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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[mistsplitter]

[ Ayaka didn't forget. She could never. The moment at the gazebo where all she can hear was Cloud's voice, all she could see was him. They were in a palace, in public, but she shared that moment with no one else.

... until they were rudely interrupted, anyway.

But she couldn't forget. She's put that aside for now though, because they're still together and sharing time with one another, and that's more important. Ayaka doesn't mind what could have been and what was lost, because they held hands even after that, ran away from a threat that wasn't truly so, amongst other things.

She dances for him not to get back what was lost, but because she's moved on. She shows him a display of her elegance and grace, like a heron in flight, in hopes of letting him into her world some more. All he has to do is be there and witness it all if he so wishes. Because this is her wish— to be admired in turn, just as much as she... ]

What did you think of it?

[ She's breathless when she poses her question, laughing at the same time. There's no room to breathe when Cloud catches her lips, though, and for a moment, she finds herself at a loss on what to do. At the palace, would she have frozen up like this? Probably not.

But she tells herself that there is nothing to be worried about. Didn't she want this, too? She smiles against his lips as her arms reach up to wrap around his neck. Those thoughts of kissing him these past days all go out the window. This is much better.

Better... she tells herself, kissing him in turn, moving to the tips of her toes so she can properly reach him and catch his heart. ]

[haran]

Hm, perhaps. But anything we learn here is vital information for when we return to Teyvat. With the Sakoku Decree abolished, it's important to rebuild Inazuma's relationship with the other nations. That's where you come in, Kaeya.

[he finishes up his udon, props his elbows on the table, folds his hands, and sets his chin on top of them. he smiles.]

Though I must admit, you've caught my interest beyond just wanting to establish connections for Inazuma.

As for my government position, it is keeping me busy. I've found the excessive time unsettling, and this position plays to my strengths. Though, it is difficult to earn the trust of the yokai, I have the utmost faith in my abilities to earn it.

[skysilverknight]

[ it's not his, so it's not like he can say no or anything - so this is him handing it over, the "blade" pointed downward. he can vaguely feel the eyes of the store owner on him, unaware - or perhaps intentionally dismissing - the way the old woman jots down notes at surprising speed for someone of her age.

also, he's not really sure how to feel that of his legacy his sword is what gets remembered the most. perhaps he should take solace in the fact that this wasn't really a weapon (he thinks) but in the right hands... ]

I am curious... what do you know of his kingship? It's been my experience that there are many different variations, many different iterations of him over the ages. [ including female. that was an interesting concept. ]

[unactualized]

[It says a lot about how out of sorts Leona is that he doesn't even notice Loni until they speak, his nose too full of... other smells to register the presence nearby.

That being said, when they speak up Leona stiffens, face flushed and tail lashing in agitation.]

I'm not--!! [He growls, rubbing his temples with one hand. He was getting dizzy, the heat beneath his skin spreading like a spark turned flames on a dry grassland.] What the hell kind of imperial party is this?

[He finally dares a glance at the other, and... they're tiny. He can't even tell their gender (if they have one), but they're pretty and almost delicate looking.]

I'm not looking for 'alone time'.

[It's said sullenly, at complete contrast with the fact that there is definitely a bulge in his pants now. Fuck, this is embarrassing.]

[lyingstars]

[Repairing souls isn't something Kunikuzushi does, so he supposes that the knowledge of it happening was more than enough to begin the healing process, details cast aside. Still details would come with the knowledge that Aether was close to the person who shattered his soul, possibly assisting in the healing process, though that's possibly more on the emotional end than the soul. Something he's terrible with given the lack of heart and the even more conflicting feelings from the gnosis.

None of that matters as he shrugs, not wishing to argue about a subject he knows little of. Aether's continued coughing being a better focus if he was truly going to stick around - just what did he plan on doing should the Traveler die on him? Yes, he could bring the man back, but would he still be cursed? Would he even want to?

The question pulls him from his thoughts, thinking back on when the last time he even saw the Eleventh. It's been a few months now.]

Why would I? I have no reason to seek him out.

[brilliantdiamond]

So then... you probably didn't notice that he left Nippon last month?

[Or did he? Were they acquainted enough to have a bond? It didn't take much for one to form, after all. But then, even if Kunikuzushi noticed it breaking, that doesn't necessarily mean he would have known who broke it.]

[Although there's nothing in specific to give it away, he has a feeling he's getting closer to the secret it wants him to tell. Every breath is coming through more ragged, the pain in his chest intensifying, as if the curse were trying to force him to spit it out faster.]

He came back just two weeks ago. But as far as I can tell, he doesn't remember Nippon at all.

