Matty

The two's hips had started to move on their own together. Without a second thought Takeshi would grind himself up against Kyu as she pushed back against him. The sensation of feeling his member press up against her butt only enticed Takeshi to do more. Before the door had opened Takeshi's fingers were already finding their way to Kyu's clit through her underwear by sliding past the sash that hung from her hips. The more Takeshi pressed and rubbed the more the two grinded against each other until Takeshi's length was hard and pressed to Kyu's perky ass. A soft 'mmmm' slowly came out from Takeshi's lips that he had locked with Kyu's neck, absolutely lost in everything Kyu was giving in response. It wasn't until Takeshi had heard taunting that his entire body tensed up. Frozen in place and utterly caught off guard, Takeshi was both surprised and embarrassed to find himself actually aroused by the moment. But Kyu's sharp "Hey" snapped him out of it, giving him just enough time to think of a way to out of their predicament. Takeshi spun around on a heel and fiend a scowl, pointing his finger at the sudden intrusion. "Haven't ya'll heard'a knockin'? How am I supposed to help a girl get her clothes nice an' right when we got people bustin' in like this?! What? Ya'll tryin' to get a free show? That'll cost ya in food!" Takeshi dove for the ladle in the pot and splashed its contents at the kids, running at them until he was outside with them. They all screamed until they were all outside and away from the open door. Once away, Takeshi grabbed what kids he could and squatted down, bringing them in close for a whisper. "Look, Kyu wanted to look good for this night, ya know? She's feelin' good an is wantin' to look good but she's all about lookin' good like it takes no effort. So be polite and don't make a scene about it, ya hear? If ya do I'm takin' your food!"

The Rules & Notes topic has been added to the Topics section of the group rp. If you haven't already read them, please give them a look as it changes a few things about the group rp. For a quick summary, the Rules & Notes add a rp reply length requirement, discusses character creation, and explains the rules for "god-modding". The notes also make mention of character death, and a NPC and Kingdom section; these are not in the Topics section yet but are soon to come as @nicjomo & I work on developing the concept. There, people will be able to take Minor-Role slots or join already existing Kingdoms. I will be messaging those who have created their own Kingdoms for a few extra details to add to a Kingdoms section, so as to give new comers a good idea of the current state of the rp. There will also be a map that you can choose to place your kingdom on, or you can leave that to Nicjomo & I. As for @nicjomos idea, I'd gladly fill in as any mobs/bosses/npcs in a side story or encounter per request ^^

Rules Length of posts are required. You have to be able to write a minimum of ONE PARAGRAPH or FIVE SENTENCES. People cannot move a story along if a segment is just your character nodding. Remember, we are all writing this story together. Let's make it entertaining for us an any outside readers. If you join the group RP, you must make some kind of character. Player creation is done within the Bios topic section. Lurking is not appreciated as it inflates the groups numbers. If you're just wanting to read the rp as it progresses, that can be done without inflating our numbers. If you do not make a character within a week of joining, an admin will message you about it to help you out. If you do not intend to make a character, you will simply be removed. Do not God-Mod. Sometimes, instead of smut, fighting happens between characters. This means being fair with both your character and other player characters is paramount. If a fight is to occur and you are unsure of how things should go, please double-check with the other player before doing something that prevents any sort of opportunities for retaliation. If a player god-mods and they do not edit their response after being called out by you, please contact the Leader, @Matty, or the GM, @nicjomo, and they will mediate on behalf of the roleplay experience. Everyone gets three chances, which is more than enough time to learn from your mistakes. An "Offense" in these regards is if you are caught god-modding and do not fix the mistake. Mistakes happen, but if you do not own up to the point where an admin must be called in, that is an "offense". Three time offenders will be kicked from the group rp for the benefit of others. Remember, just like smut, fighting should be a fun & exciting time, not an annoying & stressful time. Notes After you join, we highly recommend that you post an introduction in the topic Planning to Unite Kingdoms. It can be a simple "Hello" or something more in depth. This is not required but it sure is a nice way to start things off, as player communication typically makes for a better atmosphere and roleplay experience. The topic Planning to Unite Kingdoms is also were players can communicate ideas openly with one another, such as side stories or plot points. There is no judgement there and compromising on ideas, as well as brainstorming with others, is very encouraged.  Character creation is very open, leaving just about all of that in your hands if you are wanting that level of freedom. Introducing a new character can include creating a new faction or kingdom in the group rp to accompany their creation. Or, if you prefer something more streamlined, you can create a character in an already existing kingdom or even just play a minor-role as an NPC by taking one of the open slots. You could even make your own minor character slot! Anything from an annoying animal character that follows someone around, like the main character Eddie, or a farmer who likes to keep to themselves. The world is your oister! If you want to introduce something that isn't already in the rp, simply run it by @nicjomo or @Matty and they will work it out with you~! Character death can happen but that does not mean that is the end for your character, unless you wish for it to be. If a character is to die, that will need to be worked out between any of the involved parties. Deceased characters will likely be brought back in either the Chaos Divine faction or the Order Divine faction, unless you decided otherwise. P.S. The "Rules & Notes" topic may be updated or changed as the group rp progresses. If any updates or changes are made, a post will be made in the Planning to Unite Kingdoms sections letting the players know. If you have any questions about the Rules & Notes, just message @nicjomo or @Matty and they will answer any questions you might have. Thank you for reading & have a great time writing together!

