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[kinnie]

@merc

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[kinnie]

it's fine

i'm a big boy

i can handle myself

an hour from now sound good to you?

[limbical]

That you can.

Sure. I'll see you soon, then.

[kinnie]

[ that is most definitely not true, but thank you for having faith in him no less daan.

cloud arrives a little early, as always -- the fear of being stood up has mostly dissipated, but he doesn't enjoy the idea of making daan wait. he's dressed in a leather jacket and slacks; it suits him surprisingly well for a change. when he sees daan, his head pivots up, eyes brightening as always. ]

Hey. [ his gaze roves from head to toe as he checks him out a bit blatantly. ] ...How're you feeling?

[ not a question he asks often, but he's learned to with daan; it's hard not to take that bone deep sadness into account. ]

[limbical]

[ 👌

Daan, on the other hand, is more of a person who shows up on the dot when expected, so never early. Honestly by now it doesn't surprise him that Cloud is here before him, and it's hard not to smile when he sees how those eyes light right up.]

I'm all right. [had like a really traumatic bonding night with marina but that was gonna happen eventually] Which is impressive, all things considered.

[Idly, Daan pinches the lapel of Cloud's leather jacket appraisingly.] You look really good in this. [The compliment is spoken with a hint of softness, revealing his sincerity in the remark.]

[kinnie]

Good. [ he speaks firmly, the gesture characteristically awkward -- but well intentioned. he doesn't know daan had a Girls Night TM.

before he can say anything else, daan does that, and cloud cannot fight the heat creeps into his cheeks. ]

...Thanks. [ pink dusts his face. ] ...Heard bikers wear clothes like these. I like riding motorcycles, so...

[limbical]

Oh? Hm, that checks out. Not in a bad way. Don't know that I could be that bold to drive one, personally, but as you said -- you're a big boy.

[A bit of teasing, especially when he sees that hint of blush.]

I liked what you wore when we went to dinner, but yeah, this suits you more.

[kinnie]

[ ugh. hearing his words replayed back to him in that cadence only deepens his blush. ]

If you're good I'll let you ride on the back seat. [ ahem. ]

...I'll remember that. [ note it for the future, even. ] I'm ready to take a look when you are.

[limbical]

If I'm good, huh. Should I be teasing you less?

[a trick question, he's going to keep teasing]

Of course. I'm ready. Oh, and if you see anything else in the store you'd like to... try with me, we can talk about it.

[kinnie]

More like you need to learn some manners.

[ he doesn't mean it, obviously -- daan is generally quite polite, except for when he isn't.

but then daan says that-- and cloud's eyes widen with some realization, blinking momentarily, before he finally manages to muster out: ]

You... [ a hand comes to rub at his forehead. ] ...saw the pictures, didn't you.

[ you know. the ones. ]

[limbical]

Me? I'll have you know I've been exceptionally trained to have manners.

[Fortunately, Daan knows that Cloud doesn't mean it. It's all part of the teasing, and he smiles fondly.

Then it becomes more sharp.]

Cloud. Of course I saw them. And I have to say... you make it work. But I won't force you to do anything you aren't comfortable with, of course.

[kinnie]

Someone needs to train you better.

[ said with a scoff. he plays himself because then he goes completely red in the face, looking away entirely. ]

I did it because I had to. [ but-- maybe, just maybe, it did unlock something in him. ] ... [ and then he resigns himself to silence, before muttering in a much softer voice. ]

...You-- [ he swallows. ] ...really thought I looked good like that?

[limbical]

Will that be you? Wouldn't that be fun.

[The change in Cloud's demeanor does cause Daan to adapt; his voice is a bit softer, more genuine.]

I do. You're a very handsome man, Cloud. I'd struggle to see you in something you couldn't make work, but you did look particularly good in those clothes.

[kinnie]

[ he doesn't know what to say to that. it's caught him completely off guard. like a deer in headlights, he makes some sort of breathless noise and looks around before his gaze returns to daan. ]

I... [ he's scratching his nose now. ] Well. [ and, as if very hyperconscious of the fact that anyone could overhear them-- ]

If... there's something you think I'll look good in, then... you can-- [ he's dying here. ] pick it out.

