[ Inspire Me ] [ Shiro / Jace ]

[squabbel]

Shiro let out a small chuckle at Jace's attempt to lighten the mood, but his laugh soon faded as he looked up at the younger male and waited for his question. Jace reassured him he didn't have to answer all his questions, and Shiro smiled a bit again and tucked a strand of hair behind his ear, "Yeah, I know Jace, thanks for reminding me," he told him, though somewhere deep down, he didn't think he was going to have problem with answering them all.

Finally he got a question and well, Shiro gave him an answer. "Well, why wouldn't I? I mean it's not everyday that someone comes around with long white hair, and a missing eye, people would have gotten suspicious if they saw me," he started, "I came here to live in peace, I thought this place was a place would be perfect to just live out the rest of my life and not have to worry, and if it meant hiding what I really looked like I'd just have to buy a wig, and a glass eye." Shiro gave a small smile to Jace and shrugged his shoulders, satisfied with his answer.

[Ninia]

Jace nodded at Shiro’s explanation, he guessed he would have probably done the same. “It’s a shame you felt that you had to hide your hair though.” The colour was so…he didn’t know how to describe it. It suited Shiro better than the brown. He was quiet for a while again, just thinking. One thing Shiro had said did bother him slightly. The way he phrased something made him think…I came here to live in peace…Had something happened? Jace shook his head, he was just over thinking things.

He focused on Shiro again, he had his next question in mind he just wasn’t sure how the other would react. If it would upset him like before. He hesitated slightly before deciding to go ahead and ask, he had said the other didn’t have to answer it. “H-How did you…lose your eye?” He waited Shiro’s reaction, he knew it would be a sensitive topic…well he assumed it would be as it was for most.

[squabbel]

Shiro shifted a bit at the question a bit, he didn't like it, but then again he couldn't blame the boy for wondering. He sat quietly for a bit, still pressed up close to the young human, trying to figure out a way for him to tell him what had happened without telling the boy what he really was. "Well that's a long story, a really long story," he said playing with a long silky stand of hair. "You see, my immediate family had done some things, they really shouldn't have, and lied to the rest of the family about who I really was, and I sort of ended up paying the prince," he said covering his eye as he did.

"I'd tell you the whole story, but that's achingly long, and it's sort of difficult to talk about, even now, I know you understand," he said feeling a bit bad he had to restrict so much information from Jace. Shiro couldn't help but feel scared about telling Jace, he didn't want to lose the only friend he ever had outside of Abel.

[Ninia]

Jace listened, intently, as Shiro spoke telling him the brief story of his eye. He didn’t blame the other for keeping it short. It was obviously hard for him to speak of, even now after time had passed since he lost it. Jace had always been close to his family; they’d had their tough times but got through it. Shiro’s family had let him take the blame for something they did, if it was Jace in Shiro’s place he would have felt so betrayed. “I’m sorry, that, that happened to you. I understand if you don’t want to tell me, I won’t make you.”

Jace couldn’t help but feel that Shiro was hiding something from him but Jace didn’t push the other any further. He glanced at the time on his phone frowning. It was late. He didn’t want to leave Shiro, feeling content close to the other but he knew he had to go. He pulled away from Shiro, ignoring the feeling of loss, and stood. “It’s getting late.”

[squabbel]

Shiro at in silence next to the young red haired boy, a small frown on his face. "To be honest I want to tell you, but I don't think I can," he said trailing off a bit, as he tucked a long strand of white hair behind his ear. He didn't notice Jace check his phone, being too lost in his own thoughts. Suddenly as Jace pulled away he jumped and looked up at his younger neighbor, suddenly feeling slightly saddened by Jace leaving the comfort of the couch.

Shiro didn't know what came over him but not a second after Jace announced his departure, he reached out and snatched the boy's hand just as he was turning around. "No!" Shiro shouted, holding onto the boy's hand. He suddenly was silent, embarrassed by his outburst. He cleared his throat, "I mean, you don't have to leave, I have a guest room you could sleep in, I feel bad about ruining dinner," he said, trying to cover it up. Shiro was more than slightly confused, he didn't know why he wanted to keep the boy around, or why he was just so attached. Hell, just yestarday Shiro would have loved nothing more than to get the boy out of his home.

[Ninia]

Jace turned to leave when Shiro suddenly grabbed his hand. Jace jumped, not expecting it, and quickly spun round to look down at Shiro. He was shocked by the other’s outburst but waited patiently for Shiro to speak. His eyes softened when Shiro composed himself and started to speak, in a way asking Jace to stay the night. Shiro trailed off and Jace was silent for a while debating Shiro’s offer.

