Welcome to Gaia! ::

She heard what he said and nodded. If he thought romance was confusing, fake, and convoluted, he should try being friends with some women. If you were a woman in the company of others, there were unheard, unseen, unknown alliances she always missed, tact she never understood. Evidently, you couldn't honestly tell a girl that she looked worse in one dress over another, even if she begged for honesty.

But... if he wasn't the romantic type... what else could that mean? She could understand the notion of honesty being something sacred... but if by no romance he meant there wouldn't be sharing of gifts, romantic nights... sharing of... passions... >_< Okay, she had to start thinking more positively.

"Should I... not send cakes then?" She asked, looking a bit confused.

"B-because that's romantic. And you... don't care for romance?" She now sounded even more perplexed, and her confusion had turned inward. It was hard to tell if he was confusing or she was confusing herself... which diverted her attention away from how he leaned against her. It aggrivated her to not understand something... and even more so to think gifts were a bad thing. She felt good when she gave people gifts... so much so she might even fight him on this.

"But how can you not care for romance," she suddenly murmured, thinking aloud. "Relationships are romance, unless you just want to... to be friends. But... you don't want that do you?" She didn't wait for an answer, as she was truly just talking aloud to herself, only half-conscious he was hearing it. "And it's nice to be able to give and recieve gifts, to know you've made someone smile, even more when they are important to you. So if I couldn't give gifts, how could I make you smile?"

Someone had a tendency to overthink things.

She stared at him, blinking, as if she didn't really understand. Go into a relationship for gifts... or... or use it gloss over an argument. What in the world was he talking about? The only time she had ever gotten gifts, even from lovers, was for holidays, so the idea of buying someone gifts for such uses dumbfounded her. It just seemed so absurd that for once, she was considering him more crazy than he was.

"I... don't know?" she answered finally, exasperated. "If it's expensive, does that mean it's meaningless? And how would you know if it's meaningful?" How could you judge a gift as anything other than a gift, she wondered.

Then she realized she was staring at him as she was in silent contemplation of his words. Indeed, he had seen much more of the world that she was innocent to... which was odd, considering her current and past profession, perhaps. Clearing her throat again, she this time fought back the blush more quickly. It was hard to talk when your mind wandered inadvertently to their physical... gifts.

Now she looked even more dumbfounded, for while she understood his explanation, when he asked her how she wanted things to go, she didn't know what to answer. It felt like the blind was leading the blind, and since neither of them knew what to do, they were relying on the other. Surely that was more absurd than giving presents to help forgive someone in an argument.

She sighed. "I wouldn't care what someone got me so much as who gave it to me... because you can't always tell someone's intentions. Maybe you bought the expensive car because you wanted me to have something really nice?"

"You worry too much about what I want to do. We should both just do what we want, and if I get angry at you, I'll uhm... try not to run away. I just... get uncomfortable sometimes because... I'm not good with... with talking. My mind wanders..." Clearing her throat again, she looked down, and after a moment realized her gaze had drifted to his crotch. @______@;;; Turning a vibrant red, yet again, she started to mumble apologies incoherently and stared at the ceiling.

@______@;;; She was lost to him now. He had, *gasp* noticed what she had thought of, the source of her embarassment, and had even commented on it aloud, which only added to her torture. Paused in her starting at ceiling, eyes wide and lips slightly apart in horror, she was still.

When he left, no movement.

When he returned, no movement.

Perhaps she had died of embarassment... but no, she was still breathing, just hoping if she stayed there quietly enough that maybe he wouldn't see her and remember what she said... which, of course, made PERFECT sense.

@____@!!! He had kissed her! Kissed! Her! And... and now he was asking her to go to the beach! Certainly... certainly this was a dream. It must be. Surely this contentment could not be attained so easily in re-

"KEEE-AAA!" Delta exclaimed suddenly. If they were going to the beach, she didn't want to be left behind, alone. Besides, she had no idea what these two were talking about with a relationship and only knew Aly made her mother turn different colors, drop things, and play dead. And her mother had said some bad things about him the other night before she fell asleep. This one she had to keep an eye on. >_o

"Delta!" Syrenrei suddenly snapped to to scold her daughter with a somewhat motherly stare. Delta stopped her quibbling to pout, giving Aly a look like it was all his fault.

"Are you sure?" ^^;; Worried that Delta might not exactly be his idea of a third party, or chaperone, as Delta fancied herself to be.

