June 2022 Event

[jigokumods]

MAIN NAVIGATION

1. SWIMSUIT TROUBLES (1 POINT)

As the city goes through its daily motions, the heat bears down harder and harder while bringing out some increasingly overheated behavior from the local population. Summer is here and the natives are flocking to the shopping district: both as a respite from the scorching temperatures and to stock up on the needed supplies to beat the heat.

That means one noticeable problem: the bathing suits left on the racks aren’t the most fashionable at this point! Suits are scarce and what is left over are the skimpy, the oddly-patterned, a size too small, or all of the above. Then again, you are probably just feeling lucky you aren’t in the Shuten Clan, who have been provided their own precious supply of freshly laundered tiger stripe bikinis. And nothing else.

You may be able to borrow around within your own faction, where the pickings might not be so slim, but are still unlikely to match your personal style. Better hope you ran out to buy something nice when the Daitengu first announced the party.

2. BEACH GAMES (1 POINT)

The indoor beach facility that the Alliance has provided is extraordinary. It’s massive! It seems to extend to the size of an entire soccer field. With the combinations of Kappa tech and Tengu magic, the experience has been made as close to a natural one as anyone could ask for. The heat of the beach feels true to the real world, the sand is white and pure, and the waves rolling in and out are just like the mortal realm. Even the palm trees and beach scrub seem entirely authentic. The vibe is immaculate.

Each faction has their own area set up for meeting and mingling but everyone is welcome to let loose and interact among all the groups.

SHUTEN CLAN

The Shuten Clan has set up their beach fort with food and drinks. The drinks on offer are a particularly strong Oni beer and a few spirits (especially sake). These drinks have been mixed so that anyone who imbibes them will feel a heightened sense of competition and the need to prove themselves!

There are plenty of opportunities to show off:

• Learning surfing with a few knowledgeable Oni.
  
• Volleyball matches.
  
• Shoulder chicken tournaments.
  
• Beer pong.
  
• Drinking contests that never seem to stop.
  
• And friendly scuffles with some of the Shuten who are feeling more rowdy than usual.

In particular, the volleyball matches appear to be the Shuten Clan’s sport of choice. They’re taking these matches deathly serious. With all powers allowed in play, the game is truly deadly with how powerful, how fast, and how fierce those spikes and volleys are. Hold nothing back and leave it all in the ring!

Toraguma himself is here in his tiger striped best! He’s observing the games and taking note of which Shutens do well and which ones shame the clan with their defeat. He’ll give out rewards to those he thinks are exemplifying the pride of the clan. Don’t worry though, if you’re not up to snuff you won’t be punished; except with Toraguma’s obvious disappointment.

TAMAMO CLAN

The Tamamo Clan doesn't disappoint either. Their tiki bar is set up with a far greater variety in stock than the Shutens. Every drink seems to be made to that Lost Soul’s exact tastes. Watch out, this may compel you to pound them back more quickly than normal. The drinks will make you feel much closer to those around you — either in camaraderie, or something more intimate. The Tamamos have arranged a number of floats, inner tubes, and water wings lounging in the water. Enjoy your time together!

When you aren’t relaxing, the Tamamo Clan has also arranged huge buckets of water balloons and have filled their water guns. The instructions are clear: whether sniping from afar or going in on a full assault, go nuts. Especially against the Shutens. Lady Tenkohime herself has a high-caliber, sniper-grade water rifle with her at her lounge chair. She will occasionally pick some unlucky soul to fire off devastating rounds against. She is not soaking them in just water, of course. This is the Tamamo clan’s patented ‘perfume’, which inspires the most amorous feelings.

Finally, the Tamamo have also inspired a spicy wet t-shirt contest. It’s essentially a sexy beauty contest, but given the variety of bodies and hidden ‘talents’ tucked away under everyone’s clothes, it should prove interesting! Tenkohime has described the simple rules:

• One must wear the provided white shirt and only that shirt.
  
• The crowd will soak them down.
  
• And the crowd will judge how well they pull it off.

SUTOKU CLAN

The Sutoku Clan has been given free reign on a fleet of jet skis and paddle boats; perfect for two. There are boogie boards and larger inner tubes ready to be attached to different jet skis. Just be careful, ok?

