[ Ozpin's thoughts on the matter take an entirely new turn upon seeing Zen act like that. It's clear as day he hadn't meant what he had said and given the moon...was he perhaps Sanguis? It would explain a great deal if he was. But he won't say anything as he feels Zen's fingers interlace with his own a hum of contentment as that chroma surges between them both. It was always a strange and...rather abrupt feeling to experience, but he was getting used to it.
Also his ears do what they want?! He can't exactly help it, and even with another tired sigh they're droop a little as he looks at the young man sitting next to him. ]
If not, then we'll figure it out. But it does seem like it's working, hm? How are you feeling now?
[If Ozpin wanted an opportunity to steal a glance at Zen's device for his chroma meter, now would be a good opportunity. If only his reaction didn't reveal the truth already.
The touch is working as expected. Stress begins to slowly give way to tranquility, as though it's dissipating the longer they stay connected, starting with the muscles of the hand in Ozpin's. However, at the same time that the surge of chroma soothes both Sanguis' influence and the lethargy induced by chroma shortage, it also strips his fatigued body of the tension that it's been running on.
His body begins to relax against the taller man's shoulder, leaning against it slightly. On his other side, his former object of relief hangs completely forgotten between his fingers, burning away on its own. It looks like he won't be needing it for the rest of the night.
Not meeting Ozpin's eyes, Zen diverts his gaze downwards to their joined hands.]
... Starting to feel strangely sleepy.
[Not!Dad, hopefully you're not in a hurry and don't mind a Not!Son using you as a pillow for a quick, unplanned nap!]
[ And a quick glance he might steal. His brows might knit in worry at how it's just above the red but it was probably more below it prior to their touch. He'll also take note of the sudden drowsiness of the other and how his tense body begins to relax. Ah. So. His assumptions were correct. It makes sense then and it's mainly the reason why he didn't actively get upset with the other man. ]
That tends to happen when your body is finally in a relaxed state. Stress often makes one tired once it's finally dissipated.
[ Not in a hurry, no. He'll take this opportunity to relax himself and even shut his own eyes as they both rest. This isn't so bad, actually. He's rather enjoying the peace and the quiet, despite the bustling city surrounding them. ]
[Do you think I don't know that already is what the cranky part of him that is slowly shutting down wants to respond with, but what comes out instead is a low hum of acknowledgment as Zen grows drowsier, eyelids becoming heavy. So all his conscious focus goes to fit comfortably (or as comfortably as possible) against Ozpin's arm, before his consciousness begins to drift off.
For the span of a few minutes, he'll remain still in that position, guard completely down while unconsciously savoring the much needed chroma. For once, he's not just pretending to be asleep.
When he comes around, he finds the tall man in a similar state, completely still if not for the quiet breathing. He shifts, leaning away from his former pillow, though not pulling his hand away. A lazy peek upwards into Ozpin's face reveals the pair of brown eyes are shut behind the glasses that barely conceal anything... and the pair of tattered ears' relaxed droop also hint at the same conclusion.
No matter how Zen looks at them, those ears simply don't seem to match the man's mature air at all. Thinking about it, Ozpin did say they were sensitive, didn't he? But to what, exactly? To wake the other up with a scare would be in poor taste even for a harmless prank, but even in the midst of the sleepy haze, Zen's mischievous side can't help but be a bit curious.
Shifting again, he reaches up with his free hand to touch an ear (though not before taking note that his cigarette mysteriously vanished from his fingers — he'll need to find the burnt butt later so as not to be accused of littering again!)]
[ Ozpin hadn't meant to doze off, not really, but he is more relaxed and open here. It's more than he's ever been in his lifetime, really. He would normally be more caged off, solitary, not exactly wanting to really get close to anyone for fear of betrayal and uncertainty. But it was different here now and he's trying to be different, changed as it were, but it's still a long time coming.
His ears are the most sensitive spot on his body to date, not that that's hard given his lack of...any sort of intimacy in the last few decades. Ozpin isn't used to being on the receiving end of such advances. It's...still strange and awkward for him in more than one way. So when Zen touches his, soft velvety, ear like that, gentle as it may be, it will twitch and Ozpin will let out a soft noise, content and maybe even a bit husky as his eyes start to move beneath their lids. The burst of chroma from the act is a nice surprise too, though once Zen keeps his hand there for longer Ozpin's eyes will snap open, a startled sort of breath escaping him.
Good job Zen! You have managed to startle and achieve the impossible? Ozpin doesn't startle easily but when he does it's...not very often. He finally realizes who it is and will lightly grasp the other's wrist, only adding to the chroma surging between them both. ] Zen? What are you...
