October | Event: A Night of Moonless Splendor

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A Night of Moonless Splendor↲ OOC Plotting

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On the morning of the 14th, as citizens throughout Nippon prepare for final day of the Tsukimi festival, the refugees will receive a message on their magi-comm from MRU in Kyoto.

"To all refugees who will be staying in the Western Kingdom for the annual Sakumi Festival, please be aware that there is a curfew for all Humans and Hanyo before sundown. It is for your own safety that you heed this curfew, and remain indoors until sunrise.

The Festival will continue until the night of the 31st. It is recommended that refugees do not look at the night sky for the duration of the festival. If you must go out, make sure to hide your face behind a mask.

Should you or anyone else you know experience strange symptoms after dark, such as erratic behavior or transformations unrelated to the side effects of Kizuna bonds, please contact the MRU right away. Affected individuals are encouraged to remain indoors and in brightly lit rooms, away from any open windows.

Additionally, we have a prepared a special area of refuge for those who have not been able to secure safe transit to the Eastern Kingdom, located in Tengoku's Skytower. More information will be available in the coming days.

Please enjoy the festival, and may the gods bless you all."

Understandably, this message is not met well.

Upon hearing of curfews and strange happenings, many refugees choose to flee, flooding the last train to Tokyo and contacting the NRL to secure accommodations in Nihonbashi on short notice. But they aren't the only ones, as most of the seats have been reserved by native Hanyo and Humans, as those who can afford it are also choosing to leave until the end of the month.

But what's the big deal? Weren't people excited for this festival? Well, as it turns out: it's only "celebrated" by Yokai. For everyone else, the Sakumi Festival is the worst time of year to be in the Western Kingdom.

A Festival of Darkness

According to legend, the moon was a gift from the gods. Once a beautiful string of pearls, now only one remains, the others shattered by greed and war, their remains gathered together to form Gaia's ring. This is the story of the Tsukimi Festival, celebrated throughout Nippon.

But there's a continuation to this story, told only in the Western Kingdom. Because this gift was no ordinary gift. It's said that the light of the moon is what allowed the Yokai to evolve from mere Ayakashi into enlightened and intelligent beings. However, that same intelligence is what would prove to be their downfall, as various clans rose in power and sought the magical radiance of the pearls for personal gain. As more and more pearls were destroyed, fewer and fewer ayakashi were able to benefit from their light, with the last remaining pearl not strong enough to offer even the slightest of blessing.

As punishment for their greed, the gods took back the final pearl, with no intent of returning it. Without its light, the Yokai became twisted, devolving back into their basal instincts, and feasting upon one another with reckless abandon. Saddened by their plight, the gods quickly reversed this decision, and the final pearl returned to the sky after 15 nights of darkness.

This is the Sakumi Festival, held in honor of those fifteen days their ancestors spent in perpetual darkness. As the festival begins, on the evening of the 15th, the full moon will begin to fade away, like a lightbulb that's gradually losing power. Within an hour after sunset, it will have disappeared entirely, causing the rings around the planet to dim in turn.

All through the Western Kingdom, Yokai will be celebrating late into the night, and most of them will be wearing strange masks that are designed to reflect their inner-self. Perhaps the Refugees should follow suit?

Monster Mash Western Kingdom, Nippon
Those who stay indoors between sunset and sunrise, or who simply avoid the Western Kingdom all together, won't notice anything special about this festival. But for those who venture out into the darkness of the moonless sky, they'll find themselves transforming and turning into monsters.

The exact form of these monsters varies widely. Some simply become more monstrous forms of themselves. Others may not transform at all, instead gaining supernatural abilities or minor cosmetic changes. And even others may become entirely unrecognizable. These transformations will last until sunrise, and will return every day they go outside or look up at the night sky. And as refugees from different worlds, the monstrous forms they're capable of taking seem nigh endless.

But what now? Well, that depends.

For some, they remain completely lucid throughout the transformation, merely transformed in body but not at all in mind. This is most common for those who choose to head indoors upon transforming, away from the transformative effects of the darkened night sky. For these refugees, the transformations are just a fun quirk of the holiday or an inconvenience. Thankfully, this is generally pretty easy to avoid happening more than once, as they won't feel compelled to transform again.

For those who were unfortunate enough to stare at the sky for any extended period of time, their transformation may be more extreme, as their personality becomes corrupted. Certain aspects of their personality may completely overtake everything else, while others may act entirely out of character. But perhaps the worst part is that those who experience this corruption will feel a strong desire to trigger it again, despite the lack of a guarantee that it won't be any worse the next time.

