songerein | { when it snows }

Entry tags:

{ when it snows }

WHEN IT SNOWS

All items on this post will last/be available for the entire month! So timey wimey shenanigans are allowed.

More details on everything can be found here. We will request any thread submissions for certain prompts during A.

I. REVEREIN

II. DREAMS

COMMENTS

I. REVEREIN THAWED

After freeing the Ice Queen from the glass shard from her chest and clearing the dreamscape, the blizzard that affected not only Reverein but the Wildlands and beyond finally dissipates and soon everything returns to…mostly normal.

A. Glitter Snow. While the freezing sleet and ice of the blizzard is no more and a more gentle winter has entered Reverein, the fresh new snow that falls is not one one might want to stick their tongue out to try and catch a snowflake. Unless one likes the taste of glitter.

🎉 Good luck getting it out. Perhaps this wouldn't be so bad if the glitter melted like snow, but it does not. It sticks to everything everywhere and while some might like a splash of colors, others may not.
🔮 Dreamglobes. Some fae are passing out empty spherical glasses, suggesting those who are interested to collect some of the glitter snow into them and then set the snowglobe next to their bed before sleeping. Whatever dream they have will be captured into the glass and upon waking will create a physical representation of the dream to create a little special "dreamglobe." Hope it's a good one!
✨ Glitter Collector. There are a number of people and shops that actually want the free glitter and ask for anyone to collect as much as possible. Works well for those trying to clean up and not sure what to do with it. What kind of products will end up coming from them well.

B. Mari Lwyd and Family. Mari Lwyd has finally returned to Reverein, and she's bringing along some family she's found. However, they can be a bit of a handful. Some are friendlier than others while others are going to make full use of this glitter snow with pranks and mischief. But they all just intend to have a good time, something that everyone may be in need of after that blizzard.

💃 Little Pranksters. The young Lwydlings cannot sing or speak, but they love to dance around and make all manner of noise—they also bite if you're being a big fat party pooper in their presence, and are a lot more likely to pull a few harmless pranks than their dear older cousin Mari Lwyd is. Very quick, they have the same vanish-and-leave-you-with-bad-luck if harm is attempted on them. Have a dance off with them, or aid them in pranking those who are being big fat grumps/meanie-butts.
🔥 Bonfire. One of the merry friends looks like a very tall pile of long hair and arms, but with them they seem to be carrying a basket and filling it with sticks and other kindling. This is for giant bonfires! Help gather wood and kindling to make a great bonfire to welcome some warmth in this winter, and aid any lost to not wander in this cold.
🥜 Nurturing Gifts. There appears to be another skull-faced being wandering around with their own 'little one' in tow—and despite the horned and frightening appearance of the larger fur and hyde clad figure there are small gifts to be shared. An act of kindness rewards one with a bundle of magic beans that if nurtured and cared for will bear a great gift come spring. Great.

C. Hot Springs. The dragons are holding an open invitation to anyone who wishes to use their hot springs to warm up after that frigid blizzard. The dragons in particular will be practically living there, so hopefully others can squeeze in a spot. Rooms will be available for anyone who wishes to stay the night, and all amenities will be available: food, recreational games, etc. Just beware of the monkeys that have descended down from the mountain seeking warmth as well. They are prone to stealing things, particularly clothing—and wearing them.

D. Dream Board. This is the perfect time to do many of the Dream Board prompts, and while the full details are on the notes, here is the quick list of what they are:

Dream Board List:

⛄ Snowball Tonics: Transform into massive, different colored snowballs.
🔔 Bell Choir: Grab a bell and play for a concert!
🧣 Never-Ending Scarf: Help untangle the beautifully, extremely long crocheted scarf, dodge cats, and get the whole thing together in one place.
🍻 Keg Brawl: A game where one must carrying a keg of ale from one end of a field of ice to the other while avoiding the other team trying to stop you.
🐶 The Inugami. Help a pair of spirit dogs find each other.
🌠 Falling Stars. Make wishes upon the falling stars before they cause too much damage!

