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

[siriusly]

That…that’s true… [one of his floppy ears twitches.

he sits up, rubbing the back of his neck.] Mn—-okay. I,
I can wash your back…?

[that would be justification enough for being a little handsy?]

[repeatedprayer]

[Little lines of mirth form around Grey's eyes at the acquiesence.]

I would appreciate that very much.

[Yessss good, walk into his trap.

Grey slides out of bed and proceeds to putter around gathering things for their shower- wash basin, change of clothes to leave outside the bathroom- smiling as he goes in a way that probably would have been alarming when Manabu was first getting to know him.

It might be a little alarming now, actually, considering how much of it is because Grey's straight up looking forward to getting to ogle Manabu naked. Last night it had been dark, and they'd had clothes and sheets covering things, so this seems like an excellent opportunity to rectify that.]

[siriusly]

[Manabu, for his part, is trying to be careful and remember not to get to his feet too quickly; Grey being so peppy helps distract him from doing just that. he watches him move about while his own legs dangle over the bed, flexing the fingers of his vaguely sticky hand.

Grey in the dark and Grey in the day…are they a lot different? is he different? hopefully enough to not lose his head over seeing Grey naked again and forget to wash…

wondering on that alone still makes his face hot, and he looks a bit embarrassed of himself when Grey comes over to help collect him.]

[repeatedprayer]

Come along now.

[Grey grows a little more subdued as the moment of truth draws near, although his overall mood's still good. But there's a sense of self-consciousness that rises in him at his own sticky state when he helps Manabu up, as well as in anticipation of what's coming.

Remembering the state Manabu was in last night is another factor. On the way to the bathroom, Grey pays close attention to Manabu's movements, and it's not entirely for lecherous reasons. It won't do to get carried away and let Manabu collapse from exhaustion.

Though once they've gotten into the bathroom, the door shut, and Grey's gaze is flicking over Manabu, it's not really concern motivating his next offer.]

Would you like help getting undressed?

[siriusly]

[no unsteady steps here, especially when he can lean on Grey and not feel weird about having a tail for balance. Manabu's conveyed easily, and when the door's closing he's already tugging at the collar of his own shirt when Grey asks the question.]

Ha? I can do that much! [the notion that Grey would want to do that for sexy reasons wooshes over his head - almost as much as his own shirt does! see! woosh.] I been able to do that already, you know?

[repeatedprayer]

...So you can.

[Manabu being topless isn't really new for Grey- technically he's even seen Manabu naked before!- but there's a new context involved and in prior occasions Grey hasn't really allowed himself to stare the way he does now.

He doesn't really know much about physical beauty, so maybe his assessment isn't objective, but Manabu... He's lovely.

Grey leans against the door, eyebrows raised, and watches expectantly for Manabu to start on his pants. He'd like to think he seems cool and composed at the moment, but the way his color heightens and the look in his eyes... It's far closer to "randy teenager" than anything else.]

[siriusly]

...

[so he can!

so he...should... hell, with the tail, the trousers he never changed out of last night are just a shimmy away from sliding off anyway, but...when Grey's looking at him like that...

Manabu's own face flushes red, feeling extremely self-conscious. he gulps. c'mon, Yuuki, it's not like you've never used a public bath before! it's!

...it's...not the same at all!!!!]

A-are you going to just stand there or, or what... [he looks away, embarrassed, and pulls down the trousers, leaning against the sink behind him so he can yank his feet out, left in nothing but those infamous striped boxers. the design is ubiquitous to like every planet, what can ya do.]

[repeatedprayer]

...My apologies.

[Manabu has to look away- Grey finds he can't, finding the inelegant way Manabu leans against the sink to yank his feet free rather endearing. It's so obviously not intended as a tease, but it's still enjoyable to watch in its own right.

It's difficult to take off his shirt while he's also watching Manabu, but Grey manages. He hesitates once his hands go to the waist of his pants, but- well, he can't exactly shower with them on. He pushes the waist down and lets his pants drop to the floor, stepping delicately out of them at the end.]

