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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[shatteredstoryline]

[Stumbling a half-step back, Melissa's face grows concerned.]

H-how could you possibly know th—

[OH NO WAS SHE TALKING IN HER SLEEP!? DID HE HEAR HER? Oh god that's so embarrassing she'll just die.]

[somnolently]

[though he watches her with eyes far more wary than his easy posture might suggest, there's no movement to stop Lumine from brushing away that petal. He'd like to think people here are less hostile than not, and so far it's been... true enough.]

It's true that it's a constant struggle... but it's nothing magical or medical, else I would have been prescribed something to deal with the root cause, I'm sure of it. Therefore, it's something I need to work out myself.

[shifting his weight, he offers the young woman a polite bow, brushing himself off a bit more before he moves to start standing.]

You needn't concern yourself with me in any case, miss. I apologise for worrying you.

[shatteredstoryline]

[When Bricks walks in he'll be treated to quite a sight. The main room looks more like a tropical forest than it does a living space. The more he steps in the more humid the air seems to get, and that sickly sweet scent gets ever so heavier. By the time Melissa is in sight he probably already almost tripped over a wriggling vine or two.

When he finally gets a glimpse of her he'll see why she wasn't answering. Melissa is attempting to free herself by biting at plants attempting to bind her. Yet with each ounce of power she puts into her struggle the plant only seems to get stronger. Spreading all along the floor, up the walls, and dangling from the ceiling.

Poor Melissa is a mess. The skirt of her dress is already tattered beyond repair. Torn to be just a pathetic loin cloth hanging between her legs at this point. Both of which happen to be tangled in coiling vines up to the knees. Slick fluid smearing against her skin as the plant oozes what it hopes will convince its prey to ease up. It has one of her wrists bound too.

Once the foliage recognizes Bricks as a newcomer something drops from the ceiling. A heart-shaped bloom in a dusky pink. The petal folds look especially lurid, and nectar drips from a partially obscured hole. It will smell and taste of honeysuckle if he dares to indulge.

Though he might not get the change because Melissa lets the offending vine drop from her mouth when she sees him.]

BRICKSTON! Help! It's going to eat me!

[massochism]

[it would be so easy, descending into that depraved madness. Olivine may be more predisposed to the concept, and yet... and yet, they both hold on. Even as frazzled nerves are dragged with more and more stimulation, they've both kept some semblance of self up to this point.

Another hard rut into Dohalim signals the man behind him's end, a rough motion that crushes their hips together as if they weren't already rutting like horny dogs. Cocks slide together through the slick-sticky mess, and the man behind Olivine murmurs into his ear. You're such a greedy slut, aren't you? We might need something bigger for this hungry hole... it's followed by a laugh, fingers sliding free of his mouth once Dohalim's arm is free to move.

He doesn't know what they mean by that, what would be bigger - but God, he wants to know. Head tilting, Olivine leans into that kiss, tongue lapping as lips and encouraging the same. Behind him, a few more feverish ruts signal another orgasm, cum pouring thick and heavy inside his hole. They don't let go of his hands until they're done, fucking in a few more times just to stir up the mess before pulling out, sending some of it splattering beneath them.]

[charredflame]

[he isn't sure what's worse; the replica attached to his side or the fact that because of this stupid, stupid heat that no matter how much he protests, it's obvious underneath the anger and annoyance that he wants it, too. Ridiculous]

Then go, I'm certainly not going to stop you.

[even if having Luke pressed so close eases some of the seemingly never-ending need he's been experiencing]

[brilliantdiamond]

[Yeah, he's gonna die.]

That's understandable. It's hard to keep things a secret from family when you're close.

[...]

[Somehow, that has him holding her a bit tighter. Just how many things was he hiding from Lumine right now?]

But... could you stay? Just for a little longer?

[devilsgame]

Why not? I'm not in any rush to be home, Daniel's probably still asleep.

[don't look at him like that, Ayaka, he's got a cool image to uphold (no he doesn't). He offers a lopsided grin that's as charming as it is easy. It's... nice. Not worrying about Yohan and his insane plans, not having to pretend he's some menacing monster when he never wanted to hurt others.]

Besides, what kind of man would I be if I just let you slink around like you'd done something wrong?

[icepatch]

Is it? I would think Thoma would be the better option, wasn't one of his parents Inazuman?

[It had been a long time and Kaeya had never been particularly close to the young man but just like Mondstadt used to comment on Kaeya's exotic and obviously foreign features, so to had they commented on Thoma's mixed heritage ]

Oh, have I? How so?