And for the truly unlucky, they may find themselves in a state the Yokai refer to as a lunar curse. Those who are under the effects of a lunar curse will be overwhelmed with an insatiable appetite, hungering for any number of things, be it a specific type of food, a heightened sexual appetite, or even a desire to feed on the flesh and blood of others. As it turns out, this is the most common side effect, and is the true reason for the curfew: as Humans and Hanyo caught outside by a Yokai afflicted by a lunar curse may find themselves attacked or even devoured. Once someone has been afflicted by a lunar curse, they'll do whatever they can to continue the cycle the following evening, growing irrational and violent near sunset, even while wearing a mask.

You've Got Mail Everywhere, Nippon
But even those hoping to avoid the Sakumi Festival by fleeing to the East will find that the holiday spirit has followed them. With the advent of technology, mischievous Yokai have found ways to send curses via text message, which just so happens to overlap with the festival. Upon opening a message that will appear to be from someone on their friend list, they'll be directed a website that automatically activates the spell.

The exact spell seems to vary depending on which variety of curse they happen to receive. Some of these are quite ordinary, and will simply send salacious or otherwise overtly sexual messages to their friends or even complete strangers, with some capable of combing through their magi-comm for compromising photos to share. Of course, the latter feature is quite buggy, so the photos sent alongside such messages may in fact just be random.

But others may find themselves opening something more dangerous. Among these, one such curse will trap whoever opens it in an enclosed space alongside whoever happens to be nearby, forcing them to perform specific actions to escape. While some are relatively harmless, such as a dance more or shouting something humiliating, others will demand the pair perform particular sex acts in order to escape.

These closed spaces can occur anywhere, but to an outsider, they won't look like anything. Those trapped will look as though they've disappeared until the curse is lifted, but they'll still be able to see the world around them through the magical walls. So those who choose to browse their magi-comms on their morning commute best be careful not to open any suspicious links, lest they be forced to fuck on a crowded train.

Fly Me to the Moon

After a few days, all Refugees will receive notice that an area of refuge has been created for any Refugees who weren't able to leave the Western Kingdom prior to the festival starting. Provided by the Tengu of Tengoku, those looking to flee the chaos will be asked to meet on MRU campus on the morning of the 20th to be teleported to Skytower.

Unknown to many Refugees, Skytower is the only city of Tengoku that floats in the sky high above the Eastern Kingdom. Built long ago during a period of war between Humans and Yokai, it now serves as a watchtower to report on any danger approaching either kingdom, due to its strategic location above the Chubu region.

As the effects of the moonless sky do not exist in the Eastern Kingdom, it is believed that this location will prevent the Refugees from experiencing the transformative aspects of the Sakumi festival.

Or at least, that was certainly the intent.

Castle in the Shadows Skytower, Chubu
Perhaps due to their unusually high magical resistance, Tengu are rarely affected by the Sakumi Festival, and can often be found stationed as guards throughout more populous cities. This remains true at Skytower, where the Tengu monks who lives there assure their guests that they will not be harmed by anyone who calls Skytower home.

"For generations, we Tengu have watched over the lands of Yokai and the lands of Humans. We show no loyalty to anyone except the peace we have worked to maintain all these years.

"Rest assured, although you may be closer to the moonless sky on this sacred tower, you are not in any danger. May Tsukuyomi, goddess of the moon, grant you her protection during this time."

Refugees will be housed together in random room assignments, and although the rooms are small, every amenity they could ask for is provided free of charge. In addition to gourmet meals and access to an exclusive library that few humans have ever set foot in, extravagant outdoor hot springs that seemingly floating atop the clouds are available for the Refugees to relax in at any time of day.

Still, there are some spooky happenings at Skytower. As an ancient tower built many generations ago, many of the passageways throughout the tower are quite narrow and dimly lit. Refugees roaming the halls at night may find their shadows behaving strangely, moving on their own and even creating the sensation of being touched when one shadow reaches out to caress another. These effects are only mildly stimulating, and may even be mistaken for some kind of prank. Only those who dare bathe in the hot springs at night will encounter something more, their shadows engaging in blatant sexual acts under the water, leaving the shadow's owner to writhe as they experience every little sensation.

Curiously, this never seems to occur when the Tengu are around, and those affected may leave such encounters believing they hallucinated it.

Still, true to their word, for the first few days, Refugees at Skytower will be otherwise completely unaffected by the Sakumi Festival, regardless of whether they wear a mask or stare up at the eerily dark night sky.


