#maennad

[velvet-voiced]

[ Text from an unknown sender ];

@maennad

The connection is heavily encrypted... How frustrating. Just what is he meant to say to this? These are the words of that... simpleton again.

"Once I find out where they have compromised us... I'll be sure to block their access..."

[starshinc--a]

@maennad asked; [ SHIELD ]: sender throws themselves over the receiver's body to shield them from an attack.

It was supposed to be a rather peaceful walk around the mall. Well, peaceful as much as it could be - with Izuku attempting to get some snacks and perhaps the latest All Might hoodie that has released! He's all but dragged Niji with him, insisting it'll be nice. Maybe. At least Izuku himself is having a good time, currently munching on a crepe that the stand all but called him over.

It appeared he was still a trouble magnet, no matter where he went. The floor rumbled and before Izuku could turn his head, rubble separated from the ground and shot towards him as if drawn by an unseen force; likely a Quirk if Izuku had to guess.

Still, he's tackled to the ground by Niji, effectively being shielded from the worst of the attack. Gasping a little as he raised his head, Izuku immediately was concerned. "Niji...!" he wheezed, the tackle getting rid of the majority of his lungs. "I...I'm sorry, are you okay?!" Green eyes scan the area, trying to work out where it even came from. "Thank you."

[starwardled]

@maennad : "Here. I made tea for myself and figured you could use some too," Dessa hums as she hands Rima the warm cup. "How is the writing going? You've been at it for quite a while." / unprompted.

“ much obliged. ” lacrima cradles the cup and leans in, her breath delicate against its surface as the steam loosens, swirling away. still, an unpleasant warmth lingers against her fingertips; her tea is too hot, far too hot to take a first sip. “ verily? i appear to be stuck. ” the admission falls from her lips after a quiet sigh. she sinks into her chair, lavender eyes fixed upon the half-filled page before her. ink waits patiently for a train of thought that refuses to reach its station. each attempt to bridge the gap collapses: sentences flatten,and words lose their subtle meanings, no matter how hard the actress tries to weave them together.

her vision blurs and ears gather at the corners of her eyes, reluctant but almost inevitable at this point. the hand that once moved with certainty now circles idly, stirring a spoon through untouched tea. “ ... 'tis most infuriating. ”

[velvet-voiced]

There's a package left on Spinel's desk. It practically explodes open the second he enters his office, and out jumps a little robot toy that looks like a Jigglypuff-- playing a very specific song.

@maennad

He's going to draaaag a hand down his face. Just who was checking the mail today? And if it wasn't Exceed staff, did they really allow someone else in here unnoticed? Again?

There could have been anything in that package.

Why does he have the feeling he knows who sent this?

With an annoyed huff, he slams the package shut.

"Playing these games with me... I'll crush you beneath my heel."

[starshinc--a]

@maennad asked;' niji is just gonna yoink izuku and raise him up in the air. guess what time it is! air jail time.

izuku has been yoinked! he can't help but flail a little, his feet kicking as he'd held in the air.

"put me down....!" he squeaked quietly, but he's already giggling. "how come i'm being held up here?" there's a soft huff, no malice behind it.

[voltedtackle]

"Oh? I thought we didn't have a mistletoe tradition on the ship? So Gigi joins and suddenly we do have one?" Orla snorts, giving him a teasing pat on the shoulder. "So when are you gonna ask him out? I'm not interested in spending the next 20 years watching two men pine." Not like she has any room to talk. She's been pining for Mollie for the past couple of years now- and hasn't made a single move.

A light flush immediately springs to Friede's cheeks, warming his face pleasantly. Did he expect his feelings to be subtle? In truth: no, for when has he ever been subtle about anything? But he'd certainly hoped that they wouldn't be as painfully obvious as this. They're pining after each other like Lillipup, metaphorical tails wagging as harder than the ship's propellers every time they catch sight of each other. Friede's even caught Cap giving him a few exasperated side-eyes here and there, shaking his furry head like a disappointed parent.

He laughs, embarrassed. Orla knows him too well— it'd be impossible to hide anything from her. (That doesn't mean, however, that he's not inclined to try).

❝ Now, hold on—! Just because I happened to notice the mistletoe doesn't mean I put it up! Some of us just know how to take advantage of a situation. ❞

Sure, Friede. The mistletoe fairy must have placed it there, and conveniently forgotten about the many other doorways on the ship, all of which currently sit sprigless. It must just be a coincidence that his door is the only one decorated, and that said decoration appeared only after he made that "last minute trip" at their last stop-off point.

But it's the talk of asking him out that catches his attention the most. He knows he does need to make some kind of formal move soon, that it's cruel to keep teasing him as he has been, but he also knows he's not the only one aboard sitting on their feelings. As a matter of fact, he knows of someone who's been doing so for much longer than him.

Orla is pulled closer as Friede lowers his voice conspiratorially.

❝ Who knows? If one appears above Mollie's door, you might get the chance to do the same! It is tradition, you know. ❞