Foenix stepped into the Centre. She had started out by walked beside Rahujo, but Nehanda had, in her excitement to see Acia, launched herself from foenix's shoulder and flown quickly ahead of them. With an apology to the adult Aerandir, Foenix had jogged after her charge, to find the little gryphon circling in front of the Centre door.

"Aly? Acia?" She called out. she hoped the yallin wouldn't frighten the Aerandir if she was around, but didn't want to wait too long. When there was no answer, she shrugged and walked back toward Aly's quarters. Taking a pen and pad from her bag, she wrote a quick note.

(( Aerandir pool party! 3nodding This took place sometime last night on IRC... I was asleep crying ))






Ok, setting: in the hot springs out the back of the centre. Nearly dark, twilight, lanterns set all around.

Alyosha walked out onto the tiled floor of the hot springs area. the tiles were cold, damp and slightly slippery in the cooler night air. ooler, but even still it was too warm.

Kiro sat to the edge, having found it a peaceful place to read that was *outside* his room. He thumbed pages gently, not noticing anyone else.

Ieyasu slipped through the door to the springs from the centre, a towel over his arm and clad only in pale shorts.

Alyosha looked behind him when he heard footsteps. "Ieyasu.. hey" he grinned. "Coming out for a dip?"

Not so quietly, Osusuki followed, chirping as he pranced over the tiles. Noticing Alyosha nearby, Ieyasu grinned after a moment.

"Hey Alyosha." Indicating the towel over his arm, he went on. "I'd say so."

Walking closer to the water, he dipped a foot in, testing the temperature. Warm, but not scalding. He nodded back to Ieyasu. "Nothing better than a warm soak after a hard day..." It was then that he noticed Kiro, sitting reading a book off to one side. "Kiro-kun!"

Hearing the voices, Kiro looked up from his book - looking almost surprised to see other people. "Hey!" he said, his voice sounding startled, but smiling.

"Mm.." Ieyasu glanced up, noticing the neko-jin off to the side. Offering a nod and a brief grin to him, he moved closer to the pool.

Meanwhile, Osusuki was nosing around. He hadn't been in here before, and as usual, was proceeding to stick his beak in everywhere

He slipped into the water, stepping down from the shallow to the deep ledge. He sat so that the slightly murky water came up nearly to his chin, his black hair half submersed. The steam rose up around him as he gave an appreciative sigh.

Kiro smiled quietly, after a few moments feeling sufficiently comfortable with the company to continue pursuing his book.

Spotting the new person off to the side, Osu gave an exited call, charging off towards the seated neko.

Blinking and glancing up, Kiro spotted the Aerandir appraoching, getting slightly wide eyed and still being unfamiliar with the species in general. "Uhh hey...!" he said dumbly to the charging animal, not really knowing what else to do.

With a quick glance over to Osu to make sure he wasn't being too much of a pain in the a**, Ieyasu then set down his towel.

Osu gave a delighted chirp, bouncing around Kiro's ankles excitedly. He then paused, sitting back to regard the neko curiously.

Alyosha ducked his head down under the water, fully immersing himself for a moment. When he surfaced his hair was slick against his head. He shook it sharply, sending water droplets cascading around himself.

Being within the male area of the springs, the youko slipped off his shorts, setting them next to the towel before stepping into the shallow water.

Tilting his head slightly, Kiro blinked at the animal - then tentatively holding out a cautious hand towards Osu in an attempt to get to know him.

Calling out shrilly, Osu clacked his beak before stretching his long neck forward. He appeared to be examining Kiro's hand for a moment, before abruptly giving it a playful nudge

Kiro grinned in response to that, almost proud of the fact he wasn't promptly bitten before reaching out again. Cautiously tries petting Osu, praying he's not going to lose a finger or two.

Osu almost crooned, obviously enjoying the attention. He then got up again, jumping up to place his two front paws on Kiro's leg. Giving a flap of his wings, he nudged at the boy again

Kiro grinned again at that, his book now totally forgotten, and nudged Osu's back gently with a knuckle, wondering if this was going to turn into some kind of game.

Alyosha looked around at the others, watching Kiro with the Aerandir. He smiled a little. His concern for the boy was always there as he felt he had been entrusted with him. A bright boy but a little unsocial... he just needed a few more poeple about him perhaps.

Ieyasu paused, glancing over his shoulder towards Osu and Kiro. "Is he distracting or annoying you at all?"

