Leather Bodice, Lace Collar ⋰ A Lookbook ft. Shisu-Chan00 ⋱

June 30, 2018

Alexander sighed gently down to his phone looking up at the time. Dana had been gone or quite some time. He was about to head into the bathroom to make sure he was alright when he peered up seeing the others small frame heading his way. He nodded a little to himself and looked down in just enough time to miss the hit with the waitress. It was strange, he didn’t know why but he sort of worried about the creature. His needs to be so…odd were exciting and unreal. Unlike anything Alexander had ever seen. Humans were text book, easy to read, simple-minded. Harpies were everything but.

They were confusing, interesting, terrifying, and beautiful all in one bundle. He enjoyed the mystery that came with them, the exciting want to understand him. Words didn’t come often where as humans could talk a fence to death. He didn’t have very many facial expressions and yet humans were as easy to read as a picture book. There were so many differences and yet Alexander hoped there was something about him that Dana couldn’t understand. Another layer to his human shell that proved to be exciting, and down right exciting. He hoped that his partner wasn’t tired of him, tired of seeing him, of talking to him. The horror of that, of keeping him here without him really wanting to be here just felt horrible.

Then again as Dana sank back down into the seat across from him and Alexander set his phone down he realized that he wouldn’t have come back if he was bored. He has had many occasions where his business partners would say they were going to the bathroom but would flat out just leave because they would rather do that than confront the issue. Meaning they would rather leave than tell him that the outfit he created wasn’t what they wanted. His eyes flicked up to Dana as he sat back down and he smiled a little at his comment. “This restaurant used to be a brewery. That over there, “ He pointed to a rather huge opening with glass infront of it by the door. “Used to hold the still on display so everyone could see how it worked when they came in.” He smiled a little and settled back in. “I assume the colors are from that. I doubt they re-colored it.”

Alexander tilted his head a little and looked over to Dana, “Is something bothering you? You seem a little…more quiet than before.” He sat back cause just as he had asked a waitress came up with their food. She sat down Dana’s first with sauce wheel in case he wanted to heat things up then sat down Alexanders before bowing to him. He nodded in her direction and smiled but he was still a little worried about Dana. Had something happened? Was he upset? Had he done something to make him upset? He didn’t know and he was almost afraid to find out.

He wished harpies were easier to understand. Easier to read, like humans. As much as humans bored him just like they probably bored every other creature he wanted him to be one in this moment. Wanted all of his thoughts and worries to show on his face so he didn't have to ask. So he didn't have to wonder if he was alright or if something was wrong. Then again wouldn't that take some fun out of all this? He assumed so. He hoped that Dana got more comfortable with him and understood that humans communicated through their words. It wasn't like harpies who could speak to one another with just a simple nod and all was well. He needed words, explanations, anything to tell him what had made him so...upset. What had happened in the bathroom? Had someone threatened him? Said something rude? Possibly someone recognized who he was and was bothering him about it? Alexander didn't know he could only hope that it wasn't something horrible like bullying.

He didn't think Dana would stand for that. His sharp teeth were probably scary to anyone.he didn't want to get between them and something Dana wanted. He could see those teeth sliding right through his flesh and peircing the skin as easily as a knife through butter. He was fragile compared to him. Fragile and weak like a newborn. Might as well just turn in the towel on being the strong man in a relationship with a harpy if you were human. Their nails, their teeth, all of it was dangerous and not realizing soon enough someone could get hurt. Dana seemed under control but he would hate to see what happens if he got angry...too angry to stay in control.

July 1, 2018

Swallowing plastic was actually harder than anyone gave it credit for. Dana felt slightly betrayed as the bit caught and dragged down his throat, keeping his face as still as possible to fend off the discomfort that wanted to make itself known all over his face. He drank more just to soothe the burn as his eyes flashed to where Alexander pointed. He nodded his head to signal his understanding, still swallowing as he finally came up from sucking down a quarter of his drink. "Oh, interesting." His comment was whispery with a voice pathetically weak from a poor decision on his part. He rubbed it and cleared his throat-- bad, nope. Bad idea.

The harpy had his hand around the iced tea again and had just began drinking in earnest when he heard the worried note in Alexander's voice.

In Alexander's face, in the slight cant of his head, the tug of his eyebrows, around his lips. Humans telegraphed things in the strangest of ways, with bland words but mismatching expressions. They didn't have the doubletones of the harpies, or even selkies, and some gorgons. Everything seemed to be a face value. Other races changed expressions beautifully. Humans did, too. They were so fascinating in that subtle elegant But with Alexander things seemed inelegant. The expressions weren't subtle, slamming into one another, shifting and moving so often. Stumbling over one another. It was enough to leave him sighing.

It's all he wanted to do, sigh. Alexander was such an enigma in his own right. Fragile but strong. Gregarious but kept to himself with all the tells of a bachelor, save for the pompous swagger. He couldn't imagine that he was very strong. Harpies could bite through leather- even metal, given time. And Dana had heard horror stories of them taking other lovers, outside of their race. Needing to be pried apart from their partners with a heated crowbar, nails ripping trenches in backs. Teeth scrapping clean internal workings. Brute force and heavy pawing maiming their most beloved. Being shaken into such a feverish lust and love that they swooped their loves up, flying in the air, doing a horizontal tango in vertical airways- and something bad always happening.

How was he supposed to be soft? How could be treat anyone right? Dana was never made for loving. He was always reprimanded for being too small, until he was not, clucked at for gravitating towards the forest creatures and running away, until it made him a good hunter. A short and tense ball of power hidden elegantly by smooth, smooth skin and tailored clothes.

One hand dug his nails into his thigh.

They barely had poetry, harpies. Their culture had been mostly decimated in a series of pointless squabbles and government intervention. Who would want to love a harpy, besides? To be courted by one? To be serenaded by such an ugly voice with creaking incomprehensible words? They weren't beastly enough to be alluring and too foreign for a fantasy. Just brutes.

How would Dana convince Alexander to consider liking a brute?

Food saved him but only temporarily. After thanking the waitress, he shakes his head to clear the fog from his head and ground himself again. "I'm fine. I apologize if my quiet has been undue." He did his best to give a broader smile (the Cosmo site said big smiles were good) but it didn't get any broader than his trademark twitch of the lips. Dana wanted to remain quiet and watch the human man but since Alexander had mentioned his silence, he would liven the table. "So. Um." It was his first 'um' of the night. Perhaps of the month. "I have many resources. I understand that of course, you know, you're a designer who of course has resources but if you ever needed extra space or fabric, I could provide you with it," he continued, sloshing sauce across his rice and dipping into other things. He took a bite with a pleased hum, nodding at the good flavor. It seemed so good that it surprised him. "Mm-- but, of cahh, hah,-" he hummed outright. Trying to continue to speak again only resulted in a wheeze. He couldn't feel his face but it was greatly coloring. His eyes had sprung tears. His nose dripped.

"Mm, ahhek-" Dana took a sip of his iced tea with great confusion. "I don't--" coughing "I don't know why th-- fuck, oh my-" he greedily drank down his iced tea and began to chew on the ice. His hair had raised again and he wasn't blinking, instead letting the steady stream of tears come down his face. Alright. So. It was definitely a mistake in hindsight to choose a key moment to become smitten with Alexander because he certainly had no idea what he'd ordered. He didn't know how spicy it was and could be. Spices reminded him of meats and thick, tar-like liqeurs from home. Not fire burning in his throat with its resultant salt spraying his eyes with needles of pain.

Flushed after being practically accosted by the spice, Dana was breathing through his nose, coughing again into his napkin and daintily patting his irritated and reddened lips, plumped from the shock of spice. " 's.. 's really--'s good, mm. Mhm. Very.. Like. The coconuts, in there." Dana's voice was thin and he nodded, again, as if that was a completely made up event that never happened and was completely normal if it was insisted on occurring.

July 3, 2018

The food seemed to pass their time and gave Dana a few more minutes to think of something to say. He tilted his head a little and peered across the table waiting for a response. When he got one he was thankful to hear that he was more than fine. He smiled a little or what looked like a small smile? Alexander didn’t know really. The next set of words shocked him.

