multifaceted.

Private oc/canon multimuse.

[guhamun]

@caemthe said (inbox):

[ lupa, for raedric ] “What’s your fur routine like? The only other wolves I’ve seen with tails as fluffy and well-groomed as yours are the courtesans favored by the emperor.” In other words, very pretty! But, that aside, she noticed that Raedric didn’t try to cover his tail or restrain it in any way, which wasn’t a common sight around here. Mostly because wolves like them were expected to ‘behave’, but also because… Before she could even ask about it, a bird flew by at max speed and stole a chunk of the guy’s fur. “The birds in the city like to steal fur to build their nests around this time of the year.”

C-COURTESANS… RAEDRIC WASN’T QUITE sure how to feel about this description. Was that a…compliment? Hmm… ❝I just brush it in the morning when I get up and before I sleep. I especially give it attention after a battle since it might have blood caked on it and dust.❞ Being fluffy was normal where he was from. The thicker the fur, the better to handle the frigid weather during the colder months. Of course, he didn’t need it to be like this nowadays since the weather where the guild was situated was often mild and pleasant. Even so, old habits died hard. He had wondered if he should say more, or if that was enough to answer the question, though as soon as that thought came to mind, he winced slightly as a bird flew by quickly and snatched some of his fur. Glancing back, he sighed slightly.

Again?!

Gently did he take his poor tail in hand, rubbing where it ached from where that small thief had decided to rudely rip out a chunk without so much as a thank you. At least the birds he dealt with stole maybe a few strands! He barely felt those! ❝This isn’t the first time it’s happened. Probably won’t be the last either.❞ Raedric…supposed…he should be flattered that birds liked his fur so much that they wanted to decorate their nests with it, but well…he was left with very complicated feelings in that regard. He was tempted to go back inside where it was safe.

[guhamun]

Raedric, for the most part, is just really chill and relaxed. He’s like when you look at images of capybara just vibing out there without a care in the world with an orange on its head, eyes closed. However, as one of the beastfolk, he is distinctly aware that some people automatically deem him to be potentially vicious or dangerous. This, even more so due to his nature as a wolf and all the negativity that tends to surround them when it comes to villages and the like. Old stories certainly have done nothing to help them in the slightest either. As such, he does try to come across as non-threatening as humanly possible. He’ll attempt to appear smaller than he is, and if he senses unease from someone else, keep some semblance of comfortable distance from them. He finds it rather sad, really, yet he tends to put the comfort of others first and foremost.

[guhamun]

@caemthe said (inbox):

There’s a tall, blonde man facing the bookshelf when the door opens. It looked like he was caught. But the man doesn’t turn around, doesn’t attempt to run, he simply passes another page on Denia’s file. If a battle were to break out right next to the intensive care unit… how many will make it out alive? “That useless child lasted even less than she was supposed to. Disappointing, but unsurprising.” Denia’s file is closed and dropped on the desk. The pretender wearing the face of a long-deceased man shrugs. “You should be honored - Ichor's chosen one. You served a purpose. Unfortunately, I don’t have any candy to give you right now.”

HOW COMFORTABLE THE GRAND Architect was, that they decided they would appear to him like this. Despite being trained to read others and analyze motivations, sometimes it was hard to tell exactly what the other wanted. There was little to no reason to visit Luuk, and yet they had done so two times. In this case, though, he wondered if there was something in particular they were searching for, rather than here with the intent on poking and prodding. Eyes narrowed just slightly, but he kept his cool as the door was closed behind him. ❝You seem to be quite attached to this school. Surely the Grand Architect has other things to do besides wandering around here?❞ Their plans had all fallen by the wayside. There was no reason to even bother with this location anymore when they could spread their poison elsewhere.

So, why were they here?

Despite not seeing the other’s face, he knew whose current visage they wore like a mask. It angered him. Made his golden blood boil like a pot over an open flame, but showing weakness to one’s enemy never brought about good results. Denia… That poor girl. She had been much like himself: a tool that was discarded when it was deemed a failure or had served its purpose. The Grand Architect didn’t look at people like others did. They did so based on their usefulness – on what could be gained from them. If you were outside of that scope, then you might as well be no different from refuse. He didn’t say anything in regards to their words about himself. Instead, he focused on Denia. ❝Disappointing, and yet here you are, trying to dig around in my files about her. I was under the impression that you grew bored of ‘failures’ rather quickly.❞ After all, that was pattern of theirs that never seemed to change.

