this is.... probably going to become NSFW

[necromanswers]

[this here is an entry Locked From The Kids. Replies are automatically private unless otherwise stated or accidentally misfired...]

There's no subtle or graceful way to do this, so yolo: anybody out there interested in a no-strings-attached booty call? no drama, no dating required, just a good old fashioned roll in the straw. mutually beneficial, if that sort of thing is appealing to you. can promise a good time and I have on good authority that my tits are spectacular. please for the love of every god in the pantheon if you have an SO already do not get me shanked by them, I just wanna get off okay?

man this sure does sound like a hooker ad, huh

anyway wanna fuck

[She will attach a selfie, for honesty's sake, and also to show off, let's be real.]


-----


[a few separate texts are sent out first to Era, Honerva, and then Pyra-]

ladies, mansion is open for business. same bat time, same bat channel (aka location)

because bats echo-locate and I'm hilarious

[.....and then ardyn too]

hey nerd come have a bath


-----


[Anyone coming to visit Lup will find the magical pocket-di-mansion set up much the same as it was few months prior, though the basement will come with some tweaks at Era's request. It's time for NERD BRUNCH!]

Comments

[necromanswers]

Oh, my bad then. Must have misunderstood the burning tension in the air going on lately.

[She's not gonna call it sexual tension, because. Well. Because. Mostly she's curious about Honerva's opinion on the matter, especially after everything that went sour with Cor.

Gods, seriously. Stupid Lucians.]

[iustaegis]

[ Pyra continues to be a nuisance: ]

Did— have you two kissed yet?!

[shroudedsecrets]

That's --

[ What is this, both of them. Though she understands it's probably better if she organizes her thoughts somewhere instead of letting the uncertainty of it fester. Her ears remain a bit fluttered, caught between emotions. ]

N-- no... we have not. These circumstances are more... natural for us, I think.

[ As opposed to having all the worry about being misled due to something like an inappropriate influence of wine and having that build up to a tangle, so it helps, to have that sort of distinction, despite the wounds left behind by it. Being put on the spot for it all is something else entirely. ]

We are both... fond of our mutual company. We've taken walks a few times, holding hands, mostly. A little... closer, than that, during some difficult moments. We are similar enough that I need not fear some things, but I wonder that calling it something... more... might burden him with feeling he needs to meet some expectation, and perhaps... the same for myself as well.

[necromanswers]

[Lup can't help it, she laughs. It's too much. Honestly, what a delightful chance to get someone flustered.

She'll be merciful though. As with all things, Honerva is bound to be slow, and best not to scare her out of anything through perceived mockery.]

Alright, alright. Sometimes you have to let the ancients move at an ancient pace. What matters is that they seem to be sorting it out, yeah?

[iustaegis]

[ She can’t help her grin from knowing that those she cares about are finding good company in each other. Others potentially falling in love is wonderful. Perhaps Honerva isn’t there yet, and that’s perfectly fine.

She’ll still be excited for her, though. ]

Oh— oh.... Yes! Taking your time, that’s important. [ Especially if there might be some hang up about burdens and whatnot, when relationships shouldn’t be at all about burdens. Sometimes it may be necessary to risk a glacial pace against either of them returning to their worlds. ]

I’m happy for you, Honerva. I hope that your experience will be wonderful, wherever it might lead.

[shroudedsecrets]

[ As flustered as she is by the teasing, she does appreciate it -- deep down, somewhere, when her ears are burning less and she can pull herself out of the mire of feeling foolish. Many of these other feelings are still new, and not anything that could be rationalized, and ultimately... she needs to find a way to talk to to him to see where he truly stands.

Even speaking of it now was just -- a fluttery, helpless sensation she could do little about. The teasing was never too unkind as much as it ever was a wakeup call. Knowing that there's something of a spark in these insinuations even if she dares not trust it yet. ]

... it is my hope for us to be happier. He and I struggle a lot in similar ways... and dwell on that too often. If we can learn to be comfortable with these feelings... if that sentiment is something shared... then I hope the time will be spent wisely. That we do not waste too much of it on... this. Uncertainty.

[necromanswers]

If you think you shouldn't be wasting time, then don't beat around the bush with it. All of us know how temporary this sort of place can be.

[Considering one part of this whole get-together is for her to find a bedfellow since her last one is never going to come crawling back...]

You both deserve to be happy, though. Take a chance, it's totally worth it.

[iustaegis]

[ Pyra blinks, momentary lost. Between taking time and taking a chance, she's not sure what to encourage anymore! There's a happy medium somewhere. ]

Just know that you have support, and Lup is right! [ Lup is always right.

She can't help a small giggle afterwards, though. ]

You could even celebrate your upcoming birthday together in a romantic way, if you happen to be a couple by then.

[shroudedsecrets]

[ It's complicated! All of these feelings are complicated. She doesn't even know how to begin the conversation with Ardyn. It's an entirely different situation than what she'd otherwise experienced, where she'd tumbled into too much too soon only to have it all vanish away.

