TEAM BUILDING EVENT #3

[synfluxmods]

TEAM BUILDING EVENT #3

CONTENT WARNINGS: medical content

▶ 001. WELL DESERVED REST.

With no sign of upcoming city-level threats, LILITH has made the decision to provide Outsiders with a well-deserved break: there will be no official missions for the month of December. Outsiders are free to roam the city, continue their usual civilian jobs or take a holiday to any of the locations available via data portal. During this period, LILITH leadership will also be taking time off and any attempts to contact them will be met with an ‘out of office’ return email unless it is an emergency. (Dr. Spim is still around, but … he is a cat and doesn’t answer anyway... unless he feels like it.)

That isn’t to say it’s going to be a completely quiet month, of course. Our players have kindly prepared several player plots that anyone is welcome to join. Please refer to the top level here for links to the relevant plots. An updated quest has also been listed here.

Additionally, the Outsiders Program has successfully finished its first year! LILITH will be giving all Outsiders old and new a thank you bonus of 500,000 KRYPTOS (approximately 3230 USD) to spend freely on their holiday. Try not to spend it all on pachinko!

▶ 002. LET IT SNOW.

Starting December 1st, the temperature in Neo Tokyo will take a dive as the country enters into winter. The first signs of snowfall will occur on December 1st, and as it continues, the city will be transformed into a winter wonderland. The shops and restaurants of Neo Tokyo are capitalizing on the approaching festivities, putting up Christmas lights, Christmas trees and decorations. Many stores are having sales on warm clothing and popular gifts. Isn’t it the perfect time to find some nice gifts for your friends?

While only a suggestion, it is encouraged to support the integration of the orphans from Transylvania by taking them out on a winter adventure.

Winter activities found in Neo Tokyo include:

- Christmas Winter Illuminations. Certain parts of the city will be lit up in Christmas lights and holographic, winter-themed illuminations. Stop by at the right time and there might even be a drone show to watch.
- Ice sculpture building. Artists have gathered in Yoyogi Park to showcase their latest ice sculpture creations. Outsiders may view the attraction or join in on the ice sculpture contest. Winners will get prize money.
- Ice-skating. The Yokohama Red Brick Ice Rink is open again and characters are free to go skating with their friends. As a part of its latest attraction, the ice has been fitted with microscopic nanobots that light up when touched, causing the ice to glow or showcase striking colors as people skate across it.
- Playing in the snow. Even under threat of kaiju, the people of Neo Tokyo take the time to have fun when they can. Through the streets, there are people making snow angels or pelting each other with snowballs.

Characters may visit Las Vegas, Kyoto or Okinawa using the data portals. Kyoto and Okinawa continue to be uninhabited, but they can camp there if they wish. They are free to book a hotel and enjoy their holiday in Las Vegas too, where the city will have its own brand of winter activities (winter illuminations, Christmas shows, ice-skating and holiday-themed Vegas shows). While the weather is still cold, it will be snowing in Kyoto but not in Okinawa or Las Vegas.

▶ 003. SNUGGLE UP.

All the lights and festivities happening in the city are putting some strain on the power grid, and this leads to occasional bouts of power failure during the month of December. These seem to be happening in the base and throughout the city of Neo Tokyo, and they last for a few hours each time. With hospital equipment running on back-up generators, it isn’t a huge cause for concern, but it certainly is an annoyance; especially with the weather so cold.

LILITH robots will be offering Outsiders on the base extra blankets (traditional and emergency foil blankets) along with heat packs to get through the cold. Starting a fire within the base will not be allowed since it is a hazard, so those who still need the extra warmth will need to find other creative ways to obtain it. A snuggle never hurt anyone, right? There is one operational fireplace in the Library, and Outsiders may notice an influx of small tables throughout the base with self-serve hot beverages on battery operated kettles, such as tea, hot cocoa & artificial coffee. As Outsiders congregate around the base, snuggled up in their new festive blankets, perhaps now would be a good time for some classic party games such as Never Have I Ever and Two Truths and a Lie.

▶ 004. TAKE YOUR MEDICINE.

Dr. Spim takes regular cat naps anyway, so he doesn’t see the need to take a holiday. As a result, he has continued to work tirelessly on finetuning the cure for the vampiric disease. Throughout the month, he will make several requests for volunteers (those with and without the vampiric disease) to participate in the ongoing clinical trials.

