Tumblr’s on Fire so I Have to Post These Before My Birthday Drabbles - 8/10

Series: Tiger & Bunny Characters: my lilttle precious android boy Kurou (OC), Isra (OC), Kotetsu and Barnaby Request: There is no one line I can summarize the request under so I will just say it’s a little bit of “Isra did a thing and it went wrong and Kurou has a very human moment but so does Kotetsu” and oh god that’s not even a good description is it. Notes: Okay okay look I wanted everything to be alright in the end.  I hope I’m not disappointing anyone here.  If you want me to rip your heart out I could always re-write the ending…

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((HERE’S my Kurou.  With heavy blame going to @thedarknessiskinder of course.))

Tumblr’s on Fire so I Have to Post These Before My Birthday Drabbles - 3/10

Series: Tiger & Bunny Characters: Kotetsu and Barnaby Request: A blissed out Bunny getting some tender aftercare from Tiger. Notes: Aftercare-centric, as requested.  Long ago I wrote a fic about Bunny trying to help Kotetsu through his fears of being restrained (with sexy results), and I’d wanted to write a sequel where Kotetsu tries to help Barnaby with trust issues (with sexy results), but I never… got to the writing part.  …So here’s the aftercare of the fic that never was.

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((Hey there folks.  So Tumblr’s falling apart and I have a couple of drabbles to toss in here.  This one... does not involve my wonderful android boy, but the fandom’s right, so here it is.))

Fuck SESTA/FOSTA Smut Drabble #3

(SESTA/FOSTA information.)

Series: Tiger & Bunny Characters: Kurou (OC) x Isra (OC) x Argente (OC) Request: And I quote, “DO! A! THING!  MAKE! ME! CRY!” Notes: WELP.  You didn’t mention a fandom and FFXV seemed too damn easy, so I reached into the past and my chest, scraped the rest of my maybe-heart out, and set it on fire.  Here’s to the only other person this is probably going to fucking destroy.  (Well okay, there are a couple more AMP folks here, but.)

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((Haaaa, bet this is a surprise.  The mun still lives, with no plans to resurrect this account exactly, but... I got a drabble request and here is the excruciatingly sad result.  Kurou’s never really far away.

Hope you lovelies are all doing well, and here’s hoping for season 2 to be a thing soon yeah?))

exeunt-pursued-by-a-bear:

The simplicity of Kurou’s answer earns him a soft tap on the chest, a smile affixed to his face.  “I mean it.  Because I wish the same things for you.  Even if one day you’re curious how many marshmallows I can stuff in my mouth, I’ll do it.  And maybe you’ll laugh, and then I’ll die happy.”  He chuckles, placing a kiss on both of the android’s cheeks.  “I suppose you’re right.”  

Isra offers an understanding nod, expression actually serious for a moment.  “No food involved, got it.”  His smile is back in an instant, his eyebrows raised at the question.  “Do you want me to answer the awkward questions?  Because I certainly wouldn’t mind.  And since you two already had to deal with the questions, I only figured it would be my turn.  I’m really good at turning awkward into embarrassing.”

With a grunt of approval, Isra hopes that Kaede can sense these changes at some point.  “Well, we can hope.  I’m sure she’d feel a hell of a lot more comfortable with her powers.”  Isra snorts, peering over at the android.  “You just looked that up, didn’t you?  Silly, silly man.”  

He grows serious and silent when Kurou cuts himself off, holding his breath until he speaks again.  Isra visibly relaxes, glad that nothing’s wrong.  “Ah.  Oh.  I…didn’t think about that.  Well.  I am rather protective of my powers and such.  But I’ll live.  It should be fine.”  

It seems most appropriate at the moment for Kurou to simply listen while gently running his fingers along the side of Isra’s head, through his hair.  He’s aware that the act does sometimes tend to make the man self-conscious, but there are times when it seems particularly relaxing as well.  “While I must admit that you have made me curious, I do not believe the benefit of curiosity sated would in any way outweigh the risks of choking on marshmallows.”  It’s one of those times when his dry, matter of fact, synthesizer-driven voice almost sounds just a little bit warmer.  “Perhaps I should include wishing to see you breathing along with wishing to see you happy.”

Argente remains silent for a little stretch of time, very clearly thinking over his response.  Maybe he can’t think as fast as certain androids, but there’s definitely some “processing” going on before he clears his throat lightly.  “I think... trying to be polite and avoiding awkward questions might be... good to start with.”  He suggests very diplomatically, glancing at Kurou and then to Isra again.  “But if anyone keeps pushing, then knock yourself out.”

