May | Event: Flowers of Buffoonery

[jikan_mod]

Flowers of Buffoonery↲ OOC Plotting

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

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

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

The Season of Sex

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fickle Flower Petals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Party Time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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[mistsplitter]

[ Her mood from earlier, feeling dejected and upset, is lifted, but not entirely. She doesn't feel the need to be disappointed anymore, but she does feel a little uneasy as they walk. The... festivities are distracting her from what should be a levelled head, and the longer they walk? As she's looking at the person she's walking with? She can't help but wonder what it would be like for them— no, Ayaka! Stop that!

Cloud may or may not hear a disappointed sounding whimper come from the girl with him. She's doing her best to suppress everything she's feeling, okay??

At least it doesn't take very long for Cloud's hold on Ayaka to tighten. Whatever thoughts she's been having ultimately go away as she tells herself to hasten each step. They're running. She's clueless at first, but she thinks she knows now. The quicker they get out of here, the better! The moans get louder, you can even hear... what? The sound of slapping? Ayaka doesn't want to think about it, but as soon as they aren't running anymore? ]

What... [ Hang on, let her just figure out how she's truly feeling. She's blushing so badly, and she's doing her best to catch her breath. Then she looks back at where they came from. Those noises they kept hearing are gone, and she can't help but start laughing. ] What did we just do? That was so silly!

[ They didn't run from a giant salamander creature! They didn't even run from casting agents! Tonight, apparently, they ran away from the biggest threat they could ever hope to face in this place: an orgy. And she's laughing about it, because there's no other acceptable reaction to what they just did! Absolutely silly. She would have never done that with anyone else, no matter how badly she wanted to be away from it all.

Most of all, though? Because she's never done anything like it, she got to do something new now. She takes a step closer and wraps her arms around him without thinking. ]

Thank you, Cloud.

[ Or maybe it's that desire to be close that's doing the thinking for her right now. ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ There's a good reason why Cloud didn't want to stop walking. Whatever was going to happen out on the gazebo, he felt well enough in control of his own feelings to know that he could at least have sense to move. When he had more time to think about it as they leave this place, it was really going to hit him. Lust, filthier thoughts, in that moment...he didn't have a single one of those. All he had was Cloud Strife's nerves, and the look on her face when she tilted her head up at him from where she laid against his arm. The tender look in her eyes when she teasingly told him to stay focused on the poem. And not the heron that he almost kissed...

He'd figure out eventually, bolstered by the Kizuna that made it easier to give in, that...it's what he would have wanted. Even if he wound up embarrassed by it after, it was ruined by the changing atmosphere of the orgy. Cloud won't knock it, but he also wasn't prepared to take part in it. Nor was he...really prepared for the idea of leaving poor Miss Kamisato to fend for herself at a party like this. Especially with how much she yearned to be held and close to someone. Right. Festering thoughts and vivid flashes in his mind be damned? He was getting her out of there.

...even if he did have to endure the sound of skin clapping against skin, the crescendo of moans, and the vision of what it would have been like if they were the ones staying. If he was the one that had her sandwiched between the hard wall, and his harder body...her nails digging into his shoulders as he hooks her knees in his arms as he—— ]

.....

[ He stands upright again with a warm huff, looking back around the same time that she did- only to do something he hadn't really done since getting here. Cloud laughed. He laughed alongside her, albeit more reserved and behind a closed fist as he can't figure out where to look. Back at the party? Back at her? The cracks in the pavement as he fidgets on the spot? It's just...stupid. Everything about what they just did after leaving the gazebo was stupid. And he's just...laughing over it. ]

[ "What did we just do?" ]

Made a daring escape? [ he quips in with a waning laugh in his voice. That was a first for him too. Then again...this world's been a lot of firsts for him. So when Ayaka wraps her arms around him so suddenly? He's taken by surprise, body going stiff for a few seconds. But unlike the last time he warred with his feelings and figuring out what was the right thing to do...

