middaeg | there are no happy accidents

[ 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. ]

[ 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. ]

[ 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...♪

[ 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. ]

[ 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?

Edited 2019-06-24 22:45 (UTC)

[ 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?

[ 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...

[ 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. ]

Edited 2019-06-25 05:01 (UTC)

[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?

[ 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. ]

Edited 2019-06-25 17:34 (UTC)

[ 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. ]

Edited 2019-06-25 23:11 (UTC)

[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. ♪

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.

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.

[urk, they're both so experienced--]

M-Me?

[oh, no. uh. um. tori wraps his hand around the glass a little nervously, trying not to let it show as he kicks his feet a bit beneath the table. what do people like, ask. um. oh god.

wait.]

Trying to get knocked out early, huh~? I don't mind. ♪ [okay. nail the right phrase. you got this, tori himemiya, you are not gonna show that you have never played this a day in your life--] I've never ever grown a pair of ears.

You gotta say never have I ever, Pinky. [ ...Ritsu's still drinking though, pouting - that's not fair, coming out swinging.

Well, this game's not supposed to be fair. ] 'kay, we'll do next youngest... Mmm, my birthday's in September, so I just had it - according to my memories, anyway. Senpai, yours is around my brother's right? You're next.

[ Disregarding school years entirely- ]

[ Just had it... ? Hmm. Hmm? Something isn't adding up here, but luckily Kaoru isn't going to dwell on it for that long. He complies with a quick swig, and then, tapping a noticeably clawed finger against his lips: ]

Let's see... never have I eeeever... sucked up to anyone who works for the Coven. ♪

[ Payback for hitting hard so early. ]

[geh-- he messed up so early... tori looks sour at it being point out, cheeks easily giving away his embarrassment. kids are so easy.]

You know, pretty much every Witch does. ♪ I'd say if you're tried flirting with them, that'd count. [he seems so confident.] Anyway, I get a pass on that. I'm not sucking up to a~nyone there.

[teatime isn't sucking up. this is befriending the higher ups. being in his place. stuff like that.]

[ No Way. ]

You meet with 'em and have teatime, and I'm gonna bet you're workin' in the infirmary 'cause of 'em too... Since you said it's just givin' back. [ Ritsu leans back, huffing. ] That's suckin' up, Pinky... No matter whatcha think, brushin' elbows is just that.

[ So!!! Drink up, bitch!!!!! Ritsu has never interacted with them a day in his life ~~due to being a mod character~~, so he's free to just swirl his glass. ]

And even if you don't, I got somethin' that'll definitely make you drink. [ Fufun. ] Never have I ever... Hmmm, never have I ever... had my head patted by Ecchan...? Yeah, that sounds good.

[ This is all news to Kaoru... hmm, hmm. Wow. Who knew... they'd actually... be learning stuff about each other??? Like, the actual purpose of this game? Well, he's safe here... — there's only one or two shameless enough in Yumenosaki sto keep giving a guy like him a pat on the head.

If only they'd all been from Anzu...

Anyway, ]

Eh? In the infirmary? Hmm... introduce me to a cute nurse sometime, okay? Okay?

[THAT IS........ SO LOW, SENPAI................. tori takes two sips then-- well, he takes a sip and makes a surprised noise, what he thought was pink lemonade most certainly not, but it... isn't bad? sort of sweet, with kind of an odd tang to it, but it's not unpleasant. so he can take a second sip.]

You just wish you had your head pet by Eichi-sama. [gosh. he looks over kaoru too, lifting his head to stare down his nose as much as he can.] And why should I? Can't you just introduce yourself? It's not like you've ever done anything to deserve my help, senpai. ♪

[favor for favor... it's a cruel world.]

Anyway. ♪ Um~... Never have I ever... slept on the ground.

[ 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.

[ Hey... Hey................. Ritsu leans away from Tori, pout increasing. Be nicer... You Know His Current Status. ]

...Guess I gotta count passing out in the gardens as sleeping on the ground, [ mumble grumble, but he'll take a sip. ] I haven't done any of that since I got here though. That's the kinda thing I deserved to be praised for, y'know.

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.

[ 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. ]

there are no happy accidents | closed

following rumors | 10th, souji

shots shots shots | litha, tori & kaoru

a dance | litha, iramaat

no subject

a little fun | litha, yako

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject