thread dump, a3 edition

[connike]

 act addict actors more like [vine voice] aaaa. AAAAA. AAAAAAAAAAAAAA

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[karechika]

[ If someone had told him a year ago that he'd one day become an actor and foster genuine bonds with people outside of August and December, he would've laughed. Sure, he'd acted before - he may be Chikage Utsuki now, but that wasn't always his name - but on stage? To entertain an audience? If he had to, sure, that didn't sound too different than all the lies he'd craft on the fly for a mission, but he wouldn't have been able to fathom honestly and earnestly pursuing theater.

And yet here he is, a proud member of Mankai Company.

Or, well, "here" in the general sense of the word. While he's gotten more comfortable with the others in Spring Troupe and Chigasaki laxed a bit on his ridiculous roommate contract (but only a bit), he still opted to spend most nights in his (their. it belongs to august and december too, though past tense for august) hideout. It's easier to be April away from the curious (and, in some cases, too sharp) eyes of some of his fellow troupe members.

Tonight in particular, he has a lot to get done. Chikage Utsuki has a presentation to give in two days time, and April received a high priority request to... gather some information, so to speak. So he doesn't even register when the date changes to April 15th - he only stops to pinch the bridge of his nose, brow briefly furrowing in thought, before the sound of keys clicking fills the empty, grey space once more. ]

[mashohiso]

[Despite remembering the incident revolving around August's death and brief glimpses of his past with August and April, there is still a lot that Hisoka does not remember. Years missing from his memory. Small details and conversations.

Hisoka would like to remember those things, he would, but right now he's prioritizing making new memories with his second family. With the Mankai Company.

There is one date that sticks out in his mind, though.

It's only a little past midnight, April 15th, when Hisoka knocks a distinctive pattern against the door to their hideout. Along with his usual bag of precious marshmallows, there is a small metal tin hidden in the interior pocket of his jacket. But that's for later.] ...

[tsumtsuki]

[ No matter how frequently they came, sunny days always put Tsumugi in a good mood. Though perhaps a little strange, he loved how warm the earth felt beneath his fingers as he tended to the garden. His appointment as Mankai Company's gardener ("garden boss", as matsukawa phrased it) was sudden, but the responsibility filled him with a different sort of pride than he got through acting. It brought him joy to catch someone smiling at the sight of his flowers, or smelling the distinct aroma of fresh herbs in that night's dinner.

Sometimes he'd garden with others - mainly Tenma or Guy - but today he doesn't have a helper. But that didn't necessarily mean he was alone. A little ways away from him lay Hisoka, unsurprisingly fast asleep. If he's being entirely honest, Hisoka's presence made it a little difficult for Tsumugi to focus on his tasks. Yes, he sees him every day - they're in the same troupe, and also dating - but there's something about his peaceful expression and the way the shadows of the tree's leaves dance across his soft face that feels... mesmerizing. Like he's too stunning to look away from (he is).

Tsumugi lets out a quiet breath and moves to Hisoka's side. There, he allows himself a few more seconds to admire his boyfriend before wiping his dirty hands on his pants and getting to work. Gently, as to not disturb his rest, he tucks flowers into his hair. White carnations (pure love and adoration) and daisies (gentleness and loyal love) nearly disappear in the the fluffiness - only the lavender (devotion and calmness) tucked behind his ear stand out. With each flower he places, he says the same thing in his mind: "I love you. I love you. I love you, Hisoka Mikage." ]

[mashohiso]

[Napping in the sun is one of Hisoka's greatest pleasures. Much like a cat, when he wasn't dropping off at random, he'd seek out a sunspot to nap in. If he had to rank sunspots... he preferred napping in direct sun over sunlight through a window. The warmth soaked right down to his bones. The heat on his skin always so comforting (even if azuma scolded him for not wearing spf in advance).

And even better than napping under direct sun... was napping with Tsumugi, in the garden, in direct sun. With Tsumugi, Hisoka felt warm. Safe. Completely at ease. He trusts and loves Tsumugi so much...

That's why there are no alarms going off in his head when Tsumugi starts slipping flowers into his hair. Hisoka wakes naturally, peacefully, to the sight of an angel. Tsumugi's gentle smile, so fond and full of love.]

Tsumugi... good morning.

[muku_prince]

[It was a beautiful day when Muku had left with Yuki for school in the morning!




Now, it was pouring.