The android does not comment on the clone’s suggestion, but silent agreement remains regardless.  Nodding, he makes his own suggestion about the topic at hand, “Argente, you could be certain to bid Kaede farewell last after lunch, as a hug would seem to be involved in the process.”  And with that solved, the subject of rubber suits is momentarily reconsidered before he admits, “It would seem best to have at the very least a small frame of reference for any subject.”

“Well, don’t hesitate to want things.  Especially from me.  And tell me that you want them.  Because I do want to know.” Stroking Kurou’s hair in an effort to distract himself and to offer some modicum of comfort, Isra just nodded as he listened, finding himself in agreement with Kurou.  “I would, too.  I want to be close.  I…like being here.  I like being able to just…roll over and you’re there.  And with my abilities being in a…questionable state, I can’t just be here when I want.”

A moment passes and Isra shrugs.  “I can see how he’d end up at that conclusion.  I mean, if he and Barnaby are together, it would be easy to think that you two could end up likewise.  I mean, it’s still not out of the realm of possibility. Especially if we all don’t mind sharing.”  There’s a grin as Isra comes full circle, and he allows the topic to drop if Argente wishes.  

“Oh, that must have been rough, to say the least.  Well, perhaps we’ll just let him wonder.  Although, I suppose I’ll take the next round of awkward questioning.”

With a sigh, he tucks away the thought of gloves and clever hiding of powers for later.  “It’s gotta be a pain in the ass to do that.  Just the uncertainty.”  Isra was sure that Pao-Lin was being careful, and the confirmation was pleasant.  “Ah.  You should.  The results you get will be varied, and some will be too weird, even for me.  But you can probably guess which one I’d like to put on you.”

The little pause is subtle enough, no whirring processors to fill the almost nonexistent silence; the android doesn’t really need to “think”, to search or to reason anything out.  As far as he’s concerned, it’s a simple matter.  “I wish you to be happy and healthy.  And I simply wish to be able to be part of that.”  He did know, was honestly quite aware, of both how simple and how vast an idea that was.  But it had been invited, and he was glad to deliver, tilting his head slightly into that touch.  “I believe it appropriate to say that the rest will ‘fall into place’, as it were.”

“Definitely not something to discuss over lunch.  Or dinner, or anything else.”  Argente is very quick to set ground rules, even if he’s pretty sure he doesn’t have to.  It still seems... kind of important, either way, and he’s not even sure that he’s ready to discuss things like that in private.  Clearing his throat, he’s a little eager to get back to easier, lighter conversation.  Or at least what passes for it, asking Isra directly, “Are you saying that you should be in charge of answering awkward questions?”

Kurou nods once in understanding and agreement.  “I believe that Kaede is rather of the hope that she will be able to sense when he power changes over time.  Whether or not such is possible remains to be seen, but it is of some interest.”  Though the change of subject again lends itself to a long silence as the android just skims the surface of some quick research into “rubber suits”.  The result is and is not surprising at once.  “Perhaps another subject better reserved for a later point in time.  In any case--”

It’s mildly uncharacteristic for Kurou to cut himself off and remain silent, though that seems appropriate for a small number of seconds.  “I wish to know your level of comfort on the subject of Kaede making any sort of physical contact with you.”

Isra worries his lip, squeezing the android’s hand in return, hugging it to his chest, a soft whine held in his throat.  “Kurou…and I want you to know that you can want those things and that it’s okay to push me a little.  Sometimes I’m too stubborn for my own good, and I don’t want to walk all over you.  You’re someone I love, not a servant.  So…you’ll let me know the things you want, right?”  There’s a pause before he nods, looking relieved.  “It was.  Thank you.”

The ‘no’ is respected, even if it had just been a joke.  “As you wish.  If anyone tells Kotetsu about my sexual deviance, you’ll be the one.  Promise.”  He chuckles, Kurou’s shrug propelling him into a full laugh.

“Mm, I can’t say I’m exactly a fan of her having to hide, but considering the world we live in, it’s probably the best option.  If only gloves were a fashionable thing right now…I’d certainly get her a cute pair.  But if she has control and she’s happy, I’ve no complaints.  The pause causes Isra to tilt his head, equal parts curiosity and worry on his face.  “Well, good.  I suppose I’ll just have to watch Pao-Lin.  Or anyone with access to high electrical currents.  Or I can just find a rubber suit for you.  Which I can do.  You’d probably look really good in it and I’d want you out of it immediately.  Really counterproductive.”