Please note: Players have the option of having their characters leave for the Eastern Kingdom by airship on the 24th if they do not wish to engage with the second prompt.

Generic Horror Movie Title Skytower, Chubu
But on the 25th, as the Sakumi Festival enters its final week, those bold enough to look up at night sky will notice that the stars are disappearing. The sky will appear to grow blacker and blacker, absorbing any nearby light and appearing more like a dark void overhead than a night sky. Even with the lights on, Skytower will be notably dimmer, making it difficult to navigate the corridors of the tower at night.

Ordinarily, this would simply be yet another aspect of the Sakumi Festival, and one that should be avoidable due to their location on Skytower. But as paranoia among the Refugees grows, Kizuna powered by their fear manifests by causing the area of effect of the Sakumi festival to grow, reaching beyond the borders of the Western Kingdom, until Skytower is enveloped by it.

As the sun sets, an otherwise peaceful night will turn to chaos, as every Refugee on Skytower begins to change due to the power of the moonless sky. A number of Lunar Cursed Refugees begin prowling the tower, driven mad both by fear and by the effects of their own monstrous transformations, attacking everyone and anyone they come across.

And for certain refugees, the gradual loss of the stars and the moon will have more devastating effects. Those with an affinity for stars, space, the moon, or who have begin learning Sora magic will begin experiencing bouts of sudden weakness, causing them to collapse or lose consciousness. This effect escalates as the night goes on, as those afflicted will begin to fade away, their bodies growing translucent the weaker they become. Only prolonged contact with someone they've bonded with seems to have a positive effect, slowing or even reversing the symptoms. But others may disappear entirely until the festival ends, only capable of reaching out to loved ones through their dreams.

Refugees with mild symptoms will be tasked with assisting the Tengu in securing the Lunar Cursed refugees, as well as reaching the control center at the top of the tower to put out a distress signal. By the end of the night, all Refugees will be evacuated by airship to Kyoto.

Paper Faces on Parade

All of this culminates on the final day of the festival on the 31st, during which the sun never rises. A perpetual night blankets the nation, as the final celebrations of the Sakumi Festival take place.

Following news of the disaster at Skytower, Emperor Katsuragi decides to take matters into his own hands. Utilizing his own immense magical power, he cloaks his palace in a protective shield that will limit the transformations produced by the Sakumi Festival. Although negating the effects of the moonless sky using magic is borderline sacrilegious for a devout Yokai, after everything the Refugees did for the people of Shikoku last month, the least he can do is try and support them during this difficult holiday season.

And so, on that morning, all Refugees, no matter where in Nippon they may be, will receive an invitation to a Masquerade Ball to be held in the Imperial Palace in Kyoto. Those who want to attend need only wish it, and the invitation will automatically bring them to the castle grounds.

Additionally, all Refugees who disappeared as a result of the moonless sky will reappear thanks to the Emperor's power, just in time for the Ball to begin!

Kink Convention Gion, Kyoto
The Imperial Palace is much different from the Emperor's villas: a vast, sprawling mansion that seems to defy the laws of physics, with certain floors and walkways arranged in a way that makes them appear impossible to reach. Thanks to the many enchantments, those who walk the hallways of the palace won't notice if a corner suddenly twists, turns, or even has them walking along the ceiling of another room.

But the palace is far from empty! Exploring the mansion will reveal special rooms tucked away with certain enchantments, with many designed to entertain guests who happen to be staying there. Aside from generic things such as black and white movie theaters, libraries, and spas, some of these rooms seem to be tailored for this specific event.

One room is offering demos and workshops revolving around particular kinks, specifically designed to get the most fun out of whatever transformations they've been dealt by the Sakumi Festival. Refugees will be able to rent out sex toys and devices to use throughout the palace, and will even be offered a map of hidden and secluded spots to play in without getting caught.

In another room, a Yokai-turned-tentacle-monster teaches on the importance of safety during bondage sessions, complete with a live demonstration that will require volunteers. Whether this demonstration is simply about proper binding techniques, or an outright public tentacle-fuck, seems to depend on the enthusiasm of the volunteers.

And in another part of the palace, those who want to indulge in their desires anonymously will find special stalls seemingly designed for completely anonymous play, with variously shaped holes cut into the walls to reach out and touch one another. The way the room is set up, there's no way of knowing who is in each stall, as each one has a separate entrance. There's even a special stall that instead blankets the pair in complete darkness, allowing full-body touches and embraces with relative anonymity.

