"You've reached the inbox of Jeremiah Gottwald. I'm unavailable at the moment, but leave a message and I'll return your call as soon as possible. Thank you."
When I was in the Britannian military, I would get a lot of attention from much older women... but even as a child, the girls I liked were always much older than myself.
[Like the maid he'd developed a crush on at the ripe old age of three. Some people grow up more quickly than others, though one could just as easily argue that the odd cog in the machine is Suzaku.]
[Wanting restraint, yet proposing they get naked together. It would seem suspicious if he didn't remember moments later that public bathing isn't regarded the same everywhere in the world.]
That sounds pleasant.
[Then, a follow-up when he considers it.]
Shall we meet at the resort, or would you like to walk there together?
Is it not out of your way? Or are you just being chivalrous?
[He'd like to think he's a champion in that practice. A knight, a damn good one where it counted, could give him a run for his money though. It doesn't sound bad, actually.]
Any time is fine, really.
[Please, like Jeremiah has much taking up his time here.]
[This time it's not a surprise when he opens up, at least. Jeremiah's ready, not even wearing a cravat or a tie for how simply he's dressed. By his standards anyway, but it's all going to come off in a few minutes, so why bother?]
Good afternoon, Suzaku. [He'd invite him in, but he's already set to leave. And if he was worried about it, Jeremiah looks content to see him.] Shall we?
[Oh? Jeremiah looks cute dressed down?? Color Suzaku only mildly surprised, because really, it's a given that a handsome man would look good in just about anything. They say the clothes make the man, but that only applies to men who need embellishment to look their best. With a bow and a smile, Suzaku greets Jeremiah warmly.]
Good afternoon. You look good, Jeremiah. [If nothing else (if absolutely nothing else), Suzaku's compliments are as genuine as they are earnestly given.] Let's go.
[And thus, the two made their way to the hot springs. Very exciting. Even the tedious process of checking in and securing a room for the duration of their stay has Suzaku unreasonably giddy. When they've made their way into the changing room, Suzaku unfolds his yukata and holds it up high with a radiant grin.]
...and afterwards, we get to wear these. Have you ever worn a yukata before, Jeremiah?
[Were Suzaku a dog, his tail would be wagging away. He's yet to realize it himself, but he's awfully happy right now. More and more often these days, he finds good reason to smile.]
[He should swing by the ranch someday when Jeremiah's got a shift. The man actually wears jeans. A collared shirt still, of course, although his boss might be angling to do away with that.
For Suzaku, though, he just smiles in a way that says he wasn't expecting it.]
Thank you. [He feels bare in a suit without resting over his breastbone, but that's just going to have to be the running theme of today, isn't it? With an honesty to pair with it:] I'd say the same of you, this afternoon.
[Just because it's true. Easy to take just for flirtation, maybe, but Suzaku just looks better when he's... happy. Healthy and content. It's easy to mirror, a relief from the tone of their conversation, the awkwardness preceding it. The walk is nice, as is the resort, for all the wear on things. Jeremiah's begun finding a sort of charm in that.]
I haven't, no. To be fair, this would be my first occasion for it.
[He peers at his own in his hands briefly, assured it was a correct size but not yet unfolding it. Following Suzaku's guidance feels key here, so this is probably the part where he should disrobe, yet just watches the radiance on the younger man's face with a small warmth answering in his chest. Another reassurance, like a light guiding his path.]
[Whatever self-conscious Suzaku feels (Jeremiah's watching him, isn't he?) is easily overshadowed by the bath house's many whimsies. The patterning on the yukatas is minimal yet striking, and their room was clearly designed with the same deliberate, careful consideration.
It's a lot to take in, but Suzaku's eager to enjoy all the inn has to offer– especially the bath.
Without much hesitation, Suzaku tugs his shirt off overhead, folding it neatly and nestling it away in his cubby. Is it any surprise that Suzaku isn't the least bit reluctant to get undressed? Well– perhaps not, but he does hesitate when he's done away with all else but his underwear.