II. SHATTERED DREAMS

Although the Dreamwalkers were successful in removing the strange glass shard in the Ice Queen's chest and ended the nightmare dreamscape that caused the blizzard, the Ice Queen still has yet to awaken. Jack Frost has taken her to Orkili to try and purify her with the pods, yet it only caused an adverse reaction, prompting the Orkilins and Jack Frost to ask for help from the Dreamwalkers once more. Isolated in a separate room where neither dreamotion nor nightmare energy can enter, those who are willing to investigate the Ice Queen's dream will be able to freely dreamwalk, with the warning that she seems sensitive to positive dreamotion so everyone should take caution when using it.

In the meantime, there are some other happenings going around in Orkili, including investigation into some nightmare crystals.

A. Piecing it Together. Those who enter the Ice Queen's dream will find themselves free floating in a dark void with large reflective glass-like shards with blurred, fogged scenes reflecting on their surface. They float aimlessly through the space, and a closer inspection will reveal that these shards can fit together and likely form a larger image. The goal is to now try and put the pieces together, though it's not as easy as it might seem.

🪞 Nightmare manipulation. For whatever reason, those who either have high nightmare resistance or can control nightmare energy will be able to move and be around the shards with very little effect to them.

💥 Too much of a good thing. Because the shards are dark and clearly exude nightmare energy, there will be those who will try to use positive types of dreamotion to purify the shards. Some dreamotion will be safe to use and will help clear up the image on the surface. However, too much focus will have a negative feedback where the dreamers are pushed back with a freezing gale and the shard they are focusing on will crack and break into smaller pieces. Nightmare energy can help mend the cracks, so it's better to try and use both at the same time.

💔 Blurred visions. As the surface of the shards clear up, various scenes of different themes can be seen, both good and bad. Love, heartbreak, hatred, anger, joy, jealousy, loneliness, fulfillment, family, abandonment. Those who experienced the ice mirrors in the previous dreamscape will feel a strong familiarity with these larger shards, except these are clearly towards the Ice Queen herself.

This is where we want players to come up with any scene that the Ice Queen may have experienced that could be reflected on the shard! We'll request submissions and piece together a story based on player input. Don't worry about any contradictions, we'll work it all in one way or another. The only constant is that Jack Frost and the Ice Queen do have a close, romantic relationship, which is why Jack is very worried about her.

B. Unwanted Intruder. While in the dream, a grotesque looking noctaere will appear and try to attack and consume the shards. Should it succeed, the Ice Queen will receive physical damage that everyone will be able to hear and feel inside the dream. The void will contort and turn more like sludge. Attempts to use dreamotion will only worsen it, but those who can control or absorb nightmare energy will take it away from the Ice Queen. How it affects them however, will vary between dizziness to momentary lapse in judgment and may need to leave the dreamscape.

Those monitoring outside the dream will witness the Ice Queen scream and her skin blackening as if charred by fire. Same thing applies here: those who try to use dreamotion to heal her will only worsen it, but those who use nightmare energy to either draw it out into some other container or absorb it themselves will be able to pull it out of the Ice Queen. Those who absorb the nightmare energy will have similar varying effects, from just light dizziness to becoming more irritable and hostile. Attempts to try and directly pull out the nightmare energy otherwise will be unsuccessful—it will only work when the noctaere has consumed a shard and caused the physical side effects.

No one will turn noctaere through this method because not enough nightmare energy will have accumulated.

As for the noctaere, it will sometimes appear outside the dream, and those who encounter it or deliberately try to hunt it down either within or outside the dream will find both dreamotion and nightmare based attacks effective against it. However, it's a very tough and difficult foe, so while it can be damaged, it cannot be defeated at this time. Those who investigated the claw marks from a few months ago will notice it leaves behind the same claw marks. Those who witnessed it will also find it familiar and can safely say it's the same.

