Araw Macalino

[greatsundrake]

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.  

[greatsundrake]

matchstickstorm​:

Johnny had been something of a celebrity since he was still in high school. That happened when you went to space at fifteen and came back able to burst into flame. There had never been some kind of secret identity behind the Fantastic Four, never the aid of anonymity, and he’d had to get used to the spotlight early. It hadn’t always been as easy for him as it seemed to be now. But he’d long since grown used to people recognizing him and approaching him. 

When he saw someone pointedly looking at him, he figured that’s all this was going to be. Aren’t you Johnny Storm? So on, so on. He’d take a picture, maybe give an autograph, tell some very funny story and smile. He’d already done it a couple of times that day and was usually not one to be put off by attention. He’d not been doing anything important, anyway, besides killing time window shopping. 

What he actually got in greeting made him burst out laughing. Johnny pressed a hand against the front of his chest and stood there grinning. “That was bold. I like it.” Of course, it helped that the man who’d just approached him with that line was easy on the eyes himself. “Well, I have a whole skincare routine, and make sure to set aside a little me time to take care of myself, you know? I go to the gym five days a week and-” he was about to ramble on, but stopped himself and folded his arms instead, still smiling. “I can’t go giving away all my secrets.”

-

Araw cocked his head to the side, the action unnaturally fast and once completed unnaturally still. He’d never been able to part with his dragonic side with the ease he saw in Buwan; truly Araw envied his bother’s abject humanity. “Bold?” he questioned, “I had little desire to be so, do you find people are reticent to come up and speak with you plainly?” Perhaps he was an important person? Araw was utterly oblivious to most cultural points of contact, history was where he shined.

He blinked once, again the action too quick and the follow-up too still. He was quiet for few moments before understanding what the other man was talking about. “Ohh,” he said quietly, before a small chuckle escaped him and he righted his head, “My apologies, I think you misunderstood what it was I meant.” Though it was interesting to hear someone spent so much to maintain the way they looked; he’d never thought to expend such effort.

“I wasn’t referring to your pleasing physicality,” After all the man was very attractive, “But I have an affinity with heat, so to speak, and I can recognise heat in you, a high temperature, almost an inferno.” he blinked again, “It’s somewhat intoxicating... like staring into a fire and wanting to curl around it,” he didn’t even realise he’d taken a step closer and, with his blink, his eyes had changed from dark brown to a brilliant gold with reptilian irises. “I mean no offence, nor challenge, I’m just, curious and drawn to it,” his golden eyes flicked up, “And therefore you.”    

[greatsundrake]

shirosunfire​:   

Shiro’s sharp gaze lifted from the computer monitor when Araw asked about him and his students. His head tilted just slightly, showing his confusion. “Is it intimidation, or respect?” He personally didn’t see himself as intimidating, just as stern and requiring respect from his students. And going light on them while teaching defense in battle was not something that would benefit them later. It could mean their lives if they were actually fighting an enemy. 

He moved to stand after that, going over to a nearby tea kettle that was sitting on a little shelf. There were two small, black cups next to it without handles. He calmly carried the kettle and cups over to the desk before setting them down. After pulling out a bottle of water from one of the drawers, he would uncap and then pour the water into the two mugs, speaking as he did. “You are correct. The history of other countries can not go unknown. Even if the United States likes to think it is the center of the world.” 

Touching his fingertips to the two mugs, the water would suddenly start to boil, heated up by his own powers. “They too will fall, as the Romans did.” There was no malice in his tone, and in fact he sounded almost regretful. But America did seem to be going the way of Ancient Rome, even though he was starting to care more for the country and its citizens. After the water in the mugs heated up, he would go back to the shelf to get a tin of tea, uncapping it and then taking a little spoon out. He would carefully measure out some green tea into the kettle before pouring in the water from the two hot mugs, then he would pour in some more water before putting his hands around the kettle, trying to warm it up a bit. “You are not of this country. Why did you come here?”

-

Araw smiled softly, “If you’re unable to tell the difference, do you need to ask?” he asked, not judgement, nor condemning, but rather asking Shiro to think about it. If he merely assumed it was respect could be certain that was all he had? Araw had assumed he had the respect of the villagers he and Buwan protected in their years as only dragons, but it was only after they rediscovered their human selves that he realised there’d been a healthy amount of fear in them as well.