I've seen it happen to three different people by now. And so far, none of them ever remembered anything.

[sultanofsquat]

[ Would he reel back in shock at his own actions? ...not dramatically, no. But even if he was inexperienced in all of this, everything about it still felt...right. That hunger plays second fiddle to his own curiosity, and when he can feel Ayaka's lips curl with a smile against his, he finds courage even further. His other hand slips around the back of her kimono, below her obi to keep her close in his embrace. To the tips of her toes, he gently lifts her, still on the ground but pressing more flush against his broader front for support.

Her lips were so soft, the fragrance of sakura so soothing it borders intoxicating to him. Having what he wants, there was no pressure for his hands to roam as the heat inside him yearns for. This is what he wanted, and if it's just the two of them?

There'd be no denying it, either. There's no need to think about the past times he's wanted her. Because that moment is here. By the time he finally pulls himself away, their foreheads touching as he wets his lips following a warm sigh, he has to fight the urge to go right back in for another kiss. Like he'd been holding back for way too long. ]

That was... [ Words, Cloud. ] Great.

[ The dance? Or the kiss? ]

[unactualized]

[The crux of the problem: even with a strong sense of smell, it was very hard to smell yourself nearly as well as you could smell everyone else. As it stands, he's quite ready to take a nap once this intense craving for closeness settles enough to allow it, but that might be a long way off, even if he has managed to space out a bit. Progress.

But then there's a hand sliding against his ass. His bare ass, because beasts like him need a bit of space down there for their tails to move. Leona stiffens, choking on thin at the feeling of claws swiping over his skin, but the thumb pressing into the base of his tail and pulling sends a shock up his spine that has him biting down on his lip, barely managing to choke down the noise that pulls from him.

Nothing he can do can really stop the way his tail lifts high in response to the pressure though. Mortifying.]

Fu-- what the hell!.

[There's also no hiding the strain in his voice as he squirms, reaching out to grab the man by the shoulder.]

Who's the shameless one?!

[mistsplitter]

[ Ayaka doesn't open her eyes yet, letting go of Cloud slowly as her fingertips run down his arms to catch both his hands. She would still like to know what he thinks! But he's being very vague right now.

A vague kind of answer that she truly wants a more specific answer to. Heheh...

Her eyes open and she smiles. She's still doing her best to contain herself, doing everything she can not to grin from ear to ear. She can't— even Ayaka can't smile that wide! But she also doesn't want to hide how happy she is; how happy he's making her feel. ]

This is the first time I've felt this happy... I cannot find the right words to describe it.

[ Satisfied. She's so very satisfied right now. He's entered her dreams once before, and she could never tell. The reality is much better, because here? She can give his hands a gentle squeeze. She can ask what exactly was great. Or... maybe she doesn't have to. They can talk about so many things without meaning it literally, she thinks. ]

Hehe... was it really? [ Doesn't matter what he's pertaining to, at this point. She thinks she will understand anyway. ] Did you watch the entire way?

[ilqaras]

[Dohalim wraps his lips around the imposing thumb to suck on it for a moment, before his head is tugged back; he lets out a soft sound at the twinge of pain shooting up his neck. does he want to be hurt? it all depends on if he thinks he deserves such punishment. but the idea of being used as a toy for Chuuya's pleasure... well, Dohalim would be lying to himself if he says he isn't guilty of indulging in such lewdness with any of his partners.

it doesn't help that the heat in him only makes him want those things even more, as his back arches, pressing his hips into the leather pressed in between his legs. really, what Chuuya had listed off just turns him on even more than he is already as he ruts against the bondage horse. he's not usually one to voice his wants when it comes to intimate settings unless with certain company (a habit he's slowly breaking out of), so it's a surprise, the words that slip from his lips]

Use me... Use me for however you see fit... And punish me if I do not satisfy your needs.

[he lets his jaw hang slightly as he runs his tongue along Chuuya's thumb, wanting more than just the gloved digit in his mouth]

[sultanofsquat]

[ Even with his arms covered by his kimono sleeves, her fingertips trailing down them sends rush from the back of his head all the way down, contentment awash of him completely as his own arms move down. But before they can settle around her waist, her hands catch his. Both of them, returning her gentle squeeze. His smile is smaller, but ever present in this private moment when he finally opens his eyes in turn. No one can see him but her. This was okay for tonight. ]

Maybe we don't need them.

[ "Words aren't the only way to tell someone how you're feeling." Ah...he doesn't fluster, but he realizes he just outed himself. To be "happy", especially in this way... It's definitely a first for him, too. Everything was so uncertain still, but...as the days go by, he's going to learn how to figure it out. And if he stays like this? He might not have to do it alone. ]

Yeah... [ He nods with a gentle hum of confirmation. ] Every second.

