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"Not unaccustomed to his unique way of fussing." So, he's done something like this over you before.

[He can tell what G'raha is doing. He’s going into his smart-mode and Zack honestly doesn’t know how to take it. To be perfectly honest he doesn’t care about what Dongfang is going through. Sure, he hopes the guy is okay and that he processes whatever this is but at the same time he doesn’t like that this has become all about Dongfang. This was supposed to be about … him and G'raha.]

Ruler mentality or not ... To come at someone and get that upset after learning that you and I … I can’t really believe that he didn’t feel something deeper for you than just whatever a ruler and subject relationship is.

[Zack is hurt.]

I don't know. Maybe I'm wrong. Tell me if I am. But whatever you two do to get ... that close. I...

[Fuck. He loves G'raha. Why... Why does he always have to fight for what he loves...]

Why didn't you tell him about us?

No, not quite. It's always been a more subdued reaction. A glare or a firmer tone of voice. Then it was usually for the same reasons that others have done much the same - usually over matters pertaining to my own self-care.

[ Nothing ever like what had just happened. That's the part that G'raha wants to make clear, there's never been any indication prior to now that Daqiang would lash out in such a way.

But G'raha is... Not much different in some respects. G'raha Tia has been known to run and hide from personal pain. Shut it out or hide it under a much more playful attitude. Has tried to play it off as nothing, which is where the Crystal Exarch is coming more to the front.

Which is why is voice is even as he turns around and looks at Zack. ]

If you are asking me if I have went out on dates with him? No. I did not spend bells upon bells rambling about everything and nothing at all nor have I thrown myself into his arms and have looked for excuses just to stay within his presence for a moment longer. While I cannot control how his feelings have developed, I have not treated him any differently as I might have Krile or any other of my close companions.

[ And G'raha believes that he knows a bit better why it might have turned out this way for Daqiang. A man who has not had others treat him like a person rather than monster. But he'll keep his silence. But G'raha is also making his intentions clear that he has no interest in the man. Not in the way that he has feelings for Zack. So no he can't control Daqiang, but G'raha's heart is clearly spoken for. ]

I had thought it was obvious, considering how we openly flirt over the network. I spend just as much time on this ship, with you, as I do my own. Truthfully, I did not know that I needed to. I am Miqo'te and from Sharlayan. One does not foster exclusivity in regards to relationships and the other fosters scholars that had to create a nutritional loaf since they forget to eat on the regular.

[More smart-mode G’raha. At first Zack thought that maybe it would annoy him but maybe right now it’s just what he’s going to get. It's clear words that Zack needs to hear.

He sighs slightly, shoulders sagging and his one free hand tousling his hand back through his dark hair.]

Apparently it was important enough to him that he wanted to know.

[Honestly, he agrees that G’raha doesn’t really have to tell anyone anything but the fact that Dongfang was that upset is clear that he must have had to.]

I believe you, for the record. I didn’t think you would have gone on dates with the guy. I just wanted to know what would have led him to look at you like that. At least maybe you’ll believe me a little more when I say that you’ve probably got more admirers than you think you do.

[He lets out another breath.]

You’re easy to fall in love with, Raha. The Miqo'te part doesn't even matter.

Edited 2024-05-27 21:08 (UTC)

So it was.

[ Important enough to Daqiang that he had wanted to know. That he thought he should know. G'raha continues to listen to Zack and some of those words seem to settle some of the anxious energy. Zack believes him. He believes him that this hadn't been G'raha's intention at all. ]

Without giving the details that I am now aware of, my best guess is that he wasn't aware himself. Under developed emotional awareness, much like a toddler fumbling their way through things and throwing a tantrum.

[ That's the only way that G'raha can really make sense of it, without divulging the man's life story. But it could be a reason that Daqiang looked at G'raha the way he did.

His ears finally started to move a little. Zack telling him that he could have more admirers is a slight shift in the conversation. Not quite enough to shake G'raha way from the mental cage he had put himself in. That doesn't happen until Zack says his name. Says his name in conjunction with love. Telling him, G'raha Tia, that he's easy to love.

Raha's ears wiggle and fold back. His tail swishes behind him as he starts to fuss with his bracers again. The edge to his tone and eye fade. ]

I-I will try to keep that in mind. Though I... I don't desire anyone else to...

[He knows G'raha is using his words in a way that lets him explain clearly and concisely. Like the scholar he is. And while it's tough for Zack to hear that with this sort of thing, he knows that it's just how G'raha gets through some tough conversations. At least it is helping to alleviate some of Zack's worries and restless energy, yeah.

