May | Event: Flowers of Buffoonery

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Flowers of Buffoonery↲ OOC Plotting

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

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

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

The Season of Sex

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fickle Flower Petals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Party Time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Comments

[haran]

[the door was purposefully left unlocked for thoma. ayato is home when he leaves the door unlocked, so there is nothing to fear unless you are a thief trying to rob his home, then the one thing to fear is ayato himself. he is in his study working on paperwork because of course he immediately found something to keep himself busy with. he hadn't heard the knocking on the door, deeply immersed within his paperwork as he was.

it's when the smell of food wafts into his study that he realizes someone's home. he perks up, getting to a good stopping point before leaving his study, letting his nose lead him.

he turns the corner to the kitchen and smiles when he sees the familiar silhouette of thoma. but that smile turns to confusion when he sees the trail of flowers before quickly turning to concern as he's heard of this particular illness from his position in the government.]

What's on the menu for tonight, Thoma?

[redshields]

[ the sound of ayato joining him in the kitchen isn't missed, the question earning a smile rather than a look of surprise at his presence. despite the question, though, it's easy to see the look of concern on ayato's face and it's not hard to figure out what's causing it.

there are a fair amount of flowers, after all. ]

I've already made miso soup and yakisoba because they'll keep well enough for more than one meal. I'm warming some of each and making some tempura as well.

[ his attention returns to his cooking as he speaks, not wanting to let anything go for too long or risk burning the shrimp. ]

Don't worry, I'm fine. I'm sure this will stop soon enough.

[haran]

[ayato's eyes are practically burning holes in the back of thoma's head with the intensity of his stare. though his voice betrays nothing, calm and placid as ever, like he's an unbothered king.]

Thoughtful as always, Thoma. Thank you very much for all you do, even now when you certainly have no reason to do so.

I certainly missed having your tempura.

[he rests a hip against the counter and crosses his arms as he just. continues to Stare.]

Hm, you seem aware that I'd be concerned, and yet- it seems you're merely ignoring the problem at hand.

[redshields]

[ thoma doesn't have to look to know the way ayato is staring at him. he can feel it. he can also continue what he's doing because he doesn't intend to burn anything, even with the intensity of eyes on him. ]

I enjoy doing these things for you. You don't have to thank me.

[ oh, look, the shrimp need to be taken out. thoma is Very Focused. ]

I'm not ignoring it. It's a problem I can't do anything about right now.

[ as the last shrimp is moved to safety, and before he begins with more, he finally looks at ayato. ]

It's not serious. [ he says as a few more camellias bloom around his feet, adding to the carpet of them already around him. after a glance down, thoma meets ayato's stare again. ] ... I'm not coughing anything up.

[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?

[redshields]

[ there's a soft laugh from thoma, a knowing sort of sound from someone who's sure that there will be more thanking in the future no matter how much he assures that it's not necessary.

with statements made, thoma's attention returns to the last few shrimp as he moves to start cooking them, the concern in ayato's voice as he points that out making him wish he'd held off for a little longer.

but at the question, thoma glances at him again. ]

Oh, it's nothing bad. I just... will all of this calm down if I tell anyone?

[ in truth, the secret isn't anything close to serious. it only feels like a secret at all because he knows he shouldn't bring up feelings to someone still working on regaining his memories. it's enough to make him wonder if he's wrong about what's causing the flowers in the first place. ]

[haran]

I will admit, I was not affected by the illness, so I do not have first-hand experience. But I've heard that it has been an effective solution for milder cases.

[ayato has his own secrets, certainly, but they all pertain to - you guessed it, work, and whatever secrets he must keep to maintain his reputation and his position as yashiro commissioner. ayato wonders for a moment if perhaps he's a bit unusual for his more straight-forward approach to most things that aren't work, but only for a moment before the thought is abruptly yeeted out of his head.

he taps a finger to his chin in thought.]

People have taken to writing confessions across Tokyo and Kyoto, so it's likely true telling anyone is enough, but the question remains on how many people is enough.

[he moves to where thoma is cooking - though he knows better than to hover over him, don't want any sleeves catching on fire or anything. just curious about the process.]

If it isn't anything bad, then- I must ask what's keeping you from addressing it?

[redshields]

I'm glad you're not. I think it would be worse for you.

[ thoma's well aware that ayato keeps plenty of secrets, some that eventually come to light and many more that he'll likely never know of at all given the nature of his work. but it does make him wonder if the illness focuses on secret feelings rather than just secrets as a whole. or, perhaps, if secrets from home count for less given how little they truly matter in nippon.

the mention of writing confessions is worth consideration, but he still doesn't find himself that concerned with his situation.

it isn't until ayato moves closer to him, as he's flipping the shrimp, making sure they're golden and crisp, that thoma glances at him again. ]

Oh, well, I thought I had to tell the person involved. And I would, but he's still regaining his memories of the last time he was here and I want to let him get everything back first. [ there's a light shrug of his shoulders. ] I have feelings for my roommate.

[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.]

[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?