He barely moved his head, but Araw didn’t take his gaze of Shiro for a second, much like his tone of speak there was nothing challenging in the continual gaze, just curiosity and a desire for more. So he stared, blinking far too infrequently as Shiro began to prepare some tea for them both. He chuckled softly, “Most countries do. With the exception of Britain, I’ve found they know ‘their’ history of the world best, but at least it consistently looks beyond their own borders.” It was just a same it also consistently looked beyond their own failings.

Araw’s eyes lit up and he let out a small breath as he felt the heat from the other’s finger and saw the water boil, “Such a wonderful ability,” the dragon within him had an immediate desire to horde the gift away, make it only his and guard it jealously. Of him and his brother, Araw had always had a desire to collect and accrue anything he liked. The villagers of course fed into that. desire with tributes years ago; he had a much better handle over the urge now, but that didn’t stop it voicing itself. “Some years ago, the X-Men visited a primal tribe within the Philippine Jungle, my brother and I, in our other forms, acted as guardians to the tribe and the Professor entered our minds to remind us we were indeed partly human. He gave us back this part of our lives and our ability to explore the world, I feel this is another step of my exploration as well as a repayment of their kindness.”    

[greatsundrake]

shirosunfire​:

Shiro’s brow furrowed at the mention of his manhood, his eyes briefly gleaming orange due to the annoyance he was feeling. He didn’t move to leave though, still allowing Araw to talk to him. Mainly because he had told himself he would try to make friends while here at the academy. For so many years he had treated the X-Men and Americans as the enemy, but he was trying to be better. It was difficult sometimes. 

“…Fine. But don’t get in my way.” Shiro had to assume that being in his general vicinity would be enough for the fire dragon, so after staring at him again for a long pause, he would turn to continue down the hall. He didn’t have his own classroom indoors since he used the gym or outdoors for practice, but there was a small office set aside for him to do paperwork on the computer. 

The office was small, but nicely decorated and cozy. The furniture was Western in style, but there were small touches of Japanese decor that made the space more personalized to Shiro’s tastes. He would move to sit behind the dark wood desk, clicking on the computer briefly before typing in his password to unlock it. There was another chair on the other side of the desk that he would gesture to for Araw to sit at, though he kept his gaze on the computer. “You teach here. What subject?” 

-

“I wouldn’t dare to, I’ve seen you sparring with the students.” Araw chuckled, stepping at a sedate pace behind Shiro as he moved towards his office. They made a funny pair as they walked the halls; several students passed and while Araw was greeted by almost all of them, and offered polite greetings in return, Shiro didn’t seem to have that report with the young mutants of their school.

“It seems the students are rather intimidated by you, do you prefer it that way?” he asked, no judgement in the question so much as simply curiosity. “I enjoy speaking with them myself; especially when they’re enthusiastic about a subject, it’s like watching a little fire grow inside them.” And he was intimately acquainted with the thrill of warmth and fire. “That was why I enjoyed watching you as well, your passion for the sport came through in your teaching.”

“Ah, thank you.” Araw smiled and slipped into the chair, removing his hat but otherwise keeping the majority of his winter attire on, “Yes, I teach world history. I’ve found America so enjoys sharing it’s few hundred years of colonised history, but I have the chance to show the children history doesn’t begin an end at home. They seem to be enjoying my classes, we’re moving to examine the Roman empire in the next term.”    

[greatsundrake]

shirosunfire​:

Shiro nodded in greeting when the other man introduced himself, his sharp eyes studying him with suspicion he didn’t try to hide. He wasn’t sure why this person was dressed up like it was snowing outside, but there were also many odd people at the Institute so he couldn’t bring himself to care too much. The mention of dragons made his eyes narrow even more, not sure where Araw was going with all this…

“Do I look like a space heater? I am a man, not an appliance.” The words were to the point, but not with anger. He just didn’t understand what was going on and so reacted with his usual abrasive self. People talking to him and trying to have a conversation sometimes made him feel awkward, and now was definitely one of those times. 

