starrook

[starrook]

[ alcryst vc screams ]

Watching Rafal lube up one of his fingers, Alcryst tries not to look too, er, fascinated.

Alcryst bought that lube for himself because he wanted to try experimenting in that direction. He could never cross that line or mental threshold that made putting a finger in his ass more pleasurable than weird. When he sees Rafal slip that finger inside himself… Alcryst starts to remember why he wanted to try in the first place. The other man moves his hand with practiced ease. His pale lithe body lies back on cotton sheets, skin tinged even pinker, and how could anyone take their eyes off that stiff cock of his still waiting for release? Then Rafal stops. He pulls out. Alcryst forces himself to look away and at least pretend to be scandalized.

Can he do the same? Rafal invites him to try. “So demanding,” he mutters, a half-hearted protest. “Okay then… I’ll try.”

Their positions shift, and Alcryst sits himself between Rafal’s spread legs. He picks up the lube for himself and starts to squeeze it onto his finger as Rafal did. First the same amount, then a little extra just to be safe. It’s messy when he does it, with lube dripping down his hand and landing on Rafal’s thigh. One hand rests on Rafal’s hip. The other, Alcryst carefully positions it in front of Rafal’s rim.

He doesn’t need to warn Rafal that he’s going to enter. He knows from experience that the cool touch of lube pressing at his entrance says more than enough. Alcryst takes a deep breath. Then, heart pounding, mouth watering, he pushes inside. Though he keeps a careful eye on what he’s doing, he spares some glances at Rafal’s face to watch for signs of pain or displeasure.

Rafal’s body is warm and tight around him. Alcryst’s finger slides in much easier than all the times he’s tried to do this with himself. Alcryst moves in slow, deliberate movements to copy Rafal’s demonstrated pace.

“...More?” He figures the answer is yes—surely Rafal isn’t too impressed by what he’s doing right now—but he has no idea what more looks like. “I can add another finger… or, um, maybe I should…”

Alcryst’s free hand drifts upward. He brushes his fingers along Rafal’s shaft, only to pull away as if stung by static. “S-Sorry…" comes the breathy apology. "I, I don’t know what I’m doing…”

✦ 𝐇𝐄𝐘, 𝐄𝐌𝐎 𝐁𝐎𝐘 ✧

Modern AU, Alcryst & Rafal

[starrook]

“Wh—” Alcryst’s eyes go wide. He looks at the shoes, then to Lapis, then to her bare feet, then back to her shoes. She doesn’t need to tell him how it happened, he can already piece a story together. He’s stupid, he’s such a fool, he hadn’t thought twice about why Lapis is carrying her shoes instead of wearing them. Alcryst thought the lower heels would be easier for her to walk in, so that she could avoid these kinds of injuries.

Guilt nearly brings him to his knees in apology. Alcryst knows he isn’t to blame for her getting hurt, but it’s hard for him to truly believe that. “I’m, I’m sorry! Let me see…” He kneels down to get a better look at her sprained ankle. It’s already wrapped up, which is good, but walking barefoot in the rain has gotten the bandages wet. Alcryst can change them. Knowing he’s not too late to do something and avoid being completely useless helps with the guilt weighing down his heart. “I’ll help you upstairs. Just avoid putting too much weight on your foot, okay…?”

—

Alcryst marvels as magic brings light into their quarters as soon as they step through the door, casting a gentle glow across the room. It’s private, quiet, and looks very comfortable, providing a warm retreat from the cold rains outside. Neatly folded robes and towels rest on top of the large bed. A luxurious room like this is a fitting accommodation for a foreign prince. For his part, Alcryst would have gladly made do with a rat-infested broom closet. But for Lapis? She deserves nothing less than what Viscount Menja has so generously given them.

“Here, sit.” Alcryst gently guides Lapis to the bed. His fingers tenderly brush against her forehead, smoothing away the wet hair that clings to her skin. “Shall I draw you a bath?”

together with you

         ⤷   ethereal ball 2025:  second half.

[starrook]

Alcryst turns sheepish. “Oh, um, we’re—we haven’t. I’ve never met him personally. I’m so sorry, I never meant to imply that we were acquainted…” One hand rubs the back of his neck awkwardly, his mouth trying to form words. “Um, I’ve just heard his name around. His, and House Aegir’s. From there I was able to put a name to face.” 

