Takashi Shirogane: x
Lance McClain {X for Nymph Starter}: The forest was peaceful, just like any other given day. The trees rustled with the breeze and sunlight dappled the dirt with specks of light. Water trickled down a stream nearby, the sound almost like a song. Everything was in a calm lull, and as Lance walked along his well-worn path, he couldn’t help but smile. The basket on his arm was filled with berries, some of which he’d been eating while he made the trek back to his house. He didn’t live in town, and rather, had stuck to the small cozy cottage he called home. Most magic users tried to make themselves scarce due to the hatred some humans had for their kind, and Lance was much the same, though being alone was never his favorite. However, his quiet musing were rather abruptly stopped when he heard an anguished shout coming from his right hand side. He felt his breathing hitch, curious but cautious. Should he investigate? He couldn’t leave someone alone if they were in trouble. Ultimately he decided to go to where he’d heard the noise, gasping at the sight he’d come upon. A man, laying on the ground, leg bleeding profusely from what looked to be a deep slash wound. Rushing forwards, he dropped his basket to the floor and knelt. “Hang on, just breathe for me alright? I’m going to help you but you need to stay still.” He placed his hands over the injury and bit his lip, willing some of the healing power he had to mend what he could. He couldn’t fix it fully, but the bleeding had lessened and some of the skin had patched itself up. “Can you stand if you lean on me? My home is nearby and I can take care of you there.”
Takashi Shirogane: Shiro had enemies, enough to surpass the amount he could count on his fingers. He wouldn't call himself a "bad" guy necessarily, more of like a Robin Hood of a sorts, if you could call it that. He stole from the privileged and gave to the needy, a classic tale of a justice giver, but he would also cause chaos whenever he raided a place. Shiro had just escaped from his most recent adventure, the usual loot of a few pounds and special herbs, but the guy he had stolen from had a band of people that were now chasing him. He found himself weaving through the woods, branches smacking him in the face and leaving small slits. The adrenaline coursing through his veins pushed him forward though, he jumped and nimbly changed direction, as he heard the others shouting behind him. Just when he thought he had been almost home free, a goon jumped out in front of him and slashed at his leg, causing an immediate collapse of his body. Shiro shouted in anguish from the pain as the goon quickly took back the things he had stolen and make a break for it. Then came along someone else, Shiro wasn't able to see much through the involuntary tears that had formed in his eyes, he thought it was another goon so he began to shout. "Go away! Your guy already got me, I'm empty, there's nothing on me!" When he felt the hand on his wound, he hissed and groaned, but the strangest thing happened. It almost felt better, he didn't understand it but all he knew was that now he was being spoken to and it was difficult for him to form the words to reply. "I can try, I-..who are you?"
Lance McClain {X for Nymph Starter}: Though the man before him seemed downright alarmed at his presence, once a bit of magic had been applied to the wound, he seemed to calm down a bit. Lance looked up from his bloodied hands to the other’s face, keeping his gaze soft and open. “My name is Lance, and I’m going to help you.” He murmured, trying to seem as harmless as possible, which he was anyhow. Crouching forwards, the young man then hooked an arm behind those broad shoulder blades and made an effort to lift Shiro to his feet. By the gods was this guy big! Tall, muscular... whew. It’d be difficult to carry some of his weight but Lance was determined to do his very best, swallowing thickly when Shiro finally began to limp along. More bright crimson fell to the dirt and he tried to hurry as best he could, sighing in relief when his cottage came into view. He shoved open the door with little ceremony, not caring about much else as he laid Shiro on his sofa. He looked a bit panicked. “Okay, alright, ah— just stay still a moment.” He cautioned, before rushing to his kitchen to grab a cloth and some water. Yes, he was literally holding the water as if it were solid, in an orb-like form. He was a water nymph after all. Then he came back to Shiro to begin to gently dab at and clean the wound. He had to disinfect it before anything else.
Takashi Shirogane: Shiro groaned again as he was lifted, trying his best to help his rescuer. When he fell to the sofa, he propped his leg up with a grimace and nodded at what the other had said. He wasn't sure he could move even if he wanted to. He had been hurt before on plenty of occasions, but this time seemed deeper than before, he also wasn't anticipating this one. Once the other, Lance he remembered, returned, Shiro could now see better so he got a better look at him. He was holding water in his hand in a glass but it didn't look like anything was actually there so.. "You're a nymph." he stated. Shiro had never seen one in real life before, he'd only ever heard stories to the point of him believing they weren't real. But this one seemed /very/ real. "I'm sorry I-argh...I've never seen your kind before, I started to believe it was all just a fairy tale. You aren't going to like, eat me are you?" he asked, more as a sarcastic input because he used humor to lighten a heavy situation such as this.