She won't be kept waiting long, returning the embrace as he squeezes her tight. ...at least this time he knows better than to go so hard to hurt them. dkjfha ]

Never a dull moment... [ "...with you," the familiar words repeat in his head. After another few seconds, instead of pulling away and walking from her like he normally would, his hands move up to her shoulders as he steps back. Just enough so that he can look to her, not realizing that he's still smiling. ]

Right. [ They better keep going. He'll reach for her hand again this time, waiting until she was ready to go with him. Where? He...actually doesn't know yet. But tonight, he just wants it to be with her. It's too late to go back to Tokyo, even if the train was always running. Did she have a place here in Kyoto? Honestly, Cloud was still making things up as he went. ] Gotta keep our party going.

[ The one they were having before the mood changed. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ Oh! That was... tight! Ayaka's not used to embracing people, but it looks like Cloud is the same! She can't help but laugh a little at that too, but it's barely audible. He'd likely be able to tell that she's just amused, and not laughing at him. Rather than bring that up, though, when Cloud pulls away? She says what she usually says. ]

My apologies, I— My emotions got the better of me.

[ But it doesn't look like anything is wrong! Cloud is smiling, and he doesn't seem put off by her emotions at all. It's... still okay! Ayaka just isn't sure if she's being too much or not, but she hopes Cloud will say something if she is. He's allowed her to be herself around him, but it doesn't mean she should abuse it! ]

We can take the train to Ukiyo, if you'd like. There are gazebos by the riverside, and small stalls nearby for food and drink.

[ The view is nice, from the time she went there by herself! It's especially nicer during sunset, since the colours of the sky reflect on the water, too. It's very subtle, but it really sounds like she wants to go there, because she's swaying their joined hands from side to side. Nothing wild, mind, it's so subtle and so gentle, much like how Ayaka always is. ]

It would be a waste to put your efforts in dressing up to waste by going home now. You look very nice today, after all.

[sultanofsquat]

You and me, both.

[ When they first met, while he wasn't exactly cold...he was certainly more focused on business. But it didn't really take long for that facade to drop, glimpses of his self beneath coming through like Komorebi. Cloud still had a ways to go before he truly figured everything out, but...around some of the people he's met here, especially the one so gently swaying their hands? He's coming around. He's getting by. ]

Sure. Let's go.

[ Not to mention with the "Month of Love" still in full swing, that meant things were going to remain festive on this side of Nippon well into the night! ...hopefully with a tamer atmosphere. Though he's not ruling things getting spicy either. So long as he's here to look out for Ayaka, it'll all work out!

It almost felt like coming to a sensual party and literally escaping an orgy (overdramatic smh), served as one hell of an ice breaker though. Because while he wasn't about to go blurting out everything that ran through his still heated head? It wasn't much of a secret either, even when he committed himself to her completely- something that thankfully has the advantage of taking the edge off. ]

That was gonna be my line. [ What with how nice she looked and all. She looked elegant, graceful, hot all the time. But his reaction to her when she turned to face him at the party was genuine. ] Speaking of home... You got a place to stay over here?

[ He's only asking out of curiosity! Otherwise, they were both going to have to endure a long train ride back to Tokyo... After coming here a few times already, he's beginning to think it might be a fair idea to rent out a place. But that can come later. ]

[mistsplitter]

The train station should be... [ Still not used to navigating through these streets, she looks around. Ah— where people are coming from! She imagines they're on their way to the party since they're... dressed up.

(Too bad they're losing those clothes as soon as they get there?) ] This way. Please follow me.

[ Cloud's already holding her hand, so all she does is a gentle tug of his hand before she starts walking. If he's next to her soon after, she's not even going to hesitate. What they've done earlier was very comfortable, and she's starting to get used to it. Wrapping her free hand around his arm, she leans against it as they walk.

Nevermind the other people looking at them and whispering "what a well-dressed couple!" and all that. Ayaka can't hear them. All she can focus on is the person she's with, actually. ]

Mm, I thought to get a dorm here, as well. My brother works in the government now, so if he's busy and can't go home, he has another house to get back to. Although I'm not sure how well he keeps the place...

[ Sweats........... she hopes it is clean. . . ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ Cloud's gotten a general lay of the land by now, he thinks! At least, he knows most of the names of districts within each respective city. ...most. Something's bound to crop up that throws him for a loop. He follows her lead, his free hand on his hip as he taps his foot in thought. Luckily for them, their clue comes in the form of people hurrying out in a pile en route to the palace! It's close by! And when she beckons him to follow her? He does exactly that. ...for all of a couple moments before he feels strange being lead along like this. The squeeze of his hand is something that plays in his head over and over...

