[Chiding aside, Solomon really is cute when he acts more... well, human. Akira manages to keep his chuckles contained, but make no mistake: he's charmed. Silly, silly Solomon.
Akira returns to the table with two piping hot cups of coffee fixed to suit their individual tastes. Solomon might've heard Akira's incantation through his mutterings, his cup of coffee infused with a certain kind of magic. When he drinks it, he'll feel as if he's being embraced from the inside out by warm, loving arms.
Akira flops onto the seat across from him.]
I know you don't. No one thinks you have ill intent.
[He reaches out and ruffles Solomon's hair. There there.]
You don't have to be mature today. You can come to my room and we'll hang out like normal people do. Play some games, braid each other's hair, do our nails and talk about all the cute boys on the football team...
[He rolls his eyes a little at the head pat, though the little moment still rings nostalgic. Placating gestures whenever his temper cracked... it wasn't uncommon in the House of Lamentation.
He lingers with the scent of the cup in his hands. There's an enchantment, that much is clear... would Akira attempt to prank him in his current state? Mm. No, he seems like he's taking this rather seriously. So the raise of one brow is brief as he brings it to his lips.
...
He takes a moment to let the sensation settle, a warmth that spreads and comforts like the wave of a warm sea. It renders him silent at first, taking a little more effort to find his words.]
I don't know if I'd keep that in the realm of normal people. Asmodeus would be incredibly jealous. We should be glad my phone doesn't work or I'd never hear the end of it.
[It is empty, though. Being so detached from all of them, Asmo included... it's as though the tendrils of his pacted bonds are left to stretch without an answer, constantly yearning into the maw of the abyss, searching for their bearer.
[This Amsodeus person sounds like quite the handful... Akira chuckles, warming his hands on his cup.]
What your boyfriend back home doesn't know won't hurt him. I'll take good care of you.
[Is the coffee working its magic? Even if Solomon backslides into petulant, bratty behavior, Akira won't particularly mind. He's having fun taking care of him, having been treated to a side of him that many others probably haven't seen. It feels like trust, a little secret to keep between the two of them.
Akira takes a sip from his cup, familiar heat and complex flavors washing over his tongue.]
To hang out with you. As cold and black as my heart is, it still yearns to support my Northern Star in his time of need.
Asmodeus is in a pact with me, Akira. Not a relationship.
[Though he is rather fond of the minxy little narcissist, it doesn't change that their relationship is and always will be thoroughly one of agreed control.
Northern Star, though... hah. How badly would Lucifer squirm if he were here to hear that? Not quite the same, but close enough, surely.]
Mmn. Is my bad mood that much of a time of need? Maybe you're painting that star of yours too bright in your mind.
[One day Solomon will learn that Akira is Lucifer-coded too. Until then, he's happy to pass the title of North Star off onto his northie friend. He's someone to look up to and follow, isn't he? If it fits, it fits.]
I just got done insulting your cooking ability and calling you a kid. I wouldn't call that idol worship.
[But he is allowed to have his idols. Akira has had plenty of people in his life whom he's sought direction from and learned from, and Solomon is the most recent of them.]
But if you're opposed to spending the night, I can't force you. I've had enough of you electrocuting me.
Perhaps you're just being cheeky. What is it called, again... "tsundere"?
[He does have that adorable little tick of his when he gets embarrassed and starts to grow more pouty - the tug of dark hair, the aversion of dark eyes, a voice that tried to speak loud while his feelings spoke louder.]
I'd make another joke on your mature tastes, but here I think you've fully embraced that image. Whatever will I do. [Said as dry as can be.] I don't intend to do that to you again unless it's needed, Akira. Hurting people isn't exactly something I enjoy doing.
Eh? You're calling me a tsundere? You need to study Japanese culture.
[He doesn't even do the sh-shut up, baka, it's not like I like you or anything! schtick. How is he in any way a tsundere?! Anyway, he's reaching over and shoving Solomon's shoulder.]
I'm allowed to like whoever I like. If you have a problem with it, speak now or forever hold your peace.
[He will stop making casual passes at Solomon if he tells him to! Really!]
Anyway, how's the coffee? Feeling all warm and fuzzy inside yet?