There’s a quiet, very serious moment of consideration, processors whirring briefly.  “It is difficult to know when ‘pushing’ is indeed to be a positive occurrence.  While I do not feel any need or desire to do so currently, I will also keep in mind that it is occasionally necessary.  Though I do not feel ‘walked upon’, perhaps reevaluating the balance between lending unasked-for aid and allowing you your autonomy would be wise.”  After a short pause and silence between them, Kurou attempts to simplify, “I will ‘let you know’.  Though regardless of living conditions and locations, I should like very much to manage a reasonably short distance between points.  For convenience and additional matters.”

Hand pressed fully to the front of his face, Argente continues to laugh in spite of himself, in spite of the needlessly permanent blush that is never, ever going to go away.  He’s sure.  “I don’t know if that idea seems better or worse than when he was convinced that Kurou and I were... you know.”  Making a vague gesture with his free hand, he explains, “Kotetsu kept... asking indirect questions, and Barnaby and Kaede kept glancing at each other...”

“The situation did eventually reach an awkward peak after which no more questions were asked.”  The android does his best to comfort Argente, even as he realizes that he fails miserably.  An attempt seems important, regardless.

It’s a bit “sobering” to return to the conversation with Isra, aware that NEXTs hiding what they are remained an understood issue.  In ways, he wonders if it’s somehow easier to openly be an android; not that it’s necessarily comparable.  “I am fairly certain that Kaede has gotten used to the routine of ‘testing her powers’ before she arrives home.  With mixed results, as I understand matters, though Pao-Lin has taken it upon herself to be quite careful in my presence.  I--  Should perhaps engage in dedicated research before commenting on rubber suits.”

Cursing himself for reacting poorly to the question, Isra reaches out in an attempt to placate any worry that he may have caused unintentionally.  “Kurou, sorry.  It’s just…with my terrible track record, I’m afraid I conditioned myself to be a little…jumpy about such topics.  I mean, I’ve been staying here already, right?  It’s just making things official always makes me nervous.  We don’t even call ourselves boyfriends or anything yet.  Which is probably my fault.” He wrings his hands together, feeling as if he was further complicating things.  “I’m not uncomfortable with the idea.  Just nervous, I suppose.”

Argente’s laughter makes him smile, and he leans in close.  “I suppose,  but you never know, he might consider it rather thrilling if he didn’t hear it from his kid.”  He chuckles and steps away, preening just a bit more.

“I promise that sex won’t come up, even if she gets really nosy.” He hums and listens, nose wrinkling after a while.  “That sucks.  Does it help if she wears gloves?  I mean, she could easily blackmail people who didn’t want people to know they were a NEXT, but I can’t imagine having abilities that constantly change, especially if you don’t know how to use them, or if you’re holding on to the one you have, and then bump into someone and not even realize that it’s changed.  I mean, that could really ruin your day.  And a magnetic classmate, hm?  Interesting.  Make sure you don’t go near him.  I don’t want to yell at a child too much.”

The light tilt of Kurou’s head is likely enough of a signal to Isra that he’s not just hearing the words but listening, interpreting.  It’s a slow gesture and a very light hold, taking one of the man’s hands in his own to still it, to offer support.  “I wish for you to know that there is no particular need of anything.  Neither definition or classification, or action.  It is indeed something to discuss at some future point in time, though consider it--  An open-ended conversation without need for definitive action.”  And even with that assurance voiced, it seems very important to assure, “I am not offended.  In case that had been of any concern.”

“No.”  Argente protests, perhaps a bit overly firmly, overly loud, but it’s still entirely too clear that he’s holding back a laugh at the same time.  Not very successfully.  “I don’t need this pressure.”  He jokes toward Kurou, getting an unsatisfying but amusing stiff shrug in return.  At least the clone is pretty sure he has very little to worry about.  Or that’s what he actively chooses to believe.

“I am not particularly certain if Kaede has attempted experimentation with gloves.  Though I might think that would accidentally become more obvious than attempts made at hiding her powers.  She has become a fair bit better at control, regardless.”  The android admits.  He then pauses, rather puzzled by the urge to... what, exactly?  Laugh, almost.  It is at least a pleasant feeling even if he can’t identify it fully.  “You have little to be concerned over, currently.”  He tries to assure.  “I am operating on solid state media with a nonmagnetic frame.  I believe it fair to say that sudden high electrical currents are my only major concern.”  Being certain that Kaede didn’t know anyone with that sort of NEXT ability might be of value, however.

