𝚂𝚢𝚗𝚏𝚕𝚞𝚡 𝙼𝚘𝚍𝚜 (
synfluxmods) wrote in
synflux2024-07-12 11:07 pm
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Entry tags:
- !event,
- !team log,
- arknights: elysium,
- chainsaw man: makima,
- devil summoner: raidou kuzunoha,
- fate/grand order: okada izou,
- final fantasy 7: kadaj,
- genshin impact: wriothesley,
- hades: zagreus,
- honkai star rail: march 7th,
- in stars and time: siffrin,
- library of ruina: gebura,
- limbus company: ishmael,
- lobotomy corporation: yesod,
- mobile suit gundam seed: dearka elthman,
- my hero academia: katsuki bakugo,
- wuthering waves: rover
DOWNTIME MINGLE #3
DOWNTIME MINGLE #3
▶ 001. A JOB WELL DONE.
As Outsiders head back from Okinawa (or, perhaps they are already back, characters were able to leave Okinawa through the dataportal whenever) with plenty of coconut crab and mutated fish, Outsiders can expect to have the cafeteria filled with crab and fish food for the next.. well, undetermined amount of time. The power outages have been restored on the LILITH base, and while Outsiders have been enjoying their change of pace in Okinawa, there has been some celebratory news across the Outsider's ocular implants. It looks like it is a message from the big guy himself! Whoever that is. Wasn't his name.. Eiji something? Elijah?

The announcement won't leave an Outsider's implant until it has been read, but just as the voice said, Outsiders will find a Sampo themed pachinko machine installed by the cafeteria near the vending machines. It looks like it's ready to be played! Why not give it a go? Because who wouldn't want to see this charm willingly.
A lot of toy companies are also wanting their skin in this game and have introduced the set of several actions figures based off Yzak and Dearka's gundams, which can be seen distributed on base. The caveat, however, is that you will need to build them piece-by-piece. Alongside this, there will also be Denji-themed plushies, even if it looks like a cross between a dog and human.
Thanks to Choso, hair care on the base has also gotten a lot better. Due to sponsorships, Outsiders are readily able to access more shampoo and conditioner options. Though, maybe thanks to the pictures on the bottle— buns are now trending.
Maybe give the pachinko machine a spin? Or try Choso's brand of shampoo your team's wing communal shower?
"I'm not going to waste my time with introductions, because we have more important matters to discuss. First of all, good work. Second, while we have been met with several successes, don't let it get to your head. Third, continue following the lead of Yamakawa. ... This is why I don't do celebratory speeches. CODENAMES MONEYBAGS, DUELWIELD, BUSTERMOVE, CHAINSAW MAN and CURSE... great work. You'll see the rewards of your hard work momentarily. Report to me for a payout."
The announcement won't leave an Outsider's implant until it has been read, but just as the voice said, Outsiders will find a Sampo themed pachinko machine installed by the cafeteria near the vending machines. It looks like it's ready to be played! Why not give it a go? Because who wouldn't want to see this charm willingly.
A lot of toy companies are also wanting their skin in this game and have introduced the set of several actions figures based off Yzak and Dearka's gundams, which can be seen distributed on base. The caveat, however, is that you will need to build them piece-by-piece. Alongside this, there will also be Denji-themed plushies, even if it looks like a cross between a dog and human.
Thanks to Choso, hair care on the base has also gotten a lot better. Due to sponsorships, Outsiders are readily able to access more shampoo and conditioner options. Though, maybe thanks to the pictures on the bottle— buns are now trending.
Maybe give the pachinko machine a spin? Or try Choso's brand of shampoo your team's wing communal shower?
▶ 002. TRADITIONAL TANABATA.
The sun is hot but summer is traditionally festival season in Neo Tokyo; these old traditions have managed to hold up in this gritty society in attempts to keep a positive morale, so some citizens and organizers try to keep the tradition going and lift spirits by celebrating local festivals. Many districts and neighborhoods have their own festivals as well. One day, you might stumble onto a shopping district’s wind chime festival and the next day, you might find flyers for a neighborhood’s morning glory festival.
