(Lol okay X'D)

"And what's that gonna do for you, hmm?" the prince hummed slyly. "Denying it doesn't make it false. And I'll prove it to you anyway," he said with a smirk, holding her a little tighter around the waist.

Coldfire rolled his eyes. "You're ridiculous." He smirked and suddenly stooped down, scooping up her legs and lifting her into his arms. He adjusted a bit to make sure he wouldn't drop her, then continued walking and grinned down at her. "Either way, I'm still the boss of you. I get my way," he bragged teasingly.

(AWwww really?? QuQ That must be adorable)

He raised a brow back. "Well, who's stuck in my arms? You can't get away, and I'll bring you where I please," he asserted smartly.

(Dawww that must've been adorable! I'd love to see it when you finish!)

"I'll drop you if you try," Coldfire warned. He rolled his eyes at Giranja's dramatic flair. "Who knows? Anywhere to rescue this poor damsel in distress," he teased back.

"Unless I let go of your legs last," he murmured to himself. The shifter broke out laughing too. "I haven't seen that much dramatic from you before," he remarked, still smiling wide. "Where'd that come from?"

Coldfire snorted and rolled his eyes. "Who knows." He then gave a lopsided smirk. "Uh-oh, really? You're scaring me," he joked.

"I can only imagine what 'more dramatic' might mean. Is there a whole new side to you I haven't seen yet?" he queried, raising his brow.

The Tundra prince huffed. "That's not comforting," he said jokingly, faking an unimpressed look. "You get that flair from those interpretive dance things that you do? You mentioned something about a performance you participate in."

(Lol okay)

(*dies*)

"Big difference," he said with an eyeroll. "Oh, really? If you participate in it, will I see that dramatic side to you?" he ventured.
Coldfire was beginning to lose his grip, so he pulled Giranja up a little more and adjusted his hold on her.

(Yessss xD)

"Huh. Sounds weird," he commented idly. At her question, the shifter slowed down. "I... actually don't know. I don't know where we are," he admitted as he glanced about.

(Pffft nice X'DD)

Coldfire hesitated, suddenly torn between his two options. "Well, I'm pretty exhausted and would like to relax, but..." He could always do with more food. The shifter suddenly considered a third door. "Can... can we grab food and bring it to the garden?" he queried timidly.

(I drew my spoopy FO)

(Your neck is de-motivating? xD Does it hurt?
Oooh yessss, you should
I kinda want to draw a bunch of mine since it's been so long)

The shifter smiled, satisfied with their decision, and turned down the left hall up ahead. He kept repositioning his arms, then finally exhaled and slowly set Giranja down. "Sorry, my arms are out of strength. I'm a little out of shape," he admitted with an embarrassed smile, panting a bit. "I don't do that often enough."

(Ahh, ouch! That's no fun!
Oooh that's a lot. Good luck!

We'll seeee
My break is coming up soon so I should be able to start drawing again, hopefully)

Coldfire huffed. "Yeah, guess so..." he murmured as he began to walk, making sure Giranja stayed by his side. They soon reached the kitchen and the shifter stepped inside, glancing around and inhaling the different scents.

(Ahh that's good!
Ooh nice! I want to draw my Zils too xD Maybe throw a bunch in one big pic eventually)

Coldfire was immediately magnetized to the smell of the meat, carnivorous dragon instincts kicking in. He eyed the cook dangerously, as if warning the cook not to take it, then approached the plates. Because Giranja gave him permission, he loaded it up with the meat. "You ready?" he asked through a mouthful. He was practically stuffing the strips whole in his mouth.

(That poor cook's just trying to do his job. x'D)

(Oh my goodness X'D And now she has a partner in crime who eats three times more than she does)

Coldfire dug into his meal happily, following behind her a little distractedly. "Thanks," he murmured after swallowing. "I didn't realize how hingry I was till now. Must've been all the stress," he figured.

(Haha for sure XD
Ooh that'll be cool!!)

(Lol yep)

Coldfire followed Giranja through the entrance, squinting when the sunlight hit him. He picked up his pace until he was walking beside her and looked around at the plant life. "For winter, everything is so green," he commented. The anount of greenery and color in Chirnagon still amazed him after living his whole life seeing black, white, and gray.

(Lol yeah!)

(Ah gtg very soon)

(Ooooh flashback)

Coldfire gazed up at the gazebo as they approached, then slowed as he stepped inside. "...Wow. I was not expecting that," he said as he walked in and looked at the decor inside. The earthy scents were nearly overwhelming, and the lushness and vine surroundings gave it a small, cozy feel. The shifter sat in the other seat, still taking in the gazebo. "This must've been made a while ago."

(Lol xD)

(Tehehehehe I have a greta story for how Tuuredor got the nickname Cougar... eue)

Coldfire began to dig back into his food as he listened. He nodded his head slowly, then frowned at her. "Except for that one time you completely vanished from the kingdom," he pointed out with a raised brow. He immediately regretted bringing it up, not wanting to think about it. He glanced away. "Sorry, I don't mean to..."

(Lol! I figred. XD I'm assuming that was a story thigo about her and Qig hahah)

(Also I think I'm gonna get some sleep now! See you laterrr!)

(Oh, and the story consists of one noisy hyper Zilarun who explored places he shouldn't have)

(Ohhh okay XD Makes sense

Lol yep. And it's not nust any Zilariun, if you can make a guess... xD)

(Bloody Charbel has seen everything lol)

(Oooh that should be fun! Good luck! XD)

Coldfire glanced at her momentarily and sighed. "It's fine. That was in the past," he dismissed, then continued eating. //I just came close to beating up Oria... Hopefully she hasn't told Giranja about that.// "You're happy with everything now, right?" he checked.

(Lol he will. X'D His extreme adventuring is gonna be the death of him.

Ooh cool! You can some buddies to help you build all that. XD)

Coldfire looked up to study Giranja. "You're sure about that? Because if there's anything you're not happy with, I want to know. I'll do what I can to fix things," he assured.

(Yeah really XDD

Lol! If you can do nline multiplayer then there should be a bunch of ppeople)

He pursed his lips. "I want to know your struggles, Giranja. Don't hide things from me thinking it'll make things better. You can't handle everyhing on your own," he insisted, meeting her gaze.

Coldfire set his plate down on the glass table and watched her intently. "You're my wife. Listening to you and supporting you is half my job. I want to know."

(Pffft that'd be a problem. X'DD

Ahhh gotcha. It would definitely be nice to have a friend help)

Coldfire listened quietly as she spoke, elbows on his knees and hands clasped. He looked down at his hands for a moment, then back up at her. "Those kids respected you. They listened when you spoke, they didn't talk down on you.... And the runt... You can bet you're his greatest inspiration in life. You're also a runt, yet here you are as princess, ruling a kingdom and staying in one piece. To him, you're not a mistake. You're a figure who made life worth it," Coldfire said sincerely, studying her face.

(Ahhh gotcha, makes sense. Good luck figuring it out!)

(Lol! Are thwre control lists in the settings?)

Coldfire frowned as she debated him. "Then maybe it's time to change things. You shape their minds. Prove yourself worthy, be a hero. There has to be some way to show you're more than a mistake," he said sincerely. "I grew up thinking I could only let fate do as it pleases. I learned after I lost everything that it's me who has to make a change. Don't sit back and be a victim of life."

(Lol, that's good. So it shouldn't be that hard to learn xD)

"Do I give you false smiles and nods?" Coldfire challenged quietly. "Of course I won't tell anybody. But this shouldn't be a recurring problem. We can fix it if we work together," he insisted, watching her levelly.

The shifter frowned, growing impatient with Giranja's negativity, though he kept his voice level. "Maybe you aren't looking at this wrong. Obviously, you can't get -everybody- to respect you. That's impossible. All you need is a few people who truly do care for you, and you shouldnmt have to worry about all this."

(Haha! Still cool to have trhough)

*Maybe you're looking at this wrong

Don't confuse her Coldy

"You don't need everybody's respect to rule. Nobody in my kingdom liked me, but I got along fine." The shifter studied her in concern. "If you have everything that matters, then why are you still downcast?"

(Lol X'DDD)

Coldfire sighed heavily as he watched her. He stood up abd walked around the table, then knelt down in front of her and took her hands. "Giranja, come on. I've asked you a dozen times already to think better about yourself. What -I- tell you matters - not what they say. Don't let them influence your mind when you're above that. You have me, and you have others who care deeply for you and have seen beyond your genetics. That's all you need," he pressed, holding her gaze sincerely.

(Pfft)

He squeezed her hands tighter as he studied her features. "Remember, you're not alone in this anymore. I'm here to help you. I'll do whatever it takes to lift you up, to show you that you really are beautiful," he murmured, eyes sad and sympathetic. "I mean it, Giranja."

(Lol it's understandable)

Coldfire set the other knee down and hugged her back. He held her tightly and exhaled slowly. "It hurts me too when you look down on yourself," he whispered. "We're one, now. You aren't suffering alone, Giranja."

He stayed quiet for a moment. "We'll change that," Coldfire whispered as he rubbed her back. "We'll rely on each other more and more until you can finally know in your heart that you're not alone," he promised.

(Sorry for slowness! Went to eat dinner, talked to a friend, then accidentally stabbed myself with a needle lol)

Coldfire smiled at her sadly. "It's the least I can do for you." He took her hand and held it tightly, watching her and giving her a faint smile, then he stood up.

(Lol! I was poking a hole in something with it but when I pulled it up, I accidently moved it back down on my finger. XD)

(It didnMt go deep though I think haha, and it didn't hurt much)

Coldfire huffed slightly. "If you can't open up to them about your personal life then I don't know if that's love," he remarked. The shifter rounded the table again to sit down the rest of his food. "It's uncomfortable at first, I know, but I think you'll find it really does help."

(Haha yeah! And I'm not even sewing here lol
Just poking a hole through papers pfft)

He nodded in satisfaction, then smiled at her. "I want to make it worth it every time." Coldfire rested his elbows on his knees again and thought for a moment. He recalled the class that day and shook his head. "Well, if your father makes me continue teaching anyway, I'm running away. We can meet here and take off," he joked with a partial smirk.

