prismaticrap | ▶ TDM .019

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You awaken amidst the darkness with only a faint light to greet you. Your body is hemmed in by shards of crystals, gently sparkling and possibly pricking your skin. The surrounding landscape is dyed in the pinks and purples of the dusk filled with crystals protruding from the ground, some as large as a skyscraper. After an hour or two of wandering through the crystal wilderness, a group of people find you worse for wear. They are the gallant Moon Knights from the planet of Prismatica. Because of the strange phenomena during the past months when scientists observed the sudden appearance of rainbow crystals in the sky, the government has been feverishly combing through the moon for more Moonblessed to be rescued. You’ll eventually be brought into Iris’s moon government center.

You all may have your usual inquiries — Where are we? Who are you? What's going on? — and the Prismals are almost too eager to answer. They tell you about their world and about the first appearance of the Moonblessed as the medical staff give you an examination to make sure you’re not carrying any viruses or biological hazards. If you react violently, you may be restrained and nerfed with a specialized neurotransmitting gun that releases a numbing agent through the top of your spine. Once the examinations are over, you’re informed that you will be provided accommodations on their planet during your stay. You will then be escorted to the docks, and led onto a large transport vessel that makes frequent trips back and forth between the Iris moon and the planet. Faces onboard vary from both old and new Moonblessed as well as the local Prismals.

The next destination: Prismatica.

▶ Welcome to the Jungle
Iris Moon, Government Center (Arrival) and Planet Prismatica, City of Lunatia | top

Welcome to Prismatica’s hub, Lunatia, the city of your dreams! A bustling metropolis lush with bright lights, vibrant colors, luxuriant plant life, and all the conveniences of technology absent from your own world… It seems like paradise to all the uninitiated. After a quick tour of the city, new arrivals can find themselves getting cozy in their new homes.

A Settle in your new home at Level 2 to find new roommates and say hello to your neighbors! City officials will give you directions to the designated districts across Level 2 and instruct you to pick out a unit. Each apartment complex has a different aesthetic, some may look cozy, some stylish, and some bizarre. The free accommodations have a basic living space that can only fit two or three people at most in one unit.

Starter Chromaspace furnishings are provided which can be controlled with the touch of a built-in panel. Examples are color-changing curtains, transforming sofa beds, cabinets turning into tables, etc. Customizing your apartment or moving out will have to wait until you earn more chroma. Until then, why don’t you check out your new neighborhood or explore the city levels? Maybe your new roommates or neighbors can give you a “hand” with allowance for dinner.

▶ What’s Behind Door #1?
09/08 | Crystal Beach, Lunatia | Submitted by:

machizumo | top

The recent torrential rains and showdown with the Viergian Queen Tempeste have shifted the sands of Crystal Beach and dredged up seaweed and flotsam from below. The slight mess coupled with the seasonal transition into fall makes for a quieter beach and a more open space, if you pick the right time of the day.

Kazuma Kuwabara (

machizumo), one of Lunatia's Moonblessed, has done his best to pick the right moment. He's saved up his energy -his Chroma- as best as he’s been able to, and he's decided that he's going to give busting out of Prismatica a shot. He's not sure how good his odds are, but there are odds. While Kuwabara is only but a human fighter who won't really be able to stack up against the demons that he normally keeps in his company, he does have one thing that nobody else he's heard of has... the ability to slice through dimensions!

It's not easy to summon, but he manages it, reflecting on his home and how to best reach it, how to potentially help others reach theirs. It's just past dawn when a large, clean tear in reality rises up along the atmosphere just above the mostly deserted beach, as though the scenery were made of fabric being met with sharp scissors. Beyond the tear is a swirling vortex of color and more.

What more means, Kuwabara doesn't personally get to discover. His energy is expended almost instantaneously, and he grows solidly crystallized before he hits the ground. The rest of it... that's for Prismatica and the Moonblessed around to discover.

