#tsukuharuko

Awww… “Ya should jus’ stay in bed. I’d glady bring things for ya.” He spoke softly as he had gotten up from playing with the dogs, leaning downward and capturing her lips in a soft kiss. “I missed ya too..” Then he’d pull away from her lips and embrace her gently. “C’mon I’ll start on dinner..hopefully we’ll get a little peace for the rest of the day.” Granted it isn’t the first time their little time of peace was interrupted because a surprise case.

Everything about the city was fascinating, from the tallest skyscrapers to the endless crowds that seemed to pack the streets at all hours of the day and night. Even the new school seemed lively, with a wide mix of students from all walks of life, mixing cultures and interests and blending a myriad of voices into one. And though fascinating, it was a bit overwhelming. Alfons had only been in New York City for a little over a week, but he was quickly picking up on there being notable differences from back home in Munich.

The first few days of classes went easily enough, though most other students seemed to know each other. A few had been friendly and came over to greet the new transfer student and ask a few curious questions about where he was from, but in the end, they all drifted off toward their friend groups as the day ended.

So during lunch break, he'd taken to reading a sci-fi novel he'd found in the city library, "Sphere" by Michael Crichton. There were a few words he had to look up the translation for now and then, but overall it was an interesting way to pass the time while he more or less enjoyed the passable quality of the cafeteria food.

Today, though, he noticed a girl sitting by herself, and his book stayed in his backpack. He recognized her from homeroom, but they hadn't spoken. Maybe she was new, too. It was unlikely that he was the only one starting fresh here this year, and as he watched for a few moments out of the corner of his eye, he didn't see anyone looking at her with familiarity. So he wouldn't be interrupting anyone if he went over and introduced himself. If neither of them knew anyone, it was worth at least trying.

Ever since Inosuke had picked up that weird shiny rock, the world had gone crazy.

Inosuke had been lured in by the shine of it. It was brighter than any acorn he had found before, so bright that it even seemed to keep on shining after the sun had disappeared. That was the sole reason why Inosuke had gathered it in the first place... but he had never imagined that so many creatures would be after it.

At first, he rather enjoyed all the attention. The shiny rock had brought many strong opponents to him, and he had defeated every single one of them... until he fell into that odd cavity in the ground. He figured it was the entrance to a cave, where he could recover from the injuries he'd sustained, but the ground kept getting further and further.

Until he found himself in that horrible, horrible place.

It was too loud. Humans crawling all over the place, machines that blew smoke and roared louder than a bear. He couldn't feel any youkai coming after him anymore, but this was worse. Way worse.

fluffy winter time :: open

@tsukuharuko sent: ❛ here, i made some hot chocolate for you. ❜ (for Ezell!)

"!!" Mauve eyes brighten as they lift, the executor showing gratitude before he even opens his mouth. Ezell will wait for that, as it's rather rude to do so with food in there. The pastry would, unfortunately, take precedence. Hastily finished bite. And then he clearing his throat before Haruko would walk away.

"Ahem, thank you Miss Tsukushima! I appreciate it. After being out in the snow all morning, this may be just what I needed." He gladly partakes of a sip, gentle across his lips and again- the enjoyment comes before he speaks. Much of his demeanor worn plainly- despite how much he also existed here in unfortunate deception. "I know I say it often, but they truly don't make drinks like this where I'm from."

At a glance, he was obviously a foreigner, though the truth went deeper than that. Ezell could posture himself as a European all he likes, but his origins were further still. Above the veil between this world and another. The mortal plane and the Heavens.

Ah, but he was quite content with the indulgences of the mortal planes: for him- a borderline criminal indulgence of coffee and sweets. Thus he found himself during his inter-plane business at various cafes. The Coffee Bean being principle among them. Mister Takagi had a way with their blends, and Ezell was learning quickly.

The loud roar of a motorcycle faded to a dying rumble as Greed pulled up to an empty parking spot and killed the motor. Pulling the key free, he swung his leg over the seat and headed towards what may have been the most cheerful-looking establishments he'd ever done business in. It was a far cry from the dimly lit bars and hidden alleyways where he normally met his clients, but it was unlikely anyone would suspect anything that toed the line of the law would take place in a kissaten. He may stand out dressed in fur and leather, but the authorities wouldn't be on the lookout for any activities they deemed suspicious among customers looking for coffee, pastries, or plants.

He swung the door wide open as stepped inside, pausing in the doorway to adjust his sunglasses while sharp eyes scanned the room for the man he was supposed to meet. Good. He was already here, tucked away in a corner, nibbling nervously at a muffin with a steaming mug beside the plate. Greed gave a nod of acknowledgement toward the counter then sauntered casually toward the table.

He set one hand on the chair opposite the man and leaned in just a bit so that he was still looking down at him with a half grin. "Looks like you started without me, huh? Well, you got here early. Can't blame a guy for not sitting around without ordering." He shrugged, eyes never leaving the man's face. "You wait right here. I'll be right back, and we'll talk."

The man nodded tensely, voice following Greed as he headed toward the counter. "I'll be here," he replied, forcing a slight smile.

The guidance counselor looks at the file, places it on the table, read through it silently. Despite his rebellious and punk appearance, Liam knew his job and knew his job well.

The last time he had stepped into the café, he had been his ordinary self. Quiet, embarrassed and a little down-trodden but in the company of friends and healthy as healthy could be.

This time, his condition was less than ideal.

He sat tucked in the corner this time, alone and head down. A lot had happened since his last encounter with Haruko, and she likely knew about it well before he thought to tell her. News traveled fast, especially when it came to heroes and their hard-fought battles.

But he wasn't there to treat himself. He needed a break — from school, from the usual faces, from thinking. The people he cared about most needed their space, and he needed his, but he still wanted someone to be near.

When it was time for her to finally approach, he didn't raise his head or voice.