[OPEN] It takes two, baby, me and you

[burnmydread]

Who: Minato Arisato AND/OR Orihime Inoue & you!
When: December 1st thru December 20th
Where: Caissa, Blanc, and other places if need be
What: Job/quest and catch-all for December. Minato and Orihime wake up from their month-long sleep and includes the most wonderful time of the year job
Rating: PG-13! Will update if necessary

1. rise and shine, sleeping beauty

[ Nothing like a month-long coma to make waking up even harder. To be fair, momentary lapses into sleep for weeks on end isn't that strange for him, but he recognizes the telltale signs when he does start to wake up. He'd heard about this happening to other people before, but he has yet to be affected by it. Strange, considering he spends so much time in bed. (It's not exactly as sexy as it sounds.)

Eventually even Minato can drag his ass out of bed. Well, one final attempt--technically someone was waiting for him when he woke up the first time and after assuring her that he wasn't actually dead, Minato did the logical thing and fell right back asleep. But this time, 'lo, this time he wakes for real. He finds his carrier waiting at the edge of his bed, also a little groggy but generally unconcerned. She's a cat, so that's not surprising. Looking around, though, he doesn't see his large fish bucket, so Unagi must be somewhere else. And--oh, he assumes his griffon is where it's supposed to be. Or he hopes.

But first things first. You can't sleep for a month and go wandering around looking for animals on an empty stomach.

So here is Minato, wandering down the hall in his pajamas and looking quite a bit like a zombie. He's making a beeline for the dining hall, though he may be walking into people if he's not really paying attention. ]

2. it's the most wonderful time of the year

[ With this "Cherima" on the horizon, Minato is finding that there are several local customs of this season that work in his favor. Namely, there appears to be an abundance of festival food once again available for consumption. (And purchase, but that's really just a technicality.) It seems that some customs really span across cultures, and not just celebratory food.

Minato watches with mild curiosity as he sees what can only be described as fairies hang up small bundles of leaves that closely resemble mistletoe. He's not ever been someone who does much with Christmas in the first place other than the customary visit to KFC on the 25th, but he knows what those are for.

And he deserves something after his month long coma, right? Right.

Of course, some of the mistletoe are magical. The real question is, is he lucky enough to find someone under one already or is he just going to conveniently place himself by one on the off chance it will work out for him? That depends on who seems to be waiting already... ]

3. There'll be scary ghost stories

[ Of course when everything seems to be going just fine, something has to throw a wrench in the gears. Minato had been enjoying some of the local fare of food, as per usual, when he notices a few surprised yelps in the crowd of people. Raising a brow, he steps forward out of curiosity more than an adherence to his duties as a Hero. Yet as he draws closer--

--ah. Yeah. Krampus, he thinks that's what they're called. There's a bunch of these guys roaming around, causing good-natured mischief, if that can be a thing. He looks decidedly less worried.

Turning around, Minato goes back to his dish, or he means to when someone bumps into him. Yet as he looks back-- ]

...

[ That sure is a Krampus running away with not only his dinner, but also his coin purse. ]

...Hey!

Wildcard!

[ Open prompt for whatever! If you have any questions, feel free to hit me up. ]

1. Search for the wayward pagonlin

[ Sleep is something she's always enjoyed. Not just because of the restorative properties, but because getting to be fully enveloped in her dreams has always been one of her favorite things. Orihime has quite the active imagination, but at night it can run free without worry of landing her in any awkward situation as she loses herself to her thoughts in the middle of class or as she's crossing the street. Her dreams are exciting and engaging and full of wonderful things! Sometimes they can be sad, but for the most part, Orihime enjoys getting to reflect on them the next day. Strange...as she wakes up this time, though, she's having trouble recalling them.

Orihime stretches as she pushes herself up into a sitting position. Her room appears empty, which is a little sad. One of the things she really likes about being a Hero is the fact that she's got roommates and so many nice neighbors close by. A little groggy, she reaches her hands up as far as they can go!--stretching one more time before swinging her legs over the side of the bed. ]

Whew! I feel like I haven't moved in weeks, haha.

[ She's good-natured as ever as she smiles, looking to the side of her pillow where her carrier normally sleeps. Except, she can't find the little pangolin there. ]

Kou-kun?

[ Hm...