(Lol yes! XD)

Coldfire nodded slowly, not liking the thought. "I'm sure he won't want me to teach again," he said, mostly to reassure himself. He smirked. "Maybe he won't find us if we hide here."

Coldfire put his hands on the armrests of the chair, as if ready to jump up. "You aren't gonna turn me in, are you?" he teased with a partial grin, though there was clearly some nervousness in his grin.

He sighed and rolled his eyes, sitting back in his chair. "I hope not." He tipped his head back and stared at the vine curtains around them, idly watching them sway with the breeze. He suddenly jolted forward. "Regus. I totally forgot. We're supposed to see him off today," he said urgently.

The shifter worked his jaw in thought then nodded and rose as well. He took his plate and followed her outside of the gazebo. "What do we do with these?" he asked, gesturinn to the dish in his hand.

(There's a possibility I'll lose power tonight so if I don't show up on the morning then you'll know why lol)

Coldfire followed silently, trusting Giranja would lead them in the right direction. //Wouldn't it leave a great impression if we've alreaddy missed him?...//

"Yeah. Good idea," Coldfire replied with a nod. He hadn't spread his wings in a while, so he followed closely, keeping his pace up.

Coldfire stepped off and shifted immediately after, pumping his wings to lift off and curl after Giranja. He climbed higher into the air undtil he caught a smooth draft, and he glided over the town, watching the buildings and people go by. "We never fly enough," he murmured to himself.

(Hey I'm gonna go now to make sure I get some sleep tonight! I'll see you later, hopefully!)

(Haha that's fine! Take it easy!

On an update, we don't have power so I won't be using my phone much at all. We might go somewhere to access chargers though)

The Tundra dragon glanced up at Giranja. "Nothing," he dismissed casually before returning his gaze to the kingdom below. They soon approached the area where the Coltsman's home was, so he tipped downward and alighted on the street. He shifted and waited for Giranja.

(Ahhh yeah understandable :/

It's back on, thankfully!)

Coldfire trailed after Giranja and peered over her at the door as it opened. //She just walks right in without knocking,// Coldfire thought in mild amusement.
Regus was walking into the room with a bag in his hand just as they entered, and he stopped in mild surprise. He was walking on both legs again, and with boots on, it looked like he had never lost anything in the first place. The Tundra knight raised his brows at them. "You came after all. That's a surprise."

(We lost a tree and a half though ahaha)

(Aww lol x'D

Yeah, but at least none of our property was damaged. Guess this is an excuse to get a tree we actually like lol)

Regus grinned slightly and carefully set his bag down. "Well, I haven't left yet, so there's no loss."
Coldfire raised a brow at the knight. "You're walking fine now. Must be ready to go for real," he commented.
Regus huffed. "Yeah, thanks to the painkillers. I could sleep standing up right now, I've had so much," he joked with a chuckle. He lowered his voice. "Don't tell Kori - I wasn't supposed to have as much as I took."

(Lol yep! Nice indeed!)

(After seeing Alk's pics of Persephone, I'm kinda curious - do you not own her anymore, or are you keeping the original design as a separate character?)

(Ahhhh alrighty! That clears up a lot of things. Thanks!)

Regus huffed and crossed his arms and leaned against the doorframe to the other room. "True, true... Hah, no joke. I was not prepared for such a life-changing transition," he admitted. He ran a hand through his short black hair, still wet from a shower. "...You could say it was a humbling experience."
Coldfire glanced around a bit. "Where are Kori and Marissa, anyway?"

(Oooh that'd be cool!!)

The two males watched Giranja as she called out, then both rolled their eyes and huffed or snorted. "I wonder if he ever has anything better to do," Regus commented, shaking his head in amusement. He turned his gaze to Coldfire. "You must be doing well. I haven't heard much from you, which is something else."
The Tundra prince found a spot on the wall near the front door, and he leaned back against it, crossing his arms. "Haven't had much reason to get in trouble. For the most part," he said and he looked off and shrugged.

(Ahahah I get that. Transitioning is always awkward)

(Brb)

Regus smirked. "As someone who's lived here a week and a half, I say it's better this way."
Both of them looked over as Kori approached. "Well, there's the devil, back from the dead," the knight remarked sarcastically. "Decided to at least say goodbye properly?"

(Lol same honestly)

(Thank you!

Lol! Definitely true
Pfft nice!)

Coldfire smiled as he watched the two, then gave a nervous chuckle in reaponse. "She's fine to me." //But she's got that woman's power over me that I hate, but can't disobey...//
"You all are making this marriage thing sound frightening," Regus snorted with an eyeroll as he adjusted his position.

Regus raised a brow and stared ahead of him. "Perhaps..."
Coldfire huffed and smiled shyly, glancing toward Giranja as he listened to Kori. He frowned a bit when she spoke. "I wouldn't think there's much you're 'supposed' to do... Just enjoy and support each other," he said with a shrug.

Coldfire watched Kori and nodded slowly, hoping he was right.
Regus chuckled a bit. "Besides, it's not too hard to figure out who's the right one for you. And once you're together, everything else should come along easily."
Coldfire eyed Regus suspiciously. "You're talking about Sterling, aren't you?"
The knight looked him over. "Well, yes. It isn't exactly a secret anymore. I uh... do need to talk to you, before I leave," he murmured. Regus glanced between Kori and Giranja. "Do you mind if we step out for a moment?"

Regus gave a nod of thanks, then beckoned for Coldfire to follow him.
The Tundra prince hesitated, a distrustful look on his face, but he still walked with Regus into another room. The two talked for several minutes, voices low, Coldfire's raising just a bit for a small moment, then back to quiet. Finally, they returned to the main room, Coldfire seeming somewhat drained and Regus looking calm as usual, almost relieved. They shuffled in a little awakardly. "Thank you for waiting," Regus said with a dip of his head to Kori and Giranja. "Just needed to sort things out, and say our farewells."

Coldfire came over to Giranja's side and wrapped and arm loosely around her waist, giving her a brief smile to let her know everything was alright.
Regus smirked a bit, then stretched and yawned. "Well, I don't want to keep you any longer. It's best get out of here now," he murmured.

"What, so Coldfire can walk around without being killed but I can't? We look similar enough," he joked with a short laugh. He quieted and turned to Kori, giving him a sincere dip of his head. "Words can't express how indebted to you I am. My kingdom won't forget you," he promised.

Regus chuckled and waved his hand. "No worries. This place isn't for me, anyway. I'm ready to go home."
The male turned and picked up his bag, then smiled at Kori. "Nevertheless, thank you. I won't break it."
He turned and gave Giranja a nod and grim smile. "Hope all goes well with you. Don't be afraid to speak out to Coldfire if it's necessary. He won't like it, but it'll be better for the both of you."

"Huh, yeah. And humid," Regus responded dryly, then smiled. He glanced at Kori. "Oh, tell Marissa I said thank you. For helping me, and tolerating me."
Coldfire looked between them with a scowl. "Shut up," he huffed, though not without an amused eyeroll.
Regus reached into his pocket and retrieved a portal stone, surface glossy and blue. He smiled as he looked at each face. "Until we meet again." In a swirl of light, he vanished from the room.

Coldfire huffed. "Yeah, if only..." He glanced at Kori. "You probably want us out of here now. Have a quiet house to yourself again," he said with a faint smirk.

Coldfire gave one last nod toward Kori, then followed his wife outside. He sighed once they were out in the cold air again. "Well, that's out of the way," he muttered.

Coldfire smiled grimly, then took Giranja's hand and began to walk with her back toward the palace. He exhaled slowly, the drained look returning to his face. "Well... He asked to marry Sterling."

Coldfire sighed and dragged his hand over his face. "I gave in. I thought I'd be too protective of my sister to let anyone come near her, especially him. But I... I can't fight him. With him as an authority above me, and especially now that I'm away from home... There's only so much time before I eon't be able to fight anymore. So... I said yes," he finished, sighing again.

(I want to draw but am too tired to be creative so I found a ship base X'D)

Coldfire shrugged, still mildly distressed. "I know that, it's just... Well, imagine Oria getting married. Yes, you'll want her to be happy and all, but wouldn't you also be concerned for her?" he questioned.

(Lol yep xD

Ahh that's not fun! Hand injuries can be so annoying because we use them so often 'xD)

Coldfire breathed in and out deeply, then gave Giranja a slight smile. "I know. But I swear, if he makes her cry, I'll make him regret it," he grumbled, though not without a bit of a smirk.

(For sure x'D)

(Back sorry)

The shifter gazed at the ground, not even sure if he really would. "Hopefully, yeah... Well, I at least need to attend their wedding and coronation," he mentioned, chuckling a bit.

(I knowwww that really sucks)

http://colorslive.com/details/4147096

"Yeah, however that's gonna happen..." The shifter inhaled and stretched his arms behind his head, then yawned. "Man, this has been a full day. I'm gonna crash tonight," he mumbled as he lowered his arms and rubbed a sore spot on his shoulder.

(Yeah, hopefully! Take it easy to let them heal better)

Coldfire glanced around briefly. "It's not even dark yet, but I feel like I might just sleep now," he admitted. //Maybe that'll help me avoid her father today...// He followed Giranja's gaze to the activity on the street, watching with mild curiosity as the children played. That was one of the many things he missed out on as a child, he realized. "It's peaceful," the prince murmured softly, not even intending to say it out loud.

(Ahhh yeah, that's cool! Guess it depends on who's on and willing to hang xD I hope it'll work out okay!)

Coldfire kept his gaze on the children as they passed by. "Did you have a childhood like that?" he asked, almost quietly. "Where you could play with friends and family, and draw like that..."

Coldfire pulled his gaze away when the children looked up, not sure how to react to them. "You had friends, though?" he asked. He pursed his lips a bit at the mention of Elanceria, highly relieved the wicked queen was gone. //She already did so much damage to Giranja,// he thought as he studied her.

The prince frowned slightly as he watched Giranja. "What -did- you do, when you were alone?" he couldn't help bit ask. As a kid, being alone was one of the worst things in the world. It meant no fun, and when he was alone, it was probably to study, or because he had nobody to support him at his worst moments. Coldfire shifted his thoughts away, not mentally prepared to dive into his past.

