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EVENT

REVERTED.
"Every moment is a fresh beginning." - T. S. Eliot

Happy July, Retrospecters. Can you believe it's been nearly a year since the city was under attack and several of you were pulled and lost in Unreality? Time sure does fly, doesn't it? But don't fret. It seems as though the city is in for a real vacation this time...rest easy.

THE BEGINNING
Recollé has been fully restored thanks to the effort of the citizens working to paint the city back to life and breaking down the layers separating the city from most of its non-Retrospec users. The sky is painted multiple colors (a permanent fixture, it seems) and some buildings and plants are extraordinary but everything appears to be in solid, functional condition. All buildings are where they should be. The roads are safe. And everyone around you appears to be preparing for one of two celebrations...

THE 4TH OF JULY
With the 4th of July tomorrow, citizens of Recollé are preparing for their own celebration. Much like last year, the city will be preparing with a large gathering at Peach Beach, food trucks aplenty, discounts at several stores in Tisse and Enprise, and of course at 9pm sharp the beautiful and historical fireworks display will begin. Street vendors sell glowsticks and lemonade as everyone gathers to watch the show in the sky.

This year, however, while the fireworks display still shows events of the city's history citizens may recognize a few new scenes added to the show. As they look up into the sky they'll notice scenes depicting several of the events that have happened over the last year ranging from the Retrospec bingo games to the nightmare fog to the mistletoe bats and more. This year will also include scenery and displays from the four regions around the city. Perhaps you recognize these events a little too well. Care to share the tale with your neighbor?

TANABATA
It seems as though this week is a non-stop celebration though. As the 4th of July ends, several members of the city are hard at work in preparation for Tanabata. Celebrated on Saturday, July 7th this year, residents are hard at work decorating areas in Tribunal Terrace and Chata with massive colorful streamers and moving in several bamboo plants. Stalls are set up and prepared and carnival games line the sidewalks for citizens to play.

On the evening of the 7th, all are invited to attend the celebration and try Japanese cuisine, play a few games, and most importantly write a wish on a colored sheet of paper to hang on one of the bamboo trees.

No matter how citizens choose to celebrate at this festival, for anyone who makes a wish and hangs it on the tree they will soon receive a Retrospec ticket in their mailbox. While your wish may take time to be granted, good fortune is upon you and a free gift has been provided.

THE NPCS
NPCs are back in the city and all is well. They are unaware of the layers they were caught between but they are grateful and happy to see you again! Professors will be lenient of students whose finals have been delayed, employers will inquire about your vacation time, and your friends and family may constantly badger you for time and attention. Isn't that nice?

In addition, citizens of the city may now place calls to members outside of the city for up to five minutes. While that pesky growling problem still appears at the tail end of all conversations, citizens will be able to reach out to anyone in the world and speak for that length of time. Let's just hope your loved ones aren't too bothered by the previous radio silence.

THE DREAMS
What was that about resting easy? Perhaps you won't be able to as well as you'd like. Though everything appears to be fine, the moment you close your eyes beginning on July 3rd, you may find yourself plagued by strange, unusual dreams. As you dream you'll find yourself experiencing everything from wild scenarios set in space or on a pirate ship to everyday, mundane interactions. Your dreams will reflect who you are, but...maybe in a different light. Perhaps your siblings aren't related to you in your dreams, or perhaps your hair is a different color. Maybe you find yourself dreaming about a whole different lifestyle than the one you currently possess. Why, you could even be one of the lucky ones and dream about those memories you've been receiving since you've joined the app.

Then again, you'll also find that you aren't dreaming alone. When you look, you may find that someone has joined you. It's easy to move in dreams and intrude on other people's dreams. You may choose to watch the scene play out or find yourself able to change scenarios within these dreams. Some of you will recognize what is and isn't real, but...what is real anymore? Aren't you curious what it all means?

The moment you awake, however, these dreams will fade away and simply be dreams.

THE QUESTS
If you're looking for a way to pass the time and bring a little adventure to your life, a new feature on the Retrospec app is the quest hotline! By submitting a request, Retrospec will generate a new task for you to accomplish either in the city or around one of the four regions. While Retrospec cannot claim that all tasks will be exciting, all tasks given are important to the functionality of the city.

Or perhaps you're interested in exploring Mementos or Tartarus...? Just what are these new places anyway? Strange.

Happy questing!