The serum he is testing will not cause harm to the body, but it might result in any of the following side effects:

- Dizziness, fatigue and difficulty coordinating movement.
- Fever, chills and a desperate need for warmth.
- Mood changes, which can present as euphoric or depressed or both.
- Hallucinations or delusions.
- Increased hunger, thirst or other physical needs (interpret as you wish.)
- A ravenous need for blood (for vampires.)

Certain volunteers may encounter no side effects at all, while some may experience all of them. Luck of the draw, really. The side effects are not permanent and last for a few hours. As always, Dr. Spim will explain the possible side effects and get consent before administering the medicine.

By the end of the month, a stable cure will be finalized and LILITH robots will deliver it to all those affected by the vampiric disease (if your character was already a vampire, don't worry about it). It is highly encouraged to take the medicine! Dr. Spim has no time to chase down the people refusing to take their medicine, so he might pay some of their friends to do it for him. He is a cat. He has better things to do (such as knock this beaker off the table….)

As an OOC note, please do not let your character remain a vampire unless they are already a vampiric character. The vampire event in Transylvania was meant to only have temporary effect.

▶ 005. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to our third team building event! All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards December AC.

We have a lot of player plots this month, and are using this log to encourage players to participate in the player plots since the event itself is light. As a reminder, the mod team will be taking a break during the month of December and will not be answering any questions at this time.

EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)

1. WELL DESERVED REST: Outsiders enjoy a quiet month with no kaiju attacks, but are provided plenty of things to do (via player plots) and they are welcome to use the data portal to travel to Okinawa and Las Vegas at this time.

2. LET IT SNOW: Heavy snowfall turns Neo Tokyo into a winter wonderland with many snow related activities to participate in such as ice skating, ice sculpture making, etc. LILITH encourages the Outsiders to allow the misplaced orphans to participate in some of these activities.

3. SNUGGLE UP: The power outages strike again, this time from too many festive lights that overheat the generators. LILITH provides Outsiders with emergency blankets and hot beverages during times of outages.

4. TAKE YOUR MEDICINE: Dr. Spim trial runs an antidote for the vampiric disease that struck Outsiders during their mission in Brasov. He takes volunteers who are both vampires and not. Finally, a cure is made, and all Outsiders are asked to take it (please do not let your character remain a vampire unless they are already a vampiric character.)

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Comments

[intertwinedfates]

[Alas, poor Hiyori's sanity shall be tested on this day. Because Yato is Yato and that means being a absolute fanboy for his girlfriend. Anything to honor and exalt her!]

Uh huh! [BEAMING AT HER ♥ At least he's not a half-baked ham...? Fully baked.]

That would be too cool, I gotta admit. [Great minds(?) think alike!

Though they're probably divided on the white elephant looming over them... Not that you'd be able to tell with how eager he seems for her to take note of his hard work.]

It is! Since everyone can see the beautiful older you now, I thought I'd show them how lovely and cute you were as a teenager~ Whatcha think?? [If he had a tail, it'd be wagging right now.]

[wwtd]

[ just in time for the holidays.

hiyori grins, all but resolute about doing it now. she's moments away from rolling up her sleeves and asking if teamwork was allowed but

great minds think alike, but fools rarely differ huh ]

Ah. [ she can imagine the tail, for sure. his sparkly eyes do most of the work. yato is so PROUD of his hard work, and so complimentary calling her beautiful and lovely and cute- ]

Y-you did a good job. It's like looking into a mirror of the past. But, erm, I don't know if it's a good idea... to show off a teenager's underwear...

You might get arrested and then disqualified from the contest.

[ IDIOT ]

[intertwinedfates]

[He's pretty sure teamwork is permitted, but alas, they don't quite manage to get to that subject. Not with him being so insistent on Hiyori appreciating his other masterpiece. Fools indeed.]

Hehehe... Thanks~ [He's all bubbly and smiles... until she points out a slight flaw to his artistic accuracy. Then it's like a ten ton weight has been dropped upon him, crushing his hopes and dreams with a resounding thud.]

Whaaaaaaaaat?! You really think they'd do that?? Over a little bit of panties?! [Although she does have a point about her being a teenager in this ice form.] I don't wanna be arrested! I'd die without you by my side every night!

[DRAMA QUEEN IDIOT]

Do you... think I should change it? [He could just smooth it out, but... wouldn't that just make her look like she's going commando??]

