I can't see where I'm going, much less maneuver the ship to avoid hitting something!
[ His protests are... both frantic and halfhearted. Percival shouldn't be surprised by Cain's forwardness anymore, and yet, here he is. Maybe it's not a big deal to the other man, who seems to casually give affection as easily as a simple handshake. He doesn't think he'll ever get used to it. If anything, the sincerity of these gestures leave him more and more confused by the day.
He is a simple man. Kisses were always, in his mind, reserved for those romantically involved. But what were they? It's increasingly unclear.
So he can't fight the blush that immediately rises to his face and neck when he feels the other's hardness against his leg. It's much more obvious here, with so little distance between them, and he feels a mixture of nerves, confusion, and restlessness. Of course, he wants him like this... can picture it easily, even. But this is not the time, and he isn't even sure if that's actually something Cain really wants.
This is, of course, the exact opposite of a calm and peaceful state, and the ship promptly nosedives before he can even consider making a move or... doing anything, really. ]
[ Ah. Well, maybe he's pushed Percival a little too far, if the swooping of the ship is anything to go by... but Cain really can't regret it when he's getting such a good look at Percival's flushed face. Even as he grabs at Percival to steady himself, inadvertently flexing against him, Cain's grinning, laughing softly, like this is some fantastic carnival ride rather than an out of control space ship. ]
Calm down—!
[ He manages to grab Percival's collar and drag him down for another kiss, counting indeed on what's worked, not fixing what's not broken. This kiss is slower, sweet even, meant to gentle. Something for Percival to focus on instead of his confusion, the teasing that Cain has taken a bit too far.
This isn't the place for whatever scenario's Percival's so obviously picturing, after all, and Cain isn't actually so irresponsible that he'd abandon his duty as a pilot for a bit of a romp, even if their proximity has him warm and turned on. Even if he very much would like to explore something like this, in a more suitable time and place. But that can wait, right now, there's a problem to be solved, and that's Cain's specialty.
He pulls away, keeps his voice low. ]
You're thinking too much. We can do this, so just take a deep breath. Focus. It's like a battle, the rest isn't important right now.
[ For a brief moment, Percival stares up at Cain with wide, searching eyes. He doesn't look as sure or as confident as he ordinarily would. As dangerous as the situation might be, he usually keeps his composure fairly intact during grave moments. But this isn't as easy to approach as any old battle. ]
This seems effortless for you. I'm envious.
[ And perhaps being able to admit that is why, after a small sigh, he leans forward and rests his forehead against the curve of Cain's shoulder. He can't deny that he finds the other man a comfort like this. He is the only familiar, almost nostalgic feeling in this whole damn ship. ]
Take over the controls. I will join you in just a moment.
I've had a lot of practice, it's nothing to be envious of.
[ A dry response, a little rueful — he doesn't want to think about why he's so good at keeping his cool, not when the memories are sure, no matter his outward appearance, to rile his emotions. That's the last thing either of them need when he's serving as a touchstone.
For the moment, he concentrates instead on the warmth of Percival against him, the gentle pressure of Percival's head against his shoulder. He strokes a hand through Percival's hair, focusing on the softness, the faint, pleasant wood-smoke smell tickling his nose. ]
Take whatever time you need. I've got you.
[ Luckily, he doesn't need to move to pilot the ship, a benefit of a ship that runs on emotions. He can let Percival rest against him and gather himself, and Cain means what he's said. As long as Percival needs. ]
[ He is, admittedly, immediately curious by what Cain could possibly mean. The way he speaks makes him think that this is truly not something that Cain feels proud of, and to keep the harmony between them, he doesn't linger for too long on that thought.
They had all the time in the world.
"I've got you." He says, and though Percival doesn't easily depend on anyone, nor wishes to, he chooses to believe Cain.
After just a moment, because in the end, his conviction to prove himself useful is as strong as ever, he draws his attention back to the distance ahead.
Still, his forehead remains slightly leaned on the other's cheek, and rather than pushing him off of his lap, his hands rest on his waist. ]
[ Cain works in silence for a few minutes, giving Percival the time he needs. He doesn't want to break this quiet, the careful, fragile trust that Percival's given him. His usual laughter and teasing has no place here, not when Percival's showing this vulnerability.
