April | Event: Skybound Travelers

[jikan_mod]

Skybound Travelers↲ OOC Plotting

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As everyone settles into a routine in Nippon, newer refugees may find that visiting the Western Kingdom is something of an undertaking. Although considerably faster than traveling by airship or on foot, the underground train that connects Tokyo and Kyoto still takes at least five hours. And not everyone enjoys the roller coaster-like experience of the Sunday-only time surge that shortens that ride into ten minutes. But lucky for them, the NRL are finally ready to release a special new travel system!

Developed in part thanks to the refugees for gathering the necessary etherblossoms back in March, refugees will now find teleportation terminals available at the NRL in Tokyo and MRU in Kyoto. These terminals only connect to each other, with plans to expand to other cities in the future.

Or at least, that's what they're supposed to do.


Nippon Traveler

With the announcement of fast travel between kingdoms quickly spreading among the refugees, many of them are clamoring to be the first to take advantage. After all, the train is rather inconvenient for those with friends and family in both kingdoms, and even more so for those who wish to work in one while living in the other.

Thankfully, the NRL took this into consideration, and made sure to add additional platforms and a timed queueing system to make things run smoothly, essentially creating a small station on the top floor of the NRL's main building. And with exclusive elevator access on the outside just for traveling refugees, it's certainly built for convenience.

Ready, Aim... Kyoto, Western Kingdom
Despite the fact that the NRL has been using these teleporters just fine for transferring between Tokyo and Kyoto for the past few weeks, the sudden inundation of users is causing the system to overload ever so slightly. As a result, the teleporter hasn't been sending people where it should, occasionally redirecting them to random areas throughout Kyoto.

On the one hand, magic is so commonplace in the West that no one really thinks anything about the Refugees popping in and out of existence, with most natives just assuming they're teleporting using the local magic. But on the other hand, this assumption means the natives will think it's intentional, resulting in a large number of refugees finding themselves in both literal and metaphorical hot water after teleporting straight into a public bath, fully-clothed. Hopefully it's a mixed bath, or they might find themselves being carried away by the patrolling samurai guards for questioning.

In addition to becoming a public nuisance for the natives, some may find themselves teleporting into the homes of fellow refugees instead. They may wind up as an uninvited dinner guest, or perhaps they'll appear during a private or intimate moment between lovers. Some may even end up appearing in a closet, giving them ample opportunity to hide until they can make their escape!

Thankfully, this bug is discovered quickly enough that it only creates a few days of chaos -- so don't let that put you off the technology forever!

Here Comes a Thought Higashiyama, Kyoto
But of all the locations the teleporters are sending people to, perhaps the most common one is Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto's Higashiyama neighborhood. As one of the most famous temples in Kyoto, its already a popular tourist destination, with beautiful gardens, a veranda overlooking all of Kyoto, and is home to a magic school that specializes in the Mizu Element.

Those who are lucky may simply find themselves suddenly standing in front of a very tall pagoda, or overlooking the view of Kyoto. But most refugees will instead find themselves standing before the Tainai Meguri, a dark underground passageway beneath one of the many shrines in Kiyomizu-dera. Naturally, it'll be assumed they want to go in, and they may find themselves ushered down by a shrine maiden or two who don't want them holding up the line.

Blanketed in an inky darkness, the Tainai Meguri is composed of a single hallway and a rope along the wall to help guide visitors down to the lowest part of the passageway, where a mysterious stone can be found. Glowing with a mysterious power, the stone is the only source of light in the tunnel. And those who touch the stone with a clear mind will see the carving in the center change, showing which magic element they have an aptitude for: Tsuchi, Mizu, Hi, or Kaze.

However, those who touch the stone without a clear mind will witness something different. Because the stone in question is a Memory Stone, an ancient magical artifact capable to creating illusions of a person's memories. Once the stone is touched, the light of the stone will jump out into the darkness, projecting illusions of their past on the walls around them. Whether these illusions appear as text, an exact replica of one's memories, or something more abstract, varies by the person.

Those whose memories are being projected may find themselves completely overwhelmed by the emotions they felt at the time of that memory. For this reason, no one is allowed into the Tainai Meguri alone, so those affected better hope that their partner in the darkness is prepared to drag them out of it.

Into the Unknown

As the technology powering these terminals is still quite new to the scientists at the NRL, actually releasing these to the public is still a way off. Although there's zero risk of harm coming as a result of using the terminal, they have noticed that occasionally the terminal registers another point of travel, as if another terminal exists. A reverse transfer always brings them back just fine, but little is known about where these objects are ending up.

