[ He realizes a moment later that he never really specified for what and makes a strangled noise, ostensibly to clear his throat though the embarrassment on his face makes it clear that it's not just that. ]
I mean-- I meant for the movies and sleep. Just--
[ Now he's the flustered one, ears still warm with the flush of embarrassment fighting to win, but thankfully, Matt kisses him back before he can say anything else utterly idiotic and for a few moments, he's distracted. It's nice, doing this. It's not the hot and heavy kisses he'd traded during spare hours at the Garrison with his girlfriend at the time, a woman a level above him but not his direct command. Then, he'd had the mission and work and she'd gone off site for something else so he'd focused on Kerberos and nothing else.
This wasn't the same, but it was good; it was comforting in a way he wasn't expecting, all this...normalness. When he withdraws, it's with a wider smile, hand settling at Matt's jaw to trace the swell of his lower lip and then stroking up, over the scar a moment. ]
[ part of that last kiss is to conceal his own embarrassment, because man, he feels like awkward about jumping to conclusions. Not the biggest ones, though, considering they were discussing it literally only so many moments earlier. Then they were suddenly confessing, and now... Suddenly it dawns on him this is basically the most backwards situation ever, and he can't help but laugh quietly at it, realizing he doesn't care if it's weird. He never cared about rules anyway, and this suits them somehow. ]
I missed you, too. This is .. basically the weirdest thing that's ever happened to me. My little sister found me all the way across the universe, and then I find out one of my closest friends is still here after all, and we're really going for this? I don't even remember the last time I was this happy.
[ Sure, there's some really horrible stuff going on right now, but he doesn't want to let that wash out the good things. Why save the universe if he can't even save himself? Seems stupid to deny the good things just because there's death and evil out there. ]
Maybe you should throw me over your shoulder like a caveman and take me back to your room.
[ he definitely can't let Shiro say something like that without making fun of him, even if it comes a little late. ]
[ It'd figure that they go about this entirely the most ridiculous way. He used to be good at this. Maybe not smooth, but he was forward about people he liked and had a good head on him, he thought. With Matt, it feels-- weird. Not in a bad way, but he's all the more certain that he can't let himself fuck this up because their friendship is more important than anything. ]
It'll be a hard week to top, that's for sure.
[ Everyone was safe- as safe as they could be, anyway, and they had Matt back. They could focus on getting Sam back, too, if they tracked down the right information. They'd beat the Galra and win and later, later, he'd focus on strategies and battle plans and troop formations.
Right now, he presses a kiss to the scar on Matt's cheek and then grins, eyebrows raised. ]
You know I could do it.
[ He doesn't, but he does tentatively drop the human hand down and then makes a noise at his own hesitance, curling his fingers with Matt's loosely. ]
[ that's a joke, but he's pretty sure he could actually do it on a dare. Shiro is definitely still bigger and more muscular than he is, but he's gotten a lot stronger. He's not the skinny nerd who just barely passed his combat evaluations anymore.
He smiles at the way Shiro kisses him, squeezes his hand a little tighter. He never thought he'd think this about someone he looked up to so much, but everything he's doing is just... cute? Kinda gives him butterflies. He has a feeling he might kill him if he says that, though, so he stays quiet. instead, he gives him a nod, and walks back with him to his room. ]
You don't have a shirt I could borrow, do you? This uniform is literally the only clothes I own anymore. I usually sleep in my boxers.
[ not entirely true—he usually either keeps it all on or just sleeps naked, but the latter is probably a little too much pressure right now. It's weird because they've both seen each other naked a million times on the Kerberos mission, and if there's one thing showering with around 30 other guys at the Garrison doesn't teach you, it's shame. But different contexts, and all that. ]
[ There's this unfamiliar little thrill that goes through him at the idea of it; he's larger than a lot of people, and far more solidly built on top of that. The idea of anyone picking him up, except for Allura (or, maybe: especially Allura because wow) was not one he had to worry about often. That Matt could actually consider it makes a weird swell of pride go through him along with that little flare of oh.
You're a mess, he decides despairingly, walking them back to his room. ]
Yeah, absolutely. You might be swimming in it, but it'll work.
[ Palm to the door and then he steps through, releasing Matt's hand to dig through his drawers. The tshirt under his vest would do well enough and he had spares of those without the unnecessary bits that would make it hard to sleep. He grabs one of those, then his own. Is it weird to change in front of each other? They've done it before. He's not ashamed of being naked in a non-sexual context, but this has a little more intent to it and he's not sure if that's a boundary he touches or avoids. Okay. Enough. He's an adult, they're not fucking teenagers. ]
Okay, weird question: is changing in here still okay?
put those away Shiro. You'll shoot someone's eye out.
Yeah, that's fine. Better than nothing. Unless you prefer nothing, but I guess we probably want to get at least a little sleep tonight.
[ he knows he definitely would not be able to sleep well with Shiro fully or mostly naked next to him. It seems like he's gained even more mass since he last saw him, and while he should theoretically be used to it, like, damn. The guy is ripped. There's enough sexual tension while they're clothed. ]
It's fine. I'm not that starved. ... Probably. [ Is he? Honestly, that's debatable. It's amazing how spending so much time having different priorities can revert you back so far. Apparently, use it or lose it has more of a ring of truth to it than he thought. Who knew?
Just to make a point of it to himself, he starts changing, stripped down to his underwear and Shiro's shirt, which... It's stretchy, so he wouldn't call it a tent, but even with the muscle he's gained it fits him a little more like a dress. That might be be good or bad, because it's pretty much the exact opposite of sexy on him. ]
like what is the character designer's intent with that thing is it like they liked gun harnesses?