Lance McClain {X for Nymph Starter}: A tiny smile came to his lips, but Lance neglected to lock eyes with Shiro for favor of continuing his work on the wound. “It’s alright, I don’t really have a taste for humans. I much prefer berries and such... and ah— yes, I’m a nymph. A water nymph.” He commented, before glancing up towards the other’s face. It was then that he began to realize how many little cuts littered the other’s body and he sighed heavily, reaching his hands up towards Shiro’s face to cup his cheeks. Then he smoothed his thumbs over the facial scratches and they promptly disappeared. Those were easy to heal, but the leg? Less so. He let his hands trail to each small wound, healing them and hoping it would ease any pain that wasn’t on the immediate gash area. “I need to go out back for a moment to get some herbs for a salve. Can you do fine without me for a minute or so?”
Takashi Shirogane: Shiro nodded along and smiled back, but then gave the other a confused look when he reached up and rubbed over his face. He was about to ask what Lance was doing but when he looked down to his arms after his hands rubbed over them and the cuts had disappeared, it connected. "Um, yeah I'll be fine. I swear I'm not this pathetic most of the time." he said with a chuckle as he shifted on the cushions. He didn't feel any sharp pains from the small cuts anymore when he did so, Shiro hadn't seen anything like it before. It left him in awe, though he tried to not show it.
Lance McClain {X for Nymph Starter}: It was almost cute how shocked this man looked at the way his cuts had healed up. He was trying to hide it - perhaps to save face or something of that sort - but it was easy to see through the facade. “I’ll only be a tick or two.” With that he stood up and took to leaving through his backdoor. It would be a few minutes more until he came back inside, arms full of herbs. He took them straight to the kitchen, mashing them into a fine paste before bringing the thick balm over to Shiro. “This won’t sting, and it has a cooling agent in it. Don’t be alarmed as it goes into the cut, that’s part of how it works, alright?” Lance settled some of the salve onto the gash and smoothed it against the skin. It effectively blocked the blood flow and provided a casing over the injury. While he was situating the herbal mixture, Lance cocked a curious brow. “You know my name, but I don’t know yours. Care to tell?”
Takashi Shirogane: When the nymph returned with the salve, Shiro tried his best smile as he could now feel his heartbeat all down his leg. Shiro noticed there seemed to be almost a halo of light around Lance as he approached, it only faded once he blinked a few times but he was convinced there was still an aura about him. "Yeah, that's fine, I know how salves work, don't worry." he assured with a nod. He tried focusing on the features of Lance's side profile as he applied the salve to ignore the sensation. The point of his nose complimented his jawline nicely, but his sharp features were softened by the round lips that sat beneath his ocean-blue eyes. Maybe their color had to do with him being a water nymph, he wasn't quite sure but his train of thought was interrupted as he was asked the question. "Hmm? Oh Taka-..Shiro. Just call me Shiro." he said with a nod. "Do you do this often? Save random strangers from bleeding out without question?"
Lance McClain {X for Nymph Starter}: Lips quirking upwards ever so slightly, the nymph then shook his head. “No. I’ve never once handled anything like this before, but it’s not as if I could just leave you there. You don’t strike me as a vagabond, Shiro. Letting you bleed out would be horrid of me.” He hated to think about what would have happened if he hadn’t gone to see what the outcry was all about. Even just a few minutes more and the blood loss would have become irreversible. It relieved Lance to know that he’d saved the other from a gruesome death such as that. And... though it ultimately didn’t matter who the other was as long as he was safe, his looks certainly added to the intrigue. Incredibly strong no doubt, with a nice square jaw and slate grey eyes... if Lance could put a face to his so called ‘type’ then Shiro would be the picture perfect image.
Takashi Shirogane: "Well that's a bit of a shame I have to say. You're quite a good nurse, I bet you would make many people very happy. Where I'm from..there's a lot of suffering people. Cruelty and greed prevents anything from ever happening. They could use a beacon of hope like yourself." Shiro gave the other a warm smile as he reached out to caress Lance's elbow gently, giving it a subtle squeeze. "Thank you, I would be left for dead if you hadn't potentially risked yourself to save me. You've saved a lot of people by helping me."
