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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
▶ 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.
▶ 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 aren’t 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 aren’t 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!
▶ 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.
▶ 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 Yamakawa’s instructions filter out to all outsiders.
“It seems that with all the recent chaos, we have more Kaiju in Neo Tokyo than anticipated. These aren’t 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.”
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 don’t 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 payload– I mean, the kaiju– 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!)
“It seems that with all the recent chaos, we have more Kaiju in Neo Tokyo than anticipated. These aren’t 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.”
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 don’t 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.
█ █ █ 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.
█ █ █ 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 payload– I mean, the kaiju– 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!)
▶ 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 • 
• 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 • 
• 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???
▶ 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
"Get Scammed"... ?
[ she's KIDDING. ]
no subject
H-Hey now...
[No tears, but cue the pouting. Not that he's protesting it......]
no subject
immediately, she looks sheepish, cupping his cheeks to lean in to (hopefully) kiss his pout away. one of those yen bracelets jingles on her wrist. ]
Sorry, sorry. Mmmm, maybe something like "Lucky Charm" instead. Buffs your crit chance.
no subject
Thankfully, that's more than enough to mollify him, getting his cheeks to warm up as his nuzzles into the kiss so that their noses brush against one another. That she's wearing one of his trinkets only serves as a reminder of the adoration he's recently gotten.]
I like that a lot better. Or maybe some kinda kiss that woos my opponents. That way I can make you my smitten kitten~!
no subject
show a god a little affection and he's putty. or this one, anyway. hiyori keeps where she is. although not the most private, the small space between building is discreet and it's not busy on this side. like everyone is mostly preoccupied with vendors and other things. ]
Pfff - [ they're opponents now, huh? she rolls her eyes. with love. ] You're talking about "Charm".
[ yeah, that fits. with how unintentionally (or intentionally) flirty he can be. ]
... Well, you've already been using that on me. I've been charmed by you for a while now...
no subject
It doesn't take much for her to have him pliable in her hands, it's true. Even after all this time he's still (somewhat sadly) desperate for attention and affection. Whether he gets it in public or not hardly matters to him, though he's learned that she prefers more private places to display their softer sides.]
Yeah, that! [They're whatever he feels like in the moment, honestly. Partners, opponents... It's all good.]
Huh... I guess that's true, isn't it? I mean, you've accepted my love in all forms, after all.
no subject
as difficult as subtle might be for yato. ]
How many forms is that?
no subject
He's gradually learning to be more subtle with her help, thank goodness.]
Well... there's several. Kisses, hugs, cooking you meals or bringing you lunch, gifting you little things here and there, spending time together doing nothing, snuggling at night, sex...
no subject
hiyori hums quietly, giving a little nod of her head as he lists them. until the last one, of course. should've known that was coming.
yeah, that is... certainly one she accepted. and the other ones. ]
I wouldn't call King Capyper a little thing. He takes up a lot of space on the bed.
[ or his - you get it.
the ring wasn't a little thing either. ]
no subject
Thankfully there's no ceremony made about that last item, no gropes to go with it; he merely lists it as one of the many expressions of love they show one another. It'd be wrong not to include it when it means so much to them.]
Heh, that's true. You'll never be lonely while I'm at work with him around.
[Even though he's trying to downplay all the big gestures (snow sculptures, anyone?), it's hard to deny there's been so doozies he's presented her with. Both himself and his many, many gifts.]
no subject
it does mean a lot. she's done everything else, or things like it, with other people she cares about. snuggling with yama or ami during sleepovers. classmates and colleagues she spends time around but does nothing with. some of her patients, especially the kids, would gift her little things. and she loved giving out stickers and other little things to her patients. masaomi has brought her snacks and water before when she stays late at the hospital. hiyori gives a lot of people hugs.
still, with yato, every one of those things are a different form of love than what she's used to. having all those things before felt nice and made her happy, but when yato does them - her day could be awful and he could turn it around with something so simple. a kiss, a hug, bringing her food. any one of those.
there's not a doubt in her mind that he makes her the happiest. ]
I have to work, too. He's probably the lonely one. If he didn't have Princess Duck and Powmeow and everyone else, that is.
[ all the plushies and gifts yato has given to her. some others she got from friends.
but, yeah, there have sure been some doozies too. ]
no subject
But when it comes to everything else? He's gotten to be rather mature about them. Maybe stealing a kiss when bringing her food or playing kinkily by tying her foot to the bed. Except overall it's purely innocent, genuine ways of trying to make her happy.
