~Full Steam Ahead~

“Tulipe, hun. Ya’ better put on somethin’ nice. I mean it ain’t like I haven’t seen more of you than I should have already.”  He chuckled to himself, lowering his voice. “ I was uh.. hoping you’d accompany me to the academy’s Christmas shindig?”

“Mmm…”, before she could say anything in return about the kiss that she couldn’t stop thinking about, the kiss that drifted her to the most unexpected daydreams, she closed her eyes and threw her head back against the wall behind her as his soft lips were wandering on her shimmering skin. Every kiss was like a burst of sparks from this ongoing flame that she was so hesitant to face. Even though, it was a whole new world for her, it felt like the most natural thing on earth. As her leg was resting at his hips, bringing them even closer, she didn’t know what was going to await her in its entirety, but one thing she did know was that she was not going to run away from it like on the boat.

A soft chuckle danced off her lips as the tall man suggested to leave the party. She gently cupped his moonlit face with her other hand and gave him a small yet sincere peck on his lips. “Yeah, let’s go. I don’t think we need a crowd”, she lightly squeezed his hand. As they sneaked their way out of the hall, the genie couldn’t help but wonder whether this ball was the push that she needed to just give in to her desire.

“Hey”, the genie lightly pulled at her friend’s arm midway to either one of their places, which didn’t really matter to her. She couldn’t care less about where they were heading at this moment. When the steambot turned around to look at her, she took a step forward and placed her right hand on his chest, “I just wanted to tell you that I couldn’t stop thinking about that kiss and…” And you. But she bit on her bottom lips on the last part. It was still a wild ride and new territory for her. She didn’t want to have said anything hastily.  

Never the most emotional type, you’d be hard pressed to find Inguk as anything fake. When he felt a certain way, it was 100% real and absolute. He’s a man with few bonds that hold him in one place but the occasional heart would fine tune his ever so slowly in the background of his existence. Her eyes closing, head moving back, the small gasps and movements. It was gathering a fire into his core that he hadn’t felt in a very long time. Still, though he was forward enough with his intentions since that first kiss, he let her figure things out along side his own movements.

The steambot was admittedly excited. He didn’t have any fancily painted picture of what to do or what to expect, he was just happy to know the unique personality that is Tulipe was here with him. He had never had a situation like this where a close friend actually grew to feel like so much more. Could steambots feel butterflies in their stomach? He had half a mind to wonder if a moth got into his vents. 

He gestured toward her place as she paused, edging them toward her door. He didn’t mind either, but the dust all over his desk and half made bed might ruin the moment. Probably not. He bit his lip at her confession. Hearing her be so forward about that kiss made him so... happy. Genuinely happy. “Shit, I’m getting so fuckin’ squishy thanks to you.” He huffed in amusement, hoping she did not feel the embarrassingly fast whirring pistons through the hand on his chest. As they entered the house and shut the door, Inguk removed his jacket and gloves and threw them somewhere, taking her face into both hands as he kissed her.

His hands moved down to grasp at her waist before shifting upward to her shoulders, fingers slipping into the dress straps to move them down her arms. He gasped, not used to feeling anything with his bare hands anymore and she was this exact mixture of firm and soft. Very Tulipe. He studied her like one of his precious minerals. Grasping at her still clothed chest now, he broke the kiss to lean back. “Tulipe can I uh.. c- shit, I dunno how else to put it- can I go down on ya’?”

Slow sips were taken from the water bottle he had pulled from his bag after upheaving most of the contents from his system into a bush before he had collapsed on the bench. It had been a rather long and stressful week for the hunter and while it was winding down workwise and school wise, he was still so keyed up he had been unable to sleep...or perhaps avoiding it. 

“I can sleep when I’m dead.” He mumbled running a hand through his hair before he rose red rimmed eyes to stare at the teacher, one he knew from before. “Look I sleep enough alright? I just have things to do that are more important. It’s fine, I’m fine.”

