mrvillain | for siriusly

for siriusly

siriusly ♦ threads below

[A series of distress calls start coming in directly to the SDF. Official lines from a particular 'Homeworld', but no identity or rank attached. These calls always have specific details relating to pirate attacks in Homeworld space.]

-Binary Cluster colony 12, population 10,000-10,200 depending on commercial traffic, under attack by five ships. Vega Platoon recommended. Map of stable solar jetstreams for rail establishment forthcoming.

-Former pirate outpost abandoned. Reviewed by Homeworld officials already. Location information and investigation permissions unlocked for use by Spica train. Shared analysis delayed until full review is concluded.

-Asteroid 37 mining colony, population 200, Sirius Platoon recommended with additional evacuation cars. Stellar coordinates forthcoming.

[There are several of these over the span of a few months. What they don't know is that on Earth, it gives the general the opportunity to speak to leadership. To say that any Earth invasion has to be delayed indefinitely while the SDF is working to resolve the pirate problems. Because, while the General is strong, many Homeworlders are on par with humans. Just a few of them are exceptional; each outpost has some sizable representatives of the leadership, and there usually aren't enough of them to hold off entire pirate fleets.]

[It eventually even comes out that the death tolls that the SDF counts are incorrect. It's shared by some medical staff that the Homeworld has a program where willing participants will carry someone's consciousness into space, the two of them essentially doubling their experience while one body stays on the Homeworld. They share a body and exchange use of it, but if that shared body should die, the body on the Homeworld dies as well. The death tolls by the pirates are actually a quarter larger than what has been recorded by the SDF, and too many empty husks had to be removed from stasis because their owners would never be returning.]

[It's enough to drive the leadership to trust a military with more experience with a shared enemy.]

[Not all of the Homeworlders can be convinced to trust humans, though, and warned of an incoming pirate attack a security leader acts on too quickly. He sees humans coming, no matter their mode of transportation, and decides it's a cover for the pirates.]

[The moment the General hears about this absolute idiocy in the process of it happening, and realizes what platoon was supposed to be in charge of that mission, he's having a ship launched from Earth with some valuable staff on board. He knows if he doesn't hurry, those pirates will still be coming and that platoon will be doubly fucked.]

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[he nods, having taken a moment to start on his meal. after gulping a bit down:] Mmn-hm. If not in the platoons, it's because the job takes me to so many places to help folks. There's a couple I reconnected with through the job, too - like from before I joined, I mean. And that's been nice.

If it weren't for the job, I'd probably still be stuck on Tabito. Might've wound up as a mineral miner just like most of the folks stuck there, and it's not like that's bad, it's just...not for me.

[He eats a bit while he listens to Manabu talk. He generally just enjoys it. The sound of his voice isn't as abrasive as some he's used to being around. It's always a little soothing. Maybe it just hits his ears right.]

No. I don't think being a miner would fit you. You have too much initiative and your reflexes are too quick. What is Tabito like?

Mm... Have you ever been to a desert or rocky planet before? [he hesitates.] Or, uh, like that big canyon over across the ocean here? Like that.

[He at least doesn't interrogate Manabu on his home too much. Mostly because he knows there are questions he can't answer about himself, and it feels unfair to ask the same of him unless he just offers it up voluntarily. Just mentions that he's been to planets like that, but to kill larger things.]

[He does, however, ask about stories with his friends, what they normally do during downtime. Did they say anything about him going back to his bunk. Does he have scars or did he heal pretty clean from his previous injuries (strange question probably unless you look it at from the perspective of someone that fights a lot).]

[Eventually when they're done, he pays this time, will steal his wallet while he does if he has to, and will walk him back to the hotel. All the way to the hotel room. And the entire route he spends hyping himself up, both ruing and adoring the spunky little bastard with him, reminding himself at the state of his continuing frustration if he doesn't do something about all he's got roiling inside him. He can be satisfied with his hug. He can live with that. But what's that tiny bit more, if he can ask for it. But he has to have the absolute steel-plated mental fortitude to ask for it.]

['Brave', Sakura had called it. Bravery was being able to say something not knowing the response. And here he knows at least a little of it's reciprocated now. He saw how happy he was to see him. The answer might not be 'no'. Putting it on the table wouldn't do any harm, and if anything would make him stronger for having done it even if it is, proven that his focus won't be held for ransom by his whimsical notions.]

[So whenever they get to the door, after a second, he asks-] Wait. ...Can I kiss you before I leave?

