December | Event: With A Bang

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With A Bang↲ OOC Plotting

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In the weeks following that rather heavy announcement, anxiety and unease become familiar emotions among the refugees. Eventually, rumors begin circulating throughout the city, as the "first" anniversary of the time loop's end draws ever closer. Even without concrete evidence, it seems some among the native population have started to believe that time will simply loop again as well.

But the refugees have more than a few powerful allies on their side, and with a little bit of work and a little bit of love, they'll find a way to move forward into next year.

For The Big Night

As the day of the potential loop draws near, all refugees will find themselves receiving a special invitation to a Winter Gala being held at the Imperial Palace in Nihonbashi on the night of the 24th. The refugees themselves are the guests of honor, with the Emperor of the East scheduled to be making an appearance. Surely this can't be a coincidence, right?

But unlike the casual atmosphere of the Western Emperor, here in the East, this is likely to be a far more formal affair. Thankfully, they'll have a few opportunities to prepare themselves before the Gala itself.

Dance Dance Perpetuation Yoshiwara, Tokyo
For a fancy Winter Gala being held in the Imperial Palace, it goes without saying that there's going to be dancing. And for those who don't know how, they'll find a certain dance troupe in Yoshiwara is offering free lessons for all refugees attending the Gala.

The dances range from a formal Waltz to traditional dances native to Nippon, with the instructors patiently teaching the steps and correcting dancers as they practice in their studio. They even offer to let the Refugees borrow some of their costumes to practice dancing in more restrictive wear.

But their patience has a limit, and their offer, an ulterior motive. Because the costumes they offer are no ordinary costumes. Built into the fabric is a special magic-conducive material that connects to a small magi-tech device hidden under the collar of each outfit. And when activated, this magi-tech will cause the wearer to move against their will, following the dance routines programmed into the device. Supposedly, these are used for training beginners, as well as ensuring that dancers who need to sync up with one another can do so seamlessly.

Of course, the reality is they're mostly just used for hazing newbies, because the sensation of having your body dance dance dance the night away against your will is unpleasant. But hey, at least you'll remember the steps!

Binary Blowout Shibuya, Tokyo
Over in Shibuya, the Central Station Department Store is holding a special winter sale for couples purchasing matching outfits for ringing in the new year. Thankfully, couples won't have to do anything embarrassing to prove they're together in order to get the sale, and merely need to buy one half of a matching set at the same time.

For the most part, these outfits will consist of traditional kimono and hakama sets. However, it seems gender equality was not taken into consideration for this sale, and with few exceptions, couples looking for up to 75% off luxury clothing may find themselves forced to pick who gets the masculine hakama set in muted colors and who gets the bright and colorful floral kimono set (complete with matching hair accessories). Unfortunately, this seems to extend into their more Western styles as well, perhaps to a more extreme degree. Flapper dresses and fancy suits? Well, at least the sizes are inclusive?

Thankfully, given the cost reduction, it's still worth it to buy the full set versus buying only one half. But seeing as the sets do need to be purchased at the same time by the couple, and the ever so helpful employees will insist on giving each person a proper fitting and even offer professional photos, this may just end up being a more embarrassing experience than they expected.

Winter Wonderland

At last, the day of the party arrives! The palace is tucked away in a large garden in Nihonbashi, set atop a man-made island with a moat surrounding it. No doubt a common sight when traveling through the city, this will be the first time any refugees have been allowed to enter the castle grounds.

Inside the castle proper, the entire main hall has been fitted with a wintry theme, complete with magi-tech powered snowflakes that aren't cold, but fall gently from the ceiling and disappear before touching the floor. As the guests of honor settle in, the Emperor himself makes an appearance, dressed in extravagant blue robes and speaking in a soft, gentle voice.

"Greetings, my dear time refugees. Although previous circumstances prevented me from extending you all a proper introduction sooner, tonight I shall hope to make up for it.

I am Karu, Emperor of the East, and the one responsible for initiating the Time Refugee Project. Although it is customary in Nippon to address me by my title, Tennō, I do not wish to impose such formalities on all of you. Call me as you will.

I am well aware of the many difficulties our world has imposed on you. Hence forth, I hope to become a more reliable ally for all of you in this world. It is my hope that together, we can move forward towards a brighter future, both here in Nippon and in all of your home worlds."

