[ he blinks as he processes riley's words, but they ultimately bring him back to earth for whatever overly-eager state of mind he was in. of course... what was he doing, expecting to throw himself at a man he hardly knows? if anything, steven himself should have known better than to have been swept up in the moment.
still, being close to riley felt good. ]
Not taking advantage of the situation... your manners are exemplary.
[ it's said with a bit of a sigh, but he smiles all the same as he mirror's riley's movement. they're still a bit disheveled, but nothing looks too suggestive any more. ]
[ But his eyes do widen when he feels the tug of his zipper. Right. It isn't only Steve in the state of primal desire and general indecency. It's... Embarrassing and really throwing off his groove, but he clears his throat. Composure, poise, fortitude—he must present himself to be an honorable man. Smile with kindness and grace, not apprehension.
He doesn't roll off of Steven, however. It seems he has planted himself here. It's the body heat the coaxes him in loaf around, forcing him to close his eyes in attempts to inhibit this lingering headache. ]
I'll wait until you personally invite me again... That is, if you ever decide to. You seemed quite earnest?
[ it would be naive to try ignore the situation that they've found themselves in, or even downplay it. considering that they've kissed and continued to stay close without any true unease, it should be safe to assume that whatever has sparked between them is mutual.
his fingertips trail up from riley's hips, gentle and idle. ]
That's a good way to hold yourself. As luck may have it, I find myself enjoying the company of gentlemen the most...
[ it's a phrase that can be interpreted in a myriad of ways; the way it's said with nothing more than a calm expression leaves it open. when his hands reaches his shoulders they drop to rest on the mattress, not asking for any more contact. ]
Though I'd like to learn more about you on a basis of sobriety first, I think that will be likely.
[ The graze sends a chill down his spine, decorating his face with a nervous smile. He may be too sensitive to Steven's touch... It's alarming, springing danger signs, but they stop. Praise be. Riley's gaze lowers as he chuckles.
Running his fingers through his own hair, he's not sure how to begin. There's a thoughtful hum as he ponders where to start. ]
As you probably already know, I have an interest in ores and the potential of Pokemon. [ He taps his bottom lip with a finger. ] I have an interesting ability to sense auras—and quite the amount of stories from my childhood regarding that.
[ he lets riley go at his own pace; watching him, but not staring. he doesn't feel uncomfortable from this position just yet, so there isn't any need to protest. ]
If you're comfortable with sharing, I'd be glad to. Admittedly, my knowledge on the aura phenomenon is quite limited.
[ Steven makes such a great stress pillow, compliant and brimming with confidence. Sometimes he wonders how can someone stay so composed being used like a mattress, but... he digresses. ]
You can say aura is the essence of life and only few can see it, let alone manipulate it.
[ Closing his eyes, he tries to recall a memory. Maybe something fond. ]
When I was a child, I told a girl around my age her aura was ugly—what happens next is obvious. Definitely one of my less tactful moments.
[ it isn't all that distressing for him, oddly enough. riley is fairly lightweight and not making any movements that could be taken as stress-inducing, so he finds himself fairly comfortable.
though he does have to bring a hand up to his mouth, hiding a small smile at his story. ]
I can imagine so. You certainly get points for honesty...
[ He sputters without grace once, but catches himself with fretful hand. It doesn't completely stifle the unexpected chuckles, however. He was expecting some kind of light scolding or lecture. Resting his head on his chest, he buries his face into Steven's shirt. ]
That's a nice way to put it, almost encouraging. Unfortunately, I didn't seem all too happy about it—actually, she burst into tears, then I did the same.
[ Hm... ]
I apologize. This is probably the least ideal pillow talk.
[ it's a little too funny for him to do that, and he was a child at the time. it wouldn't be of any use to scold him for it now, and they're both able to share a laugh over it.
his reflex is to lay a hand on riley's back to keep him there, but he relents. ]
I'm sure it was a lesson learned. [ but he shakes his head. ] On the contrary, I'm enjoying it. I've never been one for idle conversation.
[ Yes... laugh at his miserable childhood. He was definitely not popular with girls in his age group after that. Still, he's surprised by how awfully human Steven is?
No offense at all to the former Champion, but it's all surreal. However, it may be the pedestal Riley has put him on for reputation and aura alone—a man almost untouchable.
... For the most part. ]
I'll take your word for it. [ But he's still uneasy about this all which shows in how he shifts on top of him. ] Since I shared, it's only fair that you do the same.
