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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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.

[Dorian patted the head of the beast a few times, perhaps more awkwardly than normal, before straightening back up. He placed his hand on his chin and lifted up his menu. He studied it for just a few moments, before allowing his gaze to drift back to his companion.]

[There was plenty there to enjoy, though without knowing Shiro's thoughts, he wouldn't say it aloud. He didn't know anything about spaceflight, that was true, but the fact that Shiro did was amazing. Dorian saw the man as a fellow intellectual, not to mention kindhearted and despicably attractive.]

[Kuro might have been easy to please, but Dorian wasn't. Shiro had, at least thus far, managed to bypass his defenses.]

It wouldn't be fair for me to feed Viridis and not Kuro. Much Viridis might have enjoyed that.

[Dorian tried once again to study the menu, but once more found his gaze tracing back to the pilot. He studied his form and his features, taking his partner in in full.]

I'll have whatever you're having, then. [Since he clearly wasn't able to focus.]

Edited 2017-03-04 06:43 (UTC)

[Kuro is totally tearing into that puff with abandon. All is well. All is forgiven. Even if his trainer is trying to find the most appealing looking thing on the menu. Because this guy is completely and utterly out of practice with this whole thing -- dating, admiring.]

[There's nothing wrong with Dorian. He's fun to talk to, he's intelligent, and hasn't pried. Those are good things. True to his word, too. Admirable things. Maybe he'll get used to the whole physical aspect -- not that the other man is ugly or anything! He's just -- it's been so long since -- ]

[Wow, even in his own damn head he can't keep cool.]

[Except this next bit? That he has in the bag.] You sure about that? I mean, training programs mean using a lot of energy. Got to replace that.

[If he's suddenly grinning, it's because he's tapping a picture of this with a metal finger.]

[Dorian leaned over, peering at the massive pancake with a churning stomach. He understood the sentiment, long days on the road meant a need for hearty meals, if not that night then as soon as they were back in Skyhold. Even then, though, he'd been a light eater. Not picky, but certainly not eating something like this.]

[And without such a demanding regime? He feared what it might do to his frame.]

[But then, there were plenty of ways to work off that extra energy. He fixed a sinister look on the man before him, quirking both a brow and the corner of a lip.]

And what, pray tell, do you lose all of that energy to? If you and I are anything alike, then this world is a drastic change to our rugged lifestyles. [The smirk stretched all the wider.] Are there some illicit activities you haven't made me privvy to? I would have thought you weren't the type but I've been surprised before. [And now a wink.]

I'll show you.

[Because he can tell where Dorian's brain is going. And there's some part of him, some wicked, overly amused part of him, that wants to play that. Just a little.]

[It's sort of a good thing they're in their own little corner here, because he stands up, stretching his arms over his head for a moment, looking like he's about to drop and do a series of pushups... except...]

[He whistles to his pokemon, who heaves himself up and lumbers over.]

A little of this.

[Please behold, Dorian, as your date deadlifts his 200lb pokemon in his arms like normal people pick up their cat.]

[Of all the things Dorian had been expecting, this was the furthest from all of them. There was a wild part of him that hoped perhaps Shiro's curse of awkwardness had been broken, and that he might have Dorian here on the table. Then, there was the more obvious idea of him doing push-ups. Still awkward, but it might be nice to watch those muscles work.]

[At least he got some of that gun-show with this. It was quite a sight to behold, man clutching beast in such a way. The mage prided himself on his upper-body strength, but even he wasn't this strong.]

[Dorian had half of a mind to ask if he was using his arm, and if so, if that would be considered cheating. But the arm seemed to be an off-limits topic, and it was far too easy for the man to all-but swoon over his companion.]

I don't suppose your ability extends to lifting beautiful mages, mmm? I do wonder how it might feel to be held by those arms.

[Kuro is grinning, too. Like a dog. Tongue lolling out and eyes gleaming. He waggles his stubby feet a bit, but otherwise is just content to dangle there in his trainer's grip. Like they've done this a thousand times before.]

You should see it when we actually train.

[Because of course, this is the kind of guy to try and wrestle his pokemon. Of course he is.]

[He sets Kuro down, though, when one of the staff starts to approach, moving to take his seat again. But not before digging his metal fingers into the space behind Kuro's head crest.]

... well he seems to like it. So I'm guessing it's not bad?

