doggone

[repeatedprayer]

[In the time following his departure from Tabito and Manabu's company, the alias "Grey" has wound up sticking.

Not that everyone calls him that, he's used a few other aliases since then, but it's what he's wound up thinking of himself as. If Grey had taken the time to think about it a bit more he might have picked something with a little less connection to Rezo's name, but it's still leagues better than thinking of himself as "Rez- wait, no, just a copy." And maybe that's why he's felt significantly calmer since he left Sairaag.

By his own standards, Grey has been laudably well-behaved; sure, he's been mostly doing under-the-table psychic work, often on behalf of criminals, but! He's been trying to keep a low profile so it's usually things like clairvoyant spying rather than anything violent, and he's been making a point of not doing anything that directly impacts the galaxy railways.

It would be extremely awkward if Manabu Yuuki had to try and arrest him, after all.

He's found himself frequently thinking about Manabu, much to his annoyance. He has no serious expectations of ever seeing Manabu again, so it's simply a waste of mental bandwidth to find himself wondering what Manabu is doing right now or where he is, or to reminisince over their incredibly brief acquaintanceship. Grey can only suppose that because Manabu was the first reasonably normal person he got to know after leaving Sairaag that Manabu is going to stick out in his mind for a while.

And it's probably because of the real estate that Manabu is hogging in Grey's mind that he's been very aware of every mention of the SDF that crosses his path. He hasn't exactly been tracking the SDF's activities deliberately, but he does pay attention to the news and the SDF frequently winds up in there, even if Manabu's name in particular isn't normally dropped.

Until the day it does.

SDF Officer Taken Hostage By Pirates]

* * *

[It's taken several weeks of investigating, but Grey has been able to track down The Huntress's client, a Dr. Parish and associates. It must be a small galaxy, because Dr. Parish is someone Grey knows. Sort of.

Rather, Dr. Parish was a colleague of Rezo's who collaborated with the man on chimera research (and other unsavory things) in the past. Not only that, the man was an ardent admirer of Rezo's superior psychic prowess, and desperate to improve his own meager abilities.

He'd had quite a shock when Grey approached him in town, but after the initial surprise it had been sickeningly easy to convince Dr. Parish that he was the real Rezo. Grey can only surmise that the man wants to believe too badly to let himself be properly suspicious. It had only taken a day for Grey to be invited to tour Parish's laboratory.

The lab's located on the grounds of a former Marquess's estate, a ways out of town and secluded by trees, a high wall, and a long drive. Grey's done a little recon before, but actually being here is different, especially since he has to navigate by cane at the moment. Grey is doing his best to politely nod and smile as Parish guides him from room to room, explaining their work and occasionally handing him things to examine himself.

But evidently Parish realizes that "Rezo" isn't entirely interested, because he stops partway through an explanation of some stem cell experiments he and a few others have been working on to say "Of course, the really interesting specimens are kept in the basement floor."

Grey already knows this. He hopes his expression seems the right sort of eager.]

Interesting?

["Something along the lines of what we did in the past. Would you like to see them?"]

Nothing would please me more.

[Grey can practically hear Parish's delighted grin. To soothe the surge of irritation, Grey reminds himself that he's going to kill this man before the end of the day and allows Parish to guide him out into the hall and to the basement entrance at the back of the building.]

Comments

[repeatedprayer]

[His lips press against and brush over Manabu's, experimentally trying different positions, lingering here and there. His hand slides back behind Manabu's head to tangle in his hair, then down to skim along Manabu's neck and shoulder before returning.

A little thrill runs up Grey's spine with every motion. This feels like it has to be a dream, but it's remarkably vivid. He can feel Manabu's breath, taste Manabu's skin, and- though his own heart is hammering- hear the soft thumping of Manabu's tail.

It nearly makes him laugh into the kiss because he'd been guiltily fantasizing about such a thing earlier, and Manabu may be able to feel Grey grinning briefly before he returns to the business of kissing.

Grey stretches the moment out for as long as possible, but eventually he has to break it off, panting a little as he does. He doesn't go far, tilting his head to rest his forehead against Manabu's.]

...How was that?

[siriusly]

[Manabu is a bit too invested in the moment to feel self-conscious about his stupid tail, especially when Grey’s fingers tickle his scalp and skin so delightfully.

there’s a moment where his elbow almost buckles and sends him into Grey, but he keeps his balance, only at risk a second time when that last kiss breaks.

whoa.

no wonder people do this.

softly, a little dazed:] It always…feels that nice…? [how is that a mistake?!]

