May | Event: Flowers of Buffoonery

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Flowers of Buffoonery↲ OOC Plotting

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

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

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

The Season of Sex

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fickle Flower Petals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Party Time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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[fairlyheroic]

[nothing about the plaque in his hand has changed but it suddenly feels heavy. And out of all the things he could write, each one would only make it heavier. Zack searches Cloud's face for a moment and he's not sure what he's trying to find, but it isn't there. Cloud's really trusting him with this.

A part of him is worried what will happen next; the last time he watched someone learn the truth, he had to watch a good man's slow decent into madness. There's differences, important ones, but he still can't help but be reminded of it. The week leading up to the disaster, Sephiroth locked away in the manor discovering where he came from - Zack doesn't want to see that happen again.

But . . . he also knows Cloud is stronger than that. This is something that, somewhere inside his head, he already knows. It isn't some life-shattering revelation like it had been with Sephiroth. Really, in the end it's just a reminder.

A big one. But a reminder all the same.

He debates trying to word it in a way that's less direct, but for all that Zack can be vague about most things, this time the words don't come. So, he writes it in answer to what Cloud asked and, after taking a moment to frown at the tablet and his messy handwriting, turns to hang it up before he can second guess it.

"You never made SOLDIER."

His hand returns, this time clasping Cloud on the shoulder. And instead of trying to explain it better, he waits]

[sultanofsquat]

[ The plaque goes up as it feels like his heart was ready to jump out of his throat. Every time he swallowed, it felt like that nervous lump wouldn't go away. Choking yet breathing perfectly fine. He slowly steps towards it, barely registering the hand upon his shoulder. ...barely being important here. Without it, he would feel like he lost his anchor, drifting farther and farther away. Despite himself, he's...scared. But he didn't come this far not to find the truth. Not when he'd learned so much in his time here. He was tired of falling asleep just "accepting" things. He... ]

..... Ggh...

[ What? Cloud can't make out what it says. Or rather, even when staring straight at it, the words appear to be jumping around. Scrambling in his mind's eye to give him something else. Anything else. A high-pitched noise pierces his ears, threatening to send him over the edge as his eyes widen. His breath clips, before something else inside of him snaps. Not his sanity...but another voice.

It was...

"Hey buddy." ]

— — —

[ ...his own. Cloud's hearing his own voice in his head again. He thinks. On the surface with Zack, he looks as if he's frozen, hand resting over the plaque as the message sits right there in front of him. Yet underneath it all, he's on the brink of something very risky. Elsewhere, he finds himself standing in an empty white void, a familiar space that he can't place where he was last. ]

This is...

[ He can't quite see his face, but standing across from him, sharing his height, his tone...gradually they'll become clearer. His voice still sounds ethereal.

"You sure about this? Don't think this was supposed to be how it goes," the double of him warns, leaving Cloud confused as their face remains shrouded in a hazy light. Beforehand, he was barely conscious, being told to get moving and to slowly and steadily collect himself, before he came around thanks to Aerith calling him. But now...things were different. This time, the Ex-SOLDIER wasn't unconscious. He was in charge of his own thoughts and actions. So then... ]

I know.

[ The double places their hands on their hips, sighing as they shake their head.

"Guess a lot has changed in the first place... Can I ask you something?" ]

Shoot.

[ "If you go back...when this is all over... You'll probably forget all this." His words leave a sinking feeling in his chest, the blond's gaze faltering as he stares down at himself. The sad reality was...he was right. His double was probably right. If he was sent back through the door back to his planet, and time proceeded normally? Who was to say he'd keep his memories of this other world intact? He wouldn't remember dragging Reno out of a swamp for some bounty. He wouldn't remember wishing for his friends to be safe, only to have Zack back in his life and setting the wheels in motion. He wouldn't have the memories of a certain white heron princess, someone who made him feel solace and comfort in a time when he felt lost...

"You think you can do that again?"

When Cloud finds out about the truth back home? ]

I'll have to.

