( now, ferdinand isn't so dense that he can't pick up on the fact that akito keeps using the tea as a convenient topic switch-out, possibly, he strongly suspects, when he is making him uncomfortable for some reason. why the compliment? is he not used to receiving any?
...
given that one of the few facts he has of akito is the fact that his mother failed to show any warmth to him, he can't help but wonder if the two things are related. it seems as though his relationship with his father had been better, given he actually took the time to raise him, but it had been so tragically cut short. childhood plays a heavy hand in shaping people.
though endlessly curious about this enigmatic, delicate young man, ferdinand withholds confronting him on this clear tactic used to divert his attention away from him. the tea should be done right now, anyway. )
Yes, I believe it has steeped to a sufficient degree by now. I shall be right back.
( he rises up to go tend to the tea, remove the leaves and bring the pot over. he pours the tea carefully into each cup, its fragrance soothing with lavender and bright with citrus. )
Would you like yours with any honey? I find that it is quite delightful that way, but it is also fine on its own accord.
( the moment ferdinand rose up to grab the tea, akito let out a soft sigh of relief. so far it seemed that whatever ferdinand had been feeling about her and the situation, hadn't quite triggered her sweater to tighten up on her.
as for akito, she was truly feeling unsure of herself and this situation. she wasn't used to genuine compliments, and the suggestion to grow out her hair made things difficult. such an act would affirm what she was desperately trying to hide and she wasn't a fan of such long dark hair-
her mother had that after all. it was only when ferdinand spoke again that she seemed to snap out of whatever trance she was in and looked up. )
Honey, yes I'll take it. I suppose...you're a big fan of tea then?
( it was painfully clear she was trying to keep things about tea. )
( ferdinand remained oblivious to just how much akito was trying to veer away from more uncomfortable subjects using tea as bait, especially when he did, in fact, like tea quite a lot, and was perfectly happy to talk about it. he adds tea to both of their drinks. )
I am, yes! It is an exceptional beverage, don't you think? Versatile enough to suit different palates, a wide range of flavor profiles... and it makes for a relaxing ritual to share with someone. ( like you, akito!! the look he gave seemed to say. ) It was quite popular where I am from.
( even if ferdinand hadn't intended on revealing much to akito tonight, with the way he reacted to certain things she said, she saw ways to distract and manipulate him-
all without resorting to the usual tactics she followed back home. back in such a structured environment, where she alone stood at the top. here she was nothing, and yet so much was expected of her. it was a terrible pressure on her, that led them both to be here.
talking about tea, being vulnerable. it was a thought that ruminated in her mind as he returned back with the tea and spoke on about it. his subtle hint there at the end, about sharing tea with her brought about a sigh. if he really knew what she was like....would he even be here? )
It seems that regardless of world, powers, or people, tea seems to be popular anywhere. I actually met someone from a strange world with magic who sells magic infused teas.
lmao we both know he did not add tea to both of their drinks in the last tag I wrote. HONEY!!!
( mentioning this brightens ferdinand even more. )
I have noticed that, too! Tea being one of the more ubiquitous things among those of us from vastly different places does, admittedly, bring me some comfort. But magic-infused teas? Now I am curious. Did they describe the sorts of effects that were infused in the teas?
I'm not really sure, but what I bought was specifically made for me. I asked for teas to help me with sleep and some issues I was having.
( yet again she was being far too vulnerable than she wanted to be but she couldn't seem to help it.
in his own unique way, with the comfort he provided to her at first and with how kind he was being, he was truly getting to her. this was far beyond her just trying to obey her punishment's terms. there was some sense of guilt however, because he reminded her far too much of a certain rooster. she never thought that she would meet someone else like him. )
Perhaps you should pay a visit, they're sold at the Bunny's brew and botanical burrow.
Thank you for the information. I will definitely check it out sometime.
( while he's always happy to talk about tea, ferdinand's focus migrated back to akito and all of the problems they seemed to be having. he tested his first sip of tea, decided it's still a bit too hot, and set it back down, his face slowly drawing up more of the concern and curiosity that he was feeling. )
I hope that the teas have proven effective. Sleep can be hard to come by, especially when burdened by worries and problems. What else has been troubling you, Akito?
( with a soft sigh of relief, akito's attention turned to the tea before her. for now it seemed she was safe from divulging too much into her affairs and the health issues she had been having.
yet like a snarling dog, ferdinand immediately returned the focus back onto her. while she was starting to begin to enjoy his company because he had done what she wanted, now he was starting to push it. )
I don't really want to talk about it.
( her voice is lower now, and avoiding his gaze she immediately drank from her cup. it was scorching hot but she pushed through it for the sake of avoiding this uncomfortable situation. )
( ferdinand sighs, caught between the desperation to understand and to help, and to respect akito's request. strain appears on the face that he makes. )
I am really worried about you. I mean, look at you, and... ( he gestures to akito, and continues on earnestly. ) I feel as though there is something more beneath the surface of what you have already told me. I do not wish to cast any judgment on you for what you are going through, I just wish that I could do something more than merely make you tea and keep you company. Especially since you seem so... alone.
( with the cup now set down, she turned towards ferdinand with a rather angry expression on her face. she wanted his comfort and attention, this much was true, but she didn't want to be pitied. to be looked down upon, look as a sullen person who needed love out of a sense of obligation.
she rose up, this time moving away from the table and towards a window in the apartment. there she looked outside, seeing the up with eyes of disgust. finally after a moment of silence, she spoke, turning her head to ferdinand. )
Alone, what a genius observation really-
and what will you do once you get to know me better? Will you be by my side day and night and cure my loneliness? Hold and kiss my tears away? Or will you abandon me once you grow bored with me? Is that what you see? A project to fix?
I shouldn't have asked you to come. You can't ever understand me, let alone come to care for me.
( the outburst shocked ferdinand, whose spine straightened and eyes widened blinkingly. for a bit, he stayed put, eyes on him as he moved toward the window, where he spewed hypotheticals and accusations about his intent and character. heated as he was growing with each one, ferdinand needed to move, to somehow prove and defend himself, and so he rose from his spot and began to come closer, but not too close. )
You cannot say that when you spurn my attempts to understand whatever it is you refuse to allow! Otherwise, you have no proof that I could never do that. You are not a project, Akito. You are a person...
( although rage and her ever festering annoyance had overtaken all reason, it was there when ferdinand rose up and approached her, that akito knew she had messed up.
it didn't take very long, but the sweater she had on was slowly starting to tighten. the fabric began to compress, almost shrinking down in size but the process was slow enough for akito not to notice it immediately. )
A person? You don't know what I truly am.
( she nearly wanted to yell out what she truly was-
the god of the zodiac, head of a family full of cursed people and their only salvation was her. however she knew that would bring about its own set of troubles. so she moved back instead, her arm waving out as if to get him to step back. )
You say you'll understand me, but you won't ever. I don't need your pity...
( ferdinand watched, mouth agape as the sweater he had on began to shrink before his eyes while akito continued to rebuke his desire to help, to form a stronger bond. at first, he wondered if he was seeing things, but the longer he stared, the more he was sure that this was no trick of the light. )
Akito, your sweater...
( but how strange! and for a moment, he could swear that the form he was looking at struck him as more of a young woman than the young man he had assumed him to be. )
( just as akito was about to spew more hateful and resistant words to ferdinand, to get him to leave and let her be, the punishment she was wearing was starting to act. she had been told that if she got near other dominants, the sweater would shock her. that she had to behave around submissives and make them feel content around her. if she failed to do so, the sweater would begin to shrink until she 'fixed' the issue.
while anyone else wouldn't have cared deeply about the outcome of the sweater getting tighter and would care more about the pain of it, akito genuinely didn't want anyone to know what she was hiding. so she immediately began to move closer to ferdinand, her arms covering her body as much as possible but it was clear that the 'man' before him, was rather feminine. )
I'm sorry....okay? I'm sorry I didn't mean what I said....I just don't want....
