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synflux2025-07-13 02:58 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in synflux2025-07-13 02:58 pm
DOWNTIME MINGLE / TEAM BUILDING #9
DOWNTIME MINGLE #9
ā¶ 001. WINNER'S CIRCLE.
The Outsiders have returned to a base that looks far healthier than the one that was left behind, and the decorations reflect the success of the latest missions. With the staff mostly recovered from their bout of flu, the decorations are back in full force, a celebration of the heroic achievements of the Angels against their own.
The less said about that the better.
Some things don't change, however, and the fresh food is at the ready, with only some of the meat looking questionable in a gentle change of pace. Another familiar sight is the bulletin board, though these particular results might come with more of a heavy heart than usual:
FIRST BATTLE:
HONORARY BABYGIRL (K.O.)
KIJYO & AUO (600)
SECOND BATTLE:
GOLDILOCKS (K.O.)
DESTINY & GREATVALUE (600)
The return of the Outsiders and the rebuilding of the base has led to an almost accidental rebranding of some of the fashion choices from the citizens of Neo Tokyo. A new trend has washed over the hip youth, leaving some of the outlet stores scrambling to keep up with the ensuing demand; chokers are now in, especially those affixed with little metal shapes - Xs, Os and, strangely, a cat paw...? Each to their own!
Some of the more eccentric of the fashionistas have worked magic on their chokers, matching it with the technology of the modern world, allowing for yellow-green sparks of electricity to cross along and around the band. When asked about it, all they'll say is they want to show "Setsuna-kun" their pride.
One of the more famous of the entrepreneurs, dressed in the finest of the new aesthetics, has also published her newest work to (varying) critical acclaim! A series of short comics have been distributed under the pen name PINKLIZARDLVR, detailing the star-crossed romance of a beautiful young woman and her monstrous partner, the highs and lows of making the relationship work and the horror at the revelation of the truths of their relationship. The front cover boasts a full art page, the tagline reading 'I know what you are...'
When shopping for your latest piece of literature, you might also find a new brand of chocolate on sale and flying off the shelves. These coins have a very particular golden glow, and can sometimes be mistaken for the real thing if you're willing to risk the attempt. The children of Neo Tokyo are particularly impressed with the new currency in circulation, especially since vendors who are accidentally given possession of them seem more than willing to throw them aside for the nearest hand to catch.
Children aren't just obsessing over chocolate lately, not with the new action figure on the market with its own special edition - you can buy the standalone, or the limited run that comes with an automaton, both of which have moveable parts! Part of the novelty is building the toys themselves, almost like putting together a custom robot at home, and the other part is trying to chase down that limited edition version rumored to have voice lines. If you're lucky, you might hear a soft echo of Yes, Absolutely, Handsome.
The real collector's item of the moment is a new line of wooden animals. They're gaining popularity, not just with children, but as a hot collector's item for salarymen too! After work is done, the line for the local toy store is outrageous, a mixture of exasperated parents and half-asleep office workers desperate to get their hands on the latest shipment. People are trading them voraciously, doing all they can to complete their collection, but the rarest and most desired is an off-model cardinal with an eye scratched out.
Beyond the main city hub and out into the quieter areas of the capital, there are some more subtle trends taking place. Local shrines have picked up on the 'gold coin' fascination in the younger generations and fashioned their own wearable five-yen pieces, for earrings and bracelets. Each purchase is relatively cheap, but in the 'terms and conditions' on the sign promoting the sale is a sentence written in small font: 5% of profits go to our Destiny.
The less said about that the better.
Some things don't change, however, and the fresh food is at the ready, with only some of the meat looking questionable in a gentle change of pace. Another familiar sight is the bulletin board, though these particular results might come with more of a heavy heart than usual:
FIRST BATTLE:
HONORARY BABYGIRL (K.O.)
KIJYO & AUO (600)
SECOND BATTLE:
GOLDILOCKS (K.O.)
DESTINY & GREATVALUE (600)
The return of the Outsiders and the rebuilding of the base has led to an almost accidental rebranding of some of the fashion choices from the citizens of Neo Tokyo. A new trend has washed over the hip youth, leaving some of the outlet stores scrambling to keep up with the ensuing demand; chokers are now in, especially those affixed with little metal shapes - Xs, Os and, strangely, a cat paw...? Each to their own!
