(open)

[interchained]

Who: Gilbert Nightray and You!
When: 7/20-7/27
Where: Around Caissa
What: Gilbert's back after dying the dungeon and some changes ensue...
Rating: PG-13?? or worse

( Coming home )

[The moment he awakened outside the dungeon looking like this, the last thing Gilbert wanted to do was to wait for his teammates to see him. Well, to be fair, he didn't want anyone to see him before he'd find out how to turn back.

There's still hope that no one would recognize him, at least at first. Not with these long, black hair and different...proportions.

Actually, it doesn't change once he reaches Caissa, but it's way more difficult to remain unseen in the Hall of Glory than at any point of his journey. The long cloak that's draped over his body helps a little, especially the hood that covers his face once he takes a few steps inside, quite alerted about his surroundings. Maybe a bit too alerted, though...stumbling on a staircase and falling backward definitely wasn't a part of his plan, but there he is, sitting on the floor with his features revealed as he rubs his back.]

It hurt...ah?! Don't look at me!

( Library )

[After giving it a thought, Gil realizes that there's simply no way that there's no potion that would make him turn back. There are so many of them, after all...if there's really none, then his name isn't Nightray.

That's why, he's sitting in the library now, surrounded by various books on alchemy and charms. Either a potion or maybe even a spell should help, right? Right?! Looking through so many pages seems tedious, but his patience is going to be rewarded as soon as he reads the first letters on top of the page.

"Potion of Transmogrification, also known as the sex change potion..."

This looks quite promising, and even though it's not explained thoroughly on this page, the author redirects him to another one, page 516 to be exact.

Too bad that there's no page 516. Someone must've torn it sometime ago, much to Gilbert's dismay.]

Stop fucking messing with me!?

[Tightening his grip on the hardcover, he's ready to throw it through the window.]

( Baths )

[The middle of the night is the only appropriate time for a bath in this state, it seems. He has absolutely no idea how many Heroes have been residing here, but who would come to have a bath at a time like this? Possibly no one.

Oh, how wrong he was.

Gilbert's almost done with washing himself and is about to go out when he hears a noise coming out from the changing rooms. Maybe it's just a cat, not a person? Well, it wouldn't make things any better but...]

Who's there?!

[Did somebody follow him here?! It can't be...]

( Closed to Jiroutachi )

[Hoping that no one's inside their room, Gilbert opens the door slightly and takes a peek inside. Since it seemed to be quiet just a while ago, he takes a step inside and hurriedly closes the door. His coat is all he needs, really...this white hero uniform is the absolute worst. Going through his chest, he doesn't hear someone approaching the doors outside.

Well, as soon as his coat is put on, his business here is done, so he hurries back to press the handle and get out of here. Alas, when he's about to leave, the door slams open and Gilbert's expression goes blank.]

...oh, I must have gotten the room number wrong.

[This isn't going to work, Gilbert...]

( Closed to Shinoa )

Shopping?

[At that, Gilbert can't help raising his eyebrow. Alright, it's been a while since the transformation, but he doesn't believe that buying new clothes will be necessary.]

I think I'll pass. Besides, wouldn't it be inappropriate for me—

[It hasn't been a minute and he's already making excuses.]

Besides, I'm pretty sure that this is only temporary...I'll be fine with my old clothes.

[Expect they're a bit tight here and there...not to mention that he may have trouble breathing at times, but he's going to withstand this, yes.]

Comments

[showsnopiety]

[She might just. Who knows, she might just be catching on already, even if Gilbert is not wanting to turn away.]

Really.

[Hmm. She considered the other woman, before smirking to herself.]

I could help you with that. But even if not...could you help me wash my back?

[interchained]

[And yet, he still believes that there's no possible way for her to find out who's standing next to her (unless he shows his face, that is).] H-Help you?! [Is there a magic spell that would make him disappear? He needs it right here and right now.] You...you don't want that, believe me.

[showsnopiety]

[Gilbert is a sweet child. Not smart, but adorable. Then again, he never had a chance when it came to Caren.]

I wouldn't want you to wash my back?

[There might be a spell for that but she won't help him with that. He'd use it every time.]

Why not? Your hands seem fine.

[interchained]

[They sure do seem fine...that's why he uses one of them to cover his eyes.] You really don't. [Kissing was one thing, but this is...THIS IS...] ...I'm not getting out of here until I do it, right? [It seems that he knows what future awaits him, at least.]

[showsnopiety]

[That might not be the only reason....]

Or until you admit why you don't want to turn around.

[She agrees, almost amiability.]

Your name isn't Bertha.

[It should be a question but...well, she's guessing really. Sometimes you gotta fake it until you make it.]

[interchained]

Because I'm a shy lady, damn...! That's why I came here in the middle of the night, too! [He didn't intend to snap at her, but what's done is done. Did he really say that...] What is my name, then... [She knows. There's no other option. He's doomed.]

