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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[phoenixblessed]

[He's been eager to see Kazuha again since realising he had utterly forgotten to tell the man about his birthday. How much it might have bothered Kazuha to not know beforehand hadn't really occurred to him until later on, when he had taken some time to consider how people who did not have massively tragic events tied to their date of birth might act around the day - and indeed how he used to act, before he had simply not wanted to mark it anymore.

Of course Kazuha, who cares about him so much, would have wanted to do something with him on that day. Or in the very least spend some time with him.

When the knock comes, he's expecting it. It isn't strange of Kazuha to drop by unannounced, leaving a note if no one is home, but this time he asked if Diluc would be home. The more childish part of him, the part that still enjoys birthdays, is just that little bit excited that Kazuha might be bringing a present.

He opens the door with a warm smile, greeting the smaller man with a quick kiss when he steps inside.]

I've been looking forward to seeing you all day.

[A surprisingly open admission, expecially from someone like Diluc... but when it's Kazuha, he doesn't mind.]

[leafwhistle]

Hehe, it's good to see you too. Especially as these visits are less frequent now.

[Kazuha leans up into the kiss automatically, his eyes sliding shut for a moment, but it's rather brief. His smile is brighter when their lips part, and he quickly steps out of his sandals into a pair of house shoes as he leaves the genkan. He turns, as he usually does then, holding up the cloth bag holding the strawberries and deposits it into Diluc's hand.]

These are for you.

[Once he's handed those off, he wanders off into the living room, his hands on the ropes around his shoulders. He's stayed in Diluc's home enough that he's quite comfortable here, knowing his way around with no need for assistance. Once he reaches the couch, he slides the large rucksack from his back and sets it to the side.

Perhaps it's just a bit rude, maybe too over familiar, but the household is essentially family. He raises his voice just a bit, so Diluc can hear him as he gets comfortable.]

When the plum trees start to fruit, I'll bring you some fresh from Wakayama.

[phoenixblessed]

Oh--

[He takes the bag instinctively as it's offered, blinking in surprise and watching Kazuha casually pass him while he stands there holding it. His expression softens into a small smile to see the samurai so easily making himself at home, and he opens the back a little to examine what's inside.

Strawberries, hm...

Diluc takes them to the kitchen to store them quickly before he joins Kazuha in the living room, and as the man has raised his voice he catches what is said before he enters the room.]

That would be appreciated. [He replies with another smile, eyeing the rucksack with barely-disguised interest.] You're carrying more than I usually see you with. Are you staying for a while?

[leafwhistle]

[Perhaps he could have spent more time in the entry way pouring attention on Diluc rather than leaving him a little stunned, but the way the man returns like a curious puppy, trying to inquire about the large luggage as innocently as possible. The samurai just turns a sly smile on him.]

It would be lovely to crawl in between you and Kaeya for a week like I did in the winter.

[It was a little less complicated then— Kazuha definitely saw Diluc more before their conversation in the snow in Hokkaido. Despite the changes, he can't find regret in him for what's happened. Not when he gets to see his boyfriend like an excited boy, knowing that he has a present that Kazuha is torturing him by withholding a bit longer.

The small man curls up on the couch, patting the space next to him as an invite for Diluc to join him.]

I can stay the night, if you wish.

[phoenixblessed]

I'd like that.

[He will never object to more time with his favourite Inazuman. Diluc sits in the indicated spot immediately, not even bothering to hide the way his attention slides with clear curiosity over to Kazuha's rucksack again. That he does not feel the need to hide such things around the man should say more than any words do. Being able to really be himself, impish inquisitiveness and all, around Kazuha speaks volumes of his comfort in being around him.

And yet, he's still too reserved to outright ask what is in the bag. And is it for him? He's dying to know.]

And you're in luck, I recently bought more of that tea you mentioned you liked the last time you were here.

[Perhaps in part because it's Kazuha who likes it, though Diluc enjoys it too.]

[leafwhistle]

[With Diluc now in the spot next to him, Kazuha spares no time shifting closer on the couch until he’s leaning against the larger man. He turns, lifting himself up enough he can place another small kiss against the redhead’s lips, but he pulls away rather pleased.]

Did you? You spoil me.

[He laughs, but it’s not a joke. He does feel spoiled by Diluc at times. Even these small gestures are cherished. Perhaps he shouldn’t keep the man in suspense though, since he sees his eyes wandering over to the rucksack again, and he feels his self control crumbling slightly.]

Ah, I shouldn’t leave you in suspense so long. Would you like a present?

[phoenixblessed]

[When Kazuha gets himself comfortable, Diluc wraps an arm around him so easily it's like an instinct. He still marvels sometimes at how easily this man became such an utterly indispensible part of his life, and despite the teasing he still readily tucks Kazuha up against his side.

