May | Event: Flowers of Buffoonery

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Flowers of Buffoonery↲ OOC Plotting

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The month of love is in full swing! But there are some who are probably wondering: why is May the month of love, and why only in the West? Over in Tokyo, no such celebrations are being made, and even the Hanyo of Shitaya aren't gunning up for any major festivals of any sort, despite most of them having come from the West. But it's not because it's a new holiday. Rather, it's simply a Yokai specific one.

Because traditionally, May is the period where a Yokai's sex drive is the strongest. And while for most, this simply manifests as a desire for deep, emotional connections, for others, it's a month-long orgyfest.

And as the mysterious little flowers continue to bloom across Kyoto, something else begins to bloom between the refugees themselves.

The Season of Sex

Towards the middle of the month, refugees are sure to notice a change in the way the Yokai are behaving, particularly the group known as the "beast Yokai", which includes Kitsune, Bakeneko, and Inu Yokai. As it turns out, these three are among some of the only Yokai who still occasionally undergo a heat-like event, with most of these falling around the month of May.

But what does this have to do with the refugees? As many of them will quickly find out: they also will experience a heat-like state through the rest of the month. Upon contacting the scientists, they explain that because the Yokai were the indigenous people of Nippon, bonding with Nippon seems to have caused the refugees to become part Yokai in a way that differs from the native Hanyo. This is why they're able to use magic, and why many of them grow Yokai body parts when experiencing high levels of Kizuna.

"Oh, don't worry your pretty little heads! Sure, you lot seem to be more afflicted than us Native Yokai, but no one's going to judge you for your... biological needs, teehee!"

As the Yokai researchers explain, heats have become less common in the modern era, so it's entirely possible that some refugees won't experience anything at all. Feel free to use this to opt out of anything that makes you uncomfortable!

You All Know What This Event Is About Maryouku University, Kyoto
When a Yokai goes into heat, they tend to adopt one of three characteristics, known collectively as KSJ. Although most Yokai will always lean more heavily towards one in particular, some may experience all three throughout their heat:

Daikoh (大攻) causes Yokai to develop unusually dominant and possessive tendencies. While some may search for a single partner to keep to themself, others may try to gather as many partners as possible. Even passive and friendly Yokai may become inclined towards violence or unusual roughness, including marking their partners. Some may experience an inexplicable desire for passionate romance, while others may feel a desire to breed.

Daishoku (大食) causes Yokai to give off a magic aura that may trigger a heat in those around them. These Yokai are insatiable, seeking endless pleasure from anything and everything they can find, be it food, entertainment, or sex. It's not uncommon for them to have one thing in particular they become fixated on, though others may simply desire everything. They may even find it hard to sleep without some kind of stimulation to calm them down.

Daijuu (大受) causes Yokai to develop unusually submissive and needy tendencies. They crave physical affection to such a powerful degree that going without it may even become painful. It's not uncommon for these Yokai to only feel comfortable when wrapped up in a nest of blankets to simulate being wrapped in the arms of a lover. They may feel a strong desire to be cared for by another, or even impregnated by a mate, regardless of gender.

Obviously any of these would be pretty inconvenient, but perhaps the worst part is they can strike at any time. One might simply wake up in heat, while another may find themselves suddenly overwhelmed upon seeing a familiar face. And the truly unfortunate may find it happening in public, or even on a long train ride.

While most heats tend to be very mild, often to the point where one might not even realize they're going through one, some Yokai have the misfortune of going through an extreme heat, where the effects of KSJ becomes far more pronounced, even to the point of appearing to have a complete personality shift. Daishoku Yokai may fuck until they pass out, Daikoh Yokai may peruse individuals they would never otherwise be interested in, and Daijuu Yokai have been known to crawl into the beds of strangers to satisfy their need to be held. Heats can be as brief as a few hours, or as long as a few weeks, with varying levels of severity throughout. While most only occur once a year, you're free to utilize heats as a Severe Kizuna Effect at any time!

Discount Dildo Emporium Gion, Kyoto
Just in time for the month of love, a new shop has opened up in downtown Kyoto. The elderly owner of Iyarashii Ryuu, an infamous dildo shop in Tokyo's Shinjuku, has partnered up with an equally amorous young Kitsune to open up a sister store in Gion. And if the large painting on the wall is anything to go by, their relationship probably goes beyond business partners... that's one feisty old lady.

Iyarashii Ryuu specializes in every shape, size, and function of dildo one can imagine, but unlike the Tokyo branch, the Gion branch of Iyarashii Ryuu specializes in enchanted dildos. These dildos are capable of moving on their own, growing in size, changing in shape, and even glowing in the dark! Because why not.

