Let's Have a Tea Party

“Everything is so nice here…” Itsuki whispered, to nobody in particular. There were plenty of people around, but they were all in their own little world just as she was, practically ghosts passing by as they were reflected in the storefront glass. All except one, but she didn’t notice the person who had stopped behind her, not until he tapped her on the shoulder, jarring her from the thoughts of new clothes and maybe more–

“Pharmacy–! Oh…” The poor thing had to catch herself, nearly letting a yelp slip out at the sight of a stranger. A tall stranger, for that matter. “Please excuse me, I’m not used to–… meeting new people so abruptly. Unfortunately I’ve just moved here as well, I’m not sure where it is myself…”  

That wasn’t much of an excuse not to help, though. If anything, she’d been raised to do whatever possible to help others.

He shook his head at the unpleasant thoughts of aging so drastically. It wasn’t exactly necessary to think of such things anyway.

“Isn’t that unfortunate for me...” He replied, a bit disheartened with the uncertainty of it all. But the next offer was what truly had his interest. A softer expression took place and an open-mouthed grin painted his features.

“If you are certain you want to accompany an old man to the pharmacy, then I won’t decline your offer, young lady.” He hummed, rather charmed by the bustling of the small shopping district.

Rivaille didn’t know how to expect things from Tsukitachi, yet he wasn’t entirely unpredictable. Even being his friend, it was undeniable that it took time to become a seasoned friend. Maybe someone Tsukitachi knew from his past, like that Hirato character he spoke of occasionally, would be able to read him better.

Lowering his hand from his face, Rivaille didn’t let it bother him. Whether he’d chosen to come back or not, they were older and had more of a sense of time, space, and friendships. It was a trait acquired after school, probably, but Rivaille himself learned it from moving halfway across the world. Once just adjusted to changes like that.

Although, sometimes even old friends couldn't keep up with him and it left him at a sense of loneliness at times. Hirato and Akari both rejected any advances to have a little 'bonding' time- so there was that. In all honesty, he returned to the city because he felt a sense of isolation at where he had gone to. Executives and the likes weren't all that friendly and as usual- just about no one understood him, nor did they even bother trying to keep up with his energy.

The red head had always been rather mysterious in his own ways. And with the way he acted, the outer layer of optimism simply shielded those around him from distant thoughts. Even when he did share his opinion, or his feelings he still made them seem rather cryptic, in some ways. In other words: Tsukitachi's motives and beliefs were always kept locked away in his head.

It didn't seem like it couldn't be helped. A grin creased his features and Tsukitachi lifted his shoulders, straightening out his posture. "The bus? Sure, I'll accompany you. Although, it might just be easier if we went by car, wouldn't it?"

"Doing something more interesting than being here honestly sounds tempting right now." A tired sigh slipped past the bespectacled teen’s lips though he couldn’t find himself relating to the stranger’s viewpoint in regards to the party being rather boring. While Rei did find it dull to be standing here doing nothing by himself, he still had never been to any other parties so he couldn’t really compare.

The blue-haired boy somewhat warily eyed the stranger as he was approached, disregarding the wine flask. It was at this extent did he pick up on how the guy’s eyes held the dim hue of a swallowtail butterfly. His flaming cropped hair surprisingly complimented it. While there may be a dull tint to the stranger’s striking optics, the younger of the two caught sight of the genuine ambiguous radiance within the dim golden specks— the flair of devilry, as how Rei would define it.

Perhaps it wasn’t a good idea involving himself in a conversation with this person. If anything, Rei couldn’t help but think that he shouldn’t trust anyone present in the room. While they all appeared to be holding compelling and significant positions, there was also a tinge of mischief in their smiles— almost as if they knew everyone’s secrets and will soon use them to their advantage.

His pondering thoughts were soon planked down to a halt upon hearing his new companion’s words. He blinked in utter befuddlement before following the guy’s gaze, catching sight of a tantalizing lady eyeing him from afar. Embarrassed heat rose up within the teen’s cheeks as he awkwardly cleared his throat, averting his gaze back on the other male while reaching up to adjust his frames in attempt to tuck his embarrassment away.

"Alright, alright... If you're sure, you don't mind if I walk back onto that couch, would you?" 

The red head chuckles with silent amusement at the younger male's embarrassment of the situation. Or perhaps he was just shy? Maybe he doesn't have a lot of experience with women either. It didn't particularly matter to Tsukitachi, he simply made his way farther from the other to re-take his seat upon the comfortable cushioning. Crossing one leg over the other and extending his arms back to lay them to rest against the back of the sofa, he watches the woman. Grinning, he followers her gaze back to Rei.

"Well, it seems that you may be wrong about that. Take a seat, maybe she's looking at someone else. If her eyes don't follow you, that is."