[ Last time, he asked the mysterious double, "Who are you?" This time, he steps forth, closing what little distance remains between himself and his other. No...it wasn't some "other". ]

Well? [ Himself. ] You ready?

[ "I can't let you see everything yet, but..." The haze around his double's face finally vanishes. Sure enough, the blond can see perfectly. A reflection of himself. The reflection steps forth, nodding resolute and not stopping. "This'll be enough." As his reflection walks into him...he melds into the blond, his sight going white as the voice becomes less ethereal, and something more clear, softer yet determined in his head. Until the voice that was once separate from his?

Is finally his own. A part of him. A part of Cloud, from Nibelheim. ]

[ "Let's go, Cloud." ]

— — —

[ Back in reality, Cloud is clutching the plaque without ripping it down from the wall, until he finally breathes again...and his palm slips down from the words. They were no longer jumping around and distorted. They're clear. Crystal clear as the weight of Zack's hand upon his shoulder is that much more heavy than before. That much more real and less distant to him. It's familiar... ]

Zack...

[ He never made SOLDIER. But he was still Cloud. ]

[fairlyheroic]

[his hand stays the entire time, a firm grip - a friendly one, and whether he intended as an anchor or just a sign of support doesn't really matter. Zack keeps a close watch in case this goes bad, if it gets worse than what he's seen so far. And there's a moment, when Cloud's breathing changes that Zack frowns and tightens his grp, but—

He's completely forgotten the flowers, most of them having fallen out of his hair from this one. A few remain, but those will have to stay - because this is more than enough. Unless Cloud wants to learn the rest, but - . . . Zack isn't sure he wants to reveal those secrets this way. They're too heavy for something like this. Heavy and expensive.

This time he squeezes Cloud's shoulder and steps closer, and when Cloud's hand drops -] All right?

. . . you were planning to try out, so it's more that you didn't get the chance to. Not that it matters much - you've got all the important parts already. [and he isn't talking about the enhancements the mako injections gave them]

[sultanofsquat]

[ As he turns to look back at Zack, there's still a small part of him (the part of him manifest from his past traumas) that wished that the message was a lie. That he didn't have to leave the comfort and safety of the illusion he'd cast for himself. But as he spots the flowers wilting and floating down beneath their feet, gaze following... He swallows, thinking he would choke once again...only to find himself sigh once more.

It's like he's been set free. Maybe he was still in shock? ]

You were there... [ "Cloud... Finish Sephiroth...off!" ] In Nibelheim, we were both...

[fairlyheroic]

[there's a notable pause, his fingers briefly tightening before relaxing. Of course it's one of the things he didn't want to talk about - not for his sake (never for his sake), but for Cloud's. But if he's asking - it's different, and Zack takes a breath, lets it out slowly, and nods]

I was. [a few more petals wilt and fall off but he doesn't notice. There's a lot he can say - a lot he can't - and about a dozen different things come to mind before he settles on . . . ]

Do you remember inviting me to dinner? I still have that e-mail saved on my phone.

[. . . something that isn't any of those things]

[sultanofsquat]

Yeah...

[ Those messages were long gone, now. Forgotten to time. But if it weren't for Zack's presence? These revelations would have never come to light in the first place. What's odd to him is that when he tries to think back through what was real? It...didn't hurt any more. He feels lightheaded, but for a completely different reason as he turns fully to look up at his best friend. ]

You had to try Mom's cooking.

[fairlyheroic]

[little does Cloud know . . . somewhere in the little office he has, buried in a drawer is his PHS. Now he's got two reasons to find a charger somewhere in this place and dig it out. Find the good memories buried in a bunch of e-mails he saved because - he doesn't remember why he saved everything, but he's kind of glad he did.

Still . . . even that comes with its downside, and he sighs out, his smile fading a little] I'm sorry we never got the chance to.