However, these are still a very new product, so they're depending on customer feedback to improve the spells! As such, anyone willing to test out a prototype enchanted dildo will both be allowed to keep the prototype, as well as select from any finished dildos in the shop free of charge.

Of course, some may not realize what they're getting into when they agree to test a prototype. One is designed to change size on command, but contains a bug that may cause it to grow larger than intended, and even develop a distinct knot. Another is designed to allow the one wearing it as a strap on to feel sensations as if it were real, but has a bug that instead causes both partners to feel both sensations, resulting in an extreme case of over-stimulation. Another is designed to move independently like a fucking machine, but seems to lack a means of turning it off. And another glows in the dark so brightly that it can be seen from the outside. Which isn't necessarily a bug, but it sure is something worth seeing.

And hey, for all you natural-dildo-havers, they're also testing a line of condoms designed to do the same things, with the added security of safe sex practices. Very sexy! Just watch out for that size-changing one, though. Some have reported feelings of insecurity upon watching their dangle return to its smaller size.

Fickle Flower Petals

In the midst of everything happening this month, refugees will begin to hear rumors of strange symptoms popping up around Kyoto. Flowers growing out of people's hair, sprouting from the ground with every step they take, or even tumbling out of their mouth. It's only then that the people realize what's happened: those little flowers from before weren't entirely harmless. They're sprouts from a Hanahaki, a very rare ayakashi that possesses flowers, named for the curse it inflicts on those who inhale their pollen.

Thankfully, Hanahaki is treatable, and can even be cured without the need of a specialist. But until the sprouts wilt, those living in Kyoto will simply have to bear with the symptoms.

Post Secret Kyoto, Western Kingdom
In its mild form, Hanahaki causes flowers to grow from a person's hair. These flowers range in size and species, and can grow over the course of mere minutes or many days. Those affected will be encouraged to allow the flowers to wilt naturally, as plucking them may cause permanent bald patches.

While this form can seemingly effect anyone, those hiding secret feelings of love or desire may instead develop a form that causes flowers to bloom on every surface around them. Although certainly the most charming, it's also the most conspicuous, with tiny gardens building up around them whenever they stay in one place for too long.

The true extent of the curse will become obvious to anyone riding the trains, as the entire inside of each car has become blanketed in thick green foliage and flowers. Some may discover that the flowers can even sprout on the other side of walls, potentially filling their neighbor's apartment with unwanted greenery. And let's not even get into the personality types that cause a nuruname to bloom. Best stay away from those folks!

So what's the solution? Well, seeing as not everyone is open to the idea of sharing their thoughts and feelings openly, a workaround has been discovered. All around Tokyo, refugees will find small wooden plaques known as ema hanging in populated places. Those affected by the Hanahaki are encouraged to write anonymous confessions on the ema and hang them up where they can be seen. After enough people have seen their confession, the effects of the Hanahaki will begin to go away.

Just make sure you're not seen hanging a confession up, or it'll defeat the purpose of it being anonymous!

To submit play-made secrets for characters to see in Kyoto, please see this post!

Tell No Lies Kyoto, Western Kingdom | cw: This prompt contains Hanahaki-adjacent body horror.
With most cases manifesting as mild, some may be wondering why the curse is referred to as Hanahaki, meaning to spit flowers. In truth, the name is derived from the severe form of the curse: in which flowers begin growing internally.

The most common location is the throat, causing those affected to cough or hiccup flower petals throughout the day. But for those who are especially unlucky, they may grow down into the lungs, causing severe pain, a bloody cough, and trouble breathing. Due to the likelihood of choking in one's sleep, this form is considered the most dangerous.

This form of the curse manifests in those prone to frequently keeping secrets or telling lies, be it intentionally or as a result of being a rather private person. Much like the mild form, it can be treated naturally through open communication. However, the workaround used for the mild form will not work here. Only by opening up about themselves or the secrets they've been keeping will the flowers begin to wilt.

For those who are still opposed to the idea, a healer can forcefully remove the flowers with a spell. However, this method carries a 25% chance of losing whatever memories are tied to those secrets, ranging from the secrets themselves, to all memories of the people they wish to keep in the dark. Surely such a risk isn't worth it, right?

Party Time

Although the Emperor of the West has grown busy these last couple of months, far be it for him to forget his beloved Refugees during the month of love! And so, on the 25th, all refugees will be extended an invitation to an exclusive party in the Uji district of Kyoto.