THE REGIONS
Travel is available once more for the regions outside of the city, though do watch out for the common monsters that still linger between districts. It will take three hours by boat southward to Pesgare, an hour underground eastward to Respatrum, two hours west via horseback to Bosuma and seven hours via driving north to Magatus. Depending on where you travel though you may find some surprises waiting for you.

Fishing season is at its prime in Pesgare and it's the perfect place for a seaside getaway this summer. The region remains untouched and stable, and the economy is thriving once more thanks to the repairs after their tsunami and the work of Retrospec users.

In Respatrum, the workers in the mines don't seem to mind the heat and continue crafting and creating. Anyone who ventures into these parts will be put to work, but may be rewarded with small tokens and hospitality from the natives of this region.

Bosuma, however, is a little different. The Swamp Witch is nowhere to be found though the forest is alit with bright, blooming flowers, strange multicolored animals and friendly natives from a nearby village in the woods. Monsters lurk the deeper parts of the woods, but one would actively have to go looking for them.

But should one linger in this region for too long, they may soon discover that they'll start to see things...not just things, but people. Vivid, life-like forms of people you've seen in your memories will appear before you even if you're unaware of who they are. They seem to beckon you to come closer, happy to see you and encouraging you to explore the forest further. Some of these forms may engage in combat if the relationship you remember is a hostile one. Should you follow or fight them, however, you will soon find yourself lost in the woods and it may take days to return to the city. Do keep sight of what's real, won't you?

Finally, over in Magatus, for anyone who has ventured there before they may be expecting the snowy mountains and ski lodge. However, it's summer! Snow isn't fit for the summer and as residents approach the region they'll come to find that the ice-capped mountains have been replaced with cliffs, sand dunes and a desert-esque climate. The iced-over lake is now perfect for swimming and further exploration will lead you to a path in the mountains that's the perfect height for cliff-jumping into waters below. This is the perfect region for you outdoorsy, camping types. Just be careful of the scorpions and rattlesnakes out there.

THE CITY
It's summer vacation everywhere. How are you spending your days? Maybe it isn't such a bad idea to listen to Joanne and plan your days with fun and exciting ventures. Parties and meetings and spending time with your friends...it sounds nice, doesn't it? Even if some of you may notice your friends seem...off.

The city is peaceful. Everything seems to be calm and safe, so much that you may not even notice the difference at first. It all begins in mid-July though. One moment you're sitting in a café and the next you realize you're wearing an apron and you feel as though you should be working behind the counter. One moment you're sitting in your bedroom and the next you look up and notice that the items on your wall have changed. These little hallucinations are minimal and only last a few moments, but they will begin to increase as the month goes on and leading straight into August.

But hey. It's probably nothing to worry about.

Welcome to

recolle's July log! The information above provides loose guidelines of things occurring this month, so please feel free to make your own prompts based on these. You are also free to create your own logs and inbox threads.

Regarding Tanabata! If you would like to claim a free 10-20 point item, please head to the regains page and submit as normal! Please indicate that it is a Tanabata freebie.

Characters are free to travel to one of the four regions this month (Pesgare, Respatrum, Bosuma, Magatus), but keep in mind the effects/changes as listed above.

As a reminder, you may qualify for an additional freebie this month by threading out a dream sequence with at least one person experiencing a new AU! This thread must be at least five consecutive comments from you.

Any questions you have regarding this event may be directed to the mod comment here. Be sure to review the mods' question thread on the plotting post for important information as well!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Hello!? He's being honest with you and you threaten to kill him in your mind. Ren closes his eyes shut as he rubs his temples with his free hand. It has been more painful for him than anything else.

Inhales. He has to roll with this: ]

Hey, if it runs in the family, then maybe you'll beef up, too.

[ And bald. Speaking of bald, is Shido listening to him? It finally hits him that if this is an illusion, it might take the appearance of what he shared. That. Would not be. Good. ]

[Of course he did?! Never be honest with him like that again, thank you, and Ren's getting a Look of disgust before there's a laugh that is. Very much neither of them, and Goro's hair stands on end.

When they look back, Shido has indeed taken on what is most likely Goro's interpretation of Ren's words, an extremely buff man with a spiked helmet and no shirt. His muscles are many and rippling, and he'd look terrifying if it wasn't for one little detail.]

... His head's the same size...

[Hilariously so, considering the man's big head of himself, it's just a normal sized human head with a normal sized spike helmet on a hulking mass of muscles. Goro's lip is twitching and he's trying not to laugh, but it's clear he isn't going to hold out for long.]