Just don't wander too far. Those curious enough to venture deep into the palace may instead come across a number of cursed rooms designed to trap intruders. Those captured will remain in these rooms until an attendant happens to find them to let them out. In addition to rooms filled with aphro-laced incense, some contain complex mechanisms designed to fully bind intruders, with some even doubling as fucking machines. Thankfully, there are multiple warning signs posted, so only those feeling especially naughty will end up in these corridors.

Party in a Labyrinth Gion, Kyoto
Those who are familiar with the Emperor's penchant for parties won't be too surprised by the offerings on display tonight. Although officially a Masquerade Ball, in which all guests must wear either a mask or appropriate costume, the actual theme is a bit more raunchy, and all Refugees will be welcome to choose from a selection of outfits that come in varying degrees of sensual and erotic.

Refugees will find no shortage of fun and interesting things to do at the party! A live music performance will play throughout the night, allowing guests to dance their hearts out on the dance floor. Food and drink are plentiful, with all alcoholic and uki-laced goods carefully labeled for the Refugee's convenience. And of course, those who want to indulge in their Sakumi transformations can do so knowing they're at no risk of becoming Lunar Curse and will retain their wits about them until the festival ends.

But as the night grows long, a more traditional event takes place in the palace garden, where the various Yokai attendants and aristocrats present gather around a large bonfire for the Sakumi Festival's end. They dance and sing, and then give prayers to the moon goddess Tsukuyomi, begging forgiveness for whatever sins they committed during the festival.

Refugees who are curious enough to take part in this Sakumi Festival tradition will find themselves compelled to confess their guilt for anything they may have done during the festival as a result of the moonless sky's effects. Whether these confessions are truly anything worth feeling guilty about is up to the individual, of course.

As the clock strikes midnight, all masks are thrown into the fire, and the sky lights up with a brilliant display of stars as the moon takes its rightful place in the sky once more.

But as for Katsuragi? He can be found curled up in a corner, thoroughly exhausted from using so much magic, with his head resting in the lap of a certain individual. Probably best to leave them be.

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

• If you do not wish to participate in this event: characters who are able to flee to the Eastern Kingdom will not experience any of the effects of the moon's disappearance.

• If your character would flee but you want them to participate, it's entirely possible that they may find themselves utterly unable to secure a ticket to leave the Western Kingdom, given there is only one train. Additionally, all teleportation terminals to Tokyo will remain offline until November 1st, and due to the lack of the moon, teleportation magic may be weakened.

• While the sky will continue to look spooky in the East as well, this annual phenomenon is explained as a scientific one. As Gaia's moon and rings are magical in nature, the increase in energy expelled during the Tsukimi festival causes them to release a gas-like by-product that blots out the sky at night for a period of two weeks. This has been proven to be true, but the reason this happens at the same time each year is still unknown.

• You have 100% freedom to pick whatever sort of monster your monsterfucker heart desires, be it from Japanese lore, your character's canon, or another canon all together. Whether transformations are painful or not is up to you, and monsters with supernatural powers or abilities will also be allowed to keep those powers! Go wild!

• As a reminder: there are roughly 10,000 Refugees in Nippon, so if you would like to utilize a random Refugee NPC for monsterfucking purposes, this is of course allowed!

• As stated above, characters who go to Skytower will have the option of leaving for Tokyo before things turn sour. These characters will still be able to attend the Emperor's Ball on the 31st!

• Please be kind to your fellow players and utilize content warnings for any graphic monster-related violence, kinks, etc! If you're not sure if something needs a warning, warn for it anyway!

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[sultanofsquat]

[ Feeling Ayaka's cheek nuzzling his arm, if it weren't for the fact they were still walking, he'd have stopped to kiss her atop her head right about now. Instead, he's still determined to get them back home. The streets were already beginning to thin out. Most have either fled on trains to the East (a reason behind why they haven't been able to leave so easily themselves) or shut themselves indoors with their masks.

Having been deeply exposed to the Lunar Curse already, it's already too late for Cloud. But... ]

Maybe... I should stay the night once we get back.

[mistsplitter]

Would you like to?

[ Of course, the doors to the Kamisato Estate are always open to Cloud. And Ayaka would like that more. They don't have to do anything specific; she just wants to be in his company more than anything else. It is with him that she feels the safest. ]

I'll prepare a special dinner, then.

[sultanofsquat]

Yeah. Think I would.

[ Cloud wants someone to keep him occupied when the sun goes down... More importantly, ]

Ever since I first went out at night during this Sakumi Festival... I get the urge to wanna go back every time the sun goes down.

