there are no happy accidents | closed

[nemuru]

Who: Ritsu Sakuma & others
When: June
Where: Around
What: Just a bunch of starters for this month, playing catch-up.
Warnings: The horror movie bullshit the tunnels in the Following Rumors log presented, underage (? there is no drinking age in Aefenglom but-) drinking; others will be added as they apply.

Starters and etc. will be in the comments. If you'd like to do something with anything posted this month, let me know at galaxydestiny!

Comments

following rumors | 10th, souji

[nemuru]

[ The whole place is ... familiar, yet off enough that he can't be completely relaxed - and maybe that's for the best, because he shouldn't let his guard down in the Wilde. He knows this - had scratches from it - but being alert makes him exhausted.

Reminds him of being far too on edge last year.

At least with a partner, it's a little easier - he can take it a little easier - and Souji isn't awful to travel with. After some preliminary formalities, it's down past the lake, to the tunnels that lay on the lower levels.

Ritsu stares into them, playing with the ring that ~apparently glows when there's danger, and grins slightly at Souji. ]

How's your nightvision, Souji-kun?

[ Never mind that they have spells to light shit up. ]

[socials]

A little better than it used to be.

[ There's a joke to be made, there, as Souji sets his hand against the wall for a moment to keep himself steady in their trek downwards. You dive into the depths of a dungeon like Naoto's, like Adachi's, you find a way to adapt. His glasses no longer have any power, at least not of Teddie's persuasion as far as he can tell, but he'll put his trust into the magic they've been given for their task.

... and in the sword in his other hand. ]

But we might need the help. [ Their magic, the enchanted bits of paper they were given. Even the rings. ] I'm just not ready to use them unless necessary, since they might draw attention.

[ Something lives down there. Being on edge is simply his default state after each time he walked into the unnerving fog of the Midnight Channel, and this cave is another dungeon to trawl where something prickles at the back of his mind, be careful, watch your team's back. Ritsu is his team, right now.

He sticks close. ] How's yours?

[nemuru]

A little worse than it used to be. [ Mostly true.

He still likes being out at night, so he hasn't suffered too much, but rabbits are not made for nighttime walks either - he's slowly growing more adjust to actual sunlight. Ritsu slides the ring on after a moment, left ring finger, and pretends it's for something happier and cuter than going into some deep, dark cave. ] We probably even out... We'll be okay. Mmm, this cave seems kinda glowy anyway, right?

[ He's mostly referring to the moss and mushrooms. The runes that were around those pools of water. Stuff like that. ]

Probably not gonna help a lot, but at least it won't be totally pitch black... Probably.

shots shots shots | litha, tori & kaoru

[nemuru]

[ Ritsu's let out of the infirmary on two conditions:

One, he doesn't do anything strenuous again.

Two, he takes a Witch capable of healing magic with him, just to make sure he stays fine - especially having to contend with his changes. Naturally, he had only agreed if it were one of the few familiar faces around: Tori.

That wasn't too long ago; long enough that he'd had time to get new clothes, the longer pale green skirt successful in its job of hiding the majority of his unfortunate bunny legs. It's a little weird, but it's free-feeling, and sort of comfortable, if he's honest? Not as bad as it could be, and his floppy black ears twitch as he does little hops to move. The full moon ... it might be worth checking up on the other Monsters he knows; Rei, he already knows the state of, and he hesitates before he taps out an invite to Kaoru to join him and Tori for some fun. Drinks are plenty free, not to mention food - no better time to hang out, in his opinion.

Which is chiefly why they're back at the same place Kaoru'd been working before. Being in with the owners is sure to give them an edge, at least in Ritsu's mind, and at least one of their trio fits that bill-

his ears perk up when he sees Kaoru, though instead of greeting him, he pats Tori's head with the same fondness you might a particularly annoying, but cute, dog. ]

He's babysitting me, so that's why he's included.

[ just in case kaoru thought they were like, friends or something, which they're not. ]

[kaowont]

[ We're NOT friends?? Don't be mean, Ritsu-kun... — but it's not like he's going to be the one to say it if they were. Still, Kaoru's here and looking, well... about as cheerful as he can around his classmates this time. A lot happened, okay.