After delivering his speech, he can be found mostly surrounded by his attendants and just quietly enjoying the atmosphere. While guests are welcome to speak with him, they may be quick to notice that he's not quite as eloquent when his words aren't pre-written.

Sus Snax Imperial Palace, Nihonbashi
Beautiful decor aside, the Gala has a live orchestra supplying the music, which seems to be of a more classical affair, with a Nippon-like twist. Dances will shift from playfully energetic to slower and more romantic as the night draws on. Enjoy a slow dance with a sweetie? It might just be your last chance before time resets at the end of the night.

And of course, no party would be complete without plenty of food and drink. Drinks are unlimited, with no shortage of beer, locally-brewed sake, and very expensive wines imported from before the time surges made international travel too dangerous. Should the Emperor really be giving this out for free? If asked, the attendants managing the party will simply explain that the Emperor is not very fond of alcohol, and wishes to share the collection he's acquired over the years with those who will enjoy it.

But at some point after the party has begun, some rather mysterious snacks make an appearance. Although looking like perfectly innocent manju, just one sniff will reveal the unmistakable scent of Uki weed laced within the sugary treat. How did someone smuggle these into the Imperial Palace of all places?? Well, as long as no one's a killjoy, the attendants won't recognize the scent, and the snacks will remain until they've all been eaten!

But what of those looking for a little... privacy? There's far more to the palace than just the main hall, and with just a little sneaking around, they'll find a door that leads to the upper floors. Despite being closed off, it looks like some of them have been decorated for the season as well, although it only takes a glance to see that most of the rooms are clearly unused. Wasn't this the Emperor's home? Well, regardless, there's still plenty of futons to be found in the closet of each tatami-lined room, so there's no reason that guests can't have a little fun in secret.

Mistleno Imperial Palace, Nihonbashi
It seems there's some other sort of trickery afoot at this Gala. All around the main hall, and even in some of the private hallways and outdoor areas, colorful paper cranes can be found hanging from doorways and ceilings. There's only ever one, and they seem to following some kind of colorful theme. Naturally, it should come as no surprise that these little fellas are enchanted, with different effects triggering depending on the color of the crane itself.

The red cranes will cause whoever walks under it to kiss the first person they see. A second variety, with a glittery sheen, will instead make them seek out someone they've never kissed before for a smooch.

The orange cranes will cause whoever walks under them to spontaneously teleport to the side of the last person they were thinking about, whether they want to be there or not. It seems someone thought it was funny to stick one of these above the bathrooms...

The green cranes will only cause an effect if two people walk under one at the same time. This crane will cause their minds to switch places, putting them in the other person's body. Passing under additional green cranes while the effect is still present will cause another swap, until no one knows who anyone is anymore.

The blue cranes will cause whoever passes under it to suddenly confess something out loud to the first person they see. Thankfully, it doesn't have to be a major secret, and may even just cause them to offer a spontaneous compliment, or admit they've have a little bit of the Uki snacks from earlier.

The purple cranes will manifest a random Kizuna effect that may linger for the rest of the night. This can be anything, from a mild physical change like growing flowers in their hair, to a severe mental change like intense levels of possessiveness.

And the pink cranes are of the most predictable sort, causing whoever passes under one to become almost insatiably horny. Thankfully, these ones are the rarest.

But how long will the effects last? Good question! Although none will last past midnight, the range seems to be anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. If pointed out to the Emperor's attendants, they'll immediately begin trying to remove them, but the cranes will simply take flight and flutter to another hidden location. So they weren't intentional, after all... so who put them there?

Party Crashers

As the evening progresses, the source of the mysterious Uki and magical paper cranes is revealed, when a number of Yokai abruptly crash the party. But this is no ordinary group of party crashers, as they're all dressed in imperial regalia, and are joined by the Emperor of the West himself, Katsuragi no Mikoto.

"Salutations, my dear guests from another world! Please, do not let me and my entourage disturb you! You see, I simply have very important business with a certain Karu-chan who stood me up last summer... no regrets, right?"

After a brief kerfuffle, the two emperors quickly take their leave to the very private balcony that absolutely no one can sneak into or blatantly peek at from the windows, not at all. Those hoping for a steamy scene may leave a little disappointed, but the lingering glances and shy smiles shared between the two say plenty on their own.