[ As of late? It's been more of a bloodlust and urge to fight. ]

I just...want to stay inside.

[ With her. With Ayato. She says she'll prepare a special dinner? She can take the lead, but he's curious, hopeful even if it means he can be distracted with her. ]

Mind if I help? Even if it's just passing you stuff.

[mistsplitter]

[ What Cloud tells her is worrisome, but all the more she should show him her support! As she has promised him, even before they started dating, that she will be by his side always. This is the perfect opportunity to show him that!

It is why she remains cheerful and optimistic. Giving his arm a squeeze, she tells him of an idea that she has just now. If he needs to keep busy... ]

Shall we make mochi tonight, then? Hehe. The one with black sesame we discussed before.

[ That should keep them busy and tire them out! And if they somehow finish earlier than expected? Well... it's not like they've ever run out of things to do together. ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ She does well in anchoring him. He trusts her. And he promises that she won't have to do all the work tonight, either. He needs to protect her too when things get rough, until this festival was over. ]

Sounds like a plan.

[ If he didn't have his boba tea, he'd turn and kiss her right about now. Instead, they continue walking, the Kamisato Estate's front gate just coming into view now as the sky grows orange. It won't be long before the sun's down. ]

I ever tell you how lucky I am?

[ He has. But right now, it bears repeating. This whole festival has been a whirlwind. And what they just did earlier only added fuel to that proverbial fire. Having a chance to spend the night, stay indoors, have a nice bath and then make mochi... ]

[mistsplitter]

You have, before.

[ He really is the sweetest. And this is why she thinks she is the lucky one. ]

You are also very kind, very sweet, and very thoughtful. I love everything about you.

[ KAJDLADK HOW DOES SHE SAY ALL THIS SO EASILY!! Ah, because she is so lucky, too. She hopes to have more opportunities to show her love for Cloud. She never, ever wants to miss a chance to tell him and show him. All that he's given her... he deserves nothing but everything she can give back. ]

We still have time to do groceries. Would it be alright if we dropped by the market to buy what we need? What's at home may not be enough.

We'll pass by it on our walk home.

[sultanofsquat]

[ The way Ayaka pours her heart out for him... It makes him wish that he was better with his words. He can write them down in a letter all he wants to, but her way with words touches places upon his heart that he never knew existed before. ]

You brought out the better in me.

[ He'll need some time to put into words what he really thinks about Ayaka, without turning into a flustered mess or huffing contently and settling for actions to speak louder. Perhaps later tonight... ]

Alright. Let's go.

[ The tools for making mochi were one thing. But ingredients? Definitely his request for black/sesame mochi must have come as a surprise. Beyond the stew that he still wishes to make for her, Cloud is still figuring out what he could learn to make especially for her. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ The shop is not far! It is as Ayaka said, it is along the way. And it seems she's known there already, the shopkeepers already bowing their heads and greeting her. Ayaka bows her head back in greeting, and when she spots the pastry shop? Cloud gets a good tug tug. ]

Black sesame powder, sesame seeds... [ Ayaka knows what she needs! So it's easy to look for them. She'll have to let go of Cloud's hand though, and he's free to roam around the small pastry shop for ingredients too, or he can buy a bunch of sweets at the front. ]

Food colouring...

[ Can't forget that it has to be blue! ]

[sultanofsquat]

[ This is the first time he's come along grocery shopping with her to this place. But...given the time he's spent here before and after moving to Kyoto, Cloud's popped in before as well! Hardly enough times to be as recognized as Ayaka, but he nods in greeting to the shopkeepers nonetheless, keeping his eyes peeled on what they may need. When she lets go of his hand, he nods. Best to split up. In case there's anything else they might need.

Crossing his arms, he keeps a cautious eye out for what they may need. Mochi was created by pounding out glutinous sticky rice for that chewy exterior... Every household has rice. So they're set to go on that front. But in a separate aisle of the little shop? Something catches his eye. A rich, blue powdered food colouring... Huh. Usually if he saw food coloring back home, it was in little liquid bottles. It was a small little container of it, however. Explicitly for food dye purposes. ]

Hm.

[ ...!! ]

Nn...

[ Luckily, Cloud wasn't in view of anyone, especially Ayaka when he feels a twinge of pain throb through his head. There's still time, but...the sun was setting soon. And he can already feel old memories calling to him in the distant back of his mind. Taking a deep breath in through his nose before sighing out his mouth, he focuses up as if nothing was amiss. ]

— — —

Heya, [ he finds Ayaka down the aisle opposite his, rounding the end of it to catch up with her, little container in hand as his expression softens some as he offers her the dye to inspect. ] This what we're looking for?