Is this better?

[Again, Grey would like to pretend he seems cool and in control and un-self-conscious, but the way his eyes narrow nervously and the redness of his face clue one into his actual mental state. "Butterflies in the stomach" about sums it up; Grey's never considered himself a hugely body conscious person but it's different where Manabu is concerned.]

[siriusly]

[Manabu glimpses bare leg and feels his heart rate jump, halting him before he can slip his tail out of his boxers. at the ask, he glances up, owl-eyed, and feels his own stomach throw its own butterfly circus at the sight of bare body.

don't look down, it's rude. don't--

wait--

his eyes do a double-take and then fix on Grey's side.]

Uoh, the cut... Is it getting any better?

[repeatedprayer]

[It's difficult not to fidget or try to cross his arms when Manabu's looking at him with such big, round eyes. Grey tries to return the staring with a level look... But then Manabu remembers the injury Grey received, which means Grey remembers it.]

-The cut? With everything that's happened I honestly forgot about it.

[Grey turns partly sideways and raises his arm, to allow both Manabu and him to get a better look. He removed the bandages at some point off-screen and there isn't much remaining of it except for some pink and red marks.]

I told you, I heal quickly.

[He wonders if it will scar. He doesn't have any real scars from the experiments and procedures that were done on him in the past- a cosmetic benefit of having two skilled psychic healers working on him.]

[siriusly]

Whoa, no kidding... [Manabu's kind of jealous! in his line of work, that'd be a great help. that said, he can at least feel relieved on Grey's behalf, nodding his head.] I'm relieved. I, ah-- [he smiles apologetically, glancing away.] I forgot about it for a bit there, sorry...I should've been more attentive.

[said the guy with all the vertigo and animal parts. whatever, Manabu.]

[repeatedprayer]

[Grey takes a step toward Manabu, forgetting for a moment that they're both underdressed.]

It was merely a trifle.

[Especially compared to, yanno, the vertigo and animal parts.

But more to the point, it was a small price to pay for getting Manabu out of there.]

[siriusly]

[sure...compared to...all that bloodletting in that lab...

Manabu feels a little queasy at that, blinking owlishly up at Grey. it's hard to know what the "right" way to think or feel is - no guidebook about this to cite or refute, you know? and with Grey getting closer, he can feel his skin starting to prickle, both drawn to and intimidated by him.

why is it always the tall, dangerous guys...?

he hesitates, then straightens up a bit, his tail in one hand his other at the waistband of his boxers.]

I know it's stupid to say...I won't let it happen again, but...since I'm relying on you here, I'm pretty sure the odds are stacked...

[repeatedprayer]

[Now the "bloodletting" Grey wouldn't consider any kind of price. That was his pleasure!

Grey looks down at Manabu, smiling, but in a slightly pinched way.]

I suppose I can appreciate the sentiment. You're just about the only person who would worry about me.

[Grey raises his left hand- the one that's not currently in a gross state- to pet the side of Manabu's face. It's a gentle gesture rather at odds with everything else about Grey.]

[siriusly]

[the eye on that side of the face closes while the other still watches Grey; Manabu has one of those thoughtful pouts on his face, despite the growing blush, because that notion doesn't sit right. he just doesn't have the wit to refute it properly right now - not with Grey looking like that at him.

he's going to have to mull on it...

in the meanwhile, a twitch of his tail reminds him of place and gives him cause to bristle a little despite the touch.]

A-a-anyway-!! [boxers. remove.]

[repeatedprayer]

[Grey's just thinking about how kissable Manabu looks when he pouts like that, when Manabu's tail rudely interrupts the moment. Grey takes a step back to give Manabu a little space to finish getting undressed, but also so he can get a better look.

Sorry your boyfriend is a rude pervert, Manabu.

Grey really wants to touch him... Not entirely in a sexual way either, he just wants to learn more about Manabu, even simple things like the feeling of his bare hips.

Since his gaze is concentrated mainly on the lower half of Manabu it isn't too long before the tail attracts his attention as well, and Grey frowns a little.]

