undermanage | open / overflow.

Don't pout.

( she can hear it through the rush of water and the clink of utensil and glass. it's a bit funny though..

but the point is taken into consideration. jury will be back in 15 with a verdict. for now, she remains stubbornly in her stance that she can be admired as cute without being belittled.

there's a solid moment where she doesn't say anything after that, suddenly quiet in the kitchen save for the running of water.

?

until that, too, stops, and out she comes to stand expectantly at the doorway while drying off her hands with a dish towel.

of course she's good. that's also a given, but she's going to preen about it anyway! and gee! this better not awaken anything in her! )

That can't be all you've got to say.

( ? where's the rest? )

[ The silence does nothing to stir any concern, if anything he would have fallen quiet on his own in the dire effort of completing his work. Just enough that he can breathe with a sigh of relief and finally relax; Mei treasured his days off, the last thing he wants is an inconvenient phone call.

He pinches the bridge of his nose, removing his glasses and placing them on the table as he sends his final email. A sigh escaping his lips, he leans back onto the palm of one hand as he quietly settles into officially being off of work. ]

… Huh? [ Confused, he blinks twice. ] What else is there to say? I’m pretty sure you can take any flirt in a fight…

[ THAT’S CLEARLY… NOT WHAT SHE’S TALKING ABOUT. ]

( that dish towel she was holding? she wants to ball it up and toss it at him really badly. like, his glasses have even been set aside? so she'll feel less bad about hitting a guy with glasses. )

Well, obviously!

( but the fight would be so unfair that she'd consider it bullying and a misconduct, so she's tossing the dish towel back towards the empty sink instead.

then squint at him from where she's standing with her arms crossed. seriously. )

I'm talking about the rest of the praise you still owe me??

( stingy!! do better! she even waited so patiently until then!!! )

[ If only Mei was oblivious, unfortunately he does act the part by giving Nei a quizzical look. Canting his head just slightly despite being so aware of what she meant — not that it takes much.

She tells him exactly what she wants and he holds it just beyond her reach because, despite his meek appearance, teasing her comes easy. And it’s fun.

Mei gets to his feet, chuckling lightly. ] That wasn’t enough? [ He knows it’s not, coyly towering over her. ] You really gotta learn to be more patient.

[ He then lifts his arm and lightly pats her head. It’s brief as he drops his hand after walking past her and to the kitchen. ] But I’m sure that won’t take long. There’s not a day that passes where you’re not a better version of yourself.

A bad guy like me is always impressed by such a good girl like you, Nei.

( her gaze only narrows further when he draws near enough to lord his height over her, even going as far as patting the top of her head before waltzing right on along deeper into the kitchen.

was that not proof enough of her patience? it should be. he got to get away with that without a broken bone. the human hand has many, and they're all fairly small. he even offered it up all nice.

her eyes will remain trained on him though, silvered tongue and temporarily placated ego or not. )

You could use some better habits.

( ones that don't involve being a teasing dick, maybe. has he considered that.. )

Like.. this is the worst showing of 'impressed' I've ever seen? A good girl like me deserves better than that.

[ In the kitchen he finds a small kettle with a short hum, retrieving a bottle of water from the fridge. Without turning to her he quirks a brow, lips turned up into a half smile. ]

Yeah, I plan on quitting —

[ — drinking, he doesn’t finish.

There’s a brief pause as Mei fills the kettle with water before placing it on the stove. He considers what to say; carefully constructing a string of words that would likely just prod and annoy at Nei even more, despite her transparency. ]

Then why don’t you give me an example?

[ She can take the lead? If she wants to? This is a slutty, slutty man. ]

( and a masochist apparently!! to deliberately push her buttons even now? textpost that is like 'babygirl stop flirting with me i am fantasizing about crucifying you'. all while making tea so serenely.

her response is immediate: a scoff, )

Give me something to be impressed by and I will!

( it really is just that simple. at the end of the day, she's an honest gal despite the stubbornness and sharp tongue.

not that she looks like she's got any faith that he can manage it, which definitely has nothing to do with the fact that her standards are absurd? and the fact that she's a little spiteful? )

[ He is, actually! There’s canon proof and he may have a high pain tolerance it’s insane. ]

You’re so funny. I’m sorry for being so disappointing. [ His tone is light and airy, a man clearly not taking their conversation too seriously. His attention fixed on the stove as it warms up the kettle. ] Sit down and do your report, I’ll finish up making tea…

[ It’s not demanding, a simple request as his lips remain poised in a smile that never reaches his eyes. ]

And give it some thought: tell me how you want me to praise you and I’ll do whatever you want. But nothing crazy, I’m not trying to embarrass myself.

