The Elephant in the Room

[ziggyplayedguitar]

Things were unbelievable. Ziggy was high on life, so much so that even his cocaine use diminished. Reduced to something at a recreation, instead of life sustaining. A mere week and his drinking was all but gone, except whiskey in his coffee, always. 

They'd come to a routine. Ziggy recording, Hiroki training, sharing meals together. They both could cook and that was unexpected, though Ziggy couldn't place why he found it odd. Importantly, Hiroki indulged Ziggy's craving for unending contact. And the sex! When they touched it didn't stop until they were falling asleep, worn out by the desperate need for each other. It was unrestrained as they abandoned themselves to each other. Someone was getting close to satiating his desire for sex and intimacy. It wasn't all day like Ziggy had imagined he would need, daily, perhaps but the idea that it didn't need to be so all consuming to be satisfying was new to the Anthean. 

And he didn't have to hide. Since Hiroki returned, Ziggy hadn't put his contacts back in. He could let the Anthean part of himself be exposed, be safe with it known, and, if he was honest with himself, it seemed that Hiroki treasured him more because of it. There was  perhaps something to be said for acceptance he could never find on Earth. That acceptance went both ways. Ziggy accepted the fact that his lover was a dead clone, but the Anthean had never seen him as just a clone anyway.

Those thoughts brought questions that had Ziggy glancing up at his lover from where they lay on the couch together. They needed to talk about the elephant, or rather giant robot, metaphorically in the room with them. 

"Hiroki?" He asked quietly, not really wanting to disturb him while he read. 

Comments

[somekindofspaceuncle]

But I don't want to make mistakes. What if my mistakes hurt the people I care for?

Sigh.

You're right. I never know. What's the right thing to do. I don't know. And- if I ever hurt you, I want you to tell me.

Any kind of hurt, though he means emotional one, now, more than anything.

Because if I do and I don't find out until much later, I'll never forgive myself.

Ah----- Beautiful?? Strong??

And Ziggy's not just saying it. Here, nothing is just, only said.

Ziggy, you flatterer. Careful, or you'll make me believe it. And then your prince might become ruthlessly demanding. No mercy. If I'm so good, you might have no reason to look elsewhere, ever.

Of course Ziggy can look wherever Ziggy wants.

Hiroki hugs him tightly.

He giggles lightly, and kisses Ziggy's neck passionately.

Then he looks around again.

I like it. The world through your eyes. And I'm grateful. For letting me be a part of your world.

He grins.

You know what's your problem, Ziggy? he jokes, You're too good. One can be much too scared of accidnteally breaking someone so amazing.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

I haven't slept with anyone else since you came back. Ziggy admits. I... when I thought you were dead I did because I didn't want to be alone.

They both knew what happened when he was, he overdosed. If he was completely honest the list of people he was truly interested in right now was incredibly short, a handful at most. There's only one or two others I might consider right now.... I don't know? Can sex be platonic? It kind of feels that way when I think about it.

Ziggy giggles when his neck is kissed. Something about the emotional bond here made it that way.

You've been part of it since we met. Ziggy nozzles in. You better stay.

I know I'm good. I can tell by how you scream my name. He might be flirting but it is mostly affection. You won't. You can always ask before doing something if you worry.

[somekindofspaceuncle]

Ziggy, I don't want you to be alone. Not ever. Being cold and and alone, it's too heavy. I wouldn't wish it even on my enemies, to be honest.

Hiroki's utterly honest.

And then, accidentally-

Ziggy might see a memory. Shiro's clone - he 'knew', wrongly, that he was Shiro, back then, had no doubts in his mind, only determination, pure determination born of Shiro's memories and conviction - landing, or rather, crushing, barely managing to do so without dying, on a snowy planet.

Said determination let him make one step after another on his journey through the snow (and to painfully cauterise his leg wound, and then make more steps), even as he was shivering and at some points wondering how soon he will freeze. But no matter. He was going back home, he wouldn't, couldn't freeze or get hypothermia. Step after step, going, with effort he thought might kill him if he's not careful, in the snow, with no living creature in sight.