A large snack bar has been provided with cheerful yokai behind the counter ready and willing to serve up your heart’s desire. There are some strange candies towards the end of the bar, they taste a bit funny but once you eat one you’re compelled to have a few more. These sweets will give you the power to breathe underwater. What is the meaning of this power? Well, you’re in the Alliance, after all, you figure out what’s under the waves.

Sutoku games include things like kan jam and frisbees, but Sutoku Souls are also very much encouraged to participate in the Shuten Clan’s volleyball tournament. Much to Toraguma’s frustration, the Alliance has planted a Tengu referee who seems to really favor the Alliance players over his own. Use your powers liberally.

The Daitengu is in attendance with sunscreen marks on their mask, for some reason. They’re being a total busybody, as usual. They’re really taking the time to chat up Tenkohime and Toraguma, even if the two want to rip each other’s throats out. Could a resolution to the turf war be on the way? One can only hope!

ENMA DEPARTMENT

The Enma is instructing the members of the Department to volunteer (aka voluntold) for lifeguard duty. The shifts are short — it is ultimately a party — and participation will net you both free food and drink from any of the vendors, as well as license to let loose for the rest of the party! The fare provided by the Enma vendors is pretty staid, but it does fill you with the odd need to run down the beach shallows in slow motion. Not sure what that’s about.

There is one further task that is expected of the Enma Department: suikawari. It is a big deal and to be taken seriously! This is the Enma’s favorite beach activity and the only diversion that he cares about. Your guess is as good as anyone’s, but it’s probably because the game resembles a form of execution. Regardless! Every officer is expected to do at least one round of the game as a form of initiation to the Department itself. Captain Shiki hosts the game in the absence of the Enma. Someone should tell her to chill out with that whistle, though.

3. BONFIRE (1 POINT)

As the hosts of the event, the Sutoku Alliance has set up a massive bonfire as the sun begins to set and stars light up the magical sky. There’s a romantic feeling in the air. Things seem as chill as they ever could be, there are no Haniwa in sight! Things feel peaceful for the first time in a while.

A final happy hour is declared, with free libations for everyone to close out the night. It’s time to finish this party in style. For anyone particularly watchful, they may spy the extraordinary sight of Toraguma and Tenkohime together. Off in the shadows while the party rages on, they are sitting together and watching the waves roll in. What could they be discussing? It will remain a mystery, getting any closer to them would be a deadly mistake.

The evening closes without any major incidents. Nothing seems like it could spoil the mood. It almost feels too good to be true.

4. AND THEN... (2 POINTS)

As all the party goers change back into their clothes and exit the facility, there is a rumble of thunder over Jigokucho. The stars are quickly swallowed by a darkening sky and the ground shakes. A minor earthquake? That’s not unheard of but the sky above is looking threatening. Evil. Darkness washes out over the entire city, none of its many bright lights able to cut through. Something is wrong. Something is happening.

A warm rain begins to fall, spattering across you and your surroundings. It becomes quickly apparent that you are not doused with water, but with blood.

The silence is shattered suddenly when a scream cuts across the whole of Jigokucho. An accursed miasma pours out from every direction. Then you see them: the Haniwa. They are everywhere, gazing from every direction, pressing in. Something has gone terribly wrong.

Captain Shiki is the first to act. She makes a call to Kaigo no Bou, but what she hears is enough to freeze her in her tracks.

The containment center deep beneath the tower where the Haniwa were being stored has been compromised. All of the cursed energy that was stored there has leaked out into the city from below. The guards below are dead. No one is answering their radio. It is not just the containment center that has been compromised, but all of Kaigo no Bou.

Captain Shiki struggles to remain calm as she gives out orders. Her entire command structure has been decimated, but she has to keep these people safe. She urges everyone to seek shelter, immediately. Everyone needs to partner up and stick together.

None of the faction leaders present arguments and they enforce this ruling with their Souls. They direct everyone to make their way back to their home base. Shuten to the Arena, Tamamo to Mizukume, and Sutoku to Konoha. There, their faction leaders can protect them.

As for the Enma officers: they are on rescue duty. You will be heading out into the city to rescue as many people as possible from the nightmarish effects of the cursed energy on the city. Captain Shiki will act as their point of command at the indoor beach.

Good luck, everyone.

