Who ⬤ xingqiu & friends(?) What ⬤ mingle prompts, substories, closed starters. When ⬤ september, october, etc Where ⬤ around the city Content Warnings ⬤ will update as necessary.
( ooc: open to all but if you prefer a custom starter send me a PM )
MAID CAFE ; — a. ( substory one: EMBER GO ) open to all
[ It's a cozy little shop, difficult to locate as it's off the beaten path. On the second floor, above a real estate office, a small cafe can be found. Most of its regulars happen to come from the many nearby businesses, typically young youkai fresh out of university (or so they claim). As far as anyone is aware hell hasn't spawned any form of higher education. Go figure maybe something recently appeared or they may just be lying. Either way, as long as there is money involved they are welcome to come in.
However, the updates to a certain application have caused some trouble. While there may be those willing to pay the price to step into the cafe, there are also those who are willing to circumvent the entry fee just so they can capture an elusive EMBER GO character.
The rare BunnyQiu can only be found within this area of the city (perhaps tied to the fact that Xingqiu himself works at what amounts to a maid cafe may have caused this version to appear only within the boundaries of the locale.) However, Xingqiu himself now stands in the way of gaining access to the sprite. Aware of why traffic has risen lately, he is quick to stop anyone at the door. ]
Only paying customers are allowed inside.
[ Either pay to get in or attempt to violently trespass. Take a chance and see how well that's going to go. ]
— b. open to all
[ It's only to be expected of him to know the name of the current client, after all, they did call in advance. That was part of the point of booking appointments like this otherwise the illusion would be lost. However, he hasn't completely settled upon how he feels about anyone seeking the company of a pretend spouse. Not that it hasn't been completely lost on him that he too sinks into his own fantasies; Although there is a stark difference. He seeks his ideals, clients here seek to remedy their loneliness.
Preparations to meet his guest start from looking over details, which of course include the outfit the client selected for him to wear. So as long as the request is reasonable it would be fulfilled, otherwise, if the chosen garments are found to be indecent he would opt for the default. They can complain all they want later.
When the time comes for him to greet the customer, he is prepared with a (mostly amused) smile. ]
Welcome home, dear.
Why don't you settle in? I'll have dinner ready soon.
[ Well, not him really, the chef in charge of the kitchen prepares all meals including the ones the clients request their maids to prepare. The most Xingqiu does is present the dinner, maybe even garnish it, but that's about it. For now, he must lead his spouse by the hand to their table and settle them in. ]
But you'll have to be patient, okay? For the meanwhile would you like to do something to pass the time?
BOOK SHOP ;
[ The expansive city he found to be dotted with many book shops; all of which he knows their location by heart. Xingqiu doesn't favor any particular store and if possible he endeavors to visit a few when on the prowl for something new to read. Fortunately, most could be found within the Sutoku Alliance's territories. It not only helped him plan less troublesome routes to take but also made it much easier to bring home his purchases.
Today, he just happened to be searching for the second volume in a series of four books. With the first one completed he is ready to continue the journey through this tale. Although he is having some trouble locating the novel, he knows his way around most shops and typically avoids asking for assistance, yet where the book should be he finds everything in disarray. That doesn't discourage him from searching.
Slowly the spine of each book is read, his right hand out, index finger barely making contact with each book as his hand travels from novel to novel. Finally, he pauses and not because he found what he was looking for. ]
— a. open to all
[ On this particular visit, he finds himself once again surprised. This isn't the first time he has come upon a familiar title among the books available in Jigokucho. He recalls some time ago speaking to a certain gentleman and recounting for him a tale he read long ago. Xingqiu also remembers beings surprised when he found a volume of that story, and now for a second time, he feels that same sensation.
He doesn't immediately remove the title from the shelf, instead, he pulls his hand back and finds himself smiling. A sigh can't be helped when he is flooded by thoughts of home. ]
— b. open to all
[ Instead he is met with a book he is intimately familiar with. Tempted to draw it from the shelf he begins to pull the novel out from where it is housed only to suddenly push it right back in. How odd that something he penned would be here. How far has his published work traveled? It's a bit eerie, it's not even all that popular in Liyue itself but he knows it is appreciated in other lands. Yet, this feels awkward in a sense. It's almost like being reminded of some embarrassing moment of his childhood.
But it seems he isn't alone. He restrains a sigh and then faces his audience. ]
Yes, may I help you?
— c. ( probably nsfw ) open to all
[ Rather, the book his index finger lightly touches has no visible title on its spine. Naturally, he immediately removes it from the shelf and opens it right up only for him to place it back where he got it from. A hand is soon on his chin in thought, quietly contemplating what he just witnessed. Well, maybe it's a bit embarrassing, sure, but why is that kind of book in this section? ]
Well, that certainly doesn't belong here.
