featherchan

[featherchan]

Watching him nonchalantly lean against the door, her eyes quickly fixated on him, truly taking in the sight of how he had grown so much from a boy to a man. During their years apart, he grew several inches taller than her, that he towered over her. His voice grew deeper too but smoother. Along with becoming so good-looking, he probably has heads turning his way if he were to walk down the street. All these noticeable changes quickly stirred her heart, causing her cheeks to turn pink and turning her meek. That the Lioness buries her face against the pillow and blanket while muttering a small reply, '...Yes'.

But something caught her eye when she looked up: the heavy dark circles around his eyes. The sight made her heart (now) ache in pain, as it was familiar to her and she knows it well. "You barely rest, haven't you?" For years, guilt haunted both her and Clay, as they constantly blamed themselves for never being strong or fast enough to save their friends. That they are were willing to forgo rest and peace of mind, spending every moment, every second of the day, doing whatever they could to find them. Even almost willing to cross the line, making a pact with a demon or a Heylin, to find and reunite with their friends and return to their home.

Originally, Raimundo was absolutely reluctant with their assistance. Presently assisting him with his necessities, consumption and personal hygiene, two necessities he was capable of achieving independently. He was an independent individual, he was for seven years, and considered to be in his twenties. He was surviving in this unforgiving dimension alone, outmaneuvering potential adversaries desiring to endanger him, fugitives desiring to sever his head for egocentric intentions.

He was the bounty hunter of Serpent's Snag, The Dragon of Wind, the leader of the Xiaolin Dragons, the Shoku Warrior, he was capable of caring for himself. He never required another's assistance, regardless of their amicability or providing him with hospitality. Regardless if they were a considerate stranger or a companion, he declined it at every opportunity. Because he was supposed to provide for himself.

And to never appear vulnerable around them, concealing the negative emotions progressively consuming him from within. If they were exposed, there was the possibility his adversaries will utilize them against him, as they did previously. The Heylin sorceress, the draconian immortal, the self-proclaimed embodiment of evil, there will forever be ones attempting to exploit his imperfections.

He was not an imperfection. He was not. He was not inadequate. He was not delicate. He never needed to be coddled as he was presently. His companions didn't have to assist him, they didn't have to. He was alright. He was capable. He can provide for himself.

Nevertheless, The Dragon of Earth's presence disintegrated his reluctance within an instant, including his prepared refusal at his assistance. He presented him with another pair of clothes; a green flannel shirt and denim jeans. They weren't of his particular fashion, preferring anything cotton over denim, but- they were cleaner than his current apparel. And he preferred not to be slumbering in befouled clothes.

His companion then prepared a bath. A bath, as if he was a youngster. Or a wealthier individual having a luxurious spa treatment. He was neither of those things. He was supposed to be showering anyway. Showering was faster, more efficient, and he could wash himself within seconds. He was capable of it.

He was prepared to articulate it. To articulate his capability at his companion, reminding him of the person he was previously, the competent Raimundo. The Leader Raimundo. The Raimundo who was never delicate, nor shattering into fragments the second he reunited with them.

Clay positioned a comforting palm against his shoulder, squeezing it in assurance, glancing towards him with a sympathetic expression, and, eventually, departing from the bathroom. His articulation was never verbalized, it was already illustrated on his countenance. It was already understood. And thus, he entered the bathtub. Attempting to relieve the tension in his muscles and unwind.

He swore he was close to falling asleep in there.

Arriving at dinner, comfortable and exhausted, Raimundo attempted to concentrate on the conversation between them. Responding in between chewing with a languished smile, or affirming to them he was listening with a 'uh-huh'. He never imagined the blond was recruited into a gang, especially with the Knife Gang Bandits. It certainly explained his aggravation towards his earlier assumptions, when he accused him of affiliating with Whiskey.

It became apparent to him he was misinformed. Clay wasn't the person he was supposed to apprehend, the one his client assigned him to imprison. It was either his client was purposefully targeting him, or Deputy Jesse misinformed him on purpose. It was a concern he'll address tomorrow to them, alongside recapitulating his own story. They deserved to know... regardless if it was unpleasant.

Neglecting those concerns at the moment, deciding his brain endured enough tonight, he collapsed onto the mattress without hesitation. Particularly on his front, fluttering his eyelashes as he pressed himself against the pillow. Curling his arms around it, embracing it like he embraced Ninja Fred years ago. He was close to closing his eyes, to conclude this night altogether and enter his dreams... until he was interrupted.

The interruption wasn't bothersome, as his beloved was present at the entrance. With an assortment of pillows and a blanket, presumably for him. Alongside addressing him by his term of endearment. This term he never forgot, regardless of their separation. This term he frequently fantasized to hear, to hear it from her again. To hear her address him by it again. Anticipating the moment she will see him again, to be with him again.