Those who assisted in clearing it out earlier will be shocked to see the transformation the building has taken in just a few days, as bright and colorful décor can be found on every corner, and the scent of incense hanging in the air.

It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it would be most rude to refuse an invitation from the Emperor himself, wouldn't it?

With a Bang! Uji, Kyoto
Taking place at one of his many private villas, refugees will be met with an extravagant affair, filled with Humans and Yokai alike. During the day, there's no shortage of musical entertainment and dancing, along with free food and drinks, and a large outdoor garden to relax in. But at night, the mood of the party shifts dramatically. After a full day of pheromones tickling their senses, and no shortage of uki to go around, it was time for the main event: an orgy to celebrate the season of love.

"Greetings and salutations, my dearest friends from another world! I am Katsuragi no Mikoto, emperor of the Western Kingdom, and on this day, I invite you all to enjoy the many pleasures our world has to offer! Please, those who are inclined, make merry! And rest assured, this is a safe place to indulge."

The main room of the villa itself is designed with an array of sliding doors that can become walls to quickly close off corners for an illusion of privacy, as well as private and secret rooms for those who desire it. In the upper floors, rooms filled with all sorts of enchanted toys and costumes can be found, in addition to a small outdoor bathing area. And in the basement, there's what can only be called a sex dungeon, filled with all sorts of restraints and gear for whatever one's heart desires.

Any guests who stick around for the orgy will be asked to select from a number of colorful kanzashi they'll pin into their hair to convey what they're looking for:

Pink: Platonic, non-sexual physical affection only.
Red: Bondage, restraints, and sadomasochism.
Yellow: Open to kink negotiation or discussion.
Orange: Toys, magic or supernatural powers during sex, transformations.
Green: Costumes and sexual role play.
Blue: Powerplay: light blue for submissive, dark blue for dominant.
Purple: Public use, anonymous sex, exhibitionism.
Gold: Open to anything and everything.
Silver: No physical contact, watching only.

Outside of the Purple and Gold ribbons, all kanzashi are imbued with a spell that will sound a loud alarm if they person wearing it is touched in a manner they didn't consent to, upon which the one who activated it may find themselves thrown into the cold waters of the pond in the garden out front. Refugees are free to take as few or as many kanzashi as they desire, or swap them out as the evening grows long.

Denouement Engagement Uji, Kyoto
The party lasts well into the next morning, with guests welcome to stay the night with whoever they happened to bond with the night before. A nearby bath house is open exclusively for party guests, which is for the best, given the nature of the festivities. There will be no walks of shame coming from the Emperor's villa!

But those who actually manage to stick around this long will have an opportunity to witness a rare event.

In the garden just outside the villa, Katsuragi can be found seated next to a young man who some will recognize as Karu, the emperor of the East. The former is once more clean and dressed in his finest regalia, while the Eastern emperor appears in more subdued colors, a parasol in hand in some attempt to hide himself. Perhaps most would be giving them some space, but those who sneak closer will be able to overhear their conversation. Katsuragi speaks of uniting the two kingdoms, and supporting Karu as the face of the Emperor, so he may focus on his "continuing recovery". For his part, Karu is almost completely silent, though it doesn't seem to impede on their conversation.

But one doesn't need to be eavesdropping to realize what's happening when Katsuragi gets down on one knee and gently takes Karu's hand into his own, prompting the latter to drop the parasol in shock.

What happens next, unfortunately, is just between the two of them. A snap of his fingers, and both Katsuragi and Karu vanish in the blink of an eye. Did he notice they was being watched? Or was he intentionally letting them see that much?

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

• As with all Kizuna effects, you are free to opt out of any of the KSJ effects as well, or simply utilize the ones you are interested in. A Daijuu yokai could simply desire being held, with no sexual or breeding-related connotations, for example. Likewise, as this is inspired A/B/O tropes, you are welcome to use Kizuna as an excuse to utilize any additional tropes not included in KSJ.

• Feel free to mix the effects of the prototype enchanted dildos to include multiple effects at once, or create your own magical effects! With magic, the only limit is your imagination!

• Although not necessary, Japanese does have it's own language of flowers if you would like the flowers your character sprouts/spits up to have greater symbolism. A wider list of plant symbolism can also be found here!

• Hanahaki can produce native plants to Nippon, but cannot produce plant-like Ayakashi. So they can grow Uki in their hair, but cannot cough out a Higanbana.

• In case you missed it, the post for submitting IC secrets is over here!

• Players are welcome to handwave their character sleeping with the Western Emperor himself at the orgy, but don't expect him to remember their name the next day. The Eastern Emperor will not be present until the next day.