"KEEEEEE-AAAAAAA!" Delta came running out of the centre and ran around the women's bath with a triumphant call as if to make sure everyone knew she was there. Sy skittered after her, trying to hush her in embarassment.

Osu trumpeted, dropping back to all fours again. Turning in a circle, he raised his head, clacking his beak again. Then, he paused, hearing a loud call from behind the nearby screen

Alyosha blinked, startled as he head the Aerandir chriek behind him. He knew at once it was Delta. "Sy?" he looked round. He smiled at her warmly. "Come for a bath?"

Looked up at the question, then shaking his head. "No, no he's not..." He then blinked upon hearing Delta having never met the Aerandir, so not sure who it was.

"Ok." Ieyasu grinned, before stepping into the deeper part of the bath. Sitting himself down, he leaned back against the edge, enjoying the warmth of the water

She blinked, looking up for a moment to see where Alyosha was, somewhat conscientous that she was (1) only in a robe and (2) hunched over unattractively as she chased Delta. Oh, what a Juliet she was ->

"Sy dear" he said, the womens side is past the barrier, not sure if you've been here before but that how we set it up." He watched as she tried to round up Delta, a smile creeping onto his face.

Orian shuffled in wearing a dark blue silk robe, tapping sy on the top of the head as he headed for the bath, yawning a little. "Evening all."

Osu took a step after the other Aerandir that bolted past, tilting his head curiously and chirruping. Somebody new?

Of course, when she looked up she did a quick scan of the pool before her eyes rested on the half-naked Alyosha, which was enough to make her flush... and for a moment she thought she saw something else... @____@ All of a sudden she did a sprint to the women's side, leaving Delta behind and confused. "Keee-aaa?"

Kiro continued watching Osu, smiling quietly, curious as to who the Aerandir was - but not having met enough people to know she was new.

Ieyasu stared after Syrenrei, catching only a brief glimpse of her as he sat down. He glanced to Alyosha, before speaking quietly. "Did I miss something?"

Osu merped again, before deciding that he'd catch up with the new Aerandir later. Whooping, he spun and bounced back to Kiro, his tail flicking happily

Alyosha looked at Ieyasu and murmered quietly "I wouldn't worry about it..she's.. flighty... I think it's a neko-jin thing.."

Kiro blinked, the word 'neko' being a red-flag word, and glanced up questionningly. But then returned his attention to Osu with a smile, since the creature was clearly demanding it.

Taking off her robe behind the screen, and eyeing it warily, she quickly jumped in the water, else they see too much of her shadow. Mmmmm... warm. Soaking in it with just her head above the water, Delta trotted to the edge of the pool, eyeing it wearily.

After moment Delta decided to taste the water. x_X Coughing as much as a bird could, spitting it out, and making horrific hacking noises, she made sure Syrenrei heard her discontent and disapproval of this disgusting water.

"Hah, I see.." Ieyasu relaxed, allowing the heat to work its way into his muscles. This was nice...

Orian sat and stripped of the robe, showing a pair of bathing trunks underneith, as well as his mechanical arm and shoulder. He gently sunk into the pool, resting his arms on the edge, eyes closed

Alyosha sat in silence. Enjoying the fact that there were people around. there didn't need to be a hubbub for it to be 'cosy'. He shouted over the bamboo divider to Sy. "Are you allright... is Delta?" he heard small hacking coughs from the other side.

Brushing against Kiro's legs, Osu chirruped, poking up at Kiro's hands again with his long slender beak

"Y-yes!" She shouted back, patting Delta a little so as to make sure she was okay herself. Of course Delta was fine, just indignant per usual. "Delta tried to taste the water." As if to emphasize, Delta let out a little shriek before she rubbed against her mother's hand.

Ieyasu glanced over at the new arrival to the baths, nodding his head to the man with the mechanical limbs. Nyxa had mentioned someone with his description...

Kiro was also enjoying the quiet presence of other people - by his very nature uncomfortable with crowds and noise. Raised his hands with a grin as they were prodded, then grinning and attempting to tickle Osu, cautiously at first and testing his boundries.

He then looked up, glancing over in the direction of Syrenrei's shout. The Aerandir didn't sound too happy..

Orian nodded back to Ieyasu. "I don't think i've met you before. I'm Orion Ironfist. I, well, washed up on the beach. Alyosha was kind enough to let me stick around and do odd jobs on the island, since i have no clue where home is, if its even reachable.

