alola | 2018 OPEN POST

[okay what about secret relationship where they're two champions trying not to expose themselves to the world but are discussing getting married but then also have sex and try not to get caught y/n/m?]

[ hell yeah hell yeah let's do this

anyone close to steven will have noticed that he's been spending more time in kanto and johto than usual. his vagabond nature usually means that once he's explored all of a region's caves he leaves for the next one, but this time has proven to be an exception.

though he may not technically hold the champion's seat anymore, he had taken time out of his travels to visit lance. they had been casual friends while taking their respective positions as regional champions, but relief of duty meant that he could be a bit more casual with their relationship. evidently, that also meant striking up something far less platonic than before. somehow they had managed to charm each other into something quite intimate, to the point where spending time with lance has become one of steven's priorities. it's proven itself to be difficult - with lance still a reigning champion and steven's family name and wealth keeping him in the public eye regardless of his title in professional battling, they have to get creative in how they meet.

it's why they've found themselves in the indigo plateau champion's room with steven pressing him against one of the towering gold columns lining the walls, one hand at his waist and the other slowly running up his chest. lance's cape has already been discarded, pooling on the tiled floor beneath them so that steven can properly leave long caressing kisses at his neck. ]

You need a proper office...

[ it's whispered low and thickly close to his ear, but not exactly as a tease - if they were in hoenn, steven easily could have pulled him into his office at devon. they're limited in venues here - it's either this or the dragon's den, and as much as steven likes caves, it's far too damp for proper intimacy. ]

[His sister keeps yelling at him for being so nosy about when she's going to be in the Dragon's Den. But he wanted to make sure everything was perfect for Steven. It might be a bit of a problem, and especially now that Steven has no interest in going in there, he just wants everything to be perfect for the champion.

Platonic was gone very quickly. Kissing, and touching, and... well... something in Lance's head said that he'd like to, at some point, maybe go public with this. But not when so much would be on the line if he did.

This room, right here, where they pressed against the pillar. His cape against the floor and his hands moving to unbutton Steven's pants. He was desperate and horny, in need to get Steven into his body.]

You need to be more open to the Dragon's Den...

[They can get a tent. And a sleeping bag. They need just one.]

[ he certainly hadn't come to johto looking for any sort of relationship - on the contrary, he was trying to avoid having unnecessary interactions with others in the first place. all the same, there was an undeniable spark between him and lance that he couldn't reasonably ignore.

it would be risky for both of them to go public with this quickly, but having the dragon master all to himself isn't something that steven is going to complain about in the slightest. it's amusing to see how desirous lance can be in the heat of the moment, especially as he begins to undo the buttons of his shirt. ]

And risk being caught by a passing traveler? Or worse, your cousin...

[ he's run into clair on a few occasions; she's... a character, all right. he can't imagine how mortifying it would be for her to come across them pressed against each other like this - the idea sends a shiver down his spine that he attempts to shove down with a deep kiss to lance's lips. he finishes unbuttoning his shirt in the meantime, fingertips tracing downwards to grind his palm gently against where he's sure his arousal is beginning to mount. ]

Find a more remote cave and I'll think about it.

No one would catch us.

[If one of them retires, going public becomes an option. But Lance doesn't want to retire, and he's sure Steven doesn't either. They're both incredibly passionate about their champion positions, and if you ask Lance, it's one of the reasons he enjoys living.

He takes the deep kiss, and lets out a groan in between them. He rocks himself against him, knowing that Steven is very interested in getting things moving between them.]

You're too picky about this.

[He groans and grabs him to kiss him again, his other hand moving to start pulling down Steven's pants.]

How I wish I could be as carefree as you are...

[ but it's one of the many reasons why he likes Lance, along with why they get along so well. they say that opposites attract, and their relationship is no different. Steven allows him to do as he pleases, taking the opportunity to unbutton his pants as well. ]

We'll have to make this quick.

[ picky, picky... but also realistic. people will notice that they're gone if they take too long. ]

We'll be quick.

[He says, but he's fairly fond of taking his time here. He loves kissing and touching Steven, and only wishes they didn't have to keep it hidden. His fingers wrap around Steven's cock and starts to rub it.]