5. IN THE CURSED NIGHT (2 POINTS)

A rain of blood is sprinkling all around you. It pings off sign posts and garbage bins, it splatters wetly onto the concrete and your face. The scent is pungent and thick; spoiling. It is soaking in to your hair, your clothes, your skin. It is driving you mad: your pulse spinning, breathing short.

There are noises in the impenetrable darkness. Fox feet on the pavement, crow wings shifting on a perch, a stranger's cruel laughter. The dark energy that has swallowed you is bemused by your smallness, is lurking at the edges and waiting for the moment to strike. Hold tight to your fellows, lest in the darkness another hand be placed in yours. Do you know who you walk with? What you walk with?

The Haniwa are watching you from every surface; crowded together as one with their empty eye sockets and open mouths. Their dark eyes turn to follow where you go as you stumble through your nightmares and your delusions. They breathe in your suffering on the air.

Beware the onibi, they will lead you astray.
Beware the grasping hands in the trees.
Beware the whispers in the distance.
Beware the slope to the river.
Beware. Beware.

Welcome to the June event!

• Art by astrono77153462
  
• Special shoutout to vandalisto for coming up with the meat of this event; the beach party. They approached us with this as a player plot, and it was good enough that we made it into the full event for the month. Excellent work, Vandal!
  
• If you have any questions about event content, please ask them here!
  
• If your character participated in the volleyball games, see here! If they participated in the wet t-shirt contest, see here!
  
• If you have questions about the game itself, please check out the premise, FAQ, and rules pages.

Comments

[mahoraga]

[ People don't wear white at funerals.

He wants to remind Yuuji of that, as if the boy doesn't already know, but he's caught off guard by the distracted expression on the boy's face. Megumi follows his gaze, assuming there's something behind him worth staring at, when he catches on to the fact that he's the object directly in Yuuji's line of sight, the person he's staring at. ]

What are you looking -- [ Megumi glances down, noting his own state of dress and how his shirt's taken on a slightly translucent quality, hint of pale skin visible beneath the fabric. It shouldn't be a problem given that they're both boys, but somehow being stared at, having the attention on him, makes him bashful, his nerves spiking as his fair skin colours in pink.

The words make for an interesting assumption, given the situation and the context of Yuuji technically having propositioned Megumi twice in the past (he remembers, even if he didn't fully register it). It makes Megumi wonder about the other boy's preferences, that up to this point have been all too clear (given the posters he loves so much). Then again, with Yuuji's personality, he wouldn't be surprised if they're similar -- if the looks matter much less than the character and other points of charm.

When Megumi adds himself into the equation, it feels like his brain might short circuit. There's a selfish kind of curiousity, a strange need to know if his closest friend could look upon him this way, but it's also so scary. He has to dismiss it all for the sake of a peaceful mental state.

Turning away to hide the red in his face (which has unfortunately spread to his neck, visible beneath his shirt), Megumi pinches his shirt away from him so it stops clinging, suddenly self-conscious. It's time to move on from the weird situation. ]

Let's take a walk. [ But rather than walk back to shore, he is walking alongside the shoreline, which technically counts as fun? ]

[ahost]

[ he never thought he should apologize for being appreciative, and yuuji remains skeptical and unsure of why megumi felt a bit uncomfortable about it, and he ends up circling back to his first question— should he apologize? it didn't make sense to do so when he hasn't done anything wrong. it's there, in his face, staring at him! is he not supposed to react at all? before he could say anything, megumi is turning away, avoiding his gaze, now inviting him to a stroll along the shoreline. yuuji takes a minute to readjust his trunks, and make sure that the knot is fully secured around his waistline; let's avoid any further incidents. the dogs followed along at some point, one is more playful with the water and the other didn't seem too invested. ]

... Hey, Fushiguro. [ a pause. ] Are you shy?

[ well, that's one way to start this conversation. he catches up to the other's side, tilting his head with an easy smile curving his lips. it was not intended mainly at the wet t-shirt scandal, but also in regards to his earlier reaction to yuuji's indecency— that he still finds as a minor inconvenience. there is a pattern here that he didn't pick up on his friend until now. ]

It's fine if you are! Everyone has their own boundaries, and since we're living together ... I should know yours. Maybe you're not as comfortable as I am?