I. REVEREIN

II. DREAMS

COMMENTS

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Hey, he's trying to be better. Woof woof!]

Oh, c'mon now! [Puffs up his cheeks in a mock pout.] I'm a well-traveled god, here!

[He's a virgin in many ways, but not THAT way, thank you.

Though he knows damn well she's just teasing him, so it's not really that big of a deal. What he doesn't quite understand is the depth of why. He figures it's for stumbling into the ladies' bath, but he's oblivious to the fact it's also for wanting to spend time in the mixed bathing area. He... doesn't see the issue with that? That's what it's for, after all. It's not like it's a holdover from when he was alive in an era that did things differently. No, it's a perfectly modern convention as well. So part of her punishment is lost on him.

What's not lost is how thoroughly she blushes from his words. It sets his heart aflutter, and his palms asweating. She really is cute when she blushes... He's never felt this way for anyone before, be they human, god, or shinki, and he doesn't know what to do about it other than to wipe his hands on his towel before summoning up his courage to reveal his swimwear.

And when he does, there goes her towel, right onto the ground. He at least keeps hold of his for those few seconds in which she's staring blankly at him, though it's quick to follow suit when she jabs a finger at his nether regions.

Sudden embarrassed to Yomi and back, he abruptly covers his crotch with both hands, flushing all the way up to his ears.]

WHAT?! I-It's just a coincidence, I swear...!

[ maybe hiyori will get a chance to retort at his well-traveled god comment. maybe not. as of the moment, she's whipping her hand back from pointing because wow, that was rude people are staring and it isn't because there's a pervert. unless it's her. ]

BUT!! EVERYTHING ELSE YOU BUY LOOKS LIKE YOUR JERSEY, YATO--

[ NO SHE'S NOT A PERVERT. she was pointing... there!! because of the print matches hers. it was a general point at his swim trunks!! at their matching

they're mATCHing. she and yato, at separate points, found and brought home the same-- HOW DOES SHE FEEL ABOUT HAVING A SIMILAR FASHION SENSE TO THE SAME GUY THAT WEARS THE SAME JERSEY AND SCARF EVERY SINGLE DAY???

while in inner turmoil (it's not that serious hiyori), she hasn't realized she's been backing up from him. with a hot spring being so close. ]

Ah--

[ again, she makes a small sound of shock because suddenly the ground opens up beneath her heel, tipping her balance. the expression flashes in surprise as she starts to fall backward into the water.

she'll most likely be fine. it's water. but there are some?? rocks hanging about. ]

[She's definitely the perv here, eyeballing his crotch! How the table have turned. Turnabout's fair play and all that, though, especially when it leaves the dumb pervert god a blushing mess. Why he's so damn bashful is a mystery, though. It's not like anyone can see anything incriminating.]

NOT EVERYTHING! I DO WEAR CAPYPER CLOTHES!

[Because the odd t-shirt and boxers totally make a difference. It's still less baffling than how they've ended up wearing the matching swimsuits, however. He thought she would at least choose something pink! And hopefully maybe ruffly or lacy!! HE NEVER EXPECTED THIS.

But more important matters are suddenly at hand - or rather, foot. For the moment Hiyori starts to tip backwards, Yato lets out a cry of her name and his superhuman reaction speed kicks in, allowing him to grasp her by the wrist. It's not enough to save her from going overboard, but he goes with her, twisting them both as they fall so he takes the brunt of the impact as they land with a resounding splash in the springs.

Once he pulls them both up to the surface, he coughs out what bit of water got into his mouth.]

...you okay?