Isra squints, gears still turning.  “Wait,  what?  We’re not…talking about sex, are we?  Because I’m starting to think we’re not.  It sounds more like next step, moving in together kind of thing.”  There’s a guarded look to his face now as he hides the multitude of feelings that start bubbling up.  “I suppose that that would definitely involve some discussion, yes.”  Technically, he’d been living there for the last several weeks, terrified of being alone, but to make it something official was almost as terrifying.

Burying the conversation away, he grins wide at Argente, very blatantly looking him over.  “Ah, so no telling the minor about the devious fantasies I have of us all.  Got it.  I suppose I’ll have to think of something else to talk about.”

“I’ve got a bad track record of relatives.  But I’ll manage.  Especially since she seems like a good relative.”  He taps his chin in thought, head tilting to the side.  “This kid’s got a weird life.  Kinda jealous, though.  I don’t really recall her ability…Is it something that makes her uncomfortable?”

Internally, Kurou supposes that neither of them are quite prepared for the subject even if he rather is on a technical level; all basic, logical specifics are quite easy to take care of and arrange.  It’s the emotional portion of the potential permanent change in “home life” that he supposes remains unknown, though even that classification doesn’t seem completely appropriate.  Yes, certainly a meandering line of thought that he files away for a later time.  With a mild shake of his head, he attempts to soothe, “I would not attempt to press you in any particular direction or conversation you may be uncomfortable with.  The subject is a possibility only, not an expectation.”  At least, he hopes that’s in any way soothing.

It’s the very idea of any of the joking conversation they’d just had finding its way into lunch conversation with Kaede that has Argente hiding his face behind one hand even as he laughs quietly.  “That would be the worst thing.”  And yet there was still a little laughter there.  “Of all the things that might make it back to Kotetsu and to get a lecture about...”

While the android is fairly certain that Argente’s concerns are unfounded... he also acknowledges it as a small but realistic possibility.  “She is inquisitive and intelligent.  Perhaps lacking in experience, due to her age, though I have never found conversation particularly difficult with Kaede.”  Kurou pauses to wonder if that sounds like as much of a compliment as he means it to be.  “She seems able to take on the powers of the last NEXT she has come into physical contact with.  Thus far it is a wholly unique ability, though apparently becomes somewhat annoying when she has not realized a change in her powers.  Particularly her classmate’s magnetic ability.”

Isra just stares and studies Kurou, wondering if the man had become harder to read or if time away had dulled his observations.  His mouth pulls into a thin line, seconds ticking by as he considers a response.  He decides to go with honesty.  “It’s terrible.  I can’t tell if I’m being propositioned or not.  I’ve gotten so rusty with my age.  Woe is me, I guess.”

His eyebrows raise, somewhat surprised that the clone was still playing along with him, but he was far from disappointed.  “Oh, you are a terrible man.  I suppose I will just have to wait out this awful suspense.”  Heaving a dramatic sigh, but unable to keep a smile off his face, he hopes Argente knows that he can tell Isra ‘no’ at any time and he’ll stop.

Feeling his heart flutter in his chest as Kurou takes his hand, Isra finds himself relaxing once again.  “Well, I’d consider you the resident expert on math, so I believe you.”  He has to bite his lip when Argente laughs, barely containing his own.  “It should be an asset.  Hopefully I won’t prove otherwise.”

The very slight but noticeable pause is likely answer enough, Kurou rather cautiously researching through dictionaries and databases at a slower than normal speed so as not to be entirely too obvious with the whirring sounds of processors.  Hindsight tells him that he was being obvious regardless, once again filing away that piece of information into another argument in favor of “being around humans too long”.  If nothing else, it’s a slightly amusing subject.  “It is--  Something which may require some amount of discussion.”  He states carefully, confirming the NEXT’s thought.  Maybe it’s not the most solid of propositions, but the idea of Isra living with him, with them, is fully an accepted possibility.

Whether or not Argente could take the other NEXT’s expression as any kind of victory was ignored in feeling a tiny bit victorious anyway.  So it isn’t anywhere near a permanent blush, which he seems to be doomed to himself, but managing surprise still feels pretty good, offering a little chuckle.  “Probably some subjects to not discuss at lunch today...”