What ensues is an animated series of cut scenes as she looks in every probably and improbable area of her room, which includes under the bed, in her trunk by her panties, on top of the curtain rods, under the mattress of her roommate...

But no sign of that tricksy little carrier! Orihime scratches her head. He can be a little absent-minded (like his mom) but he's not the sort to just wander on his own.

She feels like she needs to shower, but first thing first--she's got to find her friend. Throwing on her coat over her pajamas, Orihime pokes her head out into the hallway. ]

Kooooouuuuu-kuuuuun~! ♥

[ ...Nothing?

Well, she'll just have to call his name out all over the Hall of Heroes. ]

2. Oh, ho, the mistletoe is hung where you can see

[ After coming to terms with the fact that, yes, she had been asleep for a whole month, Orihime realizes she has a lot of catching up to do! So when she finds out that not only was that virus finally cured but that a celebration is in order, she feels like she should participate. Of course, a large part of her feels guilty that she wasn't actually around to help the effort, but maybe she can make up for her absence in other ways!

Of course she is totally taken in by the bonfires and various treats and snacks available. It's definitely not strange to see her walking around munching on something. But it's when she's stationary that she's faced with a new...opportunity? Problem. Maybe a little of both.

Orihime had been enjoying a s'more--which might explain some of the chocolate in the corner of her mouth, someone should tell her about that--when she finds herself stopped dead in her tracks. ]

Huh?

[ Being a King and someone who is generally familiar with the concepts of "barrier magic", it doesn't take very long for her to realize that she's quite literally stuck in place. A small wave of panic ensues as she tests her boundaries, discovering that she has about a two foot radius of motion on every side. It's not that far. ]

Uh-um....

[ Really not good. Even a few of the spells she's muttering under her breath don't seem to have any affect. And people are walking by like there isn't a girl trapped in some sort of invisible force field! Wait, if it's not magic...is it aliens? She could be trapped in some new technology...oh no... Orihime calls out to the next person that walks by, ]

E-Excuse me!

[ She's neglected to take note of the mistletoe right above her head, as well as the fairies who are snickering floating just above it. ]

3. You're sweet like chocolate, you bring me so much joy

[ Thank goodness she got out of that fairy trap, thanks to the kindness of her fellow Heroes! After that much excitement, the only logical thing to do is eat some more. And drink! Of course, she is going for the hot chocolate. Who doesn't like hot chocolate? It's so creamy and sweet and can come in so many combinations. She wants to try them all!

So, you know. She does.

How could she not?

What Orihime doesn't exactly realize is that it is, apparently, also a tradition to not only doctor hot chocolate with other sorts of sweet treats, but also sweet liquors. A few of the drinks taste a little different, but she's all for trying different things. Still, as she sips, she looks contemplative...and a little curious? ]

This one is interesting... [ Hello random person also sampling the hot chocolate. ] I've had so many kinds today: I've had traditional hot chocolate, black cherry hot chocolate, lavender hot chocolate, chili spice hot chocolate, peanut butter hot chocolate--I really liked that one!--but I'm not sure what this is...I wonder what the secret is!

[ Do you know? And further, do you share the secret or get crunk? ]

Wildcard!

[ Open prompt for whatever! If you have any questions, feel free to hit me up. ]

Comments

ORIHIME INOUE

[lastcomfort]

[ Threads go here! ]

2

[yancat]

[ Being one with sophisticated tastes, he's not familiar with these snacks. He hasn't touched any, in fact, and has opted to search the crowd for people he knows. ]

Orihime, there you are.

[ He strides across the snow, dignified and businesslike as ever. If he's surprised or pleased to see her, it doesn't show on his face. The fact that he recognized and approached her should be proof enough. ]

I hadn't heard from you since Merilorn Forest, and—there's chocolate on your mouth.

[ IT BOTHERS HIM. It bothers him so much that he doesn't even notice the fairies hovering above them as he lends her his handkerchief. ]

[lastcomfort]

[ Seeing Jumin is instant relief! Oh good, someone she knows! Surely he will be able to help her out, right? Even if he doesn't look necessarily happy to see her, she's known her fair share of stoics, so she knows that it isn't exactly a reflection of his appraisal of her. He'd given her name on recommendation of good faith, after all. ]

I--

[ Oh! She puts her hand to her face, then her mouth, stopping only as he offers her the handkerchief. ]

Thank you...

