[ For one long, suffering moment, Banagher regrets everything he's said so far during this awkward conversation and he's not quite sure why. With the way she bumbles through her apology, it's like he's done something much worse than think to look for alternatives out of this situation. Sure, it's silly. She says so, and he agrees. But it dawns on him that maybe their definitions of "silly" aren't quite lining up. So he winds up standing there with his arms almost around her, suddenly unsure of what to do with them. They start to lower, fingers flexing.
Watching her fidget, he almost wants to take her hands, because he always does the stupid thing - THEN AGAIN, THEY'D BE AWFUL CLOSE TO HER SKIRT SO MAYBE NOT
WHAT DO, BRAVE UNICORN SHOUNEN
Okay. Man up. Instead of letting his arms drop, he moves to settle his hands on her arms, just shy of her elbows. He hopes that might keep her calm. ]
I didn't mean that! [ Way to just sort of blurt it out. ] I mean, it's not that I think it's terrible, or anything.
[ What's terrible is the way her smile isn't reaching her eyes. He's sure he's never seen her like that before. ]
It's just that a kiss is supposed to be important, right? With someone you like. I can't ask you to do that just because Locke is really weird.
[ 2 old fashioned 4 life and still not Getting It ]
[ Being a teenager is suffering, apparently. Being a teenager with a crush on a Newtype, well. That was a whole other level of inner emotional turmoil. With the added advantage, you would think that he would be able to hone in on that fact that he MESSED UP BIG TIME, but lo, the floofy-haired boy still stood there unawares. At least, so she thought.
It was stupid. This was stupid. Her feelings were stupid. All of it was stupid. She wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it all. That would make her feel better, right? ]
I--
[ Sanae stopped, the muscles in her arms immediately tensing as she felt his touch. Looking up quickly, she looked like a deer caught in the headlights. What was he
She caught maybe a few words in there. Kiss. Important. Someone you like. Opening her mouth a few times, she averted her gaze a few times.
This was stupid. She couldn't even talk. Did he--did he think she hadn't thought of that? Biting the inside of her lip, Sanae stood there in the sudden silence, acutely aware of everything around them. There were people conversing (why hadn't anyone noticed them like this?), laughing, having fun. Like they should be. And his hands. They were warm, even through her sleeves, and a bit bigger than she thought they might be.
She should... say something. Probably. She felt like she had cotton in her mouth. Opening her mouth a few times, Sanae finally managed to find her voice, small though it may be at this point. ]
It's okay. If--if it's with you, I don't... I wouldn't mind.
[ The last bit mumbled more to the floor than at him. ]
Even if Locke wasn't being really weird, I wouldn't...
[ It's okay, he probably didn't hear. She looked back up timidly, trying to play it off with a smile. ]
[ It's then that his worldly little voice pipes up inside his head. And it's saying, loud and clear: You done goofed, son.
Even if he'd misheard her, there was no use denying it now that her feelings have really forced themselves out. His focus sharpens then, on the cadence of her speech, and the tension points lighting up in her arms where his hands make contact. He almost takes them away, but his thoughts topple over one another, making him forget he should probably move. Him? With him, it would be okay? That was stupid, but not for the reasons she might think - that she'd probably been thinking this whole time. It'd just taken him a second too late to pick up on it.
Here Sanae was, looking as though she wanted to collapse in on herself. That's not how a reunion should be going, especially when they'd been through so much. Even before the numbers, she'd been a good person. Always happy, always energetic, and full of humor. She was kind, and that's the sort of thing he notices about people.
That's what always made him think that her reactions to him couldn't be anything more than tricks of whatever stupid situation they always managed to find themselves in. Not... this. He makes everything up as he goes along and has a tendency to overcomplicate things. He thinks too much. He can't play the piano despite trying for years. As far as he's concerned, she's leagues ahead of him.
For a second, he almost wants to laugh too. Instead he ducks his head, taking a second to digest what's going on. ]
What if we ask and someone else just gets stuck here with us? [ Never let it be said he's not without his own sense of humor. His hold on her lightens up. ] Then it'd be an even bigger mess.
[ Though they're doing a bang-up job of that themselves. ]
[ Thankfully, he's not the sort to get nervous easily. If anything, the ease and care of her nature is infectious, and he finds himself falling into that same pretty rhythm - he tips his glass in time and it chimes against hers. Bottom's up, looks like. The cider is sweet and cold on his tongue, bursting with bubbles. It's good enough to make him forget his hat. ]
So I got lucky? [ A brief smile presses into the rim of his glass. It's neither sly nor teasing; he genuinely believes this is the case. Lowering his drink, he understands the meaning behind her question. ] It's Banagher. Banagher Links. And no, not at all. Do I stand out, or something?