( oh. i see.....! of course he is! )

?

( she'll go back to the living room and drop her weight onto the couch to sit since it's better than just staring at his back getting angry, but like, what's with that offer? )

What are the limits then?

( her phone is back in her hands so she can start that preliminary draft. just jotting down details of the job before it gets lost.. )

You seem real confident that I wouldn't take you for what you've got. So. Draw the line.

Hmm…

[ He places a hand to his hip, leaning his weight onto one leg. ]

I’m not going to for pay anything and you’re not allowed to borrow what’s mine… [ He’s not really putting much thought into it. What is she gonna have him do? Fund her vacation? Buy her makeup?? Make her a bagel??? ]

I only think it’s better because do you really just want me to say something like wow… you’re the only I know who can make bowls this spotless!

( yeah fund the vacation she never takes.

but also ?? )

I'm not after your wallet. You would've lost it already if I was. ( JUST saying. anyway. ) The condition that I can't borrow your stuff does make me curious as to why, though. Not that I would..

( a thoughtful hum. she'll continue to think about it then while she works on putting more words on her report. he's right. just hearing that would be a little lackluster but, sometimes that's just the best people can do! )

Come dote on me then.

( :/ people are allowed. but only if she asks! )

[ The fact that she could easily rob him is a little off putting. (considering he’s offered to buy her stuff and she rejected it only to later get him food instead which is, in my opinion, hilarious)

In the meantime the kettle begins to hiss as the water boils, setting it aside as he takes two mugs out from his cupboard. ]

… [ What she demands earns silence, pressing a thumb between his brows as he realizes that maybe, just maybe, he shouldn’t give the teenage girl free reign to decide how she wants to be rewarded. But she’s proven that she doesn’t like older men? This isn’t perverse or a situation that’s likely going to land him in trouble… so everything should be fine! ] Okay.

[ If anything he’ll just kill himself at her feet.

He returns to the living room with two warm mugs of green tea, setting it on the table. ]

That’s exactly what you want? Just so we’re clear, this is a service where you can’t receive any refunds and all complaints are immediately tossed.

( to prove a point! it's important that he understands that she's perfectly fine on her own. a powerplay, even.

also yeah... it's funny. )

Yup. That's what I want. You'd think by now you'd learn that I don't make threats. I'm an honest girl, you know?

( take the lead right. bet. sorry mei. but maybe he shouldn't have called her a good girl.

but yeah, now he knows not to ever call her on a bluff because she never bluffs. should've drawn a better line when she asked! little life lessons. he's welcome.

she'll be taking one of those mugs though, lifting it with both hands as she leans back on the couch, daintily taking a sip as if she didn't just throw this man into a whole crisis and a half. )

Why, regretting your choice? You can back out if you want.

( would she think he's a pussy if he did? probably. )

[ nei your kinks ]

I’m just making sure. [ Mei is not one to hesitate — he’s worse when he’s drunk, invading boundaries and doing as he pleases, but when he’s sober every action is done deliberately after assurance. She’s made her decision, she’s not falling back, and while he’s not surprised he knows that their expectations of doting on another person are vastly different.

Or so he assumes. ]

Because I think our definition of doting don’t exactly align… but I’ll try my best for the cutest girl. [ A pause. ] Just put your cup down first.

[ He does NOT want her throwing hot tea on him. ]

( praise kink (savage) )

But I just got it.

( he's the one that brought the tea here to begin with! he has such little faith in her ability to not enact feats of violence and harm...

.. well, whatever. she'll take one last sip of it before setting the mug back down carefully. this has nothing to do with the fact that he's declared that she's the cutest, obviously. she needs her hands anyway? typing on her phone with only one is really awkward and as she said: she has a report to put together. )

So many demands.

( says her.. )

What, then? Need me to move?

[ He gives her a quick once over, hands placed on his hips -- another act -- before shaking his head. He then quips: ]

No. I think you're perfect where you are, but lemme see...

[ Mei then squats down, the top of his head just eye level to her as he places both hands on the couch. Just a mere breath from her thighs as he looks up at her with a smile that is both gentle yet mischievous. ] Yeah, that's what I thought... even here the view of you is perfect.

[ With one hand he reaches out and confidently grazes the back of his fingers against her shoulder, following the curve just halfway to her neck before he stops. ]

How am I so lucky? The world's prettiest girl is right here in front of me, and she wants me to dote on her? [ It's questioned like a warning; head tilting to give her a better look at the beauty mark on his throat. ] Nei, [ His thumb and forefinger cradle her chin, directing her attention to him. ] you should be more careful.

[ He leans closer, his voice just above a whisper. ]

'Cause at this point it just makes me want to kiss you.