❝Perhaps you should move on.❞

That was not a suggestion.

[guhamun]

@resolutepath said (inbox):

The battle had been looking a little difficult, the influx of Exiles and Tacet Discords attempting to get towards the Tacetite weaponary for scraps or to damage it had been demanding to clear, but eventually with the sight of Yinlin's lightning on the horizon. It had allowed Danjin to breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that they would not lose any more rangers. Now she stands, inspecting her sword, and wondering if Mortefi will be cross with her if she has to get her sword replaced again. He'd only done it recently. Still she turns her head away as Yinlin approaches, a smile of greeting appearing. It's a muted thing but no less genuine for it. "Your timing was as impeccable as always. We couldn't have done this as efficiently without you." There's deep respect in her her words offered, recognising the relief Yinlin brings to the battlefield. One day she would like to be able to do the same for her fellow Rangers. "I hope you did not have to come too far."

PERHAPS IT WAS FATE that she had been in the area when the Tacet Discords had appeared. She had been around for wholly unrelated reasons, and though she technically didn’t need to assist with that in mind, at the end of the day, Yinlin cared about people. Her very profession was chosen because of this. Placing her mission aside for the time being, she had taken a detour to assist the Midnight Rangers, Zapstring moving across the battlefield with her as that familiar bright, purple electricity crackled in the air, felling monstrosity after monstrosity before they could reach their destination. Any that might have slipped past the Rangers, she was quick to take care of for them. Eventually the number dwindled to something manageable, the Tacet Discords soon completely eliminated. They were not as active as they had been when the Threnodian was close to awakening, but every now and then, large groups still had a tendency to appear without any warning.

What a headache, truly…

❝I’m surprised that sword of yours managed to hold up, Danjin,❞ she teased upon her approach, amused smile upon her lips. The sword was probably worse for wear, though at least it wasn’t shattered this time. Honestly, she couldn’t even imagine the amount of credits that she spent just getting a new blade or having one fixed. Poor Danjin’s wallet… Coming to a stop nearby, she glanced back over to the other Rangers who were currently scouting the area in case anything was missed, her gaze softening slightly before her attention shifted back to the other. ❝I only contributed a little. All of you did most of the work.❞ She paused for a moment, shaking her head. ❝No, I was already nearby when I received the call. Good thing I was since I was able to help you all that much faster.❞ Her gaze looked over Danjin as if to search for any injuries, Yinlin knowing good and well that she had a tendency to hide such things.

Good. All was in order.

❝Anyway, I will leave everything to you. Make sure you get that sword of yours checked when you get the chance. It wouldn’t do for it to break on you in the heat of battle, now would it?❞ With a wave of her hand, she gave a final smile in Danjin’s direction, and then just like that, turned to take her leave as easily as she had appeared.

[guhamun]

@jaakunxkaze said (inbox):

There was a small message sent to Jing Yuan phone that reads ‘You know, general out of the all of the times we've known each other it just occured to me that I never actually asked when your birthday is. If you don't mind telling me, the next time I visit with the Express let me shout you when that date arrives.’

JING YUAN HAD NOT expected the message he had received from Kotaro. A text checking in on him, certainly, considering they often send such things every now and then. However, a text asking about when his birthday was, was another story entirely. His lips curled into a smile, amused, though he couldn’t help the fondness that he felt. Even far out in space off on adventures with the Express, they still thought to check in on this overworked old man. Tapping his fingers gently against the smooth surface of his desk, he pondered whether he should answer, or if he should tease just to see what response he received. Rather than not say anything, or merely give an answer, he decided it was more fun to be vague.

Jing Yuan [text]: Well, my birthday is when the season first shifts, when it is said that skies are brighter and when blossoms are at their brightest. It’s a wonderful time to enjoy a nice cup of tea.

Jing Yuan [text]:

Jing Yuan [text]: Haha, it is said that finding answers on your own make knowledge all the more rewarding, and so think of this as a game of sorts. Or, perhaps better yet: training.

Jing Yuan [text]: Good luck, Kotaro.

Don't think too badly of him, Kotaro. Sometimes he just has to have a little fun after a day of looking over documents and constant work coming his way. Yan Qing certainly has it worse---

[caemthe]

The ex-corpo showed him a smile that would make regular folks flinch away and think their next words very carefully. But Jiyan didn't flinch or show any hostility. It was just... confusing. Were they trying to intimidate him to shake him off? Well, no, it was obvious his patient meant every word they said but, even so... "Yes, your assumption would be correct. Besides, Mr. Mori, you're lying on my operating table in my clinic. I could've hacked your cyberware or installed software while you were out cold. Do you think you're in a position to make threats now?" It would've been much easier to say that he had a mutually beneficial deal with the leader of the Ghost Hounds, as that would make most people in this part of the city think twice before doing anything stupid, but Jiyan had no interest in relying on others for every inconvenience or issue that came up.

But talking about Calcharo... It would be naive of him to think the news of those blue and red thunders hasn't already reached the merc... or Jianyu as well. Well... that was something to think about later. Right now, he needed to focus on who appeared to be the most difficult patient he'd ever have. "As your doctor, I do need to know more about you. I can't write your medical history and make a proper assessment of your situation without your input. If it's confidentiality what worries you, then you can rest assured that any information you disclose won't leave my clinic... and I won't share anything you say with your friend." It felt necessary to add that last part.

[guhamun]

❝EEEEH? WHO SAYS I’M making a threat? Making a threat would have been crushing that head of yours when your guard lowered. I didn’t, though. Waste of a good ripperdoc.❞ He talked about murder and everything it entailed with the casual ease of someone who had killed many times (and he had). ❝Besides, you got some serious protection around you, don’t you? Guy like you would have been taken advantage of a long time ago without it.❞ All it would take was some gang moving in – maybe some Tyger Claw punks – and this ‘good doctor’ would be forced to lower his head and do as they wanted unless he hired a really good Edgerunner to take care of that problem. Even with that in mind, it still had its fair share of issues. He laughed at their next words as if Jiyan had told the world’s greatest joke. ❝I had a feeling you weren’t from Night City beforehand, but the more you talk, the more I know you really are someone who hasn’t lived here for long.❞

Honestly, Jiyan had to be the first ripperdoc off the street that he had met, that asked half the questions he did. The less they knew about the person on the operating table, the better. It kept attachments at bay; allowing only credits to do all the talking. Besides, less questions meant you’d probably live a longer life. It was a miracle that this guy managed to hold his own for as long as he had with all his…peculiarities, in mind. ❝But you’re not my doctor, are you?❞ He shifted, feet coming to rest on the floor as he turned, attention fully glued upon them now with a sudden shift from the playful amused air they had held about their person, to something darker. Golden eyes gleamed beneath the clinic’s lighting, almost as if they glowed as bright as Night City’s neon lights. ❝Let me give you some advice, Tourist. Your goody-goody behavior will press the wrong buttons one day. Just because I like that you’ve got some fangs, and I still have some things I need to do, I’ll let some things slide.❞

A warning?

Or something else entirely?

❝Pull up a news report, search the net – you’ll find what you need without me having to say anything else. Or if you want to know more, ask that so-called friend of mine since he’s in the mind to call in favors for someone who wants to splatter his organs everywhere. A true pal!❞ The laughter that slipped from him was more raucous – wilder as he threw his head back. The rancor he felt for Cu was made that much more obvious with each and every sound.

[guhamun]

@philomuthos said (inbox):

Xingyun drops in with snacks for Khasar but also... a little tank with yet another ocean snail in it. This one is relatively tiny, with a bright violet shell- and it's floating near the surface of the orb-shaped tank. "I brought you a friend~!"

