OPEN💗 LATE VALENTINE'S DAY PARTY

[peoplewatch]

WHO: Newbies, oldbies, everyone is welcome!
WHAT: A Late Valentine’s Party mingle, since Valentines’ Day was over Kaiju month…
WHERE: “MANTRA”, an underground, alternative club in Neo Toyko
WHEN: March 10th
WARNINGS: Romance and shippy things, alcohol, hookah, suggestive things. Anything NSFW is to be appropriately labelled.

Around the 10th of March, Outsiders will receive a message in their ocular inbox from Kabru, the Outsider also known as @ rasgulla. The message reads:

“To my dearest friends and teammates,

If we haven’t met before, call me Kabru. When not on missions as an Outsider, I work as a freelance event planner for various businesses and private organizations within Neo Tokyo.

Valentines’ Day is a popular holiday in Japan that was sadly interrupted last month by the kaiju. My current client is holding a belated Valentines’ Day event and they would really like the Outsiders to come. There will be plenty of food and things to do. Even if you're not looking for a romantic time, I'd encourage you to come!

Please wear something comfortable. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Yours sincerely,

Kabru.”



A location pin comes attached with the invitation. It looks like Kabru’s become more adept at technology over the months.

Follow the location pin and you’ll find yourself in front of ‘Mantra’ in metro Tokyo, an underground, alternative club making waves for its uniqueness in the club scene. Outsiders will all be allowed in without much fuss. The owner of the club is a gentle woman who kindly requests that all guests take their shoes off and leave them at the side. There is a lingering scent of incense and the people hanging out in the club look remarkably calm as they relax; cuddling and enjoying each other’s company. What kind of Valentine’s day party is this? A New Age, alternative kind, apparently. The owner of the club wants to be promoting togetherness in a completely different way.

Thankfully, finger foods and alcohol appear to be abundant, even if Kabru would really like you to be mingling with the people! There is a bar with free flowing wines and spirits, and a table with hors d'oeuvres and small desserts as accompaniment. These can include sushi rolls, small sandwiches, crab cake bites, small skewers, chocolates, little cakes and tarts. Food aside, there is live music playing and guests are highly encouraged to dance.

Naturally, couples are also coupling up, but anything too raunchy is of course cordoned off to a private room. Also, ignore the people smoking electronic hookah at the side…

What can you do besides eat and drink?

1. DANCING 💗

The DJ mostly plays trance and synth pop music in the background but he’s happy to take requests. On the dancefloor,there’s always a group of tipsy guests dancing their hearts out, some dancing alone and others dancing as a couple. There’s no right or wrong way to dance and most people will not cast judgement. Give it a try? Better hurry, before some of the overeager guests try to drag you in.

2. CUDDLE PILE 💗
Numerous cushions are set out around the venue for guests to lounge in and cuddle. It’s highly encouraged, in fact! Especially after a vigorous dance session. There are people lying together in larger groups, and couples choosing to spend their time lounging and enjoying each other’s company. Finding it difficult to relax? The owner might give you a whiff of her special perfume that’s guaranteed to put you in a state of complete calm. It might even make you more open about lying together with someone else.

3. SPEED DATING 💗

There’s a speed dating round going on in one side of the club. Guests are numbered and paired up randomly, then given a short amount of time to get to know each other on a speedy little date. Don’t know what to say? A list of questions will flow in through the oculars to give you a prompt. (Please refer to here and here for some examples or make up your own!)

4. MAKE SWEET TREATS 💗

In the spirit of Valentines’ Day, the owner of the club is hosting a quick desserts-making workshop at the event. Guests will be provided with ingredients and taught to make chocolate or cupcakes, and they will get the chance to decorate it however they like. It’s highly encouraged to make something to give to your sweetheart or the person you admire. Do you really want to be the person eating their own chocolate on Valentines’ Day?

5. PARTY GAMES 💗

What’s a party without party games? Throughout the night, people will be getting drunk and playing local drinking games such as the King’s Game. Eventually, other games from the West get introduced by other people. These games include Truth or Dare, Spin the Bottle and 7 Minutes in Heaven.

