Well, ignore whatever ya hear — I like t' think I solve as many problems as I create hehe. [ he should stop. ] Anyway, jus' tell me where t' be and I'll find ya.
[ ryouma is often late but not when he knows someone's waiting on him, at least, so he is true to his word. in his kimono and hakama, he looks very much like... himself, if only in attire. if anything, this ryouma looks like nakaoka if he was less prone to frowning.
since they're dealing in blood, wearing white seemed silly. ]
[He's certainly dressed for the occasion, much as Sannan is stressed for the occasion. He let himself go too long, since he's still learning what he needs here. He feels like an idiot, considering it almost caused an incident. Thankfully, Ryouma answered, and he steps back to welcome him inside with only a little strain in his faint smile.
Ryouma looks... better like this, Sannan thinks. He doesn't have much of a preference for Western clothes or Japanese clothes, but the darker colors echo the tastes Sannan does have.]
As always, you're far too stylish.
[The tension is obvious in Sannan, who waves Ryouma over to the couch where tea waits on the end table.]
[ ryouma is a bit surprised to see the tea waiting at first, only to realise that he probably shouldn't be. to say that sannan has better manners doesn't make him particular special, seeing as that's an extremely low bar, but deciding whether or not to stick to them is certainly a choice. ]
See, now I'm gonna think you're serious, seein' as this was a very forward thinkin' style at the time!
[ he will be flattered, thank you very much. if anything, he sees the strain, and as usual, he's just... rolling right along like everything's the same as always. this is how you dispel tension, right? ]
In any case, y' ain't gotta worry about entertainin' me as a guest. Seems sorta mean under the circumstances.
[ he's not going to be grim, but this doesn't look easy, so he's trying to be sympathetic. ]
It wounds me that you don't take my compliments seriously.
[He did mean it, so Ryouma can be flattered all he likes. Sannan is sparing with compliments at this distance. He's not sparing with basic cordiality though, so Ryouma just has to get used to him doing things the way he likes. They're both strong-willed like that, aren't they?]
In any case, you're right. I hate to deal with this in this manner, but I'm at a tipping point. I didn't realize it until there was blood in front of me, at which time I excused myself for the day. I thought I'd be able to suppress it as I usually do, but... [A small, melancholy sort of smile, as he takes a seat.] It's like a man going a month without eating a single meal. Sooner or later, he starts to slip...
Well, now I've learned a thing or two for the future! Most people just gimme a hard time on account of the uniform. Or maybe it's the hat.
[ the Cooler Hat, according to EMBER, but that's neither here nor there. ]
But cuttin' to the chase, I defer to ya as the expert.
[ sure, some might argue that giving sannan all the power sure is a choice, but ryouma isn't exactly afraid, seeing as he's more than capable of defending himself if he had to. he doesn't suppose it'll need to come to that anyway since he's cooperating.
another upside to how he's dressed? he already has his left arm out of his sleeve because he's always liked to tuck his arm into the front of his kimono instead, so he only has to shrug a little to push that side off entirely. ]
The uniform is fine, but this suits you in a different way.
[He smiles faintly, though his eyes seem unfocused. Maybe he knows he's going to enjoy this at least a little. It really was nothing but a utility as far as he was concerned at home, but there was always something behind it, some little derivation of pleasure and solace. Here... it's getting tainted with a little more pleasure and a little less solace, and he's not sure whether or not that's a good thing. The problem with it, he thinks, is that now when Ryouma bares his arm and side of his body, Sannan's pulse skyrockets. He looks away to calm himself, despite Ryouma clearly being ready to get down to business.
He pulls a small knife he's lately begun to carry from inside his kimono sleeve and thumbs the blade out. Hesitating, he then offers it to Ryouma.]
Wherever you're comfortable. [Wryly:] I don't know how quickly you heal from cuts.
[ the curious part of him wants to ask more, but there are obviously more pressing concerns at the moment than fishing for compliments. ordinarily he wouldn't bother, but it's interesting perhaps because of who it's coming from... or maybe it's the tone of this whole thing? ]
I heal well enough. Whatever keeps me in this place seems t' provide as much magic as I need t' get by. Other things in addition t' that just expedite the process; mana transfer and the like. Ain't much different than this.