Mm, the yokai are certainly a tough bunch. I'm sure you'll get there. They're just like us humans and have varying degrees of prejudices.

[brilliantdiamond]

[Oh god.]

[His cheeks redden further as he covers his face, suddenly finding it very difficult to look her in the eye.]

Because I don't think it was just a dream. I had the same one.

[His first time with a girl was being dominated as a little maid in a very fantasy-laden dream. He doesn't know what this says about him.]

[shatteredstoryline]

[OH NO HE SAW HER DREAM PUSSY!!! Wait, does that count? Either way Melissa turns bright red.]

Oh... that um, explains the... I'm sorry, you were probably pretty frustrated.

[Meanwhile the shopkeeper in the background is sweating bullets.]

[fairlyheroic]

[nothing about the plaque in his hand has changed but it suddenly feels heavy. And out of all the things he could write, each one would only make it heavier. Zack searches Cloud's face for a moment and he's not sure what he's trying to find, but it isn't there. Cloud's really trusting him with this.

A part of him is worried what will happen next; the last time he watched someone learn the truth, he had to watch a good man's slow decent into madness. There's differences, important ones, but he still can't help but be reminded of it. The week leading up to the disaster, Sephiroth locked away in the manor discovering where he came from - Zack doesn't want to see that happen again.

But . . . he also knows Cloud is stronger than that. This is something that, somewhere inside his head, he already knows. It isn't some life-shattering revelation like it had been with Sephiroth. Really, in the end it's just a reminder.

A big one. But a reminder all the same.

He debates trying to word it in a way that's less direct, but for all that Zack can be vague about most things, this time the words don't come. So, he writes it in answer to what Cloud asked and, after taking a moment to frown at the tablet and his messy handwriting, turns to hang it up before he can second guess it.

"You never made SOLDIER."

His hand returns, this time clasping Cloud on the shoulder. And instead of trying to explain it better, he waits]

[brilliantdiamond]

Y-You don't need to apologize for that! It was just a dream, after all. I don't think either of us had much say over what was happening. Or... when it ended.

[The worst part isn't the shared dream. It's that, because of that shared dream, he now has a very specific fantasy he wasn't sure how to fulfill. And he was already sexually frustrated!! Which is something this month hasn't made any easier.]

[But all of this sure begs a question, huh. He's not sure he wants to look over at the dildo again, so instead, he shoots a glance at the shopkeeper before looking vaguely in Melissa's direction.]

...but what about this thing? It's definitely the same one. I can't use Sora magic, so I doubt I was casting a prophecy in my sleep.

[shatteredstoryline]

And I can't use any magic. But look at the price tag! Do you remember tha—

[She's cut off by the shopkeeper scrambling to interject. Apologizing profusely for the illegal dream-ad. The owner of the shop insisted even if the worker was uncomfortable with it. He insists that if they don't speak about it to others he'll give them a hefty discount for the item.

After all... they seem interested despite being bashful.]

[infernaltouch]

Flushed? Sounds unpleasant.

[A pause.]

Alright, up we go. Let's find you a bench to rest on.

[And in swoops Koro, scooping Bricks up like a blushing bride without much effort.]

[brilliantdiamond]

[Illegal dream-ad... of course something like that exists. How many people had weird kinky dreams that night?? Awful.]

[But now that just leaves the dildo. And while Aether can't deny that he's interested, at the same time, he's not really sure he'd enjoy a monster like this by himself. So... he glances at Melissa again. The idea of them using it together isn't even one he considers -- just because it happened in a dream doesn't mean she's actually interested in him, right?]

Uhm... did you want it?

[shatteredstoryline]

Ah, well... I did promise you, didn't I?

[She feels a little guilty to have it one-sided like that. Especially since that dream has been on her mind for a while.

"I'll provide you with one still in the box. It will be ready by the counter."

Melissa can feel her face growing exponentially hot. Will they have to purchase lube, too?]

Troy Dantes | OC | M/F for now, he's still getting used to things

[lakan]

Intro:

[ Troy arrives here like anyone else. Confused at first, but eventually accepting his fate once his questions were answered. He remains unsatisfied of what he is given, but it's the best he can get out of the scientists and understands this isn't a easy situation for everyone involved, so he didn't want to add to the tall stack of problems. He quietly leaves and goes to find a place to call a temporary home, standing out in the streets thanks to his height and unique power armor. Once he finds a place, he checks it out and heads out once more, and see this big new world and meet some potential allies. ]

KSJ (No effects) - Kyoto

[ Troy feels a lot of eyes on him as he strides on the streets of Kyoto. His soldierly mind is in control of his body, marking landmarks in his head to memorize the place. But he can't help but feel a little awkward with how many yokai surround him, some even giggling to themselves while others whisper in wonder. Troy will just nod in greeting, and even wave a little at his "admirers". But doing so caused people to flock at him and talk his ear off. Admiring his armor until they start getting all touchy ]

Man, I feel like politician here... Hey.