Edited 2024-01-20 02:57 (UTC)

[ that's NOT WHAT HAPPENED OK. this is hiyori, here!!

they're a spectacle. they've BEEN a spectacle since hiyori cried out and pointed at his ~~crotch~~ swimwear. as soon as their heads break the surface, everyone lets out a collective sigh of relief. just two kids making a ruckus. this isn't a waterpark...

which is maybe why hiyori doesn't (or can't) do anything besides stare at the water once she's done sputtering too as her hands clutch to his shoulders. with heat in her face, that has nothing to do with the warm temperature of the water, her bangs hang in front of her eyes wetly. ]

Y, yeah, I-- sorry. That was... silly.

[ all of it. ]

[Pervyori. Okay no, he knows she's a pure, lily white angel who doesn't think such things. (Right???)

It's hardly a wonder given it's Yato here, although this time he didn't start it. For once it's not his fault! Hurray! Not that that makes him feel any better about what's happened. He's fully aware that she isn't that fond of being the center of attention in a crowd of strangers.

It probably goes some way to explaining the soft, stupid smile he gives her as he pushes some of her hair this way and that to check for injuries. Finally, he brushes her bangs back so she won't get water in her eyes.]

Good. Don't worry about it, though. It's not a big deal. It is pretty funny that we ended up going for an identical print. What's that meme kids use? "Same hat"?

[For all that, however, he doesn't make to move away any, despite how close they are.]

[ r...right. yes, right.

looking at his mouth, though? that's the exception. in fact, she can't help but do that now because of his soft-stupid smile and brushing her wet hair from her eyes. staring will continue as the flush reaches meltdown levels.

he's been doing things like this since they got here. little gestures of care and affection. she huffs a sound of amusement at his attempt at some meme lingo.

"kids". don't say that, yato. you're basically a kid too with the way you act. ]

Same swimsuit. [ in their case. hiyori doesn't move away either, staring at the hair hanging in his face in wet clumps. hiding his bright blue eyes. before she can think better of it, like joining him to begin ith, she reaches and sweeps his hair away so he won't get water in his eyes either with a slanted smile. ]

[Well, better she be focused on his mouth than his crotch, to say the least. That would certainly be worthy of them both having epic meltdowns.

He just hopes that his attempts to be considerate (t-that's all he's doing...!) don't make her uncomfortable. They are pretty close, here. More so than they have been in a while. Since before the panty incident, anyway.

But hey! He's a... well, not exactly mature, adult. But still one just the same. Sometimes.]

Right! Same swimsuit. [He breaks out into a grin as she returns the favor of brushing back his bangs, revealing that piercing gaze before it scrunches up from sheer happiness that despite everything, they seem to have made up. Not that they were ever really fighting or anything. It was mostly just him being awkward.]

Well, if you're not hurt, then how about we enjoy the water a bit, hmm?

[He moves his hands down to take hers, backing up further into the spring as he guides her along.]

[ she would NEVER look at his crotch on purpose. probably.

that would make her uncomfortable. yato has done a lot to make her uncomfortable, but the new things... make her...

feel very warm. in the cheeks and the chest. they make her confused and some other foreign emotion she can't name immediately. it takes a lot of reflecting and mulling. it comes now in their proximity; in how he grins and looks so happy and pulls her along in the water.

her heart makes itself known to her whereas it's normally just an organ that beats in her chest and keeps her alive. an afterthought like yeah, I have a heart. it's important. it's as if it's telling her, in no uncertain terms, how things like this make her feel even more alive than usual.

now she's being awkward, looking at his hands, the water, and his face, unable to settle on one thing. where is he taking her?? not that she isn't going along willingly as they wade off somewhere. ]

Eh? E-enjoy it... how do you mean? Like, like this or?

[For the most part. Unless there was a good reason to, surely.

It seems he's always doing things that make her uncomfortable - that or upset. The worst part is that, generally speaking, he doesn't even mean to. It's just the way he is and how he does things. He certainly doesn't mean to seriously bother her.

So that she follows along with his attempt to draw her into a good time is something of a relief, showing through in the way his expression brightens further the deeper they go into the spring. His own heart is doing that little loop-de-loop thing it does whenever they're alone and in close proximity, and being practically isolated from the rest of the bathers doesn't help subdue that feeling.