Boom Boom Boom Nihonbashi, Tokyo
Although the party may have been winding down before, once the Yokai join the group, things grow very lively very quickly. The classical music playing on the dance floor is replaced with some swinging jazz tunes, and dancers may find themselves literally dancing on air, as the Yokai use their magic to allow for weightlessness on the dance floor. They're being very careful that no one falls, and those affected will find their dance steps unaffected by the chance in altitude, but it's sure to be a little disorienting for some.

In addition to the Uki-laced snacks from before, drinks bearing magical effects are also brought out, with each effect carefully labelled to prevent accidental ingestion. The blue soda bottles cause drinkers to grow or shrink in height or size, in varying degrees of strength. Some may simply grow to a respectable six-feet tall, while others may find themselves shrunk down to no more than six-inches tall! The red berry-flavored drink causes those who drink it to become overtly flirty and confident, earning it the nickname "suave soda". And the mysterious sparkling sake causes those who drink it to become imbued with powerful Kizuna magic, causing severe Kizuna side effects to manifest. Strangely, it seems this one effects Yokai very differently, as the intended effect is simply a magical amplifier. Oops?

But aside from escorting their amorous emperor to his long-awaited date with the other emperor, the Yokai accompanying him have one last present to offer the refugees to make the evening even more magical. As the night grows late, a special spell is cast upon the ceiling, making it entirely transparent. And following a brief countdown, a spectacular show of fireworks is played overhead, visible from all over Tokyo. Magical in nature, the colorful bursts often take the shape of creatures, bounding across the sky before bursting into a brilliant show of light and magic.

By the time the show comes to end, few will have noticed that the clock has long since passed midnight.

Your Best Friend Everywhere, Nippon
It's not until the sun begins to rise that the last of the party goers begin filtering out of the castle and into the streets. Although none of the people sleeping in their homes are aware, it seems yet another time loop has been successfully stopped thanks to the refugees!

...sure, they did cause this one, but it still counts for something!! Though it seems they'll be left with no definitive answer for exactly how the time loop was prevented in the end. Maybe someone just needed to let loose a little for once?

Over the next few days, things really do seem to be progressing as normal. And more importantly, the people seem to be in even higher spirits than before. As another year safely passes by without any word of another loop, the native population begins to feel a true sense of relief, as if this year was proof that the time loop was truly over. Perhaps this is why scienz_rulz_1899 was so insistent that no one else find out the truth: because she knew just how important this peace of mind would be for the people of Nippon.

As thanks for their efforts, all refugees will find a gift addressed them to delivered to wherever it is they're staying -- and regardless of where. How did it find their way to them? It seems she still has her secrets! Each gift will include either a box of fancy pastries, a bottle of wine, or a small amount of money for those who can't enjoy either. And alongside that, an item from their home world that they would be happy to see again.

And at the bottom of each box is a small card, printed in their native tongue: from your best friend, Tomoko.

OOC Notes
Welcome to Jikan's December event! Please direct any questions to the Question Thread in the OOC Plotting post.

• While there is no official dress code, characters will ICly be encouraged to dress up for the occasion! For outfit ideas, consider searching 1920s fashion trends and Taisho era fashion!

• Feel free to make the effects of the paper cranes and drinks as mild or as strong as you'd like! Only the sparkling sake is alcoholic.

• Attempting to destroy the cranes will cause them to fly away. With effort, they can be torn up, but the effects they cause will linger unless burned to ashes. They are not living creatures, so don't feel bad about it.

• Characters who are in one of the upper floors when the fireworks begin will also experience an invisible ceiling. However, thanks to the way the magic works, the floor will not be invisible, and those on the floors below will not see them fuckin'. Unless you want them to, in which case, exactly one room will have this effect for all you exhibitionists out there.

• The item received in their gift from Tomoko/scienz_rulz_1899 can be normal or magical in nature, but it must be something they would want to see again, and something that would realistically fit in a large box. They do not need to attend the Gala to receive this item.

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[sixtyeighth]

I'll be on my best behavior.

[ Which is a promise that Kuro knows doesn't actually mean much when he says it. Giovanni's best behavior isn't necessarily good behavior. He clicks his tongue with amusement and follows after Kuro, tugging him towards amore private location. He knew that in so few words he had been given permission to continue this. That hadn't surprised him.

Giovanni decided he was going to continue to press and see what would push Kuro's buttons.