[the downtime questions are pretty pathetic, honestly. most of it is prefaced by "someone dragged me to--" or "lost a bet and had to--" or "Captain mandated that I--"

Manabu doesn't seem to be able to give himself permission to relax on his own terms, it seems; it's always coming at the cost of his health or from a demand of others. strange, then, that he jumps to do something when Taro's around for it. or maybe not-so-strange (he is on forced time off, after all, so that's still an element).

the ask comes as Manabu's pulling a key card out of his wallet, and results in Manabu fumbling and dropping both things with a fluster.]

Hh, haa-?! [pardon him while he hastily grabs things up, red as a tomato.

Wait, I heard that wrong--] Eeh, kick me?! What did I do--

[The General balks at that a little, spine stiffening.]

Why would I want to kick you?

[How did he even get that. Sakura. Sakura you gave no tiny child tree insight for when someone mishears you into violence. How do you correct yourself?]

[Manabu is horrendous for his stoicism. He should consider him a training challenge for maintaining his calm. But 9 times out of 10 Manabu shoved him off if he gave him any unnecessary contact without dutiful warning. So he can't just take the initiative and do it. The hug itself just seemed to be fine.]

[So despite the fact he's still balking physically from the idea of kicking him, especially when Manabu's still injured, unaware that his body is betraying him in this unforgiveable way, in the most level voice he says-] I asked if I. Could. Kiss. You.

[He got there. Had to work past each word but he got there. But it's obvious this time he's both being careful to be understood and maybe deeply considering how to get those words out. The mental equivalent of trying to climb out of a car wreck and still look noble.]

...

[Manabu stares blankly, processing this, then blinks rapidly a few times, eyes darting around to focus on something - anything other than the General.]

A--I, y-- B-but-- [too many thoughts made a mad dash to formulate as responses, none of them worked, so it's all just. sputtered sounds.

at least one thought manages to repeat itself rapidly enough to win, especially since it's monosyllabic:] Wuh-we, wa, why? Why would--ha, ahaha-- [he clears his throat, mortified by his own response.]

Ss, sorry, I--I just don't--get why?

[Does he need a specific reason? 'Because I've thought about it since I saw you in that pirate ship fighting to get me out of there.' Or 'Maybe I thought about it when I was leaning over you on the roof, but decided better of it.']

[He just ends up staring at him through his bangs for a moment, then leans his arm against the doorframe so he can tilt down comfortably and plant a gentle one on his forehead.]

Hm. Too high. Can I get another shot?

[kabedon is utterly wasted on Manabu; he has no appreciation for the art of the maneuver the way literally anyone who reads a fucking manga or watches anime would. then again, maybe that makes it more poignant (and baffling).

Manabu barely feels the gesture, so he's just got a view full of coat-contoured chest and the scent of the General straight-up. it stunlocks him for a few seconds after the ask before he blinks back to reality, peeking up with his head still held stationary.]

I-is this a...a research thing, or something? [alien studies?? Am I getting made fun of or something?! On accident!!?]

[He can almost be suave sometimes. Almost. It has to be playful and tactical. He goes again. Leaning down a little lower this time, and kissing him on the nose just as gently, following it up with a nuzzle of his sizeable angular nose against the tip of Manabu's.]

Still too high. I guess my aim's just bad. You're a better shot. Can you kiss me instead?

[a faint whine escapes Manabu's throat even with him tensed up against the door like that, like he was trying to physically merge with it by force.

the only thing keeping him from lashing out to shove him is the fact the teasing-indicator of 'Officer' is missing. but being ignored sure is indicating something!]

Are, are you even listening to me?! [he grabs one of the coat lapels, the knuckles of his fist pressing into him.] You can't just do stuff as you please like that without explaining it!

[He doesn't even mind the rough handling.] I am listening. [He sighs and just leans his forehead forward.]

I couldn't pinpoint when it started. I just really wanted to. [And it feels strange to have to put that into words.] You're genuinely one of my favorite people. [Even if he's a human.] You're the only one I've wanted to kiss in a while. [He stops and puts his hand over Manabu's, but doesn't discourage the angry hold, like he wants him to vent. He just pats it.]

I shot my shot. I got it wrong and missed in a big way. [He pushes back from the door. He can accept that.]

...

[sometimes, the delivery of the General's words hits a nerve in a way Manabu doesn't expect until he braces for it, and when braced, it's a different nerve. there's a nostalgic kind of tinge to the matter-of-fact delivery being buffeted by Manabu's blustering confusion and impatience, and it just makes Manabu more confused. worried.

he squints, as if he could see some glimmer of pretense working under all that hair, but not only is Manabu not much of an empath, but...the hair. you know.