[ That flusters him. He hadn't really imagined that yet and now he can't stop because the more he tells himself not to consider what that'd be like -- the actuality of that, of it being real, well. It's a lot to consider. Matt keeps talking, though, and thankfully snaps him out of it.
The seriousness of the next statement is enough to kill any swell of arousal in an instant. He hadn't intended to make a point of watching, but once it's said he finds his eyes linger a moment, worried. He'd seen the way the rebels ate, and Hunk had come to him saying that potentially there were people holding onto food in their rooms because things were going missing. Shiro got it; he'd been almost the same after escaping the Galra; the first plate of food Keith put in front of him he'd very nearly hoarded it out of instinct, like he was in the pits again. Being on the edge of hunger was never fun. He can't fix everything wrong in the universe, but he can make sure he helps with this. Black's fast enough to make extra trips to transport goods. He can make sure that when they do leave, it's with as much food as they can carry. ]
Give Hunk a little longer and he'll figure out something to help. He made those protein bars specifically for me because I seem to burn through food faster these days.
[ 'Because I train like an insane person when I can't sleep which is often' isn't an answer he's going to give even jokingly. Shiro changes and refolds his clothes in a neat stack, Garrison habits sticking strong even this long after. Clad in the same tshirt and a loose pair of sweat pants with socks, he pads closer and flattens both hands over the front of Matt's chest. He's good at this, come on. ]
For the record, the sight of you in my room, in my shirt is-- nice.
[ Nailed it. ]
I just want to know why his casual clothes have knee pads. what shit are you even into shiro???
Huh? [ It... takes him a second to realize where Shiro's going with that. That wasn't quite where he was going with that, but it does feel good to know that he worries about him, in a way. A little bad too, though. He really has enough on his plate as it is. ]
Hey, don't worry about it. I manage.
[ The touch is kind of nice, but with Shiro's hands smoothed against his chest, and what he says, he has to pause. He looks down and bits his bottom lip, before looking up into Shiro's eyes. ]
If you're about to say it'd look better on your floor, I might have to beat you up.
[ But he's trying, so he can't rib him too badly. He rests his hands under Shiro's elbows and leans in, softly pressing their lips together. Honestly, he just can't get enough of kissing him. ]
AAA sorry if i misunderstood re: tag // and LMAOOO RIGHT, EXPLAIN, shiro, wtf
[ Holt family members were made of stronger stuff than most; Shiro held onto that because it meant a better chance of finding their father. It'll be easier knowing Matt's alive; hope isn't something tangible but having a bit of it again when things were so dire was nice.
Nice is the way Matt looks in that shirt. Nicer still is the way Matt looks up at him, lip bite and all. The suggestion following gets a moment of consideration and an undignified snicker at the idea of it. Nicest, however, is Matt leaning in to kiss him. Shiro slides his hands from Matt's chest and settles the Galra hand over tshirt and the human one up to curl in his hair gently. When he draws back for a breath, he nudges Matt toward the bed and steps back a touch so they don't trip all over each other. ]
So are we saying that line wouldn't work?
[ He leans in for another kiss, still smiling, only to pull away before he gets too distracted. ]
Come on, it's warmer under the covers.
it's w/e I can roll with it!! also do we get to revoke these idiots adult cards yet because really
[ As much he likes kissing Shiro, all the little touches he keeps giving him are somehow even better. They're gentle, kind, and they make him feel connected to the world again in a way that doesn't involve being stuck behind ten monitors. He loves the rebels, but his job doesn't always him direct contact with even them for extended periods of time sometimes, and he's starting to realize he's missed being with people so much more than he realized. ]
It might, just because it's you, but I think you can do better. [ is that a dare, or is he just trying to goad Shiro into giving him ammunition to make fun of him later? who's to say.
He can't help but be disappointed as Shiro pulls away from him, but he does have a point. They should probably get into bed already. But instead of retreating, he grins and grabs Shiro by the waist, trying to pull him along for the ride. ]
fucking honestly tho like human disasters the both of them
[ He's gotten too used to falling - the fighting, training version, to be caught unaware but he does let himself get caught and tugged into the bed and then because he's an asshole, one-ups Matt. He falls on top of him; not so hard that he'll hurt Matt, but enough that he's solidly covering him and braces one arm just above Matt's shoulder to look down at him. ]
Now you're stuck.
[ Oh no, clearly. Shiro steals a kiss and then rolls onto his side next to Matt, draping an arm around him. Off on the nightstand is the tablet; sometimes it's used for battle plans and reviewing Altean or whatever other language he's trying to familiarize himself with. Sometimes it's for movies, though that's rarer. ]
Better than your shirt would look better on my floor? That's honestly my best line, I hate to disappoint you.
[ Like Matt could even complain about having Shiro on top of him. The weight feels good, and Shiro really has no idea how attractive he is staring down at him like that. It's a little compromising, but he can't even be flustered by it with the view. ]
Stuck? I think you'd be surprised.
[ He kind of wishes they could have stayed like that just a tiny bit longer, but he knows where that road would have led, so maybe this is better. Maybe worse? He feels like such a teenager it's ridiculous. ]
A little disappointed, but if you want it off of me that badly....
[ he remembers they're supposed to be watching something, and makes a glance to Shiro's tablet, but doesn't really bother reaching for it. ]
I feel like even if we did watch a movie I wouldn't be able to pay attention to it. You're really distracting, you know that?
into a locker and then steal their lunch money tbh
[ The sheets are cold but with the combined heat of two bodies, one of which runs extremely warm, it doesn't take long for them to acclimate. Shiro spreads his hand over Matt's belly and then skims it over his side, dragging his fingers in warm, lazy circles over where the tshirt covers the jut of his hip. ]
Pidge did mention that you could hold your own when she found you. Was that rebel training?