Dana the entire time he had known him so far he had never slipped up and said something inelegant. Here it was though and ‘um’ the most basic word a human used when it didn’t know what to say or if it was awkward. The simple word almost made Alexander want to laugh but he kept it to himself. Instead he peered across the table listening to the other. “Thank you, I know that I have what we need but we will need to get together like you said to work on measurements. I’ll need to get proper measurements that are based off of you and not the naked eye I’ve been using to try and decide. You’re very…small so I’m going to need you practically naked when we do it.” He peered up a little from his food. “Hey that stuffs hot!” He didn’t warn him in enough time and Dana put the first bite into his mouth.

Alexander looked a little shocked for a moment before he heard him wheezing and practically crying and red faced. “Ah! Are you okay? You put the hottest sauce on your food! You know it was already medium when you got it right?!” He chuckled softly over to him and handed him another napkin. “Sheesh…I hope you’re okay. I can have them bring you a new plate that you didn’t douse with the hottest sauce in the joint.” He reached over and gently wiped the tears from Dana’s cheeks. “You’re impossible. What are you even talking about coconuts?” He chuckled and sat back down into his seat shaking his head.

It was funny to watch but it practically ruined his view on him in a funny kind of way. Seeing Dana like that and not his usual stuck up self was nice. He thought he was cute in a weird kind of way. He knew that harpies were dangerous and yet Dana didn’t remind him of the horror stories he had heard about them. They had sharp teeth and nails that would pierce human skin as easily as a balloon. Alexander was fragile and he didn’t know how he would feel about being with someone who wasn’t just like him. Alexander had never been with another creature other than a human before let alone one that could kill him as easily as Dana could. He didn’t have a fear of getting close to him though, or being so passive with him. The actions he did were normal and to Dana they were something completely different. Their cultures didn’t overlap and they weren’t close at all.

Alexander didn’t know how to read him. Didn’t know what actions meant what and if they meant to him what they meant to Dana. He wished it were simpler. He wished he could tell easily that Dana was flirting with him. He wished he knew what things were considered flirty to Harpies and if he could do them. He would be lying if Dana wasn’t attractive and wasn’t interesting to him. He just wished he were easier to understand. Easier to work with and easier to be with…heh they didn’t talk really anyway but the silence was even better.

July 17, 2018

Dana didn't know anything, actually, and was particularly shame-faced. Alexander may have been tickled by the entire display but his tongue was in a stronger state of agitation than he'd like to disclose. If it wasn't already obvious. His face continued to radiate heat that he could at least say was mostly the spice's impact. But his embarrassment was running through him. This entire lunch date (datedatedatedate) had been a mistake waiting for him. Animals were supposed to sense traps. He had been far too distracted.

It felt like his adolescence all over again. The harpy wished he could up and wither away then dismissed it because withering was for the weak, the delicate, and he would remain strong and powerful. This was not supposed to change how their relationship worked. He must be respected. He will be respected.

Males in harpy culture were blips in time. Extremely rare to the point of being myths, looked upon as saints when born, the bastions of their race-- and Dana had come out slight. It was difficult in his position to pretend that it didn't make a difference. Looking across at Alexander with a face still burning, although more composed, he pondered on the human form. The musculature that made ribbons of all different and complex widths and lengths run down their bodies could vary so much. They weren't as strong as harpies. No-- Alexander was not stronger than him. Could never beat him.

But why did it run electricity down his spine to be called 'small'-- to be touched so tenderly and gently? Alexander aiming a smile at him like that. It sent a fire through his body and his stomach clenched hard. He was stupefied. This feeling…

It must be the raging urge to restate his authority because that was the natural instinct that was screaming inside every fiber of Dana's mind. He needed to reclaim the situation. His composure, his reputation. How was Alexander supposed to FEAR him if he had just acted like a fool and lost all of his RESPECT, Dana wouldn't be RESPECTED, and he didn't care how the human made him feel and that it hadn't even been 4 hours into the day but he was already way too interested. No, he needed to scavenge what he had just lost. The harpy smoothed his hair with a derisive sniff and averted his eyes to his plate. "The sauce. It had coconuts." Stupid. Just stupid. To be bested by food like a fool. This food was disrespecting him. He wouldn't let it.

Dana made a mission of eating everything on his plate with poise and elegance. He didn't let himself cry from the spices again and swallowed his coughs and gags, throat a tunnel covered with burning. But it was important to make sure Alexander knew the strength that he had. He would erase all memories of any weakness. He would conquer this entire restaurant and level this whole city and let the world know that his name was actually not important because his Title would be "Motherfucker Who Slayed The Entire Goddamn Plate of Mild to Super Spicy Thai Curry."

Economic and quick cuts of the meat, along with careful rationing, had Dana's plate clear and the harpy patting his mouth clean. The man played a word game on his phone so he could pretend to be focused as a good cover for airing his throat out as he mouthed tiny words. After a few levels, he looked up at the human, clearing his throat (ouch.) "I take it the meal was good. Does this place do carry out or order-ins? I would like to have it again another time."

July 18, 2018

Alexander couldn’t keep from laughing at the other. It was rather cute how he didn’t know that the food was going to be that spicy. It was just cute to him. He knew that harpies were terrifying creatures to most but to him Dana wasn’t all that scary. He was small, elegant, and never seemed to raise his voice. He didn’t seem to show much expression either. It was exciting to Alexander that he was even sitting here eating with him. The silent man cleared hi face of all tears and snot and continued eating his food not worrying about the spice. The designer shifted in his seat some and rested his chin on his hand peering at Dana as he finished the last few bites on his plate.

Interesting how one would be burning hot and still finish it. He thought it was rather cute and as much as he wanted to give him another plate with less spice the harpy just ate it anyway. Possibly because he didn’t want to be a burden or a hindrance but either way it was admirable. After a few moments of watching the other eat Alexander chuckled softly and shook his head before finishing up his own dish. His was not near as spicy, it was set just right to how he liked it.

When he finished it Dana seemed to find something interesting on his phone, peering down at it instead of paying attention to him. It sort of annoyed him, phones were meant to be put away when at a meeting right? His head tilted but before he could say anything Dana was asking him a question. His eyes flicked away from the other as if he hadn’t just been staring at him for a few moments and cleared his throat.

“Yes. Mine was amazing just like always! I’m sorry for the spices again I should have warned you. They do carry out if you want to get it again but next time maybe take it easy on the spices.” He smiled a little and took a drink of his soda before setting it back down on the table. His eyes found their way back to the harpy. Those eyes just sat there for a moment inspecting the other across the table. The soft red tinge next to his eyes from crying thanks to the spice, the red overglow of his lips from the heat. The sweat trickling down his forehead and neck despite the others effort to hide it. The items were so innocent yet for some reason they looked so odd.

He was going to say something when the waitress showed up with the check handing it his way. “Thank you,” He put his card in it and handed it back to her almost instantly. She bowed and turned to run the card and bring back the receipt. “So I was thinking…when I come for the evening meeting that I can bring some sample materials? Maybe see what you want to make the outfit out of? You will be the one wearing it so I would like to get the material you would like to wear rather than what I’m expecting you would want. Then we can do measurements and start up a design since I’m apparently staying with you that evening? You didn’t make it sound like I had much option in the matter.” He was teasing of course his smile written on his face said it all. He wasn’t particularly upset about the overnight meeting they would be having, though it was strange.

July 20, 2018

Conscious effort went into beating down any grooming habits. Even worse was the stiffness that wanted to calcify his bones, tense his shoulders. Dana knew when people were looking at him and he could tell the proximity. Alexander's gaze seemed unrelenting but still relaxed. He wasn't being gawked at but considered by a casual museumgoer. A tiny tickle in the back of his head made him want to break out in goosebumps-- he couldn't believed his mind had even conjured up such a remorseful thought. But it was still there and gnawing at the back of his spine. It tickled all the way up to his cheeks and they burned and burned. But it was still there..

He wondered if Alexander looked at him the way he looked at Alexander.

BAH! BLEUGH! Gross. Another reason to be thankful for the phone in his hand and its word puzzles. They'd been useful in continuing his covert lessons in learning how to spell in common tongue. The harpy tradition of writing was barely existent. Thinking about cultural was a good distraction from thinking about the man across from him so Dana pursued that with interest before the dialogue picked back up. He tapped the lock screen on his screen and listened to the other man's gentle ribbing. "I'll expose myself to them in big heaps. Soon, I will grow use to the taste. I was just--" caught of guard, taken aback, surprised, they all communicated weakness, "enthralled by the pops of flavor." He sniffed delicately again and took to drinking more water. His lips felt like they'd been stung hundreds of times over but the prickliness settled as a slightly heavy buzz.

