Lyro
Errant Chronicler
Disclaimer: this is most assuredly not canon. Proceed at your own imagination's peril. You have been warned.
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You are walking through the ship, entirely engrossed in one of the books you acquired from the Prospitian library before your departure. Your concentration is interrupted as you bump into somebody. You look up from your book slightly dazed. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"oh -> <sorry japhos> <= hadn't seen you there"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Looks like you stumbled into his meal block without meaning to. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i didn't mean to intrude -> i'll show myself out"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"N● , n - n● ,"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Japhos says, not turning towards you but slouching, or rather hunched over, on top of the large marble top island of the meal block. Surrounding him are bottles filled with a dark liquid at one side and empty and clean bottles at another. On the ground, barrels lay empty and one is perched on a stool beside the woolly haired troll. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"C●me. S!t, bes!de me ."[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He says.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You look slightly surprised at the offer but you aren't about to turn down such a rare occasion. You smile as you captchalogue your book and leap up to sit on to the marble top. You swing your dangling legs back and forth, looking at Japhos's face. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"soooooo"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] you begin, picking up one of the empty bottles lying next to you. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"/what's all this then\ + /is this some of that fabled stash you like to keep hidden away\"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]He looks up to you and then smiles fondly at the bottles in front of him and plays with a large plastic funnel in his hand. For a second he doesn't say anything but suddenly blinks rapidly as if he woke up. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"N●th!ng l!ke that … Well , may be . !t !s just an ●ld h●bby ●f m!ne ."[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] From the barrel beside him, Japhos picks up a metal ladle that is hanging from the side with one hand and with the other he picks up the funnel and tries to place it into an empty bottle. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"! saw … s●me fru!ts gett!ng t●● , t●● r!pped , r!ped-"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He stops mid-sentence trying to place the funnel into the bottle. It would be easier if he slides the thing closer to him. There is a small wine cup in arms reach from him.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You are rather puzzled by Japhos's behavior; poor guy must be hella tired. You slide the bottle Japhos is trying to reach closer, then steady his hand to help him place the funnel. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"ooh that was some quick thinking japhos <- i hadn't thought about that"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You pick up the other wine cup with your free hand. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i certainly wouldn't mind a small sample haha <=> that is -> if you're offering"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"Y-yeah- Yes, y●u may have s●me ." [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]His hand in yours relaxes and he scoops up a ladleful of dark liquor. He brings the ladle around only to look around for him to pour the wine into. He may just realise that his little wine cup is a bit far to pour without spillage. He frowns deeply before his eyes widen. He gives the ladle to you. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You take the ladle and use it to pour yourself a small glass, returning it to the barrel. You take a sip and blink at the unexpected taste. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"wow uh -> this tastes a little different + /some sort of secret japhos recipe\ haha <= good different though"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You take a larger sip, then raise your glass and look directly at Japhos. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"ooh -> /shouldn't we toast to something\ + we've got fancy glasses and everything hehehe <= it's not every day i get to do this with one of my oldest buddies after all"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"These w●uld have been added t● the pr - pr!vate c●llect!●n at the h●tel . Best s-seller than th●se brew ●rdered ●nes… just bef●re my departure t● space ."[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] His voice fades and his eyelids lowers as he stares at the empty bottle in front of him. His back snaps straight up and he quickly refills your cup with more wine. He drinks it and refills it and gives it to you. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"Yes , yes . ! have y●u, d● ! n●t ?"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He is quick to say. The two of you have yet to met eyes yet, but he contines on. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"! have Dem●ma a - and Catrin . Appph … and Bee are s●mmmewhere ."[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You put your arm around Japhos for a quick hug. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"aww -> /feeling down\ + but you're <right> <- you've got all of us right here with you => and if you can be sure of one thing is that i'll stick with you till the <very end> + what -> /don't tell me you're getting tired of us now\ haha"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Surprisingly, the other troll doesn't pull away from the hug but instead leans towards the touch. As awkward as it may be, he doesn't seem too bothered by it and sighs heavily. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"! ‘ m n●t ,"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]He narrows his eyes and pulls back. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"S!nce y●u are here, y●u are g●!ng t● use that l●ng arms and muscles ●f y●urs t● empty the barrel and f!ll the bottles ."[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]He tugs at your shirt and then scooches over to the empty chair beside his. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You blink incredulously at what Japhos has just said. Your eyes gain a mischievous glint as you gather up the bottles. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"/my long arms and muscles\ <- whyyy japhos i had no idea you were such a fan"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You begin ladling the liquid up into the bottles, before ditching the ladle altogether and just dipping the bottles directly into the barrel; you can't help but feel a tap for the barrel would make this considerably easier. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"and here you go sir"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] you announce once your first bottle is filled, handing a corked bottle over to Japhos. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"freshly prepared bottle of uh ---> well whatever this is <= all thanks to my incredible physique"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You wink at him as you begin preparing the next bottle.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Japhos hums a positive note and takes the filled bottled from you. Intoxicated, he cannot criticize you for contaminating the whole barrel of fine wine with the move you just did. He just simply cleans the side of the bottle and twists and smashes in the cork. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"What w!ll ! ever d● w!th●ut th●se hands●me … hands●me , er, y●u ?"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Smooth Japhos. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You almost drop the bottle you were filling. You turn back to look at Japhos for a few seconds, before you put down the bottle and walk back over to the chair where he is sitting. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"/are you sure you're alright japhos\"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] you ask with a sly grin. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"you're not usually this fun"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px], you add, leaning forward over him so that your face is just above his, one arm resting against the chair's back, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"not that i'm complaining <= really quite the opposite"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Japhos just smirks, looking up at you with eyes hooded.[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] "D●n ‘ t bel!ve what Beew - wan … ●r !s !t Dem●ma , says ab●ut me. ."[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Still looking at you, you can hear a low rumbling from his chest. A purr? He must have got that from Fluffmum. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You're feeling slightly dizzy now; what was in that drink? Not that you really care right now. You put your arms around Japhos for another hug and lean in closer. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"well <- maybe i should get to know you better then hehe => /what do you say\"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"! kn●w of a b!g b●●k pi!le ,"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Japhos’ grin grows wider at the suggestion[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"We can … !f y●u want , talk ab●ut feels ."[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]There is a light dustinf og colour on his cheeks and he pulls away from looking up at you. He grabs a filled bottle. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"!'m tak!ng th!s w!th me ."[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You grab your own glass and rise up, still grinning at Japhos. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"so many feels => lead the way"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Some time later…[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"--> and that's why i don't let mopris in the library any more haha"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You turn your head to look at Japhos, still giggling at your own story, your glass held in your right hand. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"he's still a good boy though"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Japhos laughs beside you, on his side with his knees bend slightly and his bare foot digs at the side of your leg. The bookpile is well made, kinda, mostly, but he doesn't seem to mind it and even uses a rather large book as a pillow. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"Herb!v●res are the w●rst k!nd t● be !n a bl●ck full ●f b●●k !"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He continues to laugh, softly, and smiles. He closes his eyes and for a moment, he looks like he has fallen asleep, but in a softer voice he says, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"F●r a w!ld beast , ! am glad he !s d●!ng well . Y●u d!d a m!ghty f!ne j●b taming M●pr!s"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i guess"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You adjust the book on which your back is resting, piling a small notebook on top to make it more comfortable. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i usually get along well with animals* <- well not <that> guy"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You frown, thinking of your lusus, but you quickly dismiss the thought. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"otherwise -> yep <=> soreim => master tamer haha [*](fluffmum's little one is doing <really well> by the way) + poor mopris was so lonely before => you just need to show them a bit of love from time to time"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]F●r a b!g guy l!ke y●urself, y●u are f!lled with tender m●ments."[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Japhos grins. He may sound normal but his face glows cinnamon and you are not sure if it is from the bottle of wine you two finished earlier or if it is because of something else [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"! was actually w●rr!ed what w!ll happen t● them all ." [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Japhos sighs but looks content. He smiles and shuffles a bit closer to you. "[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Adm!ttedly , the Vessel !s k!nd ●f small f●r all ●f the Fluffbeasts t● be t●gether but ! am glad every●ne has a b!t ●f space fr●m each ●ther . Ass!gn!ng them t● y●u and the rest ●f the gr●up !s … c●mf●rt!ng ."[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You let your head rest against Japhos's shoulder. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i'm glad to be of some assistance <- especially when the job is so cute haha + demoma's is developing something of an attitude /don't you think\ <- but then i guess that was bound to happen hehe <= uh no disrespect to milady intended"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You take a quick look-around, as you never know when she might be listening, before letting your head drop back down with a reassured sigh.