May | Event: Flowers of Buffoonery

[jikan_mod]

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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[faeshim]

Daeshim's lips curve into a grin. Maybe it's the way Hunter cups his face. Maybe it's the whimper that he pulled out of him. Mostly it's his words, and Lennon could tell him how Daeshim would respond to that.

"But I can."

He did, he is. Kissing him was quite easy, in fact.

[icepatch]

Mm, I got this.

[Kaeya didn't mind setting up the little tea party with sweets. It was just them two tonight as far as he could tell and there was enough for Lumine should she come in. He hummed quietly as he set the kettle on the stove and lit it below. As it slowly began to heat, he pull put the bamboo whisk and matcha powder to prepare.]

I prefer my smaller meals, but I suppose it's alright if it's temporary.

[His gaze softened as he set the cups on the counter besides the box of wagashi. It was pretty quiet in the house, wasn't it? He opened the box and scooted it between them. They really were almost too pretty to eat.

He reached over to take Diluc's free hand.]

Then, I'm very glad I chose to leave early.

[sultanofsquat]

[ As dangerous as this all felt for Cloud...this was just as much for his friend too, wasn't it. The only reason it hadn't gotten worse for the blond was because of his own screwed up head... He didn't know what was real or not to keep secret. He kept making up and accepting what best kept him going in the present moment. But rather than run away from the contradiction, having had plenty of time to think about it alone...

Cloud wasn't sure about Zack, but...can't really hide from it any longer. He's seen and felt things that...he didn't know he was supposed to. He didn't know if he was still going to see those things happen, now that they've all been released from the shackles of fate. What lied ahead for Reno and the others...may not even happen anymore. That was the consequences of their actions. What was the old saying? "The more things change, the more they stay the same"? ]

When I made it to Midgar... [ Just you, Cloud? ] I kept seeing things... Chalked it all up to being tired after a long trip. Just the exposure to Mako messing with my head. But...

[ He closes his fist, reluctant to turn around and face him, so he only manages halfway, the man in his peripheral. This...is the most he's ever opened up to anyone about his past. He played it cool with the Turks, kept tabs on Aerith, and tried embracing new things around new faces like Ayaka and others. All because it's what he wanted everyone to see. But repeating the two messages that Zack places up over and over in his mind, how his eyes went wet upon reuniting with him at the great sakura tree without really knowing why... ]

Ever since I got here... [ Heat waves come and go. But he can only distract himself for so long before the silence opened the way to old pain. Pain he didn't understand. Pain that when he tried to understand it...he blocked it out against his will. What was he so afraid of by looking deeper? ] I can't sleep. Every time I think about you, it——



!

[ It hurts. Every time, it hurts and his brain shuts off- reroutes him to thinking of something else. Like what he plans to do next month when he goes to rehearsal with Ayaka. Like checking into renting a little place in Kyoto for every time he travels between cities. Everyday living. Everything that wasn't him trying to live his life as an Ex-SOLDIER turned mercenary. The throbbing wanes again as he lowers his hand, finally looking up at Zack properly.

He lied. He can't place him after all. He can remember some things, but. Where did Zack go? When did he go? ]

I can't remember where I got this.

[ The Buster Sword. ]

The day that I became SOLDIER...

[ He searches his friend's own mako-infused eyes, even if he was looking for answers his mind may not have been prepared for. Even still...he didn't have a madman digging through his head to break him. It's all him. It's all up to him now. ]

[ (When did I become SOLDIER?) ]

[mistsplitter]

[ A little late in recognising how unfair she's being, Ayaka places a finger against Lumine's mouth after pulling away. She should have said something sooner, but she was distracted. Distracted by her own thoughts and her own pleasure that she couldn't see what exactly was going on, and how she could give in kind. ]

Lumine, your dress... [ But she's interrupted before she could ask to pause so that she can help the other girl out of her clothing. That's fine, because Ayaka wants this, too. Ayaka wants Lumine to never stop, to keep going, because she never knew just how badly she needed this.

Instead, she fumbles. Gentle and deft hands try to find a way to remove Lumine's dress, to open it so that it will be easy enough to slip out of. The side? Ah— for a moment, Ayaka's hands go up and down her torso from either side, but can't find any. The back? Ah! There! She even lets out a soft laugh when she finally gets it, eager to see what the other had been keeping from her. ]

[fairlyheroic]

[this is a giant step into the boundary line they'd set when Cloud arrived. Zack had been toying that line with his own confessions, but this is . . . it's not just a step, it's a jump. Answering any of that, about when he got the Buster Sword or the whole thing with SOLDIER, they're not simple answers. One is a secret that Zack shares with him; the other . . .