The largest festival of the month is the Tanabata festival. Since the holiday falls in an odd weekday this year, the main celebration is held the next weekend. Civilians and Outsiders can find various shrines, shopping centers, and community buildings with bamboo branches on display with holographic slips of paper that alternate colors. Characters that pass by may submit their wishes on their implants; a new way to keep the old tradition.
On the weekend, some stalls have been set up for people to celebrate. Attendance is low because of the heat and due to a food shortage, the options are lacking. However, there are plenty of games such as a toy shooting range with laser guns and kaiju targets. There are also goldfish catching games where people can catch a cheap goldfish drone that can “swim” in the air and water and shoot bubbles. As a bonus, LILITH will provide Outsiders with an outfit upgrade to help lift spirits. The outfit consists of a traditional summer yukata or jinbei.
Fireworks have gone out of style due to attracting kaiju attention. However, at the festival’s end, there is a drone light show. Hundreds of customized hummingbird drones take to the sky and create elaborate illuminations and shapes in the sky while music plays.
The largest festival of the month is the Tanabata festival. Since the holiday falls in an odd weekday this year, the main celebration is held the next weekend. Civilians and Outsiders can find various shrines, shopping centers, and community buildings with bamboo branches on display with holographic slips of paper that alternate colors. Characters that pass by may submit their wishes on their implants; a new way to keep the old tradition.
On the weekend, some stalls have been set up for people to celebrate. Attendance is low because of the heat and due to a food shortage, the options are lacking. However, there are plenty of games such as a toy shooting range with laser guns and kaiju targets. There are also goldfish catching games where people can catch a cheap goldfish drone that can “swim” in the air and water and shoot bubbles. As a bonus, LILITH will provide Outsiders with an outfit upgrade to help lift spirits. The outfit consists of a traditional summer yukata or jinbei.
Fireworks have gone out of style due to attracting kaiju attention. However, at the festival’s end, there is a drone light show. Hundreds of customized hummingbird drones take to the sky and create elaborate illuminations and shapes in the sky while music plays.
▶ 003. DR. RATIO'S RENOVATIONS.
Festival season means LILITH also has to get in on the action, and while a certain Outsider named Dr. Ratio has raised concerns over the stated of the LILITH base Library, LILITH has actually listened to his desperate plea to renovate the library. What a perfect opportunity for LILITH to use the festival as a way of raising funds so they don't have to dip into their kaiju payout funds (and pizza party fund.) It's time for LILITH's annual SUMMER FESTA. Every year, LILITH comes together with local organizations like fire stations, police stations, clinics, and nonprofits to promote public safety and awareness. It's a one day festival where people can get information about what to do to stay safe not only during kaiju attacks but in their daily lives. The funds raised at the festival will go to training, supplies, research, and maintaining services.
As usual, LILITH is raising money for disaster relief supplies and renovation projects across Neo Tokyo. Per request, LILITH has agreed to set aside some funds to help renovate the facilities on base, including the library. However, they will task the Outsiders with raising the money.
It's a festival so how they raise the money is both up up to them or they may take the suggestions according to their team placement below. Either way, Outsiders are required to work with other people on their same team but they're encouraged to make it fun. Set up game stalls, sell food, do performances, and ask for donations to raise as much money as possible for their projects. The team that raises the most money is promised a prize while the losers will be punished. Here are the team suggestions below and some of them may have some new, modern twists:
Everlight: Kingyo-sukui, which is goldfish catching with a paper scoop. Managing the takoyaki stands.
Revelation: Yoyo-tsuri, fishing for water-filled balloons with a “fishing pole” with a paper string. Managing the mask stands.
Brimstone: Shateki, shooting at targets for prizes. Managing the sparklers stands.. sparklers shouldn't catch kaiju attention, right?
Redemption: Wanage, ring toss. Managing the onigiri stands.