[haran]

[well, that causes ayato to raise an eyebrow. he's pretty sure childe is a fatui harbinger. one that hasn't gotten in the way of inazuman politics like his other (ex?) coworker has, but one nonetheless. interesting. he wonders how thoma got mixed in with this man, what sort of memories they must have shared in their time together here beforehand.

he trusts thoma's judgment though, without question.]

Hm, yes, let us sit down before we continue this conversation.

[ayato takes some cups from the cupboard, filling them with water before bringing them to their table. he sets them on opposite sides before sitting down.]

While it is your decision in the end, Thoma, I must wonder if his prior relationship should have any bearing on whether you tell him or not. [at least, that's the impression he's getting from like two couples he knows of in jikan.] This place seems more receptive to... open relationships, so to speak. Unless, of course, that isn't what you're looking for.

[redshields]

[ thoma is aware of the position childe holds. he's also been given no reason to hold that position against him. maybe he'd find himself a bit more cautious if they were at home, but he's also well aware of the way he never would've ended up in a position to really get to know childe there. it's something he reserves really considering once they're all home again.

with a nod, he sets about preparing plates and bowls for the two of them, bringing things to the table in a couple of trips before settling across from ayato with a smile. the walk produces less flowers than before, but there's still a fair trail after him. ]

I don't take issue with the physical side of things. I know there's no way to help things from happening at times and I would just be hurting myself to want a relationship in a place like this if I took issue with that.

[ with a bow of his head over his meal, thoma takes a moment to start eating. it isn't until his mouth is once again empty that he continues. ] It's the emotional side that I'm considering. I don't want to put him in an awkward position if he'd only like to be emotionally involved with one person. Even if he'd prefer to return to his prior relationship, I still want to be friends with him. So I'd like to wait until he remembers.

[ another few bites and then he's smiling at ayato again. ]

In the end, I'll be in a good place regardless of how things go. If he decides to go back to living with his prior partner, I'll be back with the two of you.

[haran]

[ayato immediately goes for a shrimp, popping it into his mouth with a satisfied hum. he's gone weeks without having thoma's cooking before, but this situation is a bit different, with them having been in completely different worlds for a bit. back home, ayato could always just count on thoma being locatable, whether at the estate, in inazuma, or in ritou. here, he could only hope thoma would find his way back, and luckily, thoma did.

he contemplates over thoma's words as he chews on the next shrimp, slower this time, despite his habit of eating quickly. he wants to give thoma his full attention. and that attention is telling him that thoma deserves anything and anyone. ayato knows, objectively, people are independent creatures and no one "deserves" to have any one person without that person's consent.

but also like. thoma deserves anyone he wants. you feel him??]

I suppose that makes sense. It's better if he has all the context of your time here together before making that decision.

Though anyone who doesn't want to form an emotional bond with you is a fool. [just spittin' facts. ayato won't involve himself in a matter that doesn't involve him at all, despite it involving a loved one, but man he'd be tempted to dispense some Choice Words should this man choose to reject thoma. he won't because he doubts thoma would want him to, but man it'd be tempting.] But you will always have a home with the us, Thoma, no matter the circumstance.

[redshields]

[ seeing ayato enjoying his meal makes thoma happier than he expects, perhaps because they're not living together currently. it's a feeling that makes him sure he'll be around more often, both for the sake of more time together and to cook and make sure that ayato isn't overworking himself even in a place where he should have considerably less to do.

the agreement is met with a nod, glad that ayato understands. though the comment that follows is enough to make thoma laugh, a fond look settling on ayato after. ]

I disagree, but thank you for caring and for listening to me. I think it might have helped a little. [ at the very least, the flowers aren't spreading with the same ease that they were. of course, there's already enough around him that it could just be that they stopped because of that. looking around at the trails of flowers he's left, thoma grins sheepishly. ] I'll clean this up after we're done. I don't know how long they stay in a place after I leave.

And I'm happy to know I can turn to you no matter what. You know it's mutual, don't you? [ it's not like ayato is leaving flowers everywhere, but thoma wants to make it clear anyway. as if years together hasn't proven it enough. ]

[haran]

[thoma will find that ayato has filled all his free time with, yes, work. he works for the government, now, and there's much to be done including networking, paperwork, and cleaning up processes that are less than efficient. his attachment to this work is perhaps a bit less since it isn't his family's legacy he's dealing with, but he finds the work interesting regardless. learning about yokai has been an experience, and ayato intends to take his knowledge back to inazuma to see what can be done there.

but yes. good luck, thoma.]

It's fine to leave them. They're beautiful, and have me feeling a bit nostalgic, quite honestly.

[he leans over to scoop one up in his palm, admiring the petals, the beauty of it. it feels like home, even if the reason for their appearance is very unrelated to home. he sets it on the table, eyes fond.]

Of course, Thoma. [of course he can rely on thoma. thoma is the most reliable person he's ever known, able to accomplish anything ayato asks of him without question, though ayato has no need for such subterfuge here. well, presently anyway.] How many meals must you feed me in order to feel that you've done so much for me already? [he laughs, stuffing another shrimp in his mouth.]