[ closed ] i was five, and he was six

[flirtations]

Who: Jae-ha and others
When: Throughout the end of September and October
Where: Various
What: A catchall for the month!
Rating: PG-13 at most, I think?


↓↓↓ starters below eyyy ↓↓↓

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Sakura

[flirtations]

[ True to his word, after Sakura had given him a date and a time, he had wasted no time in seeking her out to show her the amazing candies in Gammon he’d promised her. And if they happened to wander into some clothing shops and find some cute garments? That would only be a bonus. He brightens up as they walk into the sweets shop, and Jae-ha immediately makes a beeline for the candy he’d talked about.

It looks inconspicuous. Like nothing more than a colored gumball, with a more illustruous sheen than a regular piece of candy. But otherwise? Not particularly noteworthy. ]

Here it is! You have to try it at least once, Sakura. Try the pink one, it will make you turn as pink as your hair.

sorry that i suck

[passtave]

[ Shopping for sweets and clothes with Jae-ha—how could she not have fun? She loves spending time with him in any capacity, but she's found that he makes for a great shopping friend—he has a good eye and encourages her to try things she wouldn't normally try.

Candy isn't such a hard sell, though. The only thing she feels a little dubious about is the idea that she'll turn pink—if it's magic candy, then there exists the possibility that it'll have some sort of side effect, right? She knows what happens when bishops mess up their potions. But she trusts Jae-ha—maybe a little too much—and so she picks up the candy and pops it into her mouth. ]

Mm! It's tasty! [ She looks surprised, almost as if she wasn't expecting it. A few seconds later... sure enough, her skin starts to turn pink... ]

you do not, draws u close

[flirtations]

[ Well, one would hope that selling the candy would mean that they've already perfected the recipe, right?! One would hope...

At least on a different day, he's already taste-tested it for her and confirmed no side effects. Hopefully this batch is just as good as the one he had.

To join her, he begins to chew on a green candy, thus completing my goal of making him actual Jolly Green Giant. He laughs, jovial. ]

Look! You look like a giant strawberry! [ He scrambles for the mirror in his pocket (cuz he always carries a compact, ofc, smh), showing her her pinky pink face. ]

Bolin

[flirtations]

[ It seems really… odd to be paid to go on vacation. But the offer seemed honest enough, and even if there was no money to be had at the end, it would still be nice to take a break from their duties and enjoy the sights Gammon had to offer. It was for that reason that he’s asked Bolin to enjoy said sights with him.

They’re about to arrive at the foot of Mount Broil, but before they step off the train, Jae-ha remembers an important detail about what they’ve been tasked with. ]

Bolin! We were told to take lots of photographs, so let’s take a moment to give Song a big smile!

[ He’ll be casually just.. Reaching over to grab Bolin with one arm and give the cheesiest smile ever to his carrier, who rolls her eyes but prepares to take a picture anyway. ]

[sediments]

[ Song is their designated photographer for the day because, even after half a year together, Bolin still can't Yun to behave long enough to reasonably take her outside. It's not as though she's locked up inside, he let her out in the courtyard of the inn that they'd been staying at, but he's not in the mood to spend half the day chasing after her as she assaults every person and animal and tree that they come across.

In a TV series or book, he'd have come to appreciate her quirks and spicy personality after so many months together, but in reality, Bolin is pretty jealous of the sweet tempered Song and the fact that Jae-ha doesn't have a murderous Carrier.

But that's just how the cookie crumbles.

Bolin strikes a pose pretty easily when Jae-ha grabs him, throwing an arm over Jae-ha's shoulders easily and gives Song a wide smile, holding the expression until the picture has been taken. Then, he turns to survey the task in front of them, hands on his hips. ]

This is going to be pretty fun! We can call this series Bolin and Jae-ha Conquer the Indomitable Mount Broil!

[flirtations]

[ I like the character development you've shown here with Yun, Spoon.

Once the picture is snapped, he's about to bug Song to let them see it, to make sure his hair looks good!, but Bolin catches his attention before he can fuss too much about it.