They've done well untangling the knotted mess that is their relationship, but... ah. Some hesitation still remains in Suzaku, some conscious need to mind himself in Jeremiah's company.]
I think that yukata will suit you. Look, the stripes are even orange. [Suzaku points at said stripes, and that's the moment he uses to strip out of his underwear and tie a towel around his waist. Someone's feeling uncharacteristically self-conscious.] I'll meet you out there. Take your time, okay?
[Aaand he's gone. Self-conscious was an understatement.]
[Jeremiah sets the garment aside for the time being, following suit and shrugging off his jacket, folding it meticulously to not crease the lapels too much. If he really needed it, he could probably hang his things up somewhere, but his concern doesn't demand it, so he brushes it aside and works on the rest of his clothing. There's a degree that does feel odd, but only when he shrugs his shirt off and realizes Suzaku hasn't seen this yet while his back is politely turned, maroon plating and orange ports down his spine. Memories of what Jeremiah did or didn't expose gnaw at him for a moment, and he falters with his belt with unease.
Suzaku's voice, though, is what breaks him out of it. Sure enough he looks to the other man and just sees him. Nothing monstrous, nothing irredeemable, just Suzaku. Suzaku without most of his clothes, to boot. It might actually be the stranger feeling, so he looks at his yukata for a moment for a neutral reason to avert his eyes. Movement in his periphery is brief, and the next thing he knows, Suzaku is in a towel and heading out.]
I won't be long.
[It's all he gets out before he's gone, anything else dying on his lips. Jeremiah makes quick enough work of the rest of it, hoping the rest of the tension can bleed itself out in the water. Tucking his own towel around his waist, he follows out the same exit to the pools, looking for a familiar head of hair.]
[That familiar shock of chestnut hair isn't hard to find. Alerted by the patter of bare feet on the cobbles, Suzaku smiles at Jeremiah over a shoulder.]
Over here.
[Suzaku's towel sits neatly folded on the nearby rocks. He doesn't shrink away when Jeremiah draws near, but straightens up instead, that smile thin and bright. Evidently, someone's gotten over himself.]
[It's reassuring to see as Jeremiah makes his way over. Of course things aren't going to mend themselves perfectly or all at once, but they're heading in the right direction.
He's not looking, though, to see if Suzaku's looking in turn, tugging his towel off and stepping in with a faint hiss as he gets a feel for the almost-too-hot water. Jeremiah sinks in rather slowly, so there's ample time, but he doesn't think much of it or feel strange. In a neutral context, there's already a kind of utilitarianism he holds towards his own body now, a little less protective after he'd been practically put on display for months in a laboratory.]
You weren't kidding. [He sighs as he sits down, closing his eyes for a moment and just soaking it in. So much better than the shower in his apartment.]
[Oh, Suzaku is certainly looking. He can't help the trajectory of his gaze, his eyes settling on Jeremiah's no matter how many times Suzaku tries to divert his attention elsewhere. Evidently, a soak in the bath's all it takes to loosen Suzaku's inhibitions to the point where he doesn't think twice about resting his cheek on Jeremiah's shoulder, settling against him.]
It's a lot like the open air baths we had in Japan. [Is... is Suzaku wrapping his arm around Jeremiah's? Why yes, he certainly is.] I only got to bathe in one a few times as a child, but they feel very nostalgic.
[Suzaku heaves a contented sigh, all but cuddling with the arm he's accosted. Ah. What's gotten into Suzaku?]
[What Jeremiah catches in his periphery doesn't surprise him, nor draw much of a flush to his face in retrospect. He did expect it, to a degree; he isn't trying to tempt the other man, but removing some barriers might help spark a conversation.
What he doesn't expect is the touching. It doesn't feel unwelcome, so Jeremiah remains settled as they are, pressed up against a remarkable amount of bare skin. Maybe he should discourage it, but Suzaku seems so keen on physical contact that he just doesn't want to, relaxing into the water, into the hold. Like on the beach, how he'd been surprised by receiving a hug and yet had so readily accepted the gesture. Or how he'd drunkenly snuggled up to Lelouch during their attempt to make peace. Like he really doesn't get enough of it.]