Normally the people who came into that office lit up in some manner when asked about their significant others. Nothing extravagant, just a sparkle in the eyes when given the chance to talk about their relationship, or a shifting of the shoulders or the arms into a more relaxed posture. But Donovan had visibly tensed up, as though holding back, and Takeshi noticed that. 'Ah, so the friend brought Charlotte to meet Donovan,' Takeshi deduced, given the fact that her friend had introduced the two. Charlotte was the friend of a single cop, not multiple, making her rather out of place at that party unless she had simply decided to tag along. But that seemed unlikely to Takeshi since Donovan, of all the people there, was picked out. Someone as closed off as him didn't strike Takeshi as the sort of person to strike up a conversation so it seemed likely that their introduction was premeditated. Takeshi could see it in his head, one girl talking to the other about a handsome an aloof police officer who was a total prodigy at their job. A real looker, a total marriage candidate. Why else would a civi be brought into a cops party held by other cops? But then it struck Takeshi, if Donovan wasn't the sort of person to make friends. . . "Mr. Lyvon, one last question about your wife, with two parts." Takeshi held up a finger, counting with himself as he spoke. "First, you said ya'll went straight into datin'. If that's the case, when did you two become friends? Not "lovers", friends." Takeshi continued, bringing up a second finger. "Second, how old were ya when you two married?" Takeshi's brow was creased with outright concern. His worry was that Donovan, with little social or dating experience, had dived into a marriage. For crying out loud, the guy wouldn't be finished mentally developing for at least another two years and here he was already married. Asking this line of questions, Takeshi suspected, would give even more insight into Donovan's social knowledge and skills. After that, he would need lay off, so as not to perturb him further on the matter lest Takeshi wished to risk making the subject difficult to continue in the future. But Takeshi's eyes were locked with Donovan's, now with the slightest tinge of feeling behind his gaze. Those intense emotions of his were starting to bleed into Takeshi's expression, despite his best efforts. If Takeshi's concern was not ill-founded, then Donovan was likely in dire need of social guidance, if not at the least some knowledge on the matter. If that was the case, then Donovan social interactions were more harmful to himself than beneficial, and just the thought of that tugged at Takeshi's heart strings.

"Ohh, ya teasin' me with all that proposal talk then?" Takeshi's moved from Kyu's chin to her throat, his palm pressing down against it while his fingers now gripped at her jaw. Firm, but gently, Takeshi tilted Kyu's head to the side, exposing more of her neck to him. "You're so mean, such a heart breaker~," he said with a smile before sinking his teeth down onto her. A hum came from Takeshi, vibrating against Kyu as he sucked at the curve of her neck. Meanwhile, the other hand had found its way between Kyu's caving legs, his palm pressed against Kyu's mons as his fingers curved around her. With Kyu's sweet honey pot cupped in Takeshi's hand and her neck locked under his lips, the two were practically locked together, leaving Kyu to Takeshi's discretion. Takeshi slowly pulled his lips from Kyu, sucking at her skin until all that was left was a thin bridge of saliva between the two an a small hickey. His other hand had started pressing down against Kyu, tenderly caressing Kyu up and down through her clothes. "Maybe I should tease you for a change?" Takeshi offered before locking his lips again with Kyu's neck.

"Ya know, I have such a hard time tellin' when your jokin' or not," Takeshi said in hushed tones as he brought his lips down from her ears to the curve of her neck. Quietly, Takeshi spoke with his lips against Kyu soft skin, letting them graze against her as he said, "Why is this kistune tryin' to lock down some human, hm? Don't tell me. . ." His words trailed off for a moment as Takeshi's eyes closed, letting himself breath Kyu's scent in. Takeshi's lips pressed against Kyu's neck before he drug them up along its crook. He playfully nibbled at her skin for a moment before giving it another kiss, and spoke once more. "Has the Kyu fallin' for me?! Does she want to be a bride?" Honestly, the thought of marriage terrified Takeshi. He had never given it thought and he had no idea why he was talking such a big game but Takeshi couldn't really help himself when it came to getting caught up in a moment. "I'm always openin' to convicin' ya know," Takeshi added as the hand that had wrapped around Kyu started to snake its way down her legs. The moment had definitely taken the young man as feelings and lust had been colliding together for the entire day. It was impossible to resist her or himself and the feeling of her pressed against him, something Takeshi had wanted for so long, begged him to keep going.