[wwtd]

[ they can circle back. probably. as long as no POLICE NOTICE. probably not. it's not a REAL teenager.

it's just KINDA... it's very yato of him, alright.

in this case, THIS HOPE AND DREAM needs to be tamed and reigned in. A LITTLE FUCKING BIT. she's mostly saying this for her mental health and the mental health of others. looking out for you all. ]

Y-Yato... [ he's so DRAMATIC.

as if she wouldn't have panic attacks, too, if she had to be on her own. she might have to crawl into ereshkigal's bed to not be alone. OR VASH. OR ISHMAEL OR GODZILLA OR KAGA OR SOMEONE. ]

... You don't have to change everything. Maybe make the skirt not so fluttery? Then it'll be okay.

[ to show OFF HER UNDERWEAR?!!! ]

Here. I'll help, okay?

[ dropping her bag somewhere safe, over by the shrine, she starts gathering a bit of snow to ADD BACK to that skirt. ] It's kinda crazy how much detail you put into this.

[intertwinedfates]

[God arrested for ice sculpture indecency, news at eleven.

Thought perhaps a night in a cell would do some good towards taming his lustful artsy urges. Either that or a Jungle Savate could do it. SOMETHING because he's getting to be a glutton for punishment.]

Sniff... [Yes, he said "sniff", the dork. At least he's slowly coming down off his dramatic high with her words of encouragement. Not having to redo the entire sculpture is something of a relief; he's proud of what he's accomplished so far. It's tough having to compromise on one's vision, though.]

Ah, yeah... I suppose that would work, huh?

[HE'S JUST AN AFFECTION-STARVED SAP, YOUR HONOR. And maybe a bit of a perv, too.]

Really? Thanks, Hiyori...

[Almost all trace of his outburst is gone by now, replaced instead by a slightly bashful happiness that she's willing to go so far to keep him out of trouble.] Well, I wanted to capture everything that makes you special.

[wwtd]

Mhm. Of course.

[ teenager hiyori, the one he sculpted, wouldn't have thought TWICE about sending a flying kick at him and maybe even knocking him INTO said sculpture to tear it down. adult hiyori is more level-headed and while... UNHAPPY, she'd rather help fix it and correct him another way. besides, he worked hard on it.

it's

relatively harmless. he's just being yato. stupid, head empty, pervy yato.

DON'T SAY SNIFF!!! that makes his tears FAKE. how is he affection-starved now?? HELLO??? ]

Huh? [ mid-gathering of snow, she pauses and looks up at him. then at the sculpture. that's valid reasoning for every tendril of hair that billows with an unseen breeze. for the snow fingernails and eyelashes. for the shape of her lips and nose, he made painstakingly. all hiyori's features that make her, her. ]

My... underwear... makes me special.

[ TREAD

CAREFULLY??? ]

[intertwinedfates]

[Unfortunately for her, he hasn't had ten years to catch up to her in the maturity department, only one or two. Hence the immature behavior in need of correction. Though perhaps a kinder, more gentle approach will help him learn what is and isn't appropriate for public display.

He's certainly done worse things, not that that excuses him in this instance either. He just has strange ways of trying to show his love and adoration, taking things a little too far.

AND HEY, HE'S GOT A THOUSAND YEARS OF EMPTINESS TO FILL. It'll probably take Hiyori's entire lifetime to make him feel wholly full. Which he'll happily try.]

Hmm? [He already has a handful of snow ready to pack onto the skirt area of the sculpture when she voices that dubious not-question, in a tone that makes him suddenly nervous. His eyes dart from the ice Hiyori to the real thing, then back again as he eyes the culprit of his trouble.]

Uh... Everything about you is special? From the way your bangs hang down over your brows to your cute little toes. So I-- wanted to depict everything I remembered about your younger self.

[Which just so happens to include her striped panties. Little does she know he got a lot of viewing them in Songerein.]

[wwtd]

[ gentle. FOR NOW.

according to kaga, yeah, he's done worse. lmao. there is no excuse for those things he did then and not really for this. only that hiyori has the patience and tolerance of a fucking saint when it comes to him.

she knows. it's yato's way of showing his love. he's on the right track but execution? could use work, sometimes. he's been so good lately, too. maybe it was inevitable. it's been years since she's gotten THIS level of his insane displays of affection. it takes her back to him wearing her uniform and his drawings of her. the

proposals.

okay, don't think about that.

think about that lifetime she would gladly give to pour her love onto him. that, yeah. hopefully, it'll be enough by the end. it'll make up for 1000 years. he'll know he was very, very loved by at least one human. ]

You... [ this isn't a surprise. he flashed her underwear when he possessed her. he changed out of her uniform to put on her athletic clothes so he saw her underwear. who KNOWS what else? hiyori wasn't shy about throwing her body around to fight. surely, he got a flash then too.