Because, because his family was waiting for him. His family. In short, Voltron. So he wanted to live. He didn't escape the evil witch the second time just to die. He didn't escape the evil Galra the second time just to die. So he won't. Because his friends are waiting for him. Not knowing where he is. Worried. That's why- that's why. That's why, whatever killed many other animals there, won't kill him, he's decided back then. And that's why he wanted to live. His friends were waiting for him. Needing him. Possibly. That's why he wouldn't vanish in the snow. He had decided, back then, when the snow was falling on his face, and everywhere else, and he knew he absolutely musn't cry in this weather, so he didn't cry. Only walking forward, barely any rest, was an option. That's why...!!

Hiroki shivers just slightly and hugs Ziggy again, then glances at Ziggy, sheepish, as if he's just seriously embarassed himself. As if Ziggy's just, maybe, seen an equivalent of a baby photo of his or something, that might make Ziggy consider Hiroki weaker than he had thought.

People, Hiroki continues, trying to ignore the fact that Ziggy might've seen the memory of that snowy journey, they, no, we, aren't meant to be alone. So, if you tried not to be alone, back when I couldn't be here for you, even though I should've been, that's good. I don't want you to be alone.

Nuzzles.

How about, hmm, some not platonic sex with me later? You can then explain to me the difference, because I don't know it. I'll listen.

Half serious. Also... yes... flirting. Mind, he won't tell Ziggy not to sleep with anyone else (platonically??). He won't ask Ziggy for that now, ever. He will learn... well, he will learn, he's decided. Ziggy's not unfaithful. Ziggy is Ziggy. Hm. Hiroki will just learn. Somehow. He will. Besides, Ziggy is amazing.

Oh? Hmm. Does this mean I'm any good? I've heard my name quite loudly. It felt great. I felt alive.

Ditto.

Though there's always that euphoric feeling when Hiroki thinks my name.

If someone has a name of one's own, and not somebody else's, nor, even worse, a number, that someone is a person.

Everybody knows that.

I've fallen for you, Ziggy. More each day. Still more each day. Stop me or someday I'll love you too much.

He laughs quietly.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

Ziggy simply accepts the memory and his hand slides down to where the scar is on Hiroki's leg. I'll have to kiss that scar next time I'm down there.

Sure he's flirting but it is also a reassurance that the scars and memories don't change how Ziggy feels. I would rather you. I will always prefer you here with me.

He falls into kissing his way up Hiroki's neck. We could have some not platonic sex right now, if you want. That was the upside of the memories. They were, after all, standing naked in the botanical gardens. Why not have sex there too? Ziggy suddenly stops kissing and pulls back to look at Hiroki with a grin.

That's memories too... if you ever wanted to know what it feels like when you look at me, or touch me, or when your lips are pressed to my skin.. hmmm or even better when your whole body is, I can share those memories too, I think. Maybe you'd believe me that you're perfect.

He leans back into the embrace to lay his head on Hiroki's shoulder. I've fallen for you too. Sometimes, I love you so much it frightens me. I've never loved anyone before, not like this...not.. where I've started imagining being with them weeks or years later.

[somekindofspaceuncle]

Sure, anytime. That one's wholly mine.
That scar. His, not Shiro's. He's joking a little, but it's true. (All proper jokes are.)

And I'll be here for you as long as I can exist. Likely not forever, but, it's all I can promise you.

Though with Ziggy's abundant energy sharing, it might be centuries, truly.

Hiroki, slightly startles, replies, Y-yes, we can have some, r-right now.

He thought the vision was a total mood killer for Ziggy, if one could even call it that. But Hiroki's willing and ready.

To feel what-- ah- but that's so intimate-

He, to tell the truth he'd like to. If Ziggy's ready to share so intimate a feeling with him.

y-yeah!

Never?