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[brilliantdiamond]

[...he won't laugh because he promised, but he's almost tempted to for how innocent it all is. But then, if this much is hard for Ayaka to admit, anything more than that might need a bit of coaxing. Perhaps if he opens up more, she'll be inclined to do so as well?]

Then you're in luck, because I feel the same way.

[He reaches out to take her other hand, holding it between both of his own as his gaze falls down upon it.]

I've actually experienced something like this here before, but only one time. And back then, I felt the same way I did before I ran into you. Like my whole body was in pain without-- without some kind of physical contact.

[And maybe a little more than that, but baby steps here.]

If I hadn't ran into you, I might've just gone home with a stranger. So I'm really glad you were there.

[mistsplitter]

I was... looking for someone to hold hands with when we saw each other, actually. It was fortunate that I bumped into you. But... I'm not just talking about holding hands.

[ Because she might have asked a stranger, too. How scandalous! ]

What did you do when it happened before? Did you do the same thing as you did now?

[leafwhistle]

[The feeling of Aether pushing his face against his shoulder feels much better than having this man grab his arm. Kazuha is generally calm and composed— slow to anger, and certainly not prone to violence without good reason. His already strong need to protect those he cares about is just exasterbated by the heat coursing through his body, and the perceived threat of another Daikoh makes him snap.

He twists his arm around the taller man's grip, then grabs him by the wrist, twisting it just slightly. The sound of his other hand hitting the man's elbow is loud— a pop where a joint shouldn't make any noise like that.]

He's changed his mind.

[Kazuha realizes, somewhere in his fuzzy brain, that this is unlike him. He also realizes that breaking a man's arm might attract attention he'd rather avoid, so while the man screams in pain, he just turns around to Aether and scoops him up into a bridal carry.]

With a Bang

[spritefully]

[There's no shock in their expression when Chuuya approaches - Loni is more than a little comfortable with their appearance, and at an orgy wearing a gold kanzashi, they are certainly not trying to be some kind of wallflower.

In contrast to the taller man, their kimono is a soft moss green and decorated with richly coloured flowers, almost sparkling in places even with the dim lights (though it is notable that they wear not a stitch of jewelry, only some flowers whose stems are plainly woven into their hair). His leather gloved hand is met with a dainty, delicate one, lips pursed first with consideration before melting into a charming, coy smile.]

Company would be wonderful, I think. 'Twould be a fair mistake to stay alone in a place like this, no?

[It's lazy, slipping into a more formal method of speaking, but with so much sexual energy surrounding the area they almost can't help it.]

[brilliantdiamond]

The last time it happened wasn't as bad. It only lasted a day, and I spent the whole day curled up in bed with a friend. I just thought I had some kind of cold, and it felt pretty awful the whole time.

[It was a surprisingly innocent affair?? But he was still pretty baby at the time.]

But I looked into it more after that, and found some suggestions for ways to make it easier, or even make it end sooner? I'm just not sure how... feasible some of them might be for you.

[leafwhistle]

[Truthfully, Kazuha is barely thinking about tea. As his boyfriend turns in his loose embrace, he can feel his heartbeat speeding up, his pupils dilating as he takes in Kunikuzushi's rosy cheeks and the aversion of his eyes. He loosens his grip, though he moves his hands to the edge of the stove instead, boxing the other Inazuman between them a moment before he lifts his hand and lightly taps scarred fingers under his chin.]

You're even more cute when you're shy.

[He leans in, then presses a gentle kiss to the immortal's cheek, then another again by his ear. He huffs a small laugh, his breath warm against the shell the shell of his ear. What did he want again? His thoughts have felt a bit fuzzy.

Oh, right. Tea.]

Ah... but I don't feel so well. I might need your assistance. Would you kiss it into my mouth?

[mistsplitter]

...

[ Just thinking about "feasibility" is making Ayaka turn into a tomato. Her face is so red now! To think she's talking about this with a boy, of all people... ]

I'm open to suggestions. Anything is better than this, really.

[ She rubs her hands together. It's starting to hurt again. ]

B-1

[devilsgame]

[okay. honestly, he hasn't seen someone quite so obvious in a long time, but she's not the... most? conspicuous he's ever seen? it's close though. naturally, it does him some measure of concern, given his own background - so he ends up following, from quite the respectable distance mind.

it's no real surprise when, in the haste of her panicked dashing from place to place, she manages to not only lose the shawl covering her face, but it goes flying off into the air. catching it is remarkably trivial for someone like Vael, and there's barely a blink of time between his arrival and when he's bending down to gently place it over Ayaka's head again.]