Some of the more eccentric of the fashionistas have worked magic on their chokers, matching it with the technology of the modern world, allowing for yellow-green sparks of electricity to cross along and around the band. When asked about it, all they'll say is they want to show "Setsuna-kun" their pride.
One of the more famous of the entrepreneurs, dressed in the finest of the new aesthetics, has also published her newest work to (varying) critical acclaim! A series of short comics have been distributed under the pen name PINKLIZARDLVR, detailing the star-crossed romance of a beautiful young woman and her monstrous partner, the highs and lows of making the relationship work and the horror at the revelation of the truths of their relationship. The front cover boasts a full art page, the tagline reading 'I know what you are...'
When shopping for your latest piece of literature, you might also find a new brand of chocolate on sale and flying off the shelves. These coins have a very particular golden glow, and can sometimes be mistaken for the real thing if you're willing to risk the attempt. The children of Neo Tokyo are particularly impressed with the new currency in circulation, especially since vendors who are accidentally given possession of them seem more than willing to throw them aside for the nearest hand to catch.
Children aren't just obsessing over chocolate lately, not with the new action figure on the market with its own special edition - you can buy the standalone, or the limited run that comes with an automaton, both of which have moveable parts! Part of the novelty is building the toys themselves, almost like putting together a custom robot at home, and the other part is trying to chase down that limited edition version rumored to have voice lines. If you're lucky, you might hear a soft echo of Yes, Absolutely, Handsome.
The real collector's item of the moment is a new line of wooden animals. They're gaining popularity, not just with children, but as a hot collector's item for salarymen too! After work is done, the line for the local toy store is outrageous, a mixture of exasperated parents and half-asleep office workers desperate to get their hands on the latest shipment. People are trading them voraciously, doing all they can to complete their collection, but the rarest and most desired is an off-model cardinal with an eye scratched out.
Beyond the main city hub and out into the quieter areas of the capital, there are some more subtle trends taking place. Local shrines have picked up on the 'gold coin' fascination in the younger generations and fashioned their own wearable five-yen pieces, for earrings and bracelets. Each purchase is relatively cheap, but in the 'terms and conditions' on the sign promoting the sale is a sentence written in small font: 5% of profits go to our Destiny.
ā¶ 002. STATE OF THE BASE.
Finally, the Neo Tokyo base has been repaired. After being attacked on the inside by a fearsome kaiju known as the Imugi, Outsiders had been temporarily housed in a back up base located in Kyoto. With the repairing of the base, LILITH was also able to renovate and improve the base with some new additions. Although most of them are still getting the finishing touches done, Outsiders are free to explore them as they like.
1.) Kaiju Kafe (Across from cafeteria): A casual cafe across the hall from the cafeteria, if Outsiders are not feeling the free cafeteria food, they may explore options at the Kaiju Kafe! The restaurant serves casual dining with better ingredients for a price. The menu is still in the works, but you can ask the head chef, Laios Touden, for any samples that he might be working on. This week is their soft opening and the menu consists of crispy coconut crab stir fry, roasted Yama-Kujira meat on artificial bread, lab grown fruit salad and steamed rice. They are hiring chefs and waiters!
2.) Room Variety: Now that the rooms are remade, they are now upgraded to be small suites that consist of a kitchenette, a small open area, and a loft. It's small but cozy (or cramped, depending on how your character views it). When the rooms are rebuilt, they'll start off with some basic starter furniture and can get a hologram upgrade for a quick fix, but they will be free to decorate it on their own with their own money. In the library, Outsiders will be able to find some decorating and small-space style guides to help give them a creative push!
3.) Game Room (Next to Simulation Arena): A recreation room was added, so characters can relax and mingle together. There will be some retro game systems (SNES, Wii, the Playstation 12, and so on) along with more traditional games like board games, cards, and so on. It runs 24/7 and has a variety of vending machines for late snack drinks and snacking.
4.) Improved Medical Bay: In general, the medical wing will have shared rooms for space/efficiency reasons, but they will set some space aside for private rooms for those who may require them. There will be a small couch for guests to sleep on, if they need to stay close.. Dr. Spim and the medical staff are also excited to introduce new Nursing Robots, who will be helping out. They'll mostly do basic tasks like check in patients, collect info, issue prescriptions, and assist the real doctors/nurses.