To that end, the NRL is asking brave enough refugees interested in exploring to take the teleporter to these unknown locations and report what they find. But don't worry, they're not asking they do this for free! All participants will receive a moderate sum of money, as well as a week-long stay at the Ōwakudani Hot Spring Resort in Hakone, to be redeemed whenever they like.

Cold Cuddles Sapporo, Hokkaido
For the first mysterious location, volunteers will be bundled up in warm clothes, as objects that come back always arrive very cold. And indeed -- upon teleporting, they'll find themselves in the midst of a snowstorm, an ancient version of the same terminal below their feet, and strange ruins all around them. And stranger still, the walls of the ruins appear to be covered in dark blue ice that won't melt no matter how much heat is applied.

It seems this teleporter is somehow connected to Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Nippon. Due to an ancient curse, the land is perpetually snowy and plagued by unmelting ice called everfrost. And while those who visited the region prior may recognize their surroundings enough to know they're actually very close to the city of Sapporo, others may not be so lucky, nor willing to take the risk of missing their return window.

Worse still, they're just far enough away from the city that their magi-comms won't work! With no way of activating the terminal from their side, and two hours before the NRL reactivates it on their end to bring them back, it looks like they'll need to huddle together for warmth to ensure they don't freeze.

Thankfully, the terminal is located in a covered area, and the remains of an old campsite nearby even has some blankets and supplies. And upon their return, they'll be given hot drinks and no shortage of apologies for not considering the risk of giving them such a long window to explore.

Party in the Dark Jigoku, Shitaya
The second mysterious location is by far the most intriguing, as it's clearly somewhere that people have access to, and yet no one has tried coming back through the terminals. Instead, empty cans and half-finished drinks sometimes end up on the terminal, with no explanation as to who was drinking them prior. And as this phenomenon only occurs late at night, that's when the volunteers will be sent.

Upon arriving, at first they'll find themselves blanketed in a perpetual darkness, surrounded by some sort of stone tunnel, with the sound of music echoing from further in. They'll still be able to contact the NRL, leading the scientists to suggest that they may be in Jigoku, the catacombs of an abandoned subway system below Tokyo.

Should they be brave enough to follow the source of the music, they'll stumble upon what appears to be a secret speakeasy in the dark, run by the Hanyo who live in the neighborhood of Shitaya. As many Hanyo still possess the Yokai ability to see more clearly in the dark than Humans, the lack of lighting is more a feature than a gimmick.

Still, for having made it all the way down here, they'll be offered free drinks and a playful atmosphere -- so long as they promise to keep their illegal supply of Uki-based drinks and snacks a secret from the authorities. A popular recreational drug in the West made from the naturally sweet Uki Weed, Uki is highly regulated in the East, and causes lowered inhibitions, feelings of calm or euphoria, and even functions as a mild aphrodisiac.

Which might just be why many patrons are taking advantage of the dark and inviting atmosphere for romantic trysts in the dark, with futons set up in nearby tunnels for all your sensory deprivation needs. The Refugees can contact the NRL to return at any time, so why not let loose and join the fun?

Castle in the Sky

After a week of using the teleporters, Refugees will discover a new warp point is now listed alongside Kyoto and Tokyo: Tengoku, the nation of Tengu, comprised of dozens of airborne cities that float high above Nippon. According to the NRL, the technology used for these teleporters was developed thanks to the Tengu of Skytower, as a much belated thank you for the refugee's help back in March 1921.

And while Skytower itself remains off-limits, the Tengu Capital of Miyazaki has decided to open its doors to outsiders for the first time in centuries.

Fly High Miyazaki, Tengoku
The Tengu cities are unlike anywhere else on Nippon, comprised of a single, massive amount of land that towers upward, and numerous smaller islands that float up and around the main part of the city. Mysterious magic-powered technology can be found all around the city, though the appearance is quite different from the more modern magi-tech.

But perhaps the most notable thing is that these cities are not designed to be very accessible to those who can't fly. Very few actual pathways lead upward into the city proper, and the entrance to most buildings are located on the top floor, with only a small balcony in front to land on. But thankfully, there's a means around it!

Upon arrival to the capital of Miyazaki, all Refugees will be offered a small backpack with a tiny pair of wings attached to it. Upon putting it on and jumping, the wings will grow larger, acting like a part of their body and allowing them to fly! These backpacks will only function in Tengoku, but they're welcome to keep them should they decide to visit again.

