🙶 ☆ — batter up !

caelus was in fact available later // @galacticbaseballcr said :

*. ⊹ ✧ — Plants several plastic flamingos on the ground in between dwellings. 🙶 I’m gonna invent a new law against these. Wanna join ? 🙷

COLOR HIM SURPRISED, spreading the wonderful bright coral pink of a flock of birds not at all native to the area to add a bit of whimsy to the place just to pull the rug out from under unsuspecting home owners ?  excited taps of leather encased fingers against one another, the trickster is amused !   perhaps a little too excited about this revelation.  what other secrets could he possibly hold ?

❝  oh !  don't mind if i do, hehe ~   ❞          sampo bends slightly, knees threatening to click from the shift in weight.  the curve of his cupped palm pets one of the inanimate flamingos.          ❝  how many of these you got ?  charge a fine per each or by weight  &  you'd make a pretty good uh ...  well, it would have an impact for sure !   ❞

*. ⊹ ✧ — One corner dotted by coral and lopsided eyes ( errors undoubtedly created by aging mechanisms, ) the avians performed a stiff number. Head bobbing, extending plastic-rendered feathers, gawking at random intervals. Not chaotic within a reasonable amount, but Caelus is painting the surroundings in microplastic chaos.

🙶 I have five more boxes, although I meant to order three. Oh well. I can recuperate the costs. 🙷 By costs, Caelus refers to acting like a nuisance. Ergo, a malign ‘ charity ’ and an ode to chaos. 🙶 Brightening up this drab little spot with kitsch is not priceless. The neighborhood curmudgeon’s fit, though ? Totally worth workin’ for free. 🙷

"Oh, sweet. Good choice." Surprisingly, he's giving a thumbs up and dialing on the flip phone he's got.

*. ⊹ ✧ — 🙶 Crunchy. I want a taste of the ‘ end of the world special ’ without experiencing it. 🙷

*. ⊹ ✧ — 🙶 One order of a large cheese pizza, light on the sauce. 🙷

More listening and more watching Caelus talk and move. Paradigm was getting the feeling that he was up to something, but they couldn't place what exactly the mischief maker was up to. Though it seemed that stealing a lover's garments was a universal concept, though why that was where the man went with it, wasn't as obvious until later.

"You aren't beating my allegations." They comment, feeling Caelus' face against their tail. Like a hand and an arm, Paradigm's tail was a fully functioning limb. They could use it as adeptly, if not more than both of their arms and legs.

It's that kiss that lingers a bit too long that catches their immediate attention. The words that follow bring thought to the slightest of halts. Not done? With what? A hint of wine briefly crosses their face, the anticipation of what was being promised was titillating for a moment. Then another thought passes the almutian's mind: everything starts to make much more sense. The worry, the anxiety, the adamant stance on them being well at all times.

Clearly they had caught someone's particular attention. Even after centuries, they still had something going on with them. It was almost a moment of pride for Paradigm. To wordlessly answer the other's question, their tail coils just a little more around the wrist that holds it so dearly. Maybe he would be smart enough to figure it out, maybe not.

A free hand is put up to Paradigm's face, letting it lean on it and give Caelus an inquisitive stare. "If I didn't know any better... I'd say this was a tricky plan so you could flirt with me."

Paradigm had centuries to become as perceptive as they came.

*. ⊹ ✧ — Caelus becomes enamored with Paradigm’s blush. Dedicated to exploring and traversing new ground, and the flushed cheeks a welcome development. Teasing with excellent results; beyond what the Nameless expected. Eyelids closed, long lashes brushing against the point of interest as he applied more pressure.

The coiled bit captured the ever-mischievous one’s attention. 🙶 Which ? I have plenty of allegations, 🙷 answered the rascal. Kissing the tail wound on his wrist, twice as gentle. Sight greeting Paradigm once more, irises gleaming. Whether playful or affectionate, Caelus remains mum; vague and taking advantage of duality.

🙶 I’m just curious. But if you don’t believe me, well⋯ 🙷 His voice fades. Performing a nip on the tail. Twice. The Stellaron hums from conflicted feelings. Parting from the tail—no evidence of foul play, thankfully—he permits a suddenly abashed expression. Gone is the tease and replaced by an unlikely mode of functioning. 🙶 Just. Think what ya like. I just won’t confirm or deny it. 🙷

Thinking that he rid of the bout of bashfulness, it returns in full force. How worrisome; if someone interrupted, Caelus’ adept with pillows as weaponry, thanks to impromptu episodes with those willing. Whatever possessed the vessel’s nature as per usual whenever someone meets his gaze.

🙶 No, no, I’ve reached the finish line and my trophy is the taste of your tail on my lips. 🙷 A beat, facepalm, and groan. Perhaps acting tongue-tied bears more favorable results than stumbling like an amateur. 🙶 For Akivili’s sake⋯ promise to not tease or hold it against me. My poor, poor, ego would not take it, 🙷 Caelus managed levity, even grinning at his own mishap. 🙶 Not like a silly thing like this is gonna bring me down anyways. 🙷

Or so he claims.