[mistsplitter]

Ah— [ She was going to look for it eventually! It was fine if she did it by herself and just had Cloud look around. But this is such a nice surprise that she's practically beaming, sakura flowers appearing around her when she smiles at him. ] Yes, this is it! Thank you for finding it for me, my love.

[ Ayaka takes the bag to put it in the small basket. She's got everything they need now, since there's rice flour at home! Seeing the various desserts at the counter though, she figures it should be okay to buy some to take home, too. ]

Have you tried melonpan before?

[sultanofsquat]

No problem.

[ It's the least he could do after having the two of them be "stuck". ...then again, knowing Cloud? He'd have done this from the get go. Seeing her sakura flowers bloom around her when she smiles, his eyes widen some as a gently puff of mako energy hovers out from him in response. Even when he was doing his best to suppress the Lunar Curse, she found a way to break through to him... Even in the dead of night when they first found one another on her walk home, Ayaka found a way to anchor him. Helped him not become a completely mindless beast. He doesn't want to go back to that feeling.

He wants to stay with her. The sooner they finish shopping here and get inside before night falls? The better. ]

Nope. [ Softly shakes his head. ] Can't say I have.

I've done taiyaki, takoyaki, teppan...yaki— that's a lot of "yaki"s.

[ He doesn't laugh, but that does bring a little smirk to his lips again as he eyes the desserts alongside his girlfriend. ]

Let's try it.

[ Because he's "reading her mind" again. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ That's because he is "her love"! Not anyone else. He's not some wolf or some other creature or yokai. And it comes so naturally to her to show her affections for Cloud. He's made it so easy to do so, and she's not like this at all with anyone else. It would not be right for her to not show him how she truly feels! ]

Melonpan is very good!

[ To the cashier, she orders 3 of them. Turtle-shaped breads! One for her, Cloud, and one for Ayato.

She then pays for everything, and their groceries are put in a nice cloth bag for them to take home. ]

[sultanofsquat]

Just getting spoiled left and right here.

[ But he doesn't object to her paying for the three and the groceries. It's become a more unspoken thing wherein when the time was right? Cloud could pay for things, too. ...not to mention the Kamisatos were more financially stable. The turtle-shaped breads catch his eye nonetheless, and now that they've gotten everything bagged up? The least he can do... ]

I'll take the bag.

[ Since she paid. He thankfully finished his boba (that his writer totally forgot they were holding still FKDSJAH) before coming in so that leaves his hand free for it, and the other still available for Ayaka. He can't wait to get rid of the sweater draping his forearm...and to just get clean in general. When they set foot outside, where there'd once be a moon faintly visible in the sky as the orange sky grows gradually darker? It's nowhere to be seen above them still. Sighing, he squeezes Ayaka's hand. There's not much farther to go before they reach the estate now. ]

Wanna go first in the bath when we get back?

[mistsplitter]

Thank you.

[ Ayaka would have been fine carrying everything. It's not a lot! But Cloud has always been so thoughtful, even from the start. She appreciates gestures like these, regardless of his reasons behind it.

And she's glad she can still hold his hand as they walk home! It is almost impossible to not want to hold his hand at this point. Whether they're alone or in public, it's almost a need at this point. She really loves holding Cloud's hand.

They're almost at the estate when they start talking about the bath. Seeing as it's almost time for dinner? She supposes it would be best if he went in first. That gives her more time to prepare things! ]

You can go first, if you like. I'll prepare your room and tea while you're getting clean.

[ You know... just in case he ends up sleeping in the guest room and not in her own bedroom. It really depends on whether or not Ayato will be home or what time he retires for the night KAJDJAKD ]

[sultanofsquat]

Ah-

[ That makes sense. It's a good thing that Cloud and Ayaka had enough sense in them to finish their little "stipulation" outside. ...even if he caught most of it. But as they pass through the front gate, the wind chimes signaling the return of their master and beau, the two remove their shoes at the front door, with Cloud temporarily leaving Tsubaki in its scabbard at the entrance. He can come back and retrieve the sword at another time. He doesn't have the ability to dissipate it in the same way Ayaka or her brother were capable of. ]

I'll be quick. [ And since they're behind closed doors now... ] We both got a little dirty.