[ If so, he would be the least surprised to hear it. ]
Hmmm...! [ Taking the inquiry to heart, Euphie purses her lips and leans in close, studying Banagher this way and that, then very thoughtfully squishes his cheeks together with one hand. She giggles fondly at the result, a little flushed at her own daring, but it's not every day she gets to tease a young stranger to her heart's content. ]
You do, in fact. But not in a bad way. I've been to so many of these, it's a breath of fresh air to meet someone who doesn't blend so with the crowd.
...'lucky' remains to be seen, at any rate, but it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Banagher. Or do you prefer Mr. Links...? I'm Euphie.
[ She offers him her hand properly at that, still beaming warmly in his direction. ]
[ Of all the things he'd expected out of the party, having his face squished and scrutinized as a greeting right in the middle of it was not one of them. Then again, he supposed he'd brought that upon himself. However much it gets him off his guard, he finds himself catching her gaze and holding it for a brief second. It's probably not a very noble gesture, as he has fishlips at the moment. C'est la vie.
Once she's let go, he's left with her laughter ringing in his ears, and the rest of the party not as focused. Banagher clears his throat. ]
No, Banagher is fine. "Mr." sounds stuffy, doesn't it? [ Though he still might disagree with the remains to be seen part. ] And the pleasure is mine... Euphie?
[ Thank you for going into this minty fresh and not full of revenge vomit, Riddhe. They've been through enough pain and regret to last them a lifetime.
Which Banagher might be thinking of right now, and he might not. Despite his tendency to overthink, he's a simple creature. He's grateful to be home - to be aboard the Nahel Argama with the people he loves, the people who are still left. They've both done their growing up today. It's written into the new lines and burdens on their faces, the exhaustion in their eyes. Newfound hope kindled from the remains of a hundred years of sorrow. Banagher wants to feel more right now than dull accomplishment, than gratitude for victory, but mostly he just feels tired.
Potentially toppling the world order in a fit of temporary godhood has that effect.
So Banagher Links stands stuck in his place in front of Riddhe Marcenas, staring at his sternum for a long, long moment. There's so little separating them right now. Gundam pilots, children who'd rejected their families' bloody history. There's so much to say, but he doesn't know where to start. ]
If it's just the gravity generator going crazy, maybe. Then again...
[ Banagher lifts an arm and lets go of his helmet. It floats idly beside him. ]
[Riddhe watches for a moment as the helmet floats there all nonchalantly, quietly mocking them with regards to their circumstance. He tries to shift again, but its to no avail as he seems stuck next to the Newtype.
Which, yes, he is one too but he can only deal with so many existential crises at once; that's why he sighs, and looks up at the stupid sprig of mistletoe.]
Stuck here... with you. [There's another heavy breath as he looks away.] This is not how I thought it would go.
...none of this is how I thought it would go. [He's probably not talking about just the mistletoe at this point.]
[ Banagher catches the way Riddhe looks at the gesture, and he's not entirely surprised to find that he's still viewing things through a tinted lens. He knows now that people don't just change - at least not all the way. They need time, and opportunity. He forces an exhale out after what seems like forever.
Whereas the Banshee's pilot looks up, Banagher looks aside. That little plant is so bright above them, unlike the carbon interior of the ship. He wonders who managed to stick it there. ]
I thought that too, for a long time.
[ He leaves his helmet to float, free hands now flexing instinctively. ]
Until I saw it.
[ That path they were meant to take, somewhere only they had the potential to tread. He knows, despite Riddhe's aversion, that he'd seen it too, for however brief a moment. ]
[ Christmas for the Numbers Club. What a time to be alive. Their ranks have grown over the year, and the resulting party to celebrate the important stuff like being alive is... big. And the slightest bit crazy, but he thinks that's probably just their version of normal. Superhumans, those with powers, physical changes, sweet vehicles parked outside (including the robots, now government-sanctioned) and insane weaponry by the handful.
All in all, it's an experience for the ages.
But it's still a holiday party, and there are certain traditions that are alive and well. Like eggnog and sweets and games, and attempting to dodge mistletoe tacked to every other doorway. Banagher's done a pretty good job until someone unleashes a ball of flame to try and get the fireplace going. The blowback has him ducking through the nearest doorway before something gets singed off, only to come nose to nose with a girl going the other way.