[repeatedprayer]

[Grey's heart leaps at Manabu's dazed response, and he has trouble giving his own answer much consideration.]

I don't know. [He's never kissed anyone else, personally. Still, he has enough secondhand knowledge to make a guess.] I believe it depends on... various factors.

[The right time, the right place... the right person.

Grey shifts his head back so that he can look Manabu in the eye properly. (Or try to, considering how dark it is.)]

Perhaps further experimentation is called for?

[siriusly]

[Manabu’s lips still tingle, eyes glassy and glinting in the dark.

‘further experimentation’? that better just mean more…

Manabu shifts so he can lay back down, closer, awkwardly bumping at Grey’s face in the process while he’s situating, mumbling a sorry while getting his arm back out from under him.

he hesitates, then rests it on Grey’s chest.]

We can keep going. Like this? If you want. [his tail already gave him away, so.]

[repeatedprayer]

[Grey shifts alongside Manabu, chuckling from amusement and a pinch of nerves when they bump into one another. His arm finds its way to its now customary place, slung over Manabu's waist, and he presses his hand flat against Manabu's back.

He isn't sure, at first, what Manabu intends, but the fact he's staying so close seems like a good sign even before Manabu makes his suggestion.]

I think that's an excellent idea.

[Grey practically purrs the words, and he doesn't need further encouragement to return his mouth to Manabu's. Sleep can come later, thinking can come later, all that matters now is sensation, exploring this strange, mutual feeling that's grown between them.]

[siriusly]

[the affirmation, in that tone of voice, sends shivers down Manabu’s spine. his mouth twitches a shaky smile before it finds Grey’s again.

the dark seems to make that which was a mistake in the day a safe venture - relishing the warmth of Grey’s presence and lips, the tickling thrill of his fingers that encourage his own to hesitantly search the other…

is this okay?

it’s alright, Manabu.

pressing in, letting his fingers trail up to Grey’s neck and jaw, catching chances for a few, fluttering breaths here and there, he follows his impulse to just keep indulging and feeding that desire.]

[repeatedprayer]

[A tender sort of excitement buzzes through Grey's skin. He doesn't have to restrain himself from touching Manabu as much as he likes, does he? Skimming his hand up and down Manabu's back, tugging lightly at Manabu's hair, brushing his lips over Manabu's mouth, cheeks, and nose.

He's fantasized quite a bit about touching Manabu in this intimate, mildly erotic fashion, but Grey hasn't spent quite as much time mentally rehearsing Manabu's own touch in return. The touch of Manabu's fingers trailing up his neck and tracing his jaw is a shock; his pulse, already unsteady, races at the contact.

In between kisses, he murmurs:]

Ah... That's good...

[Another kiss, and:]

Touch me wherever you want...

[siriusly]

[the feedback being so instant and so approving is addictive and encouraging; Manabu lets his hand roam, threading fingers through Grey’s hair the way Grey’s were in his.

it’d be embarrassing to admit that he wanted Grey - wanted to be touched by him while in the midst of being touched…it’d be strange to say, right? it’s hard to think straight, especially when each time Grey presses a kiss on him it resets his focus.]

Grey…

[he exhales a whimpered sound against his mouth.]

If we keep going, I, I might…kind of lose it…

[repeatedprayer]

[Manabu's fingers rubbing against Grey's scalp elicits more thrills. Grey fidgets a bit, wanting to both tilt his head back into the touch and keep kissing Manabu. His breath is heavy with excitement and he gasps a little between kisses.]

Lose it?

[There are a few possibilities for what Manabu could mean, some of them messy, but Grey has trouble seeing any of them as a bad outcome.]

Do you... want to stop?

[Grey's tone is one of mild curiosity. It hardly feels as if Manabu does when he's touching Grey so ardently. Though that may be Grey's own heady desire influencing his perspective.]

[siriusly]

N-no, but— [too honest even in an effort to find reason. no, despite fishing for another kiss, squirming under another touch.] But I’m already— getting kinda hard and—- and if I don’t get a grip, that’s…I’ll have to take care of that—-

[repeatedprayer]

[Grey's eyebrows arch, though he really shouldn't be so surprised. Considering his own state...]

I fail to see how this is a problem.

[With a pleased hum, Grey slides his hand down Manabu's back and up onto his hip, sliding it close- but not quite- to the front of Manabu's pants.]