It seems that way. [Not that Jeremiah would know the traditional trappings of an onsen, the clothes provided the only real tip-off.] Being outside is... different, but quite pleasant. The fresh air makes it far less stifling than an indoor bath.
[In the vast wasteland of Suzaku's mind is the dim awareness that maybe, just maybe, there's something odd about clinging to Jeremiah like a lovestruck tween. Suzaku looks up into Jeremiah's eyes like he needs an adult, because really, this... this isn't normal, is it? He doesn't normally cuddle with Jeremiah, of all people.]
Jeremiah... [HELP ME] You— you kind of...
[By the time Suzaku is fully aware that is body and mind are no longer his to command, he's lost the ability to do a damn thing about it. But boy, does he try. Now, if he can only manage to ask Jeremiah for help—]
[The disconnect between the alarm in his eyes and the words that come out of his mouth help, a little. They also don't give Jeremiah much to work with, so he's mostly just at a loss with what to do now, only that something might be off.]
Do I? [Nailed it. What a team they make. No, this won't work, something's definitely wrong.]
Suzaku, are you feeling all right?
[For all that he may be able to answer that. Jeremiah doesn't pull away, doesn't move to, what, feel for his temperature? Like that would be an objective indicator, being in a hot spring and all.]
[Ah. The answer to how Suzaku's feeling is nothing but a resounding ah, his gaze glassy and his sights fixed on nothing in particular. Were he able, he'd tell Jeremiah that he isn't feeling fine at all, the already tenuous grip he'd held on his psyche cleanly severed by the mysterious qualities of the hot spring's waters.
Swooning unsteadily where he sits pressed against Jeremiah, Suzaku looks up at him with big, admiring eyes. Help him.]
I want to smell like oranges too.
[Oh, maybe he should wink to seal the deal, but... gosh, Suzaku's forgotten how to do even that. Hot springs are a hell of a drug. He'll just reach right around and squeeze Jeremiah's ass instead. Yeah, that'll do it.]
[Suzaku may smell oranges, but all Jeremiah smells is trouble. The fog over his expression is enough to draw concern to the forefront, yet his response isn't to jump into action, even put space between them. It's the water somehow, surely, but he isn't ready to entertain the idea that they've been tricked into anything abnormal.]
You must be overheating, we sh- [And then there's a hand on his bare butt and his hopes of normalcy get dashed. Jeremiah yelps instead of finishing his trail of thought, reaching down and snatching Suzaku's wrist, pulling it away.]
Suzaku! Don't just do that without permission.
[Wait. That doesn't sound right. Or it does, but it's not quite the right tone. This isn't what they came here for. Is it?]
[But the booty called and Suzaku answered?! Seriously, it sure felt like an ass just begging to be grabbed, but ah, Jeremiah's mad... No, he's probably just embarrassed. Suzaku fixes those big, innocent doe-eyes on him and pouts, because he didn't mean to! He swears!!]
I-I'm sorry! My hand just moved on its own...
[...and now his other hand is moving around to the front to make a grab for something else. Act fast, Jerry.]
It's just– I've always thought that, ah... you look like a s-snack. [STRUGGLING] N-no, I mean– ...I think I've lost control of my mouth.
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When I was in the Britannian military, I would get a lot of attention from much older women... but even as a child, the girls I liked were always much older than myself.
[Like the maid he'd developed a crush on at the ripe old age of three. Some people grow up more quickly than others, though one could just as easily argue that the odd cog in the machine is Suzaku.]
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[He has to laugh at himself.]
And with men? Is it any different?
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On second thought, this is all pretty embarrassing to type out.
[Could they, perhaps, meet up somewhere...?]
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[Of course he instead offers an out like any Britannian ex-noble would.]
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I'd rather talk about this in person.
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[It was for his benefit, really. Not that Suzaku ever would take it.]
