TRAVEL LOG #6

[synfluxmods]

TRAVEL LOG #6

CONTENT WARNINGS: sickness, insects/bugs, rift poisoning, mutated animals, poison (and poisonous creatures), blood offerings.

▶ 001. ¡Vamos!

As much as one might want to take things easy and continue to recover from an eventful summer, LILITH's objective continues. Early in August, an alarm blares and everyone will get a call through their implants to come for debriefing. Yamakawa will explain they have received a request from Mexico City for support. Unusual rift activity has been confirmed in the region and they are asking for support to prepare for imminent conflict. Who knows what could await here?

Fortunately, the request is from their LILITH branch and all facilities are operational. It will be easy to use a data portal for easy access. As with all data portals, the Outsiders will be warned of potential side effects that may come from traveling great distances. Side effects include nausea, headaches, dizziness, and occasional glitching with their cybertech. All effects should wear off within 24 to 48 hours. If symptoms last longer, they are urged to seek meditech assistance in Mexico City to receive stabilizers. Like before, Outsiders will be told that making physical contact with one another by any means during transportation can reduce the risk of feeling any side effects, whether it be an embrace or holding hands... or attempting to strangle someone if you're a hater (looking at you, Silco.)

Due to warping, they will be limited to taking only what they can carry. Those who wish to take larger items will have to wait a few days for them to be gradually transported by air or industrial warp portals. Yamakawa and the rest of the staff in Tokyo will tell everyone not to worry because Mexico City has excellent infrastructure to facilitate their transportation needs.

Everyone will be given 24 hours to pack and prepare for departure. Before they leave, Dr. Spim and Alex will inform them of a promising research opportunity under the guidance of a colleague, Dr. Flores. Dr. Spim will share a verification code with them to show to Dr. Flores if they are interested in assisting. 

After 24 hours, everyone will be ordered to warp to Mexico City. In an instant, the Outsiders will find themselves at the LILITH base in Mexico City.

▶ 002. SKYSCRAPERS AND TREES.

An officer by the name of Morales will greet them and introduce herself as their point of contact. She'll give everyone a debrief file to download through their implants to instantly get them up to speed. Along with the unusual rift activity, the population has started to show symptoms that have given them cause for concern. Many people are falling ill, becoming lethargic, and demonstrating explosively angry, violent, and otherwise acting out. The longer it goes on, the more people are affected, and it’s starting to cause more trouble in the city itself as infrastructure fails.

When they leave the base, they will find themselves in the warm, humid, and very green metropolis of Mexico City. Over the years, the forests and jungles of the region have swallowed up many towns and cities, leaving the city completely surrounded by forest. The locals have embraced their environment over many years while modernizing, resulting in the city having a mix of cyber technology and nature. Mexico City and the rainforest around it almost seems to be one living, thriving being. The plants naturally shade the hot sidewalks, and people have created a large number of filtered reservoirs that the rainforest thrives from. The large canopies are half as high as the remaining skyscrapers, but most buildings are built underneath the treeline, leaving most thriving underneath the shady canopy.

Outsiders may see some "new" animals such as real hummingbirds, butterflies, macaws, and iguanas with unique traits like neon designs and unusual sizes. They say there are even more animals and variants in the jungle. Beware of certain birds and insects that make locals sick when they come in contact with their dropped pollen. In the same vein, some of the flowers and plant life seem to also show rift mutations, but for the most part, most locals seem unbothered by these, and if Outsiders ask, they’ll be informed that they’ve been like that for a long time, and were never of any concern.

Outsiders can also meet with Dr. Flores, a LILITH researcher who is studying the effects of Rift poisoning and how to counter them. He theorizes that some plants may have evolved to purify the air or treat Rift sickness. In fact, his team has been treating some of these new rift poisoning cases with a trial drug that has had promising results. However, supplies are very limited and he needs help collecting more plants from the forest. In addition, he needs help catching some of the animal carriers so he can understand the nature of the poison they are carrying. He will ask for help capturing butterflies, bees, beetles, and hummingbirds.

▶ 003. THE FUTURE WILL BE GREEN.

The Outsiders will be given orders to visit areas that have unusual Rift readings. By now, anyone with large items from Tokyo should have them but for those who do not have vehicles, LILITH Mexico will supply them with jeeps to navigate the dense jungles. LILITH Japan will assist local agents who are exploring the south of the city. Outsiders will also be given an additional file to download that will give them a run-down of the area, including the plants, animals, known paths, and key landmarks.