On my behalf . . .

It hurts to watch. To listen. To know that no matter what he says or doesn't say, it's going to make it worse. There's no way to be vague or soften the blow. And not answering at all, for as much as that's what he'd like to do, he knows he can't. All it does is put it off.

His arms drop so he can put his hands on his hips, head ducking a little. Any other time he'd start pacing, back and forth to work off the nervous energy and to think, but he doesn't this time. Zack doesn't want to send the wrong message, complicate any of this further just because of his inability to sit still.

He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly.

The patient smile remains as always, but there's something else to it now. Something bittersweet]

I'm causing you a lot of trouble, huh. [it sounds faintly apologetic, even if he knows that it's not something that can be helped. Neither of them chose to come here, after all.

But he hesitates. The last thing he wants to do is cause Cloud any more pain, even if it sounds like he's asking. And Zack is the only one with those answers, but he has to make sure, first, that Cloud wants to know. That this is the conversation they've been putting off.

He turns to pick up another tablet, then meets Cloud's bright blue eyes with his own. Tablet in hand, he finally gives in to one urge and reaches over to ruffle Cloud's hair, the same place he'd been holding before. His hand stays there, gaze unwavering. The persistent smile on his face wanes into something a little more serious.

He inclines his head to the ema board]

Will you trust me?

saber | fate/

[skysilverknight]

i ❖ buddy are you daijokay?

[ it's perhaps fortunate that Saber hasn't been here long enough to be quite affected by the magicks governing this land, although it may specifically have more to do with the fact that he is, in essence, not quite human. in appearance he might seem otherwise, perhaps, especially to an untrained eye - but there is nevertheless an air of warmth and kindness to him, an effect only exacerbated by the well-fitted black suit and he's wearing, his straight-backed posture and rigidity speaking more of a former (or current) soldier displaced from home.

as unsurprised as he is that his travels have taken him somewhere reminiscent of Japan, what is surprising is that there is no trace at all of the beast he has been hunting. it's a curiosity that is quelled when he speaks with the scientists who inform him, in no uncertain terms, that these time loops are the sort of anamolies he's not quite accustomed to. parsing the difference between that and his own summoning during the wars is an easy enough task, but that doesn't resolve the problem of him going home anytime soon, nor does it address the issue of continuing on his way. with little else to do except to bide his time and essentially "wait it out", Saber has taken to the streets with the express intent of trying to get his bearings and learning what he can about this new, strange land.

in any case ...

perhaps today the heat is especially unbearable. maybe you're on a train, or just walking down the sidewalk and minding your own business. in either case, if you stumble or find things to be too hard to endure on your own - there's suddenly green eyes looking into your own, a hand on your shoulder, and a low voice rife with concern. ]

Are you all right?

ii ❖ my sword's a what (link NSFW)

[ it was curiosity that had compelled him to enter the shop and it was a morbid type of fascination that keeps him inside. he's not entirely sure what he'd expected when he'd read something along the lines of "wield the mighty Excalibur" but it hadn't been... this.

he's not quite sure how to feel. he's not even sure if that counts as a suitable weapon because with the right force it very well could be...

what he does know, is -- ]

It could be bigger.

iii ❖ wildcard

[ don't see anything you like? feel free to come at me with your own or plot with me here!. since saber is still getting his bearings and i'm still voicetesty with him i probably won't be gunning for smut but also if it happens yolo eyyyyy lmao

for those that don't know saber is arthur pendragon of king arthur fame. he's just been warped? summoned? time-looped here which is p much business as usual. the novel goes into VERY VERBOSE DETAIL about how much of a perfect knight and true king he is so that's p much what you can expect i'm sorry. ]

[privatechat]

Lennon knows that for him the topic is cracked open now but whether he'll have the bravery to bring it up later is up in the air. And it seems a foolish dream anyway...

He lets the thoughts of it and the hollow spot in him be pushed back in favor of paying attention to the way that Daeshim fills him just right. He moans as he tightens his thighs, pressing into the kiss. He holds him close, fingers curled lightly into his back.

Maybe he would laugh he knew Daeshim had been nervous, the other had never seemed all that nervous and he'd honestly never been disappointed with him. And really the sex got better and better but maybe that's because their intimacy kept growing too.

[mistsplitter]

I think I will, but perhaps another time. Today has been... [ She looks away to try to figure out what to say. She's usually very particular with her choice of words, and just because she's loosened up some doesn't mean that's changed. ] very emotional, to say the least.

Nothing has changed between us, has there?