Outsiders will be given a week to prepare for the festival and they only have a single day to raise funds. In the evening, the winning team is announced: Revelation. All team members will receive can badges and a pizza party. A special donation will also be made to the library on their behalf: A stack full of self help books, yes, REAL books and not holograms or digital books, such as "Overcoming Your Depression for Dummies" and "How to Make Friends 101." Thank you for your effort, Team Revelation!
As for the losers, they will be given options: Sign up or the final fundraising event of the night or help clean up at the end of the festival. The final fundraiser is a punishment game where volunteers from each organization are dunked in tubs of water or pied in the face. It seems like a certain person (Seok Dang) was supposed to be LILITH’s tribute but he is nowhere to be found… maybe one of the other losers will step up and take his place to be dunked in water or pied in the face? Characters may also sign up a loser character without their consent. Come on, be a good sport!
As usual, LILITH is raising money for disaster relief supplies and renovation projects across Neo Tokyo. Per request, LILITH has agreed to set aside some funds to help renovate the facilities on base, including the library. However, they will task the Outsiders with raising the money.
It's a festival so how they raise the money is both up up to them or they may take the suggestions according to their team placement below. Either way, Outsiders are required to work with other people on their same team but they're encouraged to make it fun. Set up game stalls, sell food, do performances, and ask for donations to raise as much money as possible for their projects. The team that raises the most money is promised a prize while the losers will be punished. Here are the team suggestions below and some of them may have some new, modern twists:
Everlight: Kingyo-sukui, which is goldfish catching with a paper scoop. Managing the takoyaki stands.
Revelation: Yoyo-tsuri, fishing for water-filled balloons with a “fishing pole” with a paper string. Managing the mask stands.
Brimstone: Shateki, shooting at targets for prizes. Managing the sparklers stands.. sparklers shouldn't catch kaiju attention, right?
Redemption: Wanage, ring toss. Managing the onigiri stands.
Outsiders will be given a week to prepare for the festival and they only have a single day to raise funds. In the evening, the winning team is announced: Revelation. All team members will receive can badges and a pizza party. A special donation will also be made to the library on their behalf: A stack full of self help books, yes, REAL books and not holograms or digital books, such as "Overcoming Your Depression for Dummies" and "How to Make Friends 101." Thank you for your effort, Team Revelation!
As for the losers, they will be given options: Sign up or the final fundraising event of the night or help clean up at the end of the festival. The final fundraiser is a punishment game where volunteers from each organization are dunked in tubs of water or pied in the face. It seems like a certain person (Seok Dang) was supposed to be LILITH’s tribute but he is nowhere to be found… maybe one of the other losers will step up and take his place to be dunked in water or pied in the face? Characters may also sign up a loser character without their consent. Come on, be a good sport!
▶ 004. MONSOON SEASON.
Despite the celebrations and attempts to raise morale, the heatwave persists in Neo Tokyo and with it, the problems from the beginning of the month. Food continues to go bad quickly and while fundraising attempts have provided some relief, the city is huge and shelf stable supplies begin to run low again. The energy crisis improves slightly with blackouts occurring less frequently as emergency personnel attempt to intervene. Though the weather is dreary, the renovations must press on! Fortunately, most of the things to do around the Library consist of staying inside. Dr. Ratio has given the following orders which Outsiders may help with in the Library:
- Install better lighting.
- Organize and add more books.
- Set up and secure tables and chairs.
- Add couches to once section of the library to convert it into a lounging area.
Characters may work together to help, or maybe they prefer to laze around and give the newly renovated Library a test run!
After a few days, finally, the rain meteorologists have promised arrives. The skies darken and heavy rain falls on the city which brings much cooler temperatures. People stay inside more often as it becomes too inconvenient to go out when the rain and wind are so strong. The rainstorms grow stronger and eventually become fully fledged storms. The ground shakes from thunder and lightning strikes light up the sky.
Everyone’s ocular implants will frequently give warnings about the weather. LILITH will task Outsiders with assisting across the city. Help evacuate citizens to higher ground during flash floods. After the storms subside, help clear the streets of debris and trees. Some neighborhoods will lose power because of lightning strikes and need their generators restored. However, every time they finish their tasks, a new storm will occur a few days later and they’ll have to repeat.