There's just a lot to take in given how long it's been, namely: the fact that he can't deny anything about himself openly, what with the two ears atop his head that keep perking at the slightest amount of noise, and uh, that... skirt. That's a thing. He folds arms across chest. ]

Hmm~. Is it reeeally okay for Tori-kun to be involved in our little game? I don't want to get in trouble or whatever.

[ In trouble with who, though? Everyone's too busy celebrating, and it's not as if they're at home... there's no family to scold them anymore. ]

[littlemperor]

[this senpai's changed too, huh. tori stares at the ears, scowling at the way he's pet and knocks ritsu's hand away.]

Don't touch me! You're not one of the people who're allowed to, you know? So don't act so friendly about it. [huff.



huff. he's gonna prop his face in his hands, elbows against the table. as always is the case these days, he's got long sleeves despite the weather.] What game are you two playing anyway? Why would you get in trouble if I was involved? If it's against the law, I'm telling Mhairi-san, you know?

[nemuru]

[ Ritsu's wishing it was just the ears, man. He rests his chin in his hand now that it's been knocked away, not quite ... relaxed, his own pair of ears remaining perked as he keeps listening for anything unfortunately familiar. Things are okay for now, and the city's big, but... ]

It'll be fi~ne. [ As for Tori- ] It's just a drinkin' game, Pinky... Me and Kaoru-senpai played Never Have I Ever last month. You can have juice if you want though.

[ You know, like a little kid. ]

[kaowont]

[ You know who does have permission to pet Tori? This guy. Small victories, or rather, it's a privilege of his, a memory that only surfaces as he watches the touch and the knock-away and feels... something awkward stir in the pit of his stomach. Like, when did these two get familiar enough for that? And why is he so bothered? His expression is as neutral as ever, but something stirs beneath the skin that makes him antsy.

Well. Whatever it is, it'll go away. It will.

It's not like he cares that hard, anyway. Really. ]

Whoa, whoa. What he said. Besides, it's not against the law... and if it waaas... well. I guess an ex-student council member would be a snitch, huh~?

[ A tease. It's a miracle he even remembers that detail, given how much attention he pays to other guys... whew. Anyway. He wiggles his fingers at a bubbly waitress, more smiles now than before. Hello, hello. Litha is a gift in many ways. Eventually she meanders on back their way through the pub only to set down a few pink, rosé-spiked drinks and greet Kaoru personally before moving on. An old coworker, probably. ]

[littlemperor]

[just never had they ever, huh... it's... not a game tori's personally familiar with, but he doesn't like, want to give that away, because he's heard of it at the very least but playing it?

with what friends.

before this year, anyway, and it's not like the friends he'd made would think of playing it in the first place, probably. so it remains a legend, a story-told game of deceit and drinks, and tori stares at the pretty pink drinks set in front of them contemplatively.

and then he sighs, like he's doing them the worlds' biggest favor.]

Fine, I won't tell~. But only if I get to play too. I'm sure there's plenty of things I can think of that'll get you two emptying your glasses. ♪

[nemuru]

That's because Pinky's as innocent as Suuchan.

[ But they've got a few glasses, so Ritsu'll move one in front of Tori obligingly. ]

I'm lookin' forward to seein' what'll get you to drink anyway, so sure. Long as Kaoru-senpai doesn't mind.

[kaowont]

Hmm~? I don't mind at all.

[ Because, like, is it really his responsibility? No matter how they long and search for home, there doesn't seem to be a way back... so technically, he isn't super obligated to look after either of them, let alone Tori. He isn't stuck in the role of upperclassman, and they aren't stuck with someone exceptionally unreliable... right?

Careful hands slide each drink into a proper position, like he's done this a thousand times before. ]

In fact, let's let Tori-kun start, since he's our guest and all? Seems only fair to me.

a dance | litha, iramaat

[nemuru]

[ Ritsu knows better than to get himself alone with either of the women in his house, but it ends up happening that it ends up happening. At least the festival is a pleasant excuse to keep things light, despite the fact things are not going well for him: prior to the beginning of Litha, he hadn't been around at home - he'd been in the Coven infirmary instead, with only the excuse of "things got out of hand on the full moons" being mentioned to his housemates. It isn't untrue at all, but his trophies from then are a new set of ears (floppy black bunny ones, like he usually has in his dreams), and fur beginning from his waist down to his feet - his entire lower half is vastly more rabbit-shaped now, though he can still stand on two legs.