“If you are truly a dragon, then stay away from me. I have defeated dragons before.” Again, the words were stern but his tone was not cruel. It wasn’t a threat, but more of a statement. He had fought dragons before back in Japan and would do so again if they attacked. Including Araw.

-

Araw chuckled quietly, not at all put-off by the abrasive attitude, his brother was one of the most abrasive people he knew on the surface. It was often the case that people who presented as so unfriendly were usually just cautious and would open up with time. Regardless, it took a great deal to unbalance him. “That is correct. I don’t believe I referred to you as an appliance, and your manhood is without question.”

Given Shiro’s loose clothing and the large amount of his chest the garb displayed it was fairly obvious he was muscled, well-trained warrior. “And I have defeated mutants,” he responded lightly, “But that does not mean I shall avoid them for the rest of my existence. It would be narrow minded to view the world in such a way, do you not think?”

He clasped his hands in front of him and continued, “Besides, I have no desire to battle you as a dragon. A sparring match in this form could be rather entertaining, but I prefer to live as a man the majority of the time. I lose the ability to fly, but can fit through most doors; a useful trade-off.” he chuckled again.    

[greatsundrake]

shirosunfire​:

Shiro was aware that someone was following him, but he paid it no mind at first. It wasn’t until the other man spoke that he would finally pause, turning just slightly to glance his way. He still couldn’t recall this person’s name, but he did recognize him as one of the instructors at the Institute. “…Good afternoon. And yes.” It didn’t even occur to him to try and explain his methods, because deep down he didn’t think they needed defending. He was teaching the children to defend themselves, and in today’s world defense was paramount in survival for mutants.    

“Can I help you with something?” The words and tone were stern and to the point, but not with cruelty. Shiro was very aware that he needed to be nice and make friendly with the people here at the Institute. It wasn’t easy, though. He wasn’t very good at social skills and usually spent his free time alone. His stern and quiet nature put people off, and his outbursts of anger definitely caused others to leave him alone.

English was not his first language, but Shiro spoke it well enough. His students usually had no problem understanding him, and by now he had lived in the US for so long he had picked up on common slang terms as well. The longer he was around other Americans the more he learned to appreciate them and their culture, not seeing them as The Enemy. “I do not recall your name.” 

-

“Hmm... Perhaps.” Araw said, looking at the other man with a crooked grin, “My name is Araw Macalino.” he said inclining his head slightly as a gesture of respect. “We have met several times, Shiro-san, though never spoken face to face. Both myself and brother have worked with the X-Men in the past and are seeking to do so in the future to help continually foster better relations between all living beings. It has been a difficult journey for us; my brother and I lived as gods for a time within the Jungles of the Philippines being worshipped by a more primal tribe.”

“I, during this period existed as what I believe Japanese Lore would infer is an Eternal Dragon; not a being of vengeance but rather a being of protection, of heat, of warmth.” And not just physical; while Buwan hadn’t been so friendly with the Tribe who worshipped them, Araw had sat among them for a time, warming them as they warmed him and indulging in all the rarities they had to offer.

“And you, Shiro-San,” Araw continued, possess within you a warmth I have never felt before, it is as though the sun exists within you, a heat so necessary to my survival. So I ask humbly ask that we might engage in conversation, attempt to grow closer to one another so that I may aid you in whatever ways I can, and that I may be permitted to remain near your warmth for the duration of our conversations. If you would be open to such an idea?”  

[greatsundrake]

Where: New York With: Johnny Storm @matchstickstorm​

Araw enjoyed exploring New York, it was so different from home, the huge buildings and enormous population was something of a culture shock but he’d always been good at adaptation; he spent half of his life as a dragon after all. It was a mild autumn day but Araw was wrapped up in several layers, a thermal long-sleeved top and pants, thick jeans, a wooly jumper and a thick coat and scarf. He needed to keep warm and the winter’s of this continent simply didn’t agree with him. It was fine at home, but outside he needed to take precautions.

He was merely exploring the city, but then something caught his senses, heat. A different kind from the ones the shops and other people gave off. It was focused, powerful, enticing. Araw’s direction changed without his conscious say-so and he began to walk towards the figure giving off that wonderful warmth, a faint purr escaping his lips that was almost inaudible. He stopped when he got close, rooted with a stillness only a reptile could employ. 

