rulayracing | IC Contact

[ on the morning of the 23rd, you receive a package, wrapped neatly in glossy white paper and gold ribbon, with a photo attached to it. It’s a picture of Teddy, your resident Prime Minister, giving puppy dog eyes at the camera and holding up a sign that reads “I ♥ HEROES”. the message on the back of the photo says: ]

Dear Mikleo,
I am happy to see that you made it back from Gammon, safe and sound. War is truly a terrible thing, and I can only imagine the horrors you had to go through. I thank you for your service, from the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of Blanc’s citizens. We are truly grateful.

Commander Pinta has informed me of your valiant efforts in the recent battle to protect the Kingdom of Gammon. Gammon is an important ally of the Republic of Blanc, and though a battle is never an enjoyable ordeal, I do hope you enjoyed the sights and celebrations our sister nation has to offer.

But not too much! Gammon is a great place, but Blanc missed you, Mikleo! I missed you. I thought it might be nice to send you a little gift, which I hope you’ll enjoy.

Warmest regards,
Thierry Toussant

[ Unwrap the box and you will find:

Numerous assorted feather accessories. Just when Mikleo thinks he’s found them all, there’s more feathers. Who needs this much feathers?

If your eyes happen to wander over to your window, you notice you’re not alone. Wait a minute, is that… Teddy peeking in, watching eagerly as you unwrap your gift? Was it just your imagination? Whether it is or not, he’s already gone! ]

[There...are so many feathers. So. Many. It's a feather explosion that he doesn't know what to do with. Mikleo's sure he can use a couple to help with a synthesis gift, but...but what about the rest....

What the hell is he going to do with all of this?

...Wait, is that the Prime Minister outside his window??? But—now he's gone. What. Just happened.

This poor water seraph is so confused.

At least Mikleo will try to send a simple thank-you letter to Teddy for the gift. Secretly, he wonders if Prime Ministers are always this...eccentric.]

[Sorey is torn between look at all the people who think Mikleo is awesome! and oh goodness what have I done to him. Mikleo is mad, though not the maddest Sorey has ever seen, but it's still a matter of... feeling awful, really. And then Sorey hadn't been sure Mikleo would even want to spend time with him again, he was just so wrapped up in everything and they're still so tentative after that awkward healing session.

He's here now, though, and determined to spend time with his other half. Dressed in boots, black pants and a dark red shirt, he doesn't seem too out of the ordinary. The only thing that sticks out is the bright blue gift-wrapped box he carries under his arm. He takes a breath, then knocks.]

Mikleo? Are you there?

[Frankly, Mikleo will be happy if they never speak of this incident ever again. Five Lords, he can only imagine what Edna would have to say about all of it. Not to mention he never expected so many people to remark on his eyes and agree with Sorey. The whole thing has been more than a little embarrassing for the water seraph.

Still...he's not going to say no to spending time with him. Mad as he has been over the whole thing, Mikleo isn't anywhere near mad enough to deny either of them that much.

The seraph looks up from his writing at the knock, and crosses the room to open the door when he hear's Sorey's voice. He's currently in the more casual version of their uniform, mostly because he hasn't yet gone out to find something more suited to his taste. Mikleo takes a moment to look over his friend's new look, and he absolutely doesn't miss that bright blue thing under Sorey's arm.]

Huh, that dark red actually suits you.

[Because genuine compliments are rare and fleeting things with Mikleo.]

Do you want to come in or...?

[Oh, good, he's not getting instant water to the face. That's a relief. He's also relieved he isn't being screamed at. The look on his face is somewhere between tentative hope and relief, but the happiness he feels every time he sees Mikleo seems to overshadow it all.]

Ah, thanks... [He blushes a little but tries to forge past it. More importantly, THIS IS ABOUT MIKLEO. He peeks around the water seraph to make sure no one else is around-- he doesn't want to bother anyone with their deep discussions.]

If you don't mind. It's a little cold outside right now, or else I'd offer a walk.