Let me take care of it for you.

[siriusly]

[Manabu’s head swims from that, and though he only utters a flustered sound, his compliant body squirms to meet Grey’s hand before he can think a yes or no; it’d be easy to imagine the look on his face, and the spike of heat gives it away.]

J-jeez…! [he can’t even scoff, though he tries. I’m already losing it!

the fingers near the collar of Grey’s shirt curl against it reflexively.]

I mean—-! You better—-

[repeatedprayer]

[Grey's palm presses against the bulge of the erection that Manabu squirms his way. Grey's not sure if the spike of heat he feels is coming from Manabu or himself.

He really is...

Grey laughs a little, and hopes Manabu doesn't notice the flustered note in it.]

Of course. I'll take responsibility.

[Grey fumbles with the fastenings at the front of Manabu's pants, and while it takes a little longer than ideal when his hand is trembling, he does manage to get Manabu's pants undone before either of them can lose it.

He finally slips his hand into Manabu's boxers and wraps his fingers around Manabu's cock. It's hot and hard, the skin silky; fascinated, Grey strokes the length of it, and his own cock throbs in response.]

Manabu...

[He keeps his touch light at first, unsure of how much pressure is needed when he's touching someone else. He finds himself acutely aware that Manabu has entrusted a very vulnerable part of himself to Grey, and it takes a few caresses before Grey's touch grows more certain.]

Open your mouth.

[And presuming Manabu follows his instructions, Grey proceeds to shove his tongue into Manabu's mouth. Giving the other man a crude, deep kiss while his hand begins to pump Manabu's cock in earnest.]

[siriusly]

[Manabu has a hard time keeping still, all up until Grey has hold of a very delicate part of him. he shivers and holds his breath, tensing and bracing against the tentative touch, exhaling in a shaky breath.

thinking about Grey while touching himself versus this…it’s miles apart.

he groans into Grey’s mouth, his tongue at a lost while he’s been got by the dick. his hips roll up against his hand, hand tugging helplessly at Grey’s shirt.

messy and awkward but utterly sincere, Manabu is putty in Grey’s hands, whimpering as his need escalates.

the hand not clutching at Grey’s shirt tangles into his hair in the errant searching and writhing in the midst of all that sensation.

his coming is entirely up to Grey, sooner or later, but Manabu was already so tangled up with yearning that it’s easy to tip him over the edge - more a test to keep him from it.]

[repeatedprayer]

[Grey's tongue explores Manabu's mouth hungrily, savouring the warmth, the wet, and the taste of him. In this moment, they're a match in terms of messy sincerity.

Truthfully, Manabu won't be tormented for too long- Grey is too inexperienced and impatient to draw the experience out. Perhaps another time he'll be more careful, but tonight he's all too eager to live out his fantasy. Not just of making Manabu come with his own hand, but of Manabu writhing and clinging and making needy noises as he does.

The one complication is that Grey's own cock is becoming painfully hard for want of attention, which makes it difficult to remain steady. But even that is a pleasurable kind of torture. For the moment he ignores it, except for the shifting of his legs and the occasional grinding against the mattress, or Manabu's leg, accompanied with a deep groan of his own.]

[siriusly]

Mnhh-! [Manabu muffles a moan into Grey’s mouth before quickly breaking away with the turn and tilt of his head as he pants through his ejaculation.]

G-grey-!!

[there may be a mess.]

[repeatedprayer]

[The throbbing of Manabu's cock in his hand would tell Grey what was going on even before he feels sticky, hot fluid spilling into his grip. A rush of exultation fills him at that moment, every sense of his focused entirely on Manabu- the scent of his sweat and cum, the feeling of his heated body entwined with Grey's, and the taste of his skin where Grey nuzzles and licks his cheek.]

So good- You did so well...

[Is ejaculation normally the sort of thing that merits congratulation? In this specific moment, from this specific man, Grey's certainly pleased with it. Even as he shivers with his own unspent arousal.

After allowing a few moments for Manabu to enjoy the aftershocks Grey withdraws his hand, still wet with Manabu's cum, and slides it down the front of his pajama pants to begin impatiently fondling himself.]

Manabu...

[siriusly]

Eh-? [he's still seeing stars, so to speak, his head fuzzy while he’s throbbing and tingling from the comedown. even so, Grey’s fidgeting pulls what lucidity toward him.

his cheek still tickles where it was licked. his throat is still dry from gasping. even so—-

even so, hearing Grey struggle, his own name on his lips, is stirring. he fumbles blindly to find and follow his arm, find his hand, already uncertain he’s doing the right thing, but he already committed.]