(Somewhat of an understatement, given that Ferdinand likes to announce himself with his full name in full effect, but Alcryst has blundered enough.)

Alcryst knows enough about Fódlan’s politics to get by. The Knights like to talk about it, but he merely contents himself with listening and learning what he can through their conversations. He knows There is a Duke Aegir, Ferdinand’s father, who is the Prime Minister of the Adrestrian Empire. From what Alcryst understands, that means Ferdinand has a status equivalent to Citrinne’s in Brodia. In other words, he’s someone with a lot of political power and influence. Not at all out of place in this academy that caters especially to Fódlan’s elite.

Where Dorothea sees a tennis match, a skillful conversation with equal participants, Alcryst fights for his life just to hold a decent conversation. He’s not sure of what to make of her response. There’s little to glean off of these scant details she provides. Even her voice is… neutral. Giving nothing away. Perhaps there’s a problem between them that Dorothea doesn’t want to share? Or it’s just Alcryst overthinking again… he keeps his thoughts to himself.

“The school year is almost over, right?” Brodia prides herself on her robust military, so this is an easier line of questioning for him and hopefully for her as a longtime student. “May I ask you something? Ever since I heard you were originally a famous songstress, I always wondered what made you decide to start a career in the military.”

[ ♫ ]  ─  * 𝐛𝐢𝐠 𝐟𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐞 𝐛𝐭𝐰. 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐞

toaball2025 mini | continued from x:

[starrook]

Normally, Alcryst makes it a point to avoid any and all suspicious portals to alternate dimensions of reality. Last time he did, he died! Twice!! And from what he’s heard about this Morfisian elementals, he doubts they are any more trustworthy than Pasithee was.

This time, Alcryst makes an exception to ask Yunaka to join him in taking on the spirits’ challenge. Because she’s an excellent thief. Because she’s lethal on a battlefield. As if Alcryst has any interest in whatever treasure the Elementals have to offer him.

What Alcryst is looking for can only be found amidst the waves of enemies. It’s the rhythm that steadily builds between them—the space between Alcryst pulling more arrows and Yunaka shifting her position to land the perfect hit. It’s the ability to focus completely on what’s in front of you because your back is already secure. It’s the knowledge that you aren’t a lone man fighting against the world.

Maybe it’s foolish to try to recreate what they had in Happyland. They were friends… before Alcryst tore it apart in his pursuit for truth and justice. It’s his fault, he knows. Yet he still mourns for what was lost.

The final cavalier charges at them, a last-ditch effort to bring their journey to an end. Alcryst fires his last arrow, striking the horse’s leg. Both horse and rider scream as they fall to the ground. “Yunaka, go!”

@dcggersedge

can we be fwiends again 🥺

grants any skill +1

[starrook]

There it is... Lapis putting others before herself, ignoring her own needs in the process. Alcryst is all too familiar with that sentiment. He's felt it within himself. He's seen it in Lapis before, back in Happyland when she tried to "protect" him by keeping her distance. Her hand, which held his wrist so tightly, begins to loosen its grip again. As if Alcryst could ever be happy to see Lapis put herself down like this. She doesn't have to hide her worries from him. Can't she see...?

"Alcryst. Just Alcryst." That comes out a bit brusquely; Alcryst winces before trying to soften his tone, make it more gentle. "Um, when you add 'prince' before that, it sounds very stiff." He'd brought this up at Happyland too, but he didn't want to push her after hearing her say she wouldn't be comfortable saying it in public. Perhaps Alcryst should have been more insistent before. "So please only call me by my name."

The lines blur in times like these. Alcryst and Lapis are equal partners in a loving relationship. Alcryst is Lapis' prince and lord, her employer so long as she remains his retainer. He doesn't want to be some domineering prince or high-handed husband ordering her around and expecting obedience. He doesn't want her to place him on a pedestal. He doesn't want her to think of someone she needs to please to her own detriment.

Alcryst lets out a sigh. He hopes he doesn't sound as frustrated as he feels—not with Lapis, but with his own helplessness. If only he could say, "I won't dismiss your worries," and have her simply believe it.

"The staff here prepared guests rooms in case we have to stay a night. I was able to get one for us." Good thing, too... between Lapis' prior rapport with Fauntleroy and Alcryst's status as a prince, he didn't have as difficult a time as others. "Let's go upstairs and clean up. I think we could both do with some rest..."

together with you

         ⤷   ethereal ball 2025:  second half.