( it's not even that nei doesn't know she's pretty. she does. perhaps a little too much, even. but this is.. different.

she's realizing now that she's never been the sole focus of someone's attention before. not like this, anyway. not with how he's looking at her. that's all she's thinking about as he lowers himself to the point where she has to look down at him a little, her eyes trained onto him as if she might lose sight of him if she doesn't.

how dangerous. he just knows how to play into her ego, doesn't he.

but there's never really a point where she feels threatened. cornered, maybe, with how carefully he's set his hands to frame her thighs with such purpose - ones that she's unconsciously pressed together as he just keeps going. he's even audacious enough to lay hands on her.

he's warm, she notes. and being the subject of someone's singular focus and lavishing is rather nice..

the warning reads less like a threat than it is a challenge when she is as prideful as she is, so maybe he shouldn't bare his throat to a girl like her? she might just take it as invitation to sink her teeth in.

then he gently takes her by the chin to redirect her focus. she probably doesn't even realize that her lips parted just that slightest bit before she even had the intent to quip back. she just really had to figure out how to string words together for a moment there? )

I don't know if you're that lucky.

( though her phone has slid off her lap some time ago, her hand reaching for the loosened tie to wind it around her fingers instead to pull it taut.

straight down, but only just a little. he'd just been lording his height over her, after all. )

I do like this view better though.

[ Mei is as confident as he irresponsible, but he does at least try to give Nei a chance to pull back as they stand at the line between them. Any reasonable man would make better boundaries — be a better adult — and praise the young girl without the added tension.

His gaze is pulled away briefly when she tugs on his tie, sucking in a breath of surprise. He exhales, followed by a laugh that has him resting his forehead briefly against her knee. ]

‘Cause you don’t gotta crane your neck?

[ It’s not an honest question, just Mei acting coy as he tips his chin and leaves a gentle kiss against her knee. He presses his cheek against her thigh, looking up at her almost expectantly. ]

So I should just get on my knees whenever you want praise? That’s naughty.

( and still he tests her, huh. )

I still have to, though.

( but the direction obviously matters.

his breath tickles when he laughs, the warmth of it fanning over what little of her thighs are bared between the panel of her dress and the cut of her shorts. she doesn't fuss much when he presses a kiss to her knee instead, but it does make her shift in her seat a little.

now that he's resting against her like that, she supposes she can let go of the tie now before she ruins it entirely. it seems like he's made himself comfortable anyway.

the expectant look has her tilting her head a little in wonder, but she's not going to ask for clarification. she'll simply assume that what he wants of her is to run her fingers through the short crop of his hair, brushing it back some as though she were doting on a stray hound.

but that brings her to her next point. )

Why, don't think your knees can handle it at your age?

( maybe if he were less.. like that, she'd be nicer, but alas! )

Edited 2025-01-13 05:01 (UTC)

[ Always. ]

I'm still young. It's not like you get to my age and suddenly any amount of cardio is gonna take you out. [ He breathes softly against the skin of her thighs, chuckling lightly. It's tempting to ease himself into a quick nap now that he's rested on her lap, but there's a stirring sensation that withholds him; too intimate. Mei only allows this tenderness for a moment longer before he's pulling back. ]

But you should really watch yourself about all this praise stuff.

[ His tone is relaxed, a bit of a drawl between words, but remains just a hint stern.

Mei should never be the person to lecture anyone, but this is out of genuine concern. ]

I really ain't that great of a guy... for a second there I was gonna start treatin' you like I would a lady I'd take home.

[ LIKE SHE'S????? NOT????? He's stupid. ]

( he doesn't look like the kinda guy that has enough time for cardio? desk jobs would kill her.

he pulls away and there's temptation there to let that hand of hers grab a proper fistful of his hair.. but! she's got pretty okay impulse control, lucky for him. the warmth will be missed, but she's not about to linger too long on that.

he drawls on, and finally she lets herself sit back on the plush of the couch before crossing her legs, head tilted, eyes just a touch narrow. )

Aren't I?

( huffs. what, is she not a lady?

the worry is unfounded, as far as she's concerned. it's not the first she's been asked to be more careful, but like he said - she can handle herself. )

I don't follow everyone who says nice things about me to their houses. Too many places to be otherwise.

( then, a thoughtful pause, as if mulling over something as her eyes fall to the beauty mark on his neck. for no real reason, probably. but she might as well clarify since that seems like an inevitable question anyway. )

Just the ones I like the attention of, or whose opinions I value. That's not exactly a lot of people.

( she shouldn't admire that work ethic of his, but she does! he definitely has more of a separation between work and play than she does though. )

And the amount of people I allow to touch me is even less.