[mistsplitter]

Maybe so.

[ She's far more agreeable right now, her thoughts racing a mile a minute, much like her own heartbeat. Ayaka's never felt like this before, even when she went to a festival for the first time, or when she realised just how important the Traveller was to her. This feeling of excitement is far more immense. She thinks she might just burst. ]

Shall we sit down?

[ Now she's not quite sure how to keep the party going. Dancing and singing is over, and she's sure they would be both happy just talking to one another, or the silence they enjoy in sharing. Should she kiss him again? Goodness! She doesn't think she could ever be that forward, but...

It makes her feel so giddy just thinking about it. Nevermind the Daijuu yokai's hold on her. The feelings of Ayaka have more power more than anything else. ]

Is this old lady just writing fanfics of them now

[wanderingking]

[He takes the sword, intending to inspect it's ability for being a proper weapon, when he asks the question. It was a good question, one he doesn't even hesitate to answer, even as he twists his wrist to test the weight. It's... floppy, sadly so, not at all a good weapon.

The question, good as it is, was an interesting one. He had assumed, by looking at him, that he had been quite an Arthurian fanatic as well. He had only heard legends, did his best to search for the treasures left behind, believing he will one day find the tower where Merlin resizes. Yet, he seemed less interested in Arthur, and more in knowing his thoughts on him.

Quite curious.]

He is the father of chivalry of my homeland. A wonderful ruler, whose conviction can match no other! To lead us to Avalon, until the end. A man who can split the heaven and earth with the Excalibur, who can throw the Merlin to the moon and back. His knights were equally impressive in legends, with lord Tristan using a single piece of wood that splintered off and rained down on his enemies, blinding them.

[... Then he smiles at that.]

Of course, not all the stories I've heard are true, but it is a testament of his greatness.

[bingboom]

[The way he grins at him, practically leering, probably means he definitely remembers him.]

Some people like the thrill of the dark, just like some are into getting it on in public. Say, I believe someone was very much into that.

[He switches on the glowing dildo, let's it turn up bright and colorful like a rainbow.]

Now, watch the lights. Watch how the colors just pull you in. Did you know that the temperature shifts when the color changes?

[lyingstars]

[The news of Tartaglia’s departure is new to him, unaware that any broken bonds he’s felt in the past belonged to the other Harbinger. They weren’t particularly close, Kunikuzushi had spent most of his time around the Eleventh trying to not be irritated around the one person who he’d really known from Teyvat — the Traveler not being the same case. Poor attempts, but he thinks he handled things well enough.

How Aether’s breathing picks up, sounds heavy and pained, has a hand tightening around the hilt of his sword. Tense. He wonders if he should attempt to clear things up as best he can again, try and give the man a bit more comfort in his suffering, but as Aether continues, the immortal makes no move. Eyes remaining fixed on him should the need arise where he needs to act.]

He hasn’t forgotten you completely has he? Why does it matter if he remembers Nippon or not?

[brilliantdiamond]

That was the spell! Not-- me.

[This is a bold-faced lie, he has 100% gotten down and dirty in (semi-)public places before. With an audience, even!]

[But he just ends up side-eying the glowing dildo. It looks so silly... but then, maybe that's the appeal? He can think of at least one person who would appreciate something goofy like this for a laugh, even if not to actually use.]

...why would you want the temperature change? That sounds a little dangerous.

[bingboom]

Oh-kay! Why don't you tell me which ones you want?

[He says, seeing the way his thoughts are headed based on the way it shows on his face. He is curious as to how much this guy would push to try new things, but well-- he's not complaining. A good customer is a repeat customer, and this guy might keep coming back if he plays his cards right.

So he pulls out the ones he thinks he wants. Starting, of course, with double dicks.]

See this? This is modeled after sharks. Double the value with the price of one! Come on, feel the smoothness. See how good that is to the touch?

[He doesn't actually touch it, but he is totally making Olivine do so.]

[leafwhistle]

Hehe, it's good to see you too. Especially as these visits are less frequent now.

[Kazuha leans up into the kiss automatically, his eyes sliding shut for a moment, but it's rather brief. His smile is brighter when their lips part, and he quickly steps out of his sandals into a pair of house shoes as he leaves the genkan. He turns, as he usually does then, holding up the cloth bag holding the strawberries and deposits it into Diluc's hand.]

These are for you.

[Once he's handed those off, he wanders off into the living room, his hands on the ropes around his shoulders. He's stayed in Diluc's home enough that he's quite comfortable here, knowing his way around with no need for assistance. Once he reaches the couch, he slides the large rucksack from his back and sets it to the side.

