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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[sultanofsquat]

[ As Cloud tips slowly towards those same deeper impulses, this fleeting distraction is a saving grace at least. Thankfully for him? Still not fully aware of what's happening to his body, he associates the increase in heat to the temperature around the city. Must just be a heat wave. ...yes and no, Cloud.

Cloud's gaze follows Bricks, nonchalant on the surface in his posture but actually careful. He can gauge this guy's strength by this test alone, he thinks to himself. Was it an asshole thing to do? ... Yes. It was. Though he intends it to be harmless when he lets go once he can see the man's got a grip on the handle. And just when it seems like he was going to up and let the poor sucker go down with his sword? ]

!

[ He steps forward, reflexes catlike as his gloved hand covers over Bricks'. But in that very moment? The Buster Sword stops. There's no weight to be felt threatening to crush him. It's all being held by the strong arm of this 'Ex-SOLDIER boy', mako-infused blues catching his soft green gaze. Cloud doesn't laugh, but judging by the cadence of his voice? He had his fun. ]

Sorry. Don't tend to do that often.

[ And just like that? He'll pull the Buster Sword back, letting it rest upright on the tip with no effort shown from the spikier blond. ]

[historicallyloaded]

Having a laugh are you, Mister Strife?

[ He pouts but it's hard to stay mad for too long when he re-realizes the absurd strength behind the other man's arm. Further, there's an odd warmth he feels from the hand over his. It causes his face to warm and he dares to hold Cloud's gaze for just a moment too long, distracted by the soft blue glow in his eyes.

Perhaps he'd pulled a prank on him, but he was still something incredible—an ex-soldier, of course.

Bricks might not be so offended any more but he still acts indignant as he pulls back and adjusts his shirt collar, stiffening the back of it flush on his neck. ]

I shan't be responsible for broken equipment so do take care to not pull something like that again.

It really is a niece piece of weaponry.

[sultanofsquat]

A bit.

[ But he did apologize! And doesn't plan on pulling that prank again. He'll let him off easy for now. But as Bricks plays up the indignant act, the spikier blond can't help but lighten up some more. If only in his tone. He's usually not this playful... But the less time he spends thinking about that, the easier it is to just go with the flow of things. He needed a distraction from feeling "frustrated"? He's got it. And he also lends a hand to this man's curiosity.

Win, win. How else was he going to spend his day? ]

Thanks. [ Just as he expresses that, Cloud'll take an appropriate step back before effortlessly spinning the blade a couple times, letting the momentum carry it in front of him before returning it to his back for now. He can take it out and demonstrate again shortly. But not in front of the dorms. Last thing he needs is to get kicked out cause he blew a hole through a wall... ] Where I'm from, once you hit First Class, you get to pick your own weapon.

Standard issue sword might be more your speed.

[ And weight, honestly. Even if they were still hefty. Now that they're out here, it's about time they moseyed. Cloud'll clap Bricks' shoulder with his hand before letting it slip off as he starts walking. ]

C'mon.

[historicallyloaded]

[ Cloud is very (un)lucky Bricks' curiosity is insatiable. He watches again in muted awe as Cloud wield such a huge piece of equipment so effortlessly. ]

M-my speed? [ He furrows his brow but doesn't get much chance to verbalize his opinion on the implication until after the clasp on his shoulder. He lurches forward a little without a stumble and then follows obediently. ]

Much as I am proficient at building and modifying weapons I don't... [ His fingers needle the air, trying to ward off any self-imposed sheepishness about admitting this. He's not embarrassed per say, but, this guy's clearly a skilled combatant, right? Classes and all, apparently. Would he understand? ]

...prefer to use them.

[sultanofsquat]

[ Building and modifying weapons, huh? If he was any good at it, someone like him would have been headhunted by Shinra for sure. That still catches his attention as they leisurely walk. The park wasn't that far from here, a good block down. It's an open space to properly demonstrate if he wishes to learn more. ...mayhaps partake. But the spikier blond was still assessing despite what Bricks fesses to. ]

Prefer? Or you can't?

