#starsvein08

[kleinstar]

@starsvein & @daxned

Needless to say Eiden was pretty surprised to receive a text message from Dam-bi. Out of all people who might have asked to meet Veoc she hadn't really made it to the list.

It's not a bad thing but this feels so formal...

Eiden sighs a little then glances at Veoc, standing there with a whole flower bush in his arms. He can't help but crack a little smile and reach to pinch his cheek a little.

" You really didn't have to do that. "

It's sweet of him though.

" Good that you're on your best behaviour though - she's pretty strict. Because here I go~~ "

He knocks on the door.

[kleinstar]

When he sees the embarrassment drawing from the mention of the thickness of his skull Eiden can feel the usual smile stretching his cheeks again.

" Then it's all good. We'll worry about if it comes to that. "

Maybe it is just pushing the topic ahead for the future. Eiden doesn't know. He'll spare it an excuse for the time and place for now. As his chest flutters over the textbook speak Veoc delves onto, he finds himself laughing.

" Yeah? To be fair I am pretty good at that! Maybe it's all those part time jobs. "

There he goes bursting onto fuller smile.

" I liked taking that trip too. Like that part where you were groping my waist...."

" Didn't think you'd be bold enough to do that on a shelter yard but.... "

"My thick skull..."

"Yes, of course. I'll listen."

Feeling a little sheepish, Veoc rubs the back of his neck before looking up again. Eiden looks unhappy—anyone would with this kind of topic—but not repulsed. Moreover, it's a topic they should address before going deeper into their relationship.

"There's nothing wrong with your thinking," he continues. "It's normal to compartmentalize different experiences to keep our lives separate. That's how humans switch between modes for work and home..." he trails off, realizing he's reciting time management tips from the military instead.

"Never mind, that's not for now. You're right that we should enjoy the moment."

With a smile, he changes the topic instead.

"Stella and Pumi have been doing very well. I'm glad you chose them with me."

[kleinstar]

Veoc's got a talent, intentional or not, of fishing a good long laugh out of Eiden. This one is obvious and audible even if it comes from behind Eiden's hand.

" Well, I think it'd have sort of been a right idea back then too, wouldn't it? From future standpoint anyway."

He wipes the tears of laughter from his eyes.

" But a job? You're supposed to be paid for those y'know.... Are we getting into compensated dating now? How hurtful...." Eiden teases, foot sliding to Veoc's ankle now.

" You haven't thought that one through. What if I want you for a whole time? "

"All right." There are still matters left unresolved, but it was probably easier to discuss it later. They'd just moved on from that bloody murder scene, after all.

Groping his waist?

It takes Veoc a second, but he recalls how Eiden had dressed on their trip to the shelter, and how he'd tried to warm him up with his bare hand in turn.

"Back then, you said it might give people the wrong idea..."

"Are we the right idea now? At the time, I thought it was the best way to warm you up..."

His tone turns serious again.

"I can also take on a part-time job, as your part-time heater."

[kleinstar]

" Mm. Yeah, I guess long distance can be hard... "

He'd broken up with some due to them moving far off. Back then he just hadn't been up to that, he'd lacked stability overall. But even that hadn't been galaxies apart. Here's there's no real worry over distance - as long as they remain on the island anyway.

...that's a different story. Eiden shakes the thought off his head. Better focus on things he can do something about, time planning certainly one of those.

" Just so you know I won't take being neglected nicely! "

He smirks a little for good measure. The following serious tone makes him a little nervous though---

" Err, you ... gotta do what's told... right? "

"I evaluated my position and found it unsuitable for a romantic relationship," Veoc admits honestly. "Most of my missions took place in different galaxies...even if I met someone, he or she would have to wait for me between deployment sessions."

He shook his head, tone rueful but otherwise calm. "That would have been unfair to us both."

He rests a hand on his chest next, expression relaxing into something more warm. "I did find work very fulfilling. To an extent, I still miss it, so I expect to look into similar opportunities while I'm here. It won't be identical to my duties in the military, but..."

He breaks into a brief chuckle.

"...balancing work with you should be intellectually stimulating."