He's seen her hug plenty of people, get gifts from grateful patients. Yet he hopes that his gestures carry the love he feels for her in them, making it known just how much he appreciates and adores her. Spelling it out in ways words are lacking.]
Ah, good point... That's why it's important to have more than one, so they can keep each other company while we're busy.
[Abruptly, he buries his face against the side of her neck, inhaling deeply to savor her scent with a deep sigh.]
...I missed you so much while you were gone.
no subject
it's nice. where they're at. they're going to get married and there's comfort in that fact. hiyori's made her decision. everything they tried to tell her she couldn't do, everything she tried not to daydream of - if the opportunity is there, she'll take it. for as long as he loves her. for as long as he wants those things too.
she hopes her gestures carry a special something for him as much as they do for her. ]
So that's why you - oh...
[ he is very suddenly holding her against him and inhaling at her throat, making her blush a bit before settling at his words.
- it left a big scar for them both, huh? ]
Mm. Me too. [ the one thing, one person she remembers thinking about fiercely, holding onto so her entire consciousness wasn't gone. she gently brushes at some of his hair with a light touch. ]
... I don't remember much but I remember you being in my thoughts a lot. When I could think. And how I had to come back to you no matter what because I didn't want you to be upset. Reminds me of -
Of how you helped me on the hospital roof.
no subject
And she'll never have to worry about him not wanting those same things. He is nothing if not a romantic sap who's desperately, hopelessly in love with her. He's never craved anything so much in his very long life, not even a shrine and worshipers. Having one person love him with all their heart is plenty these days.
Especially when all she does is equally special to him. That's why he goes overboard sometimes: trying to give as good as he gets.]
Mmhmm...
[He acknowledges her words from against her throat, sighing softly while his arms tighten even more around her.
Even these days he still sometimes wakes in the middle of the night, desperately seeking her out.]
It's probably a good thing you don't recall all that much... [He can't imagine that it'd be good for her health to remember being a murderous ayakashi.]
I'm so glad that even if we were fighting one another, memories of me helped you somehow. Though I can't help feeling like I should've done more for you...
[Not attacked her so brutally, even if she was trying to kill him. Idly, he traces the faint scarring on her neck with a couple fingers before kissing along the opposite side.]
no subject
somehow, he makes everything fun.
waking up in the middle of the night - not so much. the times she does wake up with him, either by him trying to leave or whatever sounds he makes, she tries to grab for his hand. to pull him against her to be the little spoon. legs tangling with his and her face burying between his shoulders, arms around his middle until his breathing starts to even out.
a bit like this.
hiyori is on the fence when it comes to the things she recalls but he has a point. that guilt would come rushing back if she remembered the details. she lets her head rest against the wall behind her, staring at the sky and also giving him plenty of room for his mouth to roam. ]
Memories of you always help me.
You were the one to save me. Again. [ she lets out a slightly frustrated breath, but her touch remains gentle on his head. ] If anyone should feel like they should do more, it's me...
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Her attempts to calm him aren't always successful, but they're appreciated and loved all the same. Sometimes he goes to splash some water on his face before returning to bed, or paces around, but always - always - he comes back to snuggle with her, to either hold her tight or be held by her in turn.
That closeness is about the only thing capable of driving away his fears and nightmares.
That's why he's so determined to be there for her: so that if she ever needs comfort, he's within easy reach. Doing little things like this, kissing at her and cuddling until both of them are calm and, if not happy, then at least content.]
I'm glad I can be of help even if I'm not there to protect you...
I feel like I failed you... [Despite the fact he did eventually manage to rescue her in the end. He lets out a distressed little noise, arms holding tighter.] You do plenty, trust me. Getting caught up in a rift doesn't negate that.
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as long as he comes back, she waits for him until he does. sleepily reaching for him once he's back. without a word, comforting him with physical contact since words are a bit trivial. especially because she's sure there are a lot of things that could keep yato up at night, that haunt him. ]
Yato...
[ if her time with gods and spirits taught her anything, it's that everyone walks their own path. that real strength comes from within - that when you're scared, you can still do the right thing. that as long as you have the courage to keep moving forward, and have good people surrounding you, things will be okay. ]
You didn't fail me. [ she didn't think he could hold her tighter but he does and surprises a small laugh out of her. ]
Well - [ "plenty" might be generous ] The same goes for you. Me getting caught up in a rift doesn't negate all the other times you've protected and saved me, Yato.
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There are numerous actions and experiences that plague his thoughts, yet the longer he spends with his beloved, the less they come to mind. It's those touches that help ease his mind and soothe his soul of nightmares.]
