essenceofdeadlybeasts | [ximilia] ic inbox

[ With how the mission has ended, it was hard to put up a neutral, let alone content face. Sure they won, and that's something to cling to, but—

No buts. The calendar doesn't lie. Viv-chan even went ahead and stocked them on necessary items. Besides, they all need cheering up. Even those who are incredibly adept at cheering other people up, while hiding their own.

So he sent a message to Zhao. A simple one, time, place, be there. NOT a kitchen because that would end with Zhao making food for them and anyone that walks by, and that's not part of the plan. Not a training room or sunlight room either, again, someone might walk on them. Simulator—

No, it just gotta be Majima's own room. ]

[It was an unexpected summons but then Zhao was getting used to Majima doing the unexpected. Besides, they loved to hang out and shoot the shit or play some games to unwind so if the invite was just another challenge from the Mad Pup then Zhao was down for it.

Though it was a little unusual not to have an idea what they were going to do before hand. Sure, sometimes it was only a clue rather than an outright declaration of war on the Chinese man's skills to be tested that day but it was still noticed as missing entirely this time.

He showed up ~~fashionably late~~ on time at least and knocked on the door in the tune of a little jingle.]

[ Fashionably late, not first time, not last time, and yet so very Zhao. It didn't throw Majima off, it's not like he had any plans or tight schedule where one slip could provoke an avalanche he'd have to work hard to undo.

Not anymore at least.

He opened the door and invited Zhao in with something half-way between a formal and a casual bow. ]

You're right on time esteemed guest. [ And for a second he even used a formal language— only to see Zhao's expression, really. A mischievous spark in his eye betrayed the act. And so did the tone that followed ] Don'tchya stand there, get in, get in!

[ Majima's room was now decorated with horror movie posters he received as a gift on Christmas, with weapons neatly put on display being one another sign of it having been lived in. Majima never really thought about it in this way, but the room reflected the slow change he's been going through while on the station. ]

[Majima definitely got an expression out of Zhao from that formal bullshit. A raised eyebrow to be exact. The expression broke a moment later as Majima continued in his normal dialect with the twitch of his lips almost going into his usual little smirk. He shook his head instead to prevent it and stepped inside at Majima's beckoning.

He looked around at the furnishings, inspecting the various posters with appreciation and noting the weapons (smiling at the one he had given Majima for Christmas and the snake tail daggers they had made together on last mission). The room was looking pretty good in Zhao's opinion. It certainly had more tales than Zhao's did at this point.

He eventually turned back to Majima and tilted his head in curiosity.]

Now what? You didn't mention what we'd be doing this time. What have you got cooked up for this evening, Majima-kun~?

If I mentioned, it wouldn't be a surprise, no?

[ And he is smug. He is so smug and full of himself, for a brief moment. The formal bullshit was unexpected, and a small win. Now he could go straight for the killing blow, hurry up before he comes back to his senses— or make it last a little longer.

He walks around the room and take one of the two shots ready on the desk ]

How about whiskey first? Lemme treat ya this time.

[Zhao raised his other brow this time as Majima offered him whiskey as if to soften him up. Or bide time. But he was walking over to take his share and kick it back anyway. He eyed Majima carefully as he took the shot slowly, never breaking eye contact. A small smirk played on his lips.]

You're stalling.

[He flat out accused Majima after he finished his drink. He wanted to see if he could throw off the smug bastard before he even got his game on. If not, more the power to Majima. Zhao would be impressed. If so, well, Zhao would surely be amused by the Mad Pup's reaction.

The small smirk didn't leave his lips. He was clearly teasing all the way. This was his kind of game.]

[ Majima giggled at that call-out and sipped his drink with intent ]

Yer not wrong, I enjoy keepin' ya in the dark for a moment longer.

[ And god, he sounded way softer than he intended to. That's what he gets, being really fond of this asshole. Smitten, he claimed it to be, and— maybe he was right. Zhao has been more on his mind, and at first he didn't even want to admit to it. They were here not to socialize, not to make friends, to get the job done.

The thankless and awful job often. And the bonds within the team were what held people upward. No better way to forge one than through fire ]

Relax, I ain't gonna bite ya—

Tease~

[Zhao said with a giggle of his own. Whether he meant the former statement or the latter was up for Majima to decide. Zhao had said he didn't mind a little rough foreplay before. Biting was hardly a deterrent to him.

He looked away and back to examining the room. If Majima was going to play the waiting game, then Zhao was going to feign more interest in his surroundings to see how Majima would regain his attention.]

[ That's not exactly the preferred response, and also a clear challenge. Zhao wasn't going to make that easy, and Majima had to work for it. ]

Correct

[ So he suddenly stepped close into Zhao's personal space, as if wanting to obscure the view. To take over it. ]

What, Tian-chan— are ya sayin' ya can dish it but can't take it?