[It is fall, isn't it? Weird that summer has past by so fast. Mikleo nods and opens the door for him, stepping aside. He'll close the door once Sorey's inside. The former Shepherd's attempt to peek into the room doesn't escape him, either. He has a guess as to why.]

Arashi's stepped out for a bit.

[...Okay, and his curiosity is burning him, now.]

By the way, what's that you're carrying?

[Once he's sure they're alone, he lets himself relax a little. Mikleo's presence is like a soothing balm even when he's halfway the source of Sorey's worries. He can't bring himself to smile just yet, though.]

I'm sorry about embarrassing you in front of everyone. And I'm sorry I was being dumb about... us.

[He bows deeply in apology and holds out the box.]

Please forgive me!

[If Mikleo chooses to open it, he'll find something very small and delicate inside. It isn't a circlet-- nothing can replace that-- but it is a little sparkly in the form of an ear cuff made of lavender pearls and silver, perfectly shaped to curve around one's ear.]

[Mikleo blinks when the box is held out to him. An apology and bow, fine, but a gift as well? That's a little too much for him. Still, the water seraph hesitates before gently taking the box from him. He is curious to know what's inside it, and he understands that it's a gift given from the heart.]

Sorey, you really didn't have to give me anything. An apology would've been enough.

[Then he opens it and falls silent, eyes widening slightly. It's beautiful, Mikleo will give him that. After a moment of staring, he takes it out of the box, placing said box on his desk. The seraph looks over at Sorey. He supposes it's been enough for there to not be a repeat.]

... Help me put this on my right ear and you'll be forgiven.

I know, but... I saw it and it reminded me of you. I had to get it.

[He knows deep down that Mikleo wouldn't really ditch him over something like this, but it's reassuring nonetheless. He trusts Mikleo absolutely, completely, eternally. How could he not?

He finally allows a smile to slip through when Mikleo seems to like the present.]

Okay.

[He lingers with his hands cradling Mikleo's before shifting to Mikleo's ear. He's exceedingly gentle as he draws back silvery hair, then sets the cuff; of course, it's not complete without a little kiss left on the water seraph's ear.]

[Ugh, that gets a faint blush from him. Sometimes, Sorey is too smooth. Sometimes.

Mikleo won't admit it, but he's glad to see the smile again. He feels no pleasure or enjoyment for taking it away, even if it's temporary.

The seraph has to admit that it's weird having the cuff. It doesn't feel like it's secure enough, even though he's sure that it'll take a lot to dislodge it. He blushes a bit brighter when he feels lips against his ear. Mikleo looks away, but his hand reaches up to gently touch the cuff. Yeah, he's going to be wearing this thing every single day for the rest of his life.]

You're such a hopeless romantic.

[Yet he's charmed by it without fail. Mikleo hesitates before standing tip-toe in order to briefly give him a kiss. Then he's back flat on his feet, still blushing.]

[Sorey chuckles quietly at the remark. He's blushing, too, and he's about to point it out when Mikleo gives him an actual kiss on the lips. Mikleo isn't usually so forward with his affection but he won't take it for granted; he beams like someone let in the sun.]

It looks really good on you.

[Should he say it matches his eyes? Because it does. Then again, the gorgeous eyes remark landed him in the doghouse in the first place.]

[Sorey's deserved the forwardness. It probably won't happen again for a long time, but hey. The bones he throws have to be special or earned.]

It'll take some getting used to.

[Mikleo crosses his arms and gently bumps his shoulder against Sorey's arm.]

Who knew you had taste with accessories that don't have feathers on them?

Your carrier lovingly hacks up a small package that would fit in your hand, as well as a handwritten letter with some sort of armored animal drawn in the corner...

Dear Friend,

We may not know each other very well yet, or maybe at all! I've only seen one battle here, but the amount of bravery and care that people have shown for one another both on and off of the battlefield lets me know I'm part of something special. People have lost their homes and loved ones, and while we can't bring those back, I know that there are people here to believe in. And I'm very lucky to get to fight alongside them.