Once up to their chests in water, he sinks down until his nose is beneath the surface and blows some bubbles at her before popping back up still grinning.]

Like this is fine, or...

[He lets go of her hands in order to get them both under the water, scooping some up to splash her with it as he laughs. Water war, anyone?]

[ for medical.... reasons??

aAAANYWAy.

it's that yato doesn't MEAN to that ultimately convinces her to forgive him. it's that he means everything with the best intentions that hiyori gives up being angry. except the wearing her uniform and her clothes. she doesn't know what's up with that.

having matching swimsuits is indeed nothing. it shocked her more than anything. now it's funny. compounded by yato blowing bubbles and

SPLASHING?? oh, it's on. ]

Oooh, you'll regret that. You don't know this, but I've beaten Yama-chan and Ami-chan when it comes to water wars!

[ this is why he's pulled her into an isolated part of the spring, isn't it? so they wouldn't bother other people with their horsing around. hiyori lifts her hand and then cuts at the surface at the water, splashing yato in a small wave. ]

Hyah!!

[Or if say, a snake landed on his lap.

...there really is no (acceptable) excuse for the wearing of her clothes though, it's true. Other than the fact it's Yato and he's just plain weird. Questionable, too. But that's why she loves him. (?)

In a way it's almost poetic how they ended up like bathing bookends. Kinda like how now that they've made one big, accidental splash, they're making smaller purposeful ones - this time with the intention of having fun. And fun they shall have, or his name isn't Yato!]

And you're dealing with a well-practiced combat god. Don't think I'll go easy on you just because you're human!

[Like she's already established, there are times when he's more childish than she is despite their actual ages. As the wave knocks into his chest, Yato mock flails dramatically in a feint to wind up for a return slosh, using both arms in a cross-action to get Hiyori from two sides.]

Take that--!

[ most of it she attributes to his weirdness, honestly. as for l-love...

look, she's working on it.

with things just like this; where they're themselves and just having fun. where hiyori lets herself simply enjoy the moment. bookends and all. you can keep your name, yatogami. this time. ]

I don't think you've ever been up against a human like me! [ this is one time hiyori will toot her own horn. so to speak. it's all play, anyway. she laughs at his dramatic flailing and barely lifts her arms to take the brunt of his dual-wield attack to avoid getting a mouthful of hot spring water. ]

Pbbbft, hahah! [ if only they had those water squirt guns or something. hiyori's inner child is showing. do you know a REALLY effective way to splash someone? to run at them and tackle them.

which is what she's doing, fighting through the water to get to him. halfway there, she reconsiders if it's a good idea but she can't back out when she's already catching momentum. ]

Take THIS--!

[ flying squirrel hiyori dives at yato. on purpose. ]

[He is a bit of an odd duck, even among gods. Happens when you grow up with proper guidance, huh.

But hey, he'll take working on it ♥

Especially when it means they get to cut loose by enjoying themselves naturally. Games are always more fun when there's other players. And thank. You. He will gladly retain his name. He likes it.]

There's no denying that... [He can't help muttering half to himself under his breath. She sure is special in a lot of ways. Ways that make his chest ache with a strange longing and twist his lips into a smile, just as it's doing now. Although it doesn't last for too long.]

Mock me at your own peril! [It is a pity they don't have at least their buckets or such with which to better splash one another. But they can make do, and he tries to by bringing both hands together in front of him a moment before he realizes what she's doing: charging him like a rabid squirrel.

He takes a step back, throwing out both arms to tread water and hopefully help him get out of the way, but to no avail; she's already pouncing upon him and sending them both under the water]

Whoa--!

[As his butt hits the bottom of the spring, his arms encircle her, dragging her back to the surface along with him. When they breech the water, they're almost nose to nose, with Yato breathing hard and laughing.]