And here she was. She was, after all these years.

"'Course you're not, Querida. You never bother me." He murmured, returning a tender smile at her. He leaned against the doorway, completely unconcerned with her noticing the dark circles curled around his eyes, and his disheveled hair flown freely to his waist. He knew there would be no judgement from her. There never was.

He cupped his chin, glancing curiously at the blanket and pillows. "I haven't officially caught some Z's anyway, so you're not interruptin' my sleepy time. If that's what you're wonderin'." He paused, snorting, attempting to bring levity to this as he normally did. As he once did. "So um... Are those for me?"

[featherchan]

Hearing the blonde's words. It sank into their conscience as they thought about it. Now, becoming a leader, Raimundo had become a little more mature and not easily swayed by his emotions. "As much I hate to admit, the big guy has a point..." Sighing. The Dragon of Fire agrees with the Earth too. "The problem is, how can we be sure she's not the same as the other past Heylin who came to the temple, only to rob us blind?" Being double-crossed three times in a row, even by different people, does leave a sting and a sense of hesitation in welcoming someone new.

As the Lioness was greeted by the Dragon of the Earth, she suddenly turned meek at his presence, taking a tad bit longer to reply. "Umm..." Several scenarios quickly came to mind, such as if she were to accept the sparring match and win, he would hate her. If she spars and lets him win. Yup. He would hate her too. If she refused, you guessed it, he would hate her too. Rubbing the back of her neck, just thinking about it makes her anxious. Every scenario puts her in a rough spot and only worsens their already strained interactions. What she wouldn't do to ask for catastrophe for a distraction. "I-I..." But soon luck was on her side when she caught the corner of her eye, the raven was never more thankful to see their master's presence. "Um...Maybe we can call a rain check on that." The Lioness quickly scurries off without waiting for an answer. Everything was quickly draining her, and it's still morning.

Quickly lining up in a single file, as their master spoke. "As you all know, Kanako Ryuuzaki is the Dragon of the Woods. She has now returned to us, not only to strengthen our fight against the Heylin, but also to obtain her status as a Wudai Warrior. Therefore, she will undergo several trials to test her resolve, and the four of you will be the judge of it." Despite her straight, smiling face, Scarlet was mentally face-palming herself before pulling her face downward. Groaning in her predicament. It was like her day couldn't get any worse. Even her most dangerous heist never put her in this kind of mental distress. Nervously, she turns to the others while pulling at the side of her collar, of her white uniform. "Ah-ha..." As if the voices weren't loud enough to hear. "I probably shouldn't have pulled all the stops, huh?" She lets out a nervous laugh, regretting A LOT for putting the others through, during their first meeting.

Clay had been right; getting a good workout going with the other Dragons did a lot to work his negative emotions out. It was just the thing he needed to start feeling more like himself.

Once Omi left their little group to spar with Kimiko, he watched their antics with mixed emotions. Honestly, it was good that Omi was reaching out to her. She needed someone in her corner, after all, and as vindicated as he felt that Raimundo and Kimiko were taking his side (or, more precisely, their own side, which happened to agree with him), he knew he wouldn't stay angry forever.

He put a gentle hand on Kimiko's shoulder and smiled down at her. "Don't fret, darlin'," he said. "I reckon we could stand to be a mite more friendly than we have been. After all, it ain't her fault that Master Fung asked her to do that.

And so, at Omi's next back flip away from Kanako, Clay caught him mid-air with a protested, "Hey!" and set him aside. "My turn," he informed his young friend, and squared off with the newbie.

Only not so new at the art.

It sort of reminded him of Jermaine, except that Jermaine really had been new, and had only taken up martial arts because Chase had manipulated him into it in order to get to Omi (like usual). Kanako, on the other hand, had her own thing going on, and had, in fact, set foot in this Temple well before any of them had. Even Omi.

So he faced her now, feeling the earth beneath his feet, the grains practically begging to be called to and manipulated. For the last few years, Clay hadn't needed much help from Shen Gong Wu to control his element -- as none of them had -- and he was debating now whether or not to use earth in this sparring match.

For the time being, he decided that, no, he wouldn't use it. Not unless she started getting ruthless. Instead, he breathed deeply, calming both himself and the ground under their feet. He'd use it if the match called for it, but not until then.

"How 'bout a rematch?" he asked, one blue eye barely visible through his curtain of bangs under the rim of his hat.

