victory_road | Fifty Shades of Lavender [Closed]

Fifty Shades of Lavender [Closed]

Who: Shiro and Dorian
Where: Lavender Town
When: Forward-tagged to February 14th
Summary: Dorian makes good on his promises
Rating: C for Cringe (and warnings for Dorian's salacious come-ons)
Log:

[If Shiro thought the radio silence on Dorian's part was an indication of his diminished intent, the pilot had another thing coming. While it was true that the mage had been avoiding contact with his intended for some time, it was certainly not for lack of interest. After their last conversation, and after plucking up his new swablu, Dorian had set out on his journey.]

[Shiro had mentioned being held back by commitments in Lavender, so Dorian would simply have to come to him.]

[It was not an easy trek, and by the end of it, he didn't feel particularly ready to meet his dashing new crush. Rather, he booked himself a room at the inn and settled himself into a shower that lasted longer than he cared to admit.]

[When he finally clambered out, finally dressed and prepped for the occasion, it was getting on in the day. He sauntered back to the Pokemon center, Viridis slithering along beside him. The Nurse on duty was his nearest target, and he all but coiled himself atop the counter as he spoke to her.]

Tell me, darling, have you seen a man name Shiro about. Dashing fellow, albeit with a bit of a... constipated look, I suppose might be appropriate.

[He batted his eyelashes and waited, either for her answer, a disgusted rejection, or perhaps something else entirely.]

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[That's what it took, all right.]

[Dorian just... laughing... didn't help matters, either. He felt like he should be annoyed here. Why didn't anyone just come out and say things anymore? Like Lance. Why couldn't everyone be obvious like that? It would make life so much easier.]

[Somewhere in the process of that thought, it hit him what exactly it was he was thinking.]

[Wow. He really was hopeless.]

Yeah. It... yeah. It did. [He looks down at his Lairon, who is pointedly looking away from him.] Why didn't you just... say so?

[The mage made a face, a mix of amusement and frustration. Back home, or perhaps with anyone else, he would have already won them over. At yet, that was what endeared Shiro to him -- between the stars and the acute fascination was the fact that the man before him just wasn't like anyone else out there.]

[As he swallowed back the last of his laughs, Dorian's expression grew serious. He considered reaching out again, but held back. If this was to be their moment of truth, then he wouldn't lay a hand on him. If his companion saw the need to leave, to walk away from the whole affair, then Dorian wouldn't hold him back.]

Two things -- you may think me a master of flirtation, but the truth is that I have never been so... serious about matters like this. Usually when I play this sort of game, it's to win a night or two of companionship.

That... is not what I'm looking for here.

The second is that, again, you are quite daft. I have been incredibly obvious in regards to my inclinations, my friend.

[Hoo boy. This was... apparently a lot more serious than expected. He has to take a minute to think this through. Focus. Think about this.]

[Is he opposed to the idea? He can't really think of why. Has it ever occurred to him to be... well. An option? No, not really. No one had. There just hadn't been time. For anything. And then space happened -- all of it. After that, he'd been here, and looking after the others, and the pokemon and... why... is this even happening?]

[Why would someone flirt with him seriously? From the way the other is talking, this is a little bit more serious to Dorian than the way Lance flirted with anything with a vaguely female shape. More than a little bit, really. So why?]

What... are you looking for, exactly?

[It's not a rejection. He does his absolute best to keep everything and anything like rejection out of his tone. It's just... ]

[Why? Why him? There's got to be better prospects for someone like this. Someone well-spoken and intelligent. He's just ... someone who left people behind.]

To be quite honest, I don't know.

[Yes, he'd thought about it. Maker, he had thought about it time and time again. But in truth, he didn't know what to expect. It wasn't Shiro's fault, not one bit. Dorian just had never taken this kind of step before. There had been men who had caught his attention like this before, but he'd never been in the position to really try.]

Like I said, usually things are far more... simple than this. I've told you about my homeland and its many unpleasantness. Men like me were an aberration, a flaw in the grand designs that bloodlines so often were. And so I could never afford anything long-winded.

It should say something then, what it means that you were able to awaken such a want then.

[A breath escaped him, sharp in his lungs. For a moment, his expression looked pained.]

Again, I cannot say I know what I want. Only for this to continue. Perhaps see where things naturally go.

It's not like that where I'm from.

[He means it as a reassurance. Because there's plenty of people in the world -- plenty of them whose feelings run that way. A reassurance Dorian's not as alone as it sounds like he might be. Even if it's a world away. And that he doesn't have a problem with him. Not because of that.]

