Rated: M - This is so not a date (Zero/Raphie)

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Raphael was not, by any stretch of the imagination, a brave person. The list of things he was afraid of was long and varied, from crowds to Treeckos to his own shadow. He was quite intimately familiar with all of the packages that fear came in, from dread to tingling excitement to flat-out terror, and every shade in between. But never had he come across a fear quite like this- a low fluttering in the pit of his stomach, a tingling rush of electricity setting his every nerve alight. It wasn't an entirely unpleasant feeling, this nervous energy, but it was driving him just the slightest bit insane.

He'd been stumbling around almost recklessly, trying to channel all of this energy into something productive, but all he'd been doing was getting underfoot and driving everyone at the Joker headquarters crazy. He was used to being a bit of a screw-up, he took it in stride when they snapped at him, simply prancing along to whoever he could 'help' next, but when even his Pokemon began to take notice it dawned on him that he might just have a bit of a problem. He'd been too embarrassed to tell any of them, of course, though he suspected that Apollo suspected; even so he kept his mouth firmly shut every time they questioned him as to the cause of his perpetual good mood.

Not that his good mood was a good thing for everyone else. Eventually Saggezza and Apollo had kicked him out of the HQ, promising with a roll of their eyes that his work would be taken care of, though they shared a secretive look afterwards, looking rather pleased with themselves. He didn't have it in him to care- or perhaps he was so excited that he didn't even take notice, as he was already scrambling back to his meager little room and whatever clothing he could rustle up. Not that this was a date- they'd both been quite clear about that to each other- but his Sho was a man of sophistication, and it simply wouldn't do to look messy. 

Of course, there wasn't much more he could do for it at this point. His salary didn't exactly afford room for extravagant shopping trips. He fussed and preened for some (embarrassingly large) amount of time before he looked down and discovered that, oh, if he didn't go right this second he was going to be late and that was definitely not okay. He afforded himself the time for one last quick glance in the mirror, whining softly when he wasn't as perfect as he wanted to be (though seeing as he could never hold a candle to Sho's beauty anyway it was something of a lost cause) but he didn't have time and if he waited any longer he would simply explode, and thus Raphael was on his way to the beach.

And, as was typical of his luck, the first things he was met with were humidity and crowds. This was normal fear, and it threatened to chase away the (almost) pleasant Butterfrees fluttering about in his stomach. He hesitated, feeling the strangers jostling against him as he refused to go with the flow, suddenly petrified into inaction. But then his frightened gaze finally caught a glimpse of his human, his Sho, and it was enough to put the backbone in him to move forward, drawing close to the other and offering a hesitant smile that nonetheless shone with the emotion he couldn't quite contain."H-hey, M-massster Sho."

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The man seemed happy to see him; the tiny smile curling at the edges of his mouth was the equivalent of a giant grin on the usually stoic man. Raphael found himself hesitating for a moment, if only to take in the sight. He could tell the exact moment when the other first noticed him, it was easy to see how his glares melted into a softer expression. Something flickered across the human's face when he spoke up, and though he couldn't identify quite what it was it seemed quite... intense. Was it the Master thing? Some humans reacted oddly to that, though he never quite understood why. It warranted investigation later, to be sure. 

He managed to work his way through the crowd without stepping on too many toes, coming to a stop beside the other man, alternating between blatantly staring at the other and staring at his feet in embarrassment. He wasn't really sure about the protocol for this. It definitely wasn't a date (though it wasn't like he knew a lot about that subject either). Heck, he wasn't even sure why they were here, other than the boardwalk was supposed to be fun and he'd immediately agreed to whatever the man had said. What could he say? Sho had presence, in a way that had the gijinka drawn to him as if by magnets. 

In any case, he was feeling pretty decent about himself. Oh, he was nervous as hell, sure, but it was almost a pleasant feeling, made him alive in a way he usually wasn't. It was... nice. Up until Sho's next words burst his bubble, excitement draining out of him and leaving a hollow fear in its wake. "U-um, I thought... I wasss r-ready?" He squeaked, suddenly unsure of himself. Did he look like he needed to compose himself? Was he more of a mess than he'd feared? He'd thought the look in the man's eye had been appreciation when they'd first laid eyes on each other, but that might have been overly optimistic of him. Since when had he gotten cocky on that sort of thing? It wasn't like him at all, and oh, what if Sho didn't approve? What if... well, it wasn't like they were dating or anything, but-

He could feel himself turning bright red as he spluttered a bit, painfully aware of how idiotic he must seem. "I, uh... yeah? Y-yeah." He gave a small, strained small, feeling terribly vulnerable though he couldn't for the life of him figure out why the man evoked such strong emotions. "Did you...? Um, I m-mean. Where did you want to g-g-go firssst?" As if the elegant human wanted to anywhere with someone like him. Just who did he think he was, anyway?