At first, it seems like the typical summer storm season but meteorologists become concerned when more storms begin to happen without following clear weather patterns and even the locals remark the season seems very active this year… could it be another kaiju? The last time Neo Tokyo had floods, it was sea water, but this is caused by heavy rain. Like clockwork, LILITH's investigating team is on the lookout for energy from a rift or any leads to what could be causing all of the heavy rain. Outsiders are instructed to keep an eye out for any emergency messages.
- Organize and add more books.
- Set up and secure tables and chairs.
- Add couches to once section of the library to convert it into a lounging area.
Characters may work together to help, or maybe they prefer to laze around and give the newly renovated Library a test run!
After a few days, finally, the rain meteorologists have promised arrives. The skies darken and heavy rain falls on the city which brings much cooler temperatures. People stay inside more often as it becomes too inconvenient to go out when the rain and wind are so strong. The rainstorms grow stronger and eventually become fully fledged storms. The ground shakes from thunder and lightning strikes light up the sky.
Everyone’s ocular implants will frequently give warnings about the weather. LILITH will task Outsiders with assisting across the city. Help evacuate citizens to higher ground during flash floods. After the storms subside, help clear the streets of debris and trees. Some neighborhoods will lose power because of lightning strikes and need their generators restored. However, every time they finish their tasks, a new storm will occur a few days later and they’ll have to repeat.
At first, it seems like the typical summer storm season but meteorologists become concerned when more storms begin to happen without following clear weather patterns and even the locals remark the season seems very active this year… could it be another kaiju? The last time Neo Tokyo had floods, it was sea water, but this is caused by heavy rain. Like clockwork, LILITH's investigating team is on the lookout for energy from a rift or any leads to what could be causing all of the heavy rain. Outsiders are instructed to keep an eye out for any emergency messages.
▶ 005. AFTERWORD.
Welcome to our third downtime mingle! While we would typically have a texting prompt, we instead have player plots for this event! Thank you Abbel and Eski for the Tanabata and festival player prompt and Sky for the Library renovations plot! We appreciate Eski for spending 500 bonus points to provide everyone with something to wear for Tanabata. For the character-run stalls as part of the renovation prompt, players are not limited to the suggestions given by the mods and are free to come up with their own stall ideas. Additionally, for characters signing up other characters for the dunk tank, please make sure you get OOC permission from their players first.
Please note also we have added new rewards: the Poison Dagger, Cat Ear Visor, and the Elemental Swords now come in the models Ice and Lightning. Please see the REWARDS page for more information.
All tags on this log are worth 2 points.
Please note also we have added new rewards: the Poison Dagger, Cat Ear Visor, and the Elemental Swords now come in the models Ice and Lightning. Please see the REWARDS page for more information.
All tags on this log are worth 2 points.
EVENT BREAKDOWN (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. A JOB WELL DONE: The kaiju heavy hitters get recognition with.. a pachinko machine and shampoo sponsorship? Outsiders can react to their fellow colleagues about this development, or maybe even talk to the winners themselves around the base.
2. TRADITIONAL TANABATA: It's Tanabata season, even in a post-apocalyptic world! Put on some old, traditional attire with your friends and enjoy a drone show.
3. DR. RATIO'S RENOVATIONS: LILITH has teamed up with the local safety personnel to get in on the festival season. Characters are encouraged to fundraise for renovations at the LILITH base Library. Teams may also visit other teams events and stands to donate, partake in, and.. maybe deliver some competitive harassment.
4. MONSOON SEASON: With the weather being hot and renovations needing done, LILITH works together to improve the Library. A few days later, the weather gets suspiciously intense and Outsiders are instructed to help civilians with power outages, flash flooding, debris from heavy wind and rain.
tanabata
As you can see, I don't need the help.