Coldfire stared at Giranja. "You sew? Why didn't I know that?" He paused with a frown. "Hold on, I remember you fixing my coat that had been battered and stained. That never registered until now," he thought aloud.

(For some reason Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go reminds me of Girafire x'D I heard it today and somehow pictured the two of them lol)

Coldfire felt both sick and nostalgic at the memory. "Definitely a good skill to have. I can't see to save my life - I'd just prick myself every time," he teased, then frowned a bit. "Huh... That's too bad you didn't enjoy it. Honestly, it's hard for me to imagine that... I've always loved playing instruments, of every kind. I couldn't play some but I still enjoyed exploring them."

(Lol! Weird coincidence! XD It is very random, but for some reason the chorus made me think of them. X'D Who knows, who knows)

Coldfire shuddered slightly at the thought. After the tour of all the technology in Chirnagon, he believed a machine could have the power to do that. He pushed the thought away and listened to her. "Yeah, so you've said. What were the other two instruments?" he asked out of curiosity.

(Oh my goodness that's hilarious X'DD Or wake them up when it's all over, when they're wiser and older lolol

Ahhh that sounds very familiarrrr I've probably heard it before)

(Or simply wake them up inside)

(Call their names and save them from the dark - or September - or whenever you go-go)

"You shouldn't if you're too busy or don't want to," Coldfire told her, then frowned in thought. "You have a piano?" he asked curiously. "I haven't played on one in years, but I did enjoy it. I would like to try it someday," he hummed as he moved his hands to his pockets.

(Lol yep
The first or second one? The first is Wake Me Up by Avicii, and the second is Bring Me to Life by Evanescence, the edgy song that people tend to scream out lol

Most likely! Or on somebody's playlist)

"Makes sense," Comdfire said with a small eyeroll. At her last comment, he looked at her with wide eyes. "Wait... really?" he asked. "I mean, yeah, that'd be great... I'd do it anytime. Or now, or anytime."

(Bring Me to Life is like Evanescence's top song, so that's probably the one you've heard. They're both good songs haha

There are a ton of songs that have to do with waking up lol)

Coldfire paused in thought, then pulled his hands out of his pockets and held them in front of him. "Okay, so playing music is a ton different than being lectured by your father and having to do other tedious tasks. I can actually relax and recover with music," he explained.

(Lol alrighty

I hadn't either until I looked up the name just now X'D But I've known the song for years because it was super popular here at one time.)

(Also I think I need to head to bed about now. I'l leave maybe one more comment then head off)

(On second thought I might head off now before I fall asleep and drop my phoen lol
Goodnight! Thanks for roleplaying with me!)

Coldfire nodded, relieved at the thought. "Only if you're up for it, of course."
He walked in silence for a moment, thinking idly, then glanced at Giranja. "Do you see Jaqni as a mother yet? Or does she still feel like...' someone else?'"

(Hahaha make sense

Lol don't worry about it!)

Coldfire watched Giranja softly. "I don't think you need to worry about it. You're an adult now and are leading a life of your own. It's too late to try and start over in your mind, so you might as well keep going forward with what you have."

Coldfire frowned and moved closer, wrapping an arm around her waist as they walked. "Come on, Giranja. You've still got two family members you love. That's one more than me. Don't forget about what you still have," he reminded her, turning his head to meet her gaze.

After their converation, the twocwalked in general silence, takig their time in getting back to the palace. When they clinbed the stairs and entered, Coldfire pulled away from Giranja and walked beside he. His eyes darted around, somewhat on alert in case Qiguan poppoed up at random.

(Hmm, maybe they can relax a bit first, and then talk to Qig if you still had that in your plans)

Coldfire glanced at Giranja, then at their surroundings again. "Ahh, yeah... I don't want to think or talk about any of that right now," he murmured, rubbing the back of his neck.

Coldfire gave a grim smile and followed her. He tried his best to relax, but he couldn't help but glance around every time they entered a new hallway.

Coldfire grew anxiously excited as they approached the doors. He followed Giranja inside and slowed down to gape at the chamber. It was fuller and more beautiful than the music room back home, and it shocked him to notice instruments he had never seen before. "Wow," the shifter murmured as he wandered through the room, gazing at the different items. He soon found himself in front of a grand piano near the middle of the room. Itching to play it, he sat down and folded back the cover, then found the pedals with his feet. He rested his fingers on they keys but didn't press any yet. "It's been so long since I've played," he admitted with a chuckle, almost nervous to start.

Coldfire smiled briefly at her encouragement, then stared at the keys again. His fingers found a familiar position and he began to play gently, admiring the rich, harmonic sound which it sent reverberating through the room. As he figured out what sounded best, he quickly relaxed, face growing peaceful as it usually did whenever he picked up an instrument.

(Ooh that'd be fun! I have to make sure I get an essay down or in progress first though. The draft is due Wednesday and it's supposed to be 5-7 pages long. I have half a page so far. X'D)

Coldfire eventually drifted out of the song and paused, digging through his memory. He moved his hands and began to play again, this time mimicking one of the songs he had heard from Giranja's music player. He had always played by ear growing up, so copying the melody onto piano came easily and naturally.
The shifter played as much of the song as he could remember, then eventually came to a gentle stop. Exhaling quietly, he moved his foot off the pedal and flexed his right hand, stretching his fingers and wrist. He glanced toward Giranja to see her reaction.

(That's a good idea. X'D I may still pop in here once and a while if I'm stuck and need a little refresher, though. Thanks for your concern!)

(Yep X'D At least my professor's super chill)

Coldfire's face grew warm and he smiled. "Thanks. I played more frequently before I left home." He traced his fingers over the keys again, then decided he was done and rose. After closing the cover, he wandered through the room again. The next instrument to catch his eye was what looked like a clarinet, though he wasn't familiar with wind instruments so he couldn't be sure. Curiosity beating him, the shifter picked it up and examined it. He glanced over at Giranja and raised a brow. "You dare me to try?" he ventured with a smirk.

His smile grew wider and he steadily lifted the mouthpiece to his lips. Coldfire sucked in a breath and blew into it, creaking a squeaky and spluttering whine that would humiliate any musician. He pulled away and grinned at her. "Just kidding - I know how to play these." The shifter fumbled his fingers over the holes and metal parts until it felt more comfortable, then blew into the clarinet again, this time creating a pleasant hum. He began to move his fingers around to make an energetic tune, then stopped and sucked in a large breath.

Coldfire smirked at Giranja's remark, then played the instrument again, experimenting a bit then taking another breath. He repeated the process again, trying out different tunes and sounds, until his face began to turn purple and his head spun. He exhaled abruptly and lowered the clarinet, taking a moment to suck in air and regain his breath. He didn't like the tightness starting up in his chest. Coldfire wiped off the mouthpiece and put it back on its stand. "Yeah, I don't do wind instruments, he murmured. He rubbed his side and looked around for a new instrument.

Coldfire nodded in agreement, then slipped his hands in his pockets and wandered around again. He poked at a few instruments here and there but moved along just as quickly. Eventually, he grabbed a guitar and came over to sit beside Giranja. He smiled at her, then gazed down at the strings and began to play a calming melody. After a minute, he stopped and murmured, "Out of all the instruments I've played, guitar was the only one I actively pursued. Even after I left home and was wandering around. I played for money at one point, though I stole the guitar so it didn't last long," he said with an embarrassed chuckle. "Playing brings back a ton of memories, from my childhood to now."

He rolled his eyes and snorted. "Yeah. The owner found me pretty quick." He sighed and looked down at the guitar. "More or less... Most of them weren't good ones. Crying was a sign of weakness, so I'd play out my emotions through music. It was an anchor for me, but now... Well, I can only seem to play solemn music in them now." He huffed faintly and began to idly stroke a few strings.

He shrugged and gave a hint of a smile. "Yeah, guess so..." He stopped playing, and his expression grew quiet as he looked up to study Giranja. He dropped his gaze. "Well... People cry when they can't change anything. I can't see it as much else," he confessed.

The shifter shook his head. "I know that, but with me it's different. When I cry, I feel weak and helpless. I know I'm not supposed to cry - I'm supposed to be strong and brave. And yet I cry whenever I lose something or someone. It's foolish," he said with a sigh.

Coldfire listened reluctantly, then rolled his eyes. "Yeah, but that was different. Those were tears of joy." He finally sighed in submission. "Maybe that's true. But I shouldn't have a reason to cry now, so..." He shrugged, not really even sure where to go with it. He plucked on a couple strings again.

Coldfire shrugged dismissively and began to strum a little more, creating neutral song. He grew bored of it soon and switched to a more upbeat sound, playing another song he heard from the music player. He knew there were lyrics but didn't know them, so he stuck to only doing the melody.

(Can you not eat my comments again)

Coldfire smirked and glanced up at her. "I replayed my favorite songs several times. I wanted to learn how to play them," he explained as he strummed. "Besides, I learn best by ear."

(Guess so)

The Tundra prince stopped playing and lowered an arm. "Yeah, they're not bad. Hey, I haven't charged that thing yet since it ran out," he recalled as he looked across the room. "I need to do that sometime." He glanced down at the guitar again but only idly ran a thumb over the top string.

(It might just be your style has improved until it's much more pleasing to the eyes. Either way, she looks great!

Very true. X'D Gemma's lucky not not be a runt. I wonder if her brother will be, if he becomes canon.)

He nodded optimistically, then stood up to put the guitar away. Coldfire walked around a bit more, but he felt he had done enough to calm himself, so he ambled back to Giranja with his hands in his pockets. "Ready when you are," he said.

(Just filled a second page, woohooooo)

(Haha yep!

It would be really interesting, especially as far as parenting goes. Giranja would get to watch her own child lead the life she did.

Ahh, thinking about it now, their kids would be a prince and princess. That's so cute and weird to think at the same time)

Coldfire stepped out after her and watched in mild interest as she locked the door. //Now that's a skill I need here...// He walked beside her, mostly quiet after the rigorous day. He rubbed his neck sorely, anticipating sleeping once they reached their room. "Thanks for bringing me there, by the way," he said as he glanced at Giranja.