[ Fact? Or a rare tease? Or both? Either way, he's just glad that they made it inside in time. Even when he feels the urge to turn right back around and wait outside for another thrilling hunt to begin, being in Ayaka's presence helps him stay focused. Even if the curse was bound to leave him feeling bolder than usual tonight. As long as he didn't turn? That's all he could ask for. He wants to stay with her. No matter what.

And before he can take his leave and lend her the bag he carried so he can go undress? His hand slides up the side of her arm after letting go of her hand, hoping for her attention and eyes on him when he leans down to take a short kiss from her. ]

Right. Be right back.

[ Taking his dirty sweater with him, he steps into the spacious bathroom down the hall, throwing his top into the nearby hamper for it to be washed later. Alternatively, he'll remember to grab it when he leaves tomorrow and wash it at home. Loosing a sigh from his lips, he can feel the tension leaving his shoulders as he prepares to run the bathwater, stripping the chef's kimono off his person before taking the pants, socks and everything else with. Until he was buck naked, flush with the visuals from the teahouse still very fresh in his mind.

"You'll hold me, won't you?"

The weight he feels in his chest from defying the Lunar Curse feels less difficult to fight against now... ]

[mistsplitter]

[ Always. She always has her eyes on him, and he doesn't even have to ask for her attention. Which is why there is a happy smile on her face after he kisses her, and she looks forward to the promise of him being back soon after he takes a bath.

She tries not to have Cloud distract her thoughts too much. While he's getting ready for the bath, she heads to the guest room and makes sure he has a blanket and pillows for him to use. It doesn't take much preparation, which is why she's able to boil the water for the tea soon after. Oh, but before Cloud finishes his bath, perhaps she should... ]

Cloud, my love?

[ She's standing by the door, facing the other way. Of course she can't see him, but she feels it is the right thing to do, anyway. ]

I brought you a towel and a nemaki. I wasn't sure if you had one inside already.

[sultanofsquat]

[ Cloud's just dropped a bucket of hot water over his head when he hears her calling out to him from beyond the door. Mindful that he's naked, he still decides to get up from his stool, the bathwater nice and hot and waiting for him when he approaches the door.

Ayaka will hear the sound of the sliding door opening. Just enough for Cloud to peer out, leaning from the side so she doesn't have to see anything she doesn't need to right now. But that also means... ]

Mm?

[ If she decides to turn around now? Leaning against the door frame from around the side of the sliding door is a wet-haired, bare-shouldered Cloud Strife peering down at her with bright and curious eyes. Then what she says registers and- ]

Oh- [ Shit. ] Shoot. [ Good beau. ]

I forgot those...

[ So much so that when he got up from his stool, his hair was still partially soapy despite the rush of water from earlier. Even missing a spot of soap down his cheek. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ She turns around slowly when she hears his voice. Slowly, slowly, so she can tell if he's decent or not and she can turn away in time. Seeing him hiding behind the door though, she figures it's alright to face him properly, but she shouldn't take long! ]

Here.

[ The towel and nemaki are folded on top of the other, and she hands both over to him! One hand keeps the pile of cloth steady from the bottom when she reaches for his cheek, forgetting he's naked from behind the door. ]

Oh, you missed a spot.

[ In rinsing, she means! But that's okay. Ayaka is here to the rescue. She cups his cheek first before she runs her thumb along where she sees little soap bubbles form.

... there we go! A content little smile forms on her lips when his face is clean, but now she's looking at him in admiration. He really seems like a different person like this, with his hair down, but she knows he's still Cloud. Attractive, kind, the sweetest person ever... everything about him is amazing.

She's taking her time with this, isn't she? ]

1/3

[sultanofsquat]

Thanks, Ayaka.

[ Temporarily taking the towel and nemaki to hold them against his side. Just as she reaches forward to cup his cheek. He finds his breath catching in his throat as she does this, the sensation of her thumb running across his skin faintly registering as he finds his eyes solely focused on her. The little smile that forms on her lips. The beautiful icy grays of her eyes that look up at him with sheer admiration... His complexion was naturally pale, so it made the color of red in his face even more apparent as he can feel his heart beginning to pound again.

Different from the pull of the moonless sky, however. When he frets being whisked away, she's right there- ready to take his hand and remind him where he wants to be. She really was so beautiful... Despite how innocently sweet she was, she also wasn't overbearing either. Curious, strong, devoted to the people she cares for... For someone who carries with her a Cryo Vision, her heart couldn't have been any more warm. Even the Shirasagi Himegimi had the hearts of her people, no matter how unobtainable.

As for Kamisato Ayaka... ]

...