Color on his face felt unwanted as it was tells of emotion. But trying to mask anything would only make it more apparent, so he sat a attention with not a fidget or wince. When the waitress came he opened his mouth and tried not to gawk at the POWER MOVE Alexander had just slapped down. Who just handed people their cards like that?

Him, he was supposed to, before Alexander stole the opportunity to assert his prowess. All the books on humans had said this part was something people talked over. Debated and agreed on. You only pay wholeheartedly on dates when you're a powerful person making a power move and Dana didn't know how to feel or where that left him. He was utterly lost and felt an unfathomable churning in his gut. Which could have been the spices except they couldn't have digested so quickly. His brain had to handle processing that alongside answering the human's inquiry, all while things were overlaid with the tingles from the spice. "Yes, I…" Dana answered carefully then paused to battle over his own selfishness, how to mask that selfishness as professionalism, and morality.

"I work closely. With people, and often- well, I have grown accustomed to long overnight meetings. My complex is further from the city. It's still reachable by the subway but taking a late night to go back to one's home, I feel negatively about having to facilitate that situation. I apologise for my stiffness in decision matter," he formally finished. The harpy tucked stray hair behind his ear with a 'tch,' and unfolded his shades.

As he put them back on he looked over them at Alexander. His expression was horribly haughty to barely hide his endearing poutiness. "Of course you are welcome to leave. I will just check in through text that your travel back home through the subways lines."

July 20, 2018

Alexander thought Dana was super cute all in his own way. It seemed that Dana was a little shocked that he had bought lunch but it was so normal to Alexander. It didn’t seem that odd to him to pay for food but of course things were different with Dana. In any other situation he would have asked to split the bill but this was something he could pay for considering Dana was his business partner and he was paying for him. His head tilted slightly as he listened to the others answer to his questions.

A smile formed on his lips as he watched what seemed to be a pout form on Dana’s face. He gently sighed and shook his head, “Listen I’ll stay. I’m assuming we have a lot of work to get done since you have an insanely busy schedule. I don’t mind setting aside time to stay the night at your place. Long as we get the work done then It’ll be fine.” He flipped his wrist over and peered at his watch sighing softly before he peered across to the other. “What did we decide on again? I need to double check I’m free that evening my secretary has asked multiple times. You see I forget things a lot.” He ran a hand through his hair a little shyly.

“I can take you back to my office and then we can part ways till our next meeting if you like? I’m sure I’ve taken up plenty of your time for today.” He stood and leaned down grabbing his phone from the table and waved a hand for Dana to follow. He walked by the waitress who handed him his card with a wink from him only making her laugh softly and wave him goodbye. He left the small restaurant holding the door open for Dana.

It was still muggy hot out and he wanted nothing more than to get back home and call it a day. Sadly he had meetings all day and wouldn’t be able to relax till this evening. Something told him that Dana wanted him to stay the night at his place for whatever reason. He didn’t know that Dana liked him, he didn’t know that he was secretly admiring him but he knew that when he did see emotions he could read them. The harpy wasn’t very good at hiding the few emotions that did slide through his mask. Alexander was horrible at hiding anything like that, being who he was it was incredibly hard to be stone cold and indifferent. He liked to show people what he was thinking and when he did need to hide it he did. He could have a poker face if he wanted to but instead he preferred to let people know how angry or happy he was with them. Made the conversations they had later easier cause he wouldn’t have to explain to them how he felt.

As they left the restaurant he peered back to the harpy waiting for a response to his earlier questions. His keys dangled from his fingers as he unlocked his car hearing a light beep from the black wheels. It was going to be hot in there, hot and tight for the two of them. Dana seemed to have a small problem on the way here so he hoped now that he had eaten and was feeling better that he wouldn’t be so upset on the drive back home.

July 24, 2018

If he was asked, Dana would like to say that hearing Alexander's confirmation didn't elicit much beyond a twitch from him. Any other answer would be unacceptable and dismissed as exaggeration. Physical reactions aside, the pout was gone and his voice seemed to perk back into neutrality than the petulance that had quickly crept into his tone. Sunglasses now on his face, Dana covered his mouth briefly in a short yawn and checked the time on his phone. "Not to worry, I understand." Alexander was just too easy to dote on. "I think we agreed on 3:43 for tomorrow evening, but you can come in around 9:23 to 9:34 this evening. I will have returned from some appointments, and I hope it's enough time to give you to work on your other responsibilities." He feigned confirmation by looking at his calendar app but the decision had been made freshly just the hour before- Dana was hard pressed to forget. "Since it'll be an overnight venture, we can push the 3:43 we previously mentioned to... later. Or another day entirely."

Life pressed on. His eyes followed the lines the human's form made, contours and muscles traced, then sat for a beat with another outbreak of tingles and sparks. Beckoned. He'd been beckoned. Like-- like someone that needed to be beckoned. Mute, Dana rose from his seat and walked in a trance for several seconds before clearing his throat to get the spice to flare up again. The flare of sensation pinched him back into a normal state. The harpy nodded his head toward the waitress, 'thank you's and 'have a good day's exchanged as he passed by Alexander with an appraising look. "Thank you, sir," he murmured as he exited and took the time to bask in the sun.

Ah. Delightfully sweltering. The clouds were peppering the sky-- it still looked like a fantastic day for flying. Such days like this could not help but fill him with a certain nostalgia. And being in the sun only made him smile all the more, his grin dumb and private. He liked it even more now that he had decided on his stance concerning his human companion. A plan: busy himself thinking about the life they could have together-- the car ride would become all the quicker and more bearable if he were locked away in his own fantasy. First order of mental business would be imagining their flight. Alexander would be easy to carry in his arms. And should they have a spat, he could have him dangle from heavy feet like prey sweeping into sight of a bird's nest. He was sure the experience would be utterly terrifying.

Sometimes fear could taste good or bad. It all depended on the person, and your relationship with that person. It was these idle thoughts that could get him through the day.

Oh. Speaking of- Alex was staring at him. What? Oh. Yes, right."If that time is alright with you, of course… Then I think we have a plan settled." He brushed by Alexander as he maneuvered around him to the other side due to a poor parking decision on some stranger's part. The first click of the door opening and the fan of warm air and scent that hit Dana nearly made him woozy. But with food in his system and a heart beating with dreams he was sure would go unfulfilled- should he cower away from them- the harpy met the challenge head on. Tight conditions only let him open the door a little. Apparently slenderness had its perks, the man folding up deftly as he sidled his way into the passenger's seat and sat down with a huff.

July 30, 2018

Alexander tilted his head slightly peering at Dana as he spoke. So 3:40 tomorrow evening or 9:30 this evening. Either option worked for him and he couldn’t deny that he was enjoying the company but he didn’t know if that would be any better. It almost seemed like Dana wanted to keep seeing him today. He thought it was flattering if that’s what he was thinking about. Then again pushing 3:40 the next day further sounded good too and it would open up plenty of time for the project they were going to be working on.

As Dana passed by him something made his eyes follow him easily scanning his body up and down before closing the door behind him. He slid a hand into his pocket getting his keys and unlocking the door easily. He pretended like he was still thinking about what he wanted to do for the meeting but really he had already decided. He knew what he wanted and Dana seemed to be fine with it too so he didn’t see a point against it. The sun soaked into Alexander’s skin hitting his sunglasses and sending a gleam to those who would look over. It saved his eyes from the extreme brightness though and that’s all that mattered.

He walked with Dana to the car sighing as he realized that a stupid ass customer parked too close to him probably door dinging him if there was a passenger. Then again he didn’t mind the close parameters it pushed them into. He tilted his head slightly watching him walk passed before opening the door and wiggling in between the door and the other car. He turned on the car easily and sighed as the AC started to kick on. “yea I think I’m fine with those times. Lets do tonight, I can get my meetings over with and we can get measurements then the following day or whenever you decide we can start working on a design.” He shifted in his seat and backed out of the car as soon as they were both in and buckled.

“Are you sure its not a burden for me to stay an evening? You could always stay at my place for an evening if its too much.” He asked putting the car in drive and leaving the shopping district. Pulling out onto the busy road meant most of his attention went to the road but he was still peering over at Dana every so often as if waiting for an answer. Thankfully the busy streets would make the time fly by and he wouldn’t have to worry about keeping conversations up if Dana decided to get silent again.

