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

[wwtd]

[ when the time comes, she will.

not now, though.

since he pulls her closer, she needs to maneuver her plate of cake out of the way so it won't get squashed between them. though she nearly drops it to the floor hearing yato already calling himself her husband-to-be. he is but she wasn't expecting it out the gate?! ]

Th-that's not true. I'm not marrying my exercise. [ and NEITHER IS HIM BEING A HARSH ANYTHING.

okay. he WOULD give her all the workouts she'll ever need. that one is true. pouting yato gets some more cake fit between his pursed lips. say aaaahhhmm again, yato god. ]

You're not harsh either. You're kind. And gentle. And sweet. Like cake, hehe. [ one of the (many) reasons she loves him. ]

But, um... I guess if you want to prove me wrong...

[ hiyori's eyes dart away, to her plate, where she smooshes some frosting around idly. playing with her food because ]

[intertwinedfates]

[Definitely not now. No need to spoil what happiness they have.

Don't tempt him with the cake, Hiyori... He just might get a little too silly and start playing messily. She should also expect that for someone like Yato, who's made her wedding dresses and proposed to her mid-ride at a theme park, calling themselves husband and wife-to-be is the only natural step.]

Good damn thing! I'd have to question your tastes at that point. You can't marry someone like a bodybuilder or trainer. [It just wouldn't be her, despite her love of martial arts.

Grudgingly, he accepts another bite of cake, mumbling around the fork still. He hopes she doesn't think he can't be serious when it's required or worthwhile. He's not just a goofy god. He has a divine, solemn side that comes to the forefront when is necessary. He just... doesn't like to use it with her, preferring to treat her with kindness and care. Like she deserves.]

...I can be all those things and then some, you know. You do realize that, right, Hiyori...? [Perhaps now's not the time for this kind of discussion, but... better now than after they've tied the knot?

He takes the fork from her, scooping up the frosting and offering it to her while keeping his eyes downcast.]

I did tell you what happened with Brasov, right...?

[wwtd]

[ he is such a KID!!! is that little god still influencing him from song? don't play with your food. please.......... but as expected from yato, yeah. he's always finding SOME way to mess around. whenever the opportunity arises, really. ]

Wha-! [ SHE COULD THOUGH!!! she won't. she already chose yato but what the heck man ] You already questioned my tastes, I think. [ when she kept getting tied to gamblers, hobos, and the hapless. every quality yato had. like fate was trying to tell her something.

before kofuku tied her to yato.

it's not that she doesn't think he can't be serious, he can. she's seen him be serious. remembered those moments, too. she doesn't take a bite of the pile of frosting he's offered. ]

You don't have to prove anything to me. I know. [ but he chooses kindness. and gentleness. and sweet. not just with her. unfortunately, his seriousness in talking about this has her throat tightening, closing up, and making it difficult to get enough air. ]

Yato. [ she starts, gathering her courage, setting her plate aside again. ] We just got engaged. This is a time to be happy and celebrate, I was - do you... really want to talk about that place? Right now...?

[intertwinedfates]

[At least so far he's resisted the temptation to be a total goofball and start a cake fight? Small mercies. Though his attempts at silliness is certainly better than the direction the conversation takes a minute later. Better happy stupidity than gloomy misery, right?]

I did, but that was your ema trying to hook you up with suspect guys. ...though maybe you do have terrible taste... [He's hardly a catch, at least in his own mind. But now's not the time for that sort of thing. This is meant to be a happy day, and like usual he's going and spoiling it. Like he just can't help himself. Calamity, that's what he is.

Lowering the fork, he finally draws his gaze back to her again. It's a pained, guilty look, but the one of someone who is trying. Idly, he runs his fingers over the ring gracing his hand, feeling emotion well up. Even if he is an idiot and a fool and no good, she choose him. That ought to be enough.]

You say as much, but... [He shakes his head, not at what she says but to clear his head and reorient himself. Get a hold of yourself, Yatogami.]