Where would you like to meet?
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[Together, as men of culture do.]
I've been meaning to try out the hot springs anyway.
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That sounds pleasant.
[Then, a follow-up when he considers it.]
Shall we meet at the resort, or would you like to walk there together?
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[The honor is all his, m'jerry.]
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[He'd like to think he's a champion in that practice. A knight, a damn good one where it counted, could give him a run for his money though. It doesn't sound bad, actually.]
Any time is fine, really.
[Please, like Jeremiah has much taking up his time here.]
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[And arrive shortly he does. Knock knock, it's the dick pic boy.]
aaaand... action!
Good afternoon, Suzaku. [He'd invite him in, but he's already set to leave. And if he was worried about it, Jeremiah looks content to see him.] Shall we?
WOW I FORGOT TO CHANGE IT TO ACTION, GO ME
Good afternoon. You look good, Jeremiah. [If nothing else (if absolutely nothing else), Suzaku's compliments are as genuine as they are earnestly given.] Let's go.
[And thus, the two made their way to the hot springs. Very exciting. Even the tedious process of checking in and securing a room for the duration of their stay has Suzaku unreasonably giddy. When they've made their way into the changing room, Suzaku unfolds his yukata and holds it up high with a radiant grin.]
...and afterwards, we get to wear these. Have you ever worn a yukata before, Jeremiah?
[Were Suzaku a dog, his tail would be wagging away. He's yet to realize it himself, but he's awfully happy right now. More and more often these days, he finds good reason to smile.]
bro don't even sweat it bro i got u
For Suzaku, though, he just smiles in a way that says he wasn't expecting it.]
Thank you. [He feels bare in a suit without resting over his breastbone, but that's just going to have to be the running theme of today, isn't it? With an honesty to pair with it:] I'd say the same of you, this afternoon.
[Just because it's true. Easy to take just for flirtation, maybe, but Suzaku just looks better when he's... happy. Healthy and content. It's easy to mirror, a relief from the tone of their conversation, the awkwardness preceding it. The walk is nice, as is the resort, for all the wear on things. Jeremiah's begun finding a sort of charm in that.]
I haven't, no. To be fair, this would be my first occasion for it.
[He peers at his own in his hands briefly, assured it was a correct size but not yet unfolding it. Following Suzaku's guidance feels key here, so this is probably the part where he should disrobe, yet just watches the radiance on the younger man's face with a small warmth answering in his chest. Another reassurance, like a light guiding his path.]
It's good to finally have one.
sweats profusely
It's a lot to take in, but Suzaku's eager to enjoy all the inn has to offer– especially the bath.
Without much hesitation, Suzaku tugs his shirt off overhead, folding it neatly and nestling it away in his cubby. Is it any surprise that Suzaku isn't the least bit reluctant to get undressed? Well– perhaps not, but he does hesitate when he's done away with all else but his underwear.
They've done well untangling the knotted mess that is their relationship, but... ah. Some hesitation still remains in Suzaku, some conscious need to mind himself in Jeremiah's company.]
I think that yukata will suit you. Look, the stripes are even orange. [Suzaku points at said stripes, and that's the moment he uses to strip out of his underwear and tie a towel around his waist. Someone's feeling uncharacteristically self-conscious.] I'll meet you out there. Take your time, okay?
[Aaand he's gone. Self-conscious was an understatement.]
dabs with a towel
Suzaku's voice, though, is what breaks him out of it. Sure enough he looks to the other man and just sees him. Nothing monstrous, nothing irredeemable, just Suzaku. Suzaku without most of his clothes, to boot. It might actually be the stranger feeling, so he looks at his yukata for a moment for a neutral reason to avert his eyes. Movement in his periphery is brief, and the next thing he knows, Suzaku is in a towel and heading out.]
I won't be long.
[It's all he gets out before he's gone, anything else dying on his lips. Jeremiah makes quick enough work of the rest of it, hoping the rest of the tension can bleed itself out in the water. Tucking his own towel around his waist, he follows out the same exit to the pools, looking for a familiar head of hair.]