Although not used to physical intimacy himself, Zen promptly recognizes the noise as a pleased reaction to being stimulated, and halts when his wrist is grabbed. But the chroma coming from the additional points of contact prevents him from letting go immediately. Or maybe it's just Sanguis pushing him to seek what he normally wouldn't. Who knows.
Still, it's the first time he's seen the calm man grow openly defensive about something. That can only mean one thing!]
It's just curiosity towards the unknown. [In other words, a whim.] But it seems I found a weak point by accident. Your fault for not telling me sooner what you meant by your ears being sensitive.
[Even in that accusation, he sounds more amused than anything. But now is not the time to exploit said weak point, so he'll offer no resistance and release his hold in case Ozpin wants to pull his wrist away from the newfound weakness.]
it's true but please think of Oz and his old heart, he can't handle this!! (´д｀)
[ It sure was a sound of stimulation. These ears are quite troublesome when it comes down to it, especially when they're touched in such a manner. Ozpin gives him a look as he finally releases Zen's wrist, after moving his hand away, with a rather tired sigh. ]
I didn't think it had to be said...outright. [ Um?? He's not going to say that they turn him on when touched!? It's bad enough that they're super sensitive, but the fact they affect him in such a way is another thing entirely to mention. ]
I'll have to ask you to refrain from touching them for the time being. I. I suppose I'm still not used to them being...permanent. [ He's putting you in time out young man! You lost ear privileges...
[Saying they're sensitive to touch would've sufficed, old man... Probably wouldn't have stopped Zen from doing what he did, though. How would he not use sensitive information for some harmless amusement? The invigorating chroma aside, though, he doesn't have a (serious) reason to touch it again. Even more so knowing the specific kind of reaction it causes. On the bright side, he now knows how to successfully embarrass the composed man, in case that knowledge ever comes in handy someday!
Zen's arm drops as he shifts back into a proper sitting position like before, giving a light chuckle.]
"For the time being"? You're not planning anything funny for later, are you? [Does that accusation sound familiar, though with less suspicion?]
[Then his eyes drop on their hands, teasing smile also growing thinner. He still hasn't apologized for earlier nor thanked the man for the help.]
Still a bit sleepy, but better.
[Tired but not at risk of crystallizing anymore would be the more honest choice of words here. But no matter the situation, he can't get used to being on the receiving end of concern like this. Cue the way he looks away.]
[ Then there would be no point in mentioning it at all!! But he will give Zen a pass since the younger man seems to be having a time of it today. Sanguis is not kind, nor is Iris, but he can only imagine having to deal with feelings like that.
Ozpin will give him a look again before he shakes his head. ] No not at all. Unless you yourself are planning something? [ An amused tone as he watches the other's actions. He knows a face of regret and apology when he sees one. And Zen doesn't seem the type to really apology, does he? ]
Forget about what happened earlier. Sanguis has that effect on people, so no need to apologize. I'm glad you're feeling better, then. Next time when you're that low just make sure to take care of yourself, hm?
well too bad it'll be used against him (again) now
[Whatever hint of regret there was on Zen's features is placed by a pensive look as he keeps his gaze fixated on some shadowed spot away from them. It's somewhat relieving that Ozpin is perceptive and kind enough (maybe even too much of both) to offer him a chance to avoid embarrassing himself further, but...
Although it was partly out of his control, blaming it entirely on Sanguis doesn't completely erase the guilt. Because Zen did mean those words, even if only for a split second. And while he's not as dedicated to improving himself as Ozpin seems to be, it wouldn't hurt to learn from his obvious mistakes.]
Even so, I went a bit too far. I shouldn't have said that.
[Because not every apology has to be the honest and direct "I'm sorry", right? And with that out of the way, a sly smile tugs at the corner of his lips as he gives the older man a sidelong glance.]
Need a reminder of which one of us makes oddly suggestive noises when the other does so much as touch their brand new pair of ears?
[ Ozpin has forgiven and overlooked things far worse than a simple snap like that. If his actions towards a traitor like Lionheart were any indication, Zen's words were hardly something he's not used to. Still, despite the sting and hurt intended in them...he can't help but blame Sanguis in the grand scheme of things. ]
Well, apology accepted then. [ Or it would be if he hadn't said that?! Ozpin's eyes will tick away behind his glasses, cheeks going slightly pick, obvious due to his fair skin before lets out a sigh. His ears will twitch and stand up from their languid state, before he gives Zen another look. ]
That is...was...because I was still somewhat asleep. It won't...happen again. [ Of course it will but he's not going to admit that it feels good and turns him on?? ]
[To Zen, it's a mystery whether the older man realizes he's digging his own grave. Perhaps if he were more upfront about the secret behind his ears — like he can be about his past (and the discrepancy is astounding here) — it wouldn't be so amusing to push his buttons.