[ Evidenced by the little goldfish drone making idle, flippy circles around Yzak's head, neck and shoulders, leaving a trail of bubbles as it moves. A cute sight, since Yzak too is dressed for the fest with a fancy-looking yukata, hair pulled back (just as fancily and carefully) and a plate of takoyaki in his hand. Each piece has its own little toothpick sticking out of it. Automatically, he holds the plate out toward Dearka, since obviously he's going to share with his bestie. ]
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WOW THAT WAS A DIFFERENT TIME, OKAY??Dearka turns from whoever he happened to be heckling just now, and instead takes a moment to look Yzak over].
Well, well... Aren't you looking sharp, all dressed for the occasion? [He takes one of the offered pieces of takoyaki and gestures with it, grinning.] Cheers.
[He'll never get the occasion to voice this out loud, but he kind of loves when Yzak pulls his hair back, for two reasons: one, it's just a good look on him. Two? contrary to the usual turn of phrase ("letting your hair down"), he kind of associates this style with the two of them getting to go out and do something fun and out of the ordinary. The contradiction in that kind of just makes him more fond.]
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[ And on the subject of their fits, Yzak likewise makes a note when he takes Dearka's in, (sure, he looks particularly good in his; that untapped part of Yzak's subconscious knows that he looks really good in it. but then again, Dearka himself always looks really good. but on the surface, it's just something Yzak notes as a fact as he could regarding all of these other cute and handsome outsiders celebrating today) and speaks it outloud. ]
You haven't gotten to wear something like this very often recently, either.
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[He bats a few bubbles from the drone away from his face with his free hand, though takes care not to hit the drone itself.]
Refresh my memory on that legend again? It's been a while.
[He probably hasn't actually forgotten. He PROBABLY just wants to hear Yzak talk about his pet interest for a bit, because he's a hopeless gay loser.]
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Too bad we've already got a fundraiser lined up. You could have done that instead.
[ As nice as that might have been, though, it probably wouldn't rake in as much as the idea they did cook up to bring the Duel and Buster out while they're fresh in everyone's minds.
Yzak tips his head in a 'come on' motion, turning to head down the festival street because if he's gonna be a huge nerd about it anyway, they might as well find a bamboo branch to actually partake in the custom. He keeps the plate of takoyaki in whichever hand ends up between him and Dearka for further easy grabs. ]
The base story is generally the same in other parts of the world. Two lovers - I guess you can call them star-crossed because of their fate and the fact that they're symbolized by the Vega and Altair stars that are separated by the Milky Way - who can only meet on the seventh day of the seventh month every year.
Here in Japan ... the most popular legend is about the weaver daughter of the king of the stars and the cow-herder on the other side of the "river" that she meets. The two of them fall in love, she stops weaving altogether, and he stops herding so his cows start roaming all over the heavens. The king notices this, gets pissed off about it, and separates the two of them, forbidding them to meet again aside from one day a year.
And on that one day a year, the weaver can only cross the river separating them [ He gestures with the plate he's holding between both of them as he speaks, a vague visual aid. ] with the help of the magpies that gather together to make a bridge for her, because they were moved by her tears to help when she realized she couldn't even make it across on her own when she was allowed to.
[ Yzak looks up at the thankfully clear skies as he continues. ]
If it rains on the day of, that's said to mean the river rises too high for the magpies to gather and she can't get across at all.
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It is nice that Yzak is supportive of him anyway, though.
He listens the explanation with a surprising degree of attentiveness, slowly munching on some takoyaki while he does. It's just nice to hear Yzak talk about things other than work... Something he does get to experience more often, now that they've both been forcibly separated from their duties with ZAFT.]
Man... Down through the ages, parents do just enjoy meddling in their kids' love lives, huh? Though I guess that princess must've been super hot, if she was distracting the cow herder enough for him to let his animals go wandering all over the place.
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While Yzak enjoys showing off his immense knowledge of things, it's when he's talking about something a bit more personal that he gets this sincere enthusiasm about it. So much so that even with the lights and the chatter and the music surrounding them, it's like it all temporarily melts away around him and puts them in their own little world.
