[closed] everybody's working for the weekend + overflow for july intro log

[defenceless]

Who: Rin, Saber, Kija, Hakuno, Ed, Setsuna, and Bolin (and anyone from the July intro!)
When: Throughout the month of June, into mid-July
Where: Various sites; Caissa to start, then Lasker
What: Completing jobs and doing good deeds. Repurposing "first date" time, in some cases. Doing intro log things.
Rating: Should be pretty safe, will be updated accordingly. Right now the only warnings may be for death and occasional cute... and some scandalousness... TW: mentions of suggestive things in the water festival thread!


Have a Drink (from June 5th on, Caissa/closed to Hakuno)
[it wasn't actually rin's first choice for a convenient way to occupy her days in caissa, but... money is valuable, and money must be earned. just because the worlds have changed, that doesn't make the economics any different. and rin loves money, so of course she finds herself contributing at least some effort to the paid, heroic cause.

it took her a little time to find her own niche in the ongoing dance of the drops festivities. fortunately, people are predictable, and, also fortunately, a pair of pretty female saviors will add a certain charm to the ongoing water fights. dragging hakuno along with her, they've usurped a simple shaded booth where a vendor has asked them to hand out popsicles and other frozen treats for the occasion.

the major draw of the booth, though, is to greet two of blanc's own newest heroes. in bikinis.]

Here you go~! [the smile rin has stretched across her face is almost too saccharine to be believable, her co-conspirator in building public morale will note. she passes a colorful ice cream cone to a waiting patron.] Enjoy the festival, today! Recharge and head back out to receive summer's blessings!

TSI: Train Scene Investigation (from June 25th to July 3rd, Lasker/closed to Saber and Kija)
[after hearing the dismal news, there's no way she can abandon those rail cars. rin sets out from lasker to search for the strewn cars; are you accompanying her?

the harsh and unrelenting landscape doesn't seem to dull her determination to discover survivors. if the coast is mysteriously clear, she listens for cries of help or the pitiful whimpers that could only belong to a small, and frightened, child. just as well, she'll keep her eyes open for bodies—whether motionless or still struggling—the cars themselves, and any other pieces of wreckage, always approaching them to hunt for more unfortunate victims.

throughout it all, her face is grim, but her wavering blue eyes betray how much the tragedy affects her.]

Soul Train (from June 25th to July 15th, Lasker/closed to Ed, Setsuna, and Bolin)
[it's not even a question that she would chip in to aid the refugees. when she isn't elsewhere, rin is somewhere within the shield, busy with the work of providing relief for those rudely displaced by the trainwreck.

occasionally, she's trotting off with heavy baskets of clothing, blankets, and various supplies to carry them up to a certain floor of a safehouse. if she doesn't foist one (or several) on you—]

Here, take this. I don't want to hear any complaints.

[—you're with her as she knocks on the door to a newly arrived, and traumatized, resident.]

It's all right. We're here to help you.

[at other times, rin is delivering practical first aid among a group of survivors, adding to the ongoing discussion of noir's attack in a manner that is neither impolite nor too sugarcoated. while winding a bandage around an injured arm, she admits,]

No, you're right. The better decision would have been to split up our forces equally. There was no need for this folly in dividing us.

[some of those gathered nod their heads in soft agreement. some are more outspoken and angry.

most often, though, rin is whipping up homemade meals with that specific touch of care in a makeshift tent, station, or even small kitchen commandeered for the cooking effort. she holds the end of a wide spoon to your face, her hand cupped beneath it to catch any spills, and asks,]

Will you please try it? [she smiles warmly, giggling a little. you may be wondering oh my god is this really rin tohsaka] Hehe! I want to make sure it meets approval.

[who knows what she's prepared, exactly, but it definitely smells comforting and divine... and tastes rich and delicious, with a distinct hint of spiciness.]

Overflow for the July Intro (July 8th/closed to a bunch of people)
[rin's top-level here! threads will be linked and continued below.]

Comments

you know the one

[sealeted]

[Hakuno has a much subtler sweetness to her expression, but the faint air of bashfulness she has over wearing so little in front of so many seems to have as much of a draw as Rin's undeniable glamour. Her brown hair has been wrestled into twin tails to match her partner, and she's still getting used to feeling her hair flutter over her bare shoulders whenever she turns.]