“Yeah but when you’re dead then you’d be dead.” He replied ever so eloquently. “Personally death ain’t so great.” At least, in the case of a steambot, but that’s a story for another day. “‘Aight.” He sat next to the other on the bench before fishing two small, metal hand-puzzles from his pocket and handing one over. “Test this out for me while you rest, then. I made em.” He took a swig from his flask before pulling out his eyepieces and clicking them into his head. “So whatchya’ workin’ on that’s so important?”

The tired way with which she rubbed her eyes betrayed the fact that she was exhausted and yet still the witches head emphatically shook left and right in answer to Inguk’s voice. 

‘I’m not tired.’ She stubbornly signed as she dragged her gaze away from the books and papers surrounding her. They had all begun to blur at this point but she couldn’t stop there was too much to do. 

‘You go to bed...’ That one was signed with an almost childish narrowing of her eyes and lift of her chin, not quite characteristic of the usually respectful witch, but that was what running on fumes did to a person. 

Rubbing his eyes, Inguk sighed. A large puff of steam escaped his lips and he sat next to the witch student. “Guess we’re in the same boat. I get it.” Easier for him to simply give instruction than make humble, happy suggestions. But when you can’t sleep you can’t sleep. Thanks to the way he was built, he didn’t look exhausted the way she did, but the normally bronze tone of his eyes turned copper and the whirring of his inner pistons were quiet. He reached over to one of her books and closed it.

“... want to make jewelry with me till one of us conks out? I can make an excuse you were helping me with my classes.”

One day Namjoon would learn to not take on these missions. One day. This was what--the second? Third time that he’d ended up in the dark? It was eyeroll-worthy honestly, tired of his own fear, but still feeling that ever-present anxiety creeping up on him the moment the path looked like it was going to grow too dark.

“Fucking ridiculous,” he mumbled to himself, glancing to both @inguk-ia and @tulipe-ia curiously. Inguk knew of his fear, but the genie didn’t need to know, and he’d try to keep it that way...before the path grew too dark, he mustered up some energy for some balls of light to flicker on around them, varying in sizes and illumination. Thankfully, he wouldn’t be using up too much energy since Inguk was pretty much a powerhouse of energy to the puppeteer.

At first, he could see some glimmers not too far in the distance, but--as more and more glimmers lit up, he felt another sense of dread run through him. “Are those eyes?”

Until a treasure was mentioned. “What?” He asked in a bit of a snip, finding it ridiculous that they were on a very different mission than treasure hunting. He looked to Tulipe now, wanting further guidance in the situation, but while his attention was taken away from the droids his strings flickered and one of the droids took this as a moment to lunge forward. A metallic ‘thunk’ sounded when the puppeteer got taken down, grunting as he hit the ground. Namjoon was a little stunned, and now beyond irritated, because he’d let the attack happen so easily. The robotic fingers of the droid were oddly sharp, not covered in synthetic skin like some of it, must have rubbed off over time–

“Fuck,” he pushed at the droid as the strings wrapped around the creature’s limbs, finally managing to keep it from grabbing at his neck and face. Whether the others came to his aid or not, he was able to pick the thing up and off of him, the strings acting as a control for the limbs of the droid. Rather than smashing it against the floor, he threw it back towards the other androids, listening to the metallic screech of metal-to-stone once it hit the ground…then the treasure, gems and jewels tumbling down from their rotting cases.

He couldn’t deny that what they were after might be beyond these droids, but he also had this sinking feeling that this was turning into a treasure hunt and not just the original mission they were given.

As much as he hated it, being able to hear these androids was an unconscious thing. He may not be a fancy computer, but something in those ones and zeroes created speech he could well understand. Namjoon kept one at bay. Tulipe was at the ready behind, guns locked and loaded and he turned as she spoke. Trying to ignore the weeping droid laying on the ground where he slammed it down, he walked back to where Tulipe stood. Inguk reached a hand down to touch one of her gun holsters, raising a brow and adopting a teasing expression. “Since when did ya’ get these?” Stepping closer, his voice dropped low. “I swear you surprise me every damn day... in the best way.”