Lance McClain {X for Nymph Starter}: A faint blush crossed the nymph’s freckled cheeks, and Lance shook his head gently in response to Shiro’s statement. “I know my magic could aid many, but humans don’t... they don’t take kindly to things they don’t understand. Healing power being something of that sort.” He murmured, before cocking his head a bit. “Are you the people’s savior, then? I wouldn’t put it past you. You seem like a hero.” He spoke warmly, before standing to go over to the corner of the small living room. A bolt of cloth laid there, and he ripped a few strips off, intending to wrap the wound so the salve wouldn’t get moved around. It was a careful process - lifting up the injured leg enough to slip the fabric under it, and tying it tightly to ensure stability.
Takashi Shirogane: Shiro nodded, "I understand that, a lot of people grow up with only simple knowledge, enough to get them through life, but never enough to be able to grasp things they aren't familiar with." He knew that too well, all too well. Shiro huffed a small laugh at Lance's question. "It depends who you ask, to some I'm a deviant, or a theif, but to others I'm a saint." He sat up a bit after his leg was wrapped, struggling a bit with the stiffness, but he managed to get himself into an upright position. This was his first time seeing Lance from a front angle, it made him smile a bit, if it wasn't for the nymph, he wouldn't be able to see the captivating blue eyes in front of him. "Thank you, it feels much better."
Lance McClain {X for Nymph Starter}: Ahah! See, he knew Shiro wasn’t a bad guy, but he didn’t seem like a perfectly straight arrow either. It looked like he followed his own moral code strictly, but that it didn’t exactly align with the law. Not that Lance really minded all too much, considering that the humans who ran the nearby town were both corrupt and conniving. He’d put a glamour on his cottage to keep himself hidden from those sorts of people. “You’re very welcome. I have a tea I can make you that will act as both a pain numbing agent and a way for you to rest, if you would want it?” He asked, eyes flicking over the other’s form searchingly. Were there any more slashes or cuts he could immediately fix? Not that he could see, at least. Goodness, Shiro really needed to change his outfit, though. The one he currently had on was filthy.
Takashi Shirogane: "That would be wonderful, I'm parched." Shiro hadn't realized how dry his mouth was until Lance mentioned the tea, he would take anything offered to him. He noticed Lance looking over him, his eyebrows turned up with concern. "I'm fine, you've done a wonderful job of helping me, you don't need to worry about me anymore. I've already burdened you enough with my leg." He didn't like when people worried about him, it made him feel helpless, and he had enough moments of helplessness in his past to last lifetimes. Shiro had spent the last few years making sure he was never in a predicament where he didn't have the upper hand again. He wasn't about to let it end now, even though he was now confined to a couch.
Lance McClain {X for Nymph Starter}: “Hush, you aren’t a burden. Just lay back and relax, don’t worry about a thing.” He spoke kindly, caringly, with a little smile on his lips before he stood once more. Since the kitchen was clearly visible from the sofa, Shiro would be able to see Lance washing his hands and preparing the tea. The brew was comprised of lavender, mint, honey, and thyme. All good things to put in a healing drink. Plus— a bit of juniberry, a flower only nymphs knew how to cultivate. Setting a kettle on the stove top, Lance then lit a fire in the underbelly, beginning to boil all the ingredients together. While that was underway, he then took a fresh cloth and more water, coming back over to Shiro. “I’m going to clean you up as best I can, alright? So much dirt and brush...” He was sort of talking to himself, wiping away the excess grime in soft small strokes on each patch of skin.
Takashi Shirogane: Shiro sighed and leaned into the back cushions of the sofa, watching Lance work in the kitchen. He wished he could help, Shiro wondered if it drained Lance at all when he healed someone. He seemed to be fine, or at least better than Shiro was at the moment. When Lance came in with the cloth, Shiro didn't have anything to respond with so he just sat as he was, watching the water with a mesmerized, far away look. "I can help.." he said after a moment, the rag was cool against his skin. He had never been hand bathed by another person before so this was a first, but he almost liked it? Shiro hadn't even realized how nasty his skin had gotten until he looked at his arms in comparison, one somehow already cleaned, wow he worked fast, and the other darker with grime.