Muku knew better, thankfully. The rain always followed him so of course he brought his handheld umbrella. He had walked shoulder to shoulder with Yuki under the umbrella until Tenma (well, Igawa) drove by and picked him up. One respectful declination later, Muku is backtracking in the direction of the station he knows Juza gets off from Uni.

Because while Muku knows better - he is just rotten, that one bitter tangerine segment that ruins the entire fruit that negativity and rain follow - Juza most certainly does not. Juza gets out of his classes around this time, this day, so he'll surely get soaked. He doesn't think Juza cares about that but if he can help his precious cousin out even just a little --!! Then it's worth it.

Muku finds shelter under an overhang at the station and the wait for his sunspot begins. He rocks on his heels as he waits, ever patient.]

[10hyodo]

[ Muku is right about two things: 1. Juza isn't prepared for rain at a moment's notice (it's rare enough for him to even check the weather report), and 2. he doesn't particularly care about getting soaked. Sure, it's a bit annoying - his slicked-back hair sticks to his forehead in clumps, and his coat takes forever to dry after - but a little rain never hurt anyone. If he's quick, he can get back to the dorms and in a hot bath before he catches a cold.

He's all but ready to hoist his coat over his head and make the rest of the trip home when, out of the corner of his eye, he spots a familiar figure. A small boy with fluffy pink hair and a periwinkle blue uniform. Yeah, Juza knows him well. ]

Muku. [ He steps underneath the overhang, clothes and hair drip drip dripping as he tries to wring out his jacket. ] You waitin' for someone?

[fridrich]

[Itaru Chigasaki is incredibly handsome. He practically glows when he's photographed, giving an ethereal feeling to his portraits. His face structure is gorgeous and his soft body lends so well to figure drawing. He has a soothing voice, like honey, and is the one person Banri can trust to not be weird about running lines for class with him.

That's why time and time again, Banri goes to Itaru for help or to model for his projects. Not because he's in love with him. No.

Not to say Banri isn't in love with him. Because he is. Very much so. But that's not -- that's not the point!! So he'd appreciate it if people stopped assuming Itaru was his boyfriend, because it's getting harder to deny and if he slips at school, he'll DEFINITELY slip at the dorms and Itaru has shown ZERO ZILCH interest in him romantically so that would be TERRIBLE. Itaru is such a stupid straight 2D waifu virgin yuppie (not an incel but definitely not a chad) that it pains Banri sometimes.

The easy solution to this problem would be for Banri to choose someone else to be his model, clearly. But his life is already on easy mode. And it's on other people to stop making assumptions. And Banri is stupid. So he'll keep on making the same mistakes.]

Oiii...Itaru-san. [Banri pauses to mash a string of combos on his controller.] You think you could model for me again, when you have time?

[1taru]

[ Banri Settsu is also incredibly handsome. Like, unfairly so. How did this guy manage to dump so many points into charm during character creation and still be so good at everything? Any normal person would struggle in STR, maybe DEF, but not Banri. He must've hacked the systems or something. Modified his growth rates to, like, 300% each. He thought Chikage was bad enough with his godly stat spread, but this is ridiculous!

Not that Itaru has any real desire to change Banri. He quite likes his gaming buddy the way he is, jacked up stats and all. If anything, he would rewrite parts of himself.

Joining Mankai Company had triggered his character growth arc. No longer was he the insecure, guarded gamer with twenty or so metaphorical locks over his heart. He still prefers to keep the personas of Itaru Chigasaki, actor and employee, and taruchi, well-known gamer and streamer, separate, but on stage and within the dorms he can freely be as passionate and nerdy as he wants.

But he wonders if he's somehow gotten too comfortable. See, being in love with a 2D girl is easy - you just buy her merch, whale on her gachas, and declare yourself an oshi on your in-game profile. But there's no limited edition swimsuit Banri SSR for him to drop an entire paycheck on, or a cafe collaboration he can buy too much food at to get a coaster with his face on it. Banri Settsu is a 3D person who's as real as the (fake) leathery couch they sit on almost every night, grinding events or shooting their enemies (and sometimes each other) to death until the wee hours of the morning.

And when it comes to real life feelings, especially romance, Itaru is ridiculously under-leveled. Seriously, he doesn't even know what gear to equip, let alone what skills he should've acquired by now! There's no strategy guides for this! It feels mighty hopeful to think he's even on the right route, but that's how it works in dating sims, right? You always pick the option to spend time with your best girl (or boy, in this case) and navigate through dialogue trees to eventually get their paired ending. Makes sense, right?