[ He utters to himself, smiling sheepishly before trying to find a way out of this social situation without being rude. While waiting for an opportunity, his crowd of admirers begin revealing their true colors. They're kitsune in heat, smelling this new foreigner as potential prey...

Which he totally nopes out of. Anyone in the streets of Kyoto will see this armored man awkwardly walking fast and shooting a warning glare at people walking the opposite direction. A little ways behind him is the crowd of kitsune he amassed, gathering more of their kin to follow wherever Troy is going ]

Fox people in heat. Fox people in heat. Go, gogogo!

[ Troy gestures forward, hoping to guide them to safety from this ravenous gang. Eventually, Troy finds himself in front of a dildo store in it's grand opening. He sighs and hangs his shaking head. ]

I am starting to love this place...

KSJ (Daikou, Kitsune features) - Kyoto

[ Back in the dildo store, Troy seems to be looking intently at the store front window, where colorful plastic dicks are proudly on display. However his narrowed eyes and thoughtful humming were focused elsewhere, almost growling at it - his reflection.

Sprouting from the hair on his head are fox ears, twitching the more he frowns at it. He's never been grumpy before, but being awakened in a new world and suddenly being turned to a fox boy is bound to break his calm. When somebody calls for his attention, Troy just snaps a pouty glare at them. ]

Party Time (Day) - Kyoto

[ Troy attends the party in hopes of meeting the emperor, and even traded his power armor suit with a nice sleek suit fitting for a party. But as the day went on that seems like a pipe dream. Still, a party is a useful event in networking with potential friends. During the day, he stuck around on the sidelines and play the role of observer. He sees the uki and opted to skip it for now, prompting to stay alert while he's still getting his bearings in. Eventually, his proactive side takes over and he approaches people once he remembers certain faces and get a cold read on the sort of person they are.

Troy walks to someone standing or sitting alone, flashing them a friendly smile and an upward nod ]

Hey there. You're looking like you're taking a break, would you let me get you a drink?

[ While he volunteers, he wanted to express that he's interested in talking with them. ]

Party Time (Night) - Kyoto

[ When the whole party space shifts for the night, Troy is still there continuing to observe before participating. When asked for what ribbon he wants, Troy took more than one in case he changes his mind, starting with a smart choice of yellow. Like how he was during the day, Troy approaches first and looks for someone who might be a little hesitant or unsure. ]

Yo, looking for a partner to start things out?

Party Time (Baths) - Kyoto

[ Troy tries to remember the bathhouse etiquette in Japan while he's in the dressing area, taking off his clothes and folding them neatly into his assigned shelf space. All of this still feels surreal, but a nice bath seems like a way to soothe his mind to be more receptive of this new reality. After rinsing himself off, Troy struts towards the pool with the towel he's been given hanging over his shoulder, instead of covering his junk. His muscular body in full display, it only became partially obscured as he steps into the hot spring bath. He sits and lets his weight sink in to the calming waters. With a sigh he chuckles to himself and whoever is joining him, spreading his arms on the edge of the pool ]

Makes you wanna befriend the emperor's people just to get access to places like this, huh? Or is it just me?

[vennessa]

[She'd only really realised just who she was borderline assaulting a moment before he hit the table, and there is a small amount of relief in realising that it's someone familiar. The flush on her own skin stays subtle as she slides one hand up the front of his shirt to where it parts then follows the line of his collarbone in beneath the fabric.

He's warm. Ah, it's nice. Her voice is breathy when she speaks again.]

Oh, I think we should. [She wants to kiss him, she realises, but she also realises that people are looking and manages to restrain herself and pull him away from the table along with her.] You'll have to forgive me for not greeting you properly...

[maxwellsdaemon]

Duo groaned into Wufei's mouth. Rough hands had found their way down to his cock and the friction of that and the press of Wufei's against his own was enough to quickly get him hard and aching. The comment between kisses filtered down through the haze of lust already fogging up his brain, but once it did he smirked and let go of his lovers ass to reach under the pillow.

"I brought some things..." Duo drawled as he grabbed the little bottle and pulled it free. With quick, practiced movements he managed to uncap it and tip some onto his fingers. "They can wait." Because he couldn't. Duo had been just fine until he walked into the bedroom and right into Wufei's arms. There was no way he would be able to leave now.