August 6, 2018

Settled was settled. Dana leaned back comfortably in the hot car and made a noise of agreement with Alexander's reasoning. Stretching his legs in the space of the car, he let his neck bake under the heat of the sun as he closed his eyes before straightening again at the man's new line of questioning. But the particular thread made him sag again with a dramatic roll of his eyes. "Oh, please, Alexander," the harpy began, voice drenched in the tone of his previous actions. "Don't begin with such a silly thought. You couldn’t be a burden. The only way you could possibly come close to being a burden by simply sleeping in my home is if you'd taken me hostage in some sort of break in scenario, restraining me from doing anything I'd like, while destroying my property. And even then." He scoffed. "You'd be tedious at the worst."

Dana relaxed against the side of the car with cheek gently pressed to his hand, feeling the warmth run like a current through his skin. "A ridiculous notion. Mention anything about being 'a burden' again and I'll be forced to chastise you with as much scorn deemed appropriate."

Burdensome. What a laugh. Burdens were things and people that actively put a damper on your normal course of living. In that respect as a general entity, Alexander had to have been one of the biggest burdens Dana had ever encountered. Repeatedly throughout the day the harpy had been struck by his feelings and thoughts surrounding his ever-growing desire for his collaborator. Like a bunion or cyst. The invasive nature of it all made him sick enough to vomit or masturbate furiously, both things utterly crass but relieving. And Alexander staying with him for the evening was a looming threat to his sanity; the idea was a significantly large burden on its own but it prompting actual action, becoming a real reality? Utterly heartwracking. But.

As a guest at his home? Please.

The human wasn't a drunkard, didn't seem to embody a total whirlwind of chaos and destruction. Dressed nicely and smelled good. Probably had cute trousers on. Perhaps a classic brief. Which had nothing to do with him being a guest but the fact that the biggest threat Alexander posed was a half-mast in the middle of a measuring session was laughable. Dana did as much, exhaling in his version of a light giggle before returning to his silence, half-dozing in the warmth of the sun. Scents were absorbing him and lulling him into innocent daydreams of domestic scenes and declarations of adoration. Dimly, Dana realized this is what 13 year-olds go through in popular young adult novels and their kin. What did that say about him? He'd answer that another day.

August 10, 2018

The answer that Alexander got from the harpy was shocking enough to say the least. It pulled a gently chuckle from the other male as he flipped on his blinker changing lanes. “I see, excuse me then. More of just was not wanting to infringe on your night.” He chuckled lightly once more tilting his head to peer at Dana through his shades before just shaking his head, his eyes moving back to the road. He was so interesting, sometimes it didn’t make any sense to him. Sure simply sleeping in someone’s house wasn’t too bothersome but he couldn’t help feel just a little bad. Spending the night in someones home meant eating their food, drinking their drinks, using their things and sometimes people just got upset about it.

Then again if Dana said otherwise he wouldn’t really bother with it at the moment. His fingers gently slid over the steering wheel as he turned off the highway, close to his office once more. Dana was just adorable, his head lulling at the side of the car almost in a sleep like sense. So much so that he didn’t even notice they were only a block from his office. When he pulled in he couldn’t help but think the other male was a little attractive in the dying sunlight with the wind pushing his hair about.

When he put his car in park he peered over to the harpy and leaned over lightly touching his shoulder. “Hey, we made it back. Are you ready to get out?” he asked gently before turning the car off and opening his door up letting the slightly chilled air outside loom into the car. He was slightly nervous to go to the others house but as he gently touched that small shoulder next to him he couldn’t help but be a little excited too. Nothing was going to happen tonight and sure as hell he wasn’t expecting it but would he really be against it? If something happened while Dana was half naked for measurements’? Thinking something like that all in its own should have stopped him but it didn’t. Instead he couldn’t stop thinking about anything other than the warmth of Dana’s skin under his fingertips.

Once he finally realized his hand was still there he pulled it away quickly pushing his glasses up his nose to cover the surprised and almost embarrassed sheen of red that started to pour over his cheeks. Dana was mesmerizing and it was dangerous for the both of them. He made Alexander think of some rather dirty things and he shouldn’t be thinking about that when it came to a client like Dana. He would just have to put his thoughts aside for the evening and pretend that a half naked Dana didn’t get him a little hot and bothered.

August 10, 2018

On his first visit to the city, the light had been just like this. The sun sulking away with thin clouds in the sky. And its rays had curled over everything so the distant streets and their buildings were pitched in darkness but the reflections of glass meeting sun had made things sparkle and dance. And the purples and pinks and that bright orange. The burning red. Unobstructed views were still Dana's preference and that would hardly change. From his corners on his mountainous home he'd seen the same sunset. Now, from a glass window, spread long ad wide, he saw the same thing. But it was the beauty and brilliance of that moment he would never forget. Being kissed by the sun. Sleeping underneath the dying light.

Thinking about it all must have lulled him into a deeper rest than he pre-empted. Alexander's engine rumbling underneath him and around him, with tiny vibrations dancing over the window, tickling his skin-- the smell of the man next to him-- all contributed to his state once they were at the office.

Lips parted just barely with miniscule, even breathing, Dana's sleeping state changed near immediately to attention once he was touched. His breaths were quieter still but measured and the man slowly turned his head from his flattened palm and murmured gibberish quietly. His hair was mused and only one eye peered openly at Alexander, the one hidden by his position. How curious. He was still touching him. Dana didn't dislike at all.

"If I wasn't ready, would you let me stay in?" Grinning and watching the other's retreat, Dana collected his things and got out himself with a long and muffled groan as he stretched his body out. With the long groan came a slow exhale, the harpy slinging his satchel casually over his arm before texting his driver. He would have been a little sad to leave Alexander alone. But they had hours of the evening together, and he was eager to get home and tidy up for his new guest.

Looking askance at the spoken devil, Dana slowly pushed his sunglasses up and walked around the front of the car. "My driver is going to pick me up by the parking garage down the avenue. I look forward to seeing you this evening. I will, of course, send you directions and instructions," he explained, before placing a hand on the human's shoulder. It was annoying to say he had to lean up to aim the two kisses to the side of Alexander's head like he did-- so he wouldn't say that. But there was some careful head tilting and a slight pressure on the human's shoulder to have him unwittingly lower himself a quarter of an inch.

"I hope the rest of your evening goes well until then. Contact me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns." Patting the other's shoulder with a final nod, Dana smiled thinly then tapped his sunglasses back down to perch elegantly on his nose. "Until then, Alexander. And thank you for today." He nodded again before turning and going in the direction of the aforementioned garage, waving.

August 10, 2018

When Dana finally woke it wasn’t with a start or anything it was really calculated and measured. Alexander was almost more embarrassed for it and he pulled back his hands getting out of the car. He watched the other get out and chuckled lightly as he watched him stretch out the last twenty minutes in the car. “You know maybe I would? It was warm in there.” He shrugged and shut his door and walked infront of the car waiting for Dana.

He watched the other walk around the car, his entire being pulling Alexander’s eyes in for a moment. He blinked a few times his eyes flicking up to Dana’s lips as he spoke nodding lightly. “Alright sounds good to me.” He felt the others hand on his shoulder and he was a little…confused to say the least. He felt pressure on his shoulder causing him to lean down just a tad feeling the soft feathery kisses to the sides of his cheeks. It wasn’t unusual, many customers did the same thing but none made him feel the way Dana did. He felt like he was in high school again and his crush just kissed him on the cheek before they left for class. It was stupid but then again he couldn’t help from smiling down at the other nodding. “Alright, see you tonight.” He waved after Dana who let go of him and started to walk away.

Alexander sighed lightly shifting and putting his hands in his pockets watching Dana walk down the side of his office and out of sight. Once the other was out of his line of sight he chuckled and shook his head locking the car before heading into his office. “What a weird guy…” he mumbled under his breath as he ascended the stairs to his office. His secretary had left for the day thanks to him telling her she could. She was a single mother of two and so he often let her leave early to pick up the kids from school. Many nights she would call him asking if she needed to do anything while she was home and he would explain to her that it was unnecessary.