[That was unexpected. Zhao's eyes immediately rolled back to engage with Majima again. It was impossible not to with him so close. Almost uncomfortably close--except, being near Majima didn't make him uncomfortable. In fact, he was intrigued. More so, he was-

Oh. Surprise number two hit him and he took a quick breath in surprise. His expression got all muddled up, flashing a few awkward emotions before he regained control again. He settled on his usual casual demeanor, a small tilt to his head to indicate his curiosity.]

I can take it. [He leaned even closer towards Majima.] I can take whatever you got for me, Majima-kun~.

[ Okay, that's more like it. It's not like Majima had any plan how to play this out, but he knew if Zhao wasn't interested in the game, he'd most likely drop it. If it ain't fun, it means he ends up making himself a clown.

So he remained in the vicinity, no, he got closer— if someone walked on them right now, it would surely look as if they were about to kiss. And that thought did cross Majima's mind. It would be— so unthinkable, unpredictable, everything he wasn't supposed to be, and everything he wanted. A small chuckle and the back of his throat, and a whisper ]

'zactly what I wanted to hear, no lie.

[ That's when he put a small, elegant box of chocolates between their lips and proclaimed ]

Happy Valentine's Day

[It wasn't hard to imagine that small space left between the two of them disappearing. To imagine what the other man's lips would feel like against his own. His lips twitched but before any other indication of his stray thoughts could be revealed the moment was evaporated.

Gone in the instant the chocolates appeared out of thin air. It left Zhao blinking dumbly at the unexpected gift.]

Valen-

[Oh, shit, that's right. That was already today! Zhao had gathered some chocolate from the drop for this exact purpose but he'd let time run off without him. He hadn't managed to make any treats yet (having wanted to make his own rather than use any of the pre-prepared chocolates available). A slow panic settled in as he realized his mistake in waiting to make chocolate treats for this day.

Not that he let that part show. After his initial surprise he smiled with that ~~cute~~ uncertainty of his that meant he was either thinking you were an idiot or that you were a cute idiot he cared for way too much. Majima was the latter but he wasn't about to tell him that (yet).

Zhao reached out to take the offering in both hands, a small dip of his head indicating a surprising formality to the gesture he hadn't planned on so much as just did naturally.]

Ohho. So that's what this is all about. [He said with his little lilt, covering up his surprise behind casual commonplace.] I didn't expect you to be the romantic type, Majima-kun. I- [enough] ...Thank you.

[His last word of gratitude were said with a stop to the playact, a deep genuine tone coming out instead, however briefly.]

Now— didn't ya tell me I can be a lil' oldfashioned from time to time? Here it is, demonstrated [ There was a ring of laughter in his voice, but also sheepishness in how he took the step back and focused on the box briefly, and on Zhao's hands, instead of his face. It was... disappointing to create that gap.

His hand automatically rose to touch the nape of his neck, a tick betraying a bit of nervousness, but he stopped halfway and let it down. You say A, you gotta follow it with a B. Then a C. The first step made, no turning back now. He locked his gaze with Zhao's again, nervousness really gone, and while there is a mischievous lilt, he spoke seriously ]

Ya don't have to wait till White Day to gimme the answer.

[ He'd rather not wait that long!! On the other hand, they'd be buried halfway through the mission there. Dangerous, hopefully, exciting stuff (no slow starvation this time, please), Zhao would make giving an answer than a whole damn production. Whether it's an acceptance or rejection. ]

Ah-

[An answer? Oh. Oh. Oh. This was not "friendship chocolate" in the least; we weren't even pretending that was all it was. This was honest-to-goodness Valentine's chocolate that meant "I like you" in a totally not just friendship manner. There was an attraction.

Zhao's thoughts went swirling through his head at breakneck speeds. An inward panic settled somewhere between his head and his heart, forming a lump in his throat that kept him from responding immediately. There was an attraction. Majima was admitting to it on his end... but Zhao had already admitted to himself that he had one for Majima as well. It had surprised him but he'd let things run their course naturally. So what if he was attracted to a handsome man with a unique personality and a sense of honor one could only admire? He thought there was a certain chemistry between the two of them that worked surprisingly well. He enjoyed Majima's company a lot more than he expected.