Thanks for stopping by. We hope you have fun today.

[Hakuno bends down to give a little boy his own cone, thankfully oblivious to the way his chaperone--either an older brother or a young uncle of some sort--eyes her appreciatively from behind.]

yes i do

[defenceless]

[rin isn't so oblivious. after serving her own customer and sending them back towards the festival with a coy wink, she stands watching hakuno, too... what, are there rules that she also can't check her out? it's natural, right?

when the boy and his older tagalong wander away (the latter with an enthusiastic wave), rin whispers to a now standing hakuno in a conniving manner.]

... Five.

[wait, what?]

[armorial]

[ While Saber is relatively used to all the tragedy and the like, it still weighs heavy on her mind. The treatment the Heroes have been receiving is either praise or utter resentment. It's been hard, but... They must persevere.

She has accompanied Rin on this journey to Lasker. While she's also hoping to find clues about the happenings, she also wants to watch out for the young woman--and ask her how the mission went for her. She faintly remembers seeing her on the train, but focused on her objective, believing Rin to hold her own.

... From what it looks like, Rin is physically fine. She averts her gaze elsewhere before she notices something. ]

Rin, over there. [ There's a lot of debris, but one can make out a toppled rail car beneath the rubble and tree branches.

When she finds the right opportunity, she'll ask. ]

[defenceless]

[she was keeping her eyes peeled for any clue to a displaced rail car or the presence of people, but perhaps it's no wonder that saber picks up on something before she does. standing next to the shorter woman with her face shaded while she looks in a different direction, rin turns at her command and instantly understands. she nods briskly.

it's as though this is a battleground in the wake of a skirmish during the holy grail war.

that means rin is likely hiding her emotions. but it's precisely the time to do just that, isn't it?]

Right. We can't wait, Saber. [there could be people inside.] Let's act quickly.

[she bounds towards the collected pile of debris in the next moment, ready to tear away rocks and branches.]

[sediments]

[ There's probably nothing that could've lifted Bolin's spirits like helping out with the refugees. There's still a sad pressure on his heart when he sees kids and adults that haven't gotten the energy for optimism or hope, but he does his best to remain forward thinking; to let himself be warmed by all the people that are devoting their time and energy to helping the refugees, and to the refugees that dare smile despite their circumstances.

And while Bolin is generally unabashed in his friendliness, he feels the guilt of the lost train well enough that he doesn't try invade any of the refugees' space with his insistence that he can help. He'a already learned that, in a lot of ways, he just can't.

He's helping with some soup when Rin offers the spoon, and for a second the earthbender assumes that this must be some hallucination.

And then he grins, no trace of suspicion. ]

Sure!

[ Leaning forward eagerly to accept the mouthful, and doubly glad that he had because it's good. It's obvious on his face as well, the way his shoulders draw up with a pleasured tingle, and his eyes close happily. ]

It's really good! What is it?

[defenceless]

[that's right, bolin, it's a hallucination.

rin could look more elegant in her raggedy-apron-over-a-uniform combo, but her eager, if carefully tentative, smile outshines anything else about her. bolin is so trusting. she was expecting that, but it's an odd feeling (too domestic?) to watch him taste her home-cooked meal right in front of her. just as he shivers up because it's good, she shivers because she's nervous—and flattered.

she gently retrieves the spoon once he's eaten from it, and allows for a quick test of her own, pressing her lips to the top edge of the spoon where there's still some broth collected. this is like almost sharing an unofficial kiss... in a way... try not to think about that, rin. she doesn't win out, and her cheeks blush with color.]

U-Um, it's spicy chicken stew with dumplings. Nothing special.

[what is she supposed to say?]

I'm happy you like it.

[quaria]

[ Although Setsuna doesn't express himself at all, the fact that he is here is enough to tell that he cares underneath that icy exterior. He's just in time as he brings in the latest food supplies, setting down the heavy boxes of donated goods at an appropriate location where the volunteers can easily access them. Once he lifts his head and straightens his posture, he blinks out when he's unexpectedly greeted by Rin's adorable smile and the steaming spoonful of what appears to be chicken and tomato soup.

