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labyrinthum2024-11-16 05:47 pm
- !modlog,
- ace attorney: dick gumshoe,
- attack on titan: petra ral,
- attack on titan: reiner braun,
- captain laserhawk: dolph laserhawk,
- dungeon meshi: izutsumi,
- dungeon meshi: kabru,
- final fantasy xiv: hythlodaeus,
- heaven official's blessing: xie lian,
- legend of korra: jinora,
- lies of p: black cat,
- mcu: loki,
- metaphor refantazio: basilio magnus,
- metaphor refantazio: fidelio magnus,
- metaphor refantazio: will,
- my hero academia: izuku midoriya,
- my hero academia: kurogiri,
- original: nao mizushita,
- the owl house: king clawthorne,
- twisted wonderland: cater diamond,
- witch hat atelier: qifrey,
- yu-gi-oh!: mokuba kaiba
November Intense Event 2024 [4th Wall Event]
It's not clear when it starts. It's subtle, with one new face appearing in one of the alleyways in Somnius, a gold cuff bracelet unremovable from their left wrist. Another appears a little while later, on the outskirts of the woods. Several more appear, as the hours go on, scattered throughout the neighborhoods of Somnius. It continues like this, a sprinkle of new faces with questions on their lips that becomes a steady stream. The natives do their best to accommodate these new Visitors, but it becomes clear quickly that they are different from the Dreamers, arriving all throughout Visium, rather than in the Enchanted Garden. Rumor travels throughout the city that these Visitors with the golden cuff bracelets must not have contracts, and may still have their native powers. They're treated just the same, encouraged to make themselves at home until Vaeros decides what to do about their lack of contract.
Vaeros remains suspiciously quiet, even from his castle beyond the labyrinth. There's something electric in the air, the atmosphere crackling in anticipation. What's on the horizon?
- 🏘️ Making House
There's no end to the mushroom houses or hill houses available, and though there are fewer in existence, it seems as though the desire for a cottage means there will be one available. Visitors are encouraged to make one of these places their home, but some need a bit of TLC to be homeworthy. Roll up your sleeves to make these houses your home! Sweep out those cobwebs and find that the mushroom houses stand straighter and feel healthier the more their insides are cleaned. Other homes feel lighter, and the land around them feels more fertile the more tender care is put into maintaining them. Though many come without electricity and water, it may be found that, for Visitors only, these dwellings will self-connect if enough work is put in. Be careful not to get sprayed in the face by that hose or faucet you're currently polishing!- 🌇 Exploring Town
There's a myriad of places to discover in Somnius. Not only are there native run places like the Stone Dragon Café (which will, unfortunately, almost always misinterpret your order in some fantastical way - they just don't have the best grasp on Dreamer foods), and other businesses run by Dreamers themselves. There's Club Quartz - which is often open late, and always welcoming to those who want to visit - Bloom Boutique, the Dreamer run flower shop, Kuchel's Tea Shop, a long running standard run by a different Dreamer, and of course, south of the cottages, a few miles off the main road, there's a pretty white farm house with a swath of field behind it. There's also the Church of the Moon, ran by locals who fervently believe in the moon and her power to keep the world in balance.- 🚸 Unruly Kidlings
Like any city with people dwelling in it, there's bound to be children. This particular week, the kidlings, both gelfling and goblin alike, seem to be extra naughty. They'll take slingshots to shoot dreamers and visitors with sticky gum, and they're putting soap in drinks that cause those who drink the syrupy concoction to hiccup soap bubbles out of their mouths. Nothing they're up to is particularly dangerous, but it sure is mischievous. It might even be fun to join in when groups of these children take to the streets to race on self-made rollerskates, skidding and rumbling down the cobblestone.