(Lol yep TuT

Yeah, for sure! That should be good for them.

I imagine their son being a bit of a rebel too. It's no surprise, though - both their parents are royals and were spoiled rich, so they aren't gonna give their kids much discipline lol)

(Coldfire: But then I'd have to stick the Tundra mark on Giranja)

"Yeah, I did enjoy it," he replied with a smile. "I'm surprised it's locked up now. You'd think you'd use it often, with performances and all," he commented.

(Yeahhhh that would also be a hazard if he had that power...)

(Yeah, it runs in the family, it seems. TvT
Haha that's a good thing. It'll take Coldfire a while to figure out the parenting thing, especially since he never saw it growing up. Giranja may need to teach him a thing or two)

(True)

"Huh... Guess so." He let the thought slide, finding it a little difficult to keep a single mental train running. He eventually fixed his gaze on the floor ahead and walked wordlessly, hands in his pockets.

(Haha yeah X'D If that's all he could open then he'd be bummed lol

Same with Severus hahahaha
Lol yep, that should help, hopefully)

(Pffft true lol)

Coldfire walked past with a grateful nod. He unbuttoned and removed his coat, hanging it on the end of his wardrobe, then flopped onto the bed with a heavy sigh. He closed his eyes and tipped his face back toward the ceiling, the soreness of the morning class catching up more and more. "I'm out of shape," he mumbled as he lazily slung an arm over his forehead.

(Hmmm, yeah that would be a bad idea then

Unfortunate X'D Yep yep)

(Yeah! That's an upside)

"Yeah, eventually," he replied through a yawn. "I'll start tomorrow." He stretched his arms over his head with a grunt. "Your father never caught us today. Guess we're lucky," he joked with a small smirk.

(Hopefully pff)

(Yeah me too)

Coldfire froze, then sat up abruptly and stared at her. "She's pregnant? As in, you're about to have another sibling?"

(Makes sense)

(That means their child is only gonna be a bit older than her niece)

Coldfire sat forward till his elbows touched his knees, placing his hands on either side of his head. "Another sibling," he repeated, dumbstruck by the news. He blinked and looked over when she asked for the player. "Uhh... In the pocket of my coat," he replied, nodding toward the previous day's coat which had been tossed on the floor.

(Lol yeah, you got it. That's still weird to imagine
One of my aunts is only ten years older than my brother)

Coldfire laid back down and turned his head to watch her. "That's where the energy comes from?" he observed. "Does it shock you if you touch it?"

He huffed faintly in response and looked toward the ceiling again, folding his arms behind his head as a cushion. Coldfire went silent for a while, deep in thought. "Hey, Giranja... Does it bug you that I dislike your father?" he asked quietly.

(Haha that's true! That'd be interesting
Oh wow, that's really cool!!)

(Also I have an ideeaaaaaa
What if we postponed the Thuun Oria thing till the festival? It'd be a super cute way to get to know each other, plus they'd have plenty thigs to do together.)

He watched her quietly. "But it still gets to you." He shuffled his position a bit and sighed. "I realize my actions and behavior don't make anything better for you. When I disrespect your father, Thuunawein, and Oria, I disrespect you. I hate that I do it, and I want to change it. I just... I don't know, I just need a second chance," he murmured, letting out another sigh and closing his eyes.

(Oh my goodness yeah x'D

Yess, glad you like it! I have a couple ideas in mind already)

(Also I think I'm gonna head to bed now! Got some stuff to clear up. I'll see you later!)

Coldfire gut ached as he eyed Giranja, her words cutting deep to the truth. "I'm sorry... I'll do my best to make a change," he promised, moving a hand to rest on her arm and rub it for a moment.

(Haha yeah x'D
Haha me too! I think after this next day, if nothing else needs to be done, we could possibly timeskip to the festival.

Yep! Sneaking in a few last comments though xD)

(Your autocorrect really likes the word Tovar's)

Coldfire frowned at the statistic, suddenly feeling more guilty. Her chuckle only baffled him further. He rolled onto his side and scooted up behind her, then wrapped ab arm around her and rested his hand on hers. "Hey... You're not mad at me, are you? I'm genuinely sorry," he murmured.

(Nice! I hope this'll be a successful test run! X'D)

(Also, for future reference, I may need to make my roleplaying less frequent for sake of alertness irl. I'm letting it eat up my time again already x'D I don't want this rp to become a bad habit, but rather a fun pastime.)

(Lol yeah! X'D

Thanks for understanding! I've sometimes wondered whether you're at school or not when you're active in te mornings xD)

Coldfire smiled back, relieved to hear her answer. He slipped his other arm under her and wrapped both arms around her waist. He closed his eyes for a moment, inhaling the sweet scent of her hair. Eventually he opened his eyes and lifted his head a bit. "Do I smell?" he asked randomly. He knew he had sweated during the class, and he hadn't showered in more than a day, so he suddenly wondered if it would annoy others.

"Oh, alright. Well, I can't do anythingb about if you hold onto me," he pointed out teasingly when she moved her arms onto his.

(Lol whoops xD)

Coldfire slipped his arms away and got up onto his elbows, sniling at her. He leaned forward and gave her ear a playful nibble, then rolled away and got up to shower and change.

(Lol yes I should. See ya later!)

Oh my goodness that's for real?? X'D Ahh that's a problem for him for sure.
What Coldfire had priginally meant when he said that is that he had been kicked hard enough that he wondered if he had lost the ability to have kids, and he was blaming it on Qiguan. But if that's the case, then Qiguan may stop them from having kids either way lolol)

(Also you think we should timeskip? To the next day, or to the festival?)

(Ah geez, he's gonna be triggered lol
Hahaha okay. But she knows one more thing than he does apparently ahah
If Qig' stubborn, they'll have to beg pff)

(Haha alrighty! But don't get too caught up with it if you need to sleep

Pfft yep, though I feel they're not gonna want to have kids for a whole yet. Not until they've worked out everything and have been able to enjoy just each other for a while.
But Coldfire will still be shook wen he hears that lol)

(Pffft alright then

Haha yeah, makes sense. I don't think Coldfire's ready though aha
Mmm that would explain a lot. Poor things lol)

(Lol sounds fun! xD

Haha yeah
Understandable. To be honest Coldfire will try hard to rebel after he throws a fit)

(Oh geez, that sounds traumatizing x'D

Makes sense though. They're a ligtle stuck for the time being)

(Lol

Keep rereading it until it pops out at you)

(Lol xD

Finally back)

Coldfire had tried to stick close to Giranja in the past month, but she kept leaving him so he resorted to listening to music or playing music, if he could get her to unlock the music room for him.
When Giranja slipped in and shook his shoulder, Coldfire stirred and groaned, lifting his arm off his face and squinting at Giranja. "Mmm... What?" he moaned drowsily.

Coldfire sucked in a sleep-laden breath. "Go where?" He paused when he noticed her boots, and sat up a little bit with a frown.

(You up so early )

Coldfire sat up fully and pushed the covers away, pausing to rub his face with a hand. "Ugh, seriously?..." He slid off the bed onto his feet and started toward his wardrobe, then stopped and looked Giranja over, npting her slitted skirts and revealed legs. "Hold on - what are you wearing?" he questioned suspiciously and confusedly.

(Yeah but you were up late xD)

The shofter frowned at her. "A skirt with a coat? Is that how you're supposed to dress for festivals?" he asked as he tipped his head to peer at her.

(Lol bummer, at least you get food)

Coldfire looked over Giranja's appearance, growing a little red in his cheeks. "You're going out in that? That's a lot of skin showing," he muttered moving closer and tracing a thumb over her revealed midriff. "That's for me to see - not the public. I don't want other males to see that - besides, you're going to freeze," he pointed out, voice slightly stern.

"Yeah, but it shows enough. Would you be comfortable with me walking around like this?" he asked, gesturing to himself with his bare chest and boxers. //Okay, that would be more humiliating for her, but still...// "I don't want other males gawking at my wife. I should have a say in what you do and don't wear," Coldfire challenged.

(Lol X'D I understand that)

(Coldfire's jelly)

Coldfire grinded his teeth as he glared at Giranja, growing impatient with her. But a part of him begged to start the day in a better way, so he sucked in a slow breath to contain himself. "Fine. Go like that. But I'm going to stick next to you during the festival," he told her as he crossed his arms. "So, am I supposed to wear something like that too?"

Coldfire grimaced. "White? Why white?" The only white outfits he had were one or two trench coats, but it had warmed up enough that he wasn't about to walk around in one all day. "I'll pass on the outfits, then," he murmured.

(Food will certainly help with that)

(Lol yep! X'DD It's a good thing he has a lot of metabolism or he'd be fat from so much eating)

Coldfire pursed his lips and relictantly looked over Giranja's paint markings, then turned his head away. "Yeah, I can do that," he mumbled in submission. "I'm not gonna be able to do it on myself, though. I'm not an artist."

(Oh my goodness X'DDD Ahh that terrified me as a little kid lol

(Ahh I've actually listened to that one before! I found it while exploring Rise Against's music xD It's very good!)

Coldfire held her back uncomfortably, not used to her being the same height as him, so it was a challenge to figure out where to out his arms. He nodded with a grim smile and approached his closet. //Well... I get to wear whetever I want, I guess...// He settled for loose black pants and calf-length boots, though he hesitated on a top. He narrowed it down to his typical form-fitting tank top and a loose black vest, open at the front.

(I can't decide myself so you get to choose lol)

(Lol, it's not always easy to remember. Some things stood outto me though haha

That's cool! It's a memorable song for sure

Lol that's great! XD He's got the same birthday as me... I've got some stuff going on this weekend too, so no worries. Have fun with it all!)

(I mean choose what Coldfire wears XD I considered the vest earlier but now I'm not sure. You might have a better idea of what fits for the festival. Did you want to help decide or dhall I jsut go eith whatever?)

(Same x'D

Hahah that's great! That should be fun! XD

Pfft alright then

Ahh that sucks, but I understand! No worries, get some rest!)