KHASAR WAS QUICK TO wag his tail the moment Xingyun appeared, excited for both his appearance, and of course, the treats that were brought for him. He wasted no time gluing himself to the Vidyadhara’s side as was often the case when he visited. Jianyu scoffed, quietly amused by it all, though he didn’t say anything to the hound’s behavior. Even if he had planned to, his attention was very much grasped by that rather adorable snail floating without a care in the world in the tank the dragon held. Leaning closer, there was an almost childish gleam within those eyes; wonder temporarily shifting his expression from serious to something that much softer. ❝Is this from one of the ships?❞ he asked, fascinated sometimes that life was still able to thrive on space-faring vessels as if their habitat never changed. Snails might not have been the most incredible of creatures in this vast universe, but to Jianyu, they would always be what interested him the most.

That cute shell and eyes…

How could anyone say that this was uninteresting? Realizing that he might have been…a bit too enthused, he leaned back and cleared his throat. ❝So, care to tell me what this little guy’s called?❞ He had to collect some semblance of composure! He had a reputation to uphold, after all.

[guhamun]

@caemthe said (inbox):

[ cyber.punk ] "It's a miracle you haven't fallen over the edge yet. I don’t know what unfinished business you have, but if you don’t start downsizing, you’ll flatline." After getting to know the doc and seeing his work ethic, it was easy to think that Jiyan always has something nice to say, a kinder way to word things, but that couldn’t be further away from the truth. Golden eyes looked at the ex-corpo with a coldness that showed he wasn’t going to debate Nagayoshi on this topic. "Before you ask, your friend footed the bill. He also paid me to do maintenance on your cyberware so you have to return tomorrow unless you want me to hunt you down and bring you here myself." It almost sounded like he was exaggerating, but Jiyan looked like he would personally break into Nagayoshi's apartment and drag them to his clinic if they didn’t cooperate. After threatening the man, the doctor leaned back on his seat, took off his mask, and rubbed his temples. "Mori Nagayoshi from Tsunami, correct? I've heard about you."

IT WAS INDEED A miracle, wasn’t it? Perhaps those Mori genes were worth something after all. There was a somewhat bitter laugh as he lifted his hand, opening and closing it slowly as if to test that everything still worked as it should. How many times had he heard those words? ‘Downsize soon or it’ll be too late!’, ‘you’re pushing the limit of what you can do’….so on and so forth. He never really listened to the ripperdocs that gave him these warnings, and many were too afraid of him to bother pushing further. Besides, did it really matter if he was one more cyberpsycho out there in the world? He’d just be another sad story in Night City – another soul that would be flatlined by those monsters in MaxTac. He wouldn’t even pretend he could take any of them out.

He’d be dead in seconds.

❝So, uh…❞ He paused, the question he was about to ask already answered as if the ‘good doctor’ was aware he would. Your friend footed the bill, they said… Tch, Cu was still being a sentimental dumbass it seemed. He didn’t tend to leave loose ends, far more careful than he let on to others with his seemingly reckless antics. But Nagayoshi knew. He knew. It would have made more sense for him to wait for him to appear and then gun him down, and yet, he always fled the situation. Each and every single time.

It was frustrating.

Why wouldn’t Cu do anything? Did he relish in his misery so much that he wanted Nagayoshi to keep going when he just wanted to go out in a blaze of destruction, and corpse laden cement? Sharp eyes shifted to fall upon Jiyan at their ‘threat’, expression unreadable for a few passing moments before he offered usual toothy grin. ❝A ripperdoc with a backbone? Makes me want to test how brave those words are, but something tells me that you’re not all talk like everyone else in this city.❞ He fell quiet once again, the seconds dragging on a little longer this time before he spoke again. ❝Yeah. That’s me. Heh, bet you have.❞ Who hadn’t heard about him? He wondered if his family had disowned him to save face – a normal tactic when people with wealth and reputation. His father had principles, though he was also loyal to Nobunaga as well. Betrayal was the greatest sin any in his family could commit, and if the rumors were true about his (did it matter if it was or wasn't?), then announcing him as good as dead to the family was the best way to handle that situation. ❝You don’t need to know anymore about me, Doc.❞

It was better they didn’t.

[tomhoppusdelonge]

step one: start conversation ✅

step two: maintain it ❎

[tr4shpwup]

₊˚ʚ 🌱 ₊˚✧ ﾟ.

me if i was a snail （≧∇≦）

[caemthe]

"Please do," the general replied almost immediately. He would definitely need it. And a bowl of Jinzhou's stew sounded divine right now. It had only been two days, but he was already missing the taste of food. It will be a while before he can eat normally again instead of relying on an IV. He now regretted skipping his lunch before going on the mission that led to... this. Certainly, these 'experiences' made him more appreciative of the things he unknowingly took for granted. He needed to be more grateful for his food too and perhaps try not to skip meals when he's busy. "From Panhua's. I'll give you the key to my apartment if you wish to order it via Lollo Logistics." Considering they might need to keep a 'low profile' for the time being, going on a date to one of the most popular restaurants in the city might not be a good idea.

'My presence is no longer needed.'

"But it is wanted," Jiyan found himself saying before he realized that he was sharing the thoughts he had planned on keeping to himself. There was nothing he could do to take those words back, so he didn't try to come up with an excuse as for why he said that. The reason was quite obvious, wasn't it? But his selfish wishes had no place here. More than him, Calcharo was needed by the Ghost Hounds. He knew he had no right to hold them hostage here, and yet... he didn't want them to leave. What a senseless and childish way of thinking. He still has a long way to go. "I promise next time you come to the Overwatch base, it won't be for a reason like this." He didn't know if it was a promise he could keep, but he was going to do everything in his power so this situation wouldn't repeat itself.

"Hm, you make it sound like I'm the type of patient that gave me a headache back when I still was a combat medic." He was, he really was, so much that the head medic was dropping by his room at random times, as if she were waiting to catch him doing something he wasn't supposed to. Medics make the worst patients, and Jiyan wasn't the exception to the rule. "Send my regards to the Ghost Hounds, especially your head medic. Maybe he would like to hear a few tips on how to deal with stubborn patients." He was just jesting. He was certain that the older gentleman already knew how to deal with a stubborn patient like Calcharo. If anything, he should hear a few tips from them. He didn't laugh, he shouldn't, but the sides of his eyes crinkled when he looked at the mercenary. "Calcharo? Before you go, I would like to give my boyfriend a kiss."

[guhamun]

IT AMUSED CALCHARO THAT he specified Panhua, but he wasn’t really surprised by this. After all, there was no denying that the food there was delicious and very well-prepared. He had eaten many stews in his lifetime considering how easy they were to make on hand, but Panhua’s had a very distinct taste to it that made you want more even with its simple ingredients. ❝Very well, then. When the time comes, I’ll be prepared. You’ll get your Panhua’s.❞ His apartment, huh? Sometimes it was easy to forget that he would, of course, have an actual residence outside of military compounds. What did it look like inside? Was it as pristine as his room here was? Everything neatly in place with nary a speck of dust? Probably. There was no point in even mulling over that train of thought for too long. Still, it was something to look forward to, among a few other things. He wasn’t…used to being in someone’s residence before. Normally when he met with clients, it was somewhere neutral. Somewhere that he, himself, had personally scouted out just in case things went south.

He kept that to himself.

What was said afterwards pulled him out of his thoughts, attention once again placed upon the other man. ‘But it is wanted.’ A slight smile found its place upon lips so often turned into a cold frown, icy gaze softening, if only for a few moments without him being any aware of how easily it did. ❝I know.❞ He did. Truly. Not once since he had been in Jiyan’s presence had he ever felt otherwise. Even when he was still attempting to figure the other out, along with their intentions, nothing ever felt…fake. It was hard to explain, and so, he didn’t try to. ❝I’ll hold you to those words, Jiyan. I don’t think I can manage to deal with your overly curious Rangers for a second time.❞

Truly an ordeal.

Pushing himself up from his seat, he gave a faint huff. Jiyan was the very definition of a patient that would give any medic half their grain in salt, a headache. Calcharo even wanted to know what spell they cast on the general to keep him from trying to do something he shouldn’t while recovering. He had been…quiet ‘good’ since he had been here. ❝Oh, I think I they could also learn a thing or two from your medics here too.❞ There was a pause, lingering for just a few seconds, whatever he was about to say, easily leaving him upon what was said next. He blinked, taken aback. Despite how long he had Jiyan had been dating, there were still certain things that he was learning to become accustomed to. This being one of them. Without another word, he leaned down, lips gently pressing against theirs with a gentleness many would not expect of the infamous Ghost Hound leader. When he pulled away, he reached out, hand resting atop theirs.