The journey through the jungle is not easy. While there are access roads, they have suddenly become overgrown with plantlife, and it is increasingly hostile. They will have to get out and clear the path in some places. As they head deeper into the jungle, the plant life becomes more wild and shows signs of mutation. They will find vines that grow quickly in front of their eyes, blocking their paths as quickly as they had cleared them, and they are becoming increasingly dangerous with spined, poisonous vines, wild roving carnivores like jaguars, and large predatory birds that will divebomb outsiders as they progress deeper into the forests. Luckily, if they make it deep enough, the locals will help them find the easiest and safest routes to travel.

Some of these roads might lead them to former cities and towns. These towns have been completely overgrown by plantlife and are largely abandoned save for some stubborn families that refused to leave their homelands and some researchers. They are largely friendly and will help the Outsiders and agents who decide to rest on their journeys. 

They may be able to scavenge for supplies like old emergency rations, blankets, and pieces of technology that were left behind decades ago. But be careful! Since these areas have been taken over by nature, they may run into common regional kaiju like mutated wild dogs, monkeys, and even jaguars. 

▶ 004. NATURE FINDS A WAY.

The kaiju and mutated plants aren't the only thing they need to watch out for in the forest. While traveling, some outsiders might find a regular jaguar attacking a mutated macaw kaiju and winning. It seems that while some animals have mutated into kaiju to survive, other animals have simply evolved to compete with them. As outsiders progress into the forest, at first the local fauna will attack if anyone gets close to them, but the deeper outsiders go, the more the creatures give them a wider berth, and won’t attack. If you see a local, non-corrupted creature deep in the woods, chances are it will watch or flee, rather than attack.

Outsiders will be warned to be careful of poisonous frogs both regular and mutated. These frogs are often a sign that pitcher plants are nearby. These plants have evolved to be large enough to swallow a large animal or person if one gets too close. For the most part, these pitcher plants are stationary but some may use their leaves or nearby wild vines to trip unsuspecting prey into their flower.

These aren’t the only plants that outsiders can encounter as they venture deeper into the forest. The deeper they go, the more frequently rift-corrupted pollinators are found swarming some of the large, rift-corrupted flowers, and as soon as their legs or beaks are laden, they fly off, only to be replaced by more. They aren’t great carriers, so pollen drifts on the wind. Outsiders should keep their rift-protection up, because the pollen causes rift-corruption along with other side effects such as: violent tendencies, explosive anger, and insatiable appetites (of any kind). The pollinators will escape deeper into the forest. If an outsider follows, please let the mod team know!

▶ 005. THERE WERE ONCE CITIES.

As Outsiders travel further into the jungle where civilization has a harder and harder time taking root, they instead find remnants of those that came before. There are buildings in the lush jungles, but they’re truly ancient. Sometimes, the stonework stands out and is easy to find, but at other times, the buildings are completely overgrown with vines and flowers that will take extra effort to explore. Regardless of which kind they find, the carved, geometric artwork makes it clear that these are ruins from Aztec and Mayan cultures.

Exploring the ruins will reveal very little in the way of ancient treasures (or rolling boulder traps), since anything that could be taken was already looted long ago. They’ll make suitable shelter for the forest, at least, since curiously, the more dangerous elements don’t seem to enter. In fact, they very specifically stay away.

Each set of ruins also includes one building that stands above all others. Ascending the tall pyramids will lead to a central, round room at the apex that are all united in its details, even if they’re clearly done at different times. The ceiling is dotted as a starscape, and at the center is a painted, black circle. Underneath this lays what’s clearly an altar. The altar has a depression in its center and a channel that leads down its side, as if it’s expecting liquid.

OFFERING: THE BLOOD OF OUTSIDERS AND HUMANS:

No matter the amount, characters immediately feel lightheaded, as if they’d given a large portion of blood (even if they’re not giving their own).

Within 24 hours, an unusually patterned bruise will appear somewhere on their body.

Characters who make this sacrifice will swap abilities with each other, but will notice that their newfound abilities are notably weaker than if the original owner still had them.

OFFERING: THE BLOOD OF ANIMALS:

Characters become more connected to the animals of the forest.

They will take on one feature of a local animal, such as lightly poisonous skin, improved night vision, or ears/tail.

They’ll also find they can talk to their related animal.

OFFERING: ... OTHER BODILY FLUIDS...?:

The altar is disappointed in you.

There is no other effect.

OFFERING: WATER/PLANT SAP:

Characters become more connected to the forest.

Skin takes on a greenish tint, and they’re able to minorly control plants.