B The dimensional tear gives way to several more multicolored tears all across the planet. These strange rips have a strong gravitational pull that is near impossible to outrun. Find yourself close to one, and you may be pulled inside before you can even think to escape.

What’s on the other end? Inside, you find a scene of Prismatica ten years into the future, and the world is significantly more advanced. It is a time of great prosperity. The planet has been completely restored, flourishing with new life. Ten years' worth of memories flood your mind, and you have settled so deep into the culture and the world that you now think of yourself as a true-blue Prismatican. Maybe you have a good job. Maybe you have a spouse and three kids. Maybe you still think about home from time to time. Maybe you wouldn’t mind staying here with your loved ones. Hey, a lot can happen in ten years.

▶ Fire and Brimstone
09/08 | Dimensional Tears | top

Not every dimensional tear leads to paradise. Some may pull you deep into the flames of a dying world, during the Calamity centuries ago. The first to greet you is King Majestas, his visage sitting on top of a throne built over a mound of crystallized bones. He fondly strokes his beautiful satyr lover, Lunae, as he encourages you to explore the vast wasteland. Attacking him is useless as he will disappear with Lunae after saying his piece.

C All Chroma has evaporated, and everything is covered in an endless diamond sheen. In the distance, you hear the screams of people dying and the constant sounds of crystals being ground up.

Eventually, shadows appear before your eyes. Possessing crystal horns and a crystal tail, these devil shadows are consumed by your worst sin and will not hesitate to hurt you and those around you. The slothful can put others to sleep and soon ravage them in their slumber, the lustful can awaken the darkest taboo desires in you, and so on. No matter what your worst sin is, the shadows will thoroughly enjoy committing vile acts until you submit yourself to them.

▶ Closing the Gap
09/09 - 09/10 | top

A day or two after the dimensional tears start appearing, Lunar Scientia announces that they have finished analyzing the mysterious rifts and will proceed to seal them after rescuing the missing Moonblessed. They will be calling for the Moon Knights and any remaining Moonblessed volunteers to grab some dimension sealing equipment. Yes, you read that right. The tears will be sealed shut in nearly the same way one would vacuum seal food for extra freshness.

D These dimension sealers are not just any ordinary vacuums. They require an excessive amount of Chroma to power. Just hugging one person alone won’t cut it. Prolonged awkward and uncomfortable hugs with at least two or three different Moonblessed will do the trick.

The Lunar Scientia will suggest setting up camp with your chosen partners and dimension sealers near a dimensional tear. Spooning is naturally the most optimal of positions. The longer you moonlace and the more people you engage in contact with, the higher the effectiveness of the dimension sealers. A meter on the device will indicate when it’s ready to be activated, but beware of the sinful shadows from Prompt C trying to stop you from sealing the rifts.

Once the holes are sealed and everyone is rescued, the Lunatian government and mainstream media stations will start issuing friendly PSAs on all the public access networks about the dangers of cutting holes through the fabric of their universe.

▶ Questions

If you have any questions regarding this test drive meme, please ask them in the Questions thread below.

WHO CAN POST? ▶ Test drive memes are for new characters only. Existing players may not post starter threads in the test drime meme. However, current players are more than welcome to use these prompts for their own posts in the IC communities, personal inboxes, catch-all posts, etc.!

IS THIS CANON? ▶ As our test drive memes are game canon, feel free to keep any threads that happen here as canon for your character should they be accepted.

DO I HAVE TO PARTICIPATE? ▶ As always, all content is optional. You do not have to be affected by any of the prompts if you wish to opt out.

NOTICE: We had a typo error on the log! Lunae is meant to be a satyr, not centaur. All typos have been fixed.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ He seems to be the thoughtful type, which works out just as well. At least he isn't panicking and flipping out- which, again, she wouldn't really blame him for if he did.

Her ears flick up, animated with her interest- and she does take his cue, long skirt flowing with the turn of her body as she shifts the flower basket to her forearm as she walks. ]

Have plenty of folks here from Japan. You'll feel right at home, aye? And I've been brought here, the same as you! Did live in a place that sounds a lot like your Japan from what I've heard, but it certainly wasn't it.