He could scratch this itch now and then when they were sated, he could fetch those things... Because he had no doubts in his mind that Wufei would not stop at just this once. Not when he was in this mood.

Duo kissed Wufei deeper and reached around again, smoothing slick fingers down the crack of his ass until he found the rim of his hold and eased a finger inside of him. Soon a second followed, moving and separating, slowly opening his lover up for him.

[tinkerheart]

"Doubtful, but also I've never seen anyone come down with such an affliction," he replies. "Where I come from."

There. This is what he gets for expressing concern. It's always like that. Why does he even care... ehh...

[haran]

Thoma is certainly useful in learning about Mondstadt, but he doesn't have the political pull that you do, Sir Kaeya.

[a teasing lilt in his tone as he calls kaeya by his proper title for just this moment.]

Hm. I'm intrigued by the way you seem to carry yourself. Easy-going, amicable, but there's something about you that isn't what you present yourself to be. Perhaps I've had an unfair advantage considering our first meeting.

[and that small beat of self-deprecation he witnessed when they first fucked. kaeya's just... interesting in all respects.]

Have you met Itto, by chance? He is of Teyvat. He is of oni blood, and has faced much prejudice during his lifetime. [a smile.] I want to understand what he's been through and do what I can to change that environment for him and others like him back in Inazuma.

[icepatch]

[He supposed Ayato wasn't wrong. But he should anyone want to use any of the Knights for political pull, he would largely direct them to the Acting Grand Master. But Jean was no longer here so he supposed, as her aide, it really did fall on him. And here he thought he wouldn't need to work while here! Alas.]

Perhaps, but people are curious by nature. It's not unusual. It's very rare when one presents their full and complete selves to the public. People always wear masks, even around family. I daresay even you have one mask around your sister and another around your housekeeper. Am I wrong?

[Kaeya nodded around another sip of wine, taking a moment to refill it.]

Just once, he was having trouble ice skating and I assisted him. He seemed like a fun fellow, so I can see why you would want to make the country a better place for him. I suppose I can understand that, in a way. [If you thought he was going to talk about himself, you would be mistaken! Not that he wasn't thinking of himself.] There's a boy named Bennett in the Adventurer's Guild. A very unfortunate boy, full of bad luck since the day he was born. But he's very much like Itto, full of vim and vigor despite the bad reputation.

[haran]

And I enjoy thanking you. Whatever shall we do then? It seems we are at an impasse.

[a small chuckle as he just watches thoma bustle around the kitchen conveniently focused on his tasks and not on ayato. until he finally looks at him - and ayato raises an eyebrow Deliberately as the camellias spread around thoma's feet.

as the head of the kamisato clan, whose crest contains the very camellia flower blooming on his floor, he knows what they symbolize and represent. love, longing, and more traditionally, strength. he puts a hand to his chin in thought, his gaze curious and probing as he continues to stare at thoma.

while he's not one to demand thoma spill all his secrets, he is just overall concerned for him and he needs to make it known.]

It may worsen, given time. [a sigh.] Is it so bad a secret you do not wish to tell anyone of it?

Text | un: kingfisher

[sleepsalot]

[ The first time he took somebody up on an invitation to showcase their skills, which ended up being an all out fight, whatever it was, Noctis got far more than he bargained for. The man was powerful, and it ended with Noctis finding out he could summon the Astrals here.

Everything in him is screaming Do Not, but without Ignis and Gladio to rein him in, he acts a little recklessly at times. ]

I don’t have any of the wooden swords you mentioned, but I’ve got my own blade.

[ The fact that he’s got access to a full arsenal including the Royal Arms as well as his other weapons at his disposal is a small detail that he doesn’t find worth mentioning. ]

I’ll spar with you.

[haran]

[ayato is ever-patient as he always is with ayaka. he waits for whatever she has to say to him, his gaze soft, non-threatening not pressuring. a smile when she says she'd listen to whatever bothers him in turn - all of his issues pertain to work, of course, and he tries to spare her of his complaints, but perhaps he ought to confide in her more, just to show that she is trusted and that he values her input.

her question, however, sort of catches him off guard. and oh boy, is he feeling some kind of way about it.

does ayaka have a crush on someone? who is it? are they here in nippon? ayaka surely has excellent taste, but ayato would need to make sure that this person is worthy of her affections, to prevent her from experiencing any heartbreak that--

-ahem.]

Hm. People have occasionally caught my interest in the past. Even here, I find myself intrigued by certain people.