Coldfire had eventually chose the vest, feeling he needed to experiment with his style more for the special occasion. The black vest was open at the front and loosely covered his ribs, while the pants, tight at the top, started at his waist and flowed down until they tucked into his boots. He left his hair ruffled and unkempt, and he settled for simple hoops for his earlobes. The style was reminiscent of the Darkness Deity outfits, which almost suited him, judging from his first name and background. When Giranja returned, Coldfire went to sit on the end of the bed, and he eyed the pot. "So... everyone puts that paint on themselves?" he queried.

(The surprise makes it even better xD

Hahaha okay, up to you!
Nah, I just put off my reply to figure stuff out lol)

(Also, I will be pretty slow as I try to do two assignments simultaneously while also trying to stay active in SKeys so nobody gets mad at me xD)

"Oh, alright..." Coldfire frowned at her explanation, not familiar with the concept of deities and not too comfortable with it. "Uhh, wherever it's supposed to go?" he replied cluelessly.

Hahah okay
Pfft yep

I may have to pause for a bit, or at least until things have calmed down. Thanks for caring!)

Coldfire doubted he would want any more than an arm, but he stayed put and watched her warily as she dipped her finger in the paint. //Let's just hope it doesn't stay on long...//

(Haha alrighty!)

Coldfire didn't respond but he listened to her, watching as she painted his skin. The cool touch of the liquid tickled and made him want to shudder, but he forced himself to hold still. "That doesn't look like what you have," he noted, glancing between his arm and hers to compare the shapes and patterns.

Coldfire furrowed his brows helplessly as she walked away. //I have a deity?// he thought, clueless. He twisted his arm to study the paint marks, then looked up at Giranja when she returned. Thanks to her boots, he had to look up further than normal. "That's all?"

(Lol, hello XD hope you slept well)

(That's good!)

Coldfire nodded and rose, giving his arm one last glance before walking with her to go eat. He figured her height would bug him the entire day, so he tried to get used to it right away.

(Pfffft he's gonna explode X'DD)

Coldfire submitted to whatever Giranja did, not knowing any better and figuring resisting would be futile. But when she spoke up about Hirano, the shifter stopped abruptly and grabbed her arm to make her face him. "Wait, -what-? -Hirano- will be there?" he repeated in disbelief and betrayal.

Coldfire huffed and shook his head in disbelief. "And here I am letting you walk around in this. If he made advances in you then, then there's no guarantee he won't try again this time, especially after he was rejected. How can you expect me to sit back and do nothing if he shows up?" the shifter challenged, working his jaw impatiently.

(Lol it's alright
Hope everything's okay)

Coldfire grimaced at her glare, displeased with her stubborn insistence all morning. "Just don't expect me to listen if he approaches us," he grumbled, letting go of her arm. The shifter was anticipating the festival less and less.

(Ahh, that kinda sucks. I understand what that's like. It seems it's a lot easier for people to say something rather than hold it. I hope that situation gets worked out :/)

(Haha yeah that'd be a good idea!)

(Agh that is frustrating. Guess you'll need to be especially patient with him... He might have a struggle where he's pretty bad at commitment and keeping promises. I know plenty people like it and I have to learnt to work with them. I hope it shouldn't be too hard with you.)

Coldfire stared warily at his surroundings, overwhelmed by the amount of noise, colors, sights, and smells. He noticed a recurrence in certain outfit colors and styles, but he couldn't keep track of them all. //This is too much to take in at once,// he groaned inwardly as he squinted at a passing Zilariun, scales and decoration glinting in the sunlight. "What is the point of this all?" he asked Giranja. "It doesn't seem like there's a start to anything. It's all just... there."

Coldfire snorted and rolled his eyes, relieved as well. Almost inmediately, a strong scent of food caught Coldfire's senses and he wandered off to a food stand. Even though he had just eaten, his eyes glazed over with draconic hunger and he snagged a dish of a strange meat he had never seen but still wanted. He returned to Giranja with a brief, meek smile, chewing on the mystery food.

Coldfire glanced at Giranja and gave a small smile, then turned to watched the passing dancers. "Are you gonna dance in one of these groups too?" he queried.

(Ah yeesh. That's not fun. It may take a bit to work that out, but I hope things can be worked out so it's not so frustrating.)

(Colors ate my "Brb"

Ahh yeah, I guess that would be best. Best of luck to you!)

Coldfire finished the food in his hands as he lsitened, then picked up another food sample as they passed. "Have I ever seen you practice it?" he asked. //Man, I've missed out on a lot this past month... I've been in the dark on everything.//

(Also I should probably get some sleep now, so I'm gonna head off! Glad we finally got the festival started!)

(For sure.

I have to pop in one more time though x'D

Coldfire glanced at Giranja, his expression hard to read at first. "...I've missed you," he finally murmured. "I never see you anymore. It felt off to be spending my time alone after so long of being with you," he admitted, looking down with a weak shrug.

Coldfire pursed his lips. "You can start with not being as tall as I am," he muttered, only partly joking. "Just... don't keep vanishing today," he told her, glancing at her in concern.

(Haha yeah! Makes sense!
Coldfire: how am I supposed to guess where she puts her freaking egg??)

Coldfire grimaced a bit when she whispered. //I hadn't thought of that...// "Well, if you go off to dance in a parade, I might lose track of you. And don't expect me to join you and dance," he asserted ahead of time.

(Coldfire: I NEED TO KNOW THESE THINGS)

Coldfire rolled his eyes. "Fine, fine." He spotted another food stand and grabbed another sample, then returned to Giranja's side. "So, what else do you do here?"

(Coldfire: GAHHH THIS REALLY ISN'T FAIR GIRANJA
YOU HAVE TO SHOW ME)

(Coldfire: YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO MEEEEE)

Coldfire listened with a confused look, frowning when she sipped from her cup. "This is alochol?" he asked. //She never drinks alcohol...//

(Coldfire: AHHHH)

The shifter nodded slowly, then sipped from his drink. It didn't taste like alcohol, at least. "I don't know if I've ever seen you drink. Do you not like it, or are you scared of it?" he asked.

Coldfire raised a brow at her as he listened. "...So? I don't see much about it," he dismissed with a careless shrug. //Unless there's something you're not supposed to say, and the effect makes you slip up...// "Besides, it's a lot more fun when you start getting tipsy," he said with a smirk.

"We can arrange that," he replied with a devilish smirk. He looked forward again and shrugged. "But I'm not gonna force you. This early on wouldn't be the best time, anyway." He finished the drink in his hand and set it on a passing table. "What was in that, anyway?" he asked idly.

"It could be just you and me. It's not that bad," Coldfire told her with a shrug. "Nuts?" he repeated with a slight grimace. "I hope there wasn't a lot in there." //Note, don't drink or eat anything if you can't tell what it is,// he thought inwardly.

Coldfire shrugged in reply. "Too much will make me sick. But if it's not a lot then I should be fine. Just eat more," he murmured as he stretched his arm, then returned to watching the passing traffic of partygoers. "Is this all you do?"

Coldfire frowned at Giranja's story. "Yeah, don't do that to yourself. Take it easy - this is supposed to be a relaxing event, right?" he said with a raised brow. "I definitely do not want you actually breaking or spraining anything."

Coldfire nodded slightly, then frowned and looked down at the bag in his hand. "Yeah... Where are we supposed to stay, anyway? Since we'll be here three days."

(Ah I gotta go for a while, I need to make sure I get this essay done as well as other responsibilities. See ya later!)

Coldfire briefly scanned the lobby then followed her up the stairs. "I don't see anything wrong with it... Unless one of us is stoned by the end of the day and has to be dragged to bed," he added sarcastically. He didn't know if he would because Giranja didn't seem comfortable with it, but he couldn't guarantee anything.

(Thank! I'll have to pop out again for bed in a few though)

Coldfire gazed at the key she put in his hand, then pocketed it and followed her inside. He inhaled the familiar hotel scent as he wandered in and set his bag on the opposite side. He came back around and sat beside Giranja, pulling up one foot to rest it on his knee. "You good?" he checked.

He nodded understandingly. "I'm amazed you'll be dancing in those. They're practically heels, you they're heavy and clunky," he commented as he gestured toward her boots.

"Yeah, no kidding." Coldfire twisted his torso somewhat and rested one hand on the bed behind him, allowing him to study her softly. "You have a lot going on," he murmured sympathetically.

Coldfire smirked back. "I don't see why we can't start now. I've been dying to see you giggle and smile again," he purred. The prince slid down to lay on his side, twisting his hand to hold hers and resting his head on his arm. "Music is enjoyable, but it'll never please me as much as your laugh does."

Coldfire smiled at Giranja and slid his other arm around her waist. "I love you, too," he murmured as he moved in to kiss her. He smiled more as he pulled back. "It's been too long since I've kissed you. I've been missing out," he realized.

(I knowwwww but I'm on a roll with my essay and want to at least finish the paragraph xD)

The Tundra prince leaned in for another kiss, then pulled back and studied her as well, features warm and relaxed. "I'll admit, the paint doesn't look bad on you. The light color works with your skin tone." His arm around her waist moved farther up to brish a thumb over her jaw.

*brush

(Done with the paragraph, getting readyy for bed now)

Coldfire smiled as he looked her over warmly. "You really are beautiful," he murmured. The shifter brought his lips to hers once more, but this time he let it last longer, feeling her warmth spill through him. He had hardly felt that love in the past month with all the wild activity going on, so he soaked up the moment, stroking her neck with his hand.

Coldfire's face grew warmer and he chuckled a bit. "I've missed you too," he replied with a loving smile. He closed his eyes for a moment and just enjoyed the gentle touch of her forehead against his and the tickle of her breath on his neck. Eventually, he breathed in and pulled away, propping himself up on an elbow. "Hey - let's save this for later. We've got a full day of partying to do, remember?" he said with a teasing glint in his eyes.

(Ooookay goig to bed for real now lol. See you later!)

Coldfire huffed and sat up as well, then took her hand and let her help him stand. "Well, more or less," he said as he stretched an arm and started toward the door with her.

(Ooh those are good additions for the festival)

The shifter raised a hand to block the sunlight from his eyes as he looked around. "There are different secrions for each House?" he asked as he eyed the animal pen, figuring that was the source of a peculiar smell in the air.