It's a comforting feeling. One that isn't accompanied by the usual sweltering waves of heat that made him want to pull her back against him. Never fully waning, but also not growing wild and out of control either. He's felt what it's like to let the Daikoh and even the Daishoku within him run rampant. And for Ayaka's sake...it's the last thing he wants to spring on her. Isn't that bottling things up again, Cloud? Once he's stepping up to her side, he doesn't hesitate in leaving an opening for her wrap her hand around his strong arm.

There it is...the pillar of support he's put himself up to be. Even when he didn't know how long he could keep that up for on his journey. Cloud can hear the murmurings, meanwhile. "well-dressed couple"... Hah. Well, so long as it meant that his attention was focused solely on her? He'll be okay. He's okay with taking possession of her for one night if it meant she was comfortable and safe.

After all, she wasn't the only one who needed this. ]

He worked his way up fast. [ A beat. ] Guess I shouldn't be too surprised.

[ He was the head of his clan back home, after all. When Ayaka mentions her brother's unkempt tendencies, he doesn't quite laugh but. His shoulders lightly shrug as he gently huffs, expression lifting some. ]

Common trend?

[ Cloud's never really had time to accumulate anything wherever he's stayed. But if his future doesn't change? He's in the same boat as her bro. He faces ahead as they begin making their way up the wide-pathed flight of stairs leading to the train station. ]

I'll figure out where to stay down the road. Gonna need to if I'm gonna keep coming back.

[mistsplitter]

Hehe, I think you need to, yes.

[ That's her commitment to him— to make him keep coming back to this place! Ayaka likes to spend time in Tokyo, too, but lately, she's been coming to the university to learn more about this place and its culture. If she wants to host a festival one day, after all, she's going to have to study a lot. ]

Ah, and you should send me a message if you are. If I'm here, perhaps we can have tea together. If we aren't here for rehearsals already, too.

[ Just another means of hanging out! Perhaps Ayaka is a little too eager, but she's also very lacking in friends. It wasn't until recently, where she's from, that she's gotten to make more friends, after all. The way she handles things and sees friendship may be a little different from others, but she wants to be seen as a good friend regardless. ]

Perhaps you could hire one of those... "maid services" I heard about.

[ AYAKA THAT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK IT MEANS ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ Before, he might have passed her invitation off in a nonchalant manner. Something that a rough 'n tumble Ex-SOLDIER turned merc would say like, "No promises." But...after everything that's happened with him this month? Hell, since arriving last month? She's become privy to another side of him that he didn't even remember. A side that was starting to show itself day by day. It's going to take some time, but...he'll find his way. With a nod and a turn of his head to look down at her, he keeps it plain and simple. But true. ]

Count on it.

[ And he intends to keep it. ]

I...doubt they're the same thing here, Ayaka.

[ Listen. Cloud didn't even need to come to this world to know better (thanks slums), and even he had an inkling what they would be like here. A lot of this world seemed to revolve around intimacy, emotional or physical. No doubt he could look these "services" up and...yeah no he just won't. akdsfj Whether they pursue this conversation or not? At least the train hasn't left the station yet! And since most were staying in the heart of Kyoto, there were hardly any lines to speak of to get on! ]

[mistsplitter]

[ Just their luck! Ayaka's gotten used to the whole train pass thing too— before, she'd be so confused which surface to put the pass on and if she can walk past the turnstile already. Now she's gotten a hang of it! And with there having been more people arriving than departing this station, there are a lot of seats for the two of them on their very short trip to Ukiyo. Taking his hand again and placing theirs on her lap once they're seated, she tells him— ]

We're just two stations away. This won't take long.

[ But they talk about so many things, Ayaka might get distracted and not hear their stop. Hopefully Cloud will be the more alert one between the two of them.

Speaking of which? ]

What were you saying about the maid service? What else could it possibly mean?

[ ... she's so innocent. This is the innocence Ayato wants to protect. And you're an ally of Ayato's, Cloud. ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ Cloud will indeed be the one keeping an open ear for their stop being announced. 10? 15 minutes tops? The intercity trains didn't go nearly as fast as the underground one tying Tokyo & Kyoto together. He's prepared to sit contently, not having to worry about readjusting a Buster Sword on his back with his hand settling right back in her lap. He feels a little naked without its familiar weight, if he was being honest. ]

Huh?