[ Blue eyes glittering brightly, even as she quietly observes him and his body language, maintaining enough closeness to be friendly but not intruding into his personal space too much just yet- she gestures to herself with a smile. ]

Name's Megumi! Matriarch of the Utakata Tribe. Lived in a land named Hingashi most of my life, but most people like me come from a place called Eorzea, on the star of Hydaelyn. I'm a miqo'te, not a cat, so let's get that out of the way, first!

[ Not that she doesn't act like a cat- but details, details. Her tail sways eagerly behind her as she looks over at him. ]

What about you, handsome? Going to make me wait on your name, too?

[ She can't help but tease, if just so she can help the man relax a little. ]

That, so? Well, we'll see if I do or don't. I'm from an older generation, and so, it almost feels like I'm from another age entirely.

[ His tone is light as he jokes with her about "generation gaps" rather than admit that he's been cut off from society for years. That isn't the type of topic to bring up casually. ]

Ah? [ He listens to Megumi explain herself and a bit of the world that she comes from. A lot of it goes over his head, of course, but he gets the idea that she's quite an important figure back where she comes from. ] Well, I wouldn't be so callous as to call you a regular ol' kitty, Megumi.

[ He gives her a slight teasing smile in return. ]

Name's Masaoka. I forgot my manners there for a second, so I'm glad that you're the one that's picking up the pieces of it. I'm sure to be able to get whipped into proper shape with a lovely young woman here to help me. [ A short laugh comes out involuntarily. ]

But I feel calling you 'Megumi' is a bit too casual. [ Even if she is quite the forward lady, some respect is good, isn't it? ] You're a matriarch, as you say. So, what's the proper title for you?

Edited 2020-09-19 07:06 (UTC)

Don't look a day over springtime, Masaoka. But I do appreciate a man with some maturity, aye? And some appreciation for beauty.

[ She'll never turn a compliment down, especially towards herself. She looks after her appearance, after all! And he's easy on the eyes, as well- even though she can't help but feel some kind of familiarity with his features.

( Who do you remind me of...? ) She thinks to herself- but finds herself not pressing the subject. It'll come to her, or he'll say something. She can connect the lines then.

With them heading out and past the residences, she enjoys listening to the way he speaks. He has a nice voice, and a friendly demeanour- nothing out of the ordinary. If he's got things to hide, he can join the rest of them. They've all got them, so it's no surprise. But at his comments, her ear flicks and she chuckles. ]

My tribesmaids call me "Matriarch", so unless you're looking to join us as a breeder, you needn't call me that, aye? Not that I'll stop you if you do. Megumi's fine with me, though. I have a pretty name, why not hear it?

[ One her mother picked so lovingly, too, despite it not being traditional for Keeper of the Moon miqo'te at all. But her tribe hasn't followed those naming conventions for a generation or two now.

Another friendly wiggle of her ears, before she shifts the basket to her opposite arm and instead- rather boldly, moves to slide her arm around his free one should he allow it. If not, she'll just lean in a little closer into his personal space. ]

Nothing better than a good meal to help someone settle in, aye? So, what's your flavour, handsome? I know a lot of good eateries around if you're hungry. Then you can tell me about that mysterious past of yours.

[ - a playful tease, before she grins cheekily, a peek of her Keeper fangs showing, but there's no threat in her demeanour. ]

Don't look too surprised. It's not like every other person that comes here doesn't have one, aye?

You're too kind. Kind and beautiful, I can only guess how many people you have charmed.

[ The word "breeder" gives him enough pauses to give her a brief look -- checking to see if she's messing with him. He doesn't know her culture enough to tell. And it isn't like he knows what that title actually means to her, too, so -- it's all moot in the end. ]

Your name is very pretty, it's true. Then, I guess Megumi is going to be what it is between us.