You know, the most suspicious thing about an individual on the street is how quickly they seem to be trying to escape it. [his remark is easy and smooth, hands sliding into his pockets as the vampire matches the young woman's pace.] Take a breath and walk like you're where you belong, and most people won't so much as stop to ask what you're doing.

[he absolutely does not know this young woman, but that doesn't matter. he's not leaving it to chance that a local gets some weird idea, nor that the poor thing amps herself up like a terrified bunny by the time she reaches... wherever she calls home.]

[lyingstars]

[Whatever amusement the immortal has for the situation dies the moment the Traveler opens his mouth, voice much too weak to find much in the ways of teasing him. The man looks as though he's going to pass out, but all the enjoyment the doll's had for this situation in the past is lost now that he lacks the desire to strike him down.

A hand reaches out to brush back the man's bangs, touch unusually gentle, as he considers for a moment what he wants to do. The need to breathe puts him on a timer, such a human act, troublesome.]

Tch, you're so annoying.

[There's a flash of light, as though lightning itself is striking down on the spot Scaramouche is occupying, and as it fades the immortal appears to be more doll-like. A form that bears similarities to that of his sister, a pair of arms crossed, another arm resting on a knee, and the final holding a sword that he lifts to the underside of the Traveler's chin.

The doll lets out another irritated sigh, as though he's already regretting his decision, before grabbing hold of Aether to hoist him upright enough to plunge the sword towards his chest.

If he's expecting any pain it never comes - instead the blade is stopped right before his chest, an almost electric clock face with spinning hands at its tip. It's not a cure for the curse, but it should allow for some breathing room. Literally.]

[somnolently]

Sorry to have worried you. It's... pretty common, unfortunately.

[a few of the flowers still curl up around his hair, but he doesn't seem to notice them much. a hand rises up to push hair behind one ear as Silver observes his circumstances.]

I've always been like this, falling asleep at random. I just need to work harder, I suppose... though usually I'm not sleeping so deeply that something like this happens.

[this being the flowers, mostly, but also being found out in the middle of the open.]

[sultanofsquat]

[ There's a good reason why Cloud didn't want to stop walking. Whatever was going to happen out on the gazebo, he felt well enough in control of his own feelings to know that he could at least have sense to move. When he had more time to think about it as they leave this place, it was really going to hit him. Lust, filthier thoughts, in that moment...he didn't have a single one of those. All he had was Cloud Strife's nerves, and the look on her face when she tilted her head up at him from where she laid against his arm. The tender look in her eyes when she teasingly told him to stay focused on the poem. And not the heron that he almost kissed...

He'd figure out eventually, bolstered by the Kizuna that made it easier to give in, that...it's what he would have wanted. Even if he wound up embarrassed by it after, it was ruined by the changing atmosphere of the orgy. Cloud won't knock it, but he also wasn't prepared to take part in it. Nor was he...really prepared for the idea of leaving poor Miss Kamisato to fend for herself at a party like this. Especially with how much she yearned to be held and close to someone. Right. Festering thoughts and vivid flashes in his mind be damned? He was getting her out of there.

...even if he did have to endure the sound of skin clapping against skin, the crescendo of moans, and the vision of what it would have been like if they were the ones staying. If he was the one that had her sandwiched between the hard wall, and his harder body...her nails digging into his shoulders as he hooks her knees in his arms as he—— ]

.....

[ He stands upright again with a warm huff, looking back around the same time that she did- only to do something he hadn't really done since getting here. Cloud laughed. He laughed alongside her, albeit more reserved and behind a closed fist as he can't figure out where to look. Back at the party? Back at her? The cracks in the pavement as he fidgets on the spot? It's just...stupid. Everything about what they just did after leaving the gazebo was stupid. And he's just...laughing over it. ]

[ "What did we just do?" ]

Made a daring escape? [ he quips in with a waning laugh in his voice. That was a first for him too. Then again...this world's been a lot of firsts for him. So when Ayaka wraps her arms around him so suddenly? He's taken by surprise, body going stiff for a few seconds. But unlike the last time he warred with his feelings and figuring out what was the right thing to do...

She won't be kept waiting long, returning the embrace as he squeezes her tight. ...at least this time he knows better than to go so hard to hurt them. dkjfha ]

Never a dull moment... [ "...with you," the familiar words repeat in his head. After another few seconds, instead of pulling away and walking from her like he normally would, his hands move up to her shoulders as he steps back. Just enough so that he can look to her, not realizing that he's still smiling. ]

Right. [ They better keep going. He'll reach for her hand again this time, waiting until she was ready to go with him. Where? He...actually doesn't know yet. But tonight, he just wants it to be with her. It's too late to go back to Tokyo, even if the train was always running. Did she have a place here in Kyoto? Honestly, Cloud was still making things up as he went. ] Gotta keep our party going.