They’ll feel like they can commune with the forest, and will be able to telepathically talk with any others who make this offering.

OFFERING: ANYTHING ELSE (ANY OTHER MATERIALS):

There is no effect.

▶ 006. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to our sixth travel log! Below, you will see the link to the MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET post that has information about the kaiju below along with OFFERING EFFECTS. Fill out the form for RNG Attacks and whether you would like to receive an OFFERING EFFECT. This should give characters some ideas for the status of their character in the next log, which will have more action and monsters in it.

All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards August AC.

EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)

1. VAMOS!: Outsiders travel to Mexico after receiving a request for support as there has been unusual rift activity in the area. A portal is avaliable to take Outsiders to the location, but are advisted to travel light.


2. SKYSCRAPERS AND TREES: LILITH officer Morales greets outsiders and explains the situation: civillians have begun to grow sick and strange animals have begun to appear. A LILITH researcher is theorising that plants have evolved to purify the air. He requests help catching creatures for research.


3. THE FUTURE WILL BE GREEN: Outsiders are tasked with visiting areas with odd Rift readings. They will be required to journey through the jungle, finding overgrown towns and cities, scavenge supplies, while being wary of native creatures.


4. NATURE FINDS A WAY: Regular animals are fighting against kaiju and winning; local fauna attacks anyone who gets close, and poisonous frogs attack. The deeper Outsiders go, the more dangerous it becomes.


5. THERE WERE ONCE CITIES: Deep in the jungle, an ancient ruin can be found. Outsiders are able to make "offerings" at an altar for various effects, depending on the offering.

code

Comments

[eyescar]

Okay, let's - we can figure this out.

[ Yuji gets out of the water, grimacing at the way it all sticks to his skin, before he settles a few paces away from Raidou. Holding his hands up in surrender, he breathes out before he drops down to the ground, kicking his legs out in front of him. ]

You've been hit by it, haven't you? It sucks, but you can deal with it. I believe in that.

[ Leaning back against a tree, he smiles softly. ]

We can just sit for a little while and see if you feel better. If not... I'll get someone else to take care of you.

[the_fourteenth]

[Raidou rubs at his face, as if it'll help clear his head. Sitting still is not an option. Running off into the woods still is. Fist-fighting a a jaguar is also available. So is picking up Yuji and throwing him into the creek. All valid options.

He turns around, angry over the fact that Yuji seems to think he can just "deal with it" when he feels like he's about to crawl right out of his own skin. Miraculously, he says nothing, though his eyes are blazing.

Take care of him, huh.

Tentatively, he steps closer. Raidou feels ready to explode, yet Yuji lays there so casually. Unafraid. A testament to his faith and security in Raidou. It'd be flattering if Raidou wasn't irrational at the moment.

After approaching, teeth clenched, he drops to his knees next to him. How dare he be so relaxed at a time like this?! Without warning, Raidou reaches out, scruff his suit by the chest and pulls him close. He briefly does consider throwing Yuji into the creek, Raidou looking him over almost appraisingly before, ultimately, kissing him vigorously.]

[eyescar]

[ The problem is that Yuji doesn't really get what this is at the moment; he knows that Raidou is obviously suffering from aftereffects of the pollen and the Rift, something adjacent to that, but he has no idea if it's violence, of it's his touch in particular, if it's the warmth or the heat, so he doesn't know what to try. He's not sure what to do, other than try and wait it out and give his boyfriend time.

Wanting to take care of Raidou means he can't just leave him, no matter what way it goes.

If it's violent, he can handle himself. If it's exhaustion, he can do that too. Whatever Raidou needs, Yuji will do it.

That's his determination.

Lifting his head, he blinks up at the other boy as he gets closer, body tensing for a moment, just in case there's going to be a fight - but then he's pulled close, and he squawks. ]

Hey, Johei -

[ - cut off by the kiss, and, well. He's only a teenager. It's hard not to give into the kiss, to grab at Raidou's arms and kiss him back harder. ]

[the_fourteenth]

[Of all the conflicting emotions and compulsions coursing through Raidou right now, this wins out. If he can just satisfy one of these feelings, any of them, maybe it'll stop feeling like he's ready to explode.

He doesn't want to hurt Yuji, but the aggression still has ahold of him. Yuji responding even more enthusiastically just spurs him on. Raidou's other hand takes him by the back of the head, and he pushes him up against that tree, a noise escaping him as they meet it. It doesn't slow him down, he simply adjusts his position, craving more, needing to get closer, trying to burn off whatever these overwhelming feelings were.