Paradigm listens carefully. The one time they had gone, it was a mess. That planet was somehow toxic to their being, and the memoria was not something they could be around in that concentration. As much as he jokes now, Paradigm remembers how anxious Caelus was about the aftermath: something hardly his fault as neither of them new. Now, whenever the situation arose, Paradigm stayed on the Express for their own health.

they did not seem to be missing too much then. A comment they would have made were it not for someone trying to abduct their cloak. Tattered and frayed edge ignored in favour of the material.

"You seem to be very fond of things attached to me." A bit of a teasing observation. "This cloak is very special."

Clawed hands run over the material. Still as soft as the first day. A fond heirloom at this point. Thoughts drift as the hand brushes over it slowly, memories from centuries passed coming back to the forefront of their mind.

"It was a blanket. One my parents made for me, later fashioned into a cloak in my very first lifetime. It is... hmm..."

A long and dutiful pause to find the right words to explain. It was another word that didn't quite have a direct translation. Eyes shut for a moment, nose wrinkles. Eyes open once more when Paradigm gives up on that endeavour.

"Sempernum. An item that persists through time, connected to our vitsang. Something that goes against most of our traditions by being an unchanging fixture in one's lifetimes. Only Soulbonded almutian's can make them, as those choose to be forever connected through every lifetime. The term you have for that is 'soulmates' I think... and no matter what happened to me, no matter what lifetime, they always wanted me to find one comfort in the world from them."

The ultimate childhood blanket.

*. ⊹ ✧ — Fascination, curiosity, whatever strikes Caelus’ capricious nature. Credits shifts into the selection screen, leaving the marquee scroll without end; matters left to the passage of time. Huddling up until their bodies meld together, odor apparent.

Relishing in much-warranted peace—utilizing his Remembrance power to summon a localized, brief stoppage of time. The tell-tale heart and pastel blue tint which rippled across the affected area. A bubble which repels the real world from intruding.

🙶 Ah, so it has sentimental value. 🙷 Caelus, in his deep bliss and speaking in a hushed, gentle timbre, grins faintly. None of the impishness present. 🙶 So it’s a lot deeper than our ‘ borrowing a lover’s shirt or sweater ’ thing. After a⋯ certain deed, one of the couple wakes up and struts around with their partner’s top. 🙷 Cue smugness. 🙶 Of course, that’s a cliché. Cute, but not always applicable. 🙷

While conversing, the apparatus fades, leaving the room bare of the screen. The smarmy grin reverts to its minor upward curvature, fingers gliding against the fabric. Feather-light touch, giving half a mind to trepidation over ruination by wrinkling or worse.

Palming the tail in the same fashion, and the other hand abandons the cloak. Beholding the appendage, loosely and careful. Lids fluttered as he elevates it, cheek pressed against the topic of interest and rubbed his flesh over it. Head rotating at a scant angle, lifting the tail further. Lips settled on the surface; no more butterfly kisses, but a true one.

🙶 Do ya like that ? Because I’m not done yet. 🙷

“Heh heh, come on now. Do I think starvation is funny? I don’t think so but I do enjoy watching others struggle as it makes fun more enjoyable around here, look, I even made you an apple skewer! Complete with a nice sharp arrow! What’cha think?”

He asked as he gave a slight head tilt, still holding that rather sinister yet playful smirk across his face stretching from ear to ear as he looked to see what the galactic baseballer’s expression be to this sudden action.

*. ⊹ ✧ — That loathed ranged weaponry, pierced and rendering the fruit nigh-inedible. Apprehension over discovering leftovers of the devilish one’s endeavor, Caelus refused to engage. Digestive system resuming its upheaval against hunger, stomach emitting the faintest of growls.

Misfortune befalls Caelus with aimless detours. Adopting a weary countenance, the Nameless reconsiders pursuing the ruby-colored treat. True malice ? Plain impishness ? Exercising caution; what slips is Caelus’ incongruent thought process.

🙶 The apple was poisoned, was it ? But anyways. 🙷 Donning a smirk, the Trailblazer’s fingers tapped rhythmically against circular base. Static electricity of cosmic make leapt the circumference. 🙶 Ya owe me a meal. Not a snack. An entire meal. And if you refuse⋯ let’s say I won’t be kind about it. 🙷

A boop on the face? What was that? The statement confuses them for the meantime but soon enough they'll find out. They aren't sure of the anticipation of something was hindering their ability to follow along with the movie or not.

About to ask what satire was, Caelus is already on trying to explain it. With context clues, it seems to be a form of sarcastic comedy. There are a few moments of absurdity that make Paradigm chuckle. They relax and lean on Caelus in a poor attempt to lounge on him to bring him more comfort. Few things grounded others like the physical presence of another.

"So is this... movie a scam?" They ask, bringing it back to their original point of conversation. "It doesn't seem to be the product as advertised... or does satire play a part in it not being a scam?"