[ The one they were having before the mood changed. ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ He's conscious of it, but he's still lost any coherent thought of just how long this lasted for. All he knew was that he had Lumine folded against the tree, her breasts almost crushing against his hard front as he felt her walls rippling around his throbbing shaft, some of his hot cum spilling from her stuffed hole and dribbling down his cock. Even after he feels himself spent in this round, her aftershock of flexes continue to coax him and keep him as hard as before. The next time they go at it, chances were he was going to last a little longer, having just came.

When Lumine releases her hand from his hair, he lets out another satisfied sigh. He didn't fully realize it yet but...having someone playing with his hair? Especially in this context, turned him on immensely. It sent a tingling sensation through his brain, making him wish he could just switch the scene and take her somewhere softer. To lie down like this and not let her stop.

She asks him something very dangerous then, the initial high he was on finally waning as he becomes all the more aware of the state he was still in. All the more sensitive to the hot, tight walls of her cumsoaked pussy that flexed around his shaft as his lower abdomen clenched with anticipation. He could keep going right here if he wanted to. He could keep full control of her and start driving himself up into her again, the squelch of his cum stirred inside her...but when she pleads him to keep going, fingers laced behind his neck and beckoning him to come a little closer, her cleavage swelling as her breasts press together... ]

Yeah. [ He swallows. ] Yeah...

[ He leans closer, absentmindedly lowering one of her legs until she was barely touching the ground when he finally (finally) gives into the urge to kiss her. He's no expert by any means, but he's too riled up to be tame about it either, sighing heatedly between passes of his lips against hers, so sweet and soft against his. His first freed up hand? Giving her a little more stimulation as he takes one of her breasts with a possessive squeeze, caressing her as his fingers sink through her bra. At the same time, his other arm lowers her other leg to slip around the small of her back, supporting her. ]

We should... [ he breathes between kisses, feeling himself pulling out as he keeps Lumine standing and pressed to the tree; with a small wet 'pop', his cock slips out of her, glistening in her wetness and his own excess of cum as a shudder courses through him. ] ...probably...

[ Another kiss. Another squeeze of her chest. ]

...move...

[ He wants to say her apartment, but he can't stop fondling and building her up again. He doesn't care if he keeps her right here or pulls her down onto the grass. Hell, the Buster Sword wasn't budging if they tumbled that direction. Cloud just wants her even more than before. ]

[brilliantdiamond]

[The abrupt transformation into a new form causes Aether's eyes to widen, the shock triggering a need for deeper breaths than he can manage. The resulting breathlessness is almost more terrifying than the prospect of fighting while he's in this state -- he truly underestimated how vulnerable he was right now.]

[More than trust, that's the true reason he doesn't fight back, knowing it would do him no good. Logically, there's no reason for Scaramouche to strike him down right now out of malice, but could it be pity? If there was no means of alleviating the curse before it takes his life, a swift end would be kinder than a slow and agonizing one.]

[But the blow never comes, and instead Aether feels the pain and tightness in his chest gradually fade away. There's still a sense that something is wrong -- a feeling of heaviness in his body where the roots are occupying, but he's able to take a proper deep breath.]

[His eyes flicker down to the sword and then back up at Scaramouche, expression still in shock -- but now, in a good way.]

...thank you!

[icepatch]

It's a family legacy, after all.

[Diluc is a bit of a landmine on his own. But Kaeya was used to it so he never really bothered him too much.

He laughed and shrugged his shoulders.]

No, I don't. But it's rare to find those who back up what they say.

[brilliantdiamond]

W-Well, there's...

[Ayaka's face growing redder is quickly manifesting the same in Aether, though the situation is certainly embarrassing regardless. Perhaps, before he simply jumps into things, it would be more polite to clear the air?]

Ayaka-- we're close friends, right? So... is it okay if I ask you a personal question?

[sultanofsquat]

I guess not... [ He shakes his head. ] Guess that's just wishful thinking.

[ He wants to ask. He can hear something crack in the further corner of his mind when even humoring asking him. But the part of him that was sound hesitates still... Still uncertain of the unknown. Still forcing himself to accept the history he's carved for himself- the future that intends to stake with his own two hands. In order to move on from the past, he needed to eliminate the last thing in his life tormenting him over it.

. . .

But not here. Not yet. Much as it keeps him up at night (among other things in this place), Cloud remembers Aerith's smile when she thinks of how that man was to her. How he used to be. ]

I heard that.