❝Don’t push yourself too much. Rest.❞

Get well. Recover. Don’t make me worry.

[paramythas]

Ah. This belongs to someone.

Fable doesn't startle, though they perhaps should have, just for the sake of doing so. People find it odd if they don't. But the water is so warm, and so nice- and though not saltwater, it is buoyant and pleasant all the same. Slowly, they turn their hand, twist the water beneath them to push upward. He rolls over onto his stomach then, a false (and somewhat useless, given the clarity of the baths) show of modesty. Arms cross, and they peer at her over them, golden gaze steady.

"Not a fish," they correct helpfully, giving one slow, careful blink. The lines of scales on their body shift with the light- from semi-transparent to pearlescent silver-blue- and they tip their head slightly to one side. "Not... much worth eating either... I think..." They wouldn't know- it's not as if any memokeeper who's been devoured could report back. Another turn of their wrist; the water coils over then like a blanket- a steady rolling stream keeping the warmth seeping into them.

They blink once more, languor bordering on indolence.

"If you're going to try, will you at least... keep a proper record?"

[guhamun]

HOW…PECULIAR. NO REACTION whatsoever… Even the most languid fish of the sea would have at least done something in a situation like this. However, she was corrected in her observation. They were not a fish. This, Hysilens, could agree with, for there were no known creatures of the depths that she knew of, that matched their appearance. ❝What are you, then? Your body does not quite feel like it is real.❞ She drew his hand back slowly, eyeing the other quietly once more as if she was studying the ripples of water rather than something so utterly unknown. At the words that followed their correction, her lips curled into an amused smile, Hysilens taking a step back so that she could sit upon the edge of the bath, legs idly kicking gently beneath that ever-inviting warmth.

❝An obsession with record keeping even in the face of danger… I wonder if you are a follower of Oronyx…❞ But she had been alive for a long, long time. There were none that were created by that Titan of Time and Night that she would not know. And if they were someone that she did not know…then… ❝Ah,❞ an understanding, ❝you come from beyond the sky.❞ That was the only answer that she could gleam from this situation. Whoever this was, was not of this world. But why collect memories of a place not your own? That, among all else, perplexed her the most.

[guhamun]

H.ysilens does not care about nudity at all. To her, it’s just a body, and considering she’s from the sea, it’s just a fact of life. She can appreciate how aesthetically pleasing someone’s form might be, but her thoughts are never sexual. She can’t look at a naked body and feel the same attraction someone else might even in moments of intimacy. So, trying to be sexy just does not do it for her at all, unfortunately.

[guhamun]

@vcnefiica said (inbox):

adrian sits behind jianyu, gently braiding flowers into the wolfen's hair. no, he can not take it out, it's only right that disney prince's should have some sort of calling sign.

JIANYU SAT STILL, NOT so much as a peep escaping him as he allowed Adrian’s fingers to thread through his hair, flowers braided within dark locks with expert ease. It had been a while since he had allowed someone else to do this. Not since his sister had been barely up to his knee. Hers were messy, as to be expected of a child, and yet he had worn those flowers proudly despite that fact. He could still remember how pleased she was, a bright smile upon her lips as she had looked upon her handiwork. The thought brought a smile to his own, corners turning slightly as nostalgia came over him. No, no, he had no plans on taking out Adrian’s hard work. Just as he did with his sister, he would wear them with the same pride.

[caemthe]

The Grand Architect was moving on borrowed time, but they didn't behave like it, still hanging out on the Academy's campus and going to classes as if they were just another student instead of the most wanted criminal in all of Solaris. The students that gathered around them were none the wiser about the danger they were in, nor were they aware of the doctor's impressive self-restraint. But the moment that resolve wavered and the lights started malfunctioning, when the trick is exposed, what will happen then?