[brilliantdiamond]

Emotional is certainly a word for it.

[He can't but agree that maybe getting their minds off such things would be better for now. After all, sex is hardly the only thing he'd like to talk about. There' still a lot about himself he hasn't shared -- things he might have never shared back on Teyvat -- that he'd like to talk to her about. Especially now that he's decided to be more open about himself here in this world.]

I think things have changed a little, but-- for the better. I don't know about you, but-- I feel like we're a lot closer now?

[...]

[Figuratively and literally. He is 100% still hugging her, and unlikely to let go unless she asks. A cold bath can only negate the desire for cuddles for so long.]

ii because I can

[wanderingking]

[A store like this was admittedly not one he ever expected to enter. There was nothing like that in his time, though the concept of toys wasn't foreign. No, it is the abundance of it that catches his attention. In this world, there were magnificent races he's never met, enough to fuel his curiosity as he explored the town. An aesthetic that he knows of, but only witnessed now, enjoying the sights. To walk upon a store like this wasn't even on top of his list of things to do, not when he had not been too interested in it.

That is, until he spots a man holding something akin to a sword inside the shop. Had it been anyone else, they might've easily missed him, just barely hidden in a corner that wasn't too visible from the outside. However, the blue of his clothes catch his attention, the subtle form of metal that looked like armor piquing his interest. Which is why he strolls into the shop, looking around curiously at the many odd displays, before it settles back on the man and the sword he was holding.

... That's one hell of a sword.]

My, your armor is rather impressive!

[He says, delighted, eyes shining as he approaches the man. Already, he can tell, he was another Servant. One perhaps who is also a Saber, judging by the way he grips the sword that-- okay, that was certainly a sword, all right. However, there was no tenseness in his own body, no fear as he approaches, despite meeting him for the first time. There was no Grail War here, as far as he can tell, and not the hostile presence of a Servant ready to kill Ayaka. Since she isn't here, he has nothing to worry about. They won't hurt her.

So instead, he focuses on the present.]

Are you, perchance, a knight of England? Perhaps, do you know of the great king Arthur himself?

[The armor is certainly from a European country, and the blue and silver were reminiscent of the stories he's heard. The possibility was there.]

[mistsplitter]

I think so, too. I hope what happened today will be kept in confidence.

[ She gives his back a rub with her palm, just bringing it up then down again. ]

I trust you, Aether.

[ She was just worried that they can't be friends anymore after this. But if Aether says they're closer? Then that's what they are.

Though she still is curious about Aether's past partners. She would not judge, and she questions herself regarding her slight attraction to him. Perhaps she should set her sights elsewhere. They're friends, before anything else, and that weighs the most regardless of where they are. ]

[wanderingking]

[He considers that for a moment. She looked flushed, but not unhealthily so. Perhaps out of delight, or perhaps due to the heat that comes from eating piping hot noodles in rich broth like this. Especially out in the open, where the heat could also add to it. He is aware of it, despite donning a jacket in the middle of a warm day, yet not looking at all uncomfortable in it.

(If it's anything more, well... This is the kind of place it is, from his observation.)

He flashes her a brilliant smile at the words, nodding once he had assessed it in his mind. None of the others seemed to worry, so his judgment seems safe.]

Despite being so beautiful? Surely, you jest. I cannot imagine company would not flock you at any moment.

[It was honest praise rather than empty flirting, meaning it wholeheartedly. She is a beautiful woman, in his eyes.]

I shall trust your judgment. Master, may I have a bowl of your finest dish?

[This is how you order, right?]

[afoolshope]

[Minato could understand the frustrations. He has a few cherry blossoms sprouting from his own hair, a sharp contrast to his blue hair. He was not well versed in the language of flowers, but he was well aware of the pink flowers association with death.

The spider lily, on the other hand...]

Does it have to have a meaning? [He tilted his head lightly. He was not going to pry about whatever the man seemed to be keeping to himself. But he had wondered how the flowers were chosen.] I thought it was just random.

[brilliantdiamond]

Of course! This is just between us.

[Especially since he really doesn't wanna find out first hand how much of an overprotective brother Ayato is???]

[It's a small gesture, but the slow petting is actually rather soothing. She hasn't asked him to let go yet, so instead, he relaxes more into the hug, resting the side of his head on her shoulder.]

Do you want to stay here for a little longer? Or, if you're up for it, we could still see about getting you some-- er, books?

[Yeah. Books. That's totally what she needs.]

(rubs my little bug hands together)

[soakedinvinegar]

"I can be as strange as you'd like," he purrs with a flick of his tails.

