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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[l0vemekn0t]

It’s the same. All of it is the same. This Sawyer might as well be the one he was obsessed with back home. They tasted the same, smelled the same, felt the same. Not that he separated the two very often anymore.

Puffing warm breath against damp skin, he finally shifts and crawls up the length of his lithe body. Kisses are dropped onto soft skin, and he can feel the ache in his jaw that’s telling him to latch onto him.

Instead he noses behind his ear and rolls his hips a few times just to feel the other wriggle the way he does, “don’t want anyone else to have you like this,” he admits lowly and easily slips inside of him with one slow shift. Sawyer is wet and it is easier but he’s still tight and it still feels like a little bit of heaven he doesn’t feel he deserves.

[bilocations]

Sawyer for once isn’t focused on his scars, on the brand, on anything but the others touch, his scent, the weight of him over his body. He wants to touch but he still can’t really when the others behind him. He bite down on his lip as the other’s nose presses behind his ear. It sends a rush of pleasure through him.

“Ah…” he gasps and then moans freely as the alpha slips inside of him, the possessive words making him shudder. It feels so easy and he feels full the way he’s supposed to be. He doesn’t want anyone else to have him this way either. Sawyer presses his hips up, his body pliant and welcoming, and somehow still aching for more. He doesn’t understand exactly how he could be so full and still want more.

[decori]

( Well, isn't that the question. Now that she's in here, she's realising she needs a reason beyond you seem a bit peaky, my dear. )

I... am rather new to the area. ( Where is she going with this, who knows? She'll just see what her mouth comes up with. ) And I wanted to brighten up the, ah, refugee apartment I've been given.

What would you recommend?

[decori]

( Well. That's more than she knew five minutes ago. And so Thea listens, intent, her gaze fixed on Brickston's face as he speaks. )

... But?

( Her hand reaches out, covering the one on his knee lightly in a bid to get him to continue, or at least look at her again. Unless it involves chopping off a limb, it should be doable, right? )

[l0vemekn0t]

Teeth catch lol n the edge of the others ear and he tugs on it gently; much more gently than he wants to but he still wants to put an extra level of care even if his brain is wanting to focus on something else entirely.

The was Sawyer sounds when he moans is the best thing he’s probably ever heard. It makes him want to rub his scent over every inch of his pretty body. This is mine, vibrating from everywhere at once.

Unlike the other times they’ve had sex, he isn’t as gentle, there’s a little less restraint and he only has his brain to thank for that. He wants, needs to drive himself as deeply inside of the other as he can. He wants to bite down on that smooth shoulder so badly that he has to close his eyes to keep from doing so.

[bilocations]

Sawyer whimpers his head tilting to the side, exposing his ear more, and consequently his neck to the other. Each thrust pushes his hips into the pillow, rubbing his cock against it. This is different from any time he's had sex before, even with Bishop. There's raw need and a height of pleasure that he's not used to.

He wants to beg but nothing coherent comes out just moans and whimpers as he presses himself back on the other's dick as Bishop continues to bury inside of him. He moves one hand beneath himself, going to rub his dick, to give it a bit more of solid friction.

"Please," he manages to beg again.

[mistsplitter]

[ Of course, as the Shirasagi Himegimi, she can't exactly say things that people wouldn't want to hear. She's forgotten momentarily that she's not here as Ayaka, especially around the presence of a stranger, so she has to at least get herself together first. ]

It has been worth it, yes, even if I haven't joined in any of the festivities.

[ She takes a sip of the melon soda, nose scrunching when she tastes all the air bubbles. Ah— that's a flavour she's not exactly used to. She's not one to drink alcohol either, only casually during special occasions. Still, it's not bad! The melon is nice. ]

My name is Kamisato Ayaka. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mister Troy. [ Gesturing to the glass of soda? ] Your taste is not bad, either. This is quite delicious.