Lance McClain {X for Nymph Starter}: Raising a brow, Lance then offered a little laugh - not condescending, but just amused. “Really..? You can help? Shiro, you just need to rest up. Healing from such a deep gash will take a while, you know? The thing they sliced you with was contaminated with some sort of solvent. It’s a good thing that balm is on there to hopefully stop any potential infection. I—“ The kettle began to wail and he stood up quickly to go turn it off. Then he poured a cup of tea for Shiro and brought it over, a sweet scent wafting from the steam. “It’s hot, so be careful.” He warned, helping Shiro sit up a bit before handing him the drink. He wondered if it would be appropriate to offer to remove some of the dirtied clothing? He was sure he had something big enough to fit Shiro, or the other could at least forgo a shirt to allow for more cleaning.
Takashi Shirogane: Shiro looked down in defeat as he twiddled his thumbs, letting the other finish cleaning his skin. He had never gotten anything good out of being vulnerable, but maybe, just maybe he could allow himself to relax a bit more. A small voice in the back of his head told him to still stay alert but a louder voice over powered it, saying it was all right. Shiro felt...safe, the warmth and sweet scent added to the coziness of the cottage, he felt so out of place here but not in an uncomfortable way. Just in the sense that he was disrupting the casual and warm feel of the place, it was all very obviously Lance's home. Shiro took a sip and savored in the warmth that rolled over his tongue and down his throat. "Oh that's good," he said with a groan, he shut his eyes as he took another small drink. "You care so much for someone you haven't even known for a few hours. How is that? I apologize if I'm repetitive, but it still confuses me a bit."
Takashi Shirogane: brb))
Lance McClain {X for Nymph Starter}: {No worries}
Takashi Shirogane: back))
Lance McClain {X for Nymph Starter}: Seemingly delighted that the other enjoyed the tea, the young man then cocked his head a moment at Shiro’s question. “I... I don’t really have an explanation. You just... needed help, and I helped you. How could I not? I want to make sure you’re alright because it’s the right thing to do. Plus, apparently people need you back in town. Can’t let you die out on me, hm? Though... you’ll be here for a good amount of time, no doubt. Are you comfortable? I was thinking - if it’s not too obtrusive - that we could try and get you changed into something less...” he paused, gesturing to the dirty clothing Shiro had on, “Less messed up.” If anything, once the tea kicked in and Shiro fell asleep, he’d at least have time to clean everything else up. That being, the sofa, the floor, the kitchen, and himself.
Takashi Shirogane: Shiro nodded and froze a moment when it hit him that he would be handicapped for a while. It scared him a little, no. It scared him a lot. There was the possibility of him being found, the longer he stayed in one place, the more danger he would be in. He'd be putting Lance in danger too, and that's the last thing he wanted to do. "I can't stay. I don't you to get hurt, they saw me come into the forest, not leave. They
Takashi Shirogane: *They'll send someone out to make sure I was left for dead, when they don't find my body, they'll know I'm alive somehow and search the forest. You won't be safe." Shiro sighed and stared down at his tea. "I am very comfortable here, don't get me wrong, but I can't stay. As soon as I can somewhat walk, I need to go." He didn't want to go though. Almost everything in him told Shiro to stay, but he didn't want to take advantage of Lance's hospitality.
Lance McClain {X for Nymph Starter}: Blinking a bit, Lance then listened as the urgency rose in the other's voice. It was valid to be concerned, and while he was touched at the care Shiro showed for him, he really wasn’t worried. “Well, that’s totally your choice of course, but if you want to leave for my sake then know I’ll be just fine. I put a glamour on my house so that no one can see it unless I take it away. Humans have walked right by many a time, completely unsuspecting. There’s no way your assailants will find you or me, believe me.” He appeared to be calm, smoothing away the last of the easily wipeable dirt away. He didn’t seem to mind Shiro being there, accommodating him as if he were a regular guest.
Takashi Shirogane: With a cock of his brow, Shiro looked at Lance with a perplexing expression. "A glamour? Did you 'take it away' when you dragged me inside?" He had never heard of a glamour before, but a lot of things haven't made much sense since he met Lance. Shiro took a long drink this time, unsure of what to say. He had gotten all worked up, and now according to the nymph, he had nothing to be worried about. A roller coaster of emotions looped through his mind and he didn't know how to handle it.
Lance McClain {X for Nymph Starter}: “Yes, I removed it to enter my home. A glamour is a magical covering that causes things to become invisible to the naked eye— blending into the background. My house would look like nothing more than another wooded area of many. Rather clever, don’t you think?” He seemed proud of himself for doing such a thing, which frankly, he was. It wasn’t the easiest feat to create a believable veil for an entire house - albeit a small one.