[ then again, yuuji's too comfortable with many things that aren't acceptable to normal people but it didn't mean he's aware of it. he also has the impression that megumi didn't appreciate someone staring at him the way he did, and with a bit of consideration— it makes sense. his male friend is giving him an odd look; it would make anyone a bit nervous. his tone is more apologetic now, serious— because really? the last thing he ever wants to do is make megumi anxious around him. ]

Just tell me if I'm being weird, okay? I rather know so I'd stop doing it.

[mahoraga]

I'm not shy. I'll hit you. [ The denial, that comes way too quickly, is an obvious lie. Megumi doesn't return the eye contact, trying his best to keep his flustered expression behind his flat fringe and out of Itadori's view. He doesn't do a great job at this. Behind them, the dogs are pretty oblivious to the awkward air between them both, the white dog trying to entice the black one into a bout of play.

There's some guilt he can sense from his friend, like he's nervous about having made Megumi uncomfortable. Yes, being stared at and having the attention on him was an embarrassing affair, but he wouldn't say it's made him feel uncomfortable. There isn't really anything Yuuji could do that would make Megumi feel unsafe around him - and this applies to even when he is housing Ryomen Sukuna. He does want to quell his friend's worries, so he responds. ]

You're fine. Stop worrying about it. [ There's a pause, like he's considering if he wants to change the topic or not. He'll say this one vague thing about it. ]

I guess I learned something new about you today. [ He now knows his best friend is into guys too. What he will do with this random knowledge, he doesn't know. Megumi is trying his best not to perceive the fact that he was said guy in the situation. Nor is he going to try and unpack his brief thoughts from before - that he didn't find it a very terrible thing for Yuuji to be looking at him. ]

[ahost]

Should I look away next time? Cover my eyes? [ he teased, playfully nudging megumi's side by the elbow. it's nothing more than innocent fun, and he's not really belittling his friend's feelings here. everyone is different, and while those people who (willingly) joined the lewd contest are more free with their bodies and happy to put them on display, it didn't mean everyone likes this type of attention. yuuji shrugs; more content on kicking the water as they walked, creating his own little game. ]

No, you just paid attention today. I literally told you many times I like boys too. Then again, it wasn't that important to press on it.

[ it felt like one of those trivial topics that had no weight in their daily lives— unless yuuji started dating a guy and he had to tell megumi about it? otherwise, it was odd to just randomly insist to let his friend know about his sexual preference, so his 'hints' were easy to ignore. then again, yuuji failed to acknowledge that despite your preferences, it is still not normal to look at your best friend differently. that was still an off moment.

in his simple mind, he truly believed it's a casual reaction to someone as attractive as megumi. that boy's good looks are almost sinful, and yuuji thought anyone would appreciate it without adding any label to it. therefore, he didn't panic when he caught himself noticing those features in a different light; it's expected when they're sharing space the way they do. ]

Anyway, it's not my fault you wore a white shirt to the beach ...

[ but, it is your fault for throwing him into the water, yuuji???? ]

[mahoraga]

[ There's a glare in response to that teasing, the both of them falling into their usual dynamic easily after that awkward moment. As Yuuji kicks at the water, Megumi is trudging through it, the water weighing down on his baggy clothing. He's probably going to have to find new clothes once they get out of the ocean. He starts wringing the water out of his shirt, hoping that will dry it some.

When Yuuji asserts that he had told him about his preferences in the past, that conjures up stray memories of the few occasions Yuuji has expressed appreciation for good-looking men. How did he miss that ... Then again, it's easy to miss given the boy's openness about his particular taste in women (and what he hangs up on his wall). He could argue that, but maybe it's time to let this topic go.

Though, he has to argue that last bit. This should not be blamed on him! ]

I wore one because I had no plans to get into the water. [ A glare so pointed Yuuji might even physically feel it. ] You're finding me new clothes after we get out.

[ At least he isn't trying to get out of the water immediately. That does indicate a part of him enjoys it, wading through the water with his best friend. ]

[ahost]

[ in honor of not making his friend uncomfortable again, yuuji was quick to avert his gaze elsewhere. nope, he didn't look at the sly sneak peek of megumi's toned abs when he twisted his shirt, nor did he observe the way the fabric fell and latched itself back to that boy's chest again. he didn't look at all. the sorcerer will take a moment to appreciate the infinite shore— the perfectly blue sky, the warm breeze brushing over his hair, or anything that serves to distract him.

once the moment of indecency is over, yuuji scoffed under his breath at how ridiculous they're being over this, but— he'll bite back today. he'd rather lean over his friend's side, close enough for their shoulders to touch, he then linked their arms together as they kept walking. this may or may not have to do with the drinks he had earlier ... ]

I will! I'll find you some nice clothes. It will keep you warm and happy. I promise.