It's not much, but I hope you enjoy a few snacks that I've made! A full tummy always makes me feel better. Maybe we can share a snack together in person sometimes soon.

Sincerely,

Orihime Inoue & Kou-kun
井上織姫とコウくん

The package is wrapped in pink and blue paper. When unwrapped, your character will find three cute little animal-themed pastries! (You're welcome to decide which three.) They have a sweet bread outer layer and some curious fillings...

Pink Bunny is hopping and happy to see you! It is filled with a sweet carrot cream.
Purrfect Kitty is very pleased and ready to be eaten! It is filled with some sort of chopped meat, reminiscent of a BBQ Pork bun.
Sleeping Froggy knows it's delicious. It's filled with a MYSTERY FLAVOR...which is either a sour green apple or...seaweed?
Friendly Puppy isn't supposed to have chocolate, but it's filled with it anyway. Don't tell anyone!
Cute Chicky is filled with a egg-flavored cream. Yeah, that one actually isn't surprising, although maybe a little morbid when you think about it.

What's so bad about feathers?

[He huffs, but his pout is short-lived. He's not really that upset at all. In fact, he's going to bump Mikleo right back.]

I wanted to find you a circlet, but I couldn't afford the one I was looking at. [It's okay. He'll still have plenty of reason to look at Mikleo without one.] It's not like I want to replace the one you had, but...

[He smiles, more than a touch shy, and reaches over to brush the hair away from Mikleo's forehead.]

Maybe I'll just spend all my money on you instead of a house.

Just that you're the only human who wears enough to be considered a bird instead.

[Wow. W o w. Mikleo has to cover his face as he blushes at that. He gently swats at Sorey's hand with a huff.]

Please, the house is more important than trying to spoil me.

[With that, he walks over to his bed and sits on the edge. The seraph looks up at him and gestures for him to sit next to him.]

Don't worry about the circlet. I'm sure that they're generally pretty pricey.

[Though, Mikleo's been wondering when is a good time to tell Sorey about the gift he's got in store, too.]

[WOW, that's rude!!! He laughs it off though, and moves to sit beside Mikleo when he's invited. He leans his shoulder against Mikleo's in a fond manner.]

I thought you might like the idea. I don't mind having roommates, it's just...

[He never worried about privacy before, considering he walked around with several people inside his head for several months. But he was also on the move. Here, they seem a bit more static: shuffled temporarily for missions, and bused back when they were over.]

I miss my place in Elysia. Is that weird?

[This package you will receive doesn't come by Carrier. Rather, Vietnam has given strict instructions that this will be treated like every large package, and will be delivered like so. After all, it is one! A letter, and a little box. Wonder what it is? And when do you receive it? Any time between the September 6th to the 15th. And in the case of the newer Heroes, it comes sometime on the 8th or after (hint hint).]

COMRADE,

No matter our opinions of our situation or this place, we are all the same, brought here from different places. Still, we all have each other. Whatever fate has in store, we will chose. I suppose what cane be important here now are the bonds we create.

To celebrate that let me share a custom. In my world, sometime in the Autumn, is the Mid-Autumn Festival, known to me as Tết Trung Thu. It is said that during this time, the moon will be so round and will shine its brightest. To appreciate the moon, one can ask for blessings from the gods. You can give thanks for the harvest or harmonious unions. You can pray for prosperity and good fortune. But also, it is a time to spend together.

Each year will it would be celebrated on a different day. In the year I left, 2016, it should fall on September 15th. I believe the equivalent date here is Sylvant 15th. So please take this chance to relax. I have included one free pass to a two night stay at the inn I manage, Dragon's Flight and Phoenix Dance, located on Gisela. On these islands, you will be able to see the sky, so very close. I have also included a mooncake of lotus filling. As per custom, you share your mooncake with family and friends to signify unity. I hope it is to your tastes.

May your year be filled with prosperity.

Vietnam

CODED BY TESSISAMESS

[Mikleo unconsciously leans back against him. At the question, he shakes his head.]