This is new. Hiroki would never have called himself Ziggy's first anything, wouldn't presume.

Probably... he felt that way, because Shiro had loved before, been engaged before, to Adam, planning marriage, and so, Hiroki's mind would sometimes would sometimes, still, mistakenly communicate that Hiroki had, too, even though that was not right.

In truth, Hiroki's never been this deep before.

But he believed somehow that Ziggy must've been, and it was fine, obviously.

Turns out... maybe Ziggy-- oh.

I'm yours.

More firmly this time.

He is. He can be, because Ziggy won't betray him in that. Ziggy will never treat him like garbage - well, of course he won't, Ziggy's not the witch. Hence he can't be Ziggy's, safely.

It's a choice.

That time you're imagining, when we get there, I'll also be yours. I promise.

It's what Hiroki allows himself to believe now.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

That's why I want to kiss it. The happiness is surging back and Ziggy's glow is brightening as he touches the scar on the bridge of Hiroki's nose. I've always thought this one is sexy.

He didn't know why exactly, but it was... on Hiroki. Shiro just agitated him too much to be even considered. That is probably a good thing.

Yes, right now. Ziggy used sex for a lot of things, to hide or ignore pain and depression among them. Just after a trauma, or remembering one, Ziggy wants intimacy.

Listen.Ziggy says quietly as he leans in for a kiss. Memories come with it. Ziggy staring up at Hiroki the first time he pushed him back on his bed, the way a human glows in an Anthean's vision.. in the purples of UV and the hot colors of the infrared. The anticipation is there, want desire and the complete abandonment to becoming lovers. Hiroki can feel everything, every touch and breath on his skin. Among the memories there is a very loud memory of realizing Hiroki smells good. Snippets of other intimate moments come after and all of them are filled with the one thought,, that Hiroki is irresistible to the Anthean.

The memories fade away though they are still there just beneath the surface. I'm yours. I think it started the moment you walked up to me. There was suddenly this incredibly beautiful man choosing me out of anyone in the plaza."

Ziggy just nestles against him, though he's not opposed to more intimacy. He can imagine that his own memories were probably very arousing to his partner. I'll be here too, years from now.

In love and potentially, eventually in mourning. Ziggy tries not to think about that but his parents dealing with Tom's mortality keep bringing it to mind. He does hope it is far into the future when either of them have to consider being alone.

[somekindofspaceuncle]

He's getting... not aroused, maybe, for a human it's different in spirit, it's a bit different than being aroused, but he's getting the need, the intense need to give himself to Ziggy this way, bodily, even without a body, and, yes, memories from Ziggy are a part of it, now.

He's never seen himself the way Ziggy's seen him, but this isn't about himself, it's about Ziggy's affection for him, getting through, so stongly, this way. That's what this is about, for Hiroki, right now. Why he wants to offer himself to Ziggy right now.

(Of course, the pleasure involved, too. It's right now off the charts for Hiroki Shirogane.)

Be here. It's a promise. Yes.

Right now, he's feeling submissive, though with Ziggy, anything can happen, and Ziggy might change that, too.

He takes Ziggy's hand and places it on his own chest. Speaking of scars, he's got plenty scars there. So many that he prefers not to wonder, usually. But he's not thinking about it right now. He just wants Ziggy to know that Hiroki's heart is beating for Ziggy right now. His love.

Take me. Please, he whispers in thought. Any way you wish. You won't hurt me whatever you do, I know it. So, just take me, any way, Princess.

Trust.

And yes, they're not alone. Never alone. Thank Voltron. He's glad...so glad to be here together with Ziggy. He wanted to bare himself to Ziggy here. Wholly himself.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

Ziggy slides his hand over and kisses Hiroki's chest over his heart. The love he can feel right now is dizzying but he wants more of it. To be utterly accepted and utterly able to open himself to another is intoxicating.

He's so high on feelings that Ziggy giggles a little at the gesture. Hiroki can surely see the source of the humor being that his heart is in his lower back and the gesture would look much different with an Anthean.