Takashi Shirogane: Shiro sat with his mouth agape for a moment before croaking out a response. "Yes, very clever...That's quite impressive in fact, you're very powerful. Wow, Is it strange that I feel as if I've been blessed by an angel? I don't mean that to sound stranger than it is, I only mean that you are so honest and kind, not to mention very gentle on the eyes and powerful." He hadn't realized he was staring until the palm of his hand cupping his drink began to burn up, knocking him from his trance. "Ah, I'm sorry. Do you want my clothes? You mentioned that earlier.."
Lance McClain {X for Nymph Starter}: A warm blush practically coated Lance’s face, going all the way up to his ears - hardly visible due to his skin tone, but there nonetheless. There were practically heatwaves coming off of his cheeks. “W... Well. I ah— you really do flatter me. I’m... I... thank you.” He’d been deprived of compliments for so long, living alone as he was, so to have what he craved so badly made his insides curl. It was nice to be looked at with so much blatant admiration, and Lance swore he saw those eyes flick down to his lips for a millisecond before the other began to speak again. “Right! Right, yes. Let’s get you into something more comfortable, hm?” He took the teacup from Shiro to set it aside before leaning closer into his personal space. He ignored the faint attraction he felt towards the human for favor of getting the job done, popping open the buttons of the other’s vest with nimble fingers. Then came the tunic underneath which he slipped up and off easily. His mouth went dry. Oh gods, this was bad. He had a handsome man laying on his couch with no shirt on and an incredibly muscular chest on display. Lance was malfunctioning, a bit.
Takashi Shirogane: The deep red that flushed across Lance's skin was hard to ignore, but Shiro felt awful for putting him in that position so he said nothing. He hadn't meant to make Lance uncomfortable. Shiro was perfectly capable of removing his own shirt, his upper body was still in perfect condition, but when The younger male swooped in close to begin unbuttoning his clothes, Shiro found himself just watching the thin fingers go to work. He could feel how warm Lance had gotten without even touching him, it caused his ears to warm up a bit as well from embarrassment. Once his shirt was removed and his hands were back at his sides, Shiro noticed how the other looked at him. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to embarrass you, that was cruel of me, I wasn't thinking. Are you- are you okay?" he asked, completely oblivious in his tone.
Lance McClain {X for Nymph Starter}: Giving an airy laugh - high pitched and cut off - Lance then shook his head vehemently. “No, no... I’m not embarrassed. You’re just... gorgeous. Not to be intrusive while you’re in such a vulnerable position, of course. I just— can’t help but appreciate beauty, I suppose.” Little alarm bells were going off in his head, screaming something about muscles and man power. Lance had always liked men who were bigger than him. Who could potentially crush him. Alright, whoah... calm down. He stood up with a small abrupt nod. “I’m... going to get you something to wear and then we’ll talk about your pants.” He managed, before hurrying down a small hallway towards what appeared to be his bedroom.
Takashi Shirogane: Shiro sat staring wide eyed at the doorway that lead to the hallway Lance disappeared into. He wasn't sure what had just happened, he called him gorgeous? He had never heard that word used to describe him before. Shiro was definitely caught off guard at that one, what was he going on about? There was no way any other man would find him attractive, it seemed absurd to him, but it had happened before, he just didn't believed it would ever happen again. Shiro's eyes flickered away from the doorway and down to his leg. It seemed fine, but he had wondered how he would get changed even before Lance had mentioned it. He would have been able to take his own shirt off, but he knew his pants wouldn't be so easy..
Lance McClain {X for Nymph Starter}: He really needed to stop acting like a baby faun learning how to walk for the first time. He’d dated before! He’d seen hot people before, this was nothing different! He needed to be mature about this. Shiro was a guest, and just because he was absolutely stunning didn’t mean Lance had the right to ogle him. Moving around his room, he rifled through his closet and blew out a breath of relief. He knew his friend Hunk had left some of his clothes over for the next time he visited. He was sure the other wouldn't mind putting them to good use. Grabbing a simple white tunic and brown pants - they’d fit Shiro for sure - he then came back out with a small smile. “You’re in luck! I’ve got some things that’ll work just fine. Here’s the shirt.” He handed it over before sitting next to Shiro once more. “It’s up to you on whether you’d like to change your pants as well. To be fair, one leg is already all torn up, so I could bandage it, but it’s up to you.”