[For a moment, Dorian almost looked offended. Not even a flush or a stammer this time. Either Shiro was getting used to his banter, or Dorian was losing his touch. The mage wasn't sure which option he preferred.]

[He stole a look at the approaching waiter and leaned across the table. When he spoke, his voice was hushed, and his brows were pulled low. If his last attempt hadn't worked, then he would just have to try harder.]

Much as I trust Kuro's judgement, I would very much like a chance to judge for myself.

[And then he sat back, blinking innocently as if nothing had happened. He turned to the approaching staff member with a beaming smile. Viridis tried his hardest not to making a retching sound.]

[He just thought they were being playful. And teasing each other. Like normal people do. That's fun. Lighthearted. Things he sort of missed for a long time.]

[He's still scratching Kuro behind the crest up until Dorian says that. Then he's sputtering. Mission accomplished, Dorian.]

I uh.

I mean. It's. Possible?

[And that's what the waiter walks up to. A sputtering, blushing dorito shaped man and his date.]

[Dorian was absolutely here for lighthearted teasing. It just isn't as fun unless someone is flustered. Of course, Shiro playing along was just a pleasant enough thing, but not nearly as great as that nervous sort of mannerism.]

[Naturally, that rather awful side of him was quite pleased at his response. As Dorian made a few gestures toward the massive pancakes and exchanged silky words with the rather perplexed waiter, Viridis curled closer to Shiro. A vine extended, then wrapped around the man's calf. He looked up at the odd fellow, then glanced to the door.]

[Run?]

[Unfortunately for either of them, Dorian's attention quickly returned to the two (mostly Shiro, of course). He tilted his head to the side.]

I'm not the sort of man who orders for his date, even if you have indicated to what you might have wanted. That said, don't let Viridis' charms distract you too much? He isn't half the fun that I am.

[Said vine will promptly release Shiro's calf and snap at his partner's.]

[He jerks upright in his seat, when something starts wrapping itself around his leg. For a second, he thinks it's something Dorian's doing. But then Kuro is growling faintly, not quite warning. Not quite a threat. He glances down to arch an eyebrow at the snake pokemon.]

What's up with you?

[Only then does he realize the waiter is there, and pops his head back up again, the white strands in his hair fluttering around.] Oh -- Right. Sorry. [He'll put in an order fairly quick, before shooting a raised eyebrow to the pokemon in question.]

Is he always like this?

[Useless, the serpent might have thought to himself. There went his chance to escape. After attacking Dorian, he slithered over to Kuro and nestled around him. While it might have looked a comforting gesture, it was more defiant than anything. Shortly after, the vine extended again, not quite wrapping around the man, but teasing the beast.]

A right pest? Oh absolutely. [Viridis straightened up, letting out a hiss.] I think he's taking after me, but he lacks the charm and grace to be truly successful.

[Kuro regards the curling snake with a long, steady look. It's uncanny how closely it mirrors 90% of Shiro's "DONE" faces. But, without comment, he huffs, and flops his heavy head onto some green coils.]

[So there.]

It doesn't bother you? Or concern you?

[Sorry, buddy, he's a bit concerned for your well-being here.]

[Dorian heaved his shoulders in a rather casual shrug. He glanced under the table, where the Serperior glowered back up at him. His hand slid back to his bag, procuring two more Pokepuffs, which were slid beneath the table for the two waiting creatures.]

Without me, where would he get his treats.

[The serpent perked up in the slightest. Uncurling himself from Kuro, he retrieved both treats. For a moment, he considered gobbling them down himself, but instead opted to offer the other to the metal beast.]

With me you see an attractive ball of wit and flirtation, and while I am indeed all of that, perhaps one day you'll find that there is much below the surface.

He may lack my charms, but I see a lot of myself in him. Beneath his cool exterior, I am certain there is a part of him that cares. I rarely put him in his ball, you see, and yet he lingers.

[Kuro lifts his head, snuffling at the food, before he decides to accept it. And then, without further ado, lolls his jaw open to lick his companion. Nudging him with his nose in the process.]

[Apparently this is Lairon for "thanks".]

To be fair, I didn't understand the flirtation part. Until today. [He pauses, and leans on his elbows on the table edge.] To be honest with you, I really wouldn't have kept talking to you if I thought you were as shallow as all that.

[See, Dorian, he liked you because of all your space questions, first. He believes you about the "more under the surface" part.]