Come. Ziggy takes the hand still resting against his on Hiroki's chest and gives it a small, playful tug. Though it isn't part of the memory there is a thick, plush and comfortable looking blanket stretched out under one of the trees. Come lay with me and I'll take you.

Ziggy is so often the submissive one that it is rare he is taking any one. However, he wants it here... the pleasure, the love, and the closeness... especially the closeness.

He'll lead Hiroki over to sit on the blanket and immediately start kissing him and encouraging him to lay back on the blanket. Ziggy wants to go slow and kiss everywhere on his body; slow and savoring.

[somekindofspaceuncle]

The young man blinks at first, wondering, but then - oh, yes, he can. Hiroki giggles lightly in response.

Well, each of us here is a different kind of a freak of nature. I'm one just made from a human and evil magics. At least it's obvious where every part of me is. If anybody wanted to see.

Though as for Ziggy being a freak, that's thought with humour and with all the affection, here. And he hopes Ziggy's not offended.

He lays down. Follows Ziggy's directions. Somehow - hmmm. Deep inside, he'd almost run away, because, if he can't be in control, then, what is he- but, no. This is Ziggy. And, if he were to be honest with himself, and not the parts of his mind that'd rather run away, but other ones, he's been anticipating this.

He wants to know - about Ziggy, sometimes, he feels, like he wants to know everything. And so, this, too.

He wasn't expecting the blanket, but it's nice. Hiroki slowly lies down as he's happily losing himself, or maybe finding, in Ziggy's series of kisses.

Somebody's thorough. Are you saying you love all of me?

Softly. And he tries not to laugh. It's just - just happiness, relief, he's sure Ziggy will understand.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

Ziggy's not used to being the top. HIs preference is to be the one taken but for Hiroki he will be anything needed to bring him happiness and satisfy his desires. As a top, he's gentle, attentive, and loving.

Some parts more than others. He accentuates the words by licking Hiroki's cock. .. but I do love all of you.

He bites his chest on the way up, sharp teeth just brushing against his skin. What do you like or want to try?

Ziggy bites him again and then presses lips together, gentle bites on those too. Ziggy is ready to have sex, could right now, but he loves foreplay and the feeling of his lover's body. There's no reason not to indulge.

[somekindofspaceuncle]

Hiroki sighs happily. He's utterly enjoying the affectionate indulgence. He gladly returns all the kisses. Ah-

I love all of you. But you know that already.

And then the question. However, he wonders what could see possibly want for, when Ziggy's already doing everything with so much feeling-

Surely there are things, but they escape his mind for now. So, for now, all else there is at the moment-

Slightly halted and sheepish,

Hey, Ziggy? I want to hear your heartbeat now, too.

Because isn't that childish? He hopes it's not.
He knows by heart by now where it is, so he's looking near there already, right now.

I'll prolly remember what else I wanna in the meantime.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

Ziggy is indulging in the slow contact between them right now. I even love the parts you think are broken.

Ziggy runs his hand down the right arm that has just recently reappeared. He loved Hiroki equally with or without his arm.

Any time you want. Ziggy moves to lay down on his stomach. Things are a bit awkward given the placement of his heart but he's grown to enjoy the weight of Hiroki's head on his back when he wants to listen. I can think of some things I want to do.

[somekindofspaceuncle]

I just hope you never have to regret loving me. I, I don't want to put you in harm's way if she ever again tries to retrieve me, I won't, you're too important to me, and-- nevermind.

Listening to that heartbeat, Ziggy's hearbeat, right now, it is so soothing, any dark thoughts are chased away for now.

This is-- this is the one he wants to share his life, well, maybe not life, since Hiroki doesn't really have that anymore, but his existence, with. And--

Idly, he wonders,

Where can I even buy rings in Nexus? Quiznak, I haven't seen any jewelry shop.

The clone's so busy indulging in the closeness of his Ziggy, and thinking, that he hasn't even realised yet that in instance, Ziggy can hear him, too.