[ It's not that much of a surprise when she links arms with him. Her movements were obvious enough that was her plan. Honestly, it continues to surprise him how easy she is with him. But he doesn't toss her off -- that'd be rather rude and callous to do to someone, after all. ]

Miss, you should be careful about getting close to people so easily. There are some folks that might try to take advantage of your good nature.

[ He pauses to look at her hand on his arm. The warm chroma that is generated is honestly rather soothing and does feel nice. But more than that, he wonders when the last time it was that he walked down the street so casually with a young lady on his arm. ]

If I'm honest, I'd say that I'm good with anything. Really, any meal would taste good with someone like you next to them. [ Another easy smile follows. But also, he isn't quite used to the idea of just deciding to go places without someone telling him he needs to go there.

He breathes out another half-laugh. ]

Everyone does have their own past, I guess. But I can't imagine that my past is all that interesting. It's just the story of a -- well, I guess if I tell you it now, you won't be regaled by it at dinner. [ A slight purposeful pause after. ] So, I guess you'll have to wait in anticipation for it.

Oh, plenty. Nothing to brag about, of course— but us miqo'te appreciate intimate companionship. Can't be half-hearted about that, and my lovers all know. Honesty is key!

[ Which is, of course, her way of telling him she's got no hesitation or qualms about who or how many she "charms". She'll tell him about her tribe if he wants to hear it, but she focuses on his warning with a laugh. ]

You're a sweet thing, worrying about me, but I didn't come this far not knowing how to look after myself, aye? Though I should say the same to you- handsome man like yourself letting yourself be whisked away? I'm going to have to keep an eye on you for your safety at this rate!

[ She gestures to herself with a lift of her shoulders and a confident smirk. She's barely that tall, nor does her appearance look like anything but a young woman's, but the confidence she carries herself with could rival a stronger being. Not that she minds the underestimation- that works in her favour, in the end.

With him allowing her to take his arm, she steps in closer, enjoying the build of chroma between them. Which is, of course, her own intention- being this close will help him, and he'll have spending chroma- not that she's going to let him spend any.

With the city beyond opening out to them, she takes him towards a nice open space through the parks, where food stalls of all kinds are spread out, as well as benches and tables nearby for people to sit and enjoy their purchases. It's not too far from where he's likely staying, and a comfortable enough location that's filled with other residents around- amidst a beautifully landscaped garden setting. She looks up at him with her ears lifting in surprise at his tease, though, before she finds herself laughing—

Really, what a charmer. She thinks she hit the jackpot for her evening's company, today. ]

I don't mind a bit of a wait, but don't make me wait too long, handsome. That'd just be teasing me into wanting to know more.

[ Why bother pretending she's not flirting? He's good looking, and new to this place- she may as well make the experience pleasant for them both! While she might not be expressing it openly, she's also keeping his own feeling of safety in mind. An open space with more people around will be a lot more comfortable than her taking him somewhere too private too quickly, after all.

As she pauses to look around to see where they can go first, her ears flick as she inhales the pleasant scents around them. ]

Let's stroll around. Maybe you'll find something you recognize. Word of warning- those takoyaki treats can change your hair colour for a few hours. But they're so terribly delicious, it's worth it!

[ She beams up at him, gaze bright and excited. ]

Ready to explore, Masaoka?

Edited 2020-09-19 08:29 (UTC)

Miqo'te seem like an interesting lot.

[ He dips his chin down in agreement that she wouldn't be able to live in another world without being capable. It is only his first few days in Lunatia and he acknowledges how lost he feels -- if only to himself. Yet the young miss has been in the world for over a year, she holds her hand out to others and continues to be able to smile.

Instead, he warmly says: ]

We'll see.

[ Amazing. Masaoka wonders if it's right to be amazed by the sights. Well, strictly speaking, this is still an alien planet. It'd be weird not to be a little amazed. In fact, I should be more amazed. Yet once again, the thing that amazes him is the fact no one gives him much more than a second glance -- and those few that do will give a friendly smile. The kind of smile that strangers would give one another in passing.