The other seemed to like the pet name, even if he hadn't said so much. Giovanni could see that blush and the way he had reacted. Giovanni liked that part of it all. So for now, he follows, which he's honestly not done with Kuro.

He's been more than happy to pull and push and drag the vampire along for anything he wanted. But when a private room came into his sight, the small amount of impulse control Giovanni had took an immediate vacation and he nudge Kuro so that his back is against the still-closed door - they still need to open it up and step inside.

Soon.

But Giovanni is in the mood to play. He aggressively pulls the collar of his shirt downwards. ]

Eat. Be the beast. Feel.

[neetvampire]

[Kuro knows the use of 'best behavior' doesn't mean much, considering Giovanni's normal standard of behavior.

Honestly, Kuro just hoped this wouldn't end like the alleyway, where they'd left it looking like a murder happened there. That would be hard to explain in the imperial palace.

Not that he could voice much warning in that regard, not when Giovanni is pressing him up against the door and leaving Kuro caught between the heat of his body and the cool wood behind him. He inhales sharply, unable to tell what is pinning him in place more: Giovanni's hold on him, the intensity of his gaze, or the way he tugs down his collar to expose so much pale skin, drawing crimson eyes to the vulnerable curve of his neck, eager and demanding, an offer of euphoria for them both.

Kuro curses under his breath, a quiet, shaky exhale as he tugs Giovanni closer still. Their bodies slot flush together, and he knows Giovanni won't complain about the fact that Kuro needs to yank his head up to remedy their height difference, ducking his head to press his lips to his neck.

He lingers there, for a moment: nosing at the skin beneath his ear, lips brushing against his throat, mapping out tendons and arteries. He doesn't want to make a mess this time.

His tongue darts out, and Kuro is unable to completely hold back the soft, hungry whine that rises from his throat at the taste of Giovanni's skin. Already, he--

He can't hold back any longer. His teeth slide home into the soft flesh of Giovanni's neck with a groan-- not particularly gently, but the pain is what Giovanni wants, isn't it?

There's a reason he usually never fed from the neck: it was one of the most painful places to feed from, and the easiest to accidentally kill from.]

[sixtyeighth]

[ When Kuro sinks his teeth in, they feel so close to that collar of his that it escalates the pain just a bit. It is above and beyond what he wants, and he's pretty happy with how this is already proceeding. It's not that he thinks Kuro is easy to convince into doing something like this, but who and what he is has to remove some difficulty from his decision. He is glad for what he is being given - or rather, he's glad for what he's allowing Kuro to take.

He doesn't complain at the pain, and only tilts his head to give Kuro access to any piece of useable flesh there. He's going to give this vampire every drop he wants while here tonight. It will replenish, after all.

He can't die this way.

He moans a little as Kuro eats. Sounds of encouragement to keep going without saying the words. He needs something to with his hands, and his right moves to explore Kuro's hip through the fabric of his clothes. His touches are almost -- deceptively soft. His left hand shifts, moving to push open the door behind Kuro.

The other is no longer pinned, sure, but Giovanni knows damn well he isn't going to leave. After all, who would leave after a free meal followed by the promise of some fun. Who would leave after knowing how good and free you are going to feel?

Giovanni is confident.

And he also doesn't want to leave a bloody mess in the hallway. After all, he doesn't want to get thrown out, either. That would put a damper on the evening. ]

Such a good Little Vampire.

[ He did exactly as he was asked. ]

[neetvampire]

[In a way, it's also Giovanni's manner and personality that makes this so easy for Kuro. The lack of shame, the way he pushes-- it allowed Kuro to cave to his wants so easily, because he's always felt more comfortable that way, letting someone else call the shots.

There was something almost addictive about it: Giovanni's emotions, the pleasure and excitement, the way he moans as Kuro feeds, shameless in his enjoyment and encouragement. The soft touches soothe and stoke the excitement building in his veins in equal measure, and the noise he makes against Giovanni's throat is odd-- almost like a purr, or a trill. Inhumane, almost feline.

He doesn't even pay a lick of attention when Giovanni opens the door. He only sinks his teeth deeper, latching on in much the same manner as a predator determined not to let go of prey just caught, stumbling backwards and grasping Gio tight enough to bruise pale skin.

Another noise escapes him at the pet name-- a true moan this time deep in his throat, rumbling into Giovanni through the sharp fangs into his neck, a strange sort of feedback loop. The praise for doing something like this... it crosses lines in his head he's had drawn for centuries, but it's an assurance that fills him with heat and want, a desperate desire for more.