5.) Communal Kitchen: Outsiders can also still use the base's cafeteria for this, or they can use the new base restaurant. While resources can still be scarce at times, and ingredients can be limited, they arenāt always impossible to get things, especially if Outsiders work together to get them (like with Raidou's Okinawa farm project).
Outsiders may spend time exploring these upgrades and seeing the improvements on base in their spare time. Maybe sit down and start planning out your new rooms while in the Kaiju Kafe, or kick back for some Maria Kart to decimate your teammates! (As friends, of course!) This are all improvements that were crowdfunded from this post. Thank you all for your efforts!
ADDENDUM: As part of the base upgrades/repairs, the housing for Outsiders has been reshuffled - take a look to see who your new neighbors are!
1.) Kaiju Kafe (Across from cafeteria): A casual cafe across the hall from the cafeteria, if Outsiders are not feeling the free cafeteria food, they may explore options at the Kaiju Kafe! The restaurant serves casual dining with better ingredients for a price. The menu is still in the works, but you can ask the head chef, Laios Touden, for any samples that he might be working on. This week is their soft opening and the menu consists of crispy coconut crab stir fry, roasted Yama-Kujira meat on artificial bread, lab grown fruit salad and steamed rice. They are hiring chefs and waiters!
2.) Room Variety: Now that the rooms are remade, they are now upgraded to be small suites that consist of a kitchenette, a small open area, and a loft. It's small but cozy (or cramped, depending on how your character views it). When the rooms are rebuilt, they'll start off with some basic starter furniture and can get a hologram upgrade for a quick fix, but they will be free to decorate it on their own with their own money. In the library, Outsiders will be able to find some decorating and small-space style guides to help give them a creative push!
3.) Game Room (Next to Simulation Arena): A recreation room was added, so characters can relax and mingle together. There will be some retro game systems (SNES, Wii, the Playstation 12, and so on) along with more traditional games like board games, cards, and so on. It runs 24/7 and has a variety of vending machines for late snack drinks and snacking.
4.) Improved Medical Bay: In general, the medical wing will have shared rooms for space/efficiency reasons, but they will set some space aside for private rooms for those who may require them. There will be a small couch for guests to sleep on, if they need to stay close.. Dr. Spim and the medical staff are also excited to introduce new Nursing Robots, who will be helping out. They'll mostly do basic tasks like check in patients, collect info, issue prescriptions, and assist the real doctors/nurses.
5.) Communal Kitchen: Outsiders can also still use the base's cafeteria for this, or they can use the new base restaurant. While resources can still be scarce at times, and ingredients can be limited, they arenāt always impossible to get things, especially if Outsiders work together to get them (like with Raidou's Okinawa farm project).
Outsiders may spend time exploring these upgrades and seeing the improvements on base in their spare time. Maybe sit down and start planning out your new rooms while in the Kaiju Kafe, or kick back for some Maria Kart to decimate your teammates! (As friends, of course!) This are all improvements that were crowdfunded from this post. Thank you all for your efforts!
ADDENDUM: As part of the base upgrades/repairs, the housing for Outsiders has been reshuffled - take a look to see who your new neighbors are!
ā¶ 003. TEAM GET-ALONG.
It's been a while, and maybe some Outsiders remember the Get Along handcuffs from last year. They are back, now, but this time with a twist! Like before, Outsiders will be required to check in with Commander Yamakawa when she asks for them to arrive in the Simulation Arena. A metal device will place a small, metal device on their wrists.
With a push of a button, two characters will be linked together by the wrist by a pair of invisible handcuffs. Before, these devices will unlatch after 48 hours, but this time, they will not unlatch until the characters do three of the following (yes, all three!)
1. Confess a secret to the other person.
2. Compliment something about them, appearance or otherwise.
3. Hug Them.
Once both Outsiders have completed all three tasks, the handcuffs will break free.
With a push of a button, two characters will be linked together by the wrist by a pair of invisible handcuffs. Before, these devices will unlatch after 48 hours, but this time, they will not unlatch until the characters do three of the following (yes, all three!)
1. Confess a secret to the other person.
2. Compliment something about them, appearance or otherwise.
3. Hug Them.
Once both Outsiders have completed all three tasks, the handcuffs will break free.