...no, no I don't. I'm sorry. Forgive me. I'm dragging everything down again. [Taking her by the hands, he kisses over her knuckles once more, lingering on her engagement ring.] If there's anything we need to talk about, it can wait for later. C'mere. I wanna show you something.

[Taking her by the hand, he guides them down the hall, to the traditional style bathroom, where he waits for her reaction with a hope smile. He went with his gut instinct, asking for a more vintage feel, but it's the kind of place he found soothing and hoped Hiyori might, too.]

[wwtd]

[ yeah. at this point, compared to talking about brasov, a cake fight doesn't sound TOO horrible. there's a bathroom here somewhere where they can wash off after, too.

hiyori's eyes flash at the self-deprecating he does. she doesn't have bad taste. but all that heat and frustration bleeds out of her as soon as yato aims his eyes at her, but she's drawn too to him touching his ring.

but...? but what? she says as much and she means it. she always does. in the end, she chooses to let it go. for tonight. but she is going to be ruminating on him saying she has terrible taste when she's marrying him and that "she says as much."

later.

so, silently, she follows him down the hall and to what he wants to show her. that playfulness she felt earlier of pretending she's hard to get escapes her now. as soon as she's faced with the cozy-looking and warm ambiance of a wooden bathroom, her eyes go big again.

it's one surprise after another with him. with tonight.

... she has one, too. tucked safely in her little shoulder bag. ]

Oh!! [ steam fills the room from a hot and deep ofuro. big enough for two. or even more. ] This looks so inviting! It's like a personal hot spring.

[ the smile is back on her face when she turns to him. not one sign that she's doing her best not to think about what he said moments ago. ]

[intertwinedfates]

[For what it's worth though, Yato isn't quite feeling that ridiculous anymore, thanks to the slightly somber turn the conversation took. But it's gradually giving way to better things. ...hopefully. Self-deprecation not withstanding. he's still got a ways to go, it's true, but for her, he's trying.

There's a lot of baggage for him to unload, and part of him feels it's not fair of him to burden her with it, even if she's to be his wife. She's still young after all, and he's shouldering so much... To think he might end up wearing her down with it all is enough to make him second-guess himself.

Thankfully the bathroom seems to perk her up, which in turn makes him smile genuinely at her happiness. The steamy air already smells of sakura and rose petals courtesy of several votive candles burning bright thanks to the hotel management. Escorting her in, he leans closer to kiss her cheek, hand squeezing hers tight.]

That's the idea! I thought that after a busy party it'd be nice to wind down with just the two of us. Get the sweat of the day off, y'know. That kind of thing. Up for a bath or is there something else you'd like to do first?

[That's an open invitation if there ever was one, huh. But he means it as it's said: if there's anything at all she'd rather do, he's up for it. Be it more food, just relaxing in the living room watching a movie, or heading to the bedroom for some intimate time, he's amiable to it all.]

[wwtd]

[ look, yato. maybe he'll understand when the time comes for their vows. he'll get it, one day. he can talk to her about anything, he can burden her with anything, he can choose not to confide in her at all.

she embraces him in all his forms - childishness, playfulness, self-deprecating, awkwardness, kindness, gentleness. and that baggage, too. it doesn't have to be all at once. it can be as quickly or as slowly as he needs. as long as he knows he doesn't have to carry it alone. he won't wear her down because she as him to help keep her head above water, too.

hiyori will always always ALWAYS be younger than him. so that's not a fair reason. he has to believe in her, too. this girl won't buckle so easily. hasn't she already proved that?

that smell!! she inhales deep, humming in contentment. her favorite smell. well, second favorite. yato doesn't smell as good as he used to with an ayakashi nose, but she's as drawn to it as she ever was.

get the sweat off, huh? her grins widens, knowing, but she doesn't comment on any palms mr. drippy. ]

I'm up for a bath.