LITTLE DOES SHE KNOW. ]

Ugh. I know your heart is in the right place, Yato, but... of all things, don't carve out or draw my teenage underwear for everyone to see. Please.

[ though her hand is cold from snow, she buries her face into it with a sigh. ]

I'm surprised you wouldn't want to keep that intimate information for yourself. Think how many guys are going to see it. That have seen it while you were making it.

[ IDIOT!!!!!! ]

[intertwinedfates]

[JUST SMACK HIM, HIYORI

Saint Hiyori rises again. Though she didn't get the full story from Kaga, it was an accident that time. Kind of like this time, in that Yato meant no harm; he merely tried to create an accurate (and enticing) version of Hiyori herself. Perhaps that's the problem: his thirst for her gets in the way of common sense.

Although perhaps she'd be more receptive to his grand overtures if she knew he was trying to build up to something really, truly special. To asking her to be his, forever more.

Alas, that's a secret for him alone right now. So she'll just have to deal with dummy Yato dramatics. At least he has the decency to look ashamed as she scolds him, leaving him fidgeting with his handful of snow idly as his head droops down.]

...sorry. I kinda got carried away and forgot that everyone would be able to see it. I was just thinking about making it perfect so I could show you...

[Brushing the snow from his hands, he steps over to her, gently taking her by her free hand and rubbing it to help warm her up.]

I know I should know better by now, but when it comes to you I always... get carried away. You make me crazy in every way possible. N-Not that I'm trying to excuse myself or blame you.

[First loves, young love at that, is always full of pitfalls and missteps. His are just more egregious than most.]

[wwtd]

[ SHE CAN'T HIT SOMEONE SHE LOVES... !! NO MATTER HOW MUCH THEY DESERVE IT. leave it to kaga. she trusts kaga. with her life.

life = yato.

it's that yato doesn't MEAN harm in what he does that hiyori's tolerance is concerningly high for what he gets up to. there are limits to that. as he's aware. enticing being a part of a sculpture was UNNECESSARY. a-at least, for public consumption!! what you do in private, yato, is your business. make it as enticing as you will.

even though you have the real thing to be thirsty for. there's no problem with being THIRSTY for your girlfriend. the problem lies with how

guileless he is when it comes to what's acceptable behavior. with said girlfriend. so maybe it is that common sense flees him when he gets an impulse. his ashamed look gets her to soften, as well as his apology. and the explanation.

she laughs under her breath. ]

Yeah, that does sound like you. Getting carried away as always.

[ they're fixing it. no REAL harm done, so no REAL foul. right? ]

... I didn't know I made you crazy.

[intertwinedfates]

[HIYORI...! Sobsobsob... She's grown so much, it's no wonder he sometimes feels undeserving and inadequate compared to her.

Especially with her considering him to be her life. Because he feels the same regarding her. She is his everything.

The woes that come from having a pure heart and a dirty mind, huh? Well meaning intentions, yet piss-poor execution when it comes to said motives. Though perhaps for both their sakes Hiyori ought to have slightly less patience for his antics. At least he seems to be (slowly) learning from his mistakes.

Seeing her expression turn gentle gets him to relax a touch as well, though his brows remain knitted together in worry about whether or not he's embarrassed her through his social gaff. Her laughter draws a slight smile from him, at least.]

Heh... I don't think I'd be me if I didn't get wrapped up in a project, y'know?

[None that should last, anyway. Even if some pictures of her ice panties turn up later, it's merely just that: ice and snow.]

Of course you do. Ever since you said you wanted to be with me longer. It's like a switch flipped within me. Like a spark of hope was ignited.

[For the first time in his life, he'd felt wanted. That she still wants him, in so many ways, is just mind-boggling to him. It's enough to make him dizzy with happiness.]