Gio's going to have to navigate them both, because Kuro's not focused on anything else but him right now.]

[sixtyeighth]

[ Kuro is stronger than he looks. Giovanni knew that going into this, and he's still a little impressed when he feels that tight grip. He can feel the bruises vanishing just as quickly as they form. Although as long as Kuro holds him, this pattern will continue. He doesn't seem to have any complaints, though. He seems to even like the way that Kuro latches onto him. The way that Kuro's digging into the flesh of his neck and devouring.

Navigating isn't hard. Kuro seems to have no issue following Giovanni's lead - and he guides them into the room, closing the door behind them. A small courtesy that is less for them and more for any others who may pass by. He doesn't seem to mind that he's between Kuro and the door, either. He's truly prey like this.

He doesn't dislike being prey, it seems. Perhaps because he knows he still has control.

One arm moves around Kuro's waist, hand settling on his ass. He pulls Kuro forward, bringing the vampire's hips towards his own.

He uses his other hand to reach for Kuro's face, fingers brushing over his cheek. ]

Was I the last time you ate like this?

[ He doesn't know, but he suspects Kuro doesn't really get this chance very often. ]

[neetvampire]

[It's a good thing Giovanni likes being latched onto, because Kuro doesn't want to let go-- Giovanni's is the perfect height for him to grab at his scalp and waist as he feeds, keeping that neck arched and his chest pressed against his.

And yet for all that he feeds from Giovanni like a lion with prey clamped in their jaws, he moves to Giovanni's will so easily. When Giovanni's hand wanders down to his ass Kuro groans again, tail curling around the other's wrist like a strange, soft shackle as his hips grind against Giovanni's.

...He's already getting hard, and they've barely done anything. When Giovanni brushes warm fingers against his cheek, he disengages from his neck... reluctant to part from the source of blood, but still seeking out his touch.

The warmth and excitement still thrums through his veins, an echo of Giovanni himself. It's painfully intimate, and Kuro breathes out shakily as he laves his tongue against the still bleeding gash, irritating it even as it starts to heal. He's nuzzling the skin of Giovanni's throat as he speaks, lips stained crimson and with blood dripping down to his chin.]

Mmmhm... S'not something I usually do...

[He sounds half out of his head, words a bit slurred almost like he's high or drunk.]

Used to only drink a sip before fights...

[Which... probably explains how Kuro can go months without, if he's used to so little. Whether it's good for him is an entire other question.]

[sixtyeighth]

[ Maybe he's enjoying this too much. Maybe his mother and father would hate that he's in a place like this allowing this to happen. The strangest realization strikes him in that moment, though. He doesn't actually care how they feel about it. He's taking the chance to be selfish and have fun without consequence and indulging in it. He doesn't care, he wants to let himself be eaten, and he wants Kuro to be the one to do it. The thought excites him.

And it's even more exciting to know that his excitement is literally able to be passed onto Kuro. That whatever he's feeling and sensing in the moment - Kuro can get it, too. Excitement, joy, and a sense of freedom are all there. Kuro grinds his hips against his own, and there's that instinct that he always caves to - he returns the favor, hand gripping Kuro's ass tight, and pulling the other's hips against his own again. He lets out a sharp, amused breath. ]

That explains a lot.

[ He seems amused, and almost like he's considering something before he speaks again. There's a thoughtful hum that escapes him as he thinks. ]

Then you can eat from me more often. Regularly.

[ It's not a question - it's a statement. A request. He may not fully realize what he's suggesting here, but truth be told - Kuro is one of the more interesting people he's met. And of those interesting people - few are as indestructible as he and Heine are - Kuro among them.

He thinks that is enough reason to continue playing with him. ]

Wouldn't it be nice to know you always have food here, Little Vampire?

[ It's doing at least as much for him as it does for Kuro, after all. So while he may position it as a favor, certainly he is getting a lot out of it himself. The pet name is said softly, almost affectionately. ]

[neetvampire]

[A soft, needy whine is buried against Giovanni's neck as their hips grind against each other. It should be mortifying, how into this he is, and yet it's hard to feel anything but excitement and that tantalizing sense of liberation as he laps at Giovanni's neck, something so very difficult for Kuro's own heart to grasp on it's own. The weight of guilt and responsibility--an awareness linked to his very existence--was a painful constant, and yet...