6. TAKE SOMEONE HOME 💗

If it looks like you're having a pretty good time with someone else, a helpful robot will approach you and provide you both with a key to a private room. Some of these private rooms are normal and some are themed, similar to a love hotel. There's no need to actually do anything raunchy of course. You could just cuddle up and enjoy the warmth of the digital fireplace! Everything one might need for a nice time together (condoms, lubricant etc) will be readily available.

As the event planner, Kabru will be buzzing around and making sure everything runs smoothly, but he can be stopped for questions or concerns (pls be nice to him he has anxiety). Characters can sit out of anything they want, but drunk and overeager guests might decide to drag them in.

[ OOC: I put this up so everyone can enjoy a chill mingle after the chaos of last month! And also because we didn’t get the opportunity to have do much for Valentines’ Day given the timing. Naturally, please label any NSFW, add your content warnings appropriately, and state your boundaries and preferences in terms of shipping/gen/being tagged by younger/older characters. ]

Comments

[wwtd]

[ there's nowhere to go with her back against the wall and yato only creeping in closer. is she hungry? it was an excuse, and yato's pout gets to her anyway. like it always does.

something is impossibly intimate about your lover kissing (read: nibbling) at your neck. hiyori closes her eyes and prays for strength but nothing comes. probably because she doesn't know which god to pray to when it's one doing the nibbling. her god. ]

I...

[ her hand settles very, very carefully on the back of his head. not pulling away but not urging him on, either. ]

Wh - why are we here, again? There's a party. And you, you wanted to... do some side business?

[intertwinedfates]

[Now that things are cozier between them without Hiyori pushing him away literally and figuratively, his smile returns, albeit somewhat sheepishly. She does have a point about coming to a party and then hawking his wares.

But--! There's a method to his madness...! It isn't just him attempting to do his usual spiel of winner over converts. If they want to get married, then they'll need money. For now, though, he's quite content with leaving his stand in order to savor his own goods in the form of Hiyori, which he does happily.]

That was just a little proselytizing on the side. It's this month's business! Yato the incense seller! But if you've had enough of that, I'm ready to spend time with you...

[As if that wasn't already clear with the way he's nipping and kissing his way up to her jaw.]

[wwtd]

[ hawking his wares and, not to mention, immediately cornering her and propositioning her. although, to be fair, she started it. but she only started it because he had HORNY WEED. she doesn't want to know why he's selling that. there are all types of people.

as he continues, her eyes start to lid and she looses track of things like where they are and who's around them, for one. not good. ]

Proselytizing, again... [ as long as he's not leaving phone numbers is high school bathrooms again. the creep. she has to bite back a sigh that yato STILL hasn't found a steady job for himself. what's wrong with finding a living? something you can be proud of? she wants that for him. ]

What's next month? Making lotions and body sprays...?

[intertwinedfates]

[Given that such a thing is a natural progression of his marriage proposals and undies gifting, she probably shouldn't be surprised... Nor should she find it odd that he's peddling amorous incense - sex sells, after all. As a not-so-innocent young adult, she ought to know that by now, too.]

Uh huh~ [No more strolling into the ladies' bathrooms, no. Especially not now that he's noticeable to everyone. He likes living, thank you very much. Although perhaps someday they'll have to sit and discuss his lack of a steady job. He wants to be someone she's proud of, after all, but he also doesn't want to be bored from doing the same thing forever.]

There's an idea--! [uh oh] Though only if I get to test them out on you.

[wwtd]

[ IS THAT THE NATURAL PROGRESSION??

unfortunately, yes. sex does sell and yato is well-aware of that with his bishamon nc17 doujin selling ass. uuuughhhh. at least he's not selling himself with it. never forgetti.

that's one thing she'd proud of him not doing anymore when it comes to jobs. when it comes to something steadier? she tried to help and give him ideas but she's not sure what else she can do. it has to be something yato wants himself. not what everyone else wants of him.

after all, he wanted to be a god of happiness. it's within him.

she blinks at yato's bright eyes and expression when that was SUCH an off-hand remark. ]

Wh - you... want to do like a couples business?