Right. Anyway. Itaru purses his lips in concentration, eyes locked on the screen as his thumbs glide over the very worn buttons of his controller. ] KK. [ He's never asked why Banri comes to him in particular for this. Convenience, maybe? But it feels like an event exclusive to the Banri Settsu route, so he doesn't question it. ] What's the theme this time?

[sankakus]

[ Misumi is a simple boy with simple interests. In fact, he can count them off on one hand: 1. the director, 2. Mankai Company, 3. triangles, and 4. his boyfriend, Kazunari Miyoshi.

To say that Misumi loves Kazunari is an understatement. If there was a word for, like, super love, that'd probably be closer to how he feels. But even that doesn't feel right! He just - he wants to be with Kazunari, always and forever! He wants to share all his triangles with him, and laugh underneath the light of the moon until Sakyo yells at them to go to bed. And he wants to fall in love with all the things that Kazunari loves, too.

It's these thoughts, this longing in general, that brings Misumi to the storage room, where his boyfriend is hard at work on his latest piece for school. He knocks on the door three times (tri-an-gle △) before opening the door and letting himself in. ]

Hi Kaz~ [ He sets the plate of freshly made onigiri (made with soooooooooo much love!!!!) beside them, and settles in one of his favorite spaces in the entire world: against Kazunari's back, with his arms around his waist and his chin on his shoulder. ] I missed you! [ Cheek squish! It may have only been a couple of hours since he left Kazunari to work, but they were a very long couple of hours, okay. A man can find so many triangles to tell his boyfriend about in a couple of hours!!! ]

[natsupiko]

[Kazunari would consider himself a pretty lucky guy. He's found a good balance between school and living for himself. He's found his passions. He's found a really amazing family and friends within Mankai Company. And he's found Misumi, who he loves so, so very much.

Misumi is wonderful.. Kazunari's never met anyone like him before. So honest with himself and and what he likes. So kind to the others in Mankai and so talented. He thinks people only take Misumi at face value when there are so many different levels to him. Kazunari honestly envies him sometimes. But mostly he feels lucky that he's the one who Misumi chooses to have at his side. And he hope he can stay there always.

Much like everything else about Misumi, his timing is perfect. It is very much time for Kazunari to take a break and he can already feel his mental battery recharging with Misumi pressed to his back.] Heya Sumi ~ [He gives Misumi one (1) good ol' cheek smooch with the loud 'smack' noise (that means its a quality smooch).]

It's about time I take a break so I can hang with you! Whatcha been up to?

[natsuagi]

[ Tenma doesn't understand where he's going wrong. It's so easy on TV, and in the shoujo mangas he's borrowed from Muku for "research". Leave a note in your crush's locker, get them to meet you somewhere at school (preferably somewhere private, like an empty club room or the roof, but a courtyard during spring really ups the romance of the scene), and then confess your feelings. It's so simple!

So why the hell has Taichi not met with him?! That guy's always talking about wanting to be in a relationship! Why?! He knows he's putting his notes in the right shoe locker - he's triple-checked, and even watched him use it - so it's not like he's not getting them. There's no way someone's stealing from Taichi's locker that frequently. And he's even keeping the note itself simple! "Taichi, meet me at this place after school," signed with his name because while he knows he could do this anonymously, Tenma Sumeragi isn't a coward! He will face his feelings head on! ... Which apparently means continuing to write notes he can't get Taichi to respond to.

If he's being completely honest, he's starting to lose hope. But- but he can't give up! He will get Taichi to understand him eventually!

(the thought of confronting him at the dorm crossed his mind once, but no, there's too many people. what if omi saw his note before taichi, or literally anyone caught him in the act of sliding an envelope under the door? there's too many people like yuki or kazunari that'd never let him live it down. he's having a hard enough time getting yuki off his case as is.)

As the end of day bell rings, Tenma gathers his things and makes his way up to the roof. Will Taichi show up today? Who knows. But his feet take him up the familiar flight of stairs anyway. ]

[7ohta1]

[Taichi literally has no clue what he's done to deserve this.