Of course, just because they have the power to do so doesn't mean they'll actually be good at it. Refugees may struggle to become airborne at all, or may find it difficult to control themselves in mid-air, flying into walls, other refugees, or accidentally hurling themselves over the edge of the city. Thankfully, there's patrolling Tengu who are always prepared to catch those who fall, but considering it always comes with a lecture, it's really not the best experience.

But those who persevere will be able to fly up to the very top of the city, where they'll find a beautiful garden overlooking the clouds. The flora here is far more alien than anything commonly found in Nippon, with plentiful etherblossoms, crystal-like mahougi trees, and-- is that a nuruname bloom? Maybe stay away from that one...

Liquid Happiness Miyazaki, Tengoku
Being so high up in the sky, completely isolated, meant that the Tengu cities were designed to be completely self-sustaining. Although they do conduct trade with the mainland below, almost everything they need is either grown or produced by the land itself. Which might just beg the question: where is the water coming from? Because nearly every level of the city is accented by canals and waterfalls.

But those who visit on a rainy day will get their answer. As high as they are, the Tengu cities are close enough that they can draw from the magic properties of the ring that circles the planet of Gaia, which is only visible at night. Thus, the rain that falls in Miyazaki has magical properties: in audition to a rainbow color, it can be infinitely multiplied, instantly heal wounds and certain illnesses, and seems to cause feelings of euphoria similar to Kizuna when one stands in it. For this reason, the rain that falls in Miyazaki is referred to as liquid happiness.

But for Refugees, these effects are even more extreme. Those who visit Miyazaki during a particularly rainy week at the tail end of April will begin to manifest severe Kizuna side-effects, especially the supernatural variety. While ordinarily these effects are only possible when feelings of love are present, the power of the rain will allow Refugees to share their thoughts and feelings with the people around them, whether they want to or not.

So strong are the effects of the rain that these effects will linger well after they leave, and may even become contagious to those they meet later on the surface. In the end, the NRL issues a warning for Refugees to avoid lingering in Miyazaki in rainy days until a more conclusive study on this "liquid happiness" can be conducted.

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

• Characters will not be allowed into the Tainai Meguri alone, and must descend in pairs.

• Sapporo is roughly a twenty minute walk away, and characters who are familiar with their surroundings will be able to go to the city proper. Magi-comms will also begin to work again. More information on Sapporo can be found on the Setting page!

• You are welcome to assume there is Uki-based incense in the underground party if your character would need an extra nudge to participate.

• Given their isolated status, the Tengu cities only contain Tengu Yokai, who range from entirely human-like with wings, anthropomorphic birds, and the traditional long-nosed variety! Although Refugees may be treated as a novelty by the people there, only elderly Tengu will treat them rudely for being outsiders.

• Characters will find that inns and hotels are both plentiful and cheap in Tengu cities, as the cities are very far apart from one another, and it's very common for Tengu to travel far from home. Miyazaki, for instance, floats above Kyushu near the Westernmost point of Nippon!

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Comments

[historicallyloaded]

Oh that— is absolutely the question I would be asking, dear Aether. [ He nearly laughs, though he's quite serious. Even as he's lead down the hall Bricks lets himself get distracted by soaking in the atmosphere of the place while conceptualizing it into something he does understand. ] I suppose it's not all that different from the ghost field, where I'm from. A um, a sort of intradimensional space where ghosts and spooks and spirits and all manners of supernatural and arcane energies traverse in and out of.

...This though is much nicer. Much. [ An understatement. He thinks it's incredible, especially if this is supposed to be as big of a teapot. For once he manages to put aside any further curious conjecture about the potential applications of such a pocket dimension when he's patently reminded, pertinently, a private space to clean up is very much one of them. He's appreciative. ]

Let's get cleaned up, shall we? [ He looks to Aether for silent approval/permission to leave his tattered soiled clothes on the changing room table before proceeding to strip out of them. Despite their state he still neatly folds everything into perfect squares and leaves his shoes neatly together underneath them. He's able to do a more thorough self check and really the only things to note are the still cloyingly sweet smelling gobs of nectar spattered across his skin, some more in some places than others... and that he's still half-hard. He shouldn't be embarrassed after all that just happened but Bricks still modestly tries to angle his lower body away from Aether, or hide himself behind his hand.