And so, she can't help but look a little flustered again, ears still low, even if the teasing has eased to advice. ]

This is all... easier said you know. Certainly easier for you to imagine it than myself. He and I are not... so at ease with such concepts. If... he is uncertain of where he stands I do not want to unintentionally force him to be. He is not one to put himself first.

[necromanswers]

If it was easier to do we'd all be surrounded by lovers any time we please.

[Which sounds nice, albeit exhausting, but that isn't how real life works.]

What's important is you find your comfort zone, and every once in a while you push it a little. The vibe I get is that you both are on similar levels, so I think you'll do alright if you open the door. Or one of you does, anyway.

[iustaegis]

[ Pyra, having abandoned braiding Honerva's hair by now, brings a hand up to her cheek, sighing. ]

I hope he's at least comfortable in bringing you flowers.

[shroudedsecrets]

He did provide me with a flower... once, the last time we were here in the mansion.

[ Which the pair both would have seen the conspicuous red sylleblossom tucked into freshly braided hair courtesy of one gentle man she'd taken a selfie with after. Granted he'd also gifted one to Lup, so it may simply have been a kind gesture in the moment. ]

But perhaps I should be considering the best way to... indicate my interest. If this is... mutual as you deem it to be.

[necromanswers]

Just swoon on him.

[Lup stretches her arms over her head, then tilts sideways and flops melodramatically on both of them- her head on Pyra's lap, and her arm draping down over Honerva.]

Ohhhh, sir Ardyn, my legs appear to have failed me... would you be so kind as to assist... with your big strong arms.

[iustaegis]

[ One flower. Only one flower! That's not enough. When Somnus had been around, he had given her a full bouquet.

Thoughts on flowers aside, Pyra laughs as Lup drapes herself over them, and her hand makes it to the top of her head to give her a pat. ] Big strong arms that can protect you! That's the most important thing!

[ And two hands to carry her and to give her flowers! ]

[shroudedsecrets]

[ That's... so ridiculous... she can't help but laugh, even if it is somewhat self-conscious, Lup, really. ]

W... well, I suppose I would be lying if I said I did not have a weakness for... being held and protected by strong arms.

[necromanswers]

[don't @ her, she knew you'd like it. bonus points for getting her to laugh.]

I don't know if I can vouch for his protective ability. We might have to test him out first.

[iustaegis]

[ Oooooooooooo-- ] Such as... a duel?

[ Wait actually that's a terrible idea because: ]

In---- In.... Ardyn's defense, I don't know think he'd be able to best you, Lup.

[ Would anyone, really... ]

[shroudedsecrets]

He has had a tendency to... offer himself toward dangerous recon to keep others from venturing out themselves.

[ In the wake of how she and Lup had fared on one such venture, she's reminded now of having scolding Ardyn for even offering. ]

Though that speaks more to his nature to put others before himself, not what he might do to protect himself in that situation.

[ Charming as he is, she certainly can't see him willingly entering a duel for sport especially given what she'd seen in his memories, unless it were in a bloodless game of chess. ]

[necromanswers]

[Technically Lup has seen what he does, but she's not going to break his trust by saying anything more of it, so instead she hums thoughtfully.]

I suppose fellas with swords usually are proficient enough to wield them... and he's got a big one. [And then she snorts, because she's very mature.] You know what they say about big swords...

[iustaegis]

[ It takes her a moment, but--

At that, Pyra bursts into a fit of giggles. Oh, Lup. Classic, lovely, Lup. ]

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Classic, lovely Lup. And Pyra not as innocent as she often seems, huh. ]

Perhaps it indicates a certain finesse... but he certainly would not appreciate such speculation.

[necromanswers]

One of the joys of having a boyfriend is having a little fun at his expense. Learn to relish in it, at least once in a while.

[iustaegis]

[ Pyra is most definitely not innocent, but at all this talk of romance, she does spare a glance at Lup.

It hadn't been too long ago when they had chatted about Lup's own romantic soulmate.... who is not here in this realm. She hopes that conversations like these do not make her miss him more. Or perhaps this is Lup speaking from experience, to encourage Honerva to enjoy these moments while she still has a (potential) romantic partner in the same world as she. It's difficult to say with Lup, but one thing remains clear: she is a wonderful friend.

Tucking these thoughts aside, she continues. ] She's right, Honerva. Erm, I mean-- in general. About enjoying what you have, while you can.

[ Including... swords... ]

[shroudedsecrets]

Well, it is hardly... anything at all yet, in this present moment.

[ Certainly more than fondness and admiration on both sides, but she can't know or trust for certain they would become anything beyond an interest until they've talked a little more and.

Honerva's been hurt before in this world, and she had certainly had a marriage ever haunting her. Speaking of such things with ease or lightness is rather like being caught up in a strange moment until thoughts catch back up with her. ]

Should it become something more, then perhaps such concepts can be... revisited.

[necromanswers]

I expect to be updated the moment one of you works up the nerves to overcome the awkward chickenshit stage of a relationship.

[Not unkindly - she knows how long this sort of thing can take, after all she and Barry danced around it for 30 years - but essentially, the ball is in their court. They may be infinite, but time isn't, especially in a place like this.]