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Over here.
[Suzaku's towel sits neatly folded on the nearby rocks. He doesn't shrink away when Jeremiah draws near, but straightens up instead, that smile thin and bright. Evidently, someone's gotten over himself.]
Come on in. The water's perfect.
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He's not looking, though, to see if Suzaku's looking in turn, tugging his towel off and stepping in with a faint hiss as he gets a feel for the almost-too-hot water. Jeremiah sinks in rather slowly, so there's ample time, but he doesn't think much of it or feel strange. In a neutral context, there's already a kind of utilitarianism he holds towards his own body now, a little less protective after he'd been practically put on display for months in a laboratory.]
You weren't kidding. [He sighs as he sits down, closing his eyes for a moment and just soaking it in. So much better than the shower in his apartment.]
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It's a lot like the open air baths we had in Japan. [Is... is Suzaku wrapping his arm around Jeremiah's? Why yes, he certainly is.] I only got to bathe in one a few times as a child, but they feel very nostalgic.
[Suzaku heaves a contented sigh, all but cuddling with the arm he's accosted. Ah. What's gotten into Suzaku?]
I'm glad I can share the experience with you.
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What he doesn't expect is the touching. It doesn't feel unwelcome, so Jeremiah remains settled as they are, pressed up against a remarkable amount of bare skin. Maybe he should discourage it, but Suzaku seems so keen on physical contact that he just doesn't want to, relaxing into the water, into the hold. Like on the beach, how he'd been surprised by receiving a hug and yet had so readily accepted the gesture. Or how he'd drunkenly snuggled up to Lelouch during their attempt to make peace. Like he really doesn't get enough of it.]
It seems that way. [Not that Jeremiah would know the traditional trappings of an onsen, the clothes provided the only real tip-off.] Being outside is... different, but quite pleasant. The fresh air makes it far less stifling than an indoor bath.
[He smiles softly.] I'm glad for it as well.
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Jeremiah... [HELP ME] You— you kind of...
[By the time Suzaku is fully aware that is body and mind are no longer his to command, he's lost the ability to do a damn thing about it. But boy, does he try. Now, if he can only manage to ask Jeremiah for help—]
You really— s-smell like oranges.
[Yes, perfect.]
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Do I? [Nailed it. What a team they make. No, this won't work, something's definitely wrong.]
Suzaku, are you feeling all right?
[For all that he may be able to answer that. Jeremiah doesn't pull away, doesn't move to, what, feel for his temperature? Like that would be an objective indicator, being in a hot spring and all.]
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[Ah. The answer to how Suzaku's feeling is nothing but a resounding ah, his gaze glassy and his sights fixed on nothing in particular. Were he able, he'd tell Jeremiah that he isn't feeling fine at all, the already tenuous grip he'd held on his psyche cleanly severed by the mysterious qualities of the hot spring's waters.
Swooning unsteadily where he sits pressed against Jeremiah, Suzaku looks up at him with big, admiring eyes. Help him.]
I want to smell like oranges too.
[Oh, maybe he should wink to seal the deal, but... gosh, Suzaku's forgotten how to do even that. Hot springs are a hell of a drug. He'll just reach right around and squeeze Jeremiah's ass instead. Yeah, that'll do it.]
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You must be overheating, we sh- [And then there's a hand on his bare butt and his hopes of normalcy get dashed. Jeremiah yelps instead of finishing his trail of thought, reaching down and snatching Suzaku's wrist, pulling it away.]
Suzaku! Don't just do that without permission.
[Wait. That doesn't sound right. Or it does, but it's not quite the right tone. This isn't what they came here for. Is it?]
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I-I'm sorry! My hand just moved on its own...
[...and now his other hand is moving around to the front to make a grab for something else. Act fast, Jerry.]
It's just– I've always thought that, ah... you look like a s-snack. [STRUGGLING] N-no, I mean– ...I think I've lost control of my mouth.
[You don't say.]
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