And if he didn't have a reason to pursue the contact again until now... Ozpin's insistent denial just gave him a tempting one.]
... "Won't happen again", huh. [There's a half shrug and a lazy tilt of his head.] Almost makes me want to touch it again to see for myself if it's true.
[Were the words coming from someone less inclined to tease others for fun, it could probably sound like flirting. Warning given, he'll withdraw his hand from Ozpin's, and leisurely reach up—]
It shouldn't happen again since you're wide awake now, right?
[—to test the man's reaction, so the hand will stop just short of touching the problematic ear... if he's not forcefully stopped before that!]
[ Ozpin is truly not thinking that the other would go for a second round. You damn cheeky kids nowadays!! He just assumed the other would drop it, as he has done in the past, but it seems Sanguis makes him a bit more...teasing than usual? Although it sure does...sound like flirting now that Ozpin thinks about it.
Ozpin gives him a look before he stops his hand just shy of his ear, but Zen is close enough to lightly graze it with outstretched fingers if he chose to do so.
Ozpin's ears on the other hand will twitch, rapidly, almost as if they were waiting for it to happen. He himself will wince with a huff of annoyance but something else as well. Get it together, Oz. ]
Yes it won't, because I believe I told you to not touch them. [ Said with a mildly testy tone of voice. ] Or is it a habit of yours to tease your elders?
[Although, stress can push this tendency towards a more aggressive direction, teasing others is just Zen's preferred way of bonding. And he'd probably nonchalantly deny it if asked directly, but whether it's really flirting or not is open to interpretation...
But alas! Just like Ozpin's teacher voice wasn't effective earlier, this testy tone doesn't have the intended effect, either. The contradicting nature of the man's words and actions (or the lack of thereof) actually causes the opposite effect.]
I believe I never said I'd comply? [Does the wording sound familiar?] Besides, you'd be stopping me now if you really didn't want them touched.
[The smugness in his response translates well the fact that he's not buying that excuse in the slightest. If Ozpin won't really stop him, his fingers might oh just accidentally brush against the external skin of that long, fluffy ear in a feathery touch...]
Well you should- [ -!! His admonishing tone drops off as something akin to a husky intake of air escapes him there and then. Zen!!! Why are you like this?!
Ozpin's face will go red as his ears flick away and he himself will jerk sharply to his feet. He looks a bit flustered as he huffs out a breath of air in attempts to calm himself. ]
That...that's not the point. [ Just looking away now as he reaches to take his cane now. ]
I. I see that you're feeling better. I'm glad I could be of some help. [ Not commenting on that not wanting his ears touched thing. It's not that he doesn't want them touched...but out in the open like this is not the most ideal. It feels amazing when they are, almost too good, and doing that somewhere in public well...Ozpin has a bit more self restraint than that. Regardless, he might look awkwardly away before clearing his throat. Right. Well. ]
I'll take my leave then, if that's all?
bouncing back and not listenin to some not!dad orders!!
[Why is Zen like this? Because what is there not to enjoy teasing a composed old man with millenniums of human experiences under his belt? Moonlacing helps dissolve the crankiness caused by Sanguis, but it can't fix Zen's mischievous side, so it's arguable if he's more trouble under the moon's influence or off it...]
You would've been of more help if you didn't let your ears get in the way.
[Now Zen's just randomly making up excuses as if he wasn't the one who triggered that reaction in the first place! Though he'd rather this interaction ended on a humorous note rather than on a mushy one, so maybe it's a better idea to let the flustered man go his own way now. All's well that ends well!]
Mm-hmm. Should be enough to keep me from starting to crystallize again for some days at least. [In contrast to the morbid exaggeration, there's his trademark carefree smile again! And in that same light, joking tone, he adds.] So thanks. Guess we're even now.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
GOOD!! It builds character or something
Also his ears do what they want?! He can't exactly help it, and even with another tired sigh they're droop a little as he looks at the young man sitting next to him. ]
If not, then we'll figure it out. But it does seem like it's working, hm? How are you feeling now?
and it's just as addicting as sugar!!!
The touch is working as expected. Stress begins to slowly give way to tranquility, as though it's dissipating the longer they stay connected, starting with the muscles of the hand in Ozpin's. However, at the same time that the surge of chroma soothes both Sanguis' influence and the lethargy induced by chroma shortage, it also strips his fatigued body of the tension that it's been running on.
