shirosunfire:
The lack of blinking and stillness of the other man did not go unnoticed. Shiro kept his hands around the teapot for a moment before pulling them away so that the heat would subside slightly. He would slowly and carefully add green tea to the kettle before gently placing the top on. While Araw spoke, Shiro would wrap his hands around one of the little tea cups, warming the ceramic to prepare it for the tea. His treatment of the Japanese tea set was careful, and almost reverent.
His dark eyes narrowed at the story, but he did believe Araw– despite how odd the whole thing was. He had heard from some of the other teachers about the dragon twins. He had not asked for further details at the time, not really the type to gossip about others or to encourage it. “The Professor has helped many.” His words were quiet approval of Araw deciding to come to the institute to teach, finding it admirable that he would try to help the Professor out after being rescued from the jungles. “You enjoy this new life?”
Shiro let go of one of the tea cups before taking the pot to carefully pour green tea in. His movements were slow but one of a man who had done this many times before. “Here. To keep you warm.” Shiro thought that having a mug of tea might make Araw warm up a bit, still finding it interesting that he wore so many layers on a day even without snow or freezing temperatures. But then again if he was a dragon, was his constitution similar to a reptile? There was faint steam whispering up from the cup of tea, and Shiro held it patiently waiting for the other man to accept, the heat not bringing any pain. “Matcha.”
-
Araw cocked his head a little, the movement itself not striking but it stood given the unnatural stillness both before and after it. He didn’t feel the need to hide his reptilian behaviour, it unnerved some of the students but those who’d had him for a few years soon grew accustomed to it. It was not his job to make them feel comfortable but to instil in them an acceptance for whatever ‘otherness’ they may find in the world. Only then would the be the ambassadors mutant-king needed.
He smiled and nodded slightly, righting his head and still watching Shiro prepare the tea; it was enjoyable and the process emanated the warmth he coveted. “I do. While I miss my home and worry for my people, I know they will be protected and that I can do more for the world than sit in a cave and be worshipped.” Though, he was still having to reign in his desire to possess almost every shiny thing he came across; Buwan was good at spotting him in the process and making him stop. “Mostly though, I enjoy meeting the different people of the world.”
He let out a small sound of approval and took the cup, wrapping both hands around it and hunching forward slightly, as though he were trying to wrap himself around the cup. “It smells lovely.” he said quietly, “And feels even lovelier.” he was quiet for a few moments, eyes closed, enjoying warmth and fine smells. “Does this position also bring you joy?” he eventually asked, opening his eyes and fixing his unblinking gaze of Shiro once again, “You commanded the students so well. I would like to spar with you one day. While not refined I cam quite capable of defending myself.” Plus it was good exercise, even if it didn’t heat his blood as well as it would most people.









