a soft touch;

It seems that she doesn't know who he is exactly, so he keeps a cool level head as he brings her hand up. He leans down and bushes his lips over he knuckles before responding to her. "Oh, I'm having plenty of fun, believe me," he chuckles before twirling her around with her hand in his, then hooks his arms around her in a one-armed hug. He's still holding her hand gently, enough that if she feels uncomfortable, she should be able to pull away from him without much effort.

The shadows on his arms seem to bristle over his arms underneath his suit jacket, but he manages to ignore the sensation of them getting colder. The blanket of comfort now turning into a tool to keep him from feeling too anxious as he held Davina against him.

When he twirled her, she nearly stumbled on feet. Her free hand rested lightly on his chest to maintain her balance. While she froze a moment, Davina finally registered what she said, and she could not help but to giggle. The man before her must be a charmer. She had clearly underestimated him when he first approached. However, she did not quite feel intimidated by it as she may have sober.

When she went along with his idea, however, even tying in her silly online alias, he couldn't help but laugh that familiar hyena cackle. "Does that make you a cannibal?" he chortled as he helped her into the passenger seat. Another little chuckle escaped, though this time with just a touch of shyness when at the compliment to his looks. "It's the dimples," he assured her with a playful wink. Indeed, the island was full of absolutely beautiful people--'really, really ridiculously good-looking,' he had to admit--but he knew that those damned dimples gave him an adorable advantage.

But alas, the light-heartedness did not last as the looming question of just who had left brought about the answer. "Ahhhh…" he replied softly to the name as he ensured she was properly belted in. He hoped that, in time, she would come to believe herself to be the wonderful person she was, that she didn't need someone else to define her worth, but that was completely up to her and it was her own journey to experience, one that he could only provide support for.

Once he was fastened in the driver's seat, he turned the ignition, Penny's engine purring seamlessly, audio system automatically syncing to his phone where it had previously been, a lofi version of Tifa's theme from Final Fantasy 7 playing at a low volume…low enough for him to hear her comment about feeling silly. "Why?" he asked as he drove them from the parking lot, slow and careful, keeping his eyes on the road of course, but also not wanting to take turns too fast lest she feel sick.

"Nah, I don't think that's silly, but it's okay to feel crappy. I know if someone I really liked suddenly left without saying anything, I'd be pretty bummed out, too," he admitted with a slow nod. "I dunno why you think it's karma, though," the chatty demigod continued. Despite graduating with honors, he wasn't always the most clever in the room and therefore didn't make the connection between Haoyu's sudden departure and her prior stint as a runaway bride. "The way I see it? Haoyu's got some adventures to go on, probably gonna go find himself. I mean, I barely knew him, but he seemed like the kinda guy to say 'fuck karma' anyway, so I wouldn't worry about it to much. And hey, if it is karma, then maybe it did you a favor? There's definitely someone out there who better complements your whole you-ness because the one for you definitely won't just willingly up and leave an amazing person like you without saying something. I promise you that."

More snickers followed his little joke, and she barely managed to slop into the car, much thanks to his help. "We all have toxic traits, I guess." More giggles followed the comment, and she reached up, gently(well as gently as a drunk woman could) patted his cheeks. "Dimples help. Being a good person does even more." The compliment flows naturally. It was one of her best friends that she was talking about after all!

Sighing, she finished belting herself in as she waited for him to begin driving. It was unmistakable the soft song that played over the radio no matter her current condition. She had watched several of his streams over the last few weeks, even if it was just in the background as she did her other work. By now, Felix had been a constant source of background noise.

Leaning back in the seat, she chewed on her lower lip as she tried to listen to what he spoke. "Karma? Because I probably hurt that guys feelings when I left him at the altar. This must be fate providing him justice." Even drunk, it was not an argument that made sense. But, she didn't make sense drunk, even more when that was paired with sadness. Davina wanted to cling to her friend's argument. In many ways, Davina was a hopeless romantic, and she knew that this was not the type of love she wanted either. Feeling his hand, she released him, moving her hands back into her lap. A bit of silence following his statements.