And he probably wouldn't mind much, even if he realised. Being able to love and be loved back, without any darkness in the way now, it feels like a victory.

Hiroki smiles.

Ah? I'm open to any ideas, Ziggy.

Anything. He's not quite sure there is anything he wouldn't do, with Ziggy.

There probably are things he wouldn't do. But he won't think about it, and he's certain by now that Ziggy wouldn't ask, either.

When did you first want to be with me, more than for a little bit?

Hiroki asks suddenly, in thought, then immediately adds, more in feeling than in thought, that it's fine, Ziggy needn't say if he doesn't want to. Hiroki doesn't want to pry if it's not - if he's not welcome to do so.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

I don't regret being with you... but if she comes back you should let me help. I have driven her away before.

Ziggy settles in the Hiroki's weight on his back. It feels good, amazing to just let someone listen to his heart and to be able to trust someone to know where it is, know that it means he's alien. The closeness is quickly increasing his desire for physical intimacy.. not just sex but also anything else; touching, kissing too.

Ziggy answers just off hand and not really paying attention. There are a lot of artists in the Nexus.

He's not really focused on thoughts until he's asked a question. He slows down his desires and thinks. I don't really know. Maybe when you tried to leave the apartment and I got in front of you to try and force you to stay? I think I wanted more than just a fling then...It was a slow process. I didn't think I was the kind of person that wanted a permanent lover... hmmm.. definitely when you kissed my palms that first time. It wasn't just that it felt good, it feels absolutely amazing, but realizing you could know what I am and it didn't matter and you didn't make a big deal out of my alieness...that was important to me. Ziggy shrugs and laughs quietly. Somewhere between those two days? There was a couple days after you started staying with me... when I woke up beside you after we'd exhausted ourselves with sex and you were still asleep, I clearly remember thinking I wanted to do this more, I wanted more of that. Maybe then? I don't know. Do you have an exact moment when you kndw you wanted to stay with me?

[somekindofspaceuncle]

I know you're strong, but... she's really strong. For example - well, you've met White, you could surely feel primal power there. It's ancient life... ancient Alchemy - there's not much difference, between those, in ancient times. However, Honerva's managed to kill White, because she wanted to break into Oriande more than anything- ah. right. Oriand. How haven't I guessed? That beautiful place we saw, that was Oriande. White thought of it.

And Hiroki loses the thread of conversation a bit, as he thinks about Oriande. He's glad he could've seen it, the memory, and that Ziggy could, too.

Somehow, it cheers Hiroki up.

Still, there's still a matter of-

Listen, if you want to fight Honerva, I won't stop you. It's your life. But I won't let you do it alone. Ever. If there's a fight against her, I'll be at your side. I won't her have you. But you know that.

He could inwardly curse at himself that during a conversation like this, he's getting aroused again, but it's Ziggy's utter, complete closeness that's doing it to him.

And truth be told, that's alright. Hiroki wants it.

A lot of artists? Good, he may ask one of them for something-- special? Well, whatever.

Something just for you, he thinks. Yeah, a ring's only a symbol, nothing more, but he wants Ziggy to like it.

Exact... no. Though, maybe- when I stopped being scared of you.

Sheepishly, he adds,
Discovering what I am, I- there was a moment, then, when I found you dangerous.

How could I know you're not like her? How could I, ever?

When I've realised that that's utter bullshit. When I've realised - and surely you remember what I said, how I said that if you touch me now, I...

But later, when I realised you'd never do that. When I saw your love for me and knew I'm safe in your arms. I-

I think that's when I knew. Truly. I want to share the rest of my days with you. Everything.

Ah--

I should't have tested you, back then. I was in the wrong, there. People- people shoudn't do that. I hope you're not angry I had tested you then. Thinking back on it, I felt a little guilty.

You're not Honerva, and my fears and anger were my own, I shouldn't have made you hear them. And bear them. I'll never do that again. Okay?

When you truly loved me then, despite-- that's when I knew. I want you.