“To say the least.”  The android agrees with Argente, attention turning fully to Isra once again, hand squeezed lightly.  “As a matter of perspective; this is a casual lunch with a relative.  And a friend.  Her current parental units and a good deal of those she considers ‘extended family’ are former and current Heroes.  Two individuals that she has occasionally referred to as ‘uncles’, joking or otherwise, are autonomous androids.  Not to mention the fact that she is also a NEXT.  I do not believe awkwardness is any sort of concern to focus on.”

“It is, isn’t it?  And I do hate complicating things.”  It’s obvious that he’s hesitant to leave Kurou’s side, twining his fingers with the android’s.  “You know, I don’t think I’d mind that either.  I think we should consider that search suspended indefinitely.”

He grins at Argente’s voice, looking over his shoulder before turning his attention back to Kurou, studying him after his response.  “Yes, we are…And yes, it is…is that an issue for what you’re implying?  Or what I think you’re implying?”  Isra fidgets at the thought, cheeks growing red.

Laughing in response, Isra messes with his hair, still not used to the lack of length.  “Ah, such an angel for giving me hope, no matter how faint it may be.  Hopefully you won’t have to fight Kurou for my affections.”

There’s a sharp bark of laughter that precedes the slight raise of his shoulders.  “Sometimes being kicked out of a store is worth it.  But yes, we should behave for Kaede.  Not to mention that I am absolutely abysmal with children.”

With another quirk of his lips, he releases Argente and goes back to fussing with his hair.  “So we’ll be three awkward peas in a pod.  Lovely.  At least we’ll all be stuck together”  

Isra turns to watch Kurou, relaxed, expression softening to adoration.  “Well, I hope you have a lot of faith.  The two of us seem to be lacking.”

The words are contemplated for the whole of one second; really not a lot of time, and yet.  Possibilities and outcomes are looked over, picked through, until one conclusion seems clear.  Not necessarily the reaction to it, though Kurou supposes that he is indeed still a fair bit like his origin when he defaults to “only one way to find out” as a decent reason and motivation.  “Then perhaps we ought to discuss living arrangements at some point in the foreseeable future.”

Argente, hardly aware of the depth of the other conversation, just laughs in spite of his own internal acknowledgement that he’ll either never stop blushing or he guesses his body might just get used to it and stop doing it altogether.  “I’m not confirming or denying anything at this point in time.”  He’s in deep and he realizes that.  He doesn’t really... mind, oddly enough.  It’s something to consider in depth, certainly, but probably not now.

It’s not really a fully “thought out” action, the android gently reaching to still Isra’s own hand, to keep him from fussing too much with his hair.  It seems better to hold that hand, to assure, “Perhaps we can consider the matter somewhat mathematical, combined awkwardness cancelling itself out.”  He takes note of Argente’s wheezing laughter, allowing a moment to pass before adding, “I believe I have been accused of having entirely too much faith, regardless.  It should be an asset in this case.”

“Well, my list is as big as yours.  And happens to be the same people.  So you got super lucky with that.”  His lips curl into a smile, arms wrapping around Kurou’s waist.  “I don’t know, you’re doing such a lovely job that I just might not want to let any other man try.”

There’s a bit of a blush, and his eyebrows raise as he hurries from the room in order to peer down at Argente.  “Did you hear that?  He wants to wait for a more appropriate moment, but I think he’d be blushing if he was able.  We should pester him about it later.”

He chuffs a laugh, relishing the hold.  “You’re going to make me cry and my nose will run, and Kaede will see that I’m a mess and she’ll scold you so much.”  Isra wipes at damp eyes, rocking up on his toes to return a kiss to Kurou’s forehead.

Isra bites his lip, pulling the android closer by his tie.  “You know,” he mutters quietly, “that’s a really good way to get us banned from a store.”  He couldn’t make the android pay for clothing, especially if it was clothing that was more of a gift to Kurou.  He turns with a smirk, quick to go down the stairs to give Argente a tight hug.  “Thank you, thank you, thank you.  Hopefully with both of you with me, I won’t make a total ass of myself.  And it seems Kurou doesn’t mind me kissing you silly as thanks.”

“That is incredibly convenient.”  Isra’s humor is understood, accepted; the attempt at continuing the thread quite possibly falls flat, though Kurou is quite aware that he’s still learning.  He’s only too glad to keep the NEXT close for a moment more, in any case.  “Admittedly, I would not mind if you decided to cease searching.”