[featherchan]

The impact of the clashes between the Dragon of Aether and the Serpent King caused such a disastrous wave. Even she was blown back, along with her staff splitting into two upon impact. Now, picking up the two broken pieces, she continued to use them as a weapon and resumed her attack. As a Scarlet, Kanako is constantly faced with odds against her and is trained to have the ingenuity to fight with whatever she can get her hands on. Never giving in or giving up, she fights with all her might to the end.

Attacking head-on, the King was greatly irritating her and even angering her with his sweet words, believing they would charm or sweep her off her feet. Men! "Save your sweet talk for someone else. I already have someone who belongs to me!" Scarlet has always been something people desire to obtain due to their legacy, reputation, and near rarity. Leading her to beat a huge sense of 'No' into him. But each hit and attack shattered her weapon and injured her fists, causing no pain to her enemies while only inflicting harm on herself and damaging her pride.'

Blowing her sore fist, the Lioness turns around in horror as the snakes slowly surround her, chattering eerily. With all the elders down for the count, either injured or tied up, there was no one left to stop them, leaving the sole Dragon of Aether with her back against the wall, in this case, a huge, snake-like creature, behind her.

The sensation coursing through his bloodstream was indefinable; this invigorating sensation absolving him from apprehension, evaporating the ceaseless uncertainties overloading his brain, disencumbering him from probabilities of incompetence, of his companions perishing by their adversaries, perceiving everything with a newfound coherence he never experienced previously.

It was liberating, equivalent to an incarcerated animal escaping its enclosure. Severing the shackles it was restrained to, returning to the location it sincerely belonged to, and repossessing its autonomy to become its genuine self.

Raimundo became his genuine self. He originally believed his envenoming was a malediction, another occurrence of an adversary relentlessly tormenting him, because of his occupation as the Xiaolin Dragons' leader. And including the infiltration of his mindscape, another common occurrence of his, he believed they were attempting to discover his vulnerabilities, exploiting them to their advantage.

Endangering his companions as a result.

It appeared his assumption was incorrect. His envenoming was never a malediction, the anacondas weren't execrating him for a particular reason. They were presenting him with the occupation he was supposed to have, the purpose he was supposed to have, the individual he was supposed to be.

He's informed of his true purpose. He was the sovereign of the anacondas, preventing individuals from enduring tribulations altogether, bestowing prosperity to all. He was their protector, protecting the innocent, his relatives, and his companions.

He was King Sucuri.

Centered in the courtyard, he observed the confrontation between his subordinates and the elders with sinister satisfaction. The elders were progressively outnumbered, their weapons colliding against the anacondas' fangs, attempting to prevent themselves from becoming poisoned. Afflicted like one of their own was.

His subordinates were instructed to retrieve their queen, to discover her location within the temple and return her to their sanctuary. To Ilha da Queimada Grande-Snake island- where she will be secured. Where nothing will harm her.

He was anticipating her arrival any second, concentrating on a particular movement from a distance. Of an individual leaping across the anacondas' heads, increasingly approaching him.

There she was.

His pupils dilated, expanding in absolute ecstasy. He grinned, exposing the corner of his mouth, presenting his fangs as she leaped towards him. Delivering this powerful blow, contacting his scaly arm, and generating enough force to topple the nearest elders and anacondas around them.

It never injured him, never receiving a contusion from the blow, nor collapsing onto his backside. There was an absence of agony, protected by his glittering scales, his seafoam green scales.

Was she expecting to harm him? How comical.

"Olá, Minha Rainha... Nice of you to join us..." He casually responded, his tongue flickering between his teeth.

Our queen... Ssshe's here...

Nossa Rainha... Join usss... the anacondas repeated, their rasped voices reverberating in the courtyard.

All of their attention was entirely on her. As if her presence was more mesmerizing than the eclipse itself, anticipating the impending altercation between their sovereigns. Hissing in enthusiasm as their king was entirely amused, unconcerned with combating his queen.

"We were hopin' you would make it..." And with that, turning to his side, positioning his tail behind him, he swiped it towards her.

[featherchan]

Hey all! Sorry for MIA. Just been really tie up on my end with real life. Hoping I have some down time next week or so. I hope. 🤞 Since I done with the first round of Inbox. Gonna try to reply some threads that I have great muse for. Then, clear my Inbox and back to the draft again.

So kindly bare with me till then.

[featherchan]

☁️  ⠀    *  ⠀  𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡, 𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘!

click the source link to access attention, please!, a header template. you’ll need to know how to work with colour layers, clipping masks and text. if you need help, i’m just an ask away. please don’t edit in any way, add parts to another creator's templates, nor repost or take credit for it.

download for free.

fonts used: poppins, aston script bold.

the download includes a .zip file with a tumblr header version.