[ he didn't want to ruin their time arguing over silly concerns, so if a pair of dry clothes will make that boy happy, that's fine. the dogs scurry past them now, the black dog chasing after the other; finally getting into it and enjoying the water as they should. ]

I heard they will make this huuuuuge bonfire later! I suggest we go there early and find a good spot. Grab some food and chill for the rest of the night.

[ if megumi thought he could sneak away after this little walk, well— it's not happening. yuuji is making plans and sealing the deal. ]

[mahoraga]

[ Megumi glances at his friend when he feels that arm curl around his, and then down at where their arms are joined. It feels like some of that distance between them has closed, since coming here. They usually aren't very liberal with touching each other, beyond Megumi grabbing Yuuji's hoodie or knocking him on his head. He doesn't find himself hating it. There's some vague memory he has about Yuuji telling him before that this behaviour is typical between friends (refresh my memory too bcuz i dont remember)

He looks ahead again, continuing their stroll but falling into pace with Yuuji. ]

Okay. [ Sitting by the bonfire and chatting with a friend doesn't sound like a bad time. He doesn't mind.

Though, now that they're wading through the ocean, he does find himself wanting to do something - something else besides relax and read. After a small silence, Megumi looks down, a bit hesitant in expressing his desire. ]

... Do you think there are any crabs here? [ Sometimes he acts like a dour old man and sometimes he acts like a small child. ]

[ahost]

[ it sounds like something yuuji would educate his friend with, even when this gesture had a thin line between platonic and — intimate. even if they're not really holding hands, the softest graze of their fingers against one another happened too often along their walk; almost as a tease. he nods, somewhat surprised that megumi didn't protest to further social activities, assuming he wanted to get the hell out of here at the earliest. he opens his mouth— but managed to bite back the words that would surely ruin the moment.

no, enough fooling around. they both need this. they need to catch a breather and maybe, if he dares to admit it ... be happy. when megumi breaks the silence, yuuji considers his question while looking around them. ]

I've seen some a while ago ... when I was stuck doing lifeguard duties and bored out of my mind! I remember thinking they are faster than I thought.

[ a few steps forward and then he gasped, pointing onwards— spotting a small one hiding behind a half-ruined sandcastle. ]

Look!

[mahoraga]

[ Megumi turns in the direction his friend is pointing to, and true enough, he can see the little creature scampering through the sand, trying to dig a little burrow in the sandcastle, like it's moving in (which is a ... very childish thought for Megumi to have). ]

Not so loud. You'll scare it off. [ Strangely energized by the sighting, Megumi starts to make his way toward that crab in its ruined kingdom, carefully trudging through the water and trying not to make a huge disturbance in the waves. He tugs Yuuji along by their joined arms. ]

Let's go ... see. [ He wants to .............. ]

[ahost]

[ yuuji already decided this tiny crab is house hunting, and he just found his new kingdom, and it doesn't help the fact he seemed to be working those claws to fix up the broken gate. with a big, childish grin— he allowed the other to pull them closer, trying his best to be quiet on his footing. it's a good thing the dogs didn't follow them ... yet.

so ... megumi likes crabs; this is a new information that is worth something. in that moment, as they got close enough to watch the little guy, yuuji was too busy staring at— his friend instead.

he can't remember the last time he'd seen him excited about something? it warmed up his heart in all the right places. ]

Do you want me to ... catch him?

[ and take him home as their new pet? ]

[mahoraga]

[ If only they could read each other's thoughts, they would realise that they are both imagining the same thing - that this crab moving into its new real estate u_u

Close enough to the shore for the waves to grace at his ankles gently, Megumi takes some time to consider if this is what he actually wants. It ... is. He would like to see that crab up close if he can. He loves animals and doesn't go to the beach that much. It's a rare opportunity.