“Get a room!”  Argente teased from downstairs as he got his shoes on.

Turning slightly from Isra, the android responds easily, “We are currently in possession of one.  Albeit open and lacking general privacy from the rest of the apartment.”

The clone’s more than content to give another snort in response before Isra’s looking down and calling out to him.  No, his own blush is absolutely never going to end... but playing along is much too tempting and fun.  “Maybe we’ll see how well lunch goes.”

It really does seem best to refrain from comment, Kurou preferring instead to assure Isra as he descends the stairs, “Certainly I would not wish Kaede to be upset with me.  Nor you.  Nor store employees.”

Argente’s surprised by the hug, but it’s definitely not something that he minds.  “H-hope you know I can’t promise anything.  I’m not really the best at... social situations, either.”  He’s learned, he supposes, but there are still slips.

“I have unwavering faith in both of you.”  The android assures easily, ignoring the philosophical implications of his statement as he’s certain to give Asimov a bit of food before they finally leave.

“I-I do.  I’d risk life and limb for Argente and Kojirou, Kotetsu, everyone I’ve really met because of you.”  The statement makes him laugh. and all he can offer in return is a shrug.  “Calm and healthy?  I dunno.  Perhaps some wonderful man can make me consider hanging up my bad man hat.”  He flutters his eyelashes at Kurou, trying not to laugh.

Isra only looks to the android, raising his eyebrows as if waiting for an answer.  “Well, Kurou?  The man wants an answer.  You ought to give him one.  I will fuss about my looks for a few more seconds.  But you two have made me feel substantially better.  As always.”

The hold relaxes him further, and he smiles wide.  “Thank you for being incredibly wonderful to me all the time.  It makes me sane.”  The statement makes his eyes damp, and he squeezes Kurou tight.  

He waves his hand, dismissing the thought.  “It’s perfectly fine.  Really.  You’ve made me feel lovely, and not nearly as nervous.  Things will be fine.  Hopefully.  Maybe.  It warms my heart that you’d take me shopping, though.  You can pick something you’d like to see me in, of course.”

“As I would offer my full abilities to assist anyone you may care for.”  Kurou responds so easily that it’s almost as if the statement doesn’t carry any weight.  They’re all aware of it, though; the honesty and hazardous potential.  The latter is simply set aside with a tilt of his head.  He does know what Isra is implying.  And yet it seems suiting to respond, “Perhaps some man will find it possible, yes.  In the meantime, I am glad to try my best.”  He feels a bit rewarded by Argente’s snort.

Granted, the android is mildly surprised to have the conversation brought back to him directly quite so soon, though that response is easy as well.  “If your intention is to ask whether I am opposed to watching you kiss Argente, then the response is no.  Additional discussion should likely wait until a more appropriate moment.”  And that seems to get a full laugh from downstairs before the clone just sighs dramatically at the whole situation.

There’s no immediate verbal response to Isra’s words, though Kurou does leave a very light kiss on the man’s forehead.  The hold, the physicality of the closeness, seems more important to focus on initially.  “It is my hope that you will eventually realize you are quite deserving of positive treatment.”  He states, just as easily and simply as anything else.

It’s certainly a hopeful thing to see the NEXT far more willing to continue according to plan, Kurou supposing the optimism is more than enough for the moment.  “Perhaps will will make plans to shop somewhere, before or after, being dependent upon time.  I would prefer you pick something that you were comfortable in, however--  I would not mind giving feedback where appropriate.”  Nor paying, though he supposes mentioning that might not be necessary.

In part, he hadn’t wanted to initiate anything further, curious to see if Kurou would take the lead on these things, certain he was going to wait until there was no question about his health.  Or longer.  The thought pulls a frustrated groan from his lips, and he considers asking Argente for advice.

“Why doesn’t meeting people important to you get any easier?  I’m terrible at this.  And I haven’t even had a…a terrible experience yet.”  Sure, he and Argente had hit a snag, but it had been smoothed over quickly, and the two were on a cuddling basis now.  “It’s so much easier to be a bad guy, I swear.”

Isra smiles at the NEXTs response, hands dropping to his sides.  “I owe you several kisses at the very least, Argente.  We can make Kurou watch.”