[showsnopiety]

A shy lady, damn it?

[She echoes his words, and laughs a little under her breath. Ah, that did sound so familiar.]

Gilbert. So you turned into a woman?

[She laughs a little more, and moves closer to touch his back. Hello servant.]

[interchained]

[Just let him hide his face in his hands, Gilbert's that embarrassed. Hey, but there's a bright side...he's not going to get killed? Apparently? Or maybe it's just the calm before a storm...one thing is for sure, though—pretending to be someone else is pointless. Bertha, huh...he wants to laugh.] I did. [Putting an end to this farce is actually...a little relieving?] I'm going out...

[showsnopiety]

[When is he isn't when it comes to Caren...she's kind of embarrassing herself. But she's not going to kill him. Oh no.

She's going to do something worse.]

No you're not.

[She tugs his hair, abit gently.]

You don't think you're getting away with trying to trick me, are you?

[interchained]

[In that case he should be asking for mercy instead of trying to run away, but upon hearing her words it becomes clear that it might be too late for mercy. In any form. The tug at his hair may be the proof.] I really didn't mean to! [If he puts emphasis on right words, she'll let him go just like that...of course not, but he can hope.]

[showsnopiety]

Gilbert, you never really mean to do anything. At least when it comes to incurring my wrath.

[She tugs again. She isn't actually mad, but she does want to see Gilbert's face as Bertha. Mostly because she's sure it's more red then a tomato by now.]

You don't want me chasing after you. You might end up getting friction burns if you do.

[interchained]

[Maybe it's better not to say anything...which doesn't necessarily mean he doesn't make any whining sounds. Of course he does, especially when Caren tugs harder.] I don't...I'll do anything... [Even if it's going to be the last thing he does in his life...no, he'd rather not have her go to such extremes, but Gilbert can't never be sure what'll happen next when it comes to Caren.]

[showsnopiety]

[Yup, those are whining sounds. Her favourite. This man and all of his silliness, in a woman's body or not...]

Then turn around. I'm not going to bite.

And sit while you're at it. You're still so tall that you're making my neck hurt.

[interchained]

[He can never be too sure about that...but he did say that he's going to do anything, so there. Gilbert sits first and turns around second, but it doesn't mean he can look Caren in the eyes just yet.] That's...all?

[showsnopiety]

To start.

[She stares at Gilbert for a moment, before reaching and...making as if to flick the man on the nose.]

You would think you've never seen another person naked before. Didn't you help bathe your master as part of your duties?

[CAREN...that's assuming a lot...]

[interchained]

[So he was right, it's not the end. Like it would be so easy...] It's not that I haven't seen anybody naked... [It would be difficult to achieve here, actually.] It's just..um. I respect you and... [Explaining his own logic isn't that easy.] He...wouldn't let me help, actually.

[showsnopiety]

[Easy, with Caren? Pffft. Only when she was asleep.]

You respect me?

[She stares at him for a few moments, before laughing quietly.]

Ah. That's funny. But, I suppose your master was an independent sort.

It doesn't bother me if you see my naked body. You have my permission. It's not as if you've been given permission to touch, or something similar.

[interchained]

[What's so funny about it? It beats him.] A bit too independent to my liking, to be quite honest. [Even with a literal permission Gilbert is having second thoughts, but he finally looks her way...and it's a miracle that he doesn't die on the spot, really.] I would never do such a thing! [Without another permission of course, but that he doesn't say.]

[showsnopiety]

[It might be better if he doesn't catch on really.]

Of course he was.

[Masters had to take control of their paths, didn't they. And when he finally looks, she raises her eyebrows. She's not impressive. She's a tiny woman, though far more muscled then she had been on arrival. Healthier color too.]

Never ever? Not even with permission?

[Caren stop you're going to give Gilbert a heart attack.]

That wounds me. You're breaking all of my delicate hopes and dreams.

[interchained]

[A friendly reminder Oz is tiny too. The eye contact is too much, but on the other hand, it's better for his heart too look into her eyes instead of...well, her everything else.] I-I am doing what...?! [Actually, he understood it perfectly first time...which doesn't mean he's not confused.] You can't be serious...

[showsnopiety]

[Oz the cutie itty bitty. But hey, at least she didn't force him to look at her everything. All she did was slowly raise her eyebrows.]

Not at all.

[Teasing again.]

[interchained]

[And he almost had a heart attack over nothing. Well, it's not like it's something new to Gilbert.] You always catch me off guard... [Dragging his hand along his face, Gilbert lets out a sigh.] Ah, right. Don't tell anyone...you saw me like this, could you?

[showsnopiety]

[Nope, not new at all.]

Only me? I would have thought so many people would have by now.

[She smiles. She may even be sparkling.]

I'll consider it. Honestly Gilbert, you make a beautiful woman. I see nothing to be ashamed of.