He liked to be nicer to people, specially Sarah. She had been working with him since he first opened and treated him with a respect he didn’t usually get. She got paid rather well thanks to her being his only employee, and he gave her bonuses when he could for the kids. He liked to think they were having a good life, living their best that they could with the money she was getting.

He made his way to his desk pulling out his laptop bag and pushing his laptop into it along with multiple folders and sketches. He put the materials he would need for tonight in his other bag before leaving the office and heading to his first meeting for the evening. He had three before he was free to go home and change before seeing Dana, and damn would those three meetings drag on and on.

August 10, 2018

"In my professional opinion, I think you should suck his cock."

"That's very crass."

She giggled over the speaker. "I'm glad you agree with me."

Dana rolled his eyes and leaned back against the firm interior of the luxury car. He had stretched out his legs, shoes off and toes curling up and down. Although there were few friends in his life- very few, honestly- the ones he did have all were much better at matters of the heart, of society, and of interaction than other's in his life (and that means to say, better than him.) After getting picked up from the parking garage down the street, his phone had immediately been used to give Vivi a thorough rundown of the entire day. Thinking about all of the moments was tingly. Having to forfeit his inner monologue and the delicious, conflicting feelings slamming around in his body was… It plunged him right back into fresh feelings. His sunglasses were in a tiny carrying pouch and he rubbed at his eyes with a deep sigh as his friend tittered.

"So what happened at the end of the night?" Vivi asked enthusiastically.

"Oh." Dana breathed out and flushed all through his body. Dana noticed a lot. Humans telegraphed everything and showed the process of their emotions. So he mentioned Alexander blushing and the lingering shoulder touch, the eyes that flicked to his lips, the little resistance to his pressing hand. And those eyes he felt trailing after his form as he walked down the street. The harpy could still remember it so clearly-- which wasn't that long ago but he felt it still. Hot and bright. Vivian's 'oooooooohhhhlalaaaaa' was grating enough to snap him out of his reverie.

He rolled his eyes again and clicked his tongue. "Oh shut up, DD," she chortled. "Sounds like chemistry. And I'm a scientist. I know about chemistry. Forces of attraction, my friend, I say you should bounce 'till the Red Carpet premiere."

"Me bouncing?"

"… Dana, oh please, you're a complete-- yes Travali? Hm? Dana, I'll text you later, okay, try not to finger pound your little romance interest too much and answer your phone! Kisses, love."

She was absolutely disgusting. But her interjections and questions throughout the half an hour car ride were eye-opening. He did have an affinity for Alexander that was beyond belief. Did he really come off as some lovestruck… bouncer? Rolling down the partition he smiled at his driver and passed his I.D. so the photo scanner could check off and open the gates. "Thanks, Alistair, drive safely. There might be rain further up your way." Stuffing his socks into his shoes, he got out after the extra two minutes of driving up the hill.

His bouncer let out a string of tinkling noises and chirps before blowing Dana a kiss goodbye once he was dropped off at the front of his estate.

Dana had made sure his home was a home of both function and formidable fashion. Plants decorated the doorstep and vine growth tastefully crawled up and around windows like Victorian-era manuscript frames. Inside was dark wood and neutral tone walls, with dark and comfy furniture. The kitchen was large and visible from the doorway, with the living room adjacent to it, packed with a fireplace and large, marble-decorated carpet. Dana went around dusting and wiping down various surfaces, throwing clothes in the laundry and then sitting down to answer e-mails and calls. His assistants had left documents for him like usual with various notes. It was always little things to handle- like having a timed call with Fabricio as he complained about clashing patterns- that drove him insane. But getting them out of the way was important.

August 12, 2018

After what felt like hours and hours of endless monologues from his clients and trustees he was finally free. He packed up his things after his last meeting and got into his car driving to his loft. It was sort of out of town and by itself but he loved it. Unlike most rich people his home was a normal size and just perfect for him. He parked infront of his front steps seeing it open and his assistant walk out in her work outfit.

“Sir? I wanted to let you know that tomorrow you have a dinner with Mildred…I know you dislike her but she refused to let me cancel for you again.”

She held up her phone to her face tapping on it a moment before peering over her glasses to him. She was rather beautiful, straight blonde hair that framed her heart shaped face. Blue eyes that pierced through your skin and sent chills through your body. Then again those eyes were also sweet and kind and had the tone of a mother that shined bright. One could see the wrinkles forming at the sides of her eyes from where she had been laughing too much. Laugh lines were one great thing about humans and their ability to show their age.

Alexander couldn’t help but smile as he got out of the car shaking his head. “You know me Sarah I’m not going. At all. You couldn’t pay me enough to sit at a dinner with that hag.” He picked up his bags from the back of his car and shifted it over his shoulder. “Would you mind clearing that for me again?” he walked up next to her with a boyish like smile on his face that screamed he wasn’t going to give in.

He picked up his phone and typed out the number given to him by Dana before messaging him: “Finished with my meetings for the day. If you wouldn’t mind sending me directions and instructions I’ll be happy to drive to your place for the night. Do I need to bring anything??” And sent the text message before peering at Sarah. “By the way I have a…thing this evening and I won’t be back on the clock till around noon tomorrow.”

He walked past her and heard a very confused and sputtering blonde following him as he entered his home. He set his keys on the table by the door and walked to his living room setting down his laptop bag. “But Sir! You have meetings that morning! Please don’t make me push them back again! What could possibly be keeping you?” She asked her eyebrows knitting together in so much worry he was worried she would explode.

“Dana vas Norman Gavleski” He said turning to her his eyes focusing rather easily on her blonde figure.

“That’s what is keeping me. I know that I have meetings and that there are other important clients but this could easily…” He paused a moment and shook his head with a chuckle. “Listen, I enjoy his company but not only that his business is one of the highest most popular award winning creature we have had walk through our doors. I’m not going to deny spending time with him creating a look if that’s what he wants.” He shrugged and peered away from her.

“Wait…so you mean…?” Her lips parted and then excitement exploded on her face. “You closed the deal?!? He’s doing the show with you?!? Oh my god Alex this is awesome!!” She jumped into his arms causing him to laugh with her and share in her excitement.

After a few moments she let go composing herself and he just laughed gently. “Listen don’t be too excited. Anything could happen to stop this from happening so I just don’t want to jinx it. I’m going to his place tonight and doing fitting and measurements. I should be back before my noon meeting but push back everyone if you can. I’ll let you know how it goes.” He patted her head gently and picked up his things.

“Go home Sarah. Your boy needs you more than me right now. Take the morning off too, enjoy taking him to school and maybe get breakfast for yourself before coming in.” He spoke as he passed her heading up the stairs. Once he was finished he heard a thank you and an excited picking up of ones items before leaving the home.

He was left alone once more and his room felt like it was everything he ever wanted. Maroon and black coated his sheets as he sank into them sighing lightly. His room was dark in color with lots of black and reds but he liked it. Mahogany wood accompanied everything in the room and the fire place off to the side was beautiful all in its own. He just wanted to relax for a moment before Dana texted him back asking him to head on over.

August 12, 2018

'When the hell did I get this.' Dana was staring blankly at the wood shiner that he somehow happened upon in his cleaning cupboard. It was professional grade and still next to its box. Must have been somebody's present. It looked like he'd used it once and discarded it, and after using it, was positive of that outcome. He put it in another cupboard that was designed for things that he needed to repurpose. For now, the hands on approach still reigned supreme.

Nose hovering close to the floor, he let himself crouch and push with measured runs as he spread polish up and down his home. Blues music was playing from the loft upstairs to accompany his cleaning. Dana was serious about anything having to do with presentation of his home to another. He tied his hair back and put a scarf around it as he set to scrubbing his kitchen clean of any chemicals that could be potentially harmful to human skin or senses. He also went and watered his plants. Pruned the trees in the back. Did a load of clothes. Went into the guest bedroom and dusted everything down, fluffed the pillows, fixed the sheets, removing all clutter he'd placed there and relocating it to his bedroom. Which also took some organization all of its own. He had just gotten done with scrubbing any dust or chalky buildup from the guest bathroom's tub when he got Alexander's initial text. Removing one of his gloves, he typed back:

'Hi Alexander. No, you do not need to bring anything. I have toiletries you can use. If you want your own personal set of clothes, then perhaps that is best to bring. I may have clothing that you could wear if you forget anything. Here are the directions. Hold this QR code up to the scanner when it prompts you at the gate. You will be allowed in. Safe driving.'