Designed for efficiency and reluctant to stay idle, Veoc naturally wants to make this life as full as possible. Still, one point stuck out: his partner kept calling him a good guy even though he'd done plenty of extremist actions.

"Although Eiden, you are aware of the implications of a military identity?"

[kleinstar]

After slipping a faint smile for Veoc Eiden follows after Dam-bi to the living room, settling on to the seat opposite to hers. With now determined expression he taps the assigned seat next to him for Veoc. As much as he'd like to go for pleasant chatter he can't exactly ignore the whole scene just transpired.

He does grab a spring roll though.

" .... you can't just appease me like that with few treats ok? " he says as he chomps in.

" What was that about, Dam-bi? "

@starsvein

As she leads them down the hallway (it's not too far to the living room), a tendril reaches upward to grab hold of the flowers carefully. Luckily she does have a vase and she places the bouquet in the flower-printed vase already filled with necessities.

"Please, sit. I prepared some of your favorites, Eiden." and once she's sure they're comfortable enough and seated, she follows to sit in front of them.

"Thank you for the flowers. I will take good care of them."

[kleinstar]

That gives Eiden a surprise too, returning him back to the earth. He does give the bypasser a bit of a cold look first but follows with an awkward laugh - they are located a little inconvenient after all.

" Ahh, I'd like to cling you to a loooot more closer and intimate than this but.. " he glances Veoc's blushed face, reaching to poke his newly appointed boyfriend a little.

" That might be a little too advanced for you all in sudden hm? "

The atmosphere's also not quite there - as comfortable and awesome as he feels now. Might be due to at least a brief talk too...

" We are in the middle of street though so maybe it's not bad idea to go in haha. "

The kiss might have gone on forever if not for a jangling sound behind them—the door to the restaurant opens, and a couple walks out while one of them clears their throat.

Startled, Veoc breaks off contact but remains holding Eiden, looking down at him with a flushed expression.

"Do you...still want to go in?"

"It's nice here, but it's cold."

[kleinstar]

Eiden's hand hovers at air as Veoc speaks. Impressed and proud as he'd like to be Eiden's concern's overriding it. He doesn't go interrupting him though. The sincere display like that has his chest twist a little, almost choking him up a bit. It's pretty amazing all things considered.

When the monster turns back Eiden's eyes widen in recognition, mouth hanging down a little. It's as though he wants to say something. Finally a sigh falls off him before he grabs Veoc by the sleeve, slight smile trailing his lips.

Genuine for a while, then a little tired as he makes it past the doorframe inside also glancing back to the still alert Sapling.

" ....we're coming. "

@starsvein

The growl does not let up. One of the skull heads meets its eyes on Eiden while the others are focused on Veoc. Dam-bi does take the flowers after some consideration. She contemplates answering Eiden but feels she shouldn't. Not right here.

"The two of you are welcomed into my home." She gestures, door still open. "It will not attack. You have my word." For further reassurance, the large creature does eventually shift. Leaves and twigs fall right off the giant, the three skulls flop to the ground and melt into the grass beneath. In the large creature's replacement, is an onion shaped green creature with long spindly legs. Small and cute, its beady eyes stay remained on Veoc though.

@kleinstar

[kleinstar]

" My guardian eh... " Eiden repeats, as he glances down to the small creature settling down to his lap. With his index finger he gently brushes him down.

" I think he likes the name too! "

The topic the cats potentially meeting him has him frown in doubt though. Stella would be fine for sure but Pumi... Maybe it's just because his own experiences with the cat but Eiden can't see the meeting going well.

" I'm not sure if Pumi's temper agrees though...? "

@starsvein

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ @daxned > kleinstar

Veoc laughs then—a low chuckle that rises from his throat even as he ducks his head at the jab. By the time he looks up, Dambi's giving him more food and Eiden's telling him about the sapling's secret name.

It's an clear sign that she's accepted him, and he warms at the sight.

"I think Eiden is very talented at naming," Veoc replies, eyes sparkling gently.