But we need more time... this isn't enough...

[ he chuckles against his lips as their next kiss breaks, his fingers beginning to slide beneath Lance's intimates to mirror the sensation that he knows is coming. he wants their desperation to be mutual, mounting with one another until they can't take it anymore. ]

If you have any suggestions for the future- [ his voice hitches upon being touched, bucking his hips into the friction. ] I'm open to them.

[He lets out a light, low little moan, tilting his head back and rocking his hips forward.]

You have a private house somewhere, yes? [Pressing their hips together.] Let's... visit there. And act as we should.

[For the most part, Hina spends a lot of time in her own little world. She's grown up living what is in many ways a charmed life; she's always been good at everything she's ever tried, and the idea that there are people who just... aren't. Who aren't her. Who have had different experiences than her.

It's a strange though, and one that she admittedly has trouble with. She's never been great at putting herself in the shoes of other people, which she might have realized was one of the main points of friction with her sister-- if, again, she hadn't struggled to see things from Sayo's perspective to begin with.

Aya fascinates her, though. Aya isn't like her. She's not good at everything, and in fact, she's pretty terrible at a lot of things. But she keeps trying. She keeps trying long after Hina would have gotten bored and moved on to her next fad by now, and that's fascinating. Hina can't stop thinking about her.

Somehow, Aya's become one of the only things that Hina hasn't lost interest in.

She opens the door to Pastel*Palettes' rehearsal chamber, as quietly as she can, hoping that Aya will be in there and practicing by herself. She likes watching Aya practice. Even if she's always making mistakes, it's...

...still pretty boppin'.]

[ even if she's been in training for years, Aya's fellow bandmates seem to have themselves far more put-together in terms of talent than she does. Maya's drumming and music tech know-how is almost fearsome, Chisato's star power makes her stand out, Eve's natural foreign beauty and charm play to her favour, and Hina... well, she's always perfect at everything she does.

it's almost frustrating to be surrounded by people that seem to be leagues ahead of her, but Aya refuses to see it that way. she's going to work hard and catch up no matter what, so she can help everyone to succeed and achieve her own dreams. it's why she's determined to practice whenever she can, so that she can make sure that she's prepared for the next group rehearsal. today she's going over her choreography for instrumental breaks, making sure that every step is in line... or at least, she's trying to. there's a particular part that keeps tripping her up when she combines it with arm movements - after a few failed tries in front of the mirror, she sighs. ]

No, that's not right either... [ for a moment, she allows herself to look dejected. ] I didn't think this part would be so hard...

[ she closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, but quickly resolves herself. this is no time to be giving up! ]

But I'm almost there. I can do this!

[ so she tries again, so focused that she's still unaware that Hina is watching. ]

[And luck is on Hina's side! She hears footsteps against the wood floor of the dance studio, and immediately knows that it's Aya. Nobody else would be here practicing at this time, when they didn't have rehearsal, except Aya.

Hina creeps to the edge of the hallway that leads into the room, peering around the corner and trying to make as little sound as possible. Thankfully, Aya seems completely absorbed in her own practice, so it's not very difficult to hide.

Every time, Aya seems like she's going to get it, and every time, there's a stumble, or something goes wrong. Hina keeps expecting her to throw in the towel at any moment.

But she doesn't. Hina can't take her eyes off her.

Another stumble, and this time, she leans a little further out.] You know, it's your foot. You're stepping too far out, so when you try to turn, you're all "whoa!" and then "oops!"

Y'see?

E-Eh? Hina-chan?!

[ oh no, this is embarrassing... she hadn't gotten any attempt at the routine correct, which means that Hina saw all of the times that she tripped up! the advice is appreciated, but for the moment she's more preoccupied with trying to save face. ]

How long were you watching?!

Oh, I dunno. Five minutes? [She says it so casually, too, as if she hadn't just been watching Aya without saying anything.

Hina, normal people don't do that.] I didn't want to say anything 'cuz you were really focused. It was really interesting!

Nn... But you kept seeing me mess up...