[ Oh. Shit, he thought boarding the train was enough of a buffer. WHAT DO?! ]

Well, uh... [ Careful, Cloud. Time to horseshit your way through this. ] It's just...

[ /// ]

Knowing where we are, there could be more to a "maid service" besides...um...cleaning.

[ Please don't say "like what?" Please don't say "like what?" Please don't say "like what?" Cloud's already an amalgamation of yokai heats Please don't say "like what?" ]

[mistsplitter]

Oh...

[ That's all she'll say about that. She imagined hiring a maid from a maid service would have been convenient! But perhaps she was a little too trusting of this world. If people offered other services, like in the last train, the party one? Then... good for them.

Ayaka just doesn't want to have anything to do with those kinds of things. ]

This truly is a... unique place, isn't it?

[sultanofsquat]

[ Seeing her reaction almost makes him feel bad. Well. He'd feel worse...if he hadn't already been through the proverbial ringer himself upon arriving here. That doesn't seem to stop Cloud's expression from dropping a little bit. That wasn't going to stop him from keeping her secure though, his hand not once leaving her lap as he looks down to her at his side when the train departs from the station.

It's quiet, and there's only a chance few people scattered throughout the car they're in. Luckily, they seem to be minding their own business. Not to mention he didn't trust himself with the Yokai waves of heat that've sent him in a tizzy before. He may be committed to Ayaka, but pheromones didn't discriminate if anyone were to get too close.

unique, she says. There's something about being with her that made him want to hold his tongue. Put a filter over himself for her sake, even if he was still finding a way to act more true to himself. In actuality? The proper word he was looking for was shyness. Why was he so shy around her?

But...after what they've just escaped, and effectively danced around for so long? It was only a matter of time before his own suppressed thoughts and feelings seeped to the surface. Why else was he about to do what he did under that gazebo? He sighs, softer in tone as if wishing to keep this conversation solely to her. Words for her and her alone. ]

Place's been nothing but firsts for me.

[mistsplitter]

[ Nothing but firsts, huh? Ayaka is an agreement to that, because this place has made her experience so many new things, whether it's new food or something more intimate. Not to mention, she's met so many new people from different worlds...

As "unique" as this place is? She does like it a little bit. If she can be free as a heron in flight, then she's happy. ]

Like... first time wearing a kimono, yes?

[ She'll gladly dodge other firsts. Ayaka would prefer to keep her first kiss a secret— ah, now she's thinking about it. But it's easy enough to hide with a soft giggle. There's nothing to be ashamed of, she thinks, but it was done privately. To her? It will remain private.

The thought passes quickly enough, though, because now she's wondering... if they weren't interrupted at the gazebo, would she have kissed Cloud for the first time? But a "first time" would imply more times. Now she's curious. . . ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ As far as Cloud was concerned? He was keeping his own first kiss a secret, too. Even being by himself and thinking back, it was enough to get him shaking his head at just how crazy it all was. All he wanted to do was try and distract himself when this month kicked itself into high gear, but he only found himself getting further and further pent up. Every time he went back to reading their script, he'd throw it away when it got too hard to focus. When he thought of a certain 'princess' and the flush of her cheeks as she looked up at him, her pure blue eyes just melting any and all remnants of ice that may still linger around his heart. He just...melted when he thought about her.

And it's for that very reason that Cloud tried to stay away. Because the last thing he wanted to do was make things worse for her if he couldn't contain himself. With no regrets, lo and behold, however...

Her coy dodge isn't lost on him. If anything? He can't help but shoot her a little smirk before relaxing some more, gently leaning against her too. ]

That's one of 'em.

[ As he says that, the clasp of their hands in her lap changes again. It comes to him as naturally as breathing, being able to hold her closer as he coaxes her fingers apart for him to be laced once more. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ She just smiles at that, mostly because there's nothing else she can add. Truth be told, while she does like talking to Cloud and spending time with him, what she knows of him in this world is very little. She asks about his world but not much of how he is here.

... she should change that at some point, huh? Maybe then she would have more to enumerate. As for her? He's definitely the first friend she's made outside of Teyvat.