[ since they're both here. why not? besides, she doesn't think she can go explore anywhere else when this is waiting for them. it'll do as he says, too. relax them. and-

nor has she forgotten all his prodding and hinting and pick-up lines. hiyori pulls her purse off her shoulder and sets it aside delicately. don't look in there, yato. then, she approaches her boyf

fiancee. to grasp the bottom of the hoodie she bought him and pull it upwards. ]

... You're going to join me, right?

[intertwinedfates]

[Hopefully their exchange of vows will get through his thick skull that she's there for him, through thick and thin and everything in between, that he doesn't have to worry about overwhelming her with the weight of his many sins and pains. She's stronger than he could ever give her credit for. He should know that much by now, especially in light of her recovering after cutting their ties. But he's an idiot. Her idiot, but one nonetheless.

He's gradually accepting her support; a relatively new novelty for him after spending a good portion of a thousand years with only himself to rely on. Also he has to come to acknowledge that age plays little part in their divide now - she's a mature adult, one whose heart and mind are much better equipped to handle everything about an ancient, smitten god than her teenage self was. She's not the same girl he knew back in Songerein. She's a woman now, one who can stand as his equal.

So it is that he pushes past all the negativity that's been looming over them these past few minutes, taking her answer in stride and preparing to help her undress... only for her to beat him to it.]

S-Sounds good to me, too.

[Yet somehow he contrives to feeling slightly bashful all of a sudden, too busy eyeing her to pay any attention to her bag. Up goes his hoodie, and from there he starts unbuttoning his dress shirt, face growing steadily warmer with each one opened.]

They'd have to tie me up and throw away the key to stop me. [And even then, he'd just teleport in with her. After all the crazy mistletoe fiasco today, he's keen on leaving his mark on her and washing away those thoughts.

Shirt now shed, he turns to her and slides her matching hoodie up and over her head, taking a moment after to brush out her shorter hair. She's still so cute like that. As if she wouldn't be charming with any style.]

[wwtd]

[ through thick and thin. happy and sad. sickness and health.

what's funny is it's not just her support he has, either. back home, his home, he has yukine. all the friends he made from the lives he touched. the same is true here, too. friends he made, lives he touched by being his goofy, kind self. hiyori's next goal is to bear witness to the day yato realizes he's not alone in the world.

and hasn't been. and won't ever be, again.

from pick-up lines to tripping over his own words. hiyori looks up with a softness in her eyes and in her chest, his hoodie folded and set aside. as each button pulls his shirt open, she leans forward and presses her lips to the warm skin. hoping to convey that she's here with him through touch and action if she can't in words.

though his comment makes her laugh against his skin, burying her face and pressing her forehead to his ribcage. can they even stop a god turned mortal? can they stop yato? she'd say no. not much can. if anything at all.

only once his shirt is completely unbuttoned and put aside does she pull back, lifting her arms to help him out.

aaah. it's no use. while yato's busy brushing out her hair, she doesn't resist cupping the back of his head and dragging him down those few inches to kiss him. there's more clothes to shed but

but she wants to feel his mouth on hers. his hair in her fingers. his heart beneath her palm, pressing to his chest. beating fast, beating hard like hers. ]

[intertwinedfates]

[Heaven and hell, should it come to that.

On some level he does realize that he's surrounded by those who love and care for him - yet at the same time there's this barrier that keeps him feeling disconnected and isolated from them. It's why he spent so long unable to divulge the secret of his past. Why he couldn't tell Hiyori and Yukine he was going off to kill his father. The fact that he managed to admit to Hiyori here in Neo Tokyo that he'd been in a romantic relationship with her previous was nothing short of a miracle.

So. Progress, slow as it might be. It happens when you keep toeing a line between taking a step forward and a step back, just like he does when it comes to courting Hiyori. He's suave and confident one minute, a flustered idiot the next. She stumps him so much, playing with his emotions like a cat without ever realizing it. How can he not be when she's doing something like kissing his chest, making his heart flutter happily from the simple contact between them.

He is loved. That's all he has to remember. The rest will take care of itself.