[ How embarrassing. She carefully wipes her mouth and, thankfully, manages to get the chocolate. ]

I'll wash this, I promise!

[ Of course, she still has her half-eaten s'more in her other hand. ]

I'm sorry, I was intending to reach out to everyone, but I ended up going to sleep...

[yancat]

That's an awfully long time to sleep. Given that it's you, I'm inclined to think that's only par for the course. [ Since her head seems to be... up in the clouds at times. ] I don't mind if you have my handkerchief, but if you insist.

[ He has tons more handkerchiefs where those came from! Because he's crazy. He appreciates the gesture, though! ]

3

[slotted]

[ he just happens to pass by, rather than actually be where orihime is eating. he's just about to grab a meal himself when he spots orihime and look at all those drinks???? girl?????? this is how you get fat???? ]

You were serious, after all.

[lastcomfort]

Leo-san!

[ She is, naturally, happy to see him, especially that he is up and about. His leg wound had been pretty nasty. ]

Mhm! I love festivals, they're a great opportunity for people to get together and try new things.

[slotted]

[ yes, he's doing a lot better now thanks to her! it's good to see her all cheery, too. even if the situation at the moment is rather questionable. ]

Which one do you think I should try?

2

[hoasen]

[That mistletoe is probably well disguised, because Vietnam didn't quite notice either, instead she focuses on this girl's slight distress.

Why isn't she...moving. Hmm.]

Is something the matter?

[lastcomfort]

[ Something is most definitely the matter! She's so glad she managed to catch this woman's attention, too. Orihime nods, her shoulder slouching slightly. ]

Y-Yes, um...do you know if people have been getting...stuck? Around here?

[hoasen]

Stuck?

[She's confused by this kind of quest, but seeing how she has not pulled away from that spot...]

I have not heard of such sitautions, but are you saying you cannot move?

3

[nh2h]

[Hello, fellow random person! Wander happily listened to Orihime list all the drinks she had, and agreed with her on many choices. Yet this one, this was a mystery. He took another of the same type and sampled it.]

Woah, that really puts a fire in your belly, huh?

[lastcomfort]

[ Orihime nods earnestly! She's glad she's not the only one who's noticed. ]

It does! I guess...do you think they could put some sort of fire spell on it? Can there be liquid fire?

[nh2h]

[He scratched his head.]

I don't know... [Sip] Most folks around these parts don't use a lot of magic, right? [Long sip.] But it's not spicy either like that chili one...

[He smacked his lips.]

What could it be?!

[His curiosity demanded answers!]

Let's ask around!

oh my god 3. let's do this.

[likethelight]

[ Miss, please tell him where you found the black cherry. He thinks he'd like to try that one very much. You know, in addition to the dozen or so cups he's already had today. Not including the three artfully balanced in his left hand right now, given he's probably been innocently terrorizing the vendors as much as she has. You know, maybe that's why she looks really familiar...

But color him curious. Because no, no, thank god, he did not see where she just got the hot "chocolate" in question from. ]

Ah?

What does it taste like?

HERE WE GO

[lastcomfort]

[ His feats are truly impressive! As is his sense of balance. He does strike her as vaguely familiar as well, though she just writes it off to him clearly being a fellow hero and someone she must have seen before, rather than a fellow glutton foodie. Soon, that will be changed. ]

It's...hard to describe...

[ She takes another sip, contemplative. ]

It's...it's like bitter and not but not hot at the same time? But not like chili hot! It just, it's like drinking something too hot even though the temperature hasn't changed at all.

1! no need to match me <3

[sugegasa]

He'd come by to check on her, as he'd been doing every day since she'd fallen asleep. Usually, he made sure she wasn't running a temperature, and then left a small package of candy or some type of sweet on her bedside table.

He was really going to need to ask her to move to his house when she awoke!

Today, though, he was a bit concerned to see that she wasn't in her bed! He scanned the room, but found nothing. None of her roommates happened to be in, either, so he couldn't ask them anything!

He hated not having his reiatsu here, as well as the inability to track hers. He did search for her mana, but came up with nothing.

shun shun!

[lastcomfort]

Orihime hadn't realized how much she had come to rely on being able to feel her friends out until she couldn't anymore. Sure, being able to pick up lingering mana signatures on objects could help, but she liked it a lot more when she would be able to just go, 'Ah, yes, Ichigo's heading home to his sisters!` rather than just hoping it was happening.