... yeah. I feel the same about Kuro. Reminding me of me, I mean.

How I remember I was.

[That... sure was disgusted hiss from Viridis. He quickly gathered himself up, barely having the decency to not knock over the chair in the process. He quickly returned to Dorian's side, curling up around the chair and glowering at the metal beast.]

[Gross.]

Surely you would have. It isn't often that you see a man as attractive as I am. [Though he tried to cover it up with faux arrogance, it was clear that Dorian was... surprisingly touched. The skin of his cheeks had darkened slightly, and he wasn't quite meeting Shiro's eyes.]

Still, if that is true, that you wouldn't have lingered, then I thank the Maker for blessing you with such intuition. How lonely things might have been.

[Dorian reached out seeking Shiro's hand, then hesitated for a moment before dropping his arm back to the table. He wanted to ask about the man he was, but he was worried it would once again be treading on ground he shouldn't be on.]

I don't know who you were, but I rather enjoy the man you are now.

[If Kuro is upset over losing his pillow, he doesn't show it. His jaws roll open in a grin, and he flops back down, feet tucked up under him.]

[Haha, you're funny, new friend.]

I did mention it's been a long time since I was anywhere near humans my own age, right? [His team was like family, besides. Coran looked human enough from certain angles -- and, wow, their mustaches sort of matched. But that's way, way beside the point.] I wouldn't give me that much credit.

But, yeah, it's true. Doesn't mean I wouldn't be friends. Or talk occasionally, though. Just probably not date.

[He almost automatically lifts his hand to meet the other's, out of reflex. But then there's nothing there to meet. So he sort of awkwardly reaches for a water glass instead.]

I... appreciate that. [His turn to stare at the table. While under it, Kuro is lifting his head, nudging a big, blunt nose into his trainer's leg.] Can't really agree with it these days, but I appreciate it.

Yes, I know. You spent many a time wandering about in the woods. [He glanced up, feigning like he was squinting at something in the man's hair. As far as he knew, everything had been cleared out before but...]

You missed a twig, by the by.

[While Shiro set to clearing his hair, Dorian reached for his own water, sipping quietly as he mulled over everything he had been saying. At what point was it right to press him on the matter? Surely not in the middle of a restaurant, but... eventually this was the kind of thing he needled to know. If for nothing else, then simply so Dorian could be some amount of comfort some day.]

You don't have to agree. In fact, I feel as if I could argue over a great number of perceptions you might have of me. But I don't believe it makes it any less true -- either what you see in yourself or what other happen to see.

We are both what the world makes of us, and what we make of ourselves.

Really?

[He's totally falling for it. And scrubbing both hands through his hair in an attempt to dislodge it. He's trying to be at his best, here. And apparently not doing a great job of it.]

[Like usual, apparently. Why couldn't everything just come as easy as flying? Life would be so much simpler that way.]

What would you argue? I don't exactly think badly of you.

[Which is completely true. He wouldn't be here if he did. They wouldn't be talking if he did.]

... what we make of ourselves, huh? Would you believe I don't know what that is either?

[He leaned over the table, finger, procuring an imaginary leaf and "discarding" it. He wasn't proud of himself, after looking at the way Shiro fussed. Maker's breath, this man and making him feel guilty.]

You should. I just lied about a leaf in your hair, just to see you fuss over it. [Though he smiled, his gaze quickly averted. He wished that was the only awful thing he had hidden beneath the surface.] In all honesty, I have been doing my best to be a good man of late, but that doesn't change where I came from, nor what I was born into. I will not go on a diatribe in regards to the misfortunes of my upbringing, I alone opted to believe in such logic.

But it is hard to forget, when I try moving on.

[The man's confidence in his person was... uplifting, but it didn't comfort him entirely.]

I think I would. The self is a difficult thing to figure out. [He snorted, a most disgusting sound.] Sometimes I'm not even sure who I am. If anything, we just have something in common.

Why would you lie about a leaf?

[That's just so baffling. See him fuss? Why is that even remotely appealing? Seriously? All he can do is stare across the table in confusion.]

Leaf pranks aside... you're doing a pretty good job of things, as far as I'm concerned. You don't have to be so hard on yourself.

[Says the king of Hard On Himself.]

You know I'm going to say I'm sorry, right? That we're in the same boat. Because I wouldn't wish this on anybody.

Fifty Shades of Lavender [Closed]

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