[ On the other hand, Ren’s eyes widen at the sudden change. It’s... Somewhat the same? More like the mix of the two forms, but he does not like it. The laugh makes him sick to his stomach, brining memories that still sting despite months of exposure. His expression only conveys concern and awe at the sudden change, little mirth here despite his boyfriend holding down snickers next to him. Gently, he nudges his side with an elbow. ]

Is that something to laugh about right now?

[ Please Don’t or else he’s going to laugh. It’s contagious. ]

No, of course not, but-- I don't think it's quite right.

[And. What else is he supposed to do? It's hard to take him seriously when he's like this, but Ren seems like he's on edge because of Shido's new form; he clears his throat, about to say something when the bodybuilder speaks instead, voice slightly different in the way cognitions are.]

Did you think you could get away with blowing through my Palace, you sniveling brat?

[It's not clear who he's talking to either, since he's staring at them both, a dangerous aura surrounding his form.]

Come here and perhaps I'll forgive you for it; you're still useful to me, if you get rid of that boy like you said you would.

[He's only need one of them, after all, and Goro's amusement is immediately squashed by the sudden desire to tear that tiny head off his body. His form's tense, face expressionless as he stares thoughtfully at Shido, calculating if he'd be an actual threat in a fight or if it'd be easy to strike him through.]

[ Ren straightens up when he notices how the voice reverbs, spooked to high alert. Of course he thinks the first one is addressed to him. Though he has no idea if the Palace was hard or difficult, so he opts out and only offers silence with a deserving leer.

His chest fills with a sense of pride for being alive, reveling in the idea that he’s just a living thorn in Shido’s side. It’s a great feeling that graciously sates his need for vengeance. A crooked and devilish smile creeps onto his slips as he retracts his hand, now placing it on Goro’s shoulder to give reassurance. ]

Hit him.

[ He knows they both want to and this surely is Goro’s chance. ]

[He flinches slightly at the touch -- it's surprise, only surprise -- and stares at Ren with an expression not normally seen; it's a little fond, a little soft, before Ren's smile infects his own and he rolls his shoulders, excitement alight in his eyes.]

It would be my pleasure, dear.

[Of course, Ren has every reason to join him in this, but given permission Robin Hood forms in the air and sets aside his bows and arrows, cracking his knuckles. The Persona is part of him, so when Robin darts across the distance to slam a punch right in Shido's stupid face it's elating, satisfying to the core, and the grin on his face says as much.

It's not going to cause the illusion to disappear, if anything Shido's body hulks out more as he sits up, snarling. Goro's not worried though, tilting his wild smile to Ren.]

Shall we defeat him properly this time, Ren? The way it should've been done in the first place.

[ The sharp mischief drops from his demeanor when he sees Robin Hood practically fly at Shido with a clenched fist, gaining a small chuckle from him. It's funny and well deserved, but doesn't scratch the itch when he sees the man, illusion or not.

Finally, his eyes shift to Goro and instantly his heart melts... He always thought that he would get used to this—that Goro's smiles would eventually feel overplayed by how often he does it. No. It almost takes him out of the scene, forgetting about Shido entirely. Clearing his throat behind a hand and looking off to the side, he tries to stay on track. ]

Of course. I am here to support the star, after all.

[ And that star is Goro Akechi today. He flashes a confident smile, snapping his fingers to call Satanael. The demon lord isn't here to do any cool tricks, just a twirl of his gun to cast Heat Riser on Goro to make dreams come true. ]

[It's a different sort of power than he recalls throwing on himself with Loki, in those memories, and the Persona itches to join; weren't they partners? Weren't they both tortured by Shido's designs?

He remembers how hesitant another life was to use Loki, to fully exploit that hatred and power, and understands, a moment, as to the importance and difference of the two sides. Both have a justice. One is born from the injustice he'd faced and felt, and the other was the kind of justice he saw from the Phantom Thieves; beneath the law, but right for it.

Goro is the one who carried both of those in his heart, who embodied them, and he takes measured steps as Robin Hood disappears, pulling away from Ren in what'd be dangerous if he couldn't simply magic weapons appear; Shido remarks something about a soft heart, too much like his mother, falling over themselves for bad men--

and then he's promptly shut up by Goro's fist, again and again and again, because it may not be his mother, exactly, and it isn't like he ever fully knew the one who gave him life here, but there's an anger that burns beneath his skin.