Her laughter rings throughout the bathroom and the reverberations touch his very soul, more so than even her being snuggled up against him, though that's wonderful, too. As is the way she grasps him so carefully in order to ply him with a much welcomed kiss, one he returns immediately and with gusto.

If it were up to him, they'd be striped naked in an instant so they could get their hands all over each other, but clearly she wants to take their time. Something he can handle, with a bit of effort. It's not going to stop him from kneading at her back like a needy kitten, though. She'll just have to accept the kitty cuddles, hehe.

Bumping his forehead against the crown of her head, he nuzzles lightly and whispers.]

...I love you, Hiyori.

[wwtd]

[ every time he says it like that, whispered and just for her, she can't help but forgive things like chaotic mistletoe. or whatever else that she sighs at tiredly and fights the jealousy that begs her to march over, grab yato's ear, and bodily drag him away from anyone and everyone.

even though it's not REALLY his fault. trouble is drawn to him like a magnet. she'd bet that she's not the only one who has realized that by now.

whatever she can reach she presses her mouth to. in this case, along his jawline. he might be surprised that she's not taking being slow because she wants to but she thinks yato needs it. to be shown this. what he said about

terrible taste, especially. he needs to be shown that he is loved, that he's appreciated. that everything he did tonight won't be something she will easily forget. not again. if her taking it slow and brushing her lips along his face and body doesn't do it. ]

I love you.

[ maybe hiyori's honest and unhesitant reply will help him along.

leaning into his throat, she presses her lips lightly to his pulse and starts unbuckling his belt too with assured but idle motions. her fingers dance along the edge of it, following it as it wraps around his hips to his lower back. ]

More than exercise. [ a small smile. ] More than anything.

[intertwinedfates]

[While she may have those urges, he certainly wouldn't be adverse to her acting on them. Though the ear-pulling may be painful, it would be just another way of him knowing that she loves him and wants his attention to be on her only. Something he's actively striving to accomplish now, ever since Ereshkigal has started advising him on matters of decorum.

If there is one thing he does need in all this world, it's her love. And being slowly showered with it is enough to make him melt with a whimper and low moan, hands roaming all over her back as though he's trying desperately to keep her close and memorize the feel of her body against him.

Not the desperate passion of a amorous man, but that of needy god whose heart has still yet to fully heal from the loss and trauma he's experienced. Hiyori is a doctor not just of the body, but of the heart as well, knowing what he needs and seeing to it that he gets it. He can only hope he's able to provide just as much for her.]

You really are the best...

[He cranes his neck for her, granting her access to every inch of skin should she want it, a pleasant shiver going throughout him as she begins freeing him of his lower garments. Without breaking away from her, he reciprocates by doing the same, sliding her bottoms down over her hips and taking the time to caress the curve of her waist.]

That's good. Because I love you more than beer and more than capyper. Combined. [He offers her a teasing smile as well, his ringed hand coming up to cup the back of her neck, feeling over her nape.]

[wwtd]

[ love shows itself in many forms, doesn't it? though yato shouldn't be totally oblivious to hiyori's wants and needs. right? she wants that special kind of attention from him on her. and only her. for that attention to come from him and only him, too. ice sculpture made that point.

yato is so vocal. so sensitive. sometimes, he's more like a stray puppy than a god or a god-turned-mortal. it isn't the passion of an amorous man, she can tell that much too. yato's inner child is healing with how hiyori takes her time to love him in any and every way she can think of. with patience, with understanding, with affection.

what she needs from him is to know he's happy. that he wants to live by her side, together, as badly as she does. that... he chooses her, too. that she can trust him, that she can feel safe with him. that if she needs anyone in this world

yato will be there. if not physically then... then in spirit. ]

I don't need to be the best. I just need to be yours. [ finally, she can think of a proper reply as she continues to pepper kisses and pulls the belt clean out of the belt loops and lets it drop to the floor with a clatter so she can move on to another button and zipper. there's just a little bit more eagerness to her fingers fumbling with his clothes.

she kicks her bottoms away while she's at it. ]

More than beer and Capyper? [ his bottoms start to get pushed down too as she sets her chin on his chest and aims a playful look up at him once more. ]

But those are your most favorite things.