Banagher manages to put on the breaks with enough time to hopefully avoid just crashing into her, oops. ]
Sorry! You, um... probably don't want to go this way. I think something's on fire.
[ Alas, poor shounen. He forgot to look up. Also hey, doesn't he know this person... ]
[ Luci. Dear, sweet Luci. How long have you known her? Harper's always going to point out the most obvious, glaringly uncomfortable aspect of a situation, especially when it's her pride and dignity on the line. Often to no effectual end, considering she completely freezes when Luci says her name. Not as a question, or a vie for attention. Oh no. Harper knows that stubborn, no-holds-barred look that her best friend gets when she's about to do something ridiculous. Harper's just not used to having it turned on her.
And she's about to protest but it's not even a second after Luci has thrown an apology at her that she finds her mouth somewhat occupied. She puffs something of an awkward squeak, argument shut down by the tight-lipped kiss now burning at the corner of her mouth. It's - well, it's clumsy, but weirdly soft.
Great, now her face is as bright and glowy as her outfit. As Luci backs off, Harper stares her down incredulously, just as shocked by her forwardness. It takes a few seconds for her to wrench her gaze away and lift a hand to her cheek.
She looks like she might actually explode. Diem: carpe'd. ]
That's just like you, jeez. Not even giving me a say in it! Unbelievable.
[ Harper shut up you were having your say for like ten minutes and it wasn't getting either of you anywhere
In frustration, she stamps her foot. ...She stamps her foot. She's free.
GAME ON ]
Say, though. [ Rhythm's gaze turns hard, pinning on the cheering monster. She lifts her Belltier and it fizzles with golden energy. ] What do you think? Shall we teach this weirdo a well-deserved lesson?
[ Luci was just as startled as Harper was, truth be told. On paper, it made sense: kiss the girl, break the spell, kick some butt. It was no big deal, really.
Except it was. It really, really was.
She was angry. Furious, even. It didn't matter as much to the pink-haired heroine that she had to play the charming prince for a moment. No, that wasn't the problem. Again, on paper, it worked; that was how her brain always worked. But after everything was said and done, the fact that that had to be her first kiss, well. Luci was livid. Pissed, even. And more than a bit embarrassed.
Thankfully, Harper had her priorities straight, as she often did when it came to things like this. ]
W-what choice did I have?! I had to do something!
[ Luci, you really don't need to justify it.
The end of her staff glowing and beginning to float in place, the other magical girl pivoted on her heel, turning toward the mistletoe miscreant with a look that could--and likely would--kill. ]
That sounds like a great idea.
[ Suddenly fearing for its strange little life, the Christmas-themed creature froze in place, waving its hands in the air. A-all's well that ends well, right friends?! RIGHT??? ]
Your "somethings" [ CAN YOU FEEL THE FORCE WITH WHICH SHE JUST VERBAL AIRQUOTED AT YOU, LUCI. CAN YOU. ] ought to come with more of a warning!
[ Rhythm sighs heavily, grip on her weapon tightening. For as subtle a gesture as it is, she makes it look entirely too threatening for someone decked out in enough ruffles to put a whole wedding boutique to shame. If she has to wear this get-up, she's going to at least perfect the art of looking menacing in it. Such is her way of life - frightening and devoted. ]
For now, however.
[ She squares up, swinging her Belltier in a wide arc. A golden ring of energy surrounds her, and she brings her arm up overhead, positioning it above her. ]
Precure! MUSIC RONDO!
[ Rearing back, Rhythm straight launches the humming loop of energy at the holiday hooligan. It hums loudly as it sails through the air, skimming the pavement for a moment before it swoops up and slams into its target. If a giant sprig of mistletoe could look alarmed, that's basically what it's emoting as the energy holds it in place.
Its stupid arms are even up. Hmph. All's well that ends well, indeed. ]
[ Harper Sutherland's natural habitat is the kitchen. It calls her name. It breathes vitality into her spirit. Even at a party, Harper is the one calling the food shots. Fancy catering and potlucks ain't got nothing on her. But even rulers of confectionery empires have to take a break and do normal human things, like actually eat food, and stuff like that. Which is why she's pulling off her sugar-dusted apron and exiting the kitchen, trailing a few red and green sprinkles as she goes...
...and finds herself nearly nose-to-nose with Raye Satterfield. Of course, neither of them do the smart thing and just duck around each other, oh no. They stop right there in the doorway. Her brows lift, and she squares up. ]
What's with that look?