The heat was from a man. An attractive blond man, probably a little younger than him. Araw thought the man looked friendly and, like him, he just seemed to be wondering around, quite content. Never one to be shy, he walked forward and towards the man in question, “Good afternoon,” he greeted, “I’m sorry for interrupting you, but,” his eyes took in the other man intently, “You’re so hot. It couldn’t help but call to me. May I ask how you came to be this way?” 

[greatsundrake]

shirosunfire​:

If Shiro noticed anyone watching his class he did not show it. His focus was entirely on his students, adjusting their stances and how they held the jo staffs. When one of the students called out to the teacher watching, Shiro would walk over to smack the jo out of the girl’s hands to show that she was not paying attention. Distractions were not allowed in his class,  even if the children were greeting other teachers.  

Once it was time to go inside, he would instruct them all to carry their mats. A few of the boy students groaned and complained as they put their staffs away before dragging the mats along. Shiro ignored them at first, but then suddenly his eyes would glow orange flames as he glared. The boys quickly shut up as they dragged their mats off to the classroom, while a few other kids put up the weapons and carried them back as well. Once the grassy area was cleared out, he would pause briefly to glance in Araw’s direction, not understanding how he could be bundled up so much. It was cool out, yes, but not so cold one would have to dress in such layers. Shiro wasn’t even wearing a jacket or shoes, but he didn’t get cold easily. He stared a moment, and then it clicked. The heat signature of the other man was quite high– too high, in fact. He was one of those dragon twins. The fire one. Shiro had probably been introduced at some point, but right now he couldn’t even remember the man’s name. 

With a haughty look, Shiro turned to go back inside. He had left a pair of sandals by the side door, and he took a moment to brush off the bottoms of his feet before slipping the shoes on. Americans wearing their shoes inside was something he was used to by now, even if it annoyed him. In his own bedroom, he did not allow outdoor shoes, and instead wore slippers.

-

Araw chuckled softly watching the warm man discipline the student who had greeted him, he sent them a cheeky wink which made them briefly smile before they focused once more and, soon enough, the class was finished. Araw, for his part, had been content to stand almost too still in place while things finished up; it was his nature and, despite knowing the more reptilian-like behaviour could unnerve some people, he hadn’t found a way to stop himself doing it at this point. He was, after all, part reptile, even if he appeared to be wholly human.

When the instructor’s eyes glowed warm with flame, the promise of heat, Araw’s head swiftly tilted to the side and he blinked once, the higher temperature was alluring, it made the man alluring. He was somewhat addicted to heat and couldn’t go without it, he knew Buwan was the same dealing with the need for water and hydration. When Shiro turned to watch him, Araw smiled, the expression placid, curious, like a child being introduced to something new and interesting but a little unfamiliar. He chuckled at the expression on the other man’s face and, as he turned to walk away, began to move himself, following in Shiro’s footsteps and walking inside, not thinking to take his own shoes off as he entered. He was racking his mind for the name, he’d met all the other staff members after all, but so many people had been a little overwhelming for him at the time.

But then, it came to him, “Good afternoon Shiro-san.” he said quietly, his voice deep and warm. He recalled the other’s Japanese origin and, while he’d never visited the country himself, his study of languages included Mandarin Chinese and Japanese; enough to know the honourifics that should follow a name. “You students seem very disciplined under your teaching. Do you always approach lessons so sternly?”  

[greatsundrake]

Half Gods, All Brothers

With: @luneindie​

It was definitely turning too cold for him to be as comfortable as he’d like, but Araw didn’t like to complain. He knew he couldn’t hide it though. He’d been out with some of the X-Men and had to make excuses, say he had some papers to grade before moving to his bedroom as quickly as he could and turning all off his electric blankets (six in total) pulling on several extra layers and burrowing under his 15 tog duvet. There was only a small opening near the side of the bed so he could see the door and get fresh air. While still cold, he was feeling more comfortable just as the door opened and Buwan walked in. 

“Hello Brother.” he said calmly, “Sorry if I worried you.” He no doubt felt Araw’s distress through their mental connection and had come rushing, “I just didn’t expect it to be so cold today. The climate here still surprises me.” 