Your tail... We haven't been brushing it, have we?

[siriusly]

[honestly, him being a rude pervert really helps in a weird, rude pervert kind of way...]

Huh?

[his tail? he'd let it go while stepping out of those boxers - it lightly thumped the piping under the basin - but mention of it prompts him to grab at it before it can swish away.]

Uh, yeah, guess not... [it was already ugly to look at, but now it's all matted and kind of rumpled from sleep.] It'd be weird to use a human hairbrush on it, wouldn't it? And weirder to get a dog brush...

[repeatedprayer]

[Grey crouches a little and touches a hand to Manabu's tail, feeling out where the fur is matted.]

Let's try brushing it after we're done washing up.

[He isn't actually clear on what the main differences between a human hairbrush and a dog brush are, so he figures it'll be worth just going at it with Manabu's hairbrush.

With that decided (What, surely Manabu doesn't have an opinion on the matter!) Grey straightens and ushers Manabu towards the shower. Time to figure out the logistics of showering in crowded conditions!]

[siriusly]

[Manabu has the better deal out of all this, considering he's the smaller one (and is weirdly okay with being crowded by Grey's body), but he still can't help feel a bit worried about their prospects here.]

M-maybe you should sit down? I can wash you first, at least...

[repeatedprayer]

[Grey is reaching over Manabu's head to fiddle with the shower head (and taking some surreptitious pleasure in crowding him) when Manabu makes his suggestion.]

Hm? Alright then.

[Grey lowers his hand and squeezes around Manabu, nudging the stool into position with the side of his foot, then finally turns and sits down in front of Manabu.

Get to work, buddy.

And maybe tell Grey to turn around so his back is available. As it is, he's in the interesting position of looking up at Manabu.]

[siriusly]

...

[whoa. this angle is...

well. it's different when they're in this state of undress, after what they had gotten up to hours ago. Manabu gulps, blinking a few times, his fingers pressing against the linoleum behind him for some purchase on reality that isn't what's right in front of him and threatening to stir him up.

when he realizes Grey's staring back at him he bristles a little, clearing his throat.]

Back--your, your back, Grey. Turn around already!

[repeatedprayer]

[It's nice how easy it is to make Manabu react. Grey has a complex relationship with the notion of being perceived, so to speak, but with Manabu he's usually able to get the attention and sense of control over it that he craves.

He laughs a little when Manabu bristles, but obediently turns around.]

As you command.

[The back wall of the shower isn't nearly as enjoyable a sight as Manabu, but he supposes he'll make this sacrifice for Manabu's sake.]

[siriusly]

[Manabu's never actually washed another person before. a dog, sure, but not another person. he's always the one being groomed, taken care of... always the youngest, always the one in a pinch...

Manabu takes the showerhead off and runs the water over Grey's back and neck, returning that to its stand before lathering up soap, putting his hands on that back...

was he aware he was attracted to backs before? yes? well, it's reinstated pretty intensely here; Manabu can't even distract himself with duty over pleasure, like he always can, because his hands are all over this back.

man...]

[repeatedprayer]

[Grey makes a soft noise when Manabu's hands settle onto his back. He's having a similar rush of emotions to when Manabu had colored his hair previously, but now it's also mixed in with the horniness aroused by their escapades from last night and, oh yes, the fact that they're both completely naked and Manabu is touching Grey's bare skin. With nary a pair of gloves to be seen either.

The lathered soap and water also work to quickly leave Grey's back slippery, and the sensation of Manabu's hands sliding over Grey's back- everywhere over his back!- is an interesting one indeed.

Grey exhales a quiet sigh, relaxing despite the hum of arousal. That remains a steady buzz, neither rising nor falling as Manabu works.]

[siriusly]

[it'd be nice to spend more time surveying the topography of Grey's back without feeling like he was doing something wrong or wasting time, but Manabu makes himself stay on-task and rinse him off, looking for scars or other signs of the kind of violence enacted on him that night. he hangs onto the showerhead after the search, tilting it down to the floor.]

All set... Was that okay?