[ she sighs. it's not like she can turn back time and make Hina un-see all of her blunders, but maybe that isn't what she should be focusing on. she looks down at her feet, slowly putting her foot out less than the other times she had tried. ]

So... you're saying my steps were too wide on the turn?

Yeah, I thought for sure you'd get it, eventually, but oh well! [Hina steps out into the dance studio, taking off her shoes and leaving them at the door.] Your foot goes out like zoom, which means you're behind the beat 'cuz you can't finish the turn in time!

You're doing this-- [She says, holding her hands out, mimicking the move, and exaggerating the misplacement of her foot as she turns] --when you should be doing this! [She repeats the motion, and gets it flawless. First try. It really isn't fair.] Does that make sense, Aya-chan?

[ though Aya is sure that her friend is trying to be reassuring in her own way, it doesn't really make her feel much better. leave it to Hina to know her choreography better than she does...

but she won't let it get her down. it seems like Hina has gotten to the root of her problem, so she mimics the foot movement. lo and behold, she nails the turn with a smooth movement. ]

Wow... I didn't think it was something so minor. [ she smiles. ] That definitely makes sense. Thanks, Hina-chan!

Mm-hmm! You were really close the whole time! Maybe you just couldn't see your foot like I could, that's all. [She leans in closer, her hands held behind her back as she approaches Aya.] But even if you kept on not getting it, you didn't give up, either. That's the sorta thing that makes Aya-chan interesting!

I thought about trying some dance moves, too, but they don't really work with a guitar. Oh well. [She shrugs. Like water off a duck's back.]

How long've you been here?

Mm! It helps to have someone else's perspective to get the details. [ she can't help but giggle. ] I don't think I'm that interesting... But that's nice of you to say.

[ she'd comment on the possibility of guitar choreography, but Hina's question makes her think - what time was it, anyway? ]

Um... [ she quickly goes over to her bag to check the time on her phone. holy shit. ] Wha-! It's been two hours!

I guess I really lost track of time...

Two--? [Hina generally looks surprised at that.] Wow, two hours for just one move? That's so weird! [The fact that Aya is someone who can devote that much time to one thing at all is completely foreign to her.] Oh, now that I'm closer, you're definitely all sweaty... you've been at this for a while after all.

[She has the perfect ability to say things that are true in a way that makes them sound like they're intended to be insults.] I bet you're gonna be... uh, you know the thing that happens to you the day after you work out? The thing that makes your face go all "scrunch"? That's definitely gonna happen to you.

[She means being sore.]

Anyway, you wanna get something to eat?

There were other ones... But this is the one that was giving me the most trouble.

[ somehow, Hina isn't making her feel much better. though her cheeks are already pink from exertion, they flush a little more as she goes to grab her towel. ]

You mean "sore", right? I stretched before, so I hope I won't be. [ the thought makes her cringe. ] Sure thing! I just have to change and clean up a little...

Yeah, that! Does stretching help? [She thinks about it for a moment. So that's why they do that.

And the moment passes, and she moves on.] I'll help clean if you want. Did you take out the mic stands, or something?

Yeah. It helps the blood pump through your muscles so you don't tense up... But I bet you don't need to do that, right?

[ considering how Hina just generally Is, she wouldn't be surprised if she managed to be so active on stage without prepping for it. she'd have to have an impressive body and muscle mass for that...

.....anyway. she smiles appreciatively, nodding in affirmation. ]

That would really help! Thanks, Hina-chan.

Nope! Never done anything weird like that before! [Hina says, cheerfully, as though she is not some sort of freak of nature.

She steps into the studio, enjoying how easily her sock-clad feet slide over the slippery wood.] Okay~ I'll put the mic stands away if you wanna clean the floors. [Without even waiting for a response, she begins to glide across the floor, smoothly picking up one of the mics Aya was practicing with and giving it a playful little twirl before tucking it under her arm.] I think Eve-chan had work at her cafe tonight. We should go bug her.

(So much for looking cool. Noctis is a strong, capable warrior, but he's also brash and usually chooses to fight in close range. The result is a horn through his leg, an injury greatly reduced but not completely healed by a potion. It's no longer bleeding badly, but it hurts like hell, and his previous injury has been aggravated. Their trip was temporarily postponed as they found a nearby caravan.