Osu dropped onto his side, lifting a forepaw into the air and stretching his head back. He chirruped happily, his forepaw twitching and his tail softly flicking

Alyosha spotted Orian, then, and nodded a little to he man. He hadn't seen him in some time. So much for him helping out around the place.

Kiro smiled in amusement at this, his own tail idly twitching a little as he continued to tickle the small creature, content to just get along with him for the moment and not having to interact with anyone else.

"Ieyasu. Nice meeting you." Ieyasu lifted a dripping hand out of the water, brushing a few strands of pale, damp hair back from his face.

Hearing all the voices as Syrenrei soaked made Delta curious, and she walked cautiously around the little divider to where she could see the men and her mother could still see her back. Hmmm, it was the weird man again. And three others. >_o

Nodding back to Alyosha, he smiled a little. "Sorry i've been missing a little. I wanted to do a little looking around. I guess its just the explorer in me. I even managed to make it to the northern island. This place is very beautiful.

Kiro turned a little, able to sense another pair of eyes behind him, and offered a smile to Delta, obviously not recognising her.

Alyosha's ears pircked up as he heard the tiny patter of cloven feet. He spotted Delta peeping around the barrier. Putting his hand against the water, he sent a pulse through it, small waves coming up over theedge of the pool to lap at Deltas feet. He didn't face Oerian as he spoke "Ahhh, Ar'Idil You should watch how you go, there's still a digsite there. Glad you've had a look around though, familiarised yourself with the place"

Once she got the attention of one of them, she looked at him curiously and started to show off her pretty feathers when some EVIL WATER hit her feet. Squawking and jumping back, she glared suspiciously at the water.

Osu rolled back to his feet again, staying crouched on the ground as he gazed over at the unfamilar Aerandir. Chirping, he tilted his head, regarding her curiously

Amused by Deltas reastion to the water, he sent another pulse through it. This one reared up like a mini Tsunami, over Delta. Alyosha watched as the little princess had a wave of water rush towards her.

Quickly shuffled away from the water, but not quickly enough to avoid getting quite wet. Still smiling shuffles a little further backwards, having learned his lesson and just thankful his book hadn't gotten wet.

"Ahhh... Sorry Kiro-kun" ALyosha said, only just now realising the boy was there, so intently had he been looking at the Aerandir. "You should come in and join us!" he grinned.

Shrieking and flapping her wings she was scared, indignant, angry, and mortified all at once. Hooves slipping in every direction to try to run away, she ended up on her tummy. ;___;

Sy was now starting to wonder what was happening to her little baby girl and blinked, seeing the tiny Aerandir on her stomach, hooves splayed out, right beside the barrier. What in the world?

"It's okay," Kiro quickly dismissed the apology before shaking his head to the suggestion. "I'm fine here thanks."

Osusuki gave a surprised trumpet as the water hit him in the side. Flapping his wings, he scrambled to his feet, giving himself a thorough shake. Dripping water from his fur and seeming none the worse for it after the initial surprise, he bounded over to Delta curiously.

Orian chuckled as he watched the antics of the Aerandir. "Lively today, arn't you all?" He streached, his right shoulder popping a little. "Ah, its nice to soak after tromping through the rainforest for a few days."

Orian chuckled as he watched the antics of the Aerandir. "Lively today, arn't you all?" He streached, his right shoulder popping a little. "Ah, its nice to soak after tromping through the rainforest for a few days."

Now dripping wet and on her tummy she was rather angry with water in general. As Osu approached her, she scrambled a few times before her hooves stayed underneath her, looking like a drowned rat.

O_o "Alyosha, who's making waves over there?" Sy asked sweetly, a touch of irritation in her voice. This would make Delta insufferable for a little bit, she figured, and sulky to boot.

Leaning back, Ieyasu closed his eyes. "Osu's *always* lively."

Alyosha yawned a little, tired. It was why he had come out here to relax. After his walk with Sy he'd had plenty of work to catch up on. Then he remembered "Oh, Kiro... your report, I read over it, excellent work!"

"Erm... not a clue, sometimes with a lot of people the pool uh.. makes waves" he said, coughing a little to cover his slightly laugh.

Osu merped as he approached the other Aerandir, tilting his head. Dropping down onto his haunches, he sat in a little pool of water on the tiles near to Delta

Quietly, Kiro blinked, having in all honesty forgotten about it. "Oh," he said quietly. "Thank you..." Then, with a lack of aerandir around him, he took up his book again, not really reading, but giving the impression of it.

