sangreine: touch :: intimate :: happy ([kai] before)
Saya Otonashi ([personal profile] sangreine) wrote in [community profile] imeeji_frontstage2022-01-03 12:06 pm

Karaoke bar mingle, Day 433 evening

Who: Alizarin, Lupine, Venti, and AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE
Where: Karaoke Bar, Pasela Resort
When: Day 433, evening

[ At the karaoke bar, the rooms are decorated in the style of LiliS, SensitIV, ☆Zrael, Wild City, Avante, and HSS as the "winners" of the latest horrifying game, dubious though the title is.  A group is gathering there in search of some mutual comfort after these recent, trying days, with plans for lots of drinks, songs, and plenty of cuddles for whoever wants them -- won't you join them? ]

[ A handwritten sign just at the entrance reads: ]


Rules: 
1. No brooding
2. Anyone wanting to engage in "improper behavior" must get permission from Suou Tsukasa

[ -- that last one is probably just a dig at the poor boy for attempting to moralize to immortals, but do with it as you like. ]

[ Everyone who was at Ideal Worlds endgame, knows the three party planners, is in their units, or just heard about this shindig through the robust hell grapevine should consider themselves invited!  In fact, you might have been dragged against your will -- they are a rather incorrigible bunch, after all. ]
ends: (smile to the end.)

Re: cw: blood?

[personal profile] ends 2022-01-07 05:18 am (UTC)(link)
I'm sure yours was a little less... dangerous? Gruesome?

[ it's a nice thought at least, and the alternative—that it might not be, that it might be just as dangerous and precarious as sensitIV's—has Kitsu pulling Alphinaud in a little more tightly. supportive as much as it is empathetic, whether such a thing is warranted or not. ]

Any kind, I guess. It's pretty easy to set something up like that in a place like this. Friend dates, real dates, dramatic theater dates. The last one's fun for sure.
sagescion: (6)

Re: cw: blood?

[personal profile] sagescion 2022-01-07 05:41 am (UTC)(link)
It’s not like what you can do, no. I channel my own aether and it becomes energy to heal wounds.

[He bites down on his bottom lip for a moment, his hand seeking Okitsu’s as he snuggles in close. He wants to hold him too, but his hand is perfect for now.]

Dramatic theatre dates… that sounds interesting. What does it entail?
ends: (real smooth.)

Re: cw: blood?

[personal profile] ends 2022-01-07 05:59 am (UTC)(link)
Does it take anything from you to do it? I mean, does it—hurt you to use it?

[ unfamiliar with the concept of aether, but concerned that it might be a sort of life force with a cost to the user. Kitsu doesn't push for Alphinaud to give more, though he seems perfectly content to maintain the hug by himself. ]

Hah, that entails rushing in with no plan and seeing where things go. I guess it could mean just going to see a play, but... I pulled a few people into some on-the-spot dramatic live roleplay for a couple of events. Trying to get around the wording of fan requests, play to the audiences.

[ "kill and die with a sensitIV" can totally turn into a fake drama murder-romance improv show?? ]

Could give it a shot if you wanted. You're just following each other's leads.
sagescion: (2)

Re: cw: blood?

[personal profile] sagescion 2022-01-07 01:04 pm (UTC)(link)
No, it doesn't hurt. It does make one tired if they overdo it.

[He listens to Okitsu's explanation, nodding when he finishes speaking.]

I can't say I'd have much of a talent for theater performances but I do enjoy the arts. I draw in my free time.
ends: (distant hopes。)

[personal profile] ends 2022-01-07 01:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Like most things.

[ fair enough. he leans against Alphinaud a bit more, giving an idle shrug. ]

It's less about being good at them and having a good time with them. [ hm. at the mention of art, however, Kitsu distinctly (and noticeably, he's sure) hesitates. maintains the contact, because it's pleasant and he gets the sense this isn't true for him exclusively. ]

... Yeah? What do you like to draw? Anything in particular?
sagescion: (Alphinaud (378))

[personal profile] sagescion 2022-01-07 02:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[He very nearly tucks his chin against Okitsu's shoulder. He's curled up close to him, enough that they would look to a passerby as if they were enjoying some snuggling (and maybe something else if one went by assumptions). It made him want more.]