Setsuna doesn't ask though, instead obediently leaning forward to try it as requested. His hair strands flow down as he lowers himself to the girl's direction, each dark strand framing his distant-looking face. Rin looks very bright today... He's actually glad to see it. It suits her, he thinks. But he can only hope that she means that smile. Is she only putting on a front for the sake of those around them? He can't tell, he doesn't know her well enough to tell. But one thing is for sure, she's doing her best. That's enough to know.

He chews in silence as he observes her, only speaking again once he swallows the bite. ]

... It is delicious. I am certain everyone will like it.

[defenceless]

[it's a genuine smile. perhaps he'd be able to tell by the way a soft pink color tints her cheeks as she watches him eat from the spoon and waits expectantly for his reaction. she's embarrassed—even happy—but she doesn't shy away.

is he really convinced that girl on the train would keep smiling if she was secretly feeling terrible?]

You're not just saying that, are you?

[rin meets his eyes. she's been staring at his face all along, so it isn't difficult. he's still uncommonly handsome—still silent and reserved to the point of being emotionless. is that why... she's teasing him? the question has a playful lilt to it, like it might not actually be that serious. setsuna wouldn't strike people as the type to lie, either.

but, blinking at him, she's clearly expecting an answer.]

[yaoihand]

[ He found it so regretful that he was not able to help these people. Even in the other train, there were people he could not save. Imagine his (and a lot of other heroes') devastation upon the knowledge that there was another train, that there were hundreds more people they had failed. Of course, one could argue that they hadn't known, but that wouldn't change the fact that so many had perished in the tragedy.

The only thing they could do now was make amends. That was how Kija felt, anyway. That was why he was here now, finding his best to search for the missing pieces. They could be stranded people out there, still alive but desperate in need of help - they could not leave them to die too.

A lead brings them to the middle of the forests, where fairies and other woodland creatures made their home. The heroes had little time to sight-see, however. ]

Do not worry. If they are out there, we will find them. [ That piece of encouragement may have come out of nowhere, but Kija simply felt the need to spread some of the optimism he had. He had just met Rin, so he didn't know her well, but he wouldn't be surprised if the whole incident was getting to her as well.

From some faraway direction, the weak crying of a young girl can be made out. ]

[defenceless]

[it was absolutely devastation, what she experienced. a cooler head would say they made a valid decision, and even that protecting the lives of valued vips arguably safeguarded the lives of the more than hundreds of others beneath them, but... rin is a girl who can never be happy when people have died, perhaps meaninglessly and in a situation where it could have been avoided if things were done differently.

yet, signing up for the search effort was never a case of returning meaning to lives—these people would be remembered, after death—or making amends for her, really. what amends could she make? she's out here because she feels it's the best (the only?) choice.

she's not so strong or so noble, though. the girl standing beside him is still young. she starts at kija's voice, turning to face him, and despite the fact she doesn't mention it, his optimism was dearly needed. her eyes disclose far more emotion than she talks about.

there's no time for an answer. as rin stares at him, the girl's crying reaches their ears.]

Ah—! Hurry! This way!

[her heart fills with hope. please, please be alive when they get there. rin runs towards the wailing as fast as she can—which is pretty fast, given the speed boost of pawns.]

[fuhrinkaed]

[Ed had been looking for the next person to practice healing magic on while helping deal with their injuries, but suddenly he's found a basket filled with clothes shoved in his hands by a twintailed girl demanding that he not complain about it.]

[She must have recognized by his uniform that they're comrades, then, meaning that she's relying on him to help out... well, he can definitely respond to her wish.]

A-alright then! No complaints! [Even if it is a little heavy, he'll make it work.] Where are we going, miss?

[defenceless]

[build up those muscles, ed.

in contrast to her demands, though, she doesn't seem all that worried by his response. maybe it's enough that he just agreed?]

Up there.

[she points to a distant window up above them, and businesslike, marches off inside to the nearest staircase.]

caren

[defenceless]

(( from here ))

[she has no sins...! actually, she has plenty, but she's not confessing anything to caren.

rin pauses, thinking hard.]