Eventually it will dawn on him that it's the pollen, but knowing that doesn't stop its effects. What he will be grateful for was that he was out here with Yuji, and not someone else.]

[eyescar]

[ It's not like Raidou to be this forward, even when they're alone, and there's a part of Yuji that wants to question it, to push his boyfriend back and tell him that they don't need to do this and there should be something else to do, but he doesn't quite have the strength for it. If he's asked later, maybe he can argue that he was a little affected by the pollen as well...

Back slammed into the tree, Raidou chasing after him, the best he can do is let one arm wrap around Raidou's neck, the other around his waist, anchoring himself gently, a soft noise muffled by the press of their lips and the sudden intensity of the moment.

It's not a good idea, but Yuji remains reckless, gripping and holding on to the boy he likes with all that he has. ]

me entirely lacking in icons for this situation

[the_fourteenth]

[Perhaps indulging him is the better option. He's still feeling volatile, but like this, he's distracted for now.

Raidou deepens the kiss, pushing further, not even sure how far or where he's planning to go, just acting on impulse. The hand gripping at his chest finally lets go, moving to clutch his thigh instead, though not as tightly. It's only when he has to come up for air that he stops to look at Yuji, red-faced and panting, wanting more. Something scratches at the back of his mind, telling him how crazy this is, how they're out in the jungle, on a mission, and anyone could stumble across them in their search any time. They could ambushed by a kaiju. Another plant could grab them.

Raidou doesn't move away, or let go of Yuji. He only looks him in the eyes, his own heavy with want.]

Yuji, I-I-- I feel like I'm going crazy.

[He kisses him again, hard and fast, teeth trailing lightly across his bottom lip. The small voice in his head gets far away again.]

But maybe... that's okay... this one time?

clearly we need more art

[eyescar]

[ It is a lot, and completely overwhelming, but at the same time it’s not like Yuji hates it. He’s kissing his boyfriend, and he’s not and they’re holding on to each other, and the relief of knowing Raidou is able to be close to him again wars with his concern. It all means that he’s swept away by the sensations, a soft noise escaping his mouth when they pause for air, his cheeks hot and flushed.

It’s a lot, but it’s so good, good enough that he forgets where they are and what they’re meant to be doing. There was pollen and water but now Raidou is holding and kissing him and nothing else seems to matter all that much. This is far more important. ]

This… It’s better than fighting, isn’t it…?

[ Yuji breathes out softly, leaning in for another kiss. ]

If this helps… I’m not complaining, Johei. Kiss me as much as you need, and more after that, too.

[ Is he blushing, or is it just hot? Maybe it is both. ]

[the_fourteenth]

Y-Yeah. Even if I keep thinking about that too. I just-- need more.

[But now his aggression has been redirected to something much more pleasurable. Maybe he's been too reserved, holding back too much, and now whatever the pollen has done to him is manifesting itself this way.

He really needs to stop thinking about it. It's not helping. He can barely think straight anyway. Especially not after Yuji invites him for more. That feral part of his brain takes over again, and he surges forward again, mouth open against his. He moves closer still, mostly sitting on Yuji's lap now, and he trails kisses down his jaw, down his neck. Damn these plugsuits, covering so much. His voice is quiet, muffled against the crook of Yuji's neck.]

It-- Doesn't feel like enough. I feel l-like-- like I could devour you right now.

[He doesn't even know what he means by that, exactly. Just that his mind and his body want more. More of something, of everything.]

[eyescar]

I can do both…

[ Fighting or kissing, either one is okay. If Raidou ends up changing his mind and wanting to work this new adrenaline and passion out through violence then Yuji can handle that, he’s durable and touch. They’ve sparred before, they’ve fought, and they’re usually good at handling each other, so it’s not like it would be a problem…

But it seems like Raidou wants to handle him in a different way right now.

As he surges forward for another kiss, to be closer, Yuji grips at him, kissing back, baring his neck and breathing out harsh, sharp noises. It feels good, obviously, and heat is flooding him as he lets his hands go to his boyfriend’s waist, as he holds onto him and wiggles a little - it makes it easier for Raidou to straddle him, conscious of his comfort even now.

Yuji wants to take care of him.

He always wants to take care of him. ]

Take what you want from me. I’m yours.

[ And, leaning up, Yuji takes the initiative and kisses Raidou this time, hard, searching for more of that intensity. ]

[the_fourteenth]

[The pollen effects could run out right now, and it wouldn't matter. The fire has been lit, burning hot and fast. It's all overwhelming - his heart fluttering at those words, breath shuttering at those strong hands on his waist helping move him, the rest of him practically melting from the force of that kiss. He only dares to break it for a moment.]