He breathes in, and feels comforted with the young woman on his arm. To help steady himself, he reaches up to set his hand on top of her arm. ]

But a sign of a good storyteller is leaving a person wanting.

[ He looks over at all the food, and wonders after what the two of them should get. The melancholy -- no, are they more bittersweet? -- thoughts slowly fading to the background of such a peaceful sort of scene. Sure, there are people around and usual noise that comes from it, but it's comfortable and feels normal.

This will take some getting used to. ]

Actually... rather than explore. The takoyaki. It's only for a few hours, right? So, how about we get a few and try to guess what color our hair will change?

[ He pauses to think of a suitable punishment to the game. ]

If I make the punishment too good, you'll definitely guess wrong just to nab it, won't you, Megumi? [ He gives her a teasing smile as he seems to really think about what he'll do. ] But you are helping out this old man, so, I'll give you a break.

[ Ah, why not? He decides as he makes up the rules for the game. ] So, if you guess wrong... you get to ask questions about my mysterious past. If you guess right, I guess I'll give you something that you'd like. Something tells me that'd be like a hug or kiss for you, right?

So, what do you say?

Aye— though you sound like a man who likes leaving people breathless.

[ What an interesting person this Masaoka is. He's not at all reacting the way she'd expect someone new to a place like this would— even taking the available circumstances into quick consideration to his own advantage. Not to mention polite— Had he shown any sign of discomfort, she'd have taken a completely different approach, but with him being this welcoming...

Well, she's impressed. Her ears lift up in interest, and she leans into his touch— but when he offers up what is a little game, she's all for it! Her bright blue eyes seem to sparkle with excitement as she laughs. ]

And you're good at teasing, too. But I'm game, handsome. Since each Takoyaki will change your hair colour— So. [ She lifts herself with pride. ] Get ready for a surprise with each bite. Not that I'd mind biting you, either.

[ So he isn't wrong about her enjoying hugs and kisses— she's absolutely fine with skinship. She chuckles and gives him a tug to pull him along to the Takoyaki stand, and waves to the Prismal there— a full on octopus man who greets them with two tentacle hands. There's nothing weird about an octopus serving takoyaki, right?

Picking out a set of eight for the both of them, she gently tugs him along so that they can seat themselves on a bench with a table nearby and so that she can set down her flower basket and medicine bag too. She's not worried about thieves— there's nothing valuable in there unless someone wants to steal an emergency field kit.

She'll sit next to him while they wait, though, because why not. ]

I enjoy a bit of storytelling myself. Everyone here has such interesting ones, so getting them together is always exciting!

[ Her ears lift in enthusiasm as she speaks, tail swaying behind her as she moves her arm back around his and looks up at him. ]

You a scribe, then, Masaoka? Not what I'd expect from a touch like yours— but I've been surprised.

[ She says that with a pat to his hand— she usually quick to pick up on the differences in body movements to what she recognizes, being a healer herself— but she isn't prying at the moment. If there's anything he wishes to tell her without the game, that's on him.

She has no intention of leaving him high and dry herself, so she'll just have to get him used to the fact that she's here to be friends or more if he'll have her! In a place like this— the more companionship one has, the better, anyway! ]

[ Masaoka can only laugh at her compliments about him. Those aren't the kind of things that he's heard in a long time. It really makes the feeling of being in another world cement that much more for him. And isn't that odd.

He thinks that some of his lines would be enough to get Kagari to give him an exasperated look if the young man heard them. His smile tightens for a second before he drops it to something a little more carefree. ]

With a little young lady on my arm, it'd be a bit wrong of me not to do my best for her, right? [ And he lets out a thoughtful hum. ] A surprise with each bite, huh?

[ He reaches out with his free hand try to lightly pinch her cheek. ] Careful. If you bite me, those fangs of yours might hurt.

[ And rather than be disturbed by the octopus vendor, he lifts his hand up to give a small wave to him. He comments on how the food that he makes looks quite delicious and that must make him quite proud. Little side-talk while the little lady gets the takoyaki for them both. Despite the look of things, it's almost normal.