Hahahah... I'm joking, Akira, I'm joking. Like whoever your heart follows. I'm just surprised, that's all.
[heeheehee]
Though, your bashfulness the other day was even more of a surprise. Maybe that's what made me think of it.
[Mammon is who he'd consider more of a genuine tsundere, but the blushing and stammering and rapid attempts at protection of the ego? That he could see.]
Should I give you a full point review on your enchantment progress? [But no, no, he waves that off. Please he is so tired don't make him be sensei right now.] It's very good. You know your way around the bitterness of it.
...I think your intentions were very clear from the first sip, too. It's... comforting.
[Hmph!! If you see him puffing out his cheeks and pouting his lips, no you don't. This man is the very definition of hardmode.]
You can play teacher another time. Tonight, we're on an even playing field. We're nothing more than a couple of guys being dudes.
[Can Solomon handle being a normal man for a whole night? This remains to be seen, but Akira has full faith in him. While Solomon finishes his coffee, Akira slugs down the rest of his own in one long pull and scoots back into the kitchen to grab a couple bottles.]
If you can promise not to get all pouty and dramatic again, we'll have a couple drinks. Oh, but if you rat me out, I'll light all your underwear on fire in the courtyard.
[Don't get on his ass for underage drinking. He can and will lodge himself like a very unpleasant thorn in Solomon's ass and everyone will suffer for it.]
Ah ah ah, what did I say about making promises to me?
[It's just barely crossing the line into serious, but he will tap at his lips with a finger and an impish little smile whenever Akira meets his eyes. If Akira won't tell, then Solomon won't tell.]
Perhaps I should leave the dramatics to you, then? The pout suits you well.
Or will you show a different side of you entirely?
[Akira snaps his fingers. Drat! Not even buzzed enough to make a little promise like that, eh?
But that gesture, impish and sly, conveys all it needs to. Akira's smirk pulls askew, bottles clinking in one hand as he extends the other to offer Solomon a hand up. Those old bones need proper support.]
Who knows? I've only shared drinks with close friends before, and they already know all my secrets.
[All but the few secrets he'd never tell a soul, but if Solomon thinks he's any different... well, they'll just have to see what the evening holds in store for them.]
This is the one time I'm not trying to wheedle secrets out of you and you accuse me of doing it anyway. I just want to enjoy my night with good company.
[And he means that too. With Solomon up and on his feet, Akira hands him one of the bottles.]
Is this strong enough for you? If I start heaving, you better hold my hair back.
[Pin his bangs back cutely... but Akira jokes. He doesn't plan on drinking to the point of blacking out. He does need to maintain the veneer of being a responsible young man, especially in front of Solomon. Now then, off they go!]
Every other time we've spoken you've looked at me as though you wanted to rip something out of me. Tonight, you scold me and stop my drinking, then you drag me to the kitchen, scold me again, plant me down like a toddler, enchant my coffee, and now you're asking to drink again when you were so against it earlier?
[If he wants Solomon to be confused and distracted, then congratulations!]
Part of me has to wonder if you really know what you want here, Akira.
[Solomon, Solomon, Solomon... You're getting too hung up on the details. It's pretty straightforward, Akira thinks, unlocking his door to usher Solomon inside.]
But you're feeling better now, right? If you start getting all mopey again, I'll just take your alcohol away.
[But he takes mild offense to the notion that he doesn't know what he wants. As if to prove his intentions once and for all, Akira takes a knee and sweeps out his arms, pointing directly at Solomon.]
I want you, good sir, and I will not cease until I've swallowed you whole!
[Better watch your back before you get vored, Solomon.]
Akira please. What will their parents say..............
He surprisingly looks embarrassed, just briefly, at the continued push of dramatics. But it's only a moment, only the alcohol, the older man waving it off with a crumpled attempt to regain his composure, letting a mocking look of flirtatious shock take its place.]
And what will you do when you've had your taste of me? What a scandal you intend to cause.
[Wh— hold on. He had Solomon going for a minute there, didn't he? Akira saw that. He totally saw that. Let him close his eyes for a moment and commit that look on Solomon's face to memory. He really is much cuter when he's being honest.
