[ drabble request // shiitori ]
Not that Shigure Sohma was known for his impeccable patience, but he knew damned well that good things come to those who wait. He knew how to play long game. Something easily gained in one day was lost the next- that particular lesson was taught to the zodiacs time and time again, and presented itself here and now: it’s been months and months of fooling around, and the ever finicky dragon hadn’t given the go ahead to go further with one another.
Not that he was rushing it, per se, on the contrary: something about the innocent stolen kisses and hand holding underneath the heated kotatsu was incredibly charming. To call his beloved dragon anything less than ‘endearing’ would be a crime. Shigure can’t help but simper from across the table as he watched Hatori endure the onslaught of Ayame’s gossip and dramatic flourishes with an admirable resolve- the impenetrable wall known as Hatori Sohma was a fickle creature. The mutt knew it well. So, he’d put in the time and effort, knowing the fruits would be just as satisfying once bloomed. Unlike his brief, romantic tryst with the serpent, Hatori required foreplay in the form of conversation and trust. Something Shigure could oblige. And did oblige, for months.
But you’d think after growing up right next to one another, with years of messing around, would soften the stoic Sohma’s icy exterior. Shigure hadn’t been stingy, either- sure, he’d attempted to seduce the dragon from the top position in multiple instances, and when that was repeatedly halted only moments before insertion, Shigure figured he’d read him all wrong. Not a problem, as the two found themselves to be as combative and versatile as their rapport was in their day to day. So, perhaps Hatori wanted control. Luckily for him, that was something Shigure was able to relinquish if it meant they could traverse much more intimate territory together. Lengthy fellatio followed by the dog tugging Hatori by his collar on top of him seemed to make significant head way when it came to their long-awaited consummation... And just at the precipice, once again, Hatori was pulling away and murmuring about school work he needed to complete. Nice cover. As if Hatori would fall behind on college deadlines.
It’s absolutely maddening, and the ever perceptive mutt is finally at a loss. He isn’t sure he understands the hesitance. Succinct to a fault, he’s positive Hatori wouldn’t be able to voice exactly why the two of them were stuck this bit of a rut. ...But to his surprise, as Shigure is combing his fingers through his inky hair with frustration, shirtless and belt loose at his waist, Hatori speaks up. His back is to him, also shirtless, but perched on the edge of the other’s cot with a firm grip of the sheets. Oh, he’s struggling. This should be good.
“It isn’t you,” he mumbles, in a way trying to offer him an explanation for the deeply rooted intimacy issues that was all but the signifier for those cursed by the zodiac. Shigure suddenly can’t take his eyes off him: the light outline of his muscular back as it prickled with goosebumps. Even just this conversation is far beyond the comfort zone of his lifelong partner, but he’s continuing to press through it- and for a moment, Shigure is so proud of him, his heart could swell. The easier path of silence was finally neglected for the truthful, forthright one. Interesting... And his heart is fluttering in anticipation.
“I didn’t want it to change... This. Us,” Hatori offered quietly, sparing a small, ashamed glance over his shoulder, before he’s fumbling for a cigarette out of Shigure’s bedside table. With any luck, they could sneak one while the dog’s parents slept on the other side of the house. With a subtle nod from Shigure to continue, Hatori did so with much trepidation. Why is this so damned difficult? “It isn’t the intimacy I worry about it. It’s how we will feel after.” I’m not Ayame, I’m emotionally compromised and you know it too. If I hurt you, if you hurt me, there’s a chance we’ll-
“We’d get through it,” Shigure offered simply, sitting up on his palms and nudging his side with a socked foot. Hatori could be (and, let’s be honest, usually was) the voice of reason, but Shigure knew when he needed to take the reigns and put it back into perspective. It’s hard to see when clouded with emotion. “Whatever it is. We’ve always gotten through it. There’s nothing we can do but move forwards. I’ll be fine if it’s you. Would you be fine if it were me?”
“Always,” Hatori answers firmly, the warmth of the other’s hand causing him to turn and face him. That was answered without hesitance- they’d been through too much together for something as as ridiculous as this to throw them off. Whatever they were, whatever they’d been, whatever they would be- they were meant to find themselves next to one another. Even if this were a passing interest, it was nothing they couldn’t heal from. The death of Hatori’s mother, his father, Akito’s love, Akito’s anger, the curse... Hatori felt all of it with Shigure, they shared their growing pains together. They survived together. Theirs was a companionship others could never understand. Curse aside, this was their bond to one another. Only they could ever know.
Shigure grins, the smile reaching his eyes behind long, messy bangs. He’s an idiot, Hatori thinks grumpily, but a wise one... He’s his idiot. It’s reasonable, realistic yet optimistic. ...And for whatever reason, that tiny little exchange put the dragon entirely at ease. He can’t help but mirror that smile, albeit a bit more shyly, before he leaned in to capture the mutt’s mouth with his own affectionately.
“Soon,” he mumbles against his lips, before breaking the kiss for a steadying breath. “I promise. You know how I am. Just give me a little bit more time to process.”
And he could give him all the time he needs, validated and willing to be patient for his ever curmudgeon doctor-in-training. That is unspoken. He lays back on the bed with a satisfied flop, before nudging him in the ribs one last time. “You sure you don’t want to put off that suspicious ‘schoolwork’ you have for another half-hour, Ha’ri?”
Hatori glances away, his brow furrowing as a swell of emotion expanded his chest, and his dry throat was thankful for the mercifully hard swallow. How can he say no? Shigure always knew how to wiggle in just a little bit more time for relaxing than Hatori would. Of course, there wasn’t any schoolwork all along, but he can’t help but give him a hard time right back. Sheer coziness was found in their familiarity. You win, Shii. This time.
“You have me for thirty minutes.”
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