(Lol still works, gives variety)

"Huh... Alright," Coldfire murmured as he continued to look around. The amount of noise, colors, and smells seemed even more blinding now that there was more activity. "So there're other places than this," he checked.

(The variety and activities are definitely important for the roleplay since you'll want to give the other players plenty to do. I might suggest listing a ton of things to do and details at the beginning to give a better map of the festival)

(Haha good luck! I'll help wherever you need it.)

He followed beside her, still looking around since there was so much to see. "And yet, nobody lives here?" Coldfire said with a frown. "I thought this land didn't belong to anyone."

(Lol np)

Coldfire glanced at Giranja in shock. "Seriously? They don't have any reins at all?" Having grown up in an entirely monarchial country, the concept was foreign and suspicious to him. He glanced around, suddenly wary. "What, so there are exiles and free-rangers here? Is it even safe to walk around?"

He scowled. "I don't see how they'd follow their laws without a leader," he muttered skeptically. The shifter watched the people around them. //Well, if there are people from Hjino and everywhere else, then an exile is the least of our worries...// He sighed and pushed his negativity away, returning to a quiet and curious demeanor as he watched their surroundings.

Coldfire raised his brow and glanced at her. "Alright... What are those stands?" he asked, gesturing toward a passing game stand.

The shifter frowned in confusion. "Huh, that's weird..." But curiosity got the best of him, and he asked, "Should we try one out?"

(Ok!)

"I have some, I think," he murmured as he checked his pocket and found a few coins, probably forgotten from some other time. He led them toward one of the stands. "You have to pay for them?"

(Welcome back!)

(Did you prefer to make up what game they play or shall I? I'd just need to know what kind of games are available)

(Haha okay! I'll see what I can do x'D)

(Pfff we're gonna go for the most basic games lol)

"Alright," Coldfire responded with a shrug. He led the way over to a line of stands and peered at the first one. On a platform were several dozen jars crammed close together, some with different colored rims. "What the..."
"Welcome!" said a female's voice as a human vendor appeared. "This game's pretty simple. You get five balls and you try to toss them into the colored holes. Green equals a small prize, and red is a big prize. Care to give it a shot?"
Coldfire frowned and hesitated. "Um... Sure?" After he handed the human a coin, he glanced at Giranja. "Is this supposed to be challenging, or something?"

(No problem! I'll experiment and maybe it'll be fun)

Coldfire raised his brow, the picked up one of the balls and studied the jars. //I have great aim - it should be fine.// The ball was lightweight, but he aimed carefully and tossed it toward the red-rimmed jar. Surprisingly, it bounced off the rim and dribbled over the holes, then fell into an uncolored jar. He frowned and picked up another ball, this time aiming for a green jar nearer to him. It also bounced around and vanished, unsuccessful. //I must be doing something wrong...// The shifter picked up a third ball but handed it toward Giranja. "You try it. You should know how it works."

(Yeah!)

(Pffft do it X'D)

"What is that supposed to mean?" Coldfire grumbled with a scowl. He crossed his arms and watched Giranja, then widened his eyes when her ball fell in. "What the - I did that!" he retorted, annoyed how easily she had beat him.
The vendor smiled. "All right! You can redeem your prize now, or, if you can get any more balls in, you might get something extra," she told them.
Coldfire hardened his face and grabbed the fourth ball. "We'll use the rest of them." //There is no way she's beating me that easily...// He mimicked the posture Giranja had taken and planned each movement, calculating his path and destination wisely. Then he tossed the ball toward the red. It bounced, rolled around the rim, then decided to fall away and drop into an unmarked jar. Coldfire stared, dumbstruck. //I swear, this game is rigged...//

(He's gonna hate her for this x'D)

(It is lol)

Coldfire glared at Giranja, then huffed and seized the last ball. //Come on, come on...// He eyed the holes carefully, settling for the red rim once more, then raised his hand and tossed the ball. It bounced over a couple jars, then danced over the red rim. It was about to fall in, but then a slight breeze sent it rolling to the side and it got stuck between the rims, not even making it into a jar. Coldfire growled frustratedly and raised his arms. "Oh, come on! Are you kidding me?"

Coldfire glowered at Giranja, face red and ready to snap at her smug comments.
"Aww, too bad. Well, you can still redeem your big prize!" The vendor gestured toward a shelf stuffed with large plush teddy bears of varying colors. Coldfire rolled his eyes and looked to Giranja, letting her choose.

Coldfire readily shook his head at the vendor and moved away from the stand to find something else to redeem himself. He stopped in front of a stand that had a board near the back, covered in colorful balloons. He spotted a tray of darts and quickly figured out the purpose of the game.
The vendor looked over and approached when he arrived. "Welcome. Have you ever played this game before?"

(can you stop eating my comments
please)

(uh huh, that's right)

(you stay right there and don't do anything to my comments)

(My comments kept disappearing and appearing whenever I refreshed the page xD)

The vendor gave a nod in return. "It's pretty simple. You get ten darts to pop as many balloons as possible. However, if you want to do two players, you can compete by seeing who can pop the most balloons," he informed them.
Coldfire raised a brow and flickered his gaze toward Giranja. "Yeah, we'll do it that way." //I can get back at her this way...//
After Coldfire paid, the vendor gave each of them five darts, then stepped aside. "Whenever you're ready."
The shifter smirked at Giranja as he picked up his first dart. "Ready?"

(Pffft Colors needs some sass to put it in order)

(Ah no problem! I hope everything turns out better for you!)

(For sure xD

Ahh, I figured. That's not fun. Take it easy and let yourself unwind a bit)

Giranja's dart successfully popped a balloon. Coldfire smirked at her and readied himself. //Easy enough. I can do just as good.// He tossed his dart and it popped a nearby balloon. He threw a second one and popped another, then paused with a third dart in his hand, waiting to try and beat Giranja to a balloon. //If I pop her balloons, her darts will be wasted and I'll get all the hits,// he plotted slyly.

(Pffft yep yep

Best of luck to you! Oooh that must be coming along nicely!)

Coldfire jolted his hand forward once she began to move, aiming to beat her to the balloon ahead of her. But he frowned when two balloons popped, then realized she had intentionally changed her direction. //That's cheap,// he thought dryly as he retrieved his fourth dart. He waved it back and forth, pretending to calculate his throw, but his peripheral vision tracked her moves.

(Yeah, same here. Do we need a new page already? X'D

Lol! Guessing always gets us somewhere in art. xD Just make sure you draw on a separate layer in case of a mistake lol
Ooh sounds cool!)

Coldfire missed his chance to steal her first balloon, but he quickly tossed his dart toward her second target, managing to pop it first. He shot Giranja a grin. "Really, now?" he hummed smugly. The prince reached for another dart and found he was on his last one. //My turn to win,// the thought as he flung it toward a balloon.

(I feel like we should do it after the festival though, if it doesn't last too long. When people post RPs, others tend to watch for a while until they forget abut it or the post vanishes in their feed. We're still experimenting here and I don't want to spoil everything for the upcoming festival RP.

Oh lol, makes sense. Maybe try to look at other Vaseterm's wings and make a guess XD
I'm curious nowww)

The darts were so close together it was difficult to tell which one reached the balloon first when it popped, though Giranja's was the first to touch. Nevertheless, Coldfire grinned. "I still win," he huffed with a cocky brow raised, moving a hand to his hip.
The vendor stepped forward again. "Congrats! You can choose pretty much any prize," he said as he waved his arms at the several plushies and treats hanging off the roof of the stand.

(That's truuuuuue I forgot about that! Guess it doesn't matter then xD

Ahh that's so cool! Must be adorable!!)

(Definitely! After tomorrow, I'll practically be on break, so I might like to make the next post if you don't mind. I might have a drawing idea in mind.

Yeeee!)

Coldfire smirked at Giranja, then declined the prize and kept walking with her. He skimmed the passing stands, disinterested in anything that looked similar to the ball toss. He stopped when a bell and hammer game caught his eye. Up ahead, he saw a male slam a hammer down onto a lever, which made an object fly up a scale, then fall back down. //Now that's my kind of game,// Coldfire thought with a grin as he advanced toward it, rolling a shoulder. After the male set the hammer down and left, Coldfire picked it up. A large male was standing by, and he grinned. "Easy game. Hit as hard as you can, and try to get it to ring the bell," he explained, nodding his head toward the round golden bell at the top of the scale.

(Lol okay!)

Coldfire grinned at her. "Hell yeah. I've been working out a lot more the past month," he told her, demonstrating by flexing an arm. Smirking confidently, the shifter readied the hammer in both hands, then steadied himself in front of the lever. The hammer went up, and with a surge of strength he slammed it down. The projectile shot upwards with the impact and struck the bell, making it ring out loud enough that several people looked over. Coldfire grinned pridefully. //That's more like it.//

Coldfire grinned back at Giranja, proud to impress her. He set the hammer down and turned to leave without a prize, but then he spotted what the prizes were. In a moment, he returned to Giranja with a large red dragon plushie in his arms. "Look - it looks just like you," he teased with a goofy look on his face, using a finger to poke its spherical shape.

(If you were looking for conflict, that bell can certainly draw attention... eve)

Coldfire huffed playfully. "Yeah it does. It's red, it's a dragon... Look, it even has gems," he stated, pointing at the plastic sequins sewed under the eyes to represent a Zilariun. "Plus, it's warm and huggable," he added with a witty twinkle in his eyes.

(Haha no problem, I figured that might be the case. Up to youuuu...

Hhhhh I suppose so, soon)

(Hehehe yeah. We'll at least keep the first day fight-free)

(Ah but now I have a drawing idea)

(Haha no problem! This'll be my last reply, by the way
Lol yep

I had a different idea for the cover originally but now I'm tempted to make this the one. X'D We'll see, we'll see)

Coldfire turned to see the two males, and his eyes went wide. The shifter would've flung out a fist immediately if it weren't for the plushie in his arms. At the same time, he wished it wasn't there, because it wasn't going to help his impression.
Coldfire narrowed his eyes on Hirano, body stiff. "What do you want?" he growled. His gaze flickered to the companion, suspicious of the scars and tough look. //This can't be good...//

(Lol yeah! Guess so!