[starrook]

[ TOWEL ]

Tended to just in time, it allows Lapis to make the journey to shelter inside Viscount Menja's home from the storm, but her heart doesn't settle until she's certain she can find a specific someone...

“ Prince Alcryst! ”

Ruby eyes scour through crowds over and over until she's certain she's found him at last. Bounding over to him, shoes in one hand and a clean towel in the other, she carefully attempts to navigate the large room to make it to him.

“ Sorry. I should've been out there trying to find you before I headed inside, ”  she apologizes, instantly regretting her decision.  “ I'm glad you made it though. The storm's something fierce! Here, lean down and I'll dry you off. One of the workers here just gave me this. ”

It leaves her completely drenched from head to toe, but she doesn't hesitate even a moment in her mind.

Where is Lapis?

Alcryst's head turns at the sound of doors opening, the steady drumming of rain followed by a bustling crowd of people seeking shelter from the storm. Their clothes look soaked completely through, worse than the last group's. And just as Alcryst did with the last group, he searches for a certain face. None of them are Lapis.

He tells himself that Lapis is fine, that she's a capable woman who can surely make her way back to the mansion in this downpour. In Alcryst's heart he knows that's true, yet the pit in his stomach remains. Just a few more minutes. A few more minutes, and if Lapis isn't back by then, Alcryst will allow himself to freak out.

Thankfully he doesn't have to wait that long. Alcryst hears his name and turns immediately, "Lapis!", with a relieved smile on his face. Has she been inside all this time? That should have been a relief, but he only worries about how wet she looks. Shoes in one hand, towel in another. Water drips from the dress, forming little puddles by her feet, and yet she insists on drying Alcryst off first.

"Wait, you should use it first," Alcryst insists. Sure he could use a towel, but to him it's Lapis that needs it more. Honestly she might need more than that. Alcryst extends a hand towards the shoes, offering to hold them for her. "Ah... should I ask Viscount Menja to find a change of clothes for you? You'll catch a cold if you stay in that dress."

[starrook]

[ MULLED WINE ]

Leo peruses the feast, a half-empty plate held in one hand. The myriad pastries and other treats, while presented quite nicely, do little to entice him. He's never been one for sweets; seems he'll have to endure a less than satisfactory dinner if this is all the Viscount is offering.

Near the end of the feast table sits a selection of drinks. Again, more sweet teas. The bergamot would do in a pinch, though, especially if it leans more into the floral profile than the citrus.

But something more robust calls his attention. A few glasses of mulled wine sit, ripe for the picking. Leo takes one, allowing himself a small sip. Only then does he notice another person hovering anxiously near the feast tables.

"Good evening, Alcryst," Leo greets, lowering his glass. "Did you make it through the storm unscathed?"

"Prince Leo!" Here's an old face. They met during that big mission, succumbing to sickness only to meet in the "afterlife."

It's hard to believe it's been over a year since that happened! Alcryst greets his fellow prince with a bow and even a small smile. "Good evening to you too...! I made it out alright. It was only drizzling when I made it back inside, so I didn't get too wet." Others weren't so lucky, getting soaked to the bone... though Alcryst thinks he's not much better. He's seen in his reflection how frizzy his hair is getting. Ugh...

"You seem better off than me," Alcryst compliments. Better to turn the conversation away from himself before he bores Prince Leo. "How is the wine, by the way? I've been wanting to try it, but they didn't have any when I asked... Bad luck on my part, I guess..."

[starrook]

[ FIREWORKS ] dare she admit it, the viscount proves once more that he is a mage unrivaled in his ability to cast. from her position beside one of the arched windows, dorothea watches as streams of brilliant color dance atop his fingertips and rocket toward the sky, illuminating the heavens in swathes of light that bathe those below in greens, blues, purples, and then pinks. the display is so intense that even the interior of the room pulses softly with the corresponding hues, coloring the figure not too far off to the side in a vibrant shade of orange when dorothea glances his way.

"i thought you'd be at a certain someone's side," she quips, casting a curious glance in his direction. "...no lover's quarrel, i hope?"