Just like before, it's so very difficult to justify any misgivings when Giovanni is enjoying himself so thoroughly. He shudders briefly at the offer, body stiffening and grip growing tighter.]

You... You'd really...?

['Why' he wants to ask, but it's not even a question of why, not really, not when he can taste how much Giovanni likes this. He can't even deny that after last time, while he'd been utterly disgusted with how he'd acted, he'd felt... better for it, physically. Lighter, in a strange way.

Less like the world was a bit blurred at the edges, like there were weights tied to his limbs.

And ultimately, all the usual reasons he'd give for why that is a terrible idea would all fall flat, with Giovanni. Because there's no risk in offering this for the pale man, when every injury would heal near instantly.]

[sixtyeighth]

I'd really -- ? What? Allow you to feed on me?

[ Allow you - those words in particular fill the room and hold a lot of weight. It's as if he's making it so clear to him that this is his idea, not Kuro's. That if he didn't want it, it wouldn't be happening. He believes he is in control of the entire situation. But he thinks it sounds like a good idea - they both get something out of it. Giovanni gets the fun and thrill of the interaction, while Kuro gets fed. To Giovanni, having sex is secondary to the rest of it (although he enjoys it all the same - getting eaten is just his favorite part).

He likes this time with Kuro.

His grip on Kuro's hips is tight. Giovanni is hard underneath those suit pants of his, and he grinds against the other again. The pants will have to go eventually, but he tilts his head a bit, giving Kuro full access. He moans out as the other indulges. ]

You shouldn't deny yourself.

[ He sounds like he's chastising Kuro. Giovanni is offering, he likes it, and he wants Kuro to indulge. Especially if he's indulging in him? ]

Go on - dig in for more. Or I can skip to where we both know where this is going.

[ He assumes, really, that Kuro'll continue feeding regardless. ]

[neetvampire]

You're about the only person I can't even argue with on this...

[It's a guilty admission, because he can't. This wasn't charity, or some self-sacrificial act of generosity. He wasn't some overly giving guy sticking his neck out (literally) to keep Kuro fed.

Giovanni wanted this because he got just as much out of it as Kuro did, and therein all Kuro's arguments died. It felt good for the both of them.

He groans as Giovanni grinds against him, burying his face against the shorter man's neck as sparks of heat and pleasure build in his gut. Even if he had protests to give, he wouldn't be able to-- he wanted this, as guilty as it made him feel.

In lieu of an answer, he sinks his teeth back into Giovanni's neck-- harder this time, hard enough that if he jerked his head in the right way, he'd no doubt tear out his throat.

Not that he plans to. But the deeper the bite the more the blood flowed, and he could feel how Giovanni enjoyed it in that blood itself. His grip on Giovanni grinds against bone, some of that inhuman strength he usually keeps carefully tucked away easing out as he drinks deep, tongue darting into the wound to draw out every drop.

All the while Kuro's hips press tightly against him, his own arousal rubbing against Giovanni's own.]

[sixtyeighth]

You'd lose if you argue.

[ Only because Giovanni is nothing if not persistent. He groans as Kuro presses against him. The way he grips him brings out a surprised sound, and he feels himself bruising. But that bruising is followed by almost a tingling sensation as what he is works to repair the bruises there. The flesh on his neck reeks of burning skin as it works to heal as quickly as the wound is poked an prodded open all over again.

He's stronger than he looks, so he uses one hand to keep his hold on Kuro while the other pats for that lube in his pocket. It's there, at least. Without the chaos of the streets and an alley, Giovanni was more thoughtful this time then he had been before. It doesn't mean he won't be rough, of course. It does however set a precedent for future encounters. It lets Kuro know what to expect should he decide to feed on Giovanni regularly and indulge.

He moves his hands to the front of the other's pants, and undoes the top of them. His free hand dips into the waist of those pants, and settles on the other's ass, gripping it and tugging it in. Sure, he could grab onto his cock, give him some of that sensation that he's otherwise seeking through grinding against Giovanni.

And he will, eventually. He's decided he wants to get Kuro pinned between him and the wall, so while he doesn't pull away, he does shift to move them away from the door and to another wall where he can stand between Kuro and the exit. A place where he can pin Kuro despite the fact that he's clearly still being devoured.

Not that he thinks Kuro is going to leave. ]