Did it just get hotter in there or was that just Takeshi? No, it definitely wasn't him. Kyu's tone had Takeshi practically simmering with his own heat and the no doubt that was by mistake. 'Stay strong, Takeshi, stay strong!' He thought to himself. The food he was preparing was looking quite good, with an assortment of different meat sandwiches set to the side now. He had moved over the counter to start making room for the rest of the food he needed to prepare when Kyu's words cut straight through his focus. 'Husband?!' The thought almost had him double over, fortunately Takeshi had the counter to grab. 'An amazing husband?!?' His fingers wrapped around the wooden counter top, unsure of whether to look at Kyu or the canvas in front of him. But Takeshi glanced over his shoulder soon enough to see Kyu saunter up behind him before all of her allure was pressed up against him. For a moment his entirety tensed up, a terrible mix of confused and aroused that was quickly dissipated by Kyu's touch. Never had someone touched him like that. Why couldn't she have done this sooner? It was so. . .calming? Takeshi's body relaxed as he felt her hand brush his sweat away, coaxing him to gently rest his head against hers in response. Was it a bad time to start asking about the ethics of human/kistune marriage? Were there laws for that? ? But then Takeshi's body tensed up again when Kyu mentioned taking off her shirt. Did she even wear anything under that?! Oh the poor guy was back to being both confused and aroused. There was almost no way to read this fox! One moment she was teasing him, the next cooing him and right back to teasing him all over again! Of course he would love that, for a number of reasons from lust to simply being that comfortable around each other. But then there was the issue of people seeing. Would she care? Did she care? Of course she cared! Right? What about the kids?! In his state of arousal and confusion Takeshi blurted out, "But the kids have to wear shirts!" And then doubled over the counter a second time. He pinched his brow, now disgruntled with himself for stumbling over his own words like that. But Takeshi did his best to shake it off. The two of them had guests coming, after all. So Takeshi hopped back to it, getting some crates and stools from outside and inside to set up in and around the hovel for people to have room in or outside. In between passing in and out of the home, Takeshi suddenly stopped by Kyu and pulled her back against his chest. He didn't know where it was coming from, but he felt compelled to wrap his arms around her waist, locking their hips together. Maybe it was the way she looked bending over to set things down, or maybe it was just years of wanting finally reaching its peaked. Maybe both? Takeshi would have to think about that later. Still, he couldn't help but have one of his hands trace the curves of Kyu's silhouette up, over her waist and up her side to her chin before gently taking a hold, tilting her head back to his. Against one of Kyu's ears Takeshi spoke low, with a hushed voice, "Ya know, I'm not the only in here who's marriage material."

Takeshi's hands shot up to his feel his face the moment she mentioned his blush. She was right! He actually feel its warm radiate against his hands. Takeshi kept them there, covering his face, waiting for Kyu to leave before flipping himself over onto his belly. "AAAAAAAHHH", a muffled scream mixed with excitement, euphoria an absolute embarrassment seeped out from his make-shift couch. That entire day had felt so fast but yet so long, like a dream that Takeshi wasn't sure if he should or shouldn't wake up from. There was a moment of silence, save for the heavy breathing of an exasperated young man. With a huff Takeshi threw himself from the cushions an onto his feet. He gave his face a few good smacks, threw his hair back out of his face, and dove to work. Over the half hour the little hole in the wall slowly came to life. The clinkity-clank of pots and dishes collected over the years mixed into the air with a soft hum Takeshi had known since he was a kid. He wasn't sure where he knew it from. Maybe he thought of it himself an it had just stuck? Regardless, something about the tune comforted him and came instinctively. First, the meat was put int the pot with a mix of herbs, vegetables and cactus fruit before being put over a fire. The fire was easy, since Takeshi had a number of little survival tools he kept lying around, just in case he ever needed to make a quick escape into the desert. The little stove that he used, on the other hand, was of his own making, put together from pieces of iron and scrap. With the meat slowly cooking and soaking up the the different flavors of the ingredients, Takeshi moved on to start preparing other foods. He skewered some sweet rolls to keep over the pot, to let them get soft and warm from the steam of the boiling pot. Sauce was made inside a molcajete an its matching temolote, some splashed into the boiling pot while the rest was left for the others to add to whatever foods they wanted. Fruits for those who liked something sweeter were cut up and put together at random in different bowls and, in between the different condiments, Takeshi would make his way over to the pot to stir the meat around to keep it from sticking. By the time Kyu had returned, Takeshi had already cut up a number of vegetables and put together a plethora of sandwiches to hold everyone over until the main course was prepared. When Kyu walked through the door, Takeshi was shirtless to cope with the heat of the fire, his top wrapped around his waist and with most of his hair pulled back into a high pony tail. "Me, for starters," Takeshi replied instinctively. "But if people are on their way there's a few things." He finally said, looking up from his work with a warm smile. Takeshi directed Kyu to his bowls and dishes, asking her to fill them out with whatever looked like it would go well together. He let her know that the shark meat would take a little longer to cook until it was just right, but that there was plenty to hold everyone over until it was. Takeshi also suggested maybe getting some music and pointed to a cup of dice with cards next to them just in case anyone didn't bring their own games to play. For some reason, Takeshi was a bit of natural when it came to hosting. Who knew!