[intertwinedfates]

[Thankfully he's not THAT dense, no. He knows that she longs to be elevated above all others, to be his special someone in a romantic sense - and she is. More than words can ever convey. It's just difficult for him to place those wants of hers over his own desire to be loved by as many people as possible sometimes. A self-preservation instinct, one might call it, seeing as how gods need worshipers and prayers.

But in times like these, he remembers all too keenly that Hiyori is human and has mortal needs and longings. To be his number one. His only one. And in turn she provides him with the care and loving necessary for him to recover from the abuse his father put him through, filling in the damaged parts of him with adoration and empathy.

The same kinds of feelings he hopes to reciprocate and then some. Because nobody has ever made him as happy and content as Hiyori has. There's no place he'd rather be than alongside her, sharing his life with her and partaking in the life she has to offer him. Two hearts beating as one.

Husband and wife.]

Heh... Fair enough. I'll keep you as mine forever, for as long as you'll have me. [In return he hopes she'll hold him close as her own... Which they're in the process of doing, in their steady if somewhat languid pace. Though things are heating up in as he sheds his lower garments as well, stepping out of them and making sure all wayward articles are out of the way.]

I've got a secret for you... [With her face so easily accessible, he plants a kiss on each cheek, then her nose, and finally her forehead before grinning.]

You're my most favorite thing nowadays. I'd give up both those forever in order to be with you. Hell, I'd surrender everything I have an am. [Sans Yukine, naturally. His boy is the one person he'll also never give up on. Ah... if only he were here, too. Then this really would be a perfect time.]

[wwtd]

[ it must be the difference between gods and humans, then. as badly as hiyori wants to be loved by him and to return that love, if he needed to be loved by as many people as possible more -

again, such talk isn't for now. it's for later.

because they should keep riding the high that comes with being a newly engaged. she lifts and wriggles her hand up at him, as if to make a point, bringing his attention to the ring he gave her. yeah, she is his forever. and he, hers. what's mine is ours. ]

Forever. [ hiyori echoes him. since she knows spirits exist, she hopes hers will linger for a long, long time. if only to remind yato that he was loved dearly. he was believed in. by one, strange human girl who could see a minor god on a sidewalk that changed her life.

for the better.

another secret!! can't be a marriage proposal. hiyori closes her eyes at the first kiss, each one filling her with just a bit more happiness. she's already overflowing again. and, when the secret comes out, she blinks at him in surprise. ]

Yato...

[ a steamy bathroom is already plenty warm, but somehow her cheeks get hotter than the humid, heavy air around them. she's his favorite

hey, she's not a thing! aaah, well, the sentiment makes it across. no use getting caught up in particulars. she's called him her favorite person, too. among other things. her god of fortune to name one. ]

But everything you have and are is who I want to be with.

[intertwinedfates]

[Whether there is a drastic difference between them remains to be seen, but that doesn't negate the fact that even with disparities, they can still find a way to live together. To compromise. Maybe he'll become an idol or some kind of streamer and have fans that way. He doesn't need to love a bunch of people so much as be loved by them. There's only one person who is the keeper of his heart, after all.

She sealed it with not just a kiss, but a ring, just as he has done. They're bound together on so many levels, it probably borders on unhealthy. But he won't dare change a thing. If anything, he longs to be closer, to love her even more completely. He has no doubt she already loves him more than life itself. She must, to have done something to force his hand and sever their ties back home.]

Evermore. [His lips find hers, softly brushing over them. If the worst should ever come to pass, he'll take her for a shinki, keeping her by his side until his star fades from existence. Heavens willing, though, she'll find a peaceful rest one day and then return to him in another lifetime. To start their cycle anew.]

Hiyori. [He says her name softly, yet simply, filled with love. "Thing" in this case means that she is held above every person, place, or thing. More than followers, more than shrines, she is the one treasure he wants to hold and cherish forever.