[featherchan]

✱˚｡⋆ ↪ 𝐀 𝐘𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄 .    (  a collection of  mixed action prompts.   adjust phrasing as desired.   potentially mature content within.  )

[ 1. ] sender steps between receiver and an aggressive stranger, voice low and steady: "walk. away."

[ 2. ] sender teaches receiver self-defense, hands firm on their hips as they adjust their stance.

[ 3. ] sender presses their forehead to receiver's, voice breaking as they murmur, "i don't know how to fix this, but i'm not leaving."

[ 4. ] sender shoves receiver out of the way of a projectile.

[ 5. ] sender combs their fingers through receiver's hair in the aftermath of a traumatic event, whispering words of comfort.

[ 6. ] sender whispers, “i’ve thought about this all day,” before pinning receiver against a wall for a searing kiss.

[ 7. ] sender wipes away the receiver’s falling tears with their thumb and whispers, “i’m here."

[ 8. ] sender patches up receiver's wounds, hands trembling as they whisper, "you can't keep doing this to me."

[ 9. ] sender shoves receiver into a hiding spot, hissing, "stay here or i’ll kill you myself."

[ 10. ] sender finds receiver drunk at a party, sighing. "let’s get you home."

[ 11. ] sender is discovered sleepwalking by receiver.

[ 12. ] sender steals receiver’s weapon and presses it to their own chest, daring: “go ahead. prove me right.”

[ 13. ] sender ‘accidentally’ flashes receiver while changing, purring, "see something you like?"

[ 14. ] sender whispers, "you’ll ruin me," before biting receiver’s lip hard enough to draw blood.

[ 15. ] sender takes over while receiver is giving themselves stitches, promising to handle it.

[ 16. ] sender frantically grips receiver by the shoulders, "don't you dare close your eyes."

[ 17. ] sender fixes receiver’s crooked [ tie / jewelry ], teasing, "nervous?"

[ 18. ] sender shakes receiver out of a nightmare, comforting them in the aftermath. "same nightmare again?"

[ 19. ] sender brings hot tea and medication to a [ hungover / ill ] receiver.

[ 20. ] sender invites receiver to dance with them, insisting, "what? this song's perfect."

[ 21. ] sender leaves a single rose on receiver’s windshield with a note: "you’re being followed. smile."

[ 22. ] sender pins receiver’s wrists during a sparring match, grinning, "yield."

[ 23. ] sender playfully steals something from receiver, initiating a chase. "come and get it, then."

[ 24. ] sender drapes a blanket over receiver, accidentally waking them. "sorry, go back to sleep."

[ 25. ] receiver returns home only to find sender already there. "finally."

[ 26. ] after a pleasant night out together, sender asks: "can i kiss you goodnight?"

[ 27. ] sender wipes the blood from receiver's face, murmuring, "let's get you cleaned up."

[ 28. ] sender shoves receiver against a vending machine to dodge security, breathless. "act natural."

[ 29. ] sender wakes receiver in the throes of a nightmare, reassuring them, "it's okay, it's not real."

[ 30. ] sender purposefully antagonizes receiver, hurling insults; "what are you gonna do about it?"

[featherchan]

REASONS TO CUP A FACE. ( A PROMPT LIST. )

with the help of some very talented and amazing friends, i present to you an unexpected, very spontaneous meme list based on the beautiful art of cupping someone's face! there's a mix of romantic and platonic here, and even a few that defy the boundaries of normal relationship dynamics! i hope you enjoy! as always; DO NOT ADD TO THIS LIST NOR CLAIM IT AS YOUR OWN!

[KISS]: sender cups the receivers face in their hands before drawing them closer for a kiss.

[CHECK]: after an unexpectedly violent situation, sender frantically rushes to check if the receiver is okay, cupping their face to look closer.

[CLEAN]: sender affectionately wipes a smudge of sauce from the corner of the receiver's mouth, cupping their face in the process.

[LIFT]: sender gently cups the receiver's face and lifts their chin so the receiver is looking up at them.

[COMFORT]: sender cups a distressed receiver's face in their hands and steadies them by resting their foreheads together.

[ATTENTION]: during an important conversation, the sender takes the receiver's face in their hands and firmly directs their focus on them.

[MAKE-UP]: while applying make-up on the receiver's face, the sender cups their face in order to keep them still.

[PRIDE]: after the receiver succeeds in a remarkable achievement, the sender cups their face and tilts their foreheads together to express how proud they are of them.

[WHISPER]: in order to have a private, hushed conversation with the receiver, the sender cups their face and draws them close to make sure they can be heard.

[HAIR]: in the process of pushing the receiver's hair back from their face, the sender lets their hand rest against the receiver's cheek a moment longer.

[GROUND]: during a moment of intense emotional stress, the sender gently takes the receiver's face in their hands to ground them until they're calmer again.