[ He shrugs lightly. ]

Guess that's not a bad thing. S'not just about the fighter. It's how that weapon got to them.

[historicallyloaded]

I can...! [ He admonishes on a technicality and on his ego. ]

Maybe I'm not as much of a crack shot as some people are in actual practise— [ He gestures loosely to his own face, offended he even has to imply that reason on top of... general inexperience. Or perhaps it had become a convenient excuse. Bricks was terrified of actually hurting anyone... at least in any direct way he'd have to face immediate direct consequences for. ]

—but it's not like I can't figure out a projectile's trajectory or necessary ballistics or- or the kinetic energy behind something based on empirical real world data. All that's very important to take into account, you know.

[ His own indignity fades as he keeps pace with Cloud, waggling his finger and looking at him again, as an awe-inspiring figure slash test subject. ]

And what better than through rigorous observation...?

[sultanofsquat]

[ Cloud's expression may be relatively cool on the surface, but Bricks already has his attention, the taller blond hanging onto his words. ] Sorry. Didn't mean to assume.

[ One's depth perception would be taking a helluva shot when wearing an eyepatch. And he highly doubts the man did so for the aesthetic. It does make his emerald-hued eye stand out more though. ]

I'll take your word for it.

[ Shortly after, they arrive in the open park, a familiar location to the swordsman whose used it as a peaceful stomping ground when he needed to go through the motions of training. The only thing Cloud really couldn't do was cast anything or perform any mako-fueled attacks that could effectively scorch or damage the city property. Common sense told him that cleaving maples down because they "got in his way" wouldn't fly with the Samurai patrol. ]

Guess I can start with proper form and stance shifts, to adjust to different combat situations.

[ This 'boutta be a FFVII Remake Tutorial all over again. ]

[historicallyloaded]

[ Bricks will be disappointed about the lack of Materia in this demonstration but that's fine, he knows where Cloud approximately lives now. ]

Indeed, quite.

[ Once at the park Bricks rummages around that messenger bag of his and produces a note book and pen. He motions for Cloud to continue after quickly scribbling a few things. ]

Carry on, Mister Strife.

[sultanofsquat]

[ Wait for the day that logic goes out the window and he needs to bust out his Summon. Until then, as Bricks procures his note book and pen, Cloud takes the time to step out into the open, giving enough room to move without getting too dangerously close. When motioned to continue, the former SOLDIER... ]

Right.

[ Starts. Doing squats. And he does so with that giant sword on his back with no effort. If he were really warming up, he would have kept going but, ]

First thing. Always make sure you're warmed up. Especially if you wanna be nice and loose. No sense going into a fight all tight.

[ It's not part of his normal routine which should be but fuck it video games, but after a couple more squats, Cloud tucks his arm in to his chest, crossbody to feel that stretch in the back of his shoulder before switching to the other. It's enough! And he already got his morning warmups finished before he even made the call out on the network. Letting out a warmer sigh than he would normally, he squares his feet and finally draws his sword, bringing it down at his side with no effort shown. Despite this, the muscles in his blade arm visible tense. Of course the Buster Sword is technically heavy! It's just that Cloud is stronger. ]

I may be strong, but I still can't just go twirling this thing like a baton. You can adapt to a bunch of scenarios with it, but key?

[ Taking the Buster Sword in both hands, he holds the tip upwards, letting out a relaxed sigh as he gets into his default stance. ]

Are two. First one, [ He suddenly bursts forward, horizontal of Bricks' view a short distance before he demonstrates a few quick slashes in thin air. As he does so? ] balances offense and defense.

[ When he brings the crushing weight of the Buster Sword down, the grassy earth taking his blow, Cloud immediately is able to lift the weapon back up with little to no cooldown, spinning the blade in a wide arc around his body as he pivots back on his heel. ]

At the drop of a hat, you could be put on the backfoot or hafta handle fire.