( her right hand immediately rose up to rest on his shoulder, fingers squeezing ferdinand softly, almost begging. )
( this was quite the tumultuous exchange, and ferdinand struggled to keep up with both his thoughts, his observations, and his emotions. one moment, akito's spines had activated and forbade him from getting close, and the next, they were retracted, and akito came running to him halfway into an embrace the moment that his - her? - sweater got mentioned.
...
the arm belonging to the shoulder that akito squeezed cautiously draped over him, hand resting atop his back in a show of reassurance and support. )
It is all right. I mean you no ill will. I wish that I knew how to demonstrate that effectively. But... I suppose that is something that comes with time. I owe you an apology as well. I should have respected your desire to keep your personal matters to yourself.
( it was a volatile whiplash of emotions only those under her in the zodiac ever saw from akito. others had either seen the ominous facade she put up, or in the case of someone like tohru, they only saw her aggressive nature.
but for ferdinand, even if it didn’t seem that way, he was getting closer to truly knowing her. in facf the sweater kept squeezing around her, indicating that he wasn’t quite stabilized in his feeling for her.
so when his hand rested upon hers, and he offered reassuring words, all akito could do, or rather think to do was to kiss him to appease him. )
I-It’s alright, I’m the one who brought you here after all.
( with that, she moved in closer, her lips hovering above his own as she stood up on the tips of her toes and moved in for a deep kiss. )
( at first, he hesitated, not quite sure what to make of this heel-turn development from anger to affection. but after a few tense seconds, he was drawn in to her... his, lips, where he pressed a brief kiss. the electricity of it made his heart jump. after it was finished, he still hung close to his face, smiling in appeasement and glad for the turn things were taking, now. )
I am sorry. I hope that you can forgive a foolish misstep of mine.
( she truly hated to admit it but ferdinand was rather alluring and despite her own hangups about sex, she did enjoy these moments of affection with him.
to his kindness though, all she could think was what a relief it was he relented in his questions and what an idiot he was for being kind to her.
in her own childish way, perhaps this was a way for her to rationalize what she was about to do next. )
I try not to hold grudges…
( which was an absolute lie but she wouldn’t give him much of a chance to protest-
because soon her lips were back on his, giving him another kiss only this time more passionate and tense. )
( ferdinand couldn't help it. he was swept away by their lips mingling so sensuously, and oh, did he respond. in upwelling passion, he wrapped the smaller form into both of his arms as they sunk into each other, and even when one kiss was finished, he felt greedy for another, and he stole akito's again to press it, sucking a little on his lower lip as if begging for them to meld even closer. the volatility of their exchange only seemed to beget more intensity, and ferdinand found himself strapped with the need to take this deeper, if he could. )
( little by little the fabrics of her sweater began to loosen up, returning to its loose state from before. it was clear that what akito was doing was working-
but even if she didn’t have to continue on, much like ferdinand, she couldn’t help it. she was starved for love, affection, and attention and while she would never say it, this was the closest thing to what she wanted.
she leaned into his embrace, keeping her arms down for now but slowly she began to grip him as they continued to kiss. her tongue flicked against his own lips after he sucked on her lower lip and soon it was protruding into his own mouth, eager to explore. )
( ferdinand's lips were pliant against the intrusion of tongue, and he moaned softly at the arresting sensation. he let him direct, encouraging him with an inviting partition and a sweep of his own tongue from below.