I... suppose not. After all, ramen makers handle your food. A priest claims to have some sort of connection to his religion.

[showsnopiety]

[Pity. She'd help cleanse yourself of your sins Rin. But she raises her eyebrow.]

A connection with his god or gods.

[She says it rather thoughtfully. But...well.]

So you're saying he was a fake priest? Then he most certainly gotten into trouble with the church. They don't take kindly to impersonations.

yata

[defenceless]

(( from here ))

[that's lewd, yata! her eyes catch a glimpse of his total thuglyfe hotness before her face practically turns red like in a cartoon, the deep blush climbing from her neck to her ears. she throws her bluebird costume at him a little roughly in retaliation, enough to thump against his bare chest.]

Y-Yeah!

[she won't be, of course, when she's in the bra in front of him... but that's for later?? rin snags a spare mermaid-tail skirt and slips behind a curtain.

seconds afterwards, she's back onstage wearing the shell bra.]

[rollin]

[ He's a Rook, but he still lets out a small 'ow' at the pressure. What did he do? Why are girls so weird... He exits the opposite direction to wear his bluebird costume—a hundred times sillier, but it covers more than enough.

At least, he thought he'd be okay. But his confidence shatters the moment he gets onstage with Rin. Boobs. Wait, did he think that? Uh. He's just... not going to face her. And flap his wings awkwardly. ]

... Should we practice a bit, or...

hakuno

[defenceless]

(( from here ))

[but is being a better master for gilgamesh what all magi should strive for? hakuno's words confuse her. she's unable to prevent that from showing on her face.]

I wasn't aware keeping my wits about me around him equated to looking down on him.

[she doesn't believe that, of course—not one bit. she knows it's something hakuno may not have really meant to imply. but rin states it that way to bring home a point: gilgamesh is dangerous, and cruel. she won't bow for his trust.

essentially, if he plans on "expending" her at all, he has another thing coming.]

I trust the men that earn it from me.

[sealeted]

Thinking he is beyond trust and trusting is.

[Her voice is soft, but with an underlying hint of solid steel. That is one point she won't budge on, even if she agrees that he is dangerous and cruel.]

That's fine. If he wants you, he'll put in the work.

maki

[defenceless]

(( from here ))

[what do you know? see, if she was a boy, it would be easy for rin to drown in embarrassment. because maki's a girl, a similar blush doesn't overtake her. that said, it isn't as if rin doesn't notice what's happening to her. she silently decides not to comment on the blush and to allow maki to recover at her leisure.]

Nishikino-san, then.

[it's a familiar return of respect. she knows little about maki, so there's no reason not to call her this. and it's okay, maki, have you seen her eyes? she does recognize tokyo—clear in her eyes popping open wider.]

Oh? Oh, you mean from before. Well, I'm from Japan as well. Fuyuki City, if you've ever heard of it.

[cutiepanther]

[ For Maki it would be so very different. She'd be so much less entranced if she'd been dancing with a boy. Her tastes, despite being difficult for herself to admit to even herself, are all too apparent... Never mind that girls with long black hair have already been a particular problem for her in the past. It's probably a good thing Rin's not in twintails.

Nodding to the honorific, Maki turns with Rin on her arm, moving to the sound of the music, her heels clicking on the hard floor beneath. Slightly flustered as she is, Maki can focus on the music instead, to make this easier for her. Music is the one thing that she can take confidence in at least.. ]

Fuyuki City? Is that in Kanto?

[ Maki might be a model student, but she couldn't say where every city is, especially when it doesn't exist in her world... ]

Are you... a student there? I-I mean, it seems like we're around same age.

meliora

[defenceless]

(( from here ))

[oh, no, meliora. no, you don't. rin's too smart to fall for that. (though she does listen as best she can while still seeming like she's into the dance, she doesn't betray herself.) there will be no suspicious reactions from rin here.

she even provides unbidden, in a much belated afterthought:]

—I don't need your mercy. I never needed it.

[femmefailtale]

[Ah. She's offended her.]

I never said you needed it, I said that I'd show it. Consider it a gift.

complete scum / please mind the tw for: use of charm magic without permission, disturbing content

[defenceless]

(( from here ))

[you don't know her (family's) life, gilgamesh. her father once had to woo a bride. her mother had an unfortunate admirer in one kariya matou. magi aren't chaste as much as they're calculating.