He's lost track of how many times this is now that he's come face to face with a note in his locker, and become stupidly excited for it to be a love note only for it to be a challenge FROM TENMA. His heart being broken is bad enough but he's so confused. Why does Tenma wanna fight him so bad???

Tenma's been completely normal at the dorms - which, he guesses makes sense. It would be troublesome for the others if they duked it out there. Everyone would be so worried! But what is it that Tenma can't just talk to him directly about it??

Oh- oh god. Did Tenma finally figure out Taichi has a giant crush on him? Is he super disgusted? Sure some of the guys in summer troupe are dating (lookin at you misumi-san and kazu-kun, you lucky bastards) but that's totally different from another guy having feelings for you. He's just been constantly testing his luck, hasn't he???

But Taichi can't ignore his notes anymore. He's received a threatening private DM from Yuki - that if tenma brings their issues back to the dorm one more time, taichi's fingers are going to be numb from how hard he works him. so at least hear him out, dumb dog.

So he should... hear him out. Be prepared to fight. Uuuuggghhh Taichi curls up on the flight of stairs he's climbing. He can't do this! Why is he so stupid! Why is Tenma so stupid!!!! TENMA'S THE STUPIDEST!!!

He makes it to where Tenma is waiting for, ready to fight - or at least try. But when he sees Tenma, all the fight rushes out of him. Taichi visibly deflates. His tail is wedged between his legs, ears drooping.]

H-hey, Ten-cha - Tenma. San.

[7ohta1]

[This was it. It was finally happening.

Taichi Nanao’s Super Duper Date Night with Omi Fushimi: In Which Taichi Spoils Omi to Heck Instead of the Other Way Around For Once

Taichi has been mulling over this for a while now. Because, really, Omi is way way too good to him. He constantly spoils him, and while Taichi doesn’t have a problem with that in the slightest… he wants to reciprocate those feelings. He loves Omi so much, and Omi deserves to have a date night where he doesn’t have to think about a thing. He only has to enjoy himself.

Hopefully. But Taichi knows he’ll enjoy it because he’s put a lot of work into planning it! Hours spent scrolling the internet - Top 10 Date Spots for Your Crafty Partner! - and had even picked up a part-time job (with Izumi’s permission) so he’d be able to cover all the expenses.

First! Because Omi likes handicrafts so much, they’re gonna go to a place where you can sip wine (taichi will have juice of course) and paint pottery. Then, they’re gonna go to a restaurant that claims to have the best Bagna Cauda. To end the night, they’ll rent bikes to the beach where you can see the fireworks that the amusement park lit every weekend. And finally, Taichi may or may not have made reservations at a hotel so he can spoil Omi another way (or just rest! whatever omi wants!!)

It’s going to be perfect!!! He’s so excited!!! Omi’s gonna love this!!! Taichi hasn’t told Omi the entirety of his plan, only that he’d wanted to go on a date tonight. So, Taichi spins into the lounge since he figures Omi is probably in the kitchen (because omi is too nice and would probably want to prepare dinner since he’d be out the rest of the night).]

Omi-kuuun ~~!!

[omimi]

[ Omi would argue that he's in no way "way way too good to him". After all, that's just what he does: he takes care of people, because that's how he shows his love. And Taichi is incredibly special to him, so of course he's going to spoil him extra. That's what any good boyfriend would do, right?

Besides, Omi's never for a second doubted Taichi's love. Everything he's ever given him, whether that be a smile, a kiss, a touch, or a gift, has been filled to the brim with his feelings. Honestly, he feels spoiled as is, being loved so earnestly. So, if he knew what was going through Taichi's head, he'd tell him to cut himself some slack.

But he doesn't know, so he pulls freshly baked canelé out of the oven (it's been some time since he last made them, but they were clearly well-received last time so why not) while a pot of pasta boils on the stove. The menu is simple tonight - spaghetti carbonara with a side of salad, and then dessert - because yes, he wants to make sure everyone else eats well, but he's also looking forward to his date with Taichi and doesn't want to make him wait long for him to wrap up cooking.

Speaking of the boy. He laughs fondly as Taichi quite literally spins into view. ] Hello, Taichi. [ He sets the canelé down to cool, then turns his attention to the pot. ] Sorry to make you wait. I'm almost done though, so it won't be long.

