Where Ivan truly achieves his life goals

[komarran]

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[whatdidisay]

Of course he works out, David. The flush is encouraging -- and he does look rather fetching when various shades of pink and red -- Ivan lies down on the bed first, having figured out what David prefers from their earlier sessions, and holds an arm open for the other man to curling into his side.

"So," he prompts, letting David take the conversation where he wants to.

[komarran]

Ivan has learned well. There's only a second of hesitation then David's moving to join the other man, wrapping an arm around his waist as he rests his cheek against Ivan's chest. Dear god, the man is warmer than David thought and he's grateful the man can't see the flush grow darker.

"Ah, so?" he starts. Give his brain a moment, Ivan, it needs to process what's happening. "So. I wore these earrings all week."

[whatdidisay]

Ivan wraps his arm around David's shoulder, keeping him tucked close into his side. Like one does. Ivan does give him that moment, and a little longer, and when David starts to talk Ivan attempts to encourage him. "And how did things go?"

[komarran]

"Well. To my surprise." But he doubts to Ivan's after their talk last session. He shifts against the other man as he makes himself comfortable in his hold, a fact that always surprises him. He hasn't been able to relax this easily in years.

"I had a few propositions that I declined. The ones that were wanting to talk more than anything else were helpful." In their own Betan ways.

[whatdidisay]

Yeah, Ivan's not surprised in the slightest. He lets the other man move until he's comfortable, running his hand down David's shoulder, fingers tracing the skin over his arm idly. "I'm not surprised you god propositioned," Ivan points out -- he's not a handsome man, but striking and a galactic and if he wore his glasses... "But I'm glad it went decently with some."

[komarran]

"I exchanged comm numbers with one of them. I was thinking I might go out on a date at least," he says with some hesitation. Not only because he's talking about dating, but because he's doing it in the arms of another person entirely. It's comfortable though and he relaxes further as Ivan's fingers trail over his skin. Is this what he's been missing?

[whatdidisay]

Ivan certainly doesn't find it odd -- why would he? This is his job. His hand moves from shoulder to thread into David's hair, cording through it slightly. "That's great progress, David," Ivan says encouragingly. "If you do go, please share how it went next time you're here."

[komarran]

"You think I should? Go on a date, I mean." How the hell does he even do that at this age? There's a small sigh as he closes his eyes and shifts against Ivan. The man's chest is warm beneath him and he's somehow managed to position himself perfectly to hear Ivan's heart beating. And he thought he'd been tempted to take a nap last session.

[whatdidisay]

"I do, yeah. It gets easier with practice," Ivan supplies, and then, in a moment of pure genius, decides on a plan. "I could help you prepare. Go through things you can expect and conversation topics if you're worried about how it might be different with a man instead of a woman."

[komarran]

"You make it sound so simple," he says with a sigh. Could it really be so simple as preparing for an interview or a presentation? It's not like he has any personal experience to draw from in this realm. Or at least, not all of it is applicable particularly on Beta Colony.

"I'm mostly concerned how different it will be with a Betan as well as a man."

[whatdidisay]

The huff of laughter that escapes Ivan at that is unprofessional, but it ruffles the top of David's hair as Ivan holds him a little tighter. "If anything, you can expect a lot of honesty. Betans don't lie, that's how the system works. We all trust that the other is being up-front about what they want. To deceive someone else is to, well, it isn't done."

[komarran]

The laughter would have been more discouraging if it hadn't been accompanied with a tighter hold. It feels almost protective. David's own hand runs down Ivan's side as he frowns thoughtfully. "And that translates to visitors?"

[whatdidisay]

"We're not going to be honest to everyone else but lie to those who visit us for that honesty," Ivan says, almost offended by the notion. "It's not like anyone knows any other way." It wouldn't really occur for most to be that duplicative, but Ivan's not sure how to make David understand that.

[komarran]

"Yes, but what are your expectations towards visitors? You must know that doesn't come as easily to us." Cultural differences and all that. David's been on Beta Colony long enough to recognize how forward everyone he's met is.