[They're friends already, aren't they? No reason to change that part for the worse, just because of who he happened to like.]

[If all he wants is to see how things go... then...? Then maybe he doesn't have a right to question him. To unload all the reasons why it's probably a bad idea to invest time here. Because there are still words bouncing around in his head, the feeling of glass cracking under his fist and the sight of someone who never should have suffered another day taking the fall for him.]

[Why should he 'awaken' anything?]

You could do a lot better, I'm sure. [That's all he says on it, for now. Because Dorian doesn't need to hear the messy details. Or the fears and the concerns. Just downplay it all. Stay in control.]

I'm still grateful you came out all this way. It's... really good to see you in person. [He shifts where he stands, looking down at Kuro's broad, concerned expression.] So... I'd be a real jerk to just kick you out of town.

[Continue on, then, in other words. Maybe... if things got more personal, he'd have to break it to him then. That the voice he'd heard deep in the castle might have been right.]

[A breath Dorian wasn't aware he was holding rushed from his lungs. He flashed Shiro a smile, one more suited to his character. It wasn't a direct rejection (and there was no mention of the Princess either, to his relief), which was enough for the time being.]

[He had worked with less.]

Very well then. [He let out a slow sigh.] Would it be too bold of me to ask to call it a date?

[It wouldn't be any skin off his back if Shiro rejected the idea. If he could manage to win Anders over after their disastrous beginnings, there would be no problem with making something happen with Shiro. Maker willing, at least.]

[Honestly, he can see that relief. And it tells him that was the right answer. No matter what happens, no matter what goes through his head... putting others' needs, others' wants first, is just who he is. What he's done for so long, he's not even sure he knows how not to do it.]

[... except the blush is back as soon as the word 'date' comes out. Maybe his subconscious is better at this than the rest of him.]

I can't stop you.

[It's not a flat-out no, either. Because even if this is a lot for him to think about, process, he doesn't have it in him to say otherwise.]

[It's not fair to Dorian.]

Well then, my dear, shall we continue with our date then? [This time, he paid his hesitations no mind, sticking arm out like a proper gentleman might.]

[Behind him, Viridis decided he was quite fed up with his master's horrific attempts and began slithering ahead. As he passed Kuro, he shot the creature a look, as if to apologize for his master's horrible behavior. Then he looked to Dorian, expression insistent.]

I suppose we should get a move on no matter what. [If Shiro was distinterested in grabbing hold of the offered arm, he'd move on. Either way, he'd look to Shiro after a few steps.]

Are things really so open where you're from? Men like me do not have to worry?

We ... yeah. Yeah, all right.

[There's a beat. Looking down at that offered arm. And at his own. Metal fingers under the edge of a sleeve.] You okay with this?

[When the others were here, it'd been a lot easier. Because they knew. They understood. There weren't awkward glances anymore, or hard questions. But now? This is entirely different.]

[Kuro stumps on ahead too, nudging into Viridis -- looking downright cheerful about it. He's making friends!! Or trying to.]

It's not perfect. There's... places where it's an issue for people. But for the most part? It's not like what you described.

[The man had to struggle to contain the slight shudder of excitement at the sight of the arm. He'd recalled it from an early talk -- when he'd wondered if it had been some sort of combination of magic and armor.]

[He made a note to not ask about it, long stories and some such. With all his excitement, he had to struggle to restrain his touch. His fingers rubbed against Shiro's own, a simple gesture of assurance, before finally wrapping them snugly around the metallic digits.]

It's fascinating, but not concerning.

[With their position secured, Dorian moved off. Viridis trailed behind him, shooting a dirty look at the metallic creature. You'll have to try harder than that, was the insinuation.]

That is... delightful. Perhaps one day I can see it...

[It's a good thing there's no shudder. That would put him off immediately. No fault of Dorian's. He's still got a lot of adjusting to do with it, with other people being near it. Noticing it.]

[And touching it. He tenses up for a second, but feels his shoulders relax when it's nothing but a grip. Not a study, not an accusation, just a grip. A hold. Like anyone else would do for anyone else's hand.]

Fascinating, huh?

[It comes out a little darker than intended. But he's more than happy to move on to another topic. While watching Kuro lumber determinedly after the other pokemon.]

You never know -- maybe this place has it figured out even better.