[mistsplitter]

[ Ayaka's not worried about the answers she's been receiving. This is a whole different world, and she's fortunate that Minato is even entertaining her queries to begin with. ]

Thank you for introducing a bit of your world to me, Minato. [ She truly is grateful! And she will have to come back here later on, perhaps to purchase a gift or even get a record player for herself. It will be an interesting thing to introduce Ayato to, as well!

As much as she's enjoying being here and being with Minato, though, she can't fully get rid of the need to be close. As soon as they leave the shop, she asks, albeit shyly: ]

If it's alright with you, may I hold your hand?

[lakan]

Huh. Formal. Nobility?

[ He takes a stab in the dark and guess her background. It's an easy guess, with her poise and word choices that she's at least of the well-educated type. He waves his hand slightly ]

And please, Troy is fine, and glad that you like his taste.

[ He chuckles ]

Surprised they even have that here, honestly. It's a popular drink where I am from.

[haran]

Of course, anything for you.

[he brushes her bangs on last time - the bangs just falling back into place - before returning to the low table and taking his teacup, sipping from it. he stares into the tea remaining in the cup, pondering over her question.

he isn't sure if there's much on his mind, to be quite honest. just - well, work. and the thought starts to eat at him, a little. does he really have no other concerns other than work (other than the wellbeing of those he loves)? has he truly become someone who's focused on work and work alone?

well. he reasons it away by considering the alternative: he could be having romance issues instead, and that doesn't sound fun either.]

Thank you, Ayaka, but there's not much on my mind, truth be told. [he laughs.] Other than, perhaps, what to do with my time now that I seem to have an abundance of it.

[haran]

Oya?

[what is this juicy gossip!!! and why is this the first time ayato is hearing of this! careful not to get in the Splash Zone of the frying oil, ayato leans forward, his expression seemingly innocent but the glint in his eyes betrays him. like a teenager digging for the deets at a sleepover.]

The mysterious roommate. He must be quite incredible to gain your interest, Thoma.

[he props his chin in his hand, eyes once again boring into thoma but for a different reason.]

Though, you say he lost his memories. Does he remember you, at least? Or has he regained them since losing them? [surely, someone losing their memories of you is hurtful. he wants to ensure that thoma is dealing with it well, that he isn't just hiding things from ayato out of some silly notion that ayato is too busy for him.]

[brilliantdiamond]

...Ayaka, I jumped into an ice cold bath trying to compose myself. The last thing you need to do is apologize.

[Honestly, she's the real trooper here?? Aether tapped out much sooner.]

But hopefully we won't be dealing with this for much longer. And then-- if you want me about any of that stuff, it should be easier to talk about.

[haran]

[ayato luckily just laughs when amaya butss her nose against his hand. it was kind like she was petting herself with his hand? an optimistic way of looking at it. most likely, she was just annoyed he wasn't feeding her.]

A tease - much like her owner.

[gives kaeya a pointed look before taking the other half of the apple, presents it to her like he'd seen kaeya do for her.]

Does she ride well?

[mistsplitter]

[ Even after leaving the gazebo, Ayaka still feels as if she's there, repeatedly playing everything that's recently happened in her head. They walk farther and farther from where it happened, but it doesn't feel any different. With Cloud next to her, holding her hand, she can't help but inch closer to him as they pass people by. They're minding their own business, and Ayaka is having fun, but why can she feel her heart sink as each second passes?

They're by the dorms, and Ayaka walks a little slower. If Cloud follows, then what seems like a five minute walk past the other dorms and apartments would be a lot longer. To make up for it, she tells Cloud of the streets and where she saw a white cat once. It was a lovely cat, friendly and so graceful as it hopped from the fence down to the ground. She fed it a biscuit, which isn't something worth sharing, but she shares it anyway. 'Til eventually, the story comes to an end, and they're by the dorms now. It's quiet, as it is late night already and they're at the residential areas.

Before anything else, before they part—she wishes they did not have to—she can't help but point out... ]

Now you know where my brother and I are currently living in, either here or in Tokyo. Please visit whenever you'd like. [ A smile, the usual one that's so sweet replaced by something bittersweet. She'd been so excited since they met, but to have him leave... It's not like they wouldn't see each other again! But...