[sultanofsquat]

[ That would unlock a whole different chain of memories for the blond. Even now, he still hasn't recalled the fuzzy moments being stuck in a test tube... At least this time, Cloud wasn't going to need to fret about whether he was a clone or not. His life was his own. But with his life came the downsides as he sees Zack's smile fade. It'd been so long, but...he couldn't help but feel a familiar drop in his stomach when he sees it. A pain in his chest that tightens and constricts because of how much he admired and looked up to him. When did everything shift? When did he stop adoring the war hero, and aspire for his true one? ]

.....

[ Whereas Zack's smile fades as reality hits, this time it's Cloud's turn to step up. He would have hesitated before this, before he he faintly remembers his thumb gliding across the pad of his PHS to send that message. How conflicted his emotions were just being home. And while he would have continued to hide all the same...somebody he knew made it okay. Somebody who he currently puts his hand upon, resting on his shoulder as he looks up at him with sad eyes. ]

Me too.

[fairlyheroic]

[while Zack can see the differences between "ex-SOLDIER" Cloud and the flashes of the shy teenager he was, it's little gestures like this that stick out the most. It's more proof that Cloud turned out just fine, and it quiets the little voice in the back of his head that probably will never quite stop being a tiny bit protective.

Affection and comfort and all those words, he's good at putting them into words, but sometimes it isn't necessary. Or sometimes he doesn't have the right ones. Cloud touches his shoulder and Zack slings an arm around his, briefly, tightly squeezing. Sometimes manly shoulder touches just aren't enough.

But they were doing something, weren't they. Zack gives the board a glance, followed by a little huff] I think I'm all confession'd out. What about you?

[sultanofsquat]

[ It's a warmth that's entirely different from everything else he's felt since coming here. Different from the fluctuating heat of the Daikoh and Daishoku traits that've been driving him mad this month. When he feels Zack's strong arm secure him, his eyes widen as his body stiffens. It's a reflex, the Ex-SOLDIER that wouldn't have had any of this...but even before coming here, glimpses of that shy teenager were still alive and well.

And now he had part of himself back. It was only going to get crazier from here. Luckily, hopefully with less headaches as more things start coming back to him. The more Cloud asks Zack about them. His shoulders lose all their tension, and he sighs as he allows this comfort to wash over him. Yeah...shoulder touches weren't enough. It'll hit him harder when he's alone after, the revelation of the lie he's been living in Midgar. ]

Thank you...

[ Stepping back and letting his hand fall from the taller man's shoulder, his eyes follow his towards the board. ]

Oh. Lemme check...

[ Cloud's hand starts feeling through his messy spikes, effectively ruffling himself as he feels for stray buds. And, ah, sure enough... ]

Can you see any others?

[ Because Cloud's got a hold of one at the back of his head. Secrets to confess... Well, that ema plaque Zack put up knocked out a rather hardcore one for the both of them as he comes to accept reality. ]

[fairlyheroic]

[Cloud doesn't need to thank him - he'd help anyone he cared about with something like this, no questions asked. But rather than saying it, trying to be cool about it, he just squeezes his arm around Cloud again before letting him slip away.

The height he has on Cloud means he can lean close to look for flowers without getting back into his space - he even keeps his hand to himself, tempting as it is to ruffle hair out of the way to be sure]

Just the one you've got, I think.

[as for him . . . there's two flowers left; a small one above his ear, and a bigger one on the opposite side, full flowers that have remained untouched despite what he shared. Ones that will have to stay that way for now]

[sultanofsquat]

[ There it is. The squeeze of his arm, the comforting anchor that prevents him from drifting too far away. Having someone guide him through everything was helping. It would all slowly come back to him. The real reason why he wanted to join SOLDIER, who he was trying to impress, what his true involvement in the Nibelheim disaster was, everything. The only thing that will be left with time is the subtle fear that clutches his chest. He's accepted it. He'll go back and do it all again when they return home, if he has to. But until then...Cloud's going to need to figure out how he wants to carry himself here. ]

Huh... Thought if I'd remembered more things, I'd have more secrets.

[ And he does! But the truths that were shared to begin with seemed to please the hanahaki, leading the two out of any imminent danger. If they kept this up, the flowers would wilt and disappear without a trace. But...he can't help biting his lower lip when he thinks of how bad this all could have been... If he hadn't told Cloud the truth, what would have happened to him? It's a thought he wishes he could just throw away.