Even when he's gripped to be thrown off by the illusion, Goro finds some way to break free and beats on and on and on and on until there's nothing but silence, wildlife of Bosuma's forest surrounding them, breathing hard as the illusion disappears and, with it, the "blood" that had come forth. Goro stares at his hands, at the ground he's now sitting on, and finds himself

for once

very afraid to look back at Ren.]

[ ... Ren expected it to be a relieving and cathartic battle with a sword beam maybe skewered through Shido’s rippling muscles, but what he witnesses is far more intimate than that. It’s disconcerting despite the context, though offset by the illusion’s make-up. He knows he ushered him to punch him, but how many times now? The beating is the only sound for several seconds turned minutes.

When the silence settles, it’s suffocating. He’s rendered speechless by the act and how small Goro’s form looks from this distance. It is haunting, concerning, and Goro’s choice to avoid him is too telling. A small quivering fear lays restless in the back of his mind, kicking up his nerves ten levels up. Goro Akechi... is a dangerous individua—no. The dream where he fled when Goro opened up to him rears its ugly mug, the faint impression of such a lonely and pained face, and it’s the push he needs. Quietly, he ambles closer, hoping to not disturb or startle him. ]

Are you feeling all right?

[ His hand reaches over, lingering for only a moment before gently hooking their fingers together. Craning his head forward, he tries to see his face to gauge his expression. How does he reassure him... Biting his bottom lip, he gives this a try: ]

He’s gone now. You did it.

[Is this how he'd felt..? Confessing to Ren then, terrified of his rejection and being right by it? Goro can remember moments after that, hesitance to say anything growing, turning to Micchan instead--

The voice jerks him out of his thoughts and he jumps at it, suddenly aware of his hot cheeks and stinging eyes. His free hand wipes at his face, turning his head slightly to block Ren's curiosity, and he hums in acknowledge of both the question and the statement, stiff.]

I know. It was... very nice, doing that.

[More satisfying than he thought, though it curls something cold and slimy around his stomach. Was it because Ren had seen..?]

I'm, um, alright. My hands hurt though, illusion or not. So be gentle with them.

[He had been wailing on someone's face, after all. A very real illusion of someone's face.]

[ Mm. Ren returns the affirmative noise, but is left with little to say when his focus is on Goro’s bare and scathed knuckles. He snakes his hand under, carefully bringing it up, then does the same thing to the other hand. His thumb barely skirts the wounds, as if making sure it stings, hoping the pain engraves the memory of this moment because it definitely won’t last as long as Ren can heal. In another second, he’s going to take that away with a quick cast of Salvation to whisk it all away.

Even when these hands in his are no longer red, cut open, bruised up, he holds onto them like they’re chains. There’s a gently tug as he holds them together, trying to get Goro’s undivided attention. ]

Hey, look at me.

[ He doesn’t need to see Goro’s face to know he’s tearing up, but he wants to see. The biggest mistake he made in his memories from the world of heists and gods is not reaching out, then in his other memories not being there when he’s needed the most. Ren has always been confident about his approach, but old feelings of doubt, wondering if this is too aggressive and pushy, surfaces as if laying dormant for he isn’t sure how long.

If Goro pulls away, he isn’t sure how he would take it. ]

[Even if he wanted to move away, and it would be better, logically, if he did, Ren's hands are warm and grounding, a reminder more than the pain and healing numbness, of this life, of the person he is now... Of the odd sets of memories he has, which perturb him more than the ones of being a hitman, frankly. At least he knew that kind of life. The sorts of people one interacts with, the mindset one must have when dealing impartially--

but he never could, with Ren, could he. Not at this point. Goro swallows hard, something heavy in his chest, and takes a breath before looking at Ren as asked. Blotchy faced with tears starting to swell again, but his lips are pressed into a thin line and his eyes can't. quite meet Ren's, flicking to and away. He can't appear nervous, can't be scared of someone else's opinion.]

... What is it?

[He won't admit it to himself, to Micchan or anyone else, but Ren has a stronger hold on him than the boy thinks, than he realizes. Fuck.]

[ Don't sputter. Don't sputter. What somber expression painted on his face falls fast, now donning on a smug (but amused and happy) little smile. This isn't what he wants, but he will take the little glances. Why was he ever worried...? He knows these moments can be overwhelming with memories that hit like a truck and brings all their emotional baggage with them subduing them in a rush—why was Akira in Recolle so worried when Goro is just a soft little bunny?