ā¶ 004. TRAFFIC JAMS & ROCK BANDS.
Recent reports have filtered out from LILITH that a pair of major traffic jams have stopped all transport of supplies, equipment, and individuals in Neo Tokyo. Two major thoroughfares have been blocked for half a day before Outsiders have been given the alert, and Commander Yamakawaās instructions filter out to all outsiders.
āIt seems that with all the recent chaos, we have more Kaiju in Neo Tokyo than anticipated. These arenāt destroying anything, though. It looks like they might be stuck. Our scientists have identified that they may be best released to the water after they have been analyzed, but getting them to move might be.. tricky.ā
Outsiders will be given information about these Kaiju, the Xiphosuransus. They look like a giant horseshoe crab. There is no sign of rift energy or rifts nearby.. Where did they come from? Observations have concluded that the Kaiju are not hostile, and generally donāt attack anyone or anything, but they can be fairly uncoordinated on land, there are concerns about it crushing civilians. They have also been reacting strongly to the music playing from advertising billboards to hint that maybe music is the key to motivate them to move.
LILITH is asking outsiders to treat them with care and see if they can move them out of town without disrupting traffic too much. Outsiders who are interested in escorting the payloadā I mean, the kaijuā will find that there are two of these kaiju across the region. One in Akihabara and another in Ikebukuro. Since they are not hostile, LILITH is asking Outsiders to bring them to base to be analyzed (not killed, Yamakawa promises.) Perhaps something about these docile giants can give LILITH more information about rifts and kaiju. Successful Outsiders will receive a payment for their efforts, and the one in Ikebukuro will be worth more money because of one obstacle: somehow it got flipped on its back, and because of its broken stinger, it is unable to move back on its feet. It will require more effort.
(Outsiders who are interested in helping corral the Xiphosuransus should comment in the box below. Generally, teams of 3-4 Outsiders is best. Come up with a plan for how the Outsiders will get the kaiju to move, and two teams will be selected as successful! Please make your submissions by 7/25. Unlike our RNG events, we will be looking at both the method to moving the kaiju and the music choice picked as they both have different tastes in music!)
āIt seems that with all the recent chaos, we have more Kaiju in Neo Tokyo than anticipated. These arenāt destroying anything, though. It looks like they might be stuck. Our scientists have identified that they may be best released to the water after they have been analyzed, but getting them to move might be.. tricky.ā
Outsiders will be given information about these Kaiju, the Xiphosuransus. They look like a giant horseshoe crab. There is no sign of rift energy or rifts nearby.. Where did they come from? Observations have concluded that the Kaiju are not hostile, and generally donāt attack anyone or anything, but they can be fairly uncoordinated on land, there are concerns about it crushing civilians. They have also been reacting strongly to the music playing from advertising billboards to hint that maybe music is the key to motivate them to move.
ā ā ā MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: Xiphosuransus
HEIGHT: 12m
WEIGHT: 1000 tons
CLASS: Non-threat
LOCATION: Akihabara, Ikebukuro, Neo Tokyo, Japan
ABILITIES: This kaiju has a protective shell and can hide from most threats. It has no teeth, claws, and its stinger is harmless. It's only purpose is to flip itself back over.
WEAKNESSES: Being tipped on its back and unable to move, attacked on its vulnerable stomach through any sharp object.
EXTRA NOTES: LILITH has specified this kaiju WILL NOT be killed. Hurting it could cause disciplinary action. This kaiju seems to be attracted to music and can even be seen "shaking" to certain beats (it's dancing.)
RIFT EFFECTS: None.
ā ā ā ATTACHED PHOTO:
LILITH is asking outsiders to treat them with care and see if they can move them out of town without disrupting traffic too much. Outsiders who are interested in escorting the payloadā I mean, the kaijuā will find that there are two of these kaiju across the region. One in Akihabara and another in Ikebukuro. Since they are not hostile, LILITH is asking Outsiders to bring them to base to be analyzed (not killed, Yamakawa promises.) Perhaps something about these docile giants can give LILITH more information about rifts and kaiju. Successful Outsiders will receive a payment for their efforts, and the one in Ikebukuro will be worth more money because of one obstacle: somehow it got flipped on its back, and because of its broken stinger, it is unable to move back on its feet. It will require more effort.