[repeatedprayer]

Manabu-?

[Grey's uncertain himself, of what Manabu's doing and what he wants Manabu to do. But he can't resist the allure of Manabu's touch, as no doubt evidenced by the indecent moan that escapes him when Manabu's hand touches his cock properly.

Grey's cock is, unsurprisingly, hard to the touch and gently throbbing. It's also wet and sticky with a mixture of Manabu's cum and Grey's precum.]

Here- Move your hand-

[Grey moves his own hand over top of Manabu's, attempting to demonstrate what he can't express in words. Not that he has a very clear picture either, just that it feels very good to have Manabu's hand sliding around his cock as he thrusts his hips against him.

It's not going to take much work to send Grey over the edge either; sooner rather than later, he buries his face in Manabu's shoulder and comes with a hoarse cry, worsening the mess in the sheets and on their clothes.]

[siriusly]

[silently compliant and more sharply focused by the second his hand touches that hard flesh, Manabu curls his fingers around him, heart rate rising as Grey chases his high. he’s already spent, but he still feels that urge in him second-hand; his hair stands on end as he hears and feels Grey come.

with hot breath on his shoulder, Manabu shivers a little, still tingling from the experience; it’s somehow surreal despite being so tactile.

eventually, his hand withdraws, resting on Grey’s hip.]

…You okay?

[repeatedprayer]

[Grey makes an acknowledging sound. Manabu is being partly crushed beneath Grey, who's still addled by pleasure and trembling a little as he lays there. He's always vaguely thought that he knows about sex, about what it's like, but the knowledge he inherited from Rezo's memories and from the books he's read turned out to be a pale shadow of the actual experience of Manabu's hands on him.

It slowly dawns on him that Manabu's asked a question, and that he's also lying on top of Manabu, and that he should probably do something about both of those. Grey braces himself, lifting himself off of Manabu, and attempts to formulate an answer.]

That was...

[Despite the unfortunate phrasing, Grey does not proceed to tear into what a horrible mistake that all was. His thoughts are more genial than that, albeit not very coherent, and after panting a bit he slumps and manages to mumble a brief review into Manabu's neck.]

Oh my God.

[We really did all that... Manabu really...]

[siriusly]

Y-yeah…

[admittedly, the weight of Grey on top of him feels good, bracing - keeps him in the present as opposed to floating away and assuming all of this is fake.

it’s not fake, though.

the both of us…

we really…]

I guess… We needed that…

[the hand at rest on Grey’s hip lifts and moves to lay the palm on his back, feeling the rhythm of his heart and rise and fall of his breath. real. present.]

[repeatedprayer]

[Grey will eventually shift so not as much of his weight is on top of Manabu, although he still has Manabu's shoulder and arm pinned beneath him and is lying as close as he possibly can while still allowing Manabu to breathe. His own breath is still heavy, although it's gradually slowing down under Manabu's hand, as is his heartbeat.

Grey ruefully reflects that Manabu's correct; the longer they'd gone on, the harder it would have been for Grey to not explode. He could try and say that he's had a hell of a time keeping his hands off of Manabu, but that statement would ring hollow considering how much he's been touching Manabu... And not all of it can be explained by necessity.]

Self-restraint doesn't suit me.

[And considering Manabu's personality...]

Nor you, perhaps.

[siriusly]

[his hand is sticky. his body feels…heavier by the second. but there’s a relief and contentment he can’t fully grasp filling him, and he doesn’t have the disposition to doubt it, despite the circumstances he’s been through.

Grey still feels warm. smells nice. his voice still tickles his ears, even though he has the wrong ears to tickle.

Manabu closes his eyes. restraint?] Don’t know what…restraint would be good for. You were already in my head.

[repeatedprayer]

[Hand, pelvis, and the rest of him... Grey is in need of a shower but he's too comfortable where he is to care. And honestly, quite overwhelmed by everything he's feeling. Idle concerns about clean up and where his relationship with Manabu goes from here are firmly filed away as an issue for Tomorrow Grey.

Right now, he just wants to exult in the afterglow, and Manabu's sweet admissions.

Doing his best to keep his voice casual:]

For how long?

[Y'know. While we're here, why don't you just recite a dissertation of when, how, and why exactly you become attracted to him.]