Ieyasu opened his eyes again, glancing over at Alyosha for a moment with a faint grin. "Yeah... and I'm a myobu." He muttered quietly within Alyosha's hearing.

Idly Delta figured this was another Aerandir too... although he looked different, the only things even close to her size all seemed to be Aerandir. Creeping closer she nudged him a little, imitating a nuzzle Pueblo had given her... badly.

Osu unfolded his wings before closing them again. Happy to be with another Aerandir, he bounced back up to his feet, nudging Delta back with a plyful chirrup.

Alyosha closed his eyes as he leant back once more, relaxing. Or at least pretending to. Hand under the water he forced up a "waterball" which hurtled itself towards Ieyasu. Grinning playfully he snickered.

Sighing and shaking her head like a tired mother, she had the nagging feeling that Aly's teasing was gonna make Delta declare war on him if she ever figured it out. Standing up, she walked towards the middle to see how deep the pool wwas.

>_o What was he doing now? Confused, Delta nudged him back, having a very distinct feeling he wasn't as calm as Pueblo. He seemed to have more... energy.

With a sudden surge of water erupting right in front of him, Ieyasu suddenly got a faceful of water. Spluttering a little, he shot a glare over at Alyosha, before grinning slyly. Alright, he wanted to play, did he?

Alyosha seen Ieyasus grin. Alyosha knew that grin. Too well. He almost twitched as he half jumped out of the water, naked onto the tiles.

The thunder kitsune then released a small electrical charge into the water. Not enough to hurt anyone - it was only a bit of fun afterall - but enough to make anyone in the springs jump.

Ieyasu frowned as Alyosha hopped out just in time. Oh, no! He wasn't getting away with it.

Blinked suddenly, surprised out of reading by Alyosha's sharp movement, but far enough away from the water by now not to realise the charge, his blue gaze curious.

=_=;;; Okay. That was it. These men... they were driving her crazy already, and she wasn't sure this time who did it. Throwing on her robe but forgetting to close or tie it, she stalked to the men's side. "What do you think yer-" OMG. Naked Aly. Brain functions halted.

Abruptly, he rose up as well, hopping out of the water and straight towards Alyosha, dripping water all over the tiles

Alyosha laughed as he felt the discharge crackle in the water. He looked at Ieyasu's determined face and thought he might not be getting away with this so easily. His long hair clung damply to him as he stood and stretched, awaiting the thunders next move.

He moved back, careful to keep himself on the dry tiles, his own footprints the only dampness. Electricity travelled far to well through water. He had learned that lesseon.

"Think you're getting away with that?" Ieyasu grinned at Alyosha, crossing his arms. He hadn't noticed Syrenrei yet, his back being towards her

Kiro then took the time to blink again... suddenly remembering that... in a bath... people were usually naked... this prompted a fierce blush and forced his gaze to lock on his book - not saying anything, but desperately embarrassed.

Her eye twitched a little. Delta, alarmed and thinking these evil men had perhaps made her mother play dead again. Oh, she didn't like them one bit... but running towards them would make her fall. Hmmm... she'd have to be crafty.

"Well, one must try." he grinned as he stood in front of Ieyasu. Behind the thunder a large wall of water was being sucked from the pool. towering over the unwary thunder. Just in case.

With a sudden sprint, Ieyasu leapt forwards, forcefully tackling the other kitsune. As soon as he had contact...

Carefully avoiding the water she pranced across the tiles. Yes, that was right... she pranced, wary and careful around these EVIL men... sudden moves might draw their attention.

Suddenly Alyosha spied Sy, standing there, gown open, damp and.. surprised looking. His concentrations lapsed and the water he had been holding fell, drenching the tiled area and most of those within it. Just as this happened he was forced to the ground By Ieyasu.

Osusuki spun around, following after Delta with a curious chirp. What was up with her? Then, he paused, noticing the wall of water rise and fall. Water didn't act like that, did it?

With a grin, Ieyasu released a small amount of electrical energy again, just enough to jolt Alyosha rather than hurt him much. He had him this time

Squawking in extreme discontent, the water knocked her off her feet and to her side (although not hard at all). Shrieking and howling as much as she could, she tried to scramble to the men unsuccessfully.