[ She has not noticed their decorative folly just yet. ]
[If the kitchen is Harper's natural habitat then... anywhere else would fall into Raye's. Sauntering around the party, holding up walls, raiding snacks and generally being Too Cool for all this. Realistically their paths should hardly have crossed at all!
But nonetheless here they are all the same, face to face in a house full of warmth and festive goodwill and so-on. From this distance, she can smell the scent of baking and general sweetness following Harper from her baking activities. It would be easy enough to back up a step, slam a little distance between them, but for whatever reason she seems to have decided to keep her feet planted right here. Maybe it's just that even in an accidental run-in like this she can't bring herself to back down to Harper.]
Nothing. [Her shoulders square to match Harper's, instinctive, ready for the traditional butting of heads.] Just wondering why the hell you had'ta pick right now to come in through the door.
[Her eyes flick upwards toward the mistletoe, just in case Harper's wondering what the hell she's on about. It's no big deal. Not like they're actually gonna have to stand here and kiss now, right? They can just forget this and go their separate ways.
[ Unfortunately, what's "realistic" rarely ever has the grace to happen to Harper nowadays. Just when she thinks she's made her peace with that reality, something like this has to go and darken her doorstep. Doorway. Whichever. Thankfully, it's a minor hiccup she can easily fix. ]
"Nothing", I see. [ Could that have sounded any huffier. Could it. ] Because I'm supposed to carefully monitor every doorway for people I don't want to run into?
[ One eyebrow arches as if that question isn't entirely rhetorical. However, Harper's bark seems a little less intense today, because for as much as she loves a good kerfluffle, she's also busy. And it's the holidays, her favorite time of year to spread a little goodwill and cheer, even if only in the form of sweets. To that end, her expression eases back, and she puffs a sigh. ]
If you'll excuse me - [ read: move ] ...I only have a few minutes before those molasses cookies come out of the oven, and the process is very delicately timed, or they'll be tough and not chewy, and the powdered sugar won't set...
[ Harper, please. She catches herself, and more importantly, she catches Raye's glance up. Her looks that way herself, and -
Oh. Oh, absolutely not. Her cheeks color instantly. ]
A-Anyway, I'm in a hurry!
[ To that end, she makes to bluster off around Raye, only for her eyes to fly wide and her balance to go completely off kilter. Nothing like trying to move and finding she physically can't. It results in Harper's arms flying out to try and balance herself as she pitches forward with a squeak. ]
[ This is it. This is Harper's worst nightmare. She's standing here in public, stuck in this stupid school doorway with a strange girl she's seen skulking around and being generally shady. Ryker, she thinks it was. Whatever the case, she is displeased. The holiday decorating committee has absolutely gone too far this time. Mistletoe, really? This was an institution for education, not a singles bar!
Harper Sutherland's thoughts keep running at full speed as she remains cross-armed in front of the other girl. For some reason, they've found themselves literally trapped by some weird happening. Because she can't go just one day... ]
Look, we're going to have to figure something out. If this isn't your doing, that is.
[Seriously? Of all the people Alexandra had to be stuck with, it was the loud and obnoxious one. She let a drawn out, annoyed sigh.
Of course, nothing bizarre like this happened to her before she became a numbered. Now couldn't seem to go a week without having to deal with something stupid.]
What-Why would you even think I'd do something like this?
[She at least tried to keep acts of evil separate from her personal life. She was willing to make an exception for this girl though.]
If I did something like this, I certainly wouldn't be the one stuck in it. Much less with you of all people.
[Today had been a day of chases, narrow escapes and daring maneuvers. But Blake's opponent today wasn't a conniving enemy or a deadly monster out in the wilds... but her partner.
Somewhere along the way, Yang Xiao Long had gotten her hands on a sprig of mistletoe and had immediately launched into hot pursuit. But Blake had put those ninja skills of hers to good use and managed to evade the determined bombshell. A clever slip here, a bit of misdirection there, to a jump out of a window all the way over there. It seems she's been successful in avoiding any mistletoe related shenanigans for the day.
At least until now, when she's resting back on her bed in her quiet dorm room. All comfy in her pajamas with her nose in a book. It's about then that she notices a little flicker of movement above her head and she tilts her eyes up to see the little sprig of green leaves and red berries. Ah... she'd been wrong to let her guard down. It appears she's been caught at last.
She stays still for a long moment, eyeing the offending plant before... nonchalantly turning her eyes back to her book. A page turns.]
... You don't expect me to go all the way up there, do you?