His body begins to relax against the taller man's shoulder, leaning against it slightly. On his other side, his former object of relief hangs completely forgotten between his fingers, burning away on its own. It looks like he won't be needing it for the rest of the night.
Not meeting Ozpin's eyes, Zen diverts his gaze downwards to their joined hands.]
... Starting to feel strangely sleepy.
[Not!Dad, hopefully you're not in a hurry and don't mind a Not!Son using you as a pillow for a quick, unplanned nap!]
delicious sweet angst?!
That tends to happen when your body is finally in a relaxed state. Stress often makes one tired once it's finally dissipated.
[ Not in a hurry, no. He'll take this opportunity to relax himself and even shut his own eyes as they both rest. This isn't so bad, actually. He's rather enjoying the peace and the quiet, despite the bustling city surrounding them. ]
silly fluff after angst is even sweeter (º﹃º )
For the span of a few minutes, he'll remain still in that position, guard completely down while unconsciously savoring the much needed chroma. For once, he's not just pretending to be asleep.
When he comes around, he finds the tall man in a similar state, completely still if not for the quiet breathing. He shifts, leaning away from his former pillow, though not pulling his hand away. A lazy peek upwards into Ozpin's face reveals the pair of brown eyes are shut behind the glasses that barely conceal anything... and the pair of tattered ears' relaxed droop also hint at the same conclusion.
No matter how Zen looks at them, those ears simply don't seem to match the man's mature air at all. Thinking about it, Ozpin did say they were sensitive, didn't he? But to what, exactly? To wake the other up with a scare would be in poor taste even for a harmless prank, but even in the midst of the sleepy haze, Zen's mischievous side can't help but be a bit curious.
Shifting again, he reaches up with his free hand to touch an ear (though not before taking note that his cigarette mysteriously vanished from his fingers — he'll need to find the burnt butt later so as not to be accused of littering again!)]
It really is, and so pure.
His ears are the most sensitive spot on his body to date, not that that's hard given his lack of...any sort of intimacy in the last few decades. Ozpin isn't used to being on the receiving end of such advances. It's...still strange and awkward for him in more than one way. So when Zen touches his, soft velvety, ear like that, gentle as it may be, it will twitch and Ozpin will let out a soft noise, content and maybe even a bit husky as his eyes start to move beneath their lids. The burst of chroma from the act is a nice surprise too, though once Zen keeps his hand there for longer Ozpin's eyes will snap open, a startled sort of breath escaping him.
Good job Zen! You have managed to startle and achieve the impossible? Ozpin doesn't startle easily but when he does it's...not very often. He finally realizes who it is and will lightly grasp the other's wrist, only adding to the chroma surging between them both. ] Zen? What are you...
[ doing?! ]
more like mischievously pure right?!
Although not used to physical intimacy himself, Zen promptly recognizes the noise as a pleased reaction to being stimulated, and halts when his wrist is grabbed. But the chroma coming from the additional points of contact prevents him from letting go immediately. Or maybe it's just Sanguis pushing him to seek what he normally wouldn't. Who knows.
Still, it's the first time he's seen the calm man grow openly defensive about something. That can only mean one thing!]
It's just curiosity towards the unknown. [In other words, a whim.] But it seems I found a weak point by accident. Your fault for not telling me sooner what you meant by your ears being sensitive.
[Even in that accusation, he sounds more amused than anything. But now is not the time to exploit said weak point, so he'll offer no resistance and release his hold in case Ozpin wants to pull his wrist away from the newfound weakness.]
it's true but please think of Oz and his old heart, he can't handle this!! (´д｀)
I didn't think it had to be said...outright. [ Um?? He's not going to say that they turn him on when touched!? It's bad enough that they're super sensitive, but the fact they affect him in such a way is another thing entirely to mention. ]
I'll have to ask you to refrain from touching them for the time being. I. I suppose I'm still not used to them being...permanent. [ He's putting you in time out young man! You lost ear privileges...
But! Anyway. ] How are you feeling?
lies, I know he secretly enjoys it!!!
Zen's arm drops as he shifts back into a proper sitting position like before, giving a light chuckle.]
"For the time being"? You're not planning anything funny for later, are you? [Does that accusation sound familiar, though with less suspicion?]
[Then his eyes drop on their hands, teasing smile also growing thinner. He still hasn't apologized for earlier nor thanked the man for the help.]
Still a bit sleepy, but better.
[Tired but not at risk of crystallizing anymore would be the more honest choice of words here. But no matter the situation, he can't get used to being on the receiving end of concern like this. Cue the way he looks away.]
rofl he does but shh no one needs to know that!!