[ He's even got his keys and wallet already on him, so he won't have to go back to the room! Though... ] Ah- could you go grab our helmets? [ While he doesn't know what Taichi has planned for their date, he assumes he'll need to drive them somewhere. vroom vroom ]

[natsupiko]

[What do you do when you have a great idea for an art piece but need the perfect model? Why, you ask your boyfriend to model of course!

This is far from the first time Kazunari has had Misumi model for him, but it’s certainly the biggest piece he’s had him model for thus far. The canvas is almost as big as he is!

That’s why they’re currently parked in one of the many studio spaces in Veludo Arts for once. Kazunari has signed up for a block of about 2-3 hours that he thinks will be enough time to get the first layer of his idea down.

School rules dictate that he can’t lock the door to the studio, so Kazunari has taped paper to the back of the doors thin window. There’s also a very authoritative sign taped to the outside: Nude Model! Do Not Disturb!

With a variety of paints down on his palette and all other prep complete, Kazunari can finally turn his attention to his angel of a boyfriend.]

Okay, Sumi Sumi!!! Strip!

[sankakus]

[ Misumi's been to Kazunari's school a couple of times now - for festivals, to help with modeling, and for the sake of surprising his super boyfriend - but every time is so exciting to him! There's so many really neat triangles to find around his campus! And while Kazunari's art by far makes him the happiest, at least a couple of pieces will catch his eye (triangular or not) every time he visits.

So yeah, Misumi is pretty happy! He got to take pictures of some one-of-a-kind triangles, and now he gets to help Kazunari make some wonderful art! As the boy in question makes his preparations, Misumi alternates between rocking back and forth on his heels and wiggling his (free!!!) toes while looking around the room for even more triangles. A triangular window, perhaps? Or easels with triangles built into them?

But he cuts his search off as soon as Kazunari calls his name. He snaps into focus and smiles warmly. ] Okay~! [ And, with no hesitation, he strips. In what seems like a blink of an eye, all of his clothes, underwear included, has been tossed into a corner of the studio space on top of his shoes.

He does a little spin, as if to show that yes, he did indeed strip, there's nothing covering his cute butt now. ] Ta-da~ [ you did it, angel. you took off your clothes. ] Hey, Kaz, how should I pose?

[azunee]

[Tasuku Takato is very cute.

Truly the biggest theater junkie Azuma has ever had the pleasure of knowing. He is so passionate and takes his roles so seriously, he would do anything to prepare for a role. Far more than Azuma expects any other average actor would.

For instance, the next Winter Troupe play is about a serious relationship with Tasuku and Azuma as the leads. It’s different from Nocturnality: the relationship is explicit this time around. Tasuku and Azuma will be playing a couple. Their characters are in love.

So how does Tasuku Takato, most normal man in Japan, approach this new challenge? He asks Azuma out on a date.

That is how he finds himself in a relatively nice restaurant, sipping wine across from Tasuku. And Tasuku’s been nothing but a gentleman. It’s a textbook romantic date.

Azuma can’t help but titter from behind his glass.] Well, well, Tasuku. If this is how you’ve treated your previous partners, I have to admit I’m a little envious.

[tasutaka]

[ To say that Tasuku Takato takes acting seriously would be a humongous understatement. He's well aware that there aren't many actors that take their roles to the extremes he does, even on Veludo Way. At least Tsumugi understands him - usually.

But, for some reason, not this time. When he told his friend the plan to go on a date with Azuma for the sake of role study, he seemed... weird about it. He still helped him in the end (see: the gardenia bouquet he'd surprised azuma with, currently sitting in the passenger seat of his pickup truck), but sheesh, what was up with that, anyway?

It made perfect sense, at least to him, to get in tune with his character by acting romantically with Azuma. After all, his character is completely head-over-heels for Azuma's, and he's lacking recent experience to draw upon. Also, while Nocturnality definitely brought them closer, he's not entirely convinced he can portray the best version of his character quite yet.

Tasuku unfolds his arms and takes a sip from his own wine glass. (he much prefers beer, but it feels more of a couple thing to split a bottle.) Despite all his thinking about character, his response is purely himself. ] There's nothing to be envious of? [ ? He's here with him now, right? And besides, ] I'd like to think I was a good boyfriend, but it's been a while since I went out with someone.

[1taru]

[Itaru hates asking Chikage for favors. He hates the look Chikage gets on his face and he hates owing him anything. Owing Chikage anything is dangerous and could lead him to attending one too many company after parties in his place.