The little shack Takeshi had put together over the years was modest. At best. It wasn't much, but he acquired a number of decorated rugs and canvases to add to cover up the lousy roof and walls. However, he had done his best to make the inside comfortable with pillows everywhere. In a corner was his bed, across from it was a small table to eat and read at as well as a cooking pot kept in another corner. . .and that was about it. His location was wonderful though, nice and snug in the crook of a broken wall, separated from most other people, if only by a few feet. Takeshi glared at Kyu as she laughed. Unsure of how to take it, he simply pouted more an averted his gaze. Until she mentioned more kissing. Then his eyes were locked on Kyu again, darting between her eyes and her shapely lips. Still flustered, an in dire need of decompressing, Takeshi threw himself onto a pile of lavender pillows. He stared up at the tarp ceiling, eyes wide in both embarrassment and shock of the events that had just transpired. "Why don't you. . .send the word out while I start cooking? I'm sure everyone's dying to see you again." Takeshi just kept staring at the tarp, his face tingling from its red hot blush. Yes. Cooking. That would balance Takeshi out. He hoped.

What were soft and round eyes had shifted into a sharp, focused gaze. Takeshi pupils danced around from watching Donovan's shoulders, to his neck to his noes and brow and then to his lips. There was no mistaking it, Takeshi had irked the detective ever so slightly, which was a good thing. Any response, verbal of physiological, was something to make note of. It was clear to Takeshi that Donovan didn't appreciate his verbal observation, maybe because he didn't see anything wrong with it? If that was the case, a level of cognitive dissonance was taking place, something that happened when someone was made uncomfortable by conflicting observations of ones personal reality. 'If that's the case, this guy needs a reality check,' Takeshi thought to himself. There were a few mental disorders that Takeshi was considering, from Antisocial Personality Disorder, Antisocial PD to even Aspergers, but then there was also the distinct possibility that Donovan simply lacked proper socialization as a child. If his parents had reinforced that behavior, than that would be harder to deal with than anything that could be clearly diagnosed. Dealing with that with involved dismantling preconceived notions of what was and was not socially acceptable that had been made habitual over a lifetime of repetition. But if it wasn't any of that then it was likely some disposition Donovan simply had with people in general. Perhaps he was misanthropic? That would be hard to deal with. Takeshi was already scribbling a plethora of notes down onto his pad despite there being so little said between the two. He wanted to make sure he didn't lose his train of thought for the future. With a heavy hand Takeshi dotted his period, set his pen down between his thumb and pad, and kept his attention on Donovan. To no surprise, Donovan was still being short with Takeshi. But he was learning to deal with it, and gave a firm nod in affirmation. He gave his pad one more note, 'No friends outside of family', and put the pen back between the pad and thumb. "How did you and your wife meet? And before you give me another short answer, Mr. Lyvon, please elaborate to a degree. It would help me to know how that relationship developed."

There was a moment of silence as the two sat across from each other. They both seemed to be weighing their options, analyzing the other, plotting and scheming. Mimun recognized that kind of silence and especially those eyes. Eddie was contemplating things, he could feel it. This was good for Mimun though. The last thing he needed was a brain-dead fuck machine. A level of autonomy was absolutely necessary for his schemes to pop off. Mimun nodded, indicating his intent listening as Eddie spoke. But he couldn't help but laugh at the guys question. Mimun tossed his head back, puffing his chest out as a booming laugh echoed around them. "Ohohohoho! Eddie, you think yourself not one already?" Mimun leaned back in and shook his head. "Don't you see, this is how that conniving fox works, with subtly. By saying that she can turn you into a sex God she is presupposing an antithesis to the unspoken notion that you are one already. She is tricking you with that promise by implying that you are not what you really are." Mimun wasn't too sure what Ren could do to make a mortal an actual God. Such a promise seemed far fetched to Mimun, but he was still unaware of her full potential. The thought gave Mimun reason to worry. He would need to look into that later. And while Eddie was not a literal God, Mimun did see the potential of a natural Casanova latent within the man. Such a breed of person were special, the kind that had the potential to embody an aspect of Life, to ascend. If Mimun wasn't lucky, then surely this was fate. "Do you believe in fate, Eddie? My name might mean 'Lucky' but I sure do. It is fate that you were brought here, not just luck, I see this now." Mimun nodded a self-assured nod as he continued. "I am the closest thing to a God that Ren has ever seen. If there is anyone that could ascend a mortal to Godhood, it would be me, not some lack luster kistune." Venom hung from the way he said that word, practically spitting it. "I do have friends in High places after all. But!" He held up an open palm, matching his stop. "Ascending to Godhood is not what Ren implied it to be. It is a process, not something one simply does with a ritual. Rituals are only necessary sometimes, but to achieve what you want you must follow a path. I can guide you along that path and then some. Let me put it into perspective for you. I am made of air and fire, I am intangible. Indomitable. Ren is made of flesh and blood. She can bleed and be crushed to dust just like any other mortal. Do you really want that being your contractor, Eddie?"