[ There were classes in the Garrison, sure, but using a staff like that wasn't something that was commonly taught. Then again, he hadn't paid attention to all of Matt's classes - that would've been weird.
It takes some shifting to get properly comfortable but he manages after a few moments, hooking his chin over Matt's shoulder, squeezing his hip at the comment about him being distracting. ]
[ Man... Man this this nice. Matt gives a contented sigh, taking the moment to stare into Shiro's eyes. He'd always thought there was something kind of soft about them, but it turns they're pretty easy to get lost in, too. ]
That's part of it, but I always already building up some strength in the prison camps. They... work you pretty hard. Training helped. Having to deal with bounty hunters helped more. I guess I've been getting a lot of hands on experience.
[ Honestly, the combat classes at the Garrison were the one and only aspect of his education he hadn't taken very seriously. He's always preferred cleverness and diplomacy. But out here, he'd finally learned that none of those things were mutually exclusive, and being able to hold own his own was an extremely useful tool that he needed to keep up with. He's glad he finally learned.
He frowns a little when Shiro squeezes his hip. He can claim he's not doing anything, but he has a hard time believing he could be this oblivious. ]
Are you serious? You're driving me crazy. In a good way, I mean.
[ Getting into the specifics of just how much the camps were awful isn't what he really wants to do, so he doesn't dig into it. He knows what the Galra are capable of. He can guess at some of the things that he and Sam went through. He's just grateful they've escaped. They're safe. ]
You should come to training in the mornings with us. It'd be good to get an idea of where you and the others are; it'll help us when we ask certain people to go on missions.
[ Sometimes, you sent whoever was available. But where and whenever possible, they tried to make the best choice about who to send where, to make sure that it got done and there were minimal casualties. This isn't work, though, and they're not supposed to be working. Technically, they're supposed to be watching a movie but even that is a big if.
Teasingly, his fingers dragging up Matt's side in a way that's far too slow and lingering to be anything but intentional: ]
You think this is bad? What are you gonna do when I actually do something, huh?
I don't mind, but are you sure? You guys have your own thing going on, and so do we. I don't want to throw too big a wrench into things, you know?
[ His heart beats a little faster at how slow and deliberate Shiro's touch is, and he could swear under breath, except that he doesn't want to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. Were they always this competitive? They used to mess with each other all the time, sure, but Matt had usually been content to let Shiro be a few steps ahead of him. Technically, he had been ahead of him back then, no matter how close they were. Now they can finally be equals, and it's... actually really refreshing. ]
Yeah? Were you already planning on making a move, then?
[ and he's grinning, just daring Shiro to call his bluff. ]
What? No, you're -- none of you are. We're all aiming for the same goal; it makes sense to help each other out where we can.
[ One foot slides over, tucks itself in against both of Matt's. It's not quite footsie since they're in bed but the little bit of affection is still nice all the same and he can't quite get over that he's able to do this. That it's allowed.
Better still: he feels normal, right now. They're on a castleship, sure. He's a Paladin of a giant robot, sure. But right now, they're in bed being ridiculous and Matt's breathing right next to him and Shiro's just so glad that he doesn't know what to do with himself, not really. Not until Matt makes that comment and the competitive side of him flares back into existence. ]
I guess, since you're here and all.
[ Also, because he really, really missed the easiness of kissing and really, really likes kissing Matt. It takes a bit of shifting to get his Galra arm underneath himself but then he folds in over Matt and kisses him again, a little warmer, a little more intent to it this time as his hand strokes up Matt's belly. ]
Oh, I know that. But this this coalition has a lot of little subgroups in it that are used to operating in totally different ways. If we try to force too much, it might get a little messy to maneuver. ... But I guess you already knew that, sorry.
[ it suddenly dawns on him that he's talking to Shiro, who is basically at the head of operations for a reason, and that reason is because he does a really good job at it. He doesn't need to be told how to do his job. ]
You guess?
[ he should know better than to take the bait, but he does, and he's a little vindicated. But Shiro kisses him before he can say anything else, and all he can do is return it with just as much intent. He wonders briefly if Shiro really means this or if he's just posturing because of what he said. Then he realizes he doesn't actually care either way. His hands move to the waistband of Shiro's sweatpants, stroking his hips a little before sliding up his shirt. He half caresses the skin of his back, half tries to pull him a little closer so he can kiss him a little deeper, feel a little more of his warmth against him.
God. Shiro joked about what he'd do, but it looks like he was right. Matt's already starting to get a little overwhelmed. He guesses that's what happens when you haven't really touched anyone for so long. ]
[ It makes sense; there's a delicate balance to hold when they have this many moving parts to deal with. The last thing they want to do is upset things where they're already working. The best bet is to figure out how to integrate all the different working parts without disrupting things too much, but that's something that'll take more than a little night time musing to figure out.
Besides: he'd be an idiot to ignore the fact that he's got Matt pressed up against him and the blankets are warm around them. He goes easily where he's tugged or pulled, always careful to keep the majority of his weight braced on his own arm or arms if the position allows. When he slides a thigh up between Matt's own, he uses that to brace himself and adjust, giving him the room to slide his own hand up the front of Matt's shirt (or, Shiro's shirt that Matt wore). The thought of it still sent a little thrill through him; when he finally breaks away to catch his breath, he grins down at Matt, licking over his lips. ]
As much fun as this is, I don't -- you're really distracting.
[ It's a compliment, both in meaning and in the earnest way Shiro dips down and kisses him again like he can't help himself. He's hyper aware of the hands on his back, and the gold of Matt's eyes this close. ]
I just wanted to know what you want.