Dreamers and Visitors might find themselves as makeshift parents, having to guide these unruly children back to their actual parents. Those who take up this task will be given small tokens in thanks - simple items like pearl beads or glass baubles that, if are floated in glass jars with water and several others, will show pleasant memories from the person who last touched them.- 🪩 The Labyrinth
The Labyrinth, freshly reestablished has been quiet. Dreamers will find initially that they cannot enter, but that the labyrinth looks completely different to Visitors. Welcoming and warm, it comes across as inviting and somewhere Visitors seem drawn to. It will be up to Dreamers to stop them before they enter, or take advantage of temporary openings that WILL allow them to enter that only appear when a Visitor goes in, in order to chase after them.
Dreamers and Visitors alike will experience moving walls and shifting pathways, and find themselves drawn to one place in particular: a tall clear crystal statue that seems to hum. Time spent around this statue compels anyone around it to tell the truth, but when night falls it compels confessions of desire or even love.
cw: natural disasters, potential dismemberment
There's peace for a while, even with the mysterious appearance of these Visitors. However, as time goes on, things start to feel a little off kilter. The ever present barrier around the whole of Visium shimmers ominously, cracks and sparks appearing along the sky, almost as if a bubble is trying to burst. Swirls of color splotch through the sky, only becoming more and more evident. The weather begins to turn cold, then colder still, but then turns warm again. Rain falls heavy and fat, only to disappear the moment day turns to night - which seems to be happening rapidly and without much warning, the day shifting several hours in only a few minutes. These erratic shifts between day and night only seem to further fuel the storms and dramatic weather patterns that dance over the island. Some parts of the island will experience dramatic environmental changes from other parts. While the city could be covered in snow, the forest could be experiencing a heat waves. Concequences from these weather patterns are possible, including forest fires, flooding, freezing of crops, and the dramatic rise of tides on the beach.
What's worse—the very ground beneath everyone's feet begins to rumble occasionally. It, too, starts off subtly, but as the days progress these rumblings cause small cracks, then fissures, and finally, craters that seem to radiate heat as though they reach deep into the earth, beyond the ocean and land. Echoes of cackling and ominous whispers filter up from these fissures, and those who stand too close might find themselves possessed with violent desire or the wish to sap the energy from others in any way possible. Time away from these fissures will make this behavior wane, but be careful!
All of this activity seems to be waking up adversaries and creatures old and familiar within Visium, so be prepared to handle them!
- 👾 The Fireys
It's no surprise that, even with the wild weather, the Fireys are making a reappearance outside of the deep recesses of the woods they call home. They're wandering into Somnius, large gaggles of them looking for something FUN to do to match the wild atmosphere and crackling magic all around them. They will party in their usual way, their strange bodies able to detach wherever they want. They have no care that not everyone's body works this way, and will relentlessly pursue anyone they think is playing too hard at being a wallflower.
When touched by a Firey, body parts do come off, much like dismantling the limbs of a doll. For most people, it’s painless, but for the unlucky few, it’s as excruciating as having it cut off. The Fireys, though? They have no concern for the well-being of others. They will run off with their loot, kicking it around and hiding it, forcing that unlucky soul to go on a morbid scavenger hunt.- 🌑 Shadow Wolves
Those shadow-like wolves have made a reappearance, traveling easily through the slithers of darkness as the moon and sun erratically change positions in the sky. The crackling energy rebounding through the atmosphere fuels them much as the blood moon once did, once again giving them solid form...
What once was a shadow becomes a ferocious direwolf as large as a tiger, blacker than the night itself, and with razor sharp claws and teeth. These wolves target the natives, who are the most defenseless in this chaotic situation. Adults and children alike are snatched and carried off with the intention of making a meal out of them. These wolves cannot be reasoned with and do not speak. They will attack indiscriminately if they are separated from their intended prey. Once again it is up to Dreamers to protect the native population and usher as many as they can to the new Healer's Conclave, a medical and healing safe haven for those less inclined towards combat.- 🦇 Visium's IRS
No one likes it when government agents go rogue. But in the chaos of rebounding magic and crackling barriers, the Skeksis seem to be operating on their own. Instead of targeting the locals, as many expect once they first show up, the Skeksis target the Dreamers' belongings. They're vicious and will attack in groups when they happen upon a dreamer with items that they have regained. Your gun? Clothes? Any myriad of items you could be carrying on your person from home or gained by Vaeros' magic? They consider that theirs now. They have little regard for how they leave dreamers in the wake of their grabbing and snatching. Visitors will also be targeted for their golden cuffs, but the situation is dire for them; if their cuff is removed by the Skeksis' magical means, the visitor will begin to wither like a plant stricken with no water and a disease. The only way to stop this is to get the cuff back and place it around the visitor's arm again.