The moment felt so long but yet oh so short. Takeshi had only just begun to lose himself to Kyu's kiss when she had pulled away, leaving him there with his eyes closed an a silly grin. With the two apart again, Takeshi fell back into himself with a content hum. A deep breath filled his lungs, doing his best to breath in what he could of atmosphere the two had just created. It was sweet, but electrifying, and it made Takeshi want more. It made him feel more alive than any petty theft could. But Kyu's words pulled his attention from that back to her. And those tails! Takeshi face was red but then grin went from goofy to sheepish. He was pleased as punch with himself for getting that kind of reaction from Kyu. He didn't know he had it in 'em! So Takeshi simply nodded in agreement, picked up his bags, and began walking back to the little shanty town that they called home. The two had only just exited the alley and turned into the small shanty town before it hit Takeshi. "Noooo! I fucked up!" Takeshi exclaimed, shoulders slumping. "Our first kiss was supposed to be romantic! There was supposed to be fireworks, ororor a really nice sunset andand. . .Ohmaaaan!" He threw his head back into a whine, slowly dragging himself and the food along further into the shanty town. At least he could take his mind off of it with the cooking, but that was for future Takeshi. Present Takeshi was absolutely lamenting his hasty judgment.

'AAAAAAHH' Ever fiber of Takeshi was internally screaming like a banshee. This almost too much for him. He was not in control of this situation in the slightest! Kyu, true to her character, had caught him by surprise for the third time that day. That was almost a new record. All of her words had Takeshi on the back of proverbial the foot, practically grasping at any thought or words that could say things into has favor. Honestly, he had imagined that he would catch her off guard with a kiss, if he ever worked up the gall that is. But how was Takeshi supposed to do something like that when she was the one making the advances? He had totally lost the element of surprise here! And then there was her whining, oh it was almost too much for Takeshi to resist kissing her then and there. Takeshi dropped his bags, forgetting their importance. Fuck it. In one fluid motion Takeshi had stepped up to Kyu, brushed her hair to the side with one hand and placed the other on her cheek. He didn't think, he just acted, and kissed the kitsune. The other hand that had pushed her hair back circled around to her other cheek, holding Kyu's face gently in their palms now as Takeshi titled his head to the side. A heavy sigh of relief came from him as Takeshi felt a sudden release of emotion come up from him with their kiss. Takeshi's skin woke up with goose bumps but at the same time, and for the first time in a long while, he felt relaxed. At peace. Takeshi pulled Kyu in against his kiss, closing his eyes and letting himself focus on the thing he had wanted for so long.

"That fuCKING FOX!" The genie slammed his fist into the ground, sparks and smoke jumping from the crater it made. He jumped up from his crouch, grabbing at his head as his crown erupted into a torrent of fire. It was almost as loud as he was. "That damned fox is keeping her better half prisoner!" Mimun paced back and forth as he shouted, "like a fucking trump card against me! And she wants to use you too!" Mimun stopped and swung a finger at Eddie. "Hold on. What did you say about another fox?" He waved his finger in the air with a 'Shhhshshsh', keeping Eddie from talking as a sudden wave of thought washed over him. His crown had started to die back down as his emotions simmered out. "Another fox. . .yes. . .that's brilliant. Eddie you're brilliant!" Mimun dropped down onto the ground, crossing one leg over the other, and patted a spot in front of him. "I need to share some plans with you. But first I need to know, will you stay true to your word, or will you side with that two-timing-no-good-half-bit fox called 'Ren?" Mimun placed a hand on each of his knees, squaring his elbows off with his shoulders and straightening his back. He hadn't thought about approaching another Kitsune. They were rare, hard to come by, but definitely worth looking for. Maybe there was promise in such a random question. But, this put Mimun in a very difficult position. He knew that if Ren decided to scry Eddie she would immediately recognize it as a meeting with him and Mimun since there was advanced magic in place to stop her from getting too close. She wouldn't be able to see them too well nor would she be able to make out what they're saying, which gave Mimun and Eddie a certain level of security, but Ren was devious. This also meant that she could end up suspecting Eddie of being compromised by Mimun. Maybe he could find some enchantments or magical items to give the guy, to help him out with this. But at the moment, Mimun was back in his chamber, working out a way to create a golem for Rin to inhabit, but what he really wanted to do was to trap Ren inside of it. If Mimun could do that, not only would she be trapped inside that body but she would be significantly weaker than she currently was. Until Mimun got out of his lamp there was barely a thing he could do to her, not without devoting all of his time an energy to her, which would serve as a drastic set back to his moving plans. In fact, his best bet at the moment was Eddie. If Eddie could maintain a facade and keep her trust . . . "Do think wisely, yes? You have made a deal with a genie, after all. Genies stay true to their words. But those damned kistune's are known for playing dirty." Mimun conveniently left out the similar reputation Genie's also had in this world, but that wasn't important at the moment. "Think about it. Beautiful women. Power. The world can be your oister. Or, you could be that fox's bitch."

There was a pause. A very long pause. Takeshi stopped. Stared at Kyu. Blinked. And then burst out laughing. "AAaaahahahaha! Hoooman, ooohhahahaha!" Takeshi practically doubled over, holding his gut as his laugh almost made him drop their food. "Aaahahahahoohhh. . .oooohh man. . . .Oh man . . Oh. . .Oh! You're serious?!" Just as fast as Takeshi was to laugh his entire body tensed up, back going straight as his face lit up like a fire cracker. He was not expecting this! Rather, of all the years that he had known Kyu, this was never something that he thought would happen. He always took her teasing as something playful. Although the young man would be remiss to deny ever wanting to steal a kiss from Kyu, the thought had always seemed like a pipe dream. Takeshi had fantasized about their first kiss together, sometimes looking out on the desert together under a the sun set as the sands were colored a sanguine red, or maybe with fire crackers during a festival. . .but this? Despite his face being as red as the setting sun, Takeshi clapped his heels together and stuck his chin up, doing his best to appear self assured. "W-well, weren't ya the one talking about "devaluin' the act"?" Takeshi grumbled as his lips pushed out in a pout, looking up and away from Kyu. "If I did that as payment, wouldn't that devalue it, Hm?" Takeshi shifted his gaze, looking down but still away, and nervously kicked the toes of his sandals against the ground as he mumbled, ". . .Iwantittobespecial."