[WONDER]: unable to comprehend how incredible the receiver is, the sender decides to simply cup their face in their hands and marvel at them instead.

[LAST LOOK]: before going into a situation that may result in their death, the sender takes a moment to cup the unaware receiver's face in their hand, just to take a final look of admiration at them before they go.

[SACRIFICE]: the sender cups the receiver's face tenderly to distract them, right before shoving them out of the way (to safety) and facing an attack alone in order to buy the receiver enough time to escape.

[BELIEF]: in a moment where the receiver is lacking in self-confidence, the sender cups their face tenderly and professes their faith in the receiver's abilities.

[DISBELIEF]: after the receiver has done something completely unexpected (and reckless) the stunned sender cups their face in their hands while trying to get them to explain why the hell they did it.

[BETRAYAL]: trying to keep the receiver calm before the big reveal, the sender cups their face gently to keep them steady, and then reveals that they're the villain.

[WOUND]: after the receiver has been wounded, the sender tries to keep them calm and conscious by cupping their face in their hands and talking to them to keep them focused.

[INJURY]: after having been badly wounded themselves, the sender tries to reassure the frantic receiver by cupping their face and comforting them.

[RAMSAY]: after the receiver commits a culinary crime, the sender presses two slices of bread against either side of their face, cupping their face to hold the bread in place, and calls them an idiot sandwich.

[featherchan]

right place, right time prompts.

so i got watching a ton of new tv shows lately, and it occurred to me that actually i do love it when characters are unexpectedly saved by someone who just happened to be exactly in the right place at precisely the correct moment, yk? and i failed to think of the right name, so the title of this list is entirely thanks to a very dear friend of mine who informed me! so here's a list, i hope you guys love it, DO NOT ADD TO THIS LIST OR EDIT IT!!! i like to edit them over time as new ideas come to me.

[ ALIBI ]: the sender provides a false alibi to protect the receiver from legal issues.

[ HAND ]: the sender suddenly arrives to grab the receiver's hand before they fall to their death

[ CAR ]: the sender arrives on scene as the impromptu getaway driver for the receiver (who hadn't been expecting it).

[ FATAL ]: the sender unwittingly arrives on scene when the receiver is being attacked, and to protect the receiver, they kill the assailant.

[ DISTRACT ]: the sender provides a diversion so the receiver can escape a dangerous situation.

[ OUT COLD ]: the sender knocks out an assailant before they can seriously wound the receiver.

[ DUNNO ]: the sender lies about the location of the receiver in order to protect them from pursuers.

[ FAKE ]: the sender, in a situation where they're forced to kill the receiver, only pretends to kill the receiver and takes their "dead" body away in the car.

[ SACRIFICE]: the sender sacrifices their life to ensure the receiver's survival.

[ BACK-UP ]: the sender arrives just in time to help the receiver in a fight.

[ EXCUSES ]: the sender provides an excuse for the receiver to stay at an event where they shouldn't be.

[ HIDDEN ]: the sender hides the receiver from pursuers.

[ SHELTER ]: the sender finds the unconscious receiver and brings them to a safe place.

[ HERO ]: the sender tackles the receiver out of the way of an attack.

[ RUN! ]: the sender tackles the attacker so the receiver can make a safe get-away.

[ FIGHT ]: the sender fights off the assailants so the receiver can flee to safety.

[ INTERCEPT ]: the sender unexpectedly emerges and stands between the receiver and a threat.

[ MISDIRECTION ]: the sender points a group of pursuers in the opposite direction to buy the receiver some time to hide.

[ SANCTUARY ]: the sender opens the door when the receiver knocks in search of help, and brings them into their home.

[ REPUTATION ]: the sender, being somewhat infamous in the area, arrives when the receiver is being hassled, causing the assailants to flee rather than risk the consequences of crossing them.

[ RECOGNIZE ]: the sender pretends to know the receiver in order to help them avoid unwanted attention.

[ AFAR ]: the sender incapacitates, distracts or kills an assailant from a distance to protect the receiver.

[ FRIENDS ]: the sender, unable to attend directly, sends friends over to protect the receiver when they encounter a threat.

[ NEGOTIATE ]: the sender intervenes in a tense situation and manages to smoothly persuade a potential threat to leave the receiver alone.

[ BRIBE ]: the sender gives a threat a significant amount of money to leave the receiver alone.

[ ANNOUNCE ]: the sender issues a declaration that the receiver is under their protection, assuring all potential attackers that any attempts will result in a brutal retaliation from them.