[ And by fire? He means bullets. Any kind of projectiles. Which is why after taking another couple quick swings, Cloud immediately adjusts his grip on the Buster Sword, letting the blade come upside down and at an angle, the flat of it almost covering the width of the Ex-SOLDIER's body as he looks up to Bricks from behind it. ]

Ain't gonna hit as hard, but I'll be safer.

[historicallyloaded]

[ Bricks settles in for diligent observation, standing prim and proper and put his pen to the paper and... proceeds to squint. And stare. And crinkle his nose and cant his head a little as Cloud breaks out into a brief but vigorous stretching routine. ]

...

[ Right, duly noted. The pen starts scribbling, taking even that in earnest. He keeps his gaze mostly on Cloud as he continues, posture relaxing and breaking out into a grin when he feels the rush of wind kicked up from his quick slashes into the air. Now this was a demonstration!

It's somewhere between the heavy chunk the blade makes in the grass and how it covers half of Cloud's body and the way he effortlessly pivots it around that Bricks starts to think, innately, it would indeed make for a suitable shield or barrier. Cloud punctuates the sentiment as he finishes, holding it in front of his body as such. ]

Remarkable...! Offensive and defensive capabilities, as you've said.

And this is at a baseline? No enhancements of the sort as it is right now, yes?

[sultanofsquat]

Standard SOLDIER protocol. [ A beat, his stance slacking as he returns the sword to his one hand for a brief moment. ] With some variances. Those who rank First Class can choose their own uniform and weapon.

[ Now... as he collects himself and takes a deeper, albeit slightly heated breath as he focuses himself, Cloud brings the blade back up into both hands. This time, there's more effort placed in lifting it, up until the heavy metal is at eye level, bending his knees as he gets a little bit of a bounce in his steps. ]

Now...when the enemy's guard is gone...

[ One hand leaves the handle, gliding down the back of the Buster Sword as if he were lining himself up with an imaginary foe, too stunned or preparing to get overwhelmed. He suddenly taps the underside of the broadsword, lifting it up and behind him...only to let the momentum carry it forward as Cloud suddenly starts swinging again. This time however, the wind clears way with each wild, circling blow, trails of silver visible from the sheer speed at which Cloud works and slashes.

This was truly meant for punishing your enemies, sacrificing defense for the sake of absolutely demolishing your enemies. At the end of this combination of blows, the Buster Sword suddenly crackles with deep red sparks, the acerbic swordsman letting a deeper growl escape him as he thrusts the blade hard into the earth. Another finishing blow, one that leaves his blood running hotter than before. A temporary boost in adrenaline and power should he keep going.

Drawing the weapon out he rolls his shoulders before returning his focus to Bricks once more. ]

There's plenty more to it then that, but... Those are the basics.

[historicallyloaded]

[ Right, right classes; he mentioned that before and Bricks takes note... literally as he starts furiously scrawling in that notebook and nodding as Cloud explains.

Cloud steals all his attention away however with the next series of swings and attacks, culminating in a show of spectacular red sparks and terrifyingly awesome brutalization of the ground itself. Such strength and prowess... that energy!

When Cloud catches his gaze again, hot and wild, Bricks feels his entire face go warm. His words he almost doesn't even hear, the moment slow in time. ]

I'm speechless, Mister Strife...

[ He's... so cool. ]

Which you might presume is something of a rarity.

[sultanofsquat]

[ Bricks' reaction, evidently, isn't lost on the acerbic swordsman. Not when he can't help but turn a little smile before he decides to temporarily put the Buster Sword on his back. He's not tired- not in the slightest. But a brief reprieve wouldn't hurt, not when he had some curiosities of his own now. ]

A bit.

[ And now that he's done showing off his skills for the time being...mulling over the idea of actually busting out Materia if he can control it in safe environment, Cloud decides to approach the other blond. ]

Mind if I ask you somethin'?

