jigokulogs | June 2022 Event

June 2022 Event

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ 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 .............. ]

[ 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? ]

[ 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. ]

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? ]

[ 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. ]

[ 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.

[ 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. ]

[ 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- ]

[ 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 🐶 ]

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.

[ 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? ]

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?

[ 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. ]

[ 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?

[ 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. ]

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.

[ 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. ]

Edited 2022-06-30 14:42 (UTC)

[ megumi not complying with his request is not surprising, yuuji half-expected it and is more than happy not to take it personally, but the question itself was ... something he didn't see coming. there is a brief twist in his expression, but oddly so— it wasn't out of discomfort, just mere curiosity. that's when the real misconception between them manifests itself in the open.

in all honesty, yuuji did not regard his actions, whether it was with megumi or another individual, held any heavy significance behind them— other than the selfish, shallow excuse of 'because I felt like it'. this kid had a broken ideology of intimacy and relationships in general; he always found himself craving acceptance, more content of accommodating others' expectations of him instead of making his own choices, unable to rid himself of the thought of being 'lonely' even whilst being surrounded by kind people. it's an unexplained sense of not grasping why he felt the way he did, yet he knew there is something missing, and for some reason, being around others ... helped subdue those insecurities. yuuji is, subconsciously, dependent on others.

in this stage, and in this mindset, anyone will do. anyone who is kind. anyone who is willing. anyone will be fine; yuuji will welcome it. but, if he can choose, if he can start making his own choices, if he's allowed to— ]

Because you mean a lot to me.

[ the words slip out of his lips with such ease; full of warmth. it's a simple truth, there is nothing to be ashamed about. he shifts a bit, stretching his legs forward as he averts his attention over to the dogs playing in the water. ]

And I think 'showing' that I care is a lot easier than 'saying' it. You know? We've never been good with words ...

[ at least yuuji is mindful of that, and he's fine with it. they didn't need to waste time with those uneasy conversations; it won't serve anyone. gently, he leans his head to the side, close enough to feel megumi's hair brushing against his scarred cheek. ]

If it feels right, it feels right. If it doesn't, I trust you'd be vocal about it. I won't ever do anything that makes you uncomfortable.

[ Though it would be a very obvious thing to anyone who happens to know them both, Megumi's stunned when he hears the words put out there in that direct way; impossible to misinterpret. He isn't so oblivious he thinks he isn't cared for, not with the way Yuuji has fretted about him in the past, but in many of those moments he's often too consumed in his own fretting about Yuuji to really process the concern being directed at him. Now he has nothing to stop that statement from sinking in; the direct affirmation of their connection.

The notion that he's important to someone else. ] Oh...

[ There are no words he has in response to that. Megumi takes it in, feeling his heart softening and unsure of what to do with the resulting emotion. Suddenly, a lot of things are starting to make sense. Never has he understood the appeal of affectionate physical contact, the closeness more often conjuring up feelings of anxiety and unease. He's realising now that it's simply an expression of affection between two people; the manifestation of an emotional bond.

If it's like that, he's starting to understand why he doesn't hate it. The boy who has him gathered in that modest embrace is important to him as well; he's not so out of touch with reality he doesn't acknowledge that. Too important. Someone he thinks about often, frets about, wants to see thriving and happy. Someone he would die for.

In the face of all that, a head against a shoulder is inconsequential. ]

I think I get it now ... [ That rosy tint has settled elegantly on his fair features, and Megumi shifts his weight into a tentative, gradual lean, the side of his body pressing against Yuuji as he lays his head against the other boy's shoulder. The hand he has over Yuuji's shifts in grip, fingers curling around the other boy's. ]

Edited (not me realising yuujis arm is on his waist not between them) 2022-07-02 22:22 (UTC)

[ and with such boldness, there is constant self-doubt.

reality is: yuuji struggled to be kind to himself, instituting an odd balance between still holding on to his old expressive self and someone who recently deemed himself unworthy of many things — including megumi's affection. so, right now, even when he got what he wanted, a part of him knew he didn't deserve it.