(Outsiders who are interested in helping corral the Xiphosuransus should comment in the box below. Generally, teams of 3-4 Outsiders is best. Come up with a plan for how the Outsiders will get the kaiju to move, and two teams will be selected as successful! Please make your submissions by 7/25. Unlike our RNG events, we will be looking at both the method to moving the kaiju and the music choice picked as they both have different tastes in music!)
ā¶ 005. OPEN FORUM.
While LILITH has spent much of the month tending to the civilians, LILITH also wants to give Outsiders a space to just chat and put out their feelings. Apparently some of you have some big ones to share. Once more, they will find the trusty forum reopened for everyone to participate in.
On the forum, they will have several headers, including general topics such as hobbies, or life advice, to even popularized internet sensations such as AITA. As LILITH encourages everyone to post, those with worries or thoughts on their mind may discover them already uploaded. Oops.
While it may clearly be another prank by everyone's favorite LILITH personnel, it's clear that it also has a practical use too. People will find headers for information and other happenings on base and are able to discuss freely.
[ Note: Feel free to use this as a general text option! Characters who may not be willing to engage are free to presume their thoughts are posted right up in whatever format is comfortable for everyone, whether that be AITA, or general/relationship advice.
You can use the coding below or come up with your own! We have also come up with some headers.
EVERLIGHT
REVELATION
BRIMSTONE
REDEMPTION
On the forum, they will have several headers, including general topics such as hobbies, or life advice, to even popularized internet sensations such as AITA. As LILITH encourages everyone to post, those with worries or thoughts on their mind may discover them already uploaded. Oops.
While it may clearly be another prank by everyone's favorite LILITH personnel, it's clear that it also has a practical use too. People will find headers for information and other happenings on base and are able to discuss freely.
[ Note: Feel free to use this as a general text option! Characters who may not be willing to engage are free to presume their thoughts are posted right up in whatever format is comfortable for everyone, whether that be AITA, or general/relationship advice.
You can use the coding below or come up with your own! We have also come up with some headers.
EVERLIGHT
REVELATION
BRIMSTONE
REDEMPTION
r/AntiCapitalism
u/EIJI ā¢ 
ā¢ 1d
ISO: A funky chair to fit my new room!
ISO
I'm looking for something to fit my new room, maybe an old-style chair, like from before the kaiju attacks! If it has a weird pattern, all the better, can anyone help?
r/LILITHonBASE
u/SpimMeRightRound ā¢ 
ā¢ 1d
Has anyone heard those weird sounds on base?
Creepy
Social
Community
Last night I spent too much time in the rec room, and I heard the weirdest noises. Honestly? It sounded like a Kaiju was making a mess in the bathroom. I've never heard anything like it. I asked another guy down the hall if he heard it, and he said yes. So what gives? Has anyone else heard this? Someone has to know what the source of the horrible sounds was, right? Did anyone else die? Are we haunted? Or did a kaiju get in the building during construction???
ā¶ 005. AFTERWORD.
This is Downtime Mingle / Team Building #9. All comments in this event count for 2 points towards July AC. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask them below.
EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. WINNER'S CIRCLE: The Neo Tokyo base now renovated, new trends are hitting the streets from our latest kaiju winners!
2. STATE OF THE BASE: An update on the base and it's renovations. Please give it a good read and make note of it! Room upgrades, an onsite restaurant, improve recreation area, etc.
3. TEAM GET-ALONG: Characters who have not been getting along will be handcuffed together until they complete three tasks: admit a secret, compliment the other person and also give them a hug.
4. TRAFFIC JAMS & ROCK BANDS: Giant horseshoe crab kaijus have appeared in Akihabara and Ikebukuro! LILITH wants to research them since they seem docile and drawn to music. Can your team figure out what kind of music each one likes and lure it back to base?
5. OPEN FORUM.: Asking advice or letting out your frustrations online is always super healthy (texting prompt.)
no subject
I guess soā¦ If Iād known pickinā him back in Kenos would have led to all of this, I shouldāve just said ānah, Iām good.ā
[ Heās clearly joking, though. It kind of makes his embarrassment with all of this worse, because he knows himself well enough here. Even if he had his true prescience, if all of these events have been unfurled to him as a possibilityā¦ He still would have made that choice. Itās not the miracle that Ereshkigal is thinking of, but he still would have tried to make the miracle of cutting Daybit off from those āangelsā happen.