However, a shift in topic was in order and the subject of their conversation had changed to her daughter's visits to her residence on the island. Of course, Davina was welcome to visit the estate at any time--she was the Queen Mother's daughter, after all! "Good," she declared with a satisfied nod when the young woman accepted the open invitation to visit whenever she liked.

On the other hand, when the subject of Davina's gift to her 'plus one' was discussed, the goddess very nearly choked on her drink of wine but caught it and delicately composed herself once more, recovering from her brief shock. Nevertheless, she felt she had to explain, very much aware of the fact her daughter had been raised in a place with a far different culture, but there were still some who were very familiar with and respected the custom even if they weren't from the same belief.

She listened to her daughter explain her suspicions toward Felix's reaction and reception to the gift as well as the dynamic of their relationship. "A...'just friend'...that you invited to a family dinner to sit at the family table...and then gave a...very intimate gift. Yes. You may...consider discussing that with him. Approach the subject in a delicate and strategic manner," she mused and leaned against the wall of the spring, resting the back of her head upon a rolled towel, a soft chuckle escaping her lips as she saw just how red her daughter's cheeks had become.

Her mother seemed rather convinced that her social faux pas may have gave Felix the wrong impressions. So, she determined that she should tell him at least her intentions. Maybe, it would put his mind at ease. If he really thought she liked him, Davina was sure that it could only make things awkward for him, especially since he did not have any feelings for her. Taking a sip, she thought for a second, especially at what her mother stated.

"But, he is my family and a friend at the same time. Is that so weird? I guess if he actually believes that I gave him a gift in that fashion. But, he also knows that I have someone I like." Davina rambles on as if trying to make sure her mother realizes how unlikely it was. "But, I will figure out how to approach the subject with him. How awkward. 'Hey Felix... I just want you to know that I only gave you that gift because you are my friend, and I thought you would like it as a friend.'" She clicked her tongue, shaking her head at the cringe.

That voice. He knew her.

Distant images of a fight and the memory of blood stinging in his eyes while he dragged himself to the hospital painted themselves across his mind. Just a split second later, he was able to pinpoint how he remembered her. 

A blink ended his mind‘s short mission to recall that time and Maxim‘s focus drew back over to her. The whole ordeal lasted barely a second and if she wasn‘t paying close attention to him, she might‘ve missed his absent state. The nagging feeling of recognition finally dissipated without his expression ever allowing any emotions to play out. "Alright then. Sit.“ His tone lacked the edge that would make his offered invitation sound like a command; nestled somewhere in the vast gap between disinterested and welcoming. Similar to how one might declare the time of day or talk about the news in the papers. 

Nodding towards the chair on the other side of the desk, Maxim unlocked and placed the tablet in front of her. The display lit up to show his first suggestion. A delicate floral design that stretched out vertically across the screen. Light pink peonies contrasted the rich, green color of the leaves and stems. While he had to admit he was proud of all the choices he was about to present to her, he liked the combination of colors for this particular one the most. 

After a fleeting glance at the display, Maxim looked over to her, his expression softening ever so slightly. He wanted to see her reaction, the slightest shift in her demeanor. „I‘d like to go over some points with you.“ Despite his voice keeping the even tone from earlier, there was something gentle in his words. 

Admittedly, bringing kindness across by conversing was never his forté and luckily neither of his jobs required much talking in the first place. But if he could show his appreciation for her help - to let her know that he didn‘t forget about the extra mile she went to make him feel better - the least he could do was use a kinder tone. Then again, it might also be the most he could do. 

“First off, I‘m Maxim. We might‘ve met a while back.“ His expression didn‘t show any signs of the question blaring through his mind and making him wonder just why he just said that. Even the part about his name, he‘d like to take back. Just for good measure.

“Is this your first tattoo?“ Part of him was hoping it was. There was something exciting about working with a blank canvas; setting the standard for any subsequent designs. 

