{Mini Event} Day of Devotion

[expiationmods]

DAY OF DEVOTION

This is an entirely opt-in very casual event that has nothing to do with overarching storyline and is just an additional introductory log, and a means for characters to meet. We hope you've all had a very happy Valentine's Day week however you've chosen to spend it!

SCARVES OF LOVE

     

The season of affection and love of all kinds falls upon Aldrip in the wake of their festivities for Those Who Were There. As part of the celebration, what's referred to as the 'Day of Devotion,' local merchants carry a variety of wares, but none so coveted as their multicoloured scarves available in a variety of prints, designs, and fabrics. Perhaps consider picking one up and giving it to someone who's important to you. No money? No problem! Whilst Aldrip doesn't exactly work on a layaway system or akin to, you'll find the mercantile business owners are quite open to trades and other means of bartering. Maybe they'll give out a scarf or two in agreement for running some errands...

Lucky recipients of these very fashionable scarves will find themselves suspiciously open to sharing positive, warm and fuzzy, or perhaps downright amorous feelings toward the person who gifted them the scarf to begin with, regardless of whether you've known them for years or even just a couple of weeks. But don't worry—the feelings are temporary! Once the Day of Devotion comes to a natural conclusion, your feelings will return to something like normalcy and you'll still wind up with a new fashion accessory. Of course, if you've always been amorous with that special someone, you likely won't notice any sort of change.

Take the opportunity to embrace the celebration, maybe embrace one another a little bit, too, and begin forming some potentially everlasting bonds with others.

BRING PROTECTION

     

Not everyone is choosing to celebrate the Day of Devotion in the same way. Due to the heightened popularity of the pretty scarves, some of Aldrip's jewellers have been bitten by the green bug of jealousy. In an attempt to compete with the sales of scarves, jewellers are advertising pendants, brooches, and other assorted charms that are meant to serve as warding and protective trinkets. What are they protecting one from? It's difficult to say and the merchants aren't inclined to give a straight answer. But whether you need protection from love, personal feelings, or perhaps something more physical, they've got you covered!

If you choose to give these amulets to others, recipients of them and their related will be compelled to share their true feelings with those around them in addition to the person who gave them the protective charms. This sounds like it could be a good thing, however, that means it covers the array of positive, negative, and every shade in between, without a filter in place. Consider these accessories a potential test of friendships, familial relationships, and more.

Like the scarves, this need and desire to be truthful with your feelings will be temporary, lasting until the Day of Devotion celebration is over. But at least you'll be protected. From something. Maybe. Probably. Or not!

FLOWERS FOR ALDRIP

     

By now, you may be well familiar with Aldrip's variety of fields that are filled with vegetables and fruits that grace the dinner tables of the town and local cuisine. During the Day of Devotion and weeks leading up to it, you'll find that they're clearing another field and preparing the soil. What for, you won't find out until the actual day of the celebration. Once it arrives, there's a collection of simple carts filled with flowering plants. Locals and newly-arrived alike are welcome to lend a hand in planting them along the neatly tilled rows.

You may find plants that resemble or are identical to plants from your home world. You may find plants that you've never seen in your life. They come in a variety of colours and are accompanied by a lightly pleasing scent that shouldn't be too overpowering, though may still disturb those with allergies.

All who help out with the planting, watering, and other tending, will be rewarded with a bouquet of flowers that can be passed onto others to show your appreciation and other forms of affection. You may even find yourself making a good and lasting impression on the locals by offering some assistance.

Comments

[usarinpa]

[ Later, when the sun sets low, Mizuki finds herself with a (free!) bouquet of flowers. They insisted that she take it for her hard work, or something, and she didn't wind up fighting it too hard. She wonders whether they can pick up a vase on the way back, and whether it'd look too out of place in their inn room.

As she's staring, tugging lightly at a flower to adjust its placement, a couple rushes past them, one pulled by the other. "Come on! The fireworks show should be starting soon."