The only article of clothing he hesitates with is the eyepatch. ]

[brilliantdiamond]

I'd certainly hope it'd be nicer than a place full of ghosts?

[Rude.]

[For his part, Aether isn't nearly as neat with his clothes, peeling them off and regarding them with disgust before throwing them into a laundry basket. They splatter with a wet sound that's even more unappealing, leaving him wondering whether he should have aimed for the garbage can instead.]

[By the time he's bare, he glances over at Brickston, noticing the eyepatch. When he doesn't immediate take it off--]

Do you want me to wash your hair for you? That way you can keep your eye covered. Or...

[Eyes... trailing downward.]

...do you want a hand with that?

[historicallyloaded]

[ Rude! ] Some ghosts are nice! [ He chirps briefly on their defense. Most ghosts weren't so nice.

Anyway, Bricks is caught a little off guard at the offer, stiffening his shoulders and feeling unexpectedly warm; Aether offers so selflessly and casually it draws more attention to his own insecurity about it, and partly it was something he'd expect his butler to dryly remark about... not someone as cool and capable and heroic as Aether.

...but maybe he should when Aether just as casually offers a hand in another way. ]

I wouldn't want to poke you out.

[ He visibly winces at himself, forces a smile, laughs nervously. ]

Um. Put you out.

[brilliantdiamond]

[Poke............]

Sorry. I know we've only just met, so... maybe that was too much?

[Or maybe he's understandably a little sexed-out after being fucked by a plant??]

But I really wouldn't mind helping with your hair. And then... maybe you could help with mine? I have a lot of it, and my arms are a little tired.

[Contrary to what certain fanartists may imply, he has a full head of thick blond hair, and not just some weird anime mullet. And unfortunately, it was not spared the gooey pollen either.]

[historicallyloaded]

Oh, n-no it's not— I know I would like... it would feel good, ah—

[ He stammers and mutters. It's completely illogical, especially in the face of everything they just went through, but perhaps it's exactly because not long ago they were being railed by horny plants and covered in sticky gobs of aphrodisiacal laden nectar and how he felt Aether get stretched and filled on top of him that the offer for something more human and intimate and tender is flustering him so much. And the more Bricks is flustered the more blood damningly flows between his legs, his body still chemically primed to cater to whatever residual arousal is there.

He takes the distraction and runs with it head first, answering a little too eagerly to keep his composure. ]

Yes! [ A little quieter. ] I mean yes of course, I understand what it's like. I'll gladly help.

[ His hair is not nearly as long, falling just past his shoulders in crimped and curly ends as he decides to undo his pony tail and gives it a quick tussle. Unkempt as it seems it's shiny and healthy, well cared for between luxury, privilege, and his own ceaseless attention to detail/neuroticism. There are portions that stick together from wayward gobs of nectar which he frowns at as he pulls his hand back, feeling it between his fingers. He'll leave the eyepatch on for now, having honestly forgotten about it as he laughs softly, maybe a little awkwardly. ]

We'll help each other. [ He ventures into the bathroom but idles in front of the shower, trying to mind his house guest manners... but is also immediately distracted by any available selection of toiletries and sundries as he runs his fingers over the bottles. ]

[brilliantdiamond]

[...maybe he'll make a second offer once they're in the shower. After all, Bricks isn't the only one still at half-mast from how many aphrodisiacs were in the plant's pollen, though Aether is really trying not to call attention to his own.]

[Aether doesn't have guests too often, so the selection is limited to what he and Paimon use. Which means one set looks like something a child would use, the bottles bright in color with cartoon mascots on the front, and the other just a plain and cheap set of shampoo and conditioner. Aether's are obvious, if only because there's about five bottles of the latter -- this man has a lot of hair to condition.]

[There's a few fancy soaps as well, including a make-up remover that does not being to Paimon-- but before they can use any of the good stuff, the one they'll need is what Aether brings in from the changing room: a big ol' bottle of the heavy duty shit.]

This stuff won't smell as nice as what I have up there, but it should help take all of this... goo off.

[Let's just call it goo.]

[But if Brickston won't go into the shower, Aether will give him a nudge. Thankfully, there's two showerheads, so they won't have to take turns for everything! Though they're still rather close together.]

[historicallyloaded]

[ The heavy duty shit, they're definitely going to need that.

Curiosity satisfied with the sundries, he's quick to work the shower knobs into a pleasant temperature on both sides and steps aside so Aether can come in. Already it's an immediate relief as warm water starts taking some of the sticky icky factor out of everything and soothing some budding aches. Doesn't do much for simmering his arousal but it's still ignorable for now. ]

Here, allow me.