[whatdidisay]

"We do, but we try and make allowances for it. Some might take advantage," Ivan muses, shifting his hands to rub David's back, "but no good Betan would. There's something fascinating about galactics to us, sure, but why lie to them?"

Not that Ivan hasn't had his fair share of adventures with galactics outside of his job. Shifting his grip on David to pull him more fully onto his chest, Ivan frowns slightly. "What are you worried about, specifically?"

[komarran]

Oh god -- David's not expecting it when Ivan pulls him more fully onto the other man though his LSPT gets no resistance. He shifts again this time in an attempt to hide a very real and growing problem. As if his LSPT is going to be upset that he's aroused by this.

"Mixed signals," he manages though his voice is strained. "I'm not planning to lie to anyone, but as I mentioned before, I want to avoid leading anyone on."

[whatdidisay]

Ivan notices -- both the problem and David's covert attempts to shift to avoid it. Not being very Betan, then, although Ivan thinks he deserves a pat on the back for not bringing it up and sending the other man running. Instead his fingers bite into the re-tense muscles of David's shoulder, working out the knots. Easing him up, relaxing him so he can ask for what he wants.

"Be up front about it, David. When you first talk about that topic of conversation. No one will accuse you of lying or trying to deceive them."

[komarran]

His eyes shift closed as Ivan works away the tension David always seems to carry with him. Everything feels easier around the other man despite the knot that's forming in his stomach. It's there, but not stopping him staying pressed up against the other man or speaking.

"All right," he says with slight hesitation. "I'll make my expectations clear." Which might be the least attractive way of thinking about it. "But I'm not sure what Betan would want to be near a man this skittish about sex."

[whatdidisay]

"That's why you're here, isn't it? To get you less likely to run away in the opposite direction the moment someone brings up penises in a conversation." Although Ivan does have to admit, the man is skittish as hell. "The first part is getting comfortable with your own wants and desires, like I've said. You seem to be doing alright there," he adds encouragingly.

As for what's next, well. "Then you just have to learn to be able to express what you want." Ivan gives the other man a more searching look before giving up. "Being comfortable with yourself will help that, if you think you need more practice." Physical practice would help, too, really. But Ivan wonders if mentioning that would send David away.

[komarran]

"It is why I'm here," he concedes. David can't help but feel that's more than subtle encouragement for him to discuss what he really wants right now. So much for hiding it despite being pressed against the man. Practice, he could certainly use more than a bit of that. His fingers grasp Ivan's side tightly as if searching for an anchor as glances up at the other man.

"I would like to practice," he starts carefully. The 'with what' part is where he falters though he knows what he would like to continue. "I'd like it if you kept holding me while we do."

[whatdidisay]

This is progress. Of some sort, and not a lot, but still: definite progress. "Might I make a suggestion?" Ivan asks, before continuing. "On how to arrange ourselves, not-- you practicing. That's good, I'm glad you want to."

[komarran]

"Arrange ourselves how?" he asks, pulling away just enough to get a better look at Ivan's face. Whatever Ivan suggests, he's willing to go along with it.

[whatdidisay]

"Here," Ivan says, and moves enough so that he can sit back against the headboard of the bed -- taking David with him so the other man can lean against his chest, settled between his legs. This way Ivan can still hold him, arms wrapping around his waist, while keeping an eye on the proceedings. "How's this?"

[komarran]

David's confused as Ivan begins rearranging them until he realizes what the other man is trying to do and assists him. Ivan feels sturdy beneath him and there's security and comfort in having someone he trusts hold him like this. Once that realization settles in, he finds it much easier to relax than he expected.

"I like it," he says rather in-eloquently. "I've never been held like this before."

[whatdidisay]

"We'll do it more in the future, if you like it." Ivan says, combing his fingers through David's hair to help him relax more. "What would you like me to help you with -- anything? I can attempt to set the mood, or encourage you to set it yourself."