“I‘ve looked at the inspiration pictures you sent in and prepared some possible designs in my style. You can look at them, tell me which one you prefer most and whether there are parts you‘d like to change or adjust.“ Without even a glance down to the device on the table, he slid a finger across the screen to show the next idea he drew. Flowers, whose names he could only name in his native language, formed a dainty bouquet in a fineline style. The colors were darker and more saturated, ranging from reds to purples and pinks with varying shades of green making up the leaves. 

“You‘re not going to hurt my feelings if you don‘t like something. Be honest with me and yourself and tell me if you don‘t like parts of the designs. I can change it as much as I need to on this,“ he nudged the tablet closer to her, bringing attention to the device he was referring to, “but not when it‘s under your skin.“ The words came out studied and emotionless - he repeated the previous passage over and over again. In fact, he made the exact same statement every time he was working with an unfamiliar client. 

So when he invited her to sit, she did not hesitate, and she moved over to the chair, as comfortable as the nerves allowed her to be. She knew the outcome would be amazing! But the process, that was a bit nerve-wracking. However, his creations did well to pull her from that. Leaning forward, she tilted her head so that she could look over each floral design he presented her. She had to give it to him. Maxim truly had talent in this division. She could already imagine it on her body, and it would look amazing.

Starting from a look to surprise quickly to excited awe, she allowed him to speak, struggling to steal her glance from the screen. However, when she did, the bright grin pulled on her lips. "Maxim. I'm Davina" Ah! Now that was his name! Yes, she did place him right. It all finally added up to that memory of a rather rebellious man with a growing infection she healed. Craning her neck, she looked at his forehead, smiling at how untouched it seemed. Playfully, she adds. "Yes. It's nice to see you without a gash on your forehead. You look much better this way."

Watching him, she paused for a second before letting her gaze go back to the tablet. "Yea.. It is my first." She responded. Davina had been impressed with the first design, but each one of his clearly showcased both skill and creativity. However, she did too see herself more interested in the first design that had shown up, pleased with the delicate pink, peonies. Finally, she reached, gently flicking back to the first drawing. "I know. I like this one. Will it be long enough to go along my back? If so, I am happy with it."

"Isn't it ?" There was a light paink dust on In-Soo's cheeks as Davina joined him again, placing a delicious looking brown sugar milk tea in front of him. It smelled divine and he took a careful sip. Heaven ! "Oh, it's scrumptious !" he exclaimed, grinning at his cousin. Once she was settled, he pushed the food towards her, inviting her to start eating.

"Oh? Really!" She exclaimed, checking again to his features. "I'm glad that you like it. I will release it soon then! It'll be a spring highlight!" She nods her head, and Davina gratefully takes the food he pushed toward her. She hadn't realized how hungry she was until the food was before her. "Thanks!"

She listened to Davina's thoughts about Lily, nodding. "Animals do have a way of sensing things. Lily is a smart cat, and I'm glad she's getting along with Cactus, and I'm sure she will bloomin' love Mallow. I mean, look at him! It's always wonderful when pets can coexist peacefully."

Mai's little family she had created was absolutely beautiful. Between her, Lily, and Cactus, the trio were adorable, and Davina loved them more than anything. "Yes. It just takes a bit of encouraging sometimes, but I think they will have fun together. Though, I hear animals sometimes model their owners behaviors. So, if we keep being besties, they have to model that!"

Until he wasn't. Moments like this? When he was lost? He could really use a friendly face or a kind stranger to help him. And then, by some miracle, she appeared--that kind stranger with a friendly face who moved closer and looked at his map. He froze, turning his head a bit to stare at her. And stare. And stare.

Switching the Mandarin, the demigoddess offered him a warm smile before speaking. "No need for thanks. I know how it feels to be lost on the island." While she had been directionally challenged in the beginning of her stay, the demigoddess now believed she knew nearly every area, except the red light district. Davina definitely could be of help.

Oddly enough, he was somewhat reminded of his college days--though truthfully, those days weren't too long ago, just a few years, but he did have vivid memories of helping many-a-drunken-party-goer to their waiting chariots (Ubers/Lyfts/taxis, designated drivers, bus stops, etc.) back then and, yes, even accompanying them on their ride...usually to a late night diner to load up on greasy and carby foods.