The transport comes to a stop, and he steps out into the crisp outdoor air, inhaling deeply. He looks to Bolin, eyebrows lifted in surprise. ]

Oh, we're really climbing it? I thought you were just joking. [ Well, he supposes they should, now that they're here, because just snapping a picture from the bottom of it is kinda lame. ]

Well, it looks like we get our supplies from over there, if you're really still up for it. [ He nods towards the outpost. ]

[sediments]

Well, we came all the way out here, didn't we?

[ He gives Jae-ha a curious look, trying to parse whether or not the other man is actually unwilling to climb the mountain. It doesn't seem like he's too opposed to the idea, so Bolin just turns to the outpost with a smile, heading towards it.

They purchase their supplies in no time at all, even as Bolin makes eyes at the strange contraptions and gadgets available, and they're making their way up from the beginning of the trail, hopes high and energy at about 110%.

It's going to be an adventure. ]

You know, I don't know if I've ever climbed a mountain before. I wonder what the view is like from up there!

[flirtations]

I suppose so. It doesn't seem like much of a story to tell people what a majestic view the bottom of the mountain offered.

[ Bolin has a good point! Besides, if people did this all the time, how hard could it really be?

Once they've gotten their supplies and provisions, Jae-ha isn't so sure anymore. This is a lot of stuff. They'd gotten a lot of food. In their backpacks are also tents and warm coats. Just how long was this journey supposed to take? ]

I, uhh-- I haven't either. Let's not waste anymore time wondering, then. Oh, but before we go, we should take another picture to denote the start of our adventure. Song, take a picture please!

[ Diligently, Song moves to take another picture of them with the mountain in the background as they begin to make their way up the trail, and Jae-ha's soon making "bunny ears" behind Bolin's head with a wide smile. He's a little uncertain, but he feels great right now! ]

[sediments]

[ It’s a good start to their journey, and Bolin is completely undaunted despite the baggage on their backs. (The tents are a little weird though; it’s not… going to take more than a day is it?) It certainly looks a little more difficult than initially anticipated, but he’d had to trek through the Earth Kingdom with Varrick on his back for hours before.

And Jae-ha is nowhere near as annoying as Varrick, so it can’t be that bad. ]

It’s nice to just get some peace and fresh air once in a while, isn’t it? [ Bolin says a short while later, despite not being a person that is inclined to either of those things. He likes both the chaos and the grit of Republic City—it’s familiar and nostalgic to him.

He’s worked up a sweat by now, but ] This is a piece of cake compared to those towers.

Saber

[flirtations]

[ Somehow, someway, he's managed to convince Saber to go the route of a live theatre performance. It was probably the idea of earning extra colle in conjunction with not having to actually write anything down. But this sounded a lot easier in theory, in his head, when he'd first imagined the concept. Now, standing in front of an empty lecture hall (which would soon be filled to capacity with curious students and faculty), he's not so sure. How were they supposed to portray an entire library with this?!

They've been given a singular shelf of books. Okay, this made for a paltry library. They've also been given a large rag doll, various paintings that look like they've been created by poorly talented school children, foam weapons, and... a rubber chicken?

They really had their work cut out for them. ]

Well, at least I'm fortunate enough to have such a lovely partner. [ Don't start. ] So, should we start from the beginning, where we had to find the books on that list?

[ Ah, they should have planned more. Already, a few students are beginning to file in. ]

[armorial]

[ She doesn't comment on his compliments because she's seeing this as a highly unfavorable position. She's one for the battlefield--the sound of swords clashing is what rings in her ears like doorbells to others. Yet... she's here because she was roped in. Hands clasped behind her back, she doesn't touch any of the props. ]

I believe so.

[ She's already horrible with interacting with other on a personal level, but now she has to express something that happened to others? Well, she was in the dungeon, too... But It's not the same.

She ventures over to the bookcases, then over to the rubber chicken. Holding it up, she turns to Jae-ha with a disoriented look. ]

Is this supposed to be the enemy?

[ Luckily, they have maybe five more minutes to go over this before they present.. ]

[flirtations]

[ He hadn't noticed the rubber chicken till now, actually, so when she holds it up, he feels a sense of dread over how few resources they've been provided. ]

I guess... if you squint hard, that looks like the Mad Matagot Mistress, a bit. [ He puts a finger to his chin. No, not really. And there's no way to look or feel badass while you're pretending to attack a plastic chicken. ]

Oh, I know! Maybe one of us can pretend to be her, and this... toy can represent her matagot army.