if they kept going at this rate, he knew that it was going to get more heated, and if akito was fine with that, so was he. it was only natural for him and his impassioned nature to feel the urge to touch his partner while he was kissing, and one of his hands wandered down his back, his exceptionally small frame and trim waist. a bit of learned wariness forced him to take his wandering no further, for it was clear by now that akito liked to maintain firm boundaries in just about every sense, and he feared he would trigger him to back off. but this was closer than they had ever been before, and ferdinand found himself relishing the intimacy, his heart aglow with the kind of fondness and affection that couldn't be found in a first meeting, but cultivated with the budding of a connection that was beginning to feel more real, more precious, and he wanted it to grow. )
( despite how dominating she could, something like this with a stranger of all things was new to her. her heart was racing, mind filled with an abundance of thoughts but the one thing that seemed to be lingering was confusion. she wasn't sure why she was enjoying this more than she should, didn't it start off as a way to distract him?
yet as his hand wandered down her back, she couldn't help but allow it. there was no resistance on her part, just a small level of attention to ensure he didn't venture any further. in return, she continued to kiss him with an increasing passion as their tongues swirled against each other, a soft and subtle moan escaping from akito's lips. )
( however small, that moan was galvanizing, and ferdinand squeezed akito closer to him. it was uplifting to be accepted even this much, and a part of him desperately longed to test how much further he could be. his other hand cupped his cheek as he teased the roof of his mouth, his thumb stroking his delicate skin. evidence that all of what they were doing was getting to him was steadily growing more apparent. )
( as tensions escalted and akito found herself more drawn into the situation, she couldn't help but wonder what it would feel like to have ferdinand's hands all over her body. touching parts of her that she only showed to those who knew of her secret. his warm hand caressing her body instead of her face, showing her affection and devotion. there was a part of her that knew he would probably do it-
considering his behavior after their first encounter. yet she was afraid to let things go that far, for him to find out her secret and see just how much of a desperate person she was for love and affection. she had shown him so much today...
so for now she decided that if things progressed further, she would indulge in pleasuring him and keeping it at that. she didn't pull from him or the kiss, instead opting to take a small break, her lips still hovering over his. )
Ferdinand...
( her voice is a soft whisper, almost calling for him to give her more. whether he closed the gap first or not, her lips were soon back onto his, taking all that he gave her. )
( ferdinand heeded the call, their lips colliding again at a different angle, over and over again. between them, ferdinand returned akito's name at a fawning whisper of his own and continued to savor the sparkingly soft sensation. it felt as though his hand was moving on its own accord, sliding down the rest of his spine, the gentle curve of it inherent to either sex tilting his wonder toward the idea that he had simply assumed akito to be a man, the notion never challenged by anything save the hints provided by his own body, made more evident to him moments ago. his other hand caressed his cheek, still so soft to his touch, and followed the direction of the one that rested upon the small of her back down her neck.
he broke the kisses again to breathe, gazing into akito's eyes with a star-stricken glaze, face flushed. )
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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...
given that one of the few facts he has of akito is the fact that his mother failed to show any warmth to him, he can't help but wonder if the two things are related. it seems as though his relationship with his father had been better, given he actually took the time to raise him, but it had been so tragically cut short. childhood plays a heavy hand in shaping people.
though endlessly curious about this enigmatic, delicate young man, ferdinand withholds confronting him on this clear tactic used to divert his attention away from him. the tea should be done right now, anyway. )
Yes, I believe it has steeped to a sufficient degree by now. I shall be right back.
( he rises up to go tend to the tea, remove the leaves and bring the pot over. he pours the tea carefully into each cup, its fragrance soothing with lavender and bright with citrus. )
Would you like yours with any honey? I find that it is quite delightful that way, but it is also fine on its own accord.
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as for akito, she was truly feeling unsure of herself and this situation. she wasn't used to genuine compliments, and the suggestion to grow out her hair made things difficult. such an act would affirm what she was desperately trying to hide and she wasn't a fan of such long dark hair-
her mother had that after all. it was only when ferdinand spoke again that she seemed to snap out of whatever trance she was in and looked up. )
Honey, yes I'll take it. I suppose...you're a big fan of tea then?