[ STOP GIVING HIM IDEAS, HIYORI ]

[intertwinedfates]

[NATURAL YATO PROGRESSION...

And he's learn not to plagiarize his friends' likenesses for raunchy doujinshi anymore? Baby steps. He's slowly getting there towards a (somewhat) normal existence.

Maybe he'll always be something of a rogue or vagabond god. After a thousand years of living a certain way, one kinda gets used to it and takes comfort in the familiarity. He would do anything for Hiyori, though, even if it made him bored out of his mind.

In his own weird way, he's still trying to be a God of Happiness-- just by bringing it to people in a different manner. It's tough without ayakashi to slay, though. That much he was used to, and good at. Now more than ever he misses Yukine's guidance...

...oh dear, though. That strikes right at the heart of his EXCELLENT IDEA brain, clearly, judging by the way his eyes get bright and sparkly.]

Could we?! That would be so cool--! You could be my demo girl! We could put you in pretty, skimpy clothes and we could go around demonstrating various body lotions and oils!!

[Why does it sound like one of his naughty doujins come true?!]

[wwtd]

[ emphasis on "somewhat"

because, yeah, he'll alwas be a god and there's nothing all that normal about that. if anything, it's rather amazing. gods are the highest form. yato may be a minor one, but he's still a god. it's not like she can name spirits or teleport or fight like him with his years and years of experience.

there's nothing wrong with wanting to bring happiness to others. he's just a little UNHINGED with his ideas. and hiyori isn't helping. ]

WHY IN SKIMPY CLOTHES?!

[ grabs his ear and PULLS. why is hiyori nervous around bakugo's angry yelling when she does the same ]

What is wrong with you?! Who do you think I am, Yato?! Someone who would be happy wearing skimpy clothes around your potential customers??

[intertwinedfates]

[That is the keyword...

Even among gods he's always been a bit of a weirdo, courtesy of his isolated upbringing. Social skills? Don't know 'em. Maybe it's those oddball tendencies that make him more human than most of his kind. That draw him to humans for more than simply helping them, like Bishamon or Tenjin.

Maybe that's why he fell in love with one.

Or it simply could be he's off his rocker. That's always possible.]

Ow ow ow--! B-Because how else am I gonna rub you down?? You don't put lotion and oil on clothes, dummy!

[Seriously. Between Hiyori and Yukine, it's no wonder that he felt right at home with Bakugo's shouty tendencies.]

Uh... Well... [Now that he thinks about it...] .......how about I wear the skimpy clothes and you lube me up?

[He's so taking away the wrong idea...]

[wwtd]

[ the answer is a little of column a and of column b. definitely the off his rocker column. he must be to threaten hiyori's ire like this so often.

and, you know like tenjin said, she had to be crazy to be in love with something inhuman. a god, like him.

but a lot of people would call her crazy. stubborn, too. as she doesn't let up her grip on his ear and even pulls harder when he calls her dummy. what's wrong with just using your arms?! HANDS. ELBOWS. KNEES!!! ]

YOU WOULD BE HAPPY WEARING SKIMPY CLOTHES AROUND YOUR POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS??!!!

[intertwinedfates]

[He's the lunch special, with an emphasis on "special", huh. You'd think he'd learn or value his life more, but noooo, he has to go and tempt fate (and Hiyori) with dumb ideas and even dumber words.

Maybe he's actually a god of naughtiness with how often he gets into trouble, honestly. It'd explain a lot.

Unfortunately for Hiyori, her god-husband-to-be has a gutter for a mind, where all his brainy bowling balls are clunking around. He keeps "OW"ing away as she pulls, flailing helplessly yet doing nothing to stop her. That's one thing he never does: raise a finger against her.]

S-So long as my body is reserved for you, I could go naked!

[Proooobably not helping matters there, Yato...]

[wwtd]

[ not helping at all. he's so shameless. for the second time tonight, she's letting him go to march off. ]

ARGH.