[ a simple enough explanation, although maybe a bit more detailed than he'd bother with ordinarily. sannan he assumes might be the sort to want to know. it should be plenty reassurance for why he takes the blade and holds it to the skin where his neck and shoulder meet, eyeing sannan expectantly before making a shallow cut. he's been cut here before, once, a lot worse. izō had done it when he'd encountered him in a singularity, so he knows by experience that he'll be just fine, even if the blood is quick to well up and threaten to spill. ]
[Sannan can flirt later. He probably will. No fishing needed. He's surprised himself with how easily he relates to Ryouma when in his world they might as well have killed each other with their own bare hands. There's just something effortless about their banter that sets Sannan less on edge than he is with some people here.
The situation at hand calls for Sannan's polite silence for a moment, biting back curiosity about the very nature of Ryouma's current existence. It wouldn't do to grill him when he's about to do this. Their eyes meet, and the expectation in his gaze is hard for Sannan to miss. Even though there's nothing inherently good about how much he's also anticipating this, his curiosity sparkles back just as his eyes blink red. It's unnatural, the way the color drains from his hair when the faintest scent of blood hits him, but his self control is incredible. For all that he's held himself back today, he still has it in him to not pounce or lunge.
Instead, he contemplates the best position for this ever so briefly, and settles for kneeling on the couch beside Ryouma. Lowering his head, tucking his hair back behind one ear with a trembling hand, he uses his last shreds of self control to maintain dignity. Then his tongue runs over the thickening line of blood and that self control takes a steep dive out of his mind. He shivers slightly as he makes the initial effort to lap up what's already made itself freely available on Ryouma's skin.]
[ things change in ways you really couldn't predict in a million years sometimes. considering how he felt about the shinsengumi in the past, he never could have predicted things ending up here. but then again, it's not ryouma's way to resist change.
he hadn't expected there to be a real transformation and a bit of a blush colours his cheeks in response to the little gasp of surprise that escapes him before he can think to suppress it.
his hand grips the material of his hakama tightly, tensed unconsciously while his thoughts are focused elsewhere. sure, the cut stings a little, but it's nothing. if anything, a needed distraction. even if you took the blood out of the equation, it's impossible not to feel something under the circumstances and it would be a lie to say knowing that didn't contribute to his volunteering. ]
Lemme know if—... y' know... if I gotta adjust...
[ contrary to the fact that he occasionally makes good points, ryouma is also stupid and incidentally not particularly smooth. ]
[It's a rough, low sound of acknowledgement, and all Ryouma is getting for a moment as Sannan does the customary wrestling with his self-control. Blood is still so associated with war and death that it kick starts a carefully held-back urge to destroy every time he does this. That might be why he's wisely trying to stick to only people who he knows could force him back--and who would rebuff him as needed.
He can feel his own pulse quickening, his breath coming in shallow, barely controlled gulps. There's... a problem here, and that problem is that Ryouma's blood tastes surprisingly satisfying. Sannan doesn't even bother with dignity for much longer, dropping pretense and simply drinking greedily from the cut. The relief shows in the way he slowly begins to relax, the way one of his hands brushes Ryouma's before planting on his thigh as well.
Once the initial rush of relief and satisfaction passes, he settles his other hand on the back of Ryouma's head, digging into his hair and tipping his head away with gentle firmness.]
[ every time something changes ryouma can feel his heart pounding and can't help but wonder if sannan is aware of it too. there's nothing for the unconscious responses he can't control; his nature as a servant clearly doesn't stop him from having very human urges. he squirms a little in his seat, trying not to think about the hand on his thigh.
of course, in trying not to think about it, he's thinking about it a lot instead.
at the firm pressure he yields easily and tilts his head. the real resistance is what's keeping him from telling on himself more directly about what having that hand on his leg is doing to him right now. having to wonder if he's reading too much into their interactions so far or if he's just pent up. at least he's dressed like he is right now; tight white pants would be so much worse. ]
[The hakama can't save him. Sannan is vaguely aware of that increased heartrate, every movement of the man beneath him firing off a little warning signal in his mind. It's difficult to control himself, to remember that this is a favor when his mind tries to scream that this is prey, but he's used to it. He's used to holding back and taking only what he absolutely needs to stay sane.
Yet he wonders if he could push those boundaries with Ryouma. He keeps taking blood from people who aren't strictly human, and every time it makes him slip into a conveniently heightened state, like he's reminded that he's taking from his own kind and not simply drinking to survive. It's a push and pull that he doesn't really process entirely, but more feels as primal instincts while he's doing this.
He needs a better angle, and he breaks away with a languid, somehow marginally dignified lap at Ryouma's skin. Then, thoughtless, he shifts to straddle Ryouma's thighs. The errant hand grips the kimono at Ryouma's chest, right over his heart, but the other stays in his hair, almost caressing.