After Takeshi spoke to the Old Man, a friend of Takeshi and some of the other street rats, the next half hour was spent bouncing from one vendor to the other. They went about the market, having to stop here and there to recollect on what the different kids and teenagers liked. Some preferred sweet things, others wanted something saltier, like Kyu, so there was nary a shortage of delectable foods and treats for their impromptu banquet. By the end of their little escapade the two had several large bags and jars filled with sauces, breads, meats and other ingredients to start cooking. Although Takeshi wasn't too concerned about how to gather everyone since Kyu & Takeshi were both quite popular among the street dwellers, they would need to hop right to cooking if they wanted have their food ready by the evening. Takeshi and Kyu were lugging their goods with them, leaving the market and heading into the slums, when Takeshi titled his head against his shoulder to look at Kyu from the corner of his. "So like. . .what do I owe ya for this?" He couldn't help but feel a bit guilty for using so much of Kyu's winnings and felt obligated to at least offer. "I get that this is a treat an all, but should be gettin' somethin' in return, ya know?" Even if Kyu declined his offer, which Takeshi figured she would, he'd just have to think of a way to make it up to her.

Mimun groaned as he stretched himself out. The genie leaned back, arching his back with his arms locked together over his head and then side to side. He then approached Eddie, walking around him and looking him up and down. A few times he got a little too close for comfort, even poking at different parts of the guy. His meaty paws even dwarfed Eddie, bigger than his head was wide and those fingers. Goodness did they feel strange. Despite being made of fire, he was oddly warm to a comforting degree, but the prodding was most definitely uncomfortable. The genie was getting a good idea of what he was working with. Eddie sure didn't seem to be the fighting type, but he sure wasn't hard on the eyes. That was good. Mimun needed that more than anything else. The princesses, queens and others would be better at fighting if that ever needed to happen. He was starting to consider giving Eddie some better equipment, maybe some enchantments, but with Ren on the other side of all this, that might be risky. Mimun would probably be better of just popping in if things started getting to hairy for Eddie. That reminded him! Ren might be watching, so the least he could do was make sure she couldn't listen. Mimun drew some glyph's into the air that remained for a moment before sizzling away into embers. That should do the trick. "Mhm. . .Mhm. . .Right! Right. Questions, of course." Mimun stepped back, put his arms behind his head and leaned back into his hands. "If we're being frank, well, I need to get out of my lamp. There's a ritual to break it, sex magic I'm sure you'll just love." The genie suddenly sniffled and pulled a flaming booger out of his nose before flicking it on the ground with a -hiss- and then brought his hand back behind his head. "But uh, you're not exactly special. Well. You are! Since you're here, that makes you special, I guess. But I wasn't exactly aiming for you. The book could have been picked up and answered by anyone. You're just the lucky shmo who found it." Mimun bent his knees and crouched to bring himself to Eddie's level. "To answer that last question, I wanted to see if you had what it naturally takes. True to my name I am ever so lucky to have you here! You're quite the charmer," Mimun gave a hearty laugh before suddenly shifting his attitude to something more grim. "But this isn't why I've pulled you aside. We need to talk about the fox."

Despite being caught in the moment Takeshi still remained on alert, his eyes darting from person to person as they passed through the crowd. Takeshi was certain to lock eyes with anyone that stared a little too long at the two, making sure they knew that he knew. The act of watching had become muscle memory for those eyes of his, especially after having had lived on the streets for a little over a decade. Takeshi noticed a rather tall woman, clad in black with onyx hair, and wondered for a moment why he hadn't seen her before. My oh my. . .that armor sure did look expensive though. He would have to keep an eye out for that lady in the future. But Kyu's words made Takeshi's heart swelled when she said to get whatever he wanted. Those words quickly pulled his attention back to Kyu. He had not heard those in. . .ever, actually. An uncontrollable grin spread out from ear to ear as his eyes lit up. "Ohh~!" Takeshi swooned. "You gotta try it with this one sauce the Old Man makes. He takes the local cactus fruit and mixes it with some herbs and salt. The sauce it makes is unbelievable!" Takeshi's defined hips began to sway side to side as he continued, hands clasped together over his chest. "But the trick is to slow cook it in a pot of the sauce for a long time. The meat soaks it right up and it gets all tender instead of how it's usually tough. . .Ooohh~" His eyes shot back to the Kyu, like he had just had pulled himself from a vision of the thing, and darted straight for the Old Man's set up. "This way! I've helped 'get' medicine for his wife one time, maybe he could help us out with this banquet of yours~!" Now it was Takeshi's turn to drag Kyu along.

