019 // action: verdant forest, streets of union, divine theater (closed)

[actsmagnificent]

[ a - verdant forest ]

Easy.

[ Haruka Tenoh, as per usual, is sitting astride a mighty, majestic Pokémon. It's not a Rhyhorn, however. It's Uranus the Salamence, now sporting an impressive set of battle scars and testing wings that are sore from disuse. All winter. She'd remained grounded all winter, afraid to try flying again even after she'd healed. But now, with the spring breezes stirring hope in her breast, she dares to imagine that they can support her weight again. She dreams once more...of flight.

Honestly, Haruka is mostly here for moral support, as the Salamence's wings flap once, twice - its feet leave the ground - and slowly, beat by beat of those massive wings, Uranus climbs into the air. They clear the treetops. They speed towards the clouds.

Uranus bellows in triumph and sets out to loop around the city spires. Anyone else in midflight right now may find themselves with a joyful companion. She doesn't want to be alone for this. She wants everyone to know.

She's flying!!! ]

[ b - streets of union ]

[ At the same time this is happening, however, an Amaura collapses onto the cobblestones, even her long neck stretched along the ground. Her tongue lolls out of her mouth, and she takes a heavy breath. She'd been looking...for a good place....to watch her friend fly....but Union gets so warm!

Help...and please...don't step on her...even though she's blocking foot traffic.... ]

[ c - closed to divine defense force ]

[ A successful voyage doesn't mean Haruka's own buoyant mood lasts. Instead, she's landed with even more purpose in her step than before, and a light in her eyes. One by one, she's tracking down the people she's responsible for, and asking them a single question: ]

Are you ready?

[ Just that. Because no matter what Union votes on the current crisis of conscience, for her, the way forward is clear. The Divine Defense Force saves gods from humans, and humanity at large from gods.

War is a small price to pay to stave off the apocalypse. And let the blame for that war fall on her shoulders. She's prepared. ]

Comments

[incousinswithyou]

[her strokes start slowing down, eventually reaching a light, circling tease. The tight hold she has around your shoulders loosens too, but she seems content to stay right here until you decide to move.

Though well, the slow return of her flush doesn't seem to have anything to do with the heat of the water.]

Shaaaaa... [but why is the food going away? Even if he's getting full. It's the principal of the matter!]

[actsmagnificent]

[ Haruka is recovering. Returning to herself. Realizing where she is - the fullness of where, exactly, everywhere, she is. She laughs, pressing her cheek against her partner's. ] How're you feeling?

[ She can...continue...if you'd like. To top this off. If you're up for it.

Amara is too busy staring at her Problem to answer this question. Maybe if she used a leg?

No. Her legs are just bitty stubs. This will not work. Amara stands on three legs and grunts, disappointed. ] Rr.

[incousinswithyou]

[Michiru groans in response, removing her hand only to wrap it around your wrist. If her intent was to pull your hand away, she's not doing a very good job.]

We'll never get out of here. [she can't quite find the strength (or the will) to sound reproachful, so instead she just sounds distracted and aroused.]

Osha, oshawott. [look, just put down the bowl and then open the door. He crosses his arms, tapping his foot.] Shaaaa. [you still haven't answered his question!!]

[actsmagnificent]

I can be quick. [ But you wouldn't enjoy it as much, potentially - certainly not for as long. What'll it be?

Crooning in your ear probably isn't helping matters any, but Haruka can't say she minds.

Once again, Allegro has come up with a good idea. But Amara would feel bad putting food on the floor, even in a bowl. She looks around for a nearby countertop and heads over. Just has to put this down... ] Mmmmmmmmr.

[ ...what was the question? ]

[incousinswithyou]

Mmm. [she's...not really paying attention to your actual words, but rather to the way you're saying it. At least it sounds like a yes! Even if she'd essentially agree with anything you say right now, as long as you keep talking.

Michiru's eyes flutter shut - the better to focus on your voice.

Allegro keeps tapping his little foot.] Osha! [why are you putting the delicious food away??]

beautiful dinosaur too good for this world, too pure

[actsmagnificent]

[ A captive audience, she sees. Well then. Haruka will just keep stroking - and keep speaking. ] We can always pick up where we left off later, too.

[ Though she seems fairly into the idea of continuing to linger. They could do both. Both would not be bad.

Amara turns, beginning to try nudging the cold box's door open with her nose. The Berries are for everyone. If they just keep eating them, they might eat them all. And that would make her feel bad.

...You can have one of hers if you're still hungry. ] Ama amaura.

[incousinswithyou]

[her hands move, eventually perching on your shoulders for both stability and to get closer. Her breathing's already picking up the pace, even as she grinds her hips into your hand.]

No, I - [a hitch of her breath. She's more sensitive now than before.] I want you.

[at this point in time, inhibition doesn't seem to be a priority for her.

Allegro looks surprised! W-why would Amara offer that?] Osh?

[actsmagnificent]

[ This laughter is strained, but she can't help it. Undo her all over again, why don't you. They probably wouldn't even need to be touching for that. Just Michiru's voice. Michiru's presence.

So Haruka leans in and breathes directly, deliberately, into that ear: ] Michiru.

[ Her fingers curl, caress.

Amara blinks, bashful now that she's put on the spot. It just seemed to make sense to her that the person most sad the Berries are going away should have more than the person who decided to put them away. So it's okay. Or was that a rude thing to say? She is still very new to being with people who aren't other Amaura. She hopes she was not accidentally mean. ] Ama amau.

[incousinswithyou]

[the only response she's got to that is a soft whine and a squirm as that whisper seems to send shivers down her spine. Eyes are screwed shut, knees weak, breathing hard. Not long now.

She's fast losing the last shreds of control - but when it's with you, she doesn't mind.]