And she thinks of that when she looks at their joined hands. Her smile grows wider as he gives his hand a squeeze, their fingers now interlaced. She's... happy like this. They're continuing the party, but she wouldn't be against just doing this even in silence. It doesn't matter if what happened at the gazebo would happen again, if they weren't interrupted. But she remembers that now, and how she's going to show him a nice spot in Ukiyo.

... that's not what she intends by showing him there! They say that the parties here are more exciting when people dance, so she would like to show him something. ]

What else should we do after this month is over?

[ That's a good distraction from all these thoughts, right? You can do it, Ayaka. Not to mention, they're already at their station! There aren't a lot of people getting down or getting in, so it's easy to get up and off. The riverside view is nice right off the bat, and where Ayaka wants to take Cloud isn't far from the station. ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ There's a lot more that he could say, and that wasn't even beginning to cover the more private affairs. Like how this was the first time he'd tried acting with someone. Or how this was the first time he'd gone to a teahouse, or shared sushi with someone and played janken over the last piece. How he let someone get close and stay close to him; that person was her. How it was the first time he'd taken somebody's hand like this, and stayed like this, not wanting to let go. But...for now, those were those little moments he'd been told to make the most of, treasured close as he shares this night with her.

He got to keep the party going. That's the best thing he could ask for now that he found her. When they get up, he leads her off the train before they begin to take the steps down towards Ukiyo. With the festival lanterns alight, it casts a beautiful speckled shine over the riverside as they head their way down and into the street. ]

When I can think straight again? [ It's a joke. Mostly. He's felt the most like himself since staying with her tonight! ] Well...

I thought of something...

[ He's not a fight nut, honest. He just knows what she can do. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ Oh, she gets it, even if it's a joke. As much as Ayaka would like to think that she's herself now, at this very moment, she's also a little anxious of how she'd be after this party is over. She doesn't want to go back to feeling like she needs to be touched constantly, to thinking of her friends as more than just that, to imagining her lips on him specifically, his hands in her hair while he gently lays her down on a bed. If this party can keep going for as long as possible, she certainly would not be against it.

Though... if she spends all evening with Cloud, she knows her brother would get worried. And it would be so unbecoming to be out 'til late night like this, isn't it? Then again, she's always wanted to do something like this. People at festivals always go home so late because they're out with their friends. Ah, to experience that for herself, too! She should send Ayato a message... ]

What is it?

[ They pass by some stalls selling all kinds of snacks. Takoyaki, some fried octopus legs, pancakes, and other things. The line of stalls lead to a park! Lanterns are lined up everywhere, a guiding light through the path that lead to various gazebos. There's even a fountain somewhere in the middle! As for where Ayaka would like to go? It's a specific gazebo just past the fountain. And perhaps it's because it's far enough that people don't go there as much. She certainly enjoyed reading a book from middle to finish there uninterrupted! Not to mention, just a little walk from it would be a good view of a stream and a flight of stairs. Ayaka's never been there, but she's heard it leads to a small shrine. ]

[sultanofsquat]

To distract myself, [ after that moment in the teahouse with Ayaka and on, ] I put a message out asking for sparring sessions.

[ Yeah and how did that work out for you Cloud. Occasionally, his gaze flits from the girl around his arm, to the various stalls and the guiding light of the lanterns that illuminate their way. As they move farther and farther away from the stalls, the idle conversations between couples and other festivalgoers alike slipping into the background, there's less stimulation to distract him when he asks her, ]

Would you be up for sparring with me? Can't get too complacent, even here.

[ That, and he wants to see more of her Kamisato Art Tachi Jutsu. Even if they discarded their actual weapons and stuck to more traditional bokken. ]

[mistsplitter]

Oh! [ Such a simple question, but it gets her excited all the same. She moves a little faster if only so she can see his face as they talk. ] I would love to! Although I was told I could get a bit rough with my sword...

[ She may or may not have given Thoma many cuts from sparring. Oops? It's not her fault, she sweats. :'( ]

It shouldn't be a problem for me, but I'm not sure we can find a wooden sword as big as yours.