“I s’pose I could, the only problem is I can hear em’ now and though they seem frustrated they aren’t exactly.. eloquent. I can’t make heads or tails of what’s goin’ on.” Before he could say another word, Namjoon was brought to the ground. “Tulipe!” Inguk yelled, pointing as if to say ‘take care of that one’ to where one approached on the left. Inguk gave a swift kick to a third droid that lunged, allowing Namjoon to take care of his. When it fell backwards, he reached out a hand to help Namjoon up. “They’re obviously pissed we’re here. Or... scared, it’s hard ta’ tell.” He huffed.

Is that black opal… no, but definitely some quartz..

So much for focus. He blamed the greed of the Dwarves. His family meant well, but they did endow him in his youngest years with a hefty obsession. His bronze eyes sparkled at the sight as even more gemstones and treasures became shown. “We came down here to do a mission. Might as well return with the loot, too.” But this was no fantasy game, nor a mining operation, and he knew that. Inguk rubbed his neck. “Or.. not-“ He seemed on edge, different from his usual level headed self. “Listen, either way we gotta get past these fuckers and they aren’t gonna be democratic about it.” Without hesitation the steambot began barreling through the androids, using his superior strength to shove one at a time into a wall, blissfully unworried about being overpowered.

“What are we even looking for again? Why do I still take up these missio-” The whirring of robotic machinery was getting louder in his head. He slammed his hands to his ears only to be tackled by three of them at once. One he managed to push off before falling to his knees. “Shit!” There were a few more ahead and they seemed just as agitated. 

This was something that she would usually do to sweep the ladies off their feet. Dressing up all dandy, getting them a small surprise to kick off the evening then taking them out on a fancy dinner at a beautiful location. Then a kiss. So far it was always Inguk who did the first step. So, it was only fair that she shook things up by actually doing the things she did best. A couple of days ago she had left a card in a neat envelope in the steambot’s mailbox, which didn’t say much except for the date, a time, and her signature. What was there to say? Wasn’t the whole point of this rendezvous that they could finally talk about… essentially them?

“Wait… I think messed things up. This was supposed to be for someone else”, with a mischievous smirk, the genie teased the steambot. Did she pick these gemstones on purpose? It was perhaps rather unconsciously done by the feelings that she had been perceiving towards her friend. She didn’t expect to receive anything in return and just let out a soft chuckle as the steambot handed her a beautiful box. Her fingers ran along the gorgeous pattern engraved on the tray’s lid. “It’s really beautiful”, when she opened the tray, her heart was embraced with such a warm feeling. The little things that were dear to her were gathered in this tray.

She cheerfully laughed and lightly punched his forearm for that joke, “Oh, please. If I remember correctly, you are never a glass behind me. Heck, you drink more than I do” Her arm rested in his; it’s still so exciting and thrilling yet so natural now. “You just want to keep them pretty things there, so I have to go back to your place to get them”, she squinted her eyes at him as she was accusing him of mischievous thoughts. The genie led the way to the train station of the academy.

“Have you been to The Up yet? Normally I’m just there to pick up some orders for the academy, plant seeds, plants, soil and what not. But I have heard that there is a nice restaurant between clouds. I assumed the sunset view there must be most exquisite”, the genie decided that she could tell him about her plan for the evening now that they were approaching the said city. “I mean, you have tried my cooking before. That’s really not something you want for…” a date, yet the genie didn’t dare to say it out loud as the word carried such heavy meaning to it. “I heard that the food is very deliciously. They said heavenly, but let’s find out for ourselves”

“Someone else, mhmm, sure thing missy.” Whether or not she did it with any intention or any sure feelings, Inguk could appreciate the thought that was put into it. Plus, they had been friends and talked long enough to know the little details. Maybe besides a few things in the past, they knew a lot. So despite any unsure feelings, the care between the two was absolute. Inguk had never been one to overthink a situation like this, his past self preferring to take what is said as the truth and any vague relationship as a casual one. Yet as vague relationships grew, the secretly building passion became more sure and was.. to be quite honest, exciting. They may be a couple of old people who were so heavily set in their ways before, but Tulipe was one of very few to unconsciously push Inguk to try something different. To take a chance for the sake of happiness or success, or excitement.