No, he knows why. He has the same, concealed dread... Maybe even more so with his own past, his own family's history, and how such a darkness can sweet him away again with whispers of sweet justice and vengeance. ]

Not going to pull away? I'm surprised. [ The Goro he remember right now used to be a little cold, far too astonished by the thought of holding hands. Fond, he speaks a little softer: ] I'm staying right here.

[ His grip moves to Goro's wrist, pulling him closer so he can assault his face with little pecks, especially near the corners of his eyes. After a couple of rounds of smothering, his fingertips find their ways to an unfortunate someone's sides, digging them in for a tickle. Ren wants to show that nothing will change what he thinks of him. ]

[It's-- it's very smothering, it's a lot, and he's generally used to Ren's affections it feels weird and wrong and stifling, but it's something he tolerates with a squeeze of his eyes and a soft, unhappy whine. Just the sort of sound he'd usually make when dealing with so much at once.

The tickling, though, activates his fight or flight response so soon after dealing with the literal demon from his past and he shoves Ren away, scowling at him with a flushed face. Okay. If he can still act that way, then things are... fine, they're fine, it's not like his family history is going to come and put a hit on Ren anytime soon (probably?), so he doesn't need to worry about this side of him showing more.

He just is also keeping his hands up for more incoming attacks.]

You-- caught me at a bad time, that's all. [Yes. That's why he didn't pull away, certainly. And the red in his cheeks is from everything but his embarrassing realization.] Don't touch me unnecessarily.

[huff. But it isn't like he'll draw away if Ren gets closer again, as long as his intentions are without tickles.]

[ At first, he grumbles when shoves away, already missing the ball of warmth that his boyfriend served. Now there's this void where his hands should be, also in his arms. Empty... Forlorn. At times like these, Ren misses Morrigan who for a good almost two years have comforted him, now almost a year comforting him in this hot and cold relationship.

But Ah. This is definitely the Goro he remembers—prickly, fussy, and quick to draw away in a huff. Ren keeps his hands up, flexing his fingers as he takes steps forward. It's just one step at first. Then two. Then three. Eyes bright, he tries to play up the innocent look and sweet smile as he approaches him. More like corner him. There's no way he's going to give up until Goro smiles genuinely at him. ]

But all of this is necessary.

[ How is this supposed to make him smile...? These grabby hands seem more terrifying than not. ]

[His lips twitch and he bites the inside of his cheek, trying to remind himself that letting Ren take an inch means giving him a mile, shaking his head with a soft laugh.]

You can't fool me, Ren, I'm not letting my guard down around you. You're trying too hard to look innocent.

[Goro's taking a step, two steps, three steps back, but they're in a forest; it's only so long until he bumps into a tree and is trapped like that, with Ren steadily advancing on him. They're leaving the scene of the beat down, which is doing a lot for his personal nerves.]

And that never spells anything good. Put your hands above your head and I'll think about letting you closer.

[ His little skulk comes to a halt as Goro tries his hand at negotiations. The pause isn’t filled with any agreement or disagreement, no counter conditions or pleads. His own expression falls back to the usual neutral and blank, possibly contemplating over the deal or maybe scheming. Who knows? People close to him probably can guess, but really.

Who knows?

His hands lift up a bit, looking like he’s obediently complying to the demands, but then he darts straight to him. You better run if you want to live. ]

[It's scheming. It's definitely, definitely scheming, and Goro feels right on the money when Ren darts at him; he yelps in surprise, ducking under Ren's grasp and running to duck by tree cover. Is he going to play the game of keeping it between them? Of course. He's dumb, he could just have Robin Hood keep him at bay... even if Robin is unusually soft towards Ren, in stark contrast to Loki's prickly nature.]

I'm warning you, Ren, don't do this. You have a long life ahead of you. You should cherish that fact.

[He's nervous about being tickled again. They're empty threats.]

[ He huffs when he finds himself empty-handed, but is quick to turn to Goro. Hands are back up in their “predatory” positions, he takes his time to take steps to circle him instead. He needs the element of surprise, so he tries to ramp it up by strafing slowly back and forth to feign a pattern. This may all seem childish, something they can easily end by stopping completely, but! Hey! It’s fun.

By the way, cheating only opens doors to more chaos. Think wisely. ]

Sorry, Goro. I think it’s the forest’s curse... It’s telling me to tickle you until you can’t get up! The only way you can win if it’s you run back home.