[ Hmm... She's thinking very hard about this now! ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ Bringing that up? That's the expression he's been missing, her excitement and the life that it brings to her eyes contagious as he lightly smiles. He wasn't obsessed with fighting. But...he's really good at it. It's only natural he kept himself sharp! Hearing how she could get a little rough actually surprised him. But, rough didn't necessarily mean not elegant. Just...trying to block lightning fast slashes must have been fun. ]

I'll find something down the road. In the meantime, I picked up a heavier oak one.

[ Probably bigger than most, but nowhere near nodachi-size. ]

I can adapt.

[mistsplitter]

[ Hah, she got carried away again. And just like the last time? No mention of it at all! Ayaka almost wants to apologise for her excitement, but instead, she repeats what she said: ]

Alright. I'd love to spar with you, Cloud. I think I would be able to learn more things from you.

[ Even though she's a Master of her art already, it doesn't mean that she's stopped learning. Not to mention? What she can learn can be something she can use against her brother. :)

Only for her brother to criticise said movements because it's not very elegant. (Thanks, imaginary Ayato!) ]

I didn't think to ask if you were hungry, but we can go get something to eat later, if you like. [ They're closer to the gazebo now, and she pulls on Cloud's hand a little so they can get there after. ] I'd like to show you something first.

[sultanofsquat]

Same here. Quick as I am, you can teach me a thing or two.

[ Cloud, for all his bravado and cockiness confidence, also understands when there's more to learn. After all, if he was already the best of the best? There wouldn't be an issue with Sephiroth. He wants to use new weapons, learn how to use different techniques, broaden his horizons while keeping his core fighting style the same. It's taken him this far, right? But he knows he can go further if he opens himself up. It also doesn't hurt that he has the time for it now...

If he can take what he's learned here back home one day, he'll know who to thank. ]

Maybe later. [ Which is effectively a yes if Ayaka was hungry. His eyes lift when she pulls him along a little faster, allowing himself to keep behind her as he watches her. The way her ponytail would sway and bounce, the poise she carries herself with...but he can also tell that something was different. Elegant as always, he wasn't being carried along by the Shirasagi Himegimi. No...in his heart, he knows exactly whose guiding him.

He listens to Ayaka, even if the look on his face says it all. He's confused, but curious. ]

What's that?

1/2

[mistsplitter]

[ They go up the steps of the gazebo and Ayaka gestures for him to have a seat. She doesn't sit down next to him, though, and instead lets go of his hand. The warmth lingers still, and for a moment, she can be seen looking at the hand that once held his. Thinking about how good it felt and what she is missing now.

She looks up at him with a smile, confidence present, but nothing that shows she knows she'll get what's to come next right. If anything, she doesn't know. What she does know at this time, though? Is that she wants to share a bit more of herself to this person with her. He's been so patient with her since they met, and he's been nothing but generous to her. They're friends now, and she respects him. Should he permit it, she would like to get to know him better, and she would like to show more of herself to him. ]

This is a rather selfish request, but... please keep your eyes on me.

[mistsplitter]

[ Taking a few steps back until she's at the center of the gazebo, she takes her place. She'd done this before, but now, she feels nervous. But if Cloud holds the end of his bargain, she should, too. She told him that there is something she would like to show him.

A dance. A form of art she holds dear, one that she loves but does not get a chance to do much due to her title.

With her eyes closed, she begins to hum a slow tune. She remembers the day this was taught to her, and how her mother would hum the tune, as well. She remembers each and every step, recalling it and performing it to someone she'd been longing to see for some time now. When she extends her arm, she opens her fan, and she begins.

Ayaka says nothing, instead focusing on making sure the melody is not only heard by her, but by her sole audience. The last time she performed, it was at the forest in a stream. She isn't doing so now, instead showering their little gazebo with little flakes of snow, akin to the sakura petals fluttering by when they ate the first time they met. The Vision she holds dear, tied to the ribbon at her back glows, shining just as brightly as how happy Ayaka seems to be as she performs. Slow, elegant, graceful, it's nothing short of watching a true princess perform. Towards the end, when she turns with her fan pointed upwards, her gaze flickers past his, eyes making contact with Cloud's for a brief second before it goes away.

It is only when she raises her fan high up and summons blooming ice from the ground that she looks to him again. The smile on her face is small, but he'd be able to tell.

She can't contain just how happy she is that he's watching her. ]

[sultanofsquat]

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

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

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

"Please keep your eyes on me."

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

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

.....

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

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

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

...

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

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

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