"He also named my cats: Stellaris Magnifico Universalis and Pumilio Prince of Loath. Maybe they can befriend Eiden's guardian one day. I think they'd like climbing on him..."

[kleinstar]

Veoc's not really even trying to impress or touch Eiden but he's still managing to redden his cheeks. By the end of all that speech they're both pretty red really, it's by the grace of Veoc's embarrassment Eiden manages to somehow make a teasing response:

" What are you doing saying something like that and THEN getting embarrassed geez... "

He jabs him with his shoulder but ends up smiling little - only then Dam-bi attacks him too. She's not someone who'd express herself as openly as Veoc does so it's a real sneak attack too.

" ....it's Soft Thistle of Feint Elk Level 90. "

He's turns away from them both, cheeks red and voice a little choked up which he then hides with a mouthful more of springrolls.

@starsvein > @daxned

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ @daxned > kleinstar

Looking back between the pair, Veoc carefully processes their tension. Then he rests a hand over Eiden's own and smiles at Dambi guilelessly.

"Whether or not Eiden meant to keep it a secret, I believe he had no ill intentions. Although I can't speak for him, I understand we were both questioning our feelings for a while."

His gaze softens as he thinks back to their history.

"We didn't meet very often, but the experiences we shared were meaningful every time. Eiden was the first to reach out and help me back in summer when I arrived." He blinks a few times, still a little abashed recalling how he'd tried to eat styrofoam.

"Since then, he's introduced me to many new things on this star, and shown me how wonderful he is as a person. I think you must know this yourself, as one of his friends."

"Recently, we had to undergo an arduous trial. It was something that forced us to make a difficult choice, but Eiden trusted me enough to pull through and save us both. I think it was then that I realized—that I want to be by his side to make him smile, for all the times he's made me happy. Afterwards, we..."

Veoc trails off then, turning aside to sip at his drink. His ears are already red, the color spreading down to the sides of his neck.

"We showed up at your doorstep together," he finishes lightly, still blushing.

[kleinstar]

It's very Veoc-like, his response, serious and too good-natured for his own good. Eiden has a faint smile as he looks at Veoc talking to Dam-bi. Eiden's not as happy with the situation. It's not that he requires some overtly serious on-her-knees-apology from Dam-bi or anything like that nor does he got anything concrete to demand. Perhaps a little more explanation at best to ease just the little bit of a sour taste in his mouth maybe...

...but with Veoc's response he can't really complain. There's no need to drag it any further than this -- or so he thought anyway. Then Dam-bi comes with her questions, catching him a little bit off-guard.

" Huh? No, we just.... It hasn't even been that long since we got together - I mean... just ask him! "

....geez, he can't really tell Dam-bi that telling about his relationship to such a young girl isn't exactly something he commonly does. Not just due to any possible explicit details either, he could always leave those out. Dam-bi is mature but it just feels way strange! Honestly speaking it hadn't even crossed his mind. Even the mass text had been sent more out of excitement than anything else.

" I mean... why would I? Geez, are you our inlaws or something?" Eiden mumbles.

" Ugh. Obviously not that... I mean, I didn't know it was going to actually be something and... "

Honestly it's awkward to explain this to either of them. Eiden sighs.

" I didn't used to report my dating to all that many back in my homeworld either. "

@starsvein

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ @daxned > kleinstar

Once the duo finishes speaking their respective pieces, Veoc swallows the latest bit of spring roll and smiles at them both. He doesn't seem upset at Dambi, though Eiden's excitable voice has him shifting a hand to rest over the other male's.

"I'm naturally willing to accept Miss Dambi's apology. Even in the military, we're taught to end things peacefully when we can."

"It was my mistake for not considering the situation as throughly as I ought. Most people don't wear their uniforms to meet new people—I'll be grateful to Eiden for fixing that after today."

He gives Eiden a reassuring look, then turns back to regard Dambi more quizzically.

"Are there any other details I should be aware of? For example, certain gestures or words? I've been raised by the military all my life, so acting according to its standards is second nature to me."

[kleinstar]

" Why would I? " Eiden protests, " he's not in one here! You're not even at Lionheart are you? "

It's not a military by any means of course but organized action nonetheless. Eiden looks at Veoc again, watching him put dip on the springroll.