( it was painfully clear she was trying to keep things about tea. )
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I am, yes! It is an exceptional beverage, don't you think? Versatile enough to suit different palates, a wide range of flavor profiles... and it makes for a relaxing ritual to share with someone. ( like you, akito!! the look he gave seemed to say. ) It was quite popular where I am from.
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all without resorting to the usual tactics she followed back home. back in such a structured environment, where she alone stood at the top. here she was nothing, and yet so much was expected of her. it was a terrible pressure on her, that led them both to be here.
talking about tea, being vulnerable. it was a thought that ruminated in her mind as he returned back with the tea and spoke on about it. his subtle hint there at the end, about sharing tea with her brought about a sigh. if he really knew what she was like....would he even be here? )
It seems that regardless of world, powers, or people, tea seems to be popular anywhere. I actually met someone from a strange world with magic who sells magic infused teas.
lmao we both know he did not add tea to both of their drinks in the last tag I wrote. HONEY!!!
I have noticed that, too! Tea being one of the more ubiquitous things among those of us from vastly different places does, admittedly, bring me some comfort. But magic-infused teas? Now I am curious. Did they describe the sorts of effects that were infused in the teas?
no worries!
( yet again she was being far too vulnerable than she wanted to be but she couldn't seem to help it.
in his own unique way, with the comfort he provided to her at first and with how kind he was being, he was truly getting to her. this was far beyond her just trying to obey her punishment's terms. there was some sense of guilt however, because he reminded her far too much of a certain rooster. she never thought that she would meet someone else like him. )
Perhaps you should pay a visit, they're sold at the Bunny's brew and botanical burrow.
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( while he's always happy to talk about tea, ferdinand's focus migrated back to akito and all of the problems they seemed to be having. he tested his first sip of tea, decided it's still a bit too hot, and set it back down, his face slowly drawing up more of the concern and curiosity that he was feeling. )
I hope that the teas have proven effective. Sleep can be hard to come by, especially when burdened by worries and problems. What else has been troubling you, Akito?
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yet like a snarling dog, ferdinand immediately returned the focus back onto her. while she was starting to begin to enjoy his company because he had done what she wanted, now he was starting to push it. )
I don't really want to talk about it.
( her voice is lower now, and avoiding his gaze she immediately drank from her cup. it was scorching hot but she pushed through it for the sake of avoiding this uncomfortable situation. )
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I am really worried about you. I mean, look at you, and... ( he gestures to akito, and continues on earnestly. ) I feel as though there is something more beneath the surface of what you have already told me. I do not wish to cast any judgment on you for what you are going through, I just wish that I could do something more than merely make you tea and keep you company. Especially since you seem so... alone.
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( with the cup now set down, she turned towards ferdinand with a rather angry expression on her face. she wanted his comfort and attention, this much was true, but she didn't want to be pitied. to be looked down upon, look as a sullen person who needed love out of a sense of obligation.
she rose up, this time moving away from the table and towards a window in the apartment. there she looked outside, seeing the up with eyes of disgust. finally after a moment of silence, she spoke, turning her head to ferdinand. )
Alone, what a genius observation really-
and what will you do once you get to know me better? Will you be by my side day and night and cure my loneliness? Hold and kiss my tears away? Or will you abandon me once you grow bored with me? Is that what you see? A project to fix?
I shouldn't have asked you to come. You can't ever understand me, let alone come to care for me.
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You cannot say that when you spurn my attempts to understand whatever it is you refuse to allow! Otherwise, you have no proof that I could never do that. You are not a project, Akito. You are a person...
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it didn't take very long, but the sweater she had on was slowly starting to tighten. the fabric began to compress, almost shrinking down in size but the process was slow enough for akito not to notice it immediately. )
A person? You don't know what I truly am.
( she nearly wanted to yell out what she truly was-
the god of the zodiac, head of a family full of cursed people and their only salvation was her. however she knew that would bring about its own set of troubles. so she moved back instead, her arm waving out as if to get him to step back. )
You say you'll understand me, but you won't ever. I don't need your pity...