[ Yang emphasizes her grand rebuttal with a pointed wiggle of the tiny plant bundle. If anything can be said about her, it's that she can be awfully persistent. For her stunning lack of patience in a fight, she can be very shrewd when it comes to what she wants. It'd just taken her all day to realize they'd wind up in a position where she'd naturally come out on top. She knew she liked bunk beds for a reason!
With that in mind, there's a shift from the top bunk. A waterfall of luminous blonde spills down as Yang pokes her head over the side of bed. She flashes an upside down grin. ]
You could. But then you wouldn't be underneath this bad boy, and I'd have to start all over!
[Her eyes snap up at the little flicker of movement above her before quietly going back to her book. It's a little irritating but she's learned to ignore things like that. As for the situation... well, perhaps Yang had been a step ahead of her at the very end there. It could be that it hadn't occurred to her that she'd be caught right where Yang wanted her. Could just be coincidence that she'd agreed that it was time to head back to the room even though Ruby and Weiss had wanted to stay out and enjoy some of the nighttime festivities.
Could be.]
Mhm. [Looking down, Yang will find her partner stretched out on the bed below just slightly propped up on a pillow. Legs crossed at her ankles and dark hair surrounding her, illuminated by just a candle beside her bed] But if you were to come down here, then you wouldn't be holding it above me anymore. Does that make it a stalemate?
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banana lynx
for sanae "strong independent miko" kochiya
[ For one long, suffering moment, Banagher regrets everything he's said so far during this awkward conversation and he's not quite sure why. With the way she bumbles through her apology, it's like he's done something much worse than think to look for alternatives out of this situation. Sure, it's silly. She says so, and he agrees. But it dawns on him that maybe their definitions of "silly" aren't quite lining up. So he winds up standing there with his arms almost around her, suddenly unsure of what to do with them. They start to lower, fingers flexing.
Watching her fidget, he almost wants to take her hands, because he always does the stupid thing - THEN AGAIN, THEY'D BE AWFUL CLOSE TO HER SKIRT SO MAYBE NOT
WHAT DO, BRAVE UNICORN SHOUNEN
Okay. Man up. Instead of letting his arms drop, he moves to settle his hands on her arms, just shy of her elbows. He hopes that might keep her calm. ]
I didn't mean that! [ Way to just sort of blurt it out. ] I mean, it's not that I think it's terrible, or anything.
[ What's terrible is the way her smile isn't reaching her eyes. He's sure he's never seen her like that before. ]
It's just that a kiss is supposed to be important, right? With someone you like. I can't ask you to do that just because Locke is really weird.
[ 2 old fashioned 4 life and still not Getting It ]
So...
no subject
It was stupid. This was stupid. Her feelings were stupid. All of it was stupid. She wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it all. That would make her feel better, right? ]
I--
[ Sanae stopped, the muscles in her arms immediately tensing as she felt his touch. Looking up quickly, she looked like a deer caught in the headlights. What was he
She caught maybe a few words in there. Kiss. Important. Someone you like. Opening her mouth a few times, she averted her gaze a few times.
This was stupid. She couldn't even talk. Did he--did he think she hadn't thought of that? Biting the inside of her lip, Sanae stood there in the sudden silence, acutely aware of everything around them. There were people conversing (why hadn't anyone noticed them like this?), laughing, having fun. Like they should be. And his hands. They were warm, even through her sleeves, and a bit bigger than she thought they might be.
She should... say something. Probably. She felt like she had cotton in her mouth. Opening her mouth a few times, Sanae finally managed to find her voice, small though it may be at this point. ]
It's okay. If--if it's with you, I don't... I wouldn't mind.
[ The last bit mumbled more to the floor than at him. ]
Even if Locke wasn't being really weird, I wouldn't...
[ It's okay, he probably didn't hear. She looked back up timidly, trying to play it off with a smile. ]
Maybe we should ask somebody for help.
just makin' shit up don't mind me
Even if he'd misheard her, there was no use denying it now that her feelings have really forced themselves out. His focus sharpens then, on the cadence of her speech, and the tension points lighting up in her arms where his hands make contact. He almost takes them away, but his thoughts topple over one another, making him forget he should probably move. Him? With him, it would be okay? That was stupid, but not for the reasons she might think - that she'd probably been thinking this whole time. It'd just taken him a second too late to pick up on it.
Here Sanae was, looking as though she wanted to collapse in on herself. That's not how a reunion should be going, especially when they'd been through so much. Even before the numbers, she'd been a good person. Always happy, always energetic, and full of humor. She was kind, and that's the sort of thing he notices about people.