Instead of a show, Alcryst sees a battle of man versus nature. The explosive pops of light magic in the sky are drowned out by the steady rainfall and occasional rumbles of thunder. Bright reds and blues and purples flash in the sky, only for flickers of white lightning to stretch along the dark clouds and steal the show.

In Dorothea's company, Alcryst suppresses a sigh. It's an impressive display of magic, he's sure, but not enough to distract him from the storm at their doorsteps. He can't blame the Viscount, of course: this is Alcryst we're talking about after all...

Instead, Dorothea snaps him back to reality. "Huh? N-No! We're fine...!" Alcryst denies it immediately, only to realize too late that Dorothea might be suspicious of his reaction. Ugh, but there's really nothing going on...! "Um, Lapis, she's with Yunaka last I saw. Yunaka is—oh, I suppose you know her already, right...? A-Anyways, they're friends, so it's fine."

He says that, but the words don't match the expression on his face. Alcryst hasn't seen either of them since the storm started. Hopefully they're not out there in the rain...

"How about you?" Alcryst turns the topic over to Dorothea. "I saw you brought a date with you. Ferdinand von Aegir?" He might not know everything about Fódlan's influential families, but that name tends to echo through the halls of Garreg Mach. A lot. "How is your night going with him so far?"

[starrook]

"Hold this for a moment, please."

It's delivered with an urgency that would leave him little time to deliberate. She drops what looks to be reddish string in his palm, then returns her attentions to the sandbar, wedging her fingers beneath the top layer.

"I discovered a couple more around… here," Sara explains belatedly, continuing to rummage through tightly packed sand without sparing him another look. "They're really quite cute and even fun to hold in your hand too, when they don't squirm away. Some people use worms for fishing, but I usually return them when I'm done watching."

For fishing Alcryst is used to the terrestrial worms: earthworms and red worms and all sorts of caterpillars and larvae. It's natural that the sea has their own kinds of worms. He's never been fishing in the ocean, but he's read enough about it to make an educated guess about what he's holding.

"...Bloodworms?" These ones are small, but their deep red color is still striking. Alcryst picks up a broken shell nearby and places the worm in it. He's no stranger to holding crawling slimy things, but not in formal wear. "I heard of these... you should be careful. I've read anecdotes that some people develop a sensitivity to these after a while... Itching, redness..."

[starrook]

[ CROWDED ]

-- THE ACTUAL BREACH INTO the venue is of far more difficulty to Hortensia than she had expected. Used to being one of the main guests of honor and granted a special procession into the venue, the setting of 'all-too-many' and 'all-too-important' created a rather unpleasant experience where she was shuffled in like any other odd student.

Which was. Good, she reminded herself. To be overly special was not the point here- she was a guest, just the same as everyone else. To think there was any point in elevating herself when this was one of the few chances she'd have to attend an event such as this as just a somebody was-

"Eek!"

She basically tumbles headfirst into the person in front of her after a rather rude shove to the back. Already aghast from the whole situation, Hortensia only pushes forward in her frustration, causing a whole lovely domino effect. By the time she's pulled her eyes forward, able to grasp who she's pushed, its-

Ahh. Alcryst. Well, not the best person to shove to the ground for dozens of reasons.

"A-Alcryst?" she says, one hand over her mouth and the other already reaching to pick him up. "I'm so sorry, I just- ughhh, it's a mess tonight. Really not cool of me, I know, uhm... well, let's just get you off the ground, first."

When a beehive is invaded by an intruder, whether it be a predatory wasp or a replacement queen that fails to impress, honeybees make use of an interesting defense strategy. The workers swarm their target and vibrate their wings and bodies to generate heat. That heat, multiplied over hundreds of bees, creates hot, stifling conditions that easily kill their victim.

Tonight, Alcryst is that miserable bug. He has invaded a foreign hive and finds himself surrounded by crowds of people slowly cooking him to death. He may have gotten better at parties and social events and not melting in the face of other people... but crowds are still a struggle.

One rough shove against his back. Alcryst finds himself on the floor. Ah. So this is where he dies: trampled underfoot, a proper insect's death.

Wait. He knows that voice. "Hortensia?" Alcryst turns his head to stare up at the Elusian princess. It takes him a second to recognize that the apology is for him of all people. "Um, it's fine! Don't worry about it. It's pretty crowded after all." It's not like her to fret like this, Alcryst thinks. He swallows back his usual self-deprecation and allows himself to be helped back up to his feet.