Ozpin will give him a look again before he shakes his head. ] No not at all. Unless you yourself are planning something? [ An amused tone as he watches the other's actions. He knows a face of regret and apology when he sees one. And Zen doesn't seem the type to really apology, does he? ]
Forget about what happened earlier. Sanguis has that effect on people, so no need to apologize. I'm glad you're feeling better, then. Next time when you're that low just make sure to take care of yourself, hm?
well too bad it'll be used against him (again) now
Although it was partly out of his control, blaming it entirely on Sanguis doesn't completely erase the guilt. Because Zen did mean those words, even if only for a split second. And while he's not as dedicated to improving himself as Ozpin seems to be, it wouldn't hurt to learn from his obvious mistakes.]
Even so, I went a bit too far. I shouldn't have said that.
[Because not every apology has to be the honest and direct "I'm sorry", right? And with that out of the way, a sly smile tugs at the corner of his lips as he gives the older man a sidelong glance.]
Need a reminder of which one of us makes oddly suggestive noises when the other does so much as touch their brand new pair of ears?
Zen can u not?
Well, apology accepted then. [ Or it would be if he hadn't said that?! Ozpin's eyes will tick away behind his glasses, cheeks going slightly pick, obvious due to his fair skin before lets out a sigh. His ears will twitch and stand up from their languid state, before he gives Zen another look. ]
That is...was...because I was still somewhat asleep. It won't...happen again. [ Of course it will but he's not going to admit that it feels good and turns him on?? ]
nope.jpg
And if he didn't have a reason to pursue the contact again until now... Ozpin's insistent denial just gave him a tempting one.]
... "Won't happen again", huh. [There's a half shrug and a lazy tilt of his head.] Almost makes me want to touch it again to see for myself if it's true.
[Were the words coming from someone less inclined to tease others for fun, it could probably sound like flirting. Warning given, he'll withdraw his hand from Ozpin's, and leisurely reach up—]
It shouldn't happen again since you're wide awake now, right?
[—to test the man's reaction, so the hand will stop just short of touching the problematic ear... if he's not forcefully stopped before that!]
rude!!
Ozpin gives him a look before he stops his hand just shy of his ear, but Zen is close enough to lightly graze it with outstretched fingers if he chose to do so.
Ozpin's ears on the other hand will twitch, rapidly, almost as if they were waiting for it to happen. He himself will wince with a huff of annoyance but something else as well. Get it together, Oz. ]
Yes it won't, because I believe I told you to not touch them. [ Said with a mildly testy tone of voice. ] Or is it a habit of yours to tease your elders?
stop sounding like an old—oh wait
But alas! Just like Ozpin's teacher voice wasn't effective earlier, this testy tone doesn't have the intended effect, either. The contradicting nature of the man's words and actions (or the lack of thereof) actually causes the opposite effect.]
I believe I never said I'd comply? [Does the wording sound familiar?] Besides, you'd be stopping me now if you really didn't want them touched.
[The smugness in his response translates well the fact that he's not buying that excuse in the slightest. If Ozpin won't really stop him, his fingers might oh just accidentally brush against the external skin of that long, fluffy ear in a feathery touch...]
Wow?! Rude. Go to your room!!
Ozpin's face will go red as his ears flick away and he himself will jerk sharply to his feet. He looks a bit flustered as he huffs out a breath of air in attempts to calm himself. ]
That...that's not the point. [ Just looking away now as he reaches to take his cane now. ]
I. I see that you're feeling better. I'm glad I could be of some help. [ Not commenting on that not wanting his ears touched thing. It's not that he doesn't want them touched...but out in the open like this is not the most ideal. It feels amazing when they are, almost too good, and doing that somewhere in public well...Ozpin has a bit more self restraint than that. Regardless, he might look awkwardly away before clearing his throat. Right. Well. ]
I'll take my leave then, if that's all?
bouncing back and not listenin to some not!dad orders!!
You would've been of more help if you didn't let your ears get in the way.
[Now Zen's just randomly making up excuses as if he wasn't the one who triggered that reaction in the first place! Though he'd rather this interaction ended on a humorous note rather than on a mushy one, so maybe it's a better idea to let the flustered man go his own way now. All's well that ends well!]
Mm-hmm. Should be enough to keep me from starting to crystallize again for some days at least. [In contrast to the morbid exaggeration, there's his trademark carefree smile again! And in that same light, joking tone, he adds.] So thanks. Guess we're even now.
[So stop feeling indebted to him, okay?!]