Attached was an app's directions to Dana's estate and the aforementioned code.

Dana gathered his cleaning supplies up and turned the lights off behind him. Alexander didn't live close-- no one lived close to him. For some reason, all of his would be neighbors only had homes here for vacation purposes… Their lush gardens going to waste. Perhaps it was too much maintenance. The outdoor kitchen was much more rugged and traditional than the interior's, which he used primarily for mixing tonics and elixirs when he felt especially nostalgic. Taking his house slippers off at the step, he crouched to pull on his outdoor sandals and trekked into the great garden and forestry beyond. With a wicker basket under his arm and a hoe in hand, he tramped up the slopes and into the forest, bending down to forage the mushrooms. Brushing dirt aside and with measured movements, he struck deep and pulled up the door root fort he whole fungi, picking along the dirt until satisfied. He moved onto the plum fruit, digging his foot into the side of trees and reaching up to pick a bundle.

On his way back, he snipped more, getting his tomatoes, grabbing heads of cabbage and twisting hard to pull them up clean.

His large outdoor space was filled with canisters and pots that had been traditionally corked and left to ferment or age. The harpy cracked the rock of one open and let the plum mead pour out heavy to gather in a sauce pan. It was boiling along as he diced up everything he'd collected. The mushrooms were skewered and set for a slow turn over a fire, along with several cheeses, and he had cut up a chicken and put it for cooking in the open mouthed over, setting a heavy wood door back in place after feeding the flames with kindling.

Ugh, imagine if he could cook like this for Alexander every day.

Not everyday. Dana made a face at that, surveying what would be an eventual feast. That'd be spoiling the man rotten. Sometimes all someone needed was a good pizza. But cooking was a show of deep affection in his culture-- having someone over and feeding them was love and care and tenderness. And it wasn't just an Alexander thing. As Dana broke cilantro stems and pulled the tiny leaves off stalks of thyme, he hummed to himself. Anyone who would come to his home was going to receive similar treatment; a meal prepared by Alexander with all the fixings wasn't a romance-ordained activity. It was just how he showed his appreciation.

An hour passed of cooking. Chicken cooked, he placed the seasoned meat in with the mead and vegetables then put it on simmer. Pushing the mushrooms and cheese off the skewers, he arranged them on a plate and went back out to the garden to collect a few fruits to serve along with it. A pot cover was placed over that plate to ensure nothing would wilt away. Night had officially fallen and with dying fires, the harpy was left out alone in the dark. Fumbling for the lantern proved successful after a few times stubbing his toe or hitting his fingers against a wall.

Seeing his work laid out in front of him, Dana couldn't help but feel pride in his work. Now all that was left was washing his face and hands. He hung his apron up and took off the slippers before re-entering his home, keeping the hair scarf on as he went about freshening himself up in his simple pair of sweatpants and a large t-shirt.

August 13, 2018

Alexander moved with his phone up to his room peeking around looking for something. He pulled out a bag and set it on his bed before opening up his drawers and getting a change of clothing. He then stepped out of his jeans and vest and put on a grey v-neck that was loose on his body. A pair of black jeans replaced the deep blue ones he had been wearing all day and he situated a belt around his waist. He didn’t always like to look snazzy all the time. Sometimes he just wanted to be a normal person. He put on a pair of tennis shoes and stopped putting on a watch when he heard his phone chime.

He picked it up reading the message and sighing when he saw just how far away the others home was. It wouldn’t be till dark till he would be even remotely close to his house. This was fine, he messaged back and set it on its way saying: “Alright. See you soon.” After sending the message and setting his phone down on his dresser as he got the last of his things ready. Dana said he had things but Alexander was too nice to use them, he packed his own toiletries and clothes and packed them into the back of his car. Instead of taking the black work vehicle he decided on his red sports car. Sleek in design yet a beautiful cherry red that glittered in the light as it passed under street lamps. It was also, much much faster than his work car and would get him to Dana faster than that. An almost two hour trip would only take him one thanks to the beast in his garage.

He quickly packed up his things, grabbed his sunglasses and keys before hopping into the drivers seat. He fired the beast up hearing it rumble to life against the garage door. It opened and he backed out of his drive way closing up the garage door behind him. No one bothered his house way out here, for city folk this was far enough. Dana’s home was practically foreign territory for him seeing as it was so far away. He didn’t mind the drive of course just the fact that he would have to make it in the morning.

He shifted into high gear, blazing down the highway. People like him never really had to worry about cops. They were too busy with the crime spree going on in the city to worry about country folks driving too fast on dirt roads. Of course this wasn’t a dirt road, it was paved and beautiful but the cops had gang wars keeping them busy. As much as the city was safe in some parts it was horribly crime stricken in others. Gang members fought one another on the streets, women raped in their homes, business men and women robbed before their eyes. Children beaten and abused and arson ravaging their homes. It was a nightmare and as much as everyone wanted to pretend it wasn’t a problem Alexander couldn’t. He moved out of the city because of this but he felt bad for it every day. This was why his office had a loft in it so he could sleep in the town or give Sarah and her son a safe place to sleep for the night.

This was important to him, his people were important to him. Sarah was one of his close friends and he loved her son, he wished no harm on them. He only wanted what was best for them and so he opened up his home to them, allowing them to use every resource he had. Thankfully she didn’t mind after years of him doing this and welcomed the help. Sarah when they first started talking was into Alexander in a romantic sense and the more he got closer with her son the more he saw them getting together. A failed romance later and they were partners in business and the relationship could never be better.

Alexander wondered if she still felt something for him and just hid it far away because he was her boss now. In all reality he didn’t really care how she felt about him long as she did her work and was a good mother. Alex really tried to make their relationship work but…women just weren’t his cup of tea. When he told her he was gay she almost exploded in what seemed like anger and sadness. She wasn’t angry that he was gay but more…frustrated that they had wasted so much time together when he knew he didn’t like women. Of course, Alex liked both genders but decided after Sarah that he strictly wanted to see males for a while. Women were a lot of work to him and he just couldn’t keep up with their lives.

Now they just stayed together, best friends and advice givers to one another. He would have to tell her about Dana soon or he would feel really bad. She told him about all her mismatched dating stories and so it was only fair that he tell her about the possible spark he had with Dana. She would freak, not that it was a man but that it was Dana of all people and that something could possibly be there.

His thoughts took him somewhere else during the drive and before he knew it the sun had fallen behind the trees and night loomed over him. His headlights paved the way infront of him, inching closer and closer to Dana at every moment. His ass was numb and he was tired from staring ahead for so long but finally he saw a gate. He rolled down his window and peeked at the screen before holding up his phone to it letting it scan the code Dana had given him. The gate opened and he drove forward, he picked up his phone and texted Dana telling him he had arrived.

He steered his car up the drive way seeing a rather large estate laid out before him. It was…breathtaking to say the least. Then again it didn’t shock him that Dana had so much land and such a large home. He parked his car and got out stretching his arms over his head hearing his back pop. He pushed his sunglasses into the middle console before popping the trunk and walking around his car. He picked up his bag and locked his car before walking up to the large doors. He rang the doorbell taking a step back afterward to take in the entry way to the home.

August 14, 2018

Vivi rang his line again as he carefully applied a foaming face mask in the bathroom. "Hey doll," she began, snickering already. "Is Mr. Hot Stuff there yet?"

"Not yet. He should be on his way now." He frowned at his reflection then spoke up again. "Should I shower? I was doing some field cooking, and I was going to sit and at least wash my feet."

"Nah, I bet he'll like your natural scent."

Dana scoffed to himself and sat on a wooden stool, filling his foot bath and gingerly removing his house shoes. "I don't think that's how the humans work. You always talk about cologne and perfumes when you're dating." He pushed his sweats up and let the mineral water settle before sinking his feet inside. Taking a pumice stone he began to work at cleaning as his friend cackled over speaker.

They talked glibly for minutes more. Dana worked his feet with a hard wrist and attention to details far after Vivian had ended their call. Harpies were raised to be ugly looking creatures but their desire for grooming and focus on upkeep was high. It served a practical purpose-- you didn't want to transform and be the awkward one out when your claws and talons were disproportioned and no good. Dana also found it to be soothing, as well as necessary. His feet calloused with ease, nothing a high-end bottle of lotion could solve. His outdoor kitchen had first been built for him to mix his oils and creams without having to worry about explosions staining the house's nice walls. After working at his feet and rubbing his legs down with his mixtures to soften them to exquisiteness, the harpy got up and rolled his pants' legs down again. His phone chimed with a code-driven entrance and Dana felt a spike of panic.