[ yep, champions are indeed human. the professional side of steven is likely the only one that riley is familiar with - most people are, seeing as they'd likely never get the opportunity to speak with him on a one-on-one basis. without prying eyes or a reputation to defend, steven finds himself a bit more comfortable to be himself here. ]
You want to hear an embarrassing childhood story?
[ steven would have been popular with girls... if he was given the time to hang out with them, which he wasn't. before he had insisted on leaving home to go on a journey of his own, his days were spent being groomed to become the devon corporation's future heir. there wasn't really anything funny about it, so he keeps quiet about stating his lack of childhood socialization outright. ]
Let's see... Before I was old enough to have a Pokémon of my own, I had several pet rocks. Much to my father's chagrin, I insisted on bringing them along wherever I went - corporate functions included. I found them to be much better company than the other people in attendance.
So what I'm hearing is that you were allowed very few friends.
[ There's a complacent expression on his face, amicable but ultimately entertained. Is it bad that he isn't too surprised Steven's childhood gravitates about ores? It definitely doesn't take away the quaint quality of the story. Riley continues to smile politely, but his facade breaks when he lets out a couple of chuckles. ]
Rock pets... That's cute. I wonder if you moved on to a rock lover as you grew older. What was their name?
[ He can't let this go, sorry. A little teasing doesn't hurt anyone! ]
[ welp. he probably should have expected as much - riley is a smart man. all the same, at least he was able to get a laugh out of him. he feels a little more vindicated than ridiculed. ]
Were? I'm sorry to hear that they aren't with us anymore.
[ He'll remember Kotetsu and Ishin fondly with Steven, though he has never met such thoughtful rocks before. He's trying to imagine a small Steven with his band of rocks... They would also have clothes, of course. ]
I certainly hope so. I told my father to keep an eye on them after I left home on my journey.
[ thankfully, it was mr.stone's own love of rocks that made sure that beloved ishin and kotetsu's lives were spared from an unceremonious disposal. they were by no means rare, but they represented something special. ]
Still, their legacy does live on to this day. I've named a pair of Beldum that I own after them.
[ Steven, you are such a cute weirdo. Riley can't stand the thought of bullying him anymore than this over his pet rocks. He lifts himself with the use of his elbows as anchors and leans forward, bumping their foreheads and rubbing their noses together. ]
I never took you to be so sentimental, but it does add to your quirky charm.
[ Pulling back, his smile and expression softens. ]
Thank you for sharing that—and this moment—with me.
[ maybe it was naive of him to not consider riley's pressing as "bullying", but he feels like it was actually a pretty fun story to share.
the nuzzling gesture is intimate and unexpected, seeing as he had put any assumption of any more physical contact to rest. it's enough to make him blush again, his cheeks pink once again when riley looks at him. he really needs to learn how to control that. ]
Yes, of course. It's always good to see different sides of someone that captures your interest.
[ It's okay. Riley doesn't fit the bully role too well. Some teasing here and there is fine, especially if it brings out those flushed cheeks that ails Steven right at this moment. He has to hold in a chuckle, but it reminds him something... ]
You can hold me if you want.
[ As if Steven's subtle touches and apprehension would go unnoticed. Riley can sense the other man's hesitance in his aura, flashing on and off throughout their talk. ]
I agree completely. It makes me want to learn a bit more.
[ it isn't just riley's capabilities with aura that remain a mystery to him, and his curiousity is continuously being piqued as they talk. though is this really the best place? ]
...Are you sure?
[ it's not that he doesn't want to - it's the exact opposite, actually. but considering how things had been a bit awkward between them before, he has to wonder if it's really all right. ]
[ There was no doubt in his mind. He has held Lucario, Absol, and his other Pokemon, so it's not as if this is all too strange—except this is a person, once Champion of Hoenn, immediate heir to Devon Corp...
Suddenly, it dawns on him again that it's preposterous to get cuddly with someone of this caliber. An aura of conviction is one thing, but with a tangible legacy makes it all the more concerning. ]
... Though I am having doubts with each passing second. [ Which is unlike him... Hm. ] But I'm sure they'll subside.
...No reason, I suppose. I only wanted to make sure.
[ social standing aside, he most definitely isn't a pokemon. physical contact with a person is something different altogether; steven is having difficulty reading the atmosphere, and that isn't something he's used to.
as an introduction to it, he reaches over and threads their fingers together. they interlock gently, so the two rings adorning steven's own don't cause discomfort to riley's. he'll only move closer if the other is receptive. ]
[ There is a lack of atmosphere, really, but it does seem tense when skin touches skin. It shakes Riley's nerves for a moment with the cold steel of Steven's rings, but he lightly squeezes his hand to show his eagerness.