Mizuki just scratches at the back of her neck, not really paying attention. ]

What am I supposed to do with these?

[parasaito]

[During the while she was back in the fields, Saito randomly discarded the pretty purple flower she'd half-given him during her innocent act. Well, even if she noticed it's gone, he could always come up with some dumb excuse like that loser of a father figure of hers would; alleging that he either dropped/forgot it somewhere by accident or gave it to some cute girl. But seeing as she has a whole bouquet in her hand, plus two gifts he gave her right now, it seems unlikely she'll remember such a small detail from earlier.

As the couple runs past them chattering about the fireworks show, he stops to follow them with his eye, taking note of the direction they're headed. He completely ignores Mizuki's question, abruptly grabbing her arm to get her attention, instead.]

Hey, did you hear that just now? There's a fireworks show starting soon. Don't you want to see it?

[He tries to keep his tone level, but a hint of excitement leaks in.]

[usarinpa]

Huh?

[ It was a rhetorical question anyway. Mizuki looks up, and the sudden grab of her arm acts as something of an epiphany. Duh. She's looking at the bouquet, then back at his face, all excited and eager. ]

Oh, yeah.

[ Right now? No... Surely there will be a right time for it. She'll know, won't she? ]

...Sure. Wanna follow them?

that icon!!! (u should've gone with the other one, srsly /j)

[parasaito]

[As soon as she looks up at him with a hint of surprise in her eye(s), Saito realizes he impulsively dropped his act for a split second there. He's about to let go of her arm, but decides against it when her full reaction shows no signs of suspicion whatsoever.

It seems she didn't think anything of his slip-up. He doesn't suppose Date shared with him that infatuation with explosives, but...

He'll start dragging her by the arm nonetheless.]

Yeah. They went that way. [A quick gesture towards the retreating backs of the couple.] If we hurry, we might find a good spot to watch from before it starts. Come on.

WHY DO YOU HATE ME

[usarinpa]

[ Mizuki watches, feeling his grip loosen for a moment before hardening once more, after which point she's pretty much dragged along for the ride. Of course, had she really any protests, he would feel it. Instead, there's something of a surprised noise before he pulls ahead, and she remains close behind him as his grip naturally falls from her upper arm, down to... her hand.

They eventually find themselves in something of an open field, with couples everywhere: some who have set up picnic blankets for the show, and others who are just attached at the scarf.

It... somehow doesn't feel as awkward as it should. ]

...Well, we're here.

(⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧♡

[parasaito]

[Among those couples are two familiar faces Saito met earlier that day. He sees them before they see him, and he can't help but cringe inwardly (and maybe a little externally, too). Why now, of all times...? Hastily grabbing her hand again, he attempts to escape before he's seen.]

Mizuki, let's go over the—

[But his attempt is cut short by the joyous voice of the elderly woman approaching them.]

Why, dear look, it's the young man from this afternoon.

[The husband only gives a hearty laugh while the old lady approaches Mizuki.]

And this cutie pie must be his girlfriend! We're so happy to see you have taken a liking to your gifts, we made them with a lot of love. Your boyfriend was such a gentleman, too!

1/2

[usarinpa]

[ Ah...... Well, it was a nice try on his part. Mizuki blinks, looking in Saito's direction as the couple greet him with familiarity, and she's left tugging lightly at her scarf when she herself is addressed. Almost automatically, she appears to let go of his hand, which feels like a goddamn shame for some reason. ]

Uh, no.

[ Which may be blunt as far as responses go, but it could be a lot worse. ]

I mean, I do like them, but you've got it super wrong. Like, wronger than wrong. Waaay wrong. Ew. He's my...

[usarinpa]

[ The word dad catches on her tongue. She looks at Saito again, and then sighs. ]

My pet cat. Or something. I adopted him.

[parasaito]

[Pet cat? Now that was something new... Saito throws Mizuki a sidelong glance, as the elderly woman giggles in response.]