They won't stop at simple possessions either. Those who have wished for homes, castles, and home improvements will also find their homes targeted. Normally places of safe haven, there is no such unspoken rule this time around. Skeksis will wield wands made of purple crystal that seem fused to their hands to rip home additions from their foundations, to crumble standing buildings and pull out plumbing. They can be ganged up on should they get singled out, and should dreamers break their wands their homes will return to the way they were before the Skeksis began their nasty work.
At one point, the sun sets from its point at high noon, the day rapidly descending into night and giving way to the moon. Shimmering along with the stars, something else appears in the sky. A magical shimmer ricochets through the sky before the image of a large white barn owl flies through the night sky. A screech echoes through the air, cutting through the crisp, stunned silence coming from the natives and the land itself.
"If you do not wish to see the complete unraveling of this place, then I suggest you give back what you have been given. If I am not given this power back, the island WILL sink, it is no longer my choice. Pray at the crystal and return my power to me."
An ominous rumble of thunder echoes through the sky as soon as the image of the perched owl—Vaeros— disappears from the sky in a shattered shimmer. The natives look towards Dreamers especially - expectantly - as they clamor for the help that only they can give. Vaeros is doing his part! You must do yours! Help us all before we no longer have anywhere to live! Give back to the crystal! GIVE BACK TO VAEROS! Ultimately the decision to give back to Vaeros is up to the dreamers themselves, but the consequences seem to be quite dire to the gelflings and goblins that make this place their home.
- ✅ Returning Magic
Those generous enough to be willing to sacrifice their regained powers will need to get to the Crystal to do so. When there, they will need to join hands in prayer with other dreamers willing to sacrifice, as well as locals who are there to bolster the wish. This action won't take long, but it does take significant concentration.
Interruptions or wavering resolve might result in electric shocks that sap energy. Those who do make it through the prayer and give up their power will feel significantly lighter, and a little weaker but they will find a deluxe potion in their pocket when they stand. These potions will replace the returned powers for now, and at full strength. Those who already have red or yellow potions can obtain a second to gain a second elemental power or a second transformation.- ⛔ Refusal
Wait a minute. They want us to return our what?
So, Vaeros is urging Dreamers to relinquish their regained abilities back to the crystal in order to stabilize the crumbling world. Those who do sacrifice their abilities will notice that anomalies nearby begin to calm - some, however, are surely opposed to this idea.
What's the right call? Perhaps your character wants to advocate for sacrificing abilities as requested, or, perhaps your character is dead set on doing the opposite. Dreamers who disagree with Vaeros' requst might attempt to reason with others, speak out to the population at large, or even go so far as to interfere with others praying at the crystal to return their abilities. Locals will try to deter these dreamers from interfering, but the natives are generally much weaker than the contracted Dreamers.- 🔮 The Crystal
Those who visit the crystal at this point in time may find that it feels like a safe haven. Besides the Healer's Conclave the effects during this time seem minimal the weather stays steady though the time of day still reflects the same fractures as everywhere else. Huts and tents are set up for those injured by the fireys or shadow wolves, and despite these creatures wandering around everywhere, they can't seem to get into this area. It's a welcome safe haven in all the chaos, and it allows those who wish to pray and donate their regains to do so in...relative peace.