Using his key fob, he pressed the button which unlocked Penny with a tell-tale beep-beep as he helped her to the door. "Heeeeeyyyyy...I calls 'em like a sees 'em," he assured her; it wasn't just a compliment to make her feel better, but he had honestly meant it. Though as she protest and told him there was no point in doing so, he frowned a bit. Wait. No point in looking pretty? Because...he left the island? "Wait, who?" Did she mean Haoyu?

Without him, there would have been no way she would have made it safely home. Everything was a bit too dizzy to walk in a straight line at the moment, and his grip on her was the only thing truly keeping her stable. But, she was trying her best to manage in the situation. She was at least aware of her drunkenness. That was not a normal feat for her. While a sober Davina would have still just thought it was her friend being kind, she was far too drunk to ponder too long on it. "You are handsome too, Mr. superstar." She responds genuinely. The two were blessed that their godly blood had granted them some superior appearances, and she had no problem letting her friend know that too.

When he asked her who, she mumbled out a bitter 'Haoyu'. The demigoddess hoped that the demigod was doing well wherever he went, but having developed quite the crush, nothing was more depressing than realizing the apartment next to hers was now bare. Frowning at his words, she knew that Felix was right, even if it was hard to follow that line of reasoning right now. Davina got into the car with his help, stumbling to buckle herself up as Felix went to the other side of the car to get in.

"Whoa--" he started when he watched her stumble off the chair, but was silenced when her arms caught him around the waist and she set to just hold him like that with her forehead on his shoulder, leaving him with his arms hovering in air for a moment as she sighed. Okay. All right. He didn't mind hugs at all, obviously, and considered himself a VERY good hugger--but there was just something about being hugged by a drunk woman who he still wasn't quite sure how she felt about him that made those little swirly doubts stir in the back of his head; he pushed them aside, though, because she had admitted to being sad. Oh no. Why was she sad?

Maybe not the best place to inquire, though; in fact, a pretty lady in this rough-and-tumble rock bar was bound to get a lot of attention, especially with how drunk she was; good thing she had Felix there! Dr. Feelgood's was a place he had frequented quite a bit since arriving on the island--not really the clubbing type, he was very much a Detroit kid so a bar like this one was far more his style (and he'd already developed somewhat of a reputation for hustlin' pool).

Amused, she definitely was drunger, though she had never heard the concoction of words before. It was one of the parts of this experienced she did hope that she remembered, but she did not think she was at that level of forgetting tonight. Though she thought that every time something like this happened. "Pancakes sound yummy. Bacon greasy. Chocolate milk, sweet. Bubbles fun." She responds, mutters of words disappearing as the loud music tuned out her struggled speech. She just knew that she was ready to go home and be more comfortable. Davina felt comfortable around Felix, and she did not mind more time with him.

Felix had been in the process of just musing with chat about which side quest to do next when his text alert went off with Navi's iconic "HEY! LISTEN!"

"One second, chat," he said with a chuckle, knowing that the customized alert was for the indominable Miss Piggy. Reading the message silently to himself, Felix nodded and typed a quick message back. Wrapping up. Be there in 10. Tucking the phone into the back pocket of his faded jeans, he returned his attention to the stream and called it for the night--it was a good place to stop anyway; he'd already streamed way past his usual time so they would pick this up again tomorrow! After a quick raid-out to another streamer's broadcast, he quickly signed out and stepped into his usual red Chuck Taylor hightops and pulled on his black Star Wars X-wing hoodie over his simple white tee with the iconic FF7 meteor image screened across the chest. One quick drive with Penny later, and he was sneaking through the doors of Dr. Feelgood's on the lookout for the familiar face.

Pulled to attention, Davina shifted her gaze over to Felix. A smile pulled on her lips at the sight of him. Even though she had not been in her best headspace, her chaotic friend always seemed to brighten her mood just by being there. Unable to notice the concern in his gaze, she did not respond immediately. Instead, Davina stumbled off of the chair so that she could give her friend a hug. Arms fumbled to land snugly around his waist as she rested her forehead against his shoulder. The demigoddess sighed loud enough to be heard over the music.