"Did I get dirty?" Alcryst asks worriedly. Lapis made him these clothes! He'd hate to see them filthy. He inspects his sleeves, his knees. "I am so not used to wearing white..."

[starrook]

"Not so loud!!" Yunaka grabs Alcryst by the shoulders—he grabs her back, hoping to calm her down before he accidentally strangles her. Or something. Not that he would!! But if Lapis found out he wanted to propose before he was actually ready to do so...

"It's—It's fine!. No harm done." Hopefully. Alcryst spares a quick glance at the crowd, relieved to see that Lapis hasn't made it back to him yet. "But, um, yes! Yes. I plan to propose. We've been together for a while now—" Then he realizes what Yunaka just said. "Wait, you didn't know?? I'm so sorry!! It wasn't my intention to hide it from you or anything." That does mean Lapis didn't tell her either, but Alcryst is sure she has her reasons. "Um, if everything goes well, you're most certainly invited to the wedding!

"And, um... I love her too. I love her so much." It's the one thing Alcryst is sure about. He wouldn't be here today if Lapis hadn't been here for him. Yunaka presents him with a challenge, and Alcryst accepts by meeting her eyes and steadying his voice. "I want to... no. I will make her happy."

"Heya, Alcydoodle." Yunaka keeps her voice light and casual as she strolls up to the prince. "Looking fancy tonight! The change in style suits you." She means that, genuinely. Something about him today was different, like he was all lit up from the inside about something. And Yunaka has a good suspicion what that might be.

Alcryst doesn't know that, of course, so she plans to approach this delicately. She offers him a glass from one of the tables, making sure to sip from her own first just in case he suspects anything might have been done to it.

And then, delicately, before her smile turns too smug, she asks. "So when you popping the question to Lapis?"

Alcryst is in a great mood. And it's not in spite of being at a party, nor in spite of being at a beach. This calm satisfaction comes from deep within his heart, a warm steady feeling that makes him feel like he's walking on air. Is this what it's like to feel... okay? Confident, even?

"Thank you!" Normally Alcryst struggles with compliments, but he refuses to downplay one for what he's wearing. "Lapis made it for me. She's so talented!" He puffs out his chest, showing off more of the suit Lapis made. "She was even able to make me look good in white!"

Alcryst could go on, he could! But usual habits prevent him from talking about himself too much. "You look fantastic too! ...Actually more than that! You look so cool! I love your style!" He means it, too. The textured fabric? The corset? The chains, the metal, everything just screams cool to him. Alcryst can only dream of pulling something like this off.

Life is good, isn't it? He gladly takes the drink offered, sipping as soon as Yunaka swallows her own. Then, he chokes on it.

"Pop—wait, how did you know??" Ah, back to panicking. "Yunaka, please don't tell me Lapis suspects anything...!" With all that's going on tonight, Alcryst wasn't planning to propose right now!! It's the wrong place! No, it's too soon! Shouldn't they talk it through first to make sure they're both ready for that next step? Or do normal, not-Alcryst people not do that? Augh...

[starrook]

More than just a part, Alcryst thinks. His outfit shows off many hues of pink, ranging from the dusky rose on his cape to the pale pink dusting his doublet's collar. "And I'm proud to wear it. It came out great!" Alcryst praises. "It's well-made, as expected. Hehe, if anything you're the one that made me pretty." And not even in a lipstick-on-a-pig sort of way. He feared wearing white would make him look like a ghost, but Lapis has somehow made him look like a real dashing prince.

Sometimes it's hard to believe that Lapis can look at someone like him and see a charming prince. On the other hand, Alcryst is pretty sure that Lapis feels similarly to him. They shared a flaw in struggling to see the good in themselves.

"As for you, the dress does nothing but enhance what's already there." The dress is pretty, sure, but in Alcryst's eyes it's the woman wearing it that makes it shine. He tucks a bit of pink hair behind Lapis' ear, admiring her a little more. "You're beautiful with or without it."

(Alcryst realizes the double entendre a little too late. Oops. Maybe Lapis will be okay with it? He'd hate to repeat that "not romantically, of course" debacle from last year!!)

"U-Um... do, do you want to exchange charms? Even though we both have turtles, I think we still need to get someone else's..."