Letting himself be led, he settles down next to her on the bench. ]

No. I'm nothing but a hunting dog.

[ His smile doesn't change from the easy-going one of before. ]

I just am someone that likes to read every now and again. I guess we could call it one of the few hobbies that I have. But I guess that's what all people my generation say, huh? Finding ways to kill time between what we need to do.

[ His tone remains equally light as he takes the takoyaki from her. ]

Now... what color do you think it's going to be?

[ She has a healthy appreciation for people who know how to roll with things. Though the pinch on her cheek makes her ears lift up in surprise, a laugh escaping her. Goodness, how long has it been since anyone's even attempted that kind of casual gesture without fearing for their life with her? Not that she's in the mood to fuss over it. She pats his hand with a grin as she nudges him with her arm. ]

Just a young lady, handsome. I'm a mother of four little ones, back home. So I think my bite can handle whatever it has to take.

[ As he speaks, she takes note of his words- a hunting dog? That almost sounds like something Kogami said to her, a long time ago. Tilting her head at him, but not addressing it yet- she watches him lift the takoyaki as she settles in properly, she hums in thought. ]

Though you're not wrong. Don't see many people reading books here, but they're certainly reading. Don't think that's dying out anytime soon.

[ She's an avid reader and a writer with a big following here. However, they've got a game to play! So she lifts her own takoyaki as she beams. It's time to guess what colour their hair will change to! ]

Blond. What's your guess?

[ Her tail is swaying very eagerly, she can't wait to see what they'll come up with! ]

Is that so? [ There is warm appreciation in hearing that she is a mother. ] Mostly girls, or is it a healthy mix?

People always say that boys are easy to raise, but... I think there are difficulties with both. [ He pauses before he gives her a wider smile. ]

No book-books, huh? Well, back where I come from... most books have become electronic. Guess it makes sense that it'd be the same here. [ He lifts one of the takoyaki in the air to make a gesture to the "futuristic" look of the city. ]

But I'm going to guess ... red.

[ With the takoyaki that he has in his hand, he lightly taps it against her own. ]

Here we go. [ And he pops it into his mouth. His hair immediately changes color. ]

[ There's pride in her eyes, even if there's a soft look that enters her gaze. Daughters are loved and desired in her people— and males are rare, because it's how nature sees fit to bless them. She belongs to a matriarchy after all. But she had hoped for more daughters and not sons, due to what their future would end up being if they were truly traditional in her tribe.

Which they aren't, but still— she speaks with a a confident pride. ]

Three sons, and a daughter. Which isn't normal for our kind, I'll say— miqo'te have more daughters usually, but my former husband is a Hrothgar— they're bigger lion-like men and have more men born to them. Which could have done it!

[ Or the fact that her father was a hyur man. She doesn't mention that, though, looking at her own takoyaki eagerly. ]

And books aren't impossible to find here, so we can go hunting for them sometime if you stay here long enough! Anyroad— cheers!

[ Which is funny to use when they're eating takoyaki but she's a funny miqo'te— and her own hair changes to a pretty pastel pink. She pauses and looks up at him, then herself once she's swallowed and— begins to laugh. ]

Not even close! That means I get to ask a question! You can ask me something too, I suppose— but first!

[ Her ears wiggle in excitement. ]

Tell me about your best romance. What was it like? And don't say you didn't have one! You must have felt romantically about someone!

[ He chuckles; pleased with the look of pride in her eyes and deciding that he won't ask by what she means by "former." Instead, he only shares a laugh with her about more sons than daughters.

A beat follows. ]

If I stay here long enough? Ah, I suppose I had heard something that this vacation might not last that long. [ So, he might be present in this city for a year, like the little lady, or he'll be gone within a day. Masaoka can't help but breathe out yet another laugh -- that kind of uncertainty would make a younger latent criminal get restless. ]

Well, if I end up sticking around, I'd be happy to go on another outing with you, Megumi.