[wwtd]

[ where's the shirt from song? yato is love, yato is life.

hey, the point got across. WITH patience and gentleness. things worked out. if he's learning from his mistakes this way? no reason to change it. she'd do anything besides be anything close to how his father treated him.

while misstep is embarrassing for her, it's not a make or break. she didn't even cry...! (that shouldn't be the standard) ]

Mmmm, you're right. You wouldn't be you if you weren't passionate about the things you do.

[ that's a better way of looking at it. and, if he can tell by the way she says it, as gentle as her expression - not something she hates.

BURN THE PICTURES. ]

A-ah, that... [ even now, she wonders what was so special about it. to think that, to this day, it's the reason yato says he's crazy. that it was the beginning of his hope.

that a weird, half-ayakashi girl wanted to be with him. ]

I remember that switch. [ ALL THE THINGS HE DID.

propo...sals... ]

Hope for what?

[intertwinedfates]

[They can get matching ones and profess their love to the world like total saps.

Ah, yeah... That would be similar to how his dad treated him, wouldn't it. Maybe that's why he expects such reprisals and even does things to incite them. Got too used to that being the only display of "affection" from the person who claimed to care for him.

If she had cried, he'd have chopped up the statue in an instant, hard work or not. Tears are unacceptable - that's how he knows he's crossed a line.]

Yeah, I just wish I didn't get so gung ho that I forget myself. I keep hurting you because of it...

[He notes the softness in her words, which only amplifies his guilt for having overstepped yet again. But unlike before, he's going to try not to dwell on it. Learn and move on. That's what she wants, right?]

Y-Yeah... [He, too, remembers all the crazy shit he did both for her and to her. Hell, he's still doing it to this day. It's barely been a blip in time during in long life since that fateful day, so her words still ring within him, buoying him whenever he gets down.]

For the future. [Taking her by the hands, he holds on tight to her.] You don't know how close I was to giving up, Hiyori... A thousand years of getting nowhere, of always losing my partners, of always being alone... I was beginning to lose the will to try.

[wwtd]

[ as if they aren't SAPS already to the world. just you wait!

she has gifts on the ready to prove it.

don't do things to incite abuse, yato....... that's no bueno. not from hiyori.

she wants to argue about hurting her, but maybe it's better he keeps that in mind. she loves yato's passion, that he gets caught up in doing things he's excited about. she doesn't love

him showing off her panties. live and learn, right? live and learn. ]

I... kind of saw it. [ she clutches back, tugging and fidgeting with his fingers restlessly. ] After Manabu stood up for himself. You said you wished to have an irreplaceable someone with this look on your face that I thought I'd never forget...

[ emptiness. ]

That's why I was so happy you found Yukine-kun and you two reconciled, he became your guidepost. You were a lot happier.

[ why she was surprised that his switch flipped from some little words she said. she wasn't his irreplaceable someone. ]

[intertwinedfates]

[They can always get sappier!

O-Oh. He does, too, it's just a matter of choosing the right moment...

He's... gradually learning to behave better, both towards her and himself. It's a learning process, though. Still got a ways to go.

Which is why it's probably a good idea to let that be a reminder to him. A little scolding goes a long way when he thinks he's done something to cause her harm, be it emotional or physical. So panties in public are a no-no. Got it.]

You... did? [He looks somewhat taken aback by that, glancing up from their hands to stare at her face, searching.] ...I see... I didn't realize it was so obvious.

[Though by that point he was already sick from Yukine's behavior, so maybe he wasn't as guarded as he thought he was.]

Me too. But you know... [He draws her hands up to his lips, kissing them lightly.] ...it's because of you that we found him. I have you to thank for everything.

[She may not be the irreplaceable someone to stand by his side for eternity, but she offers him something else, something just as special and valuable:

Love.

Unconditional faith in him despite his flaws, despite his mistakes and his past. Between the two of them, he's found all he needs in life. Family.]

[wwtd]

[ dunno about that!!

good. it's better he learns to behave better for himself, more than her. she's just... inspiration. just like he said.

HER panties in public are a no-no. should've been unsaid, but yato is yato.

she's biting her lip, though, at the thoughtful and startled look on his face. maybe it wasn't obvious. maybe she just watches him so closely. who's to say?

this must be yato's go-to move. it's funny to think that, not to get caught up in his hot breath on her chilly fingers, when he does it. fireworks were first, but since then? ]

N-not really. [ she tries to divert from herself. ] It's because you were avoiding me. You said that... that you couldn't do anything because you didn't have a shinki. If you hadn't said that, I wouldn't have tried to go out and look for one for you. Or run into an ayakashi and put us both in danger.