Outwardly, Akira won't make a big fuss over it, hopping back to his feet and setting the liquor down on his table. He pads over to kick the door closed and take Solomon by the hand, tugging him further into the recesses of his room and sitting him down on the couch. He's not done forcing Solomon to sit tonight, apparently.]
Why are you so worried about a scandal? I might not look it, but I'm a very private guy. I like to keep my secrets close to my chest.
[...No, he can't completely resist teasing Solomon while he has him right where he wants him. Akira boops the older man's lips with the tip of his finger.]
[please stop manhandling grandpa he's fragile in his old age :(
Once again, he lets himself be led, letting his eyes travel the room briefly to get a good look. What sort of things do you keep, in this place of your own making, little thief?
His lips purse slightly under that fingertip, humming as a brow raises.]
Mmhmm, I'm sure that's not the first time you've said that.
[Don't mind him as he just occupies himself with making sure the bottles are actually open. Which one was his again? Eh.]
What sort of secrets do you think I'd have to keep?
[Akira is a keeper of trinkets and knickknacks, his room full of little articles he's picked up in town and found in the wild. A glowing flower here, a hand-sewn stuffed animal there... And across the room, his desk is full of various tools for woodworking and carving. Scattered throughout the space are books on a wide variety of subjects. This room carries traces of Akira in every inch, his hobbies and interests and personal style all but oozing from the wood-and-steel walls.
Flopping down beside him, Akira kicks his feet up and drapes his arms along the backrest. Sorry about your personal space, dude. The bottles are open and waiting to be consumed, but he'll let Solomon take a head start.]
A long life full of stories. Adventures full of drama and intrigue. Misguided ventures in the bedroom.
[Shall he go on?]
Everyone has secrets. They're a lot easier to bear when someone else is carrying their weight.
I wouldn't call much of that a secret. Well... most of it, maybe. But I don't think you care that much about the romantic life of a stranger.
[He tilts one of the bottles back against his lips. He's not a hard drinker, so he doesn't manage very much at all straight like this, wincing with a brisk exhale as it goes down.]
I do wonder, though, why it is you keep insisting my life is so long. What is a long life to you, anyway?
[Akira can smell the alcohol on Solomon's tongue from here. Yeesh, he should've grabbed a chaser. Leaning forward, he grabs his own bottle and contemplates a sip.]
You tipped your hat in the bath. You're no ordinary human. If I had to guess... you're at least a thousand years old.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
no subject
Akira returns to the table with two piping hot cups of coffee fixed to suit their individual tastes. Solomon might've heard Akira's incantation through his mutterings, his cup of coffee infused with a certain kind of magic. When he drinks it, he'll feel as if he's being embraced from the inside out by warm, loving arms.
Akira flops onto the seat across from him.]
I know you don't. No one thinks you have ill intent.
[He reaches out and ruffles Solomon's hair. There there.]
You don't have to be mature today. You can come to my room and we'll hang out like normal people do. Play some games, braid each other's hair, do our nails and talk about all the cute boys on the football team...
no subject
He lingers with the scent of the cup in his hands. There's an enchantment, that much is clear... would Akira attempt to prank him in his current state? Mm. No, he seems like he's taking this rather seriously. So the raise of one brow is brief as he brings it to his lips.
...
He takes a moment to let the sensation settle, a warmth that spreads and comforts like the wave of a warm sea. It renders him silent at first, taking a little more effort to find his words.]
I don't know if I'd keep that in the realm of normal people. Asmodeus would be incredibly jealous. We should be glad my phone doesn't work or I'd never hear the end of it.
[It is empty, though. Being so detached from all of them, Asmo included... it's as though the tendrils of his pacted bonds are left to stretch without an answer, constantly yearning into the maw of the abyss, searching for their bearer.
He exhales slowly as he finishes another sip.]
Mmn. What is it you want, Akira?
no subject
What your boyfriend back home doesn't know won't hurt him. I'll take good care of you.
[Is the coffee working its magic? Even if Solomon backslides into petulant, bratty behavior, Akira won't particularly mind. He's having fun taking care of him, having been treated to a side of him that many others probably haven't seen. It feels like trust, a little secret to keep between the two of them.