Or was it all just a fatal attraction due to his knowledge of the future and a great curiosity for this younger man before him? Was Zhao kidding himself that there was anything there at all simply because he was fascinated by the younger man Majima was now compared to the older version Zhao met back in Sotenbori? It was a hard thought to have but a realistic one to consider. He didn't like it but-

But there was also the fact that Majima was not the only one to garner Zhao's affection here on the station. While he had kept his careful distance from Majima, Zhao had accidentally attracted the attention of another man. Zhao couldn't deny the fun he had with Alenko. And there was...something...there between them. Zhao had yet to fully analyze it too closely yet, simply letting it be and using it for a night (or three) worth of fun. Of very intimate fun.

It was easier not to think about another man right now. It would bring guilt and unwanted distraction right now if Zhao thought about it. So, he blatantly did not think about it. He refused to admit to himself there was a conflict of interest and concentrated on his mixed feelings for Majima himself, ignoring anything else that made it even more complicated this moment. Those emotions towards Majima were complicated enough on their own.

He was definitely attracted to the man. That much was certain. Too much thought--

He didn't need to think so much.

Live in the moment. Nothing else really mattered right now.

Only a few seconds passed outwardly as Zhao panicked inwardly, processed everything quickly in his head before throwing it all out the window as unimportant to this very moment. Before that casual confidence slipped into place like a familiar glove and twisted his lips into a faint smile of charismatic indulgence.

A hand reached out of its own accord and found a stray piece of Majima's hair to run along and tuck back into place. He had Majima's answer right here. Their flirting had always meant to lead down this path. It was inevitable. Or so it felt to him.]

Ahh-haheheh. My answer, Majima-kun? Like you really have to ask? This has been on my mind for...a long time now... why do you think I like to tease you so much?

[He started off those sentences casual and smooth, yet by the last question he had gotten close enough to whisper the words to Majima. Just before he leaned in... and tried that kiss he had imagined a little earlier. He wanted to know if those lips of Majima's were soft and inviting, or if they would be hard and rough. You know...he wasn't even sure which he would prefer. Both types had their appeal in a certain way. Maybe Majima would be a bit of both...that would have fit the Mad Pup so perfectly it made Zhao tingle inside from the anticipation of it. Of their lips meeting and working together, of what he could admit to himself now that he had wanted for a while now.]

[ Lots of folk were raving about the traditions brought from outside, how Valentine's were soulless and pointless— and heck, it's not like they were completely off the mark. But there's something to admire about the efficient simplicity of the system. A streamlined way to say 'I like ya LIKE THAT' and if it doesn't work, you're just down one chocolate.

—of course, his opinion would be completely different if he had been rejected. But right there, right now? That unplanned endorphin high, you go Valentines! That bit of whiskey might also be to blame. But mostly, absolutely mostly it's Zhao who's at fault. In every calculation Majima could make, he did not account for one with that kind of direct response.

So the kiss took him off-guard for a second. A silent ah, followed by the curl upward of the lips as the kiss made its presence.

Direct is good. Not thinking is even better. Following the instinct. What Majima lacked in technique and experience, he surely made up in enthusiasm. He pressed back into the kiss, lips parting, head tilting searching for better angle. For the first time since forever allowing himself to want more and— reach for it.

They've been dancing around exactly this, didn't they? Brief sparks, all jokes and joy, and edge of the knife. And all too much understanding ]

[The enthusiastic response was all Zhao needed for an invitation. Hesitation was left at the door. He had his answer on how Majima felt. There was no reason left not to enjoy this.

(A whisper of doubt said otherwise. He ignored it.)

Zhao ran his tongue across Majima's lips with a soft hum of appreciation. Majima's enthusiasm almost caused a chuckle to rumble through his throat but Zhao held it back. Instead he responded in kind. He pressed back, insistent. He brought a hand up and found Majima's hair, swept through it, tangled his fingers within its silky strands, mussing up the neat ponytail as he found purchase.

Another few seconds (that felt like hours) passed as they stay locked together, worked together and fought against one another at the same time, each wanting more and more from the other. And then Zhao's second hand raised slightly, set lightly on Majima's hip. Then gripped tighter and pulled the ~~older~~ younger man towards him. Held him in place.

The kiss lasted a good minute, maybe two, or more. Zhao couldn't be sure. But it was lengthy. He only broke it off because it couldn't last forever. It led to a nibble, and a quick bite at Majima's neck, and a breathless chuckle as he stopped himself from doing more. He spoke instead to keep himself in check.]

How's that for an answer?

[All cheek and haughty manner. A playboy gangster at his finest. A smart-alack lilt to his voice, confident, steady, in control. There was more underneath. More desire. A silent promise of more...if it was accepted.]

[ Yes. Yesyesyes. Like a knot has been unwound— It's been a month, and slowly he got again accustomed to touch at this station (one that intention wasn't carrying on pain), at this misfit team. Friendly pats, shaking hands, holding a teammate, or even holding hands due to some shenanigans. It was like getting out of the shell. Useless, at first he thought. And then the craving for more started.

