036 || video;

[majorcrotchgrab]

... And I find myself in the City once again. No matter how many times I'm dragged back, it still always comes as a shock. But I suppose that's to be expected when you land in the goddamn fountain every time.

[He rings out some of his hair]

Only 2 months have gone by while I was back home. Judging from the decorations I'm assuming it's near Christmas or New Years here. Which means it's been half a year since I left. Although it's oddly warm for this time of year...

... Well then.

[He adjusts his soaked uniform and hat, then flashes one of his infamous, charming smiles]

Merry Christmas, City. You've received the best present: Me.

Comments

video;

[moonlitrequiem]

[Have an expression that is so far removed from impressed it passes unimpressed into simply listless and doesn't realize your smile was supposed to be dazzling level.] It is shortly after Christmas, and the New Year has not arrived yet.

[A long pause before her monotone voice picks up again, slowly.]

Welcome back to the City.

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[majorcrotchgrab]

[... Obviously he wasn't trying hard enough]

Then my comment still stands. Late Christmas present.

And thank you. I assume nothing's really changed?

video;

[moonlitrequiem]

[Totally unfazed, minus a bit of confusion.] I didn't ask for anything.

Were you here for the Anonymous Movement take over?

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[majorcrotchgrab]

Well, too bad.

[He purses his lips as he tries to remember]

Yes. I was. They were just starting to riot, I believe.

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[moonlitrequiem]

Other than the the Deities are no longer in charge, nothing has changed.

[Stare.]

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[majorcrotchgrab]

... So they really don't affect anything? There's still curse days?

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[moonlitrequiem]

Yes. [More staring. And to think, this is almost talkative for her. Normally she would have just given a nod. Though, the conversation is likely headed towards nods and shakes, eventually.]

video;

[majorcrotchgrab]

Who's in charge now?

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[anunluckypenny]

Raikov! Can I bring you a towel?

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[majorcrotchgrab]

[Oh, that instantly brightens his mood.]

Penny! I'm glad to see you're still around.

... A towel would be nice, thank you.

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[anunluckypenny]

Yep, still around and with my memory all in one piece. I mean, I think it is. I guess I wouldn't know if it wasn't.

Give me, like, two minutes.

[It won't take long at all for Penny to come dashing to the rescue with a big, fluffy towel.]

action;

[majorcrotchgrab]

[And Raikov waits, sitting on the edge of the fountain, trying to get the water out of his boots. He's thankful it's not typical December weather right now or he'd be freezing - although he really wishes he could stop getting his uniform wet every time he returns.]

action;

[anunluckypenny]

Hey there, stranger.

[Penny offers him a towel. Not that it'll help as much as a change of clothes will, but there's something nice about having a towel after getting drenched by a surprise fountain.]

You're lucky. The City did its season-swap a couple days ago; before that, it was pretty cold.

action;

[majorcrotchgrab]

Hello.

[Indeed there is. Raikov uses the towel to dry his hair]

Probably no colder than the Motherland. Didn't it do this weather swap last year...?

video; AAH RAIKOV'S BACK YEAAAH

[tangledintower]

Raikov? Oh my gosh, Raikov!!

[This IS the best Christmas present, look how happy your presence has made Rapunzel.]

Welcome back! And you actually remember being here before!!
It's actually a few days after Christmas, but you're the best belated present ever. How are you doing, it's great to see you!

video;

[moonlitrequiem]

[That's not an easy question, at all. Yin doesn't answer for a moment, but instead stares, perhaps, almost, frowning.]

The Deities were ousted by the Anonymous Movement, and they claim we are free. Others have different opinions on the matter. [She, on the other hand, has no opinion. Hei is gone. They don't matter.]

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[majorcrotchgrab]

If we're free, then why are we still stuck here?

video; 8D

[majorcrotchgrab]

[Oh Rapunzel, you know how to stroke his ego. He grins, pushing some of his hair back behind his ear]

Why, thank you, Rapunzel. I'm glad you agree with me.

I've been fine. Busy with work stuff back home. Not much else. How've you been?

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[manyadenouement]

[he was doing his own thing when he saw a sight he's actually quite missed. Thrilled beyond measure, his eyes light up as he opens up a link.]

Do I get to unwrap you?

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[majorcrotchgrab]

[He's a bit dryer now thanks to Penny stepping in and providing him with a towel. But just hearing Nathan's voice causes him to get butterflies in his stomach]

Of course you do. I need to change out of these wet clothes, after all...

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[manyadenouement]

I do still have your clothes.

And a bed.

Video

[majorcrotchgrab]

[Raikov can't help but blush a little]

... You waited for me...

Video

[manyadenouement]

Why wouldn't I? I'm very good at waiting.

[He smiles more, enjoying that blush.]

Video

[majorcrotchgrab]

Heh... Just not used to it.

[It's... really unusual to him. He's not sure what to make of it, honestly]

You're still at the mansion, right?

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[manyadenouement]

I am. I can make sure there's some warm food and wine waiting for you.

Assuming you want to come alone rather than be swept off your feet, something that can clearly be arranged.