Oh. No. He might come soon, he's so close to--- and here he was trying to talk. Well, no matter.

It's Ziggy's closeness, so intoxicating-- ah...

[ziggyplayedguitar]

I don't want to fight her. I don't want to fight anyone, but I will. I love you and I would fight her off or die trying.. for you.

Ziggy is serious about all of it. He would do it for Hiroki even if he knew fighting, and especially killing someone, would potentially kill him even if the person he was fighting didn't. He pushes those thoughts away and instead feels the arousal. It makes sense to him to want someone when you are talking about situation in which you might lose them.

He listens to Hiroki and shakes his head. I did the same. I worried that you'd be like humans in my world and hurt me if you found out I was an alien.

I absolutely think it is normal to test someone who reminds you too much of someone who hurt you or reminds you of how you were hurt. You've got to ensure you're safe and sometimes that takes more proof than others.

Ziggy doesn't get this paranoia about testing his loyalty or kindness. However, emotions are overwhelming thought. Ziggy moans and a wave of inviting emotions echos off of him.

You don't have to hold back. You can have me, ask me for anything... anytime you want. I'll always help when you want pleasure.

This is still safer ground in Ziggy's mind. He's still so much more comfortable with physical affection and sex than he is with the emotions. However, discomfort doesn't mean he's going to stop any of them.

[somekindofspaceuncle]

You're kind. I--

No, no more thoughts, he just wants to lose himself in Ziggy now, he clings to Ziggy with all of himself, just whispering Ziggy's name in his deepest thoughts and emotions.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

Ziggy can only gasp at the feelings coming off of his partner. The want is intoxicating and subtlety Ziggy starts tugging at that desire.

If you want me... I'm always yours. All you have to do is come make love to me.

This is another moment where Ziggy is lost and the only way he knows to respond to the outpouring of love, and express his own emotions, is sex.

[somekindofspaceuncle]

He can't help it, he has an erection right now. He wasn't even sure it's possible like this, here, but of course it's possible in his mind, because, right now--

Hiroki just wants Ziggy. Right now. Closer. Closer-

Yes- please-

And he won't be embarassed that Ziggy sees just how much Ziggy desires him, because Ziggy knows that already.

He can only hope that out there in the world, they won't crush into some planet or some star, but right now, he can't bring himself to think about it much, now.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

Ziggy's own wants mirror Hiroki's. He rolls over under Hiroki and looks up at him with eyes full of adoration and pleading. Though unspoken, the desire to be taken roughly is there in the Anthean's emotions and desires. Surely the human can feel it, especially here in a mind space.

"Please..." It's all that he can muster right now. Grabbing a hand full of hair, Ziggy moans as he arches his back. Hiroki's own emotions getting the better of the empath.

[somekindofspaceuncle]

Hiroki wants Ziggy, now, more than anything. And Ziggy's desires get through their connection, too, so now everything is so much, it's almost too overwhelming, and he wonders if he's gonna pass out, before he remembers that this is all in their souls right now, so, what would that even mean, passing out right now??

He grabs Ziggy and kisses him roughly, willing himself not to pass out.

You're mine. I love you, Ziggy, and you're mine. Never forget.

There's no room for embarassment for him, right now, he's just going to take Ziggy as roughly as Ziggy would allow, right now...

Hiroki can be flustered about it later. Right now, the desire's just overwhelming.

Let me feel all of you. I want everything. And I'll give you everything I have. Always. I promise. I'm yours. Do what you will with me, always, I-- Zigg---

While still kissing Ziggy, maybe biting a little, too, he pushes his cock into Ziggy, hard.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

Ziggy feels it too but for him it is about actual, physical tiredness. He will need to rest soon but right now all he can think about is the rough hands on his body. He moans into the kisses, pulling at Hiroki to get rougher. There were times in reality that he wanted this but his body was too fragile for this kind of handling, especially by someone as strong as his partner is.