[ He turns his head to look at his hair -- this is quite the loss! ]

And I wouldn't say that I didn't have one. I'm not so curmudgeon a person. [ Masaoka jokes at first. ] I'd say that my best romance was one I had in my reckless youth. She was a wonderful woman who put up with someone who only ever caused her problems.

[ He smiles, warm and thoughtful. ] I was a detective back then... I did a lot of dangerous cases and I wasn't able to be around that much. Yet still, she always welcomed me back, and loved me despite these things. I won't say that she didn't give me an earful, but I can't say I remember the arguments...

[ His eyes close. ] Honestly, it was the kind of love that I'll cherish for the rest of my life. [ Something that he isn't quite sure that he deserved given how his own selfishness hurt her so much. ]

And what about you, miss? What would you say your best romance is?

[ She's learnt to understand that about this place- it's easy to forget that some of the more amazing people she sees here might vanish within a sun, or perhaps a moon or two. And yet, there are some who have been here as long as she has-

But her expression becomes one of interest and happiness when he speaks about his love, leaning in as he speaks. So he, too... ah, why are most men like this? It does sound sweet that he had someone to come back to, but from the way he sounds- she either left him, or passed away. And she's not about to dredge up painful memories so quickly, even if he's speaking of these so easily. ]

I'm sure she was wonderful, because us cute partners always have to put up with our risk-loving fools. Wonder if that would be me in a relationship... but at least I can take care of myself. [ She's a healer, after all! And a decent enough fighter. And also the one getting into the most trouble. She lifts a strand of her now-pink hair, before shrugging at him. ]

Had a lot of good romances. But the best one... [ Her gaze softens as she thinks back. ]

Let's just say it took a while for me to become the adorable Matriarch I am today. He not only looked past when I wasn't, but challenged me to be better than I was.

[ Moving an arm behind her as she looks up at the evening sky, lit up by the city's ambient glow before she chuckles. ]

But I didn't overcome it all just for his approval- it was for myself and the tribe, and he knew that and accepted me still. Though I'd be lying if I said he wasn't a big part of why I'm happy now.

[ Was, being the keyword. If it weren't for him, and the pain they went through with one another... could she have been happy now at all? She hopes he is, at least... no, she knows he's happiest where he is now, wherever that takes him.

She gives Masaoka an apologetic look. ]

Vague, aye? Maybe I'll tell you sometime.

[ A playful flick of her ear, before she lifts up another takoyaki. ]

Ready for the next round? I'm thinking... a pretty blue. My favourite colour!

[ Whenever they do move ahead, she'll be having her munchies, though she is hoping to be wrong so that she can get another question out of him. ]

The cute risk-loving fool, perhaps?

[ Masaoka lightly jokes in turn as to Megumi would be in the relationship. She seems to be the type of person that jumps feet first into anything -- and there is nothing wrong with that sort of living as far as he's concerned. The experiences that she gathers will be something that strengthens her resolve as to what she should be; how she wants herself to be -- that's how he is starting to see her, anyway.

He pauses as he listens to her own story of a lost love. It seems like even on other worlds that the problems that they have are relatively the same. There is a tight smile that shows for a brief second before he forces it away.

His head give a little shake at her apology. ]

It's vague. And you can tell me if you ever feel ready, miss. [ He smiles -- warm and happy. ]

Let's see ... I'm going to keep going red!

[ Another takoyaki down, and another shade of color that appears.

Tipping his head up, he tugs at his own hair. ]

Ah, I lost, again, and you won twice. Guess that means you get two things.

The cutest you could ask for.

[ She's definitely a leap first, ask questions later type— she thinks better on her feet anyway, just as gracefully as she lands on them.