[ It's a sort of lame finish when his thigh is just shy of being pressed against Matt's dick and he's got a hand up the front of his shirt, but still. ]
[ Distracting is one way of putting it. It's almost not fair. The feel of Shiro's skin under his hands and his lips pressed against his own are enough; Shiro's hand on stomach, the hotness of his breath, his thigh so close yet not quite close enough are exhilarating. Should he really be this excited or is he just pathetic and desperate?
... Okay, probably pathetic and desperate. Which is probably why he laughs and his face feels a little warm when Shiro asks him what he wants. Truthfully, he hadn't exactly thought that part through. Or maybe it's hard to admit point blank because it's weird talking about. But his smile, at least, is confident. ]
Honestly? To push you over, pull your shirt off, and keep kissing you. I... haven't really thought much further than that.
[ Attraction is short-sighted, or something like that. Actually, Matt's just a little impressed with himself that he could even say that with a straight face. But then he hesitates. ]
Is this too much? I don't think I even know what normal boundaries are like anymore, Shiro.
[ It's the nature of the beast—being out in space for so long just does things to people. Wars do things people. Periods of isolation do things to people. Trying to remember what social expectations were like back on the peace of Earth is almost impossible. ]
shakes fist at work. ALSO U COWARDS, DREAMWORKS, GIVE US SCARRED SHIRO
[ It's laughably easy to get Shiro to cooperate with whatever Matt wants right now, really. He hasn't considered where he wants things to go either; he'd known that when he suggested Matt spend the night that there was a chance they wouldn't watch a single movie. As far as he was concerned, the options were, sleeping, actually watching movies and maybe cuddling, and this though he'd worried about suggesting anything close to the latter.
Normally, this sort of thing came with some conversation beforehand. Normally didn't really apply when they'd been kidnapped by aliens, though. ]
It's not too much. Just, you know. Not exactly pretty, so.
[ He's not ashamed of it, but it'd taken ages for him to wear the tshirt instead of the long-sleeves that he'd sported for the longest time. ]
[ It takes Matt about half a second longer than it should to realize what Shiro's talking about, but when he does, his expression softens. Not pity, but understanding; he knows a little well what it can be like out there. ]
Come on, Shiro. You know I don't care about that. And if it makes you feel any better, I've got a few extra marks too.
[ He has a feeling they don't really compare to what Shiro's been through; he might not know the details, but he's not stupid. He knows enough about what the Galra are like to hazard some guesses, and that's not a conversation he would ever force Shiro to have. But he also doesn't shy away from action anymore, so he's been in some pretty nasty scrapes himself.
Which gives him a thought. He can joke about pushing Shiro down and stripping him, but ultimately when he moves away, it's to pull off his own shirt instead, so Shiro can see how much he's changed. How he's packed on more muscle, picked up more scars. Maybe its presumptuous to compare, because his differences are... different, but definitely not extreme. But, if he's lucky, it'll help keep them on even ground. It feels strangely exposing, considering he's grown used to wearing long sleeves and a cloak on a near-constant basis, but that doesn't really matter right now. ]
i know they can't 'cause it's a kids show but cmon
[ Well, he didn't for sure, but he suspected. Having confirmation is nice. Shiro gives him a slightly lopsided little smile and after another beat of hesitation, goes to his knees. He hooks his fingers under the shirt and rather than tossing it, neatly folds it; old habits die hard.
Then: Matt's bare too, and Shiro's utterly distracted by the long, pale line of him against the dark gray of his sheets. He's filled out more, lean muscle underneath the cloth of Shiro's shirt. It's good - Matt was always attractive to him, glasses and short, messy hair, but now, he's -- ]
Wow.
[ It's soft and a little breathlessly appreciative; Shiro reaches a hand out, skims it up from where his hip dips down and trails further until a thumb brushes over one of his nipples on the way up. He dips down to press his lips to the nearest scar, lingering and then rocks back, rolling his shoulders a little anxiously. It's not as bad as it could have been; some aliens weren't given a healing chamber to tend their wounds. Shiro was, for some of the worse fights. They couldn't have their Champion dead of infection. There's still the handprint from where he'd escaped again and had to cauterize it himself, still pink. There's various scars that are clearly from stab or claw marks, and a set of scars along his belly like something tried to take a bite out of his right side. ]
not even one under the short sleeve though /shakes fist
[ As much as Matt like to joke about how attractive he is, if someone had told him he'd elicit that kind of response a year ago, he probably wouldn't have believed them. He'd always been fairly lean in an average sort of way, and where he is now is result of a lot of hard work. He knows that and he's proud of that—but prouder still that he can get that kind of response out of Shiro of all people. Man, does that feel good. What's better is the thrill of realizing they're both half naked, and the feel of Shiro's hand sliding up him, and he has to repress a shudder. When Shiro leans in to kiss his torso, Matt moves his hands up, letting his fingers run through Shiro's hair. One falls to wayside as he draws away, the other Matt lets be pulled back with him, lightly brushing his temple with his thumb as he can finally take in the sights.
The scars, though he he expected them, hurt a little to see, and he wonders about some of the stories about them, but he knows the general gist of them—the Galra—and he knows better than anyone that's not something you just bring up casually. Maybe they can tell those stories someday, but right now, he just wants to focus on how angular Shiro's chest is. Tight, a solid mass of muscle. Wow doesn't even cover it; he's almost breathless at how gorgeous he is. He's always known, but it's different when they're so close like this, when the contact is so much more personal. ]
I'm honestly a little intimidated. You're—man.
[ He starts to move in to press down on Shiro, trying to maneuver his own weight against him because he knows he's not quite strong enough to overpower him with just brute strength, but he hesitates part of the way in. He has next to no experience in this, and it's... Yeah, it definitely makes him a little nervous. ]
Hey... Are we really doing this? [ There's still some time for them to pull back and cool off. It won't be easy but it's not too late yet. ] I know what I said earlier, but I don't want you to think the only reason I'm here is... for this.
[ Not that he minds it by any stretch, but Shiro is what's important here, not the rest. ]
i had a half-written tag and my computer restarted i'm gonna SCREAM
[ He's never thought of Matt as unattractive; even back in the Garrison, there'd been interest despite it being pushed to the wayside to get his job done. Now, though, it's like he can actually look and appreciate, and he notices all the little things that he had shoved to the back of his mind originally. Now, he can drink in the sight of him stretched out in his bed, and his hands and lips are just as appreciative as the look he's giving Matt.
You're-- man, he hears, and smiles against the dip of Matt's collarbone, pressing a lingering kiss there and then withdraws when he's nudged, not quite sure where Matt wants him or where he should be.
They're both a little hesitant about this, he thinks, listening to what Matt's saying but having to actively focus on it to give a response that isn't just more kissing and grinding against each other like teenagers. It's a valid question; he hadn't really intended on going far when he'd invited Matt in, and if he's being honest, he's not sure it's the best idea right now until they determine how things are going to go in the future.
Slowly, he eases back, settling off to the side and strokes his fingers up Matt's belly, splaying his hand over his chest. ]
I don't think we should— do everything, tonight. If we do that, I want time to actually learn what you like and have the time to do it.
[ Of course Shiro'd talk about learning how to get Matt off like it's something to be studied and perfected. ]
And we need to sleep, eventually, or we're never going to hear the end of it.
[ He mulls over the options a moment, fingers dragging lazy circles over Matt's chest, considering. ]
We could do the cold shower trick, which is miserable but would work, or if you want— we could take care of this the simplest way and then get some rest. It's up to you.
matt and shiro gained like 4 siblings in the span of a year, rest in pieces u 2
I mean-- I meant for the movies and sleep. Just--
[ Now he's the flustered one, ears still warm with the flush of embarrassment fighting to win, but thankfully, Matt kisses him back before he can say anything else utterly idiotic and for a few moments, he's distracted. It's nice, doing this. It's not the hot and heavy kisses he'd traded during spare hours at the Garrison with his girlfriend at the time, a woman a level above him but not his direct command. Then, he'd had the mission and work and she'd gone off site for something else so he'd focused on Kerberos and nothing else.
This wasn't the same, but it was good; it was comforting in a way he wasn't expecting, all this...normalness. When he withdraws, it's with a wider smile, hand settling at Matt's jaw to trace the swell of his lower lip and then stroking up, over the scar a moment. ]
I really missed you.
they're the best siblings tho so it's okay
I missed you, too. This is .. basically the weirdest thing that's ever happened to me. My little sister found me all the way across the universe, and then I find out one of my closest friends is still here after all, and we're really going for this? I don't even remember the last time I was this happy.
[ Sure, there's some really horrible stuff going on right now, but he doesn't want to let that wash out the good things. Why save the universe if he can't even save himself? Seems stupid to deny the good things just because there's death and evil out there. ]
Maybe you should throw me over your shoulder like a caveman and take me back to your room.
[ he definitely can't let Shiro say something like that without making fun of him, even if it comes a little late. ]
real tho ;n;
It'll be a hard week to top, that's for sure.
[ Everyone was safe- as safe as they could be, anyway, and they had Matt back. They could focus on getting Sam back, too, if they tracked down the right information. They'd beat the Galra and win and later, later, he'd focus on strategies and battle plans and troop formations.
Right now, he presses a kiss to the scar on Matt's cheek and then grins, eyebrows raised. ]
You know I could do it.
[ He doesn't, but he does tentatively drop the human hand down and then makes a noise at his own hesitance, curling his fingers with Matt's loosely. ]
Come on.
no subject
[ that's a joke, but he's pretty sure he could actually do it on a dare. Shiro is definitely still bigger and more muscular than he is, but he's gotten a lot stronger. He's not the skinny nerd who just barely passed his combat evaluations anymore.
He smiles at the way Shiro kisses him, squeezes his hand a little tighter. He never thought he'd think this about someone he looked up to so much, but everything he's doing is just... cute? Kinda gives him butterflies. He has a feeling he might kill him if he says that, though, so he stays quiet. instead, he gives him a nod, and walks back with him to his room. ]
You don't have a shirt I could borrow, do you? This uniform is literally the only clothes I own anymore. I usually sleep in my boxers.
[ not entirely true—he usually either keeps it all on or just sleeps naked, but the latter is probably a little too much pressure right now. It's weird because they've both seen each other naked a million times on the Kerberos mission, and if there's one thing showering with around 30 other guys at the Garrison doesn't teach you, it's shame. But different contexts, and all that. ]
"the tshirt under his titty harness"
You're a mess, he decides despairingly, walking them back to his room. ]
Yeah, absolutely. You might be swimming in it, but it'll work.
[ Palm to the door and then he steps through, releasing Matt's hand to dig through his drawers. The tshirt under his vest would do well enough and he had spares of those without the unnecessary bits that would make it hard to sleep. He grabs one of those, then his own. Is it weird to change in front of each other? They've done it before. He's not ashamed of being naked in a non-sexual context, but this has a little more intent to it and he's not sure if that's a boundary he touches or avoids. Okay. Enough. He's an adult, they're not fucking teenagers. ]
Okay, weird question: is changing in here still okay?
put those away Shiro. You'll shoot someone's eye out.