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Akito, your sweater...
( but how strange! and for a moment, he could swear that the form he was looking at struck him as more of a young woman than the young man he had assumed him to be. )
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while anyone else wouldn't have cared deeply about the outcome of the sweater getting tighter and would care more about the pain of it, akito genuinely didn't want anyone to know what she was hiding. so she immediately began to move closer to ferdinand, her arms covering her body as much as possible but it was clear that the 'man' before him, was rather feminine. )
I'm sorry....okay? I'm sorry I didn't mean what I said....I just don't want....
( her right hand immediately rose up to rest on his shoulder, fingers squeezing ferdinand softly, almost begging. )
You to hurt me.
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...
the arm belonging to the shoulder that akito squeezed cautiously draped over him, hand resting atop his back in a show of reassurance and support. )
It is all right. I mean you no ill will. I wish that I knew how to demonstrate that effectively. But... I suppose that is something that comes with time. I owe you an apology as well. I should have respected your desire to keep your personal matters to yourself.
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but for ferdinand, even if it didn’t seem that way, he was getting closer to truly knowing her. in facf the sweater kept squeezing around her, indicating that he wasn’t quite stabilized in his feeling for her.
so when his hand rested upon hers, and he offered reassuring words, all akito could do, or rather think to do was to kiss him to appease him. )
I-It’s alright, I’m the one who brought you here after all.
( with that, she moved in closer, her lips hovering above his own as she stood up on the tips of her toes and moved in for a deep kiss. )
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I am sorry. I hope that you can forgive a foolish misstep of mine.
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to his kindness though, all she could think was what a relief it was he relented in his questions and what an idiot he was for being kind to her.
in her own childish way, perhaps this was a way for her to rationalize what she was about to do next. )
I try not to hold grudges…
( which was an absolute lie but she wouldn’t give him much of a chance to protest-
because soon her lips were back on his, giving him another kiss only this time more passionate and tense. )
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but even if she didn’t have to continue on, much like ferdinand, she couldn’t help it. she was starved for love, affection, and attention and while she would never say it, this was the closest thing to what she wanted.
she leaned into his embrace, keeping her arms down for now but slowly she began to grip him as they continued to kiss. her tongue flicked against his own lips after he sucked on her lower lip and soon it was protruding into his own mouth, eager to explore. )
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if they kept going at this rate, he knew that it was going to get more heated, and if akito was fine with that, so was he. it was only natural for him and his impassioned nature to feel the urge to touch his partner while he was kissing, and one of his hands wandered down his back, his exceptionally small frame and trim waist. a bit of learned wariness forced him to take his wandering no further, for it was clear by now that akito liked to maintain firm boundaries in just about every sense, and he feared he would trigger him to back off. but this was closer than they had ever been before, and ferdinand found himself relishing the intimacy, his heart aglow with the kind of fondness and affection that couldn't be found in a first meeting, but cultivated with the budding of a connection that was beginning to feel more real, more precious, and he wanted it to grow. )
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yet as his hand wandered down her back, she couldn't help but allow it. there was no resistance on her part, just a small level of attention to ensure he didn't venture any further. in return, she continued to kiss him with an increasing passion as their tongues swirled against each other, a soft and subtle moan escaping from akito's lips. )
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considering his behavior after their first encounter. yet she was afraid to let things go that far, for him to find out her secret and see just how much of a desperate person she was for love and affection. she had shown him so much today...
so for now she decided that if things progressed further, she would indulge in pleasuring him and keeping it at that. she didn't pull from him or the kiss, instead opting to take a small break, her lips still hovering over his. )
Ferdinand...
( her voice is a soft whisper, almost calling for him to give her more. whether he closed the gap first or not, her lips were soon back onto his, taking all that he gave her. )
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he broke the kisses again to breathe, gazing into akito's eyes with a star-stricken glaze, face flushed. )
Akito... I am burning for you.
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Crawls out of the earth......