With a bit of finagling, all their clothes end up out of the way, allowing him to finally embrace her from head to toe with their bare chests pressed up against one another so that their beating hearts can thrum together.]

I know. That's why I promise you I'll do everything I can to remain by your side, whole and intact. I won't make you cry anymore, I swear it.

[wwtd]

[ bound together in an unhealthy way, maybe. unnatural, could be. uncommon? definitely. it certainly borders on unusual, sometimes. that's largely because of yato.

and maybe a bit of her, too.

it doesn't really matter to her what level they are. nor does she give a damn about the labels that other people give them. or what a certain god of learning might say about her agreeing to marry a god. as a teenager, she was overly affected by those experiences. allowed them to control her.

nothing can stop her now. only herself.

hiyori sighs like the world is at peace, despite them still being in the middle of a war, when their bare skin touches from shoulders to hips. she puts her arms around him, pressing her nose up against his cheek and her breasts smothered to his chest. such a feeling used to make her heart go into a sprint but it's quiet and steady now. having him close brings her happiness.

such a promise could be worrisome, but given where they are? and why they are.

that grip tightens around him, briefly, before she reluctantly steps back. her hands hold his as she steps back, leading him over to the rippling water that promises relaxation. ]

Not all tears are bad tears.

[ behind her she bumps into the smooth wood and she stops to half-turn, lift her leg and step in. ]

Can you swear something else for me...?

[intertwinedfates]

[But just because they might be a touch unhealthy now doesn't mean they can't grow into something beautiful and healthy instead. Things will never be commonplace, though. Not with Yatogami at the helm and Hiyori backing him up.

It says something that they have so much support from their friends here, who believe in them despite being god and mortal. Who have seen their devotion to one another and found it to be pure and wholesome, inspiring. Yato may have his doubts still (one can never get rid of them all) but he won't permit them to stand in his way in this second third chance.

Always the more childish one of the pair of them, Yato can't help getting a touch giddy over feeling her bare nakedness cover his own skin. His heart does a little leap, pounding harder out of love and excitement, the thrill of holding the woman he loves - his woman - close being almost too much to handle. Sometimes he hopes he never loses the spark that comes from being so enamored with her.

His gaze remains firmly on her as they step towards the tub, into the hazy scented mist that serves to make him dizzy with so many feelings.]

That's true. But of course. Anything. You only have to name it.

[He gets both feet in on the wood and turns to help her the rest of the way in, taking care to make sure she neither stumbles nor falls.]

Whatever you ask of me, Hiyori, is yours if I can grant it...

[wwtd]

[ how could she ever thank them all...? after all, part of the reason they're here is because of them, too. in her case, anyway. but she gets the feeling the same is true for yato.

just as much as she would also hope he never loses the spark, either. because, for her, ten years hadn't dimmed hers even a little. although she squinted and cringed away from that light at first, hiyori learned to face it and let it warm her face and chest.

she wouldn't abuse yato's trust like that, but she's curious to know if anything really means anything. for now, her request isn't so demanding. with both legs in the water, she splashes to the other side and gives yato's hands another little tug.

c'mon. get in, too. ]

You should be able to. [ grant it, she means with a complicated kind of smile. ]

... I'm only human, Yato. So, don't let me forget you ever again. Please.

[ whatever it takes. ]

[intertwinedfates]

[They'll just have to keep working at it, helping everyone and making their lives better whenever they get the chance to. They'll both become God of Fortune and Happiness.

His love for her may have been lit with the sudden, intense flare of an inferno, but it continues to burn as steadily as any star. All he ever has to do is gaze upon her, hear her voice to know that his is a love that will never die, even should she. He'll love her for the next millennia of his lifetime and then some.

He does mean what he says, that if she asked him to give up drinking, he would. If she didn't want him seeing any of his female friends, then he'd stop. Because her happiness is paramount now. She's going to be his wife, and that's what husbands do. Right? Not really, but he's till learning these things.