Yuuji's much quicker than he is and able to pull off refined moves when he wants to. ]

... Be gentle. [ He doesn't want to give that crab the fright of its life, either. ]

[ahost]

Of course! [ gently. he will be hella gentle with his new little friend.

with a devious smile, he tiptoes a bit closer to the creature, pausing whenever it started shifting around. it took him a few good seconds to reach the castle, crouching down next to it— he held still, waiting, and before the crab had the chance to flee the scene, yuuji was quick enough to catch it.

now, he is gentle, careful not to squish it— but it didn't mean he didn't get clawed, because he did, and it hurts like hell. he flinched, yelling an 'ow!', but refused to let go. this when they both realized there is a very important part of the plan that is missing. ]

Where are we putting him?!!!

[ shouldn't they have a box or something to trap the crab in? ]

[mahoraga]

[ One of the few times in Megumi's life he's felt like he hadn't thought things through. With Yuuji holding onto that crab and being pinched in the process, there's a certain urgency that commands him to act quickly. ]

Hold on. [ Megumi makes a beeline for one of the juice stalls, where he can see old fruit cardboard boxes being discarded for recycling. He returns quickly with one of those boxes. They haven't actually been put into the trash, so they're clean (and the recycling bin is often reasonably clean anyway). ]

Here. [ He puts it in front of Yuuji. ]

[ahost]

[ the crab was fighting for its life the entire time, but as soon as megumi returned with the box, yuuji was quick to drop the creature inside. with his hands free from all the assault, he shakes the pain away, squinting down at the few bite marks that were left behind. well, that's fated to swell in a few seconds. ]

I'm trying to be your friend!

[ yes, he was yelling at their new pet. sighing, he glanced at the other, half-scowling. ]

If we're taking it home, you'll be the one who takes care of it.

[mahoraga]

[ There's this strange, almost childlike sort of satisfaction that comes with successfully capturing a critter. ]

We probably shouldn't take it out of its natural habitat. [ If this artificial beach counts as a natural habitat? The point is, the crab would be happier here than it would be in their home, probably. Though a part of him holds some delight at the thought of owning a small animal, being able to look at it everyday and feed it, he knows he has to be responsible. Megumi's happy they managed to catch it at all - this means he can get a closer look!

But before any of that, his gaze falls on the pinch marks on his friend's fingers, small cuts drawing a few specks of blood. He can't relax if his friend is hurting, so he reaches out and takes Yuuji's hand in his, bringing it closer for a better look. ]

... Let me get some bandaids. [ He tends to bring them because he is surrounded by idiots. His bag is not too far away, so he goes to get them. ]

[ahost]

[ hey, look, the crab is cute— and yuuji has nothing against it, even if he was a second away from starting a fight, but he also understood the obligation of caring for another animal. the dogs are a different case; they didn't need to be fed, to bathe and he's pretty sure they won't even get sick. they would simply vanish and re-appear once again as if nothing has happened. so, if megumi wants to take on this responsibility, he should know he's on his own.

it wasn't necessary to bandage such small wounds, in yuuji's mind, which might explain why he thought it was a good idea to shove a finger or two inside his mouth; sucking the few droplets of blood away. the words are muffled against his mouth- ]

Forget the band-aids. Can you get me a drink instead? ♥

[ the audacity. BUT, in his defense, the cart is close by and megumi is already walking towards it, so- ]

[mahoraga]

[ There's just a judgmental squint at that, because it is disgusting and probably also unsanitary, especially since he was just touching the sand, and the sea, and a crab. He'll get the drink as asked (Yuuji will probably enjoy a pineapple juice, he thinks), and thumb back at Yuuji when they ask for payment. The shopkeeper is aware, at least, that Enma are entitled to free drinks.

Before he returns to his friend's side, he also gets the bandaid from his bag. Then, once close enough, Megumi promptly places that drink on top of his friend's head with a thud, hard enough to be felt but not hard enough to cause the drink to spill (so not all that hard, really). ]

Don't lick your wounds. Are you an animal? [ To be honest, Yuuji does remind him of a dog at times 🐶 ]

[ahost]

It's fine! I do it all the time.

[ yuuji, that's gross.

without any further elaboration, he reached up for his drink, careful not to spill it all over his head while doing so. he didn't care to ask for about the chosen flavor, for whatever reason— those drinks seemed to hit the right spot every single time, complimenting his tastebuds and giving yuuji a rare sense of contentment he never experienced before. they didn't 'look' alcoholic, as the sorcerer is as sober as they can be(?), but he is -very clearly- enjoying them.

with a refreshed 'ahhh!', yuuji threw his head back to add to the dramatic display of satisfaction. he then smiled happily at the other boy; cheeks a bit flustered from the bliss. ]

... You wanna try it, don't you? [ megumi, in fact, didn't seem interested at all, and yet- ... he holds it up for him, beckoning him to accept it. ] Come on. Try it, Fushiguro-kun.