[ he knows he definitely would not be able to sleep well with Shiro fully or mostly naked next to him. It seems like he's gained even more mass since he last saw him, and while he should theoretically be used to it, like, damn. The guy is ripped. There's enough sexual tension while they're clothed. ]
It's fine. I'm not that starved. ... Probably. [ Is he? Honestly, that's debatable. It's amazing how spending so much time having different priorities can revert you back so far. Apparently, use it or lose it has more of a ring of truth to it than he thought. Who knew?
Just to make a point of it to himself, he starts changing, stripped down to his underwear and Shiro's shirt, which... It's stretchy, so he wouldn't call it a tent, but even with the muscle he's gained it fits him a little more like a dress. That might be be good or bad, because it's pretty much the exact opposite of sexy on him. ]
like what is the character designer's intent with that thing is it like they liked gun harnesses?
[ That flusters him. He hadn't really imagined that yet and now he can't stop because the more he tells himself not to consider what that'd be like -- the actuality of that, of it being real, well. It's a lot to consider. Matt keeps talking, though, and thankfully snaps him out of it.
The seriousness of the next statement is enough to kill any swell of arousal in an instant. He hadn't intended to make a point of watching, but once it's said he finds his eyes linger a moment, worried. He'd seen the way the rebels ate, and Hunk had come to him saying that potentially there were people holding onto food in their rooms because things were going missing. Shiro got it; he'd been almost the same after escaping the Galra; the first plate of food Keith put in front of him he'd very nearly hoarded it out of instinct, like he was in the pits again. Being on the edge of hunger was never fun. He can't fix everything wrong in the universe, but he can make sure he helps with this. Black's fast enough to make extra trips to transport goods. He can make sure that when they do leave, it's with as much food as they can carry. ]
Give Hunk a little longer and he'll figure out something to help. He made those protein bars specifically for me because I seem to burn through food faster these days.
[ 'Because I train like an insane person when I can't sleep which is often' isn't an answer he's going to give even jokingly. Shiro changes and refolds his clothes in a neat stack, Garrison habits sticking strong even this long after. Clad in the same tshirt and a loose pair of sweat pants with socks, he pads closer and flattens both hands over the front of Matt's chest. He's good at this, come on. ]
For the record, the sight of you in my room, in my shirt is-- nice.
[ Nailed it. ]
I just want to know why his casual clothes have knee pads. what shit are you even into shiro???
Hey, don't worry about it. I manage.
[ The touch is kind of nice, but with Shiro's hands smoothed against his chest, and what he says, he has to pause. He looks down and bits his bottom lip, before looking up into Shiro's eyes. ]
If you're about to say it'd look better on your floor, I might have to beat you up.
[ But he's trying, so he can't rib him too badly. He rests his hands under Shiro's elbows and leans in, softly pressing their lips together. Honestly, he just can't get enough of kissing him. ]
AAA sorry if i misunderstood re: tag // and LMAOOO RIGHT, EXPLAIN, shiro, wtf
Nice is the way Matt looks in that shirt. Nicer still is the way Matt looks up at him, lip bite and all. The suggestion following gets a moment of consideration and an undignified snicker at the idea of it. Nicest, however, is Matt leaning in to kiss him. Shiro slides his hands from Matt's chest and settles the Galra hand over tshirt and the human one up to curl in his hair gently. When he draws back for a breath, he nudges Matt toward the bed and steps back a touch so they don't trip all over each other. ]
So are we saying that line wouldn't work?
[ He leans in for another kiss, still smiling, only to pull away before he gets too distracted. ]
Come on, it's warmer under the covers.
it's w/e I can roll with it!! also do we get to revoke these idiots adult cards yet because really
It might, just because it's you, but I think you can do better. [ is that a dare, or is he just trying to goad Shiro into giving him ammunition to make fun of him later? who's to say.
He can't help but be disappointed as Shiro pulls away from him, but he does have a point. They should probably get into bed already. But instead of retreating, he grins and grabs Shiro by the waist, trying to pull him along for the ride. ]
fucking honestly tho like human disasters the both of them
Now you're stuck.
[ Oh no, clearly. Shiro steals a kiss and then rolls onto his side next to Matt, draping an arm around him. Off on the nightstand is the tablet; sometimes it's used for battle plans and reviewing Altean or whatever other language he's trying to familiarize himself with. Sometimes it's for movies, though that's rarer. ]
Better than your shirt would look better on my floor? That's honestly my best line, I hate to disappoint you.
fucking nerds. shoves them both into a locker
Stuck? I think you'd be surprised.
[ He kind of wishes they could have stayed like that just a tiny bit longer, but he knows where that road would have led, so maybe this is better. Maybe worse? He feels like such a teenager it's ridiculous. ]
A little disappointed, but if you want it off of me that badly....
[ he remembers they're supposed to be watching something, and makes a glance to Shiro's tablet, but doesn't really bother reaching for it. ]
I feel like even if we did watch a movie I wouldn't be able to pay attention to it. You're really distracting, you know that?
into a locker and then steal their lunch money tbh
Pidge did mention that you could hold your own when she found you. Was that rebel training?
[ There were classes in the Garrison, sure, but using a staff like that wasn't something that was commonly taught. Then again, he hadn't paid attention to all of Matt's classes - that would've been weird.
It takes some shifting to get properly comfortable but he manages after a few moments, hooking his chin over Matt's shoulder, squeezing his hip at the comment about him being distracting. ]
Me? I'm not even doing anything.
swirly time really
That's part of it, but I always already building up some strength in the prison camps. They... work you pretty hard. Training helped. Having to deal with bounty hunters helped more. I guess I've been getting a lot of hands on experience.