Maybe-- it would be just as good to let you devour me instead.

[Hands now search Yuji's shoulders and chest, trying to find where the clasps are on his suit. Everyone's are slightly different. He makes short work of them once he does, and in this state, it's a miracle Raidou doesn't just rip it right off of him. If Yuji isn't already doing the same to Raidou, a hand will lead him right to them.]

[eyescar]

[ Yuji can't help the way he laughs softly against Raidou's mouth, even as his finger stroke in the back of his hair, even as he leans closer. It's hard to discern whether this is pollen or his own adoration for his boyfriend fuelling this, but he doesn't think it matters, not when they're together, not when Raidou is so warm in his arms, not when he can lean in and hold him, so gently, so happily.

Wiggling to shrug out of his suit, he then reaches up to grasp at Raidou's, to follow his command to strip him down just as quickly - it's a miracle, with his strength, that he doesn't tear it to pieces, but he's trying to be restrained... He's trying to be good.

It's difficult to know when to stop, and he doesn't want to. He doesn't want to pause. ]

Don't tempt me.

[ And he's going for Raidou's neck again, to kiss there, to let his arm wrap around him even as he smiles, even as his fingers sneak against his clothes, to touch his bare skin and trace his spine. ]

[the_fourteenth]

[Having his skin exposed to the air, hot and muggy as it is, is still a relief, and Raidou feels like he can breath a little better. He also felt like he couldn't go a second longer without touching Yuji's skin. His grip is still aggressively tight on his boyfriend, not the usual gentle, searching caresses from those long and calloused fingers. Encouraging Yuji on, but a sign of the strange savage compulsions the pollen is causing.

He's not showing any sign of stopping, either. He cranes his head to the side to give Yuji more access to his neck, eyes closed, quiet noises stifled from him as he bites his lip.]

Gods, I wish you would.

[His eyes open. That just sort of slipped out. Even in this state, he recognizes that it's probably the most forward thing he's ever said in his life. If his face could get any redder...]

[eyescar]

[ It might be helping, taking more of the plugsuit off and getting rid of more and more of that pollen, and Yuji focuses on that for now - he wants to help Raidou more than he wants to worry about anything else, even as his attention is getting more and more drawn into kissing his boyfriend, touching him, chasing the wonderful feeling of being touched, and cherished, and adored.

The noises that Raidou is making are enough to give him a surge of confidence, and when he speaks... Yuji can't help a little, embarrassed noise of his own, eyes widening briefly before he kisses him softly. ]

You know I can't resist you... So don't say things like that unless you mean it.

[ He's just a teenager, Raidou, he only has so much self-control. ]

[the_fourteenth]

[Alas, so is Raidou, and it's obvious how that his self-control has been thrown to the wind. Already completely smitten with this boy, the pollen's making him want more and more, why should he hold back? Forget the others, forget where they currently are; the only thing he can focus on right now is what he wants. Something he almost never does. It's always about everyone else - his will for others.

An assertive hand takes Yuji's chin, so Raidou can look him right in the eyes. Raidou's face might be red, his breath quick, but his own eyes and voice are steady and serious.]

When have I been in the habit of saying things I don't mean.

[eyescar]

[ Yuji's eyes widen, cheeks flaring an even darker red at the solid, sure grip of Raidou's fingers on his chin, and he's breathless as the awe and embarrassment slams into him. It makes him feel so warm, licking his lips, unable to look away for even a second. He's always known that Raidou was cool, and handsome, but seeing him like this... Letting go of that self-control...

A part of him thinks he should stop this before it goes too far, thinks that maybe he out to throw Raidou into the water again, but he wants this, too, more than he can say. Leaning up, he nudges their noses together, smiling. ]

Never.

[ His arms rise, wrapping up and around Raidou's neck, drawing him close again. ]

In that case... You can do what you want with me.

[the_fourteenth]

[Yuji matching his own intensity, but with gentle touches and tender words, doesn't go unnoticed by Raidou. It's about the only thing keeping him from tearing the rest of their suits off, or clawing at him, or doing anything the violent tendencies are telling him to do. There's an overwhelming feeling in his chest, and he tries to bring words to it, but all he manages are a few breathy stammers. He can't manage it. All he can do is surge forward, kissing him deeply again, and this time moving him by the shoulders from against the tree and down onto the grass.]