Takashi Shirogane: Shiro watched Lance curiously as he entered the room again after hearing him shuffle through things in another room. He seemed to be back to normal, but Shiro felt the thin tension hadn't yet gone away. He took the outfit with a appreciative smile and pulled the tunic over his head with ease. It was soft and smelled nice. "Thank you, it fits just fine. I'll uh change my pants maybe when I go to the bathroom next. Oh speaking of, do you have one inside?" (I'm not sure what time period this is in but I'm just going to assume there is a somewhat modern pluming system or a washroom of a sorts??) Shiro rubbed the fabric of the pants between his forefinger and thumb idly as he looked up at Lance, who still seemed to be acting as if nothing had just happened.
Lance McClain {X for Nymph Starter}: He completely understood. After his outburst moments before, he probably wouldn’t want to change in front of him either. “I do, yes. It’s connected to my room. My home isn’t all that big since it’s just me out here.” Blowing out a small breath, he then leaned back against the seat of the couch. “This has certainly been a day, hasn’t it? Are you feeling any better? Or sleepier perhaps? The tea should kick in shortly.” He assured, looking at the near empty cup sitting on his ottoman. Hopefully the juniberry would assist with the numbing work as well.
Lance McClain {X for Nymph Starter}: {I’m feeling 1800’s time period so think minimal plumbing and more magic where Lance is concerned. Still a basin and a toilet and such, though.}
Takashi Shirogane: okay, that's around the range I was thinking))
Lance McClain {X for Nymph Starter}: {Perfect ^•^}
Takashi Shirogane: He nodded and stifled a yawn that produced from his throat. "Okay, that's reasonable. It has indeed, one of the most eventful I've had in a while. And I steal from scary rich people for a living, that's saying something." he chuckled and turned his head that rested on the back of the couch to face Lance. "What are you trying to knock me out? What are you planning on doing while I'm asleep huh? Gonna harvest my organs to perform a spell or something?" Shiro was obviously kidding, he just had to say something in order to at least make himself feel better.
Lance McClain {X for Nymph Starter}: Pursing his lips into a small pout, the nymph gave Shiro’s arm a light swat. “I don’t need any of your organs, believe me. While you’re resting, I’ll be cleaning up the blood all over my floor.” He sounded sarcastic, and held the facade for a moment before cracking it with a slight smile. “That and I’ll be bathing myself as well. You’re welcome to call me if you need me, alright?” He stood up and took one of the rags he’d set aside to begin to scrub away at his floors. Good thing he didn’t have any fancy stainable carpet like high class humans liked to use.
Takashi Shirogane: Shiro laughed at the smack, his chest shaking along. "Noted." he said with a short nod. His eyes followed Lance as he stood, then his brows furrowed as he watched him clean the blood. /His/ blood. He noted how the brown hair swayed with every movement and how his nose scrunched when he came to a difficult spot. It was cute, Shiro didn't notice the smile that had formed on his lips just from watching him clean. He still felt awfully guilty that he couldn't even help with cleaning his own mess. "You remind me of someone I used to know." he muttered out of the silence. The brown hair and tanned skin flashed through his mind as he closed his eyes and tipped his head back, suddenly feeling very tired. "Someone very dear to me, my fiance in fact...kind and caring like you..warm skin...soft..loving.." Shiro slowly drifted off, muttering incomprehensible words until he fell silent.
Lance McClain {X for Nymph Starter}: Hands stuttering in their task, the young man then looked up in time to see Shiro close his eyes. How could he hope to decipher what those words meant? The man had a fiancé, and she looked like him? And she wasn’t there anymore? Had she died? He spoke of her in the past tense so Lance could only assume. It was sad to think about, and he kept quiet while Shiro drifted off to sleep. Poor man. He’d probably been through so much in his life already, and he only seemed a few years older than Lance. It would be a few hours more before Lance had managed to clean off all the blood, straighten the kitchen, and get to bathe himself. He was sitting in the basin of cool water, head tipped back and eyes lidded. It was nice to get all the grime off of his body. He hadn’t been that dirty in a long while.
Takashi Shirogane: No dreams, perhaps it was because he felt as if he was in one already. Shiro woke up what he assumed was a few hours later because of how dark the sky had gotten. He took in a deep breath and blinked the sleep from his eyes as he stretched his arms. Lance was no where in sight, he must have been in the bath like he had mentioned earlier. Shiro suddenly jolted as he remembered he had said things before falling asleep. He was drunk on lack of sleep and hadn't thought about what he was saying, now he owed the other an explanation and he was dreading it.