Shoot. Should he have showered? Dana lifted his arm and sniffed at it, his fingers probing at one of the scent glands behind his ear and wafting it. He couldn't tell. Shit, what if he really did smell? What if he was horribly stale?

And all the while Alexander was driving up the path. Now even If he wanted to spray himself down with water, he couldn't. There wasn't enough damn time. His phone got the text and distantly beyond the walls, he could hear a car engine humming. "Ugh." He washed off his face mask and pinched blood back into his newly exfoliated and moisturized face. Dana patted himself dry and snapped a hand fan open. Hustling to the window, the harpy peered from one of the windows in his room that gave a peek to the driveway. And lo and behold, a stretching man was in front of his home. "Ugh."

Not lacking in confidence, Dana was unprepared for the tinkle of self-doubt that peppered his thoughtspace. Him? Doubting his looks?

Unacceptable!

Dana grumbled to no one but himself all the way down his stairs and to the door, opening it a moment after the bell rang. Fan still in hand, he continued to beat air to his face, the motions stirring fallen locks of hair that hadn't been contained by the bandana and that weren't pressed close to his face from the face mask's moisture.

"I hope the drive was alright." He took Alexander's bag from him, supporting it with the ease of one arm, and stepped back. "You can keep your shoes on but if you don't like shoes, the rack is right there. I walk around barefoot very regularly. I know the invitation is to make yourself very comfortable but I prepared dinner. Would you like some? I doubt you've eaten since lunch. It's been hours." The man walked up the stairs with his companion's bag, voice reaching from the Beyond that was upstairs. "I set your things down. It's the first room to the right. Are you allergic to any foods? I realize I prepared a meal without asking."

Reappearing with a frown, Dana jogged down the stairs, light and casual. His dark clothes, along with his dark features, made him stood out in a gentle and neutral coloured home. He was shorter than he seemed by an inch. Platform shoes did a body good. But he wasn't a stunning and otherwordly beauty in a beaten up t-shirt and a pair of sweatpants. He seemed-- well, still otherworldly, but more down to Earth. Motioning to the sliding doors to the patio, he continued speaking. "It's outside-- we can eat inside, of course-- and if you wanted to do the measurements first, things are simmering. But I always find measurements being done while one is at their natural state to be best. I can't eat only Tic Tacs before the carpet, a ridiculous notion, I'm going to lose my mind and eat all the finger foods should I do that."

And more talkative.

August 26, 2018

Alexander didn’t have to wait outside for very long before he heard footsteps sliding down the stairs from inside and the door opened. He turned to face the welcoming harpy and was shocked to see the fact that he wasn’t wearing his normal tapered clothing. Instead he was dressed down in a t-shirt and sweat pants, his long hair tied back on his head. It wasn’t particularly hot but it was definitely nice to know that even someone like Dana could look like a normal person. A smile formed on his lips and regretfully handed his bag over. “Nope, the drive was alright.” He said as he stepped into the home his shoulders shifting from the stiffness.

He peered over to the rack and reached down slipping his shoes off leaving only his black socks. Although he didn’t really like to be barefoot in other peoples homes but he figured he would be nice and not walk in his home with dirty shoes. He peered over to Dana going up the stairs sliding his hands into his pockets. He peered around the home his eyes peering over the neutral colors around him. It was a lot different than what he thought it was going to be, Dana’s personality seeming to be more dark than this but it sort of fit him.

Once he came back down the stairs he smiled turning to him and shook his head. “Nope, I’m not allergic to anything. I’m also pretty hungry so by all means show me the food.” He chuckled lightly and walked toward Dana. It was nice to him to even cook for him. Some people would have just assumed he had already eaten since it was late enough as it was. He peered over to Dana who walked sort of to the sliding doors and Alexander moved with him.

“Measurements we can do after your food settles. I’ll have to have you strip down and such so I think we should wait till we are a little comfortable you know?” He chuckled gently and tilted his head slightly. It was strange, Dana hadn’t really talked much at all since they had met and within the first few minutes of being over here they had talked more. It was a nice change and him being talkative like he is didn’t mind the conversation.

He sighed gently and smiled over to Dana, “You have a beautiful home. I had no idea you had such a big estate! You make my house look like a little basement.” He shook his head chuckling lightly but was cut short hearing his stomach growl. He blushed lightly and held his stomach looking over to Dana.

“Shit I’m sorry. I haven’t eaten since lunch and I didn’t have breakfast either. My meetings ran a little late this afternoon so I basically had to leave work and head straight here. I promise I’m not always dying of starvation.” He smiled that little boyish smile he had his eyes peering at Dana with a rather fond look in them. He enjoyed his company and didn’t mind talking with him. Specially now that Dana seemed to get the shyness out of him and was actually initiating conversation. He couldn’t say he didn’t like it being a people person like he was. It was a good change from lunch.

Alexander knew that measurments were best taken at his natural state meaning Dana would have to be practically nude to take them. He was a little excited to see his otherworldly and exquisite body type. Not even in a sexual sort of way, even though he still kinda liked Dana, it was in an artful sort of way. His body of work was fitting people with clothing so their body type and their shape was important. Dana’s just so happened to be something he was a little more interested in than just that artful version. He just hoped he could keep himself under control while his harpy companion stripped down infront of him and let him roam over his body taking measurments.

August 28, 2018

Awe. He was cute. Dana enjoyed the sight of the other man in his home, looking casual and curious. He felt very much like that phantom character, from the Opera? Watching someone so effortlessly charming inhabiting the domain he called his own and feeling town. He wanted to reach out and touch him but at the same time, enjoyed just observing. He was more used to observing, what with hunting prey, but with careful observation also came a swift action. Thinking about it like that sounded particularly vulgar considering he was having Alexander over for dinner. Not that the man wasn't a meal.

The food analogies weren't going to do him any good so he continued playing host and opened the doors for Alexander. There was a small veranda to pass before rounding to where he had placed the food. "I'm glad you're hungry. I hope this enough to satisfy you- or I could simply make a dessert. I apologise if it isn't filling." He turned the lamps back on to let all of his work be seen. His blush came hot at the 'strip naked' comment but he was turned away from the human and chuckle despite himself. "Yes, I do believe we should get to a more comfortable state before such things. Although I am already comfortable."

The mushrooms had popped and cooked evenly over the slow rolling skewer, likewise happening with the fire-kissed cheeses. Both, as well as the cut fruit, had preserved well under the iron pot lid. He fetched them cutlery and two pairs of plates, one big and one small. Setting them down on a shaved down wooden table, he opened the pan's lid and fanned the steam away from his face using the cover, the chicken and vegetable mead simmering deliciously. The lantern was already on and attracted small moths. Dana didn't seem to mind the outdoor setting at all though. At the other's pronounced stomach growl, he glanced at him and grinned. "It's alright, Alexander. Hunger is hunger. Please please, come sit."

Moving around again, the harpy produced a ladle from a compartment under the firepit the pan was currently set on. He spooned out a sizeable portion for him, the broth having soaked so deeply into the seasoned chicken, the skin's color had even taken on a reddish-purple hue. With a paper towel, the man expertly wiped up any sloppy mess and then moved onto the mushrooms, cheese and fruit. Those went on the smaller plate, of course. "There, that's that. Are there any preferences on what you'd like to eat?" he questioned, standing by the table with his arms folded in front of him. He resembled someone about to proudly present their work and defend it with their entire being.

For all his confidence, cooking was something where people's opinions actually mattered to Dana. Not only did he want Alexander to like it, but to be sated and happy from it. He wanted the pieces of is heart that went inside of that food to be appreciated, even in ignorance. Dana was a great cook. But the only human who'd eaten his food had been admittedly weird- so this was a hard area for him to feel secure in.

August 30, 2018

Dana welcomed him into his home and opened the door for him guiding him out onto the veranda. He smiled lightly as he passed him and peered out into the huge garden out there. “Oh I’m sure you made plenty there is no need to worry.” He followed Dana to where the food was, his stomach growling lightly as the scent wafted to his nose. He was a little more hungry than he gave himself credit for. Once the light had been clicked on he was shocked to see the huge amount of food that was before him. He smiled lightly to the other and shook his head. “This will be plenty.”