And the distance makes it all the more impossible to hide the bright look that spreads across his face when the other man confirms that he has, indeed, brought a present for him.]

You were taunting me on purpose. [He laughs, and he pulls Kazuha up into his lap to kiss him.]

Terrible. Yes, I would like a present.

[leafwhistle]

[The samurai is so light that he’s easily dragged into Diluc’s lap; fortunately for his boyfriend, he hardly minds it. He indulges in it for a moment, his fingers reaching up to lightly stroke the edge of the larger man’s jaw as he kisses him.

When they part, he frowns, but not from the loss of lips against his.]

Taunting you? I would never. It isn’t my doing that you’re an excited boy.

[Hadn’t Diluc not cared for his birthday before? Nevermind though, he isn’t here to scold him for daring to look forward to a gift that the samurai thinks the man rightfully deserves. He does have to extract himself from his lap to grab the rucksack again, leaning up and away he can snag it and pull it over with just the tips of his fingers.

It only takes him a moment to undo the laces, pulling the opening loose, but he draws his hands away so that Diluc can reach in and handle the rest. It’s not exactly like the case was boxed or gift wrapped.]

[phoenixblessed]

[Even now he cares little for his birthday but the idea of receiving a gift at any time is enough to pull his attention when his demeanour is so relaxed. It's good for him to be so gently teased, to be reminded of how to feel such things without bitterness, and when Kazuha shifts away from him to retrieve what he brought along he doesn't protest the movement.

Diluc's anticipation at what it might be is clear enough as he waits, as he looks to Kazuha for permission to pull the case out of the rucksack, and as he does the dawning realisation of the shape of it has his expression creasing in confusion.]

This is... [It was a passing comment what feels like so long ago when he had mentioned his music lessons growing up, and that he could play the violin and the piano. That he hadn't touched either instrument in years. That sometimes he missed it.

He lays the case across his lap, drawing his thumbs gently along the topmost edge. Surely Kazuha wouldn't have...

The little shake of his head is both a dismissal of his own thoughts and a perplexed denial. He releases the clasps on the case and opens it, and his breath catches softly.]

... Kazuha, this is too much, I can't... [His voice dies in his throat as he looks over at the other man.] You had this made for me?

[leafwhistle]

[There is actually part of Kazuha that feels a bit embarrassed to give Diluc a grandiose gift like this, but his reactions push that down deep into his heart. The smaller man just smiles at him as he pulls the case from the bag, settling to the side in the couch to give the larger man the room he needs to fully examine his present.

It's a level smile, warm and gentle, even as the redhead glances over at him in disbelief. He feels a little bit of that embarrassment return, the tips of his ears turning a slight shade of pink, but he places a hand on Diluc's briefly, his scarred palms stroking over the back of his hand reassuringly.]

Happy birthday.

[It's worth it, even if it collects dust in some storage later, to have brought Diluc some small piece of joy today.]

I am familiar with a number of string instruments but have never played one of these myself. You'll have to adjust a few things for what is comfortable for you.

[phoenixblessed]

[There are a lot of emotions involved in this, all bubbling up at once as he looks down at the instrument across his lap. At first it's as if he doesn't dare touch it, then he shakes his head slightly and slips his fingers beneath the neck to pick it up. The case is quickly moved to the floor, the bow plucked up and prepared, and even with Kazuha's words in mind he gently tucks the chin rest against the line of his jaw.

His bright eyes flick to Kazuha briefly, almost nervous. He exhales a quiet breath. It's a lot, to get a gift like this... even considering what it must have cost the other man aside.

The first note he plays is hesitant and shivering, but those after it gain in confidence and sharpness. He works his way across a scale, moving the bow across the strings with ease, then lowers the violin and lets out a quiet breath of laughter.]

It's been five years since I picked up an instrument.

[leafwhistle]

[Kazuha is patient with Diluc's hesitance. He just sits to the side of the sofa, his cheek propped against his closed fist, as he watches someone he loves hesitantly navigate a gift he was given. He knows the man well enough not to mistake it for rejection, so his expression remains pleasant and encouraging.

It's not a song, but even listening to Diluc go through the scales is wonderful. His eyes half lid, almost dreamy, feeling his heart do a little flutter at the sound of the man's laughter. He'll never get sick of it.]

Yet your spirit still knows it. Do you think you could play me a song?

[Perhaps he shouldn't be asking the birthday boy to perform for him but it was ultimately up to Diluc in the end.]

[phoenixblessed]

I think... I think so.