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Um, well, that was... okay, as answers went. It made him nervous, how difficult this man was to read- it was hard to please his overwhelming urge to please the other when he couldn't even figure out what the man wanted. Was that Sho's version of an apology, or was he disappointed in some way, or...? It made him jittery, and he didn't like the feeling at all. But his gut told him that he had nothing to fear from this man, no matter how off-balanced he felt. His mind went into overtime, over-analyzing every slight inflection in the man's tone, trying to find some hidden meaning and formulate a reply. It had him rather paralyzed, and all he could do was nod a little, trying to will away the redness on his cheeks.

That effort was completely wasted, of course, as Sho closed the distance between them. He flinched despite himself at the touch- there was once a time where he'd received nothing but violence from human hands, and though he liked to think he was getting better it was a difficult instinct to kick. But it wasn't an altogether unpleasant feeling, far from it, actually. As the other man's hand drifted down to his cheek he found himself leaning into the touch subconsciously, eyes fluttering shut against the intensity of the other man's gaze. "I..." His voice was soft, breathy; he focused on the warmth of the other against his skin, found himself grounded by the steady pressure. "I'm fine." 

His eyes opened again, meeting Sho's gaze steadily. "Thank you, I'm okay." He smiled shyly, trustingly. His hands fidgeted at his sides- and then he remembered with a start that this was still not a date and they were still in public and he pulled away, gaze dropping back down to his feet as his embarrassment renewed itself. "I-I-I, uh, w-wouldn't know... what to do. I h-haven't..." Wait, was it sad that he'd never really spent a day at the beach before? Maybe he shouldn't say that. "Er, I mean... Whatever p-pleases you, M-m-master." It was still startlingly new, his freedom- he wasn't used to humans being so respectful to him, to being treated as an equal, and though his work with the Jokers had been a bit of an improvement it was still uncomfortable for him. It was all he could do to hope that he wouldn't somehow drive the other away with his uselessness...

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It ached, the sense of loss he felt when Sho pulled his hand away. He had half a mind to ask for it back, but that was just... improper, both him making a first move and letting it happen in such a public place where anyone could see them. He could practically feel the stares. Besides, he wasn't sure exactly what Sho did but surely he was important, and there was no way it could be good for his reputation to be seen with someone like... well, like the poor little Arbok gijinka with the stutter. And another male, to boot. It couldn't possibly be right. But... Sho knew what he was doing, right? Who was he to doubt...?

He couldn't express the relief he felt at the man's next words, easily soothing away his worry (though his cheek still felt cold where the man's hand had been). He laid it out for him clearly, what pleased him, even why he'd put him on the spot like that. It was soothing; it was exactly what he'd needed. So when the man grabbed him by the hand and yanked he followed willingly, the eager Butterfree returning to flutter about in his stomach with a vengeance. He wanted to ask where they were going, but he didn't quite trust himself to speak, and so he simply trotted along obediently as they headed to... well, somewhere. There didn't seem to be much around here, actually. Or any people at all, for that matter. What exactly did Sho have in mind, anyway...?

But there was no more time to think on it, because after that everything happened all at once. He was being spun around with a force that made him hiss and bear his pointed teeth slightly even as it sent excited electricity humming through his veins. He found any chance of escape cut off as his hands suddenly became empty- he laid them against Sho's chest, partly to regain some control of the situation and partly because he needed the reassurance as his nerves kicked into overtime. He didn't understand in the slightest what this feeling was, or why the other man's incredibly dominant voice sent shivers down his spine, but it was all he could do to clutch at Sho's shirt weakly and stare with wide, startled eyes. "M-master Sho, I-" 

but he couldn't complete the thought, he couldn't think at all, because the next thing he knew the other man was kissing him, hard. His eyes widened, startled, before fluttering shut against the sweet assault. He'd never been kissed, not like this, but, oh... The slightest whimper escaped him, and he opened his lips ever so slightly against the other's, fisting his shirt tightly. It might have only been a few moments, it might have been an eternity, but it seemed all too soon when he had to pull away, panting slightly against the other. "M-m-ma... uh, Sh-sho. I d-don't... I don't underssstand..." He squeezed his eyes shut, suddenly insecure, though he clung almost desperately to the other's clothing, loathe to let go. Sweet Arceus, what... what had they done?