At the others request he sat down peering over the food wondering what had been made. He was happy to watch Dana spoon out some of the food thankful when he was standing waiting. “Ah, this looks good to me. I mean its not like its unedible to me right?” He stood and leaned over to Dana with a light smile. “Listen I’m sure its great…it smells amazing so stop looking all…like you’re about to kick a puppy if I say something bad and just lets eat.” He winked teasingly before grabbing a bowl and leaning over the cauldron and started to spoon himself some food. Once he was finished he sat down and patted the chair beside him. “Listen I eat literally anything so I’m sure this will be amazing to me!”

He picked up the spoon and started to smell it before taking a bite of it and sighing softly. His eyes closed and he nodded lightly setting the bowl between his legs. “That’s amazing…why did you worry?” he asked with a chuckle taking another bite quickly and then another more than happy to eat more than he had enough room for. He was starving!

August 31, 2018

Although refusing to admit he was actually nervous, Dana was acutely aware of his sweat glands beginning to work at high gear. Not the human made him nervous- and not that the harpy was nervous to begin with- but in hypothetical situations where he could be nervous... Alexander may have had something to do with it. But food was important to him-- being a bit anxious about gaining a positive response wasn't odd. All creatures craved validation. Seeing the other man already smiling at the food he'd presented for him was making his heart do figurative leaps. That expression had always boggled him when he was learning the common tongue. Now it made complete sense.

Standing by the table after dishing out the food, the harpy was surprised by Alexander's sudden increase in proximity. The casual statement- nay, command- made him blink in shock before wrangling with his burst of emotions and seating himself with a small smile across from the human. He didn't know what to say for a moment, merely watching Alexander's enthusiastic approach to his food and all of the reassurances that the man spoke. Somehow it meant a lot hearing somewhat meaningless statements come from Alex than the others that Dana had entertained. Their reassurances always seemed so basic but Alexander... He believed Alexander's.

He didn't dare touch his own food until his companion had gotten his share of the meal. Watching in anticipation, the tenseness around Dana folded over at the sight of acceptance. Smile small, the harpy began to mix his food around, tumbling the chicken into more of the sauce before pairing it with some cheese. Eating the combination, he shrugged and looked across the table at the happily munching man. "Some people are not a fan. Many recipes are earthier and more weight dense or less flavourful than others are used to. I know that tastes vary on the matter so... I just wanted to give you a preface. In case."

Finally scooting in a chair next to the human, he watched him eat with interest. "I'm glad you're enjoying it as much as I enjoyed making it," Dana said as he leaned down to take another bite of cheese- this time with the roasted mushrooms. "You can have dessert if you're still hungry afterward."

September 3, 2018

Alexander was more than happy to see Dana getting comfortable next to him. He didn’t think that he really minded being by him but it sort of felt that way too. That Dana was nervous and super worried around him or something. He didn’t really understand it cause he was still learning how to deal with Dana but he hoped he was having a good time. In either sense Alex started eating and it seemed that it made Dana feel a little less tense.

He smiled gently with a mouth full of food and gently leaned over pushing his empty bowl aside basically. When he finally finished his food Dana started eating and he felt even better. “Nah don’t worry about it. I think its pretty good!” he said gently and saw the other pulling his chair closer. He smiled lightly over to him was he continued talking. “Yea, I think I’m okay though, maybe later after your measurements if you like?” He leaned back into his chair and yawned softly. “I love your garden space and the estate. Its super pretty…I feel like if you ever come over I’ll have to make my place look just as nice!” He chuckled playfully and ran a hand through his hair.

He wasn’t super uncomfortable or tense it was just that he kinda liked Dana and didn’t want to ruin anything with it. He felt like he was capable of fucking everything up pretty quickly. He didn’t want to do it with this not just for the monetary purposes but the friendship and possible else there too. He didn’t know what else to do other than just be funny. It was his past time to make others laugh and so this was his way of dealing with his nervousness and such. Then again he knew that Dana seemed to like him too but that didn’t change that it could all change super quick. With one touch it could be ruined. He had to keep that in mind or he would be screwed.

September 8, 2018

Alexander was one of the weirdest eaters he'd ever had over to his home. He ate like a man who'd gone without food for most of his life, not just a few hours, and that more than tickled Dana as he watched. So often the human's cheeks would be pressed outward with the amount of food he was eating, or even be rendered without the ability to speak. That level of enthusiasm warmed the harpy immediately and he felt that cultural dissonance again, because in his view, Alex was basically flirting. Coming to his home and eating his food so excitedly, so brazenly? But his sensibilities told him it was just the hunger; life did not revolve around his traditional views.

As he began to eat, listening to Alexander next to him, the harpy felt like hot stones. Surface-level, he was composed and remained the same, but the heat that was growing in him felt overwhelming. It wasn't the desire from the car but happiness at having his domestic space appreciated once he had shared it. Eating with neat and measured amounts of food, no forks used as he scooped up food, Dana smiled and swallowed. "Thank you. I wanted somewhere that could mimic at least some aspects of my old home. There are few mountains in these parts, so I settled for something with much forestry and greens," he explained as he watched the other card a hand through already rumpled hair.

A sated, relaxed Alexander made him feel positively dizzy. He looked so sweet and happy and ripe and satisfied and Dana wanted to do so much to him, and with him, but kept those feelings private.

Taking pause for a moment to just appreciate the sight before him, Dana slowly resumed bringing food to his mouth and consuming it. On his part, the chewing seemed frighteningly minimal, with hardly any mess going beyond the corner of his lips. "You don't have to worry about your place," the man began. "I would like to see it just as it is. My home very rarely looks dissimilar from its current state now- just slightly dirtier." As if he didn't spend hours on cleaning it.

"Perhaps next time we can meet at your abode then?" Finishing up his portion of the food, Dana's plate had been filled at least thrice and cleaned off neatly. Food was still left to eat but obviously just meant as leftovers for one person, which would be Alexander. "I am fairly certain," he continued, dabbing at mess on his mouth, "that I'll adore it whether you think so or otherwise."

September 27, 2018

Alex could feel eyes on him as he ate and in all reality he didn’t really care that he was being watched. He ate while his companion watched him and they did that for what seemed like awhile. Finally the harpy started to eat and Alexander didn’t feel so strange eating his dinner alone. Thankfully his friend spoke to him and Alex smiled over to him before setting his bowl down and pushing it away having eaten his fill. He wiped his mouth and tilted his body some so he was facing Dana who sat beside him, probably the closest they had been since they had first started talking.

“Ah well I think you picked a great spot. Away from the city this place looks like a whole new world. It’s nice to get away from the dizzying lights and sounds of the city.” He leaned back in his seat and sighed peering up at the sky a moment and was more than happy to see a rather clear sky tonight. Once again he felt those eyes on him, peering over his body like a piece of meat. He tilted his head and peered back down to Dana. Their eyes met a moment and then Alexander broke it by turning his head away with a sigh.

He was happy to be sitting here with Dana. The vibe that swarmed around them was nice, relaxed, and patient. As if they had been friends for years and they were comfortable sitting by a fire and eating their dinner outside. Then again it wasn’t like that at all, inwardly he could feel his heart racing, his want growing. Dana was a beautiful creature and Alexander was a man of all things and his desires did win over more than his mind did.

As he heard the other speak he couldn’t help but chuckle at the idea of going to his home. “Oh I don’t know my place is a lot smaller. Humans don’t get paid much so…its big enough for me and that’s about it.” He shrugged and peered over to Dana. “Though I do think it only fair since you’ve welcomed me into your home that I do the same. Whenever you want you can come to my home and I’ll make you dinner as you’ve done for me tonight.” He winked and stood stretching out his long limbs. “This might be a little forward to ask but I don’t get evenings off from work very often…do you by chance want to have a drink with me?” He asked reaching across the small set up they had for his phone and keys he had sat down when he first arrived. “Possibly something a little strong while I take your measurements? I’m assuming we will be up late anyway working on this look.” He chuckled softly and sat back down next to Dana. “Of course, it can wait till you finish your meal, I wouldn’t want to drink alone.”

Leather Bodice, Lace Collar ⋰ A Lookbook ft. Shisu-Chan00 ⋱

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