He was never angry or worried at or about G'raha in the first place. Just totally blindsided by the entire situation even happening. He doesn't know G'raha's captain. So all of this giving Zack these questions is entirely valid. It's all still very weird to him but... He hopes that guy figures himself out. ~~this sure isn't going to make zack like the guy at all but~~

When he sees G'raha's ears wiggle and his tail swish he thinks for a second that there- G'raha's coming back. But more than that he finally hears a little more of what he needs to hear. That G'raha doesn't desire anyone else to-

That mixture of things happening is all it takes for Zack to step quickly to G'raha, put his arm (fuck this stupid shoulder sling) around him and pull him in. Simultaneously, he kisses G'raha with a bit of rough haste and ... well. His own version of "possessiveness." Full of warmth, desire and that desperate love.]

Edited 2024-05-28 00:08 (UTC)

[ Really, this is all new territory with Raha. Every single little bit of it. He has never tread these sort of waters before and thus doesn't realize what had been going on around him. Now he wouldn't think of it as an excuse, but rather a shortcoming on his part. Raha is fully prepared to apologize and had been stepping into this conversation with Zack likely turning him away at the end of it.

Though now, feeling at least one arm wrapping around him, pulling him close, G'raha wonders why he would have thought this in the first place. This is not the mark of a man that is angry and upset with him. But then there are lips on his and Raha thinks he might have some questions of his own. Later.

Right now the priority is to wiggle his arms free so that he can hold Zack's face. Keep him right there so that Raha can kiss him back with the relief and equally desperate energy that has been building up inside of him.

There really is no need for a fight. Zack doesn't ever need to. ]

[There's a mixture of relief and desperate energy in Zack too. It finally releases once he can touch G'raha again. He can hold the redhead in his arm(s) and kiss him with all the desperate emotion he wants to give right now. It eases out of his shoulders and he feels less tense almost immediately.

It's been a long night. But at least he can see G'raha at the end of this one.

He lets G'raha wiggle comfortably to hold his face. He savours the kiss for a moment longer. Gives him a squeeze with one arm and then breaks it to murmur,]

Keep seeing me.

[Their little mantra. Right?]

[ He doesn't really know how long they kiss. Doesn't matter, really. It's unimportant. The thing that G'raha wants to focus on is the feel of Zack holding him close and the way that his tail wraps around the other man's thigh. He tastes a bit like the alcohol that he had consumed tonight, but Raha doesn't mind.

When Zack pulls back, arms slip around the man's shoulders. Raha continues to stay wrapped around him as noses continue to brush. This is the man that makes his heart sing. ]

For as long as you wish it of me and likely longer still.

[ Their mantra and their promise. ]

[The kiss slowly goes from desperate to softer and easier. Once they're nose to nose Zack can finally feel like he can breathe easier again. He quirks a small smile at G'raha's words and nods.

This wasn't exactly how he was expecting his night to go. But maybe it's not so bad now. Now that he has G'raha in his arm(s) again. A few things make more sense. And he'll deal with the rest of it ... later.]

I hope you know you're staying here tonight.

[He says close to G'raha's lips.]

And... Thanks for clearing things up. Even if you used your teacher voice.

[ A playful night had turned into dramatics. Into hurt feelings. There are still some things that G'raha is uncertain of, wary of. But where he stands with Zack is not one of those things. Not any longer.

The purr in his chest is not one of happiness and contentment - though he is feeling closer to that now - but relief. A release of tension, stress, and a small amount of fear. He is so thankful for Zack. Raha breathes out and closes his eyes for a moment. ]

Aye, and every night that you would desire it, love.

[ The "teacher voice" has his eyes flying open, his ears upright. A flush of embarrassment on his cheeks. ]

T-teach-! I-is that what I was... I. I apologize.

[He gets it. He has the same relief. The same tension, stress and fear are slowly starting to fade away now. It shouldn't have happened like this in the first place. But he's understanding and relieved just the same. The purrs are reassuring in their own way too.

The flush of embarrassment? That feels good too.]

Haha. It's alright, I get it. Sometimes you do that when you're trying to keep things crystal clear.

[Get what he said there? Crystal... Hah.]

[ All right. Embarrassment is over and it is all because of that joke. Which is funny but it also is just. Wow. Raha looks at Zack mock offendedly. ]

I was going to demand that you take me to bed, but I see someone might end up sleeping on the deck at this rate.

[ He doesn't mean it at all, if the way that he secures his hands behind Zack's neck is any indication. ]

[Zack lets out a laugh and if his shoulder wasn't still on the mend he would have fought and scooped up G'raha like a sack of potatoes right there and tossed him on the bed. He opts for bending closer and pressing his nose to G'raha's neck.

He also just wants to get more touching in. Not touching him before was suffering.]

Come on, just a joke! I'm not wrong but it's just a joke!

No, you are not wrong but it is an atrocious joke and you would scold me were I the one to make it.

[ He presses his nose into Zack's hair. Takes a moment to breathe in the other's scent, buried in alcohol though it might be. ]

Come. I think we've both had an emotional night and deserve some comfort and rest.

[Another laugh rumbles through Zack's chest. He lingers close just for a second longer if only to settle his heart down a bit more before easing up.]

Alright. To the bed, it is.