AROUND THE CITY ; — a. ( substory one: MORE EMBER GO STUFF ) open to all
[ Not seeing the point in this aspect of EMBER, there was a thought to engage with the application's new updates in order to attempt to comprehend the goal. So quickly the first character is caught and just as quickly he finds it dead. It hasn't even been thirty minutes! Now, what exactly did he do wrong? As puzzled as he is over this development it takes him a moment to realize he isn't alone as his attention has been glued to his phone's screen in disbelief.
And just like that, he looks up to see the face of the person whose sprite character is dead on his phone's screen. ]
I tried?
— b. ( substory two: CAN'T DOWNLOAD A CLUE ) open to all
[ Waiting at the rundown, poorly thought-out business was Xingqiu. Already having come to an agreement with the internet cafe's inept owner (or rather his father), the teen had keys leading to the establishment which goes a long way in explaining as to how Xingqiu got inside while the cafe remained closed due to business needs ie the owner took off on his yacht to Macau or Las Vegas or whatever any of that means.
For the moment, aware that he lacks knowledge when it comes to this type of technology, Xingqiu made sure to attempt to contact anyone that can help him verify the condition of the equipment found inside. Look, daddy gave him access to some money that the man was willing to sink into his son's failing business. ]
Thank you, for accepting to meet me here. As we agreed once the job is done, you'll receive your payment.
— c. ( substory three: DRIFTER GRIFTER ) open to all
[ There is a single objective in mind, his steps don't waver as he seems to be certain of where he is heading. Already tipped off about where that straggler might be found Xingqiu plans to confront the conman and get everyone's money back. Most especially, someone, he knows. Really, how many people have been fooled? Anyway, if words don't work then he'll find another solution to the problem... ]
— d. ( substory four: DOGGED THE BOUNTY HUNTERS ) open to all
[ No matter the orders, or what objectives have been entailed for alliance members to follow through with, Xingqiu opts to ignore everything. Seriously, is this going to get out of hand again? Rather than directly participate in the search for clues or searching for the elusive criminal Xingqiu decides to help. That is he will provide help to anyone he finds in a spot of trouble no matter what faction they belong to.
If someone is hurt, he will tend to them, if they need guidance getting to any location he will provide that information but nothing too detailed. He isn't all that involved. The most he can do is heal injuries, provide refreshments, and maybe even a snack. ]
There you go. That wasn't too bad now, was it?
Although there isn't much I can do about keeping you dry.
[ Yeah. About him providing healing... well expect that his hydro abilities come with the added bonus of leaving anyone he tends to all wet. ]
[She's sputtering, and steam is rising off of her. The heck bro? If it was just fixing up her few scrapes and bumps then she would just give a hesitant thanks and make note of it for the future.
And then promptly try to squirrel her way out of whatever kickbacks she feels she might owe. Now?
[ Witnessing her reaction, he considers warning the next person he provides aid to but it is an avoidable part of him using his skill. What is a cause for surprise is that other visible effect after his hydro abilities make contact, that's unexpected but it isn't quite the same as the elemental reactions he has witnessed in Teyvat. Finding no need to mention that he offers her a smile.
The only thing she can feel content in is the fact that he too seems to have gotten soaked. Also, all scratches, bumps, and cuts are gone. Just like that, she is as good as new, even if she now has to dry off a bit.
Not to worry. Nothing stays wet long. ]
As much as I would also like to avoid getting wet myself, this is just a part of my abilities. Don't worry, you'll dry quickly. Besides, it's not too bad. Or maybe I'm just used to it.
[Such cold logic and observations! Could he secretly be an oni himself!? Kuu.... very well then! She will just have to "deal" with it. Except not really cause there's still a hint of wine in her voice.
Girl gonna complain when she's got somethin' to complain about.]
Says the one that's not soaked to the bone right now! Tch, if I was some human I would probably get sick or something.
[That's a thing that happens, right? They get a little cold and catch their death? She wouldn't be surprised with how weak and sensitive they are.]
Come now, people don't get sick just because they're a little wet. It takes a bit more than that. How about traversing through a frigid wilderness? Now that is more likely to lead to illness.
[ Probably. There are those with weak constitutions that even a breeze can bring forth disease. But people aren't all the same. Some are more robust than others. As for him, he isn't sure where he would situate himself on that scale. Certainly, if he measures only by the standards of his homeland then he would be considered hardy but here? Well, who truly knows?
Although he won't argue the point with an oni that views him as a weak boy with little meat on his bones. ]
But back to the topic of your injuries. Are you feeling better?