[ AGAIN.

it's pretty obvious she doesn't like that mindset but she's not sure how to tell him that without sounding like a teenager or some possessive weirdo or controlling or -

so walking away it is. was this even a party where they could hang out and mingle?? enjoy themselves AFTER THE FIASCO. they could've danced and had a good time and

like

maybe act like an engaged couple? all in love. BUT NOOOooOoOOOo. and she could've supported and had fun with him doing his monthly odd job because it seemed kinda nice? everything smelled nice, it looked like he was really working hard

BUT NOOOOOOOOOOO.

if this was a game of chess, she would've smacked the board off the table out of frustation. as much as she loves him, he is so IRRITATING and just doesn't get it SOMETIMES. ]

[intertwinedfates]

[And for the second time, he's scrambling after her, of course.

Though he has enough sense to think better of grabbing her hand this time around, instead following after her with a dejected look upon his face.

For a while they just walk like that, weaving in and out of the throngs of party-goers, all the while he mulls over what's just happened and tries to make sense of it. In hindsight, he has a rough idea of where he went wrong, leading to him biting his lip out of worry.

He doesn't want her thinking he's easy or anything like that. That he's going to deliberately do anything to make her irate. Although he seems to do so plenty on accident...

Eventually, once they happen near the food tables, he snags her by the arm and drags her in that direction, using his free hand to grab a plate.]

--you said you were hungry, right? What do you want? They've got a lot of nice things here. You should try them all out...

[Keeping his arm hooked on her, he sets the plate down in order to begin loading up on goodies, like crab cakes, skewers, and cute little sandwiches of different types.]

[wwtd]

[ it's that he's never doing it deliberately that has saved his ass more than a few times. that yato's intentions are almost always good, as long as you don't count some of the more questionable things he's done.

hiyori gasps as she's grabbed and hauled in the direction of food. knowing it's yato is the only reason he doesn't get beat the shit out of.

silent, trying not to pout too obviously, she watches yato fill her plate with food. while he's doing it, she steals a crab cake and shoves it in her mouth. then, she grabs some finger food and shoves it in his mouth rather unceremoniously.

after she's chewed a little and she's not talking with her mouth too full, she says, ]

I just wanted a nice night out, like a date. Did you know White Day is soon? Four days.

[ grabbing another crab cake to shove in her mouth. ]

Theesh're gude.

[intertwinedfates]

[A-at least he's not killing people here...? Without his father, he can truly start to try living on his own terms. ....he just... doesn't have much practical experience in doing so. That leads him to trying various things, some of them a bit awkward or dubious.

Like now, with the food, he's trying to make things up to her in the best way he knows how. It's clumsy and blunt, but he is trying.

He piles their plate high with a little of this and that, enough so they both can try everything without seeming greedy. And when he goes to say something, she forces a bite into his mouth, silencing him with a muffled "mmphmm!" At least she chews through most of it before attempting to speak again, although it still comes out a bit muffled.]

I've just been trying to save up enough money for the wedding, y'know...? But I should've been thinking more about the here and now... I-I'm sorry, Hiyori... I'm really shit at this partner thing, huh...

[Oh no, there he goes feeling like a failure again, with shoulders sagging and expression guilty.]

...at least the we don't have to worry about going hungry here.

[wwtd]

[ coughBRASOVcough (even if that was more or less necessary from the sound of it and hiyori doesn't enjoy thinking about that)

while it may be clumsy and blunt, it gets the ball rolling. it's yato's explanation that softens her pout in exchange for a sigh. ]

You're not. You're learning.

[ she grabs a napkin and wipes at his face where she left a smear of sauce from shoving food in his mouth gently. ]

We both are. I had a lot of time to think during that time I was gone. For as many times as you piss me off, you've made me happy twice as often. No, five times. And, Yato... you don't have to worry so much about wedding funds or having enough. We'll figure it out, okay? It shouldn't be all on you, anyway.

[ she never loved him for his money. it was his kindness and his silliness. his ability to make her smile. with yato around, she never had to worry about being bored or acting a certain way to make him happy. she furrows her brow.

yato shouldn't have to feel that way either but -

looking down at the pile of food, she picks up something else and is much nicer about feeding it to him. ]

I hope the new base has apartments rather than dorms. It'd be nice to have our own kitchens to do whatever we want in.