[ he gives her too much credit, in her opinion. ]

I think... it was fate that we found him. Something more like your innate good fortune.

[intertwinedfates]

[He can try!!

Yeah, he needs to learn to do more things for himself rather than only existing for others. Though it's a damn difficult thing for a god when they are born to fulfill human's wishes.

Yato is Yato, but he can become a Better Yato.

It's a gesture that makes him feel close to her without imposing on her personal space, conveying his love without needing to kiss her lips. Something discreet, yet heartfelt. And one day he hopes to use it to gift her a very special present so that it'll have even more meaning...]

Life is weird sometimes, Hiyori. It might have been a dangerous situation, but it was one you got into because you cared enough to try helping me. Same with the bus. You've always been there for me, from the moment we met.

[Then saving him from the frog ayakashi. He owes her so much, so many times over.]

....maybe it was. But I can't discount your impact, you know. I'll always be grateful for everything you've done for me...

[Ugh... This is another moment that would be perfect for asking her, but... he doesn't have it on him, dammit...!]

[wwtd]

[ here, here at least, he can live like a human.

that's what made his mortality such a mixed blessing. there are no lifelines for him to rely on. yato just is. he can live however he wants to. they can...

a-anyway. personal space is what he's worried about? they're DATING. there's an unwritten rule about personal space between people in a relationship. which is in private? there are no rules. not really. in public? sure, yeah, be discreet.

life is weird and all kinds of other things. for some people, it's unfair in the worst ways. for others, like her, it's privileged and easy. it's full of a childhood of love and laughter... ]

... Now you're saving me the most.

[ don't think of it, she tells herself firmly. it's almost christmas. don't think of it. not here, not now.

she carefully extracts herself from his grip to bend down and gather snow again. to fix the sculpture so the next person to see it won't try to arrest him. ]

You know... I was thinking about picking up archery.

[intertwinedfates]

[Something that is both a blessing and a curse to an entity used to passing by unnoticed.

He isn't bound by the rules of godhood, yet it means he's free to do as his beloved humans do and live. He can treasure Hiyori in all the ways a human might. Love her, keep her close...

"Discreet" has never been his strong suit - mister stealing-out-of-her-fridge. But he's learning that, too. When certain things are appropriate, when they aren't. It's a lot to take in, in such a short time.

But he'll do it for her. He's lucky to have this chance at living a mortal life. In some ways he wishes it had come earlier, when they both were young fools who thought they could take on the world. But that would've been unfair to Hiyori.]

Am I...?

[Curious, he watches her stoop down for a few moments before joining her in her efforts, taking up handfuls of snow.

She's so mature these days, so calm... Sometimes he misses her fiery, teenage wrath, but at the same time he's glad to not be upsetting her so drastically. Her comment about archery is met with raised brows, then a grin as he start packing the snow over her ice sculpture's bottom.]

Huh? Really? That's not a bad idea. Unless of course you're planning to shoot me in the ass when you see me misbehaving, heh.

[wwtd]

[ loving her, perhaps, being the most different. after being told by tenjin that gods love different than humans, especially. yet, since being here and since being in this relationship with a god, it hasn't felt inhuman. or wrong. or crazy.

hm, okay, maybe just a LITTLE crazy. not in an insane way. in a very "I'm so in love with you I can't imagine what life would be like without you anymore" way.

he got his young love foolishness in songerein, she thought. she hoped. ]

Hmm. Tempting. [ she grins at him from nearby, taking the tightly packed snow in her mittens and considering where to put it on the skirt. she isn't as talented as yato but her heart to help is there. always. ]

... My grandmother knew archery. I think she learned from her mother, too. Remember? When you met her. [ SHE SHOT AN ARROW AT HIM OF COURSE HE REMEMBERS ]

I've been stupid. I thought I could, I don't know, get by and defend myself on my martial arts alone but it's dangerous. I'm not nearly as strong as I was when I was half-ayakashi. So, I need to do something about it.

[intertwinedfates]

[Thankfully, Yato is more human than most gods, seeing himself not so much as a being above it all like them anymore as much as a flawed and fallible individual. Whether he loves like a human, he doesn't know, but he can do his best to treasure Hiyori for who she is.

Even if there are some things he needs to learn in order to do so. Behaving himself being the top one. She's teaching him, though. Schooling him in appropriate behavior and guiding him to be a better person while Yukine isn't here.]