[ Suddenly, he's struck with another idea. ]

We can throw books at each other, to represent the ridewords! Oh, but I won't actually aim to hit you, Miss Saber.

[armorial]

[ Saber is quiet as Jae-ha continues to let the idea flow out of him. There's little comments to even make in the first place. With what they have, they can only settle and make do. ]

It's fine. Even if you do aim at me, I'll make sure to evade. [ She's confident in her skills to dodge a couple of books, at least. As he holds onto the rubber chicken, she wanders over to one of the oddly painted portraits. ] Is there something you think I should do specifically?

[ In other words, while Jae-ha is getting into this, Saber is like a lost duckling in it all. She's royalty... She goes to plays and shows, or at least what little they have available, not perform them. ]

[flirtations]

[ They're so screwed. Jae-ha isn't even sure how anything he just babbled can be made to work into putting together a coherent story. He too looks down at the rubber chicken in his hand. What did he say this was supposed to represent again? A matagot? ]

Well... for most of the dungeon, we can play the part of team members, and we can likely improvise those encounters. [ Maybe? He isn't so sure, and is starting to get increasingly nervous the more students that pile in and are already beginning to observe their rehearsal.

The Prehnite students even take out their notebooks and are already furiously writing away, probably expecting a lot out of their fellow branchmate(s)? ]

But for the last fight, one of us should play the Mistress. We should also make the fight as realistic as possible, so it's fine if you land a few hits on me. [ Ordinarily the woman should play a woman, right? Unfortunately, someone from the audience pipes with "You do it, green-haired guy! You kinda look like her already anyway!"

To which Jae-ha pales and balks. ]

I do not! Tell them they're wrong, Saber!

[armorial]

[ He listens to him intently, nodding a couple of times to show her undivided attention. There's not even a second glance at the growing audience on the side. There are a couple of non-nerds from the other branches, curious for other reasons. It doesn't seem like she has any preferences, not even pushing the responsibility of the Mistress onto him.

Not that she thinks she would make a good Mistress, but there's not need to put another man into shame. When she does hear one of the students, her gaze shifts over to them. It seems like they're picking on Jae-ha... For what reasons, she does not know. Quiet and hands clasped behind her back, she is taken aback by the fact he's...

looking for validation?? From her? Support? Saber is not a support class. Saber is a Knight class. Okay, so she's a King here, but that isn't the point. ]

Sir Jae-ha... Looks much younger than the Mistress.

[ She has put the most effort into this!! ]

kija

[sediments]

So tell me what your anniversary plans are.

[ Bolin and Kija truly look like bourgeoisie, sitting on the deck of a cafe and restaurant, a pair of fancy drinks sitting on the table in front of them, recommended by the waiter. And it's accurate enough for Kija probably, who'd grown up practically a prince in his village. Bolin is just a devoted wannabe, who's always been fascinated by wealth, and the lifestyle of the rich and famous.

(Though he knows true wealth is that of the heart, of course.)

He's leaning forward on the pristine glass table, looking ready for gossip. Which he is. 100%. Just lay it on him. ]

[yaoihand]

[ i really thought this would be a harmless job thread

Pampered he may be back home, but Kija had come from a secluded tribe in the mountains where life was simple. They didn't have anything like cafes or fancy drinks - 'luxury items' came in the form of fresh fruits or a good ox, nothing like what he's experienced in Caissa so far. So no, despite having money back home, Kija doesn't look that at home here, and it shows in the way he gives that drink a tentative sip, cautious about the taste.

...Oh, it's delicious!! Who knew strawberry soda could taste so unlike actual strawberries?? Kija's a bit distracted when Bolin poses him that question. ]

Wha ...? [ Anni...versary...... He's used to being hounded by his granny over when he's going to get married, but this feels like a step up from even that. ] Bolin, I have not wed.

[sediments]

[ The sky is a bright blue, and the sun is warm where it reaches their legs and the sides of their arms, and Bolin's in a fantastic mood. Kija is so adorably clueless about the intricacies of a romantic relationship that he can't help but feel more and more fond of the other man. ]

You don't need to be married to have an anniversary celebration, Kija. [ He shakes his head, sipping his fruityass drink like the twink he is inside of his bara physical form. ] Anniversaries are to celebrate anything important, and your relationship with Jae-ha is special to you, isn't it?