[limbical]

[It's damned cute seeing how embarrassed Cloud is about it. His thumb idly rolls over the leather of the jacket's lapel before he lets go.]

Well. We'll see, won't we?

For now, you help pick something for me. Then we'll try for you. All right?

[kinnie]

[ ugh. he sighs, feeling something faintly buzz beneath his skin. ]

Fine. [ he resigns with the air of a teenage boy. they enter the store, with cloud trailing behind his feet, visibly out of place but trying his best regardless. racks upon racks offering every kind of lingerie imaginable in varying colors, fabrics, and designs. he didn't even think underwear could look like this. ]

...A lot to pick from. [ cloud remarks, his gulp of air quite tangible. ] You... like silk, right?

[ listen, he noticed. ]

[limbical]

Hmm, hardly surprising, considering the kind of store we're in and who it's catered to.

[There's a thoughtful look on Daan's face, then he glances at Cloud, pleasantly surprised.] ...Yes, that's right. And the nice thing is that true silk is quite... resilient.

[good for people who be ripping clothes off, maybe (no this will not stand up to super soldier strength)]

And what was it you said, that I'd look good in panties?

[kinnie]

[ he scoffs. ]

'Course you know that. [ just call him mr. fancy pants at this point. ] I doubt it's any match for me.

[ and then right as he regains his bearings, he's back to square one. ]

...Yes. [ said through gritted teeth. ] It'll be a miracle if we find ones that fit.

[ ahem. two can play at this game. ]

[limbical]

Naturally. Though I suppose that's a fair point, you're much stronger than anyone else I've met.

[Daan clears his throat after he hears that, then gives Cloud a small but playful nudge with his elbow.]

...Well, we're hardly here for the functionality, so I suppose it wouldn't matter if they fit well or not.

[kinnie]

[ that surprises him, but he supposes... supersoldiers weren't going to be the norm in every part of the universe.

more notably, his mouth quirks up, a little amused at how daan flusters. ]

Don't worry. It'll look good either way.

[ he is, personally, a fan. cloud then stops in his tracks to thumb at a sheer, light blue set -- a pair of panties embellished with thin layers of lacework, ribbons attached to its sides. it's accompanied by garters and stockings.

he is clearly in deep thought right now. his eyes catch onto daan before flitting back to the lingerie. ]

...Hm.

[limbical]

Well, you'll be the judge of that, so I'll have to trust you.

[And really, he can't fault Cloud for teasing his... assets, as it were. Daan likes a good exchange of teasing anyway.

But he follows the other's gaze, the way Cloud considers the lingerie. Stockings and garters too, hm?

Daan tilts his head, finding he likes the color as well. So he sidles up, and brushes his hand against Cloud's.]

I see that's caught your eye. [He examines the panties mostly, humming.] Wonder if they'd let me get away with trying it on for you.

[kinnie]

[ he catches his hand in his, clasping it firmly. a bold move, maybe, but he likes to get his point across. ]

Pretty sure they will. [ his free hand is still running down the fabric — before he snatches it off the rack. ]

Wanna give it a go?

[limbical]

[Quietly, he likes that they can manage that more, a steady graduation from shyly barely touching their hands together to Cloud now more firmly grasping his. Daan gently squeezes it in return.]

Sure. Give it here, and I'll give it a try.

[kinnie]

[ his grip on daan is steadfast, thumb rubbing into the lines of his palm. the lingerie is gestured towards him, and he realizes then that they’re going to have to part momentarily. ]

I’ll come in when you’re done. [ … ] Unless you need help.

[ which he technically could offer. that stint at corneo’s did teach him a bit about this. ]

[limbical]

[It's tempting to have Cloud in to help him, but he does want to also surprise him with how it might turn out. He turns his head, gently kissing his cheek with a fond look in his eye.]

I think I can figure out garters and panties. But thank you.

Just wait until I'm done. Then you can come... evaluate the results. See if it's worth it.

[kinnie]

[ his features soften at that kiss — the patch of skin where daan’s lips had been tingles, and cloud looks on with the expression of a dog with its ears folded over. ]

…Fine. [ his arms fold, crossing over one another as he braces his back against the wall. probably in some attempt to appear cool and unbothered (he is neither of those things). ]

I’ll be waiting here. [ take your time, he means to say. ]