Fascinating. [The tone was noted and the note tucked into the back of his mind. No, he hadn't forgotten any of Shiro's earlier insinuations, hadn't forgotten how much the origins of the arm had troubled him. He wouldn't push for the story -- it could come on its own time, or perhaps even not at all. Until then, he would simply settle for keeping the man comfortable.]

[He deserved at least that much. And since Dorian wasn't from Shiro's time, couldn't travel to the heavens themselves to fetch starlight for the man, he would have to settle with such a sentiment for the time being.]

We'll just have to see won't we? Watch how the restaurant reacts to two stunning creatures walking into a restaurant together. [His gaze slid up to the man, a sinister smile creeping over his lips.] Maker, don't get me started about their trainers, either.

[Dorian's words stopped Viridis in his tracks. He swept around, cruel gaze alighting on his master. A few nearby leaves lifted, bewitched by its apparent elemental affinity, before he let out a disgusted huff and let him be. While his master may have been a pest, his partner was not. He might not have minded harming humans, but he had a sneaking suspicion that Kuro would not take too kindly to an injury to Shiro, intentional or no.]

[Maybe someday, he won't be so unsettled by it. And... really. He shouldn't be here. It hasn't functioned like it did before. Not since he arrived. That's probably a good thing, or it's something to be concerned about.]

[Later. When he doesn't have someone nearby to ask potentially awkward questions.]

It seems pretty normal here-- [Except wait, shit, that was another flirt wasn't it? He actually misses a step, his face going red all over again. While trying his best to keep composure. It doesn't work out that well.] I uh. Right. I got what you mean.

[Barely.]

[The big Lairon, meanwhile, had stepped in between his trainer and Viridis. A passive defense -- which is what his kind was known for, their thick skin -- just in case this escalated. Something in his face wasn't nearly so passive, though. Watching, toes flexing in the dirt. Up until Viridis turned away.]

[Then Kuro is lumbering along like nothing happened. Appeased again.]

[Dorian couldn't keep the small laugh from slipping out, though he was sure not to have such an extensive outburst this time. In the meantime, he kept his hand on Shiro's hoping to provide some assurance, or perhaps even some stability. The last thing he wanted was to have to rush back to the Center -- assuming they could even care for humans.]

[He had never particularly professed in the healing arts, but still he cursed the fact that his magic had been robbed of him.]

[Viridis himself did not seem particularly put off by Kuro's efforts. The defense had been expected, and if anything, proved to be a perfect deterrent. After a few feet, however, the snake paused, curled its tail around, and thwacked it relatively lightly against the side of the hulking beast.]

[Punishment for being so bold, he might have claimed. But Dorian simply saw it as the creature's attempt at being playful.]

Tell me of this place we're going to. [Dorian spoke after awhile, still casual as ever. As if he wasn't over the moon at the fact that his efforts had been successful thus far.] I am still adjusting to the cuisine here, and I would like to know what to expect.

[Kuro is a walking shield. Or suit of armor. Something like that.]

[As evidenced by his reaction to the slap being a mildly offended snort, before he just continues on his way. Someone is trying to shape up to be the kind of Dad his trainer is -- and that apparently includes ignoring potential taunts.]

It's nothing special, honestly. [Because deep down, this is someone who never got the chance to go above and beyond their college roots, in terms of food preferences.]

Ever had pancakes?

[Kuro's snort will net a snort in return. Dorian's newest additions to the team, a Swablu and Dratini, were far better fodder for his harassment. Unfortunately, their lower levels kept them confined to their balls (and certainly not because his master was trying to keep them safe from Viridis' wrath, oh no). This was the first time he'd been able to really harass a Pokemon in a few days, and it was frustrating for the Serperior to have his efforts rebuked.]

[Naturally, Dorian found it to be hilarious, and was pleasantly chuckling to himself as Shiro spoke. He wrote the "nothing special" off as his companion being who he was -- exceptionally modest. After all, wherever they were going couldn't be so bad if it served something as peculiar as a cake made in a pan.]

I have not. I trust you will introduce me to them though?

[Meanwhile, Kuro on the other hand, is by now too used to the antics of a comedic Haunter, a crybaby Cubone and a diva of a Litten. The Serperior is par for the course, as far as the big Lairon is concerned.]

Yeah. You bet. They've probably got a mean berry pancake, here.

[He probably should warn the poor guy they're going to what amounts to a diner, but... the pancakes are good. He's not kidding about that part. It's... kind of a shame Hunk never got this far -- he would have loved this.]