Now, everyone else is out not being injured - they're really gathering supplies - and Noctis is left behind. Iris was with them at the time, and she's probably the best caretaker next to Ignis so he gladly accepts her help.

The bandage lays uncurled on the bed, dots of crimson staining the perfect white, but it's nothing to worry about it. The gash has closed nicely already.)

Even if it looks like this, we still won.

(He tries.)

Hey, thanks for staying behind. (Scratching the back of his head, he leans against the wall.) I know this is your time with Gladio.

Edited 2018-05-16 03:31 (UTC)

[ though Noctis may think he looked uncool, Iris thinks quite the opposite. he's stupid and reckless, yes, but it does make him endearing, and his bravery is nothing to bat an eye at. Iris just wishes that she could have given him some sort of assist, but the herd that they were fighting had kept her from his side.

she knows that he'll make a full recovery, but she had still volunteered to stay behind to keep an eye on him (a little too quickly now that she thinks about it, but hopefully no one noticed). someone needs to be around to change his bandages... that's the excuse she's going with, anyway. ]

It was an intense fight. Injuries aside, I'm pretty proud of it.

[ they probably would have celebrated a little more if Noctis wasn't on the ground bleeding by the end of it. ]

Don't mention it. He can take care of himself for a little while. [ she smirks. ] And... I thought you could use a little company.

(He's laying in bed with his leg torn to pieces while everybody else in the fight is all good and normal; he thinks he looks the definition of uncool.

But it's Iris and so it's not so bad. They've clicked well since they were children so he doesn't have to try as hard.)

Yeah, you can be proud of it, you're not the one stuck in bed. (Noctis shifts, which naturally causes his leg to move, and that wasn't a smart idea. He flinches.)

Some company won't hurt. Probably better you than them.

(Gladio would lecture him about how he needs to be more careful, Ignis would be capable but worried, and Prompto would try too hard to relieve both his pain and boredom.)

I'm proud of you too, dummy. That part goes without saying.

[ battle injuries are totally badass, though it's not as if Iris needs any other reason to be impressed with him. it means that he has proof of the hard work that he put in!

...or that he was dumb, but that's cute in its own way. she frowns at his flinching, ]

Woah there, tiger. Try not to move too much. [ she sighs, but smiles. ] They're all just worried about you in their own way. I know Gladdy can be weird in showing that he cares.

(Winning is more badass. Standing over the corpse of the defeated with an easy 'of course i'd win' attitude was coolest. Noctis knows, he's thought on it. Being too proud would show you doubted you'd win. Doubt wasn't cool.)

Yeah, I know. I get it. (Noctis does know, and he genuinely cares in return. That doesn't mean he wants it pointed out that he should have been more careful in battle.) Sometimes, it's hard to deny you're related. Sometimes, I can't believe you share genes with him.

(He means it affectionately. Gladio is one of his best friends.)

[ little does Noctis know, Iris always thinks he's cool. she's gotten better at hiding it as they've gotten older, but sometimes finds herself getting starry-eyed when she thinks he isn't looking. ]

Why's that? You think we're really that different?

[ she at least thought they had a family resemblance in facial features. she mostly asks to keep his mind off the pain as she readies his new bandages, but she'd be lying if she said she wasn't curious. ]

[ It isn't that she's the sort to sneak, really. There are a lot of things that factor into the decision of secrecy between his former Championship and how recognizable he is to her own occupation. It's not as if they'd have to come out and announce anything, but it would be especially awkward if things remained on the more casual end and all of their friends and colleagues were aware of the intimate nature of their relationship. It wasn't exactly the most common thing for her (in that it wasn't at all), but she liked him well enough and it was nice to have somewhere to go when she had time off.

Somewhere to go, someone to meet... Nice really was an understatement, wasn't it?

Though she's not particularly excellent when it comes to being incognito outside of a mission, she still goes relatively unnoticed with how she carries herself. She can't help but be a little shy at first, before she warms up. Distance and time does make the heart grow fonder, after all and she has a difficult time keeping the stresses of work behind in her office. She just has to mentally shake it off and the first step to that is the removal of her jacket and tie, the first few buttons of her blouse undone. Gloves still on, but not for long as she clears her throat, smile as bright as a Sunny Day. ]

I do hope you've no business to attend to for the remainder of the day.