[ AND HE CAN SEE THAT, BUSTER. EVEN WITH YOUR HAND COVERING YOUR MOUTH. But at least he wasn't just busting his gut... As for the reason he knew? Cloud can't help but sigh, hands on his hips. If he's exasperated over it, it comes out in the dryest, actually not-pissed way possible, muttering as his cheeks turn redder. ]

'Course she did...

[ As for the tease? If the cat's out of the bag now, and if it's kept between them... Yeah. He ain't doing that again, he tells himself. But as he finds the courage to look Zack in the eye again, he almost smirks. Almost. ]

Good enough to fool the cronies in Wall Market.

[faeshim]

"You're very talented! I'm envious!"

Especially with the healing, he's wished he could do that before. But Fae don't have much use for such talents. They don't get hurt easily, and most have no desire to help anything else that does, humans included.

Daeshim reaches for both of Hunter's hands, clutching them tightly.

"I hope you never have to fake such a thing again."

[acutabove]

[ admittedly, he's not far gone enough that he can't understand what Thoma's asking, what he's saying, but it's getting progressively harder to try to separate conscious thought apart from the need to touch, the satisfaction and the pleasure he feels when the blond starts rocking his hips against his hand.

Thoma is already half hard and Childe feels a powerful urge to get him the rest of the way there, so it takes little prompting for him to squeeze around his cock to give him something warm and tight to fuck into, fingers pumping him as best he can at this angle.

what does he want? he should think it's pretty obvious. all the same he finds himself straining to reach him, straining to kiss him and press his cheek into his hands, unwilling to separate for even a moment.

there's maybe a second where his gaze flickers with awareness as though confirming that it's Thoma before him, that it's not someone else who had the good fortune to stumble into their shared apartment. as such, when he speaks there's no questioning in his voice, just an unshakeable confidence and demand. ]

You.

[brilliantdiamond]

[If Aether is bothered at all by the needless acts of violence, he doesn't show it. Instead, he easily curls up in Kazuha's arms when lifted, relief flooding his body as the pain finally starts to subside. The trust he places in Kazuha aside, simply being held by someone familiar is doing wonders.]

[Thankfully, the man won't follow after Kazuha's little display of power -- someone who would break his arm on the first hint of provocation is probably not someone he wants to face in a challenge, even if the prize is a particularly pretty Daijuu.]

[It's not until Kazuha has put some distance between him and the other man that Aether speaks up, his voice a little more present than before.]

...thank you. I haven't really felt like myself today, so I didn't realize what was happening.

3. i'm sorry did you want more trashy nasty smut

[ilqaras]

[for most of the night, Dohalim has no idea how he finds himself in certain precarious positions; perhaps he'd had a bit too much uki, or that the heat has clouded enough of his mind that anything and everything seems appealing enough. maybe it's both (it's probably both).

which is why he's probably not surprised to find himself on top of Olivine (though there wasn't a breath between them to actually introduce themselves to each other), the other man's legs wrapped around Dohalim's waist with his ankles bound together on his back. his own thighs are bound apart, spread wide. both of them, so neatly bound together, holes presented to those who want to use them. as another mounts Dohalim, his unrelenting erection presses against Olivine's, wet and sticky from the multiple orgasms he's already endured. honestly, he should be exhausted at this point, but all he wants is more.

at least he'll be able to freshen himself up later, when all is said and done.

as a cock is pressed into him, he lets out a soft moan as he looks down at the priest, eyes glowing rosy red, before leaning in for one of many searing, desperate kisses]

[adistraction]

Hunter flushes as his hands are grabbed. Even the simple skin to skin contact makes his insides warm enough that he squirms a bit.

He doesn’t want to pretend to be normal but it’s hard after spending most of his life trying to do that, and being told there’s something wrong with him everyday.

Fingers curl slowly to reciprocate the hand holds and he licks his lips, “…I won’t ever hurt you, okay?”

Hello yes please thank u

[massochism]

[The two men aren't much different, in some ways; their arrivals here are dictated by completely separate circumstance, and the source of their individual hesitations lie on different planes, but that's about the extent of it.

It's also something they'll talk on, perhaps, somewhere else and another time. Somewhere there's not endless heat and the haze of uki to contend with. He's not entirely sure how he ended up bound this way, strong legs around another man's waist, but here they are. Erections press together between their stomachs and the sound alone is heavy, enough to tinge Olivine's cheeks ever more pink.