That's what always made him think that her reactions to him couldn't be anything more than tricks of whatever stupid situation they always managed to find themselves in. Not... this. He makes everything up as he goes along and has a tendency to overcomplicate things. He thinks too much. He can't play the piano despite trying for years. As far as he's concerned, she's leagues ahead of him.
For a second, he almost wants to laugh too. Instead he ducks his head, taking a second to digest what's going on. ]
What if we ask and someone else just gets stuck here with us? [ Never let it be said he's not without his own sense of humor. His hold on her lightens up. ] Then it'd be an even bigger mess.
[ Though they're doing a bang-up job of that themselves. ]
Is it okay? To try.
[ Boom, there it is. ]
here friend have some words
girl got
why do I not have a good icon for this blughhhh
the struggle eternal MERRY CHRISTMAS
(no subject)
for euphemia "i'm gonna princess him" li britannia
[ Thankfully, he's not the sort to get nervous easily. If anything, the ease and care of her nature is infectious, and he finds himself falling into that same pretty rhythm - he tips his glass in time and it chimes against hers. Bottom's up, looks like. The cider is sweet and cold on his tongue, bursting with bubbles. It's good enough to make him forget his hat. ]
So I got lucky? [ A brief smile presses into the rim of his glass. It's neither sly nor teasing; he genuinely believes this is the case. Lowering his drink, he understands the meaning behind her question. ] It's Banagher. Banagher Links. And no, not at all. Do I stand out, or something?
[ If so, he would be the least surprised to hear it. ]
WE SO THIRSTY OUR THIRST CANNOT BE SLAKED
You do, in fact. But not in a bad way. I've been to so many of these, it's a breath of fresh air to meet someone who doesn't blend so with the crowd.
...'lucky' remains to be seen, at any rate, but it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Banagher. Or do you prefer Mr. Links...? I'm Euphie.
[ She offers him her hand properly at that, still beaming warmly in his direction. ]
KISSES ARE ON THE LINE THIS IS SERIOUS
Once she's let go, he's left with her laughter ringing in his ears, and the rest of the party not as focused. Banagher clears his throat. ]
No, Banagher is fine. "Mr." sounds stuffy, doesn't it? [ Though he still might disagree with the remains to be seen part. ] And the pleasure is mine... Euphie?
[ Give him a second. ]
As in the princess? Euphemia?
[ Is this really happening to him. ]
for SIR RIDDLES MARACAS OF THE CLAN MARACAS
[ Thank you for going into this minty fresh and not full of revenge vomit, Riddhe. They've been through enough pain and regret to last them a lifetime.
Which Banagher might be thinking of right now, and he might not. Despite his tendency to overthink, he's a simple creature. He's grateful to be home - to be aboard the Nahel Argama with the people he loves, the people who are still left. They've both done their growing up today. It's written into the new lines and burdens on their faces, the exhaustion in their eyes. Newfound hope kindled from the remains of a hundred years of sorrow. Banagher wants to feel more right now than dull accomplishment, than gratitude for victory, but mostly he just feels tired.
Potentially toppling the world order in a fit of temporary godhood has that effect.
So Banagher Links stands stuck in his place in front of Riddhe Marcenas, staring at his sternum for a long, long moment. There's so little separating them right now. Gundam pilots, children who'd rejected their families' bloody history. There's so much to say, but he doesn't know where to start. ]
If it's just the gravity generator going crazy, maybe. Then again...
[ Banagher lifts an arm and lets go of his helmet. It floats idly beside him. ]
Maybe not.
no subject
Which, yes, he is one too but he can only deal with so many existential crises at once; that's why he sighs, and looks up at the stupid sprig of mistletoe.]
Stuck here... with you. [There's another heavy breath as he looks away.] This is not how I thought it would go.
...none of this is how I thought it would go. [He's probably not talking about just the mistletoe at this point.]
no subject
Whereas the Banshee's pilot looks up, Banagher looks aside. That little plant is so bright above them, unlike the carbon interior of the ship. He wonders who managed to stick it there. ]
I thought that too, for a long time.
[ He leaves his helmet to float, free hands now flexing instinctively. ]
Until I saw it.
[ That path they were meant to take, somewhere only they had the potential to tread. He knows, despite Riddhe's aversion, that he'd seen it too, for however brief a moment. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
Placeholder
one dweeb brigade, order up
All in all, it's an experience for the ages.
