he smiled and breathed a low laugh. It was brief, little more than a ghost of amusement at the familiarity within the tone, before he finally succumbed to his new nature.

His fingers shifted, slid around to card long fingers into short spikes of hair until he was cradling the ninja's head in his palm, and the he closed his eyes and tried one last calming breath. Even so, it felt as if a small eternity as his lips curled back over elongated incisors and lips brushed over flesh once again.

It was effortless, the way teeth pierced flesh to let the blood well, and then lips sealed to flesh as Fai instinctively pressed closer, held his prey a little tighter as the sweet metallic tang of blood washed over his tongue, whipping up and sating his hunger all at once.

He didn't even hear the low moan that slipped out at the first taste - much less realize it was, in fact, his own.

[souhi_no_arashi]

The feeling of fingers sliding up into his hair was a new one and one that was genuinely, and shockingly so, pleasant. Kurogane wouldn't have considered how damn good something so simple could feel if he wasn't experiencing it right then and there as proof.

He felt the hesitation in Fai's frame as the man inhaled and exhaled slowly and he braced himself. Tried to keep his body from betraying the tension there. It wasn't in expectation of pain or uncertainty of any kind, but something else entirely. He just didn't want the idiot to read into it and misunderstand, so he concentrated on keeping himself loose. It was a futile effort once teeth sunk into his throat with twin pinpricks of pain, however. But again, it wasn't the pain that was the issue.

No, it was the possessive arms that tightened around him, the way it felt to have the vampire draw out that first hungry swallow, and worst of all that noise that escaped Fai's throat after that first mouthful.

Kurogane really didn't need to be made even more aware of the way Fai was pressed close to him, between his legs, gripping him, but his body had other ideas because he was very aware of it as his pulse began to race and heat coiled deep in his belly. His flesh and blood arm slid past Fai's waist and wrapped around him, fingers curling around the far side and gripping into the fabric there in an echoing answer to the man's possessive hold on him.

[reflected_stasis]

In truth, Fai wasn't even fully aware if their actions, at first. He was too caught up in the sweet metallic tang washing over his tongue as he drank in Kurogane's strength, felt the way his own heartbeat sped up to match, the echoing sound drowning out all else in his ears.

His entire body felt taut, straining forward as if to press impossibly closer for one thoroughly intoxicating moment as he greedily sated a need.

Somewhere in the back of his mind, however, the way his body was shifting against Kurogane's began to bleed into his awareness, slowing him as he drank down each tantalizing beat. And while some part of him should have probably been appalled at the sheer intimacy of this moment, and the way his own body betrayed a want that he'd long denied himself with the way it molded to the other, as if made to be there, he could not quite find it in him to draw himself away entirely.

Instead, he forced himself to slow down a little more, teeth finally withdrawing from flesh as he laved the wound with a lazy contentment, until his voice rasped low, lips brushing over flesh once again, barely restrained desire clear in the resonant tone.

"... that's all I dare take, for now, no matter how I seem to just... want... more."

[souhi_no_arashi]

Kurogane, unlike Fai, had nothing to distract himself from how very intimate this all was. Nothing to draw his attention away from the way that lean body pressed in closer still, from the ticklish brush of silken hair against his jaw and throat, of nails that ever so slightly bit into his scalp that all too vividly provoked a desire to feel them more. Even the pain in his shoulder was drowned out by the feeling of the man drawing out his very blood with every swallow and of how it bound them together in a way he couldn't bring himself to ever regret.

Even as Fai slowed and eventually stopped drinking, he did not find relief from every stark detail, all his senses honed in on his own body and the one held against him. The outside world, the threats that laid waiting out there distant in this moment. The lazy, comfortable way that Fai's tongue lapped at his neck and that low voice had the man inhaling sharply, in fact, and he couldn't fully hide the shiver that ran down his spine with the words, their bodies too close for him to manage such a feat.

And still, the man's arm remained curled around that slim waist, keeping Fai in place, maintaining that impossible tension and heat.He had to thickly swallow before attempting to speak in return and he cursed silently that his voice was as husky as it was when he did so, "You'd be surprised at just how much I can handle when it comes to need, magician."

[reflected_stasis]

And just like that, with the deep rumble of Kurogane's voice and warm breath ghosting over his ear, Fai was right back in the present with the other man. A present that felt like the most exquisite torture for him, if only because it was this... heat... this need that they'd done so well to ignore between them until now that was pressing in with a vengeance.

Especially now, when there is, quite literally, no space between them to dissemble.

Instead, the warm weight of Kurogane's arm around his waist, the press of an unyielding chest against his own, the way his own fingers continued to delve into dark locks, nails scraping tauntingly in the process, all worked to strip away that last barrier of safe denial.