He sighs and rubs at his face, because the thought of it and how she expresses itā¦ He still doesnāt feel like it fits, but itās still embarrassing. Itās enough for his pale skin to redden just a little. But heās also moving on, thanks! Granted, itās to compliments, so itās not like this is completely devoid of embarrassment, but Tezcatlipoca is sincere when he praises people. ]
Youāre strong. Physically sure, but I mean your heart. Weāre both unlucky, but Iāve got plenty of luxuries that you donāt get. Realizing that is when I started respecting you, since even with all your shit, youāre still kind. Youāre a goddess that people are lucky to know. Itās too bad your people didnāt appreciate it, since I know for sure that mine would have loved ya.
[ He pauses, then looks down at their joined wrists as he shrugs. ]
ā¦And Iāll still go through with my promise. [ She might think he means that no-contact promise, but: ] Just give me some time to figure it out. Pretty sure I can still give you my Authority without havinā me come with.
1/3
[ H-Hey wow, she'd managed to turn the conversation around so well! Where'd that compliment come from?! Now she's all red, shocked and speechless! That's exactly why she'd gone cold and emotionless earlier. Her emotions are just too much for her to handle sometimes. ]
no subject
W-Well, you won't be the first god who's lost a portion of his authority to me!
[ Though he's probably the first one to do it willingly. Ishtar, Nergal and Dumuzid really didn't have much of a choice in the matter. And even then they managed to scam her by giving her things she didn't want, like the authority over diseases or that over snakes.
Hopefully he'll really give her authority over flowers and not some weird thing like "authority over herb." ]
3/3
R-Right, we have to finish those tasks! I guess I should go on with a secret.
[ The compliment? What compliment? Surely one of the thing she said earlier counts as a compliment! She hopes so. She could face emotional collapse if she has to compliment him right here and now!! So she's just gonna pretend she's said it and hope the handcuffs agree. If they don't... W-Well, that's for future her to worry about! ]
... Are you aware I am invincible in the Underworld? [She bets he didn't know (especially since she was absolutely not invincible when he visited last month).] I think it was like, a thousand years after I awoke to my divinity. I... I was kind of in a slump because I hadn't really accomplished much. The flow of souls just kept growing and I barely had enough time to make cages for them. Humans had built a temple for every other gods except me, and said gods pretended I didn't exist.
So to try and pump myself up I took an oath. That to never flee the Underworld nor use my powers for my own benefit or to help the living. I would only ever use my authority for the benefit of the Underworld itself. [She sighs.] H-Honestly the oath itself didn't change much for me... Even without it I wouldn't have fled. But the power it granted me meant not even the other gods could hope to defy me down there.
[ She may have also hoped the humans would react to her denying them any help. Or perhaps the gods would have reacted to knowing they couldn't escape death should it come for them... But they only got even more scared and terrified of her. ]
A-Anyway, there! That's my secret exposed. Now those handcuffs shall totally break down after you've said yours.
no subject
There we go. This suits ya better than the cold goddess routine.
[ This too is a compliment, technically, but itās much more his usual method of also seeming like heās making fun of her a littleā¦
He does listen as she gives her secret, though and doesnāt interrupt. At first, heās not sure if this is really a secret, since, yeah, of course sheās invincible in her Underworld? He figured that was the case for any god within their true domain. Though, thatās why he doesnāt interrupt, and the explanation does solidify it.
ā¦Itās also sad. Itās further context for why he has sympathy for her situation and duty, and he thinks it does make sense that some of it is self-imposed. He gets that, since, well, heās the same way. Obviously, the circumstances arenāt the same, since Tezcatlipoca had always been exalted as the supreme deity of the peoples his pantheon watched over, but. Thatās what theyāve been talking about, isnāt it? Theyāre both people that donāt really live for themselves.
He has something to say about that as a result, but. Heāll be fair and give his secret first. ]
Letās seeā¦
[ Tezcatlipoca nods and hums thoughtfully, since honestly? He doesnāt have all that many, he thinks. Heās a pretty open book when asked, and some of the more sensitive things... She already knows, actually. He could tell her something about the Lostbelt, sure, since Daybitās arrival and explanation that theyād lost has him much less bothered about those āspoilersā. It still feels like a bit of a cop-out, though. Giving a secret thatās just practical in response to her admission seems imbalanced.