But he’s desperate. There’s going to be a pop up café for one of his more recent gacha obsessions and at the center of all its promo art and merch is his best girl. Now, this isn’t unusual: these sort of cafes open all the time and Itaru’s gone to his fair share. This one is doing things a little different. There is going to be a soft opening with extremely limited merch (like, ridiculously aftermarket prices limited). You had to make a reservation online, which Itaru had. The catch is, the soft opening is only open to couples.

Itaru had made his reservation thinking it would be easy to rope either Izumi or Banri into going with him, but the gacha gods once again had other plans for him. Izumi is helping another troupe out and Banri is stuck at school being a good kid for once. Kazunari is also busy and he has a feeling Citron or Kumon would be terrible at playing the part.

That leaves Chikage. Chikage, who had duped Itaru himself into thinking he was dating his older sister for ages. Chikage, who would probably get some sick pleasure out of seeing him beg.

It’s for his girl, he reminds himself. It’s for his best girl who looks so damn cute in her waitress uniform. This will be a painful quest but she will be waiting for him at the end of it.

He gives Chikage the short of it when he returns to their room after work.] There you have it. Will you go on a date with me, senpai?

[karechika]

[ If push came to shove, Chikage would do anything - readily put his life on the line, even - for Itaru. For anyone in Mankai Company, really, but he'd be lying if he said he didn't have a little bit of a soft spot for his roommate/coworker.

So can he be blamed for finding this situation amusing? Of course, he knows this is no laughing matter to Itaru - just look at how fired up he got during Spring Troupe's fifth play! Of course he'd take a gacha game that seriously! - but he really has no other word for this than "amusing" because it's so outside of the realm of his own experiences, it's laughable.

He won't be mean about it, though. ... At least, not too mean. Making him squirm a little is completely justified after having to bail him of a company dinner last week. ] Oh? Have you forgotten that you already owe me, Chigasaki?

[1taru]

[ Itaru has fought many final bosses in his lifetime, virtually and otherwise. But nothing could even compare to what he faced today. It was a multi-phase, hours long fight with difficulty spikes he didn't even know how he triggered, unexpected reinforcements in the middle, and no real chance to recover his HP at any point. The odds definitely felt stacked against him, but he prevailed in the end and got a very important achievement for his efforts: Impressed the Long-Time Boyfriend's Family.

After saying his final good-byes, thank you for welcoming me into your home, happy birthday Settsu-san, I promise to continue taking care of your son, he walks with Banri back to his car. The entire day he's been in formal mode, having come to the Settsu residence straight from work, so the second he sees that Banri's family has gone inside the house he slumps forward, resting his head against the steering wheel and groaning loudly. ] I thought your sister wasn't going to be there. [ Like, of course his sister was going to come home for her mom's birthday, but man. Talk about upping the stakes mid-fight. ]

[fridrich]

[Banri had known this was a bad idea. But he hadn't realized just how bad of an idea it was going to be, because] She wasn't supposed to be! [Itaru slumps forward and Banri slumps backwards, hitting the headrest of his seat.] Ma said she wouldn't be able to come celebrate till tomorrow.

[But after hearing that her precious little brother was bringing his long-time boyfriend to dinner, she was miraculously able to change her plans and make it that day. He was going to give her an earful later - or wait, no, he wasn't because him staying silent would piss her off more. Perfect.] That sucked.

... They liked you, though. I could tell.

[karechika]

[ In truth, there was a part of Chikage that wanted to keep this day a secret - spare him even the tiniest bit of pain - but that wouldn't be fair, would it? Besides, he knows Hisoka wants to face his past, no matter how painful it may be.

There's no easy way to say it, so he'd just said it: today was the day that August died. And, understandably, there's a difference between knowing something happened and knowing exactly when the thing occured. Chikage knows Hisoka well enough to know the new information rattled him - and while he knows he'll pick himself up again, it'll take time and companionship.

Unfortunately, he had several important meetings preventing him from working from the dorms (and therefore being able to stay with hisoka), so he'd casually suggested to Tsumugi that Winter Troupe should do something together. A fun outing, perhaps? (tsumugi, sharp as ever, seemed to sense something was off - but chose not to pry, perhaps to avoid a potential argument)

Well, whatever Winter Troupe ended up doing together seemed to lift Hisoka's spirits. So Chikage doesn't have to worry at all when he comes home from work and sees him surrounded by his friends, a small smile on his face.