A groan came from the serf as he tossed his head back in displeasure. It was moments like this that made Takeshi wish for Kyu's bluntness. Where was she anyways? The two had been talking in secret and he would have sworn that she had promised to meet them outside of the castle gate. Takeshi was starting to worry that maybe something had happened to her. Did this lady get a hold of Kyu behind his back without him knowing? The thought shook Takeshi to his core. Maybe he was just over thinking it. . .yeah. He was just in his head, Takeshi decided, and pushed his attention back to Aisuru. "Ugh, duh. I get that but I just don't see how I'm supposed to be of any help unless I know why you're leaving this place." Takeshi leaned back into himself, crossing his arms over his chest. Takeshi didn't care much for the clothes he was wearing as they showed off more of his torso than he liked, but Takeshi didn't have much of choice, what with living in a desert. But for the others, they got a nice show of his chest and slender frame with those clothes on. "In my opinion, my best attribute is my ability to observe, and I can't really do that if I don't know what I'm supposed to be lookin' for." Takeshi watched Aisuru out of the corner of his eye, doing his best not to be obvious. She seemed apprehensive about this journey which was not comforting for Takeshi given his position in all of it. Wait. . .why was she trailing off? This spurred a moment of intense thought in Takeshi. Since Aisuru was dragonborn, so she was most definitely not weak, which Takeshi was in comparison. But what Takeshi knew he had to offer had to be the reasons she had taken him as a serf. Unless she saw something in him that he didn't, she had to then have brought him along for his intellect, cunning and deftness. Which had to mean. . .Takeshi stopped in his tracks, eyes getting in wide in surprise. "Hold on! Do you even know what we're looking for?"

Those ears gave her away again, that and the slight hick-up in Kyu's voice. Takeshi narrowed his eyes for a second but quickly relaxed once Kyu agreed to go over it again with him. Yeah. . .she didn't check this time. Maybe she was just that excited to get back to him? The thought made Takeshi blush a little but then his face erupted into a vibrant pink as Kyu pushed herself against him. She was just too fast for him sometimes. Staying true to herself, Kyu gave Takeshi no time to react as she pulled him along. He definitely pouted, but he did this in an attempt to mask his amusement. It was more fun for him if she thought it bothered him, otherwise it would just be obnoxious and probably lose its fun charm. "Aye, Kyu!" Takeshi gasped as she pulled him back into the streets. The sun crashed down onto the two, immediately making Takeshi wish for the shade of an alley or the market. Fortunately he wouldn't have to wait too long as she made quick work of the little trip. Kyu nimbly navigated the crowd, guiding Takeshi behind her who was doing his best to keep up. He tightened his grip on her hand out of instinct, not wanting to get separated from her if he could help it. "Oooohh, we should get laaand shaark," Takeshi practically moaned at that the thought. "Ugh, I haven't had land shark in so long. . ." He reminisced, salivating ever so slightly at the memory.

Takeshi looked up at the fox as she stood and let out an audible 'woof' to himself. That view. Goodness. He had totally missed what she was saying. But after getting his fill he stood up with Kyu and leaned a shoulder against the alley wall. Her partner in crime listened intently, enjoying Kyu's excitement with a wide grin. He nodded at Kyu's assessment, agreeing that it would best to sill it incrementally and added, "And at different shops too." Takeshi titled his head though, bringing a finger up to his pursed lips as he thought for a moment. "Did you check that stuff for any family crests?" Takeshi inquired. What Takeshi lacked in physicality he made up with brain. Together the two were diabolically clever and rarely forgot to watch out for the other. At this point it was muscle memory for Takeshi. To a degree, he felt indebted to Kyu, although he never admitted it. If it wasn't for her peculiar interest in him he and the others were be in a tough spot. Actually, Takeshi reasoned, a greet deal of the streets in this Kingdom were indebted to her. If he admitted that though it'd probably get to Kyu's head and the last thing he wanted was for her grins to get any more arrogant than they already were. If anything, Takeshi grounded Kyu to a degree while she lifted him up to loftier ideas. It was a good balance. "We should probably double check later, just to be safe." All it would take was someone looking to make some extra coin by turning either of the two in for the theft. It could never hurt to be a little more careful anyways. "Meat! Yes! Now we're talkin'!" Takeshi shoved himself off the wall and clapped his hands together, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "Oh, but a lowkey banquet, yeah?" Takeshi suggested, quickly curbing his excitement. "Gods know there's always party-crashers lurkin' around."