The impending loneliness is slowly eating her inside. ]

[redshields]

[ the reaction gets a laugh out of thoma, though he supposes it might be of interest given that dating at home has been a very scattered and short-lived affair for the most part. he's definitely never had anyone worth mentioning to anyone, at least. ]

His name is Childe. And he remembers our meeting at home, but I'm not sure how much he's remembered from here. [ it doesn't really seem like his place to bother childe about it when his memories involve a lot more than just the two of them, thoma's sure.

he starts to remove the shrimp, adding them to the rest. ]

He'll get his memories back, but I still might not tell him anything. I'm pretty certain he had a relationship before and he might want to go back to it once he remembers everything.

[ with the shrimp finished and the burner turned off, thoma turns to ayato and smiles. ] Should we sit down and eat?

[lyingstars]

I'm not claiming to know how this works. It's clearly bothering you, but if that's not what's killing you, what is?

[The hand resting against the Traveler's back begins to move again as the man starts coughing, concern evident on his face. This would be easier if he had some idea on how to determine what secret was killing Aether, instead of being only able to react as things happened. It's unpleasant despite the fact that he's seen plenty of people grow sick and die. Despite the fact that he's killed many, though they all deserved it. It's that same feeling of helplessness, knowing that he has no power to change things, to actually help.

That feeling bubbles up further as the Traveler has the gall to smile at him, to call him a friend when he's positive that's the last thing they are, only choosing to make matters worse by collapsing.

The immortal acts before he has the time to fully process that term - friend - pulling the man up into his lap to try whatever healing he can to help.]

Idiot, I said your secrets can't kill you before I do.

[mistsplitter]

[ Ayaka chooses not to talk about whether or not she's a "noble". She isn't, but the Kamisato Clan is a very prominent family where she's from. It doesn't matter in this place, she thinks, and it would also be a long story to explain... Definitely not a fun topic at a party. So, instead, she nods when he continues and talks about the soda. ]

I'm sure it is. It seems like something children would enjoy, too. [ Wait— oh! She covers her mouth when she realises what she just said. ] I'm sorry, I didn't meant to call you anything! It's just... the fizz...

[ It's fun!??! ]

[mistsplitter]

I suppose to figure out what you can do here, you should begin with a goal. [ Having cheered up, she offers her own input with a bit more confidence in her tone. ] As for myself, I'd like to organise a festival, one day. It will be starting from scratch.

[ She holds no power here, doesn't have much in finances, and doesn't have many connections. It's a rather big and ambitious goal, but one that she would like to work for! ]

I think I may slightly be derailed, however... I accepted an acting role recently. Oh— you must watch Cloud and I when we perform, Ayato!

[brilliantdiamond]

[He feels dizzy, and his throat is on fire, but-- the ache from before begins to alleviate before he's even been lifted into Kunikuzushi's lap. With a firm hand pressed against Aether's chest, soothing healing magic works to heal whatever lingering damage was left behind by the curse -- a necessary treatment given how advanced his case had become.]

[And for the first time since he left to seek help, Aether takes a deep breath.]

[It takes a few more for his mind to stop spinning, his body catching up on much needed oxygen. But as it becomes clear that he isn't coughing anymore, his eyes tilt upward to look at Kunikuzushi -- and once more, offer him a smile.]

Hah... looks like you were, after all.


[Perhaps it wasn't a secret he agonized over, nor one that caused him any pain or anguish. But certainly, after everything that's happened between them in Teyvat, and despite everything that's happened in Nippon, he never thought he would ever tell the Balladeer that he considered him a friend.]

[mistsplitter]

I should hope so. I would like for this month to be over already.

[ It's difficult and she wants to hang out with certain people but she's also being embarrassing right now so :'(!!! COME ON MAY. ]

[oneandoni]

[for all that he's pretty awkward about this stuff, at least Itto's honest about it, too. He's embarrassed, sure, but he doesn't see the point in really lying about his, uh, experience]

You could say I'm kind of new to all of - this. [a vague gesture to the shop] I usually got other stuff on my mind.