Perhaps it's just a bit rude, maybe too over familiar, but the household is essentially family. He raises his voice just a bit, so Diluc can hear him as he gets comfortable.]

When the plum trees start to fruit, I'll bring you some fresh from Wakayama.

[ilqaras]

[it really is a moment, more for Dohalim to gather his bearings again and make sure he's not a complete mess for when the next person comes in. he'll always be thankful that traditional clothing in Nippon also includes loose fitting hakama like his regalia.

as Thea opens the door, Dohalim looks up, nearly dropping the vase in his hands. he's not one to be so clumsy, but with the heat as well as a rather beautiful woman in his presence, it's making it a bit difficult to stay as decorous as he usually carries himself. Dohalim clears his throat before shaking his head and offering the woman a gentle smile]

Not at all. Welcome to the Oasis. Is there anything you were looking for?

[surprisingly, Dohalim's voice is steady, with practiced ease]

two guys standing six feet apart with an 18 inch dildo sword is a light novel somewhere, i'm p sure

[skysilverknight]

[ the "father of chivalry" is a surprising title, not one he thought he would be known by. the things that Richard says are indicative enough of his ideals, his values and it's humbling to know that they would be things that would, at least, not fade from obscurity even if his name did.

he nods along as Richard speaks - and blinks, the veneer of knightly composure cracking in the face of throwing Merlin to the moon and back. ]

I did what? [ while it was true that his relationship with Merlin was... strained, at times, even that was a little...

but there weren't many who were privy to that sort of thing. none here, anyway. ]

Where did you hear these stories from? [ he wouldn't be surprised if it were Merlin herself who'd said them, honestly. ]

[leafwhistle]

[Where is Kazuha going? His brain doesn't quite catch up to him until he's put some distance between him and the other Daikoh, and he realizes very suddenly he'd just taken off on instinct, trying to find some place to hide. He'd gone down some very convoluted paths in his unconscious journey.

When Aether starts talking to him, he gives him a funny look for a moment, still on autopilot for a few more steps until he stops and sense starts to return to him some. He starts to let the blond slide down out of his arms, his head feeling fuzzy, his body a little too warm. Aether smells like summer.]

It's... I'm not sure what came over me. Impulse has a way of possessing me sometimes...

[His cheeks color, embarrassed, but even as he sets Aether down his hands linger on him, loosely holding him as he looks the other over.]

Are you alright?

[brilliantdiamond]

[How many people actually know about this? Right now, probably none. It's a secret that's grown heavy in Aether's heart as of late -- to the point that he's begun to wonder if maybe he should just give up on the idea of romance all together. Especially when this isn't the first time it's ended in nothing but heartache. Maybe he just wasn't meant for it?

[And really, isn't selfish? Knowing he'll never be able to offer more, as he can neither grow old with them, nor promise to remain in their life forever -- let alone, their world.]

[His hand moves up to grip the front of his shirt in pain, but it's not just from the hanahaki at this point.]

Because he doesn't remember falling in love with me anymore... and I lost my chance to say it back.

[--and yet despite the obvious weight of the secret he's revealed, he immediately doubles over in an even more severe coughing fit, gasping as he chokes out bloodied yellow petals that fall from his lips.]

[re_sonate]

[what does he think he's doing? Luke isn't sure himself, but just. sort of tries to tug Asch closer to him. as close as his original is, it's just not satisfying enough, and Luke isn't sure how to quell that burning need]

I just... Need...

[his words come out as a soft grumble, as he wraps an arm around Asch's waist, fingers bunching up at his tunic]

[brilliantdiamond]

[It's not until Kazuha starts to put him down than the feeling he's experiencing becomes familiar. The moment Kazuha's hold grows loose, lingering as opposed to fully embracing him, he feels a terrible ache throughout his body once more. And it shows on his face -- looking pained as if the mere act of standing on his own was too much to bear. Before he can so much as choke out a reply, he practically collapses against Kazuha, clinging to him as he buries his face in his shoulder.]

...n-no. But I think I have an idea why that is.

[He should have guessed, really. He already knew heats were a thing the refugees would experience due to becoming part Yokai. And it's spring. And the Yokai specifically call May the month of love -- the signs were all there.]

Can we-- go somewhere private? I don't want to be outside like this.

[charredflame]

[he's stood as rigidly and tense as he always is, but it's surprisingly easy to tug him closer. Asch growls something under his breath - directed at both of them, really, he should have more discipline over himself and yet]

Surely there's someone else you can bother.

[he says, even as his arm finally comes to rest around Luke's shoulders, and if he's hugging him even closer then shut up, it's just your imagination]