And now all that starvation, Zhao generously indulged. He pressed into the hand on his hip, going into the kiss with almost forgotten ferocity. At least as long as it lasted. The bite stealing a satisfying sound out of his throat ]

—mmm, I think I got hearin' problems, ya might wanna repeat that again— [ Playful and cheeky was the reply that Zhao got. A smile that did reach Majima's eye, the disbelief slowly fading. Zhao was such a natural in this dance, and he could make it endearing and alluring, both. ] Or ya know, maybe I'm just greedy. Now that I got yer pretty eyes only on me for this moment

[ Letting go of the restraints was one thing, allowing himself to want something— anything. Anyone — was another. But he got enough close brushes with death to have a revelation. One step forward, one step forward, and then it turns out it was dance all the time, and his hand was held.

Sentimental? Kinda. ]

Speakin' of which—

[ Fingertips danced on the outline of Zhao's handsome face until he grasped at the shades playfully and tugged them down. ]

[Playful and cheeky... that was all Zhao loved in this moment with Majima. The purposeful response was perfect as far as he was concerned. It produced a small chuckle from the Chinese man as he smirked back at the one-eyed man.

His eyes followed Majima's hand as it reached up towards his face and Zhao was perfectly still as the shades left his face. They were like an armor to him and removing them was a big deal. In this moment, however, he let it go. Of all the people that could get away with that action...Majima was one of only a bare few.

Zhao blinked eyes that were fully exposed, the softness around his gaze easy to spot without the sunglasses to hide behind. He gazed into Majima's eyes in anticipation, leaving words behind. Would he let the other take the reigns for the moment? Or should he resume? Majima had asked for more.

A moment stretched on for a lengthy time... then Zhao moved forward. He locked lips with Majima for the second time this evening and this time things were taken slowly. Every move deliberate and calculated, slow and sensual, tasting Majima for every inch's worth. His hand gripped tighter around Majima's hip as he pressed into the other man. They could take this further... could explore more... or they could take it slowly, carefully, and make this last.

Honestly, Zhao didn't care which path they took from here.]

[ When the glasses were off, when the full scope of realization has hit him, Majima realized— he made a mistake. The glasses were an armor, a mask as many of those he was familiar with, damn protective gear, and here he was taking them off. Insensitive asshole. But it was too late now, and Zhao had let him, so instead of letting the guilt choke him, he let the gratitude flood the craters in his heart.

Yes, the sight was different, almost scaringly so, just how well the glasses hid how soft Zhao's eyes were. Soft, pretty, and far sadder than the always joking attitude could tell.

Then the whirlwind of thoughts was halted with just a simple kiss, quiet one, like a whisper. A whisper telling him to part his lips at the tease, to playfully nip, to— It's been a long time since he allowed anyone this close. Willingly. All that's good in life, the true human connection, has left his life on the day Saejima shot eighteen yakuza dead. But everything was different here, everything was going to be different. It's a new beginning, and Zhao was kissing him as if Majima wasn't made out of nightmares. ]

Yer good, gigolo— [ He heard himself whisper in an oddly sultry voice, one step closer, hip pressing against hip. Then he realized he still had the shaded glasses in his hand ] Ah—

[ The brief awkward stumble and... ]

Thank you, for lettin' me see— [ A tilt of a head that felt so natural, yet still making him wonder who was at the steer of Goro Majima right now. ] Gonna say it's yer turn if ya want me to cast somethin' off

[Zhao chuckled softly in response. There was no depreciation within the tone that came directly from the Chinese man's throat. Rather, it was a light-hearted amusement, appreciation for the one-eyed man in front of him. The shyness was always cute when Majima displayed it. The hesitance, the awkward stumble... Zhao found it endearing.

It was not something he expected from the other. It ran discordant to the image he had of the Mad Dog of Shimano. Reconciling the two together was sometimes, often times, hard to do.

He liked this young pup. He couldn't put his finger on one aspect and say why but he knew what he felt was genuine and appreciative. It was nice to see this person, to meet a man in his prime and see the insecurities and the strength both. Not one covering the other or diminishing the other. Simply coexisting. One person, genuine and real.

Zhao took a deep breath and let it out slow as his eyes roamed over Majima's full form. His hand moved on instinct before he had thought things throw, a undeniable draw to the thing which he made a move. And yet at the last minute he caught himself, his hand strayed to another path. His fingertips grazed softly over Majima's face and glided past his chin, down his throat, and slid partially down his chest. He flicked off one of the buttons of Majima's shirt.

Said no words, only stared at Majima with a faint smile tugging at his lips.]

[ximilia] ic inbox

Valentine's Day [oh boy]

:3

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