[His face falls for a second, before he shakes it off, nodding to the building up ahead.] There.

[Par for the course! Viridis would be insulted ~~if he were capable of understanding meta.~~ The ignorance only settled the serpent's determination, however. He would get a rise out of the beast somehow. Even if it killed ~~Dorian~~him.]

Berries? [A pause.] It sounds like quite the dessert then. I look forward to sharing it with you.

[The sight of the building didn't appear to immediately discourage the mage. He continued forward, full-stop. It probably helped that A) he wasn't sure what to expect from restaurants overall and B) didn't know an IHOP from a Ruth's Chris. Or their Poke-equivalents.]

[Whether or not that excitement stuck around remained to be seen however.]

Yeah. Back home it was always... strawberry or blueberry.

[Sometimes chocolate chip, but you never got that lucky as you got older. Ever.]

[He takes a few steps ahead, ducking in front of the pokemon, in order to hold open the door for everyone. It's nothing special, like he said. But it's not terrible, either. Something like this, really.]

Looks like we just sit wherever.

Mmm, perhaps a plate of each, then? I would hate to regret missing out on a flavor.

Dorian couldn't help the grin that crossed onto his lips. It'd been here and there the entire time, but now it stuck for a long period. Shiro had always come off as a gallant sort of gentleman, but this only further cemented his opinion of the man.]

[As if he really needed any help.]

[Since Shiro was holding the door, the mage figured he would do well to show off his own manners. He swept to the table, pulling out the chair for the man. As he waited, he looked around the small little shop. It wasn't the best place he'd ever dined in, but it certainly wasn't the worst.]

[The company was far better too.]

For you, Messere. [He bowed low as Shiro approached.]

If they have those here. It might be the other kinds of berries.

[Hopefully not the ones his teammate had... made himself sick over. Poor Hunk. Poor Hunk forever.]

[Dorian's opinion might not hold out the entire night, though, once there's actual, familiar food involved that isn't protein bars. He sympathizes with his Yellow Paladin on that account, lately. But hey, when you can't cook, you have negative options.]

[He actually has to pause, and let it register what's going on, when Dorian pulls out the chair and bows. It feels like his face is abruptly on fire, and he's trying to wave him to stand up as he hustles on over.]

You really don't have to do that.

Mm. [That seemed to dampen Dorian's spirits. He'd had the misfortune of trying just a nibble of one of the berries at one point. It was the first and last time Viridis had actually looked amused with him. Naturally it was as a result of Dorian's own misery.]

[He couldn't say he was surprised.]

[As Shiro rushed him onward, Dorian actually fixed a glower on the man. He wasn't about to be rushed out of his gallantry. He wasn't much of an upstanding gentleman when it came down to it -- he wasn't about to have it pushed off by this stubborn man. He remained by the chair in obstinately, waiting for him to be seated.]

Nonsense. If this is to be a date you will suffer my charms, darling.

... Something wrong?

[He didn't miss that change in expression. Either one. He can sort of figure what the second one is for. Even if he hadn't meant to, it sort of seems like he's tripping all over himself, here.]

[Apparently, he really is out of practice.]

Sorry -- like I said. I really haven't done this in a long time.

[But, so, with his face turning red, he just. Eases into the chair.]

It's alright. [The sinister look quickly evaporated, returning his pleasant countenance as he helped Shiro push in his chair. Once the man was completely settled, Dorian moved to his own seat, easing into it with a characteristic flourish.]

[Once settled, he reached into his bag, plucking out two rather large Pokepuffs. The first was offered to Kuro, while the second was handed Viridis' way.]

[He didn't know how the Lairon was, but Viridis was certain to disturb their meal if he wasn't tended to first. At least this would tide him over until something more proper could be ordered. Hopefully.]

I believe this is all your territory. Point out the best and I shall follow your lead.

[Well, now that he knows this is a date... it's set off all kinds of questions in his head. Like why someone this self-assured and this outrageous (in a good way) sees anything in him. Dorian doesn't know anything about space flight, or Voltron, or ... well. Other things. What in the world is keeping him around?]

[Kuro, however, has no such qualms. He was perfectly content to just flop in a heavy metal heap at his worried trainer's feet. But then there's food, and he's accepting it with an agreeable huff.]

[... he's an easy one to please.]

Hey, thanks. Those aren't easy to find out here... [And then, after a pause.] Anything that says "pancakes", usually works out.

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