With their world and status quo once again thrown into chaos, the natives are growing restless with frustration. Those who are not cooperative with Vaeros are shunned from businesses that are native-run. They might even have a hard time seeking help at the local Healer's Conclave, a new establishment meant to replace a previous Dreamer establishment. Dreamers and Visitors alike may find themselves ushered unceremoniously out of buildings or even public spaces in the town if it's clear they've refused to help the situation. Those who do seem open to helping are greeted warmly and actively sought after with gifts and healing balms. A large contingent of locals have also hastily erected a large board near the Crystal, decorated with gems and carved creatures in its poles. This newly erected Quest Board is how they've chosen to organize their new desire to facilitate tasks that the dreamers and visitors can do to supplement the magics at work to save the island.
Quests appear on the board which insist that connection is vital to repairing the deteriorating world. The locals plea with Dreamers and Visitors alike to seek each other out, and find what connects them.
The magic in Somnius is currently unstable. With Dreamers sacrificing their regained abilities to the crystal in the interest of stabilization, many are left with only the power granted to them by potions. Even if one does still have their regained abilities, locals implore Dreamers to use their potion-granted powers to complete certain cleansing rituals.😱 Shared Scares
Dreamers and Visitors, you must find what bonds you! Sometimes weakness is louder than strength. Seek someone out who shares your greatest fear, and share it with them fully. Honesty is essential. The world will not repair unless you expose your most vulnerable anxieties.🎇 Drive & Desire
Dreamers and Visitors, strength lies within you still! What is it that you want? Seek someone who shares your greatest desire, and share it with them fully. Honesty is essential. The world will not repair unless you reveal the heart of what drives you.
🐺 Wolves at the Windmill
The White Windmill has been overtaken by a pack of shadow wolves, prowling inside and out. The magic surrounding the Windmill has become extremely unstable, but nothing can be done to cleanse the space until the wolves are done away with. Locals warn that only using animal transformation magic, granted by the gold potion, will successfully run off the wolves and regulate the area.🌊 Lake Oh-no-men
Erratic weather near Lake Omen is causing massive waterspouts to form. The area has become extremely dangerous, but locals warn that only using elemental or healing powers granted by the red and blue potions will calm the phenomenon. Dreamers must work together and lend their magic in order to regulate the area once again.
Expand to see our Event Summary
Visitors Arrive
Control Slips
Returning MagicOOC Note: Linked TDM plotting posts are for reference of these mentioned creatures only.
Working TogetherOOC note: The rewards that can be sacrificed can ONLY be powers or high-stakes items that facilitate character abilities. Regains to housing, mundane items and similar are not valid. Anything that is voluntarily sacrificed during this event will be returned at a later time via another event and cannot be regained with shards in the meantime.
Welcome to our November 4th Wall Event! Please keep all event activity to this post and subsequent overflows. We have provided a couple of headers for both Visitors and Dreamers to post their top-level links should they want to! We are also including a third header where we will have a form to fill out regarding donated regains. Please see our plotting post for any event related questions.
An important note about Visitors! All Visitors still have their canon powers. But they can not donate them to Vaeros. Have fun with that!
The Healer's Conclave is our new "clinic" location! Located in roughly the same place the clinic once was, it is a building molded from the trunks of ancient local trees and old pieces of labyrinth wall for protection. Inside, it is much the same as the clinic with a magical healing wing and a traditional medicine wing. This is a well staffed and NPC run "business", though Dreamers can work here. A location entry will be added for the Conclave no later than January 1st.
A State of the World post will be put up on December 10th, based on activity within this event, so look forward to it! Have fun Dreamers AND Visitors! A special welcome to our Visitors coming to us from outside the game!
visitors arrive
But he has never seen a dragon, baby or otherwise.
Reiner looks down at the small, noodle-like reptilian creature curled up on the chair he was about to sit on. It's tiny, seemingly defenseless, yet it appears perfectly happy on its chair.
It's … adorable, actually.