Lance McClain {X for Nymph Starter}: Silence turned to humming rather quickly - Lance was a musical being at heart - and soon that humming turned to singing. Soft and pleasant, echoing off of the bathroom walls. He’d nearly forgotten that he wasn’t alone, running his hands through his hair to rid it of the last few soapy suds. He was glad he was a water nymph, if only because of how easy it was to get water to come to him. Filling up his basin was never an issue with the stream behind his house at his disposal.
Takashi Shirogane: With Shiro having been confined to the sofa for a very long few hours, he had to at least stand. So he struggled and used his upper arm strength to push himself off the cushions and balanced on his good leg. Then came the sweet melodies from the hallway. Shiro wasn't sure if he was hearing correctly so he shuffled closer to the doorway, putting the most of his weight on his good leg and using object to help steady himself along the way. Sure enough, he wasn't hearing things and he recognized the subtle sounds of Lance's voice, only this didn't sound like Lance, it sounded like what it felt like to be held in a warm embrace or when someone ran their fingers through your hair and kissed your forehead. It was the feeling when the whole world seemed to disappear and that one person was the only other thing left. Shiro slowly limped down the hallway and made it to a closed door, the singing now louder so he assumed it was the washroom. He leaned his back against the wall and shut his eyes as a smile came to his lips. He hadn't thought about how his presence might frighten Lance or the consequences of him being there.
Lance McClain {X for Nymph Starter}: Although he enjoyed bathing quite a bit, and self care was one of his favorite pastimes, he did recognize that he probably needed to get out. He’d been laying there for the better part of an hour just thinking, but now he decided he’d at least check on Shiro to see how he was doing. Perhaps he could change the salve as well. Singing not ceasing, he lifted himself out of the water and grabbed a soft towel nearby, ruffling his hair with it. It was always rather curly when it was damp. Then he wrapped the towel around his waist and tucked it neatly. Hand reaching for the door, he opened it and stepped out of the washroom before squeaking a bit at the presence close by. He was about to freak out before realizing it was just Shiro, placing a hand on his own chest as it rapidly rose and fell. “Gods, Shiro! You scared me half to death! What are you doing standing, hm?” He breathed out slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Takashi Shirogane: Shiro hadn't noticed Lance was finished bathing because he continued singing, it wasn't until the last second when he heard the door knob turn that he knew he was in trouble. "Lance! I'm so sorry I just heard you singing and I- I'm sorry, you have a very nice voice..I had to stretch a bit from sitting so long, I didn't mean to scare you." Shiro looked down at his feet, thinking that he would be seeing something he wasn't supposed to if he looked up. God how could he be so stupid and awkward?
Lance McClain {X for Nymph Starter}: Breaking up into small snorts and giggles, the nymph then breathed out a long sigh and shook his head. “Well, I may as well be a siren then. Thank you.” He teased, before giving Shiro’s shoulder a light pat. “I’m not nude or anything, it’s alright. I just didn’t expect you to be up and about. Is there anything you need? I’d be glad to help if you’ll give me a moment to put something decent on. This towel can only do so much, you know?” He was making light of the situation, seemingly not that bothered. Nymphs were a much more open species than humans when it came to showing skin so he didn’t actually care about having the other’s eyes on him.
Takashi Shirogane: Shiro kept his head bowed for a second before finally looking up with a small smile. "Hah, no no I'm fine. Just curious." he shook his head and noticed how much shorter he was compared to Shiro. He realized this was the first time he had been able to see Lance standing up this close. "I'll let you get changed though, don't mind me, just intruding on your privacy in your own home." he chuckled before turning around to make his way back down the hallway.
Lance McClain {X for Nymph Starter}: Shiro was at least a head taller than him, and Lance lifted his eyes to the other’s face in time to catch his little smile. “I’m appalled!” He teased, before turning into his room to push the door shut behind himself. Then he slipped the towel off to get dried the rest of the way before putting on some comfy clothing. Blue tunic, grey trousers, and a small belt to match. A few accessories - namely a crystalline necklace and an earring in each of his slightly pointed ears. Once he actually deemed himself presentable for his guest, he made his way back down the hallway. “Are you hungry? It’s getting late, and I believe now is as good a time as any for dinner. I was thinking about making pot pie.” He commented, smiling in Shiro’s direction.