[Her voice and supporting look says she doubts that. Then again there are a few exceptional humans out there, she guesses. Even if she considers them to be the minority. Meh, it didn't really matter right now, did it? She turns up the heat of her flames to steam dry herself.
At least she wouldn't be wet for very long. Silly human, and his silly water magics.]
Mrgh... they're fine, I guess. I don't really feel anything now.
[Beyond, you know, the obvious. And the whole wet feeling was quickly dissipating.]
[ Doubt is met with patience reflected in a soft smile, though he has no doubts that she is likely far older than him her expressions and mannerisms are that of a child, mostly. Although he won't patronize her by treating her like one, he knows there is a thin line here and he cannot cross it. Aware of her strength since their encounter in the underground tunnels, he treats her with enough respect but equal amiability that he doesn't keep her at arm's length. Perhaps that will prove to be a mistake in the future? He hopes not.
For now, having healed her of those small injuries, he straightens up while stretching his arms as he watches the kindling flame, followed by steam rolling off her body. Well, good thing that didn't have any sort of adverse effects. Although he does reach towards her, not to touch the flames, but feel the heat coming off of her. He isn't a heathen that would do something obviously dangerous. ]
Nothing at all?
[ It's a question prompted by real concern, although it isn't lost on him that perhaps drenched clothes are something that can be completely uncomfortable for anyone not used to being soaked. ]
[At least she isn't completely made of fire! Gosh, darn mage-man! Tch, now what was he doing, moving his hand that close to her? Grr... if he got any closer he might end... t-t-t-touching her!
Tch, well she'll allow since he did help her out and all that. But don't think she isn't watching him very closely!]
What? Besides my soaking clothes and the fading sting of the cuts?
[She don't get the concern. Or why people seemed to be concerned about her lately either!]
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september substories + more | ota
— a. ( substory one: EMBER GO ) open to all
— b. open to all
BOOK SHOP ; AROUND THE CITY ;
— a. ( substory one: MORE EMBER GO STUFF ) open to all
— b. ( substory two: CAN'T DOWNLOAD A CLUE ) open to all
— c. ( substory three: DRIFTER GRIFTER ) open to all
— d. ( substory four: DOGGED THE BOUNTY HUNTERS ) open to all
Substory D
And then promptly try to squirrel her way out of whatever kickbacks she feels she might owe. Now?
Now she's just an incredulous, wet banana.]
Oi! Did you really need to do that water thing?!
no subject
The only thing she can feel content in is the fact that he too seems to have gotten soaked. Also, all scratches, bumps, and cuts are gone. Just like that, she is as good as new, even if she now has to dry off a bit.
Not to worry. Nothing stays wet long. ]
As much as I would also like to avoid getting wet myself, this is just a part of my abilities. Don't worry, you'll dry quickly. Besides, it's not too bad. Or maybe I'm just used to it.
no subject
Girl gonna complain when she's got somethin' to complain about.]
Says the one that's not soaked to the bone right now! Tch, if I was some human I would probably get sick or something.
[That's a thing that happens, right? They get a little cold and catch their death? She wouldn't be surprised with how weak and sensitive they are.]
no subject
[ Probably. There are those with weak constitutions that even a breeze can bring forth disease. But people aren't all the same. Some are more robust than others. As for him, he isn't sure where he would situate himself on that scale. Certainly, if he measures only by the standards of his homeland then he would be considered hardy but here? Well, who truly knows?
Although he won't argue the point with an oni that views him as a weak boy with little meat on his bones. ]
But back to the topic of your injuries. Are you feeling better?
no subject
[Her voice and supporting look says she doubts that. Then again there are a few exceptional humans out there, she guesses. Even if she considers them to be the minority. Meh, it didn't really matter right now, did it? She turns up the heat of her flames to steam dry herself.
At least she wouldn't be wet for very long. Silly human, and his silly water magics.]
Mrgh... they're fine, I guess. I don't really feel anything now.
[Beyond, you know, the obvious. And the whole wet feeling was quickly dissipating.]
no subject
For now, having healed her of those small injuries, he straightens up while stretching his arms as he watches the kindling flame, followed by steam rolling off her body. Well, good thing that didn't have any sort of adverse effects. Although he does reach towards her, not to touch the flames, but feel the heat coming off of her. He isn't a heathen that would do something obviously dangerous. ]
Nothing at all?
[ It's a question prompted by real concern, although it isn't lost on him that perhaps drenched clothes are something that can be completely uncomfortable for anyone not used to being soaked. ]
no subject
Tch, well she'll allow since he did help her out and all that. But don't think she isn't watching him very closely!]
What? Besides my soaking clothes and the fading sting of the cuts?
[She don't get the concern. Or why people seemed to be concerned about her lately either!]