[ He offers to undo Aether's braid before it gets too wet and unmanageable and to squirt him first with the shampoo. Since Brickston has a few inches of height over him he's able to give due attention to his scalp as he starts working it in and fluffy suds start to form. He's usually the one being pampered or serviced in a situation like this—by his butler or a professional at a luxurious spa—but there's something very deeply fulfilling for him to use his hands in this way and be of service to someone else. ]

Really, um... thank you for everything, Aether. For your hospitality and heroics.

[brilliantdiamond]

[The warm water against his skin brings immediate relief, Aether letting out a sigh as his eyes slide closed. Should he be concerned that he's grown accustomed to things like this happening? He's not even sure how bothered he is now, already thinking more about how he'll need to clean the floors after this, and replace the clothing that was damaged.]

[Perhaps it hasn't had enough time to settle in his mind.]

[In any case, he hums a soft thanks as Brickston starts working on his hair, another sigh falling from lips as he feels himself finally starting to relax. If he weren't standing, he might even be able to fall asleep like this. But Brickston's words quickly bring him back to wakefulness, eyes peeking open as he stares as the water circling the drain on the floor. The nectar dripping off and out of him brings a sweet scent to the air, though he can only really find it off-putting now, even as he finds himself shifting uncomfortably in place.]

It's the least I can do. You're welcome to stay here and rest a while if you need it, too.

[historicallyloaded]

Sure, if you don't mind. [ He says it a little reflexively, himself relaxed and pliant to suggestions. Logically it makes sense—there's still the matter of figuring out how to fix his own clothes enough that he can get home too. A minor detail he manages to keep in the back of his mind as he continues to work Aether's scalp.

Between that heady smell rising in the steam and his own close contact with Aether he notices the discomfort. His own chub hasn't simmered and the combination of pheromones and seeing Aether's nude body and how the suds wash over his wet skin has most blood slowly pooling in it again. It's impossible to hide it anymore and he starts to suspect Aether may well be feeling much the same. ]

Hey um... what you offered earlier— I could also...

[ He thought he could have resisted a bit longer but no such luck. He steps a little closer. ]

[brilliantdiamond]

[Why hello there, is that a bottle of shampoo at his hip, or he just happy to see him--]

[Aether perks up when he hears Brickston stepping closer, turning to look back at him over his shoulder. The mood here was strange, but not unpleasant. And a part of his is aware they might still be under the influence of that plant's nectar. But he can't help but feel a little thrill all the same. He's had encounters in baths and hot springs, but-- a shower is a first.]

Are you offering to lend me a hand?

[He still feels pretty tired -- honestly, they should just get out after the shower if they don't want to risk falling asleep in the tub. Perhaps more so if they opt to fool around a little more first.]

[historicallyloaded]

[ The mood was strange but he's found sometimes the best antidote for it was to embrace it. He's still residually horny. So's Aether, and he already offered to help. They're both in a relaxing warm shower, nude, and Aether's all lathered in suds. ]

Yes... I mean my hands are good for... a myriad of things. [ Salacious as it may have felt, there was nothing illogical about how his hands move from the back of Aether's scalp and slowly follow the suds down his neck and shoulders.

And Bricks feels he owes his savior a great deal. ]

When they're not tangled up in vines, anyway.

[ Fine he'll be indulgent. He's behind Aether and maybe because of the eyepatch he hasn't caught his little over the shoulder gaze. He'll permit himself to stare down at Aether's pert butt, shiny and wet. His hands subconsciously follow, his palms moving down his shoulder blades and slide over hips and press into his lower back in circular motions. ]

[brilliantdiamond]

They've been pretty good so far.

[Aether noticeably shivers when Brickston draws his hands down along his bare skin. Despite the gentle and still rather chaste touch, it's enough to remind him again of just how aroused he is, despite how tired he felt when they got in the shower.]

I don't know how useful mine will be from this angle, but... I don't really need them, do I?

[Good thing his eyes are focused on Aether's ass, because that means he'll see exactly what he's doing as he bends forward just a bit and leans back, pressing back against Brickston's waist as if to check how hard he is-- and perhaps serve as an invitation. Aether doesn't quite realize just how sensitive he'll be down there after being ravished by the plants vines, but it can really only be a nice surprise at this point.]