...The latter part of that he's wearing skirts for now, finding it just easier to buy ones that are long and a little wide at the bottom than to go find a tailor to specifically hem him some new rabbit-ready pants. Today's skirt is a pale plain blue one - he hasn't really gotten into the whole "find cute patterns" phase of his acceptance yet.

He's been too busy giving annoyed looks at people hitting on him thinking he's a woman instead, so finding Iramaat - despite knowing! he should! not be alone with women from his house! - is actually a blessing. Seeing people who are familiar, who he knows better than he knows complete strangers, is a blessing.

But he isn't going to tell her that. Then he'll owe her something. He gives her a cheerful wave when he (a bit literally) hops over, given he's found it's hard to walk like a normal person when your feet are bunnified. ]

Yo, Iramaat-san~. Didja come for some fun, or for some [ a little quirk of his eyebrow, glancing at the brothel workers - who are still quite charmed by the mistake made by their innuendos on their advertisement ] fun? If it's the latter, I'm not gonna get in your way...♪

[wylderrant]

[ Ira only has the new horns so far - no fur - but it's probably inevitable. She chooses not to think about it, though, not after her bond and after enjoying the festival as much as she has. She's been a little worried about Ritsu - he's been gone for a few days - but you'd never tell from the way her face lights up when she spots him. She steps away, arms wide as if to embrace him. ]

Ritsu! So good to see you - you've been gone, are you well?

[ Oh, right. She glances over her shoulder at the brothel workers and shoots them a wink. ]

Oh, I've found plenty of entertainment, but nothing I can't put off for a little while to spend some time with you. Especially after you've left us all alone in that gigantic house for so long...

[ Ira, it's been like two days or something. ]

[nemuru]

[ He's not looking forward to what Nel has to say about his being gone, in particular.

His smile wanes a little and he shrugs, turning his face to hide it as he bounces just a little closer. ]

I've been just fine... Was stayin' with my older brother and some friends. [ Not... a lie, not a lie. His life is just full of this right now. ] It's only been a couple of days, Iramaat-san... You gonna make me make it up to you anyway?

[wylderrant]

[ She notices that little attempt and while she doesn't say anything, she does note it and decided to push a little, sidestepping to get closer in the crowd. ]

I think I might have to have you make it up to me. With you gone, I have a very poor audience for my stories - Nel's not that interested, more's the pity. So I think doing me a favor isn't out of the question...

[nemuru]

[ How cruel. Ritsu scrunches his nose, wishing Nel was a little more interactive with stories - how far does that stick go? Ah, she really is the worst parts - but nods after a moment, shifting on his feet. ]

Well, you know what I can offer... [ Dances, songs, music, baking? Company. ] Name your price.

[wylderrant]

Give me a dance, dear heart, and I will be pleased.

[ Iramaat laughs and bows theatrically. ]

It's a wonderful day, after all, and I savor your company.

[nemuru]

[ ...Alright, he can't help it; Iramaat really is charming, even if she's tricky, and it isn't even in an annoying way - he thinks it over for a second and holds out his hand, fingers curled lightly. A little nervewracking, but Iramaat is a good person; he trusts her. ]

Join me, my lady? [ A beat, and he shifts on his feet. ] Gonna be kinda weird with the new leg thing, but if we move slowly, then I think it'll work.

[ He has to learn how to move with these anyway, bunny hops aside. ]

a little fun | litha, yako

[nemuru]

[ With new bunny ears to match his bunny tail, and a bunny tail to go with his new bunny lower half, Ritsu

did not exactly escape the full moons unscathed. This is literal too, changes aside, but those are hidden beneath clothing: a white blouse, a long grey skirt that swishes widely when he hops. He's been keeping away from areas too crowded (unless someone he knows is there), particularly those with notable Witch populations - Monsters too, he's not overly fond of.