@starrook sent:  "You're so beautiful, Lapis." It's hard for Alcryst to look away from her, and even harder to play it cool. He grins from ear to ear, enchanted by her. His face reddens, blushing like a love-struck schoolboy. Shyly, Alcryst covers his hand with his mouth. He can't stop smiling.   ( ethereal ball — first half prompts. )

    “ B-Beautiful? ”  Lapis had felt Alcryst's gaze on her strongly, compelled to wonder if there might be something on her face. Before she can check, however, he reveals the reason, and suddenly the blush on his cheeks spreads over to hers. It's not the first time he's told her something like this but with a different atmosphere, a different outfit, and the nerves already set in from fretting over the idea of having to be careful not to tarnish her dress...

“ I-I... well, um! If you think so, then I have you to thank, don't I? You're the one who made me pretty... ”

Tripping over her words, she feels even shyer for saying it. She plays a little with the front of her skirt, feeling the texture of the cloth between the pinch of her fingers.

“ You're pretty charming yourself, Alcryst. ”  Her eyes pointed downward, it's a bit easier to speak.  “ You always are. But today feels... different. Mmhm. ”

Eyes pan to get a better look at him from his toes up to his head as she contemplates the reason. And bit by bit, she loosens up, finding her courage to look him in the eye again and smile.

“ It's nice to see you wear something from me. It's like you're carrying a part of me wherever you go! And that makes me feel pretty proud, heh. ”

[starrook]

"Heya, Alcydoodle." Yunaka keeps her voice light and casual as she strolls up to the prince. "Looking fancy tonight! The change in style suits you." She means that, genuinely. Something about him today was different, like he was all lit up from the inside about something. And Yunaka has a good suspicion what that might be.

Alcryst doesn't know that, of course, so she plans to approach this delicately. She offers him a glass from one of the tables, making sure to sip from her own first just in case he suspects anything might have been done to it.

And then, delicately, before her smile turns too smug, she asks. "So when you popping the question to Lapis?"

Alcryst is in a great mood. And it's not in spite of being at a party, nor in spite of being at a beach. This calm satisfaction comes from deep within his heart, a warm steady feeling that makes him feel like he's walking on air. Is this what it's like to feel... okay? Confident, even?

"Thank you!" Normally Alcryst struggles with compliments, but he refuses to downplay one for what he's wearing. "Lapis made it for me. She's so talented!" He puffs out his chest, showing off more of the suit Lapis made. "She was even able to make me look good in white!"

Alcryst could go on, he could! But usual habits prevent him from talking about himself too much. "You look fantastic too! ...Actually more than that! You look so cool! I love your style!" He means it, too. The textured fabric? The corset? The chains, the metal, everything just screams cool to him. Alcryst can only dream of pulling something like this off.

Life is good, isn't it? He gladly takes the drink offered, sipping as soon as Yunaka swallows her own. Then, he chokes on it.

"Pop—wait, how did you know??" Ah, back to panicking. "Yunaka, please don't tell me Lapis suspects anything...!" With all that's going on tonight, Alcryst wasn't planning to propose right now!! It's the wrong place! No, it's too soon! Shouldn't they talk it through first to make sure they're both ready for that next step? Or do normal, not-Alcryst people not do that? Augh...

[starrook]

Hoshido? Alcryst has never heard of it. That must be outside of Elyos... in short, not where he assumed.

And it gets worse! "Oh, um, not really..." Alcryst admits. "It's just as far from Brodia as you can get while still being in Elyos. But after meeting Kagetsu, it's a place I'd like to travel to! Ah, he's my friend from there. I believe he's attending this ball, though I don't know where he is right now. Kagetsu is very kind, and he was always happy to share his culture with us!" Alcryst's eyes brighten at the memory of trying sashimi moriawase for the first time, hearing stories of his brother's fierce spars with the swordsmaster. "I'm sure he'd be delighted to tell you all about the Pale Sands if you ask!"

"I hope you do not mind me making a second attempt at a good formal encounter." Mitama laughs as she greets Alcryst with a wave, this time making sure to bring no plates of food with her as she approaches him. She does not want a repeat of last year's incident.

"I was hoping we might further erase the memory by performing the exchange much more smoothly this year." Her bracelet comes with many a little starfish charms to give. She pulls one free now and offers it to him with a smile. "And I hope that with this offering, we might set off towards something more friendly than just "strangers who inconvenienced each other"."