[historicallyloaded]

[ The closer Cloud comes the more he feels his heart beat in his ears, his face more red. Why the devil is he acting like a school boy with a crush so hard right now? Brickston, snap out of it!

He swallows and smiles in spite of himself. ]

Yes, of course?

[sultanofsquat]

[ It probably doesn't help that the inner Daikoh within him was making Cloud that much more confident around people he didn't know. But...at least he wasn't straight-up in Bricks' personal bubble, stopping short of him as he puts a hand on his hip. ...note to self, ask if the dude's alright because he's a tad flush. ]

You said you were a weapons designer? [ Builder, he technically said. And modifier! ] What're you used to working with?

[historicallyloaded]

[ He wasn't aware he was holding his breath until Cloud finishes asking his question. Yes...! Yes of course. Fortunately that's a subject he's passionate about and proves a more than suitable distraction to regain his composure with. ]

T-that's right. A veritable menagerie of weaponry! Pistols, Flintlocks, Blunderbusses, Rifles for range. Grenades, slingshots, bolas, blowdarts for deception and distraction. Knives, a classic, especially when built spring loaded in unexpected places. Mechanical devices and ciphers for utility.

[ He's so excited he starts flipping through that notebook he has in his hand to some early schematics he sketched out and holds the book splayed open for Cloud to see. Pictured are some wicked looking gloves. ]

Even electroplasm powered punching gauntlets for that sweet sweet science.

[ Incidentally swords are among the things he's worked on the least, hence an eagerness to fill that gap of knowledge by studying Cloud. ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ Cloud wasn't expecting the man to rattle off an entire laundry list's worth of weaponry! But the wider-eyed look on his face was telling enough. Bricks' might have thought that Cloud was a really cool person, but the tinkerer was pretty interesting, himself! Enough so that at the end of his first list, the spiky-haired blond's tone relaxes further. ]

Cool.

[ He leans in a little when the man starts flipping through his notebook, curiouser and curiouser before he holds the book out for him.

Electroplasm powered punching gauntlets...

Okay. The "sweet sweet science." line got him a little, the corner of his mouth turning with a light smirk as he brings a hand to his chin, inspecting the gauntlets. The name was a mouthful, and Cloud was starting to wonder if there was a shorter but more badass name for them. He can imagine that they'd be great at bolstering one's strength. They look bulky, but... ]

Could picture Tifa doing a real number with these.

[ Though reflecting back over Bricks' repertoire, save for the knives... ]

Guessing swords are on the waitlist. [ Not that he's asking Bricks to make him one. But...he spoke of modifications? ]

[historicallyloaded]

[ Punch gloves. They're for punching. Even punching ghosts.

Who's Tifa? Is slyly on the tip of his tongue but the moment passes and he answers the other more prudent question first, frowning a little as he closes the book and fidgets with the corner of it. ]

Mhn... [ A little softer, ] admittedly not something I get opportunity to work on much. My, ehm— shall we say associates make more use of ranged weaponry, Hunter in particular. He helps me test some of my more volatile and experimental ammunitions.

Closest thing I ever personally handled were some rapiers as a youth... fencing lessons for posterity and pomposity mostly.

[sultanofsquat]

[ Cloud crosses his arms, leaning to one side as he considers everything that Bricks shares. If his designs are as efficient and imposing as the gauntlets he was shown, Shinra would have pulled out all the stops in recruiting him. A thought that, truth be told, puts him at unease. He's been told they were turning over a new leaf, but...it's harder to believe it when you can't see it. Especially considering what he'd just been through back home.

For what it's worth? He's glad that Bricks didn't have to deal with being part of their lot. A small blessing in being from another world. ...not that he knew enough about the man to know what his was like. After giving it some thought however, he decides... ]

Interested in working on weapons I use? [ Mayhaps not the Buster Sword, but... ] I can't just keep taking this wherever I go, so I'm gonna eventually be looking for a new sword.