A good time. Yes, I suppose that would be worth it.

[Being close is making him at risk for his heart to begin racing in a pleasant way. He wanted the closeness. Unable to resist, his hand moves to Okitsu's upper arm, the other one keeping their hands linked as they stay close to one another on the couch.]

Lately it's been portraits, but I candraw scenery and the like as well.

[He can't resist, he tucks his chin against his shoulder finally, trying no to breathe onto his neck.]
ends: (warm.)

[personal profile] ends 2022-01-07 02:36 pm (UTC)(link)
Isn't that what we are at the end of it all? Our experiences, the people we met, the people we could reach?

[ a little melancholy-sounding perhaps, but it hadn't felt out of place to bring up. as Alphinaud moves to touch his upper arm, Kitsu pulls him in a bit closer, resting a hand on top of Alphi's. it's really okay, he tries to convey, brushing his fingertips over the back of Alphinaud's hand. ]

... Hey, are you warm enough like this? [ he'll circle back around to the art. this seems more immediately at hand. ] If you aren't, I could probably find more cover.
sagescion: (Alphinaud (338))

[personal profile] sagescion 2022-01-07 03:04 pm (UTC)(link)
[A blanket, yes. He likes the sound of that. It's comfortable. They could be close together beneath it. His thoughts were spinning at the suggestion.]

More cover would be nice, if you're cold.

[He'll be patient while Okitsu gets a blanket. Before he does, though, Alphinaud moves his hand up Okitsu's arm, over his shoulder to the side of his neck. He rubs his thumb along the softness of his skin.]
ends: (peace.)

[personal profile] ends 2022-01-07 03:48 pm (UTC)(link)
The cold comes and goes. I'm sure I can find something that'd work.

[ it might be a tablecloth but you know, improvise, adapt, overcome. Kitsu won't pretend to know Alphinaud the way his sister would, so he cannot say with certainty whether he seems to crave touch this way all the time or relishes in it in this fashion.

but he can recognize a need, typical or not, when he sees it.
]

Hey. I'll be just a second, unless you want to wander with me. Or— [ he moves to pull out his phone, turning it so Alphinaud can see this. ] This place has this "honey toast" as a special. If you wanted, I'll grab cover and you can pick out a couple desserts? It sounds like a pretty nice way to take a break from the Producers' games, don't you think?
sagescion: (Alphinaud (228))

[personal profile] sagescion 2022-01-07 04:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[He blinks, almost surprised with himself as Okitsu tries to reassure him that he'll only be a second.]

I can wait here.

[He's comfortable here and Okitsu will be coming back with something to cover them.]
ends: (shine.)

[personal profile] ends 2022-01-07 04:11 pm (UTC)(link)
[ sometimes you have abandonment issues a mile wide feeding into anxiety it's important to go ahead and take the extra steps to reassure after a traumatic event. ]

Alright. Give me just a bit.

[ to his credit, he does make an attempt at finding a genuine blanket, but it's a karaoke bar. they do have tablecloths and curtains in different unit colors, so he settles on an old, worn tablecloth that could probably stand to be replaced?

but worn is also softer, so he returns with it and settles it over Alphinaud first.
]

I found what I could. I think it'll work, don't you?
sagescion: (Alphinaud (517))

[personal profile] sagescion 2022-01-07 04:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes, I believe this will do. I hope it isn't a strange request that you join me, given that you were cold.

[He wants to be touching him, holding his hand, and whatever else Okitsu wants to do.]

Perhaps the table cloth is enough to keep us both warm, yes?

[He smiles, just a bit of mischief lighting his eyes.]