When he speaks, there's a dark, noticeable shake to his voice.]
[ at least he doesn't have to wonder if this is all one-sided. establishing that, ryouma isn't shy about being found out. this is one of those rare occasions where he can admit what he wants, and he puts his hands on sannan's hips and pulls him closer.
is this dangerous? not really. especially not with his full powers restored to him, so that just means there's no harm in encouraging this. maybe it'll hurt, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. it's not like it's only doing sannan a favour anyway because he clearly enjoys the thrill. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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I'm being opportunistic.
[There's a grim smile to his tone.]
My personal problem has shown itself again.
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[ don't sound so curious, ryouma... ]
Well, ignore whatever ya hear — I like t' think I solve as many problems as I create hehe. [ he should stop. ] Anyway, jus' tell me where t' be and I'll find ya.
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Isn't problem solving your lot in life? I'll send the location. If you don't mind coming to my apartment, that is.
[Look, he doesn't care if it sounds sketchy at this point. He saw it coming and now he's a little... well, not desperate yet. Yet.]
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[ ryouma can see how this might sound, but he actually has no idea what to expect exactly. ]
Your apartment doesn't surprise me much, seein' as it's a personal problem and all.
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I'll see you shortly, then? Thank you for your... kindness.
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[ ryouma is often late but not when he knows someone's waiting on him, at least, so he is true to his word. in his kimono and hakama, he looks very much like... himself, if only in attire.
if anything, this ryouma looks like nakaoka if he was less prone to frowning.since they're dealing in blood, wearing white seemed silly. ]
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Ryouma looks... better like this, Sannan thinks. He doesn't have much of a preference for Western clothes or Japanese clothes, but the darker colors echo the tastes Sannan does have.]
As always, you're far too stylish.
[The tension is obvious in Sannan, who waves Ryouma over to the couch where tea waits on the end table.]
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See, now I'm gonna think you're serious, seein' as this was a very forward thinkin' style at the time!
[ he will be flattered, thank you very much. if anything, he sees the strain, and as usual, he's just... rolling right along like everything's the same as always. this is how you dispel tension, right? ]
In any case, y' ain't gotta worry about entertainin' me as a guest. Seems sorta mean under the circumstances.
[ he's not going to be grim, but this doesn't look easy, so he's trying to be sympathetic. ]
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[He did mean it, so Ryouma can be flattered all he likes. Sannan is sparing with compliments at this distance. He's not sparing with basic cordiality though, so Ryouma just has to get used to him doing things the way he likes. They're both strong-willed like that, aren't they?]
In any case, you're right. I hate to deal with this in this manner, but I'm at a tipping point. I didn't realize it until there was blood in front of me, at which time I excused myself for the day. I thought I'd be able to suppress it as I usually do, but... [A small, melancholy sort of smile, as he takes a seat.] It's like a man going a month without eating a single meal. Sooner or later, he starts to slip...
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[ the Cooler Hat, according to EMBER, but that's neither here nor there. ]
But cuttin' to the chase, I defer to ya as the expert.
[ sure, some might argue that giving sannan all the power sure is a choice, but ryouma isn't exactly afraid, seeing as he's more than capable of defending himself if he had to. he doesn't suppose it'll need to come to that anyway since he's cooperating.
another upside to how he's dressed? he already has his left arm out of his sleeve because he's always liked to tuck his arm into the front of his kimono instead, so he only has to shrug a little to push that side off entirely. ]
Have a preference?
[ he knows what he's doing. ]
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[He smiles faintly, though his eyes seem unfocused. Maybe he knows he's going to enjoy this at least a little. It really was nothing but a utility as far as he was concerned at home, but there was always something behind it, some little derivation of pleasure and solace. Here... it's getting tainted with a little more pleasure and a little less solace, and he's not sure whether or not that's a good thing. The problem with it, he thinks, is that now when Ryouma bares his arm and side of his body, Sannan's pulse skyrockets. He looks away to calm himself, despite Ryouma clearly being ready to get down to business.
He pulls a small knife he's lately begun to carry from inside his kimono sleeve and thumbs the blade out. Hesitating, he then offers it to Ryouma.]
Wherever you're comfortable. [Wryly:] I don't know how quickly you heal from cuts.
i'm sorry this is so late!!