Manabu's grip twitches and releases the coat under the touch.]

You're...not making fun of me...?

I don't understand why you would think I was making fun of you about this. I bowed to you for a half-hour of your time. I've treasured every minute you've given me. [Even if he did tease him a little sometimes. Was it that heart early on that did it???]

[Two emotionally stunted military men talk at each other in a mostly empty hallway.]

I thought I'd shown you that. I was wrong. I was hoping you'd realize I was sincere without me having to say more.

[He steps back enough to give him a little bow.]

Sorry.

Edited (betrayed by typo) 2025-08-30 01:28 (UTC)

A...ah...

[guilt squeezes like a vice and makes it hard to breathe. the hand that let go draws to his own face, obscuring his nose and mouth as his jaw clenches and works without a word to eke out that feels right.

What do I do...how do I--what am I supposed to do?!

a feeble echo:] Sorry...

You have nothing to apologize for. It was me.

[He doesn't immediately leave, though. Before he does something stupid like leave and delete his number in a self-conscious fit of idiocy, he instead shifts his feet.]

I would still be disappointed to not have you around. So if I promise not to do that again to you, can we still spend time together?

[Like he said, he got his hug! And he knew going in there was a very real chance he was over-stepping.]

Edited 2025-08-30 01:45 (UTC)

[his eyes flick back up at the ask, brow knitting, like he's still trying to parse through a puzzle. really, all the puzzling bits are just gaps in his own experience, ignorance in play and left exposed like an open wound. stings like one, too.

there's really no salvaging a good result from a failed effort, much like failing a trial in Basic, but that doesn't mean a soldier just stops dead in the middle. half the point is still getting up and trying again and getting stronger because of it.

credit should go more to the General for not hitting him for his stupidity, like Manabu's had happen before. maybe that's why this is as unsteady as it is - the pain isn't external.

he nods, uttering a faint affirmative through his nose.]

[He sees that look, and he doesn't really want to leave it like that.]

[He opens his phone, finally, to a particular document. Then holds it out.] Here.

[It's the name of Manabu's preferred tea and every single ingredient listed on the can. Below it are lists of teas with similar ingredients and some quick notes on whether or not they tasted similar. One is highlighted as the best Earth-based alternative he could find.]

I'm wish so many people hadn't made fun of you that you can't believe I'd genuinely care without me having to explain. It really is my fault. Don't be so hard on yourself.

[wow the General really is just gonna kill a space cop right there in the hallway like that.

Manabu hesitates, then withdraws his hand to take and tilt the phone and stare at it, confused at first. grocery list? no, tea list. his is there, and...

Ah--

he blinks, looking back up in bewilderment as he tunes back into the words spoken, his reaction a bit delayed because of it. his mouth opens to protest, but he doesn't actually have a rebuttal right away. it takes a second.]

I-it's more the--that the, just-- [Why do I sound so small and stupid?!] I haven't thought anyone would. Like that. Before.

[because everyone who has is either dead or far too shy to spell it out. everyone except the General, clearly.]

I...I don't know how to respond. Properly, I mean.

[Awkward. Most of the times he's been with someone have been after he's been worked up after a fight.]

I didn't realize that. You're exceptional, so it seemed natural you'd have experience. 'No' is a fine response.

[But he'll throw out there one last line. Just so Manabu knows he doesn't care less. Not that he's expecing much difference.] The offer for you to take your shot'll stay open.

[Manabu gawks.] My... [My 'shot'...?]

...

[oh]

O-oh. Right. [he nods, looking away as his face gets hot again. he probably says some other simple, monosyllabic things in parting too, but by then Manabu's barely thinking in the present because he's getting his ass beat by his own hindsight and for once actually wants to lay down.

or get shot. with like a gun, not -- not up close and being able to smell Taro's--]

Guh... [cold shower. cold shower and face down time. that's what this needs! and then? after that?

uh...

research? Manabu hates the idea, but what else can one do when one knows virtually nothing but try to educate oneself? at least try...before getting too confused by all the various messaging outlets and give up and just go prone for a while. the stillness will inevitably bring hindsight back, but at least Manabu can try to meditate on it reasonably and try to parse through his feelings properly to a better degree than being in-the-moment.

he can agree with himself that the guilt was justified: past-Manabu was a clown and it really is pathetic that he couldn't read a signal properly without stammering to pivot it to a bad-faith assumption. it's just--

what value is there in Manabu that Taro sees that Manabu can't? even spelled out that bluntly, it seems...strange. unearned. Manabu should've been doing something properly to earn it, otherwise he was just stringing an alien along unwittingly, right?!