He peers at the small flower above his ear, the larger one in full bloom before he gives the board another look. ]

... Think I'm good. [ A beat. ] The more people see these, the more'll fall out. Right?

[fairlyheroic]

[Zack tilts his head, considering that. He's not sure if he knows any of Cloud's secrets - his involvement in Nibelheim, sure, and the cute thing between him and Tifa, but - Cloud's also on the way to remembering more of that himself, so there's no need for him to say anything for now.

But if he's being honest, this is a lot more than he was expecting; getting rid of any hadn't been part of his plan for the day, but this was . . . it went better than he hoped. Maybe it was the way it came up He wasn't sure, but he wasn't going to complain.

Following Cloud's look at the board, Zack reaches out to lightly knock a knuckle against one of his secrets]

Think so. But I think we'll both be fine - it isn't like either of us had that many, you know?

[sultanofsquat]

[ Now that they've effectively opened up pandora's box on his memories, it was only a matter of time before the remaining pieces began falling into place. Had Zack sprung everything on him from the beginning, beneath that sakura tree, he might have actually crumbled back into that broken state he carried him in. Instead, the blond kept poking and prodding at his own doubts, balancing what he didn't want to confront with coping through distractions. By all accounts, it was a miracle that...sadly, may not ever happen again should he be forced to repeat these revelations back home.

Until then? Cloud was going to keep living. That little piece hasn't fallen into place yet, but... It makes sense, right? ]

I guess not. [ Following Zack's lead, he taps his own little crossdressing confession with the back of his knuckles, a lighter 'hmph' escaping him. ] Cat's outta the bag on a couple things.

[ But with that all said and done? He takes one last step back from the plaque, trying to forget about the last remaining blossom in his hair that would eventually come to fall out in time. ]

Grab a snack?

[ Or needing a drink? Because Cloud could go for one. ...emphasis on "one". Just take the edge off the whole 'Not a SOLDIER' bomb that got dropped on him. Still, it's the blond's attempt at keeping things going rather than sitting still and stuck. ]

[fairlyheroic]

[he grins, one of the little ones that are usually followed by teasing, but rather than teasing again, he just chuckles and nods to that plaque]

Nothing I didn't already know, but you know your secrets are safe with me. If someone else figures out it's you, they've gotta be cheating. [besides, any and all teasing he may do in the future about certain secrets will be done in relative privacy, like they somehow still have now.

The nice thing for Zack about having secrets, though, is that while in some cases they're easy to talk about, it's just as easy to set them aside and forget about them, especially with something else to focus on]

Sure. Your treat this time, yeah? [he says, as though he isn't going to try and get the bill before Cloud can]

[sultanofsquat]

Eh. [ It's embarrassing. But Cloud doesn't think he's gonna be stepping back in one any time soon (hue hue), and he already acknowledged that he kinda killed it last time. ] If they do, I'll tell 'em we're moving on.

[ The sooner they leave this whole board behind, the better. Cloud was going to need some more time to absorb everything. ]

Mm. [ With that, Cloud slowly turns from the ema board, closing his eyes one last time as he takes a deep breath. ] ...

[ And release. ]

Ramen?

[ It was easy, he thought. That and he wasn't in the mood to keep walking... As much as they can keep going, they've done enough of that for a time. ]

[fairlyheroic]

[Zack lets out a soft laugh and drops his hand] Give 'em that no nonsense look you've got along with that and they'll have no choice.

[which honestly just makes Zack proud, because his shy little backwaters buddy found some confidence all on his own. Proud and amused, because he really can't wait for the day he gets to see Cloud put someone in their place.

But he can tell Cloud is still processing. Not that it's a bad thing, as long as that's all it is besides the emotions that are practically unavoidable. But if he's a touch more of a goofball than usual, well, it isn't hard to figure out why]

Ramen sounds great. [he takes a few steps away from the board and gestures for Cloud to lead the way]