[important Arataki Gang stuff! Which he of course thinks about here, too, but now there's the added benefit of hormones]

I do like enjoying myself, though - it ain't about not wanting to, trust me. Mortals??

[haran]

[that sounds par for the course for kazuha, never found where you expect him to be. it makes ayato quirk a little smile, shaking his head at kazuha being so very kazuha. he turns where directed, helps kazuha up a hill when needed.]

I suppose that's understandable. But now that you know I'm here, I will happily get your groceries should you find yourself indisposed.

[don't let him, kazuha, he'll get all sorts of weird things that shouldn't be purchased.]

Ayaka and I arrived together. I've taken up a government position and I haven't been as readily available because of it, so I'm unsurprised we haven't run into each other until now. What about you, Kazuha? How long have you been here?

[oneandoni]

[. . .]








I mean . . . yeah, I guess it kind of is.

[is he into exhibitionism??]

[brilliantdiamond]

A tester?

[Embarrassment aside, it does sound like a good deal. And he did come here looking for something to help take the edge off this heat should it start getting worse again.]

[But then again--]

Like-- here, in the store?

[He can't just shove something up his man cooter in front of God and everyone in this store???]

[sultanofsquat]

[ It would have been so easy to just say that these conflicted feelings and urges began from the gazebo at the palace. But the truth ran so much deeper, far earlier... Even if Cloud didn't quite realize it, too afraid to try and put words to it all. But the day they started walking to the teahouse and spent the rest of the day together, the feeling of her smaller frame so affectionately nestled against him as the uki weed dared them to get closer, to the train ride that carried them into the night and back to taking her home... Cloud was new to all this. Yet even when both the dominant Daikoh and hungering Daishoku sent his body into a tizzy, every beginning thought of Ayaka remained the same.

He wanted to see her again. Not because he needed to discuss the play, or any other business. It was just her- the girl who finally had the chance to show herself to him. And not just the Shirasagi Himegimi. And every time he would think of her, his thoughts running a mile a minute every time he had to throw that script away, the more explicit thoughts bled their way into his mind. Until he was tossing and turning, heatedly sighing in frustration when he could hear a fantasy of her airy sigh in his ear. His body tingled, burning up from the pit of his loins to the rest of his body. In the end...he felt the same thing that she did. That this was all weird. That having these spontaneous thoughts weren't right and that they could throw a wrench into what he already had.

And yet, the very instant he found her again, when he took her hand and vowed that the party wouldn't end at the palace? When she shared with him a deep and sacred part of herself in that dance...

Cloud knew that he made a mistake. He made a mistake when he thought avoiding everyone he knew was the answer. He didn't want the first thing he did when he found her again to be listening to her beg in his ear while the thrum of enticing music bounced off the palace walls. Because the way he looked at her? That was real. Taking that leap of faith when he asked himself the burning question, "What does Cloud want?" That was real. And finally...the kiss that came from that answer. ]

I will.

[ Slowly, his hold on her hand loosens, oh-so-reluctantly as he can feel his own heart weigh heavier in his chest, on the brink of dropping. ]

Well... I should...

[ The look in Cloud's eyes was also something bittersweet as he reluctantly begins looking away. This had been an unforgettable night. One that he didn't want to end. Even when the inner yokai within him was clawing and fighting to breach the surface and make him completely let go. To take. Claim. Mark and never stop even when the sun rose on a new day. But on the other hand? Maybe he should let her go for the night, so as to not put more pressure on her than he already did with his presence. The longer he stays with her, the longer he wants to keep holding her hand. The longer he wants to go back to kissing her again. The longer her wants to finally...

Finally give everything to her.

Even still, he thinks he should go. ]

...

[ So then why was he still holding her hand? Why was his head throbbing, his breath shorter and heated as he didn't move a single step away? Cloud looks back down to her. ]