VERBAL PROMPTS:

" they're with me. "

" i was with them all night. "

" hey! these guys bothering you? "

" i wouldn't do that if i were you. "

" you must've really pissed those guys off, huh? "

" follow my lead... "

" don't worry. you're safe here. i won't let anyone hurt you. "

" you're lucky i found you when i did; those people were right down the street. "

" get in the car! now! "

" i'm gonna buy you as much time as i possibly can. make it count, okay? get out of here. now! "

" you can come out now. they're long gone. "

" nobody's going to hurt you like that again. "

[featherchan]

Watching the others eventually join her in the dining room, the disdain for her was evident as the Dragons of Earth, Air, and Fire sat together on one side of the table. While the Dragon of Water was the only one who sat and chatted with her, as they sat on opposite sides with the trio. Well, at least they were eating her pancakes. But they quickly criticized her harshly. It started with Clay turning his smiling pancake into a frown. Stung by their words next and following suit. Kimiko pushed her fruits aside, complaining that the fruits made her pancakes a little too sweet, close to giving her a toothache. The brunet did the same, lamenting that for his preference, ordinary and simple was better, than overdoing it, which was rather vain. They painted a clear message of how they felt about her. And the final nail that sealed the coffin, making it physically clear, was when the cowboy first complimented her dish, giving her a glimmer of hope. But before she could thank him for his compliment and for helping her clean, his next words quickly extinguished the fading hope she had. Feeling as if the rug had been pulled out from under her, the Lioness was almost left speechless at the moment. "Oh, I-I see..." The only few words that could escape her lips.

In the courtyard, taking turns sparring with one another, Clay and Raimundo pair up, while Kimiko and Omi form another pair. While the Scarlet stood alone in the shadows, even kicking a pebble on the floor while sighing heavily. The air and atmosphere were even more choking than they were in the dining room. Talk about irony in an open space. And the constant reminder, being rubbed in her face, of the divide between herself and the others was again visibly clear. Making her feel sorrowfully singled out, like a lonely child whom nobody wanted to play with during school recess. Looking over Kimiko's shoulder, Omi saw this and his heart ached for her. Leading him to excuse himself from Kimiko, he approached Scarlet and extended his hand. "Kanako, my friend, would you like to spar with me?" Smiling back at the young monk, the Lioness knew his heart acted out of sympathy for her. "I would love to..." And the Dragon of Wood knows better than to never look a gift horse in the mouth. Leaping towards his opponent. "Monkey Strike!" His eyes widened, and he was stunned when the Scarlet executed a familiar move. "Wait! That's Hidden Monkeys." None of his friends were well-versed or specialized in martial arts moves, unlike himself, his master, Jermaine, and...Chase Young. "Now, try this on for length. Bison Stomping Crane!" Kanako's eyes squinted for a moment to correct him. "Um, I think you mean size?" Before delivering another move. "That too." Omi responded, then gleefully smiled from ear to ear. "Ooh! That's Cheetah at Rest! Kick and Cancel! Nice one, my friend. Viper Striking Rat! Very thoughtful choice." He continued as the pair responded with one fighting move after another. Leaving Kimiko to cross her arms and roll her eyes at the spectacle, that rhymed. 'Oh, brother!'

As he'd predicted he might, Clay woke at some point in the middle of the night and got himself a midnight snack meal. He avoided Kanako's left over take-out, but otherwise filled his belly on a simple, cold meal that wouldn't wake anyone up with its preparation before heading back to bed.

On the way, he heard Kanako tossing and turning, and for a moment, he considered waking her up. But how would she feel to be woken from a nightmare by a stranger who had made it clear he wasn't too fond of her on her first night? So he let it pass and let sleep take him once more.

The morning came too early. He'd never been a morning person, and he was going on three days of unshaven blond scruff, so he looked particularly rough today. Bleary-eyed, he made his way towards the kitchen, but as soon as he saw her in there, once again trying to win them over with food, he went outside to do some early morning yoga.

After he was done stretching, he contemplated beginning a work-out, but truth be told, he genuinely was hungry, and he wasn't going to stand on ceremony forever. At least he'd gone back to bed last night with the knowledge that there was a person in there and not just some stuck-up varmint set on making them look bad.

With a sigh, he removed his ten gallon hat, combed his fingers through his tousled hair, then replaced it. He'd clean up after breakfast, maybe even shave even though it wasn't Sunday yet.

He was still quiet at the table, though he knew he could lean on the excuse of not being a morning person. He did thank her as she passed the pancakes out (he loved pancakes), then determinedly rearranged the fruit so that it was an angry frown before digging in. He hated that they tasted so good.

"How ya doing there, Clay?" Raimundo (almost as bleary as Clay) asked.

It was kind of him to ask. As sharp-tongued as Rai could be, he was also quick to have his friends' backs. Clay offered him a half smile for her troubles.