Sorry...
[The good thing is, even if their paths don't always overlap, they can still run parallel to one another. Hiyori and Yukine supporting him has taught him that, among many more, equally important things. Like how to find the courage he needed, the faith he lacked, and the love he craved.]
Maybe not, but... [He still feels like he should have done more, just like her. It's silly, though. They both have managed to accomplish so much.]
The one time you needed me and I couldn't do anything. Again. [Like in Brasov. Which he won't say, because it's a taboo word. Instead, he nuzzles her ear, voice dropping.] Still... I'll do everything I can to keep you safe from here on out. I promise.
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hiyori shakes her head, brow furrowed. ]
No, I just... I just wish I could do or say something that will help.
[ but there isn't anything. or she's already said it. yato has to forgive himself and that's so difficult for him. for most people. including herself. ]
I'll still be here. [ forgiving him. being kind to him even when he isn't to himself. ]
No matter what you think of yourself or what might happen, I'll be here. Besides, I always need you for one thing or another. You've been there when I'm at my worst, Yato. Don't focus so much on the things you couldn't or can't do, right? You've done a lot more than you haven't.
I'm trying to be okay with my own limits, too. Like I don't have super strength like I used to and I'm... squishy.
[ not WEAK, per se, but she's made of flesh and bone. human. and finds more success in triage and moral support than any kind of fighting anymore. if something happened to him, it's not like she could dive headfirst into danger like before.
... well, she could but she shouldn't. ]
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That gets him smiling softly, a gentle laugh escaping from between his lips.]
You just being you helps plenty, Hiyori...
[Otherwise he'd really be beating himself up. It's only with her reassurances that he doesn't feel like a complete failure.]
Thank you... [He blinks back a couple stray tears, using her shoulder to dab at his eyes before pulling back to gaze into her face.]
You don't know how much that means to me... Just having you near, being needed... In a way, I kinda like that you're squishy, as you say. It gives me a specific purpose in this world that can't be filled by anyone else.
And I love you just the way you are, human... and fallible, like me.
[If there's one thing he does wish she wouldn't do it's dive into danger without him. She's strong, yes, but as she says, she's squishy. His lovely little squish. Which he squishes just a bit on her cheeks with a grin.]
You always inspire me to try harder. Don't ever forget that.
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the sentiment is sweet regardless. she lets him use her clothes to dry his tears too without complaint. ]
I couldn't think of a better word...!
[ SQUISHY.
there are plenty of squishy people, but she's sure that's not what he means that gives him his purpose. though she doesn't pout, she is a bit pink in the cheeks. ]
Rrrrghghgh - [ the sound she makes when he squishes her cheeks. ]
I won'mph. [ never again. bats him away but takes his hand right after. ]
Do you have anymore shopping to do or should we go back?
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He laughs again, this time soft and gentle, before placing a kiss upon her forehead.]
Squishy is a good word. Accurate and cute~
[Defending her, protecting her, loving her... All those give his life meaning. There's plenty of people here fighting the kaiju, but only him making sure Hiyori is safe. Teasingly, he smooches her puckered lips.]
Hehe... Good girl. [His own cheeks are red too as she takes hold of his hand, leading him to shake his head.]
We should go back. There's a lot of prep work we need to do to be ready for the big day.
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her expression eases with his laugh, anyway. she's all but putty after he kisses her forehead too. ]
Makes me think of the pile of plushies we're collecting...
[ hmm, there are some people that may or may not argue it BUT yato is definitely the most protective of her. by a landslide. there's also that he's the only one who calls her 'good girl' and makes her blood warm. yes. a lot of
prep work. ]
Next week...
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It's tempting to just scoop her up and carry her home bridal style, but he figures that might be a bit too much for her right now. So instead he simply sticks to nudging her forehead like a cat.]
You're the snuggliest, though...
[He does his best, even if (in his eyes) it's not always good enough. He'd definitely get pissed though if anyone else called her 'good girl'. That's his pet name for her, dammit!
"Prep work" tho. Lots of "rehearsing" too, for sure. Heh...]
We'll be husband and wife... Think you're ready for it?
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No, that's you.
[ though she's a close second. ]
You're asking me now? [ through a surprised sort of laugh. of course, she's ready. look, she's done the slight panic of wondering if they were rushing compared to everyone else, but that's the thing. they aren't everyone else. ]
Is having you as a husband any different from having you as a boyfriend?
[ besides the name thing.
... and the promised kids things. ]
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