A small smile touches Reiner's lips. He pulls out a different chair and takes a seat, still studying the sleepy creature.
"You look comfortable there," he says, his tone falling somewhere between 'speaking to a pet' and 'speaking to a small child.'
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Regretfully, the sun had moved. A yawn followed a stretch, tiny claws digging into the seat cushion and equally tiny - but no less sharp - teeth could be seen. Still sleepy, Natsume moved more on reptilian instinct. It was strongest when he wasn't entirely awake.
He was cold, and his senses told him there was a source of warmth nearby. Naturally, he was going to be drawn to it. That was all it took for the scaly noodle to crawl on all fours toward Reiner, wings briefly fluttering to help him bridge the gap between one chair and the next.
The new spot had been chosen, with Natsume not hesitating at all to curl up to soak in the new heat source. This was his lap now.
"More comfortable here," he mumbled.
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As far as Reiner is concerned, an animal immediately trusting him is one of the greatest compliments he can receive. It's right up there with children feeling comfortable enough to dangle off of his arms. Maybe it's a lingering effect of the "big brother" persona he wore for years, or maybe it's something else.
Whatever the case, he sits quite still, happy to let the little creature settle in. He's about to try his luck in gently petting it when it suddenly speaks.
Reiner's hand freezes in midair. He blinks down at the creature occupying his lap, more surprised than anything.
"You can talk?" he asks. A question with an obvious answer, but it must be voiced!
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There was also the little spark of joy in Reiner's eyes when Natsume had settled down on him, something that was usually seen more in the small children Natsume occasionally played with. He didn't necessarily have a big brother sense from Reiner- Natsume had no true experience with that- but there was a calmness to the man that was attractive to Natsume when he'd just been woken up.
"You can pet me if you want, I don't mind."
He could feel that large hand hovering over him, after all. In the meantime, one of the cafe's pretty gelfling girls was coming over to see what Reiner would like to order.
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Leave it to a noodle-like dragon to immediately wiggle its way past Reiner's proverbial walls.
"Thank you," he says, because it seems only right to say. Then, as he admires its scales, he adds, "You're very pretty."
Before he can say more, however, his attention is caught by the gelfling approaching.
Reiner's order is one of contrasts: black coffee alongside one of the sweetest pastries they have. Once given, he looks down at the creature who has claimed his lap as a sleeping spot.
"Would you like anything?"
That, too, seems only right to ask!
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"Oh, he likes green tea and honeycomb! Shall I get that with your black coffee and... lets see.. the sweetest pastry today would be the salted chocolate and caramel tarts!"
Feeling a little embarrassed someone had noticed, he still gave a little nod to Reiner to indicate she was right. He'd pay the man back for it one way or another. Once she was gone, he looked up at the man whose lap he'd appropriated and tilted his head questioningly.
"If you like sweets so much, why the black coffee?" Not that it was a bad thing. With some of the baristas behind the counter, the simpler the better.
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He tilts his head at the question, taking his time to consider it. It's a small but unguarded moment: were he talking to someone humanoid, he'd be more likely to barrel straight into an answer. But here and now, he doesn't mind pausing to consider, his hand still stroking the creature's scales.
"They're both treats in their own way," he starts. "Pastries were reserved for special occasions in my hometown. They were too expensive to eat every day. As for the coffee: I lived in a place without it for several years. So, when I can get a good cup, I'm grateful. Nothing else wakes me up quite as effectively."
Not that Reiner just woke up. But he does have a certain air of exhaustion to him, albeit one eased by the quiet joy of sitting with his new little noodle friend.
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"I'm glad you get the chance to enjoy them now, then." His hometown sounded like a rough place to be. No coffee, and it sounded like sugar was almost as hard to get. Maybe he was someone that could find a better life here? Even if Natsume wasn't one of them, he wouldn't begrudge it of someone else.
While they waited, Natsume used his nose to give the man's hand a nudge.