I'm yours. Take me... please." Ziggy starts begging, pleading for more aggression. He feels like he's melting and then gives over all of his control to Hiroki. The biting is intoxicating. There's a cry of pain and excitement as Hiroki takes him and then his body arches into his lover. He wants this so desperately. Don't.. don't stop... please.

[somekindofspaceuncle]

Why'd I stop? I've told you, I'm yours. Yours, Ziggy.

Of course he'll continue, after he catches his breath. Breath? Well, it's surely not about the air, but still. Of course thinking is limited that way.

Things are limited, and that's why, when they're limitless - well, he knows from Shiro that Shiro had to take care to make sure not to go insane in Black's Quintessence. Had to take much care in order not to lose his sense of self. Shiro had told him that, because now that Hiroki's remaining essence is in Atlas, it might, with time, be a similar experience for Hiroki. But that was after weeks, months. So, for now, Hiroki doesn't need to focus too much. Though of course there are moments when he needs to seriously focus in order not to lose his sense of self, that's true.

Besides, here and now, he's quite sure that even weeks from now he'll surely have Ziggy to ground him in Reality if needed. Is that selfish? Probably not, because Ziggy doesn't want Hiroki gone, either.

You love me, Hiroki thinks, right now, despite himself, with wonder and awe. He wouldn't say that outloud, but here, he can't help it.

But that's neither here nor there, any cares about losing himself or not, as right now, that's something to think of months from now. Not now. Besides, for all Hiroki knows, he might stop existing long before something like that might happen.

Right now, there's Ziggy-

Yours, Hiroki thinks loudly, now nipping gently at Ziggy's neck. No matter what. Call me, and I'll be here with you. Anytime.

[ziggyplayedguitar]

The begging wasn't really because he thought he might stop but a manifestation of just how good it felt. Then he realizes they're still spirits and the begging starts again. "Harder... please."

There's a roughness he's craving, to be taken and claimed and owned. Ziggy doesn't know why he's feeling it but he's desperate for it. He wants Hiroki to ... well he doesn't really know because there are only raging emotions and little thought.

His whole spirit is tangling up with Hiroki's, filling in and healing the cracks it finds, twisting their essences into a tighter bond. He will be the tether for his lover, the energy that sustains him if he must. Especially if recharging his lover means hours of mind blowing sex, cuddling and otherwise just indulging in the other's company.

I've loved you .. maybe since I met you Ziggy didn't exactly believe in love at first sight but if it did exist, Hiroki was the closest he ever got to it.

And those little love bites, Ziggy moans as his neck arches to make it easier.

I'm yours.. here.. in the real world.. anywhere. He mumbles the words between gasped breaths. THis isn't going to last long. He feels light headed from the sex and the emotions and the connection.

[somekindofspaceuncle]

He'll try.

Hiroki's overwhelmed by now, but he'll try, so that Ziggy never doubts his passion. He'll--

I believe you, Princess.

I want you to remember, I love you. I cherish you, and I-- if anybody ever attacks you again, like they did in your home Reality, I'll protect you with my life. That's a promise. I will, Ziggy.

He's dazed now, close to losing consciousness, which, over here, means that the bond between Atlas and the pilot (Ziggy) is weakening slightly, temporarily, right now, and so, soon, as part of all that, Hiroki might drift away deeper into Atlas's infinite Quintessence in order to rest. It's just-- apparently White was right, Hiroki is overexerting himself, a little-- so he might disappear for a bit, deeper inside, unless Ziggy just tethers him here calmly, without much more activity on the clone's spirit's part now. Because the bond with Atlas isn't the only bond between the two of them, and so-- he might yet stay here awhile, if Ziggy... yeah.

Ziggy--I'm yours...

Yes, it sounds... right. He's still free, so it's not wrong. It's not something to avoid, even though he had avoided it, at first, because of her.

But no, it's different with Ziggy. He can give himself to Ziggy and still have his own full freedom. He can feel that, now. This is right, for him. Yeah...

Yours...