“I’ll stay then, if you’re really sure it’s ok.” While Shiro dealt with his own confusion, Jace was struggling with his own. If it was anyone else inviting him to stay over after only knowing them a day, there was no way Jace would have accepted. But here he was, choosing to accept Shiro’s offer and stay the night. Jace tried to convince himself that it was just to make sure Shiro was ok after the other’s mini-breakdown but he knew it was only part of the whole reason.

[squabbel]

Shiro was actually quite shocked that Jace had accepted, having convinced himself that Jace hated his guts after finding out Shiro wasn't who he portrayed himself to be at all. Though, now that he thought about it, he supposed it would have been much worse if the boy had found out later. Shiro looked up at Jace and a smile actually creeped onto his face, a 100% genuine, full blown smile, although he hated to admit it, he was happy Jace was going to stay the night.

"It's fine Jace, I have this whole house to myself, and two guestrooms that never get used, and cooking won't be a problem, at least not like he was tonight," he said shrinking down a bit as he thought back to when he was in the backyard not too long ago. Shiro suddenly realized he was still gripping Jace's hand rather tightly and quickly "Oh I'm terribly sorry, I forgot I was still holding your hand," he said looking away, suddenly not seeming like up tight, all-business type man he had portrayed himself as for years.

[Ninia]

Jace felt his face flush slightly when Shiro beamed at him, it wasn’t he usual small ones but a full honest smile. He tore his gaze away, willing the blush to go down, hoping Shiro hadn’t noticed it. He listened to Shiro speak but only turned to look back at the other when he felt Shiro let go of his hand. He felt sadden by the loss of contact but didn’t let it show. He smiled softly at Shiro as the other suddenly went all shy and quiet, nothing like how he was when they’d first met.

“It’s fine really Shiro, just relax.” Then Jace realised something “I’ll just go back home for a bit to get some of my things, clothes, toothbrush stuff like that ok. I won’t be long.” He turned around and left, quickly jogging home so he wouldn’t be too long. He stuffed some clothes in a bag and grabbed other essentials before locking the door behind him and heading back to Shiro’s house. He still had no idea why he was doing this but it didn’t really bother him as much as it probably should of.

[squabbel]

Shiro chewed on the inside of his lip refusing to blush as Jace told him relaxed, telling himself that he was acting like young fresh school girl having her first sleepover with boys allowed. He looked up when Jace told him he was going out to get somethings, and Shiro nearly followed him out the door, but before he could the younger boy had already closed the door and was jogging into his home. Shiro just pursed his lips suddenly feeling strange alone, he didn't like it. He began trying to think of what to do while Jace was gone. Shiro looked to his back door which was left open from when he was helped in from Jace and remembered the chicken that had been left covered up outside.

He decided since he didn't have to go to sleep, and he didn't know if Jace went to bed early he thought he could maybe toss them into the oven for while and open a can of green beans, and at least give him that to eat for all he's done. Shiro went out to the backyard and retrieved the poultry and plucked out a few thighs and legs for him and Jace before he put them in the oven to bake, and put the rest in his freezer for later. He then opened a can a green beans, thinking that the salad wasn't as fresh as it should be, and quickly put it on the stove top to cook.

Shiro smiled warmly as Jace came back in. He gently tucked a strand of hair behind his ear, and shifted his weight about, "I still feel really bad about dinner, you must be starving, I just couldn't let you go to bed without anything to eat for dinner," he told him as he looked over the food that still had a while before it'd be ready.

[Ninia]

When Jace returned to Shiro’s house he found the other in the kitchen, working on dinner once more, he grinned as Shiro spoke “Are you sure? Thanks, I really appreciate it.” He left his bag by the door, it was just for now so he didn’t have to carry it around, and went to the kitchen where Shiro was. He stood in the doorway and watched as Shiro looked over the food making sure everything was in order. “You didn’t have to do this for me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful I just don’t want you to do unnecessary work for me.” Jace was a little hungry and it touched him that Shiro would go through the trouble to cook something for him. He had to admit, the chicken did smell good.

It looked like Shiro was done for now or had some free time so Jace pushed himself out of the doorframe “Which room will I be staying in? Just so I can put my stuff there.” He didn’t want to clutter Shiro’s living room with his stuff so it’d be best to just put it away now. He quickly left the kitchen and grabbed his bag from the floor before return and waited for Shiro to tell him.

[squabbel]

Shiro gave Jace a small smile, "No it's no trouble at all, they were already seasoned so all I had to do was stick them in the oven," he told him shrugging his shoulders. He glanced back at the oven as he watched the chicken sizzle inside. Shiro looked over his shoulder "Oh yes of coarse, I forgot to tell you where to sleep," he said, he glanced back at the chicken, deciding they would be alright if he stepped away for a moment.