Despite what Percival thinks, Cain is quite capable of understanding when a situation requires delicacy.
Instead, Cain spends the time guiding the ship, making small course corrections. He can tap into that well of calm that's drawn between them now that Percival's no longer wound up and irritable. Like this, piloting the ship is easy, doesn't even really require all of Cain's attention. He finds himself tilting his head, resting his cheek against Percival's hair, idly carding his fingers through the long locks.
That moment of pure vulnerability ends quickly enough, but still, Cain doesn't say anything. He knows what a gift it is for Percival to show that much of a chink in his armor, and in return, he won't push. ]
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[ His protests are... both frantic and halfhearted. Percival shouldn't be surprised by Cain's forwardness anymore, and yet, here he is. Maybe it's not a big deal to the other man, who seems to casually give affection as easily as a simple handshake. He doesn't think he'll ever get used to it. If anything, the sincerity of these gestures leave him more and more confused by the day.
He is a simple man. Kisses were always, in his mind, reserved for those romantically involved. But what were they? It's increasingly unclear.
So he can't fight the blush that immediately rises to his face and neck when he feels the other's hardness against his leg. It's much more obvious here, with so little distance between them, and he feels a mixture of nerves, confusion, and restlessness. Of course, he wants him like this... can picture it easily, even. But this is not the time, and he isn't even sure if that's actually something Cain really wants.
This is, of course, the exact opposite of a calm and peaceful state, and the ship promptly nosedives before he can even consider making a move or... doing anything, really. ]
no subject
Calm down—!
[ He manages to grab Percival's collar and drag him down for another kiss, counting indeed on what's worked, not fixing what's not broken. This kiss is slower, sweet even, meant to gentle. Something for Percival to focus on instead of his confusion, the teasing that Cain has taken a bit too far.
This isn't the place for whatever scenario's Percival's so obviously picturing, after all, and Cain isn't actually so irresponsible that he'd abandon his duty as a pilot for a bit of a romp, even if their proximity has him warm and turned on. Even if he very much would like to explore something like this, in a more suitable time and place. But that can wait, right now, there's a problem to be solved, and that's Cain's specialty.
He pulls away, keeps his voice low. ]
You're thinking too much. We can do this, so just take a deep breath. Focus. It's like a battle, the rest isn't important right now.
no subject
This seems effortless for you. I'm envious.
[ And perhaps being able to admit that is why, after a small sigh, he leans forward and rests his forehead against the curve of Cain's shoulder. He can't deny that he finds the other man a comfort like this. He is the only familiar, almost nostalgic feeling in this whole damn ship. ]
Take over the controls. I will join you in just a moment.
no subject
[ A dry response, a little rueful — he doesn't want to think about why he's so good at keeping his cool, not when the memories are sure, no matter his outward appearance, to rile his emotions. That's the last thing either of them need when he's serving as a touchstone.
For the moment, he concentrates instead on the warmth of Percival against him, the gentle pressure of Percival's head against his shoulder. He strokes a hand through Percival's hair, focusing on the softness, the faint, pleasant wood-smoke smell tickling his nose. ]
Take whatever time you need. I've got you.
[ Luckily, he doesn't need to move to pilot the ship, a benefit of a ship that runs on emotions. He can let Percival rest against him and gather himself, and Cain means what he's said. As long as Percival needs. ]
no subject
They had all the time in the world.
"I've got you." He says, and though Percival doesn't easily depend on anyone, nor wishes to, he chooses to believe Cain.
After just a moment, because in the end, his conviction to prove himself useful is as strong as ever, he draws his attention back to the distance ahead.
Still, his forehead remains slightly leaned on the other's cheek, and rather than pushing him off of his lap, his hands rest on his waist. ]
no subject
Despite what Percival thinks, Cain is quite capable of understanding when a situation requires delicacy.
Instead, Cain spends the time guiding the ship, making small course corrections. He can tap into that well of calm that's drawn between them now that Percival's no longer wound up and irritable. Like this, piloting the ship is easy, doesn't even really require all of Cain's attention. He finds himself tilting his head, resting his cheek against Percival's hair, idly carding his fingers through the long locks.
That moment of pure vulnerability ends quickly enough, but still, Cain doesn't say anything. He knows what a gift it is for Percival to show that much of a chink in his armor, and in return, he won't push. ]