Couldn't help but look up at the release of the water, managing to get a good drenching. Pauses before quietly shaking out his soppy book and attempting to rub the water from his ears, by now simply averting his gaze.

Osusuki shrieked as he was washed back by the wave. He didn't sound particularly upset though - it was just a little unexpected. He flailed out with his limbs, before coming to an undignified stop on the tiles

"GACK" he called out, suddenly jolted by the thunder kitsune. It wasn'tsore, really, just a sudden jolt. Oh well, he guessed they were even now. Maybe. Alyosha grinned, throwing the young thunder kitsune off of him. "Well that was.. refreshing" he snickered. Looking around the pool he realised he had made everyhting rather sodden. Oh well... nothing else for it. He held one hand out, all of the water in the air dripping... towards him. It dried everyhting out in the vacinity except where it was enmeshed in something. The tiles were dry again, at least. He dumped the collected water back into the pool. He didn't often use his powers but recreation was a fun time to flex his muscles in t hat area.

Sy was, of course, standing there dumbly, dripping. A naked Aly and Ieyasu were too much for her tiny brain. Delta, glad the water was gone, scrambled to her feet to yell at the men and then preen herself carefully.

Ieyasu picked himself up off of the tiles again, grinning at Alyosha, as he pushed his long hair back out of the way. "Glad you enjoyed it." Winking at the other kitsune, he then stepped back into the water, settling himself back down again

Osusuki was confused. Picking himself up, he shook himself again, before looking around himself with a chirp. Deciding that he was wet already anyway, he headed over to the edge of the pool

Alyosha returned the wink and then, to save Sy's sanity grabbed a nearby, sodden, towel. He wrapped it around himself, walked towards her and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. You should stay on the other side of the pool, dear.

In an appropriately kitty-like manner, Kiro bowed his head down a little and swiped at his ears, brushing the worst of the water out of the fur, and refusing to even give thought to his tail.

She blinked once, slowly. Oh, that was an image that wasn't leaving her mind anytime soon. Suddenly brought to reality, she turned a vibrant red. ^^;; "Of... of course," she hurriedly replied, turned the wrong way, and walked into the wall.

Delta narrowed her eyes at this tall, dark-haired man. He obviously liked water, made her mother stupid, and started games where mother played dead. Oh yes, he was on her hit list now. -_-

Alyosha was sodden and cold now, even in the warm air. "Well... I think i'm going to head in and dry off, didn't mean to stay here long anyway..." he could sense a small pair of eyes looking at him. He met Deltas gaze, winked and turned to leave.

Ieyasu leaned an arm back into the shallows, looking over at Syrenrei with a faint grin. "Mind the wall there."

Glancing up from drying his ears at Alyosha's announcement, Kiro nodded a farewell.

Alyosha nodded to Kiro and then walked past the entrance. He went inside, dissapearing from view.

After embarassing herself to the fullest extent she could possibly imagine she didn't need this.. this man who obviously liked to attack Aly and flaunt himself. "You-you mind your own business!" she shouted back, lamely.

Ieyasu grinned. "Sure, whatever. It's kinda hard to miss that though."

Osusuki pawed at the warm water curiously, before deciding to launch himself into the shallows. With an abrupt splash, he hit the water before finding his feet on the stone base beneath.

Flapping his wings happily, he waded through the shallows towards Ieyasu, chirruping loudly

Cheeks burning with embarassment, she felt compelled to try to save face. At least he didn't fluster her like Aly did... well, not to the same extent, anyway. "At least I don't go running around... NAKED!" she spurted, stating this like it was a deadly sin.

Ieyasu shrugged. "Nothing wrong with being naked. We were all born with just our skins afterall. Why the big deal?"

Kiro decided that, now that his book was at a loss, and people weren't openly romping about naked, he could satisfy himself with aerandir-watcing again. But he then blinked and glanced in Sy's direction, not sure what she was getting so openly flustered about. Sure... he'd been embarassed too, but why get so worked up...? Because she got teased? Surely not...

Orian looked up from having dozed off, trying to catch up with the conversation.

"Why... why..." she started, genuinely astonished. Running around naked... how dare he contradict what her mother always told her! Then again, she was also told not to kill *coff* "Be-because! That's like an open invitation for... for..." Now she was turning red again. Clearing her throat, she was at a loss to continue.

Curious, Kiro continued to watch in Sy's direction - still trying to figure why she was so worked up.