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Japhos pats your head and then runs his well manicured nails through your scalp. He continues to do this and flickers and plays with your hair. You close your eyes as he does this. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Suddenly, Japhos traps your head by locking it with his arms and starts noogieing the top of your head with his face. He is rough but makes sure to avoid clashing your horns painfully together. He laughs against you.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You laugh back, trying to push him away. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"ow ow ow -> hahaha -> stop it that hurts hehehahaa"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You grab his arms and try to break free but his grip is too strong, so you decide to use your feet. Pushing against the book pile with your right leg, you barrel into japhos and roll over him, your right hand doing its best to avoid shattering the glass it is still holding on to.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Japhos latches on to you and stops your momentum of rolling over him. His arms hugs your head and his feet locks behind you, just at the curve of your back. With your head close to his chest, you can definitely hear rumble mimicking purrs that of a Fluffbeast. Laughter bubbles out from him and he pets your hair once again. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"! ‘ m n●t lett!ng y●u g● that eas!ly."[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You stop struggling as you hear the soothing rumbling, and decide to wrap your arms around his back instead. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"aah it's okay"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] you say quietly with a smile. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i don't really want to leave anyway"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You let go of your glass and use your right arm to reach up and pet his own hair. Your hand vanishes into the darkness of the troll-'fro, and you giggle. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"/do you <ever> cut your hair\"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]If it is possible, the dusted cinnamon on his cheeks grows dark brown and he looks at you with a glare. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"! f!nd !t much eas!er cutt!ng s●me●ne’s else's ha!r than cutt!nd my ●wn ." [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Japhos replies and he then turns his nose up to the the air. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"And bef●[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]re y●u say !t , n● . ! d● n●t trust any●ne ●f y●u to cut my ha!r. Y●ur w●●l shear!ng sk!ll !s st!ll !n the mak!ng ."[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"pff -> alright alright <= you know me too well hehe + besides -> i like your hair this way"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You slowly retract your hand, careful not to get it tangled up on the way out, and go back to hugging him.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"! w!ll have t● cut !t eventually." [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Japhos snorts and then lays his head on top of yours. He breathes in deeply. Soon his limbs around you relax. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You start to say something but decide to remain silent. Your eyelids grow heavy and you close your eyes once more, your head nestled against Japhos. It isn't long before you are both sound asleep.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Hours later, you are still on the book pile, reading a book you found nearby.[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You woke up a few minutes ago with a slight headache and have been trying to distract yourself ever since. The large, heavy, white fluffy body of Fluffmum squashes half of you, pinning you to the rather hard pile. The three kittens, now grown three times their tiny size, lay all over you. Japhos is still fast alseep, sprawled out beside you with his right leg digging under your hip uncomfortably. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Trying very hard not to wake up Japhos, you shift your leg a little bit to ease it into a more comfortable situation. You immediately regret this as the change in pressure releases several books that had been trying to burst free, precipitating a micro-avalanche beneath Japhos, who slides out from the fluffbeast from below and to the floor in front of you.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Japhos wakes up with a high pitch scream and flails his limbs around, kicking and slapping you as he went down. The fluffbeasts all turn towards the avalanche but none move except for one. Fluffmum gets up from you and goes over to Japhos.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]The troll in question sits up abruptly but only to grab his head and groan in misery. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"What … happened ?"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He murmurs to himself.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You get up, gently moving the kittens to the side as you do so, and slide down in turn from the bookpile to end up standing beside Japhos. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"oh sorry sorry sorry => i <really> didn't mean to wake you up"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You crouch down and look concernedly at Japhos. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"/are you alright\ <- i didn't see you bang your head on the way down"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]His eyebrows furrow down and his head turns slightly towards you. He then peeks a brown eye at you. His brows are still furrowed as he stares. He stares some more and blinks. Something seems to dawn on him. He lifts his hand from his head and his angry expression lifts up to surprise and then confusion. Then all at once, he crawls back away from you only to slip his hand on a stray book. He falls to his back once again with a yelp. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"W - wh - wha ? Ahg , my head,"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He manages to say, clutching his head.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You quickly skip over to him, extending a hand to help him back up. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]A small smile plays on your lips. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"looks like you have a headache too <=> /maybe it was something in the drinks\ + at least tell me you haven't forgotten what happened"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You raise the small green handbook you were reading and begin leafing through it with your hand. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i think this book actually has a name for that kind of rerlationship -> let me just find the page again"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]He looks at you all confused and stares at your outstretched hand. He doesn't take it but instead backs his head away from it as if he can melt into the floor. He looks horrified a moment later and actually crawls backward, putting more space between the two of you. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]●h , ●h sh!t . ●h sh!t , d●n ‘ t tell me that, y●u-"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He points at you, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"- and me,"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He points to himself, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"We - ●n , ●n the p!le t●gether ?!"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He screams out loud. His eyes are wild with disbelief and his pointing hand shakes and then presses against his lips.[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"D!d we … feel jammed ?" [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]He asks slowly. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You get closer to Japhos and lean in with a big smile on your face. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"you'd better believe we did"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] you say with a wink. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i wouldn't have thought the ever serious + no fun japhos could've been capable of it but <- well hehe + you know you really had me fooled => i had no idea you'd been harboring these feelings for me all this time"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You're slightly perplexed at Japhos's outburst, but he did have a pretty shaky time waking up, so it's understandable. You retract your hand and keep searching through your book. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i'm sure i read it here somewhere"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] you mumble to yourself.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"N● , n● , n● , n● ,"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He repeats himself and gets up on shaky knees and arms outstretched for balance. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"Th!s !s all a m!stake ! ! can ‘ t - ! - !t ‘ s the w!ne . ! d!dn ‘ t mean t●● c - cuddle w!th y●u, ●r , ●r d● any ●f that w!th y●u!" [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]He continues his denial and often repeats himself. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You look at Japhos, slightly puzzled, still smiling. You don't understand. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i don't understand <- /wine\* + oh no"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] you exclaim as an idea hits you, and you look around the room, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"/was somebody --> mind-controlling you\ + /is that what you mean\ [*](/what does the wine have to do with it\)"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You look suspiciously at a broken-down camera in a corner of the room.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"N● !"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He shouts loudly and looks at you angrily. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"There ‘ s n●b●dy w!th that k!nd ●f - n●, n● ." [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Japhos shakes his head only to grip it painfully. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"Ack - Ah , f●rget !t ."[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He looks at the ground and back up at you, not angrily but with eyebrows tense and lips in a fine, stressed line.[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] "F●rget what happened last day . ! - We , we were !nt●xicated and everyth!ng after that- We used each ●ther ." [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Your smile falters as you listen to Japhos. Intoxicated? Like, poison? Or… memories of before the game come to mind unbidden, of the grand party that had been hosted at Japhos's hotel. It feels like it happened years ago, in a previous age. You remember building the book fort with Katrin, how strangely she had been acting towards the end, and you remember the drinks you'd had. You hadn't really made the link then, but looking at the discarded empty bottle lying in one corner of the room, you think you understand.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"so"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] you begin hesitantly, not looking Japhos in the eyes. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"you didn't -> /you didn't mean any of what you said\ + /or did\"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You're not sure how you feel about this, but you do feel a sting you've never felt before.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"! …"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He does not look at you. He takes a step back. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"! did what ! d!d and n●ne ●f th!s has any deeper mean!ng . ! - ! ," [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]He looks sick and takes a couple more steps back. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"! - We b●th, ●ur b●dies needed th!s , yeah . Th!s !s stup!d ."[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He makes absolutely no sense and looks ready to run.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You begin chuckling just as Japhos finishes. Something about your friend's hesitations and embarrassment manages to override what you were feeling. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"yeah -> you're right haha <= it is pretty stupid"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] The whole situation is pretty absurd now that you think about it. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"alright alright -> it's okay + <but>"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You mark a pause for dramatic emphasis as you once more get a peculiar gleam in your eye, before raising your finger and pointing it at Japhos's face. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"don't think i'm gonna forget about this hahaha <- i don't think i could if i tried + i won't tell anyone of course => but this definitely happened hehe"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You smirk at Japhos, both of your hands resting on your hips.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]His head only lowers and his arms wraps around himself. He just says, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"D● what y●u want w!th !t . ! d●n ‘ t … ! need s●me t!me ●ff ." [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]With a short apology, he quickly absconds out of the block.