Okay, okay...! You got me there...

[ in her humble opinion, they're all rather odd. gods and shinki alike. yukine is the most normal most goodest boy though.

he wouldn't have wanted to play at first, but she would bet with yato and her having fun and goading him he would eventually join in. it's a nice thought, but that and more get swept out of her brain when they resurface once more. only there's a few key differences. yato's arms around her for one. yato's nose brushing hers for another. yato breathing hard and laughing and so close means she can feel each humid puff on her chin. well, she's breathing hard as much as him. wading through water is a workout.

maybe they cut it too loose though? hiyori proves she's still special when she doesn't immediately separate them and find her space. after living together for this long, her tolerance has increased so much.

what does she do with her hands? if they're not being used to SHOVE HIM AWAY, she settles them carefully on his shoulders. unsure. throat dry. must be the mugginess. ]

I... I told you. I told you you'd regret it. Now I can say I've defeated a well-practiced combat god, too. [ if people wouldn't think she was crazy anyhow. ]

[He's also a inscrutable little shit at times. But a loved one all the same.

It is a shame that he's not here to join in their fun. ...and keep things from getting too awkward. Though somehow this feels less awkward and more... dangerous. Though dangerous for who is difficult to say. Once their positions sink in, he can't help feeling mild trepidation. Possibly as a result of having been manhandled one too many times. He half expects Hiyori to try drowning his ass for being so far up in her space. But still he doesn't move, though his grip tightens on her the faintest bit.

Heat seeps into his cheeks, barely noticeable beneath the color brought on by the hot springs themselves. But she might notice. She's smart and observant, he notes to his chagrin.

She's also braver than he. Her hands resting on him makes him seize up, eyes going wide as they dart from her to the water, just so he won't have to directly address her while they talk. If he can get his brain in gear.]

O-Only because you used an underhanded sneak attack. [He doesn't sound mad about it, however. If anything he seems impressed. She's got guts. But he already knew that well.

Licking his lips which seem to have gone dry despite the moisture in the air, he glances back at her.] So... what do you want as your prize for winning, huh?

[ yukine is way easier to understand.

especially compared to this. if yukine were here, he'd probably have some dry comment about yato's sweaty hands not registering to hiyori because the air is moist. they'd leap apart then. not like now because yes, that's exactly right. something about this is dangerous. different from the danger of ayakashi. or other gods hellbent on ending him. different from fujisaki trying to break her backbone made of steel.

her jaw sets at the feeling of his fingers clutching her. at his redder than hot springs red face, too. noticing him. noticing him unable to look at her. some of her bravery wilts away.

underhanded. there was NOTHING underhanded about how she splashed and stumbled her way over to him to dive at his body. he's being a wiseass. as well as distracting, her eyes immediately drawn down to

don't look there, hiyori. ]

There's a prize involved? [ SHE VERY SMARTLY QUESTIONS, blinking at him in a stupor. for winning?

..... don't look there, hiyori. ]

Umm. I can't ask for fluffy pancakes again... I-I don't really need a prize. [ there's a pause. a beat. ] If you won, did you have something you would've asked for?

[That he is. He's more of an open book than either one of them.

He'd be so quick to point out their awkwardness and to question wtf is up with them that they'd probably never allow themselves to remain this close for so long, creating a build up of tension. Because for Yato at least, there's this undercurrent of excitement at getting to hold Hiyori close. It's almost enough to make his hands shake, but somehow he manages to keep them still by gripping her just a little tighter.

Drawing his eyes back to her face, he does his best to meet her eyes, bright blues staring into pinks despite the misty haze of steam from the spring.

Which is making him suddenly feel a touch overheated. But there's no way he's going to leave. Not now. Not after he's managed to convince her to spend time with him in here. Even if he is being his usual smarmy self. She's... putting up with him. Tolerating his antics. She's always been so patient...