from their current settlement, it was safe for yuuji to drop his guard, and the warmth in his expression shifts into something else. his mind reminisces over those visions, and while the curses used certain events against him, they were also charitable to include new ones; lurking deep and bringing out his ugliest demons to life. they promised him he cannot save this boy, they promised him this place is called 'hell' for a reason and whatever happiness he managed to create is destined to end. the rhythm in their words and the focus on megumi was eerie — it made him want to do whatever he can to get his reward at the earliest. it felt like he is running out of time and something ominous will take place soon. he had to get megumi out of here.

but once that boy leaves ... he'll be alone again.

- back to living between empty walls.

with a careful touch, he lures megumi into relaxing some more, closing his eyes as he rests his head against the others. it's subtle, very very subtle — but there is a sense of sorrow behind their embrace. one started to accept that he is important to someone, while the other mourns the loss of a person who meant the world to him. it didn't linger. it's brief, bittersweet ... and then yuuji speaks gently, close to a whisper; the smile is evident in his tone. ]

Aren't you tired ... ?

[ he refers to the fact his shikigami are still out and about, chasing each other along the shore. it must've been somewhat draining to have them out for so long. ]

It can just be the two of us.

Edited 2022-07-03 17:17 (UTC)

[ If there's ever a time for Megumi to be sensitive to the feelings of his friend, the spiraling despair, self-hatred and self-doubt that had become his tendency, it would be now. Unfortunate people that they are, he does not notice, too focused instead on their little pocket of warmth away from the rest of the world, the ease calming his heart as he sidled up against a beloved person - many would call this 'bliss'.

Megumi's distracted when he speaks, still taking in the foreign feeling of allowing a situation to be. More than anything, those words from seconds ago still ring through his mind: you mean a lot to me. In his database of a brain, they are committed to his long-term memory - powerful words that will shape the way he sees himself, give him a stronger base of security in his constant fight against his many pessimistic and self-depreciating thoughts. ]

It's not that bad ... [ Truthfully, he does feel a little worn from the cursed energy he is feeding into those dogs. ]

I wanted them to see the beach, but ... I guess they've had their fun. [ The white dog, in particular. Megumi never brought his dogs out too often before coming to Hell, but something about his white dog getting a new lease on life planted in him a desire to allow that creature to experience new things. Dogs generally enjoy the beach. With a simple mental command, the dogs break apart into black tar, returning into his shadow.

It does revitalize him slightly, but it doesn't make him any less sleepy. Something about the general air is relaxing him, leaning against the warmth of his friend and having idle conversation. There's a feeling of being 'home'. ]

I'm glad you brought them out. They loved it.

[ he exhaled a soft breath, gently squishing his cheek against the other's head; not bothered that megumi's hair hadn't completely dried off yet. it somehow smelled like a summer breeze, which warmed up yuuji's features a bit. perhaps it wasn't the best idea to manhandle this boy into the water earlier, considering how they were a few minutes away from a full sunset, and the weather is deemed to cool down— he hoped it wouldn't be too bad. yuuji himself had nothing on but his trunks. however, he likes to believe he can survive in the cold a lot better than the guy next to him.

for now, they are safe, still relishing in the sunlight, but— he might need to consider looking for some dry clothes or a blanket later. ]

You had a good time, too.

[ he knew megumi is borderline preparing himself for a little catnap, or at least exhausted enough to welcome the idea of it— so he kept his tone hushed as he spoke. the sorcerer is equally exhausted, but like an eager child, he refused to humor it. what a waste would it be to snooze and miss out on this rare bliss, only to wake up while being told the party is over and to return to their homes. god, no. he'd hate it.

he begins to, slowly, trace his fingers along megumi's waist- ]

I'll be sad if we don't get to see the beach again.

[ He did have a good time, he thinks. He is having a good time. It's such a strange awareness to have, in the face of all the stressful, despairing experiences they would have back when they were alive. There can be good experiences, from time to time.