A denial that was, even for him, becoming more impossible to maintain - especially once he heard those words, spoken in that voice. A voice that, intentional or not, hit Fai low, cause heat to curl deep in his gut and want to spark to life with a breathtaking swiftness. There was truth to them, and still that silent challenge. Could he be as truthful? Did he dare take that step?

Surprisingly for him - it wasn't thought that decided. His body simply responded on it's own, and after, the mind could only agree. Because in that moment, long fingers curled to fist lightly in the larger man's hair as he started to pull back - not much. Just enough to let his cheek brush cheek before giving a slight roll of his hips. A challenge to bring their bodies flush, lips hovering over lips. He could feel the heat of Kurogane's breath warming them as they issued their own challenge in return. "No, I wouldn't. Kuro-sama is a monolith of strength and restraint, but maybe... maybe it's time to handle need together, instead of carrying it alone. What do you think," drawing a shuddering breath, he barely managed above a whisper, honeyed invitation there in warm rasp of a single word, "Kurogane?"

[souhi_no_arashi]

He hadn't expected Fai to answer him. Actually he wasn't sure what he had expected at all after nudging that little bit further, pushing the boundaries of... whatever it was that laid between them. But definitely he did not expect what he got. Fai's lithe body flush against him and lips that were suddenly tauntingly close.

Crimson eyes widened slightly and for a few seconds he forgot to breathe. Just when he has Fai figured out, it figured that he'd start throwing him for a loop. Rising to the challenge was something that had been frustratingly lacking in their earlier times. Fai would go about everything halfway and it had infuriated Kurogane. But those rare occassions he got to see Fai do just that? Come up to the plate and deliver? Not turn tail and run with a light smile and some teasing?

Those moments had been exactly why he couldn't look away from this man.

And to have one of those moments now? When there was heat and no space and ...

That honeyed voice. Saying his name. Not like it was something meant to cut deep, but instead like a secret shared between them? With that he was lost. Or perhaps found. Either way, it sparked the man back to action, trappped in that timeless moment of tension, and now freed.

Act he did, arm drawing tighter around that slim waist and he closed whatever little distance Fai had replaced between them. Screw convention, it felt right and he hungrily caught soft lips against his own in a heated crush of passion. Because as Fai well knew, Kurogane? Did nothing halfway.

[reflected_stasis]

Even knowing that, Fai wasn't entirely prepared for the reality of Kurogane meeting that particular challenge. Not really. Because that crushing kiss, the feel of heat and demand, the shift and glide of firm lips claiming his own - all of it left his head reeling even as it took his breath away, along with the first shreds of his control.

He wasn't even sure when his other arm had slide back, across the broad planes of Kurogane's back to hold himself flush, bodies brushing with his attempts to bring them impossibly closer - as if, if he could, he would crawl right into Kurogane's armor with him in an attempt to be that much closer to this man, now.

It was acceptance, just as much power in the surrender as in the claiming for Fai and so he did the only thing he could do. He parted his lips, greedily catching Kurogane's lower lip between sharp teeth, nipping slightly before sucking on the lightly abused flesh, an almost-apology to make up for the greedy demand for more, always more with this man.

[souhi_no_arashi]

And really, that demand for more was mutual. It was what worked between them. The give and take. The back and forth. Fai had amazing strength, even when he couldn't see it himself, but he also was fragile in ways Kurogane hadn't known before him. He protected Tomoyo because she physically needed it. He'd trained as a child to protect the village because they could not fight off what threatened them.

Fai? Could handle himself in a fight. He was fragile in much more subtle ways. And despite how irritating Kurogane had found the man's evasions, his means of protecting himself? After time it had only made him want to protect him too. To give him what he needed, even when it wasn't asked for.

So now that it was being asked for? Demanded? He could only too willingly give whatever Fai sought from him. He knew what it meant to have the other do so and that only drove the desire to provide it all the more.

The nip had also had other effects on the man, finding he liked it far more than he would have expected. It spurred him to slide his hand up the curve of Fai's back, following the line of his spine, calloused fingers brushing the barest hint of exposed neck before they were buried in silken strands of gold. And he'd be lying to himself if he couldn't admit, just to himself, that it felt just as he had imagined it to, sliding between his fingers...

The realization only drove home the need to push Fai further. To know all of him that he could. And without knowing what tomorrow would bring, that want felt more urgent than ever. His desire found voice in the moan rumbling in the back of his throat as he tugged on Fai's soft lower lip in turn, encouraging him on.