Akira takes a sip from his cup, familiar heat and complex flavors washing over his tongue.]
To hang out with you. As cold and black as my heart is, it still yearns to support my Northern Star in his time of need.
no subject
[Though he is rather fond of the minxy little narcissist, it doesn't change that their relationship is and always will be thoroughly one of agreed control.
Northern Star, though... hah. How badly would Lucifer squirm if he were here to hear that? Not quite the same, but close enough, surely.]
Mmn. Is my bad mood that much of a time of need? Maybe you're painting that star of yours too bright in your mind.
no subject
I just got done insulting your cooking ability and calling you a kid. I wouldn't call that idol worship.
[But he is allowed to have his idols. Akira has had plenty of people in his life whom he's sought direction from and learned from, and Solomon is the most recent of them.]
But if you're opposed to spending the night, I can't force you. I've had enough of you electrocuting me.
no subject
[He does have that adorable little tick of his when he gets embarrassed and starts to grow more pouty - the tug of dark hair, the aversion of dark eyes, a voice that tried to speak loud while his feelings spoke louder.]
I'd make another joke on your mature tastes, but here I think you've fully embraced that image. Whatever will I do. [Said as dry as can be.] I don't intend to do that to you again unless it's needed, Akira. Hurting people isn't exactly something I enjoy doing.
no subject
[He doesn't even do the sh-shut up, baka, it's not like I like you or anything! schtick. How is he in any way a tsundere?! Anyway, he's reaching over and shoving Solomon's shoulder.]
I'm allowed to like whoever I like. If you have a problem with it, speak now or forever hold your peace.
[He will stop making casual passes at Solomon if he tells him to! Really!]
Anyway, how's the coffee? Feeling all warm and fuzzy inside yet?
no subject
[heeheehee]
Though, your bashfulness the other day was even more of a surprise. Maybe that's what made me think of it.
[Mammon is who he'd consider more of a genuine tsundere, but the blushing and stammering and rapid attempts at protection of the ego? That he could see.]
Should I give you a full point review on your enchantment progress? [But no, no, he waves that off. Please he is so tired don't make him be sensei right now.] It's very good. You know your way around the bitterness of it.
...I think your intentions were very clear from the first sip, too. It's... comforting.
no subject
[Hmph!! If you see him puffing out his cheeks and pouting his lips, no you don't. This man is the very definition of hardmode.]
You can play teacher another time. Tonight, we're on an even playing field. We're nothing more than a couple of guys being dudes.
[Can Solomon handle being a normal man for a whole night? This remains to be seen, but Akira has full faith in him. While Solomon finishes his coffee, Akira slugs down the rest of his own in one long pull and scoots back into the kitchen to grab a couple bottles.]
If you can promise not to get all pouty and dramatic again, we'll have a couple drinks. Oh, but if you rat me out, I'll light all your underwear on fire in the courtyard.
[Don't get on his ass for underage drinking. He can and will lodge himself like a very unpleasant thorn in Solomon's ass and everyone will suffer for it.]
no subject
[It's just barely crossing the line into serious,
but he will tap at his lips with a finger and an impish little smile whenever Akira meets his eyes. If Akira won't tell, then Solomon won't tell.]
Perhaps I should leave the dramatics to you, then? The pout suits you well.
Or will you show a different side of you entirely?
no subject
But that gesture, impish and sly, conveys all it needs to. Akira's smirk pulls askew, bottles clinking in one hand as he extends the other to offer Solomon a hand up. Those old bones need proper support.]
Who knows? I've only shared drinks with close friends before, and they already know all my secrets.
[All but the few secrets he'd never tell a soul, but if Solomon thinks he's any different... well, they'll just have to see what the evening holds in store for them.]
Shall we?
no subject
Anyway he'll easily take that outstretched hand to pull up to his feet.]
Are you trying to make me do the same? My, what a risky strategy.
no subject
This is the one time I'm not trying to wheedle secrets out of you and you accuse me of doing it anyway. I just want to enjoy my night with good company.
[And he means that too. With Solomon up and on his feet, Akira hands him one of the bottles.]