[soakedinvinegar]

"Never," he admits with a dark expression filling his eyes. "The place I grew up was not... conducive for children." After all, it produced men like him.

[skysilverknight]

[ the "sword" is in his hands before he can stop himself, more out of curiosity than anything. why they would call it Excalibur is beyond him, and with the flavor text of one of the signs advertising that it had "hidden features" he felt almost compelled to investigate for himself. it was, of course, nothing like his sword (unsurprisingly), and so he could only imagine that this was meant to be some kind of novelty item named thusly because of the size of the weapon more than anything.

... it was a weapon, wasn't it? they sure didn't have anything like this in either of the eras he'd been been summoned into prior to his arrival in the world he'd been before, so it was hard to say what else it could have been ...

the voice speaking up beside him makes him start a little, and it's more out of the sake of propriety and decorum that has him immediately setting the sword aside, almost like he'd suddenly remembered who and where he was. what the stranger says gets a curious look from him and he finds himself giving the man a quick once-over, trying to gauge his intentions.

likewise, there is no Grail War here. there isn't even a black beast as far as he knows, so there really isn't any need for him to be cautious. all the same -- ]

That is a rather specific assumption. I do know of him, yes. [ very well, in fact. ]

You must be quite knowledgeable to know from just a glance. Or have we... met before?

[wanderingking]

Met? No, not at all. I do not believe we have encountered each other.

[He's like a volume behind current events, so he has not met Artoria. Such is the way of the fourth-wall issues. There was no way Arthur could tell at a glance just what Servant he is anyway, not when instead of donning an armor, Richard was wearing modern clothing, all borrowed from some nice young men and women who had given him the chance to enjoy using their modern instruments.]

However, if it about King Arthur, I am also someone who admires his kingship with all my heart!

[Sorry, Saber.]

To think that there are others who do so as well. Perhaps the owner of this store as well? I see that the name of your weapon has also caught your eye.

[sultanofsquat]

[ He's reluctant, if only for a second before abiding her wish and taking a seat. He can't even say that he wouldn't have done this before living in Nippon, the way his hand lingers in the air after her when she lets go. As if selfishly wishing that this wasn't over yet. It seems that she wasn't the only one who worried over acting childish. From where she stands and where he sits, he flexes his hand as if he could still feel her smaller one fitting in it. He can still feel the way he'd squeeze it when silently telling her things would be okay. This warmth that he feels...it's different from the sweltering heat that made him hardly recognize himself before.

"This is a rather selfish request, but..."

He finally looks up to Ayaka, patiently waiting as his eyes spoke for him. What was she going to do? What did she wish to show him? The Shirasagi Himegimi had once said she'd become well-versed in a myriad of arts and talents. Swordplay, calligraphy, shogi, tea ceremonies, dance... But when she's about to begin, that last one...didn't feel like a duty of the white heron princess.

"Please keep your eyes on me."

Her soft, tender voice reaches him, a tingling sensation from head to toe. Nothing like how chills felt despite the Vision in which she cherishes so dearly. A melody that wordlessly beckons him to do exactly as she said.

Not the Shirasagi Himegimi. Watch Ayaka, Cloud. And don't you dare miss a single thing. ]

.....

[ Even when her movements bring with the falling petals of frozen sakura, they are a peripheral that play second to the woman who bears a piece of herself to him. He sits there, leaning forward in his seat without even realizing it, staring with lips parted, nary a word to escape. His eyes, usually so focused and fueled by fire as a SOLDIER should, have lost that very edge that harkens to his warrior roots. The mercenary was long gone, now. All that remained were the eyes of a man in wonder, feeling like he's truly seeing somebody for the very first time. Cloud from Nibelheim was watching her. He sees her. And he's not looking away. Before he realizes it, while he doesn't dare interfere, their eyes meet for that fleeting instant, urging him to stand up, the hand that once held hers regaining that comforting warmth as it gently clenches.

It was then the snowflake symbol manifests, ice blossoming on high around her and her display coming to a close. Her sole audience was there, trusting her when pure ice meets deeper azure. Her happiness was contagious, resonating with his as the bond they'd begun forming intensifies. Yet, in contrast to the small, beautiful smile that graces her lips... Cloud's expression says it all.

Is this what it felt like? To breath yet feel like he couldn't? If Ayaka was done, he should say something. Tell her how cool her dance was, and the grace in which she used her power to accentuate it all. Clap for her. Tell her how amazing she was, and how grateful he'd been to find her and have a chance to be shown this. ]

...