And I'll be off nowww~ Thanks for hanging with me! These two are so adorable lol)

(Had to get up to answer an email so I'm popping in againnnn)

Coldfire bared hia teeth at Hirano, sizing him up. He let the plushie drop to the side then stepped forward to put himself between Giranja and the man Mercurii. "Back away," he growled dangerously, amethyst eyes flashing as he looked between the two males. "If you've got nothing good to say, then get lost."

Coldfire's lip twitched at the insult. He glanced at Giranja momentarily, then eyed the males. //I see how it is...// The shifter raised the back of his hand to display the ring on his finger. "You're far too late to make a move on her now. I've already won," he sneered, though his stare remained wary.

Coldfire watched Mercurii walk off, then lowered his hand and scrutinized Hirano. "She didn't make a mistake. She's better off now than she was before, when you were still terrorizing her," he growled

That's not true," Coldfire retorted. "If you treat her like a prize, I treat her like a treasure. She's worth more than your greedy eyes can see," he defended. His fists clenched tighter by his sides, moments from slugging the prince over the face. "Unless you're here to get hurt, I suggest you leave," he growled.

Coldfire gritted his teeth and glared back as Hirano replied and walked away. His fists stayed tight by his sides, a promise he once made ringing through his head. "I swear... If we weren't at the festival, I would've torn him limb from limb right there," he growled darkly.

(Rereading the dress part is so hilarious x'DD)

(BOT At all X'DD She totally got him)

*Not

The shifter grimaced and looked away. "If I did it elsewhere, nobody would know who did it," he grumbled, then exhaled tightly. "We'll keep a better lookout next time."

(Pffft yeah he deserved it though)

The shifter glanced the way the males had gone, then sighed and stooped down to pick up te dragon plushie. He dusted it off thoughtlessly, mind still dwelling on the interruption. "If they attacked first, then it wouldn't be our fault," he mumbled.

(I love that about her xD)

(Very xD)

The shifter's face darkened as he looked down the road again. //I won't let eaithe rof them come bear here again...// He looked her over in concern. "Do you need to sit?"

(Pffft yeah x'D)

"Hard to avoid them out in public," Coldfire murmured as he wrapped an arm around her waist and began to walk. "Come on - we'll rest for a while." He brought them over to a bench in the shade and had her sit. He sat beside her and put the plushie beside him. He was still annoyed by the interaction, but he knew Giranja wouldn't let hin do anything about it.

Coldfire frowned as he studied her, wishing he had an answer. "Earlier, you said something like you shouldn't be surprised that they were together. What did you mean by that?" he asked.

(Indeed lol)

The shifter sat forward and put his elbows on his knees. "Like I said, they're too late. You already have me, and I won't let anyone else come near," he reminded her seriously.

"I will still fight back," he determined with a hard face, staring ahead. He glanced at Giranja and sat upright, but he hesitated. "You sure? We aren't in a hurry."

The shifter grimaced at the thought and pushed it away, not wanting it to change his mind. He stood as well and picked up the mini Gira. "Alright... Let's head to a different area," he suggested as he glanced at the street.

Coldfire kept an eye behind them as they returned to walking, still skeptical. He looked at Giranja when she murmured and thought a moment. "Do the rulers of the Houses walk around here, too? And would it mean trouble if we ran into any?"

Coldfire nodded slowly, though he still kept a sharper eye on their surroundings. He drifted into aimless thought, worrying about Giranja's safety and whether or not they'd run into more unwelcome faces. His gaze dropped until he met eyes with the dragon plushie in his arms. //Why am I still holding this?// he wondered, face growing hot as he looked around rapidly. He held the plushie out toward Giranja. "Were you wanting to hold this?..."

(Sorry for the slowness! I've been distracted doing those requests X'D I also think I'm gonna head to bed soon because I'm pretty exhausted, just so you know)

Coldfire gratefully let her take it, then put his hands in his pockets and looked around idly. He glanced her way. "You know it's not healthy to stare into the sun," he commented, voice hard to tell whether he was serious or teasing her.

Coldfire rolled his eyes. "Whatever," he mumbled, though not without a hint of humor. //One glance at the sun for me and it leaves spots in my eyes,// he thought. The two passed by another drink stand and the shifter reached out to grab a cup of some kind of liquor for himself. He sipped on it as they walked.

Coldfire raised his brows and paused, surprised by her. "Seriously? You actually don't mind?" //She's actually -offering- to get me something stronger, even after what happened last time?// he thought.

The shifter shuffled and glanced away awkwardly. "Well, you know how I get when I have a lot. I know you don't want anything disrupting the peace of the festival," he murmured.

(Hey I gotta go to bed now! See ya laterrrrr)

Coldfire huffed faintly as he looked her over. "Well, alright... I've never really attended a festival before now," he commented. He gulped down the rest of his drink and grinned. "Guess I can get used to it."

(You're up early)

Coldfire smirked at her and linked his arm with hers, setting the cup on a passing stand. "Doesn't sound that bad. I haven't been able to enjoy myself like this in a while," he remarked. "If you won't drink, then what exactly do you do?"

(Hopefully! X'D)

Coldfire raised a brow at Giranja, then shook his head. "Nah, I don't want to leave your side. I'll still be able to enjoy myself," he reassured with a smile. "We can do it your way. Let's do what you want to do right now," he offered.

(Lol okay!)

The shifter frowned confusedly. "What? It can't be that bad. If you want to dance, then go dance. I'll watch you as long as you want to dance," he said with a shrug. "I'll be fine so long as I have a drink while I watch."

(Lol, hope that doesn't bite you later x'D)

Coldfire huffed. "Well, I'd be better off watching than participating," he said with a small sarcastic eye roll. "Stop fussing. Just go and do it," he told her, giving her side a little nudge with his elbow.

(That sucks x'D)

(That doesn't sound fun, I'm sorry about that :'D)

Coldfire grinned. "That's more like it." He left her side to find a nearby refreshment table and took the most promising-looking liquor cup, then returned to Giranja and began to walk with her, trusting her to lead them to the action.

(Lol x'D)

(Lol, still good xD)

Coldfire briefly panicked when Giranja vanished from his sight, but then felt relief when he spotted her among the other dancers. When they began to dance, Coldfire relocated a bit and watched Giranja alone, quickly becoming mesmerized by her dance. He blushed as he watched her quick movements, body fluid and energetic. He was so entertained by the performance that he momentarily forgot about his drink.
Coldfire couldn't clap with his hands busy, but he smiled warmly at Giranja when she met his gaze.

(Also I'm assuming she handed the plushie to him or somebody else before she went up there xD)

(Pff nah it's fine

It is sooo easy to forget about stuff that characters are holding X'D Haha alrighty)

Coldfire stared at Giranja as she came, flushing more at her smile and stepping forward to meet her. He huffed almost breathlessly. "Wow. I.... That was amazing," he said as he looked her over. "The way you move so well, and use the water, and yet keep up with the fast pace... You did great," he murmured with a smile.

(It is X'D)

Coldfire chuckled. "I'm surprised you kept up. You'd think they'd have wrecked your movements," he commented. The shifter gave her a teasing smirk. "You need me to carry you now?"

"You somehow pulled it off. I'm impressed by it all." The shifter then grinned. "You can feed it to me as we walk," he joked.

Coldfire rolled his eyes. "So long as you don't dump it all over me, you'll be fine. If you can't guarantee that then nevermind," he remarked with a sarcastic eyeroll, albeit smirking playfully. "Either way, you might need to help me carry this thing so I can have at least one hand," he said as he tipped his head toward the plushie tucked under his arm. "Or we just... I don't know, do something with it so it isn't in the way."

Coldfire snorted, then rolled his eyes. "Okay, well this one's special. I won it in a game," he defended matter-of-factly before drinking from his cup. "You could count it as a souvenir from the festival."

"Sounds good to me," he agreed. He reached over and clasped his free hand with hers, then began to walk again.

(Do we wanna timeskip that or nah?)

(That's a good idea! Let's go with that!)

By the time evening came, Coldfire had burned himself out from drinking and walking about, so he walked quietly beside Giranja, simply looking at the lights and feeling mindlessly happy.
Coldfire glanced at Giranja when she spoke. "Fireworks? Mmm... Don't think so. S' it a fire dance?"

Coldfire frowned, then snorted and rolled his eyes. "'Course I can. Where's the ladder?" he asked with a concentrated frown.

"Why are we going on the roof?" Coldfire questioned, though he still began to climb the ladder, moving a little slowly.

//I don't get it,// Coldfire grumbled inwardly as he scaled yhe ladder, managing to reach the top. He pulled himself up and scooted over the rooftop, then peered over to watch Giranja. "So... It's dragons flying with fire. Are they -on- fire?"

Coldfire frowned at her, then turned his gaze to the sky, legs out and palms on the roof behind him. At first, his eyes went wide at the burst of colored light, then jolted at the belated boom that followed. The next few didn't shock him as much, so he he relaxed and stared at the fireworks, silently impressed. "They're more besutiful than I had expected," he murmured after a minute.

Coldfire watched in speechless awe. He didn't understand how they worked without magic, but he didn't bother to ask. He waited in anticipation for each firework, beginning to enjoy the bangs and bright lights and colors. For a moment, he galnced at Giranja with a smile.

(Lol)

Coldfire tipped his head to rest against hers and returned his gaze to the fireworks. He couldn't quite understand what was so mesmerizing about them, but he enjoyed them nevertheless.

Coldfire blinked a few times when the fireworks stopped, surprised it was over so soon. But then they started up again and grew even greater in scale. The shifter huffed slightly, then shifted his weight so he could wrap one arm around her waist. "Thanks for this," he murmured, smiling quietly at her.

(Sorry for continuously disappearinggg)

He shrugged faintly. "Nah. It's nice," he said quietly in return, giving her a faint smile before looking back at the fireworks display.

Coldfire watched with round eyes until they finally came to a halt. He waited for more, but nothing happened. He sucked in a breath and shuffled a bit. "Well, I've seen fireworks now," he murmured with a smirk.