[intertwinedfates]

[Err... Yeah, there was that. But he didn't go completely off...? Thanks to Kaga, at least.

Thankfully Hiyori has always appreciated his genuine efforts, no matter how he fumbles through them. For that he's infinitely appreciative.]

If you say so...

[He still sounds a bit dejected as he sighs while she mops his face up, brows pulled together in concentration. His tongue darts out to help collect the last remnants of sauce.]

Hiyori... [His expression softens as he gazes upon her smiling face. She's always so... so... sweet. So kind. Sometimes he can't help feeling he doesn't deserve her.] It's just... shouldn't I be the one making sure you get your big day? I thought weddings were meant to celebrate the bride, to honor her and welcome her into her new family... Although I guess in this case it's more me becoming part of your family. You don't want to be part of my screwed up one.

[An abusive father and antagonistic sister. Not much of welcome there. Still, he manages to smile, if somewhat wanly. Hiyori loves him for being himself, not his family. He knows that much, and it's reassuring.

When presented with another bite of food, he gladly accepts it without giving in to the urge to be silly and lick her fingers. He's trying...! Instead, he takes up a crab cake bite and holds it out for her to sample.]

Yeah, that would be good. Although if you can wait a while, I may have a place for you to cook anyway... At least on occasion, on our off days.

[wwtd]

[ some of the audience may agree with him, but it doesn't matter. hiyori wants to be with him for as long as she can.

she'll pick the both of them up and carry on together.

the more yato explains, the more she frowns. for one thing, she's never been a fan of being in the spotlight. if anything, yato should be the bride with all attention on him. he likes that. she would be happy giving that up for him. as long as some of her friends are there with her, she's happy. ]

I want... I just want you to be a part of my life.

[ hiyori answers simply. screwed up family with his father and nora. or the new one he's made with yukine and kofuku and daikoku. or even his newnew one with the friends he's made here. ]

I mean, there are logistics like that but... this isn't just about the bride. It's about both of us. Or that's what I thought. That's what I wanted it to be.

[ SEE, HE CAN BE SILLY LIKE THAT. aaaaah - ! he's trying, he's trying. maybe she should just show him what's okay? surprise him herself. she leans forward and takes a bite of the crab cake but makes sure to let her teeth graze his fingers, playfully. ]

Mm? [ chewing, chewing ] I can wait. [ she waited 10 years please ] That doesn't mean I won't be curious...

[ this must have something to do with his house-building. ]

[intertwinedfates]

[Wherever Hiyori goes, he's sure to follow, so they'll always be together barring any outside forces.

Although he'd honestly be baffled by her not wanting to be the star of her own wedding - that's the whole point of it! To make sure everyone knows and can see how wonderful she is, to celebrate her finding a partner to share her life with. ....although he wouldn't mind being one of the stars of the show. He's a glutton for attention like that. But honestly, anything that makes Hiyori happy makes him happy.]

Hiyori... I will. Now and forever. For as long as you'll have me...

[He sniffs lightly, feeling the tears coming on. That she accepts him for who and what he is will always be something he's grateful for.]

In that case, we'll make sure it's an event that celebrates the pair of us. Anything to make you happy.

[As her teeth rake over his fingers, his face turns a vibrant red shade and he trembles, trying to keep himself under control. He's going to be a good boy, dammit--! ..... Though he does lean towards her and lick a little crumb from her lips. Playful! They can be silly in public. That's fine. Maybe even a little flirty.]

Heh, good. .....did you want to see the shrine I've picked out for us? Vash and Bakugo have been helping me clear the site, so it's looking pretty good.

[He'd like to get her approval first before committing to building their getaway home.]

[wwtd]

That would make me happy.