[ Honestly, the combat classes at the Garrison were the one and only aspect of his education he hadn't taken very seriously. He's always preferred cleverness and diplomacy. But out here, he'd finally learned that none of those things were mutually exclusive, and being able to hold own his own was an extremely useful tool that he needed to keep up with. He's glad he finally learned.
He frowns a little when Shiro squeezes his hip. He can claim he's not doing anything, but he has a hard time believing he could be this oblivious. ]
Are you serious? You're driving me crazy. In a good way, I mean.
good tbh
You should come to training in the mornings with us. It'd be good to get an idea of where you and the others are; it'll help us when we ask certain people to go on missions.
[ Sometimes, you sent whoever was available. But where and whenever possible, they tried to make the best choice about who to send where, to make sure that it got done and there were minimal casualties. This isn't work, though, and they're not supposed to be working. Technically, they're supposed to be watching a movie but even that is a big if.
Teasingly, his fingers dragging up Matt's side in a way that's far too slow and lingering to be anything but intentional: ]
You think this is bad? What are you gonna do when I actually do something, huh?
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[ His heart beats a little faster at how slow and deliberate Shiro's touch is, and he could swear under breath, except that he doesn't want to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. Were they always this competitive? They used to mess with each other all the time, sure, but Matt had usually been content to let Shiro be a few steps ahead of him. Technically, he had been ahead of him back then, no matter how close they were. Now they can finally be equals, and it's... actually really refreshing. ]
Yeah? Were you already planning on making a move, then?
[ and he's grinning, just daring Shiro to call his bluff. ]
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[ One foot slides over, tucks itself in against both of Matt's. It's not quite footsie since they're in bed but the little bit of affection is still nice all the same and he can't quite get over that he's able to do this. That it's allowed.
Better still: he feels normal, right now. They're on a castleship, sure. He's a Paladin of a giant robot, sure. But right now, they're in bed being ridiculous and Matt's breathing right next to him and Shiro's just so glad that he doesn't know what to do with himself, not really. Not until Matt makes that comment and the competitive side of him flares back into existence. ]
I guess, since you're here and all.
[ Also, because he really, really missed the easiness of kissing and really, really likes kissing Matt. It takes a bit of shifting to get his Galra arm underneath himself but then he folds in over Matt and kisses him again, a little warmer, a little more intent to it this time as his hand strokes up Matt's belly. ]
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[ it suddenly dawns on him that he's talking to Shiro, who is basically at the head of operations for a reason, and that reason is because he does a really good job at it. He doesn't need to be told how to do his job. ]
You guess?
[ he should know better than to take the bait, but he does, and he's a little vindicated. But Shiro kisses him before he can say anything else, and all he can do is return it with just as much intent. He wonders briefly if Shiro really means this or if he's just posturing because of what he said. Then he realizes he doesn't actually care either way. His hands move to the waistband of Shiro's sweatpants, stroking his hips a little before sliding up his shirt. He half caresses the skin of his back, half tries to pull him a little closer so he can kiss him a little deeper, feel a little more of his warmth against him.
God. Shiro joked about what he'd do, but it looks like he was right. Matt's already starting to get a little overwhelmed. He guesses that's what happens when you haven't really touched anyone for so long. ]
rip sorry i got obscenely busy
Besides: he'd be an idiot to ignore the fact that he's got Matt pressed up against him and the blankets are warm around them. He goes easily where he's tugged or pulled, always careful to keep the majority of his weight braced on his own arm or arms if the position allows. When he slides a thigh up between Matt's own, he uses that to brace himself and adjust, giving him the room to slide his own hand up the front of Matt's shirt (or, Shiro's shirt that Matt wore). The thought of it still sent a little thrill through him; when he finally breaks away to catch his breath, he grins down at Matt, licking over his lips. ]
As much fun as this is, I don't -- you're really distracting.
[ It's a compliment, both in meaning and in the earnest way Shiro dips down and kisses him again like he can't help himself. He's hyper aware of the hands on his back, and the gold of Matt's eyes this close. ]
I just wanted to know what you want.
[ It's a sort of lame finish when his thigh is just shy of being pressed against Matt's dick and he's got a hand up the front of his shirt, but still. ]
no worries man
... Okay, probably pathetic and desperate. Which is probably why he laughs and his face feels a little warm when Shiro asks him what he wants. Truthfully, he hadn't exactly thought that part through. Or maybe it's hard to admit point blank because it's weird talking about. But his smile, at least, is confident. ]
Honestly? To push you over, pull your shirt off, and keep kissing you. I... haven't really thought much further than that.
[ Attraction is short-sighted, or something like that. Actually, Matt's just a little impressed with himself that he could even say that with a straight face. But then he hesitates. ]
Is this too much? I don't think I even know what normal boundaries are like anymore, Shiro.
[ It's the nature of the beast—being out in space for so long just does things to people. Wars do things people. Periods of isolation do things to people. Trying to remember what social expectations were like back on the peace of Earth is almost impossible. ]
shakes fist at work. ALSO U COWARDS, DREAMWORKS, GIVE US SCARRED SHIRO
[ It's laughably easy to get Shiro to cooperate with whatever Matt wants right now, really. He hasn't considered where he wants things to go either; he'd known that when he suggested Matt spend the night that there was a chance they wouldn't watch a single movie. As far as he was concerned, the options were, sleeping, actually watching movies and maybe cuddling, and this though he'd worried about suggesting anything close to the latter.
Normally, this sort of thing came with some conversation beforehand. Normally didn't really apply when they'd been kidnapped by aliens, though. ]
It's not too much. Just, you know. Not exactly pretty, so.
[ He's not ashamed of it, but it'd taken ages for him to wear the tshirt instead of the long-sleeves that he'd sported for the longest time. ]
throws it in a dumpster and dreamworks too tbh
Come on, Shiro. You know I don't care about that. And if it makes you feel any better, I've got a few extra marks too.