Feeling a little daring, Riley brings his hand closer before brushing his lips against the back before grazing it down the base of his thumb. ]
Careful and considerate as always.
[ This is most definitely not a hug, but that's fine. ]
[ he makes sure to keep his breathing as even as possible when he sees riley kiss his hand, hoping to keep his composure. he's thankfully able to stay calm enough to stave off another embarrassing blush, and responds with positioning them both so that they're lying on their sides and facing one another, moving their linked hands to rest between them. ]
I have to be.
[ he doesn't want there to be some sort of imbalance between them, but the fact of the matter is that it's there. he wants riley to know that this is mutual.
his free hand trails up his side, curling around to rest on the small of his back. ]
[ Well, he doesn't mind the change in position at all. With their hands locked, it's hard to care about shifts in power or roles. Riley only pulls that hand back up so he can kiss Steven's fingers, planting one for each digit. ]
You don't have to be, though it is part of your charm.
[ With a half-lidded gaze, he looks up to Steven, lips still tracing over his knuckle. His back does arch to Steven's touch, forcing him to shift a little closer. ]
[ wow. that definitely isn't as conservative as they had started out, and steven has to wonder if things are taking a turn back to where they were last night. the difference is that they're both sober and in control of their inhibitions this time, but how far will that take them exactly?
"however you like" paired with that half-lidded gaze sends a shiver to his core. even if he said that, steven has to ask. ]
You're being... incredibly suggestive, Riley. [ underststement, seeing as he's practically prostrating himself for him at this point. ] Am I misreading that?
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still, being close to riley felt good. ]
Not taking advantage of the situation... your manners are exemplary.
[ it's said with a bit of a sigh, but he smiles all the same as he mirror's riley's movement. they're still a bit disheveled, but nothing looks too suggestive any more. ]
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[ But his eyes do widen when he feels the tug of his zipper. Right. It isn't only Steve in the state of primal desire and general indecency. It's... Embarrassing and really throwing off his groove, but he clears his throat. Composure, poise, fortitude—he must present himself to be an honorable man. Smile with kindness and grace, not apprehension.
He doesn't roll off of Steven, however. It seems he has planted himself here. It's the body heat the coaxes him in loaf around, forcing him to close his eyes in attempts to inhibit this lingering headache. ]
I'll wait until you personally invite me again... That is, if you ever decide to. You seemed quite earnest?
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his fingertips trail up from riley's hips, gentle and idle. ]
That's a good way to hold yourself. As luck may have it, I find myself enjoying the company of gentlemen the most...
[ it's a phrase that can be interpreted in a myriad of ways; the way it's said with nothing more than a calm expression leaves it open. when his hands reaches his shoulders they drop to rest on the mattress, not asking for any more contact. ]
Though I'd like to learn more about you on a basis of sobriety first, I think that will be likely.
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Running his fingers through his own hair, he's not sure how to begin. There's a thoughtful hum as he ponders where to start. ]
As you probably already know, I have an interest in ores and the potential of Pokemon. [ He taps his bottom lip with a finger. ] I have an interesting ability to sense auras—and quite the amount of stories from my childhood regarding that.
Would you like to hear one?
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If you're comfortable with sharing, I'd be glad to. Admittedly, my knowledge on the aura phenomenon is quite limited.
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You can say aura is the essence of life and only few can see it, let alone manipulate it.
[ Closing his eyes, he tries to recall a memory. Maybe something fond. ]
When I was a child, I told a girl around my age her aura was ugly—what happens next is obvious. Definitely one of my less tactful moments.
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though he does have to bring a hand up to his mouth, hiding a small smile at his story. ]
I can imagine so. You certainly get points for honesty...
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That's a nice way to put it, almost encouraging. Unfortunately, I didn't seem all too happy about it—actually, she burst into tears, then I did the same.
[ Hm... ]
I apologize. This is probably the least ideal pillow talk.
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his reflex is to lay a hand on riley's back to keep him there, but he relents. ]
I'm sure it was a lesson learned. [ but he shakes his head. ] On the contrary, I'm enjoying it. I've never been one for idle conversation.
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No offense at all to the former Champion, but it's all surreal. However, it may be the pedestal Riley has put him on for reputation and aura alone—a man almost untouchable.
... For the most part. ]
I'll take your word for it. [ But he's still uneasy about this all which shows in how he shifts on top of him. ] Since I shared, it's only fair that you do the same.
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You want to hear an embarrassing childhood story?