But the Grand Architect rarely provides any hints.

"That many times? I did hear it's a classic from the New Federation, but I didn't know you were the type to obsess over an old film, Dr. Herssen. I see I'm not the only one who obsesses over old things." There should be nothing odd about that casual comment. The classic film was one of the last human-made movies before AI took over, so even today it still has quite the following. And 'Nivora's' friends knew about the student's fondness for lost spaceships and satellites before the etheric sea swallowed the world. "But I get it. I read the plot twist was heavily guarded and the reveal left the audiences shocked when it was released in the cinemas. If not even the actors saw it coming, what could we expect of poor little Luke?"

[guhamun]

THE WHOLE TIME THAT the Grand Architect spoke, Luuk’s mind worked quickly. There was no way he could contact Lucilla, nor was the Rover currently on campus. Not only that, there was a particular reason why they had decided to show themselves to him like this rather than continuing to blend in. What the reason might have been, he couldn’t say for sure. What he did know, however, was that they considered this a game. There was something altogether amusing to them about pretending to be a lamb when they were actually a wolf. Sheep’s clothing did not suit them, and one with sharper eyes might have noticed that something was distinctly not quite right about their classmate. Unfortunately, the students here had no reason to assume otherwise. They had become accustomed to safety, the incidents that had transpired as of late a fluke more than a norm.

❝Indeed. Many kept the truth from Luke, perhaps afraid that he might go towards the dark side as his father had. I cannot say that I agreed with their mindsets, but a film is built on knowing how to manipulate an audience – in how to subvert expectations.❞ He spoke of this film as if he was having a casual discussion with one of the students who would visit him during his office hours. Lifting his hand, he cupped his chin, smile still plastered upon his lips with an ease that came from a wealth of experience. ❝Nivora, don’t you have a class that starts soon around this time? As much as I enjoy this conversation, I wouldn’t want you to be late.❞

[guhamun]

@dayscorch said (inbox):

Koto's holding her arms out towards Kyojuro. Where is her hug ? ! How dare he make her wait !! The meaniest meanie !

KOTO COULD BE SO predictable sometimes. He had wondered when she would come to him like this. All Kyojuro had to do was wait. ❝Have you grown impatient, Asagi? I thought all the training we have done would have taught you that the patient are rewarded tenfold.❞ He said that as if Mitsuri was the paradigm of patience herself. Kyojuro could still recall the days that her stomach would begin to growl long before it was time for lunch... Letting out an amused huff, he opened his arms and tugged Koto into them with such speed, it wouldn't have been surprising if she was made temporarily breathless. He might have done that just to be silly. A teeny, tiny bit. ❝There. All better now?❞

[guhamun]

@caemthe said (inbox):

[ ‘nivora’ ] “Luuk, I am your father.” Those words are said in an exceedingly masculine voice that doesn’t match the appearance of the student. The other students are in awe at that near perfect imitation of the villain of the classic they just watched. No one notices the change in pronunciation of the protagonist’s name. “Oh, Dr. Herssen. You watched the movie as well? Quite the shocking revelation for little Luke, wouldn’t you agree?”

THE ICHOR BENEATH HIS skin felt as if it was boiling; his chest, an inferno. And yet, any who looked upon him would see not even a hint of change upon his visage. They’d only see the calm, serene doctor with the same gentle smile that all the students at Startorch Academy were used to. How brazen of them to appear here like this. However, there was nigh anything he could do at this moment and they knew that too. After all, to act out of character would alarm the students, and in alarming the students, the illusion would shatter. That was when things were most dangerous when THEY were involved. ❝My, that was quite impressive. I would say you almost copied the intonation down to the letter, Nivora.❞ The other students around them clapped their hands, none aware of the true danger they were in. But…they were only in danger if Luuk did not play along.

So, play along he did.

❝You do require a little more work, but that is coming from someone who has seen that film more than enough to know it verbatim.❞ How could he forget when that particular memory was etched forever into his very soul? The sound of his ‘father’s’ voice, the smile upon his lips… What made it worse, was that he couldn’t tell when he had begun to change. Did he ever know his father? Or…had he only known the pretender in front of him?