[greatsundrake]

shirosunfire​:

Shiro meets Araw

“Adjust your wrist. Down. No, like this.” With a stern frown, Shiro stepped forward to press down firmly on the wrist of the student he was instructing, forcing them to have the correct stance as they held up the jo staff. Once he was satisfied with how the young mutant held the weapon, Shiro would step back to observe. “Better.” Thursdays he taught his students Aikido, a Japanese martial arts technique focused on defense and disarming of weapons. With his hands behind his back, he would walk around the courtyard studying the students and their stances, as well as their holding of weapons.

Because the students were in a beginner version of the class, he did not allow them to use powers. Not yet, anyway. They had to learn the old-fashioned way. Of course, there were some mutants who had an advantage even if they didn’t mean to– those with balance, strength, or agility at levels above a normal human, and Shiro tried to be understanding of that. But not if they were attempting to show off or disturb the class. 

When the weather was decent, Shiro would hold classes outside in the grassy area by the central courtyard. When it was raining or too hot/cold he would bring them inside into one of the larger classrooms. It was cool out but sunny, so he currently had his students practicing outdoors. There was a slight breeze that caused leaves to go rolling past the mats set out for the students to practice on. Before class was over he would have them all drag the mats back inside– a good way to clean up, but also a form of discipline. 

Shiro Yoshida was a newer member of the X-Men, and it had taken some convincing before he agreed to teach at the Institute. But he was slowly getting used to his new duties and way of life. Seeing the students practicing his homeland’s martial arts was very satisfying, and he felt a sense of pride that one day they might help or defend others with the knowledge and skill he had given them. 

Just like the rest of his students, Shiro was wearing the uniform for studying aikido– a white top with black hakama pants. The students were barefoot on their mats, and Shiro also walked around without his shoes on. His back straight and his hands in fists at the small of his back, he made a handsome (if not stern) figure as he walked between the students practicing, giving out orders and corrections with a no-nonsense tone that the children were used to by now.

-

“Alright everyone, we’re finished for the day, so go and enjoy yourself. But remember, there will be a quiz next week that counts towards your overall grades. So do some preparation to avoid disappointment.” Araw’s placid, deep voice followed the kids as they quickly packed up and left the classroom, calling back ‘goodbyes’ and ‘thank you’s’ for the class. He smiled and waved the stranglers out of the room before stretching  and sighing. Teaching was fun, a full day could be exhausting. Plus this time of year it was certainly colder in America and he felt it more than most, right down to his bones.

But he couldn’t keep the classroom too warm or he’d have several very sweaty teenagers to deal with that was a whole otehr problem. So he wrapped up. He was in thick jeans with thermal pants underneath, a thermal vest, shirt and jumper over his chest and, as he packed up his own things to leave, he pulled on a thick coat and a thermal beanie to go over his head, all to help keep the heat in his body thrived off.    

It was a lovely day outside, the sun shone and he basked in its glow, just wishing it could arm him more and more. Araw had to almost force himself to walk again or he’d stand there basking all day and get nothing done. He wanted to meet with Buwan and discuss having a visit home, or organising a meal with some of their friends to show off their home cuisine. He did miss the Philippines, even if he knew they’d left for the right reasons, to do good and help those who needed them.

He walked through the courtyard and saw there was a class going on, an aikido class judging by the uniforms. Araw paused and watched the students go through drills but found his gaze drawn to the handsome teaching, or more specifically, his other senses sought him out. He was warm, very warm. Like the reptile he was (or at least half was) he was drawn to the heat and had taken a few steps closer before he realised what he was doing.

Chuckling at his own eagerness, he paused and simply watched, his body not moving though his eyes followed the teacher, the warm teaching without missing a single motion, his blinks to slow to be entirely human. One of the student even greeted him and he responded, calling them by name all without turning his head from the movements of the teacher. He wanted to talk to them. Discussing a dinner could wait. So he remained, rooted to the spot watching and waiting for the class to break or finish.    

[thelordsoftherings]

[greatsundrake]

drakeofthemoon​:

“When it was dark, you always carried the sun in your hand for me.”