It makes him want to thank her in a way he probably shouldn't. Where she fears to tread, he doesn't, staring at her lips.]

Of course. The winner should earn something. [Never mind that he's making it up on the spot. He's winging it here, which may explain why it feels like there's a bird in his chest flapping its wings rapidly.]

...oh. That's fine, then. [Yet he can't help sounding a mite disappointed. Until she questions him. Then he's all nerves.] N-No! [Yes.]

[ grip any tighter, yato, and it might start to hurt.

probably not much more than her racing, pounding heart is. he's so obvious. staring at her mouth despite his lips saying no. she is scared. not of him. not anymore. it's the unknown that she's always feared. things changed so much when she first met yato.

being best friends with a god is one thing. people already question her for that. ]

Pff, you're not convincing at all. [ she points out, her smile somehow forced and genuine at once. she can't ask for it. well, she can but she can't do it here. but maybe... ]

Okay, I actually thought of something. [ with how tight his fingers clutch to her, it gave her an idea. ]

I, um. [ THAT DOESN'T MEAN SHE'S NOT EMBARRASSED TO ASK FOR IT. unlike someone. ] I... want... a hug.

For winning.

[ cloSES HER EYES. ]

[He's being careful...! Mostly. Thankfully the sweatiness of his hands keeps his hold from becoming too constricting.

If only it didn't feel like he was crushing his own heart by denying that there's something he wants. It hurts to keep it bottled up, yet he's too afraid to come right out and say it. Afraid of how she'll take it. Of what it might do to their relationship. It's... not worth the risk.

Not yet. He can live with this longing. For now. Even if it's starting to become all-consuming. Hell, he's already stalked her into the baths, for heaven's sake!]

I-I'm not? [There's a definite nervous titter as he shifts in place, quickly glancing away like it'll keep her from reading his mind.]

....and that is...? [Try as he might, though, he can't keep his eyes off her for long. Like a bright light, he's drawn back to her face, his own blushing up a storm as she gradually spits it out.]

A... hug? [He blinks a couple of times, then loosens his hold in order to get his arms around her, heart beating wildly in his chest as he does so. Once he's pulled her tight against his bare chest, he struggles to get out his next words.] L-Like this...?

Yeah...

[ hiyori moves her arms carefully, wrapping them around him and burying her mouth into the crook of her arm. she stares at the water and the ripples. at the steam rising from the surface of the water as her mind goes a bit blank from yato holding her tight against him.

it's not like the hug after he reassured her that her grandmother would be fine. nor is it like the one when she was a cotton candy cat and he was a little ice sprite. it's not even like when he collapsed on her after saving him from yomi, or when he woke up and clung to them out of relief and both she and yukine shouted at him and hit him in embarrassment.

she holds him tighter, swallowing against this new dryness of her throat. ]

It may not seem like it sometimes, but I do like hugs...

Ah...

[Noting the care with which she embraces him, Yato returns the sentiment by trying not to press them too tightly together, given their general lack of coverings. He doesn't want to make this awkward when it's so nice and warm and comforting. Though for as much as he's enjoying it, he can't help scrunching his eyes up, somewhat scared of such intimacy.

He doesn't quite tremble in her grasp, but his fingers twitch and curl against her shoulder blades, trying to clench into fists against his will. Just act normal, Yato... Don't make it weird. Keep it together and keep your hands still, dammit! His little pep talk helps a bit, if not completely. Hiyori's skin against his just feels too good for him to remain totally motionless when pressed against her.

After a while he dares to let his head lean sideways to rest against hers.]

Yeah, I've noticed. I... like them, too, to be honest. They're nice...