But Yako is a Witch he know and knows is a good person, so when he sees her moving through the crowd, he swallows the knot in his throat and bounds forward through, setting his hands on her shoulders. His grip is a little tight, despite his easy-going, sleepy-as-usual appearance. ]

Enjoying the festival?

[topslug]

[ Yako may be back in the city proper, but her mind’s still a million miles away, back in a dark cave with frozen corpses. She’d been fortunate enough to avoid any violent run ins herself, but she saw what happened to those that got caught up in it afterward, enough to realize they’d been caught in quite the honeytrap. While she’d seen a few familiar faces during the expedition, she hadn’t had a chance to catch up with them afterwards. Now, in the full swing of Litha, it feels silly and distant to dwell on it at all, but she can’t stop thinking about it.

That could have been us.

As such, when hands clap onto her shoulders from behind, she just about jumps out of her skin, letting out a sharp yelp of surprise and twisting around to see the culprit. ]

Oh, Ritsu-san ... it’s you. [ Her heart still pounding wildly in her chest, it takes a moment or two for her gaze to flicker up ... and up, taking in the new additions to Ritsu’s appearance with a slow blink. ]

[nemuru]

[ His new additions twitch at her bit of prolonged staring, slowly rising from their usual floppiness in similar interest. ]

Yep. [ Just him. He holds his wrist loose behind his back, tilting his head; his ears follow suit, more or less. ] Fufun... Look, I really am a bunny~. Do they suit me?

[topslug]

[ The question snaps Yako out of her rude staring and she smiles reflexively. ]

They do. [ She answers, truthfully. Ritsu’s already a pretty expressive person: ears to make even bigger gestures with is only fitting. ]

Did those come in the last full moon...? [ Those, and the markedly different legs he’s sporting. Those will earn a curious look but she won’t make the mistake of lingering overlong on those again, focusing on Ritsu’s face. Those are some pretty stark changes compared to what last month’s brought, and she can’t help but wonder at the reason for it. ]

[nemuru]

Ahh, yeah, they did. [ His ears don't match the casual, dismissive way he says it, them immediately setting back against his head immediately. ] I can't really remember it all that well, but they stuck around afterwards, so I guess I just gotta deal with it.

[ ...He doesn't really want to remember, and he bounces slightly on his heels; the only good thing about this transformation business is that he has a little more energy.

Well, objectively good thing. He still isn't sure how to handle it, given he's not used to having this much aside from at the darkest parts of the night. ]

Kinda makes me wonder what next month'll have. Maybe I really will turn into a big ol' bunny...

[ Ritsu. May have spoken about something like this with like, Tori, while he was still in the infirmary. ]

[topslug]

[ Despite living with two Monsters herself, Yako isn't very familiar with how the transformation works on a detailed level -- and it seems to be different with everyone she's met. She watches Ritsu as he bounces in place, expression thoughtful as she tries to decide what she makes of his answer (which seems, well, a little evasive) and whether to pry further or not. ]

Maybe ... [ She pauses. ] But that big bunny will still be you, you know.

[ She offers him what she hopes is something like a reassuring smile, despite her own worries that won't quite be easily dispelled. If he's been having trouble with his shifts during the full moon, she wonders what he's doing to try to keep it under control, if he's already found a partner to stabilize him or not. ]

Eating enchanted food is supposed to help with changes around the full moon. If you ever need some of that for next time, you should let me know.

[nemuru]

[ Still him, huh. It's easy for her to say, because she's not dealing with it - even if she might be right, objectively. Maybe the rest of his friends would feel the same way, or maybe they'd think him a real monster - maybe it'd be like the people here, thinking he couldn't keep himself under control.

He doesn't want to be this, though. If he really is like this, then he might be like this forever, and what normal person would ever love someone like that...? ]

...Yeah, I'll do that. Come by before the next moon or whatever and grab some of your snacks. [ Ritsu's smile is half there, performative at best. ] Or Yako-chan could just ditch her house and come live with me instead, take care of me, spoil me...♪ Nel-san's too mean, you know? She reminds me of a friend, but she doesn't have any give at aaall... Totally heartless, Yako-chan.