Megumi can feel the weather cooling down as the sky above them takes a red-orange hue and they enter the evening. The water evaporating off his body takes heat along with it, and he's always run cold to begin with, so he's starting to feel more of that chill run through his skin. In his relaxed state he feels like he can be just a bit more selfish, and for that reason he tugs the other boy's hand closer around him, past his waist and over his stomach, his hand still over the boy's fingers as he steals the heat from the arm encircling him.

The beach has been a pleasant memory so far (which came wholly unexpected), but Megumi suspects it's not quite the ambience that has made it pleasant. For that reason, he doesn't think he will miss it very much. ]

Well ... [ So what is it about this experience that makes it a pleasant one? Opening his tired eyes, he glances down at their hands, and briefly at the boy beside him. It's obvious. He's not stupid. But it's still such a foreign thing, the knowledge that this closeness could ease his often anxious mind, conjure up those feelings of affection that put him in a contented state.

Does this have to be the last time?

Is he really allowed pursue another experience like this?

There's a pensive pause, like he's still deciding. Then, with some hesitance, he finally responds. ]

We can ... find another place? [ A quiet, private place that was just theirs. It's an indication, more than anything, that he would like to do this again. ]

[ there's a smile on his face, watching as he allowed megumi to tug on his arm with an endearing glow— he gets a sense of what that boy is seeking. an idea comes to mind, and that's when his other arm returned the gestures, both secured around the other before he flopped back against the cushioned lounger accommodating them; pulling that boy with him.

it was at that moment that he noticed the fabric covering the sunbed was actually a tucked-in blanket, and with a bit of shifting around, he managed to drape it over their bodies; making sure his friend had his fair share. what follows came easy, to yuuji at least, as he got himself comfortably into their new little haven, far away from any prying eyes. ]

I don't think there is another beach around here ... unless you meant another spot altogether? Then, we can do that!

[ he coaxes the other boy to return resting his head on his shoulder, that same arm holding their bodies together as yuuji relaxed against his back. he takes in a breath, sighing softly— lashes drooping low over his eyes as he realized something-

that's when the thought slips out of his mouth instead of dwelling in the privacy of his own conscious. ]

... This feels nice. Doesn't it, Fushiguro?

[ too forward. too casual, but genuine in the way it came off as an innocent reflection. whether it was the view, the place itself, being covered by a warm blanket, or the company? perhaps it was all those elements together, but mostly-

he regards the other boy from the corner of his eye; inwardly wondering if this is normal between friends or not? ]

[ It's surprising to Megumi himself how easily he's going along with the change in position, having those arms wrapped around his body and holding him as Yuuji tucks them into a comfortable spot. He can't remember a single time he's let anyone be this close to him without Megumi feeling that impending need to break away, to keep that distance between himself and others.

Though his muscles feel relaxed, like his body is sinking into an enveloping, comforting warmth, he can feel his heart pounding in his chest, usually pale skin keeping that powdered blush. There's nothing he can say to rationalize why they're doing this, no logical reason for the act, and yet when he lies against Yuuji's shoulder, their faces mere inches apart, the affection gripping his heart causes his typically ascetic thoughts to stall, a selfish need to stay in this contentment persisting. It makes him happy. He doesn't know why.

In hesitance, he allows their limbs to fall into the comfortable gaps, hand shifting across the other boy's chest to find his side, wrapping around him and pulling him closer. There's an awareness that the skin his hands are traveling over is bare, and somehow that's a scandalous thing, making his heart race, stirring up a strange feeling of anticipation. That's a first.

When Yuuji speaks, Megumi looks up to meet his eyes briefly. With the proximity of their faces, it's an immediately overwhelming thing to just look at him. ]

It's -- [ Talking is hard enough whenever he's embarrassed. Of course he can't manage in this situation. ] I don't ... hate it?

[ In a rare instance where their thoughts are synced, Megumi is pondering that as well as he averts his gaze, wondering if this was a normal act Yuuji would share with his other friends. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

June 2022 Event

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what the fuck that tag was so rude

not sorry u_u

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