Unless you plan on staying that way.
Edited 2022-01-07 16:23 (UTC)

[personal profile] ends 2022-01-07 08:05 pm (UTC)(link)
[ he shouldn't tease Alphinaud with hypothermia advice. he shouldn't, he knows he shouldn't, he won't. he doesn't. ]

I don't think it's weird. Seems like a kindness to me, don't you think?

[ and truly, he would have neatly left it at that, if not for that spark he catches, small and fleeting as it may have been. ]

Planned? Bold to think I had any real plans tonight. [ leans in. ] Why, are you flirting with me or something?

[ he asks, like he doesn't have any sense of anything at all.

but oh, don't mind him wrapping their "blanket" such as it is around Alphinaud that much tighter, pulling him back in for that side hug. he's teasing, but he'd like to be crystal clear that it's very much fond teasing.
]
sagescion: (Alphinaud (391))

[personal profile] sagescion 2022-01-07 09:45 pm (UTC)(link)
[Oh. He finds he doesn't mind the teasing. It's nice, even if he finds himself a bit self depreciating about the idea that he could be capable of flirting.]

Mayhap I'm not the most adept at it, but yes, I was attempting to tease you a bit.

[They're together under the makeshift blanket, curled up against each other, and he finds he truly wanted this closeness. He's not sure why the shift, only that it's a nagging thought that he needs Okitsu to be touching him.

He didn't imagine himself ever being this close to type of person he's wanted to be close to. Okitsu was kind and good to his sister. He should remind himself that they're friends and he shouldn't want her friend to touch him at all the way he imagines touching Okitsu himself right now.]

One of his arms wraps loosely around Okitsu, his hand grabbing the back of his shirt. He buries his face into the curve of his neck where it meets his shoulder. It feels nice to be this close. He feels almost relief.]

Are you still cold?

[He hopes that he's helping him feel warm.]
ends: (all warmth.)

[personal profile] ends 2022-01-08 02:36 am (UTC)(link)
Alright. Consider yourself noticed.

[ clumsy handling of feelings is familiar, and not distantly so. the hand gripping at his shirt in a way that screams craving has him leaning back, reaching over to pull Alphinaud against his neck. Kitsu strokes his hair, cautious, mindful, tender.

while he understands the thrill of jumping in, to do so with someone completely inexperienced feels unkind. it isn't in him to do it to the brother of a friend.

had his sister survived to see this age, he's certain he would have lashed out violently at anyone who'd treated her with any way other than this.
]

You know what? I am. So we'll just have to keep it up, huh? What do you think?
sagescion: (Alphinaud (378))

[personal profile] sagescion 2022-01-08 03:24 am (UTC)(link)
[He can't help but chuckle a bit at his comment about the flirting being noticed.]

Good. I suppose it would be a worthwhile use of my time if I considered practicing at it.

[The way he touches his hair, he notes, feels almost cautious. Perhaps they're both testing this out a little. A simple touch does much for him. He wishes he could be bolder because wouldn't that be nice? Yet he can't help hesitating a little because he's Alisaie's friend. Still, his hand moves down his back, just enjoying how close they are.]

He might not have much experience in things like cuddling other boys, but could enjoy spending time with Okitsu. He was enjoying it now.]

Hm. [He pretends to consider his options.]

If you've a need for a heater, I do not object to offering my services.

[He smiles, not moving away from him.]
Edited 2022-01-08 03:28 (UTC)
ends: (fondly.)

[personal profile] ends 2022-01-08 06:37 am (UTC)(link)
So you're saying you want to do it more.

[ Kitsu's echoing the sentiment to make him aware, even as the gentle strokes become the raking of fingers through Alphinaud's hair. ]

Huh. I'm not sure if I should tell you that you're selling yourself short, or that you're far cuter than any heater.

[ settling in under the blanket. honestly? this wouldn't be a terrible way to take a nap if not for the noise. ]

Are you always this cuddly?
sagescion: (Alphinaud (228))

[personal profile] sagescion 2022-01-08 06:51 am (UTC)(link)
Only if it actually worked on you.