Following after her, he gradually sinks down into the water and encourages her to do the same. That way he can scoop up handfuls of warm water and gently cascade it over her head, letting it soak through her hair and trickle onto her gently sloping shoulders.

Her request is one that doesn't come at a surprise, but instead earns a heartfelt smile in return as he leans in to kiss her once again.]

...alright. That I can guarantee, without doubt. Should I ever start to fade from your memory, I'll remind you with a kiss. And I'll never, ever sever our ties, either.

[That's his own vow to her. A promise to himself. To them both. With the caveat that he'd do anything to save her, same as before. Because living means there's always another chance. Look at this one they got, after all.]

I'd like you to promise me something, too - don't ever lose faith in me. Yours means more than you'll ever know...

[wwtd]

[ if he ever chooses to tell her that his love will never die, the tears might never stop either.

it doesn't take much coaxing from yato to get her to sink into the water. she was already halfway there. it's so deep that the water settles around her shoulders, lapping at her skin gently as the water yato poured gently on her head makes rivulets down her nose, off her lips, and drips off her chin. ]

I like that reminder. [ hiyori says, eyes opening so she can watch his expression and take in that heartfelt smile. for someone so animated, so foolish, it's these more tender expressions she can't take her eyes off of. his flushed pouts and his calm and strong confidence. when he's obviously thinking about something. when he's napping. when he's -

another splash and hiyori moves to his side of the tub, gripping the edge for balance as she invades his space again. he doesn't mind, right? definitely not.

he's already severed them and she came back. if he did again, hiyori is sure she would find him once more. ]

I can make that promise. Easily. I won't ever lose faith in you. Not even a little.

[ in his personal space now, she reaches forward to run her palm up his center. ]

... Will you kiss me now?

[intertwinedfates]

[Good thing it's a sentiment he's keeping close to his heart, then, heh.

Even if right now he wouldn't be able to easily tell the tears from the stream of water he's sending down her head and face, watching it gently and carefully soak every inch of skin he can reach. Maybe that's half the reason for showering her in the first place; just in case he makes her cry.]

I thought you might. [His smile is definitely teasing in a semi-serious sort of way - should she ever struggle with his name or remembering who he is, it'd be an intimate gesture like a kiss that'd stir her memories, he's sure. They've done it so much, it's like calling out to her very soul. The only thing comparable might be touching her soul cord, but that's no longer an option.

He watches, brows raised, as she makes her way over towards him - the only gesture being a hand held out to support her should she need it.It takes everything he has not to simply grab her and hug her tight, kiss her for all she's worth.]

Hiyori... [Breathless, it's him that falls prey to the waterworks as his eyes tear up, but he doesn't dare move to wipe them away, hoping she won't notice.] Thank you...

[A shiver runs through him despite the warmth they're steeping in, and finally he surrenders to his desires of the evening, catching her 'round the waist and drawing her up against his chest while his face buries briefly in her hair. A kiss there, but then he moves on to her forehead, cheeks, and finally lips, where he doesn't hold back.

That answers her question, doesn't it?

Leaning back, he stretches out so that she's atop him and they can sink down into the water up to their necks..

...only once he breaks away from their kiss, Yato dips his own head backwards underneath the water for several long moments, soaking his entire head and face before resurfaces with a gasp. No tears. He's not crying, dammit.]

[wwtd]

[ SOME TEARS ARE GOOD TEARS, but - yes. keep it close. don't lose it.

it's weird. all of yato's cheesy pick-up lines and groping and debauched behavior doesn't hold a candle to such a simple statement. this whole experience has been incredible. nobody has gone to such lengths to do something truly special for her like this. it's greater than any gift, even if the ones he got her are pretty damn great.

but her heart flutters at his response, at his smile. the seriousness is in those eyes, never straying far from her. a kiss will certainly bring quite a few things to mind. hopefully, this. this entire night of a god, her god, getting down on one knee and promising forever.

unfortunately though, hiyori notices. she doesn't point it out, simply continues on her path to touch him and eventually

yes, that. kiss him. he beats her to the punch. she kneads at his shoulders while he kisses her wet hair, all over her face and she makes a noise when their lips meet again. she answers his desperation with equal measure and all but lays her body against his.

she's giving him a very soft and affectionate look when he resurfaces and brushes his wet hair out of his eyes, strand by strand, so water doesn't get in his eyes. more water. ]

You've made this the best Christmas ever for me, God of Fortune, Yatogami-sama...