[ But instead, he closes what little distance remains between them. Much like Ayaka, he'd been fighting against his own yokai urges for her sake. Because he cared more about actually being around her for more than just hungrily claiming her. Because of memories like the first time they met, beneath the grace of a great cherry blossom tree. For moments like the teahouse wherein he helped her feel safe as Ayaka, and not as a title she lived by. What he wanted to do next, and back at the palace gazebo...weren't by some burning magic's grace.

Bolstered by them, it was finally Cloud's choice when his hand reaches up for the side of her face, gently trailing the side of her chin with his thumb brushing her cheek.

He finally kisses her, not daring to move away as they stand in the center of the gazebo as his heart hammers away in his chest. ]

iii. points at eyes points at you

[re_sonate]

[for Luke, he's been in Nippon long enough to know that when he starts feeling weird, it most likely has something to do with whatever is in the air, or something (and absolutely not anything to do with teenage hormones, no sir). it's still an adjustment, of sorts, to having to navigate around while on the edge of arousal, but he manages to do so, somehow.

but, for some reason, as soon as he sees Asch, he attaches himself to his side, wanting nothing but any sort of contact his original can give him. Luke's pretty sure that Asch would probably shove him away and tell him he's being stupid (even though they got to the point of holding hands, but that situational, and probably something that would never happen again if they're both in their right minds), but he tries to sort of bury himself into Asch just a little more, the heat in him craving his touch]

[charredflame]

[oh, he wants to shove him away. He wants to shove him away and put as much distance between them as possible, because Luke isn't the only one dealing with whatever it is in the air. It's a serious problem, because even just the slightest brush against someone has him wanting more, whether it be holding hands or - he doesn't let himself think that far, but it's a thought in the back of his mind.

So while yeah, while he wants to push Luke away, he's finding it near impossible to actually do it. The most he manages is to keep his arm from going around him, hovering above his shoulders]

Replica. [he manages to grind out in the usual, annoyed tone specifically for Luke] What do you think you're doing?

[skysilverknight]

[ that's definitely not the kind of declaration he's used to getting, not with such earnestness nor with such a straight face. the only thing he could compare it too was an experience he'd rather not think about, even if that is neither here nor there.

after all, the man before him wasn't exactly a lovesick twelve-year-old girl.

if he were to reveal his identity to him, he wondered how he would react. there really isn't any need to hide it, but it almost feels like he'd tarnish his own reputation in the other's eyes since he'd been caught out holding a novelty dick-calibur in his hands, surrounded by other fake phallic-shaped items. ]

Perhaps so. I don't understand much about this world, but the prospect of pulling in people from different points in time is a very likely occurrence. Or so they say.

However - I do not think that they are much of an admirer. [ he certainly hopes not. he shudders to think what they might make to pay tribute of the knights of the round. ] As it is only the one item, and nothing else. [ so far. ]

[wanderingking]

An item that transcends dimension. I see, the great king himself really is admirable if his Excalibur is known even by name like this.

[He is unperturbed, but he doesn't at least push it. If anything, he seems satisfied with his own narrative, even as he points at the really strange dildo.]

Would you mind if I have a closer look at that?

[darkdisgrace]

[Meanwhile, Chuuya was a man of fairly healthy confidence, ultimately. It hadn't always been that way, completely but--

Well, questions of humanity were best left in the past.

Still, that also means he doesn't hesitate to push Dohalim, pressing his thumb deeper into the man's mouth with a bit more force, pressing down against his tongue as he pulls the man's neck into a slightly more painful arch by the grip on his hair.]

Now that doesn't give me a lot of direction. If I can't satisfy my partner, I'll be unsatisfied myself you know. Or is that what you want... To be used like a pretty toy? Or maybe you want to be hurt.

[There's an edge to his smile that says he certainly wouldn't mind providing that.]

I'm a man of many tastes, so I'd be happy to provide. But only if that's what you want, too.

[He only pulls his thumb back to allow him enough give to speak again.]

Personally, I think you'd look lovely choking on my cock.

lies grow like pretty flowers

[bingboom]

[If he had put more effort in it, he probably could've found Kleken on the network during his first day here. He hadn't, because this wasn't Astra and he had been concerned more about Gin. If the guy you've lived your whole life with, practically attached to the hip, suddenly wasn't there, then the chances of everyone else being there is also slim to none, right?

Right.

So maybe he should've put more effort, then he wouldn't be running around feeling restless, pretending everything is fine and-- Okay, no, he would still do all that. He definitely would.

Especially when he finds a familiar figure practically swimming in branches, dozing off in the train. Alarming as hell.]

Whoa! Kleken!? Is that you?