" ...we do need to pick you some other clothes though", Eiden continues, slightly dusting the pretty much spotless coat. If you ask him he looks perfectly handsome on it but he'd also look handsome in anything else. It'd be a shame to pin him down to just one outfit.

" ....maybe you have bad experiences", Eiden presumes, " but he hasn't done anything to you at all has he? Hell, he even brought flowers. "

" If he'd actually attacked Veoc then I ... "

Eiden pauses, unable to finish the sentence. His sight aimlessly, trails the tablecloth and bowls set before him.

" ....anyway, I guess it's up to you, Veoc. To accept the apology or not", he then continues. To be honest, Eiden already kind of knows his boyfriend's answer. He won't put those words into his mouth on his own though, it'll be too kind of him anyway...

@starsvein

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ @daxned > kleinstar

At the mention of "favorites," Veoc perks up. Although they'd gone out to eat before, Eiden had always paid attention to things he was interested in. It was rare to see what the man preferred on his own.

Since Eiden grabs a spring roll, Veoc does at well and studies its structure. He doesn't get a chance to peel off the skin before seeing Eiden stuffing it in his mouth and following suit.

Munch, munch. So this is what Eiden prefers...

Oh, is that dipping sauce?

Now distracted himself, Veoc gets a spoonful of the stuff for his spring roll while Eiden starts his pseudo-interrogation.

[kleinstar]

" What do you mean it depends?! " Eiden snaps back.

Eiden doubts the monster is concerned of its' own safety more than Dam-bi's but what kind of threat does Veoc pose now? There was probably some kind of underlying reason it attacked though that Eiden couldn't see - it just doesn't give him too much comfort when it stands there all growly and threatening.

Disproportionate reaction or not though, it doesn't mean anything bad. Gently he squeezes the hand supporting hand on his shoulder. Veoc's support is appreciated but that's a showdown Eiden would like to avoid.

" ....he won't attack now if you don't order right? " Eiden asks, then turning to the monster.

" You too. He's not going to hurt her so can you cut him some slack for whatever's that got you all upset? "

@starsvein > daxned

Veoc almost throws the bouquet of flowers as his hands go to his hip—only to pause when he remembers he hadn't brought his BB gun with him that day. The sight of Eiden jumping in front of him is more alarming, however, and his hand comes to rest on the man's shoulders even as he tells him to stay back.

The major general glances past him at the fearsome monster blocking their view of the young girl he'd only glimpsed at the doorstep, now quietly inviting them in. His blue eyes sharpen briefly, but he falls back as ordered, quiet.

"All right."

"I'm here if you need me."

What had prompted the violent reaction? A trigger of some kind? It would be something he had to note after Eiden cleared things up.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ @daxned > kleinstar

[kleinstar]

" Dam-biii -- whOA!!! "

Seeing the monster barge their way Eiden acts quick - placing himself before Veoc, arms spread out protectively. An entirely instinctual move, he's well aware but he won't budge. So like that he meets the glowing pair of eyes and the breath going their way.

Then Dam-bi calls it to stop. Eiden stands there facing it with a strict expression drawn to his face. He then glances back to Veoc, pretty concerned, hand still hovering in front of him. It also stays there when he faces the monster again.

The hell was that about?!

" ...sorry Veoc, stay back for a bit still ", he tells him, decisively glaring back even now.

" Hey Dam-bi, sorry but what kind of welcome is this? He won't hurt him right? "

@starsvein

Shifting the massive bouquet of yellow roses and a whole host of other flowers the florist had rattled off at him in his arms, Veoc looks down with hooded eyes as his cheeks flush faintly.

"If she's strict, then it's important to make a good impression."

"I wouldn't want her to disapprove."

He was dressed in his usual military garb (the Stars gave him more of his uniform than anything else in his closet), but had taken off his cap to be polite. Still, the major general finds himself standing at attention as the door before them opens.

On his chest, a silvery-star gleams; the symbol of the Aphelion Empire's Delta Division army.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ @daxned > kleinstar