( does he really think she'd be so passive about something she has a distaste for? come on now. )

[ He gets his steps in running after his talents --

Mei looks away dismissively, lips pressed into a frown. ]

It's a bit different? [ Obviously, he's being vague; the women he brings into his home are often relationships that are unceremoniously brief and casual. The last thing he wants is for her to be wrapped in his playboy lifestyle -- hidden behind his mask of professionalism, doing his best (albeit poorly) to keep the demand of his vices at bay.

But that's probably too late, isn't it?

Mei brings a hand to his face, suddenly bashful, as her unrelenting honesty has him both enamored and embarrassed. ] Haa, I'm really pathetic... having someone this much younger than me say all of that with so much confidence? [ He feels important? But that can't be right. Everything in his life has always been so transactional.

So maybe this isn't so different.

With his free hand he places it on her knee, slowly dragging it upward to her thigh. Face unhidden, he sits comfortably on his knees as he looks at her with sharp eyes. ]

You know... it's good to relieve a bit of stress through physical touch, have you ever tried?

( and his problems * )

Is it?

( maybe. it's not like she'd know what he does behind closed doors with said women or all the entanglements (or therefore lack of) behind all that. he'd know better than she would.

but she just watches for a moment, curious. he was being so bold earlier, so it's a little strange to see him suddenly get shy over something like that. not that it's a bad thing - she just didn't think that a bit of honesty was going to do all that?

then she feels his hand on her thigh and suddenly it doesn't really matter. she barely even registers the question, but when she does? her laugh is soft, more a huff than anything proper. before she answers that though, she'll go on ahead and curl her fingers around that same wrist and guide it up just a bit more to hike up that dress of hers. there's probably good reason for that other than the fact that she's relishing in the touch, which will become apparent in a moment. )

The last time I relieved stress physically, I almost killed the guy.

( but she looks so sweet saying it? like she's trying to prove a point. and here, she'll even uncross her legs for him as she sinks her nails in, humming. )

Sparring, of course. ( what else would it be? ) .. But no, not in the way you're thinking, probably.

Unless you're counting myself?

( she's only human, after all. )

It is, because you're like a precious kouhai.

[ Not that Nei really needs him to be that good influence.

Half of him wishes that he did, but the other half -- the half that overwhelms him -- doesn't flinch with indulging her a little. Even it means risking everything he's made for himself just for a moment of selfishness, pushing that final boundary between them aside.

Her nails dig into his skin and she doesn't flinch. Rather, a longing sigh leaves between his lips as his palm warms the skin of her thigh. It's more tempting than a kiss, more dangerous than the thought of putting his life at risk. Nei could almost take his life and he thinks the rush would calm the insatiable hunger Mei hides. ]

Yeah. You tried at least once, right?

[ Nei doesn't seem the type to mess around? It makes him feel even worse -- it lures him in.

Mei finds no reason to hesitate anymore, both hands now roaming up the skirt of her dress. Her skin is soft, his heart skips a beat, and as he looks to her half-lidded eyes his hands find the curve of her hips. ] Nei, [ He pulls her forward, her knees now pressed against his chest. ] spread your legs. I wanna touch you.

( it's really only now does her breath catch in her throat, his touch warm over the curve of her thighs, and a trail lingers in his wake as if her skin's caught flame beneath his fingers. it's something she can't help but marvel at for a moment considering she's never had anyone's hands on her like that before.

the attention is dizzying, almost overwhelmingly so for a girl that lives like she depends on it to breathe. everything he's doing is only solidifying the idea that it's her that he wants in this moment and nothing else, an arrangement in which she has absolutely no complaints. if anything, she might be in trouble. what if she ends up liking it just a little too much? what is she to do then?

she doesn't even mind that he's pulled her closer to the edge, but she can't help the slight baring of fangs the moment he makes his demand. she remains as prideful as ever despite the fluster across her skin; despite the fact that she's inching her knees further apart anyway just to accommodate him better. even her snarl lacks is usual bite, a little softer around the edges as if breathless. )

Don't tell me what to do.

( in fact, she's going to reach up for him. her fingers once again carding through the slightly tussled hair, sinking in until she's found proper purchase within them to slowly but surely grab a firm hold of it. it makes her feel steadier anyway, and he doesn't seem to mind the bit of rougher handling, so it all works out. )

You're already touching me, first of all.

( it's not as if his hands have left her since crossing that line. there's a complaint she wants to make anyway, so she will! )

And what happened to wanting to kiss me?

( okay, so maybe it hasn't left her mind. what of it. )

me dropping my phone like hello

i’m sorry he really does just talk like that

i'm crying why is he like this

he’s a slut

I SEE.. it's always the bookish looking ones........

the second the glasses come off they go wild

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