[ He has a feeling they don't really compare to what Shiro's been through; he might not know the details, but he's not stupid. He knows enough about what the Galra are like to hazard some guesses, and that's not a conversation he would ever force Shiro to have. But he also doesn't shy away from action anymore, so he's been in some pretty nasty scrapes himself.
Which gives him a thought. He can joke about pushing Shiro down and stripping him, but ultimately when he moves away, it's to pull off his own shirt instead, so Shiro can see how much he's changed. How he's packed on more muscle, picked up more scars. Maybe its presumptuous to compare, because his differences are... different, but definitely not extreme. But, if he's lucky, it'll help keep them on even ground. It feels strangely exposing, considering he's grown used to wearing long sleeves and a cloak on a near-constant basis, but that doesn't really matter right now. ]
i know they can't 'cause it's a kids show but cmon
[ Well, he didn't for sure, but he suspected. Having confirmation is nice. Shiro gives him a slightly lopsided little smile and after another beat of hesitation, goes to his knees. He hooks his fingers under the shirt and rather than tossing it, neatly folds it; old habits die hard.
Then: Matt's bare too, and Shiro's utterly distracted by the long, pale line of him against the dark gray of his sheets. He's filled out more, lean muscle underneath the cloth of Shiro's shirt. It's good - Matt was always attractive to him, glasses and short, messy hair, but now, he's -- ]
Wow.
[ It's soft and a little breathlessly appreciative; Shiro reaches a hand out, skims it up from where his hip dips down and trails further until a thumb brushes over one of his nipples on the way up. He dips down to press his lips to the nearest scar, lingering and then rocks back, rolling his shoulders a little anxiously. It's not as bad as it could have been; some aliens weren't given a healing chamber to tend their wounds. Shiro was, for some of the worse fights. They couldn't have their Champion dead of infection. There's still the handprint from where he'd escaped again and had to cauterize it himself, still pink. There's various scars that are clearly from stab or claw marks, and a set of scars along his belly like something tried to take a bite out of his right side. ]
not even one under the short sleeve though /shakes fist
The scars, though he he expected them, hurt a little to see, and he wonders about some of the stories about them, but he knows the general gist of them—the Galra—and he knows better than anyone that's not something you just bring up casually. Maybe they can tell those stories someday, but right now, he just wants to focus on how angular Shiro's chest is. Tight, a solid mass of muscle. Wow doesn't even cover it; he's almost breathless at how gorgeous he is. He's always known, but it's different when they're so close like this, when the contact is so much more personal. ]
I'm honestly a little intimidated. You're—man.
[ He starts to move in to press down on Shiro, trying to maneuver his own weight against him because he knows he's not quite strong enough to overpower him with just brute strength, but he hesitates part of the way in. He has next to no experience in this, and it's... Yeah, it definitely makes him a little nervous. ]
Hey... Are we really doing this? [ There's still some time for them to pull back and cool off. It won't be easy but it's not too late yet. ] I know what I said earlier, but I don't want you to think the only reason I'm here is... for this.
[ Not that he minds it by any stretch, but Shiro is what's important here, not the rest. ]
i had a half-written tag and my computer restarted i'm gonna SCREAM
You're-- man, he hears, and smiles against the dip of Matt's collarbone, pressing a lingering kiss there and then withdraws when he's nudged, not quite sure where Matt wants him or where he should be.
They're both a little hesitant about this, he thinks, listening to what Matt's saying but having to actively focus on it to give a response that isn't just more kissing and grinding against each other like teenagers. It's a valid question; he hadn't really intended on going far when he'd invited Matt in, and if he's being honest, he's not sure it's the best idea right now until they determine how things are going to go in the future.
Slowly, he eases back, settling off to the side and strokes his fingers up Matt's belly, splaying his hand over his chest. ]
I don't think we should— do everything, tonight. If we do that, I want time to actually learn what you like and have the time to do it.
[ Of course Shiro'd talk about learning how to get Matt off like it's something to be studied and perfected. ]
And we need to sleep, eventually, or we're never going to hear the end of it.
[ He mulls over the options a moment, fingers dragging lazy circles over Matt's chest, considering. ]
We could do the cold shower trick, which is miserable but would work, or if you want— we could take care of this the simplest way and then get some rest. It's up to you.
ugghhh the worst and also someone stop these morons lmao fuck
LMFAO HONESTLY LIKE the most hopeless fuckin nerdlords
hopeless nerdlord cowards
is it awful part of me wants them to have to deal with an attack or something flksmfs.
LMAOOOO Matt out in the field like, well I guess I'm dual wielding staves tonight :||||
LMFASKMSGSMFM BAD
somebody rescue Sam because they need adult supervision ASAP
they find sam and pidge is like YOU MISSED SO MUCH XYZ also matt/shiro! sam: fuckin FINALLY
turns out the whole family had a pool for when they'd finally hook up
shiro's just like [MAXIMUM THIS ICON FACE]
this is terrible but I'm half picturing this ongoing saga where they just never quite get laid
that and awkward boning w mishaps are like two of my favorite things to rp tbh
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UGHGHGHGH SORRY EVERYTHING HAS BEEN SO BUSY HOLIDAYS WHY
I know this feel sobs
that's what i get for 3 thanksgivings
that is a lot of thanksgiving omg
ten thousand apologies for belated response again etc
i've pretty much lost track of what position they're in so sorry if this makes no sense lmao
SAME TBH SO I'M SORRY HAHA
twister: extreme edition or something
rp twister, the game within the rp game
butt stuff(tm) not included. must be purchased separately.
buttstuff dlc, the dlc everyone wants
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