[He's comfortable and enjoying the conversation. Part of him wonders if perhaps he's become too comfortable like this, but he doesn't want to move - not with Okitsu's fingers in his hair like this.]

Only an occasional cuddler, not that I don't want to. It's usually with my sister and well... I can say that I'm glad to discover how nice the difference is.

[He's never had the opportunity to explore such things, what with saving the world dozens of times over. If there's one thing this place has given him it's the chance to slow down a bit.]

What about you?

[His hands move up Okitsu's back, settling into a comfortable embrace. He was enjoying this and yet it didn't quite feel like enough. His hand finds the nape of his neck, teasing his fingers through the ends of Okitsu's hair.]

ends: (all warmth.)

[personal profile] ends 2022-01-08 07:24 pm (UTC)(link)
That kind of cuddling is different.

[ though his smile maintains and he continues to lean into the touch easily, he cannot help but lower his voice, muzzling the melancholy that threatens to come through. Kitsu does not pull at Alphinaud's hair exactly, reserving himself to slow tangling, to combing through. ]

And that's a question with a really long answer.

[ and it's less that he won't answer, more that perhaps this is not the place to. arching his neck into Alphinaud's hand as he teases at the ends of his hair, he hesitates only a moment before pressing a chaste kiss to Alphi's forehead. ]

So, here's... uh, a proposal. Kind of answering your question with more questions, but hear me out?
sagescion: (8)

[personal profile] sagescion 2022-01-08 07:54 pm (UTC)(link)
True enough. [He chuckles a bit, just enjoying touching Okitsu.]

Oh? Then I look forward to hearing the answer-

[Oh. He feels a bit like all the noise around them stopped with that kiss, even if it was on his forehead. It was different to him. Naturally, everything is different when cuddling with someone who isn't his sister and who he doesn't remotely consider a sibling.]

Of course.
Edited 2022-01-08 19:54 (UTC)
ends: (old smiles.)

[personal profile] ends 2022-01-10 02:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Well... I might've heard something about you and your interest in drawing. A lot of people on sensitIV are into the arts too, y'know?

[ LIAR, it was 100% Alisaie who told him. ]

And I might've been interested in checking it out, getting a work from you. It's for a good cause, I think.

[ his smile softens a little more. ]

Ah, but while that's the case, I'm saying it so bluntly so we're both clear. That's separate from this, and what I was going to ask you next. Okay?

[ while he isn't breaking contact, he does slow down. making sure Alphinaud knows that none of this has ulterior motives comes first. ]
sagescion: (Alphinaud (339))

[personal profile] sagescion 2022-01-10 02:53 pm (UTC)(link)
[He's 99% sure his sister would have told him, so he doesn't call his bluff.]

I'd be happy to draw something for you.

[It will at least give him something nice to do for Okitsu. He's pleased with that.]

What did you want to ask?
ends: (smile to the end.)

[personal profile] ends 2022-01-10 11:12 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks. I'd really appreciate it. We can work out the details of that a little later.

[ like it or not, that involves a trip down melancholy memory lane to reference, and he'd rather shield Alphinaud from that for another moment if he can. Kitsu had already put Alisaie's brother through watching him cough up a not-insignificant amount of blood all over the floor. they had all already been through being tagged with these earrings.

that road can wait, and he returns to pulling Alphinaud to lean against him, ignoring his idle chill, his own shivering.
]

Mm, right, right. You've never been on a date before, right? [ honestly he's not sure he has either but he seems to know well enough how to swing them. he's had his fair share of friend-dates. ]

You wanna try going on one with me sometime? They're not as intense as some people make them sound.
sagescion: (Alphinaud (418))

[personal profile] sagescion 2022-01-13 05:02 am (UTC)(link)
That's perfectly fine.

[He may not be cold, but he still feels like he wants to be closer to him. He adjusts himself a bit to drape his legs across Okitsu's lap beneath their makeshift blanket.]

You're asking me to go on a date with you?

[As if his ears were somehow not working.]

Yes, though I can't say I've done much exploring to know where somewhere interesting might be.