The entirety of society these days confused the poor almutian. Too many layers and complexities. Too much about who was in charge of what and how it all worked together.

Apparently Penacony was notorious for such things. Not that Paradigm could go there. That planet was almost an antithesis of everything Paradigm was. Strange how a planet could make them so ill.

*. ⊹ ✧ — A scam ? 🙶 By a technicality, 🙷 Caelus murmurs, soft yawn slipping past. 🙶 Mostly monetary and others, your time, too. But ya see, in this case, we’ll never know. As satire itself can be a meta device. 🙷 Gripping Paradigm’s cloak, silky over fabric, draping a portion of it. Now cuddled by Paradigm and their attire. Even soloing this film is a downgrade.

The credits rolled. Eyes twitched in lack of wakefulness, taking a breather for recovering missing information. Off-white text on a vertical marquee; the previous effects included a more horizontal approach. Piecing together what Paradigm asked as Caelus nearly subjected himself to a most lovely nap.

Describing Penacony as a glitz-and-glamour laden area, where memoria concentrated; where one's ‘ dreams ’ come true, separated by twelve segments—negative reviews forthcoming, as Caelus explained its flawed conception as a planet chosen as one of the IPC’s prison holdings. Tales of Amber Eras, influence quashed, and once more snapped up by the implacable company.

🙶 ⋯ a sparkly beacon of excess. The Asdana star system is swimmin’ in memoria in general, it's mostly concentrated in Penacony. Not good for those allergic to it. Good thing fall damage's not a thing, as I learned during my first visit. 🙷

Favors paid by the Nameless’ deeds in Penacony include pawning off ownership of a large flying device—an airship for Caelus, and a pithy share of the planet itself. Ultimately, the capitalist empire succeeded by shrewdness by tailing the Express’ triumphs.

🙶 So warm. Can ya make a replica for me ? The cloak, I mean. 🙷

That tutorial however, never comes. Instead, he stares owlishly between Caelus and the bed, silently debating if he should do as he's instructed (perhaps, taking the fear of incurring Akivili's wrath a little too seriously) or follow the older down the stairway to the parlor car to secure the necessary cleaning tools.

. . . Ultimately, he chooses the latter, but not without a good thirty seconds of silent debate and puzzlement. Then, he quickly jogs to catch up with the other, the redness and sorrow from his gaze having long since faded. By now, it was as if he'd never been caught sobbing.

Though he had no idea where anything went, Nata still put himself to work, asking questions when necessary. His people had been imbued with a strong work ethic and it carried on to their youngest member, who often hated being idle for too long. Eventually he listens to Caelus statement regarding THEM; Akivili, the supposed omniscient being whom Nata had been concerned about upsetting.

*. ⊹ ✧ — Shifting weight from right to left, flick of his messy fringe outside of lodging into his lashes. Trimming’s in order, and Caelus pays no heed to such distractions while chores are underway. Or playing hooky, taking naps or fiddling about with his beloved entertainment of choice. Much improvement in the cleanliness sector, though, much due with his teamwork with Nata.

🙶 MIA means ‘ missing in action. ’ The subject can’t be located. 🙷 Either may be the case for Akivili. An Aeon who vanished countless eras ago, and has not been spotted by equipment or more esoteric means. 🙶 There’s no exact timeline for THEM. Akivili has either passed on, is in hiding, or⋯ 🙷

Absorbed by another or drove away from THEIR own Path. Both preposterous ideas to entertain—one of the handful of options an Aeon leaves an inkling of power up for grabs. Even if Akivili is deceased, Paths remain; influence dots the dark canopy chock-full of phenomena in THEIR absence.

🙶 Either way, the Trailblaze is THEIR legacy. Even if a higher being is deceased, no one loses their capabilities if they have ties to an Aeon. 🙷

Lohen chuckled at their threat as he eyed their weapon, a unique looking one at that, what did the other call it? A bat? Huh, interesting. His eyes glinted as he gave a sly look, head tilting as he would speak while adjusting the crossbow attached to his arm.

“Aww, you wound me. Now, does this look like a face that would hurt without reason? I don’t think so, you have nothing to fear.~”

He would reassure as he shall refrain from harming them, he didn’t inform them that he had deadly aim though as he tossed the fruit into the air before snatching it back with mere ease as the rabbit decides to tease the ever hungry raccoon.

*. ⊹ ✧ — One’s appearance indeed causes certain others to give pause. After all, one Caelus’ tactics is the self-same vanity. Hunger pangs erased what similarities they bore; when impulsiveness overrides any modicum of logic or tactical acumen, Caelus hadn’t considered an eventual downfall.

An edible denied by gravity working against him. Furious over the development, Caelus gnashed his teeth. Jaw tight, fingers glide above pommel as his voice raised in a rasp: 🙶 Oh, come on ! Do ya think starvation is funny ?! 🙷 Cue attempts to snatch the scrumptious fruit from the hand of a devilish person.

Whether he succeeds is up to chance. Luck is a harsh judge, and Caelus is not exempt to its ever-changing blessing.