[mahoraga]

[ Megumi isn't too surprised that his friend enjoys it. To be honest, there isn't a lot that Yuuji doesn't enjoy eating. The boy ate fingers, after all...

He does find the display a little over the top, and it's difficult to tell if that was Yuuji's intention or if he just really, really enjoyed that pineapple juice. It's such a silly looking scene, delight hanging off his friend's face like he's just had the most satisfying meal in the world, when he was really just drinking some juice. Somehow, he finds himself having affection for the absurdity.

Until he realises that Yuuji was likely trying to entice him into trying the drink as well, like he's a small child who needs to be cajoled. ]

Don't you get embarrassed acting this way ...

[ He'll take the drink, but only because he doesn't want to be pestered any further. When the refreshing liquid does grace his tastebuds, he finds it-- ]

Too sweet. [ What did Yuuji expect, honestly? ]

[ahost]

Oi, I was trying to entice you!

[ rude af. yuuji ends up leaning closer and in megumi's face, lips curling up in anticipation; eyes shimmering from excitement to have his roomie experience the joys of this magical drink— only to have a dry, flat response of it being too sweet. the smile drops from his face, lashes low and somewhat disappointed but also not surprised?

after living with megumi for so long, he picked up on a few things— and the most troubling quirk was how picky he is when it comes to food. not too oily, not too spicy, not too wild in flavors ... just simple! his delicate stomach couldn’t comprehend the joys of this drink, yuuji decided. ]

Fine. I’ll get you some water with ice. How flavorful! [ the judging side-glance lingers as he brought the straw to his lips— slurp. a beat, and then: ] ... Are we naming the crab?

[mahoraga]

[ Honestly, he doesn't mind some water with ice. Thanks babe.

On to the crab ... Megumi squats down at the box, watching it as it sidewalks around and starts feeling the walls of the box with its claws. His eyebrows relax a little when he looks at it. Kinda cute ... ]

Is there a reason to name it? [ Genuine confusion, not any sort of sarcasm. Yuuji needs to remember he's talking to a boy who's owned wolf shikigami for 10 years without naming either of them. And it's very clear those wolf shikigami are more important to him than most people.

Said wolf shikigami are playing in the sand a short distance away. ]

[ahost]

[ he can't fathom how megumi lasted this long without naming any of his shikigami, it's fucking insane. a moment later, he followed the other and crouched down as well, peering over the small creature inside the box; humming low in contemplation. from where they are sitting, yuuji is somewhat leaning his weight on his friend, knees touching, and eventually— he ends up curling an arm around megumi's waist; unmindful of the feel of his still drenched shirt against his skin.

when he speaks the straw still hangs between his lips, the sunlight glossing over those deep hues and illuminating them into a vivid amber. ]

Everyone deserves to have a name. Unless you want to keep it simple and call him Mr. Crabs?

[ a blink. ]

Or, Ms. Crabs? I c-can't tell ... do you see a tiny penis or not?

[mahoraga]

[ Megumi's always felt a slight anxiety associated with being touched, even from back when he was a child. He doesn't know why it is (but anyone who knows the kind of upbringing he had, can make the logical conclusion it's due to receiving no such physical affection in his formative years). There's a mild surprise when he feels that hand curled around him, rested a bit above the jut of his hip bone, damp against his skin from the state of his clothing. He expects to hate it immediately, prepares himself for that usual unease, but it doesn't quite come this time.

A strange thing, that. He looks down, trying to keep focused on the crab, but he can't quite stop that rosy tint from blossoming over the pale skin of his face.

Kani-san is an agreeable name. It is a crab, so it's logical to call it that. As for whether its male or female ... ]

Let's just assume it's male.

[ He may be a wealth of general knowledge, particularly pertaining to animals, but he does not have 'How to find crab genitalia' in his mental database, and he doesn't feel like it's a topic he really wants to explore right now.