[There's always one song that sticks with you when you learn an instrument, and one immediately comes to mind when Kazuha makes his request. Diluc lifts the instrument again and tucks it back beneath his chin, then after a moment of thought, he decides to stand. He shakes his hair back off his shoulders and straightens his back, and gently lays the bow to the strings.

What he plays is a well known tune in Mondstadt, though he isn't sure if Kazuha would know it. Despite his wealthy upbringing Diluc's style of playing leans further towards the fiddle than anything highbrow or orchestral.

He keeps his eyes lowered to the movement of his fingers across the strings at first, but how to play naturally comes back to him with ease and as the note rise, the emotion he pushes into his playing rises along with it.]

[leafwhistle]

[Foreign musical pieces didn't often make it to the shores of Inazuma, which makes experiences like this all the more sweeter to Kazuha. He had wanted nothing more than to travel all the rest of the seven nations of Teyvat once leaving his homeland, seeing and experiencing and learning as many things as he could. He's not heard the tune before, but it doesn't matter.

Maybe another time he'll just close his eyes and listen, but he wants to watch Diluc this time. He tilts his head up, watching the emotions cross the man's face as he puts them to music. Kazuha can't help but think that this may become a cherished memory, relaxing listening to Diluc's music.

He doesn't dare interrupt him, not really moving until he's sure that the man is finished playing the song. Kazuha raises his hands, clapping lightly, full of happiness.]

Wonderful. You play beautifully.

[phoenixblessed]

[He feels an odd clenching in his chest as he plays, but continues on if only for the pleasure he sees in Kazuha's face as the other man watches him. It's been so long since he played, and even longer since he was able to play for an audience... it feels strange.]

Hah... [Diluc smiles modestly and moves to tuck the violin back into its case, though with none of the speed that might suggest discomfort.]

I missed a few notes and the tempo was a disaster, but thank you. It... it did feel good to be playing again.

[leafwhistle]

[As Diluc leans down to place the instrument away and free his hands again, the samurai wastes no time in pushing himself to his knees on the couch and sliding both hands along the taller man’s cheeks to hold him for a moment to place a kiss on his lips.]

Good, you deserve it. Now you can practice as you please, without the obligation of running a winery to occupy all your time.

[Whether Diluc enjoys his work or not — and he thinks he must — running anything or assuming responsibility does not leave much room for leisure. He hopes that his lover will continue to take advantage of the time Nippon has essentially granted to him.

Kazuha brushes his fingers through Diluc’s hair, pushing his bangs back, before drawing his hands away.]

I’m sure your hands will remember how to play in no time.

[phoenixblessed]

[He stills under Kazuha's hands, leaning down a little to kiss him. Diluc can still feel his heart pounding though he doesn't fully understand why this gift made him feel so... anxious? Excited? Sometimes it's difficult to tell the difference. Maybe it's because it's from Kazuha, or because it connected him back to a part of his life that he had long since considered forgotten.

His fingers are subtly shaking as he fastens the violin case closed, and he sits down next to the smaller man with a softly exhaled sigh.]

I must seem ungrateful, I'm just... not used to gifts like this. [The smile when he looks over at Kazuha is a little worn around the edges, yet somehow more genuine than ever.] At least, not ones that didn't come with the expectation of something in return, even if it was just my attention that was wanted.

[leafwhistle]

[He can hear the quickened thump of Diluc's heart, see the way his hands tremble as he sets the gift away. Kazuha doesn't quite understand it but he extends his comfort regardless, sliding his palm into the redhead's own as he settles down, then cups the other hand around the back of his knuckles. He holds his hand, looking up in his face.]

You think of me far more selfless than I am to think I don't crave your attention.

[There's a light teasing tone to his voice, trying to make light of it to help alleviate some of his lover's uneasiness. Kazuha tilts his head slightly to the side, calloused fingers rubbing small circles on Diluc's knuckles.]

I only wish to encourage you to do the little things that bring you some peace or joy. However, if you don't wish to have this gift, I won't be offended.

[phoenixblessed]

Hm. If I didn't want it, I would have told you already.

[Perhaps not as forcefully as he has a habit of rejecting unwanted gifts, but he would have made his thoughts clear and he certainly would not have played it. It's difficult to explain why he feels uneasy, though he will certainly try for Kazuha's sake.

He shifts his hands to grip the samurai's smaller ones inside his. They fit there like they're meant to go there, he thinks, and he smiles faintly at the thought.]

And you're foolish if you think that you need to do anything if you want my attention, Kazuha. [Oh, he knows that the man is very aware of this, but... Diluc glances at the closed violin case, then back at his lover's bright eyes. His hands are steady now, as if they were never shaking at all.]