Youngsters these days are so creative in expressing their feelings! I admire your boldness, little lady.

[But if she wants to play this embarrassing game, he'll sneak an arm around her shoulders, and lean against her head.]

... Meeewzuki, I told you not to call me that in public. People will get the wrong idea.

[usarinpa]

[ Uggggghhh. Where is Aiba to give her permission to shoot him—

Mizuki's hand automatically moves up to his, the one that's found its way onto her shoulder. It almost feels like she's going to flick it off in protest, but instead, she just seems to stop there, groaning outwardly. ]

Fine. He adopted me. He's like my old man. Probably older than you guys, to be honest.

[ Mizuki, that's rude (and absolutely not true). ]

[parasaito]

Oh dear, I'm sorry, you looked so young we just assumed...

[Even as the old lady spoke, Saito's focus temporarily goes to the gesture that seems genuine on Mizuki's part instead; the warmth of another hand on his. On most people, physical contact with a familiar human being would evoke warm feelings. But not on him. He feels nothing, as usual. Granted, it's not like he harbors any kind of emotional closeness to her. But he still dully notes it's not a sensation that can simply be synthesized, not even through pretending to be close to the other person.]

And she's my adopted pet-daughter, Mewzuki. Her full name is Mewzuki Date, by the way. And sure, I'm old enough to be her real father, but I'm definitely not over fifty-something. Mewzuki here is just jealous of my youthful looks, please don't mind her lack of manners.

[usarinpa]

[ What is even having a brain-to-mouth filter? Mizuki lowers her hand back to her side, leaving Saito's to rest there as she rolls her eyes at the pun. There is a grumble under her breath: ] I'm not jealous.

[ . . . sigh.

Yet she does look at the older couple, expression softening with respect; first the woman, then the man. ]

Anyway, sorry. And thanks. [ for... making a really cute scarf? and a cute charm? ] Hope you enjoy the show.

[parasaito]

[The elderly couple's smiles grow fonder, both thanking her back and offering the duo their best wishes for happiness and protection, now addressing them properly as a family. Then finally, the couple excuses themselves and leaves.

However, this also leaves Saito and Mizuki in this weird atmosphere. Her sigh didn't go unnoticed, but he doesn't press the subject of her jealously further. Lest it turns against him in the form of her demanding that he takes off the mask again.

He does detach himself from her, though, letting his arm fall to his side and absent-mindedly contorting the fingers of the hand that was on Mizuki's shoulder as his thoughts go back to the moment his mind wandered.

It's not surprising that his "new world, new me" impromptu excuse he gave Mizuki that day doesn't apply to the idiosyncrasies of his brain even in this new environment. As ironic as it is.]

1/2

[usarinpa]

[ With the couple leaving them in peace, Mizuki's mind also wanders. The crowd thickens, and more and more people file in, their chattering a low hum as the sky darkens with the setting sun. What kind of fireworks would it be? Would it be like it was back home?

Are they seriously supposed to celebrate a Day of Devotion when they're held prisoner?

There's the odd bout of skepticism. Mizuki also should have fallen under this camp, but at the moment, she feels oddly satisfied. She doesn't even notice that he hasn't said anything as the first fireworks explode in the sky to a round of cheers. ]

Hey, Date. You know I don't usually say this sort of thing, right? But... thanks.

[usarinpa]

[ She could leave it that and it would feel like enough. Still, she feels the need to clarify, like there's an itch at the back of her throat if she doesn't. ]

You make me feel less alone. [ Like she's home. Almost. ]

[parasaito]

[Saito's head whips up at the first sound of the explosion in the sky, and whatever words Mizuki has just spoken immediately lose priority in his mind. Green, blue, yellow — chained explosions of colors scintillate in succession before fading, dancing and painting the night sky as if it's a giant canvas. He simply watches as the spectacle unfolds, entranced.