[eyescar]

[ Even if he had been affected by the pollen, Yuji isn't the kind of person to be violent, or cruel - not needlessly. Even when he had been fighting the worst of curses, he wasn't the one who would be torturous, who had been so determined to cause pain and heartache. That's not who he is; he'd especially not want to do it to someone he cares so deeply about.

Raidou is incredibly important to him.

Falling back into the grass, he welcomes Raidou above him, lifting a hand to grip the back of his neck. It's only when they pause for breath that he blinks, gazing at the other boy with a soft, warm expression. ]

Johei... Are you sure you want to do this, like this?

[the_fourteenth]

[Raidou settles on top of him, hand roaming his shoulder, his chest, moving further down... and then Yuji speaks up. His eyes narrow slightly, as if trying to focus on Yuji, wondering why he'd think Raidou would want anything else right now. That pollen's effect is finally starting wane, though, logic now warring with the fire that's burning in his chest, his overwhelming feels for this boy still burning hot.

He breathes heavily, looking at Yuji, his expression turning just a little unsure.]

Yes. No-- Yes. I--

[That skin-crawling feeling is still with him, not unable to run it even doing all this. His head hands got a moment, swallowing as he catches his breath.]

I feel like I'm burning up. Like if I just-- if we just--

[It doesn't make sense, but the feeling is still pervasive.]

[eyescar]

Hey, it's okay.

[ Yuji reaches up to pull him down again, to kiss him gently, sweet and soft, with all the tenderness that's burning through him and making him want to take care of him, cherish him. His fingers stroke along the line of his cheekbones, cupping his face with all the warmth that he can muster, unable to hide it for even the briefest of moments.

His adoration is obvious. ]

You know I like to do these things with you, but if it's because of the pollen... I feel like you'll feel bad, later.

[the_fourteenth]

[How was Raidou ever so lucky to find such a sweet, caring soul? As he returns that tender kiss, it's taking all of his resolve to not push it further again, to not demand more and more. There's a sound almost like a whimper from his throat.]

N-No, I-- I would never regret doing anything I do with you.

[He knows deep down that Yuji is right, but it's hard to quell those other feelings urging him on. It's another deep admission from him, too, and he squeezes his eyes closed, embarrassed.

He doesn't want to stop, but he should. The pollen's influence makes him punch the ground next to them, but it's not as strong it could be.]

[eyescar]

Then... Why don't we just keep kissing?

[ That's not as bad as going further and making Raidou worry or stress out later - because Yuji knows him, and knows what kind of reaction his boyfriend will have at his loss of control. It makes him smile, leaning in and nuzzling their noses together, breathing out softly.

The kissing is fun, and easy, and not too risky... Right? ]

There's nothing to regret there. I like kissing you, as much as all the other stuff.

[the_fourteenth]

Because i-it... it didn't feel like enough...

[Raidou rests his forehead against Yuji's, eyes still closed.]

That if I just take more, and more, I-- I don't know.

[There might not be anything to sate the pollen's compulsion. Just to wait til it's ruin its course.]

If I keep kissing you, I might not ever stop.

[He can't hold out much longer, with their lips so temptingly close together.]

[eyescar]

This is really getting you, isn’t it…

[ Yuji leans up, kissing him again, drawing it out. Maybe it’s not going to be enough, but… That’s fine. He can deal with that. He wanted to protect Raidou, but maybe he doesn’t actually need the protection after all.

One hand sneaks to press against his chest before he sighs against the other boy’s mouth. ]

In that case… Take what you need from me. It’s okay. I’m yours.

[the_fourteenth]

[He makes a helpless noise against that kiss, the touch of his hand drawing another. When Yuji says those words, he lets out a shuddered breath. Raidou looks down at him as if Yuji were a meal placed in front of a starving man.

But he knows Yuji is right. Even with the gentle encouragement now, this is just the pollen. Out here, like this - people will be looking for them, eventually.

Without warning, he sits up. Still looking down, breathing heavily, he reconsiders for a second before suddenly standing up, and turning right for the river again. This time, he jumps in, not even bothering to fix his suit. In his goes, under the surface, where he's decided to stay again until this feeling passes.]

[eyescar]

[ Yuji briefly wonders if he ought to be offended.

Slowly pushing himself to a sitting position, he sighs, adjusting his plug suit and getting comfortable. It’s easy enough, then, to lean back against the tree again and wait for Raidou to come back out.

Logically, he knows it’s for the best, but that doesn’t stop him pouting. Despite the circumstances… He was having fun. ]