[ steven would have been popular with girls... if he was given the time to hang out with them, which he wasn't. before he had insisted on leaving home to go on a journey of his own, his days were spent being groomed to become the devon corporation's future heir. there wasn't really anything funny about it, so he keeps quiet about stating his lack of childhood socialization outright. ]
Let's see... Before I was old enough to have a Pokémon of my own, I had several pet rocks. Much to my father's chagrin, I insisted on bringing them along wherever I went - corporate functions included. I found them to be much better company than the other people in attendance.
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[ There's a complacent expression on his face, amicable but ultimately entertained. Is it bad that he isn't too surprised Steven's childhood gravitates about ores? It definitely doesn't take away the quaint quality of the story. Riley continues to smile politely, but his facade breaks when he lets out a couple of chuckles. ]
Rock pets... That's cute. I wonder if you moved on to a rock lover as you grew older. What was their name?
[ He can't let this go, sorry. A little teasing doesn't hurt anyone! ]
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[ welp. he probably should have expected as much - riley is a smart man. all the same, at least he was able to get a laugh out of him. he feels a little more vindicated than ridiculed. ]
Kotetsu and Ishin. They were very good listeners.
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[ He'll remember Kotetsu and Ishin fondly with Steven, though he has never met such thoughtful rocks before. He's trying to imagine a small Steven with his band of rocks... They would also have clothes, of course. ]
Are they in your room back home?
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[ thankfully, it was mr.stone's own love of rocks that made sure that beloved ishin and kotetsu's lives were spared from an unceremonious disposal. they were by no means rare, but they represented something special. ]
Still, their legacy does live on to this day. I've named a pair of Beldum that I own after them.
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I never took you to be so sentimental, but it does add to your quirky charm.
[ Pulling back, his smile and expression softens. ]
Thank you for sharing that—and this moment—with me.
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the nuzzling gesture is intimate and unexpected, seeing as he had put any assumption of any more physical contact to rest. it's enough to make him blush again, his cheeks pink once again when riley looks at him. he really needs to learn how to control that. ]
You did the same with me. It was only fair.
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[ It's okay. Riley doesn't fit the bully role too well. Some teasing here and there is fine, especially if it brings out those flushed cheeks that ails Steven right at this moment. He has to hold in a chuckle, but it reminds him something... ]
You can hold me if you want.
[ As if Steven's subtle touches and apprehension would go unnoticed. Riley can sense the other man's hesitance in his aura, flashing on and off throughout their talk. ]
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[ it isn't just riley's capabilities with aura that remain a mystery to him, and his curiousity is continuously being piqued as they talk. though is this really the best place? ]
...Are you sure?
[ it's not that he doesn't want to - it's the exact opposite, actually. but considering how things had been a bit awkward between them before, he has to wonder if it's really all right. ]
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[ There was no doubt in his mind. He has held Lucario, Absol, and his other Pokemon, so it's not as if this is all too strange—except this is a person, once Champion of Hoenn, immediate heir to Devon Corp...
Suddenly, it dawns on him again that it's preposterous to get cuddly with someone of this caliber. An aura of conviction is one thing, but with a tangible legacy makes it all the more concerning. ]
... Though I am having doubts with each passing second. [ Which is unlike him... Hm. ] But I'm sure they'll subside.
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[ social standing aside, he most definitely isn't a pokemon. physical contact with a person is something different altogether; steven is having difficulty reading the atmosphere, and that isn't something he's used to.
as an introduction to it, he reaches over and threads their fingers together. they interlock gently, so the two rings adorning steven's own don't cause discomfort to riley's. he'll only move closer if the other is receptive. ]
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Feeling a little daring, Riley brings his hand closer before brushing his lips against the back before grazing it down the base of his thumb. ]
Careful and considerate as always.
[ This is most definitely not a hug, but that's fine. ]
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I have to be.
[ he doesn't want there to be some sort of imbalance between them, but the fact of the matter is that it's there. he wants riley to know that this is mutual.
his free hand trails up his side, curling around to rest on the small of his back. ]
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You don't have to be, though it is part of your charm.
[ With a half-lidded gaze, he looks up to Steven, lips still tracing over his knuckle. His back does arch to Steven's touch, forcing him to shift a little closer. ]
Treat me however you like.
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"however you like" paired with that half-lidded gaze sends a shiver to his core. even if he said that, steven has to ask. ]
You're being... incredibly suggestive, Riley. [ underststement, seeing as he's practically prostrating himself for him at this point. ] Am I misreading that?
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