Closed starter for the kind princess @mpxdavina

Usually, his sense of direction was good--and while he had thought he had a general idea of how to get back to his apartment after work, he had been more interested in exploring the island than remaining indoors. However, he had stayed a bit late on the farm and by the time he left, it was already dark and the overcast skies hid the stars and moon from view, making it difficult for him to ascertain exactly where he was.

Walking down the sidewalk, the demigoddess had been eyeing her surroundings, following several feet behind a man who she at first did not pay much mind. Though, Davina did notice the reactions of several rather rude individuals, and she bit back an annoyance at the looks those individuals were giving, though a few glares were shot in their directions. People on the island were really miserable at times. Trying not to let it ruin her mood, she was about to find a shop when she noticed him stop. Lost? He definitely seemed to be in a dilemma, and based of everyone else's harsh judgments, she doubted anyone would come to his aid.

With @mpxdavina

After signing the paperwork for the transfer of ownership, Jayden figured that it wouldn’t hurt to celebrate for one night before he continues to worry about why he even moved to the island in the first place.

He heads over to his newly acquired business venture, Visión / Ilusión. He hadn’t really thought about what he wanted to do when he moved here, but why not go back into something he had already know what to do, owning and running a business. Sure it’s not the same as what he had been doing exactly, being an heir to a technology empire and all, but it’s close enough for him.

Jayden's shadows rest on his skin, wrapping him in a slight cold. He’s still not quite used to it yet, but the feeling of them is slowly becoming a blanket of comfort for him. At least here, he doesn’t have to hide them anymore.

His eyes scan over the club, the music blaring through the speakers as he takes a sip of the old-fashioned in his hand as his body reacts to the music. He smiles at the crowd, satisfied that the business seems to be booming.

The smile on his lips fall as he eyes one of the girls on the dance floor. He furrows his eyesbrows before he downs his drink in one go, ignoring the burn in his throat as he passes the glass back to the bartender.

This is going to be quite a night, he thought, as he wades his way through the crowd until he reaches the girl he remembers from the picture his parents had given him all those years ago. His supposed bride-to-be back then is now dancing in front of him, in his newly acquired night club in an island he didn’t even know existed until recently, and now he’s unsure why he decided to run over here without a plan.

After finishing drinking and chatting with her new bartender friend, Davina finally felt that buzz from her alcohol. Drunk? No. Ready to dance? Absolutely. So, she had taken to the dancefloor with no thoughts or concerns. Davina quite enjoyed dancing, even if she was not the best or perfect at it. That unhinged freedom to move her body as she wished, it was hard to ignore.

And, she enjoyed the dancefloor for some time. Lost to the music, she would turn around to a man facing her. A smile on his face, Davina locked eyes with him immediately. Who was he? She had no idea. He seemed to know her as she saw some look of recognition in his features. But, she simply thought he had been a customer, not the man her father nearly forced her to marry.

"It's wonderful that Pudding has taken a liking to him too. Looks like you've got a harmonious animal kingdom going on here," Mai said with a chuckle, enjoying the playful energy radiating from the little canine.

"Kind of like my Cactus and Lily! Though I didn't really expect them to get along as well as they do," Mai pondered, "I thought Lily would've been scared of the spikes, you know?"

"Thank you! I am hoping he is sweet too! He has a lot of energy, and his personality is starting to show. But, I can't quite tell how Mallow will be once he gets a bit bigger. I have a feeling he has some chaos energy, but that makes everything more fun!" She gushes in an excited ramble to her friend. Davina loved animals. Pudding and Mallow were to be spoiled!

Thinking for a second, she finally spoke. "Lily probably has a good head on her shoulders. Though, animals have that kind of sense. I think she is smart to know not to poke the bad sides, but the good sides are great!" She reasoned. It made some sense, or at least, it did to her.