“Ah, you got that right.” He chuckled. I mean, given the way he was built, it took a severely hefty amount of alcohol to cause any effect. He’s not the ‘squishy’ type after all. “Oh well if that’s what you think you might as well stay here with the other pretty things. I’ll just take the trip myself and meet you back here.” Perhaps his effort at flirting was getting too cheesy at times, but he couldn’t seem to help himself lately when the chances arise. “Surprisingly I haven’t.” He heard you’re basically one with the sky up there and given his obsession with the sky (an odd detail he didn’t often admit to others), he wasn’t sure how he’d feel up there. His roots were in the ground, so he had yet to venture up. Leave it to Tulipe to bring him, after all.

“Sounds like a grand time. I sure have.” He rubbed his nose, remembering the time they did that. “I mean I won’t lie and say it was great. I may sit out o’ the eatin’ part this time.” He didn’t want her to feel left out or alone though. “Though I could eat somethin’ that’s easier to burn.. like a salad with no dressing or some bread.” It still wasn’t ideal, but it was far from eating something wet and dairy and sugary like ice cream that only clogged him up and smelled. No need to ruin the date like that.

A date.

Woah, how interesting. The world might end the day the stoic Elven steambot falls for a squishy and starts dating. Then again that might have been a few months ago and yet the world spins.

They approached The Up and Inguk was only slightly upset he didn’t have his glasses on to take in the full sight. Everything was bright and clear in the open sky, sounds of music and people talking all about. He unhooked his arm unconsciously, pointing toward a nearby sign excitedly. For a moment, Inguk’s demeanor dropped in age, looking like a kid in a candy store. “There’s a market, oh- we should stop by the cliff!”

Whether you are a new or an old RPer, have you ever read through all the locations? The academy hosts a lot of strange and exciting places for your characters to meet. Let’s start this week with the academy and the academy grounds!

Send an ask with one of the following emoji’s for a starter in…

The genie took one last look at the mirror. The suit fitted her perfectly, the dark navy-blue colour did look nicely on her lightly tanned skin. One might wonder if she always went for deep v cut when she was going out with the steambot. But she couldn’t deny that she was growing fond of the style as it had something classy about it. Lightly ruffling through her hair, she did feel more comfortable in this look than the one for the Christmas ball. Sure, it was fancy and beautiful, but this was just more her. The messy ponytail looked rather playful and laidback with her curly hair.

This was something that she would usually do to sweep the ladies off their feet. Dressing up all dandy, getting them a small surprise to kick off the evening then taking them out on a fancy dinner at a beautiful location. Then a kiss. So far it was always Inguk who did the first step. So, it was only fair that she shook things up by actually doing the things she did best. A couple of days ago she had left a card in a neat envelope in the steambot’s mailbox, which didn’t say much except for the date, a time, and her signature. What was there to say? Wasn’t the whole point of this rendezvous that they could finally talk about… essentially them?

After receiving the invite from Tulipe in his mail box, he began to look forward to this date. To say things had changed between them was an understatement, but he still couldn’t be completely sure in what way. The funny thing was how much it didn’t bother him. He wasn’t upset or frustrated or impatient. It was Tulipe, after all, and he just liked spending time with her. Now that he got to kiss her almost all the time, though, was such a great bonus. Three knocks and she was at his door, looking incredible in that low cut suit that had him questioning his previous taunts to “show him what she looked like in a suit” during the Christmas ball.

He wasn’t nervous.. was he? A little, but the kiss reminded him who it was and he smiled. He low-key hoped he’d never get used to that. “Heya.” The stoic man was sent a rush of emotion each time it happened. “France, huh? Oh- I did know that about ya’. Oui oui and whatnot.” He snorted, taking the box from her and letting out a genuine gasp. “Tulipe- this is..” He paused, pulling out his eyepieces to take a look. “I hope you know you’re the only person I wear these damn things around. Fire agate, some bismuth, and rose quarts.. you know that means unconditional love, right? Whatchyu tryin’ to tell me?” He joked, “Sure feels like you’re trying to pay me off here, hun. I might as well give you my gift before you tell me you’ve had your fun and it’s time for me ta’ go.” He laughed. 