"Of course! I don't mind at all." While they only met briefly at the end of last year's ball, Mitama certainly made an impression. Specifically on Alcryst's shirt. "I hope you've been doing well, Mitama."

Alcryst takes a turtle charm off of his bracelet in turn, exchanging it for her starfish. "You look lovely tonight. What you're wearing is especially striking! It reminds me of the clothing one of my friends wears. Are you from the Pale Sands as well?"

[starrook]

"I hope you do not mind me making a second attempt at a good formal encounter." Mitama laughs as she greets Alcryst with a wave, this time making sure to bring no plates of food with her as she approaches him. She does not want a repeat of last year's incident.

"I was hoping we might further erase the memory by performing the exchange much more smoothly this year." Her bracelet comes with many a little starfish charms to give. She pulls one free now and offers it to him with a smile. "And I hope that with this offering, we might set off towards something more friendly than just "strangers who inconvenienced each other"."

"Of course! I don't mind at all." While they only met briefly at the end of last year's ball, Mitama certainly made an impression. Specifically on Alcryst's shirt. "I hope you've been doing well, Mitama."

Alcryst takes a turtle charm off of his bracelet in turn, exchanging it for her starfish. "You look lovely tonight. What you're wearing is especially striking! It reminds me of the clothing one of my friends wears. Are you from the Pale Sands as well?"

[starrook]

[ title becomes relevant ]

"You're asking me?!" For some reason Alcryst thought Rafal would just... have that on hand, like those little bottles of hand sanitizer. "I mean..."

Alcryst uses lotion almost exclusively. It's easy to get, inexpensive, and discrete enough that he can buy it without raising any eyebrows at the store. Using lube over lotion is like a big step up towards something more serious and intentional. Alcryst is a simple man! He really doesn't need much!

...Avoiding Rafal's eyes, Alcryst sits himself up and opens the top drawer of his nightstand. His backup glasses are here, along with the aforementioned lotion and other odds and ends. Past the tangled mess of pens and charging cables, his fingers brush against the smooth surface of the glasses case stuffed in the back corner. Alcryst discretely pulls it out, body hunched over it so that Rafal doesn't see.

"...Here." Alcryst tosses a small bottle to Rafal before shoving the glasses case back into the drawer. It's a bottle of silicone lube, with a corny name befitting something bought from the forsaken back shelves of Spencers. Drip Daddy Glide or Die Long-Lasting Silicone-Based Lubricant. "Don't laugh, please... it's a long story..." Alcryst still hasn't gotten the courage to look at Rafal in the face again. Somehow he's more embarrassed by this than when he showed Rafal his dick. "I, I haven't really used it... I didn't know lube could get so messy..." Easily the worst $14 Alcryst ever spent.

✦ 𝐇𝐄𝐘, 𝐄𝐌𝐎 𝐁𝐎𝐘 ✧

Modern AU, Alcryst & Rafal

[starrook]

[ "Mmnghmphuh" ]

Alcryst grumbles out an unintelligible answer. Then, more clearly, "I'm good."

Maybe, just perhaps, a little more than good if he's being honest with himself. Alcryst has never cum this hard on his own, and he finds himself left with a warm, fuzzy satisfaction that he's never experienced before. It's the way new prescription glasses feel when you first put them on for the first time, when everything is so crisp and clear that it starts to feel disorienting. Alcryst feels the heat of his own body, the sweat beading on his brow. He can feel the texture of his cotton bedsheets as it rubs against his sensitive skin. His chest rises and falls, heart pounding in his chest, blood roaring in his ears.

"You're, um..." The words get stuck in Alcryst's throat, and he can only stare longingly at the other man's back. When it's just him, he always imagined that at this point whoever he was with would hold him, say they loved him... something stupid like that. He swallows back his disappointment. He tries not to think about how lonely he feels seeing Rafal sitting away from him.

Alcryst misses the warmth and weight and touch Rafal gave him, and he hates that. "Is that it? I can keep going... I'd hate to think you didn't get anything out of this..."

✦ 𝐇𝐄𝐘, 𝐄𝐌𝐎 𝐁𝐎𝐘 ✧

Modern AU, Alcryst & Rafal