[ hiyori isn't thinking about what skin is touching where or how little or how much they're wearing. she's thinking about how she can feel his heart beat as hard as hers is when they're this close. the curl of his fingers that mimics the tension in her gut.

not that she isn't aware either but it's an afterthought compared to everything else. especially so when his head puts light pressure against her own. please, please slow the heartrate down, she begs herself. he's going to notice!

like he has noticed she likes hugs?! since when did he realize that? well, she did admit she liked them when she was a cat. but with yato, it's a little more obvious with how often he gloms onto yukine. part of her thinks he's doing it just to make yukine blush. it is cute when he does.

gods, is she blushing? ]

I think everyone knows you like hugs. [ what she really means is

she does like his hugs. heartfelt starts to cross over into intimate as time continues to pass by and eventually hiyori loosens her hold from him and leans back. praying her face isn't as red as it feels and that it's just from being in hot water. ]

Thanks for the, um, the prize. A-almost as good as fluffy pancakes.

[ yeah "almost" ]

[Meanwhile that's pretty much all Yato can think of. Like holy shit his chest is against her chest (read: boobs)!! Which adds to the pounding of his heart against his rib cage, drumming along to the tune of his pulse. Thankfully he makes no other outward signs of being bothered by her pressing into him, save the fidgety fingers.

Which gently dig into her soft flesh the more comfortable he becomes with resting in her arms. It allows his mind to begin wandering, his senses picking up on more than just wet skin gliding over wet skin; he notices that her heart seems to be thrumming right along with his, beating hard and loud.

Does that mean she...? Is she as flustered as he is by all this? Does it mean more than just a friendly hug to her as well...? He wants to ask but doesn't dare.]

It's that obvious, huh? [Then again, so much of what he does is deliberately obvious.

He wears his heart on his sleeve intentionally, making sure everybody knows how he's feeling at any given moment and making it their problem. Though he has gotten better about it. He thinks. Kind of like how he doesn't pitch tantrums anywhere near as much now that he sees Hiyori everyday. That he knows she won't be forgetting him anytime soon.]

Y-You're welcome. I'm... enjoying it too, so it's kinda a win-win here, heh.

[Really, if she's truly having a good time, then he's doing his job well and that does indeed make him happy.]

Not so much that you like them. You're just obvious in general.

[ EXCEPT ONE THING.

he's right. he's gotten much better about expressing himself in a way that isn't tantrums and wailing and complaining like he used to — doing everything and anything obnoxious to get the attention he wants.

she doesn't know that it's because they see each other every day. they live together. NOT seeing each other every day would be weirder. there's no way she's forgetting someone she lives with. even then, despite her human nature to forget the far shore, she will do her best to remember.

that doomed promise she made under an umbrella.

her smile tugs a bit wider upon hearing him admit he enjoys it before she quickly clears her throat and swims over somewhere she can sit, lean back, and relax. you know, the whole reason they're here. her eyes close and she focuses on slowing her heart rate back down now that they're not

hugging

okay, so. she shouldn't think about what just happened while trying to calm down. ]

I wonder if Kazuma-san likes hugs. Or Ereshkigal-sama...

LIKE NO ONE EVER WAS~🎶

YAAAAAAAAAA UR DOING IT 1/2

no subject

YAAAAAAAAY👑

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYAY 🌸🌸🌸

YAHOOOOO 🌸👑🌸

YATOOOOOOOOOO ✨✨

HIYORIIIIIIIIIII ✨✨

YATOOOOOOOOOOOO 💢💢🗯🗯

HIIIIIYOOOOORIIIIII 💦💦❤️❤️

YATO......... 😳

IT'S SWEATY DAMMIT 😬

SURE SURE HIS NICKNAME *IS* "SWEATY"

AND DRIPPY

JERSEY

HE HAS SO MANY NAMES

STILL WAITING FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE

YABOKU? 8')

NOOOOOOOOOO NO NOT THAT ONE TRY AGAIN

YATO-SAMA?? 8>

BZT TRY AGAIN

GEE I CAN'T THINK OF ANY OTHERS...

YOU MUST

BOB

LMFDLKGJSD nO

SURE SURE HIS NICKNAME IS "SWEATY"