"There's an itchy spot that I can't reach, just under my wing. Do you mind...?" It was likely a loosened scale. They tended to get nudged and stuck beneath a neighboring scale, and he didn't have the easiest time reaching them with such short arms when they were along his back.
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But here he is, spending time petting a tiny talking creature instead of preparing for yet another war. How times change.
"Oh, sure," he says, shifting his hand to beneath the creature's wing. He gives an exploratory scratch, trying to find the right spot—presuming that the creature will wiggle like a dog does when the Correct Spot is achieved. "Around here?"
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"Ooh, right there. There's a loose scale in there somewhere, I can feel it."
There's a soft giggle from the waitress as she brings over their order. Reiner's tart had been gently warmed just enough to soften the chocolate and caramel, and the side of honeycomb meant for dessert toppings for Natsume was served on a dish to keep the honey from escaping far. Tea was set down as well, and then she was gone with a small smile half-hidden behind her hand.
Who could blame her? They made for quite the sight. Reiner's incredibly tall, muscular and broad body could easily intimidate, but all of that gruff intimidation failed when the man was so focused on satisfying the tiny dragon flopped over in bliss on his lap.
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He smiles down at his new scaly friend, pleased to see him so happy.
"Do loose scales itch until they fall off?" Reiner asks, genuinely curious.
Perhaps it's silly of him to ask any question at all while he's busy turning his new noodle-friend into a puddle. He does so anyway, all the while scritching and scratching the spot in question.
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His head could only twist around so far, and his little t-rex arms were out of the question. Reiner however, could probably spot the exact problem Natsume just described, just beneath the joint supporting the nearest wing. The iridescent scale in question was jammed beneath its neighbor, and definitely looked irritating.
"If you can get it out for me you can keep it if you want... I usually use them to pay rent, but I don't need one right now."
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"Let's see if I can get it out, first," Reiner says.
Gingerly, he sets about removing the scale. It may seem surprising how gentle he is about it. Reiner has been a human weapon for most of his life; he has more blood on his hands than almost every single person in his world.
But his hands have also taken care of others. The partner he lost. The friends he made in Paradis. The younger cousin for whom he would do anything.
So it is very gently that he eases the scale out from beneath its neighbor and works it free.
"There we go," he says. "Better?"
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"Much better, thank you."
Reiner's hand got a little nuzzle of appreciation; then a flutter of wings had Natsume up on the table, making his way toward that tasty little treat. Such a small portion was still a lot for him. He wasted no time in lowering his mouth to the honey to sip at it much like a snake would drink water, his eyes closing in a moment of bliss before looking back up at Reiner again.
"I can tell you have a good heart. What's your name?"
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For a moment, they silently share their food. Then:
I can tell you have a good heart.
Emotion passes over Reiner's face, too complicated to easily read. His feelings on that assessment are mixed, everything from gratitude to guilt mingling in a mess. He bites down the swell of emotion as best he can, but it's readily apparent that those words left an impact.
"Reiner Braun," he answers. He's ready for the name to be recognized, but doesn't believe it will be. Despite having apparently been here before (and the numerous others from his world who may have shared it), his name is rarely familiar—a fact that suits Reiner fine.
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"You can call me Natsume. Will you tell me about yourself?" The words came out a little muddled. He'll listen, but he'll also be attempting to gnaw on the honeycomb without making a mess. That was a challenge he had yet to master, but thankfully he had a double-eyelid in this form. He also knew their waitress would come by with a bowl of warm water and a little towel for him later. He was going to need it. While he managed not to get honey in his wings, it does seem to get nearly everywhere else. Natsume knew better than to change back for cleanup though. Last time he'd tried that while covered in pumpkin guts, he ended up wearing an even bigger mess somehow. He didn't need to be dripping honey from his hair or clothes.
Who knows, maybe Reiner would find it entertaining to watch him and forget whatever he'd been thinking of that brought his mood down.