Content, he slips out into the courtyard without announcing himself, takes a seat on the bench, and tilts his head back to quietly stare up at the moon. ]

[azunee]

[Azuma would not consider himself nearly as perceptive as Tsumugi, but he is perceptive enough. He has his moments of clarity. Times when he can see what the others can't, in the people that aren't even aware he is looking.

Even when said people is Chikage. Azuma wasn't there for the conversation, but he can only assume Chikage had been very convincing when talking Tsumugi into taking Hisoka away from the isolation of his room or whatever corner he could tuck himself into to lick the wounds of his past.

Azuma still doesn't know much about Chikage either. He knows the spring troupe member cares deeply for Hisoka. And he knows that some of their past is shared, which is enough to make him think twice when he catches Chikage escaping to the courtyard from the corner of his eye.

Chikage will have a good stretch of peace (azuma isn't about to abandon hisoka without a thought) before Azuma nearly sits, silent and gracefully, next to him on the bench. He is quiet for a moment, looking up at the same moon, and that is what prompts him to speak.]

It's a beautiful night, isn't it?

[fridrich]

[If you asked him, Banri would say he doesn't remember how long he and Itaru have been dating. But that's a lie: he's too much of a romantic sap and the moment had been too ridiculous for him to ever forget how he'd accidentally confessed to an unsuspecting Itaru, only clad in his Minecraft boxers. It's been years and months and days and hours, and Banri only wants their relationship to continue way beyond that. Way beyond both of them.

He has everything ready. He has the blessings (from Itaru's family and Izumi. From Chikage, too, because he had somehow just known what Banri was planning like the freak he is). He has the ring: a simple band with the date they started dating and "my forever home" engraved on the inside. It'll look good on Itaru's finger but also on a chain.

Lastly, and most importantly, Banri has a plan. The plan just needs to follow through but part of that relies on Itaru even if he doesn't realize it. What Banri had told Itaru was that he'd had to make a video game that demonstrated the use of narrative for class and that it only made sense for Itaru "Taruchi" Chigasaki to run a quality check on it before he turned it in. He hadn't told him, obviously, that the proposal lay in wait at the end.

But, sure, he could stream it too.]

Just don't roast me too hard.

[Banri is at Itaru's side, bracing himself on the back of the other's chair while he gets ready for said stream. His hand lies sits on the back of his neck, thumb stroking through the soft baby hairs of his nape or occasionally drawing his nails across his skin.

It's all very gentle. Perhaps too gentle for what Banri's asking Itaru to do. But it's Banri doing it, so Itaru shouldn't think twice about it.]

[1taru]

[ Itaru doesn't expect a thing. And why would he? Sure, he and Banri have been together for a ridiculously long time, and they've stated in different ways their complete and utter devotion to each other, but actually getting married? He's entertained the thought, but it wasn't so important that he needed to drop hints or anything. Banri's his player 2 whether or not there was a ring involved. No returns, remember?

But the game he's been told to test is single player, so their co-op will have to wait for another stream. Though he'll have no objections if Banri "NEO" Settsu wants to make yet another guest appearance.

Itaru laughs ] No promises. [ before turning his head up for the kiss he knows he'll receive despite saying he would, in fact, drag Banri into next week without a shred of remorse. (this shouldn't be even remotely surprising.)

Once he's received that kiss, he turns his attention back to his monitors. ] Gonna switch over. [ That's the only warning he gives before, on the back end, he switches his stream from "starting soon!" to his actual gaming screen.

As usual, he cuts right to the chase. ] Alright- I know tonight's KniRoun night, but we're doing something different. NEO's asked me to run through his game for school, and said I could share it. [ So, without further ado... ] Game start. [ He launches the program. ]

[1taru]

[ Listen. Perhaps this isn't the most conventional way of finding a raid partner. But if Banri wanted him to fuck off, he could just say so? Maybe there were different expectations the first few times, but as soon as Banri started bringing his own controller and games with him, Itaru figured they were on the same page.

So here they are again. There's a spread of pizzas and chips on the coffee table (something he picked up on his way home from work), and Itaru himself spread on the couch in his cringewear loungewear. His eyes are focused on his phone, watching the timer tick down as they're waiting in the lobby - but then Banri says his name. ]

- Hm? [ A hummed response, without even looking up from his screen. ] Forget to gear up?