H-Hey... [Somewhat nervously, he glances at her, pointing out where to best put the snow to make the skirt smooth.]

Ooooh yeah. I'll never forget meeting her. She didn't like me very much, heh... I think she knew what I was from the moment she saw me. [A Calamity. Something to disrupt her granddaughter's life. He smiles sadly, pressing harder at the snow and pointedly avoiding looking at Hiyori.]

.....that's true. You don't have your supernatural strength anymore. Going hand-to-hand with idiots and villains probably isn't the best idea. I'll buy you a bow and some arrows the next time I'm out, okay?

[Because he wants to protect her, too.]

[wwtd]

[ most gods, yeah. the only one that seems to come close is one (1) goddess of death. come to think of it, she should have asked ereshkigal about those daydreams when she mentioned them, but... it wasn't the right time.

needed more wine.

as directed, she pats the snow gently in the right place. being careful and meticulous about it. ]

She just didn't know you. Grandmother didn't like anybody when she first met them.

[ if that's a slight lie to make him feel better, he doesn't have to know that. as hiyori is far too attentive, she doesn't miss how he avoids her gaze right after such a comment.

not the best idea is putting it lightly. she busted her hand during that scrape in seoul. then after trying to fight off her kidnappers -

no no nononononono. no. ]

W-wait, that's - I mean, thank you. For being proactive like that but, actually, I was wondering if you knew anybody who could be an archery coach for me.

[ ... ]

Or... if you could. If you don't think you'll get too frustrated with me for not very good at it at first, haha...

[intertwinedfates]

[Ah, dear, sweet Eresh. Always one you can count on. Even if it hadn't been the right time, she probably would've helped. She's just nice like that.

Now that they've covered up most of the sculpture's, er, ass end, Yato sets about smoothing it to make it seem like part of the skirt.]

Maybe. [Does he sound dubious? Because he is.] Your grandmother was wise, though. I fully believe that.

[She was perceptive enough to realize when the end was coming and even tried to fight it off. A brave woman, even in her old age. He can see Hiyori being the same way.

Though the thought is enough to make his heart beat faster and clench tightly as he blinks rapidly to keep any tears from pooling in his eyes. She's still young, with plenty of years ahead of her, provided he helps keep her safe. He can't think about the inevitable. He can't]

A coach, huh? I can't think of anyone else who uses a bow, so I guess that means I'll just have to teach you myself.

[He finally steals a glance at her, smiling.]

I could never be frustrated with you, Hiyori. Not for anything. Especially not when you're first learning a skill meant to protect yourself. So I'll be your instructor. But you gotta call me Yato-sensei~!

[He's being silly again.]

[wwtd]

[ she is that nice, but it's all the more reason to spare her when she was already distraught about love.

while he works, hiyori watches like what he's doing is the most enthralling thing she's ever seen. truthfully, she just likes looking at him do things.

being dubious, not so much. she was wise and hiyori can't argue that, so she doesn't.

besides, she's grinning too big at yato taking up the responsibility of being her archery coach. what could go wrong? ]

... I'll call you... senpai. Take it or leave it.

[ they're being silly. being in a relationship with this god, with yato, has brought out playful side more often. ]

Really? Not a little? [ not for anything, huh? she wonders about that. he got frustrated with her meddling into dangerous things PLENTY of times. ]

[intertwinedfates]

[That's all part of being in love, isn't it? Enjoying watching the person you care about engaging in mundane tasks, just being themself... Kind of like he could watch her all day and never get bored. Though his imagination would probably help in that.

So long as they don't accidentally nail anybody with a stray arrow, it should all be good! And he's had enough practice with Rekki by now to have a firm grasp on archery basics once again. It had been years since he last practiced, but the rust has shaken off.

He pout mildly at not getting his way, but finally agrees with a small huff.]

Fine. Senpai it is. At least I didn't ask you to call me Yato-sama, huh?

[He likes playful!yori. She's so cute when she's having fun. And it means she's happy, not thinking of bad things.]

Nope. My love for you is deep enough to weather any irritation I might begin to feel towards you. [SO HE SAYS... But more than anything, it's fear he feels for her when it comes to dangerous situations. And guilt. So much guilt, because usually it's his fault she gets involved.

Patting her ice sculpture's skirt down just a bit more, he stands back to admire their handiwork.]

--there. No more panties.