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He wasn't sure what in Arceus' name was going on right now; oh, sure, he'd seen people... kissing... but it wasn't really something he'd ever really pursued, let alone done with someone as incredibly attractive as Sho. It certainly wasn't something his Masters had ever encouraged, and it made him nervous. But, though he'd never admit it, the excitement, the forbiddenness of it, sent shivers down his spine. He was panting, though in his innocence he wasn't quite sure why. The intensity and the suddenness frightened him, though, and for a moment he considered pulling away, the many thoughts churning around in his head too much for him to handle. He didn't want to doubt Sho, but it was hard to forget. 

But it seemed for a moment that the other man didn't intend to continue. Sho pulled back, pressed a chaste kiss against his forehead- and it was the sweetest thing anyone had ever done for Raphael. It was gentle, tender, almost, and though he still blushed it wasn't entirely from embarrassment. It didn't last long, though; the passion was back as the taller man yanked him against his chest, and he found himself pressed against the human, his entire body tingling at the contact. He gasped softly, staring up at the other with a wide-eyed, trusting look. The hungry look in that predatory golden gaze should have frightened him- it would have frightened him, in any other situation with anyone other than this. But now... all it did was make him shudder with anticipation, press his body more firmly against the other's.

"I..." He didn't know what to say to that; it made him blush, sure, but rather than splutter and disbelieve the other like he usually would have all it did was make him giggle a little hysterically. He had absolutely no idea what was going on and, somehow, he was beginning to care less and less. He would have tried to respond- he didn't know what he would have said, but he would have at least tried- but it seemed that Sho couldn't hold himself back any longer, as he was smashing their lips together once again. 

His mouth opened instinctively beneath the force of the other's passion and he found himself whimpering again as his tongue hesitantly flickered out to meet the other's. He felt self-conscious for a few moments- his forked tongue, his fangs, any number of other minuscule flaws he could point out in himself-  but that didn't last long. It was so overwhelming, sensation filling his mind and leaving no room for any doubts. He fidgeted with his hands a moment, unsure of what to do with them. And yet it wasn't long before he settled on looping his arms around Sho's neck to yank him into a deeper kiss, standing on his toes ever so slightly to get closer to the taller man. He had absolutely no idea what he was doing, just letting his instincts guide him as he lost himself in the kiss.

And once again it ended too soon. He whined quite loudly as he found himself forced to pull away, panting against Sho's lips as he tried to catch his breath. He still had no idea what he was doing, but he was struck by the sudden urge to taste the other and he rolled with it, nuzzling into the human's neck, tongue flickering out to taste him. One hand tangled in the other's long hair, playing with it gently even as he pressed himself against Sho, eyes squeezed tightly shut. "Massster Sho, I d-don't... I've never... I wouldn't know what to..." He didn't know what he was trying to say, only that he was scared- and that, though he didn't know exactly what he wanted, he knew that he needed something more. "...should we... um, maybe... not here?" Arceus help him.

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His head spun; his knees felt weak. Though he didn't tend to think of himself as the intellectual sort he was usually the type to think ahead, to always keep an eye on what others wanted and carefully design his every move to please them. Was it a terribly fulfilling life? Others might not think so. But he liked it, liked making others happy, even if no one tended to appreciate his sacrifices. It's what he'd been doing with Sho all along, after all- watching, waiting, trying desperately to make him happy for no apparent reason other than it was the way he was raised, to serve humans before himself. And it was clear that Sho liked this, there could be no mistaking it. Then why did it feel so deeply selfish? It wasn't wrong, per say, but there was a taste of the forbidden on the human's lips, and though Raphael would never had expected it he found himself thrilled by the feeling. So perhaps his careful control was melting away, to be replaced by something more primal. For once he found himself unable- or just unwilling- to care.