[ Out of the forest and everything. Ren, believe it or not, is actually sick of being here. His own Bosuma incident is a blur yet sticking around so deep in the forest makes his stomach do flips. ]

[It is fun, and even if Goro shouldn't, even if anyone who knew him before this year (except Sena, maybe) would be bewildered at the sight of him playing along, he concentrates on Ren's movements and tries to stay a step ahead, humming in amusement. He's definitely focusing too much on the feint.]

If you want to leave, I wouldn't say no. There's no need to go through all of this just to chase me out.

[Even if he'd like to see if it's repetitive, or if it's just a one time occurrence.]

My personal research is finished. I found what caused the disappearances, though I'm not certain there is a way to stop them if they prey on memories and minds -- possibly the work of some kind of plant's pollen, or the spores of one of the mushrooms here... I'm no expert, so I'll leave it in someone else's hands.

I just want you to be safe.

[ He’s curious himself, but it’s hard to shake off the heavy feeling in his chest and the anxiety from nowhere. His movements slow as they go over this topic a little more seriously, now tugging at his bangs as he considers their options. It’s difficult to help others when they need saving, so... He hums the same tune as Goro, pensive.

Hey, at least boyfriend is brighter. This is a small victory though the Recolle mystery continues. ]

We can come another day to see if it’s different, but for now it might be better to warn people and police the outskirts.

[ The game seems to end—except it doesn’t. Ren shuffles quickly to Goro and tries to latch onto him. ]

[Goro jerks slightly when he's approached so quickly, hands raising to fend off an attack and just... sort of coming to rest on Ren as he's clung to, balling up the warmth in his chest and tucking it away. Hesitant, he pets Ren's head, slight affection bleeding through the comforting gesture.]

It's... all we can do, I suppose. As unhappy as that makes me.

[Almost genuinely so. He's. Grown used to caring for others, a bit, and to thinking the way Ren does. His grandfather rolling in his grave for thinking of people outside of benefits.]

The town here is safe from the illusions, and the temptation of them; I've been staying the past few days, and... I wouldn't mind your company, if you wanted to share a room.

[He's. Awkward, just a bit.]

[ Ren closes his eyes, mentally purring into those little pets. This is a good life. If only he could be a cat instead of a person riddled with the complex human mind. It looks like that's enough to placate him, so the tickling is held off for now. ]

... Same here, but I'm sure we will find our answers. We just need to keep being obnoxious and meddle.

[ He knows it's hard to say, seeing that they've always come back with very little aside from Retrospec and the layers are at it again...! Despite that, he is confident they can do something. His arms wrap around Goro's waist, imprisoning him here.

......... wait what did goro say ]

Why are you so nervous? I sneak into your room at night all the time.

[ It's just a room!!! With an awkward smile, Ren chuckles because you're embarrassing him. ]

[Ah, he sees, Ren wants to be punished. He's asking for it, teasing his boyfriend like that. Pointing out his nervousness. Goro's going to stop petting him and pinch his cheeks, tugging at them slightly.]

I'm not nervous. You just don't seem to like the area, which is understandable, so I'm only thinking of you. And I've said this before, but don't sneak into people's rooms, key given or not. I'm going to wake up and kill you one day, thinking you're a burgler or something like that.

[It

is admittedly nice to be woken up by Ren, or to have Ren at his side in the morning in that way, especially as a surprise, but assuredly he is always scolded for it. If Goro really wanted to stop it he'd just change locks, but... he doesn't, so.]

[ Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnn. He tries to respond, but releases Goro so he can first swat, then grab onto those hands. Let. Him. Go. His cheeks aren't fat enough for this amount of pinching and it's starting to hurt. Those hands can meet his lips instead. Peck, peck. Forgive him, lord Akechi. ]

... Thank you for being so considerate of my feelings and sparing me over a thousand times.

[ Ren knows when to stop teasing or else he might get hurt. He doesn't doubt that Goro might punch him or kick him instinctively, though not enough to knock out teeth or break bone. Still, he wishes to respect his space and limits. It's almost a year since they've been together yet there's untouched territory here and there. He lets go of one hand, thinking he has hogged it enough, but twirls his boyfriend as if they were dancing and this was a ballroom. ]

Tomorrow, I'll go into the forest first, all right?

[ Just to test some theories and see if there's some kind of pattern. ]