But it's still a holiday party, and there are certain traditions that are alive and well. Like eggnog and sweets and games, and attempting to dodge mistletoe tacked to every other doorway. Banagher's done a pretty good job until someone unleashes a ball of flame to try and get the fireplace going. The blowback has him ducking through the nearest doorway before something gets singed off, only to come nose to nose with a girl going the other way.
Banagher manages to put on the breaks with enough time to hopefully avoid just crashing into her, oops. ]
Sorry! You, um... probably don't want to go this way. I think something's on fire.
[ Alas, poor shounen. He forgot to look up. Also hey, doesn't he know this person... ]
cupcake princess
for lucianna "farts rainbows" edwards
[ Luci. Dear, sweet Luci. How long have you known her? Harper's always going to point out the most obvious, glaringly uncomfortable aspect of a situation, especially when it's her pride and dignity on the line. Often to no effectual end, considering she completely freezes when Luci says her name. Not as a question, or a vie for attention. Oh no. Harper knows that stubborn, no-holds-barred look that her best friend gets when she's about to do something ridiculous. Harper's just not used to having it turned on her.
And she's about to protest but it's not even a second after Luci has thrown an apology at her that she finds her mouth somewhat occupied. She puffs something of an awkward squeak, argument shut down by the tight-lipped kiss now burning at the corner of her mouth. It's - well, it's clumsy, but weirdly soft.
Great, now her face is as bright and glowy as her outfit. As Luci backs off, Harper stares her down incredulously, just as shocked by her forwardness. It takes a few seconds for her to wrench her gaze away and lift a hand to her cheek.
She looks like she might actually explode. Diem: carpe'd. ]
That's just like you, jeez. Not even giving me a say in it! Unbelievable.
[ Harper shut up you were having your say for like ten minutes and it wasn't getting either of you anywhere
In frustration, she stamps her foot. ...She stamps her foot. She's free.
GAME ON ]
Say, though. [ Rhythm's gaze turns hard, pinning on the cheering monster. She lifts her Belltier and it fizzles with golden energy. ] What do you think? Shall we teach this weirdo a well-deserved lesson?
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Except it was. It really, really was.
She was angry. Furious, even. It didn't matter as much to the pink-haired heroine that she had to play the charming prince for a moment. No, that wasn't the problem. Again, on paper, it worked; that was how her brain always worked. But after everything was said and done, the fact that that had to be her first kiss, well. Luci was livid. Pissed, even. And more than a bit embarrassed.
Thankfully, Harper had her priorities straight, as she often did when it came to things like this. ]
W-what choice did I have?! I had to do something!
[ Luci, you really don't need to justify it.
The end of her staff glowing and beginning to float in place, the other magical girl pivoted on her heel, turning toward the mistletoe miscreant with a look that could--and likely would--kill. ]
That sounds like a great idea.
[ Suddenly fearing for its strange little life, the Christmas-themed creature froze in place, waving its hands in the air. A-all's well that ends well, right friends?! RIGHT??? ]
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[ Rhythm sighs heavily, grip on her weapon tightening. For as subtle a gesture as it is, she makes it look entirely too threatening for someone decked out in enough ruffles to put a whole wedding boutique to shame. If she has to wear this get-up, she's going to at least perfect the art of looking menacing in it. Such is her way of life - frightening and devoted. ]
For now, however.
[ She squares up, swinging her Belltier in a wide arc. A golden ring of energy surrounds her, and she brings her arm up overhead, positioning it above her. ]
Precure! MUSIC RONDO!
[ Rearing back, Rhythm straight launches the humming loop of energy at the holiday hooligan. It hums loudly as it sails through the air, skimming the pavement for a moment before it swoops up and slams into its target. If a giant sprig of mistletoe could look alarmed, that's basically what it's emoting as the energy holds it in place.
Its stupid arms are even up. Hmph. All's well that ends well, indeed. ]
If you'd be so kind, Star Guardian.
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for raye "who doesn't know the difference between cupcakes and muffins?!" satterfield
[ Harper Sutherland's natural habitat is the kitchen. It calls her name. It breathes vitality into her spirit. Even at a party, Harper is the one calling the food shots. Fancy catering and potlucks ain't got nothing on her. But even rulers of confectionery empires have to take a break and do normal human things, like actually eat food, and stuff like that. Which is why she's pulling off her sugar-dusted apron and exiting the kitchen, trailing a few red and green sprinkles as she goes...
...and finds herself nearly nose-to-nose with Raye Satterfield. Of course, neither of them do the smart thing and just duck around each other, oh no. They stop right there in the doorway. Her brows lift, and she squares up. ]
What's with that look?