ā¦So, the pause lingers. ]
This is harder than I thought. Youāre gonna think Iām bullshitinā you, but you know my secrets already.
no subject
At least he doesn't comment on her avoiding the compliment. M-Maybe she's saved! She feels bad, but perhaps she can anonymously send him a compliment someday to make up for it, if the handcuffs also decide to forget it. ]
No, I also struggled to think of a secret. [Like he aptly noted, her being invincible in her domain, well... It's not the greatest secret ever. The story of her oath is the real thing here and even then, calling it a secret is stretching it.] Anything I don't know and you normally wouldn't say is technically a secret, right? So don't overthink it too much.
[ What he ate the day before is technically a secret. It sounds silly, but it's not like they really keep secrets the way humans think of them to begin with. ]
Just don't tell me something gross to see my reaction.
[ Her fist to his face is the reaction. She doesn't want to know any story of him stumbling on someone with tasty organs and deciding it's dinner time, or of his usage of the mana transfer methods he explained with way too many details last year. Nothing weird and squeaky like that, thank you very much. ]
no subject
[ He says, with a shitty little grin. So, yes. Obviously he'd consider it. It might even be what he would normally go to, if the rest of the conversation hadn't been so serious. Even he knows there's a time and a place.
...Which is why as he considers it, a little twist of expression goes across his face, because he does think of something, and it's not gross. But. It doesn't seem like the time either. It would just be awkward now. So, he comes up with something else, but it's still clear that it's not his first thought. ]
...I like cooking.
[ ??? and that's what he comes up with? But, no. He elaborates, at least. ]
Never did until I got this vessel. No need, obviously. Wasn't even planning on it, but the chucklefucks I surrounded myself with in the Lostbelt were all more hopeless than me in that regard. So. Asked some Ocelotl, and they taught me how to do it.
[ He reaches up to run a hand through his hair a little with a sigh. It does seem like he's a little embarrassed by this, actually, even if it's only minorly so. It just doesn't suit a god, and a god of kings, at that. ]
...It's nice seein' people enjoy what I make. More than I thought, honestly.
no subject
Cooking...
[ That's a bit underwhelming of a secret, but she figures it's par for the course following the one she just gave him. Though the story that goes with it is the most interesting part once again.
For the first time since they got trapped together, a thought courses through her mind: is this really Tezcatlipoca she's talking to? Of course it is, that would take some next level spell to fool her senses. But still, faced with such a revelation, she can't help but wonder. ]
And you like seeing people enjoy your cooking...? [Blinks blinks. That - by far - is the most surprising part! He really does have a softer side that he does a really good job hiding. She already knew that, but clearly this side runs deeper than she previously thought.
She steps forward, moves her hand towards his face... And pinches his cheek. Not very strongly though, she's holding back for once.] I'm sorry, I had to make sure it's really you and not a pretender.
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I know. Itās not— Huh?
[ He stops when she steps closer, and he doesnāt flinch away, since heās not sure where this is going. Sheās not very touchy, soā¦?
ā¦Heās not sure what he expected, actually. His brow twitches a little, but he doesnāt reach up right away because heās just surprised. ]
The hell? Thatās not- [ No, wait, this is stupid while sheās tugging at his face. He reaches up too to put his hand over hers and pull it back. ] I like spoiling people! Like, sure, Iāll put āem through hell sometimes, but doesnāt mean I canāt enjoy the opposite.
[ this is what it means to be chaotic good, I guess ]
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Though he also puts them through hell. She wonders if that's what real sadism is like? Being super nice to someone only to take that away from them and make it all worse. Maybe she's dodged a bullet there.] You really do a good job at hiding your softer side.
[ Too good of a job, perhaps. But she's made her thoughts on the matter clear earlier. Now, that's up to him to open up and do what's right with his not!boyfriend. As for them...
... The handcuffs are still locked! She looks down at them with despair. ]
W-Why are those things still on? We fulfilled all the steps!