[reflected_stasis]

Kurogane wasn't a man of many words, yet the words he did use always seemed to have a devastating effect on Fai. So this? The deep rumble of his voice, speaking a wordless approval that let Fai know more than anything else could that the sense of urgency wasn't just one-sided, was enough to make his knees feel weak and a shiver chase calloused fingertips up along his spine. It was tempting then, especially after the low grumble of that moan, to cheat and use sharp nails to slice right through the stays holding Kurogane's armor together - after all, it'd be so easy, wouldn't it? Just a little slip of his hand, and he'd be rid of the rigid barrier between them...

But some part of him was aware enough to realize that would be the very worst thing, given they didn't know what the next day would bring. And so he contented himself with letting his other hand trail up, nimble fingers loosening each fastening one by one on the way, rewarding himself with the tantalizing feel of warm flesh and hard lines as his fingers worked up one side... and all the while, he continued to lose himself just a little bit in that kiss. Because now that he'd been given a taste, he felt as if a starved man left alone before a banquet. He just couldn't get enough.

Which is why he pulled back just enough to draw an impatient, breathless draw of air, then dove in once more to deepen the kiss. And this time it was his turn to moan softly, the sound lost into Kurogane's mouth as his tongue slipped slowly between kiss-swollen lips, past the hard scrape of teeth to marvel in the slick velvet glide of tongue against tongue, to seek beyond the lingering taste of dinner, of apples, to catch what could only be just the taste of the man himself.

[souhi_no_arashi]

Despite how distracting Fai's mouth was proving, Kurogane didn't miss the slender and clever fingers unfastening his armor piece by piece. How could he when each brush against his skin by warm fingertips followed and teased at the chance for more if he was patient.

Patience however was something he was having to fight for and it showed in the way his fingers tightened in fair hair, teeth going to find that bottom lip, eager to give it another tug only to feel Fai draw away. Kurogane barely swallowed back a growl, ears catching hint of a hastily taken breath by way of explanation before he was rewarded with renewed efforts and lips that were surprisingly commanding.

Fai's moan was more felt than heard, the vibrations of it sending what felt like fire to coil deep in Kurogane's belly, his other arm curling even more possessively around the blonde. Crimson eyes suddenly flew open in surprise however as he felt the push of Fai's tongue, invading his mouth with an intimacy that Fai could claim first to. Kurogane wasn't adverse to it per say, he didn't pull away, but it was certainly unexpected and it took a moment for him to adapt.

Just as with his flexibility on the battlefield though, he saw this challenge similarly and Kurogane was not a man who would not rise up to it. Almost tentatively, a rare show of uncertainty, he returned the gesture, meeting Fai's tongue part way and seeking the taste of the other man in turn.

[reflected_stasis]

That start of surprise didn't go unnoticed, and it surprised Fai just a little bit... but it also made him realize that for all his confidence and bluster, this wasn't something that Kurogane had much by way of experience with. It was also enough to make him feel a sudden, unexpected wash of simple affection for this gruff, impossibly strong and stubborn man which was more than enough to slow him down, to savor this first of Kurogane's that he's been gifted with taking.

Thus, he stood still, brought his hands around to cradle that strong jaw between them, and slowed the kiss to give Kurogane explore as he desired. To give him all that he was tentatively asking for, soothing and encouraging all at once with the gentle brushes of his fingertips across high cheekbones, along the delicate shell of the man's ears... simply waiting.

[souhi_no_arashi]

Kurogane followed Fai's slower pace if only for the simple fact that it felt... right. Something had shifted and though the heat was still there, it felt like a slow burn, as opposed to something that could sear to the touch. The fingers framing his face, the soft touches, lent a feel of intimacy he had absolutely no experience with, but didn't object to. Not here, not with this man.

Instead the hand buried in Fai's hair slid out only to tug his hair loose while the other skimmed up the man's side. All the while, his tongue glided along Fai's, explored his mouth slowly and thoroughly. The passion now a slow build on top of need. After all he'd been so patient up until now, why not wait just a bit longer and savor this? Who knew if (when) they'd get this chance again... Though he wouldn't object to those hands continuing their work on his armor either.

And with that thought in the back of his mind, he slid the arm curled around Fai's side back to the front and mechanical fingers closed around the first clasp of Fai's top.

[reflected_stasis]

It was all the hint (and reminder) that Fai needed before he set his hands to work once again, fingers quick to resume their steady assault against the armor binding, until he could feel the armor loosen completely on both sides.

A small triumph, even if he makes no move to pull back in order to divest Kurogane of the chestplate entirely.