[ if only their friends and family from home could be here, too. to celebrate.

people wouldn't wonder why she's in love with him if they could see this. ]

Yato... my future husband... [ and with that, comes a breathless and disbelieving giggle. she'd wonder what everyone would say but it doesn't matter that much to her. merely a curiosity. what matters is that he loves her and they want the same things. ]

Hehe, are you going to be Yato Iki?

[intertwinedfates]

[But never-ending tears though...! That's too much, even if they are good!

Perhaps it's because this is where he's truly pouring his heart and soul into everything to convey to Hiyori just how much she means to him, how dear and precious her love is and shall forever remain.

He, too, wants to never forget this day and night for as long as he lives. While his heart may have been pounding hard, ready to beat out of his chest in anticipation and anxiety, it was worth it for the answer he got: yes. Yes, she would be his wife. From now until their dying days.

Or whenever the wedding will be. For now they'll have to settle for being merely engaged. Which is good enough for him. Hell, he'd almost be happy with that alone if the words "husband" and "wife" didn't hold such special meanings.

His hands roam up and down her sides, squeezing her needily, greedily, wanting more and more of her out of a love for everything that she is. A wonderful doctor, a kind person, a beautiful woman, his best friend... Instead, he simply tugs her closer so they lay flush with one another in the warm water, their body heat feeling like it makes the temperature nearly scorching.

It's such a contrast to the gentle expression on her face, making his heart clench and throb with the sensation of being loved. A rare and precious thing. He nuzzles into her touch, blinking the few stray drops of water from his eyes.]

Heh... I got a sama from my one and only follower... I truly am loved, aren't I?

[He too, longs for all their precious people from home to be here, yet at the same time it's good they aren't. Safer that way.

He may only be able to share his love with her alone, but that's fine. Nobody else need know the depths of his devotion. They can continue doubting their bond; he never will, ever again.]

Hiyori, my future wife... [He joins her in laughing, breathless and delighted. At her question his eyes light up with sheer glee, like a kid in a toy shop type of excitement.]

Yato Iki... [He tries the name on for size, grin spreading wider as he splashes about in tugging her into his lap.] I think I like the sound of that. Mr. and Mrs. Doctor Hiyori Iki. I bet I'll gain a lot of prestige by having a doctor for a wife! Hehe~

[wwtd]

[ IT JUST MEANS HE'S FULL OF EMOTION.

full of love but everyone knows that. message conveyed, either way. more than ever. she just hopes that he realizes the same. that out of 8 million gods and billions more of people, she chooses him. always. ]

You are very loved, you doofus.

[ not just because she used same. she's feeling sentimental and if THIS isn't a special occasion? she doesn't know what the heck would be. special enough that every time yato hints at her being his wife, she gets this swooping sensation in her stomach. like she's in free fall. like the wind has been knocked out of her.

she's going to be a wife. they're going to have a house. it isn't just playing house anymore. while they're here, while they're together -

yato iki.

hiyori gasps but finds a comfortable spot in his lap. the water warms up her core, but sharing this is a deeper melting. ]

Oooh, so you're marrying me for prestiiiige, huh?

[ playful. unserious. she knows why he proposed and she knows why she said yes. not for prestige.

because he's an incredible god, the most amazing there is. a sensitive, gentle soul. the prettiest everything she's ever seen. a total goofball.

her best friend. ]

... Show your prestige doctor wife [ that'a s mouthful ] how her lordly god husband loves her...?

[ can't keep a straight face, she grins. ]