[ Except her compliment to him, but she did such a good job skipping over it as if it was already done, she's managed to fool herself and the thought doesn't even cross her mind. ]
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[ Or, thatās how he explains it nowadays, since itās the simpler way to put it. His people understood his fickle, contrary nature, and thatās why he had so many contradictory epithets. He may be YĆ”otl, the enemy, but heās also Icnoacatzintli, the merciful. Heās just also aware that very few pantheons have that more complicated reading of their gods, so he doesnāt let the misconceptions bother him. He doesnāt fit into a neat box, but he also likes that, honestly.
He especially isnāt bothered right now, considering, well. He looks at their linked hands too, and reaches out to feel at the air around their wrists
because I definitely remembered that they were invisible this whole time yep, but thereās obviously nothing. ]ā¦Maybe itās because your hug was bad?
[ Heās not even thinking about the compliment, honestly. Her compliment was good enough for him. ]
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So you purposefully make sure you have a bad reputation? [An intense stare.] Have you considered this may be self-sabotage?
[ She understands he needs to be feared. But maybe there is a correlation between him being a millions-years old bachelor and him going around pretending he's the worst person ever!! Point in case: Daybit and herself. If they hadn't seen past the mask of doucheness, they'd probably think super poorly of him still.
Regardless, the suggestion her hug was bad is... W-Well, maybe he's right. ]
You do realize hugging you would be super awkward now, right?
[ She's not doing the cold goddess act any more, but... That doesn't mean her feelings towards him and this matter have changed. This still hurts and she would rather not add to the pain. ]
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What? No. Itās more that I encourage conflict, therefore I get a bad reputation. If itās self-sabotage, then thatās just my divine duty?
[ So. Yes. Sheās right. More or less, at least. As it always seems to be, itās a little more complicated than that, but at its basics, Tezcatlipoca is a disaster. Itās also why he doesnāt focus on that, thanks, letās move onto the hug, which is somehow better. ]
But yeah, I know itāll be awkward. Iā¦ guess thatās supposed to be the point? LILITH has a weird fuckinā idea of how to get people to get along.
[ He sighs and shakes his head. ]
I mean itās either that or this shitās busted and weāre spending lots of time together. They said itās, what, two days?
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She can respect that. It's not that different from what she's herself done, after all. But it's still super sad. At the very least, he's lost all and any privilege to ever criticize her for her choices in the future.
Regardless, she allows for him to focus on the hug. She sees the attempt at escaping from an uncomfortable discussion and she's not so heartless she will deny him what she herself would want in his situation. Many a times has she tried to switch topics only to be denied! ]
T-Two days...
[ That's too much. She's going to faint if she has to stay stuck to him for that long. She cannot. ]
For the first time, I feel myself wishing I had succeeded last month. [LILITH destroyed means that wouldn't happen! Is the destruction of humanity preferable to what they're going through right now? Yes, in the moment it absolutely feels like it.] Very-Very well, but I ask you be the one to start the hug. I will avoid thinking to minimize my anxiety and mimic your movements.
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Ha, yeah, no kidding. They really got some weird ideas about how to improve morale, huh?
[ And he so, so wants to tease about the logistics of them being stuck together, but. He manages to control the impulse. At least temporarily, since thereās no promises once it turns out that itās the truthā¦ ]
Yeah, you just disassociate or whatever you wanna do. Cāmere.
[ Thatās the only warning that she gets before Tezcatlipoca wraps his arms around her. The bar was low with her attempt, but still. Itās a nice hug, and maybe nicer than would seem to fit Tezcatlipocaā¦ Or maybe it fits pretty well with her new understanding. Itās warm and friendly, and he smells niceāless like cigarette smoke than youād expect, since the smell of a campfire and copal are stronger. And luckily for Ereshkigal and not exploding on the spot, itās brief. He wonāt make it awkward. ]
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Well, he goes ahead with the hug anyway before she has the time to really prepare for it. It's probably better to be done with it as quickly as possible, but... ]
... ... ... ...
[ She's so red, it's like she's turned into a portable heater - which is all the most surprising considering she's usually super cold, as befits a death goddess! She does super briefly hug him back just before he ends it. She immediately steps back and a click can be heard. ]
I-I think the lock broke. Then I am going to go back to my room immediately.
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Yep. Good thing, otherwise we would have had some awkward logistics to figure out.
[ He says it as he raises his now freed hand and flexes it a little. It seems like he couldnāt completely stifle the urge to tease after allā¦ ]
Good talk. Iāll catch ya later.