"Hangin' in there," he mumbled. "You?"

"Feeling like I need to punch something. Wanna spar after breakfast?"

"Sure thing, assumin' Master Fung ain't got some sort of extra task for us."

Feeling perkier, he ate more quickly now. It was nice to know his friends agreed with him. They were, however, on dish duty. Tempting as it was to foist it off onto Kanako, he wasn't about to pull that. Besides, they'd most likely get in trouble for it.

So once he was done eating, he began gathering empty dishes and carrying them off to the kitchen. "You flip a fine flapjack," he told Kanako as he passed her. "But tasty vittles don't form a bond o' trust. It's gonna take more work than that."

So saying, he began to run a sink of soapy water to get started on the task at hand.

Clay didn't consider himself an innate grudge-holder, but he knew he was capable of it. Rai had gotten the cold shoulder for quite a while after the stunt he pulled with Wuya, even though he'd done the right thing in the end. And don't even get him started on his sister. But the difference in both those cases was that they'd betrayed him. Kanako had done no such thing, because he didn't know her, let alone trust her, at the time of the Showdown.

Yeah, a good sparring match would be just the ticket to get him towards speaking terms with her.

[featherchan]

The inn's kitchen was occupied that afternoon, Hakkai having 'borrowed' the space and some utensils just for a moment to make... chocolates, of all things. He even put his culinary creativity skills to the test by making some in the shape of white roses, all arranged neatly in a nice box. And when he was just about done, Kanako returned.

"Welcome back~" She was greeted by a bright smile. "I hope you don't mind, but word on the street this morning was that today marks a sweet occasion. And you know me, I simply had to try my hand at such a challenge. Only now I fear it might be lacking a little something-" He laughed, gaze turning soft... almost bashful if one observed very closely. "I don't suppose, you'd care to be the judge and give them a taste?"

[ Inbox Impromptu / @shouga-nai ]

[ P.S : Do not turn this ask into a thread without asking first 😉 ]

Kanako strolls back into the inn, looking fatigued. When tilted her neck left to right, a light pop can be heard, a result of a long day of tending and picking herbs. But upon hearing welcoming words from a familiar voice, she swore her fatigue quickly melted away. Being greeted with a warm smile makes her heart flutter, and her cheeks turn slightly pink on their own. "Thank you..." The raven couldn't help being shy upon saying it.

"Oh yes! I heard about it. They called it White Day, didn't they?" The Lioness soon pauses to realize what the day means before a wave of déjà vu hits her, an odd feeling that this feeling has happened once before. Shaking off those odd thoughts, Kanako just awes at the brunette's expression, who looks rather adorable from his bashful smile, a rare sight and a treat for her. "Oh dear. Are you sure?" Her lips turned mischievous. "Be careful what you wish for, Noburu often said. I'm rather a tough judge, but don't worry, I'll be kind and gentle with you."

[featherchan]

It was Tenpou who approached Mi Yue this time, while she was out in the gardens. He greeted her casually at first, but the almost playful look in those violet eyes seemed to suggest that he was hiding something. She needn't guess, as he revealed what was purposely concealed between the books he was carrying - a box decorated with ribbons.

"I happened upon an article about this unique celebration from the lower earth. A day of reciprocal gifts to convey one's appreciation towards those they share a cherished bond with. I believe they call it White Day."

The Marshal smiled knowingly then, presenting the gift to her. In the box were an assortment of handmade white chocolate of varying shapes. He was curious enough to give it a whirl, naturally with the help of one enthusiastic Goku. It was only right for one to put their all in a reciprocal gift after all. "I hope you'll enjoy them."

[ Inbox Impromptu / @shouga-nai ]

[ P.S : Do not turn this ask into a thread without asking first 😉 ]

Mi Yue was in the garden outside of the Marshal's office, inhaling the sweet fragrance of different plants from the Lower Earth. It brought her joy that the plants she planted were thriving, and seeing a new variation always piqued her interest. "Ah! Greeting Tenpou-sama..." Noticing the familiar look, she giggles in response. "Oh dear! What do you have there? Ooh, is it something new you discovered from the Lower Earth?" Her interest immediately peaked, but when she finally saw what it was, the goddess gasped.

Gasped yet again but with excitement. "Oh yes! I heard about that. It only existed previously in that region of the world, specifically for that country. And the-" The woman then paused as the meaning of the celebration crossed her mind. Her cheeks quickly turn pink, wondering if the man reciprocates her feelings. Stopping herself from those thoughts. 'Surely not..' She thought to herself.