"For what? For sex? Sure, why not?" He grinned again. She got far too easily flustered. "Besides, we're in the baths. People do tend to get naked here, whether they want sex or not, funnily enough."

Orian just blushed a little at where the conversation was going, bowing his head, his hair coming forward to hide his face as he sunk down in the pool.

Could feel himself blush a little - a little too naive for all this open talk of sex - but doesn't offer anything to the contrary, silently agreeing with Ieyasu and wondering what Sy's response might be.

Osu reached Ieyasu, splashing around in the water. Ieyasu drew back from the splashes the little Aerandir was causing, before reaching forward to give Osu a scratch

Now her mouth openly hung open, and, still bright red, she looked at him as if she were his mother hearing this for the first time. "Y-y-you! You *would* invite such a... desecration of such a... a beautiful act of love!"

Ieyasu burst out laughing. He couldn't quite believe he was hearing this from Syrenrei. She didn't seem to care when she was half naked before. "How is it desecration? And why the sudden change?"

"You didn't care when you pulled your shirt off in front of me before. Why all the talk of desecration and 'vile nakedness' now?"

Turning even more red, she looked as if she might pass out on the spot, sputtering a few times before she actually could figure out anything to say. He.. he dared mention the drunken incident. "You-you know why!" she blurted out, now even more agitated and embarassed. Delta watched in amusement as the screen shook a little.

Kiro could feel himself getting steadily more embarrassed and confused by that point - obviously it was something that had already happened... but Sy didn't strike him as someone who'd take her shirt off on a whim. You find out new things everyday... evidently...

That was the last straw. Orian just gave a kind of gurble, and sank under the water, out cold.

Ieyasu gave Syrenrei an amused glance before noticing Orian. With a start, he stood up again, wading over to Orian. What the hell happened there?

Reaching down into the water, he caught hold of the man by the shoulders, feeling the solid metal of one of them. With a grunt, he pulled up Orian. Damn, he was heavy. Must be all the metal.

Kiro then glanced towards Ieyasu as he moved, noticing Orian's... quiet... submergence... "Is he okay...?" Moves closer with the intent of helping.

Ieyasu grunted, hefting Orian up. "Dunno. Don't know what the hell just happened there."

Quickly Kiro moved closer and hooked his hands under Orian's shoulders, trying to help get him up out of the water, though really strong enough to offer much help.

"It's alright - I got him." Pushing the other guy out of the water, Ieyasu then pulled himself up out of the springs with a torrent of water, crouching beside Orian

"I'll tell you what happened," she began. "He was embarassed by the conversation and Ieyasu's opinions." Of course, there was little she could do to help the men, especially since she was turned around so as not to see another naked 'yasu

Ieyasu glanced over his shoulder briefly. "You have got to be kidding me. A grown man, fainting at talk of sex?" He then looked back to Orian, checking to see if he was still breathing alright.

"Not EVERYONE has such a crude and lewd outlook on it," she replied, smartly. "My parents would NEVER talk about it in such a blunt and crass way."

Kiro moved back a little, then sitting on his haunches with a worried expression. Frowns a little at Sy's words, but ignores them expertly along with Ieyasu's nakedness.

"Oh, right. So I'm crass and rude because I dare to say the word 'sex'? God forbid should I decide to say something worse."

Orian was breathing all right, and a moment later his eyes fluttered open. "Errrr, I think I better go lie down. I think the heat must have gotten to me." He stands, wringing out his hair and drying off, slipping back into his robe before waving a goodnight and shuffling off to his room.

"D-don't you dare!" she exclaimed, as if she were suddenly alarmed at the idea. "And it's more that act like you invite it... like... like an animal."

Ieyasu turned to look after Orian. "Sure.. see you later then."

Blinked quietly, watching him go. "No problem..." he muttered quietly (and unusually sarcastically), to himself but as though to orian, a little put out by the swift exit.

Kiro then turned again to Sy's voice, surprised by her lack of tact.

Shrugging his shoulders, Ieyasu sat back down in the shallows, leaning on his arms. "You know fine well that calling me an animal isn't an insult. I'm kitsune - I'm a *fox* spirit. Besides.. I'm in the male section of the baths. I have every right to go naked here if I want."

Twitch. Ohohoho, now he had hit a nerve. Was he implying that animal spirits were carnal? Already upset, she easily jumped to conclusions. "Are you saying all animal spirits are... are sex-crazed sorts?!" She looked about ready to lunge at him, really.