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You are walking through the ship, entirely engrossed in one of the books you acquired from the Prospitian library before your departure. Your concentration is interrupted as you bump into somebody. You look up from your book slightly dazed. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"oh -> <sorry japhos> <= hadn't seen you there"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Looks like you stumbled into his meal block without meaning to. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i didn't mean to intrude -> i'll show myself out"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"N● , n - n● ,"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Japhos says, not turning towards you but slouching, or rather hunched over, on top of the large marble top island of the meal block. Surrounding him are bottles filled with a dark liquid at one side and empty and clean bottles at another. On the ground, barrels lay empty and one is perched on a stool beside the woolly haired troll. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"C●me. S!t, bes!de me ."[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He says.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You look slightly surprised at the offer but you aren't about to turn down such a rare occasion. You smile as you captchalogue your book and leap up to sit on to the marble top. You swing your dangling legs back and forth, looking at Japhos's face. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"soooooo"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] you begin, picking up one of the empty bottles lying next to you. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"/what's all this then\ + /is this some of that fabled stash you like to keep hidden away\"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]He looks up to you and then smiles fondly at the bottles in front of him and plays with a large plastic funnel in his hand. For a second he doesn't say anything but suddenly blinks rapidly as if he woke up. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"N●th!ng l!ke that … Well , may be . !t !s just an ●ld h●bby ●f m!ne ."[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] From the barrel beside him, Japhos picks up a metal ladle that is hanging from the side with one hand and with the other he picks up the funnel and tries to place it into an empty bottle. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"! saw … s●me fru!ts gett!ng t●● , t●● r!pped , r!ped-"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He stops mid-sentence trying to place the funnel into the bottle. It would be easier if he slides the thing closer to him. There is a small wine cup in arms reach from him.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You are rather puzzled by Japhos's behavior; poor guy must be hella tired. You slide the bottle Japhos is trying to reach closer, then steady his hand to help him place the funnel. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"ooh that was some quick thinking japhos <- i hadn't thought about that"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You pick up the other wine cup with your free hand. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i certainly wouldn't mind a small sample haha <=> that is -> if you're offering"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"Y-yeah- Yes, y●u may have s●me ." [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]His hand in yours relaxes and he scoops up a ladleful of dark liquor. He brings the ladle around only to look around for him to pour the wine into. He may just realise that his little wine cup is a bit far to pour without spillage. He frowns deeply before his eyes widen. He gives the ladle to you. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You take the ladle and use it to pour yourself a small glass, returning it to the barrel. You take a sip and blink at the unexpected taste. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"wow uh -> this tastes a little different + /some sort of secret japhos recipe\ haha <= good different though"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You take a larger sip, then raise your glass and look directly at Japhos. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"ooh -> /shouldn't we toast to something\ + we've got fancy glasses and everything hehehe <= it's not every day i get to do this with one of my oldest buddies after all"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"These w●uld have been added t● the pr - pr!vate c●llect!●n at the h●tel . Best s-seller than th●se brew ●rdered ●nes… just bef●re my departure t● space ."[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] His voice fades and his eyelids lowers as he stares at the empty bottle in front of him. His back snaps straight up and he quickly refills your cup with more wine. He drinks it and refills it and gives it to you. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"Yes , yes . ! have y●u, d● ! n●t ?"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He is quick to say. The two of you have yet to met eyes yet, but he contines on. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"! have Dem●ma a - and Catrin . Appph … and Bee are s●mmmewhere ."[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You put your arm around Japhos for a quick hug. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"aww -> /feeling down\ + but you're <right> <- you've got all of us right here with you => and if you can be sure of one thing is that i'll stick with you till the <very end> + what -> /don't tell me you're getting tired of us now\ haha"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Surprisingly, the other troll doesn't pull away from the hug but instead leans towards the touch. As awkward as it may be, he doesn't seem too bothered by it and sighs heavily. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"! ‘ m n●t ,"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]He narrows his eyes and pulls back. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"S!nce y●u are here, y●u are g●!ng t● use that l●ng arms and muscles ●f y●urs t● empty the barrel and f!ll the bottles ."[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]He tugs at your shirt and then scooches over to the empty chair beside his. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You blink incredulously at what Japhos has just said. Your eyes gain a mischievous glint as you gather up the bottles. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"/my long arms and muscles\ <- whyyy japhos i had no idea you were such a fan"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You begin ladling the liquid up into the bottles, before ditching the ladle altogether and just dipping the bottles directly into the barrel; you can't help but feel a tap for the barrel would make this considerably easier. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"and here you go sir"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] you announce once your first bottle is filled, handing a corked bottle over to Japhos. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"freshly prepared bottle of uh ---> well whatever this is <= all thanks to my incredible physique"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You wink at him as you begin preparing the next bottle.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Japhos hums a positive note and takes the filled bottled from you. Intoxicated, he cannot criticize you for contaminating the whole barrel of fine wine with the move you just did. He just simply cleans the side of the bottle and twists and smashes in the cork. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"What w!ll ! ever d● w!th●ut th●se hands●me … hands●me , er, y●u ?"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Smooth Japhos. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You almost drop the bottle you were filling. You turn back to look at Japhos for a few seconds, before you put down the bottle and walk back over to the chair where he is sitting. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"/are you sure you're alright japhos\"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] you ask with a sly grin. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"you're not usually this fun"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px], you add, leaning forward over him so that your face is just above his, one arm resting against the chair's back, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"not that i'm complaining <= really quite the opposite"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Japhos just smirks, looking up at you with eyes hooded.[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] "D●n ‘ t bel!ve what Beew - wan … ●r !s !t Dem●ma , says ab●ut me. ."[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Still looking at you, you can hear a low rumbling from his chest. A purr? He must have got that from Fluffmum. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You're feeling slightly dizzy now; what was in that drink? Not that you really care right now. You put your arms around Japhos for another hug and lean in closer. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"well <- maybe i should get to know you better then hehe => /what do you say\"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"! kn●w of a b!g b●●k pi!le ,"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Japhos’ grin grows wider at the suggestion[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"We can … !f y●u want , talk ab●ut feels ."[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]There is a light dustinf og colour on his cheeks and he pulls away from looking up at you. He grabs a filled bottle. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"!'m tak!ng th!s w!th me ."[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You grab your own glass and rise up, still grinning at Japhos. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"so many feels => lead the way"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Some time later…[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"--> and that's why i don't let mopris in the library any more haha"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You turn your head to look at Japhos, still giggling at your own story, your glass held in your right hand. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"he's still a good boy though"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Japhos laughs beside you, on his side with his knees bend slightly and his bare foot digs at the side of your leg. The bookpile is well made, kinda, mostly, but he doesn't seem to mind it and even uses a rather large book as a pillow. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"Herb!v●res are the w●rst k!nd t● be !n a bl●ck full ●f b●●k !"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He continues to laugh, softly, and smiles. He closes his eyes and for a moment, he looks like he has fallen asleep, but in a softer voice he says, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"F●r a w!ld beast , ! am glad he !s d●!ng well . Y●u d!d a m!ghty f!ne j●b taming M●pr!s"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i guess"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You adjust the book on which your back is resting, piling a small notebook on top to make it more comfortable. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i usually get along well with animals* <- well not <that> guy"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You frown, thinking of your lusus, but you quickly dismiss the thought. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"otherwise -> yep <=> soreim => master tamer haha [*](fluffmum's little one is doing <really well> by the way) + poor mopris was so lonely before => you just need to show them a bit of love from time to time"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]F●r a b!g guy l!ke y●urself, y●u are f!lled with tender m●ments."[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] Japhos grins. He may sound normal but his face glows cinnamon and you are not sure if it is from the bottle of wine you two finished earlier or if it is because of something else [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"! was actually w●rr!ed what w!ll happen t● them all ." [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Japhos sighs but looks content. He smiles and shuffles a bit closer to you. "[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Adm!ttedly , the Vessel !s k!nd ●f small f●r all ●f the Fluffbeasts t● be t●gether but ! am glad every●ne has a b!t ●f space fr●m each ●ther . Ass!gn!ng them t● y●u and the rest ●f the gr●up !s … c●mf●rt!ng ."[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You let your head rest against Japhos's shoulder. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i'm glad to be of some assistance <- especially when the job is so cute haha + demoma's is developing something of an attitude /don't you think\ <- but then i guess that was bound to happen hehe <= uh no disrespect to milady intended"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You take a quick look-around, as you never know when she might be listening, before letting your head drop back down with a reassured sigh.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Japhos pats your head and then runs his well manicured nails through your scalp. He continues to do this and flickers and plays with your hair. You close your eyes as he does this. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Suddenly, Japhos traps your head by locking it with his arms and starts noogieing the top of your head with his face. He is rough but makes sure to avoid clashing your horns painfully together. He laughs against you.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You laugh back, trying to push him away. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"ow ow ow -> hahaha -> stop it that hurts hehehahaa"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You grab his arms and try to break free but his grip is too strong, so you decide to use your feet. Pushing against the book pile with your right leg, you barrel into japhos and roll over him, your right hand doing its best to avoid shattering the glass it is still holding on to.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Japhos latches on to you and stops your momentum of rolling over him. His arms hugs your head and his feet locks behind you, just at the curve of your back. With your head close to his chest, you can definitely hear rumble mimicking purrs that of a Fluffbeast. Laughter bubbles out from him and he pets your hair once again. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"! ‘ m n●t lett!ng y●u g● that eas!ly."[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You stop struggling as you hear the soothing rumbling, and decide to wrap your arms around his back instead. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"aah it's okay"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] you say quietly with a smile. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i don't really want to leave anyway"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You let go of your glass and use your right arm to reach up and pet his own hair. Your hand vanishes into the darkness of the troll-'fro, and you giggle. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"/do you <ever> cut your hair\"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]If it is possible, the dusted cinnamon on his cheeks grows dark brown and he looks at you with a glare. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"! f!nd !t much eas!er cutt!ng s●me●ne’s else's ha!r than cutt!nd my ●wn ." [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Japhos replies and he then turns his nose up to the the air. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"And bef●[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]re y●u say !t , n● . ! d● n●t trust any●ne ●f y●u to cut my ha!r. Y●ur w●●l shear!ng sk!ll !s st!ll !n the mak!ng ."[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"pff -> alright alright <= you know me too well hehe + besides -> i like your hair this way"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You slowly retract your hand, careful not to get it tangled up on the way out, and go back to hugging him.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"! w!ll have t● cut !t eventually." [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Japhos snorts and then lays his head on top of yours. He breathes in deeply. Soon his limbs around you relax. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You start to say something but decide to remain silent. Your eyelids grow heavy and you close your eyes once more, your head nestled against Japhos. It isn't long before you are both sound asleep.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Hours later, you are still on the book pile, reading a book you found nearby.[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You woke up a few minutes ago with a slight headache and have been trying to distract yourself ever since. The large, heavy, white fluffy body of Fluffmum squashes half of you, pinning you to the rather hard pile. The three kittens, now grown three times their tiny size, lay all over you. Japhos is still fast alseep, sprawled out beside you with his right leg digging under your hip uncomfortably. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Trying very hard not to wake up Japhos, you shift your leg a little bit to ease it into a more comfortable situation. You immediately regret this as the change in pressure releases several books that had been trying to burst free, precipitating a micro-avalanche beneath Japhos, who slides out from the fluffbeast from below and to the floor in front of you.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Japhos wakes up with a high pitch scream and flails his limbs around, kicking and slapping you as he went down. The fluffbeasts all turn towards the avalanche but none move except for one. Fluffmum gets up from you and goes over to Japhos.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]The troll in question sits up abruptly but only to grab his head and groan in misery. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"What … happened ?"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He murmurs to himself.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You get up, gently moving the kittens to the side as you do so, and slide down in turn from the bookpile to end up standing beside Japhos. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"oh sorry sorry sorry => i <really> didn't mean to wake you up"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You crouch down and look concernedly at Japhos. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"/are you alright\ <- i didn't see you bang your head on the way down"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]His eyebrows furrow down and his head turns slightly towards you. He then peeks a brown eye at you. His brows are still furrowed as he stares. He stares some more and blinks. Something seems to dawn on him. He lifts his hand from his head and his angry expression lifts up to surprise and then confusion. Then all at once, he crawls back away from you only to slip his hand on a stray book. He falls to his back once again with a yelp. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"W - wh - wha ? Ahg , my head,"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He manages to say, clutching his head.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You quickly skip over to him, extending a hand to help him back up. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]A small smile plays on your lips. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"looks like you have a headache too <=> /maybe it was something in the drinks\ + at least tell me you haven't forgotten what happened"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You raise the small green handbook you were reading and begin leafing through it with your hand. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i think this book actually has a name for that kind of rerlationship -> let me just find the page again"[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]He looks at you all confused and stares at your outstretched hand. He doesn't take it but instead backs his head away from it as if he can melt into the floor. He looks horrified a moment later and actually crawls backward, putting more space between the two of you. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]●h , ●h sh!t . ●h sh!t , d●n ‘ t tell me that, y●u-"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He points at you, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"- and me,"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He points to himself, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"We - ●n , ●n the p!le t●gether ?!"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He screams out loud. His eyes are wild with disbelief and his pointing hand shakes and then presses against his lips.[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"D!d we … feel jammed ?" [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]He asks slowly. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You get closer to Japhos and lean in with a big smile on your face. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"you'd better believe we did"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] you say with a wink. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i wouldn't have thought the ever serious + no fun japhos could've been capable of it but <- well hehe + you know you really had me fooled => i had no idea you'd been harboring these feelings for me all this time"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You're slightly perplexed at Japhos's outburst, but he did have a pretty shaky time waking up, so it's understandable. You retract your hand and keep searching through your book. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i'm sure i read it here somewhere"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] you mumble to yourself.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"N● , n● , n● , n● ,"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He repeats himself and gets up on shaky knees and arms outstretched for balance. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"Th!s !s all a m!stake ! ! can ‘ t - ! - !t ‘ s the w!ne . ! d!dn ‘ t mean t●● c - cuddle w!th y●u, ●r , ●r d● any ●f that w!th y●u!" [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]He continues his denial and often repeats himself. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You look at Japhos, slightly puzzled, still smiling. You don't understand. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"i don't understand <- /wine\* + oh no"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] you exclaim as an idea hits you, and you look around the room, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"/was somebody --> mind-controlling you\ + /is that what you mean\ [*](/what does the wine have to do with it\)"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You look suspiciously at a broken-down camera in a corner of the room.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"N● !"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He shouts loudly and looks at you angrily. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"There ‘ s n●b●dy w!th that k!nd ●f - n●, n● ." [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Japhos shakes his head only to grip it painfully. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"Ack - Ah , f●rget !t ."[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He looks at the ground and back up at you, not angrily but with eyebrows tense and lips in a fine, stressed line.[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] "F●rget what happened last day . ! - We , we were !nt●xicated and everyth!ng after that- We used each ●ther ." [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Your smile falters as you listen to Japhos. Intoxicated? Like, poison? Or… memories of before the game come to mind unbidden, of the grand party that had been hosted at Japhos's hotel. It feels like it happened years ago, in a previous age. You remember building the book fort with Katrin, how strangely she had been acting towards the end, and you remember the drinks you'd had. You hadn't really made the link then, but looking at the discarded empty bottle lying in one corner of the room, you think you understand.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"so"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] you begin hesitantly, not looking Japhos in the eyes. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"you didn't -> /you didn't mean any of what you said\ + /or did\"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You're not sure how you feel about this, but you do feel a sting you've never felt before.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"! …"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He does not look at you. He takes a step back. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"! did what ! d!d and n●ne ●f th!s has any deeper mean!ng . ! - ! ," [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]He looks sick and takes a couple more steps back. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"! - We b●th, ●ur b●dies needed th!s , yeah . Th!s !s stup!d ."[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] He makes absolutely no sense and looks ready to run.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You begin chuckling just as Japhos finishes. Something about your friend's hesitations and embarrassment manages to override what you were feeling. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"yeah -> you're right haha <= it is pretty stupid"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] The whole situation is pretty absurd now that you think about it. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"alright alright -> it's okay + <but>"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You mark a pause for dramatic emphasis as you once more get a peculiar gleam in your eye, before raising your finger and pointing it at Japhos's face. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"don't think i'm gonna forget about this hahaha <- i don't think i could if i tried + i won't tell anyone of course => but this definitely happened hehe"[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] You smirk at Japhos, both of your hands resting on your hips.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]His head only lowers and his arms wraps around himself. He just says, [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"D● what y●u want w!th !t . ! d●n ‘ t … ! need s●me t!me ●ff ." [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]With a short apology, he quickly absconds out of the block.[/SIZE]