Hiding his face against the android’s neck and just remembering to breathe calm him a little, hands resting on Kurou’s shoulders.  “So even if things go totally wrong…You won’t be upset with me?  I just want to be perfect for you, as silly as you think that might be.”  With some hesitation, he grabbed one of the outfits and pulled it on, frowning at the loose fit.  His clothing no longer hung off of him, but it still wasn’t as tailored to him as he liked.  

It isn’t the first time that Kurou is slightly glad that he’s refused any attempt at programming expressions for his facial features; he has absolutely no idea precisely what he might be feeling or experiencing in reaction, let alone what the appropriate emotive response might be.  “I should think that you feel those important to me may be considered somewhat important to you as well, by extension.”  He’s at least aware that doesn’t help in the least.  “Surely you are a bit more likely to lead a relatively calm, healthy life while being overall law-abiding.”  It’s an assumption, he supposes, but one based on facts.  And likely one that doesn’t need any more discussion.

Argente’s snort can be heard from downstairs as he moves around a bit, tidying and arranging to tag along.  At least from a floor apart, his blush doesn’t have to be acknowledged; it’s definitely been semi-permanent with Isra around.  “Well you’ll have to ask him about that.”

The android remains, perhaps expectedly, silent on the matter; though he is prepared to give an answer if pressed.  It seems better to focus on the priority at hand, arms wrapping around Isra and drawing him slightly closer in a loose hold, allowing the NEXT to move as he desired.  “I will not be upset with you, regardless.  You behave as though I am not fully aware that you are constantly doing your best.”  And there’s definitely humor seeping into that statement, dry as it might be.

Tilting his head as he sees the frown and overall reaction, Kurou suggests, “There may be time to look for clothing that you find to be more suiting beforehand.  If you wish.”  There would certainly be time afterward, though mentioning that much hardly seemed to be of any help.

Isra had only been able to sleep peacefully if someone was by his side, and if he tried to do so alone, he’d wake up in a cold sweat, screaming more often than not.  He felt like a nuisance, and tried his best to help out and to earn his keep, as it were.  Isra was taking care of himself relatively well, considering.  He hadn’t initiated anything more than rather chaste kisses with the android, and his restraint was admirable.  The very picture of a perfect patient.

Running his hands down his face, he peeks through his fingers at Kurou.  “I’d like to feel halfway decent to look at again, really.  I know I’ve cleaned up some, but…I’m just worried.  What would Kaede think of me?  I just don’t feel like I’m going to make a good impression and…She’s important to you, and I want everyone important to you to think well of me…Of you and and your choices.  I want you to be proud.”  He doesn’t move from his spot on the floor, ignoring the outfits set out around him.

There’s a moment of silence  before Isra sits up once again,watching Kurou for a response before calling back.  “M-maybe?  I could certainly use the support once I make an ass of myself.  Or maybe whisking me away after I inevitably put my foot in my mouth.”

He tenses at the question, scrabbling to his feet.  “I can’t do that to you, Kurou…I said I was going to do this and I can’t just back out now.”

Not that the android necessary discouraged more activity, though he continues to be rather set in the idea that patience is absolutely essential for the continued healing process.  Physical and otherwise.  He holds no doubt that the NEXT will push himself in positive ways bit by bit, and only wishes to lend aid when needed.  Hence not really helping Isra up from the floor, waiting to see what might be required first.

Tilting his head as he listens to the concerns, his response is overall once again logical.  “She will likely think that it is interesting to finally meet you, and is likely to ‘pick up on’ and forgive nervousness, as her own father has--  Nervous tendencies.”  To put matters extremely lightly.  That really wasn’t the point he wished to make, however.  “I believe that I can understand your reason for concern.  Though I do not believe that it has any true basis.  I am exceptionally proud of the fact that you wish to meet with her, as I will be proud of your simple presence in the situation.”  A touch too simple, perhaps, but honest.

Argente gives a slightly noncommittal hum at the other NEXT’s response, considering for a moment.  “I’ll be ready to go just in case, alright?”  He doesn’t think Isra really needs either assistance or a diversion, but something that keeps him from getting nervous seems... good.

For his part, Kurou remains silent on the matter, certain that it isn’t a decision for him to make; and no one really minds having one more guest.  His primary concern is simply Isra, reaching out to help the man stand even if hardly seemed needed.  “While your resolve would also be something for me to be proud of, I should prefer that you are comfortable with this idea overall for your own benefit.”  He assured, then thought to add, “Regardless of what you choose to wear, I am quite certain that your company will be appreciated.”