And in that little world, Yzak turns his head and gives Dearka a vexed look. ]
Haaaah!? There are plenty of more important reasons to fall in love with someone aside from them being hot!
[ Says the beautiful anime boy. ]
Even if one of the aspects of the story worth discussing is that of an all-consuming obsession...!
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Maybe there are more reasons to fall in love, but how else do you explain that level of distraction? Huh?
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[ The little drone fish comes back over to Yzak, blowing out a bubble as if in sync with each trait he lists. ]
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C'mon. You really think a guy whose entire job is herding cows would get distracted from tending to his animals because he was too busy ogling the princess's intellect?
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I could! Because it's actually a very appealing trait when it exists.
[ Emphasis on the when! Because that sure isn't now!! ]
But I say could rather than would, because I already know the importance of moderation that the legend touches on as something to be careful about! And it's not even one of the main takeaways of the story, anyway.
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Alright. What would you consider the main takeaway, then?
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It's a story of two lovers, albeit starcrossed, so the core of it is that unyielding love. They're allowed to see each other once a year, and only if it doesn't rain, so there's a message of patience there. Even when you take into consideration what you pointed out earlier, that the situation is due to the weaver's father forcing them into it.
Which, you're right, is a pretty bullshit thing for him to do. But don't forget that that happened because of the obsession the two had for one another - a warning that even feelings as positively spun as affection can become detrimental if not properly cultivated and balanced in one's life, the same as anything else. [ Like, you know, an all-consuming want for revenge because a person gets injured and humiliated by their enemy. Ha ha! ]
That's where the theme of devotion comes into play. Because who could stand to be that patient in the first place, if they didn't have the devotion to fuel it? It's proof that despite everything, their feelings for one another are true, because even the one day they'll get to spend together every year is worth that wait.
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He nods occasionally to show he's still listening, but is otherwise silent. By the end, he lets the story hang in the air for a moment, processing, and then elbows Yzak (very lightly) in the side, grinning playfully.]
Damn. Listen to you, Mr. Romantic.
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Yzak flusters at the remark and the gentle elbowing, and gives Dearka a barbless scowl. ]
You asked!
[ He does not deny the label, because Dearka is correct. Underneath that prickly exterior, he's a little softie who does enjoy a good love story. As experienced back in Vegas, that's the reason why he finds himself so repelled from his mother's recent nagging, despite him being so otherwise set to lean into a duty of his. It's a descriptor befitting of him, who treasures his connections, keeps them close to his heart and yearns for a wholehearted acceptance of who he is.
So in that, maybe that's also why he finds himself so subconsciously averse to what's expected of him, because Dearka fills that need in him so well already. ]
And I'm not wrong. Sure, legends like these are extreme in their storytelling, but that heavyhandedness is only used to get those lessons across clearly. In reality, nobody's expected to wait a whole year just to see someone for a day. I sure as hell wouldn't accept something so ridiculous! [ Big words from mister self sabotage but still doesn't want to defy mommy. ]
But yes, I do happen to admire the concept when applying it to something closer to my own life.
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Makes sense. Honestly though, that doesn't actually surprise me at all, hearing that about you.
[Cryptic...]
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Oh? Why is that?
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Considering what a headache PLANT's marriage regulations are, I guess it just doesn't surprise me that you'd bump up against them in this regard too. 'Cuz they don't exactly leave much room for romance, you know?
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(doesn't wish to be right now. he's just very busy. it would be a mess if he tried to add such a huge, important, life-changing thing to his already nearly-overflowing plate at this point in time. right?)
((right...?))
Yzak turns his gaze back ahead of him, idly watching the crowd as he speaks. Ironically, at couples with arms or hands linked together, enjoying food, rushing to some game to play together or just likewise observing the sights, at kids playing games, some whooping in victory or groaning in defeat. ]
Mother makes it a much bigger headache than it has to be. [ He says with an exasperation, because both of them know all too well how extra she's been about things lately. Being extra truly is a Jule family trait. ] But, you're right.