[historicallyloaded]

[ There's a soft gasp as he feels Aether's ass sandwiches his dick. He's hard and equally sensitive the motion makes the fingers curled over Aether's hips clench. He's practically teasing him. There's no denying he likes this.

Having no agency or control was thrilling in one sense with the plants but this was more welcome, more human. Maybe even more appealing regaining some semblance of agency after all that. Now he can take all the time he wants to explore Aether and appreciate every little curve, every little bevel, every little scar and blemish. Everything is warm, slippery, and inviting between both of them. Brickston rolls his hips and slides himself up and down Aether's cleft. ]

No um... other parts of you feel just as good. [ His voice shudders.

Chest flush to Aether's back, he blindly fumbles for Aether's cock from behind and slowly strokes, covered in suds.

He doesn't have any good rhythm with it at first, everything a slow, methodical exploration by touch alone. At least not until he draws back and plunges his dick between Aether's thighs and the gentle intercrural momentum of his hips carries through to his hands better. ]

Like here.

[brilliantdiamond]

[A dreamy sigh passes by his lips when Brickston take hold of his cock, stiffening further in his grip as Aether leans back against him. The suds keep everything wet and slick between them, while the heat of the water makes everything feel warm and cozy. Compared to being fucked by those plants, there was no contest for which scenario Aether vastly preferred.]

[Feeling Brickston's cock between his cheeks fills him with a certain anticipation, though it falls to the wayside when he feels him thrusting between his thighs instead. It's not something he's felt before, so it takes a moment for him to think of how to make it better -- but eventually, he opts to squeeze his thighs together to make a hotter and tighter passageway to wrap around Brickston's cock.]

[His own movements are slow as he rolls his hips back against him, eyes closing with another content sigh. There was no need to rush to the finish like this -- just doing whatever felt good in the moment to relieve that lingering tension brought by the pollen.]

Mmm... that feels good.

[historicallyloaded]

[ Teeth tight, he exhales sharply as Aether's thighs tighten around his cock. It feels stupendous and he relishes in the slow, almost lazy pace. He lets his hands wander occasionally, one at a time, from Aether's cock and slide up over his hips, up his ribs, over the tops of his thighs. He doesn't want to dare break any skin contact and keeps himself as flush to him as much as possible, though wet suds and the occasional funny slap or squelch between them. Moments like that are the only times his rhythm seems to be thrown off as he nervously huffs a sound of laughter, sliding his dick up too much to tap Aether's balls awkwardly or flexing his fingers over his chest with a grope more momentarily embarrassed than needy.

With time, however, his thrusts do become more haphazard, more desperate. It feels good but leaves the more sensitive underside of his cock wanting. He debates for a salaciously self-indulgent moment of asking to stick it in but anxiously he refrains without permission. Further, the breathy sighs and moans coming from his mouth are growing louder by the moment. The sound echoes more in the shower, even over the steady patter of water and make his ears burn. Not so arbitrarily, Bricks decides it's probably easier to (attempt to) remedy that first. ]

I want to— ah, [ He lurches forward and rests his chin over Aether's shoulder, his free hand sliding up his neck and the underside of his chin. ]

Aether, may I kiss you?

/tucks this thread in!

[brilliantdiamond]

[Even without the stark contrast of how violent and brutal the vines had been, there was something particularly sensual about the way Brickston's hands moved across his body. Of course his cock was aching for the most attention, but the gentle touch of his hands against his chest, his hips, his stomach... it was soothing in a way he didn't realize how much he needed right now. He finds himself grateful that they didn't simply opt for separate showers.]

[Feeling his cock between his thighs was still a novel and strange experience, but not an unpleasant one. Still, with every jerk of Brickston's hips, he felt himself filled with a certain anticipation, half expecting him to change angles to fuck him instead -- or even perhaps slide in unintentionally by pulling back too far.]

[Perhaps that's why his request for a kiss catches him off-guard, having been expecting a different sort of request. But as he turns to look over his shoulder properly, there's a flushed smile on his face. Perhaps something like this was better after all?]

You don't need to ask.

[Perhaps he feels he does, but-- before he can offer a retort, Aether turns at his hips and brings a hand up to reach out for Brickston's cheek, turning him just enough to press their lips together for a kiss.]

[It's a moment of soft tenderness, which continues until they've both satisfied whatever urges still lingered after the plants. And then, after a little afterglow-basking in a warm bath, Aether spends the rest of the evening more or less glued to Brickston's side.]

[Certainly one hell of a way to get to know a guy.]