[ celebrating the pair of them, their union. not her finding a partner or yato actually finding a wife to go with his dream of having a shrine. the two of them.

together. which, really, is all she wanted for a long time. yato blushes are a big bonus, though. she can't help but grin at how red he gets, but she's a bit flushed herself. partly from the lingering aphro but largely because of his reaction to something she decided to do spontaneously.

they can do playful. they can even do flirty. yato almost, ALMOST takes it too far. her face gets more red but she laughs, pushing his face away from hers bashfully and wiping at the spot he licked. ]

Picked...? Huh?

[ though vash helping is no surprise, bakugo adds points to her book by helping yato with his dream. how has she not run into him yet..... ]

I mean... yeah!! Of course, I want to see it! I'm just confused what you mean by picked? Did someone... build some shrines for gods and you were able to pick which one you wanted? Like manufactured shrines...

[intertwinedfates]

Then your wish has been heard loud and clear~

[He teases lightly but with sincerity. He's still learning the intricacies of human customers and Hiyori's own person thoughts on certain wedding-related matters, so all she needs to do is let him know her preferences and he'll gladly do his best to honor them.

That goes for playtime like now, too. Without fighting her on being pushed away, he smiles, grateful she seems to be in a better mood despite his stumbling through being a socially inept idiot.

Kissing her cheek real quick, he takes a step back to give her space while offering up a meat skewer. Gotta make sure she gets enough sustenance!]

Hehe, not quite. There's several abandoned shrines around here, so I just chose one I liked the look of to be mine. I figure it's unlikely the god it was meant for is still there given the state of the world, and better it sees some use rather than going to waste, right?

[He pops a deviled egg into his mouth, chewing a bit before continuing.]

Wanna go see it now, if you've had enough of the party? Or we could do like I suggested earlier and find a cozy corner to play in...

[bad yato]

[wwtd]

[ ah. it's the line. gotta wonder if he's used it on anybody else since being here. it makes her eyes flash, bright and happy.

the best to learn human thoughts is to ask said human about them. nobody is a mind reader. not even gods. unless they are... a god of mind reading or something.

hiyori takes the offered skewer and digs into one piece before offering it back. sharing is caring. she's still chewing, slower now, the more she listens. ]

Can you do that? Won't a god get mad at you for taking their shrine? Even if it is abandoned, is it like abandoned houses? You still have to get permission from the property owner. Maybe I should pray to them...

[ among other things. she just doesn't want yato to get into a fight, SOME OTHER BEEF with another god. a la bishamonten.

at that last, her eyes explore his face and shoulders. raised eyebrows and all. then, she pops another finger food into her mouth. ]

We should save that sort of thing for desserts and not when we're still in the middle of everything. Maybe I want to dance...

[intertwinedfates]

[Sadly not... There hasn't been much in the way of wishes he can grant for people, hence the outlandish hobbies he's engaged in, like drawing doujinshi and peddling incense.

Being direct isn't exactly his forte sometimes, but for Hiyori, he'll try anything at least once. In some ways it's good he's not that kind of mind-reading god, though if he was, they probably would've avoided so many misunderstandings.

With her offering him some of the skewer best not to question what kind of meat it is, he eagerly noms on a couple pieces, then holds it out for her to have the last one.]

Well... Depends on if they're still kicking, I guess. Worst thing I can do is step on some toes and get into a spat with someone. Though better it still be used for worship than torn down and repurposed, yeah?

[Granted, if someone did that to a shrine of his, he'd be livid, but... He hasn't seen any native gods here, so it should be fine.

Somewhat sheepishly, he scratches at his cheek with a helpless shrug; too late to turn back now, honestly. Him and Vash and Bakugo have put in enough hours that he's not giving up at this point. So with Hiyori's comment about dancing, he nods, taking her by the hand to lead her to the dance floor.]

You do much partying these days, Doctor Iki?

[wwtd]

[ can't blame the masses for not making wishes. their biggest wish is probably to

put an end to the kaiju threat. to live peacefully.