Inguk handed her a smooth metal tray that had been engraved with a beautiful flower pattern. On the tray was a mixture of planting seeds and teas as well as a medium sized bottle of Japanese whiskey. “I swear I ain’t calling you a alcoholic. But this one was a single batch and real rare so I had ta’ get it for you. We can keep all this here while we’re out.” Taking her arm in his, he gestured forward after locking his door. “I’m following your lead today, miss spontaneous.”

“Tulipe, hun. Ya’ better put on somethin’ nice. I mean it ain’t like I haven’t seen more of you than I should have already.”  He chuckled to himself, lowering his voice. “ I was uh.. hoping you’d accompany me to the academy’s Christmas shindig?”

As steambot stepped back so they could walk away from the crowd to a quieter corridor, her breath was still taken away by that second kiss. Before she came to take the job at the academy, she had expected a lot of the unexpected, she was ready for all the weird and strange things to befallen her and all the new people she would meet. But the door that the steambot had unlocked inside of her truly surprised her.

Her arms gently wrapped around his broad shoulders as they finally took a halt and leaned in for another kiss. But it was different from the first two. It was more intimate. It was just the two of them again. Tulipe had never seen herself as someone to sneak around the school to secretly kiss anyone, though there was a thrill to it. She was more straightforward when it came to her feelings compared to most and she was never afraid to take her chances. But this wasn’t just anyone, this was one of her closest friends at the academy. This was Inguk.

Her hand ran up his neck to glide her fingers through his soft, thick hair. Her trembling lips curled into a small smirk, “Then let’s not talk” She leaned further in to taste his lips with her own. She knew what talking would lead to: an awkward conversation at best and at its worst, it could be a shattering fight. Even though it would not likely be the latter with the reasonable man, but she didn’t see the necessity of labelling anything yet. Her fingers gently played with his hair as the kiss became more passionate. She was on the fence and she was still on the fence with their current state as friends. But the moment of their first kiss this night, she was ready to dive in the possibilities that the night offered them.

She may be burning up inside, but Inguk was only happy to keep that fire burning. His own furnace’s flames growing higher, he reminded himself to breathe and stay cool. Especially now that she was fully kissing him back- Stay cool damn it.

He had never been one to sneak around either, something so teenage-romancy seemed cheesy and stupid in his book. Reminding him of students sneaking off in between classes.. he should feel ridiculous but all that mattered right now is she’s here. Her arms wrapped around him and she answered. He nodded, a reasonable man after all just like Tulipe thought. Her casual nature was welcomed here too. They didn’t need a label or some drastically romantic outpour of love. They just needed this, here and now, as close as he could possibly get. 

It hadn’t been said in so many words, but the minor actions on her part were enough to trigger the step forward. He knew this would be new to her. Not any act itself, but the whole concept of their situation. It was new to him too, the old man realizing the empathetic side of him only within the last few years. What a mess they were together, but he promised himself he’d do nothing to harm their friendship. He at least knew when apology was necessary. Except-

“That kiss on the boat.” He said, pulling back just slightly. “I’m not apologizin’ for that.” Perhaps it seemed random, but his thoughts had obviously been jumping back and forth. “Or this.” He began kissing at her neck, lifting one of her knees up with his hand to situate himself in between. He craned his neck down, back arching slightly while he explored. The hands suddenly in his hair egged him on- of course this is Tulipe, she wasn’t one to stay timid. At least, despite any confusing or new feelings, Inguk knew that she knew she could trust him. He moved up and laid his forehead on the wall behind her just as a small cloud of steam fell from his mouth again, sifting through clenched teeth. His head was swimming with ideas, a pure need pressing at the forefront of his mind.

“Tulipe. Let’s go somewhere else.” Inguk said lowly. He stepped back to look at his strong-willed friend, grabbing her hand and meeting her eyes. “Yeah? Unless ya’ want to get back to that ball.”