Coldfire chuckled at her. He laid back against the roof and crossed his arms under his head with a relaxed sigh. "Wait, that wasn't magic? At all?"

(Haha alright!)

He scowled and looked up at her. "Really?" He gave up trying to understand. //Technology's too weird here...// He stretched his arms over his head, moaning as he arched his back. "Haven't felt this good in a while," Coldfire confessed as he sighed.

(Lol! No problem! XD)

(The page crashed and ate my commenttttt)

Coldfire glanced up at Giranja. "Mm? Yeah. And... well, being with you again," he murmured, arms crossing under his head again as he smiled drowsily. "I've missed you."

(Yep yep)

Coldfire turned his head to smile at her. "Finally alone, too. Been too busy everywhere," he murmured. He studied her a moment, then rolled onto his stomach next to her and reached over to run a hand through her silvery hair. "Your hair's gorgeous like this," he told her. "The wavyness, and all..."

(Hey, I should probably go now! Just so you know, I have an event tomorrow night so I'll heave to leave sometime tomorrow)

(Ahh okay! I wondered that after I commented but didn't dwell on it xD)

(I slept in and had to run to class lol)

Coldfire idly twirled a strand of her hair around his finger. "You can't keep it like that? Sterling does," he commented, not really connecting that Sterling's hair was already naturally curly.

(Ahh gotcha. Well that's a little bit less you have on your shoulders

Haha yeah

That makes sense! It still looks great as is.

Also why are you up so eaaaarrrllyyyyy)

(Lol! That'll wreck your sleep x'D)

Coldfire snorted. "Easy 'nuff. Just gotta curl it with your fingers long enough," he explained, then froze and stared at the hair in his hand. //No, that's not gonna work,// he told himself. He awkwardly pulled his hand away and cleared his throat, not even sure what to think of what he just said. "I mean, whatever you do to it..."

(Lol xD)

Coldfire reddened a bit when she laughed then hugged him, and he rolled his eyes. "You're always up so early. You'd have time," he figured. //However you do it...//

(That's fine! I gotta go in an hour anyway)

He frowned. "Why can't you talk to them in the day? Because of that, I haven't seen you in the mornings or evenings," he murmured in concern, disappointment leaking through his face.

(Haha yep

Also I'm actually kinda confused about their positions right now lol
Is she next to him hugging him, or sort of on his back? He's laying on his stomach, unless I forgot to describe that)

(Ahh okay, I think I got it)

Coldfire studied her face. "Yeah, do that. You need time to relax those hours," he said with a slight sympathetic look. He moved one arm to stroke his hand over her bangs. "Besides, what good's it to spend time with them than me?"

(Lol no problem!)

Coldfire smiled faintly. "Try to get out of it. I'll speak up if you need it," he murmured. "Maye your father will make things easier for you."

(I gotta go now! See you later! Maybe will be back in two hours)

"Yeah. Don't need to think about that," Coldfire agreed. He rested his head on his arm and closed his eyes a moment, exhaling slowly. He opened his eyes and looked Giranja over, soft smile on his lips. "I'm glad to have you. You make life so much better," he whispered. He reached out a hand and rested it on her neck, thrumb stroking her jaw gently.

(Lol no problem xD)

(Pffft nice X'D)

His smile grew a little more. The shifter propped himself up and moved closer, placing his elbows on either side of her head, and leaned in to kiss her. He grinned as he pulled back. "You're so cute, y'know," Coldfire said with an amused snicker, not really noticing that his breath slightly stank of alcohol.

(Lol that's adorable XD Silly girl)

(Lol, cats are great)

Coldfire smirked, then frowned and pulled away a little. "Seriously? I haven't even had much today. I thought the party was only just starting," he said, unable to help a grin.

"Alright," Coldfire murmured as he sat up, leaving one palm resting on the roof. "Huh. Figured it'd go through the night, too. At least, the partying and so on." He rubbed the back of his neck as he glanced toward the street. "Hoped I could get at least one more drink."

The Tundra prince rolled his head around, stretching his neck. "Up to you. Guess I've got other nights to party, so I don't care if I skip today," he stated with a little shrug. "What'd you want to do?"

The shifter nodded slowly. "Alright. I'll get one more drink and we can retire for the night. Energy's made me tired, anyway," Coldfire said. He got up onto his knees.

(Finished my drawing, so I'l lbe heading out in a bit)

(Also sorry for the really infrequent comments x'D)

Coldfire followed and climbed down after her, having to concentrate more on going down than up. After reaching the bottom, he dusted his hands off and twisted his back from one side to another. He straightened and raised a brow. "Ready?"

(Haha alrighty! Good good! I guess I should go now. Talk to you later!)

(Also thanks for the comment on my frawing! The pose was fun haha)

Coldfire reached out and linked arms with Giranja, giving her a smile, before walking close alongside her. He took a drink from a stand and tasted it, then lowered the cup and looked around, checking that there wasn't anything else to check out before they'd go inside.

(Lol no problem xD

Thank you!! Accordinng to your time at least XD)

Coldfire looked at Giranja when she yawned, then nudged her slightly with his elbow. "Let's go in. You need rest," he murmured with a faint smile.

(Lol XDD)

(You do that! Sleep well!)

He shrugged as he began to guide her toward the hotel. "You don't need to sleep right away - we can still stay up and enjoy one another," he suggested, raising a brow and smiling.

Coldfire grinned. "I'll take that." He led her into the hotel and up to their room, closing the door behind them. He sat on the bed, guzzled his drink in one go and set the cup aside, then removed his boots. The shifter took a moment to rub his face with one palm, the last drink pushing him past the border into the hot and fuzzy stage. //Haven't had that much in a while... Better brush for Giranja's sake,// he mused as he got up and slowly walked toward the bathroom.

After cleaning up the best he could in his fuzzy state, Coldfire returned to the main room and took off his vest, leaving it by the bedstand. He sprawled on the bed on his stomach, exhaling slowly. He glanced at her. "Your feet okay?"

Coldfire watched her as best he could from his position, then rested his face in his arm until she returned. He looked up at her when she came back and rolled closer. He smiled and grew warmer in his face as he looked her outfit over. "You look cute," he murmured.

He smiled warmly, but then it faded and his gaze flickered over her face. "Worried? What for?"

Coldfire frowned, then raised a brow. "If I'd been hurt, you would've noticed, mmm?" he hummed in response. He reached out and cupped her cheek affectionately. "Don' worry about me. Everything's fine."

Coldfire huffed faintly as he studied her. "If anything, I should be worrying about you. You've been all over the place. I never got to comfort you the past month," he mentioned quietly. "What's on your mind now?"

"Don't think about it. Let it settle on its own. Focus on something else," he told her. Coldfire shifted onto his side and pulled himself closer, moving in for a gentle kiss, hoping it would somehow help.

Coldfire opened his eyes partly when she pulled away, then chuckled. "No, you're the beautiful one. I'm handsome, right?" he said teasingly, giving her a smirk. He moved his hand to rub her side warmly.

"Whatever," he replied with an eyeroll as he moved in for another kiss. He pulled back and murmured, "I get to call you whatever I want, too, my cute and clumsy feather."

Coldfire grinned. "Well, for starters, you do a horrible job of kissing. It's like you aren't even trying," he jabbed at her, flashing her a teasing look.

Coldfire chuckled and put his other hand under her chin and drawing her face toward his. "I'm just kidding. I like messy kisses the most," he purred before bringing his lips to hers and exchanging a longer kiss. He pulled back and grinned at her in amusement.

Coldfire's grin faded. "...What are you talking about?" he questioned, not sure whether to be concerned or suspicious.

Coldfire's frown grew and he sat up as well. "Giranja, hold on a moment! I didn't mean that against you at all. I was teasing - but I mean it when I like how you kiss," he defended. He reached out a hand to place it on top of hers, feeling both agitated and guilty. "Come on, babe."

The shifter hestitated, studying her face. He scooted closer and wrapped his arms around Giranja's waist. "Hey... I'm sorry, alright? I didn't mean to hurt you," he murmured.

Guilt was coursing through Coldfire by then. "Alright," he whispered. He rubbed his thumb against her forearm, at loss for words. //She actually means it... Does this mean she won't kiss me anymore? Did I just ruin something for us?...// "If I never say anything like it again, will you still kiss me like we usually do?" he whispered.

(Something always goes wrong when Coldfire drinks X'D)

Once she pulled back, Coldfire's lips split into a grin. He huffed faintly in amusement and relief, then cupped her jaw and leaned in for another kiss, making this one longer and sloppier. When he finally pulled back, he sighed faintly. "I love you, y'know," he hummed.

Coldfire smiled back, then followed her, placing a hand beside her and leaning in to gently kiss her cheek. "Thank you," he murmured.

(Drawing is very distracting X'D)

(THANK YOU AHH)

He shrugged sleepily. "For forgiving me. And kissing me," he replied with a meek smile.

(LOL THAT'S FINE

A HAPPYBIRTHDAY WISH IS PLENTY ENOUGH FAM)

(HAHA UP TO YOU)

Coldfire grimaced momentarily. //Still have to make up for it somehow...// He laid down on his back beside her, turning his head to watch her silently. He didn't have much to say, and tiredness was taking him over, but he still felt guilt nagging at him. He placed a hand on hers and gave her a wordless, gentle smile.

(I finished my drawing so I should probably go to bed nowwww)

Coldfire's eyelids drooped down until sleep gradually took over, finally resting after the long day.

(You're welcome, and thank you! And thanks for the comment! Goodniiiiiight~~~)

When Coldfire finally stirred, he moaned wearily and rolled onto his side, curling up around himself. //I don't feel good,// he thought, not too surprised. It wasn't the worst he'd been, but he wasn't ready to get up so soon. The shifter kept his eyes shut and buried himself in the covers.

Coldfire finally unburied his face and exhaled heavily. //Always forget this part...// His head and gut both felt awful, though it was at least beginning to ebb away. He cracked his eyes open and focused on Giranja's blurry image. "Giranja?... What time is it?"

(Posted the new coverrrr)