Amusing was all he could think of. This was a lot better than trying to strike up conversation with more than half the old men wandering around this place. He waited for the youngster to make a decision before speaking again. Golden hues idly searching the crowd for some other person he can speak of, or draw out a topic from. Besides, people watching with someone else would be a lot more interesting than doing such by himself. They could make up stories of others, and cheerfully kill the long and painful hours of the night. 

His gaze fastens itself back on the teenager with the interest in mind. 

  Letting out a sigh, Akari did just that; sitting in the living room with countless folders, papers, books, and pens laying across the table in front of him. It was noon, and he hadn’t even finished half of the paperwork yet, plus skipping meals wasn’t healthy in the least. But taking a late lunch wouldn’t be considered skipping, would it?

  Getting up from his spot on the sofa what seemed to be the umpteenth time to get a refill of coffee; putting just a bit of cream and sugar within it, though making sure to not make it too sweet just so it could give him the energy he needed to continue his work. Sitting back down moments later to do so. 

  Once sitting back down, taking a sip of his coffee, and picking up papers on a clipboard, the doctor read through the contents on the board, before looking to where he had to sign, and doing so in the matter of seconds. Since hunching over wouldn’t be the best option for his work either, a clipboard was rather helpful in these situations.

  Switching out forms and adding the completed ones to a pile before glancing up to the sound of footsteps, spotting Tsukitachi within seconds.

  Another good use for a clipboard was that this way, he could pick it up and go to another room. Doing so and nearly dashing out of the room, not wanting to be pulled away from his work when he wasn’t even halfway done yet! Closing a door behind him, Akari locked it from the inside, and sat at the desk in said room, continuing with his work there.

Though did that stop Tsukitachi? Nope.

No- the red head's circle of interests went in this order: Hirato->Kiichi->Jiki->Iva->Akari. Although, seeing as three of those people were not present in the city they found themselves residing, it was good to at least have some sort of communication with someone other than Hirato, though he didn't have many friends in this city. Well- someone who didn't involve a certain short little Frenchman.

"Come now, Akari... You know that I'm not much of a bother when Hirato isn't present. Don't isolate me simply because I've teased you from time to time with his aid. Akari, please open- I'm trying to at least be civil."

Talking like this, being sly and convincing, was one aspect of Tsukitachi that was convicing to others. It was his tone, and perhaps the way he carried himself out. Hirato on the other hand was the opposite. When Hirato made the attempt to talk like this- to be convincing and coaxing, it would simply mean there was some underlying meaning to a phrase or two said. Though, he simply hoped Akari would be drawn out.

Message me any of these for some anon magic!

Bikini: It is hot in here or is that just me? For the next 3 hours, your muse will take one piece of clothing off each time someone calls their name.

Boots: Licking someone’s boots, now are we? Just for today, your muse will do anything to please mine.

Bow Tie: You think you’re a good liar? For 4 hours your muse can’t help but be a compulsive liar! Even if they try to tell the truth, it will all end up in lies.

Coat: Everyone knows wearing a long black coat makes you at least three times cooler. Have your muse wear one and act like the lone-wolf, mysterious, ‘white-haired’ character for the rest of the day. (If your muse already is said character, have them running around being all happy go lucky instead.)

Corset: How do you breathe while wearing a corset? You don’t. For the next 4 hours, your muse will find it difficult to breathe around mine.

Gloves: The gloves are off! Your muse and mine are having a heated argument. The reason for this fight seems to be the suspicious disappearance of the last cookie.

Hoody: Nothing more comfortable to wear than a hoodie. Your muse is having a lazy day and will avoid all and any responsibilities.

Jeans: You could swear you fit into those jeans the last time you tried them on. Have your muse wonder if they’ve eaten too much cake lately or if their clothing has shrunk in the washing machine.

Socks: Where, oh where could the other sock be? Your muse has lost something important and is looking for it with all their might.

Scarf: Isn’t sharing a scarf in winter the best? Make your muse share their most treasured possession with mine. 

T-Shirt: Some T-shirts have the most ridiculous things on them. Just for today, your muse will be wearing a T-shirt saying “(anon’s choice)”. If anon suggested nothing, then the shirt will say: “I ♥ The Mayor”.

Tie: If a tie doesn’t make you look professional, nothing will. For the next 2 hours, your muse knows everything there is to know about one specific thing. Sender chooses!

Underwear: Show your true self! For the next 3 hours, you can’t help but tell people anything about yourself, how random the facts may be. When people ask you things, you will always answer too!

Wedding Dress: Where did that ring come from? Just for today, your muse will be a 100% convinced they are married to mine. 

Fabric: Free magic!anon!