[ She has not noticed their decorative folly just yet. ]
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But nonetheless here they are all the same, face to face in a house full of warmth and festive goodwill and so-on. From this distance, she can smell the scent of baking and general sweetness following Harper from her baking activities. It would be easy enough to back up a step, slam a little distance between them, but for whatever reason she seems to have decided to keep her feet planted right here. Maybe it's just that even in an accidental run-in like this she can't bring herself to back down to Harper.]
Nothing. [Her shoulders square to match Harper's, instinctive, ready for the traditional butting of heads.] Just wondering why the hell you had'ta pick right now to come in through the door.
[Her eyes flick upwards toward the mistletoe, just in case Harper's wondering what the hell she's on about. It's no big deal. Not like they're actually gonna have to stand here and kiss now, right? They can just forget this and go their separate ways.
Right?]
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"Nothing", I see. [ Could that have sounded any huffier. Could it. ] Because I'm supposed to carefully monitor every doorway for people I don't want to run into?
[ One eyebrow arches as if that question isn't entirely rhetorical. However, Harper's bark seems a little less intense today, because for as much as she loves a good kerfluffle, she's also busy. And it's the holidays, her favorite time of year to spread a little goodwill and cheer, even if only in the form of sweets. To that end, her expression eases back, and she puffs a sigh. ]
If you'll excuse me - [ read: move ] ...I only have a few minutes before those molasses cookies come out of the oven, and the process is very delicately timed, or they'll be tough and not chewy, and the powdered sugar won't set...
[ Harper, please. She catches herself, and more importantly, she catches Raye's glance up. Her looks that way herself, and -
Oh. Oh, absolutely not. Her cheeks color instantly. ]
A-Anyway, I'm in a hurry!
[ To that end, she makes to bluster off around Raye, only for her eyes to fly wide and her balance to go completely off kilter. Nothing like trying to move and finding she physically can't. It results in Harper's arms flying out to try and balance herself as she pitches forward with a squeak. ]
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Harper Sutherland's thoughts keep running at full speed as she remains cross-armed in front of the other girl. For some reason, they've found themselves literally trapped by some weird happening. Because she can't go just one day... ]
Look, we're going to have to figure something out. If this isn't your doing, that is.
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Of course, nothing bizarre like this happened to her before she became a numbered. Now couldn't seem to go a week without having to deal with something stupid.]
What-Why would you even think I'd do something like this?
[She at least tried to keep acts of evil separate from her personal life. She was willing to make an exception for this girl though.]
If I did something like this, I certainly wouldn't be the one stuck in it. Much less with you of all people.
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For Yang
Somewhere along the way, Yang Xiao Long had gotten her hands on a sprig of mistletoe and had immediately launched into hot pursuit. But Blake had put those ninja skills of hers to good use and managed to evade the determined bombshell. A clever slip here, a bit of misdirection there, to a jump out of a window all the way over there. It seems she's been successful in avoiding any mistletoe related shenanigans for the day.
At least until now, when she's resting back on her bed in her quiet dorm room. All comfy in her pajamas with her nose in a book. It's about then that she notices a little flicker of movement above her head and she tilts her eyes up to see the little sprig of green leaves and red berries. Ah... she'd been wrong to let her guard down. It appears she's been caught at last.
She stays still for a long moment, eyeing the offending plant before... nonchalantly turning her eyes back to her book. A page turns.]
... You don't expect me to go all the way up there, do you?
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[ Yang emphasizes her grand rebuttal with a pointed wiggle of the tiny plant bundle. If anything can be said about her, it's that she can be awfully persistent. For her stunning lack of patience in a fight, she can be very shrewd when it comes to what she wants. It'd just taken her all day to realize they'd wind up in a position where she'd naturally come out on top. She knew she liked bunk beds for a reason!
With that in mind, there's a shift from the top bunk. A waterfall of luminous blonde spills down as Yang pokes her head over the side of bed. She flashes an upside down grin. ]
You could. But then you wouldn't be underneath this bad boy, and I'd have to start all over!
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Could be.]
Mhm. [Looking down, Yang will find her partner stretched out on the bed below just slightly propped up on a pillow. Legs crossed at her ankles and dark hair surrounding her, illuminated by just a candle beside her bed] But if you were to come down here, then you wouldn't be holding it above me anymore. Does that make it a stalemate?
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don't look at this timestamp
STARES RIGHT AT IT
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