I've... spent a long time trying to put certain parts of my past behind me. I always used to tell Kaeya that I don't see the point in keeping things when they have no further use to me. [A breathy little laugh escapes him and he shakes his head, running his thumbs over Kazuha's knuckles.] But the truth is... I'm sentimental. He always knew that. And this is just... something I thought I'd left behind for good. [He smiles.] I'm grateful. Just surprised.

[leafwhistle]

[Kazuha just nods quickly to that— Diluc would have told him already if he didn't want it, and he knows that, but the mixed reception to his gift had made him wonder for a moment. He plays well, even out of practice, and he wonders if it would embarrass him to compliment him again. Yes, knowing Diluc, likely.

His eyes fall to their hands when the redhead cups his other around his, and he almost lets out a chuckle, holding it in because of the inappropriate moment. It's so like him— them, together. Kazuha will take Diluc's hand to comfort him, and inevitably Diluc would raise his other to cup his, surrounding it, almost shielding. Even the Mondstadtr's small mannerisms betray things about his personality.]

I wouldn't want you to think I'm foolish. [He chaffs, again, because he can't help just teasing him lightly. It's a testament to the comfort he feels, letting his playfulness out.

The samurai takes a moment to consider his partner's words; what he knows of Diluc's past, this behavior of his isn't surprising. He holds similar views himself, though his own experience is different, of couse— skills such as artistic and musical talent are always intrinsically valuable to him, just out of the pure joy it brings others and himself. His own possessions, however, have mostly gone to the wind.

The difference in a similar way of thinking is worthy of some thought.]

It's good to put parts of the past behind you, but you don't have to hold onto only the things that are useful or painful. Your heart knows best what it wants when not caged— you might find you think much more clearer when indulging in sentimentality every so often.

[He giggles then, looking down again and shaking his head.]

It was maybe a bit selfish of me. I had wanted to hear you play, so I thought gifting you the instrument would at least enable it. I am quite happy.

[phoenixblessed]

[He doesn't even think about such things - how he always moves his hands around Kazuha's like that - while he's in the middle of doing them although pointing out such a habit would undoubtedly make him all too conscious of it. Diluc's mannerisms betray more about him than he would probably like, particularly now he has relaxed so much of the stiff exterior he had been using to hold people at arms length.

And Kazuha... Kazuha is someone who sees deeper into him than most. It's a rare gift for him to be able to fully relax around another person.]

For a long time, the useful and painful things were all I had room for. [He admits, and Kazuha's keen ear might pick up the faint tinge of regret in those words. Looking back on it now with what feels like a much clearer mind - in part, due to doing the very thing that the samurai tells him would help - he can see how much of that time had been... not wasted, but lost to the anger and grief he had been feeling.

The other man's giggle snaps his mind back to the present though and he smiles again, shaking his head too as he lets out a soft and huffing laugh.]

But if that's the form your selfishness takes, my love, then I'm happy to indulge it. [Diluc leans in, pressing a kiss to the smaller man's cheek.] Feel free to be selfish with me as often as you might like.

[leafwhistle]

[It wasn't like the source of Diluc's pain and rage was a secret between them— Diluc had shared this early into his relationship, but it still saddens Kazuha when his boyfriend makes references to it. Though there's hope in the man's words and it uplifts him slightly to hear it, a smile on his lips.]

It sounds like you have room for much more now.

[The samurai tilts his head into the kiss, his eyes closing briefly and his expression warm as he gladly receives his smooch on the cheek. Kazuha decides to indulge himself in a little more selfishness after, gently freeing his hands to help brace himself as he hoists himself from the couch cushion and slides his way into Diluc's lap.

It's very rare that Kazuha imposes himself on anyone this way— it's not quite like being picked up, which is under the consent of the person doing it. Climbing into another person's personal space is a lot more forward of him. The smaller samurai lifts a hand once he's gotten comfortable, his back against the arm of the couch, and touches just under the larger man's chin.]

How about this then?

[phoenixblessed]

[How about this, indeed.

It's an unusual thing for Kazuha to be so forward. Not that he's ever shy about what he wants, in his way, but Diluc has grown used to being the one doing the inviting... not to having the samurai suddenly sliding onto his lap. His surprise shows on his face for a moment - just a moment - before his expression shifts into one clearly satisfied with this turn of events.

He places his hands on Kazuha's thighs, tilting his chin up against the touch beneath it.]

I think I have ample room for this. [Diluc says, chuckling lightly.] I like how you look there.

[And, in the spirit of Kazuha being selfish, Diluc does not seek to guide his movements or push him in any way, save for the light rest of both hands atop his legs. He slides his thumbs idly back and forth, cocking his head a little in curiosity.]

Is this another gift? You're spoiling me.