Is this strong enough for you? If I start heaving, you better hold my hair back.
[Pin his bangs back cutely... but Akira jokes. He doesn't plan on drinking to the point of blacking out. He does need to maintain the veneer of being a responsible young man, especially in front of Solomon. Now then, off they go!]
no subject
[Off they go, Solomon speaking as they stroll.]
Every other time we've spoken you've looked at me as though you wanted to rip something out of me. Tonight, you scold me and stop my drinking, then you drag me to the kitchen, scold me again, plant me down like a toddler, enchant my coffee, and now you're asking to drink again when you were so against it earlier?
[If he wants Solomon to be confused and distracted, then congratulations!]
Part of me has to wonder if you really know what you want here, Akira.
no subject
But you're feeling better now, right? If you start getting all mopey again, I'll just take your alcohol away.
[But he takes mild offense to the notion that he doesn't know what he wants. As if to prove his intentions once and for all, Akira takes a knee and sweeps out his arms, pointing directly at Solomon.]
I want you, good sir, and I will not cease until I've swallowed you whole!
[Better watch your back before you get vored, Solomon.]
no subject
[He's distracted, sure, but...
Akira please. What will their parents say..............
He surprisingly looks embarrassed, just briefly, at the continued push of dramatics. But it's only a moment, only the alcohol, the older man waving it off with a crumpled attempt to regain his composure, letting a mocking look of flirtatious shock take its place.]
And what will you do when you've had your taste of me? What a scandal you intend to cause.
no subject
Outwardly, Akira won't make a big fuss over it, hopping back to his feet and setting the liquor down on his table. He pads over to kick the door closed and take Solomon by the hand, tugging him further into the recesses of his room and sitting him down on the couch. He's not done forcing Solomon to sit tonight, apparently.]
Why are you so worried about a scandal? I might not look it, but I'm a very private guy. I like to keep my secrets close to my chest.
[...No, he can't completely resist teasing Solomon while he has him right where he wants him. Akira boops the older man's lips with the tip of his finger.]
I'll keep yours, too.
no subject
Once again, he lets himself be led, letting his eyes travel the room briefly to get a good look. What sort of things do you keep, in this place of your own making, little thief?
His lips purse slightly under that fingertip, humming as a brow raises.]
Mmhmm, I'm sure that's not the first time you've said that.
[Don't mind him as he just occupies himself with making sure the bottles are actually open. Which one was his again? Eh.]
What sort of secrets do you think I'd have to keep?
no subject
Flopping down beside him, Akira kicks his feet up and drapes his arms along the backrest. Sorry about your personal space, dude. The bottles are open and waiting to be consumed, but he'll let Solomon take a head start.]
A long life full of stories. Adventures full of drama and intrigue. Misguided ventures in the bedroom.
[Shall he go on?]
Everyone has secrets. They're a lot easier to bear when someone else is carrying their weight.
no subject
[He tilts one of the bottles back against his lips. He's not a hard drinker, so he doesn't manage very much at all straight like this, wincing with a brisk exhale as it goes down.]
I do wonder, though, why it is you keep insisting my life is so long. What is a long life to you, anyway?
no subject
[Akira can smell the alcohol on Solomon's tongue from here. Yeesh, he should've grabbed a chaser. Leaning forward, he grabs his own bottle and contemplates a sip.]
You tipped your hat in the bath. You're no ordinary human. If I had to guess... you're at least a thousand years old.
[ crusty ✨]
no subject
[He runs his thumb against his lips to chase some of the burn away, letting Akira's answer settle.]
Too low.
Why don't you take a drink and guess again?
no subject
[You're on, old man. Akira takes a sip from his bottle and suppresses a wince. How do some people do this to themselves on a regular basis?]
Alright... Ten thousand.
no subject
[Come on, dude. Of course they need a game.]
Too high. Try again.
no subject
[He's here to keep Solomon distracted, and if he can, to make him smile. Solomon deserves that much, doesn't he?
Another sip down the hatch. Akira doesn't make any effort to hide the way his face squinches up this time.]
Five thousand.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
1/2
/2
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
1/2
/2
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
1/2
/2
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
1/2
/2
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)