More importantly, he's still thinking about that hand on his waist, glancing at it on occasion, and wondering why he doesn't hate it. Since coming here, it feels like some of the boundaries between them have melted away. Ever since that first time, when they shared the bed ...

Is this what friends do? He doesn't know. He's never had a close friend until now.

All he knows is that the touch, pressing up against the body of his friend, feels warm against his skin, especially given how clammy he was feeling as the water evaporated off his shirt. It's ... not a bad feeling.

Megumi takes a glance around, noting that they're in a private section of the beach, with all the other patrons a good distance away. For that reason he lets himself ease into that warmth, siding closer against that solid body, with a tentative hand rested over Yuuji's. His face is burning, and he's so hesitant, but there's also an affection blooming within him - the same affection he always feels when he gets to see his friend smile brightly at him.

He's tentative, however. Like the wrong reaction from Yuuji is going to make him shy away immediately, breaking off the contact. ]

[ahost]

Mr. Crab then.

[ no, he won't push on the tiny penis agenda, more than happy to comply with the gender guess and leave this conversation to rest. as megumi settles into their embrace, sensing more of his body weight against his own, yuuji gets himself comfortable as well— gently relaxing on the warm sand and beckoning the other to sit by his side. it's a more cosy affair now; each had the option to stretch their legs and enjoy the rare scenery of a calm ocean and a vibrant sky. there is no other soul in sight, just the two of them.

he kept his gaze on the view ahead, somewhat smirking at himself. one could almost feel the reluctance radiating out of the other like electric waves; from the way megumi kept staring down at their hands, the faint stiffness of his muscles, and the growing heavy air between them. he's like a feral cat that's ready to flee the scene the second it spots danger, and yet— that boy didn't dislike it. megumi doesn't hate this. his touch. well, that's something. ]

So-

[ he breaks the silence, leaning forward a bit so he could put his now empty glass away before he turned to meet megumi's eyes. it was hard to miss out on the timid shade of pink over those cheeks, and while the urge to tease is on the edge of his tongue — yuuji couldn't bring himself to do it; he found himself more content to appreciate it instead. he didn't dare to move his hand away. it stays where it is, slowly rubbing the tip of his thumb against megumi's hip. ]

Now you're going to rest your head on my shoulder.

[ when someone is on the edge, as megumi is, he knew he had to give this guy a heads-up. there are times when he can get away with a risky gamble, this isn't one of them. yuuji knew when to be careful. he gives his friend a chance to let those words sink in; smiling, eyes playful. ]

Okay? Let's try it.

[mahoraga]

[ The cue is taken to settle down, and Megumi does, shifting his legs out from beneath him and breaking up the squat, sitting on the sand beside Yuuji with their sides pressed together. There's a tension he can feel in the air between them, though he has a feeling he's the cause of that, and not Yuuji. Megumi's certainly some manner of being on edge, sidling up to someone so casually, allowing that hand to rest against his hip. The skin's sensitive just from his nerves alone, stomach muscles tensing, and yet he doesn't feel that usual unease and desire to pull away when someone comes up too close.

He's waiting for some sort of badgering or teasing to come, a state of waiting he always seems to be with when around his closest friends (given how much they harass him), but it doesn't come as expected, with only adds to that sense of tension and informs him that this particular interaction between them ... has developed beyond the usual.

Yuuji's careful in his words, trying to put Megumi at ease, and that doesn't go unnoticed. Like he isn't just doing this as a form of friendly harassment, or a casual desire for physical affection. There's more carefulness in the choosing of his words and actions than one would normally expect from the other boy. It feels like he's genuine about wanting that closeness.

Megumi brings his knees closer to his chest, and there's a slight lean of his weight against Yuuji's shoulder, but he doesn't commit to the deed yet, as if it's some big hurdle for him. He's still thinking about why he doesn't hate it, why he doesn't feel that immediate desire to push away.

It's a private area in the beach, and he's thankful for that. There aren't any other beach-goers wandering around to intrude on their private moment. Pensive in his tone, and staring down at the crab in its box, he asks a fairly honest question. ]

Why do you like being close with me? [ It's not an easy thing for him to grasp, because he's lived his life on the working assumption that he isn't someone others would desire a connection with. He's come around gradually, realised that he is cared for by some people, but this desire for closeness is something he still can't quite fully comprehend. He's also asking for his own sake, because he's trying to understand why he doesn't hate it. ]