Instead, he contents himself with the slow, steady sensation of tongues sliding, teeth faintly scraping lips, and of hard, smooth lines that warm his fingertips as they trace down the other's chest, nails tripping over hardened nipples and breath catching with the sensation as he waits to see just how fine Kurogane's control with that mechanical hand really is.

[souhi_no_arashi]

His control even with the new limb was more than adequate for the task at hand, at least in normal circumstances, however Fai was being maddeningly distracting at the moment and the ninja certainly couldn't be faulted for that, could he?

He'd almost finished with the foreign metal workings of that first clasp, working on feel alone as they continued their slow dance of tongues and lips when his fingers fumbled as Fai's wondered over his chest teasingly. He took a sharp breath with the sensation, lips breaking away with the needed air and swallowed hard.

At least now he could get a better look at his opponent, gaze flicking to the clasp and making short work of it with that help. And as he moved to the next, he leaned in, not to meet Fai's lips, but for his mouth to trail down the man's jawline slowly.

[reflected_stasis]

Sometimes distance could bring reason and clarity. This, however, was not one of those times. No, this was the time to watch Kurogane with a heavy-lidded eye as the man went to battle against the many, many buckles and clasps of Fai's clothes.

It was almost enough to make him smile, but the the feel of warm breath and warmer lips ghosting against his jaw, the sensitive line of his neck, and all he could do was lean into the strong frame before him as his head dropped back as if to give the ninja full access.

For a moment, he stood there, marveled in the sensation, before sliding his hands, palms flat, up both arms, one warm flesh and the other cool steel, not stopping until he could untie the stays that held the chest armor up over the man's shoulders. He felt the armor fall away, listened to it land with a muffled crash on the floor, then closed his eyes with a smile - right before curling his hands around broad shoulders and giving his hips a firm, unmistakable roll against hips, not bothering to hide the ragged gasp that slipped out of him with the muted friction.

"Kuro-sama... please..."

⌘ Baking cookies together and then burning them.

[onsilentwings]

[Kouichi nudged up his glasses with the back of his hand, not particularly wanting to get flour all over his face as well as his hands, and glanced around for what he was seeking.

Because that would be just what he needed right now, right? To look foolish and even more like he was out of his element. He bit back a sigh and set the thought aside. He knew it was just nerves.

The source of which was standing a few feet away working with a lot more confidence in this baking task than he had himself. Then again, Raimei tended to throw herself so wholeheartedly into anything she was doing with confidence anyway. It was one of those traits he really admired in her, but in this case, she really did seem to know what she was doing.

Now just to be sure he didn't screw up these cookies somehow himself while they worked.]

Ah Raimei-san, did you see where the salt was set down?

[distractedly]

[After leaving Raikou at the hospital with Gau and returning here, to Banten, Raimei's little hotel room was just too... too everything. Too small. Too quiet. Too empty. So she'd shoved her favorite pink skullcap onto her head, snagged her jacket, and gone straight to Kouichi's.

Oh, she hadn't had any particular reason in mind aside from needing a distraction, but once she'd gotten here baking cookies they could bring to Miharu had seemed a fine idea. And so here they were, with sleeves rolled up and two different recipes open on the counter before them and Kouichi... loosing the salt, apparently.

And so, she gave the eggs and oil one last swift flick of the whisk then set it aside before sliding closer to her friend - right before she reached across him with an impish grin to catch the salt shaker from just beside his elbow.]

You mean this salt, Kouichi? You almost knocked it off the counter!

[onsilentwings]

[That whole not making a fool of himself thing was a lost cause wasn't it? He heard a sheepish half laugh escape his lips and a murmured thank you, but his mind was honestly too busy in awe of just how... nervous this girl could make him.

They were friends of course and he felt at ease with her that way. And to an extent comrades, though he knew eventually... Ah that was a thought to not linger on, not yet. But there was something else that made his heart skip occasionally, his stomach flutter unexpectedly. It was distracting and strange and he wasn't sure if he liked it or disliked it, but it was definitely a thing that left him puzzling over it.]

I guess if it had been a snake it would have bitten me, huh? Sorry, I'm not exactly a baker extraordinaire, though... you sure seem to know your way around a kitchen.

[distractedly]

[She flashed him a smile that, while sincere, was just a little too bright before spinning to catch the bowl she'd been working on. Pulling it closer, she gave it an absent stir of the whisk as the smile faded to something more nostalgic.]

...I was nine when Raikou left and the Fuuma took me in - my mom was one, did you know? - so I learned there. I mean [Laughing, she started to reach for his bowl too so they could be combined.] everyone has to help out in the kitchens, right?

The only problem is that now I'm better at cooking for a lot of people instead of just, yanno... me.