It's already too much stimulation between them, and still he wants more. Nothing has been enough for him all night, not really. Cleanup can happen later, anytime there's not so much to feel... like the weight of another's stomach against his legs, pressing them harder into Dohalim's back as a cock sinks into the other man. It's only for a moment, maybe to give them both a reminder of their positions before he's moving.

Dohalim looks so pretty like this, he thinks. Deeply pleasured and just as overwhelmed as he himself, and it shouldn't be a surprise when he leans in for a kiss, desperate and hot. His own tongue moves almost immediately to chase that pleasure, eyelids fluttering as fingers sink into his hole. The moan he exhales is muffled between them then, a shudder running down his spine when another dick sinks just the head in alongside those fingers, teasing his rim with shallow thrusts until it twitches in desperate need.]

iii

[ilqaras]

Aside from you?

[Dohalim watches Red Wine's hand trail along the different pieces of furniture in the room as he eyes the more interesting pieces himself. it's not all that surprising that the both of them had crossed paths a while after going their separate ways to explore the party after nightfall. he's not entirely sure what the Food Soul got up to, but really, the most important thing is that they're back together again. Dohalim's usually not so clingy, but he can't help but edge just a little closer to the man, to be in his presence, to feel the heat of Red Wine's body through the thin fabric of the loosely tied yukata draped over him. his eyes linger on the sybian for a moment or two longer than anything else, before he looks back up at the other man]

The night is still long... Must we limit ourselves to one thing?

[it's safe to say that Dohalim would do anything that Red Wine asks of him at this point. though, unlike before, when they first started doing things like this, the look in Dohalim's eyes are full of desire for the man. instead of the hint of darkness that used to be present when he would ask Red Wine to make him momentarily forget whatever intrusive thought that wiggled into his mind. no, this time, whatever it is he would do for the man, Dohalim would do it because he wants to, to fully enjoy these earthly desires, and to enjoy him. the heat is only exacerbating that feeling, but the roses in his hair exudes just how much of that affection he has for the Food Soul.

his glowing eyes trail down to the riding crop in Red Wine's hands, offering him a small grin]

It just depends on what you would like to do first. I am yours to do as you please.

[fairlyheroic]

There's nothing wrong with a little wishful thinking.

[he wishes that the places that come to mind weren't ruined by bad memories; Nibelheim, Banora, the snowy mountains of Modeheim and Icicle Inn - all of them had been places he'd wanted to see, but not for the reasons he saw them. It isn't that he doesn't have good memories - how could he not, when he met Cloud in one of those places? - but each one was overshadowed by death.

Reminders that, for all that he took pride in being a SOLDIER, that it came with a heavy price, too.

But he'd much rather focus on Cloud instead, and it's incredibly easy and familiar to push everything else to do the side to do so. He can worry about the flowers and secrets in a few minutes]

I'm not laughing, I swear!

[he drops his hand but oh, is he grinning. Like he told Aerith he can't picture it at all, but that's also for the best, or he might end up laughing. Still, Cloud doesn't seem too upset about it and so, he doesn't bother trying to hide how amused he is.

BUT HE SEES THAT ALMOST SMIRK and it almost gets him in trouble, but no, he said he wouldn't laugh and he meant it!]

That good? Geez. Aerith said you beat out her and Tifa, too - you must've made a really cute girl. [okay, okay, he's done teasing. He shakes his head to himself] I wish I could've seen it.

[ilqaras]

[there's a certain dichotomy to how the both of them are being treated at the current moment; while Olivine is being teased into desperation, Dohalim's being fucked so hard and so deep that every thrust rips a moan from his lips. rough hands grab at his ass as his hips are angled up, back arching and needy cock pressing and rutting against the other's. lewd words are muttered into his ear, telling him how much of a good slut he's being, how good and tight his hole feels, and while in a different setting, Dohalim would have some harsh words of admonishment of how utterly lewd and derogatory those words are, right now, it only makes him more desperate for them. he wants something, anything, to tamp down the raging fiery heat in him, but with every passing moment and every passing person only makes him crave more.

as the length pumping in and out of him presses into his prostate, Dohalim's back arches as he lets out a particularly loud moan. it's almost enough to make him cum again, but he manages to hold back for a moment longer, letting that pressure build up in the pit of his stomach. he can feel himself tightening around the cock in him, feeling every inch and curve as it continues to fuck him into a new sense of submission and desperation.

but not wanting to feel this craze by himself, Dohalim reaches between the both of them to tug on Olivine's chains; at some point early on, he'd realised that Olivine liked it. and through the haze of his own pleasure, Dohalim does enjoy watching the man under him writhe in pleasure and the fact that he's able to give him that]