[yaoihand]

It is ... [ The mention of Jae Ha does conjure up some fondness in the depths of his heart, and Kija pauses for a second as he thinks about him. ]

But anniversaries are a yearly affair, are they not? It is still too soon. [ So no he didn't have any plans ?? what is having plans ]

[sediments]

[ Gay.

But Bolin is considerably more invested in schmoopy romance stuff than I, the writer, am, and he just beams at the soft fondness on Kija's features.

It only increases his determination. ]

They're not a yearly affair! I mean, how many people even make it to a year? [ Is this romantic?? ] They're a whenever-you-want-one affair.

gay ha

[yaoihand]

[ Cooking isn't as much of a daunting task ever since he started cooking with Orihime. The things he's made so far aren't fantastic (as Jae Ha has probably suffered through), but what they lacked in taste they made up for in enthusiasm riddled in every bite.

... Sadly, taste tends to matter more when it comes to food. That only meant that Kija would continue to keep trying!

Being paid to test out his cooking skills is an attractive task. Kija came ready to tackle the feat, even bringing his own apron for the job. It's too bad he had neglected one huge aspect of the job they were taking on - that seafood would be the prime ingredient. While living in Capablanca meant that Kija has had enough exposure to crustaceans and clams to calmly exist in the same room as them, nothing could prepare him for the possibility of actually having to touch those lobsters, let alone prepare them for consumption. He isn't ready to admit defeat just yet though, he'll just need some time to adjust. Time he might be spending siding up closer to Jae Ha than usual.

Chef Foxgang gives them the low down and sends them on their way, giving Kija a pat on the back and wishing him luck on their creative, culinary endeavor. Minutes after the chef leaves, Kija suddenly grips onto Jae Ha's sleeve, admitting something in mild embarrassment. ]

Please ... could you explain to me what this 'sexy factor' is?

[ Foxgang's whole speech before was completely lost on him, but he was too prideful to admit that he didn't understand it. That's why he quietly waited for the chef to leave before diverting his question at Jae Ha.

BECAUSE JAE HA KNOWS ALL ABOUT SEXY RIGHT ]

[flirtations]

[ Why is he here again.

Truthfully, he's here because it's hard to turn down someone's request for help, and they'd been spending more time in their villa anyway, so it seemed worthwhile to invest in a local business like this.

But he doesn't really know how to cook. And Kija isn't much better.

Who's going to buy anything they make?

Jae-ha stares blankly at the array of ingredients in front of them. There's fish, which has thankfully already been cleaned for them, all type of shellfish, pasta, various sauces, and several unidentified jars of pickled things.

He's surprised (but pleasantly surprised) that Kija seems fine with the crustaceans' presence. ]

I... I don't know what a sexy factor means when it comes to food! Come to think of it, that doesn't make any sense, does it?!

Unless, this is a special type of restaurant. I've heard about certain places that serve their food on naked bodies... [ Is that a sexy factor? ]

[yaoihand]

[ Given the kinds of debauched places he's already seen in this world one would think Kija would grow used to it by now. Yet, he never fails to look surprised every time he learns something new and lewd. There's an audible gasp, and he motions to cover his hands over his chest immediately, as if his clothes really are in danger of being taken off. ]

AH?! M-Must I strip as well? [ hE DOESN'T WANT THIS ]

[flirtations]

Well, if you don't, then you have to be the only one to prepare the seafood and put it on me. [ Which is to say, he's already reaching forward and attempting to strip Kija. It's already a disaster. ]

[yaoihand]

[ His face twists in horror at the prospect of touching some lobsters (the naked Jae Ha part, he's quite accustomed to). It twists in more horror when Jae Ha tries to make a grab for him and his clothes. ] Wah, wait a minute! Not here! [ He knows all about Jae Ha's shenanigans, and he won't stand idly around for them this time! Kija backs away quickly, protecting himself behind a table full of food. ] Jae Ha, we cannot! I refuse to expose myself in front of all these people -- a-and, I do not want those things on my body!!

[ The food table he's hiding behind happens to have some chilled crabs and lobsters though, so he quickly scuttles away from those too. ]