[ the curious part of him wants to ask more, but there are obviously more pressing concerns at the moment than fishing for compliments. ordinarily he wouldn't bother, but it's interesting perhaps because of who it's coming from... or maybe it's the tone of this whole thing? ]
I heal well enough. Whatever keeps me in this place seems t' provide as much magic as I need t' get by. Other things in addition t' that just expedite the process; mana transfer and the like. Ain't much different than this.
[ a simple enough explanation, although maybe a bit more detailed than he'd bother with ordinarily. sannan he assumes might be the sort to want to know. it should be plenty reassurance for why he takes the blade and holds it to the skin where his neck and shoulder meet, eyeing sannan expectantly before making a shallow cut. he's been cut here before, once, a lot worse. izō had done it when he'd encountered him in a singularity, so he knows by experience that he'll be just fine, even if the blood is quick to well up and threaten to spill. ]
noooo worries!!!
The situation at hand calls for Sannan's polite silence for a moment, biting back curiosity about the very nature of Ryouma's current existence. It wouldn't do to grill him when he's about to do this. Their eyes meet, and the expectation in his gaze is hard for Sannan to miss. Even though there's nothing inherently good about how much he's also anticipating this, his curiosity sparkles back just as his eyes blink red. It's unnatural, the way the color drains from his hair when the faintest scent of blood hits him, but his self control is incredible. For all that he's held himself back today, he still has it in him to not pounce or lunge.
Instead, he contemplates the best position for this ever so briefly, and settles for kneeling on the couch beside Ryouma. Lowering his head, tucking his hair back behind one ear with a trembling hand, he uses his last shreds of self control to maintain dignity. Then his tongue runs over the thickening line of blood and that self control takes a steep dive out of his mind. He shivers slightly as he makes the initial effort to lap up what's already made itself freely available on Ryouma's skin.]
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he hadn't expected there to be a real transformation and a bit of a blush colours his cheeks in response to the little gasp of surprise that escapes him before he can think to suppress it.
his hand grips the material of his hakama tightly, tensed unconsciously while his thoughts are focused elsewhere. sure, the cut stings a little, but it's nothing. if anything, a needed distraction. even if you took the blood out of the equation, it's impossible not to feel something under the circumstances
and it would be a lie to say knowing that didn't contribute to his volunteering.]Lemme know if—... y' know... if I gotta adjust...
[ contrary to the fact that he occasionally makes good points, ryouma is also stupid and incidentally not particularly smooth. ]
no subject
[It's a rough, low sound of acknowledgement, and all Ryouma is getting for a moment as Sannan does the customary wrestling with his self-control. Blood is still so associated with war and death that it kick starts a carefully held-back urge to destroy every time he does this. That might be why he's wisely trying to stick to only people who he knows could force him back--and who would rebuff him as needed.
He can feel his own pulse quickening, his breath coming in shallow, barely controlled gulps. There's... a problem here, and that problem is that Ryouma's blood tastes surprisingly satisfying. Sannan doesn't even bother with dignity for much longer, dropping pretense and simply drinking greedily from the cut. The relief shows in the way he slowly begins to relax, the way one of his hands brushes Ryouma's before planting on his thigh as well.
Once the initial rush of relief and satisfaction passes, he settles his other hand on the back of Ryouma's head, digging into his hair and tipping his head away with gentle firmness.]
no subject
of course, in trying not to think about it, he's thinking about it a lot instead.
at the firm pressure he yields easily and tilts his head. the real resistance is what's keeping him from telling on himself more directly about what having that hand on his leg is doing to him right now. having to wonder if he's reading too much into their interactions so far or if he's just pent up. at least he's dressed like he is right now; tight white pants would be so much worse. ]
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Yet he wonders if he could push those boundaries with Ryouma. He keeps taking blood from people who aren't strictly human, and every time it makes him slip into a conveniently heightened state, like he's reminded that he's taking from his own kind and not simply drinking to survive. It's a push and pull that he doesn't really process entirely, but more feels as primal instincts while he's doing this.
He needs a better angle, and he breaks away with a languid, somehow marginally dignified lap at Ryouma's skin. Then, thoughtless, he shifts to straddle Ryouma's thighs. The errant hand grips the kimono at Ryouma's chest, right over his heart, but the other stays in his hair, almost caressing.
When he speaks, there's a dark, noticeable shake to his voice.]
You taste like nothing I've ever had before.
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is this dangerous? not really. especially not with his full powers restored to him, so that just means there's no harm in encouraging this. maybe it'll hurt, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. it's not like it's only doing sannan a favour anyway because he clearly enjoys the thrill. ]
More where that came from~
[ he's so not sorry right now. ]