[It's been a long night, yeah. He's tired. And he's probably going to skip on the drinking for a while after this. Sure, he had a hell of a fun night laughing with Kaveh. And he's pretty sure he made plans with Gale sometime. But he's pretty worn out now.]

[ There's a hum that comes from Raha. The moment that Zack leans back, hands cup the man's jaw once more. They draw Zack in for another kiss. First to the brow, Raha on his tiptoes. Then to Zack's scar on his cheek then to lips proper. ]

In case I've not said it lately, you make my heart sing, Zack Fair. I am ever so fortunate and blessed to be able to love you and be loved in return.

[ He settles back down, hand hovering over that shoulder and casting another quick Cure. Just for pain and discomfort. Raha has done this when he can afford to to help the man's healing process to speed up. ]

Shall I help you undress for the night?

[Oh. Zack will take all that affection. Maybe a little greedily right now, giving G'raha a look of softer puppy-eyes for a moment. Funny- when he's such a tall big guy that he can nail puppy-eyes sometimes.

His hand lingers on G'raha's hip and he smiles. It feels ... really damn good to hear that. Calms down a few swirling frustrations in his head he's trying not to listen to. Because he wanted G'raha so bad tonight.]

I feel the same way, I don't think you know how crazy I am about you. [WELL THE NETWORK POST MIGHT PROVE A THING] I adore you so damn much. I love you.

[The healing magic is welcome too and he presses one last kiss to G'raha's temple before he moves with him to the bed and gently lifts his elbow of his hurt shoulder.]

Yeah, if you could help me get my shirt off in the least.

I think I am beginning to realize how much, yes.

[ The feeling is mutual. So, so mutual. Raha had been so afraid of losing this. Of losing Zack because he had made a misstep. A mistake.

He follows after the other, nodding in agreement. G'raha can assist here. Please allow him to as he starts to untuck Zack's shirt. ]

A shame I cannot do more than that. What I need is for you to recover quickly. Who would have thought that it has become difficult to hold back.

[Zack watches G'raha work and his eyes linger on G'raha's working hands and he quirks a bit of a smile.]

Hey. There's a lot of things I'm capable of with only one arm...

[He lets out a small laugh. But yeah... Tonight he mostly feels like sleeping now. Too worn out. Too much to think about.]

A fact I am more than familiar with, love.

[ His tail flicks with the thought. but then he is being mindful of how he is giving room for Zack to remove one arm. And then over the man's head.

Where he pauses briefly. While Zack's eyes are still covered, he gives a quick peck to the lips before moving on. ]

For now we both will have to settle for my persistent presence here. With you.

[He moves as he should to carefully get his shirt off without jostling his arm and shoulder too much. When G'raha has it almost off his head and Zack is momentarily blind... He doesn't expect that sneaky little cute kiss.]

Hey.

[Too cute. Then the shirt is off and Zack's shirtless. He rolls his good shoulder free to stretch it a bit. He smiles down at G'raha.]

I'm not going to complain about that...

[ G'raha is going one step further. He is... Still apologetic. Feels remorseful for upsetting Zack and causing issues on what should have been a more jovial mood. So he kneels and begins to assist with the removal of boots. ]

I would threaten you with my ceaseless ramblings, but it would appear that this is more of an incentive for you.

[ A teasing smile. ]

Honestly, I think I might pick up a book and lounge about all day tomorrow. Doubtful you will be able to go anywhere as well.

[Zack's expression is still softer and he perks a bit when G'raha gives him that teasing smile. He lets out a short snort of a laugh. So, G'raha read that post too? Thanks, Drunk Zack.]

Listen, your voice does something to my brain. I could listen to you talk all day.

[It's called asmr.

His eyes wander to watch G'raha help him with his boots. Once he has them kicked off, Zack unlatches the top of his pants to losen them and then reaches for G'raha's wrist. He gently tugs him up and pulls the man gently into his lap where he sits on the bed.]

How about we stick around here tomorrow and you read to me. Something you like.

[He just wants to... spend time with G'raha too.]

Just like I could gaze into those eyes of yours and allow myself to be swallowed up?

[ the smile doesn't leave his face, not even as Zack takes his wrist. Eyes only widen slightly at the fact that he has found himself sitting in Zack's lap. Honestly, the man should take more care. G'raha is going to end up with a permanent heart condition with the way it helplessly flutters for Zack.

Raha takes a deep breath. One had cup's Zack's cheek. The other traces patterns across Zack's collarbone. Ancient Allag. ]

You wish for me to read you a romance novel? That is what you will get if I were to pick something I like.

[He just can't help himself at the moment. He wants at least a little skin-to-skin contact tonight. They'll share a bed, of course. But Zack's also slowly sliding his good hand up G'raha's hip, under his shirt and up the shape of his spine.]

Just like that. All I want is to be wrapped up in you.

[He kisses G'raha's neck slow and affectionately.]

I'll even sit through a romance novel. That's how much.

[Let's be real, he'll like listening to that.]

Edited 2024-06-08 05:10 (UTC)

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