"Heh? The kitsune isn't into exhibitionism? Now that's a surprise," Takeshi quipped back. "Pft, in private, you wish." He was totally self projecting. Takeshi noticed how Kyu's body language sunk ever so slightly at the mention of him coming with her one day, especially with those ears of hers. His empathy would have saddened him a bit if Kyu didn't look so cute like that. Still, he noticed, and was relieved to hear Kyu actually consider it. Even if it was just in the moment. Takeshi went to open his mouth, to give another quip about how he was totally smart and could handle himself, (albeit that he was not much of a fighter beyond his hands). But not wanting to see those ears go down any further, he restrained himself. Instead, he took to his joke, which got the reaction he was hoping for. "Aawh, Kyuu, you're too mean," Takeshi replied, feigning hurt with a dramatic hand over his heart. He definitely enjoyed watching her crouch like that, especially with a pout as cute like hers, but she quickly drew his attention away with her winnings. Takeshi looked into the bag, his eyes gradually getting wider the longer he looked into it. For a rare moment, he was speechless. Takeshi leaned in, closing their distances and whispered, "Kyu, when do you have to turn this in? Are ya sure they. . .wouldn't miss anything from this?" Takeshi pointed into the bag with a sheepish grin. It was hard to tell if he was joking or not and Takeshi wasn't too sure of that himself either.

How was a human supposed to resist the charm of a kistune? It seemed impossible to Takeshi, but he still tried to do his best, even though he rarely succeeded. Kyu's teasing definitely didn't help him though, instead furthering what was already a pouting pink face. If Takeshi didn't know any better, he'd have missed his racing heart beat, but that was hard to ignore when it felt like it was about to leap into this throat. The young man definitely missed Kyu's company on a daily basis, often finding himself wishing that he had her company when he was out scouting. If Takeshi had ears like Kyu, they would have perked up at the mention of going scouting again. But Takeshi cleared his throat with an awkward cough, doing his best to clear the air of Kyu's teasing comments and his throat of the emotions welling up inside it. She still wasn't helping though. . .although her new gifts definitely helped switch the subjects. "Oh for the love of-. ." Takeshi quickly pushed the bag back to Kyu, worried that anyone from the passing crowd might notice. "You couldn't use some of your crazy fox magic to hide that stuff?" The weight of it all did cause him to pause though, money signs practically popping into his eyes. "Geez! That's-. . ." Takeshi looked around, checking if anyone was looking, and then pulled Kyu over into the shade an alleys entrance. He crouched down, bringing himself eye-level with the bag on Kyu's hips (which he always enjoyed getting close to when he could), and poked the bag with a finger. "Holy crap Kyu! You gotta take me with' on one of those jobs sometime." Takeshi had pressed her before on the matter, but Kyu had declined for reasons he refused to agree with. Sure, the time apart made their time together that much sweeter, but he'd give up one of those gold coin pouches to go out on an adventure with her. But that's not to say the large bag filled royal goods didn't encouraged that desire. He looked up at her, still poking the bag. "You better just show me what's inside though, or else I might run off with it," Takeshi chuckled, amusing himself.

Takeshi was scratching his chin, pondering what to do for lunch, but had been distracted by another impromptu candidate for his pick-pocketing. The day had proven fruitful for himself. Three different pockets had proven quite lucrative and now Takeshi had with him three very decent pouches of gold coins. He would treat himself later, but of course he would share what he could with the other street kids he shared living spaces with. He had just started to step forward when he suddenly had his ear drums burst. "Ah!" Takeshi shouted before blinking the shock away, surprised by the sudden ambush. Doing his best to gain his bearings again, Takeshi noticed before anything else, a very soft pair of breasts pressed against his back. His tanned face broke out in a blush when he realized who it was, which was fairly normal for this sort of interaction. Especially with Kyu's head leaning against his. "Aye, Kyu! I was scoutin'!" Takeshi pouted with pursed lips. He reached up, one hand taking a hold of Kyu's arm while the other went up to pet her head. But he was quick to change his tone, going from pouting to warm. "Haven't seen ya in a minute. I take it the job was good? Or did you just miss me that much?"

Takeshi's brow furrowed at Donovan's response. "See, that? That right there? That's why you're here." He took one more sip of his bitter coffee, finding it to be quite the breath of fresh air compared to Donovan's attitude, and set it back down on his desk before shrugging off his regal blue jacket. His slender fingers handled his jacket with care, draping it over his desk chair before grabbing his pen and pad. Takeshi much preferred taking notes analog rather than using the arm comp. It was unconventional, but he preferred taking his own notes while his arm comp. recorded the conversation, it helped him remember things better. Takeshi moved, sighed, and slouched into his chair adjacent from the other chair. Takeshi motioned with his pen for Donovan to take a seat. "You're all stiff in the jaw. And just take a look at your shoulders, yeesh." Takeshi spoke, waving his pen in a circle at Donovan's posture. Given the response he recieved, the psychiatrist figured that subject would be the quickest route to any conclusions. Rather than wasting any of their time, which Takeshi figured Donovan might appreciate after his curt reply, he decided to shift gears and dive right in. Even if the subject matter bothered the detective it would still provide ample data. "Normally I'd ask how's home life, how's the job, but I think we'll have better luck addressing that curtness of yours." Takeshi leaned back into his chair and crossed one leg over the other. His legs were quite noticeable in his jeans. Even beneath the pants they seemed sinewy from all of his walking and his thighs were rather pronounced against his hips that flared out from his waist. His shirt, on the other hand, did little to accentuate its form, just barely hanging off of his chest. "I'd ask if being so curt gets you far in life, but that'd be a stupid question, detective," he said with a chuckle. Takeshi amused himself. "Tell me, do you have anyone that you can rely on?"