Him, on the other hand— she chuckles as she thinks on his words. People leave this place and forget, anyway— whatever she eventually ends up telling him won't go beyond this world anyway. With a smile, she nudges him gently, before she stares at the colour on him with a laugh. As she cleans off the pick she used for her takoyaki (no bad odors from her, she won't allow it!) and her ears wiggle excitedly. ]

Now that's what I call luck. I'll ask you a question, then. This one leading into the next win—

[ Her eyes seem to be sparkling in interest as she looks up at him. ]

What's your favourite act of intimacy?

[ It's an open question, and she looks eager to hear what he'll have to say about it! ]

My favorite act, huh?

[ He actually takes the time to really think about his answer. Honestly, he hasn't had a chance to really think about this sort of question before. ]

Kissing, I think. [ His smile becomes a little self-defeating. ] I've hadn't had the chance to think about this in a long time, Megumi. [ Masaoka lightly scratches the side of his face as he plays off his indecision. ]

Favorite is a loaded word. Because one act can lead to another, after all, and they all get tied into being one's favorite, right?

I suppose. But that's the fun of it.

[ She replies to his explanation of one thing leading to another. Lifting a hand to touch his cheek with her fingers, she turns his face her way and meets his gaze. ]

I'm more surprised a handsome man like you isn't getting kissed more often. That's just wrong. Well— I'm not going to waste the chance.

[ She smiles and with a flick of her ears, she lifts herself enough to bring her face closer to his. ]

I could be a tease, but I don't feel much like it— though I will say if you feel like doing more than just kiss, I'm not going to turn you down.

[ Easy as that, not that she hidden her intent from the start. She's welcoming and open to anyone that's just as receptive— and they're adults here.

Without further ado, she leans in to press a small, but sweet kiss against his mouth. She's still giving him room to pull away when he wants it to end, but she herself intends to enjoy it while it lasts, fingers tracing over his cheek and towards the hair brushing over his ear to encourage him to enjoy this too. ]

[ As before, Masaoka offers a slight smile to Megumi on her teasing comments that he seems like someone who should get more kisses.

His heart does still for a second when she leans in to kiss him. More on instinct, he looks around but naturally no one reacts or even seems bothered by the display. This is the sort of world that doesn't mind these things.

But Megumi is sweet and patient with him. She doesn't seem troubled with how he stills on reflex. The kiss is warm and pleasant and comforting. The feel of her lips against his is something that he can't deny that he's missed. And she gives him room to pull away should he want to do so.

Too soon? Too fast? Those sort of thoughts slip into his thoughts even as he hesitantly rests his hands on her waist. It's just strange, I think. To be allowed this sort of thing.

Masaoka leans into the kiss, really tasting her lips and the softness of her offering. But he does lean back soon, pausing to kiss the corner of her lips like to say that he's sorry. ]

[ He moves his hands to her waist, and her own hands go to his shoulders as she tilts her head to gently deepen the kiss, a teasing little press further to savour the heat and the connection between them.

She's always been fond of creating contact and sharing affection, but there's something extremely soft about this kiss. The way he seems to be looking out nervously to make sure things are okay (she can assume— if he didn't really like it, she thinks he'd have stopped her by now) and the gentle way he returns the kiss.

It makes her want to tease him some more, actually— and she chuckles a bit when he kisses the corner of her mouth and looks at her so sweetly.

Her ears wiggle in delight, as she lifts her hands to his face and gives his cheeks a gentle smoosh. ]

Looks like you didn't hate that. Think I'm going to enjoy this game even more if we have more of those scattered into the mix.

[ She's teasing, but also just happy— if he enjoyed that, then they'll have a lot more to look forward to in the future, given the chance. ]

You ever need chroma, you can kiss me any time, handsome. Of course, you can do that without needing any too. I won't complain, with a nice kiss like yours!

[ This is going to be a fun evening, and she intends to keep every meeting they might have just as enjoyable. Let's hope she gets the chance to know him just a little longer! ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

▶ TDM .019

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help this is cute

:sparkles:

And then I died from exhaustion

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Sneaks in here after a tiring week

also tired we're all tired

It's time to blanket burrito

DAMN I AM THE SLOWEST

BUT ALWAYS WORTH IT