Quietly, the neko-boy sighed, sitting where he was, closer to the water, and pulling his tail round in order to fidget with it, not liking the turn this conversation seemed to be taking.

"Did I *say* animal spirits? I said *fox* spirits. How the hell would I know what other animal spirits are like?"

She still gave him a steady glare... when she was pissed, all her notions of trying to be tactful and worrying what people thought flew out the window. "So you're saying kitsune are carnal then, they are about sex and not love?"

Ieyasu shrugged. "Again, that's not what I said. I said there was no insult in calling me an animal. And just to let you know, kitsune are *known* for being carnal. Go look up all the legends and old wives tales, and you'll see."

Quietly, Kiro sighed again. This conversation clearly wasn't going in a direction that he was comfortable with. He stood suddenly and took his still-wet book in his hand. "I'm gonna go now..." He left the implication that he was uncomfortable in his voice, not sure if either of them would notice or care.

Ieyasu glanced up at Kiro, nodding to him. "Alright. See you later."

Nodded in return, wondering if the 'discussion' would continue after he'd left. With that thought made his hasty exit.

She twitched a little, but she didn't have a retort... well, that wasn't true. She did, but even she saw it was a stupid one. "Come on, Delta. We don't need to stay here with him." Delta blinked, looked at Sy, and then trotted after her mother

"Whatever, Syrenrei. I just find it odd that you think like that."

In a little of a huff, she just gave him a look. She had already wound down, her insults lost to her mind in a half second. Fleeing was now in order. "I'm not the only modest one around here." Ooooh, what a powerful statement.

"Modesty and embarassment is a little different from attacking me for being naked in a bath." He smiled at her. "In case you hadn't noticed, I wasn't the only one being vile and naked."

As the image resurfaced in her mind she suddenly flushed bright red, swallowing hard. Okay, well, he had a point.. but at least Aly clothed himself afterwards. Not that it wasn't a nice - NO! BAD SY!

On seeing her blush again, Ieyasu knew he had hit the mark. What was it that Nyxa had told him again? "Ah, so it's different when he's naked, is it?"

"N-n-no! It... it isn't like that!" she suddenly gushed, sounding like an embarassed, lovesick teenager. "He... he... he just... he put on a towel as soon as he could." Yes, yes. She was not biased at ALL.

Ieyasu snorted. "He put on a towel because he was done bathing. It's a bit pointless to put on a towel when you're still sitting in the damn water."

>>;; She would love to argue he put on a towel because she had been there, but she realized Ieyasu was probably right. u_u Flee. It was time to flee. "I... uh... need to go." She started to shuffle towards the door quickly, Delta making a face at Ieyasu, much as she could anyway.

"Yeah, sure. Great having conversation with you." Ieyasu paused, before sighing. He really did not understand her.

Ieyasu turned to look over at Osu, who was still splashing about in the shallows.

"Come on, Osu, time we were going too, I guess."

Standing up, he stepped out of the baths, dripping water over the tiles once again. Padding over to his towel, he picked it up, vigourously drying himself with it.

She stopped mid-step, now starting to feel badly about all the mean things she said. Of course he wasn't hurt, just confused. She should... apologize. GEH. MEN. "I- I'm sorry." True, but she didn't take it all back. "You teased me and..." She actually sounded mildly hurt.

Osu didn't help matters by bouncing out of the water over to Ieyasu and proceeding to attempt to pull the towel.

Ieyasu turned. He hadn't realised that she was still about. Holding the towel around him tight, despite Osu trying to play tug of war with the corner, he grinned. "So this whole thing was because I made fun of you? Alright, I'm sorry - I shouldn't have laughed at you about the wall thing."

>>;;;; "Maybe... a little. I get... I just get flustered sometimes when you're all... all... and Aly..." She didn't mean to say that aloud. Abruptly turning shades of red, she hurried back to Aly's apartments with Delta following closely behind, confused again.

Ieyasu watched after her for a moment, before smiling to himself. She really did get wound up so easily. And she had confirmed what Nyxa had told him so blatantly, she may as well have told him straight out

He pulled the towel back from Osu, who trumpeted indignantly. "You can have it when I'm done, alright?" Quickly, he finished drying himself before pulling his shorts back on.

Offering the towel to Osu, who proceeded to drag it over the wet tiles, he headed out for the doorway, calling for Osu to hurry up.