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"I'm my mom's only child, so it's just the two of us. But I have an aunt and an uncle, and a younger cousin named Gabi." His expression shifts, fondness in his eyes. "She's wonderful. A real little spitfire. And she's so much wiser than I was at her age."
That fondness changes to quiet amusement as he watches Natsume dig in, making a complete mess. Reiner is far more reserved in his eating—but he, too, seems to be enjoying it.
"Magic doesn't exist where I'm from. Not like it does here. It's been an adjustment."
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Spotting the little grin on Reiner's face, an accusatory little claw is pointed up at him, "I see you laughing! If you're going to take a picture that's fine, but I'd like to see you try to eat like this and not make a mess!"
By which he meant, he didn't mind at all that Reiner found it amusing. He liked being able to make people smile, and he thought Reiner had a nice one.
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Or maybe Reiner is just reading into the way Natsume digs in.
"I'm not judging," Reiner says, his little smile remaining. "I'm glad you enjoy it so much."
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It was a little hard to focus on much else when he was trying, and failing to keep from making a mess as he ate his way through the honeycomb. Just as he was starting to lick himself clean, the same waitress from before stopped by their table once more.
Reiner's coffee was refilled, and a bowl of warm water and towel were placed down. Wasting no time, Natsume slid into the bowl just as a cloche from the dessert counter was placed over him, bowl and all.
"I hope you don't mind, he tends to- well, do that."
That being the bit of water splashing against the side of the glass as Natsume gives in to the instinct to clean his wings as well, treating the bowl as his own personal birdbath. As she waited to towel dry him when he was finished making a watery mess, it was clear that this waitress at least, didn't mind spoiling him.
Once his dirty plate and impromptu bath session were cleared away, Natsume toddled over to curl himself around the mug of tea and finally inhale a sip. As he looked up at Reiner, his eyes were half-closed with pleasure from the warmth working its way through him.
"What about your chocolate thing? Is it as good as you hoped it would be?"
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He sips his coffee as he watches, and he's just started to eat his pastry when Natsume finishes his impromptu bath and addresses him.
"Yeah, it's good," Reiner says, though he's only taken a bite or two so far. It probably looks like he's trying to savor it. "Extremely sweet, just as promised."
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He liked watching the way Reiner was clearly enjoying his pastry. It certainly smelled nice when the scent of it mingled with the coffee. He liked the little chat with the man too, getting to learn something about him.
Natsume was getting sleepy again. It didn't take him long to drink his little mug of tea, but by that point his source of warmth had been devoured. The full belly and warm bath had made him drowsy, too. While he had some options, there was one rather large one sitting right in front of him that seemed the most appealing.
Making up his mind, Natsume made his way over to Reiner's arm where it rested next to his coffee. With how gently he'd treated him so far, Natsume didn't think he'd mind when he chose to climb his way up to settle around the back of Reiner's neck, tucking himself into the collar of his shirt with his tail curling along Reiner's collarbone.
"You don't mind if I take a nap here, do you?"
After all, sometimes it was easier to ask forgiveness after the fact.
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Thankfully, Reiner realizes what's happening in time to stifle his trained, violent reaction to someone touching the back of his neck. It is the sole weak point on a Titan; it is Reiner's weakest point.
Or at least it was for eleven years. Now, Reiner is as weak as any other human.
Thoughts race through his head for what feels like minutes but is actually only seconds. There is no danger here. No blade at his throat: just a tail. No bomb at his nape: just a warm little body. A creature that feels comfortable enough with Reiner to crawl up and sleep on him.
Maybe this is good practice. Maybe this will help desensitize him, now that he doesn't have to so fiercely protect his neck. Maybe it's already helping—because it doesn't take long for Reiner to release a breath and take another nibble of his pastry.
He senses no threat from Natsume. Maybe that makes the difference, or maybe it's something else entirely.
"Just no scratching," he answers, then reaches up to give Natsume a little pat on the head. Like petting a living, breathing scarf.