—whether her "habits" reflect poorly on her composure is fair, though. his foresight in waiting for a proper opportunity to ruin her will be appreciated, sincerely. also as he suspects, her date isn't a man who asked her, but a man she pushed into the deal partially out of consideration for her appearance among the greater blanc elite.]

Mm, his name is Bolin.

[babbylon]

[And what a loving marriage that had been...

Gilgamesh lights up upon mention of Bolin; among all the names she could've given him, his was among the best. It distracts him momentarily from any salacious thoughts or intent, as he bursts into a broad grin and goes on to boast as if he were responsible for Bolin's presence all along.]

Certainly so! A handsome match for a beautiful maiden such as yourself. He's quite popular, I hear...

[Gilgamesh once again presumes too much and sneaks a playful kiss beneath her ear, smiling against pretty skin.]

But for now, I will be attending you. What next, then? What does the lady desire?

kija

[defenceless]

(( from here ))

[it's always a plus if her man for the moment is as emotional as she is. she blinks at him when they're left alone, none the wiser that she'd just been performing paizuri on his monster hand. she appears disinclined to scoot away, though, maybe because she now knows the contents of the poem is so horrid it deserves to be kept quiet. speaking of hands, does he take hers in his normal one, or the other...?

either way, rin doesn't even notice or complain about it. her hand loosens from his clothing smoothly, and it's like he's a prince, asking to help her descend from a carriage.]

You're so formal...

[her teeth catch her bottom lip briefly, so close to his face—then she decides to add in a lower, silkier tone,]

Will you beat him up for me?

[she's clearly returning back to normal.]

[yaoihand]

[ he can use his dragon hand if shes into scales i guess ...

This whole situation is making him sweat too much. Please, can he go back to his regularly scheduled friendship and gen!! Kija swallows, feeling his heart beat quicker and quicker. He really doesn't know if she's sounding that way on purpose, but whatever it is, it sure is succeeding in making him nervous - far more nervous than simply holding hands would have. The blush maintains on his face, but Kija tries his best not to embarrass them further with his fluster.

It sure is nice to feel depended on, though. It makes him feel proud and strong!! ]

If he comes by with those lewd comments again, then ... I will teach him a lesson.

[ Like give the guy a good flick or something. That's what he gets for making a young girl feel so ashamed!! ] Are you feeling better?

archer

[defenceless]

(( from here ))

["delighted in seeing her cry." what a way to phrase it, archer. most kindhearted people don't delight in the sadness of others. archer had witnessed too much despair to remember. somehow, though, he knows that to say it's her tears bothering him cuts this into a one-on-one situation, where it's just them, not the rest of the party.]

I didn't think you would care.

[flawlessly, rin brings the handkerchief down and folds it between her hands. she doesn't pass it back to him, instead continuing to grip it, even squeeze it, with her fingers.]

[anti_altruisms]

[ He isn't a kind-hearted person -- or at least, he doesn't consider himself as such anymore. He's seen so much pain and suffering, he's numb to it, for the most part. He can harden himself to most things, even the look on her face when he betrayed her.

Despite that, it doesn't mean he enjoys it. He's never enjoyed it, and the fact that he can do such terrible things, even if he can justify them, doesn't make him like himself any better. If anything, the opposite is the case.

Finally, after a long moment, he responds quietly. ]

I always have.

[ He's just really bad at showing it 95% of the time. ]

complete scum 2

[defenceless]

(( from here ))

[if he's waiting for her to take the opportunity to explain herself, it will never come. the flower falls limply to the floor once rin releases it, somewhat dampened by the splashed wine, and behind it is a long moment of silence between her and him.

she stares back at him. distantly, she recognizes the warning signs of aggression: his disbelief, his gritted teeth, his face snarled in anger. too distracted by watching him, rin doesn't step away or even retrieve her hand, her arm still hovering completely motionless in the space between them.

this makes her the perfect prey to be snatched up by the wrist. the contact wakes rin, rudely, and her scandalized shock is vicious.]

"This Kurenai-sama"? What are you, some jerk with a far too high opinion of himself?