[ The admittance has a hint of tightness in his voice, but if there's anybody he's going to admit that to, it's Dearka. He's aware that his partner sees it, too, the way Yzak seems to desperately avoid this path that's been put in front of him. But as the other man just made clear, it's that his read on the situation is spot on, and even if Yzak bristled up and argued it, he'd see the truth behind that reaction, too.
That being said, he does pull in a breath after that, tipping his chin up. And he speaks again with some attempt to sound like he has some grasp, some control in all this. ]
It's not like there's no room for romance, though! If there's one thing I can commend my mother for, it's the fact that I won't be lacking in choice when I decide to meet someone. [ "Decide to," he says. More honesty, because Ezalia just gets the same old busy excuse when in reality, Yzak could have jumped into this a long time ago. ] I'm not going to be stuck with the first woman I speak to if I don't like her. [ If he doesn't like her, because obviously everybody who beholds Yzak will instantly like him and his stellar personality.
But, there's nothing bold about the declaration, and it lacks any intensity or excitement that Yzak should have about this. There's no passion like what he just held when he told that story. Not even something like the spark he had when Dearka was getting a rise out of him with his stupid remarks. ]
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He has himself, in recent years, wondered more and more about the way PLANT handles unions between its citizens. In truth, Yzak (and the way he's been suffering under his mother's expectations) only plays a small part in this increased sense of mindfulness. For one thing, the population crisis is an ever-present shadow that looms over all of PLANT's citizens, so it's never too far from his mind. And for another...
...Well, it wouldn't be an overstatement to say that Dearka's edges have softened a lot in the time since he graduated academy... Which is maybe sort of contradictory to what one might expect, considering the shit he's gone through and witnessed on the battlefield, but the thing is: he's also greatly broadened his horizons in that time. Or had them forcibly broadened by being a POW for a while, you know, details, whatever, the point is that he has met and befriended many naturals by now. And he's been to Orb, with its mixed populations and mixed families, and seen the lives and the society they'd carved out for themselves there. And he's watched Athrun's sometimes fraught but ultimately deep devotion to Cagalli. And he's even dated a natural himself, which was a learning experience, even if it didn't exactly end favorably for him... So he takes all of that in, and he looks at PLANT's policies on establishing marriages and building the coordinator population, and he can't help but wonder: shouldn't the solution lie elsewhere? Why are they, as a nation, still so concerned with marrying coordinator to coordinator?
It just feels like an incredibly backwards philosophy, particularly when he considers that the government keeps paying lip service to the idea of peace between these two sides of humanity. He knows it's hardly a simple affair in practice, especially when factions on both sides continue to try and kill each other and disrupt the progress that's been made... But he still can't help but wonder, wouldn't more integration be better for them all in the long run? Better for the world?
In conclusion: Maybe people in the Cosmic Era would all want to kill each other less, if more coordinators and naturals were boinking.
That's sort of Dearka's baseline attitude about all this, although he hasn't really brought it up out loud, nor has he ever discussed his thoughts with Yzak. He knows that for his friend, integration vs marrying another coordinator, and carrying on the family bloodline...? Those are all distant seconds to the real issue: making his mother happy.
It's just really hard to watch him struggle and sacrifice his own happiness in order to meet those expectations.
Anyway... Perhaps because he knows he's touched on a sensitive subject, Dearka listens, but then he's incredibly quick to try and make light again. Plus, like... He can't let that one comment go un-criticized, you know? He glances at Yzak sidelong and grins like a horrible hyena, snickering in amusement.]
Fair 'nuff, but you do know the girl has to like you back in order for one of those arrangements to work, right? Take it from me, I'm the voice of experience here.
[Again, speaking as the one out of the two of them who has actually canonically dated a woman.]