Shiro turned around and began heading upstairs, "Just come with me," he said motioning for the younger boy to follow him. Upstairs he headed into the room next to his that shared his jack and jill style bathroom. "Here we are, we'll be sharing a bathroom, I hope you don't mind, just make yourself at home," he said as he walked over to the closed and pulled out some bedsheets and a nice duvet for Jace to cover up with tonight. "If you need any help settling in just ask alright?"

[Ninia]

Jace followed Shiro upstairs and into the spare room where he’d be staying. It was nice. It was decorated the same style as the rest of the house and had all the things he’d need. He looked out the window and could see his own house next door. He smiled softly at Shiro when the other had finished telling him where everything was. “The bathrooms fine, I’ll let you know if I need anything but I should be fine.” Jace put his bag down by the side of the bed and helped Shiro make it.

After that he followed the other back down to the kitchen. Shiro continued getting things ready while Jace sat down at the table “Is there anything I can help with? I feel guilty just sitting here while you do all the work?” It looked like the other was relaxed and had calmed down from before. Jace was glad but he didn’t want Shiro to get stressed out quickly after his breakdown.

[squabbel]

After Jace and Shiro made the bed, they headed back down to the kitchen. Shiro checked on the chicken as his guest sat himself down at the table. Shiro gave the boy a small smile, "No No, it's fine, the chicken's almost done anyway, just a couple more minutes." Shiro opened up one of the cabinets and pulled out two plates, and set them on the counter, then fished out some silverware. He wasted no time plating the chicken and the green beans before smiling as he placed Jace's plate down infront of him, "Here you go, enjoy," he said before he left and retrieved his own plate.

He sighed as he took his seat across from Jace, "It's not my best but I still hope you like it, would you like me to get you something to drink?" he offered, simply poking at the green beans for a bit but not taking the first bite. He was sort of afraid of eating it after the sandwich back at the restaurant, but at least he was at home and he could deal with the aftermath a bit more comfortably. "Tell me if anything's not to your liking."

[Ninia]

When they had finished dinner, Jace helped clean up and the two spent the rest of the evening talking about little things. Jace told Shiro about his family, his loving parents and little brother who get him into all sorts of trouble. He missed them but he wanted to finally spread is wings in away, stand on his own feet. Shiro didn’t say much about his but Jace had no problem with that. He’d ait until the other trusted him enough to open up.

It was late when the two finally decided to go to bed. They said goodnight and went to their separate rooms. Jace rummaged through his back pulling out a pair of loose trousers and a top before changing. His thoughts drifted to the other night when he saw that figure on Shiro’s roof. He couldn’t help but wonder if it would be there again tonight, part of him was curious about it while the other just hoped it wouldn’t be there. Once he was changed Jace quickly brushed his teeth, Jace slipped under the covers and closed his eyes, hoping to get some rest.

[squabbel]

Dinner has gone fairly well, it had been a long time since Shiro actually had someone in his company so he was having a hard time finding things to talk about, especially since most of the things he could talk about wasn't something he could share. Never the less he enjoyed chatting with Jace in the living room till late in the night. Some members of his neighbor's family actually reminded him of his brothers back home, though he wasn't exactly sure if that was a good thing. Jace seemed to get tired so Shiro suggested they go to bed, he wasn't ever one to sleep, but he didn't mind spending the night in his own room.

He made sure Jace had everything before he himself went to his bedroom. Shiro ran a hand through his hair as he laid down on his bed. He let out a long sigh as he began to think of the events of the day. There was a soft smile on his face until he got to his little episode. He simply rolled over as the thoughts of him revealing his true identity to Jace. Shiro reached for the small portrait on his bedside that had been laid face down, but suddenly stopped himself. "No, no I can't ask you this time Abel, as much as I hate to admit it, I need to ask myself for once," he said, feeling slightly childish for talking to a portrait for years. He really didn't know why it was now of all times he finally realized it, but it was still damn time.

Shiro laid there for a bit longer, his stomach bothering him more and more as time passed, his body having a terrible time digesting the days meal. He simply rubbed under his eyes, most of his energy was going straight to digesting the meat deep inside his stomach. At the rate his energy was being sapped, he wasn't going to make it through tomorrow. He didn't want to but out of necessity he left his home for the second night in a row. It was nearly sunrise once he returned, he had planned for a silent return but turns out one of his roof tiles was loose, causing him to lose his footing and fall to his knees on the roof. 'Fuck' he cursed, before hurrying in through the window hoping he got in before Jace woke up. Shiro locked the window, and closed the blind, trying to hid anything that would raise Jace's suspicion. He moved to his dresser and began to polish his glass eye like he normally did.

[ pff fail ]