When red circles begin to color the sky, there's a minute widening of his eyes, and the twitching of his fingers is back, as though that particular color installs some kind of restlessness in him.

Red is the predominant color of his favorite kind of fireworks.]

[usarinpa]

Wow.

[ . . . After waiting impatiently, Mizuki simply shakes her head, and finally, her head tilts upward as well to mirror his. She can certainly appreciate the beauty in it, but when she looks over to see his fingers twitching, she'll reach over to grab his hand again, as if to get them to stop.

Rude. ]

And here I thought you'd be ready to make fun of me.

[parasaito]

[Her interruption snaps him out of his moment of contemplation and the pleasant thoughts that came with it, and he frowns for a short moment before the act slips back in.]

I was so overjoyed that you were being completely honest about your feelings for once, it had me at a loss for words.

[Well, she did ask for it.]

[usarinpa]

Overjoyed? Oh, yeah?

[ What a laughable thought. She snorts, practically choking on the sarcasm she perceives as the fireworks display continues to illuminate his face. ]

Then what did I just say? I bet you don't even know.

[parasaito]

[Mizuki should stop talking and just let Saito enjoy the only thing he likes that doesn't contribute to his reputation as a freak. And release his hand while she's at it. Cue him trying to wriggle his fingers out of her grasp as he formulates the lamest excuse he can come up with — as part of the act.]

I knew, but the shock and joy were too much, I just forgot.

[While he did hear her saying something, her words were registered as something something thanks and something something less alone.]

[usarinpa]

Uh huh. Whatever.

[ She should be offended! Instead, she giggles, and affectionately nudges his shoulder with her fist in a light punch. She's not about to repeat herself, so Saito gets what he wants, and Mizuki falls silent.

A smile lingers on her face as she looks back up at the sky. She can hear a faint, distant whistling as the next round of fireworks are launched, after which starry explosions crackle their way into the shape of a red heart. ]

[parasaito]

[Once she falls silent, Saito returns his attention to what truly matters again; this time letting his fingers naturally curl into fists and keeping them like that, to help conceal his rising excitement (both the good and the... not so good kinds), just in case she's looking at his hands again.

A few more moments of transient blissfulness pass, with only the bang of explosions resounding, until a red heart pops high up into the sky for a mere second or two, then scintillates into nothingness. The sky goes still once again, low chattering starting to fill the silence that was occupied by the loud bursts of fireworks until just now.]

... It's over.

[But he's still looking up expectantly, as if hoping to be proven wrong.]

[usarinpa]

[ ...He really looks disappointed.

It is almost kind of cute, and truth be told, Mizuki hates that she thinks so. She's not looking at his hands, and there's no reason for her to look up at the sky anymore. She just looks at him, and after a moment, she takes the bouquet of flowers that is still in her hand and bops it over his head gently. ]

. . . Here.

[parasaito]

[It's more of that transient form of art that Saito wants to see, not some inadequately arranged collection of flowers handpicked by her. Why does it feel like her tsundere temperament just went out of the window completely, anyway? Sure, he wasn't the one who lived with her for years, but he's observed her for a good while, he knows it's uncharacteristic of her to openly show her deredere side this easily.

Well, all the more reason to use this to his advantage... if there is any to be had in this situation. Still—]

Why are you giving me this? I thought you were done playing the cutesy act earlier.

[He doesn't suppose alluding to what he did to the last flower she gave him earlier would be of any help in maintaining his act. Instead, he merely refuses to accept the gift right away, pushing it out of his face with the back of his hand.]

[usarinpa]

[ The less he says about what happened to the last flower, the better, as Mizuki doesn't seem to have been offended enough to say anything about it. More likely, she hasn't noticed, but either way...

Though she allows the bouquet to be pushed out of his face, it remains in offering. ]

Tch. Well, I'm not gonna get myself a boyfriend anytime soon, so you might as well have it. Put it in a vase when we get back to the room or something. [ She is trying so hard to sound nonchalant about it. ]