...that doesn't change facts, though.

other facts to consider: Manabu does enjoy Taro's company. he's oddly approachable, even with that alarming candor coming in to sweep him at the ankles. Manabu just needs...better footing. and maybe a foot more of height.

I owe him something, he realizes at some point in all this days-long anguish. The only things he's asked me for are the anecdotes from other planets, to lie down while recovering, and to...to kiss him. But do I...?

does he want that?

Manabu tries to imagine it, which involves re-remembering being up against a door with a body leaning over him. which reminds him of having his arms around the shoulders of that body, and other such things.

so it goes. crush-revelation-analysis is a process. it'd go easier with friends to bounce off of, but there's no way Manabu could muster the nerve to utter it to anyone in the Platoon (probably for the best: Louis would kill him in a torrent of passive-aggressive help while nursing her own wounded crush, David would...actually have good advice, but it'd be layered in innuendo and gambling, and the captain would...uh...probably be stilted and awkward and not-my-circus about it). any way you slice it, it'd be a disaster.

not that many days pass with this torment, but enough for Manabu to realize he's not been communicating to...anybody? woops. he'll check on a few things (mom, work, etc.) before lingering on Taro's number.

Don't be a coward, Yuuki.]

Are you still planetside ?

[He does worry in those few days that he botched things. He shouldn't have taken the initiative before he had a clear confirmation. He... He doesn't know. That's how things work with his people. You go for it, you go for it. You don't like it, you get hit. And sometimes you get hit and then they go for it. But poor Manabu looked like his soul broke, and that's the worst of the consequences of his behavior.]

[So him sulking about his own bad behavior ends up coming off as wildly endearing because everyone assumes he's being earnestly contemplative about work and not nursing what he's worried might become a broken heart. It doesn't help that he's a foot taller in his feelings. Manabu barely likes him. He just clearly remembers this furious little man ignoring his own wounds to help him get out of that ship and that was an absolutely glorious display of strength. How could he not see that? He just wishes he'd take better care of his body after.]

[~~He's repressed all desire to think about finding all his scars and kissing them.~~]

[He doesn't expect to see that particular name towards the end of the workday. In the middle of stacking his final pile of papers. Fully freezes as the name pops up on the phone. Worse with Rooney leaning over his shoulder asking, "Eh, General? Who is that?" ending in him getting shoved face-first away.]

I'm almost always planetside.

[Don't worry, he's not so embarrassed that he ran away from the entire Earth, tempting though the idea might be. He's already getting up to clock out.]

Do you need anything? Are you alright? [He didn't hurt himself worse somehow, did he?]

Edited 2025-08-30 03:12 (UTC)

Im OK

[honestly, the healing injury's been the last thing on his mind! between that good hi-tech medicine and the conundrum of his own feelings, that fading ache was easy to forget. and anyway, now he has to figure out what to follow up with.

should've tackled this with a plan beforehand.

luckily(???), some breaking news on the hotel TV gives him something to work with.]

...Robots and hostages? [what the--

well, what does he need?]

But i could use a ride

["General!" He's shouted at before he can read the message or fully clock out, one of the random workers running over with a tablet to show a livestream happening, a reporter talking about hostages being held inside of a building. He's not seen which yet, but the timing immediately seems to explain itself.]

[Ah.]

[Well, at least the General's proven reliable.]

I see.

[He types back. Then stands there, biting his lip, not in some fit of self-doubt but rather that he's contemplating using something that the SDF doesn't have access to.]

I suspect you're going to the hostage site. What will your captain say about that?

[Headquarters has a unique way to get around when they don't want to get 'caught' just leaving the building. It's called a warp gate. And it breaks... more often than he likes, because people like to play and be frivolous with the warp gate. But it's working right now.*]

I can get you very close if that's what you're wondering.

[He'll need to get intelligence anyway. So he guesses he'll not be clocking out- he'll probably actually be doing overtime.]

*OOC: The warp gate is indeed a canon thing but it's not been shown and I have no idea what it looks like. Just that the General likes to walk instead of using it. So I'ma hop aboard the make-shit-up until proven otherwise.

Edited 2025-08-30 06:20 (UTC)

[Manabu grins despite himself, briefly parting from the phone so he can grab his jacket and holster and start to feel like himself again.

once he's suited up:] Thatll help me out a ton Meet you on the street

[because he's assuming like. car. motorcycle. low-altitude cruiser. that sort of thing.]

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