But seeing the box of chocolates and opening them, her heart swelled, almost making her teary at the side of it. Mi Yue could see the handiwork, but also the love and dedication in them. If only she could treasure this gift for the rest of her immortal life. "Oh thank you so much, Tenpou-sama. They look delightful. And yes, there is no doubt I will." Her smile grew brighter. "Would you like to share them with me?" The goddess soon offers. Turning pink yet again. "I'm a small eater..." She embarrassingly admitted to it. "Oh! We should invite Goku-chan, along with Kenren-sama and Konzen-sama. I have a delightful tea that would go nicely with this."

[featherchan]

"What's that supposed to do?" {From Lagoona to Kanako!}

[ Inbox Impromptu / @sillymuses ]

[ P.S : Do not turn this ask into a thread without asking first 😉 ]

Studying and reading the textbook in front of her. "A little drop of this chemical should create a heavenly fragrance, which will ace our assignment. Or we just might create the worst stink bomb and fail our assignment." Biting her nails then stopping. "Well, there's no point in worrying about what we can't control. I hope. Cross your claws, tails, and fins."

[featherchan]

"You know it, boo..." Noburu plays along and finger-guns him in return. Next, delivering playful 1-second punches no-touch policy. "Now, you're talking..." The Vixen grins. "Oh, shall we raise the stake?" The Lioness quickly grows interested in the bets. "The loser also has to buy the winner dessert." Clicking her tongue. "Ugh, really?" "There's nothing wrong with polishing off a delicious lunch with dessert. Besides, have you seen the weather out there?" Kanako pointed. "It's practically a sauna outside." Comically, the ashfall on the driveway looked like it was close to melting, and the cars struggled to move over it. "Beside, I could use some ice cream too..."

He gives a faux-playful wink, in spite of Noburu's sarcastic-sounding tone. "I know you want me, love~"

The grin sticks at the game invite, however a keen eye might notice it's more genuinely joyful and excited while still keeping sleazy confidence. "You're making a losing bet, but if you're sure. Ooo, how about we up the steaks? Loser buys the other lunch."

[featherchan]

Rolling her eyes. "Nice dreads..." The Lioness tries not to be cruel and mean, since to be fair, his new looks do make him more appealing. "Just don't boss us around, alright?" Quickly, nudging with one-second rule touch. "Hey, Mitchie! Wanna game?" The Vixen pointing to the free-play game corner. "I'm bored. No customer and time to ourselves. I bet you can't beat me in 2 rounds of Fighting Fury!"

"You better not be letting me do all the chores here." Kanako rested one hand on her hip. "Don't worry, Mom. If I lose, you get to tag in next."

So that's what it is. Haha. Ouch. Someone like him wouldn't be hurt like this, though.

"Oi, you got a bloody good catch. Have you seen me?" His hand goes under his dreads and flips them backward. "It's their lost, really!" Surprising that Five decided to miss out, does his dislike and hate really outweigh that mentor admiration?

[featherchan]

"Ugh! I knew in my gut there was a catch to the swap." The Lioness pressed her hands to her face in frustration. "Five and Miko's puppies' eyes are going to be the doom of all of us." The Blood Queen, specifically Kanako, accepted the swap, taking desk duty so the other could gain some XP, which she did out of kindness and puppy eyes. "Now-now, kids. As much as I love to see the two of you have a throw-down and a fight. Let's just have an easy peasy day today..."

"Well, look who it is. It's Mitchie…" The Vixen strolls in. "Hey, bitch!" "Well, isn't this going to be a delightful shift?" Kanako replies next.

[featherchan]

@mitchftw

Throwing a bah of marshmallows at Noburu. "Get up. There's a campsite across the bridge, we're going there." Not for camping, exactly, but the fire. She said she liked s'mores, and it's supposed to be surprisingly nice outside all day. ...This is NOT him being sweet, though.

[ Inbox Impromptu / @mitchftw ]

[ P.S : Do not turn this ask into a thread without asking first 😉 ]

Catching the bag with her hands instinctively. A wide smile appears on the Vixen before she playfully punches, based on the 1-second rule: no touch. "Ooh! I knew you would come around. If anyone called you a cold-hearted, infriendable, a-hole. Don't believe a word they said." Turning to the Lioness, who just shrugs and returns to her games. "K, come on! We're going camping, and Mitch is taking us." "Eww! Camping…" "I make your favorite double chocolate cookies s'mores…." Magically, comically standing next to them as she ties up her raven hair. "Alright. When do we leave?"

[featherchan]

"Well, look who it is. It's Mitchie…" The Vixen strolls in. "Hey, bitch!" "Well, isn't this going to be a delightful shift?" Kanako replies next.

Another day of working the customer service counter...and to make things better worse, there's 'dream team' pair working nearby too...