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Yzak puffs up a bit in Dearka's direction at that remark. He says nothing of him boasting of being the voice of experience because. Well. He actually is aware of how that 'experience' turned out for him. And while Yzak can be cutting and offensive, he knows even a sarcastic remark about Miriallia here isn't it. (especially since at the end of things, he's in full agreement that Dearka was, actually, in the wrong. and he doesn't want to rub salt into that obvious wound, as someone who's done a lot of painful self reflection about his shittier sides himself) Look at him, being a great friend. ]
That's obvious! And I wouldn't accept that, either! Someone who doesn't like me for who I am isn't deserving of my name or my feelings. And I've no intention of wasting my precious time trying to convince anybody of that! That's the sort of thing that shouldn't need any amount of convincing in the first place.
But! [ Oh here it comes. ] I'm very likable, [ ??????? ] so that shouldn't be too much of an issue.
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He's so grateful, he thanks Yzak by fucking snickering at him for that extreme display of egotism.]
Yeah, no, you're not wrong. You're a real catch Yzak.
[HE IS ACTUALLY TRYING TO BE SINCERE, TO BE CLEAR. But like. Look, Dearka is aware enough to know Yzak should be categorized as something of an "acquired taste", as they say. He loves the guy to bits but... Yyyyyeah.]
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The look he gives Dearka is one of mild confusion, face pinched like he's trying to decide whether or not he should be mad while he susses out just how sincere those words are when they're a follow up to that snicker. Because that almost sounds like he's making fun of him!
He doesn't end up yelling though, because regardless, Dearka is correct. And there's enough of that sincerity in his tone to pick up on.
And in turn there is sincerity back. It's ... odd, to talk about this. In general, and with Dearka specifically. He doesn't really want to, and that's evident enough in his demeanor, the way that usual passion in his eyes fades. But his real feelings still seep through here, because icky and forced as it all feels, he still wants something ... good out of it, if he can find it.
He hopes that he can. ]
I am. [ He knows his worth! ] That's exactly why I won't squander the opportunity to take my time and ensure the person at my side is right to be! On all accounts. And that includes ... [ There it is, that little twist in his voice, that bit more of a prominence in his frown, almost childlike in its desire. ] wishing to be next to me for me.
[ The irony, considering who's walking at his side right now. ]
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A lot more goes unsaid in the short silence that follows, each man stewing briefly in their respective feelings. Dearka doesn't feel he can really comment on this any further, lest he show his hand or lead the conversation down a path that's bound to wind up messy. Besides, they're at a festival right now, for fuck's sake. They should be goofing off and making the most of this R&R time, not delving into the depressing quagmire that is both of their love lives.
He claps Yzak on the shoulder and shakes him ever so slightly.]
You're gonna figure it out some day. I mean, looking on the bright side... It's not exactly a pressing matter so long as we're stuck here, yeah?
[SILVER LINING??? Hah.
He starts to move, gesturing for Yzak to follow.]
C'mon with me, I want to go give one of those shooting games another try.
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[ He grouses. Being stuck here sucks in its own horrible way! But Yzak relents because he doesn't want to talk any more about it, either.
Figure it out, though, huh...
He's always determined to figure anything out. But this... hearing that phrase in reference to this subject just rubs against him badly. Because if he truly wants to 'figure it out', he's going to have to do more than just accept the way things are. And that's what he fears. ]
Hey, hey! Before we do anything else, we're making wishes! We haven't done that, yet!
[ And he's got a few specific ones to make! So with a jerk of the shoulder that Dearka clamps a hand on, not to shake him off but rather say 'this way', he turns toward one of the bamboo branches set up nearby. Conveniently, it's close enough to a few of the games, including one of the target-shooting ones, and the very fish-scooping one that Yzak claimed victory in earlier.
Only now, it's a disappointed looking kid sulking away from it, clearly defeated. Yzak watches the kid, looks at his little drone fish wiggling in the air next to him, sends Dearka a glance that says hang on, and then goes over to hold his hand out, the little fish swimming down the length of his arm into his open palm. ]
Here, you can have mine.
[ It's not like he's so attached to it as much as he just liked winning before. The kid stares for a moment, dumbfounded, and then beams, elated, day made. He hollers out a happy thank you! after the fish hops into his little hand and circles around his wrist as he bounds away to show his mother. ]
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