[ The implication is clear: because she intends to make herself his business for the foreseeable future. ]

[ though Steven is more of the solivagant type, there are a handful of people that he's happy to spend time with. as of recently, Anabel has joined that group in a way that he hasn't quite expected, but hardly regrets. though it might be "easier" to go public with what they've come to be, it would bring attention and questions that neither of them are fond of. along with that, the thrill of being secretive is somewhat childish, but also fun - it's not often that he gets the opportunity to feel something like that, let alone with another person.

he finds himself counting down the days until he can see her again, when their schedules manage to align. the time apart makes each rondez-vous all the more desirable, reflected now in the way that he steps closer and slips an arm around her waist. ]

Even if I did, you would take priority. The world can wait.

[ On her end, it's really about Looker. Although he'd certainly be supportive, he also... well, it's not that he can't be secretive. In fact, he's rather excellent at that. It's that he'd make such a loud exclamation that everyone in HQ would come running and find out in one fell swoop.

If it is to be told, she wants complete control of the situation. It was something she could control, at the very least. The loss of her past and any amount of unawareness of worthwhile memories or relationships were out of her reach; this, though, she could manage. She had power over this.

She'd brought along a bottle of wine, some vintage Beaujolais that they both might enjoy at some point before one of them has something to attend to. It's quickly set aside to fall into his attention.

Her response is first a wry smile, teeth pulling in the middle of her bottom lip while inching into his touch. Gloved fingers trace the outline of his shirt collar, and loop into the knot of his tie. The faintest pull to tease, but no motion beyond that. ]

I certainly would hope so. I am a little jetlagged, so I hope you'll pardon any odd behavior.

[ An excuse to carry on with her flirt, softly twisting at his tie to undo it. ]

[ though the wine had been tempting to crack open upon her entry into his office, he'd much prefer to give her the attention that she deserves first. their time together is always brief, so he'd like to savor it for what it is while he still can. drinks can come after they've had enough time together.

his smile grows when she pulls at her tie, allowing her to pluck at it as she wishes. as she does, his other hand traces at her jawline, tilting her chin up slightly to expose the line of bare skin trailing down her neck and to her collarbone. ]

As long as we both stay in the moment, I'll disregard it.

[ it's her company that he appreciates more than anything, as much as he enjoys teasing her. any "odd behaviour" is bound to be endearing in its own way. ]

I missed you.

whispers play something with me Nata I’ve been intending to comment on this

[Penny was someone he considered a dear friend, truly. But now? Their relationship is changing to something more romantic and passionate. That said, they aren't an official couple as of yet. Penny is not familiar with that "love"... But, he's more than willing to show and help her understand and feel that love. Hence why they both agreed to the idea of going out on a date.

Before the day of the promised date, he'd searched for anything relating to dating. He'd surveyed for dating advice between friends, looked up in the library for the best dating spots in Theasthai, and the likes. He'd even gone to the length of trying out clothes to make the avatar looks presentable. He's dressed nicely and casually; blue cropped short-length leather jacket unzipped, a striped t-shirt, and denim pants. The avatar's hair is tied in a neat short ponytail, leaving asway of bangs on his forehead. Now he's ready.

But as prepared as he was for the date, he still has butterflies in his tank. Moreover, there are small worries knocking on the back of his mind, like... what if tonight ended up a failure? It'd certainly make their relationship awkward and possibly lose their friendship.

He shakes the thought away. Regardless today's the date, and he's already at the beacon house's front door. Just need to calm down, and everything will work out somehow. With a deep intake of air, he raises his hand and... knocks on the door.]

2018 OPEN POST

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also if i type steven as stephen i'm sorry i'm watching an lper called stephen

I DIDN'T FORGET ABOUT THIS

MMHMM. no jk

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GIMME AYA

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Noctis and Iris

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hi i'm still here

she lives

BUT ARE WE SURE

i see we like similar memes. guess what i'm fast-tracking this with a SNEAKING AROUND meme.

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robots awkward first date... emp au