(hobbies aren't bad, drawing doujinshi isn't even bad it's HOW HE DOES IT. anyway. neither here nor there.)

without hesitation, she takes the last piece of meat and sucks some of the juices off her fingers. this... this -!! is exactly the sort of thing she wants. just existing together. living. going through struggles, hardships, joys, pains with another person. something as simple as sharing those meals, which they have been doing for a long time now.

sharing something like a meat skewer is a daily occurrence. ]

Okay, but you're not the best with spats. [ very pointed look. then, she hums. ] That is true. I don't want to see a shrine get torn down, especially if it's been there for a long time.

Just promise if you do come face to face with the god who owns that shrine, you won't start anything. I can't go through another Bishamon situation...

[ it's not that she wants him to turn back, she doesn't want anything bad to happen to yato. what if he took

like

tsukuyomi's shrine?! ]

Things have to be cleared up qui-CKLEEe?

[ off they go, onto the dance floor. hiyori swept up into whatever move yato pulls her into and spins her out to. she huffs at the comment, smiling, heart pounding and a bit breathless by yato's surprising smoothness of it all. ]

I - it's been a while since I've heard that. I'm getting used to Nurse Shion at work...

[ FUJISAKI SHION. ]

... When we do get married, as a civilian, I'm taking your last name. Immediately. No more Fujisaki.

[intertwinedfates]

[And putting an end to the kaiju is hardly something one little god can manage on his own, try as he might. Especially without a shinki here...

A smile crosses his face as she finishes off the skewer; nothing makes him happier than ensuring Hiyori is content and well-fed, that she's taking care of herself so she'll live a long, wonderful life, he hopes. She's the main reason he fights, after all. Helping others is good, yes, but she is his everything.]

H-Hey...! I managed to help calm Bishamon's stupid grudge-holding ass down, didn't I?? [Cue the indignant pout.] Besides, sometimes shrines house multiple gods. I can always play second fiddle to the original owner, if it comes to that.

[Though clearly he wouldn't be happy about it. Little god, big ego.] But fine. I won't fight if it comes down to that. I'll find another place. Only if I have to, though. I like the one I've picked out. It's got a pond and everything.

[Thankfully(?) it seems to be a shrine to a local deity rather than a big shot god. So he might stand a chance if they were to duke it out.]

Anyway--! That's a worry for later. Dancing time!

[With the languid beat dictating their rhythm, he pulls and twirls Hiyori in time with the music, taking every opportunity to tug her in close until they're nose to nose and breathing each other's breath before parting to continue the dance. For him, it's not unlike fighting, where one move flows into the next. Easier, really, since the moves are scripted.]

Ugh, don't remind me... Shion is pretty enough, but...

[FUJISAKI. A cruel, cruel joke by this universe or at least LILITH. The jerks.]

Works for me. Hell, that makes me almost want to elope and just hit the registry office.

[Almost.]

[wwtd]

I don't know if that's what happened.

[ what she does remember is kazuma jumping in front of yato to take a slash for him and shocking bishamon enough to make her think twice. what she remembers is telling yato they needed to go home when he tried to go after the mask-wearing ayakashi again. now, she lost her memory but things have been coming back to her constantly. ever since she got here.

second fiddle. not sure if she likes that, either. yato deserves his own shrine. that's why she made that little DIY one.

hers didn't have a little pond. there's a part of her that's sad. that the little shrine is going to look so sad compared to the new one. on the other hand, she's happy that yato is going out there and living his dreams. that's he likes it.

that's all she needs to hear. she likes it, too.

every time they're nose to nose, her heart skips a beat and she can't take her eyes off his. parting is such sweet sorrow - with her current situation. it's not long before she's struggling to catch her breath or the smile on her face nearly splits it. ] I didn't know you liked Shion that much. [ during a lull, they stop the spinning and hiyori mostly following his lead because he's a better dancer than her, to just sway close together. one hand on his shoulder, the other clasped with his. ]

..... You know, I also thought about that.

[ eloping. they've talked about it before, she's sure. some days, it's really tempting. that day she learned that ishmael left hurt her heart. and

and there's so much planning and what if someone else leaves? vash or ereshkigal or bakugo? what if she leaves? what if yato leaves? now and then, but not too often anymore, that dark thought plagues her. ]

How big do you want it to be?