Sorey, we're in another world entirely. I think it's more than fine to be a little homesick, and want some privacy since we'll be staying for so long.

[Although, he'll kiiiinda feel guilty for leaving Arashi roommate-less. On the other hand, living in the same house as Sorey has its appeal.]

Yeah... I guess you're right.

[There's nothing to do except read one of the books laying around, and Sorey's had quite enough of that for now. The arm between them reaches for Mikleo's hand gently, calloused fingertips trailing along his wrist until he can twine their fingers together.

He peeks at Mikleo, eyes dancing.]

Besides-- if we get a house, I can kiss you anytime I want.

[ On the seventh, Mikleo will find a note attached to his door. ]

Mikleo,

Sometimes it is best to share a gift with those who are near and dear to us. For that reason, I am inviting you to a special gathering, on the 10th of this month, at Seven in the Evening, in the Hall of Glory Commons. I will be bringing a mooncake, as they are best shared with friends and family. I could think of no one better to share this treat with.

There is but one catch: You must invite someone else to attend as well. As said, these gifts are best shared with friends, new and old. Should you wish to bring anything, teas and other snacks are highly encouraged. I will leave that up to your judgment.

Sincerely,
Lux Crownguard

[Mikleo's going to attempt to be casual about how they're twining their fingers together. It doesn't work. He just looks like a cat pretending to not like the affection he's getting. Then, the seraph glances back to meet Sorey's eyes and he knows, with every fiber of his being, that the guy's going to say something to make him blush.

He's 100% correct.

The seraph bumps their shoulders again, hard enough to potentially make Sorey sway to the other side. Mikleo looks away from him, blushing pink and almost-but-not-quite pouting.]

Ugh, please. [Then, he mutters very shyly:] It's...not like I mind if you do even without a house.

[Sorey gets shoved, but he doesn't mind. Mikleo's just being tsundere again, and honestly, Sorey finds it very endearing. One wouldn't know that Mikleo was the first one to say anything, at least not by the way he's acting.]

Oh, really?

[Sorey leans over in that teasing way he has, though he can't smirk to save his life; he's absolutely beaming.]

Can I kiss you right now?

[All the better to shock people with, whenever either of them get the courage to retell the story of how they had a love confession in the bathroom while injured. At least one day, they'll look back on it fondly and with a laugh.

Hrk, the beaming smile is absolutely his downfall. The whole thing makes his heart pound and Mikleo can't help cursing the fact that he's human, too, now. Breathing as a requirement is hard to remember in these situations.]

You don't need permission.

[It comes out as a murmur, but the seraph doesn't look away from him this time.]

[Sorey knows he doesn't need permission since the seraph kissed him earlier-- but asking made Mikleo blush more, so it's absolutely worth it. A soft laugh bubbles up from inside him, joyful and pure. Being like this doesn't feel any different from how they've always been. That's why Sorey never felt lonely or incomplete... he always had Mikleo.

He tucks some of Mikleo's hair behind his ear with his free hand, draws his thumb along one soft reddened cheek. He leans in, teases the lightest kiss against Mikleo's mouth.]

You really are beautiful, [he whispers, before pressing into the kiss properly.]

[Rude, Sorey. Asking just to get a blush out of him. Jeez.

Mikleo doesn't expect the affectionate gestures necessarily, but he's not complaining about them. Truthfully, he's enjoying it. Making the gestures is as natural to them as anything else they've done together, though they're new and something to adjust to.

The teasing kiss is unfair, though. The water seraph silently vows revenge for it.

He makes a disgruntled noise in the back of his throat, his only way to comment on that statement before Sorey so rudely gives him a proper kiss. Still, Mikleo returns the kiss, affectionately squeezing his partner's hand. His free hand comes up to cup the side of Sorey's face and rubs his thumb gently over his ear. It's weird to not come in contact with metal and feathers, but soon that'll be remedied.]

IC Contact

delivery; carrier ID: TEDDY

i'm wheezing

action; early september after The Post

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actual mail, between September 6th - 15th

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