[And that's right, that's better. The way she says it settling something in him, the idea that she doesn't want him dirtying up her ship sitting more comfortably against his skin than the alternative, that it's something offered. That he's taking liberties he isn't entitled to. And so he'll nod, then. Turn to leave.]
Yes, Ma'am.
[And despite his earlier protests, when he locates the shower and strips off his bloodied uniform, steps under the steaming flow, there's something good in it. The small pleasure of hot water against skin, of sloughing off the evidence of the mayhem he'd caused, the horrific destruction. It helps unwind a little of the buzzing tension in him, muscles softening under the heat, and if he lingers somewhat longer than is strictly necessary over the task of cleaning himself, it's only because it's one of the small things that brings uncomplicated contentment, short lived as it may be.
But he'll emerge eventually, towel slung around his narrow waist, blond hair slicked back and damp. And for a moment he appears almost normal, less tightly held and rigid, if not for the metal collar gleaming dimly at his neck, the uneven scar that runs from nape to the small of his back. Relaxed, almost. But then, he isn't expecting to be seen.]
no subject
Yes, Ma'am.
[And despite his earlier protests, when he locates the shower and strips off his bloodied uniform, steps under the steaming flow, there's something good in it. The small pleasure of hot water against skin, of sloughing off the evidence of the mayhem he'd caused, the horrific destruction. It helps unwind a little of the buzzing tension in him, muscles softening under the heat, and if he lingers somewhat longer than is strictly necessary over the task of cleaning himself, it's only because it's one of the small things that brings uncomplicated contentment, short lived as it may be.
But he'll emerge eventually, towel slung around his narrow waist, blond hair slicked back and damp. And for a moment he appears almost normal, less tightly held and rigid, if not for the metal collar gleaming dimly at his neck, the uneven scar that runs from nape to the small of his back. Relaxed, almost. But then, he isn't expecting to be seen.]