[ Cloud doesn't take for granted what he has with her. What he's obtained. How he holds all of her. ]

2/3

[sultanofsquat]

[ He leans into her touch, still halfway concealed behind the sliding door as he moves closer to her. The nemaki and towel are barely hanging on against his hip where he holds it as he moves to close what miniscule distance is left between them. And if Ayaka doesn't move? She's going to be kissed again. It's for how long she was watching him...taking her time with this, that he seizes the opportunity. It's chaste, but it lingers. Stoking the embers from earlier yet not intending on letting it turn into another soaring blaze.

That by the time he draws away, his eyes have taken an icier tone as well, mirroring the younger Kamisato when he feels emboldened to ask as he pulls away a hair's length, ]

3/3

[sultanofsquat]

Come in with me.

[ "So you don't have to wait," is what he forgets to add. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ It's just like that time in Nara. Just before they left for what probably—obviously—was a date. Cloud had given her flowers he'd picked before he'd arrived at the inn from being out all day, and she put one in his hair. Her hand stayed on his cheek longer than it should have too, because she was distracted by him and was too busy just looking at him.

It is so peaceful like this. Ayaka's heart feels so light, and she is at ease. In her mind, there is nothing but happiness. How truly lucky she is to have Cloud. It's only when she feels him lean that she's unbound by the spell he's put on her, and she would have apologised if not for him leaning in to kiss her.

"Come in with me," Cloud says, his voice so soft and so inviting. What he says gets her cheeks to turn red, and she looks around to see if there is anyone listening. They have seen each other naked many times before, but she can't help but feel shy about this, anyway. ]

But if Ayato comes home...

[ Her words say one thing, but her actions mean another. She takes a step forward, and another, until she's slipped inside the bathroom with her beau. She can hear her heart beating wildly in her chest right now. If they had gone in together, she would have removed his clothes off for him, folded them and put them away, but... he at least has the chance to do that for her now. ]

[sultanofsquat]

We'll be quick.

[ Did her beau have other things on his mind? He'd be the worst liar ever if he said he didn't. Does he also know better and simply just wants to spend time with her? Especially so. The allure of the Lunar Curse beckons him to want to step outside. But with Ayaka stepping around and into the bathroom with him as he slides it shut behind her, Cloud knows where he truly wants to be in his heart. Who he wants to be with. By now, the bath has been drawn, waiting for the two to soak in together after rinsing themselves properly. In hindsight, he may look back on this and get embarrassed at his own bravado, but right now, he's thinking and seeing clearly enough to know this is what he wants.

His reassurance is but a sentence deep, so even if Ayato does return home...they would simply have to be discreet. Or rather, Cloud would need to behave himself. Setting the towel and nemaki off to the side where it'll stay dry, he's only half mindful of the fact that he's completely naked while she has so many layers to shed still. Which is why he returns to her side quickly enough, swallowing that nervous little bump in his throat when he offers, ]

Need a hand?

[ She's undressed him numerous times when they were getting intimate, but this time was different. Even as he can feel his fingers itching to glide along smooth, soft skin, and bite back that temptation to linger on her petite yet feminine curves. ]

[mistsplitter]

[ She's still in her kimono and armour, but when Cloud puts away his towel and the nemaki, she takes the time to begin removing her hairpieces. She wouldn't need help with her armour and her other accessories, but the invitation is a gesture she appreciates. With her hair down now, she turns around so it's her back that is facing Cloud.

Slowly, she brings her hair over her shoulder so it rests on her chest. He should have full access to her back now, with the littlest of obstacles. ]

Yes, please.

[sultanofsquat]

[ Having her back to him does well in putting him at ease. They've seen one another naked before. ...and sure as hell did far more risqué things together. One only need to reflect back to little over an hour ago for that fact. But he's also undressed Ayaka before. Enough times that, thankfully, he's gotten better adjusted to being able to remove her armour. His hands settle upon her shoulders at first, gently squeezing as he coaxes her to shrug her shoulders so he can slip the outer layer of her outfit from her sleeves. Beneath her breastplate was her elbow-length shirt, his strong hands settling on the sides of her waist.

Much in the same way he held her when they were back at the teahouse...

Fighting that temptation to just hold her more firmly and pull her back against him like this... Seeing the nape of her neck beneath the golden collar she wears causes him to loose a little sigh through his nose. Focus. Composure. He'll strip the bottom half of her shortly. For now, he'll help her get her shirt off and neatly place it with the rest of her clothing. At least her armour wasn't something that needed to be "washed" like the rest. ]