That would probably make it easier find her carrier, too. She's not sure what Kou's reiatsu would even feel like if she could...

So she's stuck with just shouting.

"Kooooooouuuu-kuuuuuuuun~!"

Nothing. Orhime huffs.

"Should I go back and wait for him...?" she asks herself as she turns the corner back towards her room, but stops in her tracks.

"Ky--Shunsui-san?"

1 let's do thiiiiiiis

[moonfangs]

[And who might she find outside but the orange spiky guy? Ichigo had himself a heck of a night, too, but at least he finally woke up feeling refreshed and well-rested for the first time since that awful forest. Hungry, but rested! And since Bearit is taking a nap, he's opting to step outside all by himself while he brushes his teeth to get some fresh air.

But shock and surprise, he isn't out there for even a minute before he starts hearing strange noises coming from Orihime's room. Not that that's anything new, but it does leave him curious about what she or whoever else is in there might be up to, right up until she opens the door, still in her pajamas, with a look on her face that pretty much spells out "we're about to have an adventure."]

Inoue? What's going on?

IF YOU WANNA SEE SOME ACTION

[lastcomfort]

[ What good luck she must have to see Ichigo as soon as he steps outside of her door! Of course it never really escapes her that he's her direct neighbor, even if the concept in and of itself is still one of the most fantastical things about this place. Still, he's just the right person to lend her a hand if he can spare it--well, not the one that's brushing his teeth. ]

Kurosaki-kun!

[ They are definitely about to have an adventure. ]

I can't find Kou-kun anywhere...I think he's rolled off somewhere all by himself! He must have during the night, but he's usually not that kind of pangolin...

2... sweating emoji

[loudmouths]

[ much like orihime, keigo wasn't shy about stuffing his face full of whatever he could grab. all that running and jumping and screaming he was known for burned a lot of calories, you see! explained why he could eat like a pig and still be slim... or something.

his dietary habits aside, keigo wasn't so deeply enshrouded in the deliciousness of pastries to not notice one of his friends seemingly in a panic over... something. keigo stopped in his tracks, mid-bite, and rose a brow. was she ... having a problem with something? ]

Eh? Inoue-san, what's wrong?

[ like a moth drawn to a flame, or a lemming compelled to launch itself off a cliff, keigo stepped closer to orihime, equally ignorant to the little faeries that were oh so pleased with themselves with this turn of events. ]

What's up?

[ he may or may not have powdered sugar on the corner of his lip, as well. they even match!! ]

[lastcomfort]

[ That is exactly right! With the amount Orihime has been eating today, she could easily be regretting it tomorrow. But if you work it off it totally evens out, right? Right!

But food really isn't what's on her mind right now, even if she's still holding her half-eaten s'more. The fact that it's Keigo that she finds is a huge relief. ]

Asano-kun! [ And look at that, she smiles, looking a little tired. ] I'm so glad you're here. I'm not sure what's going on, but...

they're both going to have the worst hangover........

[rememberher]

Ah!

[ All of these drinks look quite lovely, and as Lux ogles them intently, trying to decide which she will try (first), the blond looks up when Orihime finally speaks. ]

Hmm? A secret?

[ Curling a hand at her chin, she lets out a small, inquisitive hum, before bending over again. ]

I wonder which one I should try first, then. Do you have any suggestions? I really can't decide. They all look lovely.

i am ready but are they

[lastcomfort]

Oh, they all are very good!

[ Don't worry, Orihime is full of suggestions. ]

If you want something really sweet, I recommend the Seasonal Snowflake Special! I think it's white chocolate, but it's very good. If you want something spicy, you should try the Hot! Hot! Hot! And if you want something just super tasty, I really liked the Salted Peanut Butter Cococa.

2

[chronosynthesis]

[Syrlya stops down the hall as he hears Orihime calling out, just outside the mistletoe barrier. His attention glances up briefly, but he hasn't yet heard what the mistletoe is even for...

So instead he simply offers her a smile and a wave.] Hello Orihime! It's good to see you still around--how have you been?

[lastcomfort]

Syrlya-san!

[ Relief! A familiar face! This is exactly what she needs right now. ]

It's good to see you too! I'm sorry, I was asleep for a month... [ Somehow she manages to say that casually. ] You're looking well! How are you?