[only rich—or conceited and rotten, sometimes both—men would ever refer to themselves in such a way. (trust her, she has experience with this.) and, woken up as she is, rin counters more violently this time. she twists her arm in his grip to free it; she strikes his shin with her heel and sends a punch into his gut, before whirling around to lock his arm over her shoulder, wrenching it painfully. her positioning now would line her up ideally for an embrace, but maybe she'll retaliate further?]

[excerpt]

( it isn't everyday he encounters such haughty women. women, who, by design had a heavy preference and penchant for the same aggressions he readily found himself in usage of. not to mention, a woman who was equally as hot-headed. or, at least, enough for him to designate her so. but, despite intaking these telltale signs— the process of her refocusing her actions. the immediate pause after the first transgression... that eventually dissolved into the next one. he doesn't actually predict the next set of motions from her.

hence, he's about to respond to her. to reply that it was only natural that he be praised, adored, and fawned upon. not only due to his societal role, but also from his sheer abilities. it's something he concludes easily. easily enough that he's about to snort at her, and it's in the middle of that: ) —!? ( he feels that twist, instinctively he moves back, but while he's evaded the shin strike (or at least dulled the strength of it), the punch hits him straight on. he winces, caughing up a bit of saliva (he was trying to talk okay!?!)... which incidentally lands straight on her. but, he pays it no mind and coughs once more. this time— ) What the fuck!? Have you lost your mind, woman!?

( he winces. the position off his elbow strategically locking in an uncomfortable position. instead, he moves his foot behind her... attempting to trip her up, at least enough for him to make his temporary escape. aka, coming back for pt. 2 )

niles

[defenceless]

(( from here ))

[he can't put her on the spot like this!]

Would you... eat the other half?

[it's worth a shot.]

[locktouches]

[Oh yes he can.]

I don't have much of a sweet tooth, I'm afraid.

[Nice try.]

seme-lin

[defenceless]

(( from here ))

[maybe it's a positive stroke of luck, then, that rin is far too forgiving. she often doesn't appear so lenient, but the truth is she'll accept virtually any recompense in the face of good will. she's a tough girl. deserting her wouldn't break her—it wouldn't even destroy their relationship.

as the flip side of that coin, she is vulnerable to similar kindness, which she isn't expecting.

bolin unfurls his simple gift and she's speechless, pulling back again in shock but this time, it's different, somehow. she manages to collect herself together to nudge open the wax paper, still warm from being inside his jacket, just enough to view the stones, and her fingers hover over it, as if it really is the finest jewelry and she's afraid to touch it.]

You didn't have to... Don't you know what this means?!

[her words are a hushed, nearly scandalized whisper, begging him to understand something. she wanted him to redeem himself to her, but not like this?! it's another gift and it's that?! if she wore it... if people saw him handing it over and her consenting to it...

they would think she's his taken woman.]

[sediments]

[ She's certainly not angry, or explicitly pleased, but rather reacting in a way that is completely unexpected to Bolin, mystifying him once again. He's not sure if he's just not that good with women, or if Rin is a particularly rare specimen.

Unsure of how to respond, he just gives a small, confused smile. ]

Uh... [ And he's trying really hard to fill in the gaps here, come up with any possibility that might explain Rin's reaction. ] ... No?

[ But he's got nothing. ]

[quaria]

[ continued from here! sorry for the wait. ;u; ]

Oh...

[ Hey, look. Setsuna actually fell for Rin's poor attempts to cover herself. How dense is this guy? He's completely different outside the battlefield. Well, if she feels that way, that's because it's true. He's only ever confident in battle itself, while...

While he really has no idea what to do with himself outside of it. That's why Setsuna tends to cluelessly stare at anything longer than necessary, should Rin ever notice that habit of his. In fact, right now, he's doing it again. Staring at her more than necessary, slightly bigger eyes compared to when he's serious. ]

Does that mean you actually like it?

[defenceless]

[for rin, it isn't clear at all that she's been successful, and she ignores anything else in favor of bowing her head sheepishly, muttering an answer while her face still burns up.]

To like something... isn't the same as tolerating it...

[let that be a lesson in both life and love to you, setsuna.]