....Sha. [oh great. Now he feels bad. But does he feel bad enough to not take the offered berry...?]

Wott. [Allegro pops the rest of his berry into his mouth and swallows. Nope, he's full. He doesn't need it.]

[actsmagnificent]

[ Haruka won't judge, don't worry. Just give her one more moment. One more moment like this...

...and she'll kiss the inside of your ear gently, making sure to stroke right where it's needed most. You trained really hard today, and they have a hard battle ahead of them. They have to take these moments as they come.

Amara blinks. Are you sure? She's happy to eat it, but only if you're sure... ] Ma...

[ She manages to kick the fridge open without looking at it and it smacks her flank as she moves to keep it open. But she doesn't notice, since she's smiling at Allegro. Okay! She doesn't want anybody to end up with a tummyache from overeating, either. ] Amaura!

[incousinswithyou]

[Michiru shudders, biting off a gasp and pressing closer (as close as possible), face buried in the crook of your neck. Her cry is all but soundless, essentially lost in the falling water around them. Hands on your shoulders go tight as she tenses up, even as her body gives in to that coiling heat between her legs.

When her muscles relax again, it's all she can do to breathe and stay upright.]

Osh. [Allegro nods, pretty sure this is the Right Thing to do. Even if he's losing out. Or is it because he's losing out? (this never makes sense)]

[actsmagnificent]

[ Oh, Michiru. Haruka finally withdraws her hand - slowly, gently - so that she'll be able to fully embrace her partner, rubbing her back and waiting. Take as long as you need, Michiru. She's here.

...This was her intention, anyway, but somehow she ends up trying to find that forehead to kiss it. Someone's still used to running at her own pace.

Amara has to streeeetch to grab that Berry bowl, but back into the fridge it goes and then back over to Allegro she goes, too. She picks up the contested Berry. It vanishes in one gulp, but she does make sure to chew a lot before swallowing. Where could Trainer and Trainer's Trainer be? Allegro is so smart. He might have a better guess. ] Mau maura...

[incousinswithyou]

[there's a small shiver as your hand moves, though it's not enough to get her to move. Not with the way she's wrapped up in your arms.

That kiss though, it's enough to rouse her out of her almost-stupor. Michiru raises her head, closing the small distance between them with a quiet kiss.]

Oshaaa. [wellll he knows Trainer went to the pool. And if Trainer is there, the other human is probably close by.]

[actsmagnificent]

[ Mmmmm. Haruka makes sure to savor this kiss - soft and sweet - and smiles at Michiru when they both finally come up for air. She doesn't know about the one who actually went swimming, but she feels rejuvenated. ] Let's go home.

Amaaa. Ama ra. [ That is true. Amara nods, not putting two and two together that then there was no point in checking the cold box. They should wait closer to the gate, then. Unless Trainer and Trainer's Trainer go right to their room after spending time out.

She has also noticed that happens a lot. It is a human thing, she suspects. ]

[incousinswithyou]

Mm. [there's just quiet agreement as she smiles. It takes her a moment, but when she finally moves, she reaches over to turn off the water.

Drip, drip, drip. That was one long shower.

Hey, checking out that cold box was important! What if Amara Fainted from the heat/lack of berries?]

Oshawott. [they can go by the gate! It's easier than waiting for Human Time to be over.]

[actsmagnificent]

[ It was. And they're both so used to the heat and the steam that if they don't stay close, they might get cold. That is absolutely why Haruka's arm is going to stay wrapped around Michiru even as they head to find towels. Practicality.

Amara is also practical. And impressed with this judgment call. She nods. ] Ma.

[ She feels like she has learned something important and yet dangerous by having cracked the cold box's secret. Maybe she will ask Gold about it later. He also seems to know many things.

Amara is lucky to be surrounded by so many smart Pokémon. ]

[incousinswithyou]

[Michiru doesn't seem to mind, not from the way she's leaning in. Once they get to the towels though, she turns, picks up a towel, and then reaches up and drapes it over your head.

You're all wet. Judging from that smile, that thought seems to amuse her.]

Osh. [Allegro cheerfully hops down off the table and then leads the way to the courtyard. At least he's unaware that he's being compared to Gold.]

[actsmagnificent]

[ Oi. Then this towel Haruka just picked up gets handed to you instead (with a smile). So are you.

Amara follows Allegro with equal cheer. Trainer and Trainer's Trainer mustn't be long now! ]

[incousinswithyou]

[she turns, smiling as she starts drying her hair and then the rest of her. Clothes, shoes, gathering her things. It looks like she's a lot more efficient when you're not distracting her.

Ready?]

[actsmagnificent]

[ Look at that. Haruka happens to be in the process of reaching to button the last button on her own shirt when Michiru turns back to her. This is in no way to flash a glimpse of collarbone before handling this fastener, no ma'am. (It isn't even the top button on the shirt. Just as far up as Haruka usually buttons things.)

Haruka, however, would rather look at you. Forever. But she supposes she can do that while moving, too. ] Our adventurers should be back by now.

[ She'd been helping Uranus with her first flight before this, and Amara had wanted to go out in the city to observe. It was odd that she hadn't been back when Haruka'd left for the Habitat.

But it's Union. Even Haruka's natural paranoia has a hard time believing anyone from Union would harm a Pokémon. ]

[incousinswithyou]

[you (and your now hidden collarbone) get a lingering look, but Michiru resists the urge to reach up and smooth over that collar. Too distracting.

Instead, she offers you a hand, palm up.] Then let's go home.

[actsmagnificent]

[ Oh look. A hand. Haruka smiles at it. ] All right.

[ She bypasses the hand to loop her arm through Michiru's arm, though. For humor.

And then she takes the hand, because when Michiru Kaioh offers you a hand, you take it. Off we go. ]