And, alright, maybe he was unusually innocent for someone of his age. It had never bothered him; he'd never even really noticed it, not until he'd first stumbled upon Sho. At least he had his instincts to guide him- perhaps the only time he'd been grateful for the feral snake within him- and the lovely sounds that Sho produced. There weren't a lot, of course, and they weren't particularly loud, but each time the man hissed or purred there was an undeniable thrill of victory. It had been so long since he'd had a proper master- he was loathe to admit it but he missed it, in a bitter, aching way. They'd been cruel to him, perhaps, but they had the right to be. The world was a big, scary place, and free will was frightening with no one there to guide him. What if he messed up and had no one to help him? Why was he here, if not to make life better for others? When Sho spoke- dominant, possessive- it filled something in him, something he hadn't been fully aware he was missing. He melted into the other's touch, hands drawing meaningless patterns on his partner's flesh. It was all he could do to suppress a moan as the man ran his lips across his lips, down his neck...

and then he bit him. He bit him, and Raphael downright mewled, baring his fangs at thin air and clutching desperately at the other man's hair. The next thing he knew there was a purr in his ear- how in Arceus' name had this man been born human?- and he was whimpering, nodding his understanding even though most of the meaning had gone straight over his head. Forget shyness- he didn't ever want to leave this place, didn't want these wonderful feelings to stop. 

His nose crinkled ever so slightly in distaste as Sho pulled away and he found himself looking up at the man with a pout on his face. He wouldn't be caught dead asking for more, of course, but he tugged ever-so-lightly on white locks, hoping to tell his partner that it was okay, they could do anything that the man wanted. His face was red, from a blush or excitement he couldn't tell; when he looked into the other's eyes he found himself surprisingly free of self-consciousness, though he couldn't fight the overwhelming urge to double check, just to make sure they were clear. "You... You're positive?" His voice sounded so weak, so fragile; so hopeful, though he couldn't find it in him to be embarrassed. "You want... jussst me? I'm not even... human." He leaned forward, flicked his tongue across the man's neck again since he'd seemed to like it last time. "I could... I could hurt you." It was so strange, the confidence he felt; perhaps he'd passed the point of no return, and yet when he looked deep within himself he couldn't find a single hint of regret. All he could do was pray that Sho felt the same.

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He had not expected Sho to be quite so... unrestrained. Not that he had anyone to which he could compare the other, of course, but in the few times he'd dared to think about it he'd never thought that the composed man would be so vocal. Dominant and possessive? Yes. Even the man's willingness to do this all in public wasn't a total shock- the first moment they'd met Raphael had seen the predatory look in those golden eyes, he was well aware that the man would feel no shame in taking what he wanted when he wanted. But the noises, the little growls and purrs bleeding from Sho's throat, were what surprised and delighted the gijinka. He was doing this. Just little, insignificant him, was making this cold, wonderful man lose control. That knowledge alone was enough to chip away at his inhibitions and take the edge off of his nervousness, making him bolder than he'd imagined that he could be. It was perfect- but it didn't mean that it didn't still scare the hell out of him.

He couldn't help asking for that last bit of assurance- it wasn't because he doubted that Sho was interested, the human had made that perfectly clear. He just needed to hear it said aloud in order to lay some of his anxiousness to rest. So needless to say when the other rebuked him he cowered, pressing himself against the man's front as he stuttered. "Of c-c-course not, M-masster." He whined, afraid that he had made the other upset, though a similar noise escaped his throat for an entirely different reason when Sho nibbled at him. A hand was suddenly on his hip, toying with the hem of his shirt, and he stiffened, flooded with a whole new set of insecurities at the idea. The gijinka battled often enough to keep relatively in shape, but it certainly didn't mean he was built. What if Sho found him lacking? What if-?

Oh, Sho's lips were on his again. It came so naturally to him, to part his lips and submit utterly, letting the elder man guide him. It was getting to be more natural, kissing him, though not a bit of his initial excitement had faded. In fact it only seemed to grow, setting his every nerve alight with a need he did not recognize. Kissing Sho was wonderful, intoxicating, but he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that there was something... more. What could it be? He took his cue from the other and slid one hand down to the edge of Sho's shirt, teasing at the skin there, trying to build his courage to take the next step- but it didn't seem he could.

He broke the kiss, frustrated, panting against the other's lips. "Maaaaster." He drew it out, pleading. "I... I need..." But he couldn't find the words. Raphael huffed, buried his face against Sho's neck (which was quickly becoming his favorite spot), rising anxiety keeping him from looking the other in the eyes. "Sh-show me what to do." Perhaps they should be slowing down- despite their immediate chemistry they barely knew each other- but it wasn't as if Raphael had much belief in romance anyway. All he wanted was to satisfy this infuriating feeling that was burning in his veins- and make the human happy, make him proud. It wasn't too much to ask, was it? But it was all so overwhelming, and happening so, so quickly...